First India-Jaipur Edition-17 May 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

25°C - 39°C

ALERT JAIPUR l SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 340

INDIA

WORLD

3,10,816 46,83,467 2,862 90,398 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

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DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN

126

4,960

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,495,492 276,505 RUSSIA 272,043 UK 240,161 ITALY 224,760 BRAZIL 222,877 FRANCE 179,506 GERMANY 175,843 TURKEY 148,067 IRAN 118,392 CANADA 75,770

89,130 27,563 2,537 34,466 31,763 15,046 27,633 8,002 4,096 6,937 5,677

USA

SPAIN

+623 +104 +119 +468 +153 +229 +104 +1 +41 +35 +115

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: MAY 16, 2020, 11:00 PM

LETTING IT GO!

Mother Nature has an incredible influence on our lives and thanks to the changing nature of life, each and every day presents us with new mysteries! This bed of breathtakingly beautiful red and orange foliage offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens during the lockdown in place due to deadly Coronavirus pandemic!

ZAMEEN SE FALAK TAK! IN THE 4TH TRANCHE OF ECONOMIC PACKAGE, GOVERNMENT BROUGHT MASSIVE CHANGES IN EIGHT SECTORS INCLUDING COAL, MINERALS, DEFENCE PRODUCTION, AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT, AIRPORTS, MRO, POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES IN UTS AND SPACE SECTOR COAL SECTOR

For the coal sector, she announced allowing the private sector in commercial mining as well as auction of even partially explored coal blocks. Also, turning coal into liquid or gaseous fuel will be incentivised while rights to exploit of gas lying below coal bed (CBM) in blocks owned by state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) will be auctioned. An investment of Rs 50,000 crore is envisaged in coal evacuation infrastructure to help meet CIL’s target of 1 billion tonnes of production by 2023-24.

Union MoS for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur addresses a press conference as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman looks on.

Aditi Nagar New Delhi: Unveiling the fourth tranche of the Covid economic measures as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Selfreliant India Mission’), Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement on Saturday focussed primarily on eight sectors—coal, minerals, defence production, airspace management, airports, MRO, power distribution companies in UTs, space & atomic energy.

MoS Finance Anurag

Thakur said, “Today’s announcements have unleashed a new frontier of business and domestic innovation with private partnerships.

There will be a tectonic shift in how India imports and does business.

These sectors employ millions and will have a great significance in enhancing the economic outlook of the country in this decade. It is given to visionary approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Government, Reform – Perform – Transform have been kept in mind while devising the economic stimulus package.”

DEFENCE SECTOR

To boost Make in India in defence production, FM said FDI limit in defence manufacturing will be hiked to 74 per cent from 49 per cent while some weapons and platforms will be banned for imports. Items banned for imports can only be purchased from within the country, she said presenting the fourth tranche of the economic stimulus package.

MINING SECTOR

FM announced structural reforms in mining of minerals through introduction of a seamless composite exploration-cum-mining-cumproduction regime where 500 mining blocks would be auctioned. A joint auction of bauxite and coal mineral blocks would be done to enhance aluminium industry’s competitiveness by reducing power generation cost.

SPACE SECTOR OPENS FOR PVT PLAYERS

Private sector gets a role in India’s space programme, including in satellites, launches and space-based services. For boosting private participation in space activities, government will provide level playing field for private companies in satellites, launches and space-based services. Will also provide predictable policy and regulatory environment to private players, she said while announcing the fourth tranche of the economic stimulus package.

Private sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities. Future projects for planetary exploration and outer space travel would be open for private sector, she said, adding liberal geo-spatial data policy will provide remote sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs. Turn on P6

HANDSOME

AND SHY THAKUR! Vaishali

New Delhi: The one line message of his four media session is though he has had a great global exposure, MoS Finance Anurag Thakur still comes across as a shy person who does not like much media attention.

Although certain section of the public and media itself thinks Thakur is one of the most handsome men out there, yet the four time MP chooses to remain subdued!

24 labourers killed as 2 trucks collide in UP

Auraiya: As many as 24 labourers were killed and several injured after the truck they were traveling in, collided with another truck in Auraiya on Saturday morning.

According to the official, the incident occurred at around 3.30 am. All the labourers were mostly from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. 24 people were brought dead, 22 have been admitted and 15 who were critically injured have been referred to Saifai PGI. They were going to Bihar and Jharkhand from Rajasthan.

UP & West Bengal governments announced compensation for the family of the deceased and those injured. PM Modi expressed grief over the deaths.

—ANI

LOCKDOWN 4.0 FROM MAY 18 New Delhi: India will enter into the fourth phase of lockdown from May 18 but with a different set of rules and guidelines as announced by PM Modi on May 11. 90% lockdown may phaseout and only 30 districts in the entire country, including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur may be under restricted lockdown. Country’s Covid-19 caseload areas are expected to have stricter curbs as compared to other parts.

IN RAJASTHAN DISTRICT

TOTAL CASES

AJMER 254 ALWAR 33 BANSWARA 68 BARAN 4 BARMER 18 BHARATPUR 123 BHILWARA 50 BIKANER 42 CHITTORGARH 152 CHURU 33 DAUSA 32 DHOLPUR 24 DUNGARPUR 42 HANUMANGARH 14 JAIPUR 1516 JAISALMER 47 JALORE 69 JHALAWAR 48 JHUNJHUNU 54 JODHPUR 993 KARAULI 9 KOTA 319 NAGAUR 161 PALI 114 PRATAPGARH 4 RAJSAMAND 33 SWAI MADHOPUR 16 SIKAR 27 SIROHI 32 TONK 147 UDAIPUR 363 OTHER DIST. 7 TOTAL 4848 OTHER (Italy) 2 EVACUEES 61 BSF 49 GRAND TOTAL 4960 SAMPLE RECEIVED SAMPLE NEGATIVE

NEW TOTAL CASES DEATH

+7 — — — +1 +1 +7 +1 +1 — — — +27 — +131 — — — +1 +7 — +1 +3 +1 — — — +1 +10 +3 +9 +1 +213 — — — +213

5 2 1 — — 2 2 2 2 1 — — — — 64 — 1 — — 17 2 10 3 3 1 — 1 2 — 1 — 4 126 — — — 126

2,21,439 2,13,395

UNDER EXAMINATION

3,084

CM announces online employment exchange for labourers ‘Don’t fear Corona,  NEED TO CHANGE AND REFORM

LABOUR LAWS : GEHLOT  ALSO APPROVED FORMATION OF ‘PRAVASI RAJASTHANI WORKERS WELFARE FUND’ Kartikey Dev Singh Jaipur: At a time when lakhs of labourers have lost employment and are facing an uncertain future, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has taken the first step to provide work to the labourers by announcing an online employment ex-

change for labourers.

The exchange, as the name suggests will function like employment exchange, and help them find jobs amid the ongoing lockdown. However, that is just one side of the story. The exchange will also prove to be beneficial for industries that are re-

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during a video conference on Saturday where DB Gupta, Niranjan Arya and Amit Dhaka were also present.

starting and are in dire need of manpower, thus an overall

win-win situation for workers and factory owners etc.

“Online mapping of workers coming and going in the state and con-

struction workers should be done,” Gehlot instructed officials while holding a review of the labor department at CMR on Saturday. “It is our responsibility to support the workers in this time of crisis. The state government is worried about this. On the other hand it is necessary to ensure the availability of workers to bring industries back on track and the Labor department has a big role in this. The department should make all efforts for this so that these labourers can Turn on P6

prepare to live with it’ Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Holding a four hour long meeting on Saturday, CM Gehlot said that instead of fearing Corona, people should reach hospital, get themselves tested and take medication if needed. “do not try to hide any health issue, including Corona since this will make the infection more serious. There are ample facilities to counter Corona,” he said. Gehlot also directed officials to ensure

that the services should be micro managed so that ‘ no one looses their life due to lack of health services’. “we need to be vigil and cautious specially regarding the migrants returning to Rajasthan. They need to be screened properly and quarantine if needed.

Sampling in rural area should also be increased,” he said.

Ciring the example of four year old child from Dungarpur who lost life to Corona, Gehlot said, Turn on P6

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JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

02

GOOD NEWS FROM JHALANA SAFARI

Female panther Jalebi was seen in camera trap with one of her cubs at Jhalana Leopard Safari on Saturday. 5 females gave birth to cubs this year in four months. Flora and LK gave 3-3 cubs, Sharmili gave 2, Mrs Khan too gave birth to 1 cub. Monitoring has also been increased in the Safari area.

MONEY WISE: RTDC TO START 15 LIQUOR SHOPS FROM MAY 18 Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has received a lifeline.

It has got permission to operate 15 liquor shops by the excise department. This is good news for the RTDC, which has been unable to pay salaries to its employees as it has been facing huge financial losses.

The RTDC will now start these shops in hotel Swagtam and Gangaur in Jaipur and other districts from May 18. Two shops each have been sanctioned in Jaipur and Chittorgarh. The RTDC had to pay Rs 2.88 cr as a license fee for these shops but considering poor economic condition of it, the excise dept has

Hotel Gangaur in Jaipur.

allowed to pay the money in four instalments of Rs 72 lakh each.

The RTDC has even appointed in-charge of these shops. In some shops, staff of Palace on Wheels has been appointed. The executive director of RTDC Subhash Maharia said that the RTDC had given a proposal for 32 shops

—FILE PHOTO

but permission has been received for only 15 shops since structure for operating liquor shop were available in these places.

The excise department has asked the RTDC to first prepare the structure for liquor shops in the remaining 17 places after which it will be allowed to oper-

ate shops from these places as well.

If the RTDC enters liquor trade, there is the expectation of reining in exorbitant rates of alcohol. The RTDC was running beer business till the then BJP government withdrew permission in 2003. It is expected that the RTDC will be able to recover its losses because of the lockdown from the liquor business.

In the new excise policy, RTDC, RSBCL, and Ganganagar Sugar Mill had been authorized to run liquor shops but only RTDC moved the proposal the other two showed no interest.

According to sources, if RSBCL and Ganganagar Sugar Mill had also agreed for opening liquor shops, it would have

WHERE TO GET?

created legal issues for the government as total shops would have crossed the limit of 1000 as per the state government’s affidavit to the High Court.

Labour secy Neeraj JDA resumes construction at K Pawan to arrange Sodala elevated road project workers for factories

Neeraj K Pawan

First India Bureau Jaipur: Even after the state govt relaxed lockdown, factories have been facing a shortage of workers. Labour department has decided to help them out by arranging labour for industries.

Labour secretary Neeraj K Pawan has taken up this challenge and working with senior officials of the department to make it possible. He said that the labour department has asked industrial units to give details of what type of labour they seek.

The labour secretary said that 12.50 lakh trained workers are registered with the dept who can be sent for the work when needed.

Pawan has successfully faced such a challenge in the past. The state government and labour department have been putting in all efforts to stop the migration of workers and making necessary arrangements. The department has also been trying to provide labourers from factories to shopkeepers to bring back the economy on track.

Khachariyawas distributes PPE kits to SMS docs on birthday First India Bureau Jaipur: Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas celebrated his birthday after visiting the Baikunthnath temple & offering fodder to cows.

