First India-Jaipur Edition-30 June 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

30°C - 41°C

ALERT JAIPUR l TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,06,091 1,03,32,175 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 7,610 DEATHS 1,69,883 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 1,141DEATHS 86,224 CASES

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 24

INDIA

16,904 5,67,233 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 2,680 DEATHS 85,161 CASES

AMID CHINESE PERFIDY, INDIA UPS VIGIL ON SEAS, TO SIT ON TABLE FOR TALKS

New Delhi: After weeks of escalated tensions between India and China following the violent clash at Galwan Valley in Ladakh earlier this month, both the countries have agreed to hold a weekly dialogue at the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meeting to resolve the dispute.

India and China will once again engage in Corps Commander level talks on Tuesday beginning 10.30 am. According to reports, the third round of military level talks will be held on the

405

DEATHS

17,660

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 672 DEATHS 22,828 CASES

UNLOCK 2 ON TILL JULY 31

3rd

vessels and submarines are making frequent formeeting between ays. India and Japan are XIV Corps Commander part of the influential Lt General Harinder “Quad” or Quadrilateral Singh and South coalition which also Xinjiang Military Region comprises the United Commander Major States and Australia. AcSURVEILLANCE ON General Liu Lin cording to sources, INDIAN OCEAN “This time the Corps  The Indian Navy has increased its Commander level surveillance missions and beefed up operational and June 22 talks will be held We are increasing deployment in the Indian Ocean region. meetings were held at in Chushul on the surveillance to Moldo on the Chinese side Indian side. The  Is also ramping up its operational cooperation with track Chinese activities while Tuesday’s meeting various friendly naval forces like the US Navy and last two meetings will be at the border point Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in view of the fast in Indian Ocean region.” were held in Moldo in Chushul evolving regional security landscape, said sources.

MILITARY EXPERT on the Chinese side,” said sources while adding that the agenda Indian side this time. its alert level in the In- been making regular nese Navy in the Indian of the meeting would be Meanwhile, after Indian dian Ocean Region forays, they held a cru- Ocean region, an area to take forward the proNavy was asked to raise where Chinese Navy has cial exercise with Japa- where Chinese naval posals made Turn on P6

June 6

Geelani ‘Govt ‘extorting’ people MODI’S DIGITAL STRIKE ON separates with fuel price hikes’ 59 CHINESE MOBILE APPs from Hurriyat Srinagar: Veteran separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday announced his dissociation from the faction of the Hurriyat Conference that he floated in 2003 by enforcing a vertical split in the amalgam.

In a four-line letter and an audio message to the media, a spokesperson for the 90-yearold leader said, “Geelani has announced complete dissociation from Hurriyat Conference forum.” Geelani said the activities of Hurriyat Conference members currently in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were being investigated by the amalgam for various allegations.

In his 2-page letter, he referred to inaction by Hurriyat members post the abrogation of the special status of J&K, and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union territories. —ANI

RAJASTHAN

GUJARAT 1,828 DEATHS 32,023 CASES

GALWAN VALLEY CONFLICT

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

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday attacked the BJP government at the Centre for raising fuel prices 22 times since the lockdown, accusing it of extorting people, and sought an immediate rollback of the hikes.

She charged the government with profiteering at the expense of the people, saying its duty

was to help them in times of crisis and not make profits out of their hardearned money. Turn on P6

New Delhi: Modi-led NDA govt on Monday banned 59 mobile apps, including China’s TikTok, SHAREiT and WeChat, terming them prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and national security.

In an official statement, the IT Ministry said it has received many complaints from various sources, includ-

Terrorists attack Pakistan Stock Exchange; 11 killed Karachi: Four heavily armed militants, believed to be from a banned Baloch terror group, on Monday made a brazen attempt to take over the Pakistan Stock Exchange building here, killing four security guards and a police officer & two civilians before being shot dead by security forces.

The militants, who arrived in a car around 10 am, opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed grenades at the main gate of the multi-

Security forces kill all 4 terrorists who attacked Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

storey building situated in the city’s high-security commercial hub as they tried to storm it.

Armed with automatic machine guns, grenades and explosives, they tried to Turn on P6

PMO INDIA @PMOINDIA Prime Minister @ narendramodi will address the nation at 4 PM tomorrow.

ing several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS

platforms for “stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users.

Full report P6

Wide yellow circles are made for people to maintain social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Mumbai.

Shut: Metro, schools, colleges; Int’l flights to remain grounded New Delhi: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines for Unlock 2 to open up more activities in areas outside the containment zones.

According to the new guidelines which will come into effect from July 1, the process of phased reopening of activities has been extended further. After extensive consultation with States and Union Territories, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31.

“Domestic flights and passenger trains have already been allowed in a limited

Maha lockdown extended till July 31

NOT ALLOWED

manner. Their operations will be further expanded in a calibrated manner. Night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from Turn on P6

CJI

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Monday extended the coronavirus-triggered lockdown till July 31 without providing any further relaxations amid mounting cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Announcing the extension, an order issued

by Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta said wearing face covers or masks, maintaining social distancing, restricted gatherings, and other measures shall continue to prevail.

Turn on P6

Swagger!

Social media was flooded with pictures of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde sitting on a Harley Davidson superbike, prompting several reactions among netizens. The 64-year-old, who was an ardent biker when he was a lawyer, was photographed checking out a guest’s motorbike at a ceremony in Raj Bhawan.

CONGRESS’S #SPEAKUPAGAINSTFUELHIKE

BJP’s governance insensitive, wrong policies leading to fuel hike’ SONIA GANDHI JI SHARES TROUBLES OF COMMON MEN, GEHLOT SAYS Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has made scathing attacks at the central government on the continuous increase in fuel prices over the past fortnight. On the day of Congress’s nation wide campaign

against fuel hike, Gehlot has come out strongly against the government calling BJP’s governance, insensitive.

Gehlot took to twitter, as part of the online campaign, and said, “The rise in fuel prices in the nation is a proof of BJP’s totally insensitive governance. NDA is

profiteering at a time when people are facing so many hardships.

Govt should stop fleecing public.

Using the trending hashtag #SpeakUpAgainstFuelHike in his tweets, the Chief Minister said, “In last one month, petrol & diesel prices have been hiked almost every day.This kind of continuous price rise is a result of wrong policies. Petrol, diesel hike would increase inflation,

#TRENDS

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

transportation costs would go up, agriculture inputs would be costlier.

Congress Party is launching a campaign to oppose continuous and un-

precedented fuel hike in the nation. Join the fight & make your voice heard.”

The senior Congress leader also said that Congress President Sonia Gandhi is standing with the people of the country. “Sonia Gandhi ji shares the troubles of common men as everybody is struggling to make ends meet due to Covid 19 pandemic & petroldiesel hike. Sonia ji reminds the Government that it is their

responsibility to support the countrymen in difficult times, instead of taking advantage of their troubles and profiteering. Inflated fuel prices are totally unjustified. INC under leadership of Sonia Gandhi ji demands that the Govt rolls back raised petrol, diesel prices in order to provide relief to people during the present time of crisis. It is time to support citizens not to increase their suffering,” Gehlot said.

NEWS JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

RU to hold final year exams from July 15 10th board exams: Schools flout rules

‘Cong’s agitation against fuel prices a failed drama’

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: During the 10th board examinations held in the state on Monday, the social distancing was not appropriately followed.

On one hand, the students were seen gathering outside the examination centre without bothering about social distancing. On the other hand, the students were allowed to enter the exam room without wearing their shoes. The scene outside the government school situated at Gandhinagar was looking like a student fair at the time of thermal screening.

Where CM Ashok

Jaipur: Deputy LOP Rajendra Rathore has called the Congress agitation against the fuel prices a failed drama.

He alleged that Congress flouted all social distancing guidelines issued by its own government.

He said Congress should check its basics before alleging any charges on the Modi government. He recalled that the VAT rates during the BJP rule in the state were 26% & 18% on petrol & diesel respectively while they were increased to 30% & 26% respectively on July 5, 2019. The VAT rate was further increased by the Congress govern-

The exams will be held in two shifts instead of three; first from 8 to 11 am and second from 2 to 5 pm First India Bureau Jaipur: Final year examination for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Rajasthan University would be held from July 15 to August 29.

The RU administration has finalized a time table for examinations and the same would be uploaded on the university website on Tuesday.

The due papers would be held from August 31 to September 09.

Simultaneous to the finalization of examination dues, the RU administration has completed all necessary preparations to conduct them.

Approximately, two lakh students would sit for these exams for which 170 examination centres have been created. The number of

—File pic

examinations centres is high this time to follow social distancing norms in the wake of the corona pandemic.

The exams will be held in two shifts instead of three earlier.

The first shift would be from 8 to 11 in the morning while the second shift will be from 2 to 5 in the afternoon.

The university administration has issued directions to follow corona guidelines. Exami-

nations centres would be sanitized between the two shifts.

Considering the corona pandemic, the RU administration has sought an affidavit from all the examination centres to ascertain that they have followed corona guidelines. Besides, every student will have to bring own mask and sanitizer. There will be 1.20 lakh UG and 50,000 PG students who will take the exams.

HUDCO posts robust financial performance in 2019-20

Land worth over `100 cr freed of encroachment

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: M Nagaraj, CMD, Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), shared the highlights of HUDCO’s robust performance in 2019-2020, wherein the company has recorded Outstanding financial results in its Golden Jubilee Year witnessing a 45% growth in Net Profit that has touched an alltime high of Rs 1708.42crore in 20192020, from Rs 1180.15 crore in 2018-2019.

HUDCO has seen a 13% growth in its net worth that has reached Rs 12343.49 crore in 2019-20, from Rs 10955.77

M Nagaraj

crore in 2018-2019. The net total income also witnessed a quantum jump of 35% to Rs 7571.64 crore in 20192020, from Rs 5591.22 crore in 2018-2019.

Further, D Guhan, Director (Finance), has shared that Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) board has

Man rapes woman after blackmail and threats First India Bureau Bikaner: A matter of raping a woman by giving death threats and blackmailing her to get her obscene picture viral on social media has come to light. In the matter, the victim has filed a complaint against the accused Pathan Khan, who is a resident of ward no 15 of Mahajan.

The victim has accused Pathan of raping her by giving death threats and then

also approved an alltime high dividend of Rs 3.10 per share subject to approval by the shareholders.

The above includes interim dividend of Rs 0.75 per share paid in March, 2020. The total dividend recommended by the Company is Rs 620.59 croreas against Rs 165.16 crore in the previous year.

Further, HUDCO’s Net NPA is 0.19%, which is among the lowest in the sector.

During the year 20192020, HUDCO’s emphasis was on sanction of projects pertaining to Housing-PMAY(U), Expressways and Water Supply projects.

Jaipur: In the Nahargarh Sanctuary of Jaipur, the bulldozers of the forest department demolished the encroachments on the forest land on Monday.

