AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, MAY RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 22, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 175

MYANMAR Naypyitaw: Myanmar’s junta-appointed elec- RARE MICROSOFT TO Washington: Microsoft has said that it is tion commission will dissolve Aung San Suu Quetta: A pair of rare Persian retiring its long-standing browser Internet Ex- TO DISSOLVE Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party PERSIAN leopards have been sighted in RETIRE INTERNET plorer on June 15 next year after serving the AUNG SAN SUU (NLD) because of what it said was fraud in LEOPARD Pakistan’s Balochistan province. EXPLORER IN netizens for over 25 years. The veteran web a November election, news outlet Myanmar Adult leopards are solitary in the browser was released with Windows 95, the KYI’S PARTY Now said on Friday, citing a commissioner. PAIR SPOTTED wild and pair only to mate. JUNE NEXT YEAR tech giant said in a blog post on Wednesday.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia Speaking of the many lives lost due to the pandemic, the Prime Minister choked with emotions while paying respects to the deceased ‘Hurt’ Mamata goes back to earlier seat Trinamool Congress MLA from Bhawanipore Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay, resigns to clear way for Didi to contest

Kolkata: Mamata Ba- PM REDUCED TO nerjee, who swept the New Delhi: Prime Min- Bengal election but lost ister Narendra Modi her own contest in was visibly emotional MODI WARNS Nandigram, is set to re- on Friday as he spoke ON THREATS OF turn to the seat she gave about those who had up in favour of chal- lost their lives to Covid. BLACK FUNGUS lenging her former aide “This virus has ... Suvendu Adhikari in snatched many of loved his stronghold. ones from us. I pay my The Trinamool MLA humble tribute to them who won from Bhawani- and I express my condo- TEARS pore, Shobhandeb Chat- lences to the families topadhyay, resigned SPLIT-BENCH SENDS BENGAL NETAS TO who lost people,” the from the Bengal assem- Prime Minister said, bly on Friday afternoon HOUSE ARREST, CASE TO 3-JUDGE BENCH appearing to choke up to enable his party boss Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday as he took a long pause. to contest from the seat. ordered the house arrest of the two Bengal He thanked doctors New Delhi: Prime Min- “Mamata Banerjee ministers, one MLA and the former Kolkata and frontline workers ister Narendra Modi will fight from Bhawani- Mayor in Narada case. The Division Bench of during video confer- addressed the growing pore in the coming six Acting Chief Justice Bindal and Justice Baner- ence with health work- challenge posed by the months,” said Chatto- jee differed in their opinion and a larger Bench ers in Varanasi, his par- surge in ‘black fungus’ padhyay before handing would be constituted to hear plea. Under house liamentary constituen- cases in different parts in his resignation to As- arrest, the ministers will be able to work virtu- of the country. “In our cy in Uttar Pradesh. sembly Speaker Biman ally, but will not be allowed to meet anyone. ongoing fi ght “In the second wave Bandopadhyay. Turn to P6 against Cov- of corona, we are fight- id-19, a new ing on multiple fronts at challenge the same time. The rate of Black Sensex up by of infection is also fungus has Centre asks twitter to much more and pa- surfaced. 975 points, tients are in hospital for We must drop ‘toolkit tag’ tweets a longer time.” focus on tak- Nifty at 15,150 The Prime Minister’s ing precau- New Delhi: The govern- emotional homage tion and ment has asked Twitter Mumbai: The Sensex Turn to P6 to remove “manipulated and Nifty ended with PM Narendra Modi interacted with the doctors and preparation to deal,” media” tag for tweets on strong gains on Friday CENTRE MULLS frontline workers on COVID situation in Varanasi an alleged “Congress led by broad-based buy- through video conferencing from New Delhi on Friday. he said. MAKING COVAXIN toolkit” to discredit ing across sectors amid COVID-19 efforts, calling positive global cues. OUTSIDE INDIA CORONA it “prejudicial, a clear Sensex gained 975 CATASTROPHE TOTAL DEATHS DUE TO PANDEMIC UP TO THREE overreach and unwar- points, or 1.92 per cent, TIMES HIGHER THAN REPORTED: WHO OFFICIAL ranted”, sources said tronics and IT, in a at 50,520 levels and the INDIA today. The official com- “strong communica- Nifty50 index topped Geneva: Up to three times to Covid-19 since the plaint has been spurred tion” to the global team the 15,150-mark. The more people have died disease fi rst surfaced in by Twitter marking BJP of Twitter, has objected Nifty sectoral indices due to the pandemic than China in late 2019. “Total spokesperson Sambit to the use of the “ma- were painted green, indicated by the offi cially deaths are at least two Patra’s tweet as “manip- nipulated media” tag on with the Nifty Bank reported Covid deaths, to three times higher ulated media”. “certain tweets made index trading 3.5 per the World Health Organi- than offi cially reported,” The Ministry of Elec- Turn to P6 cent higher. zation said Friday. So far, Samira Asma, the WHO New Delhi: The govern- 2,59,551 new cases more than 3.4 million assistant director-general ment is exploring the deaths worldwide have in charge of data, told possibility of boosting JANUARY 9, 1927 - MAY 21, 2021 offi cially been attributed mediapersons. production of vaccines, 4,209 including identifying new fatalities ‘GUARDIAN OF HIMALAYAS’ manufacturing sites for indigenously developed GUJARAT UP TO 300 PER CENT MORE ANTIBODIES WHEN BAHUGUNA PASSES AWAY Covaxin outside India. SECOND DOSE DELAYED, NEW STUDY SHOWS Rishikesh: Well-known environmentalist Sunderlal Bahu- The government also guna is no more. He was 94. Bahuguna died from COVID- intends to take up the New Delhi: A delay in getting the second shot not related complications at AIIMS in Rishikesh. A pioneer in matter with WHO to step only allows the existing supply of shots to be more environmental protection, Bahuguna led the charge against up Covaxin production. widely distributed, it boosts their protective power by the construction of big dams in the Himalayas in the 4,251 giving the immune system more time to respond to It will also take up with new cases 1980s. He was fervently opposed to the construction of the Moderna, Johnson and the fi rst inoculation. Levels of antibodies produced to Tehri dam.He, along with local women, founded the Chipko Johnson and other vac- fi ght off the virus are 20% to 300% higher when the movement to prevent the felling of trees in the ecologically cine makers the issue of 65 follow-up vaccine comes later, new research shows. sensitive zones. Prime MInister Narendra Modi, Ram Nath granting voluntary licence. new fatalities Kovind among other leaders condoled his demise.

TAKING A CALL UG & postgraduate students get merit-based promotion Medical & paramedical students be promoted to the next onstrate scientific meth- semester. For this, 50% CM RUPANI WILL BE REPLACED: ods of replanting coco- exempted from decision; Govt internal marks from the nut, banana, mango, deploys 190 agri scientists to help current academic year BHARATSINH SOLANKI lemon, and pomegranate (2020-21) and 50% marks Veteran Congress leader and former union minister trees. salvage crops post cyclone from the last semester Bharatsinh Solanki in a tweet, said, “Chief Minister Vijay Around 669 officers will be considered.” Rupani will be made a scapegoat and held responsi- and 339 teams from the First India Bureau Announcing the deci- Chudasam said that ble for failing to handle the corona situation and the state’s agriculture de- cyclone. The BJP high command will go for the state sion, Gujarat’s education the decision stands to partment will also carry assembly elections with a new face to seek the mandate Gandhinagar: On Fri- minister, Bhupendras- benefit around 9.50 lakh of people.” Later, while speaking to local media, Solanki out surveys in 2,263 vil- day, the state government inh Chudasama, told the students. At the same said that people are angry with the BJP government, lages across 41 talukas decided to promote inter- media, “Considering the time, he also clarified and there will be a change of guard in the government to across the state, to calcu- mediate undergraduate surge in COVID-19 cases that the mass promotion divert people’s anger. late the financial com- and postgraduate stu- and the fact that college based on merit will only pensation for farmers dents. However, medical students are yet not vac- be effective for the cur- who lost their crops. and paramedical stu- cinated, the government rent academic year. from four agriculture Tauktae. They will also Based on these teams’ dents remained excluded has decided that inter- Meanwhile, the state universities to survey guide locals on how to survey reports, the state from the merit-based mediate students of se- has decided to depute 190 the crop damage in areas replant uprooted trees. will announce a finan- progression. mesters II, IV, and VI will agriculture scientists CM Vijay Rupani. affected by Cyclone The scientists will dem- cial package for farmers. NEWS www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 02 KESAR MANGOES NOT ‘PRICEY’ ANYMORE AS PRICES FALL

EXCLUSIVE

Boxes are being auctioned at market yards for Rs20 to

Kesar mangoes up for Rs250 per 10 kg in Rajkot, auction at a mango Talala and Junagadh Boxes of Kesar mangoes boxes lying at Talala marketing yard on Friday. market in Rajkot.

Masuma Bharmal Jariwala dropping to the ground. APMC yard on Friday tricts, the mangoes at an auction. The ers helpless as the ma- 2.25 lakh boxes.” mangoes have survived This has affected the was in the range of were almost ready for mangoes were fetching jority of mango trees The situation is no the cyclone. Last sea- Gir Somanth/Juna- price range of the cov- Rs20 - Rs200 per 10 kg harvest when they Rs250 - Rs900 per 10 kg have been uprooted different at Junagadh son, we had sold around gadh/Rajkot: Kesar – eted mango variety box. were brought down by until the cyclone hit. and an estimated 90 % APMC as its market 10 lakh boxes, but this one of the most sought across the state. While owners of gusty winds of Cyclone But, on Thursday and mangoes have fallen secretary PS Gajera season we have sold after varieties of man- Prior to the cyclone, mango orchards will Tauktae. According to Friday, they were auc- from the trees. We hope told First India, “After only 2.25 lakh boxes so goes in India – and one 10 kg box of Kesar suffer huge losses this Talala APMC market tioned for Rs20 - Rs250 the government does the cyclone, we received far.” grown mainly in a few mangoes would usually season, those who have yard secretary, Har- per 10 kg box. On something about it. We around 34,000 10 kg box- The mango, which parts of the Saurashtra be auctioned for prices hired mango orchards, sukh Jarsaniya, this is Thursday, we received have been demanding es of mangoes. They derives its name from region, is now experi- between Rs250 and will have no option but the lowest the Kesar over 18,000 boxes and proper pricing for were auctioned at pric- the colour and spice encing the pinch of Cy- Rs1200 at Agricultural to sell their stock at mango has ever been on Friday over 52,000 mangoes since years. es between Rs50- Rs700. saffron (kesar) because clone Tauktae. Several Produce Market Com- throwaway prices. sold for. “In over 30 boxes of 10 kg each. Last year, we sold over Before the cyclone hit, of its orange hue, is a mango farms were de- mittee (APMC) yards. Mainly grown in the years of service, never But there are not 6,89,000 boxes of 10 kg Kesar mangoes were major delicacy in Guja- stroyed by cyclonic But now, the mangoes Junagadh, Gir Som- has the Kesar mango enough takers. The cy- each and this year being auctioned at rati homes during the winds with the fruits auctioned at the Rajkot nath and Amreli dis- fetched such low prices clone has left the farm- sales have been just Rs400 - Rs1000. Only 5 % summer.