Khachariyawas asked his workers to continue Janta kitchen and distribution of ration kits.

He himself distributed sanitizers, masks, and atta kits.

Later, he reached SMS medical college and met Principal Dr Sudhir Bhandari and SMS Hospital Superintendent Dr Rajesh Sharma to thank them and other doctors for their excellent work during the corona crisis.

HE also handed over 500 PPE kits.

He said that doctors, staff and workers have been working as angels and everyone should respect them. He assured

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has begun work on Sodala elevated road following instructions of UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal.

The work began as per the state govt advisory on Saturday. The JDA restarted segment launching, pier cap work in railway stretch, and from approach to reinforce earth wall.

Jaipur: Preparations have been made to restart Jaipur Metro. If the govt gives permission, then the cash payment will not be accepted, rather, it will be possible to travel in metro only through smart card. Jaipur Metro Rail Administration has prepared guidelines for Metro operations, under which there will be a ban on standing on the Metro while travel-

JDA Commissioner T Ravikant informed that the JDA has been constructing an elevated road from Ambedkar

circle to Sodala at the cost of Rs 250 cr. He said that the UDH minister wanted this project to be completed soon.

Sachin Pilot Birthday greetings and best wishes to Transport Minister @PSKhachariyawas.

I wish to god for your good health and long life. the doctors that govt would not let anything come in way of medical services.

Khachariyawas also

Jaipur Metro plans to resume services soon

First India Bureau

JDA officials and workers at the construction site in Sodala on Saturday.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas feeding green grass to a cow on Saturday.

ling. After the third phase of the lockdown, the state govt may allow public transport to start conditionally. In view of this, after JCTSL, now Jaipur Metro has also prepared a guideline regarding starting the service.

Jaipur Metro managing director Samit Sharma said that masks, gloves and sanitizers will be provided to the Metro employees. Metro trains and stations will be sanitized daily.

Rlys profit goes off track amid corona crisis Kashiram Chaudhary Jaipur: The Coronavirus pandemic has caused major economic damage to the railways.

For the last 50 days, the operation of trains across the country is completely closed. Due to this, the Railways are suffering big losses.

The operating ratio of the railways has been 341 these days. That is, Railways have to spend 341 rupees to earn 100 rupees.

About 375 passenger

trains operate on the North-Western Railway.

But, not a single passenger train operated in April.

Now from May 12, some special trains have started operating.

At the same time, the operation of goods and freight trains has also reduced significantly.

This has caused financial loss to the railway administration. Actually, profits or losses in railways are calculated on the basis of operating ratio. From this ra-

tio, it is found that in proportion to the expenditure incurred by the railway in running the train from one station to another station, Spread over 90 percent

of Rajasthan, the North-Western Railway has had to struggle a lot for income this time.

Railways had to spend 112 rupees to earn 100 rupees in the year 2019-

20. So at the same time, Coronavirus has completely spoiled this railway mathematics. According to a railway report, Railways have to spend Rs 341 to earn Rs 100 this time.

Between March 22 & May 17, 106 trains passing through Jaipur have booked tickets worth nearly Rs 5 cr from Jaipur online & offline.

But due to the cancellation of trains, about 70 percent of these tickets have been cancelled by passengers.

reached Sindhi Camp bus stand to felicitate roadways bus drivers, conductors & other staff for their services.

Cong leader Deepak files plaint against Sambit Patra

Deepak Dandoriya

First India Bureau Jaipur: Former state president of NSUI and young Congress leader Deepak Dandoriya has registered an FIR against the BJP national spokesperson Dr Sambit Patra for using the derogatory language for former PMs Late Jawahar Lal Nehru and Rajeev Gandhi.

He said such language has no place in democracy and can only be used by a person of a low calibre which BJP and its leaders regularly do. He said such remarks will be severely opposed.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

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in

BRIEF  Kota: Curfew

continues in Railway Colony, Borkheda, Gumanpura, Kishorpura, Mahaveer Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Dadabadi, Udyog Nagar, Vigyan Nagar, Parkota’s Tomb, Rampura Kotwali, Kathunipol. At present, the curfew has been imposed in more than one and a half dozen places in 13 police stations. Kota has so far 319 cumulative positive patients.  Jaipur: An accident occurred at Malviya Nagar Bridge on Saturday. Two bike riders were going from Jawahar Circle towards OTS intersection. After climbing hundred meters on the culvert, the bike went out of control and collided with the divider. The bike driver was injured, and his partner died on the spot in the accident.

Witnesses said the road was empty at the time of the accident and both the youths were not wearing helmets, which is becoming an issue during lockdown.  Jaipur: On Saturday, curfew was imposed in three police station areas of the Commissionerate.

DCP Yogesh Dadhich said that curfew has been imposed in Kaveri path in Mansarovar police station area and Jamuna dairy area in Sodala police station area. Similarly, North District SP Rajiv Pachar has imposed a curfew in Bandha Basti near Rana Colony, Indra Varma Colony and Munarwa Masjid in Shastri Nagar police station area.  Jaipur: A total of Rs 3 crore 91 lakh worth of country liquor was sold on Friday. On the first day of opening of the shop, the figure was 6 and a half crores.

Domestic liquor sales also decreased due to the exodus of the working class.  Jodhpur: Barmer resident Nenu Kanwar, gave her blessings and prayers to Preeti Chandra, DCP, Jodhpur for being present and taking care of her while she, due to lack of facilities because of lockdown was forced to deliver her baby at the Aakhlia Crossroads. Later the Mother-child were taken to hospital accompanied

by Chandra.

HIKE CONTINUES: 1 DEATH, 213 NEW POSITIVE CASES IN STATE First India Bureau

Jaipur: The speedy surge in the corona positives in the state continued for fourth consecutive day with 213 more positive cases with Jaipur alone contributing 131 cases out of which district jail diagnosed 119 new cases.

The state so far has 126 deaths from corona with one death on Saturday in Jaipur. After Jaipur, Dungarpur had 27 fresh positives, Sirohi 10, Udaipur 9, Ajmer, Bhilwara & Jodhpur had 7 cases each, Nagaur & Tonk 3 cases each and one case each from narmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jhunjhunu, Kota, Pali,& Sikar. One corona positive from other state also surfaced. The

ASP Sunita Meena with Nirbhaya squad in front of Hawa Mahal after leading a march in the city.

—PHOTO BY NAIM KHAN

state total for corona positives stands at 4960.

State has tested 221439 samples so far out of which 213395 have reported negative while reports for 3084 samples is awaited.

Jaipur leads the most positive cases tally

with 1516 cases followed

by Jodhpur 993, Udaipur 363, Kota 319, Ajmer 254, Nagaur 161, Chittorgarh 152,Tonk 147, Bharatpur 123, Pali 114, Jalore 69, Banswara 68, Jhunjhunu 54, Bhilwara 50, Jhalawar 48, Jaisalmer 47, Bikaner &

Dungarpur 42 each, Alwar, Churu & Rajsamand 33 each, Dausa & Sirohi 32 each, Sikar 27, Dholpur 24, Barmer 18, Sawai Madhopur 16, Hanumangarh 14, Karauli 9 and Pratapgarh & Baran 4 each.

Apart from this 49 BSF jawans, 2 Italians, 7 from other states, 61 Indians evacuated from Iran. 31 districts are officially corona infected as of now.

Good news is that so far 2944 cases have turned negative from positive. 2572 have been discharged from the hospital after treatment while rest will also be discharged after their mandatory quarantine period.

The state now has total 1890 active cases as of now.

Migrant workers have no choice but to be ‘Atma Nirbhar’ despite CM’s orders Laxmikant Sharma

available on roadside, eat and continue.

Our team met a group of 18 such workers heading for Barabanki, and a family with five kids, ready to drop of exhaustion, heading to Hindaun. Some social workers provided them with food & water.

FI team’s presence trigerred the alarm and one official after another reached the area, angry that they didn’t reach out for help. They then for arranged buses.

Satish Poonia

First India Bureau Jaipur: BJP state president Satish Poonia has once again praised the Rs 20 lakh crore relief package by PM Modi.

Poonia alleged that CM Gehlot is simply talking about arranging 4000 buses for the migrant workers but is not coming up with actual facts & figures.

He accused the state government of taking

Court timings and cases per day increased

‘Banning usage of social media is unconstitutional’

MLA asks CM to raise no. of Shramik trains

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Chief Justice Indrajeet Mohanty chaired a meeting of the committee, constituted to decide the process of regular hearing in HC, on Saturday, through video conferencing. It was attended by judges of Jaipur and Jodhpur benches, advocate general, assistant solicitor general and office bearers of Jaipur and Jodhpur Bar Association. Court timing was increased by one hour from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The number of cases per day will also be increased.

Jaipur: Leader of Opposition Gulabchand Kataria has called the orders banning social media in Dholpur and Kota by respective collectors as unconstitutional.

He said that if someone propagates fake or incorrect information or news, then he/she should be booked under relevant laws but a ban on the using social media is unconstitutional.

Kataria also asked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot why the number of trains in Ra-

Jaipur: Former higher education minister and MLA Kiran Maheshwari wrote to CM Ashok Gehlot asking him to increase special Shramik trains for migrant workers specially from Mumbai and Bengaluru. Maheshwari spoke to railway minister Piyush Goyal about operation of Shramik special trains. The railway minster claimed that 1200 trains were ready and the railway could operate 300 trains per day, on demand by state governments who have to pay only 15% of cost.

Gulabchand Kataria

jasthan bringing in the migrant workers back home is so less compared to other states.

According to him, at such a slow pace, it would take 6 months to get our people home.

LOP also demanded for information on the status of action against guilty SDMs for still letting migrants walk on the highways despite his orders.

false credit for expenses on rail tickets of the migrant workers despite Modi government promising any number of trains with 85% of fare footed by it.

Poonia also questioned Gehlot about arrangement of food & employment for the incoming migrant workers which he said will prove to be a big problem for the govt in future.

COURTESY MEET

foot headed to their native villages in UP, some had all their materialistic belongings packed on

one bicycle.

They stop whenever moving feels impossible and cook whatever is

Poonia accuses state govt to be all talk no work, praises Modi

125 CASES IN JPR DISTRICT JAIL

Dausa: CM Gehlot might be instructing his bureaucrats to not let any migrant worker walk on the highways and arrange buses for their travel but district administration seems to come short of implementing it.

First India team found example of real ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ on the highway passing Dausa. Hundreds of migrant workers were on

Migrant workers with their family at Dausa highway.

03

L-R: Madhulika Rawat, Diya Kumari, Roshan Sodhi, General Bipin Rawat and Col HS Sodhi. Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari called on Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat at his residence in Delhi on Friday and lauded the Armed Forces for their contributions.

Issue advisory to pvt hospitals on their functions: Rathore Aishwarya Pradhan Jaipur: Former Health Minister Rajendra Rathore has once again written to the CM to raise some issues. This time Rathore has raised the issue of private hospitals who are in a state of dilemma in absence of any clarity to function.

Rathore urged the CM to issue an advisory for the private hospitals in the state, so that claims worth Rs 700 crore lying pending with Rajasthan State Health Insurance Com-

Rajendra Rathore

pany can be cleared.He said due to the notices & warnings by the govt, these hospitals aren’t able to give services to the people which are necessary for a long fight against corona.