Ramnarayan Meena, who retired as RPS and has been the Bhoodan Gramdan Board president, had encroached about 250 bighas of land, worth over Rs 100 crore, hereby building structures with fivestar facilities, gardens, pools, and many other things.

The forest department was claiming this disputed land as its own for a long time.

First India Bureau

clicked her obscene images before making them viral on social media. The police have registered a case under section 376, 506, and 509 against the accused and started the investigation. The case is being investigated

by Sub Inspector Mohar Singh.

RBSE Class 10 students writing the exam in Jaipur on Monday.

centres, not only the parents, but CM Gehlot would also be worried about the situation. Where the teachers of the education department seemed negligent at the entrance, they took complete care of the removal of shoes and sandals of each student before entering the examination room.

Gehlot decided to conduct the 10th board examinations only after observing that the education department will strictly follow the rules. But the picture was entirely different as the school management was seen putting the lives of children at risk.

With the arrangements made at the board examination

Mahendra Soni

dreaded infection.

DIPR Commissioner Mahendra Soni said that the initial response to the campaign has been good and the district collectors and

E

ven after retiring on Tuesday, IAS Kiran Soni Gupta could continue to hold her position as Director-General of Jawahar Kala Kendra. Reliable sources reveal that she could be given this position on a contractual basis. Gupta, a 1985 batch IAS, was made the DG of JKK in November 2019 and is

retiring on June 30.

It has come to light that in her ‘reappointment’ her ‘Punjab connection’ is playing a huge role. While she hails from Punjab, her husband, Madhukar Gupta, himself a 1985 batch Rajasthan cadre IAS, is also a native of Punjab. The DGP of Punjab Dinkar Gupta is Madhukar Gupta’s elder brother while the Chief Secretary of Punjab - Vini Mahajan - is Dinkar Gupta’s

wife i.e. sister-in-law to Madhukar Gupta.

Everyone knows

that the Dinkar-Vini couple is extremely powerful in the Pun-

ment to 38% and 28% recently.

Rathore alleged an increase of 12% on petrol and 10% on diesel in the last one year and 7 months. He charged Congress government of doublespeak on the issue and said that the agitation would have been justified had the state government rationalized the VAT levied by it else it was a sheer drama staged for the people.

Department negligence made Dhariwal wait long for the details First India Bureau Jaipur: Nearly a month after UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal sought details of allotment of land on concessional rate, the information is still elusive to him.

Neither development authorities nor urban improvement trusts and urban bodies have compiled the information to be sent to the minister.

The minister had asked for this information on June 1. He had asked that all cases of concessional allotment so far should be sent to him.

However, when the in-

formation did not reach him, he once again had to ask for it.

These authorities have been shying away from providing information to the minister because of their sloppiness. They were supposed to ensure that the institutions that received land on concessional rates

must adhere to the conditions for it, which they did not.

They did not bother to take steps to enforce compliance with those conditions.

The state government had released allotment policy in October 2015.

According

Shanti Dhariwal

elected representatives executed their roles flawlessly until now. He informed that the campaign also features songs and plays in local dialects along with digital slogans with #MeinSatarkHoon.

Commissioner Soni said that the campaign also has slogan competitions along with mask distribution drives. He repeated his resolve to carry out the Covid awareness campaign until July 7.

jab government and is close to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh. It is reported that Captain Singh has, at the behest of this couple, spoken with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recommending Kiran Soni Gupta’s name and it is believed that Gehlot will honor the recommendation of a CM from his own party.

It should be noted

to this policy, development authorities, UITs, and municipal bodies were entrusted with collecting allotment information in a prescribed Performa and keep a record of it so that whenever the government needs it could be provided at once.

They had to constitute zone wise committees to see if institutions who got land for hospital or a school were providing free treatment to the poor or giving admission to their children as per allotment conditions.

SEC stays transfer of 24 RAS officers

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Churu: The CBI team has reached Churu to investigate the suicide case of Rajgarh SHO Vishnudutt Bishnoi. On May 23, Bishnoi committed suicide by hanging himself in the premises of the police station. A chat was also made public in which political pressure was talked about. After that, a protest took place in the leadership of BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, MP Rahul Kas-

Jaipur: A day after state government transferred 144 RAS officers, the state EC stayed transfer of 24 officers. Objecting to transfers, EC has stayed the transfer of officials since the work related to electoral list was going on for municipal bodies. In its order, DoP has also cited that out of 129 bodies where election work was on, if any officer there is transferred then the transfer stands cancelled.

Vishnudutt Bishnoi

wa, and MLA Bihari Vishnoi, demanding a CBI probe.

Later, a delegation of All India Bishnoi Sabha, headed by Kuldeep Bishnoi, met CM and the family of also demand a CBI inquiry.

Kiran Soni Gupta could continue to hold her JKK position Rajendra Chhabra

Rajendra Rathore

ALLOTMENT OF LAND AT CONCESSIONAL RATE

Corona awareness campaign SHO Bishnoi case: CBI in state extended till July 7 in Churu, to start probe Jaipur: Coronavirus infection is a WHO declared pandemic which is still raging across the world. The state government in its unique initiative started a coronavirus awareness campaign across the state from June 21 to June 30.

CM Gehlot has extended the campaign till July 7 considering the response to the initial phase and its importance in preventing the

02

that since the beginning, IAS has been appointed on the post of DG-JKK but in the previous BJP government this important position was ‘outsourced’ and a private individual - Pooja Sood - was made the DG at JKK. Sood held this position from November 2015 to February 2020. Following the same route, Kiran Soni Gupta could also be given the DG position on a contractual

basis. Kiran Soni is a renowned artist and has mastery in photography and painting. Even while serving in the IAS, she struck her name in the art world and has to her credit more than three dozen solo art shows in major cities in India and abroad. Her husband - Madhukar Gupta - is on deputation and will retire after three months in September 2020.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

FUEL PRICE HIKE

03

PRICES HIKE FOR THE 22ND TIME IN OVER 3 WEEKS, CONG CALLS IT AN ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ INCIDENT

Cong stages protests over fuel price hike To oppose price hike, Vaibhav joins dharna at Jodhpur First India Bureau

Sachin Pilot, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Mahesh Joshi interacting with media during the Congress protest.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Congress MLA Rafiq Khan rides on a bullock cart in protest against continuous fuel price hike.

for the 22nd time in just over three weeks, taking cumulative increase to Rs 11.14 per litre.

Petrol price was increased by 5 paise per litre and diesel 13 paise a litre across the country, according to a price notification of state oil marketing companies.

Pilot said, “The poor and the middle class have been severely hit by the recent hikes.

Such a situation has not been seen in any other country. All the countries are helping its people during coronavirus crisis. The Centre has hammered the people when the country is facing economic slowdown. No government has hit its people so hard before.” He said petrol and diesel prices directly affect the common people but the Cen-

Jaipur: Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Monday led a protest against the Centre over the “unprecedented” hike in petrol and diesel prices and said it has hammered the people at the time of economic hardship imposed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the protesters, Pilot said, “Due to the coronavirus crisis, demand for fuel has

fallen all over the world.

Despite having full stock of fuel, the government has burdened the common people by increasing fuel prices continuously for last 20 days.” Such a steep hike has not been effected in 70 years, he said, adding that it is “unprecedented”.

Diesel price on Monday scaled a new high after prices were hiked

Dinesh MN to investigate ‘bribe for DIG case’

6 deaths, 388 new cases on Monday; toll reaches 405

First India Bureau Bharatpur: ACB ADG Dinesh MN took over the charge of the ongoing investigation in the ‘Bribe for DIG’ case.

ADG Dinesh MN met SP Mridul Kachhawa in a closed room at the circuit house for an hour.

Earlier on reaching Bharatpur on Sunday, ADG had one to one meetings with many SHOs posted in the range. The questioning continued till late night.

Sources claim that many SHOs got ‘creamy’ postings on the recommendation of the DIG Gaur. The interrogation with accused Pramod Sharma has also revealed names of some SHOs in the wrong light. SHOs from Dholpur and Karauli too are in a tight spot.

Earlier Bari MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga had alleged clandestine mining of sand dust from the banned Chambal area with some middlemen of the DIG and SHOs hand in glove.

ADG Dinesh MN also met SP Haider Ali Zaidi for a while on his arrival.

As a part of corona awareness campaign, Jaipur cops took out a rally carrying placards with precaution printed on them, on Monday.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

First India Bureau Jaipur: State reported 6 deaths on Monday taking the toll to 405 so far.

4 deaths were from Jodhpur, 1 each from Ajmer & Kota. 388 new cases took tally to 17660.

58 cases were from Dholpur followed by 54 each from Barmer & Jodhpur, 38 from Bikaner, 32 from Bharatpur, 30 from Jaipur, 17 from Sirohi, Kota 16, Ajmer 14, 12 each from Nagaur & Udaipur, Jalore 9, Pali 8, Churu 6, with 5 each from Dungarpur & Jhunjhunu,Banswara, 4 from Rajsamand, 3 from Dausa, 2 each from Bhilwara & Sawai Mad-

JUDICIAL OFFICIALS QUARANTINED

hopur, and one each from Chittorgarh & Jaisalmer along with 5 from other states.

Cumulative district wise tally stands – Ajmer 514, Alwar 503, Banswara 99, Baran 65, Barmer 342, Bharatpur 1572, Bhilwara 252, Bikaner 327, Bundi 14, Chittorgarh 211, Churu 309, Dausa 137, Dholpur

663, Dungarpur 436, Ganganagar 53, Hanumangarh 63, Jaipur 3291, Jaisalmer 109, Jalore 291, Jhalawar 375, Jhunjhunu 361, Jodhpur 2738, Karauli 96, Kota 656, Nagaur 630, Pali 1089, Pratapgarh 16, Rajsamand 238, Sawai Madhopur 97, Sikar 512, Sirohi 477, Tonk 200 and Udaipur 697.

tre has not formulated any policy to deal with the economic slowdown and they passed on the burden to the masses.

“No government can ignore people’s voice.

Hike in petrol and diesel prices will have to be reversed,” he demanded. Pilot and other Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to the President through the district collector. —PTI

Jodhpur: Jodhpur Congress, in leadership of city Congress chief Saeed Ansari, expressed its opposition to unabated fuel price rise at the collectorate.

PCC General Secretary Vaibhav Gehlot joined the demonstration. Vaibhav charged Modi govt of being in-

human by allowing unabated fuel price rise while people were already bearing the brunt of Corona crisis. Vaibhav was joined by MLA Mahendra Vishnoi.

Many local Congress leaders joined the agitation which culminated with Vaibhav and Ansari submitting a memorandum for the President to additional col-

lector ML Nehra.

Meanwhile, Vaibhav attended a lunch organized by Ansari. Congress leaders Ayub Khan, Sunil Parihar and Anand Purohit were seen sharing the same table. Former chairman Rajendra Solanki, MLA Mahendra Bishnoi and Heeralal Meghwal too attended the event.

PCC General Secretary Vaibhav Gehlot during the symbolic dharna at Jodhpur.