Vaccine development was a seed planted by Rajiv Gandhi: Pitroda First India Bureau who lost their lives in the ongoing COVID-19 Ahmedabad: On the crisis. When he (Gan- 30th death anniversary dhi) became the PM, he of former prime minis- galvanized people ter Rajiv Gandhi, who across the globe. I was was assassinated in a excited that a young PM suicide bombing in was to take the reins and Chennai, telecommuni- change the nation. cations giant Sam Pitro- Hence, I returned to In- da spoke at a webinar dia from the US. He had organized by Gujarat envisioned taking India Pradesh Congress Com- into the 21st century mittee (GPCC) on Fri- with pride,” he recalled. Mahuva town devastation after cyclone. Ruined crops lying in a field. d a y. The technocrat also Pitroda, who was an talked about several adviser to Gandhi when missions undertaken by he was the PM, shared Gandhi at the time. “The MAHUVA STILL AWAITING POWER anecdotes about the late immunization mission leader. “If Rajiv would was one of the impor- have lived 10 more years tant ones. At the time, then, India would have we were not manufac- SUPPLY, AGRICULTURAL LOSS HIGH been as developed as turing any vaccine and Canada today,” he said. had the highest number First India Bureau power supply has still the taluka, the MLA Urging the Congress of polio patients. Two not been restored in Ma- While residents have been supplied with potable water, said, “Power supply has party to create aware- teams were sent to Mos- Mahuva/Bhavnagar: huva town. “People comms are down and roads blocked; Govt deploys 430 been restored at the des- ness about the progress cow and France to study On top of the already were deprived of drink- ignated COVID-19 hospi- India has made under and then come back to deadly COVID-19 pan- ing water on May 18-19 workers to restore electricity in Bhavnagar district tal run at Kalsar village its regime, Pitroda as- set up a plant for the po- demic, people living in but with assistance from by the Sadbhavna Trust. serted, “Congress must lio vaccine. Due to such coastal towns such as the district administra- But, the hospital in town educate people about vision, we have become Mahuva in Bhavnagar tion, a 200 megawatt is still running on a 100 the things the party has leaders of vaccine man- district have been deal- generator was installed horsepower generator done for the country and ufacture. We all learned ing with the aftermath on May 20, which is be- and consuming 20,000 its development. Inter- that such endeavours of Cyclone Tauktae that ing used to fill overhead litres of diesel daily. I net technology came to require a democratic upended the state’s water tanks for distribu- am told that it will take India only because of mindset. The current coastal belt four days tion within the town. at least two more days Rajiv Gandhi.” government’s approach ago. The town has been Also, 20 tankers have for the engineers to re- “While remembering is a top-down one and struggling to restore its been pressed in for wa- store power supply in Rajiv Gandhi, we should not democratic,” said power supply and a ter distribution. It will Mahuva town,” said not forget the people Pitroda. number of villages have take at least two to three Kanubhai Kalsariya, been cut off, with fallen days more for the power former MLA of Mahu- trees blocking most of supply to be restored in va, adding that the fi- the roads. It will take the the town,” said Bharati- nancial loss for farmers residents a minimum of ya Janata Party (BJP) Workers & engineers aboard the Ro-Ro ferry on their way to Bhavnagar for power restoration was “unimaginable” 20 days just to recover MLA from Mahuva RC and that the govern- their belongings, re- Makwana. used by dehydration of land across the dis- never witnessed na- ment should announce a build their homes and “We are lucky that plants, which may fetch trict have been com- ture’s wrath like this relief package for them salvage what is left of our taluka has reported the farmers a maximum pletely devastated. The before. The velocity of soon. their lives prior to Tauk- no casualties, but the of Rs100 for 20 kg. This crops that have been af- winds was 220 kmph Meanwhile, 430 offic- tae’s landfall. But, the economic loss is very may at least help them fected by the cyclone in- which blew away the ers and workers of the financial and economic high, especially for the meet their production clude onion, coconut, roofs of hundreds of Paschim Gujarat Vij recovery of the region agricultural sector. The costs, otherwise it will mango, sesame, millet homes. While the town Company Ltd (PGVCL) may take months and coconut trees have been be a total loss for them,” and groundnut in Ma- of Mahuva may recover were deployed to even with the govern- uprooted thereby wash- he explained. huva, Palitana, Talaja from the calamity, the Bhavnagar for restora- ment’s assistance, there ing out any coconut According to the pri- and Jesar taluka are af- villages will take a long- tion of power supply on is no telling how much it sales and the onion crop mary estimation of the fected. er time to get back to Friday. The workers can bounce back from has also been spoiled. state agriculture depart- Recounting the fury normal.” travelled on the Ro-Ro the natural calamity. However, if the crop is ment, standing crops of cyclonic winds, Mak- Talking about power ferry service from Su- Four days on, and the dried early, it can be sown on 47,000 hectare wana added, “I have supply at hospitals in rat. Sam Pitroda GUJARAT www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 03 3 Guj pharmas get BACK TO BUSINESS: SHOPS REOPEN license to produce Amphotericin-B vials IN A’BAD AFTER GOVT RELAXATION First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Three Traders, shopkeepers welcome the decision, assure COVID-19 norms will be followed companies from Gujarat First India Bureau We opened the government had have been granted li- the market granted some relief to censes to manufacture Ahmedabad: Shops in us all. As traders, we Amphotericin-B, an an- most markets across on Friday welcome this decision. tifungal drug used to Medication being applied on the the city were open for because the If our market had treat mucormycosis or affected area of a mucormycosis business on Friday, a government had stayed closed, the stom- the black fungus disease. patient. BY HANIF SINDHI —PHOTO day after the state gov- granted some relief to ach of the labourer, In all, there are only ernment relaxed COV- us all. As traders, we starting from the trad- eight companies that are ceuticals Ltd, Sun Phar- ID-19 Standard Operat- welcome this decision. ers, would have taken a manufacturing the drug ma Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Life ing Procedure (SOP) If our market had hit. That is why we across India. Care Innovations and norms due to decline in have instructed every- In a press statement Mylan Labs (importer). cases. stayed closed, the one in the market to issued on Friday, the Cumulatively, these com- The government’s stomach of the la- follow all COVID-19 Centre assured that the panies will start produc- partial waiver of the bourer, starting from guidelines and keep shortage of Ampho- ing 1,11,000 vials of Am- mini-lockdown im- the traders, would the business going, he tericin-B will be resolved photericin-B each month posed in markets was have taken a hit. That added. soon. The new compa- from July 2021 onwards. followed by the exten- is why we have in- Shaileshbhai Gadh- nies that will manufac- The Union health min- sion of night curfew vi, a trader from Ra- ture the drug include istry and department of from 8 pm to 6 am. structed everyone in jkot, said, “The govern- NATCO Pharmaceuti- pharmaceuticals are pro- Shops have been in- the market to follow ment has done a very cals (Hyderabad), Alem- actively trying to facili- structed to remain open all COVID-19 guide- good job. We, the trad- bic Pharmaceuticals (Va- tate these five manufac- only from 9 am to 3 pm. lines and keep the ers, will follow all dodara), Gufic Bioscienc- turers to ramp up their “A large number of business going. norms and ask our cus- es Ltd (Gujarat), Emcure production so that sup- vehicles were seen on tomers to wear masks Pharmaceuticals (Pune), plies begin in June 2021 the roads with many —Lalitbhai, and maintain social and Lyka Labs (Gujarat). itself. Domestic manufac- stuck in traffic jams. After the government relaxed COVID-19 norms, markets in Ahmedabad like the one near Teen Madhupura Mahajan market secy distance. The decision There are five existing turers will cumulatively This is the first time af- Darwaza opened for business on Friday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI is a lifeline for the mid- manufacturers of Am- produce 1,63,752 vials of ter the second COVID-19 dle-class because the photericin-B in the coun- Amphotericin-B in May pandemic wave hit that city. We also received market,” said Lalitbhai, which had voluntarily last month. partial lockdown has try and one importer -- 2021, which will be fur- such heavy traffic was permission to continue secretary of the Madhu- shut down due to a We opened the mar- caused a lot of finan- Bharat Serums & Vac- ther ramped up to 2,55,114 seen on the roads in the our businesses in the pura Mahajan market, surge in nCoV cases ket on Friday because cial hardship.” cines Ltd, BDR Pharma- vials in June 2021. 3 Indigo Airlines No injections for relatives of loaders booked Black fungus disease on the rise for stealing mucormycosis patients in A’bad First India Bureau as nCoV cases take a dive in Guj

