www.fi rstindia.co.in OUR EDITIONS: www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD twitter.com/thefi rstindia facebook.com/thefi rstindia & LUCKNOW instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 149 Pvt docs livid over ‘ludicrous’ govt order to audit oxygen

Gargi Raval is important to use oxy- in the daily oxygen stand why the govern- The state has gen as per the need and consumption per pa- ment has to issue new Ahmedabad: State not let it go to waste,” tient in that register, circulars every day. We asked Health Secretary Shivhare’s letter says. which should kept sep- are doctors. We are Jaiprakash Shivhare It adds: “To stop the arate from the patient’s very aware of how to medical staff on Saturday issued a unnecessary usage of case papers. This use medical oxygen letter to hospitals (oxygen), and as a part should be strictly fol- and how much oxygen to keep notes across Gujarat, direct- of precautions as per lowed and violation of each patient needs. If ing them to audit their the Epidemic Disease the same would invite government officials of oxygen oxygen consumption. Act of 1897 and as pre- penalties.” want an audit of medi- This has not gone down scribed under the Gu- Private doctors called cal oxygen usage, they consumed well with medical per- jarat Epidemic Regula- the directive ludicrous will have to deploy sonnel who, despite al- tion 2020, all hospitals and unrealistic. staff for this them- at their ready being exhausted, in the state--both pri- “The doctors across selves,” said Dr Bharat facilities continue to attempt to vate and government- the state are keeping Gadhvi, president of COVID staunch the flow of run--have been asked to medical records of Ahmedabad Hospital VACCINE COVID-19 patients. keep a register for oxy- COVID-19 patients, and Nursing Home As- Given the increased gen. The doctor or A worker refi lls an empty oxygen cylinder at a plant in which is the need of the sociation. demand for oxygen, “it anaesthetist should fill Ahmedabad’s Vatva area. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI hour. We do not under- Turn to P6 551 OXYGEN PLANTS TO COME UP USING

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is expressing ‘Mann Ki PM CARES FUND Baat’ at a time when this covid storm is testing our patience. New Delhi: The PM CARES Fund will be utilised to set up 551 oxygen generation Centre supporting plants in public health fa- cilities across the country, the Prime Minister’s Office states in this fight, (PMO) said on Sunday. The plants, which will be made operational “as soon as pos- PM’s Mann ki Baat sible”, will ensure uninter- New Delhi: Prime Min- rupted supply of oxygen in ister Narendra Modi has government hospitals at said the Centre is “fight- district headquarters, the CORONA ing with all its might to PMO added. CATASTROPHE support states in fight The announcement comes against coronavirus”. To tackle this at a time when several hospi- INDIA Speaking in his monthly wave of COVID, I tals in the country have com- 3,49,691 radio address “Mann ki have held meet- plained of severe shortages new cases Baat” in the backdrop of ings with experts of medical oxygen. a crippling oxygen crisis “In line with Prime Minis- NOW, DELHI EXTENDS WILL SEND RAW MATERIAL 2,767 in the national capital, from many fields ter’s direction of boosting new fatalities PM Modi said the gov- like pharma in- availability of oxygen to hos- LOCKDOWN BY WEEK FOR COVISHIELD, SAYS US ernment of India is dustry, oxygen pitals, the PM CARES Fund New Delhi: The ongoing lockdown in Washington: Expressing “deep RAJASTHAN “dedicated to taking for- production etc. I has given in-principle ap- Delhi has been extended by another sympathy for the people of India ward the efforts of the also urge people proval for allocation of funds 15,809 state governments to week, with the national capital still following the recent spike in COVID-19 new cases not to believe in for installation of 551 dedi- showing a high positivity rate despite a cases”, the United States on Sunday tackle the current COV- cated Pressure Swing Ad- ID19 situation”. rumours regard- marginal drop in the daily said it will send across the raw material 74 ing vaccination sorption (PSA) Med- needed urgently for the manufacture of new fatalities “I’m speaking to you ical Oxygen Genera- coronavirus fi gures. Making the at a time when COV- Narendra Modi, Covishield vaccine in India. “The United tion Plants inside O2 announcement on Sunday, Delhi ID-19 is testing our pa- Prime Minister public health fa- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal States has identifi ed sources of specifi c tience and capacity to cilities in the coun- said: “Coronavirus still continues raw material urgently required for bear pain. Many of our try. PM has directed to wreak havoc in the city. Public Indian manufacture of the Covishield loved ones left us un- experts from many that these plants opinion is that lockdown should vaccine that will immediately be made timely. After success- fields like pharma in- should be made increase. So the lockdown is being available for India,” the White House fully tackling first wave, dustry, oxygen produc- functional as soon as possi- extended for one week”. said in a statement. the nation’s morale was tion etc,” the Prime ble. He said that these plants high, it was con- Minister said. will serve as a major boost to fident. But Since last week, thou- oxygen availability at the HUNDREDS OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS, this storm sands of Covid patients district level,” the PMO stat- VENTILATORS SENT TO INDIA, SAYS UK (second in Delhi have been ed in a press release. wave) has struggling to breathe, It added that the in-house London: The United Kingdom said it was sending life-saving medical shaken the with various hospitals, oxygen generation facility equipment to India - including ventilators and oxygen concentrators. nation,” he small and large, flagging would address “day to day The shipment is expected to reach Delhi on Tuesday. 9 containers said. oxygen shortage every medical oxygen needs of carrying over 600 pieces - including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 “To tack- few hours. One hospital hospitals”. non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators - will be sent. le this wave said it lost 25 lives over- of COVID, I night on Saturday due have held to the shortage. meetings with Turn to P6 34 West Bengal assemblies across five 82 killed, 110 injured in fire at ICU unit of hospital in Baghdad Baghdad: Iraq’s Interi- districts go to polls in 7th phase today or Ministry said on Sunday that 82 people Kolkata: Over 86 lakh 796 companies of central to the infection, pushing died and 110 were in- voters in West Bengal forces in the seventh the toll to 10,884. jured in a catastrophic will decide the political phase to ensure free and Voting will be held at fire that broke out in fate of 284 candidates fair voting, he said. 12,068 polling stations the intensive care unit on Monday, when 34 as- It will also put in spread over nine assem- of a Baghdad hospital sembly constituencies, place measures to en- bly constituencies each tending to severe coro- including Chief Minis- sure strict adherence to in Murshidabad and navirus patients. Negli- ter Mamata Banerjee’s COVID-19 protocols Paschim Bardhaman gence on the part of home turf Bhabanipur, during the voting pro- districts, six each in hospital authorities has The charred remains of the Ibn al-Khatib hospital in Baghdad. go to polls in the sev- cess, the official said. Dakshin Dinajpur and been blamed for the Sat- enth phase, amid a rag- West Bengal on Satur- Malda and four in Kolk- urday night fire, which fired key hospital offi- virus, tweeted Ali al-Bay- ing second wave of day registered its high- ata, the official said. All initial reports suggest cials hours after the ati, a spokesman of the COVID-19. est-single- day spike of eyes will be on the Bha- was caused when an catastrophic incident. country’s independent Security measures particularly the death of Election Commission of- 14,281 coronavirus cas- banipur constituency, of oxygen cylinder explod- Among the dead were Human Rights Commis- have been heightened in five people in Cooch Be- ficial said. es, which took the tally which the TMC supre- ed in the ward of Ibn at least 28 patients on sion. The commission is view of the violence in har in the fourth round The poll panel has de- to 7,28,061, and at least 59 mo is the sitting MLA al-Khatib hospital. ventilators battling se- a semi-official body. the previous phases, of polling on April 10, an cided to deploy at least more people succumbed and a resident. Turn to P6 Iraq’s prime minister vere symptoms of the Turn to P6 NEWS 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 02

Trudging along.... After healthcare facilities, Ahmedabad is now also facing a shortage of dustbins at its crematoriums, which are operating at max capacity almost 24x7. Staff at the Dhudheshwar Crematorium in the city's Juna Vadaj area have started using discarded PPE kits to haul garbage, unaware or uncaring of the risk they pose. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