Saraf gifts ‘Modi 2.0 book’ to ex-CS First India Bureau

people of society and make them aware of these achievements.

Saraf said that the book will be gifted to more eminent people in the Malviya Nagar constituency.

Saraf was accompanied by many BJP party office bearers in his campaign to meet people on one to one basis.

Jaipur: Former Minister and sitting BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf gifted a book to for mer chief secretary Arun Kumar detailing the achievements of Modi 2.0.

This was part of the special ongoing PR campaign by BJP. There have been

many schemes launched by the Modi govt during its first year in its second tenure. According to the book the people are benefitting from these schemes across the country.

Bhartiya Janta Party has started a special campaign on 28/29 June to meet eminent non political

Notices issued over online classes, fees

Give relief in electricity Jaipur cops recover drugs bills: Joshi to Kalla worth `2crore

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Justice Indrajeet Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta issued notices to state govt and Secretary School Education, as to why order should not be passed against all schools of the state for charging unauthorised fees during lockdown and online classes from nursery to class V must be stopped with immediate effect so that of the students up to Class 5th do not suffer eye diseases due to excessive exposure to mobile and computer screen.

The matter was argued

by Advocate SK Singh from Ajmer via VC.

Jaipur: Under ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ launched by Jaipur Police Commissionerate against drugs in Jaipur, police arrested interstate drug smugglers and recovered more than 1300 kg of cannabis worth Rs 2 crore.

Additional Police Commissioner Crime Ashok Kumar Gupta said that the special team of Jaipur Commissionerate got to know about the network of drugs smuggling and arrested inter-state smugglers Ramvatar Singh and Bhupendra from Bharatpur.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief whip Dr Mahesh Joshi demanded relief in the electricity bills from Energy Minister Dr BD Kalla when the two met at the demonstration against fuel price rise.

Joshi said people needed govt support during such testing times. Dr BD Kalla said

that there can’t be a permanent solution to the problem by the state govt and the central govt should frame a uniform policy. Relief beyond a point is out of the capacity of state govt.

Kalla said that if the central govt waives off certain charges then state will pass on the benefit to the people.

JUSTICE AMIDST CORONA

HC, subordinate courts in Raj start regular hearing after 100 days Nizam Kantaliya Jaipur: High Court and its subordinate courts started regular hearing after a gap of 100 days.

The courts had closed March 22 during the lockdown which was clubbed with the summer vacations of the court. The court staff and the advocates were allowed entry in the court campus after proper screening.

The court staff had to compulsorily wear uni-

form and carry I-cards where as the advocates entered showing their e-passes. There was an arrangement of hand sanitizer outside every court and only five ad-

vocates were permitted at one time in the court.

The number of chairs in the courtroom were reduced and kept at distance from each other.

The court has issued a

detailed guideline for the court staff and the lawyers which is to be strictly followed while attending the court.

The court has asked the lawyers to present cases personally till 3.30 pm as the last one hour of the court will be reserved for hearing through VC. HC administration was successful in implementation of its guidelines but the lower courts could not do so due to lack of space & facilities.

HC issues notice to former-DIG Gaur, Bhadana in Mining lease fraud case Jaipur: HC issued notices to former Bharatpur DIG Laxaman Gaur and ex MLA Atar Singh Bhadana in a case related to fraud in mining lease using fake partnership deed. Single bench of Justice Indrajit Singh issued notices on criminal petition by Mukesh Chand

Agrawal complaining of forging partnership deed thrice and no action taken despite FIR filed on September 6, 2019. The matter was even brought to notice of DGP and CM. Petition alleged pressure tactics by Gaur to take back the complaint and had requested a probe by SOG.

Bail hearing of Singhvi deferred to July 2 due to diff in mode of appearance Jaipur: The hearing in mining scam case for bail application by accused Ashok Singhvi was deferred till July 2 due to absence of ASG RD Rastogi, who had objected to reopening of regular courts and had demanded hearing through VC due to corona. Advocate Anil

Upman for Rashid Shekh too was available via VC for Monday hearing but counsel for Singhvi, Deepak Chohan appeared personally which was objected to by ASG’s junior.

Justice SP Sharma deferred the hearing asking the counsels to decide mode of appearance amongst them.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

ZORAWAR SINGH KAHLURIA

IN-DEPTH

CONGRESS MAKES FUEL PRICES A RALLYING POINT

T

he hike in fuel prices may not be hurting the supporters, better known as bhakts, of the Narendra Modi-led government as they may have either cushioned themselves against its impact or they feel obliged to defend the government against all criticism. Even some ministers of the Union cabinet who used to take to the streets at the smallest hike when the Congress was in power are in the forefront to defend the indefensible.

With no other opposition party ready to question the government, the Congress finds itself alone while taking on the Modi government, whether it is Chinese transgression or the fuel price crisis. While former president Rahul Gandhi has persistently raised the Chine issue, Sonia Gandhi, the incumbent party chief, has been raising the red flag over oil prices.

On Monday she attacked the BJP government for raising fuel prices 22 times since the lockdown was imposed in March. Calling it extortion and profiteering at the cost of the people, she demanded immediate rollback of the prices. She also urged the government to withdraw the rise of excise duty on petrol and diesel since March.

The increase in excise was effected at a time when crude oil prices were relatively low at $23.86 a barrel. An official was reported to have said, “The revenue generated from these duties shall be used for infrastructure and other developmental items of expenditure.” He had gone on to add, “Retail sale prices of petrol and diesel will, however, not change on account of increase in duties, so it will have no impact on the consumer.”

Launching a nationwide campaign “Speak Up Against Fuel Hike” Sonia said in a video message, “I, along with all Congressmen and others, together with demand from the Modi government to immediately roll back the increase in prices of petrol and diesel raised during this crisis due to the pandemic.”

Lashing at the government, Sonia said that instead of helping people in these difficult times the government was busy filling its coffers. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the campaign on social media.

The country-wide protests are planned to be launched between June 30 and July 1 at the tehsil, block and district levels. In some states, party members responded by staging protests.

The BJP now says that the party cares more for the poor than the Congress party. Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan blamed the pandemic for the sky-rocketing prices. “Demand for petrol went down by 70-80% in AprilMay months in the country which directly impacted the economy,” he said. He said that prices in India will stabilise in sync with global markets but wondered why Congress-ruled states weren’t reducing excise duty.

With Unlock 1.0 the demand has gone up.

As fuel prices soar, it is people’s turn to feel the pinch.

THE GENERAL WHO WANTED TO WIN TIBET SHUBHRANSHU SINGH The writer is a corporate professional, marketing leader, columnist and a social and political commentator. He writes on brand building, marketing, history, politics, technology and business

T None of the Indian books on Zorawar Singh mention that he led Sikh soldiers in his campaign to Ladakh and Tibet. In his book ‘Footprints in the Snow: On the Trail of Zorawar Singh’ the then Brigadier GD Bakshi, gives credit to Sikhs for the revival of military spirit in the region and acknowledges Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a ruler with a vision who modernised his army. It says, “The Dogras under Gulab Singh and Zorawar Singh were part of this Sikh military renaissance”

oday when the world is watching China’s aggressive transgressions on the Line of Actual Control with India, rarely does anyone know the historical context of how this border emerged in the first place. It was due to an intrepid military genius called Zorawar Singh Kahluria.

The treaty of Chushul signed in 1842 between ‘Sri Sarkar Khalsa Ji’ (the Lahore Darbar) and the Dalai Lama of Tibet not just marked the conclusion of the campaign, it defined and demarcated the border between India and Tibet in modern times.

This campaign into Ladakh and Tibet was led by Zorawar Singh, a Dogra Rajput general in the service of Raja-iRajgan Gulab Singh of Jammu, who was a subordinate ruler owing allegiance to the Sikh ruler at Lahore.

But the army marched under the sovereign banner of Sarkar Khalsa Ji of Punjab and its then Maharaja Sher Singh son of the legendary Sher-e-Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Indian history books barely do any justice to Zorawar Singh’s desire and persistence to acquire the Western Tibetan territory, and thus his role in defining the critical northern Indian border.

Zorawar Singh had expressed his readiness to ‘kindle the fires of victory’ and take possession of Tibet when he met the then Maharaja, Ranjit Singh, in village Jandiala Sher Khan in March 1836; a request which was politely declined by the Maharaja.

This has been documented by Sohan Lal Suri who wrote history in 5 volumes, a monumental work in Persian called Umdat ul Tawarikh keeping a record of all important events at the Lahore court.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s apprehension can be understood

Zorawar Singh is duly credited with the conquest of Ladakh, which remained, culturally, Tibetan Buddhist. He later led a successful campaign against Gilgit-Baltistan (now part of Pakistan administered Kashmir) in 1839-40

from the letters of French botanist Victor Jaquemont which gives insight into his conversations with the Maharaja. The wily monarch quizzed him on Tibet. Victor described it as a poor country with cold weather and barren land where subsistence was very difficult. This and other intelligence made Ranjit Singh mentally write off the adventure.

But ambition motivated Zorawar Singh and he remained adamant in his desire for acquisition and glory. Following the victory over Ladakh in 1836, he again sought permission of the Maharaja to attack Tibet and annex it to the Khalsa Sarkar, which was declined again citing it as being an inopportune time for the invasion. The astute Maharaja was well aware of the problems such an invasion may lead to given the difficult terrains and long lines required for logistics.

Zorawar Singh had better luck with Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s successor Sher Singh, who agreed to his long-pending proposal of wanting to invade Tibet, and the rest is well, not

very well documented history.

None of the Indian books on Zorawar Singh mention that he led Sikh soldiers in his campaign to Ladakh and Tibet. In his book ‘Footprints in the Snow: On the Trail of Zorawar Singh’ the then Brigadier GD Bakshi, gives credit to Sikhs for the revival of military spirit in the region and acknowledges Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a ruler with a vision who modernised his army. It says, “The Dogras under Gulab Singh and Zorawar Singh were part of this Sikh military renaissance”.

The Ladakh and Tibetan campaign of Zorawar Singh and the subsequent treaty eventually formed the basis of the McMohan Line, the border agreed by British India and Tibet in 1914. China disputes its legal status and on that basis has occupied the area of Aksai Chin which belongs to India. At the time of the campaign in 1841 –China had no role, militarily or otherwise.

Zorawar Singh is not seen as an aggressor by Tibetans but remembered in a more positive light because his

How inequality fuels COVID-19 deaths T

hree countries – the United States, Brazil, and Mexico – account for nearly half (46%) of the world’s reported COVID-19 deaths, yet they contain only 8.6% of the world’s population.

Some 60% of Europe’s deaths are concentrated in just three countries – Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom – which account for 38% of Europe’s population. There were many fewer deaths and lower death rates in most of Northern and Central Europe.

Several factors determine a country’s COVID-19 death rate: the quality of political leadership, the coherence of the government’s response, the availability of hospital beds, the extent of international travel, and the popu

04

lation’s age structure. Yet one deep structural characteristic seems to be shaping the role of these factors: countries’ income and wealth distribution.