Ahmedabad: A day af- First India Bureau ter the state govern- ment declared mucor- Ahmedabad/Gandhi- mycosis an epidemic as nagar: Declared an epi- per Indian Council of demic, black fungus dis- Domestic terminal of Medical Research ease or mucormycosis Ahmedabad Airport. (ICMR) guidelines, rela- cases have seen an up- tives of patients were wards trend in First India Bureau seen running from pil- Ahmedabad. According lar to post in to JV Modi, superinten- Ahmedabad: Indigo Ahmedabad to get the dent at Civil Hospital, Airlines’ airport man- Amphotericin-B injec- “Currently, there are 489 ager at Ahmedabad air- tions for their loved patients admitted in the port, Sagar Hemnani, ones. Family members of mucormycosis patients speak with staffers of mucormycosis ward at filed a complaint with According to Civil Hospital (Asarwa) for administration of medications to their the hospital. We are per- the Ahmedabad Airport Ahmedabad Municipal loved ones. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI forming 30 surgeries a police station on Friday. Corporation’s (AMC) day and admitting A patient being admitted to the COVID-19 ward of Civil Hospital in A’bad. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI In his complaint, he has medical officer, Bhavin the injections were not around 30 new patients stated that three baggage Solanki, the civic body available. every day as well. How- fare department. COVID-19 UPDATE loaders are suspected of had requested 12,000 in- AMC claims it Later on, it was an- ever, the same numbers The highest number stealing goods from pas- jections for five days ordered 12,000 nounced that Ampho- of patients are being dis- of cases emerged in TOTAL CASES sengers’ luggage. but only received 1,200 injections for five tericin-B injection was charged post treatment Ahmedabad (831), fol- On Thursday after- injections instead. days but received available at LG Hospital daily as well.” The su- lowed by Vadodara (539) 7,80,471 noon, a passenger named On Thursday, the only 1,200 instead of SVP. Mean- perintendent also and Surat (440). Nidhi, who flew into state government is- while, the LG hospital claimed that there was In the COVID-19 bul- +4,251 Ahmedabad from Delhi, sued a circular an- administration ignored no shortage of Ampho- letin, it was also men- TOTAL DEATHS complained to Hemnani nouncing that Ampho- the requests for injec- tericin B injections at tioned that over 8,783 that Rs32,000 cash was tericin-B injections for here have been pre- tions made by relatives the hospital. patients were discharged 9,469 missing from her lug- mucormycosis would scribing them all the of patients. As for COVID-19 cases, in the last 24 hours. gage. She insisted that be available at Civil same. Bouncers and police numbers further Hence, the number of +65 the ziplock bag the cash Hospital (Asarwa), Sola The government an- personnel have been de- dropped on Friday, as the nCoV recoveries now RECOVERED was kept in was also Civil Hospital, and LG nounced that the injec- ployed to stop patients’ state recorded 4,251 new stand at 6,86,581 patients. open. Hemnani immedi- Hospital in Maninagar tions were available at relatives, and the hospi- cases, taking the case- It also stated that Guja- 6,86,581 ately instructed security area of the city. the Sardar Vallabhbhai tal gates have also been load to 7,80,471. Gujarat’s rat’s recovery rate was ACTIVE CASES supervisor Krunal The injections are Patel (SVP) Hospital shut. A convoy of cops death toll increased to currently at 87.97%. Hotchandani to check supposed to be allocated and Sola Civil Hospital from Maninagar police, 9,469 with the addition of Over 1.50 crore people 84,421 the baggage loaders on directly to government from Friday onwards. including the police in- 65 deaths that occurred have been vaccinated in duty. and private hospitals, However, SVP placed a spector, was seen stand- during the day, informed the state so far, of which, A’BAD 831 V’DARA 539 Hotchandani frisked but they were never de- board outside its prem- ing at the gates on Fri- a release of the state 1,17,524 people received SURAT 440 JAMNAGAR 186 and checked the three livered, and the doctors ises mentioning that day as well. health and family wel- their shots on Friday. loaders- Gaurang Rana, Nitin Gujjar, and Vijay Alikha- and found 16 notes of Rs2,000 from LAWFUL OR NOT? Rana’s back pocket. When asked about the origins of the cash, the Parsis knock on HC door for final rites conundrum trio failed to give a satis- factory reply.  First India Bureau For more than 3,000 tected under the Consti- Another loader, Kam- years, the Parsi commu- tution of India. lesh Bhil, revealed that Community Ahmedabad: The Parsi nity has laid out their In his submission, he the men had stolen from community has chal- departed in a secluded stated, “The state cannot passengers’ luggage sev- alleges lenged the state and cen- place known as deny any person equali- eral times; although Bhil tral government’s deci- ‘Dakhmas’ or the tower ty before the law. All peo- had warned the trio, fundamental sion to deny permission of silence. The last rite ple everywhere can free- they did not stop. rights to conduct the final rites is known as Dokhma- ly express themselves Hemani, in his com- for COVID-19 deceased nashini. However, under and actively engage in plaint, has also men- violation; as per Parsi tradition. the government’s guide- public life without fear tioned that such inci- After hearing the pri- lines, bodies of COV- of discrimination. No dents were being report- Court issues mary submission filed Parsi tower of silence. —FILE PHOTO ID-19 patients can be person shall be deprived ed over the past couple by the petitioner, the disposed of only by cre- of his life or personal of weeks, but no action notice to state court issued notices to at Board (SPP) moved Asim Pandya has stated sion has requested pro- mation or burial. The liberty except according was taken. Now a crimi- and central the state and central the petition through ad- that authorities are de- tection of their funda- guideline does not in- to procedure established nal complaint has been governments asking vocate Manan Bhatt and nying the community mental rights to perform clude other religions’ by law. Freedom of con- filed against the three govts to file them to file a response senior counsel Asim their right to follow their the final rites of their last rites ritual. science and free profes- suspects. The case will before May 27, when the Pandya. The petition religious practices while community members, Pandya has further sion, practice and propa- be investigated by Air- response by matter has been kept for came up for hearing be- performing the last who have lost their lives submitted that authori- gation of religion, pro- port police sub-inspector May 27 hearing. fore Justice Nirzar De- rites. due to COVID-19, as per ties violated his clients’ tects the interests of the RH Pandav. Surat Parsi Panchay- sai.In his submission, Petitioner’s submis- their religious practices. fundamental rights pro- minorities.” PERSPECTIVE www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 04

IN-DEPTH WHEN HIT BY WORST, DIY COVID-19 TESTING KIT USE THE BEST!! A BIG RELIEF

etting a Covid-19 test done when the sec- ond wave was at its peak was a tough G call. Even tougher was getting a reliable report. Government’s labs were giving as many false reports as private pathology labs. Nobody knew which report to rely on. Sadly, a large number of lives were lost either because of false negative reports, which were allegedly given to keep the positivity rate low or, reports that were delayed. In both the cases patients’ condi- tion became unmanageable. A molecular company located in Pune has now developed Co- viSelf which can be used at home. The ICMR has approved Kargil intrusion in 1999 or re- The pandemic is a during war and peace could the kit for testing Covid-19 using venge of Pulwama massacre. be utilised for delivery of es- a rapid antigen formula. The MAJ GEN Similarly, in national calami- calamity, a national security sentials in containment zones. test will give the result in 15 CP SINGH, RETD ties like Gujrat earthquake, challenge, that one has not z Crowd Control: As part of minutes. The kit will come as a The writer is a scholar soldier accredited with Sunami in A & N Islands or Aid to Civil Administration, big relief for the masses who are MA, MSc, LLB, MBA, M Phil (Def Mgt) and M Delhi Riots in 1984, they have witnessed in a century. Armed Forces can also be being warned of a third wave. Phil (International Strategic Affairs) done a praiseworthy job and The Armed forces have used to augment civil police Compared to the cost of a Cov- saved thousands of lives. never failed the nation force in crowd control during id-19 test in a private lab this kit, Based on past glorious record, lockdown. country’s laudable first, is inex- pandemic like COVID strikes the nation again wants to re- and yet again they will z Decent Last Riots: Armed pensive and easy to operate. the mankind, probably once in pose faith in uniformed peo- deliver. The need is to Forces are trained for last rites a century, as per the historical ple to rescue them from this of their soldiers in war like evidence. The second wave of deadly pandemic. identify the magnitude of situation. This onerous yet the COVID-19 pandemic has Suitability: Armed Forces the problem and take essential task could well be SPIRITUAL SPEAK caused unprecedented devas- have no magic vend. The pri- entrusted to Defence Forces. tation in India. Having 4 lakh mary strength of the forces is decision to use the best z Command and Control: new infections daily and over the command centric organiza- available resource. Valuable The whole govt machin- Whoever heeds discipline 4000 deaths every day, is a seri- tion of 1:5 million, trained and time has already been lost ery appears to have been shows the way to life, but A ous crisis. The deaths due to disciplined personnel, vacci- paralyzed, with little Inter- whoever ignores correction Covid are more than the total nated and ready for crisis man- Dept coordination. Army can leads others astray. battle casualties, we have had agement, Pan India. The as Battlefield Nursing establish it’s own Command —Proverbs 10:17 so far in last 74 years of Inde- Armed Forces have adequate Assistants(BFNA) can be ef- and Control network at all pendence. The health infra- resources in terms of heavy lift fectively utilized for vaccina- levels, within own resources. structure of the country is aircrafts, helicopters, cargo tion at war footing. stretched to near-breaking ships, load carriers and porta- z Supply Chain Management: CONCLUSION point. The government must ble field engineering equip- Defence logistics expertise The pandemic is a calamity, a press into service its instru- ments for casualty evacuation can be very well entrusted national security challenge, TOP TWEET ment of last resort, which has and medical support. They are with enhanced production, that one has not witnessed in a proven capability beyond masters in logistics manage- movement and timely deliv- century. The Armed forces Prakash Javadekar doubt. It’s very aptly said that ment. The Armed Forces have ery of oxygen, drugs and life have never failed the nation @PrakashJavdekar “When you are hit by the their own communication set- saving equipment. The Indian and yet again they will deliver. worst, use your best weapon to up and digital networking to Air Force (IAF) and the Indian The need is to identify the mag- counter it’. We are already late establish a grid of Command Navy have transported oxy- nitude of the problem and take in decision making and pay- and Control Centers and nodal gen containers and tankers decision to use the best avail- ing the price for delay by loss points, which is very essential. from abroad and within India. able resource. Valuable time of human lives, every day. z Organised Labour Migra- has already been lost. A free The Armed Forces are the ASSIGNMENTS tion: Armed Forces with PAN hand should be given to Armed last hope of the nation. They WHY ARMED FORCES z Medicare: Armed Forces India presence can perform Forces with emergency pow- At the G7 Climate and Environment are called in when Last Hope of the Nation: have their dedicated state of this task in very efficient and ers and all other concerned Ministerial stated that India everything else has failed The Armed Forces are the last the art medicare facilities. organised manner. depts placed under their com- expects stronger commitment and it’s a matter of pride hope of the nation. They are There are about 130 Military z Area Sanitisation and Pre- mand. Let’s all contribute in by G7 nations to deliver on the that they have never let- called in when everything else Hospitals and another 100 vention: All Armed Forces our own way to fight this catas- #climatefinance as well as on the down the nation. History is has failed and it’s a matter of field hospitals can be created Stations have a Station trophe and saving the human- technology transfer obligations full of examples when armed pride that they have never let- quickly. Similarly, large size Health Organization, which is ity because, one day, coming under the Paris Agreement. forces were called in against external aggression like down the nation. History is adhoc Covid Care Centers, capable of performing effec- generations will ask us . Liberation of Bangladesh in full of examples when armed like DRDO Hospitals, can tive area sanitization drive. ”TUM KAHAN THEY Piyush Goyal 1971, Kargil intrusion forces were called in against also be created. z Rations Distribution: The AUR TUMNE KYA KIA.” @PiyushGoyal in 1999 or revenge of external aggression like Lib- z Vaccination at War Foot- Armed Forces expertise in THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY Pulwama massacre eration of Bangladesh in 1971, ing: Combatants trained handling supply of rations THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

wo of the world’s The Indian government and news channels. The Indi- biggest democra- an government swears by the Running on a high priority Green WHY GOVT WANTS cies can’t do with- swears by the democratic democratic right of the peo- Corridor, Oxygen Expresses T out scanning user right of the people but has ple but has its biases against have delivered a record 1,118 data on Facebook. its biases against those not those not toeing its line. It MT of Oxygen in a single day MORE INFO FROM FB The US continues to make also feels that social media for COVID-19 patients. So far, the largest number of re- toeing its line. It also feels platforms vest too much pow- 208 #OxygenExpress trains have quests for user data with In- that social media er in social media tech giants provided 13,319 MT of Oxygen to dia placed at number two which could destabilize gov- 13 States across India place. They were followed by platforms vest too much ernments. That is not India’s Germany, France, Brazil and power in social media concern alone but of some the UK. India made 40,300 re- other governments as well. l Vol 2 l Issue No. 175 l RNI NO. quests, of which 37,865 were tech giants which could The war between social me- GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and legal, for user data between dia giants and various gov- destabilize governments published by Anita Hada Sangwan July and December 2020. Fa- ernments is as much about on behalf of First Express Publish- cebook’s Transparency Re- constitutional rights as it is ers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing port states that it restricted of 2013, around 3,200 requests about Left and Right ideolo- Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar- access to content 944 times, which jumped to 35,600 dur- gies and polarized society and Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. which was more than 824 ing the same period in 2020. privacy rights. Ahmedabad. Published at D/302 3rd times the content was re- Social media has strength- India is at war with Face- Floor Plot No. 35 Titanium Square, stricted during the first half ened democracy by upholding book, Twitter and WhatsApp Scheme No. 2, Thaltej Taluka, Ghat- of 2020. Over the years, the the freedom of expression en- over user data. The greater lodiya, Ahmedabad. Editor-In-Chief: requests from states and the joyed by the people who can access it has, the lesser will Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Central government have bypass traditional sources of be the freedom enjoyed by in- Hada Sangwan responsible for risen sharply. In the first half information like journalists dividuals. selection of news under the PRB Act