MILKING A TRAGEDY ‘NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR PHOTO OPS’ Gujarat’s citizens call out the state’s politicians for ‘doing good for political mileage’ First India Bureau disaster mitigation, and it is failing right Ahmedabad/Va- now. What will happen TWEET dodara/Surat: Lately, when--not if--the third the days have been roll- and fourth waves come? ing one into the other, Why can’t the govern- punctuated only by ment focus on improv- pleas for help, notifica- ing health infrastruc- tions of tragedy, stories ture rather than less of loss, and a flurry of important things?” social media messages Maulin Shah, a resident from Good Samaritans of Ahmedabad’s Mani- trying to help. From nagar area, asked. finding hospital beds, Surat’s Akash Agar- oxygen suppliers, or wal further points out: that one lab technician “The rallies, the propa- who is still answering ganda, and the lime- their phone, most are BJP’s state unit president CR Patil is seen with remdesivir stock that the party distributed for free in Surat even as hospitals and light could have all just responding to the pharmacies in Ahmedabad turned away patients who needed it. —FILE PHOTO waited until the situa- need of the hour. Some, tion improved, at least. however, are milking Nothing is more impor- the situation for photo tant than helping peo- ops, and the state’s citi- ple to survive. However, zens are paying close some of the blame lies attention. with the people as well. And they aren’t They should under- afraid to speak their stand that these politi- minds. cians are just using “We come from a cul- them to gain fame.” ture where donations Bapunagar resident and good deeds are Jayesh Patel sounds meant to be kept secret. tired when he says, “Are But politicians are us- the political leaders re- ing social media to ally interested in pre- boost their own image. venting disaster? They They are elected repre- seem to enjoy cutting sentatives and are sup- ribbons more than any- posed to serve society. thing else--even when Instead of standing A picture of Leader of the Opposition Paresh Dhanani, seen without a mask or any protective gear at a lumberyard that supplies wood the facilities they are with the people in these to crematoriums, drew criticism when it appeared on social media. —FILE PHOTO inaugurating aren’t dark times, they are ready to serve the peo- publicising every little sweets because an oxy- Narendra Modi called Bhumi Vyas. lighted. It’s like they’re ple’s needs.” action of theirs on so- gen plant became oper- to condole his family. Surat banker Na- saying, ‘It’s ok if you Amrish Patel, a resi- cial media. But it’s not ational. It is shameful. But no one is talking gendra Yadav is more don’t want publicity, dent of Vastral be- entirely their fault. Peo- A new plant is no great about the fact that Raw- caustic. “At a time when we’ll take it’,” he said. moans the state’s de- ple seem to prefer lead- achievement when peo- al died in an ambulance people are going out of “I don’t know who pendence on the armed ers who are better at ple are dying due to a waiting for admission their way to help stran- these leaders are trying forces. “The DRFO had marketing than actual- lack of oxygen. It is a at the Civil Hospital. As gers, some people’s rep- to impress. It’s not like to set up a hospital for ly working,” necessity. We mourn he waited in life, he also resentatives are trying there’s an election com- COVID-19 patients. Ahmedabad-based stu- the death of even stran- had to wait in death- to grab attention. The ing or anything. Yet, Even when there is a dent Rakesh Prajapati gers, but these leaders -given the long queue at other day, I saw a post rather than trying to flood or an earthquake, told First India. are more keen on gain- the crematorium,” col- on social media, show- control the spread of the government throws In Junagadh, Kanjib- ing mileage.” umnist Jay Vasavada ing a photo of a politi- the virus, they are busy up its hands and calls hai Patel asks, “How “The practice of con- said. cian helping someone. popularizing their par- the army in. It seems can anyone celebrate verting every issue into “Politicians want to While the help was no ty. Take the vaccine like our leaders would anything at a time like an ‘event’ is becoming a take credit for every lit- doubt appreciated, the campaign, for instance. rather pose for pictures this. Yet, a few days ago, disease. When photog- tle thing. And their sup- recipient’s face was What was the need to at public events than Bharatiya Janata Party rapher Sailesh Rawal ports egging them on,” blurred out, and the turn it into a photo op? deal with any real is- The people of Gujarat have been taking their leaders to leaders distributed died, Prime Minister feels Vadodara student politician’s was high- The state failed in pre- sues.” task for promoting their social-work ‘exploits’. GUJARAT www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 03 Surat Doc, 3 others held for illegal sale of remdesivir First India Bureau

Surat: Police have ar- rested a doctor and three others for al- legedly selling rem- desivir on the black market, officials said on Sunday. They also recovered three vials of the drug which is in high demand for COVID-19 treatment from the accused. Acting on a tip-off, a Patients who arrived in private vehicles were turned away at the gate of the facility by impassive police personnel who were impervious to emotional outbursts by anxious relatives on Sunday afternoon. —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI crime branch team nabbed the four people from different areas of the state on Saturday. “The accused were try- RED TAPE LEAVES 2 DEAD OUTSIDE ing to sell the drug at a higher price than its MRP (maximum retail price) to COVID-19 patients and their relatives,” a police DHANVANTARI HOSPITAL ON DAY 1 official said. cal errors” due to shaw, died outside its Efforts were also on to Only those coming through 108 which admissions had gates. The oxygen cyl- nab the person who sup- been suspended earlier inder he had brought plied the antiviral drug or 104 emergency services can in the day. along ran out minutes to the accused, he said. “The hospital will ad- after he was told he An FIR was lodged get admission: government mit only those patients could not be admitted against the accused at First India Bureau The hospital, set up who come in via the 108 since he had arrived in the Lalgate police station by the Defence Re- ambulance services, or a private vehicle. under Sections 420 Ahmedabad: While search and Develop- with a referral from the A second patient, a (cheating) and 120-B the Dhanvantari ment Organisation at 104 COVID-19 helpline,” woman, also died at the (criminal conspiracy) of COVID-19 hospital the city’s GMDC the message added. gate after being denied the Indian Penal Code, opened to the public ground, which was in- While it is unclear admission to the hospi- and provisions of the Es- on Sunday, its front augurated on Friday, which department is- tal on Sunday. sential Commodities doors turned out to has so far only let in a sued the statement, its Meanwhile, the gov- Act, the official said. be revolving doors, paltry 10 patients as of devastating effects ernment has appointed In view of a sudden as many patients Sunday afternoon. were seen almost im- former chief fire offic- spike in demand for the continued to be A release from the mediately. er of the Ahmedabad antiviral injectable due turned away—in- state information de- One elderly man, Municipal Corporation to the surge in COVID-19 cluding two who died partment, issued at who had been rushed to MF Dastoor as the of- cases, the Centre recent- right outside the 950- 2.08 pm, said the hospi- the hospital from Vi- ficer in charge of the ly banned its export till bed facility. tal had faced “techni- 108 Ambulances are already lining up outside the hospital. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI ramgam in an autorick- hospital. the situation improves. Guj sees 14.2K cases, 157 deaths in S’nagar collector takes in U-turn: 24 hrs; caseload inches closer to 5L home-quarantined can refill O2 First India Bureau in Mehsana district, 573 First India Bureau in Vadodara city, 413 in Gandhinagar: Gujarat Surat district, 388 in Surendranagar: Dis- broke another set of Jamnagar city, 286 in trict collector K records on Sunday, Jamnagar district, 281 in Rajesh has directed when it registered Banaskantha, 212 in oxygen suppliers to 14,296 new cases of Bhavnagar city, 196 in refill oxygen cylin- COVID-19 and 157 re- Surendrangar, 187 in Va- ders for home-quar- lated deaths in a 24- dodara district, 183 in antined COVID-19 pa- hour span. The state’s Dahod, 180 in Kutch, 173 tients in Surendrana- caseload now sits an in Sabarkantha, 167 in gar, after initially re- inch away from five Bhavnagar district, 163 fusing to allow them Relatives of COVID-19 patients protested at the Surendranagar Collector’s bungalow on Saturday night. lakh, at 4,96,033, while in Patan, 161 in Gandhi- to do so. the death toll has risen nagar city, 156 in Mahisa- With hospitals across According to Chang- public and private hos- tor’s bungalow,” he ex- to 6,328, since March Medics no longer have the time to take any breaks. —FILE PHOTO gar, 143 in Kheda, 131 in the state scrambling to abhai Dodiya, whose pitals instead. plained. last year. There are Junagadh city, 130 in shore up oxygen sup- father is receiving “When I went to On Sunday, Collector now 1,15,006 active Bhavnagar, six each in Panchmahal, Devbhumi Tapi, 128 in Gandhina- plies, the District Collec- treatment at home, sup- COVID-19 hospitals, I Rajesh reversed his de- cases in Gujarat, where Gandhinagar and Mor- Dwarka and Botad. gar district, 121 in Navs- tor ordered all suppliers pliers have refused to was told that there was cision, stating that 10% the recovery rate has bi, five in Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad city regis- ari, 120 in Junagadh, 119 not to refill oxygen cyl- refill his oxygen cylin- not a single bed avail- of oxygen supplies fallen to 75.54%. four each in Banaskan- tered 5,790 COVID-19 in Anand, 117 in inders for COVID-19 pa- der. He claims that sup- able. How do I get my would be reserved for Ahmedabad recorded tha, Bharuch, Junagadh cases in the 24 hours Bharuch, 115 in Gir Som- tients on Saturday. On pliers have been told father treated when home-quarantined pa- 29 deaths, followed by 27 and Mehsana, three in ended 5 pm on Sunday, nath and 109 in Valsad Sunday, however, he re- not to refill cylinders. they refuse to give him tients. He stated that the in Surat, 18 in Vadodara, Kutch, two each in Am- during the last 24 hours, among others. versed his decision in He was also told that oxygen? As a result, we remainder will be dis- 14 each in Rajkot and reli and Valsad, and one followed by 1,690 in Surat At 16 cases, Dang had response to a protest by COVID-19 patients can joined others in pro- tributed to government Jamnagar, seven in each in Mahisagar, city, 608 in Rajkot city, 598 the day’s lowest spike. patient families. get oxygen from both testing at the collec- and private hospitals. 14 arrested for choosing NO TAKERS NCH continues to search for staff amid nCoV panic b’day parties over curfew tal, many doctors have First India Bureau “Officials patrolling lice registered a case Not even the offer of high pay been sought on deputa- in a police control against 11 members of could nudge candidates to tion. Sources also said Rajkot: Police have room van noticed fire- the NGO and arrested that non-clinical doc- arrested 14 people for works at the police 10 of them, the official interview at Surat hosp; 50 people tors are also involved violating the night headquarters. They said. in the treatment of curfew in place in 20 reached the spot and The accused were showed up for 1,000 positions COVID-19 patients. cities across the state found four persons cel- booked under Section The Junior Doctors to check the spread of ebrating the birthday. 188 (disobedience to First India Bureau interviews. Association at New Civ- COVID-19, an official They have all been ar- order duly promulgat- The hospital has il Hospital has threat- said on Sunday. They rested,” the police of- ed by a public servant), Surat: Despite attrac- over 100 open positions ened to go on strike if were apprehended at ficial said. 269 (negligent act that tive pay packages, for doctors. On Satur- their demands are not two separate birthday In another incident, could cause the spread very few people ap- day, interviews for 100 met by April 30. They parties on Saturday members of an NGO of disease dangerous plied to work at the Class-I and Class-II doc- presented the authori- night. participated in a birth- to life) and other provi- city’s New Civil Hos- tor seats were held, but ties with a memoran- According to a sen- day celebration in the sions of the Indian Pe- pital. The refusals, only 80 medical officers dum, demanding a 40% ior official, the birth- premises of a high nal Code, he said. according to sources, attended. The hospital increase in stipend. day party of a police- school around mid- The night curfew is were due to COVID-19 also needs around 20 “The government is man’s son was organ- night. currently in effect un- safety concerns. The specialist doctors, in- New Civil Hospital in Surat. —FILE PHOTO paying heavy salaries. ized at the police head- After some videos til April 30, but could hospital had intended cluding physicians and Yet there is a shortage quarters where fire- of the event were be extended if the to hire 400 nurses and anaesthetists. As the severe shortage of shortage of pulmonary of health workers,” crackers were also shared on a social me- health situation does 600 Class-4 employ- number of COVID-19 healthcare personnel. medicine doctors. Due said Dr Ritambhara burst. dia platform, the po- not improve. ees, but only about 50 cases in the city rises, According to sourc- to a lack of healthcare Mehta, Dean, Medical people showed up for the hospital is facing a es, there is a critical workers in the hospi- College, Surat. PERSPECTIVE www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 04