The US, Brazil, and Mexico have very high income and wealth inequality. The World Bank reports the respective Gini coefficients for recent years (2016-18) at 41.4 in the US, 53.5 in Brazil, and 45.9 in Mexico. (On a 100-point scale, a value of 100 signifies absolute inequality, with one person controlling all income or wealth, and zero means a completely equal distribution per person or household).

The US has the highest Gini coefficient among the advanced economies, while Brazil and Mexico are among the world’s most unequal countries. In Europe,

Italy, Spain, and the UK – with Gini scores of 35.6, 35.3, and 34.8, respectively – are more unequal than their northern and eastern counterparts, such as Finland (27.3), Norway (28.5), Denmark (28.5), Austria (30.3), Poland (30.5), and Hungary (30.5).

The correlation of death rates per million and income inequality is far from perfect; other factors matter a lot.

France’s inequality is on par with Germany’s, but its COVID-19 death rate is significantly higher.

The death rate in rela-

tively egalitarian Sweden is significantly higher than in its neighbors, because Sweden decided to keep its social distancing policies voluntary rather than mandatory.

Relatively egalitarian Belgium was battered with very high reported

death rates, owing partly to the authorities’ decision to report probable as well as confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

Moreover, higher inequality leads to lower social cohesion, less social trust, and more political polarization, all of which negatively affect governments’ ability and readiness to adopt strong control measures.

Higher inequality means a larger proportion of lowincome workers – from cleaners, cashiers, guards, and delivery persons to sanitation, construction, and factory workers – must continue their daily lives, even at the risk of infection. More inequality also means more people living in crowded living conditions and therefore unable to shelter safely.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

campaign and the subsequent treaties between Tibetans and Lahore Darbar proves even now that Tibetans had a legitimate claim of sovereignty.

It is perhaps time to rewrite the campaigns of General Zorawar Singh by incorporating Tibetan and other non-Dogra sources. The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, an infantry regiment of the Indian army, celebrates 15th April every year as Zorawar Day to commemorate the birth and career of the legendary commander who is considered as an architect of this regiment, which now takes recruits from J&K and Himachal Pradesh.

Zorawar Singh is duly credited with the conquest of Ladakh, which remained, culturally, Tibetan Buddhist.

He later led a successful campaign against Gilgit-Baltistan (now part of Pakistan administered Kashmir) in 1839-40. However, he is mostly remembered for his daring campaign in Tibet in 1841 and enjoys an iconic status among the Hindu Dogra community of Jammu.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan #covid19lockdown cannot hinder an innovative mind! The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF), an autonomous institute of @IndiaDST, recognized the work of an #Assam tea garden owner, for having developed a tea dehydration machine & an agar wood oil extraction machine.

Anand Sharma @AnandSharmaINC A government that ruined the economy by its monumental mismanagement is now profiteering at the cost of the people who are suffering, by raising petrol & diesel prices without any justification as crude prices at historic lows in the global market. #SpeakUpAgainstFuelHike

Spiritual SPEAK

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

—Isaiah 40:29

Vol 2 Issue No. 24 RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur.

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

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

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

INDIA JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

‘Speak up against rising fuel prices’ RaGa shared a video wherein, a person could be heard saying that the government is ‘rubbing salt on the wounds of people’ by increasing prices at a time when they are either unemployed or not receiving salaries New Delhi: Keeping up with his daily criticism of the Centre, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday again took a swipe at the Modi government for the rising fuel prices and urged people to join the protest against it.

Gandhi took to Twitter to show his resentment and stated, “Come and join #SpeakUpAgainstFuelHike campaign.”

This came after the state-run oil marketing companies raised the prices of petrol and diesel on Monday, a day after there was no hike in rates that were increasing continuously for three weeks.Diesel price on Monday scaled a new high after prices were hiked for the 22nd time in just over three weeks, taking the cumulative increase to Rs 11.14 per litre. While, petrol price was increased by 5 paise per litre and diesel 13 paise a litre across the country, according to a price notification of state oil marketing companies.

Fuel prices may come down in India soon, says Pradhan Vaishali

Congress leader DK Shivakumar with Congress leader Siddaramaiah carries a bike on the shoulder in protest against fuel price hike, in Bengaluru on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

SIDDARAMAIAH RIDES BICYCLE TO PROTEST AGAINST PRICE HIKE

Bengaluru: Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah along with Congress leaders rode a bicycle from his residence to Minsk Square to protest against the hike in fuel prices. KPCC President DK Shivakumar too accompanied him.”We are carrying out our duty. At the time of UPA government's rule, when there was any hike in fuel prices, several BJP leaders had made bold statements. It is ironic that at the time of this COVID-19 pandemic, even despite the price of barrels falling, they have increased fuel prices,” said Shivakumar.

The Wayanad MP also shared a video wherein a person could be heard saying that the government is “rubbing salt on the wounds of people” by increas-

Maharashtra Cong joins the protest Pune: Congress staged a protest in Maharashtra’s Pune against the surge in petrol and diesel prices across the country.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said: “The protest is happening all over the country today.

When petrol diesel prices are hiked it impacts common man, today when the common man is in problem already

due to coronavirus the government is putting another burden on them by increasing petrol and diesel prices.” Former MLC Mohan Joshi “Today the prices in the international market are less but still govt is taking more money from Pune for fuel. The government should provide fuel at the price of international crude oil price,” he said. —ANI

ing the prices at a time when people are either unemployed or not receiving salaries.

“Amid coronavirus pandemic and tensions with China, the Centre

has left the common man to fend for themselves. It is looting the country by increasing the price of petrol and diesel from the past 21 days. The poor and middle class people are helpless,” the video narrated. The video, shared

by Rahul Gandhi, went on to urge people to raise their voice against hike, so that it lands on ‘deaf ears of the govt.’

“The Modi government has ‘unlocked’ the Corona epidemic & petroldiesel prices,” tweeted Gandhi with a graph showing a spike in Coronavirus cases and fuel prices. —Agencies

New Delhi: Amid the rising fuel prices, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday hinted that the prices of petrol and diesel in India may soon come down. “World economy as well as Indian economy is going through a challenging time. Due to COVID19 pandemic, energy industry is going through a tough time. Demand for petrol went down by 7080% in April-May months in the country which directly impacted economy,” the minister said, amid protests by the Opposition over the skyrocketing fuel prices.

“Now the demand is picking up again. No one can predict oil prices, but we've estimated that as prices in international markets stabilise, prices in India will also stabilise,” the Petroleum Minister said.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Minister of Steel, Government of India.

Views personal. RTs not endorsement.

Unlike @INCIndia’s legacy of transferring money into the accounts of middlemen, ‘National Daamad’, ‘The Family’ and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Modi ji’s DBT is about putting money in the hands of the poor, farmers, migrant workforce and women.

‘This isn’t govt which Gandhis used to control’ Rampur: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the Gandhi family is unable to understand that the current government is not that of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh which they used to remote control.

Reacting to Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi's comment stating, that PMCARES Fund has received donations from Chinese companies

which is ‘alarming for national security,’ Naqvi said, “Gandhi family is not able to understand that this is not Manmohan Singh's government which they used to remote control.

Modi government is dedicated to nation’s development & security. Congress should stop giving dictation.

Congress party is fitted in a family photo frame & will never accept ground reality.” —ANI

‘BORN TO FOREIGNER, CAN'T BE PATRIOT’

05

IN THE COURTYARD

Functioning of Delhi HC, district courts suspended till Jul 15 New Delhi: Delhi HC extended the suspension of the functioning of the HC and courts subordinate to it till July 15 in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Taking note of the prevalent situation in Delhi, the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of Delhi HC said that the regular functioning of high court as well courts subor-

dinate to it shall continue to remain suspended till July 15. All the pending matters listed before the court in this period will stand adjourned.

It said that the suspended functioning of HC of Delhi shall stand extended till July 15 on same terms as contained in order dated June 13. However, hearing in urgent matters would be held via VC. —ANI

HC junks plea seeking uniform SOP for arrests New Delhi: Delhi HC refused to entertain a PIL seeking uniform standard operating procedure for arrests claiming there are no guidelines for the same in Gazette of India.

A division bench of CJ DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan disposed of the plea filed by Abhijit Mishra but granted him liberty to approach an appropriate forum if there is a violation of legal provisions concerning arrest in any individual case. Mishra, in his plea, said that to date there are no uniform guidelines or SOPs in regard to arrest of citizen as published in the Gazette of India.

Hearing on pleas related to Jamia violence adjourned New Delhi: The Delhi HC adjourned to July 6 hearing on several petitions relating to the violence that erupted in and around the Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) University in December last year.

A division bench presided by Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan adjourned the matter as many of the parties had not received a copy of the replies.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police had earlier submitted before HC their response on several pleas, including one filed by lawyer Nabila Hasan through advocates Sneha Mukherjee and Siddharth Seem seeking action against cops over Jamia violence.

Police said that there is no need for a separate inquiry as it is already probing the matter. —ANI

‘India stands together with Bhutan MP: PAVING WAY FOR Doda is militancy free, after Hizb in dealing with various challenges’ CABINET EXPANSION terrorist killed in encounter: Cops New Delhi: Terming India and Bhutan relationship as 'truly unique', External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the two countries are fighting the coronavirus pandemic together and assured that New Delhi stands with Thimphu in dealing with challenges post the global crisis.

The minister's remark came at the signing ceremony of Concession Agreement for

600 MW Kholongchhu JV-Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. The agreement was signed between Bhutan gov-

ernment and Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited. Jaishankar called the joint project as yet another milestone in “diverse” and “multi-faceted bilateral cooperation” between the two neighbouring countries. “600 MW Kholongchhu JVHydroelectric Project is the first joint venture to be implemented in Bhutan. I congratulate both for this feat,” he said. —ANI

Anirudh Tiwari Bhopal: The way for first cabinet expansion of BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, is now cleared. After several rounds of meetings with BJP High Command in Delhi, names of 25 to 28 ministers have been finalised for the Cabinet. For the first time in MP, the post of Dy CM is being created in a BJP government. According to

DEFENCE MIN LAUNCHES NEW PORTAL FOR SECURITY CLEARANCES New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday launched a new portal for according security clearances to various organisations for projects in areas nearby defence installations and also for RSSE activities in Indian Territorial Waters and EEZs, said the Office of Defence

Minister. The newly developed Ministry of Defence portal will facilitate the applicants in submitting their proposals online for seeking MoD Security Clearance. The online system will establish an effective, speedy and transparent mechanism to process these proposals, said the officials.

sources, it has been agreed to make Scindia supporter, Tulsi Silavat & senior BJP leader and Home Minister Narottam Mishra asDy CM. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan immediately left for Delhi after returning from Tirupati, wherein, he held met with BJP President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah as well as Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

New Delhi: Masood, a so-called commander of terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed by security forces in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday. Masood was the last surviving terrorist from the Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh said.