COMPETITIVE EXAMS

Govt worried about conducting examinations amid social distancing Bharat Dixit

CURRENT STATUS OF RECRUITMENTS

Jaipur: The corona virus pandemic has given a big blow to the dreams of the youth preparing for competitive examinations in the state.

More than three dozen recruitment examinations of about fifty thousand posts in the state have been stopped due to court and administrative reasons.

Whereas how these exams will be conducted following social dis-

Name of recruitment RS Bharti 2018 Senior teacher recruitment 2018 Sanskrit Education Department Senior Teacher Recruitment 2018 Agricultural supervisor Recruitment 2018 Women Supervisor 2018 Women Supervisor Aganbadi Recruitment 2018 Laboratory Assistant Recruitment 2018 (Education) School Lecturer Recruitment 2018 PR Recruitment 2018

Posts 1017 9000 690

Current position Cases pending in High Court regarding reservation Board allocation and appointment process left Final Results Remaining and Appointment Process Remaining

1832 questions dispute pending in high court 180 STF Case pending in High Court 309 STF Case pending in High Court 1200 Appointment Process in STF Case Pending in High Court 5000 Results to be released 23 Interview and appointment process left

Name of recruitment Ldc Recruitment 2018

Posts Current position 11322 District Department allocation and appointment process left 1111 application process and exam remaining

Stenographer recruitment 2018 Assistant Statistics Officer Recruitment 2018 225 Police constable recruitment 2020 5000 Patwari recruitment 2020 4260 JEN recruitment 2020 1098 RPSC AEN 2018 916 Pharmacist recruitment 2018 1736 Library president recruitment 2018 500 Forest Ranger recruitment 2018 169

appointment process left exam remaining exam remaining syllabus release, exam remaining Main Exam Result Remained exam remaining examination to be done exams left

tancing is another challenge.

RPSC had postponed its 3 recruitment exams.

Among these, the Librarian Grade III Direct Recruitment Examination to be held in April and May, Pharmacist Direct Recruitment and Agricultural Investigator Recruitment Examination were postponed till further orders.

RPSC also postponed the proposed school lecturer recruitment exam from 11 to 14 May. REET

teacher recruitment of around 31 thousand posts, 2020 examination date is now supposed to be conducted from August to September. But the pattern of Level Two was released and neither was the release issued, there is confusion among the candidates regarding this recruitment. Candidates say that with the end of the lock down, the government will have to decide the priorities for these recruitments.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

SPEEDING UP CASH FLOW TO REVIVE ECONOMY

FIVE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES THAT GOVERNMENT MUST PRIORITISE

W

e seem to be fumbling at every step of our fight with the novel coronavirus even as lockdown restrictions are being eased to revive the economy. The sudden shutdown left lakhs of migrant workers in different states staring at a stark future.

These traumatised men, women, and children began marching back to their home states. On the way, policemen waited as if in ambush, to greet them with lathi blows.

Some of them were even put in jail for violating the restrictions. Their woes were compounded by penury, hunger, and thirst.

What motivated them to brave all adversity was the fervent desire to reach home come hail or storm. Sadly, few states understood the scale of the reverse migration which had begun in the right earnest. An insensitive bureaucracy further complicated matters all across.

After over 50 days of lockdown and death of around 100 migrants due to fatigue, starvation, and road accidents, Union Home Ministry issued a circular telling state to ensure that migrant workers don’t walk their way back home. What prevented the Centre and state governments from providing help to these hapless hordes? Is it due to a lack of empathy and respect for the poor man’s dignity? Perhaps labourers do not trust the bureaucracy after what they experienced.

Shelter homes and quarantines without basic facilities of food and toilet have dominated television news forcing one to once again ask if officials are ever sensitised to human misery. To alleviate the misery of eight crore migrants, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised one nation, one ration card facility, a long-term proposition, even as they would immediately require a job and some cash to pick up the threads once again.

With migrants’ issues dominating the Covid-19 narrative economic revival has been relegated to the second spot. To some extent, the tranches announced by Nirmala Sitharaman are responsible for the subdued response to her proposals. She has promised concessional credit to farmers, small credit to street vendors, and Rs 3 lakh crore credit to MSMEs. How many of the loan seekers from the above categories will be able to get the loan will largely depend on the discretion of bank officials who would be wary of adding to their non-productive assets.

How will farmers and floriculturists be compensated for the crops they have had to destroy because the supply chain lay disrupted? Even if they do get the help, how soon will they be able to restart to make up for the losses and also repay their loans is anybody’s guess.

What the FM has not mentioned so far is about reviving demand. With little or no cash in hand, unemployment numbers likely to be high, labour reforms being made exploitative and prices expected to zoom after the lockdown, how does one boost consumer and capital demand is a challenge staring us in the face?

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

F

The growing rift between the USA and Iran.

Sanctions have been imposed on Iran by the US and there is the UN Embargo under which countries are prevented from selling advanced weapons to Iran.

Iran’s economic situation is dire.

The US President threatening Iran will be counterproductive

or the last few months, humankind has had only one item on its agenda, coronavirus. It is global, deadly.

Hospitals, doctors, and nurses, the media, and governments have given almost all their time to this pandemic.

Patients with heart, kidney, liver, cancer, and other fatal disease have not received the attention and care they do.

To some extent, this is understandable but is no comfort or consolation to no Covid-19 patients. So far the priority has been to cope with the coronavirus. Now that governments and institutions have concluded that COVID-19 is not going away from the world, so one must turn to major international problems that can no longer be set aside.

I shall name five. One. In which direction will the US and China relations proceed. Will existing tensions continue, ease, or increase. Will America anti- China’s verbal overkill continues. Secondly, will China come clean and disclose facts.

The two sides must resort to diplomacy. Also, China shall not bend. It is a great nation and will never bow. It is used to coping with crises. The real worry is that in the White House a steady hand is not visible.

Two. The growing rift between the USA and Iran.

Sanctions have been imposed on Iran by the US and there is the UN Embargo under which countries are prevented from selling advanced weapons to Iran.

Iran’s economic situation is dire. The US President threatening Iran will be counterproductive. Its European allies are not with the US when it comes to Iran.

Regardless of the arms embargo, Iran has not changed its regional policies. Russia will be only too willing to supply arms to Tehran. One reality that is costing Iran deer is the dramatic fall in the price of oil.

Three. The Israel-Palestine problem continues to simmer.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not win the recent national election. He did not even scrape through. His hold overpower is tenacious. Yet he wants to annex the West-bank permanently. What will keep Prime Minister Netanyahu in the office is his warm friendship with President Trump? The twostate solution is all but dead.

Four. What about Britain and the European Union.

The UK cannot do without the European Union and the EU needs the UK Brexit has not disappeared. The real tragedy for the UK and the European Union is weak and uninspiring leadership on both sides of the channel.

Additionally, Corona Virus has caused havoc in the UK The transition period following the UK leaving the European Union expires on 31 st December. The future UK- EU relations remains cloudy. This is worrying.

Five. Climate change. This is the greatest problem facing the World. Yet, the The most powerful country’s President takes no interest in this issue. This is not the only abdication of duty, but it is also utterly irresponsible. He walked out of the Paris

Serious concerns are being expressed that in a few months a second wave may hit the USA and the UK. Deaths are on the rise. The worse sufferers are pregnant mothers and their newborn babies

climate change conference.

Such indifference to so vital an issue is unfortunate. The USA has always given a lead in times of crisis. It is now left to former President Barak Obama to give the people of hope and succor.

President Trump’s priority now is to get re-elected in November. He’s calling his democratic opponents names shows the President in poor light and lack in manners.

His initial reaction to the

Why women make better crisis leaders W

hile many countries continue to grapple with escalating COVID-19 outbreaks, two have declared theirs effectively over: New Zealand and Iceland. It is no coincidence that both countries’ governments are led by women.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Icelandic counterpart Katrín Jakobsdóttir have both received considerable – and well-deserved – praise for their leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. But they are not alone: of the top ten best-performing countries (in terms of testing and mortality), four – Estonia, Iceland, New Zealand, and Taiwan – have woman leaders. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Danish Prime Minister

04

Mette Frederiksen have also been commended for their pandemic leadership.

Women account for less than 7% of the world’s leaders, so the fact that so many have distinguished themselves during the COVID-19 crisis is noteworthy. But that’s not all.

Some of the worst-performing countries are led by unapologetically oldfashioned “men’s men.”

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s entire persona channels a retrograde masculinity and a patriarchal view of women.

Accordingly, he has called the virus a “measly cold,” boasting that he “wouldn’t feel anything” if infected.

In the United Kingdom – which has recorded the most COVID-19 deaths in Europe – Prime Minister Boris Johnson also has a history of sexist comments. Like Bolsona-

Women account for less than 7% of the world’s leaders, so the fact that so many have distinguished themselves during the COVID-19 crisis is noteworthy

ro, Johnson’s first instinct was to minimize the threat COVID-19 poses, though he changed his tune after being infected and ending up in an intensive-care unit.

It’s the same story with US President Donald Trump. A leader who came to power gloating about powerful men’s ability to assault women sexually – which he and his supporters dismissed

as “locker-room banter” – Trump has often worn his misogyny like a badge of honor. He, too, has consistently downplayed the COVID-19 crisis, focusing instead on “making China pay” for allowing the virus to spread beyond its borders.

Just as leaning into masculine stereotypes seems to correlate with poor pandemic responses, many observers seem to believe that woman leaders’ success may be rooted in their traditionally “feminine” qualities, such as empathy, compassion, and willingness to collaborate. Forbes called Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg’s televised address to her country’s children an example of the “simple, humane innovations” that are possible under female leadership.

This reading is outdat-

ed, reductive, and simply wrong. Trump and his ilk may act tough, but ultimately their leadership is an incompetent charade of bluster, vacillation, and self-aggrandizement. High-performing female leaders, by contrast, have been resolute, assessed the evidence, heeded expert advice, and acted decisively.

Following the mantra “go hard and go early,” Ardern imposed a strict lockdown four days before New Zealand’s first COVID-19 death. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen introduced more than a hundred public-health measures in January – when the World Health Organization was still casting doubt on the possibility of humanto-human transmission.

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pandemic was not serious.

Even now he is blaming doctors working for him in the White House. What an extraordinary way to function.

His chances of getting reelected have apparently decreased mainly due to his erratic handling of the crisis produced by the Virus.

The Modi government needs to be commending for the efficient and caring manner in which he has kept the Chief Ministers and public at large of the progress that has been made in checking the spread of the virus.

Exceptions are four states.

The worst-hit are Gujarat and Maharashtra. In these states, there is no let-up.

However, there is no room for complacency.

Serious concerns are being expressed that in a few months a second wave may hit the USA and the UK. Deaths are on the rise. The worse sufferers are pregnant mothers and their newborn babies. This is painful beyond words. Let me quote the English poet Tennyson: “I sometimes hold it half a sin To put in words the grief I feel For words like nature Half reveal and half Conceal the soul within.”