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INDIA www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 05 Govt to set up ‘Defence SONIA GANDHI SLAMS CENTRE Enclave’ under Vista project New Delhi: The gov- FOR ‘ANTI-PEOPLE’ ACTIVITIES ernment will set up a large “Defence En- Sonia Gandhi praised the Congress government in Chhattisgarh, saying that it was clave” to house top de- fence brass and person- trying to bring about a change in the lives of common people, particularly farmers nel under its ambitious Central Vista redevel- New Delhi: Congress tisgarh has been seri- opment project, official president Sonia Gandhi ously fulfilling its poll sources in the Union on Friday accused the promises,” Mrs Gandhi Housing and Urban Af- BJP-led government at said in the message. fairs Ministry said on the Centre of indulging The government led Thursday. in anti-people activi- by Mr Baghel has been According to the ties, playing with the continuously making sources, the vice presi- future of farmers and efforts to bring happi- dent’s house and its acting against their in- ness and change in lives nearby buildings will STOP CENTRAL VISTA PROJECT, GIVE terests by bringing new of common people, par- be demolished to pave FREE DOSES: EX-BUREAUCRATS TO PM agriculture laws. ticularly “annadata” the way for construct- She praised the Con- (food providers), by eco- ing the defence enclave. New Delhi: A group of 116 former civil servants gress government in nomically empowering The new residence of have written an open letter to PM Narendra Modi urging the Centre to provide for a free vaccination Chhattisgarh, saying them, she said. the vice president will to all Indian citizens and ramp up RT-PCR testing in that it was trying to “Rajiv Gandhi ji al- come up near the North both rural and urban areas. The civil servants, in- bring about a change in ways kept the interest Block. cluding former cabinet secretary K M Chandrasekhar, the lives of common of common people in At present, the de- former health secretary K Sujatha Rao, former people, particularly his thoughts and resolu- fence minister, his dep- foreign secretary and ex-national security adviser farmers, by empower- tion. He wanted to see uty, defence secretary, Shivshankar Menon, former adviser to the PM T K A ing them financially. farmers, workers, poor Army chief, Navy chief Nair, former chief information commissioner Wajahat Mrs Gandhi said this Congress President Sonia Gandhi —PHOTO BY ANI and backward people as well as several three- Habibullah and former Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung. in a written message economically strong star officers have their read out by Chief Min- government on the oc- schemes are a tribute in cultivators, taking eve- and happy. The step by offices at the South ister Bhupesh Baghel at casion of former prime a true sense to Rajiv ry steps against inter- Chhattisgarh govern- Block. Many operate from hut- now have their own a function held at his minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Gandhi. “In the current ests of farmers by ment (to provide cash The offices of the ments near the North large ‘’Defence En- official residence here death anniversary. situation, when the BJP bringing laws (referring benefit to farmer and Navy, Army and Air and South Blocks. clave’’ that is also re- to disburse cash bene- In her message, she government at the Cen- to new farms laws) and cattle rearers) on his Force are also spread “There are currently quired from security fits to farmers and cat- hailed the Bhupesh tre is involved in anti- exploiting them, I am death anniversary is a across several parts of various offices of the point of view. The new tle-rearers under two Baghel-led government people activities, play- satisfied that Congress tribute in a true sense central Delhi, including defence ministry at enclave will be con- schemes of the state saying that these ing with the future of government in Chhat- to him,” she added. —PTI the Lutyens’ Zone. many places. They will structed by 2026. —PTI

India in particularly IN THE COURTYARD WB violence: BJP workers Narada case: difficult situation: TARUN TEJPAL’S ACQUITTAL IN RAPE CASE: activists HC orders CM PRAMOD SAWANT SAYS WILL MOVE HC Jaishankar On Crisis house arrest Panaji: Goa Chief star resort in Goa. move SC Minister Pramod Talking to reporters, of ministers Sawant on Friday (May CM Sawant said, “We The Calcutta High 21) said the state gov- will not tolerate any Court on Friday or- ernment will challenge injustice to be meted dered the house ar- in the High Court jour- out to the women in rest of the two Ben- nalist Tarun Tejpal’s Goa. We will challenge gal ministers, one acquittal in a 2013 rape the district court’s or- MLA and the former case by a district court der before the high Kolkata Mayor who here. A sessions court court soon in this have been held in the at Mapusa on Friday case.” He said he has Narada bribery case. acquitted Tejpal of sex- personally discussed The Division Bench ually assaulting his for- the issue with the pub- New Delhi: A group of of Acting Chief Jus- mer female colleague lic prosecutor and the BJP workers, advocates tice Rajesh Bindal in an elevator of a five investigating officer. and social workers on and Justice Arjit Ba- Friday filed a fresh peti- New Delhi: The coro- tralia are working on a nerjee differed in O2 concentrator hoarding: tion in the Supreme navirus pandemic may supply chain resilience their opinion regard- SC grants bail to rebel Court seeking an SIT be the most serious in initiative and called for ing the matter and a ED raids Kalra’s residence probe into the post-poll living memory but it strengthening and de- larger Bench would violence in West Ben- should be seen as a re- risking the global econ- be constituted to YSRCP MP Raghu R Raju New Delhi: The En- and black-marketing gal. The Supreme Court curring challenge and omy through effective hear the plea. While New Delhi: The Su- forcement Directorate of oxygen concentra- will hear these peti- not as a one-off episode, partnerships. under house arrest, preme Court Friday (ED) on Friday said its tors racket busted by tions and other related External Affairs Minis- He said meeting the the ministers will be granted bail to rebel personnel have con- Delhi Police earlier pleas on May 25. ter S Jaishankar said health and medical re- able to work virtual- YSR Congress Party ducted raids at seven this month. The petitioners claim on Thursday, noting quirements of the world ly, but will not be al- MP K Raghu Ram- places in Delhi-NCR, Noting that the to have been “directly that India is particu- effectively requires a lowed to meet anyone akrishna Raju in a se- including business- raids were being con- affected” as their larly going through a mature recognition of personally. dition case lodged in man Navneet Kalra’s ducted with an aim to “homes and offices are difficult situation. the global nature of the “Justice Arijt Ba- Andhra Pradesh. residence, in connec- gather additional evi- being demolished by Mr Jaishankar also underlying supply nerjee was is favour Raju, who was arrest- tion with the hoarding dence, officials said. TMC mob”, forcing said the nature of the chains. of granting interim ed by the Andhra state CID, which ar- them to “flee from their pandemic has also “Barring a select few, bail while Justice Pradesh Police on rested him, while in SN Shrivastava appointed as homes”. Appearing for brought to fore con- it cannot be addressed Rajesh Bindal (Chief May 14 under sedition custody. the petitioners, senior cerns of trust and purely nationally and Justice Acting) want- charges for alleged A vacation bench Delhi Police Commissioner advocate Pinki Anand transparency and in fact needs a collabo- ed house arrest. Now, hate speeches against of Justices Vineet Sa- told the court that warned that opacity ration,” Jaishankar a larger bench will be certain communities, ran and B R Gavai, New Delhi: SN Shriv- fairs. “With the ap- “more than 1 lakh peo- can no longer be over- said. constituted which had moved the top while referring to astava, who was hold- proval of Competent ple have been displaced” looked as it has real im- He said the answer to will hear the matter,” court seeking bail and Raju’s medical report ing the additional Authority, SN Shrivas- due to the post-poll vio- plications for the rest of the challenges thrown Manishankar Chat- terming the case received from the charge of Commis- tava, IPS (AG- lence in the state. the world. up by the pandemic is to terjee, the lawyer for against him a result of Army hospital at Se- sioner of Police, Delhi MUT:1985), presently The plea alleged that In an online address expand and smoothen Subrata Mukherjee, “political vendetta”. cunderabad, said it has been appointed as holding the additional “exodus of the people in at the ‘Future of Asia’ global flows while creat- said. “Meanwhile, He had also claimed cannot be ruled out the Commissioner of charge of Commis- West Bengal due to conference organised ing confidence that its the four accused will that he was “beaten that the MP was “ill- Police of the city, in- sioner of Police, Delhi state-sponsored vio- by Nikkei, the External outcomes are for the be under house ar- mercilessly” by the treated” in custody. formed the Union is hereby appointed to lence has posed serious Affairs Minister said benefit of the world. rest,” he added. —ANI Ministry of Home Af- the same post. humanitarian issues”. India, Japan and Aus- —PTI —PTI

‘YAAS’ LIKELY TO HIT COASTS OF TCS TO SET UP 100 VACCINATION BENGAL, ODISHA ON MAY 26 CINEMATOGRAPHER V JAYARAM CENTRES FOR EMPLOYEES STUDY SHOWS 50 PC PEOPLE Kolkata: Less than a intensify into a powerful DIES OF COVID COMPLICATIONS New Delhi: Software this week to vaccinate STILL DO NOT WEAR MASKS week after severe cyclonic cyclone. As per the World New Delhi: Veteran Telugu cinematographer V exporter TCS said it is staff. While Infosys has New Delhi: As India continues its battle with storm ‘Tauktae’ wreaked Meteorological Organisa- Jayaram passed away on Thursday evening due setting up 100 vaccina- vaccinated 11,000 people the Coronavirus pandemic, the Union Health havoc in some of the tion (WMO) norms, once to Covid-19 complications at the age of 70. He is tion centres across India and will order 1.6 million Ministry on Friday informed that according to Western states, including the depression turns into to inoculate its nearly 5 doses to cover all its survived by his wife, son, and daughter. a study, nearly 50 percent of the people do not Maharashtra and Guja- a cyclone, it will be known lakh employees and their staff and their kin, Wipro His work credits include fi lms in Telugu and wear masks. While speaking at a press briefi ng, rat, the India Meteoro- as ‘Yaas’. As per predic- dependents, with plans expects to have access to Health Ministry Joint Secretary, Lav Agarwal logical Department has tion, it will start gaining Malayalam. He worked as a cinematographer to step up the vaccination 1 lakh doses of vaccine by in fi lms starring Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, said, “As per a study, in India, 50 percent of the now warned of another its ferocity in the Bay of drive between the third early June. In an earlier people still do not wear masks. Among those Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishna, Chiranjeevi, depression building over Bengal from May 22-24 and fourth week of May. interaction, HCL said that who wear masks, 64 percent of them do not the North Andaman Sea onwards and will hit Nandamuri Balakrishna, Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, TCS’ Bengaluru-based it has started vaccination cover their nose properly.” He further said 19 in the Bay of Bengal. The West Bengal and Odisha Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi. peers Infosys and Wipro of employees in Delhi- states have less than 50,000 active cases. depression is likely to between May 26-27. have also unveiled plans NCR and Chennai. INDIA www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 06

Vax availability to see exponential POWERGallery SANGHAMITRA GHOSH IS SECRETARY, WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN W BENGAL Mrs. Sanghamitra Ghosh has been posted as rise in coming months: Health Min Secretary, Women & Child Development and Social With 2.59 lakh fresh cases recorded, nation’s total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,60,31,991 Welfare Department, West Bengal. She is a 1997