Masood was wanted in a rape case in Doda and had joined the Hiz-

U’KHAND GOVT TO BEGIN CHARDHAM YATRA FROM JULY 1 Dehradun: Uttarakhand government will begin the Char Dham Yatra for residents of the state from July 1, Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board Chief Executive officer said. “Uttarakhand government will begin Char Dham Yatra for the residents of the state from July 1, following standard operating procedure (SOPs) issued by the government in view of COVID-19,” the board said. It said that people from containment zones and quarantine centres within the state will also not be allowed to take part in pilgrimage.

bul Mujahideen when he was on the run, the Kashmir police said. He

had shifted his area of operation to Kashmir.

“Doda district in Jammu Zone becomes totally militancy free once again as Masood was a last surviving terrorist of the Doda District,” Dilbag Singh said. “Doda district in Jammu Zone becomes totally militancy free once again as Masood was a last surviving terrorist of the Doda District,” Dilbag Singh said. —ANI

‘PUNJAB TO BE SHORT OF 30,000 CR IN REVENUE THIS FISCAL’ Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that the state is estimated to be short of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue this financial year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.“I have just sent to the Prime Minister a memorandum of the Government of India seeking fiscal and non-fis-

cal assistance from the government. We have covered all our areas. We estimate, that by the end of this financial year, we will be short of about Rs 30,000 crore in revenue,” Singh said in a press conference.He observed that trade is going down and added that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be reduced.

INDIA JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

COVID 19 UPDATE

The plasma bank at ILBS Hospital, will probably be the first such bank of the country

‘Delhi to get plasma bank soon’ ABHISHEK MANU SINGHVI IN HOME QUARANTINE

New Delhi: The Delhi government will set up a plasma bank to help Covid-19 patients in the city, announced chief minister Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference this afternoon. It is likely to be the first such bank in the country.

Use of plasma therapy involves injecting blood-component plasma extracted from a cured coronavirus patient into a positive case.

The plasma of a cured patient is considered to carry virus-fighting antibodies which boost the immune system’s response to the disease.

Plasma is the almostclear liquid left behind after red and white blood cells and platelets are removed from the blood.

The plasma bank – which will operate largely like a blood bank – will be set up in the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences

Arvindkejriwal @Arvindkejriwal “Dr Aseem Gupta, a senior doctor of LNJP Hospital succumbed to Covid yday. He was known for going out of his way to serve his patients. We have lost a very valuable fighter. Delhi salutes his spirit and sacrifice. I just spoke to his wife and offered my condolences and support.”

(ILBS) hospital in south Delhi and the services can be availed by patients admitted in both government and private hospitals, but it has to be recommended by a doctor, the chief minister said.

He further said, “The

Delhi government has decided to set up a plasma bank in ILBS Hospital. This will probably be the first plasma bank of the country.

Any Covid-cured individual would be able to donate plasma and active Covid patients admitted in both private and government hospitals would be able to avail it. But only a doctor can recommend plasma therapy and it cannot be randomly sought by any Covid patient. After recommendation, the concerned hospital has to inform ILBS for plasma.”

He said that government is working out the modalities of plasma bank & they shall be finalised in another two days.” The CM also announced an honorary amount of Rs 1cr to family of Dr Aseem Gupta, who died of Corona. —ANI

New Delhi: Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is being treated for coronavirus, tweeted on Monday that while he didn’t need plasma “by god’s grace” as he had a mild infection, he had pledged his own as it was the most effective remedy available. The Congress spokesperson tested positive for the virus last week and has been in home isolation.

PUDUCHERRY CM TESTS NEGATIVE FOR INFECTION Puducherry: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and the staff at his residence on Monday tested negative for COVID-19.However, the Chief Minister has been advised seven days home quarantine, Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said.

Narayanasamy and staff at his residence underwent examination for COVID-19 on Sunday after one of the staff had tested positive a few days ago. The chief minister and all the 52 staff tested negative. —ANI

A man holding an umbrella is silhoutted during light rainfall in Jalandhar. —PHOTO BY PTI

Ashwini K Singh is new BSF south Bengal IG Kolkata: Ashwini Kumar Singh took over as the new IG of BSF’s south Bengal frontier that mans over 940 kilometres of the IndiaBangladesh international border, a senior officer

said.Singh is a 1984-batch officer of BSF cadre.

Singh, who took over from incumbent Y B Khurania, also undertook a tour of the border areas in Malda district and reviewed the secu-

rity preparedness.The IG asked troops to ensure “zero” trans-border crimes. He also asked his personnel to use technology tools to prevent cross-border crimes, an official said.

joined the campaign on social media, and urged people to join them in pressing the government to reduce fuel prices.

“I, along with all Congressmen and others together, demand from the Modi government to immediately roll back the increase in prices of petrol and diesel raised during this crisis due to the corona pandemic,” Sonia Gandhi said in a video message.”I also urge them to roll back the rise in excise duty on petrol and diesel since March this year and give this benefit to the countrymen. This will be a big relief in

this period of economic crisis,” she said. —PTI

KAUN BANEGA CAG?

It will not be a surprise, if former Finance Secretary, Hasmukh Adhia is appointed as new CAG. He is a 1981 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

There is a shortage of two Members in the CBDT. After the retirement of Akhilesh Ranjan in November last, second vacancy has been caused because of the superannuation of PK Dash.

Now third vacancy is expected in July. And the Chairman will also retire in August. Why so much delay in appointments in the CBIC and the CBDT?

India’s recovery rate reaches 58.67 pc: Govt New Delhi: India’s coronavirus recovery rate has reached 58.67 per cent as the gap between recoveries and active cases stands at 1,11,602, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

A total of 12,010 COVID-19 patients have been cured in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry on Monday, the total coronavirus cases in the country stands at 5,48,318 including 2,10,120 active cases, 3,21,723 cured/ discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths.

“The gap between recoveries and active cases is 1,11,602 as of today.

So far, as many as 3,21,722 patients have been cured of COVID-19. The recovery rate continues to steadily improve. It has reached 58.67% amongst COVID-19 patients today.

50L PPE SUITS’ MONTHLY EXPORT

ORDERS OF DR RAJ KIRAN RAI AS UBI MD & CEO ISSUED

Orders regarding the tenure extention of Dr Raj Kiran Rai, MD & CEO of Union Bank of India, were issued on Monday, the sources said.

NOTIFICATION OF PP SENGUPTA FOR MD & CEO OF INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK TO BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY?

Notification for appointment of P P Sengupta as MD & CEO of Indian Overseas Bank is expected today. He is supposed to take over on July 1.

K RAJESWARA RAO IS NOW ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, NITI AAYOG

K Rajeswara Rao, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog. He is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre.

VINI MAHAJAN SUPERSEDES FOUR OFFICERS TO BECOME PUNJAB CS

During the last 24 hours, a total of 12,010 COVID-19 patients have been cured. Presently, there are 2,10,120 active cases and all are under active medical supervision,” said a release by MoHFW. —ANI

Govt bans 59 China-linked phone applications New Delhi: In a huge move, the Central Government on Monday decided to ban 59 mobile applications linked to China on grounds of national security.

A formal order, asking phone companies to block the applications, was issued after weeks of discussions that started much before the Ladakh border standoff with China.

The government said the apps were blocked “in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.”

The statement from the Ministry of Elec-

POWER Gallery NOW TWO VACANCIES IN CBDT

Digital strike on China!

RAIN RELIEF...

06

APPS THAT HAVE BEEN BANNED

Vini Mahajan, a1987 batch Punjab cadre IAS officer, appointed Chief Secretary of Punjab, has superseded four IAS officers including KBS Sidhu of the 1984-batch, senior-most officer in Punjab due to retire in July 2021. Three other officers, all of 1985-batch, are Satish Chandra currently Home Secretary who retires in September 2020, Kalpana Mittal Baruah, who retires in November 2020 and Arun Goel, who retires in December 2022.

PESB YET TO HOLD INTERVIEWS FOR CHAIRMAN, SAIL

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is yet to hold interviews for the post of Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), falling vacant next year on January 1, 2021. The names of five internal candidates including two Directors and three Executive Directors are doing the rounds for the post, informed the sources.

PP SHARMA APPOINTED SC’S VACATION OFFICER FOR AUG 2020

Prem Prakash Sharma, Deputy Registrar in the Supreme Court has been appointed as Vacation Officer in the Supreme Court for month of August 2020.

SASHI SHANKAR RELIEVED TO JOIN CENTRAL DEPUTATION

Sashi Shankar, DCF, Chittorgarh, has been relieved to join central deputation as Assistant Inspector General of Forests (Central), Regional Office, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dehradun. He is a 2009 batch IFS officer of Rajasthan cadre.

GOPAL MEENA IS ALSO ADDITIONAL CEO IN BIHAR

Gopal Meena has been assigned an additional charge of Additional Chief Electoral Officer (ACEO) in Bihar. He is a 2007 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre.

SAJEEV KRISHNAN QUITS AS PARTTIME CHAIRMAN OF DHANLAXMI BANK tronics and Information and Technology said it had received an “exhaustive recommendation” from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination

Centre & MHA. The ministry said it received representations from people on “security of data & risk to privacy” regarding few apps.

Shut: Metro,...

10 pm to 5 am. Further, relaxations in night curfew have been given for the seamless operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on National and State Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and movement of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and airplanes,” MHA said.

Dates for the opening of activities will be decided separately, based on the assessment of situation, MHA said.

Lockdown shall con-

tinue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till July 31.

Containment zones are required to be carefully demarcated by the State/UT Governments with a view to containing the COVID-19 spread, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW).

The new guidelines, issued on Monday, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.

Sajeev Krishnan, Part-time Chairman and Independent Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank, has resigned from the Board of the Bank w.e.f June 29, 2020 due to personal reasons, informed a few reliable sources from the Bank.

FROM PG 1 ‘Govt ‘extorting’...

Participating in the Congress’ “Speak Up Against Fuel Hike” campaign across the country, she said on the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc and on the other, the rise in petrol and diesel prices was making life very difficult for the people.

The Congress launched the countrywide campaign on Monday to press the central government to roll back fuel prices as they were hurting the common people.Party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also

Amid Chinese... by both the countries for disengagement.

It is also being said that all contentious areas during the ongoing standoff will be discussed in tomorrow’s meeting to stabilise the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The last two meetings at the Corp Commander level were held on June 6 and June 22. At the first meeting between the commanders of both nations, it was mutually decided to disengage

at multiple locations in Ladakh region and India had also asked Chinese to return to their pre-May 4 military positions along the LAC. Also, Major General-level dialogue took place for three consecutive days after the violent clash at Patrolling Point 14 in Galwan Valley on June 15 left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Maha lockdown...