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Ahmed Patel @ahmedpatel Migrant crisis is now as big as corona pandemic itself. Govt cannot be a bystander as poor either go hungry or lose their lives in accidents. Speeches are not a solution.1000 cr of PM care funds must reach their hands. If need be govt must use Army to help migrants reach safely Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal To provide relief to migrant labour, Indian Railways is ready to run “Shramik Special” trains from any District in the Country.

District Collectors should prepare lists of stranded labour & destination and apply to Railways through the State nodal officer.

Spiritual SPEAK

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of the Father.

—Matthew 13:43

Vol 1 Issue No. 340 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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Think about people: RaGa

05

AURAIYA ACCIDENT

Government must reconsider the Rs 20L cr economic package, the Gandhi scion said New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the financial package announced by the Centre as the country continues its fight against coronavirus.

“Today our poor people need money; I am requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should reconsider this package. He should consider direct bank transfer, MGNREGA for 200 days and money to farmers directly, as these people are our future,” said Rahul Gandhi during a press conference held via video call.

“I have heard that the reason behind not giving money to people is ratings. It is being said that if we increase our deficit today, the foreign

CBSE Board exam dates to come out on Monday

New Delhi: HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank twweted, “#CBSE is taking into consideration some additional technical aspects before finalising the datesheets of the board exams of classes 10th and 12th, due to which, the date sheets will now be released by Monday i.e. 18-05-2020.

Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” HRD minister tweeted.

The pending exams of class 12 will be conducted from July 1 to 15. The examinations were earlier halted twice this year, first due to violence at Maujpur-Babarpur areas of North East Delhi, and later due to coronavirus pandemic.

The exams will now be conducted only for 29 major exams – includes six exams for class 10 students for North-East Delhi and 12 subjects for students of class 12 to be held across the country. —ANI

Pained by the news of the death of 24 labourers and injuries to many people in the accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery for those injured.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacts with migrant workers, who were walking near Sukhdev Vihar flyover in New Delhi on Saturday, to return to their home states. Party workers later arranged vehicles to take them to their home state.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Congress Leader

tre. “Do NYAY temporarily, but please start putting money directly into small businesses, into the migrants' bank accounts, if we do not, we will have a catastrophic result,” he said.

NYAY scheme promised to provide Rs

72,000 annually to the poorest 20 per cent families, in Congressruled states. PM Modi had announced Rs 20 lakh crore special economic package for the country to become 'self-reliant and fight coronavirus. —ANI

SC declares its summer break as a period of functioning

Call the army, says BJP leader Kirit Somaiya

rescheduled and declared as period of functioning,” the apex court said in a notification on Friday. The rest of the aforesaid notification dated October 14, 2019 remains unchanged, it said.

The top court had on Friday decided to continue its work during the summer vacation, and that too, with almost the full strength of the court and committing to work as much as possible at least till June 19. —ANI

Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP leader, Kirit Somaiya demanded immediate deployment of Army in Maharashtra as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the state. He had earlier shared a video on his twitter page claiming that a crowd gathered at a market on Friday. In the video, he questioned the Uddhav Thackeray-led government and asked, “Where is Thackeray government's police?” —ANI

agencies will downgrade our ratings,” he said.

“Our ratings are made by India, by farmers, by labourers, small and big businesses who need money. Now, is the time think about India not others,” the Congress leader said.

New Delhi: In view of the court functioning affected due the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the Supreme Court has decided to declare its summer vacation as a period of functioning of the court.

“In a partial modification of notification of even number dated October 14, 2020, notifying the list of Supreme Court Holidays, 2020 and the summer vacation of the court, it is hearby notified that the five-week pe-

He emphasised that people need to be provided with financial help directly.

He also suggested that the NYAY scheme, proposed by the Congress during LS elections last year, maybe introduced by the Cen-

riod from May 18, 2020, to June 19, 2020 of the summer vacation of the Supreme Court calander 2020 has been

Priyanka slams govt over migrants death New Delhi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed the government for failing to provide buses to migrant workers who were killed in an accident in Auraiya district and said the government remains 'oblivious' to everything.

“The heartbreaking incident has once again raised the question that after all what is the government thinking to not provide proper arrangements for the workers to go home? Why are buses not being run to take laborers inside the state? Either the government does not see anything or..” Priyanka said in a tweet.

The Congress leader further said “Is the government's job only to deliver statements?

They remain oblivious even after seeing everything,” she

The heartbreaking incident has once again raised the question that after all what is the government thinking to not provide proper arrangements for the workers to go home? Why are buses not being run to take laborers inside the state? Either the government does not see anything or..”

—Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Cong Gen Secy Disturbed by news of the tragic accident in Auraiya, UP in which 23 workers died. I request all BJP workers to fully cooperate with administration in relief work. My condolences to the families of victims. I pray to God for quick recovery of the injured.

—JP Nadda, BJP National President tweeted.

Priyanka further requested to send the bodies to respective family members and in addition to that, the injured should be provided with proper treatment.

In yet another mishap involving migrants, 24 labourers were killed after the truck they were traveling in, collided with another truck in Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya district. —ANI

‘1,034 Shramik trains ‘Wear masks to fight Corona’ NPR-2021 exercise postponed in UP being run since May 1’ New Delhi: Union Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that the Indian Railways has operated 1,034 Shramik Special trains to transport the stranded migrant workers across the country.

In a tweet, Goyal said, “To bring back the workers till date, the Railways has operated 1,034 Shramik Special trains. Out of which 106 were operated yesterday (Friday). Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has taken steps positively and 80 per cent of the total Shramik Special trains have been operated by these two states.”

SOLDIER’S WIDOW DONATES RS 2 LAKH TO PM CARES FUND New Delhi: Moved by the gesture of an 82-year-old widow of a soldier who lost his life in the 1965 war to donate Rs 2 lakhs to PM CARES fund, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat urged everyone to follow her example. 82-year old Darshani Devi of U’khand whose husband was a Havaldar in the Army and

—Rahul Gandhi

Police officials put a body of a migrant in an ambulance who was killed in the accident.

died in the 1965 war with Pakistan, donated Rs 2 lakhs from her savings to the PM CARES fund.

The Indian Railways has started to run Shramik Special trains to transport the stranded migrant workers, students, pilgrims and tourists since May 1.

Till date the railways has transported over 12 lakh people across the country in these Shramik Special trains. —ANI

New Delhi: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with around 660 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on completion of four years of the ambitious scheme launched to improve the health of women.

The minister, besides inquiring about the availability and delivery of gas amid lockdown, appealed to everyone to wear masks and encouraged people to download the Aarogya Setu app. Apart from beneficiaries, officials and stakeholders too participated in the

5 MIGRANT WORKERS KILLED AS TRUCK OVERTURNS IN MP Bhopal: Five migrant workers died in an accident in Madhya Pradesh as the truck they were travelling in overturned on Sagar-Chhatarpur road. Another 18 co-passengers got injured in the incident. According to police, on Saturday morning the cargo truck was going from Sagar to Chhatarpur. The driver lost control of the vehicle near Semra Bridge and it overturned there. The accident took place under the Bakswaha police station area of Chhatarpur district. The injured have been admited to the hospital in Banda.

video conference.

“I want to appeal to our Ujjawala family to wear masks and encourage everyone to wear it. Corona can stay for months while our scientists are working to find a vaccine for it. Till then there is only one cure which is to wear masks, which can be your dupatta as well.

We need to defeat Corona,” Pradhan said.

Speaking to one of the beneficiaries from Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, the minister asked if she was getting free wheat and pulses. He also urged the beneficiary to motivate and ensure that her friends and family downloaded the Aarogya Setu app.

The minister also asked beneficiaries whether they were satisfied with steps taken

by PM Modi to contain Coronavirus. Everyone answered in affirmative & praised the government for measures taken to contain COVID-19. —ANI

UP NO LESS IN NATION BUILDING, PRASADA SLAMS COLLEAGUE New Delhi: Congress leader from UP Jitin Prasada has hit out at his party colleague and data analytics department chief Praveen Chakravarty after and old video of the latter where he is seen analysing the resource allocation between states for a media house, went viral.

Prasada said contribution of UP can’t be ignored

in nation building. “The migrants that you see headed back home to UP are the ones fuelling the growth in the states you are talking about. You cannot ignore UP’s contribution to nation building and India’s growth story,” said Prasada. Chakravarty, head of data dept of Congress criticised the party in a video message.

New Delhi: In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak, the first phase of Census 2021 & updation of National Population Register (NPR) has been postponed until further orders in Uttar Pradesh.

The Census 2021 was scheduled to be conducted in two phases-Phase I i.e. House List-

ing and Housing Census during April-September, 2020 & Phase II i.e. Population Enumeration from February 9 to February 28, 2021.

The updation of NPR was also proposed to be done along with the Phase I of Census 2021 in all States and Union Territories, except Assam. —ANI

DELHI: 3 MORE CISF PERSONNEL TEST POSITIVE New Delhi: Three more Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the force to 118 across the country , said the CISF on Saturday. Among the new cases reported, one case was reported from Mumbai Airport, one from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and one from the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL), Kolkata. A total of four personnel were cured and discharged on Saturday.

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‘Give free ration to 8 cr migrants’

State govts were asked to immediately lift food grains from the godowns & distribute them for free New Delhi: As hundreds of migrants continue to travel a long distance in this COVID-19 crisis, Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday appealed to state governments to immediately lift food grains and pulses from the godowns and distribute them for free within a fortnight to 8 crore migrants who neither have centre nor state ration card.

According to the Food Ministry, about 142 lakh migrants will benefit in Uttar Pradesh

and in Bihar (86.45 lakh), Maharasthra (70 lakh), West Bengal (60.1 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (54.64 lakh), Rajasthan (44.66 lakh), Karnataka (40.19 lakh), Gujarat (38.25 lakh), Tamil Nadu (35.73 lakh), Jharkhand (26.37 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (26.82 lakh) and Assam (25.15 lakh).

In the national capital, about 7.27 lakh migrants will get free 5 kg food grains per person and 1 kg chana per family for May and June.If the number of migrants exceeds the current estimation of 8

crore, the Centre is ready to provide additional grains for free supply but the identified person should be genuine which state

governments have to validate,” Paswan told the media via video conference here.

The allocation has been made consider-

ing 10 per cent of the existing 81 crore beneficiaries under the NFSA ( National Food Security Act).

The free food distribution to 8 crore migrants for two months was announced by the Centre on May 14 as part of an economic package to help those who bore the brunt of the clampdown to fight the COVID-19 crisis. ”This decision is in the interest of migrants.

Congress may say give more quantity of foodgrains for free.

The NFSA, under

which 5 kg per person subsidised grain is given to 81 crore through PDS, was framed during the UPA time. But, the Modi government is doing maximum.

This is not the end of all. The Prime Minister is sensitive and aware of the situation,” Paswan noted.

Paswan, an NDA ally, further said his ministry has made all arrangements, but the state governments which have to implement at the ground level, have to be proactive in this regard. —ANI

AIRLINES TO CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY

149 FLIGHTS, 40 COUNTRIES: VANDE ‘Yes, our aircraft are BHARAT MISSSION PHASE II BEGINS New Delhi: Vande Bharat Mission, which started on May 7 to bring back stranded Indian nationals back home from other countries, initiated its second phase of operation from Saturday (May 16) by sending three Air India flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Under the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission a total of 149 flights, including feeder flights, will be operated to bring back Indi-

ans from 40 countries.