—PHOTO BY ANI batch IAS officer of W Bengal cadre. New Delhi: The daily READY TO SCALE UP TECHNICAL rise in coronavirus cas- COLLABORATION WITH INDIA: IMF SMARAKI MAHAPATRA POSTED AS es in India remained SECRETARY, FINANCE IN W BENGAL below 3 lakh for the fifth ashington: The In- and are suffering as a Mrs. Smaraki Mahapatra is appointed as Secretary, consecutive day with Wternational Monetary result of the COVID-19 Finance Department, West Bengal. She is a 2002 2.59 lakh new cases re- Fund stands ready to crisis,” Rice, who is the batch IAS officer of W Bengal cadre. corded in a single day, strengthen its dialogue director of the communi- according to the Union and scale-up its technical cations department at the S N SHRIVASTAVA IS NOW FULL- Health Ministry data collaboration with India, International Monetary FLEDGED DELHI POLICE updated on Friday. With spokesperson Gerry Rice Fund (IMF) told reporters COMMISSIONER the fresh cases, India’s has said, observing that during a news conference S N Shrivastava holding additional charge of Delhi total tally of COVID-19 the human tragedy is a on Thursday. “We are fol- cases climbed to stark reminder that the lowing the events in India Police Commissioner has been appointed as full- 26,031,991. The death pandemic continues to very closely. And we hope fledged Police Commissioner, Delhi. He is a 1985 toll climbed to 291,331 be a grave threat globally. that the number of new batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre. with 4,209 daily deaths, “Our great sympathies infections will continue to VIJAY NAMDEORAO ZADE POSTED AS The cumulative num- and support to the people decline,” Rice added. In- FINANCE SECY, UT OF CHANDIGARH ber of COVID-19 vac- of India, and what is dia has been jolted by the cine doses adminis- happening there relative second wave of coronavi- Vijay Namdeorao Zade has been posted as Finance tered in the country to the pandemic, to those rus which has crippled its Secretary, Union Territory Administration of Chan- exceeded 19.32 crore A health worker is seen with a COVID19 patient inside a COVID19 care centre in New Delhi on Friday. who have lost their lives healthcare system. digarh on inter-cadre deputation from Punjab Cadre (19,32,97,222) as per the to AGMUT Cadre, for a period of three years. He is 8 pm provisional report tion drive. Minister of days consistently,” the REMOVE “INDIAN VARIANT” REFERENCES, CENTRE TO SOCIAL MEDIA a 2002 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre. on May 21. As many as State for Health and minister said, adding New Delhi: IT ministry said on May 11 that the term “Indian Variant” 6,63,353 beneficiaries of Family Welfare, Dr. “Vaccine availability 10 IAS OFFICERS GET NEW POSTING has written to all social the coronavirus variant were without any basis, IN JHARKHAND the age group 18-44 Harsh Vardhan, re- will witness exponen- media companies asking B.1.617, first identified in saying the WHO had As many as 10 IAS officers have been given new years received their viewed public health tial rise in the coming them to take down any India last year, was being classified the variant as first dose of COVID vac- response to Covid-19 months.” India, which content that refers to an classified as a variant just B.1.617. IT ministry postings in Jharkhand. Accordingly, Bhishma cine in the day and cu- and the progress of vac- has been reporting un- “Indian variant” of the of global concern. The asked the companies to Kumar has been appointed as Project Direc- mulatively 92,73,550 cination with nine der 3 lakh daily cases coronavirus, as per letter government a day later “remove all content” that tor, Jharkhand Tribal Development Society and across 37 states/UTs States and UTs. “Recov- for the last four days, is issued on Friday seen issued a statement say- names or implies “Indian Yatindra Prasad was posted as Managing Director, since the start of ery outnumbers new ac- the second worst-hit by Reuters. The WHO ing media reports using variant” of the Covid-19. Jharkhand State Food Corporation and Chandra Phase-3 of the vaccina- tive cases for the last 8 country after the US. Kishore Oraon will join as Joint Secretary, Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department. Similarly, Sunil Kumar is posted as Managing Record 20.61 lakh Director, Jharkhand Skill Development Society; ‘White fungus just a normal fungal Meghu Badike as Joint Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat; Chandrasekhar Prasad as Project tests done in a day Director, ITDS Jamshedpur; Moti George Lakra infection, black fungus is dangerous’ as Joint Secretary, Commerce Tax Department; New Delhi: More than 20.61 lakh tests for de- New Delhi: At a time C-19 PATIENTS RAN Manoj Kumar as Joint Secretary, Planning cum tection of Covid-19 were when states are wit- OUT AT WB HOSP Finance Department; Avinash Kumar Singh as Joint conducted in a span of nessing a rise in black Secretary, Finance Department and Arun Kumar 24 hours in the country, fungus (mucormyco- Siliguri: After oxygen Ratan has been posted as Joint Secretary, Urban the highest-ever tests sis) cases, a disease leakage at the North Ben- Development and Housing Department. done in a single day, primarily affecting im- gal Medical College and while the daily positiv- munocompromised Hospital in Siliguri was a KUMAR RAVI IS ALSO MD, BMSIL IN ity rate has declined to Covid-19 patients, re- cause of concern among BIHAR 12.59 per cent, the Un- ports of another fun- COVID-19 patients and Kumar Ravi, Secretary, Building Construction ion health ministry 3,57,295 patients recu- gal infection, called their families this morn- Department, Bihar, has been handed over an ad- said on Friday. perating in a span of 24 “white fungus” have ing. Patients started run- ditional charge of MD, Bihar Medical Services and India’s Covid-19 daily hours. caused a stir. ning out amid the chaos, Infrastructure Corporation (BMSIL), Patna. He is a while large number of recoveries continued to The cumulative re- However, experts In- 2005 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre. outnumber the daily coveries have reached diatoday.in spoke to people, including their new cases for the eighth 2,27,12,735 in the coun- say there is no such family members, gath- ered outside the block. By arrangement with: http:// consecutive day, with try, it said. disease as “white fun- whispersinthecorridors.com gus”. The infection that is being reported Sushil Kumar was seen is nothing but candidi- PROTECT KIDS ORPHANED BY C-19, POOR WOMEN: MHA asis, they said. New Delhi: The Ministry of Home informed states/UTs on the advi- The first reports of Affairs (MHA) has written a letter sory by MHA on standard operat- at Meerut toll plaza: Cops white fungus came to all states and Union Territories ing procedures for preventing and ‘Restore power supply New Delhi: Delhi Po- from Patna, Bihar. (UTs) directing them on steps for combating crimes against vulnerable lice said that Olympic However, the govern- the protection of “vulnerable sec- sections of the society, including links hit by Tauktae’ gold medallist Sushil ment-run Patna Medi- tions” especially children who lost women, children, senior citizens and Kumar, who is an ab- cal College and Hospi- parents due to COVID-19. The letter Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes. New Delhi: The Nation- cued 186 of the 261 peo- sconding accused in the tal (PMCH) dismissed al Crisis Management ple who were onboard murder case of junior these reports. Committee (NCMC) barge P305 off the Mum- gold medallist wrestler Now, a fresh case of 50% DON’T WEAR A MASK: DRDO’S ANTIBODY DETECTION headed by Cabinet Sec- bai coast and 2 person- Sagar at Chhatrasal Sta- Man wearing a white T-shirt is so-called white fungus HEALTH MIN CITES STUDY KIT; TO BE LAUNCHED IN JUNE retary Rajiv Gauba on nel from a tugboat. dium, was seen in said to be Sushil Kumar. has been detected in New Delhi: The Union health ministry New Delhi: The Defence Research and Thursday directed the “Chief secretaries of Meerut. According to Uttar Pradesh. said that 50% of the country’s popula- Development Organisation (DRDO) central and state agen- states & advisors to the sources, a picture of a Kumar is seen sitting in “White fungus is just tion isn’t wearing a mask, as it shared has developed an antibody test kit cies to “expeditiously” administrators of Union Meerut toll plaza has the car with another a myth and misconcep- an update about Covid-19 situation for the early screening of COVID. restore the telecommu- territories apprised the surfaced in which a man. As per police, this tion. It is basically can- in India. At the media briefing, health DIPCOVAN, the DIPAS-VDx COVID nication, power, road committee of the dam- man wearing a white T- photo is dated May 6 af- didiasis, a fungal infec- ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal 19 IgG Antibody Microwell ELISA for and water supply links age to infrastructure, shirt can be seen, who is ter the incident. On the tion caused by a type of said that eight states have more than sero-surveillance has been developed affected by Tauktae. As crops as well as loss of said to be Sushil Kumar. basis of this picture fungus called Candida. 1 lakh active cases of Covid-19, nine by the Defence Institute of Physiol- many as 37 personnel life in the affected areas The photo that has been Delhi Police are looking It is most common fun- states have 50,000 to 1 lakh active ogy and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) in have died while 38 are & the measures taken by received by the Delhi for that car to know gal infection,” said in- cases and 19 states have less than association with Delhi-based firm still missing, after the them to restore telecom, Police is of the Meerut where Sushil Kumar is fectious diseases spe- 50,000 active cases of the infection. Vanguard Diagnostics Pvt Ltd. navy rescuers, battling power, roads, water sup- toll plaza. In it, Sushil hiding at the moment. cialist Dr Ishwar Gilada. extreme weather, res- ply, and other utilities.