No new loosening of curbs have been announced and relaxations granted earlier under “Mission Begin Again” will continue for citizens. —PTI

“Shops depending upon their area can have more than five persons at a time. However, they have to maintain adequate physical distance. Training institutions of the Central and State Governments will be allowed to function with effect from July 15, 2020. SOP in this regard will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India,” MHA said. —ANI

Terrorists attack... enter into the compound leading to PSX building through a parking lot but security

forces foiled their attack within the compound itself, Deputy Superintendent of Police (South) Jamil Ahmed said. Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) linked Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is banned in Pakistan, the UK and the US. The BLA has carried out several terrorist attacks in the past, including a suicide attack in August 2018 that targeted Chinese engineers in Balochistan, a November 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. —PTI

TALKING POINT JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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

07

FOR PEOPLE LUCKY ENOUGH TO KEEP THEIR JOBS, AND FOR THOSE OF US IN PROFESSIONS WHERE IT’S POSSIBLE, WORKING FROM HOME HAS BECOME THE NEW NORMAL

O

ne of the most profound ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives has been in the way we work. For people lucky enough to keep their jobs, and for those of us in professions where it’s possible, working from home has become the new normal.

Australia’s success in “flattening the curve” means restrictions are now being lifted. With this, many employers are bringing their staff back into the office, or at least contemplating doing so.

But as the current outbreaks in Victoria show, it’s dangerous to think we’re now safe from the threat of COVID-19.

So, what do we need to consider as we take those first tentative steps back into the office.

HEADING BACK TO THE

FIRST, HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD? hile there’s a lot we W still don’t know about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, we do know it spreads most effectively from person to person in droplet form. Infected people emit these droplets when they sneeze, cough, and even speak.

Those droplets can be transmitted directly through the air — say when an infec-

tious person coughs in the direction of someone else close by — or they can settle on surfaces, where they can remain viable for hours.

The virus enters the body of a non-infected person through contact with mucous membranes in the nose, mouth or eyes and attaches to cells in the upper respiratory tract to establish infection.

OFFICE WORKERS n many workplaces, emIspace, ployees share a small office work in an open-plan office, or use “hot desks” that are shared between several different employees on different shifts.

Workers in these situations are often required to work for long periods in environments that make it hard to maintain the recom-

mended 4m² distancing rule.

This combination — several hours spent in close contact — increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is illustrated by an outbreak in an open-plan call centre in Seoul, where more than 43% of workers contracted COVID-19 during February and March.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

each employee in a Fableirst, shared office should be to have at least 4m²

CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS

to themselves. If this isn’t possible, it would be a good idea to stagger staff or allow them to continue working from home for now.

Second, think about airflow. Small offices often have insufficient airflow to dilute the virus, and, if an infectious person is present, could end up with high concentrations of viral particles over the course of an hour or so.

Conversely, higher rates of airflow combined with poor ventilation can also lead to infection, as droplets can be carried further.

So where possible, increase ventilation and air exchange in open-plan workspaces. Increasing the ratio of fresh air intake to recirculated air can reduce the concentration of virus particles in air conditioned spaces. Even simply opening windows can reduce viral spread.

Third, cleaning protocols need to be increased.

Where once a twice weekly visit from a contracted cleaner to vacuum the floors, empty the bins and quickly wipe over surfaces was considered sufficient, during COVID-19 you need irst, you should clean Fboards, equipment like keyphones and mice

regularly, and definitely between each user if desks are shared. Simply wipe your desk and equipment with a domestic spray cleaner.

Second, the best protection against the virus is personal hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water offers excellent protection against SARSCoV-2. When you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser instead.

You should wash or sanitise your hands regularly throughout the day, especially any time

CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES

to ensure a thorough daily clean of all surfaces.

Frequently touched surfaces, such as desks, light switches, door handles, phones, staircase railings, touch screens, keypads, taps and toilets should be given special attention and may require more frequent cleaning.

Fourth, if a worker becomes sick with respiratory symptoms, isolate them from other staff and arrange for them to go home.

Advise them to get tested for COVID-19 and not return to work until they have a negative result.

Similarly, reinforce the message, “if you’re sick, get tested and don’t come to work”. Now more than ever, the culture of “soldiering on” while unwell puts others at risk. Finally, you might also consider asking employees to wear face masks at work. Face masks are unlikely to protect the person wearing them but can limit the disease being spread by coughs and sneezes.

Cramped shared offices and free-for-all hot-desking are both known for their negative impacts on quality of workplace life. The results are often interpersonal conflict, reduced productivity and higher rates of sickness. you touch anything you suspect someone else has recently been in contact with.

Third, maintain a distance of 1.5m from other people to protect yourself from airborne droplets.

Fourth, practise good respiratory hygiene by coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. This prevents viral particles spreading over surfaces and toward people around you.

Lastly, if you have any symptoms, don’t go to work. Get tested as soon as possible and stay at home until you receive the results.

Perseverance is hard work. It is hard work continued, once you finished working hard on something which is still not complete. It is also the key to success!.

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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

2ND FRONT JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

08

PATEL’s CLARION CALL: Fight ‘looters & selfish’ govt

PANDEmonium on BJP govt’s fuel hike

Dr. Anita New Delhi: Congress’ senior Rajya Sabha MP and AICC Treasurer Ahmed Patel on Monday gave out a clarion call to the people to fight the “back-breaking” hike in petrol and diesel prices imposed by an “insensitive and selfish” government till it is rolled back.

“It is a high time that we see through the game of this BJP Government to misguide and mislead us and fight for this just demand. It is not about the Congress or any other party, it is the serious issue that needs to be understood,” Patel twitted in a video message, as part of the “Speak Up Against Fuel Hike” campaign across the country by the Congress. The Congress

Ahmed Patel

launched the countrywide campaign on Monday to press the central government to roll back fuel prices as they were hurting the common people.

“First in the name of notebandhi, then GST and now when corona has hit the common man so hard, the

—File photo

government has hiked the prices when it is very much possible to bring them down, given the low crude oil prices,” the Congress leader asserted.

Patel went on, “In such tough times, this government is forcing out money from the pockets of the poor; what should I call this,

AHMED PATEL @ahmedpatel We welcome the decision to ban Chinese apps. In light of the grave intrusion of our territory & the unprovoked attack on our armed forces by the Chinese army, we expect our government to take more substantial & effective measures. nothing but a white loot’’! This is such an insensitive government, which thinks people would anyway vote for them. And whenever the elections come -- in this case, they know it is four years away -they will use the same loot money to woo the people.”

Aditi Nagar New Delhi: With the Congress party initiating a massive online campaign against fuel price hike by the union government, AICC General Secretary and Rajasthan Incharge Avinash Pande also rapped the government claiming that the government has broken the backbone of every section of the society. The senior Congress leader took to micro blogging site twitter to vent out on the government and said, “By sharply increasing fuel prices, the government has broken the backbone of every section of the society. I would urge PM @narendramodi to stop hurting people of the country with

Avinash Pande

faulty economic management.”

With the hashtag #SpeakUpAgainstFuelHike trending on twitter, Pande, in a series of tweets against price hike, said, “With price hike of petroleum products, which will result in inflation, the Central government seems adamant to devastate the economic structure of

The curious case New flavour of RHB: Applications of Mahesh Joshi! invited for Jaipur Chaupati First India Bureau

Jaipur: It has been a fortnight since the political tussle started in the Rajya Sabha election.

With strong rumours that Congress MLAs could defect or be poached by BJP and that they are being lured by an offering of twenty five crores, the Gehlot camp swung into action and tried to keep the ‘ambitions’ in check.

For the purpose, the state government deployed its ‘watch-dog’ agencies and thus complaints were registered with the ACB and SOG by the Chief Whip. ACB went a step ahead and registered a Source Information Report (SIR) and handed investigation to an ASP while SOG handed the investigation to

Shivendra Parmar

Mahesh Joshi

a SP rank officer. In fact, Joshi himself had said that attempts were being made to lure Congress and supporting legislators. 15 days since, ACB and SOG await Chief Whip for his statements so as to start their proceedings. Interestingly, those who think they were involved in the entire scenario, believe that they are precariously hanging to a ‘thread’ and if they try to play yet another game, their game could get over!

TETE

TETE

-A-

Yogesh Sharma

N

ow that the Rajya Sabha election has come to pass and Congress managed, by pulling in various reins, to keep its house in order, there is yet another bigger ‘game’ afoot. In murmurs of RS election, that there were two factions in the Congress i.e. Gehlot camp and Pilot camp, that appear to be still at loggerheads and with the previous camp scoring one goal on the latter during the RS election gaffe, by presenting the Pilot camp MLAs as leaving the party’s side or being poached

by BJP, political observers claim that the next big move is the ‘overhaul’ at PCC. It is said that if you want to know the future, you should read the present in detail. And for the Congress party, it appears that the

Jaipur: Riding on the success of past projects, the Rajasthan Housing Board has now invited applications for operation and management of shops to be constructed at Chaupati in Pratap Nagar, Mansarover and Nayla. Applications have been invited from people accomplished in the traditional culinary arts.

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora informed that applications have been invited for 28 shops at Pratap Nagar Chaupati, 22 at Mansarover and 16 at Nayla where interested parties can apply till July 31, 2020. The chaupatis are being developed for locals and tourists alike wherein

traditional Indian snacks and beverages will be served through food outlets.

“For the first time, the RHB will develop ‘Pratap Street Avenue’ in one kilo meter area at Pratap Nagar Chaupati wherein decorative plants, jogging tracks, benches, colourful lights and other beautification steps would be taken. The avenue will be developed on the lines of food

streets in foreign countries which will give a feel of being in foreign country and almost Rs 4 crore will be spent in the development of the avenue,” Arora said.

Moreover, the landscaping and green cover will also be focussed on by the RHB. “The chaupatis will be made attractive through landscaping and flowering plants, herbs and shrubs will be planted here. Music system will also be installed

which will play classical Indian and European instruments and at special occasions, Rajasthan singers and artists could also play live. For the youth, selfie point will be created and live shows will be organized,” the Commissioner said.

Notably, sanitization centres will also be erected around the chaupati. Moreover, hand wash machines that could be operated with foot pedals will also be installed.

“The rent for these shops have been kept between Rs 20-30 thousand and with a proposed five percent annual increase in rent. An applicant should be a master of the culinary art and should hold required licenses from the competitive department,” Arora said.

the country. People are fed-up of Central government’s anti-people policies and we want the government to know this. For the first time in history, it has happened that diesel prices have overtaken petrol prices, the recent spike being for 21 consecutive days.

Why should the middle class and poor people pay for the “gifts crony

capitalists get”?”

Hinting that the government was not facing steep price rise in crude oil prices he said, “There is no rise in crude oil prices. So, why give a free hand to oil companies to raise prices like this. People are already affected by unemployment, salary cut, etc and now this fuel surcharge adds to their pitiable plight.

Rahul Gandhi ji kickstarts the #SpeakUp A g a i n s t F u e l H i ke campaign. Congress volunteers and leaders across the country are requested to participate in the campaign by raising voice against fuel price hike and let our concerns for welfare of public be heard and addressed.”