IN-DEPTH MODI ON COVID19: DOUBLE-TRIPLE “STORM” THAT MUTANTS - A CAUSE OF WORRY HAS SHAKEN DR GS per data released by NCDC a to- SANDHU tal of 15,133 samples have been analysed by the labs till March, THE COUNTRY 2021(less than 1%)These sam- THE AUTHOR IS A ples revealed cases of other aving faced flak for addressing RETIRED IAS, RAJASTHAN variants- 1644 of the UK, 112 of huge political rallies in West Ben- SouthAfrican, 1 Brazilian and gal during the outbreak of pan- 732 cases of double mutant. The- demic, Prime Minister Narendra ccording to scientists, viruses latest data shows the UK variant H Modi did some serious Mann ki multiply when they are trans- as the main cause of the surge Baat on Sunday to talk about the “storm” mitted from one person to an- in Delhi. Italso has a major pres- which was “testing our patience” and “capac- other. While doing so they un- ence in Punjab. There is a large ity to bear pain”. Around the time Modi was dergo change in their structure presence ofdouble mutants in addressing the people through his monthly which is called mutation. Most samples from Maharashtra. radio talk came the news of death of Kajal of the mutations are harmless Recently EAS Sarma, former Sinha, TMC candidate from Khardah Assem- A but some may become more in- Secretary to Government of In- bly constituency, due to Covid-19. Two other fectious. Coronavirus is no dif- dia wrote a letter to the Union candidates---Pradip Kumar Nandi of the Rev- ferent-it has been multiplying Finance Minister expressing olutionary Socialist Party and Rezaul Haque and mutating and some of the vember, 2020 that fears were his frustration at the state of af- of the Congress---succumbed to the virus ear- mutants have become a cause of raised of the likely spread of UK fairs. An excerpt from his letter lier this month. Union minister Babul Su- worry, hence the need to keep a variant B.1.1.7 and two other reads. “The early availability of priyo has tested positive a second time and continuous track of its chang- variants from South Africa and The latest data shows gene sequences from China, may not be able to cast his vote in Asansol on ing structure. This is done in Brazil. Looking at this scenario the UK variant as the United States and some other Monday. biological labs through what is the National Task Force (NTF) main cause of the surge countries is one key reason why The prime minister drew widespread crit- known as ‘genome sequencing’. on Covid19 made a recommenda- in Delhi. It also has a a vaccine could be developed icism for his Bengal campaign rallies and his tion to the Central Government major presence in ina record time. In India ge- 76th edition of Mann ki Baat was an attempt WHAT IS GENOME in December,2020 to form a con- Punjab. There is a large nome sequencing exercise, al- to reach out to people. “I am speaking to you SEQUENCING? sortium of the 10 national labs in ready running at a snail’s pace at a time when Covid-19 is testing our pa- Genome is the genetic material the country to be led by the Na- presence of double slowed down further between tience and capacity to bear pain. Many of our of an organism. Human ge- tional Centre of Disease Control mutants in samples November and January due to loved ones have passed away. After success- nomes are made of DNA (De- (NCDC). It was called the Indian from Maharashtra lack of funds, absence of clear fully testing the first wave, the nation’s mo- oxyribonucleic acid) while the SARs-COV2 Genomics Consor- directives, and possibly, also dis- rale was high and it was confident. But this corona virus genome is made of tium (INSACOG)and was man- interest because of the steadily storm has shaken the nation,” he said. RNA (Ribonucleic acid). Genome dated to trace various strains of falling Covid-19 curve. The case With the country recording over three lakh sequencing helps Governments the virus circulating inIndia. It the first wave and is also infect- of double mutant variant is a cases daily for the last three days and with to understand the genetic make- was also decided that 5% of the ing younger people. very good example of how poli- patients dying of acute shortage of medical up of the virus and prepare pub- positive samples from all States cy stumbled. It was detected oxygen, the prime minister assured the na- lic health strategies to contain it and UTs would be made available TRIPLE MUTANT (B.1.618) way back (in October). It was tion that the Centre was standing beside the and also understand its response to these labs on a weekly basis. As if a double mutant was not found again in November and state governments to help them through the to the vaccines. Ever since the In addition 50 samples of the re- enough of a worry, there are December. By February, this second wave of novel coronavirus. This was outbreak of Covid19 virus scien- turnees from the UK were also to now reportsof a triple mutant in variant is exploding, almost co- a major irritant between the Centre and tists in different countries have be sent to these labs. This would a few samples from Bengal inciding with the surge in Ma- states like Maharashtra and Delhi. Both the been scanning samples from in- help in continuous surveillance (named B.1.618).It is dubbed as harashtra. The discovery states blamed the Centre of bias in the distri- fected persons and a large num- of the virus on the lines of simi- the ‘Bengal strain’. Traces of should have acted upon imme- bution of vaccines by providing them with ber of variants have been detect- lar work done in other countries this variant have also been diately. But nothing happened. Looking at this less than the required number vials. The ed around the world but three of particularly the UK. found in Maharashtra and Del- Now we are firefighting.” scenario the other irritant was supply of oxygen where these - the UK variant (B.1.1.7), hi. Scientists are worried that Given the above scenario it is National Task utmost important to focus a lot again the Centre was accused of bias by Del- Force (NTF) on South African variant (B.1.1.351) DOUBLE MUTANT the triple mutation may have hi. The prime minister’s assurance may help Covid19 made a and the Brazilian variant (B.1.617) characteristics of the South Af- more on genome sequencing resolve the dispute. At least for future emer- recommendation (B.1.1.28) have been classified as The double mutant was first rican and Brazilian variants and prepare a well coordinated gencies 551 new oxygen plants are to be set to the Central ‘variants of concern (VoCs) due revealed in March,2021 by IN- which are considered immune strategy to fight the mutating up in government hospitals. They will be Government in to their higher transmission and SACOG whichdetected the escape variants-meaning there virus and save lives. It is becom- funded by PM Cares. December,2020 to resistance to vaccines. All others presence of two mutations- by that the present vaccines ing increasingly clear that In- He also urged the people to “not fall prey to form a consortium are called ‘variants of interest’ E484Q and L452R , in theIndian may not be very effective against dia’s second wave of epic pro- rumours” and get vaccinated. “You must be of the 10 national as these mutants are neutral in virus. This double mutant has it. This is as yet in the realm of portions can be controlled aware that the Government of India has sent labs in the nature. been classified as B.1.617. This further studies and enough data when the entire country stands free vaccines to all state governments. All peo- country to be led is the most common variant de- has to be generated to arrive at together in this fight. All the ple above 45 years of age can benefit from this. by the National FORMATION OF INSACOG tected in about 24% of the sam- any definitive conclusion. Slow- precautions to stop replication From May 1st vaccines will be available for Centre of Disease India had started genome se- ples collected during February- pace of genome sequencing IN- of the virus including wearing every person above 18 years of age,” he said. Control (NCDC). quencing of Covid19 virus with March, 2021. This was followed SACOG has been facing hurdles masks, social distancing and A “positive spirit is very important to get It was called the the help of samples of positiv by the UK variant which is in carrying out genome se- hand cleaning have to be ob- through these difficult times”, the PM said. Indian SARs- epersons early last year but there known to have a high transmis- quencing smoothly and with served in all seriousness. And Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took an in- COV2 Genomics was no coherent policy in this sion rate. Centre forCellular speed. There have been issues of we should not hesitate to seek direct swipe at the PM when he alleged that Consortium regard and nor any coordination and Molecular Biology (CCMB) transport of samples by states, cooperation and assistance the “system failed so it’s important to do Jan (INSACOG) and among the labs. Some of the labs is at the forefront of the study problems of additional funding, from WHO and other countries ki baat”. He tweeted, “In this crisis, the coun- was mandated to like the Centre for Cellular and as to whether double variant is import restrictions stopping vi- -be it for genome sequencing or try needs responsible citizens. I request my trace various Molecular Biology(CCMB) were the cause of the second wave of tal imports of reagents from the supplies of essential life-saving Congress colleagues to leave all political strains of the doing sequencing on their own Covid in India. Many experts USA. Surprisingly it appears medicines or vaccines. work---just provide all help and ease the pain virus circulating initiative as part of their re- do feel so since it is being trans- that theNTF on Covid19 was not THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY of our countrymen,” he tweeted. inIndia. search programme. It was in No- mitted far more rapidly than able to resolve these issues. As THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top SARS-CoV-2 Viral Mutations: Impact on COVID-19 Tests TWEET