FROM PG 1 SC stays ‘Ram Israelis-Palestine accept Centre sks... erate attempt to colour Covid in the fierce sec- gress leaders for his state Agriculture Min- bharose’ order ceasefire terms for now by Indian political investigations”. The ond wave of infections extensive election ister for six months, New Delhi: The Tel Aviv/Gaza: A leaders with reference government, say sourc- comes as his govern- campaign in Bengal during which time he Supreme Court on ceasefire between Israel to a toolkit created to es, asserts that a com- ment battles criticism and crowded rallies in will contest from an- Friday stayed order of and the Palestinian mil- undermine, derail and plaint has already been about its handling of the time of Covid. other seat to return to Allahabad High Court itant group Hamas in demean the efforts of made questioning the the pandemic. After peaking in ear- the assembly. in which it said that the Gaza Strip has come the government veracity of the The opposition has ly May, Covid cases Mamata Banerjee’s entire medical system into effect. against COVID-19,” “toolkit” and it is un- repeatedly attacked have been declining in landslide victory in in villages and small The ceasefire began sources said. der investigation. PM Modi over the scale the past two weeks but the Bengal election to cities of Uttar Pradesh early on Friday, bring- Sambit Patra’s tweet “The investigation of infection and deaths experts have warned win a third straight is at God’s mercy ing to an end 11 days of Palestinian women grieve on May 18, shared by will determine the ve- in the past weeks, al- against a third wave term was tempered by (“Ram bharose”) fighting in which more during funeral of loved ones. several BJP leaders, racity of the content, leging that the govern- that may be tougher on her own loss in Nandi- amid the COVID-19 than 250 people were had screenshots of not Twitter. Twitter ment failed to prepare children. gram by a narrow mar- pandemic. A vacation killed, most of them in occupied East Jerusa- what he called a “Con- should not interfere in for the surge, declared “This is not the time gin to the BJP’s Suv- bench of Justices Gaza. lem. gress toolkit” aimed at the investigation pro- victory over Covid too to be complacent. We endu Adhikari, her Vineet Saran and BR Both Israel and Ha- Israeli police spokes- smearing Prime Minis- cess. Twitter cannot early and exported have a long fight former lieutenant. Gavai also said that mas claimed victory in man Micky Rosenfeld ter Narendra Modi and pass its judgment vaccines when it ahead,” the Prime To stay Chief Minis- High Courts should the conflict. told news agency that the government’s han- while the matter is un- should have focused on Minister said, stress- ter, Mamata Banerjee refrain themselves The truce faced an Palestinians had dling of Covid. der investigation,” the protecting people in ing on the need to pro- has to contest by-polls from passing direc- early test on Friday thrown stones at offic- The government’s sources said. the country. tect children. within six months and tions which cannot when fresh clashes ers, and that “riot” sup- letter slams Twitter’s PM reduced... The PM was sharply ‘Hurt’ Mamata... become a member of be implemented. broke out at the al-Aqsa pressing measures had move as “pre-judged, criticised by Rahul the state legislative as- mosque compound in been taken in response. prejudiced and a delib- to those who died of Gandhi and other Con- He will continue as sembly. TALKING POINT www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 07 DO PEOPLE BECOME MORE RELIGIOUS IN TIMES OF CRISIS? positive coping mechanisms that help individuals feel more grounded in the aftermath of a trauma. DANIELLE TUMMINIO HANSEN Over time, these resources help indi- Assistant Professor of Pastoral viduals develop more intentional be- Theology & Director of Field Education, liefs, meaning consciously chosen be- Seminary of the Southwest liefs that take their suffering into ac- count. These might include reasons rganized religion has been on why the suffering occurred and what the decline for decades in the its significance is for the overall mean- O United States. However, dur- ing of the person’s life. Doehring refers ing the COVID-19 pandemic, research- to these as deliberative, or consciously ers found that online searches for the chosen, beliefs. Individuals have a word “prayer” soared to their highest sense of commitment to these beliefs level ever in over 90 countries. And a because they make sense in light of the 2020 Pew Research study showed that trauma. 24% of US adults stated their faith had So in the hypothetical case of some- become stronger during the pandemic. one who believes God is punishing I am a theologian who studies trau- them for contracting COVID-19, that ma and this shift makes sense to me. I feeling of shame and despair may re- often teach that traumatic events are, sult from a failure to understand why at their heart, crises of meaning that God would treat them that way. These cause people to question assumptions negative feelings would then function about their lives, including their spir- as negative coping mechanisms that itual beliefs. The years 2020 and 2021 prevent healing, as psychologist Ken- certainly fit that bill: The global COV- neth Pargament and his colleagues ID-19 pandemic has indeed led to trau- have observed about similar situa- matic experiences for many people, due tions where people felt God was pun- to the isolation, illness, fear and death ishing them. that it created. The person might then try to al- leviate their distress by questioning the assumption that God punishes QUESTIONING A temple in Coimbatore has installed a Corna Devi temple to pray for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. people with illness, thereby start- ing a kind of spiritual quest or reas- BELIEFS sessment of beliefs. They may even People who experience traumas tend to start to think differently about God question some of the assumptions they being a punishing deity. The shift be- might have had about their faith – what tween what the person assumed pastoral theologian Carrie Doehring about God and this new, consciously calls “embedded beliefs.” These beliefs chosen belief, is an example of the may include ideas about who God is, shift between embedded and delib- the purpose of life or why evil events erative beliefs. happen to good people. So, for instance, many Christians may inherit an embedded belief from TRAUMA AND the tradition that God is all good and that evil emerges when God “rightly” ATHEISM punishes people for their sins. In other Some people may argue that suffering words, an all-good God would not pun- logically ought to turn people into athe- ish someone without a reason. ists. After all, the horror of something Christians brought up with that as- like the COVID-19 pandemic could eas- sumption might ask what made them ily make someone question how it incur God’s wrath if they contracted would be possible for any deity to allow COVID-19. In such an event, the em- such horrors. bedded belief in a punishing God It would make far more sense to rea- may become something called a neg- son that creation is random, chaotic ative coping strategy – a coping and determined only by some combi- strategy that has negative effects on nation of the forces of nature and hu- a person’s life. man decisions. The agnostic philoso- Here’s what this might look like pher Bertrand Russell crafted such a practically: If a person believes proposal when he argued that Chris- they’re being punished by God, they tians should accompany him to a chil- may feel shame or despair. If they dren’s hospital unit because they feel God is punishing them for no would inevitably stop believing in reason, they may feel confusion or God once they saw such profound suf- try to identify something that is Has COVID-19 strengthened people’s faith? —KAREN MINASYAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES fering. problematic or sinful about their The way humans experience suffer- identity. As a result, their faith be- ing spiritually, however, may not neces- comes something that is a source of sarily lead to atheism or agnosticism. stress or cognitive dissonance rather Indeed, research from experts who than a source of comfort. If that hap- study the intersection of psychology pens, then the belief is functioning as and religion – including psychologists a negative coping strategy that the per- of religion and pastoral theologians – son needs to address. has found that events that could be la- beled as traumatic do not necessarily destroy faith. TRAUMA AND Indeed, they can also strengthen it because faith-based beliefs and prac- RELIGIOSITY tices can help individuals make sense Mental health experts like Judith Her- of their life’s story. In other words, man have known for several decades trauma challenges so many assump- that healing from trauma involves mak- tions about who we are, what our pur- ing meaning of the traumatic event. pose is and how to make sense of a Traumatic events are often confusing traumatic event. Faith-based beliefs for people because they don’t make and practices offer meaningful re- much sense. In other words, traumas sources to help navigate those ques- differ from the expectations of every- tions. day life, and as a result, they seem to This is why spiritual beliefs and defy meaning or purpose. practices across various religions can Spiritually, individuals may begin to often lead to faith strengthening rath- recognize that some of their beliefs got er than weakening, following a trau- challenged by the trauma. This is the ma. time when spiritual meaning-making So even though people may have occurs because people start to discern had limited access to buildings like which embedded beliefs still make churches or synagogues during the sense and which need to be revised. pandemic, they still had access to During this stage of recovery, theolo- spiritual resources that can help gian and trauma expert Shelly Rambo them navigate traumatic events. explains that traumatized individuals This may explain data showing that may draw on prayers, personal reflec- some individuals are stating their tions, rituals and conversations with faith is stronger than it was prior to spiritual experts such as chaplains, the COVID-19 pandemic. ministers and spiritual directors. Traumatic events could make a person more spiritual. —MOSTAFA ALKHAROUF/ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES These have been shown to function as SOURCE: THECONVERSATION.COM On International Day for Biological Diversity, the 2021 slogan- “We’re part of the solution” - is an important reminder in pandemic times. The solution to the COVID 19 issue lies partly with us- Get Vaccinated and follow the COVID protocol. —Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India 2ND FRONT www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 08 FIRST CASE OF BLACK FUNGUS IN A 13-YR-OLD IN AHMEDABAD The boy and his now deceased mother had tested positive for Covid-19 First India Bureau Mucormycosis infection in a government hospi- Ahmedabad: Even as tal. Covid-19 cases seem to Tamil Nadu Health be falling in Gujarat, the Minister Subramanian —FILE PHOTO first case of Black Fun- has informed that offi- gus or Mucormycosis in cials are taking a stock children has now been of the situation. He said reported from Tamil Nadu was Cyclone effect has spared Ahmedabad where a equipped with “anti- 13-year-old boy has been fungal drugs and other found infected. medicines”. The boy was operated Black fungus infec- central Gujarat poultry hub on in Khushboo Chil- tion cases rose across First India Bureau winds, because of es of broiler chicken dren’s Hospital in Chan- India with Maharashtra which there are reports have dropped to `65-70 dkheda. The child had reporting the highest Ahmedabad: Indian of about 4,000-5,000 a kg. tested positive for Mu- 2000 cases and 90 deaths, poultry industry has birds lost,” he said. Farmgate prices of cormycosis on Friday. followed by Gujarat also been adversely af- Anand-Kheda dis- chicken in Karnataka He had earlier been Cov- —FILE PHOTO with 1,163 cases. Mad- fected by Covid-19 crisis tricts have over 50 per are around `60-75 per id-19 positive and so was hya Pradesh has report- and now the cyclone, cent of Gujarat’s poul- kg, but at retail outlets his mother. He lost his ed 281 cases and 27 but the cyclone effect on try population and were in Mangaluru and Ben- mother to the disease. times even the eye. The infection has ogists, dentists, sur- deaths, followed by Ut- Gujarat’s poultry sector far from the eye of the galuru, chicken prices Mucormycosis is a Sinuses of such indi- been witnessed in cases geons, and others for tar Pradesh (73 cases, 2 has been minuscule. storm. are above `150 and `200, fungal infection that viduals get affected after of uncontrolled diabe- treatment. deaths) and Telangana The hub of poultry Though the retail respectively. mainly affects people fungal spores are in- tes mellitus, immuno- Tamil Nadu has re- (60 cases). Several states, farms — Anand, Kheda prices of eggs and “People have in- who are on medication haled from the air. suppression by steroids, ported the first suspect- including Gujarat, Tel- and Vadodara — has chicken have increased creased their intake of for other health prob- Warning signs include prolonged ICU stay and ed death due to Black angana, Maharashtra, lost a few thousand sharply, farmers, par- eggs as they are rich in lems that reduce their pain and redness around co-morbidities and re- Fungus in the Rajasthan and Haryana, birds. “The cyclone ef- ticularly broiler farm- proteins,” Suresh Chit- ability to fight environ- the eyes and/or nose, fe- quired a team of micro- Thoothukudi district. A have notified Black fun- fect is minuscule as ers, have suffered huge turi, Chairman of In- mental pathogens. ver, headache, coughing, biologists, internal med- 57-year-old welding lath gus under the Epidemic these districts didn’t losses. ternational Egg Com- While it is unusual, it shortness of breath, icine specialists, inten- owner, who was also a Act to let patients avail face the severity of the While farmgate egg mission and Managing can lead to loss of the bloody vomit and al- sivist neurologists, ENT Covid-19 patient, is said treatment under govt cyclone. However, there prices are ruling high Director of Srinivasa upper jaw and some- tered mental status. specialists, ophthalmol- to have possibly died of insurance. were rains and strong at `4.60-5 a piece, pric- Hatcheries, says. BJP lodges 7 police Three drown in a trench dug by NHSRC in Gujarat First India Bureau run between Ahmedabad clone, rain water filled The mother of one of complaints against and Mumbai. the trench, because of the children who was Valsad (South Guja- NHRC constructed a which the construction then at the bank, plunged Gujarat AAP chief rat): Three persons, in- flyover for the bullet work was put on hold. inside to save the chil- —FILE PHOTO cluding nine and ten train and for the founda- On Friday morning, dren but she too started year old children, died tion the construction two cousins, one nine drowning. Locals called after drowning in the company had dug a year old and another the fire brigade and in- trench dug by the Na- trench near Balitha vil- seven jumped into the formed the railway po- tional High Speed Rail lage of the Vapi Taluka trench but as they didn’t lice, who fished out the Corporation (NHSRC) in Valsad district. Due to know how to swim, they three bodies with help of for the bullet train to be heavy rains after the cy- The NHSRC site in Valsad district. started drowning. local swimmers.