Joshi reviews power projects in Nathdwara

Dr CP Joshi with Ajitabh Sharma, VS Bhati and other officials during the meeting on Monday.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Speaker of the state assembly, Dr CP Joshi has done a lot for the development of his constituency Nathdwara, which also happens to be his birth place. His efforts have given Nathdwara a national highway and ring road.

It is his vision for development of Nathdwara that Dr Joshi is now trying to underground all electricity cables in the town. It would spare people from the danger of

overhanging wires and will add to the beauty.

A meeting in this regard was held on Dr Joshi’s residence on Monday. Feasibility of underground cabling for the entire city including Chaupati was discussed.

The complete project is estimated to cost Rs 54 crore. Chairman and Managing Director of DISCOM Ajitabh Sharma, MD of Ajmer DISCOM VS Bhati and senior officers of PWD and Energy departments were present.

Pilot to ‘fly away’, Khachariyawas as PCC’s ‘Pratap’? present i.e. Monday, gave a his heart still calls for esting that the PCC Chief glimpse of the possible fu- giving speeches. I think thinks that a sitting ministure of the grand old party. he wants to work in the ter would want to go back Monday was reserved for organisation,” Pilot had into the organisation.

Well, sample this: the enCongress’s agitation rally said.

This simple sentence has tire Congress knows that against hike in fuel prices and for the purpose, a grand in itself the entire permuta- Pilot camp, knowingly or assembly was organised by tions and combinations of unknowingly or under a the PCC. Although all sorts the polity in Rajasthan. But conspiracy hatched by of political remarks were why would Pilot give such a some people, have lost its made on the central govern- statement? Considering momentum of being upment but there was some- that Pilot has never made front or at par with the Gething very significant, that such comments on anyone hlot camp after the Rajya the current PCC Chief in the political arena in Ra- Sabha poll issue. Word is Sachin Pilot came to men- jasthan, it is indeed inter- that the feedback given to the high command about tion. While most Congress workers considered his comments to be made as a jibe on his colleague - Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. However, what Pilot said, throws significant light on probability of things to come.

“For five years, Pratap Singh lead several agitations and demonstrations. Now that he has become a minister, I think CM Ashok Gehlot, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Sachin Pilot

Pilot also does not paint a pretty picture and with Pilot already serving a record six years as PCC Chief, all hints point that he will be replaced very soon.

And this is where things get interesting. Going out of the PCC means Pilot’s ‘power’ and current influence would be exponentially reduced. And the chances of Pilot receiving yet another term at PCC are almost negligible. The latest grapevine on this subject is that Pilot camp has pleaded with the Congress high command to retain Pilot on his present PCC assignment till at least coming September, by the time all the political

appointments and cabinet reshuffle is done as well as the Panchayat elections are done, but according to sources, the chances of this ‘possibility’ is very slim.

This is where Khachariyawas comes in. The transport minister, who is known to be close to Pilot, has over the course of last one and half years forged a good alliance in Gehlot camp as well via another Gehlot loyalist and a Rajput leader Dharmendra Rathore. With the likes of Dr Raghu Sharma and Dr Mahesh Joshi, both of whom are known to be Gehlot’s trusted lieutenants, also keeping Khachariyawas in their ‘arsenal’, when the political need arose in the recent past, the transport minister sits well in both camps.

Barring ACB’s transport department corruption exposure, wherein the minister ran from pillar to post

to seek audience from CM and apprise him of his version, it is said that Gehlot also is not too miffed with him. But how will, if at all, Khachariyawas take the steps to the coveted position?

For that, he would need an ‘NOC’ from both Gehlot and Pilot camps but final call will be taken by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, in consultation with Ahmed Patel, Ashok Gehlot and Avinash Pande. There is a word in Congress circles that Rahul would be making a comeback soon to the position of party president.

Pilot would like this equation since within the party circles, Pilot is known to be close to the Gandhi scion and could thus use this position to get his nominee into the PCC. A nominee that would, it is believed as of now, not be objected by the Gehlot camp and both camps would thus maintain their status-quo.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia JAIPUR, TUESDAY JUNE 30, 2020

SPLIT THE STYLE

Slits have taken over the world of fashion by storm in more ways than one!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

A

t one time, thigh-high slits were a rage but those days are bygone, high and higher slits are all the rage with the celebrities but also make heads turn like never before!

From the thighhigh slits, we have moved to the waisthigh slits or a slit all the way! This fashion is now increasingly common among the town celebrities too across.

Before you decide to carry the slit, City First brings you a few tips so that you make heads turn for the right reasons and not for a fashion blooper!

Follow these tips and you will have people wondering what sartorial sorcery have you been up to carry the slit with such aplomb!

The first and foremost is to make sure the dress fits like a glove, there should be no extra spaces for the dress to move or lift up. Or if you don’t have the fig-

ure to carry the slit in a long flowing skirt which looks lovely too, use strapless undies to ensure there is no nudity in case the dress moves. Also, remember high slits are only for the night parties, a modest slit is a norm for the day, purely to ease movement. The day time slit skirts look good with high boots and neon sneakers too.

You don’t actually have to go with a thigh-high slit. You can take a midcalf or just a small slit.

Just the idea of having a front or side slit will add to your look and you can decide the length as per your choice and comfort.

Keep the focus on the legs subtly and please ensure that the legs being shown-off are worth it, waxed, moisturised and toned or you can wear light skin colour stockings too if you want. And make sure you wear the highest heels you can comfortably walk in for the evening party look. Monochrome with the slit with a few accessories as possible, is the look to kill for. Splits work best when everything else is covered. So, if you are showing off your legs, give the cleavage a rest.

Last and the most important is comfort, don’t show off the skin you are not comfortable with. The style will seriously take a back seat if you are not confident and comfortable.

09

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

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

10

GO DIGITAL! View of ‘Pathfynder’

S

atisfying their creative appetite and delivering pathbreaking campaigns since 2010, Pathfynder has been handling 360 degrees branding for various industry segments and brands across Pan India. It has been the proud pioneer of social media in Rajasthan since it was started by the visionary, Gaurav Hajela. Apart from being the lead photographer with unmatched energy levels, Gaurav heads the marketing and video production wing along with his wife Anisha who heads the content department and manages the day to day operations. The duo has created some unique campaigns for their clients in the past. Various brands have increased their awareness and created a good relationship with their audience because of their campaigns.  How do you manage to deliver excellence in these challenging times?

After the world has been hit by this pandemic called COVID, like everyone, we too were confined to our houses. This was very challenging as team Pathfynder was left with no set working hours and all the team members were working 24*7 for the customers during the lockdown. Be it a big or small brand, at this time everyone wanted to grab the attention on digital media as the time spent by masses on digital media increased manifolds. Despite the challenges of work from home, our team was working each day without complaining to achieve excellence day-in-and day-out. In fact, we successfully launched and carried out some dynamic campaigns for our new and existing customers during the lockdown. I believe that the determination to win is the better part of winning, and our team strives for this in any circumstances.

As a digital agency, how are you handling this process?

Post lockdown, we are getting many inquiries because people have realized that now they can not ignore the digital platform.

With so many businesses/ emerging struggling for visibility, any brand can easily lose focus. And let us not forget that even now we are in partial lockdown. Hence people are still confined to their houses.

We are helping our clients to focus on what they are best at like planning for the present and future of their business. And we will take care of their digital presence to reach out to a wider audience especially in today’s time.  How do you define these testing times in terms of branding?

Consumers/clients expect more mindfulness in these testing times by addressing the larger issues than being just opportunistic and marketing their products. This is not an ideal time for direct product marketing. Compassion and concern towards society and humanity is the need of the hour.

FA CE OF TH ED AY

 Digital transformation for brands has become almost mandatory in a very short time.

Anisha and Gaurav Hajela

We are driving our strategies to communicate around the purpose and values of a brand instead of resorting to product push strategies. The empathetic communication to connect with consumers will now define the success of brands while reinstating positivity.  How has COVID affected your Business?

As said, with all the negativity and issues that COVID has presented for businesses, I think it’d be naive of us to not see this as an amazing opportunity to challenge our business model and use it to generate newer, smarter, more robust business strategies. As an entrepreneur, you have to see this as just another business challenge and face it proactively rather than simply placing yourself in ‘defensive mode’. After the COVID-19 crisis, it is expected that the need for digital promotions will increase. Companies will invest in digital more than ever. We are geared up to get involved in new campaigns to help companies in their digital branding as well as transformation.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

 What makes you take this decision to shift to a brand new workspace when the world is learning to work from home.

A creative person can’t work from home. We need a lot to feed our creativity. “This new space situated in the centre of Jaipur is an exciting, creative and progressive hub with an amalgamation of culture and character, says Gaurav. When everything around us was so negative and depressing, I wanted to design a space with only positive vibes in every corner. A visit to this premise is not just a visit to an office but it is a visit to free-flowing positivity. And of course, a good cup of coffee is also one of the excuses.”

Sushmita Sen wearing Jaipur Jewellery by Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jeweller during IIJW Mumbai

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Helming an organisation is not a child’s play and you are doing a commendable job. You may get reminded to get it touch with someone from the past and a long lost relationship may revive. You will find yourself free of any pain that you had for some time. You may deal in profit.

Solemn music makes you think deeper. You like to spend some good quality time with your loved ones everyday. You want to become rich and powerful and you will surely succeed in your endeavours. You take care of people around you and stand by their side.

A whimsical sense of humour is your trademark.

You will get some outstanding investment opportunities today that will make you financially stronger even for the future. You may have to lead your team to do extra work so make sure to be very convincing.

Laden with responsibilities and still you smile. Some people deliberately like to friendship you for your money and status, keep miles away from such people. On professional front, the atmosphere is office is highly competitive so make sure you are seen and heard.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Exquisite site will catch your attention for building a new house. You will get full family support in new business ventures you share a very special bond with your father and he is both your best friend and your mentor. You may take help from a health care expert.

Venting your anger on someone close should be avoided. Your parents will help you in times of financial crisis be rest assured but first you must try on your own to get out of it, remember there is always a way. Your good karma will reciprocate with interest.

Put a Pep in your step while working towards your goal. Goddess of money has blessed you with money comfort and security.

Luck is favouring you in every way today. There is a happy atmosphere at home today and you will simply relax and breathe fresh air.

Hustle bustle should be avoided when it comes to building a firm. You are very kind to other and without giving a second thought you go out of the way to help others and sometimes even at the cost of your own well being so please take care of that. Try and eat healthy food today.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Philanthropic work is a good way to channelise your energy in doing something worthwhile. Money is no big deal for you as you always earn back the money you loose such is your luck.

Don’t let your piled up work become insurmountable, you must stop procrastinating.

Quirky sense of humour put you off. You will make big profits from clinching a lucrative deal. You will surely get shortlisted and you will get the appointment letter from your dream firm. Today you may be in the mood to reminisce therefore you may sit back at home and smile.

Hoarding essentials may be on your priority list.