he SARS-CoV-2 GENETIC genetic variants. cess to quick turnaround Dr Harsh Vardhan virus has mu- VARIATIONS: z Consider negative results whole genome sequencing @drharshvardhan tated over time, BACKGROUND AND in combination with clinical services, such as those us- India achieves a landmark in resulting in ge- CONSIDERATIONS observations, patient his- ing the EUA-authorized Il- Cumulative Vaccination Coverage; T more than 14 Crore #COVID19 netic variation A mutation (viral muta- tory, and epidemiological lumina COVIDSeq Test, Vaccine doses administered. India in the population of circu- tion or genetic mutation) information. these labs should consid- is the fastest country to administer lating viral strains over of the severe acute res- z Consider repeat test- er further characterizing 14 Crore Doses of COVID-19 the course of the COV- piratory syndrome coro- ing with a different EUA the specimen with genetic Vaccine in 99 days. Over 2.17 Lakh Recoveries in the last 24 hours. ID-19 pandemic. Molecu- navirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) authorized or FDA cleared sequencing when this pat- lar, antigen, and serology virus is a change in the molecular diagnostic test tern is identified. tests are affected by viral genetic sequence of the (with different genetic Be aware of the current Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani mutations differently due SARS-CoV-2 virus when targets) if COVID-19 is still instructions for use for 551 PSA Oxygen Generation Plants to the inherent design dif- compared with a refer- suspected after receiving a each test, especially the will be setup in districts across the ferences of each test. ence sequence such as negative test result. “Possible Results” and country. Funds allocated by PM @ This page provides in- Wuhan-Hu1 (the first ge- INFO FOR LAB STAFF safety. “Results and Interpreta- narendramodi Ji under PM CARES formation regarding the netic sequence identified) AND HEALTHCARE The FDA recommends RECOMMENDATIONS tion” tables, which de- will pave the way for availability of oxygen to public health facilities impact of viral mutations or USA-WA1/2020 (the Clinical laboratory staff clinical laboratory staff FOR LAB STAFF scribe when a result is thereby strengthening our fight on COVID-19 tests, recom- first identified in the and health care providers and health care providers USING THIS TEST positive, presumptive against Corona. mendations for clinical United States). A new var- should be aware that false who use SARS-CoV-2 tests: Be aware that one positive positive, negative, and in- laboratory staff and iant (virus variant or ge- negative results may oc- target and one negative valid, and how to inter- health care providers, and netic variant) of SARS- cur with any molecular z Be aware that genetic vari- target showing the S-gene pret each result. Specifi- Spiritual information about certain CoV-2 may have one or test for the detection of ants of SARS-CoV-2 arise drop out (reduced sensi- cally, “SARS-CoV-2 Pre- tests for which the FDA more mutations that dif- SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation regularly, and false nega- tivity with the S-gene tar- sumptive Positive” results SPEAK has identified potential ferentiate it from the ref- occurs in the part of the tive test results can occur. get) when using the Linea may indicate the presence impacts on performance erence sequence or pre- virus’ genome assessed z Be aware that molecular COVID-19 Assay Kit is of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic ac- The serenity of mind, due to SARS-CoV-2 genet- dominant virus variants by that test. The FDA first tests that use multiple consistent with certain ids, and repeat testing gentleness, silence, self- ic mutations. The FDA already circulating in the alerted clinical laborato- genetic targets to deter- mutations, including may be indicated; refer to restraint, and the purity of will update this page as population. Variants of ry staff and health care mine a final result are less those in the B.1.1.7 vari- the authorized instruc- mind are called the austerity significant new informa- SARS-CoV-2 can have dif- providers of this issue likely to be impacted by ant. If local or state clini- tions for use. of thought. —Bhagavad Gita tion becomes available. ferent characteristics. through a January 8, 2021 increased prevalence of cal laboratories have ac- COURTESY: FDA l Vol 2 l Issue No. 149 l RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad. Published at D/302 3rd Floor Plot No. 35 Titanium Square, Scheme No. 2, Thaltej Taluka, Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad. Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 05 ‘BJP FLOUTING POLL BODY’S COVID SAFETY RULES’ TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee attacked the Modi govt for allegedly organising campaign rallies amid a massive surge in cases Kolkata: Trinamool Baseless, false and misleading: Congress MP Abhishek Nadda hits out at People interested Banerjee on Saturday EC trashes Mamata's allegations attacked the BJP for al- Mamata for New Delhi: A day after observers are abso- in 'COVID ki baat', legedly organising cam- skipping PM’s Trinamool Congress lutely baseless, false and not 'Mann ki paign rallies, flouting supremo Mamata and misleading. No the Election Commis- Covid-19 meet Banerjee alleged there such instructions have baat', says Mamata sion’s (EC) Covid safety Manikchak: BJP were plans to detain been given by any Baharampur: Bengal protocols amid a mas- president JP Nadda her party workers observer, Chief Elec- CM Mamata Banerjee sive surge in cases, and today slammed Bengal ahead of voting in toral Offi cer or offi cer on Sunday claimed that urged the poll panel to Chief Minister Mamata West Bengal at the of the Commission people are no longer take note of violations. Banerjee for her per- instance of poll ob- to act against work- interested in PM Modi''s While the TMC has sistent attacks on the servers, the Election ers of any party(ies)," ''Maan ki baat'', they, cancelled public meet- centre over the prevail- Commission said no the statement said. instead, want to hear ings the day EC banned ing COVID-19 situation instructions have been Banerjee had on ''COVID ki baat''as the road shows, rallies and and sought to know issued by any of its of- Saturday alleged that pandemic has left lakhs allowed meetings with a why she chose to skip fi cers or observers to she has come to know gasping for breath, amid maximum of 500 peo- a virtual meeting where act against workers of that three special shortage of vaccines ple, the BJP is refusing Prime Minister Nar- any political party. observers of the and oxygen cylinders. to obey the rules endan- endra Modi discussed In a statement, the Election Commission Banerjee, during a meet- gering people’s lives, PM Modi accused Mamata Banerjee of not attending meetings called by the centre on various issues. ways to combat the Commission said a have "ordered police ing with party workers Mr Banerjee claimed in disease. He contended section of the media offi cers to detain TMC at an auditorium in a live interaction on Fa- the election),” he said. and 2,000 deaths daily matoriums are over- that the Trinamool has reported about workers" ahead of the Murshidabad district, cebook. He alleged that The BJP has no con- in the country,” he said flowing with bodies, he supremo’s “anxiety "allegations" made the voting exercise, and claimed that Modi & Un- 10,000 people attended a cern for people’s lives, accusing the Modi gov- claimed. has grown manifold”, West Bengal Chief said that she would ion Minister Amit Shah BJP rally in Bengal’s he alleged. ernment of mishan- To prevent such a after having seen the Minister that instruc- move the Supreme were busy "planning Malda on Saturday. “The PM deprived 130 dling the situation. situation in West Ben- support that is pouring tions have been given Court against this ways to capture Bengal, “The EC allowed ral- crore people of the In BJP-ruled states gal, Mamata Banerjee, in for the BJP, and the by some ECI offi cers "conspiracy". when they should have lies with 500 people, but country and sent the such as Uttar Pradesh who successfully con- ruling party, for that and observers to ar- Banerjee has often ac- been taking appropriate did nothing to monitor COVID-19 vaccine to 80 and Gujarat, people are tained the coronavirus reason, has “resorted rest "TMC goons". cused the Commission measures" to combat the restriction. The EC countries to boost his not getting beds in hos- situation last year, must to attacks on saffron "Such statements of being partisan, a the second wave of the should have clubbed the image. Now there is pitals, crying for oxy- be at the helm, the TMC party men”. —PTI supposedly attributed charge rejected by the pandemic. —PTI remaining phases (of around three lakh cases gen on streets and cre- leader said. —PTI to ECI offi cers and poll panel. —PTI Govt asks Twitter, Facebook to pull down System failed, so it's essential posts critical of handling Covid-19 crisis to do 'Jan Ki Baat': RaGa New Delhi: Congress New Delhi: Twitter and images or visuals, com- leader Rahul Gandhi on other social media plat- munally sensitive posts Sunday alleged that the forms have removed and misinformation "system has failed" and about 100 posts and about COVID-19 proto- it is the duty of the par- URLs after the govern- cols. Although reports ty to provide help to fel- ment asked them to re- suggested that the posts low citizens suffering move content that was critical of government due to sudden spurt in critical of the handling handling of the medical COVID-19 cases in the of the current medical crisis were asked to be country. crisis or spreading fake removed, sources said His comments came news around the pan- the government is open on a day Prime Minister demic. Twitter said it to criticism and sugges- Narendra Modi in his has notified the impact- tions in the collective 'Mann ki Baat' radio ed account holders of its it wasn't immediately platforms to remove the sued in view of the mis- fight against COVID-19. programme said the action taken in response known what the re- posts and URLs (uni- use of social media plat- However, they said it second wave of the to a legal request from moved posts were. form resource locators) forms by certain users is necessary to take ac- COVID-19 pandemic the Indian government, Meanwhile, govern- to "prevent obstructions to spread fake or mis- tion against those us- has shaken the country important to do Jan ki my Congress colleagues while Facebook did not ment sources said the IT in the fight against the leading information and ers who are misusing and assured people that baat," Gandhi said on to leave all political comment on the issue. Ministry, on the recom- pandemic & disruption create panic about the social media during the Centre was working Twitter. work -- just provide all Sources said the com- mendation of the Minis- of public order due to pandemic in the society this grave humanitari- with all power to help "In this crisis, the help and ease the pain panies have complied try of Home Affairs, the said posts. They add- by using unrelated, old an crisis for unethical the states. country needs responsi- of our countrymen," he with the order. However, asked the social media ed that the order was is- and out of the context purposes. —PTI "System' failed, so it's ble citizens. I request added. —PTI Massive wildfire in Mizoram’s ISRO TO LAUNCH DATA RELAY SATELLITE N ew Delhi: The Indian lite serves as a way to station at the Coco is- Lunglei reaches Chandmari Space Research Organi- pass along the satellite’s lands for the Gagan- sation will launch a information. The yaan mission. New Delhi: A massive data relay satellite that NASA, with a robust However, there are wildfire engulfed and will help maintain con- human space mission blind spots, due to spread out to the out- tact with the Gagan- programme, also has its which there is a possi- skirts of Lunglei town yaan mission through- own data relay satellite. bility of not receiving in Mizoram that is re- out after the launch, Its Tracking and Data signals, sources added. ported to have started at sources said. Relay Satellite allows it The data relay satellite around 7 am on April The satellite will be to have global coverage will help address the is- 24. Lunglei is the capital launched before the fi- of all the satellites sues. town of Lunglei Dis- some localities, the fire fering serious burn in- nal leg of the Gagan- round the clock without Earlier this month, trict in the southern reached some buildings juries. Though hun- yaan mission, which having to build extra the ISRO signed an part of Mizoram. but could be contained dreds of volunteers will send astronauts to as a data relay satellite Satellites in orbit ground stations on agreement with French The fire is mainly and doused before it have stepped up in dif- the Lower Earth Orbit before going for the first cannot pass along their Earth. space agency CNES for concentrated in unin- caused any major loss to ferent locations across (LEO). The first leg -- human space flight,” information to the Last month, ISRO cooperation for the Ga- habited forest areas sur- property. Lunglei au- Lunglei town, the rag- the unmanned mission the sources said. ground stations on Chairperson K Sivan ganyaan, a move that rounding the town and thorities, firefighters ing fire has not been -- is to be launched in The Rs 800-crore pro- Earth if the satellite had said the space agen- will enable training of has spread to more than and volunteers have contained even after a December. “We’re plan- ject has been approved does not have a clear cy was also in talks with Indian flight physicians 10 village council areas been fighting to put the non-stop effort of more ning to launch our own and work has been go- view of the ground sta- the Australian counter- in French space agen- within the town. In fire out, some even suf- than 32 hours. satellite, which will act ing on, they added. tion. A data relay satel- part to have a ground cy’s facilities. —PTI