Guj BJP chief CR Paatil (left) and Guj AAP chief Gopal Italiya. CYCLONE EFFECT! ICGS Samudra First India Bureau They alleged that Ital- iya had in one of his Ahmedabad: The BJP posts allegedly referred Pavak assists ship workers have filed seven to Gujarat BJP presi- different complaints dent CR Paatil as a boot- against Gujarat Aam legger without any evi- stuck in cyclone Aadmi Party leader Go- dence. pal Italiya for his alleged Italiya was also ac- First India Bureau steering compartment derogatory comments tively involved in the was flooded. The ship’s about various public fig- Patidar Anamat An- Gandhinagar: ICGS 230 V power supply was ures, most of them from dolan Samiti and was a Samudra Pavak was de- also disrupted because the BJP. The comments clerk with the revenue ployed for search and of flooding. were posted on various department before be- rescue (SAR) operation The ship’s main mast social media posts plat- ing dismissed from ser- in the Gulf of Khamb- including aerials, ra- forms. The BJP wants vice. He had even called hat for providing assis- dars and bridge top Italiya to publicly apolo- up Deputy Chief Minis- tance to distressed fish- structures were dam- gise for his comments. ter Nitin Patel to com- ermen and merchant aged. As the power sup- The BJP has said Ital- plain about the prohibi- vessels after cyclone ply was not available, iyaa is a public figure tion law. The conversa- Tauktae. the crew were not able and he should maintain tion later went viral and At about 3.25 pm on to cook food and the ves- the sanctity of the same it emerged that he had Wednesday, a ship was sel was not having and not make derogato- posed as an LRD jawan A huge art structure of peacock collapsed inside the Riverfront Event Centre Ground near Tagore hall in Ahmedabad on directed to RV MV Sa- drinking water after ry comments about oth- while talking to the min- Friday. —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI marpan, which had contamination of fresh er leaders. ister. been reporting engine water tanks. ICGS Sam- failure, steering break- udra Pavak provided down and total power fresh water, lemonade, ‘FAKING’ THE LIONS? loss. dry provisions and The ship arrived at medicines. 4.12 pm in position 194 The ship’s technical Veraval Lt 18NM. After team assessed the de- Gujarat ACS tweets a fake video, says sorry later assessment, the vessel fect and provided tech- was approached and the nical assistance and the ACS (Forests & Environment) Rajiv letter signed by Tikadar lions have been tracked ship’s boarding team team revived basic pow- in which the officer said following the cyclone boarded the vessel at er supply. Gupta tweeted video of African that the video was sent and found to be safe. 4.30 pm. The team inspected to him by an eminent Earlier Gupta, while It was found that its the steering gear com- lions to show Gir lions safe after wildlife enthusiast and sharing the video and main engine was non- partment and found so- prima facie it appeared tagging the Gujarat For- operational. Due to lenoid to be defective cyclone Tauktae, but later blamed it to be from Gir. est Department, had heavy downpour and and partially restored on PCCF (Wildlife) The letter said the said the forest staff had rough weather the the manual steering. wildlife enthusiast who kept constant monitor- First India Bureau as that of Gir in Gujarat. sent the video was asso- ing on lion movement in “It is regretted that a ciated with the lion con- the region during the Gandhinagar: Guja- wrong video was posted servation program for cyclone. rat’s Additional Chief along with a statement long. It said the staff The tweet of the video Secretary of Forest & of lion safety in Gir could not check the ve- was also retweeted by Environment Depart- landscape. PCCF (Wild —FILE PHOTO racity of the video as the official handle of the ment Rajiv Gupta has in Life) Shyamal Tikadar they were involved in a Gujarat Forest Depart- a tweet on Friday apolo- has apologised for his massive tracking and ment and Union Minis- gised for posting a video lapse & indiscretion. regretted with an as- tweeted. rescue operation follow- ter for Environment and of lions crossing a wa- Inconvenience & confu- surance for double cau- The tweet was accom- ing the cyclone. It also Forest, Prakash Ja- terway in South Africa sion caused is sincerely tion in future,” Gupta panied by a picture of a added that most of the vadekar. MV Samarpan ship that was rescued during the cyclone. www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia 09 AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021

Astonishing

AanchalAROUND THE BANKS OF RIVER GAMBHIRI AND BERACH LIES THE BEAUTIFUL CITY CHITTORGARH AND FROM THAT CITY HAS RISEN A DREAMER, AANCHAL, WHO LETS THE UNIVERSE BRING HER CLOSER TO HER DREAMS!

believes that once you set a goal for yourself, the uni- versal powers bring them over to you. Apart from na- ture, her biggest source of SUSHMITA AIND [email protected] inspiration is the one who nurtured her from the very beginning, her mother. Be- ajasthan is a house ing a single mother, she of artists, dream- never doubted her daugh- ers, madmen and ter’s dreams, and always poets. One such encouraged her to break the R dreamer is Aan- social norms. chal Ajaipal, whose Aanchal aspires to repre- dream of being an sent India on international astonishing model has platforms and has been brought her forward, from soaked in her hard work to the exotic streets of Chittor- make her dream come true. garh to the shimmering An inspiration for a lot of lights of the glamour world. girls who still cannot find Aanchal holds a degree in the courage to live their Bachelors of Science. In an own dreams, she shared, exclusive interview with “We must all refuse to give City First, she shared, “My up. Once you achieve your journey began in the year goal, it just doesn’t matter 2019 when I signed up for helped her in shaping her- who you are and where the first beauty pageant, en- self as a model. have you come from, it is titled, Miss Viva, where I The model also credits okay to face criticism, was the first runner-up. nature for being her source but once you reach that This pageant shaped my fu- of inspiration. The varied goal, all the criticism ture destinies, I learned seasons inspire her to adapt that you have faced about Elite Miss Rajasthan according to changes. She will turn into glory. from which I was intro- That will be your day to duced to my then future and shine. Every journey be- now present mentor, Gaurav gins with a single step Gaur. I participated in and every journey is Udaipur auditions of Elite accompanied by hur- Miss Rajasthan 2020 and I dles, but, it is best to won the title for the climb the mountain same.” She thanks and enjoy the view her mentors, rather than just see- Gaurav Gaur ing its pictures from and Ajay afar.” Nair who have de- liber- ately ETC www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22 2021 10

JASMINE NAHTA [email protected]

tressing about cre- ating compelling content for your blog, small busi- S ness, or personal page? On days when you are deal- ing with creative road- blocks, having a content pillar to reference can save a lot of time and effort! Content pillars (also called content buckets), as the name suggests, are a set of topics or themes which act as a rich source of informa- tion about your organiza- tion, its purpose, and the ACE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH audience, which can be bro- ken further into pieces. This could be anything from a blog post to a short video. Since they are the ‘pillars’, they essentially thus help you shape and guide your content deci- theseWITH questions. Other your reach. ForCONTENT example, clearly defined purpose be- PILLARS sions to help meet your ob- ways are to hold Q&A’s, sur- you may post long pieces of hind what you create, ex- jectives. Here’s the deal: veys or start discussions in text on your blog, but could periment with new types of Using content pillars isn’t public forums to find what reformat the same informa- content, while keeping in new. They have been a prov- topics are of importance to tion for visual-heavy plat- mind your audience behav- en content marketing strat- them. The insights derived forms like Pinterest and iour and preferences. egy for years and when from this can also help you Instagram by utilizing info- Establishing good con- done right, can give you a create effective content that graphics. This not only cre- tent pillars with a strong reliable framework for a caters to every subset of ates a multitude of content foundation that you can go more flexible, adaptable your audience. out of a single idea but can back to is an investment in and stress-free approach also be used to trace back to your time. Effective con- for creating content that is REPURPOSE AND REFINE your pillars and stick with tent pillars take time to de- both relevant and original. Once you have a basic un- the best practices of each velop, and with ever-chang- Here’s how you can use derstanding of your pillars social network. It will help ing market trends and con- them to brainstorm fresh and target audience, you with easier recognition and sumer preferences, you ideas, ditch last-minute can then move forward also maintain a sense of must stay focused to give posts and scale your reach: with outlining possible uniformity in your digital your digital practices the ways to address them. Con- footprint. best chance at success. ADDRESS THE BASICS duct an audit of your social When done right, it is Before jumping to the type media and existing content MAKE A CONTENT CALENDAR worth the effort. of content you can make, and see their performance. Perhaps the most impor- begin with clearly outlin- What resonates with your tant aspect, focus on direct- ing three to five pillars, target audience? Tap into ing your effort towards their purpose and mapping your creative side and ask maintaining consistency a solid understanding of how these topics can be with your content and us- what you wish to achieve used to recreate content in ing social media analytics through your content (Is it a different format or if you to track their performance converting followers into can add more value to exist- and how your audience en- buyers? Building an email ing material. For example, gages with it. Segregate it list?) then do a thorough if you were a jewellery by creating columns for breakdown of your niche, brand sharing your latest editorial, platform and pro- the value you offer and your ring collection, you could motion plan to keep up with target audience. Making also make a video tutorial updates to existing content mock personas to under- on how to stack different and scheduling future ones. stand their desires and pain styles. Other ways to fine- Look for opportunities points can help you decide tune your content are to within this inventory and what sort of message you create specific tags to build how you can further utilize want to share. Through free a stronger sense of commu- your pillars. Having creat- online tools like HubSpot nity for the intended audi- ed an outline of your con- and Xtensio, you can gener- ence. Reformatting your tent, audience, and social ate user-profiles and tem- content for specific social channels, all you have to do plates to answer some of networks can majorly affect is make sure there is a

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER YOUR MAR 21 - APR 20 APR 21 - MAY 20 MAY 21 - JUNE 21 JUNE 22 - JULY 23 This is the time when you A family youngster is likely Excellent opportunities Your performance at work enjoy yourself with a new to do you proud. Your may knock at your door. will be commendable. Your DAY group of friends or strategy to promote Professionals will be able own happiness is in your FACE OF THE DAY Horoscope by colleagues. A change of job yourself on the to give their best in a new hands today. Spouse may is likely to give you better salary and professional front will bear fruits. situation. Financially, this day may need her space, respect that. This is Saurabbh Sachdeva perks. Those in business will soon You may need to speed up things on prove lucky for you, so go ask for the a favourable day for completing get a chance to make profi ts. A new the academic front to remain ahead. raise that is keeping you on pending jobs. Financially, no deal is likely to come through and On the social front, the day fi nds you tenterhooks. Don’t take any chances problems are foreseen. It is best to give you a taste of success. in your element. with your health today. avoid outside food.

LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 AUG 24 - SEP 23 SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 Those looking for buying a Getting into a favourable You may wait for Good performance on the house can get a good situation on the academic someone’s invitation for a academic front will help bargain. Appreciation is in front is possible. Good luck trip. Your professionalism enhance your reputation at store for some promises to brighten your in handling problem areas work. Some favourable homemakers. A professional victory day. Some positive changes can be will be appreciated. Tenant troubles developments on the social front are is yours if you play your cards well expected on the home front. This are foreseen for some house owners. foreseen. Buying new furniture or a today. Those in business will be able seems a good day for job seekers. You will fi nd family life more than major appliance is possible. With to maintain good earning. You are New avenues for earning open up as fulfi lling. A senior is likely to put in a good networking, a prized posting likely to enjoy good health. you get more determined. good word for you. can be yours.