Out of the 149 flights, 13 flights will come from the US, 11 from the UAE, 10 from Canada, 9 each from

Saudi Arabia & UK, 8 each from Malaysia, Oman, 7 each from Kazakhstan and Australia. India began phased repatriation of its citi-

zens stranded abroad from May 7.

In the second phase, 31 flights will come to Kerala, 22 to Delhi, 17 to Karnataka, 16 to Telangana, 14 to Gujarat, 12 to Rajasthan, nine to Andhra Pradesh, seven to Punjab, six each to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, three to Odisha, two to Chandigarh, and one each to Jammu and Kashmir, Jaipur, Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh. —ANI

CHINA’S SANY GROUP DONATES 1MILLION MASKS TO INDIA

135 BSF PERSONNEL RECOVERED SO FAR

New Delhi: In order to help India fight against the coronavirus pandemic, China-based Sany Group has donated about a million masks to India as well as other South Asian countries.

It has been reported that this is the largest donation of medical protective articles to any overseas country by the Chinese company. Indian Embassy supported the move.

New Delhi: As many as 135 BSF personnel have recovered from COVID-19 so far, as per information provided by BSF. Since yesterday, 98 BSF personnel have been discharged from hospitals after testing negative for COVID-19 post treatment. While 42 personnel were discharged from Jodhpur, 31 were discharged from Tripura and 25 from Delhi. —ANI

‘NO HUGS, NO HANDSHAKES THIS EID’ New Delhi: Prominent Muslim clerics advised the community members not to hug each other and shake hands on Eid on May 26 and maintain social distancing. “Since the entire world is at present battling coronavirus, the happiness of Eid is in not hugging each other and not shaking hands this time over,” said Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of All India Imam Organisation. —ANI

CYCLONE AMPHAN: IGC INITIATES MEASURES Kolkata: In view of cyclone build-up, the Indian Coast Guard has initiated various measures in co-ordination with West Bengal & Odisha.

“Indian Coast Guard has initiated various measures in co-ordination with West Bengal and Odisha. ICG vessels are directing fish-

ing boats to return to harbour and giving warming in local language,” said CPRO Kolkata, Ministry of Defence. A private forecaster, Skymet weather said that coastal areas of Andhra, Odisha and West Bengal are vulnerable to Cyclone Amphan. —ANI

ready to fly again’

The warship, INLCU L57, is the seventh LCU Mark IV to be inducted into the Indian Navy, the government-run GRSE said in an official statement.

LCU Mark IV is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of main battle tanks, armoured

POWER Gallery SACHAN REPATRIATED TO DOT

Shiv Shankar Sachan, who was Director in the Ministry of Skill Development, has been repatriated to his parent DoT. He is an ITS officer.

COTTON CORPORATION TO GET NEW CMD IN PK AGARWAL ON JUNE 1

Pradeep Kumar Agarwal, Director (Marketing), CCI, will be taking over the charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Cotton Corporation of India Limited (CCI) on June 1, 2020. Agarwal, whose appointment to the post has been approved by the ACC, will succeed Dr Alli Rani retiring in May this year.

RAJESH GOEL TAKES OVER AS DG, NAREDCO

Rajesh Goel has taken over the charge as Director General, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

RLY MINISTRY ADVERTISES TWO VACANCIES OF VC (JUDICIAL), RCT IN ADVANCE

The Railway Ministry has now advertised for two posts of Vice Chairman (Judicial) in the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) at Mumbai and Secunderabad for vacancies anticipated upto December 31, 2020.

EXTENSION OF JURISDICTION OF CAT, CHANDIGARH NOTIFIED

The jurisdiction of CAT, Chandigarh has been extended. According to Notification, now UTs of J&K & Laddakh will also come under CAT, Chandigarh. Other states under CAT, Chandigarh are- states of Himanchal, Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh UT. CAT, GUWAHATI HAS BIGGEST JURISDICTION New Delhi: With the possibility of resuming domestic flights soon, airlines in India have submitted their aircraft’s airworthiness report to the country’s aviation regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

As per the set protocol, airlines have to submit their aircraft details to the DGCA and the MoCA before the resumption of their flight operations.

“Airlines are submitting their aircraft’s status and airworthiness report to the regulator,” sources in the MoCA told ANI. The Central government is planning to start domestic flights with several guidelines, but as of now, no clear

THE DIRECTIVE

Among the 17 CATs, the Guwahati CAT has the biggest jurisdiction. Apart from Assam, it has other six states of NE. PAWAN KUMAR SINGH APPOINTED DDG, POSTAL DIRECTORATE

Pawan Kumar Singh has been appointed DDG (FS), Postal Directorate, New Delhi. He is a 2000 batch officer of Indian Postal Service.

T NIRMALA DEVI APPOINTED PMG, HQ REGION, AHMEDABAD

T Nirmala Devi has been appointed PMG, HQ region, Ahmedabad Gujarat circle. She is a 2000 batch officer of Indian Postal Service. instruction has been given to them.

MoCA has informed all aviation stakeholders including airlines through the draft SOPs that “people over the age of 80 will not be allowed to travel in the first phase of flight commencement.” Central Govt and AAI have issued instructions for passengers. —ANI

LCU L57 warship inducted into Navy New Delhi: A Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mark IV warship built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Port Blair by Lt. General P S Rajeshwar, the commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

06

vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore.

“The first ship of the Mark IV LCU Vessels INLCU L51 was commissioned into Indian Navy in March 2017,” the GRSE said.

The entire design of these LCU Mark IV ships has been developed in-house by GRSE

as per requirements specified by the Navy.

“The seventh of the eight Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ship INLCU L57, built at GRSE, Kolkata, a Mini Ratna Category 1 and leading shipyard of the country, was commissioned at May 15 at Port Blair by Lt. General PS Rajeshwar,” it said. —PTI

‘Don’t fear... “had the child been given treatment at the right time and the family members not feared Corona, the child could have been saved.” Gehlot also asked officials to conduct analysis of the deaths due to Corona, to follow complete medical protocol in jails of state and to prepare the people to live with Corona.

replicated in states later to improve efficiency and attract investment.

FM said there is suboptimal performance of power distribution and supply in the country.

She said privatisation of discoms will lead to better service to consumers and improvement in operational and financial efficiency in power distribution.

This would serve as a model for emulation by other utilities across the country, she added.

Restrictions on Indian air space use: Finance Minister announced easing of restrictions on utilisation

APPAKANNU GOVINDARAJAN APPOINTED PMG, NORTHERN REGION

Appakannu Govindarajan has been appointed PMG, Northern region, Muzaffarpur, Bihar circle.

He is a 2000 batch officer of Indian Postal Service.

METICULOUS EFFORTS BY CBI OFFICER, SUMAN KUMAR PAVES WAY FOR MALLAY’S EXTRADITION

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lauded the painstaking investigation, the hard work and the meticulous efforts undertaken by the investigating officer, Suman Kumar, Additional SP in successfully pursuing investigation and extradition proceedings against the economic offender and fugitive, Vijay Mallya. The High Court of Justice, London, UK has rejected the application of the liquor baron Mallya seeking permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against its order.

POST OF CMD IN J&K BANK BIFURCATED

According to a few reliable official sources, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, has bifurcated the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Jammu & Kashmir Bank subject to the Reserve Bank of India’s approval.

FROM PG 1 CM announces... get relief at the earliest.

New projects of skill development should be designed so that skills can be imparted to workers according to the current needs,” Gehlot said.

The Chief Minister said that the entire scenario of the industry has changed due to the lockdown. “At the same time, there is a big challenge of labor planning.

There is a need to change and reform labor laws as per the need of the hour,” Gehlot stressed. He also directed to make more and more schemes and programs of Labor Depart-

ment online.

During the review, Gehlot also approved the formation of the ‘Pravasi Rajasthani Workers Welfare Fund’ announced in the budget for the welfare of migrant Rajasthani workers.

“Through this welfare fund, migrant Rajasthani workers should be provided the necessary help according to their needs.

Whatever schemes are being run for the welfare of the poor, needy and workers, all possible help should be ensured to them in this time of trouble. According to the guide-

lines of the Government of India, the Labor Department should also ensure that no entrepreneur removes the workers and does not cut their wages,” he stressed.

Moreover, Gehlot instructed the officials “PCR test should be done for every person coming from abroad via flight, so that there is no risk of spreading of infection.

Zameen se...

Discoms in UTs to be privatised: Electricity distribution companies in Union Territories (UTs) will be privatised and this is expected to provide a model to be

of Indian air space, benefiting civil aviation sector by about Rs1,000 crore per year.

She said only 60& of Indian airspace is freely available. More air space available would reduce travel time and save on fuel, she said.

Six Airports to be auctioned : Apart from this six more airports will be auctioned for private participation.

Also, an additional investment of Rs13,000 crore will be made by private players in 12 airports auctioned in first and second rounds.

A research reactor in PPP mode: India

will also set up a research reactor in PPP mode for the production of medical isotopes, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

This will produce medical isotopes and make available affordable treatment for cancer and other diseases, she said unveiling the fourth tranche of the economic stimulus package. She said the research reactor in public-private partnership (PPP) mode would use irradiation technology for food preservation - to compliment agricultural reforms and assist farmers.

TALKING POINT JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

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07

Preventing a COVID-19

FOOD CRISIS

FOOD-PRODUCING COUNTRIES HAVE IMPOSED EXPORT BANS some major Ftriesurthermore, food-producing counhave already imposed

export bans or quotas in response to the pandemic, as Russia and Kazakhstan have done for grain, and India and Vietnam have done for rice. Meanwhile, other countries are stockpiling food through accelerated imports, as is true of the Philippines (rice) and Egypt (wheat).

Such food protectionism

may seem like a good way to provide relief to the most vulnerable segments of the population, but simultaneous interventions by many governments can result in a global food-price surge, as happened in 2010-11.

The World Bank estimates that protectionism accounted for about 40% of the increase in the global price of wheat and 25% of the rise in maize prices at that time.

PANDEMIC HAS LED TO FALLING GROWTH ne can understand these O countries’ nervousness. While the COVID-19

The pandemic is amplifying the risk of a world-wide food-price spike, which would trigger outright crises in many developing countries

E

ven before the pandemic, there were signs that global food prices could soon surge. Extreme weather events induced by climate change have become more common. African swine fever wiped out over one-quarter of the world’s pig population last year, causing food prices in China to increase by 15-22% year on year so far in 2020. And more recently, the worst locust blight in 70 years has destroyed crops in East Africa. In Kenya, the price of maize, a sta-

T

he coronavirus pandemic has brought hunger to millions of people around the world. National lockdowns and social distancing measures are drying up work and incomes, and are likely to disrupt agricultural production and supply routes — leaving millions to worry how they will get enough to eat.

The coronavirus has sometimes been called an equalizer because it has sickened both rich and poor, but when it comes to food, the commonality ends. It is poor people, including large segments of poorer nations, who are now going hungry and facing the prospect of starving.