WATER SUPPLY AFFECTED IN LORD JAGANNATH TEMPLE TO VARIOUS PARTS OF DELHI BSF FOILS PAK DRONE BID TO REMAIN CLOSED TILL MAY 15 SC JUDGE JUSTICE MOHAN M New Delhi: Water supply duction has been curtailed DROP ARMS IN JAMMU Puri: Given the surge temple offi cials, SJTA SHANTANAGOUDAR DIES AT 62 across the national capital at Water Treatment Plants Jammu: A Border security force (BSF) troops in COVID-19 cases, the chief administrator Krish- New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Mohan was affected from Sunday at Wazirabad and Chan- overnight foiled attempts by Pakistan-controlled Shree Jagannath Temple an Kumar said after chair- M Shantanagoudar died at a private hospital in in wake of curtailment of drawal,” it said, adding drones to drop arms and ammunition in Jammu Administration (SJTA) ing a meeting attended by Gurgaon, sources said on Sunday. He was 62. operations at 2 treatment that water supply shall and Kashmir’s Jammu district. BSF sources said, Saturday decided to stop representatives of temple Justice M Shantanagoudar was admitted to the plants, a Delhi Jal Board be affected from Sunday two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were spot- the entry of devotees into servitors, the Puri district Medanta hospital due to a lung infection and (DJB) said. “Due to deple- evening till the pond level ted by alert troops of the BSF on the Indian side the 12th century shrine collector and senior was in the ICU, the sources said. His condition tion of pond level at Wa- improves to normal. The of the border in the Arnia sector of the Jammu till May 15. However, the police offi cials, and other was stated to be stable till late Saturday night zirabad Pond against the DJB advised the public to district on Saturday evening. “These UAVs were age-old daily rituals of the stakeholders. It was also but around 12.30 am, the doctors attending him normal level of 674.5 feet make judicious use of wa- spotted over Vikram and Jabowal border out- trinity-Lord Balabhadra, decided that all prepara- broke the sad news to the family, a court offi cial and reduction in release of ter and water tankers shall posts in the Arnia sector. “The UAVs fi nally failed Devi Subhadra, and Lord tions for the construction told PTI. The sources did not confi rm or deny raw water by Haryana in be available on demand to drop their payload”, sources said. Jagannath - will continue of chariots will continue whether the judge was suffering from COVID-19. Yamuna river, water pro- from water emergencies. with help of servitors and as per traditions. 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 06 INDIA REPORTS HIGHEST SINGLE-DAY SPIKE With over 3,49,691 new COVID-19 cases, 2,767 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours and total caseload to over 1.66 crore New Delhi: India re- corded 3,49,691 new GANGA RAM HOSPITAL RECEIVES 5 TONS OF OXYGEN COVID-19 cases, the New Delhi: Bringing repeatedly fl agged acute highest single-day spike major relief amid the shortages in oxygen. since the pandemic severe oxygen shortage Hospital raised the mat- broke out last year. crisis due to a surge in ter for three consecutive According to the of- COVID-19 cases, Delhi’s days since Thursday. ficial data issued by the Sir Ganga Ram Hos- On Thursday, 25 of the Union Health Ministry, pital received fi ve tons hospital’s sickest COVID the country has record- of oxygen on Sunday patients passed away. ed 2,767 new deaths due morning. According to the Union to COVID-19 in the last A spokesperson of the Health Ministry, Delhi 24 hours The country’s top hospital informed is among the ten states total infection count that oxygen was given to running in full pressure pressure of the rap- reporting 75.01 per cent has mounted to patients at high pressure after a long time,” the idly rising coronavirus of the new COVID-19 1,69,60,172 cases, while ‘after a long time’. “5 spokesperson said. cases. Over the last cases in the country and 1,92,311 people have so tons of oxygen received The national capital’s week, several hospitals among the twelve states far succumbed to the at the hospital at 0415 healthcare infrastructure across the state have displaying an upward viral infection so far. A health worker takes a sample for a PCR test for the COVID-19 at a medical center. hours today. Oxygen is reeling under the sent SOS messages and trajectory in daily cases. Currently, there are 26,82,751 active COV- NOW, ITALY BANS TRAVELLERS FROM INDIA ID-19 cases in the coun- DELHI IS BURNING: 12 PEOPLE ARE COVID-19: 34-HOUR CURFEW try, said the official data Milan: Italy has joined Italy`s Health Minister DYING EVERY HOUR IN THE CAPITAL IMPOSED IN JAMMU & KASHMIR of the ministry. other countries by Roberto Speranza New Delhi: Amid a massive shortage of medical Srinagar: In view of the rising cases of corona- As many as 1,40,85,110 imposing restrictions said on Twitter he oxygen in the national capital, hourly deaths in virus, a 34-hour complete curfew was imposed recoveries have been on travel from India to had signed an order Delhi this week since Monday increased to over in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on reported so far, out of avert the spread of a barring foreign travel- 12 from about fi ve regis- Saturday, said the Lieuten- which 2,17,113 were re- COVID-19 variant as the lers who have been in tered last week, offi cial data ant Governor’s offi ce. ported in the last 24 Asian nation struggles India in the past 14 revealed. Between Monday The curfew will be in place hours. According to the with a surge in infec- days from entering and Saturday (April 19 and from 8 pm on April 24 till Indian Council of Medi- tions. the country. 24), Delhi reported 1,777 6 am on April 26. While cal Research (ICMR), deaths – over 12 deaths essential and emergency 27,79,18,810 samples per hour on an average, the government data services have been allowed during the curfew, have been tested for number of COVID-19 its third phase of the done from April 28. showed. During the same period last week markets and all commercial institutions will COVID-19 up to April 24. vaccinations adminis- COVID-19 vaccination According to the Un- (between April 12 and 17), Delhi reported 677 remain closed. The announcement was made Of these, 17,19,588 were tered in the country drive on May 1 for all ion Health Ministry, the deaths – about fi ve deaths per hour. This week, on the offi cial Twitter handle of the Jammu and tested yesterday. Mean- stands at 14,09,16,417. above age of 18 years, registration can be done the number of deaths on an was more than 10. Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s offi ce. while, the cumulative India will be starting the registration can be at cowin.gov.in. —ANI Babul Supriyo, wife test Republic Day violence: court grants bail to Iqbal New Delhi: A Delhi Court has granted bail JOURNALIST SIDDIQUE KAPPAN’S WIFE WRITES TO CJI positive for COVID-19 to accused Iqbal Singh New Delhi: Journalist Sid- life is in “extreme danger” in in a case related to the dique Kappan’s wife Raihanth Mathura jail. “Kappan, who Kolkata: Union Minis- violence on Republic Kappan wrote a letter to new- was arrested at Mathura on ter Babul Supriyo on Day during the farmers' ly appointed CJI N V Ramana October 5, 2020, while on the Sunday informed that tractor parade against on Sunday requesting him to way to Hathras to discharge he and his wife Rachna the Centre's three new immediately pass a release his duty as a journalist,” Sharma tested positive farm laws. order for her husband as his Raihanth wrote in her letter. for COVID-19. The BJP Special Judge leader has tested posi- Neelofer Abida Perveen tive for the second time. granted bail to Iqbal ed him to mention the times with location ac- on the first and fifteenth prior permission and Taking it to Twitter, Singh asking him to mobile phone number tivated and shared with day of each month. join investigation when he wrote, "Both me and furnish a personal bond to be used by him and the Investigating Offic- It also imposed vari- called. The accused also my wife have tested pos- with one local surety in shall ensure that the er throughout and shall ous conditions that he threatened the security itive. Me for the 2nd the sum of Rs 30, 000 same number is kept on telephonically confirm shall not travel outside personnel to let the riot- time!" Expressing his each. The Court direct- switched on mode at all his location with the IO the country without ous mob in. —ANI dismay about the news, amid the ongoing polls TMC Candidate from Khardah in West Bengal, he said, Mamata govt not handing " Very sad that I won't be Dies From Covid-19: Mamata Death toll in Uttarakhand’s able to vote in Asansol." "I needed to be there over crime records to on the road too for the Chamoli district rises to 11 26th polls where 'des- perate' TMC goons have Uttarakhand: The Central agencies: Nadda already unleashed their death toll in an ava- New Delhi : BJP Na- terror machinery to dis- lanche near the Indo- tional President JP Na- rupt free and fair polls," China border in Uttara- dda on Sunday alleged added the BJP leader in khand’s Chamoli dis- that the Trinamool Con- his tweet. trict rose to 11 on April gress-led West Bengal Elaborating on the 25, officials said here. government was not "TMC terror," in a sub- Ten bodies were recov- handing over crime re- sequent tweet, Supriyo ered till April 24. One cords to the Central wrote, "However, the more body was recov- agencies. TMchhi who I have han- ered on April 25 and a intendent of Police were at the road con- Nadda, while ad- dled (well) since 2014 rescue operation is un- Yashwant Singh have struction site when the dressing a virtual pub- "The highest number of may not rejoice. Will be derway, the district dis- been at the spot since avalanche occurred. lic rally in the Man- cases of atrocities doing my duties from aster management of- April 24 to monitor the Sumna, where the ikchak constituency of against women, rapes, my room and be right fice in Gopeshwar said. rescue operations. Utta- avalanche occurred, West Bengal, asked human trafficking, un- by my candidates men- Chamoli District rakhand police chief is approximately 25 Chief Minister Mamata reported cases, and do- tally in everyway pos- Magistrate Swati S. Ashok Kumar said a to- km from Malari vil- Banerjee about her mestic violence cases is sible." —ANI Bhadauriya and Super- tal of 430 BRO workers lage. —ANI worry as 'Maa' and said, in Bengal," he said.