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES NOV 23 - DEC 22 DEC 23 - JAN 20 JAN 21 - FEB 19 FEB20 - MARCH 20 You are likely to take up Success is foretold on the You will have to be more You will manage to achieve someone’s cause and earn academic front. Your focussed on the academic what you had aimed for on appreciation from all reputation is likely to boost front. You may get busy the academic front. A quarters on the social front. your image on the social organising something on the celebration can fi nd you in Remaining on the good side of those front. On the work front, you’ll social front. You may need to put your your element today. Praise and who matter on the academic front will manage to keep your superiors in ideas into action, if you want to prove honour are likely to greet you in help you achieve much. Good tidings good humour. This is an excellent yourself. A party may be thrown in something that you have managed to of your well wishers will keep you day. Good planning will see you your honour at work. Health-wise a achieve. You will be a pillar of GLADY GEORGE, Blogger going on the professional front. complete a task. good day is foreseen. strength to a friend or associate. ETC www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 11

BTS Cher The Jonas Brothers Poster of the film, ‘Ek Mini Katha’ Smooth like Butter Goddess of the Pop Latest release Ek Mini Katha nd it’s finally out! BTS has released her, who turned 75 yesterday, shared the he Jonas Brothers and Marshmello, the irected by Karthik Rapolu and written their highly-anticipated song ‘Butter’, news on Twitter that her biopic is fi- masked musician, have released a new by Merlapaka Gandhi, the romantic on Friday. ‘Butter’ is a dance-pop track nally in the works. Often referred as the song called “Love Before You Love Me.” comedy is produced by UV Concepts in A that easily becomes listeners’ favour- C ‘Goddess of the Pop’, Cher is known for T The Jonas trio teamed up with Marsh- D association with Mango Mass Media ite earworm, with its distinctive baseline and her decades-long career in music, television mello for this fuss free track, which was re- and stars Santosh Sobhan, Kavya Thapar in crisp synth sounds. Sometimes smooth and at and films, with multiple albums and movies leased on Friday. The lyrics video has already the lead roles. Prime members in India and times charismatic, the duality of BTS they such as Mask, The Witches of Eastwick and her surpassed 50,000 views in less than three hours across 240 countries and territories can stream claim to “owe [it all] to [my] mother” will melt Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck, in her kitty. of its release. The Jonas Brothers have also the exclusive digital premiere of ‘Ek Mini listeners’ hearts. The fun and witty lyrics Producers Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, announced that they will be performing it at Katha’ starting May 27 2021. Taking on a social brimming with positive and bright energy will who backed both Mamma Mia! films, are set to the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday. stigma, one laugh at a time, Ek Mini Katha also instantly uplift moods. —Agency produce the project for Universal. —Agency —Agency displays a strong social message. —City First

The new episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians Fan shall reveal the UPCOMING incident when Saint Moment ans from Southern Indian states can West tested positive truly be all heart when making a ges- ture for their beloved movie. Since 2020 for Covid-19! F happened to the world, India has faced EPISODE a desperate problem of accommodating such Kate Hudson a huge population against the COVID virus. Sonu Sood stood up and represented human- ity by arranging travel, food and shelter for thousands of needful. On board Even in the second wave etflix’s upcoming ‘Knives Out’ sequel outbreak, Sonu is work- has added actor Kate Hudson to the al- ing relentlessly with his ready packed star cast of the film. The team to provide hospital N actor has joined the first sequel to beds, oxygen concentra- teaming up with Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautis- tors, and vaccines. ta, Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom Jr and Edward Some fans in Andhra Norton. Daniel Craig will reprise the role in Pradesh decided to the sequel. The upcimg second installment build a life-size poster will be written and directed by Rian Johnson. of Sonu, put a celebra- —ANI tory garland on it, and Kim Kardashian and Saint West pour milk on the loved actor’s face. Sonu wrote ‘Humbled’ on the video on Twitter that has since gone vi- ral. —Agency

Nushrratt Bharuccha A Decade already Kim Kardashian s ‘Pyaar ka Punchnama’ clocks 10 years to its release, Nushrratt Bharuc- cha expresses her gratitude for the im Kardashian and With the Kardashians. In the up- episode will show Kim talking A film and the character that put her on Kanye West’s son, Saint coming episode, Kim will be seen over the phone as she says, the map of the industry. Expressing her grati- West had tested positive revealing on a phone call that “Sainty just tested positive for tude, Nushrratt said, “When I look back to the for COVID-19 last fall. her son has tested positive for COVID. And North is saying time we were shooting for Pyaar Ka Punchna- K While neither Kim nor coronavirus. It was revealed last she’s feeling sick. “ In the show’s ma - none of us had the faintest clue what won- Kanye had spoken about year that Kanye himself had confessional, Kardashian fur- ders this film will do for us, or even how this it before, it has been re- tested positive for the virus last ther admits that she doesn’t film will eventually turn into a power-packed vealed for the first time in the fall but Kardashian had not spo- want to freak anyone out but Sonu Sood franchise.” —City First upcoming episode of Keeping Up ken about Saint at the time. The she’s “worried.” —Agency

Vicky Kaushal Late Irrfan Khan Poster of the series, ‘The Family Man’ Kendall Jenner Ashwatthama ollowing the massive success of URI: Lost and insecure Time for Season 3? Tequila Brand: 818 The Surgical Strike, Vicky Kaushal, t has been over a year since the sad and aj and DK finally released the trailer eality TV star and supermodel Kendall Ronnie Screwvala, and Aditya Dhar de- tragic demise of legendary star Irrfan for The Family Man 2 on May 19 and Jenner is under fire again for accusa- F cided to take things to the next level Khan and well, his friends, family and fans revealed that the second season of this tions of cultural appropriation. Kend- with The Immortal Ashwatthama, a modern- I are still trying to cope with his loss. Taking R espionage would premiere on June 4. R all is currently promoting her new te- day superhero film based on the Mahabhara- to his Instagram handle, Babil shared a still The series has also been renewed for a third quila brand 818 in full force, received criticism ta’s King Ashwatthama. Vicky Kaushal and from Irrfan’s college play and expressed that season on Amazon Prime. The top executives over the photo and video promos of her brand, Sara Ali Khan will shoot the film in UAE, Ice- he was feeling lost, insecure and frightened. are pleased with the shaping of Season 2. Giv- which were recorded on an agave farm in Jalis- land, and India from September to January. Further, he shared in his emotional note that en the cliffhangers and the franchise’s rising, co, Mexico, where she set up shop for the new The actors have been learning new forms of he is slowly falling in love with the attention the creators are certain to announce a third venture. After the ad went live, many people action for the film. —Agency he is getting. Babil, is currently gearing up for season soon. The top executives are happy thought her look capitalized on stereotypes as- his debut in showbiz. —Agency with the way season 2 has shaped up. —Agency sociated with Mexican farmers. —Agency STAY MASKED

CITY GET VACCINATED BUZZ www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 12

With the lockdown in place the popular tourist and local haunt - Albert Hall, Jaipur is deserted but for the scores of pigeons which are a common sight even when people and NATURE RECLAIMING THE EARTH! traffic throng the area. Albert Hall waits patiently for ‘human life’ to return to its halls and corridors in this picture on Friday morning by Naim Khan! 47th Foundation Day BIRTHDAY GESTURE!

Dr BD Kalla adressing the audience during the online workshop Art, Literature & Culture CITY FIRST, BIKANER This ten-day online chil- (From left) KV Rajeswara Rao, G Santosh Kumar, VSR Murthy and Lalit Narain dren’s theatre workshop r BD Kalla, Minister is organised under the joint of Arts and Culture, aegis of Rajasthan Lalit CITY FIRST families of Andhra 46 years of existence, the inaugurated the On- Kala Akademi and Curio Pradesh, Telangana and association has planned Dline Children’s Theat- institution. ndhra Associa- family of any Telugu to organise the 47th er Workshop on Friday. Dr Rajneesh Harsh of tion of Ra- born person in India and Foundation Day Cele- Dr BD Kalla while ad- Rajasthan Lalit Kala jasthan, Jaipur living in Rajasthan. brations with added dressing the inaugural Akademi said that dur- was registered Members (1200 fami- new features on a session, ‘Collage of ing the ten-day workshop, A in 1975 and has lies) & Students virtual platform on Kilkari’ said that without senior artists of Rajasthan been conduct- (about 5000) are sup- May 21 ad 22, 2021. music, literature and art, hu- including cine artists Raghu- ing various so- ported when they are They have launched man life is incomplete. The veer Yadav and Himani cial, cultural, sports pro- in any need or any prob- three new activities/im- Senior journalist Anil Lodha celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, with drama genre is an integral Shivpuri will teach children grammes during the last lems of travel, health or provements on the 47th simplicity and a social message. He decided to reach out to others on this part of our life which is as- the nuances of Rangkarma 46 years for the TELUGU any other issues. Formation day. day by organising a vaccination camp on his birthday where more than 100 sociated with our traditions. from home. [email protected] speaking members and For the first time after [email protected] people got vaccinated. HAPPY B’DAY! SUCCESSFUL NEW LIFE ROLE OF CITY FIRST In such cases, there is a high risk of the leg JOURNALISM 47-year-old pa- being amputated en- tient was giv- tirely. But Dr Ashish en a new life Zakhetia, Dr Arun A by the suc- Pandey, anaesthetist cessful operation Dr Naveen Patidar, of a 10 cm long and cardiac sur- IAS Rashmi Gupta thigh tumour geon Dr Sanjay celebrated her birthday on thanks to the un- Gandhi and team, Friday, May 21. We wish wavering efforts of as well as ICU and OT Dr Tabeenah Anjum during the virtual session her all the best! the Geetanjali Medi- workers, successfully cal College and Hospi- saved the patient’s leg CITY FIRST sion discussed how jour- tal’s Heart Disease and life with their nalism has transformed Department and Can- combined efforts. n interactive ses- during the pandemic, the The team of Geetanjali Medical Hospital with the patient cer Center on Friday. [email protected] sion on ‘Role of infodemic of misinfor- VIRTUAL the Journalist mation during Covid, during Pandem- story ideas for journal- SESSION! —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI A ic’ was organised with ists to take up, following senior journalist, Dr one’s story, and the role Tabeenah Anjum on of a journalist. Google Meet on Friday. Talking about the The session was organ- challenging role of a ised by the School of journalist during the Media and Commu- pandemic, Dr An- nication, Manipal jum said that the University Jaipur. journalist’s role as a Dr Anjum is an inter- gatekeeper becomes nationally acclaimed even more challenging visual storyteller and re- during the infodemic cri- he IAS Associa- RAJ: The Jaipur Fights Covid team recently provided 30 families who had cipient of the National sis the nation is facing tion is organ- lost their livelihood due to coronavirus with one-month ration packets GUJ: Amit Chawda, President of GPCC and other Seniors leader flagged off free Award in Photography during the pandemic. ising a virtual in Phulera on Friday. The team has also supported over 500 people with ambulance services as they paid tribute to Former Late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv conferred by the Minis- They are not extraordi- T oxygen beds, over 80 plasma donors, over 1000 food plates, and financial session with Mugdha Gandhi on his death anniversary at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in the city on Friday. Congress try of Information and nary beings. Everyone is Sinha, IAS Literary assistance to several people. Various team members were present on the MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh and Congress MLA Imran Khedawala also distributed food and Broadcasting, Govern- looking after their safety. Secretary in conver- occasion. provided help to Covid-19 patients and their relatives at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. ment of India. The ses- [email protected] sation with IAS Dr Hari Om on his book ‘Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’ on Saturday, May 22 from 11 CURING POST COVID COMPLICATIONS a.m onwards. The CITY FIRST veins of the hand (acute py. It was on the verge of the right leg without sur- prevent complications, session will be live limb attack) has been re- cutting the arm off gery causing blood to Dr Degawat has advised telecast on the offi- fter being cured vealed on Friday. Patient when Prem Ratan flow all over again. patients not to stop tak- cial Facebook page of Covid at EHCC Shanti Devi’s left arm Degawat, a doctor at The patient breathed ing their prescribed med- of IAS Literature Hospital, a swelled with pain and EHCC Hospital, pre- a sigh of relief from ications post-treatment Society. —CITY FIRST unique case of turned blue after 20 days vented it with his un- this unique treatment and follow all measures. A Dr Prem Ratan Degawat with Shanti Devi blood clotting in the of effective corona thera- derstanding. He healed of acute limb attack. To [email protected]