“The coronavirus has been anything but a great equalizer,” said Asha Jaffar, a volunteer who brought food to families in the Nai-

ple food, has risen by over 60% since 2019.

COVID-19 is amplifying the risk of a worldwide food-price spike, which would trigger outright crises in many developing countries. In the poorest of these, food accounts for 40-60% of the consumption basket, about 5-6 times its share in advanced economies.

While lockdowns have led to a collapse in demand for durable goods and discretionary services, the opposite is true of food. In cities around the world, reports of panic buying and food hoarding have proliferated since the pandemic began.

pandemic has led to falling growth, rising unemployment, widening fiscal deficits, and soaring debt in advanced and emerging economies alike, the appearance of new infection hotbeds in developing countries will mean an even starker tradeoff between saving lives and protecting livelihoods. Moreover, developing countries are already facing a sudden stop in capital and remittance inflows and a collapse in tourism, while the terms of trade and currencies of the many oil and primarycommodity exporters among them are crashing.

Nomura’s Food Vulnerability Index ranks 110 countries based on their exposure to large foodprice swings, taking into account their nominal GDP per capita, the share of food in household consumption, and net food imports. The

GLOBAL GRAIN STOCKPILES COULD DEPLETE QUICKLY n the supply side, global O grain stockpiles are healthy but could quickly be

depleted as the virus disrupts food production and distribution. And shortages of animal feed, fertilizers, and pesticides have increased both the costs of farming and the risk of bad harvests.

Moreover, from harvesting fruits and vegetables in India to operating meat plants in America, labor shortages are becoming increasingly apparent as cross-border travel restrictions in much of the world disrupt the normal seasonal cycle of migrant farm workers. And transportation shortages are making it more challenging to get produce to market – when there is one.

Farmers need to reconfig-

G20 CREDITORS HAVE AGREED TO SUSPENDED DEBT-SERVICE PAYMENTS ultilateral institutions M have mobilized quickly during the crisis to pro-

vide emergency loans to a record number of developing countries, while G20 creditors have agreed to a temporary suspension of debt-service payments from poor countries that request forbearance. But because the risks posed by surging food prices do not apply only to the most vulner-

ure their supply chains away from bulk wholesale to (currently closed) restaurants, hotels, and schools, and toward grocery stores and home delivery. But that takes time,

territory.”

The world has experienced severe hunger crises before, but those were regional and caused by one factor or another — extreme weather, economic downturns, wars or political instability.

This hunger crisis, experts say, is global and caused by a multitude of factors linked to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing interruption of the economic order: the sudden loss in income for countless millions who were already living hand-to-mouth; the collapse in oil prices; widespread shortages of hard currency from tourism drying up; overseas workers not having earnings to send home; and ongoing problems like climate change,

robi slum of Kibera after the fatal stampede. “It’s been the great revealer, pulling the curtain back on the class divide and exposing how deeply unequal this country is.”

Already, 135 million people had been facing acute food shortages, but now with the pandemic, 130 million more could go hungry in 2020, said Arif Husain, chief economist at the World Food Program, a United Nations agency. Altogether, an estimated 265 million people could be pushed to the brink of starvation by year’s end.

“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” Mr. Husain said. “It wasn’t a pretty picture to begin with, but this makes it truly unprecedented and uncharted CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

able economies, temporary debt relief may need to be extended to other countries as well. With the pandemic threatening to wreak economic havoc, governments must work together to address the risk of disruptions to food supply chains. Some modicum of global policy coordination is essential to prevent food protectionism from becoming the postpandemic new normal.

not least because commercial and consumer food products are prepared and packaged differently. In the meantime, fresh produce has had to be destroyed.

WHY CORONAVIRUS HAS BEEN CALLED AN EQUALISER?

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

latest reading shows that of the 50 countries most vulnerable to a sustained rise in food prices, nearly all are developing economies that account for nearly three-fifths of the world’s population.

In fact, surging food prices would be a global problem, because they are highly regressive everywhere. Even in developed economies, a jump in food prices would drive a bigger wedge between the rich and poor, exacerbating alreadysevere wealth inequality.

No one should ignore the age-old connection between food crises and social unrest.

DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

violence, population dislocations and humanitarian disasters.

Already, from Honduras to South Africa to India, protests and looting have broken out amid frustrations from lockdowns and worries about hunger. With classes shut down, over 368 million children have lost the nutritious meals and snacks they normally receive in school.

There is no shortage of food globally, or mass starvation from the pandemic — yet. But logistical problems in planting, harvesting and transporting food will leave poor countries exposed in the coming months, especially those reliant on imports, said Johan Swinnen, director general of the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington.

One of the best ways to rise above the ordinary is to read. Read whatever interests you, but read it in-depth and with a thought for understanding and analysis.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21

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LATE IN RUNNING TRAINS n the ongoing Corona crisis, by the time the government came out of its slumber, 50 days had passed since the lockdown came into effect, and lakhs of migrant labourers had started on their way home travelling thousands of kilometers amid hunger and braving the tropical sun. A few reached their destination, several others were put in isolation and then there were those who became a victim of the road itself.

According to an estimate, there are eight crore migrant labourers who had left their homes in search of job. The railway has decided to run 300 trains and maintaining social distancing while around 1,200 labourers are ferried in each train. An estimate says that the railways will have to run 66,666 trains to ferry these eight crore migrant labourers and the time taken to complete this task is 182 days. The Railway claims that of the total expenditure incurred on running special trains for labourers, it is realising only 15

I

per cent from states since these trains are only travelling one way with passengers while returning devoid of them. Keeping in mind social distancing, the middle berth has been removed and the passengers are being provided with food and water for the journey. So the railway is incurring an expense of Rs 6 to 8 thousand per person of which they are charging only 15 per cent. It should be noted that the Modi government has allotted a total Rs one lakh crore to the railways to take the migrant labor home and if sources are to be believed, the railways are chugging out Rs 50 lakh for each train journey.

WHY ARE NON-BJP MEN BEING KEPT ALOOF? ost trains, for the ‘ghar-wapsi’ of labourers, are being run for Uttar Pradesh. Out of a thousand trains, 400 are for UP. When a presser was called in this regard by Railway Minister, a clarification came that states like Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha did not raise any

M

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

Ramnath Kovind

Nitin Gadkari

Piyush Goyal

Nitish Kumar

demand. On this, the Chief Ministers of three states showed their previous videos where they had raised demand and accused the Railways minister of leading the country astray. When poultry owners were culling their birds fearing businesses taking a dip in lockdown, they were questioned the reason behind their action.

They answered that they won’t fetch a good price for chicken in markets since the amount they were spending to feed the birds, not even

half of it was being recovered. Hence the migrant labourers who have been kept in isolation in UP, the state government is paying Rs 40 to NGOs for their meal ie Rs 120 for the entire day whereas, states like Rajasthan have been paying NGOs Rs 300.

When NGOs in UP questioned officials over the same, their quota was increased to Rs 70 but the file is still stuck under red tapeism while the labourer is leaving isolation centres and reaching their homes.

DELHI TO MUMBAI IN 14 HOURS he dream project of Union minister for Highways and road transport Nitin Gadkari is taking shape even while the country is under lockdown. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs one lakh crore and after the project is completed, the journey between Delhi and Mumbai will be completed in 14 hours.

The government is not going ahead in the project on PPP mode. Once the green signal is given

to this project, the next major task of land procurement will be initiated and the government has started giving toll rights as well since the government believes that the toll itself would give it Rs 25 thousand crores.

AHMEDABAD COVID TESTS

Ahmed, Rupani ‘grab’ each other by scruff of neck Guj CM asks Cong leader to check sources of info; he replies: My source is your govt First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A war of words has broken out between Congress heavyweight Ahmed Patel and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani after the former questioned the State Government for reducing the number of tests against the national policy of intensive checking of people for Covid-19.

It all began with Patel, who is AICC treasurer, tweeting on Saturday afternoon about the falling number of daily tests in the hotspot Ahmedabad. Rupani rebuffed this and rolled out cumulative

Vaishali New Delhi: They say, you have to start early in life if you want to make it big. While luck may play a role in the lives of a few who start late and reach a considerable position, however the experience and hardwork one garners when starting anything in life is most recognized by an institution. For AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal life has been nothing short of myriad of challenges at every turn and a bid to overcome those challenges.

Known across party lines to be a Rahul Gandhi favourite, the 57-year-old Congressman from Kerala was

Ahmed Patel

figures to dispute Patel’s claims. When Rupani, in his tweet, asked the Congress leader to check his sources of information, Patel retorted asserting that his source was the Gujarat Government’s very own Covid-19 site.

Patel attached a graph which showed

Vijay Rupani

the number of tests in Ahmedabad dropping from 2,522 on May 1 to 1,240 on May 14. “Why is (the) Gujarat government reducing testing?

This is very disturbing & is contrary to national policy of increasing tests. In a pandemic it is important to be honest about the problem rath-

er than trying to conceal it,” Patel tweeted.

Hitting back, CM Rupani tweeted a table of total tests conducted in Gujarat, as well as in Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara districts till May 16.

“Mr. AHMED PATEL, Gujarat has not at all decreased (the) number of tests. Kindly recheck your information sources which are far away from facts and ground realities,” he tweeted.

Rupani said Gujarat had tested 1,27,858 samples at the rate of 1,943.3 samples per million people, which was higher than the country’s per million average of 1,478 tests.

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Jaipur: RSS workers reach out to migrants Jaipur: Extending help to migrant workers returning to their home, RSS members can be seen manning help centres set up on highways to distribute necessary items to them. As per the directions of Kshetra Seva Pramukh Shivlehri, drinking water, food, and place to rest is being provided to all those who are walking along highways or railway tracks to reach neighbouring states of Rajasthan, UP, MP, Haryana, and Gujarat From Sanganer to the Kota National Highway, 500 labourers are helped daily with food packets and drinking water bottles. Food packets containing biscuits, bananas, puffed rice etc were also distributed by Tejaji Shakha, Mahesh Nagar, to labourers travelling through Gopalpura Bypass in Jaipur. —PTI

NITISH COULD BE ‘SAFFRONSTUNNED’ ihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s alleged ignorance over migrant labourers could prove dear to him.

An online survey sup-

B

ported by BJP has revealed that since lockdown was announced, there has been a tremendous fall in Nitish’s popularity. The survey also says that if Nitish contests in the upcoming assembly elections on his own and not with BJP, he would win on a meagre 20 seats. If Nitish and BJP come together to contest under one banner, then JDU’s candidates have a winning chance of 50 per cent while BJP candidates could have a winning edge of 70 per cent. However, now there could be a tussle between BJP and JDU over the distribution of seats where Nitish wants 15-20 seats from the saffron party while the BJP can pitch in the equal bifurcation of seats. If Nitish continues with his ‘big brother’ attitude, then BJP could give him 2-5 seats extra with the condition that the next CM will be decided by elected legislators.

PRESIDENT’S LARGEHEARTEDNESS resident Ramnath Kovind has al-

P

However, it is his current role that can be termed as the high point in his political graph.