FROM PG 1

Pvt docs livid... there no benefit to wast- supply issues, with the this,” he said, adding minister Sobhandeb seventh phase has been lence period” from 48 from the scene. Dr Chandresh Jardosh, ing oxygen. The govern- Centre contending that that the Centre will con- Chattopadhyay to make a low-key affair, follow- hours to 72 in each of Doctors at the scene former president of the ment is searching for an mismanagement on tinue to give free jabs to a hat-trick of wins for ing curbs imposed by the remaining three were frazzled by the Surat Chapter of the In- explanation and it’s sim- part of the Delhi gov- eligible people. the party from Bhaban- the EC in the wake of phases of the assembly chaos unfolding around dian Medical Associa- ply that demand has ernment has led to the The opposition has ipur. Chattopadhyay is the second wave of polls in view of the them. They said numer- tion echoed Dr Gadhvi’s grown greater than sup- shortage. been demanding “one pitted against a sea- COVID-19 cases in the Cooch Behar violence ous burned bodies were sentiment. ply. We have failed be- The Delhi govern- vaccine one price” soned actor but a green- state. Following the and the rising COVID-19 carried out by paramed- “The circular should cause we did not foresee ment has claimed that across the country. Yes- horn in electoral poli- surge in coronavirus cases. ics from the hospital have focused on commu- a situation in which peo- oxygen tankers are be- terday, Covaxin maker tics, Rudranil Ghosh, cases across the coun- 82 killed... floor. nity healthcare centres ple are struggling for ing stopped at source or Bharat Biotech said the who left the ruling party try, the EC has banned The fire came as Iraq and primary healthcare oxygen.” on way to Delhi by the vaccine will be availa- a few months ago to join roadshows and vehicle Firefighters rushed to grapples with a severe centres, where there is Shivhare has stood neighbouring states. ble to state governments the BJP. rallies in the state and battle the flames that second wave of the cor- no trained staff. No his ground. “I think the PM Modi also asked at Rs 600 a dose and pri- State minister Firhad noted that the COVID raged across the second onavirus pandemic. trained doctor pre- circular is self-explana- the people not to believe vate hospitals will get it Hakim is also seeking safety norms were be- floor of the hospital. Daily virus cases now scribes oxygen unneces- tory. The audit is a in “rumours” regarding for Rs 1,200. re- election for a third ing flouted in West Ben- Civil defense teams put average around 8,000, sarily. If I waste even means to promote the vaccination. 34 West... consecutive term from gal during campaign- out flames until the ear- the highest since Iraq one cylinder of oxygen judicious use of oxy- “You all must be the Kolkata Port con- ing. It also disallowed ly hours of the morn- began recording infec- in my hospital, it would gen,” he said. aware that the govern- Banerjee, however, has stituency, while the BJP any public meeting with ing. tion rates early last affect my economy since Centre supporting... ment of India has sent opted for Nandigram to fielded Lt General (Re- more than 500 people. Ambulances trans- year. At least 15,200 peo- I would then have to free vaccine to all state contest the elections tired) Subrata Saha The Election Com- ported dozens of ple have died of corona- spend time and money The Delhi government governments. All peo- this time and reposed from the Rashbehari mission has curtailed wounded. The Health virus in Iraq among a to buy another one. No and the Centre are fight- ple above the age of 45 faith in veteran politi- seat in the metropolis. daily campaign hours Ministry said at least total of at least 100,000 one likes waste and ing it out in court over years can benefit from cian and state power Campaigning for the and extended the “si- 200 people were rescued confirmed cases. 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 07 Angry Chelsea fans protest the European —NEIL HALL/EPA Super League.