Investments are returns are all under your control and you have worked very hard to be at the current position in life. Things are moving smoothly as far as your career is concerned. Pursue what you truly want to and don’t compromise with it.

Stand by the side of people who are left destitute because of this pandemic.

You may go for some speculative business or job. You share a keen interest in stock market.

Your work contribution on professional front will give your image some must needed boost.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

DIVYA CHOUDHARY, Model

About the new office space: Visualizing the growing need for digitalization and to strike a chord with this new demanding situation, Pathfynder took a step further and has redefined its creative space as they moved-in to a brandnew office. Boasts of stunning views, quirky interiors with an element of yellow and grey, the new office set up is not only inviting but stirs the team to deliver the best. The stateof-the-art décor has deeply looked into every aspect of space planning and presentation. With dedicated sections for Content writing, graphic designing, photoshoots and video editing, each individual has a lot to perform and perform to their full potential.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

ESCAPE

TRIBUTE TO THE

DEAR FRIEND

GATEWAY

B

humi Pednekar on Monday pledged to feed over 550 impoverished families as a mark of tribute to late Bollywood actor and her ‘Sonchiriya’ costar Sushant Singh Rajput.

Pednekar made the announcement through an Instagram post where she shared a pic- Bhumi Pednekar ture of the departed actor and penned down a note along with it. “I pledge to feed 550 impoverished families through the Ek Saath Foundation in the memory of my dear friend. Let us show compassion and ...her post love towards everyone that is in need, now more than ever,” Pednekar wrote. The two actors shared screen space in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial. Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai’s residence this month. The detailed post-mortem report has also confirmed that he died by “asphyxia due to hanging.” —ANI

H

ailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber recently escaped for a quarantine getaway to Utah.

The quintessential couple headed on a road trip from California to Utah and won the internet with their PDA. Justin and Hailey shared a romantic moment while on their road trip and left their fans gushing as they gave a glimpse of the same on social media.

...her post

Hailey Baldwin took to her Instagram handle a day ago and gave fans a sneak-peek into their Utah road trip.

“Went on a road trip pt. 1”, Hailey Baldwin captioned her post as she shared a few snaps from her vacay with her hubby. One of the pictures shows Hailey chilling in the pool and soaking the sun in a yellow bikini. Another picture shows Hailey and Justin Bieber giving each other a romantic peck on the lips. Hailey also shared a picture of a pair of blue slip ons with a smiley face on it. Her brown hat gives a glimpse of her holiday mood.

—Agency

Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin

‘LOVED EVERY BIT’ S

Mis-recognised

R

eese Witherspoon had a hilarious encounter with a Carrie Underwood fan!

On Sunday, Reese Witherspoon took to Twitter to share an incident where a fan came up to her and confused her for country singer Carrie Underwood. “To the woman in the parking lot who just asked me if I was Carrie Underwood,” the Wild actress wrote on the social media platform. “You officially made my day,” Witherspoon sweetly wrote in response to the misrecognition. The ‘Two Black Cadillacs’ singer caught a wind of Witherspoon’s tweet and replied to her fellow doppelgänger, writing, “YOUR day?!?!?!?! That lady just made my whole life!” On top of that, the woman who allegedly mistook Witherspoon for Underwood took to Twitter to share her run-in with the Legally Blonde actress on TikTok. Saying: “Okay, so craziest things just happened. I’m with my husband eating at —Agency

Reese Witherspoon

hilpa Shetty Kundra on Sunday penned an appreciation note for Sushmita Sen’s comeback with web series ‘Aarya,’ and said that she’s so happy to see her ‘back with a bang.’

The ‘Life In a Metro’ star put out a throwback picture with the former Miss Universe and heaped praises on her and the web series. Beginning the appreciation post with a rainbow, Shilpa shared, this Lockdown has taught me a few things, the first being how important it is to

appreciate if you do then acknowledge and also Praise... I feel we are so miserly with praise ..” and added that she’d binge-watched the web series ‘Aarya’ on Sunday.

Appreciating the splendid performance by Sen in the series, the ‘Apne’ star added, “So (Sunday) binge-watched #Aarya , and I have to say I’m soooo sooo happy to see you back ( with a bang) WWWHHHAATTT a splendid job, such a nuanced performance.”

—ANI

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

K

D

Khloe Kardashian; (inset) her post

...her post

LIGHT, CAMERA, ANNOUNCEMENT

Extravagant celebration

hloe Kardashian turned 36-years-old on June 27, and her sister Kylie Jenner was sure to give her a bash just as extravagant as the birthday celebrations she gave her daughter, Stormi. If you’ve been following the Kardashians then you know how extravagant their parties can get, and this one for Khloe’s birthday was no exception. From inflatable slides and giant cakes to throw pillows, this celebration had everything.

S p r e a d across Kylie Jenner’s sprawling mansion, Koko’s birthday celebrations were extravagant beyond imagination.

Getting into detail, there was even an inflatable slide with Khloé’s face at the top, an array of balloons, including some that spelled out Khloé’s nickname, Koko. —Agency

11

Alia Bhatt

isney+ Hotstar is looking forward to hosting a bunch of Bollywood movies in the coming months. Films such as Sadak 2, Bhuj, The Big Bull and Laxmi Bomb are all skipping theatrical releases and arriving straight to the streaming app.

The announcement was made during a special live event on Monday evening, attended by all the big stars of the movies, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Bachchan. The films will be released between July to October, starting with late

Still from the live session

actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dil Bechara.

All actors shared posters of their upcoming movies, Ajay said the good thing about the pandemic is how the industry has realised how they can release their films on digital. “We can make more films, we can make a different kind of films for theatres and digital platforms,” he said.

Akshay said that wearing the sari in the movie was graceful. He appreciated how women are able to do so many things while wearing a saree. Also, Varun spoke about Vidyut Jamwwal and Kunal’s films Khuda Hafiz. —Agency

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

GET, SET, CLICK!

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

—PHOTO BY JOHN ABNER ANDREW, COMPETENCE PRODUCTIONS

CITY FIRST GOT IN TOUCH WITH A FEW PHOTOGRAPHERS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY, ON MONDAY I started photography as a hobby four years ago with my Canon 700D and I have been using it since then.

I honestly feel that the camera body doesn’t make much of a difference for me it’s all in the composition of the picture and the lighting. I am still using my first camera for professional shoots and I am pretty satisfied by its results. Joanie Simon and Neha Sethia are two of my favourite food photographers who have inspired me a lot in the past few years.

—SHUBHAM JAIN

I love photography and it gives me the joy to be able to capture people, their happy moments and emotions in my camera. The minute details which can often be overlooked in person shine through in a photograph. I feel fortunate that when I click a picture, it means that people will enjoy the precious moments of their lives later on and cherish them for years.

CONNECTIONS T

oday is World Social Media day and besides connecting with our friends and family in an easier way, social media has led to a whole new world of business growth, such as e-commerce brands popping up all over the world, advertising is displayed on every page in the web, and media sharing important news with people in a matter of minutes. Social media has had a significant impact on our world, and millions of people can’t imagine living without it now. City First talks to a few of its readers who are active on various SM platforms and also use it effectively. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

YouTube is the world’s 2nd largest platform which gives equal opportunity without spending a single penny.

It gives you a chance to stand out and share your talent with the world. You can create your own unique content in your field.

Like cooking, singing, stand up comedy, beauty, fashion, lifestyle, tech knowledge, etc. You can start making videos and share them with your audience. You just need to be original and creative. If you qualify and monetize your channel, soon advertisements will appear on your videos and as per the view time, you will start earning.

—RJ MAHEK

As humans, we are always attracted to visuals. Cameras have been used for a very long time and I believe photographers are very lucky who make a living out of what they love! From pinhole to the latest high-end digital cameras and lenses today, the camera has made an astounding journey! The camera is a very powerful tool, it has the power to change, educate, protect, preserve, motivate and most importantly bring a smile to your face.

—JOHN ABNER ANDREW

—ABHISHEK SADANAND TALLA

BUILDING CITY FIRST

12

Twitter is today a political tool of communication. The biggest of the politicians from Trump, Modi to the youngest cadre use it to call out the opposition, make a formal statement and even communicate with the Head of a Country, directly or indirectly!

Wars are fought on Twitter and cause bloodshed of words among not just the common people but also leaders! Many a celebrity has taken refuge in ‘My A/C was hacked’ and many a Screenshot from the past does the rounds calling leaders and celebs to the docket by the common Twitterati!

Ever since I did my first post on Instagram I knew this platform was a boon for me.

I started blogging in March 2017 and got associated with 200+ brands. Being a travel bug, I commenced travel blogging and gave a new direction to my blog in 2019. Since then, I was fortunate enough to explore 16 cities and 2 countries.

Blogging didn’t just change me professionally but as a person. It has taught me to be creative, to work hard and provide value to brands and my audience. It feels so good to meet different people, explore destinations and see content creators exchanging new ideas everyday. For me, an ideal blogger is the one who provides remarkable value through every piece of their content.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

AUNTY ZINDABAD@94 Shakuntla Mathur turned a glorious 94 on Monday. The family celebrated the occasion with love and thankfulness. Seen here on her right is her daughter Meenu, Samdhan Sarla Srivastava, daughter Neelima and grandson Vatsal with Jagdeesh Chandra, sons-in-law Sunil Diwan and Sanjeev Srivastava on her left.

—NITIKA PANJWANI

Shakuntala Mathur cuts the cake flanked by her family

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

I was one of the early users of Facebook when I abandoned Orkut a decade back. And today I can back Facebook as the best Social Media platform for business promotions. With more than 2.5 billion users worldwide and around 320 million in India, it has an enormous audience. Apart from that, the dynamics to reach the right people in paid-promotions is the key differentiator for Facebook as a marketing platform.

Corona has changed the market dynamics and digital marketing is an integral part of the new normal. Videos are a fantastic investment area with unparalleled targeting and off-course we cannot overlook Facebook’s upper hand on GIFs, Mobile app, and desktop integration.

—GAURAV HAJELA

RAJASTHAN: In an ongoing series of ‘Education for Generation Z’ webinar organised

by Manipal University, Jaipur, CEO of Akshaya Patra Foundation, Sridhar Venkat and ONGC Foundation CEO, Kiran DM talked about Society, Values and Connect: with the Generation Z Perspective, on Sunday.

RAJASTHAN: Bigg Boss participant and TV Artist, Arhaan Khan came to his hometown, Jaipur on Monday, where he met his little fans and gave them tips on how to learn acting at home. Many kids celebrities including Bhavya, Sambhav, Shivanya were also present during the event.

RAJASTHAN: The digital poster of Mrs Ocean India was launched in Jaipur, by CEO of Jaipur Marathon, Mukesh Mishra, Owner of Mrs Ocean World Organization’s India franchise, Yogesh Mishra and Via Miss India, Amisha Raj, on Monday. Yogesh shared that Mrs Ocean India is a platform for women to resume their journey in the fashion world.