With ample support from senior Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, since he reportedly suggested Venugopal’s name to Congress President to step in place of Gehlot for AICC general secretary position, Venugopal has been virtually handling the entire AICC these days. Observers believe that such is the trust of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on Venugopal that she had even asked KC to preside over the meet-

Rahul Gandhi with KC Venugopal

ing of all PCC chiefs and General secretaries on Friday afternoon to take a feedback on work done related to corona

by PCCs and field functionaries.

Rajasthan Congress incharge Avinash Pande was also present in the meeting.

—FILE PHOTO

The man, who finds himself in Rahul’s core team due to his dedication to the party and in particular Rahul, is currently handling party’s tasks from top to bottom, except a few highly sensitive and critical

ready donated his salary for the month of March in PM Care Fund and keeping in view of the economic condition of the nation, he announced a 30 per cent cut in his annual salary. The Rashtrapati Bhawan was going to buy a new limousine car this year which has now been cancelled. Other expenses including purchase of products for beautification have also been halved. Even the guest list has been cut short and so has the food menu. Where in normal times, some or the other part of the Rashtrapati Bhawan would be under maintenance, the works have now been called off. Expenses incurred on President’s tours have also been halved and the President will now take aid of technology to reach people directly. Really, the President has tried to present an example before the nation.

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

‘Maal’-practice: Is RMSCL ‘bleeding’ government?

Vikas Sharma Jaipur: Can a government enterprise be a mute spectator to rampant flouting of tender rules by firms? Can bureaucracy also side with ‘malpractices’ conducted by firms, even if it means bleeding the government?

Well, take a look at developments in and around Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) and once cant help but wonder if there is a bigger game played in the Corporation.

Let us delve a little deeper. At a time like this when Corona infection is the biggest threat, three firms of the RMSCL left the government’s side as a result the price of triple

layer masks, that were usually sold for 88 paise, jumped several times to Rs 6.50. It is but natural that their this act deemed necessary a penalty on the firms, however, lo and behold the bureaucrats have come to their aid.

As a measure to save the firms, the specification in final tender was changed.

The ‘defaulter’ firms had to supply masks till June 2020 but realising that there was more profit in the market than sell-

THE RISE AND RISE OF KC VENUGOPAL only 17 when he entered the political arena. His tryst with student politics quickly catapulted him to become one of the well known faces in Payyanur College in Kerala and he became the President of Kerala Student Union. From here on, Venugopal’s actual political journey started as he continued to climb the ladder becoming state president of Youth Congress, winning MLA election and then going on to become the MP and ultimately MoS Power and Civil Aviation in Manmohan Singh government.

08

areas where Ahmed Patel has no substitute or alternative. Infact, in 10 Janpath’s internal equations, Ahmed Bhai is considered as Sonia’s trusted trouble shooter for the last 30 years, whereas KC enjoys the reputation and Goodwill of Rahul’s blue eyed man in the party. However, at the end of the day both Ahmed and KC report to Rahul and Sonia.

Know to be Rahul’s man, he is very well adjusted with the current Congress President and across party leaders.

Party members claim that Venugopal is one of the leaders who is

always available for the workers and does not shy to get himself involved with the grass root worker. A point in fact being his handling of the AICC Control room set up to take stock of Corona situation and the problems faced by people. A senior Gujarat Congress leader Shakti Singh Gohil and Rajiv Satav will be assisting Venugopal in this Control room coordination job.

Venugopal, who interacts with Congress CMs, office bearers and workers alike for Corona relief, gathers information from across the nation and provides it

ing it to the government, the firms denied giving the masks and in a haste a new tender of 20 lakh masks at a price range of 6.50 rupees was finalised. The new tender was based on the specification of old tender. But in the month of May, the specification was changed for the second tender.

This change in the specification made a huge change in penalty that would have otherwise been levied, since provision for penalty was removed! And now penalty will be calculated on the basis of masks supplied in the first tender. The role of ED (procurement) Nilesh Sharma and other officials is questionable in the entire episode!

to Sonia and Rahul. He then relays Sonia Gandhi’s message and directions to the PCCs and workers in the organisational matters.

According to sources, KC did not contest the last Lok Sabha election from Kerala because at the same time his mentor Rahul was contesting from Wayanad seat from Kerala itself.

Now KC has been rewarded with a Rajya Sabha ticket from Rajasthan and he will be formally declared elected, as soon as deferred RS poll takes place in near future.

So lets wait and see… a new team of Gehlot and KC taking charge and working together in Rajasthan!

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JAIPUR, SUNDAY MAY 17, 2020

KARISHMA GWALANI karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

W

omen who ride are braver than those who don’t, I believe. With the modern smoother, faster and lighter motorbikes on the road, it is not physical courage but a mental one to enter into a world dominated by men. It was Elspeth Beard that first led me on the hunt for female riders who faced the road alone. Here’s her story in the tiniest of nutshells: At 24 years of age, she became the first Englishwoman to ride a motorcycle around the world, a journey spanning 3 years and 54,000km in 1980.

We give you quick tips on the motorcycles which are suitable for women though there are no motorcycles made specifically for women. The Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Super Low is a popular bike with women. It is Harley’s entry-level model, and since Harley dominates the female market share, and women are the fastest-growing segment of new riders, it makes sense that Harley-Davidson’s entry-level model would be the most popular motorcycle ridden by women today.

The V Star 950 is also a popular motorcycle choice among women, putting Star Motorcycles right behind Harley-Davidson as the second most popular brand of bikes among female riders. The V Star 950 is a strong middleweight contender that is hugely versatile as an urban cruiser or one that can be outfitted for touring.

The Honda model which is liked by women is naturally, one of the Shadow models. This venerable platform has been hugely popular among women riders for decades.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the 300 have been a beginning bike for many women.

Choose wisely, learn smart, kit up properly and ride in to the sunset or sunrise for that matter. Remember to wear a proper helmet and to tie your hair, long flowing hair look nice only in movies are a risk otherwise. Happy Riding!

HARD & FAST-RIDE ON! There is something very romantic about riding a bike into the sunset and though traditionally women have ridden pillion, now more and more women are riding bikes and how! Hold Tight and join us for the ride!

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10

Coronavirus and its Impact on the Indian Automobile Industry

RITVIK GUPTA

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

T

he year 2020 seems to be what 2012 tried to become.

We started the new year with good wishes and a good vibe. Little did we know that the future has some other plans for us.

What seemed to be a rather minor outbreak very quickly turned into a Pandemic. The Novel Coronavirus or the COVID-19 has brought the entire country to a standstill. Factories shut down, offices empty and roads looking like the endless mirages in a desert. It was the 23rd of March In India when a Lockdown was put in effect. As I am writing this, the lockdown has been extended twice and is in its third phase now.

2019 | A PREMONITION

country was divided into 3 zones viz. Red, Orange and Green zones. Red is a highly vulnerable area while orange being mildly vulnerable and green ones being the areas where life can be brought back to normal.

With plenty of restrictions in place, companies were given permission to start the production plants once again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ritvik Gupta is an Automobile Engineer. He is currently pursuing his career as an Automotive Content Developer at GoMechanic. Ritvik is an automobile enthusiast with a knack to decode the nitty-gritty of the Indian automotive scene.

THEN THE LOCKDOWN HAPPENED

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

24th March came in like a wrecking ball for the Indian automobile industry. The sector that was already trying to recoup the losses from the previous year, got hit once again. A Lockdown meant total shutdown of factories, dealerships and service centres nationwide.

The first phase of the lockdown was expected to end by the 14th of April.

But, seeing the rising infection levels, the Lockdown was extended up to the 3rd of May. For the first time in history, automobile manufacturers reported ZERO car sales in the month of April. Furthermore, Lockdown 2.0 made it nearly impossible for car dealerships to survive without sales.

Unsold stocks were lying unsold, car service centres with no cars. Carmakers like Maruti Suzuki stepped up and offered support to their dealership network for the sake of sustainability. But it was not enough.

3rd of May and the Lockdown was extended for an-

FA CE OF TH ED AY

Let’s rewind back a little bit. The year 2019 was when the Great Indian Automobile Crisis happened. The automobile industry has never faced such a slump in over two decades. The transition from BS4 to BS6 emission norms saw the sales pile driving in double digits, people started losing their jobs. It was a BIG problem. Big enough for the government to step in and

introduce some major changes to the years budget to help jump-start the sector. And as we all know it didn’t do much. This was evident in February at the Auto Expo 2020, where major car manufacturers like Honda, Ford, Jeep, BMW, Audi and almost all twowheeler makers decided to skip the biennial automotive event.

other 2 weeks. Lockdown 3.0 was in effect. But, this time the government had to

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

do something in order to revive the economy or else India would have entered a

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

So now comparing the if ’s and but’s, the near-future of the automobile industry seems to be bleak. The industry has demanded that the government lifts the taxes on the purchase of new vehicles or at least reduces them in order to boost the sales. But seeing the current condition of the government depository, it seems highly unlikely that there will be any relaxation.

This industry which accounts for 7% of the country’s GDP and 49% of manufacturing GDP has been affected by a slump for over a year now. And this Coronavirus-induced lockdown is only adding to the sorrow.

If relaxations are not given and the sales networks are not opened, production will only add to the pile of stocks and there will be no benefit for the manufacturers and the economy alike. Given the current situation, 2020 seems to be lost and only time will tell what the year 2021 will bring for the Indian automobile sector.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Your spouse will feel very happy around you as you are the best partner that one can expect. You will get immense respect for the work that you have been doing lately.

Listen to your heart and take decision based in your intuition. Times are tough but it will get better.

You will go for higher studies, don’t let these tough times discourage you. Outing is not possible at this time so try sometime new at home that will keep you occupied.

Hours spent on something will not go waste therefore don’t loose patience till the very end.

Your friend will keep his/ her word and you won’t be disappointed. Count your blessings and express gratitude to the mother nature for all that is good in this world. You will get closer to your spouse by doing small things. You will be handling some prestigious projects.

A candle light dinner arrangement is what you can do right now to make your partner feel special.

Trust your parents, they will not let you down. Long distant relationship is no big deal for you as you are a person of deep understanding. You may be in the need of loan.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You will get the financial support , may be a from a person or from a group of people. sooner or later you will surely get successful in your endeavour as you are a person or strong will. There will be many opportunities in future for now focus on enhancing your skills.

You will have good time at home and this is the time when you can develop great understanding with your partner. Your family will support you no matter what. You may wish to officialise your relationship with your long time friend. Have patience, you will get into many business ventures.

You may need the money that you gave as a loan to someone close, you must politely ask the person to return the favour. You will get closer to your friends even if you cannot meet them in person. These are the time to self reflect. You will get an excellent opportunity professionally.

Your partner will fulfil all your emotional needs and he/she will also keep trying until they get successful in cheering you up. Keep trying don’t let the hard times kill your spirit because after every dusk there is a dawn.

Your quality of life will improve but give some time.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

For now stop taking tension about property related matters, have faith in the power above all. This is the right time the person know that you are in love with him/her. Your spending habit will change for good. Don’t get into office politics just do you work religiously and ear your living.

Youngsters must not loose hope because of the lockdown your education won’t be hindered and you will get the success that you always dreamt of, one way or the other. Keep paying your outstanding dues if you can, so that you can relax in future.