the running of clubs. And yet, mund, whose absence from the the ESL reached an advanced “dirty dozen” was applauded. stage without any supporter For some, the German model DAVID RANDLES consultation. is the ideal. Again, this could be Senior Lecturer in Sports Increased fan input to club unrealistic with some of Eng- Journalism, Liverpool John administration, perhaps even land’s top clubs now valued in Moores University involving a presence in the the billions. At the very least, boardroom, has been suggested there will now be a discussion n the past year, football in the wake of the ESL debacle. involving supporters’ groups to has gone ahead in silent, The reality of wholesale takeo- test the practicality of these I soulless stadia. It has been EUROPEAN vers is unlikely though, with and other ideas for reform amid a testament to how important the sums now required to own calls for greater transparency fans are and there was hope a so-called “big six” club far be- from club owners and better en- that when COVID restrictions yond the reach of supporters’ gagement with fans. lifted and clubs could welcome groups. Responding to news that his them back, they would do so Boris Johnson promised to team was pulling out of the with open arms. It would be a “drop a legislative bomb” to ESL, Arsenal manager Mikel new era where they would ap- thwart the ESL. Whatever that Arteta commended the fan pro- preciate and value their fan- SUPER LEAGUE would have entailed is unlikely tests, saying that: dom more. to be required now all six Eng- [They were] really loud and Then the breakaway Euro- Owners have witnessed the power lish clubs have withdrawn. clear, and they sent probably pean Super League (ESL) was Nonetheless, the UK prime the strongest message that announced with six Premier minister is said to be keen to has ever been sent in [the] League clubs among its 12 of football fans and should listen continue working with support- football world … we have to founding members. It caused ers groups to help reform the listen to them.“ widespread outrage and was governance of football and pre- As the ESL crumbled, owners described by Uefa president to them to avoid future failure vent similar moves in the fu- witnessed the power their "leg- Aleksander Ceferin as a “dis- ture. acy” fans wield and they should graceful, self-serving plan” One idea is for an independ- realise that if they are to avoid and “a spit in the face of foot- creasingly concerned at get- fans to the sidelines. ent regulator to have overarch- such failures in the future, hav- ball lovers”. ting larger shares of broad- Political football A Football Task Force was ing powers to keep renegade ing their interests in mind and One of multiple leaks from cast rights and recognise the English football’s disregard for introduced in 1997, to report- clubs in check. Another poten- listening to what they have to what ultimately became a untapped potential of global fans is not new. In the past, the edly “give fans a fair deal” at a tial option could be the intro- say is worthwhile. sinking ship described domes- markets. recommendations that clubs time when ticket prices were duction of “golden shares”, Whatever measures are put tic football supporters as “leg- That is essentially what the curb ticket prices, made in the rising exponentially above the providing fans groups with the in place, if steps are taken to acy fans”. The suggestion was ESL was about—maximizing post-Hillsborough-tragedy Tay- rate of inflation. An enduring power of veto over board deci- give supporters more control that traditional home-based profits through global expan- lor report, were ignored. Then outcome of the task force has sions. over how clubs are run, then support is perceived by some sion with like-minded invita- there was the implementation been Supporters Direct—amal- The FSA and others have perhaps Real Madrid president club owners as a poor relation tion-only clubs. But at what of the dubious “fit and proper” gamated into the Football Sup- highlighted Germany’s 50+1 Florentino Perez had a point to an overseas armchair fan- cost? There was a gross under- person test, which ascertains porter’s Association (FSA)—a model that requires fan owner- when he claimed the ESL was base or “fans of the future”, as estimation of how big the the suitability of a person to group with cross-party support ship of a minimum of 51% of being created to “save football”. BBC Sport reported. backlash from politicians, take over a club. The test has that has helped establish more shares. This explains why the Paradoxically, the league that It is no secret that those governing bodies, sidelined only led to a multitude of takeo- than 140 supporter trusts to ESL was a non-starter for the was killed within 72 hours of clubs agitating to form a foot- clubs, and of course, fans vers from investors with sus- provide greater accountability likes of Bundesliga giants Bay- its unveiling could have a last- ball cartel have become in- would be. pect motives, further pushing and strengthen fan influence in ern Munich and Borussia Dort- ing impact.

On the Premier League’s 20th anniversary in 2012, the cost of the cheapest ticket at Manchester United’s Old Trafford had risen by 700%. Liverpool was one of the teams who joined then backed out of the European Super League. —NOOK THITIPAT/SHUTTERSTOCK —COSMIN IFTODE/SHUTTERSTOCK SOURCE : THECONVERSATION.COM One must never regret growing old, but enjoy the experiences and wisdom that come usually with age, remember, it is a privilege denied to many. —Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India 2ND FRONT 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 08 Drug abuse in times of corona; A’bad Gondal doctor Crime Branch busts narco racket pulls a patient ACTING ON A TIP-OFF, THE POLICE ARRESTED TWO PERSONS WITH MDMA DRUG WORTH ` 5 LAKH by handcart First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Even as Gujarat grapples with the burgeoning num- ber of Covid-19 cases, the Detection Crime Branch (DCB) of Ahmedabad has un- earthed a narcotics WHAT IS MDMA? racket being through social media. Doctor rushing Covid-19 patient to hospital on handcart. The Crime Branch officials have arrested First India Bureau two persons with MDMA (Methylenedi- Rajkot: At a time oxymethampheta- when the entire State mine) drug worth Rs Government ma- five lakh. MDMA is chinery as well as popularly known as Offi cials of the Detection of Crime Branch have unearthed narcotics racket. (inset) the seized drug. people seem helpless ‘Ecstasy’ and ‘Molly.’ before the onslaught The Crime Branch kim Shaikh, has been cotic on Saturday even- sic Science Labora- of Covid-19, every had received informa- running the illegal ing. torty (FSL) for scien- small effort at help- Dr. Hitesh Kalariya tion that a person re- business. These two They laid a trap and tific verification. The ing the patients is siding in Juhapura used to procure the when Mohammad and FSL has certified that ing orders and even to told mediapersons that priceless. news about the wom- was running a drugs drugs from Fatehwa- Mustkim arrived on the seized powder is collect delivery. Drug they were now investi- In a humanitarian an, the doctor rushed racket in connivance di’s Atik Mandli. two-wheelers, the offi- MDMA drug. delivery is not being gating since how long approach, a Gondal- on the spot and tried with a friend using the The police were cials intercepted them During primary done by Atik and this were they running the based doctor pulled to make the lady sit popular messaging tipped off that Moham- and on checking their questioning, both told consignment was deliv- drug racket. Based on an aged woman on a in an auto rickshaw platform Whatsapp. Ju- mad and Mustkim vehicles, found a pack- the crime branch offi- ered by a man named technical surveillance handcart to the hos- but she collapsed. hapura’s Mohammad were going to meet et of white powder. cials that they were us- Sonu. Atik too will be tracked pital to ensure timely “Calling 108 (am- Sultan Shaikh, along Atik at the Vishala Cir- The material was ing the whatsapp call- Crime Branch Police down and arrested treatment. bulance) meant that with Kalupur’s Must- cle to collect the nar- then sent to the Foren- ing system while plac- Inspector Y A Baloch soon. A video went viral it would take some in social media on time to reach. So I Sunday where a doc- pulled a nearby emp- tor is seen pulling an ty handcart and City corporator quits, AMC asks her to give letter in person old woman in a hand- made the lady sleep cart near the road. in the cart and took First India Bureau her signature was yet to tion letter. signed claiming family The doctor, who her to the hospital be verified. The resignation letter illness but in reality her identified himself as which was closeby,” Ahmedabad: Newly In a press release is- addressed to the Com- husband has trust is- Hitesh Kalariya in says Dr Kalariya. elected councillor from sued on Sunday, the missioner has been sues and also handles all the video, said that Looking at the doc- Chandkheda, Pratima AMC has stated that marked as received but the civic matters on her he was a gynecolo- tor’s quick response Saxena resigned from Saxena’s signature has the signature has not behalf. “Even her mo- gist and practicing in to the woman’s pre- her ward on Saturday, not been verified. been verified. Also, it bile remained with him the nearby Gokul dicament, the rela- even as the Ahmedabad The official release Ahmedabad Municipal Corporationn. —FILE PHOTO has not followed the due and he handled all com- Hospital in Shyam- tives are thankful for Municipal Corporation stated the resignation process. munication on behalf of vadi area in Gondal. ensuring timely stated that she had not should be submitted in nicipal Commissioner should be verified while According to sources, her,” said a source privy On hearing the treatment for her. followed procedures and person before the Mu- and the signature submitting the resigna- the councillor has re- to the development.

SOME HOPE THERE! Surat AAP councillors want to give away their grants to buy oxygen bottles First India Bureau

Surat: Queering the AAP councillors would pitch for the ruling meet the Municipal BJP in the Surat Mu- Commissioner to let nicipal Corporation, them use their grants Aam Aadmi Party for buying oxygen (AAP) councillors bottles for people. have demanded that the elected represent- atives’ discretionary grants must be used to welcome the idea. The buy oxygen bottles —FILE PHOTO state of hospitals and they expressed drives one to tears. their wish to do so People are languishing from their own grants. on stretchers without The AAP councillors They said they would the purpose and will oxygen.” asked if the corpora- meet the Municipal follow up this idea with “A grant of Rs 1 lakh tors could spend their Commissioner and urge other corporators too grant should be given to grants for sitting him to let them use their and fulfill my responsi- the corporators not only benches in public plac- grants for this. bility as a people’s rep- in Surat but also in all es why couldn’t it be AAP councillor from resentative.” entire Gujarat to ensure given for oxygen cylin- Ward 3 Kanu Gadiya Dharmesh Bhanderi, people do not die with- ders when many Cov- said, “I would raise AAP councillor of out oxygen. Even Mayor First oxygen express trains leaving from Hapa in Saurashtra for Maharashtra on Sunday. id-19 patients were dy- this issue in the SMC ward 17, said as leader should release her ing without oxygen. and demand a grant for of the opposition, “I funds.”