Don’t poke your nose anywhere.

On domestic front, you will help your spouse more than you ever imagined. You will be amazed to receive a gift of sentimental value from someone you didn’t expect. Those on the quest of getting desired body must have an exercise regime as you will not find any time better than this.

Have confidence and no matter what don’t let anyone slow you down.

Start expressing your feeling to the people who need to know how you feel about them. It good to meditate some or the other time. You will get surprisingly good returns from an investment.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KOMAL PANDEY, Content Curator

stage of a recession similar to the European countries.

This is when the whole

Restarting from a total standstill is not an easy task. Given that the Government has not allowed 100% of workforce and operations to function, the companies had to come up with a plan to make it work while only the essential workers were available.

Production has started but what about the sales? Let’s take a look at a few highlights here: It’s a probability that people will start buying vehicles post lockdown.

Two-wheeler sales can see some boost due to the people preferring personal transport over public ones.

There have been nationwide layoffs and salary deductions so that the companies can sustain in these hard times. This means that there will be a lesser cash flow in the market and this flow is not expected to take a turn towards the automobile industry.

The economy has to be revived. Hence, the gov-

ernment decided to increase the tax on petrol and diesel which has led to an increase in fuel prices. This is also a concern that needs to be addressed.

For the sake of sustainability, NBFCs and banks are not willing to lend any more.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

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mid the ongoing lockdown, several Hollywood stars, including Katy Perry, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Snoop Dogg, will be bringing the party to fans’ homes through the ‘In the House’ livestream event. Houseparty, video-chat app, has lined up 40 stars for a three-day live-streaming event this weekend. The event will include performances by Perry and Legend, along with segments featuring Doja Cat, Alicia Keys, Jos Andras, DaBaby, Bad Bunny, Neil Patrick Harris, Keegan-Michael Key, Idina Menzel, Sarah Michelle Gellar and more. The line-up also includes names like David Blaine, Lindsey Harrod, Gabi Butler, Snoop Dogg, Chvrches and Dua Lipa. They are hosting a three-day long, free event for users in India and across the world from May 15 to May 17. The users can join the party and to hang out with their favourite celebrities. Everyone who opens Houseparty during an ‘In The House’ live video can add it into their own group chats for a private viewing party.

—IANS

Virtual house

PARTY Dua Lipa and Katy Perry; (inset) Katy’s post

About Survival!

Feeling nostalgic!

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aking a trip down the memory lane, actor Deepika Padukone on Saturday remembered one of her early meetings with megastar Aamir Khan.

Padukone took to Instagram to share the picture in which she is seen sitting with her father

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Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy

fter years of speculation, actors Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy have finally admitted that they didn’t get along with each other while working on ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, saying everything was about survival. In a recent interview, Theron and Hardy opened up about their feud while working on the 2015 action film. Theron, 44, feels she and Hardy, 42, were at loggerheads with each other mainly due to the challenges of filming George Miller’s movie, and the constant delays in production.

The filming for the project was shut down three times. “In retrospect, I didn’t have enough empathy to really, truly understand what he must have felt like to step into Mel Gibson’s shoes,” Theron said of Hardy, adding: “That is frightening!”

—IANS

Making the most of it!

... her post

Prakash Padukone, mother Ujjala Padukone, superstar Aamir Khan and two of her relatives.

Sharing the details behind the picture, the 34-year-old actor wrote in the caption, “major throwback to 1st January 2000. I was 13 & awkward. I still am. He was having lunch.

Curd Rice to be precise. I was hungry like I always am.

But he didn’t offer and I didn’t ask... random anecdote @_ aamirkhan,” her caption further read.

The ‘Love Aaj Kal’ actor has been posting many such throwback pictures for her fans ever since the lockdown has been imposed.

—ANI

‘Explain your rules’

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acred Games fame actress Elnaaz Norouzi is making good use of the quarantine time. She has taken up an online acting course from the New York Film Academy.

“I love working on myself and on my acting skills, I believe there is still so much to learn. New York Film Academy is one of the best if not the absolute best in the world and I always wanted to go there but have fortunately always been busy with work,” she said.

“So I found this to be the best time to do their online course, which is very extensive too. I don’t like sitting around and waiting. At least I know that I’ll get out of this pandemic as a better actor - and I couldn’t be happier,” she added.

She is currently locked down in Germany and keeps busy cooking and gardening, among other activities.

—IANS

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Elnaaz Norouzi

Deepika Padukone

irthday boy Vicky Kaushal posted a new picture on social media on Saturday that is all about rules.

Vicky, who turned 32 on May 16, took to Instagram and shared a picture where he flaunts this logo in red on a grey Tshirt: ‘Explain your rules’.

He captioned the image with the emoji of a man raising his hands in the air.

Fans couldn’t stop gushing over his photograph on the photosharing space. A user said: “First rule nobody loves you more than me.”

“I’ll explain my love for you,” another wrote. “You rule over my heart,” said

Vicky Kaushal

a netizen.

On the acting front, Vicky was last seen in ‘Bhoot - Part One: The Haunted Ship’. The film tells the story of a young shipping officer, Prithvi, grappling with a personal loss. He takes it upon himself to unravel the mystery of a haunted ship.

—IANS

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

NATWAR @ 91

One Life is Not Enough!

Natwar Singh completed 91 years on 16 May, Saturday.

City First wishes him all the best!

close but complex political relationship with Sonia Gandhi over the years. He remains a man with a Nehruvian old fashioned sense of decency.

His has not been an easy life but there is an aura of great personal dignity around him, I am surprised that how easily and perfectly he mixed the demands of public service, the upheaval of politics with his intellectual capacity and love for books for so many years.

He stays in Delhi in his beautiful home with his wife, the totally beautiful and regal Heminder Kumari. He continues to be active, reading and writing regularly and is presently working on a book for young readers, a book on Mahatma Gandhi. On his 91st birthday, First India wishes he completes a century, the world needs people like Natwar Singh!

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

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hen I met Natwar Singh, the first word which popped in the mind was ‘consummate gentleman’ and I just prayed that I manage to age even half as gracefully as him.

A conversation with him is filled with thoughtful pauses, every word a gem and anecdotes that make you smile inadvertently, delivered in perfect concise English.

His writings are much as he himself is, wise, insightful, blunt and very interesting. We, at First India are privileged to have his opinion piece every Sunday on our Edit page.

Natwar Singh, an out and out Indira Gandhi loyalist and devoted admirer was also a friend to her and actually told her during Emergency that “while it was possible to explain the Emergency to our critics, it was

Natwar Singh

not so easy to convince our friends [in London, where he was posted in the Indian High Commission].”

Natwar Singh left the Indian Foreign Service after an exemplary career in early 1984 and immersed himself in the local politics of Rajasthan and Congress. He was a close confidante and guide to Rajeev Gandhi and after his assassination, the sensitive and gentle Natwar Singh took it upon himself to guide Sonia Gandhi for political life.

It was natural that he became the foreign minister in the UPA-I government, when

Warriors

Sonia led the Congress to a less-than-expected victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha poll.

Natwar Singh’s autobiography, One Life Is Not Enough, is a treat to read about the highs and lows of his political life. The book is a no-holds-barred account of his political career, providing an insider view on the various machinations of Delhi’s political circles. The book reveals many sensitive developments during Indira Gandhi’s, Rajiv Gandhi’s, Narasimha Rao’s and Manmohan Singh’s regimes. It also describes the changing contours of Natwar Singh’s

JAIPUR | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020

Wonders all the way!

Rujuta Diwekar CITY FIRST

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LO Jaipur chapter under the leadership of its new Chairperson Wandana Parnami, organised its first virtual session ‘Boost your Immunity’ by Rujuta Diwekar on Saturday, where she talked about simple practices to be followed in our daily life and stressed on the importance of Ghee and local foods. Rujuta is India’s leading nutritionist and exercises Science expert. During the session, Wandana shared that the FLO Jaipur chapter is taking an initiative to create a platform for Women Artisans of Rajasthan by creating an eCommerce

... during the online session

website to sell their artefacts. In these difficult times, this little help could do wonders

for the artisans who are not able to sell their products. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

SETTING UP NEW TRENDS! CITY FIRST

W Heminder Kumari and Natwar Singh celebrating their anniversary.

—FILE PHOTO

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ith the thought to celebrate the International Mother’s Day while dedicating the event to our corona warriors and their mothers, Lions Club Jaipur Hawamahal and Forti Youth Wing organised the third season of ‘Ek Shaam Maa Ke Naam’. The event created a unique world record set in the Golden Book of World Records, of being broadcast live on more than 30 Facebook pages and watched

Ankit Khandelwal

by more than 1 million people, during the global pandemic due to coronavirus.

Talking about the initiative and setting up the record, Forti Youth Wing Executive Chairman, Ankit Khandelwal said that his thought of not giving up to celebrate the spirit of motherhood while praising the efforts of our frontline workers, made this dream come true. He also added, “Through this technique, we can simultaneously show any event live on more than 10,000 social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

on DUTY! A CITY FIRST

midst the ongoing lockdown, JITO Chennai is doing social service in various areas of the city. While distributing ration kits to migrant labours, it was realised by the team that the Police department is putting their lives at risk just to protect us.

With the scorching temperature approaching, JITO Chennai decided to distribute buttermilk amongst the police personnel every day. The campaign was initiated by JITO Chairman, Doulat Jain, Chief Secretary, Nimish Tolia, Executive Committee, DK Jain, Ashok Jain, Anand Surana, Madanlal Gundecha, Manish Maradia, Bharat Jain, Goutam Bokadia, Naresh Shah and Zone Chairman, Ravikant Chowdhury. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Gujarat: With the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) reopening access to essential commodities, people gathered in large groups to buy vegetables from vendors at Shrinandnagar in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

Gujarat: A life-size replica of the novel coronavirus hangs outside a housing society in Shahibaug located near UN Mehta Hospital. The residents of the society made the model using thermocol and plastic to signify the ongoing health crisis in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Uttar Pradesh: The news of 24 migrant labourers killed and 36 others injured in a road accident in Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh, has put the country in distress. The mini-truck was carrying 18 migrants and the truck trolley had around 42 others when the accident happened. To mourn the deaths of these workers, the National Secretary, AICC, Vivek Bansal, lit candles along with his team members to pray for the departed souls and quick recovery of injured workers on Saturday at Dharampur Courtyard, Marris Road, Aligarh. On the occasion, he said that the migrant workers are facing a lot of hardships to reach their destination, and are also losing their lives in the process, which is very sad.

Rajasthan: During the ongoing series of ‘Hum Tum7’, organised

by Jaipur Citizen Forum, a webinar is going to be held today at 5:00 pm, featuring Hema Malini and Esha Deol Takhtani with the moderator Akanksha Arora, JK Jajoo and Shreya Rawat.

Rajasthan: On the third day of the ongoing ‘Online Learning – Children’s Summer Festival’, viewers learned about ‘Characterisation’ as a theatre element. The performing arts session on ‘Theatre’ was conducted by theatre artiste Mudit Tripathi.

Through a series of fun activities, children were encouraged to create a character and a short act based on the discussion. They also learned about the techniques of characterisation through the use of objects.