MIXED BAG! Undertrial under Covid treatment flees, cops launch manhunt Bhavesh Barot Samaras hostel, a Covid with other 7 inmates, tenced a man to life an isolated place covered In a heartening care facility near Pan- Pathan was to the health term. Babubhai Jesing- with thick bushes where news, however, Himmatnagar: Friday pur Patiya, allegedly es- facility on April 14. In hbhai Nayak, a resident he tried to molest her. brought a mixed bag of caped after seeking per- the wee hours of Friday, of Dedhrota village, Frightened by this, from disquieting and heart- mission to go to wash- on pretext wanting to had been living alone she shrieked for help. Re- ening news for Himmat- room for vomiting. vomit he went to the after his wife and chil- alizing that he would be Himmatnagar nagar town. In one case, Mohsinkhan Ka- washroom and taking dren had deserted him 6 caught, he strangulated on the same day a Covid-19 victim and darkhan Pathan from advantage of darkness years ago. the girl and dumped her an undertrial escaped Rajasthan was arrested scooted away by jump- On January 14, 2018, body into rivulet. was slapping of and in another, a local by Himmatnagar Police ing the hostel wall. The when Nayak was at his Based on evidence life term on a court slapped life term for his involvement in security guards chased farm on the village’s out- produced by public on a man for murder of serious crimes and re- him, but escaped. Police skirts he waylaid a mi- prosecutor AJ Patel, Ad- man convicted a minor girl he intended manded to judicial cus- have launched a man- nor living in his neigh- ditional Sessions Court to rape. tody. He was lodged at hunt for him. borhood who was on her of E.M.Shaikh convict- for killing An undertrial pris- the Sub Jail here. In the other case, a way to home. He took the ed Nayak under POCSO minor girl oner being treated at the Found Covid positive Himmatnagar Sub-Jail. —FILE PHOTO POCSO Court sen- unsuspecting victim to Act. 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, MONDAY APRIL 26, 2021

Dal Lake, Srinagar A RAY OF HOPE IN COR NA TIMES The second wave of COVID is here and things are difficult across the nation. However, at the same time vaccination is also being done on a war scale and people seem to be taking

Couple caught in a candid moment with a perfect backdrop the risk of venturing out, with precautions to relax and chill and take a vacation!

ANITA HADA [email protected]

t’s been a tough 13 months which are showing no sign of let- ting up and all of us are I feeling the stress of the The LaliT Grand Palace, Srinagar situation. What better place to beat the COVID blues and de-stress in the lap of lieve that tourism should be pro- the beauty of nature other than moted, keeping all safety meas- Kashmir? Many people seem to ures in place.” The Taj Vivanta have the same idea as most of the Dal View and the Lalit Grand top hotels across Srinagar are Palace, at Srinagar, have been booked 100% and tourists can be booked completely in this sea- seen soaking in the amazing son and even now! natural beauty of Kashmir. Jagdeesh Chandra during his visit to the valley on this weekend In fact, at present in a contest Jagdeesh Chandra who visit- between COVID19 and Tourism ed the valley on this week- heartening! Tourism is welcome tourists and ensuring in the state, Tourism seems to end said, “ In these Corona the life and blood of Kash- all Covid19 protocols and safety Kashmiri Thali at Chinar Lalit be winning! times, Kashmir has mir and closely connected measures, the tourist is visiting emerged as a ray of hope for to peace and wellbeing of Kashmir and they hope for more the tourism sector. Tourist the Valley and should be footfall in the days to come. spots are witnessing a rush encouraged!” For the industries associated though on the other hand A high-ranking offi- with this sector, it is a pleasure schools are closed and the cial associated with to see the full hotel bookings and government has cancelled all tourism said that a travel agent commented that leaves of doctors. But at the though the influx of in such a scenario we are even same time, hotels and tourist tourism is far less as more responsible and work places are observing all Co- compared to 2019-19 round the clock to see that our rona protocol and ensuring still with hotels and guests are 100% safe and all pro- the safety of the tourist and tourism industry tocol concerning Corona are in Ropeways, Srinagar Vivanta Dal View, Srinagar also the locals, which is very opening their arms to order and adhered to. They be-

Tulip Garden, Srinagar

Tourists at the Tulip Garden The renowend eye catching flowers at The Lalit Palace Vivanta Dal View, Srinagar 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 10 Animal lives matter:

MARIAM ABUHAIDERI [email protected] PCA Act of 1960 he year was 1960. An acclaimed dancer and animal lover Rukmini T Devi Arundale au- thored an act to prevent the inflic- tion of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals. It was because of this law that the Animal Welfare Board of India was instituted to uphold the PCA act and to overlook the law in force in India for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and to advise the government on the amend- ments to be undertaken in any such law from time to time. However, the law is inad- equate and has not served as a deterrent to criminal acts against animals. Over the past year itself, the me- dia has been rife with re- rious drug or injurious contagious or infectious  Organizes, keeps, uses or If any person is found extend to three months, or ports of animals being sub- substance. disease, or without rea- acts in the management guilty of these crimes he/ with both. jected to sexual abuse, bru-  Conveying or carrying, sonable excuse permits of any place for animal she shall be punishable, in You see now why cruelty tal slaughtering, mass poi- either in or upon any ve- any diseased or disabled fighting or to bait any the case of a first offence, against animals continues soning, being thrown into hicle in such a manner as animal, of which he is animal or permits or of- with a fine which shall not to take place unabated. A rivers and left to drown, to subject it to unneces- the owner, to die in any fers any place to be so be less than ten rupees but mere 50 rupees, what a joke! so it serves as a deterrent tortured for purposes of en- sary pain or suffering. street. used or receives money which may extend to fifty Fortunately, the AWBI and the penalties do more tertainment, starvation,  Keeping or confining any  Offers for sale or without for the admission of any rupees and in the case of a has woken up and it along than pinch the perpetrator. and being burnt alive. I animal in any cage or reasonable cause has in other person to any place second or subsequent of- with the Government of In- Suggestions were invited have personally filed FIRs any receptacle, which their possession any ani- kept or used for any such fence committed within dia have finally heard the from the general public. I and helped with the filing does not measure suffi- mal which is suffering purposes. three years of the previous pleas of animal lovers and too sent in my suggestions. of reports in cases of cru- ciently in height, length pain because of mutila-  Promotes or takes part in offence, with fine which activists from around the Finally a ray of hope for elty inflicted on animals in and breadth to permit tion, starvation, thirst, any shooting match or shall not be less than twen- country to amend the ACT these creatures of God! Jaipur. the animal a reasonable overcrowding or other competition wherein ty-five rupees but which Why cruelty happens and opportunity for move- ill-treatment. animals are released may extend to one hundred how we can prevent it is be- ment.  Mutilates any animal or from captivity for such rupees or with imprison- yond the scope of this arti-  Keeping for an unreason- kills any animal (includ- shooting. ment for a term which may cle. Perhaps another article able time any animal ing stray dogs) by using may follow. But first, many chained or tethered upon the method of strych- of us are oblivious to the an unreasonably heavy nine injections in the contents of this act, and chain or chord. heart or any other un- many of us engage in or  Being the owner neglects necessarily cruel man- have witnessed some of to exercise or cause to be ner. these acts. So here’s me, giv- exercised reasonably  Solely to provide enter- ing you a heads up so you any dog habitually tainment - can identify acts of cruelty chained up or kept in (i) Confines or causes to be against animals. close confinement. confined any animals  Being the owner of any (including tying of an SECTION 11 OF THE PCA ACT animal fails to provide animal as bait in a tiger DEFINES CRUEL ACTS such animal with suffi- or other sanctuary) to  Beating, Kicking, Over- cient food, drink or shel- make it an object of prey riding, Over-driving, ter. for any other animal; Over-loading, Torturing,  Being the owner, without (ii)Incites any animal to causing unnecessary reasonable cause, aban- fight or bait any other pain or suffering to any dons any animal in cir- animal. animals. cumstances, which ren-  Employing any animal der it likely that it will which, because of its age suffer pain because of or any disease, unfit to be starvation or thirst. so employed, and still  Wilfully permits any ani- making it work or labour mal, of which he is the or for any purpose. owner to go at large in  Wilfully and unreasona- any street while the ani- bly administers any inju- mal is affected with a

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER YOUR MAR 21 - APR 20 APR 21 - MAY 20 MAY 21 - JUNE 21 JUNE 22 - JULY 23 You can feel overworked Those struggling to fi nd a Assistance of colleagues Problems faced on the on the professional front. solution to a workplace will help complete a project health front show signs of DAY Spouse can expect a problem will succeed. much before time. A family disappearing completely. FACE OF THE DAY Horoscope by helping hand. Settling Those on medication will youngster is likely to make Work front may appear a down in a new house is indicated for fi nd a distinct improvement in their you proud. Don’t be hasty in matters bit too demanding, but you will be Saurabbh Sachdeva some. An invitation to a party or condition. A forthcoming family pertaining to property. An entertain- able to handle it well. A family function may provide you an event is likely to raise your spirits. ing time with near and dear ones is get-together will provide an excellent opportunity to meet someone Those dealing with property issues foreseen. An expected raise or bonus opportunity to meet people you have special. may need to be careful. is on the cards for some. not met in years.

LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 AUG 24 - SEP 23 SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 Fingers may be pointed at You will manage to Financial worries can make Those experiencing a cash you for something you are showcase your profes- some restless, but the crunch will manage to not responsible for at work. sional skills to those who situation will not be overcome it by tight You can fi nd yourself fi tter matter. Playing your cards beyond redemption. A new budgeting. You may feel with regular exercises. This is the well in a family situation will get you project will proceed smoothly as you hesitant to broach a contentious time to strengthen the family bonds. the support and attention you crave get help from all quarters. You will issue with a rival at work. A family A prime property may come into your for. Taking possession of a new need to handle a tensed family member may prove annoying by not name. Someone may do for you more house may become a reality for member with sympathy. A property doing your bidding. Good returns can than what was expected. some. dispute can pit you against someone. be expected.

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES NOV 23 - DEC 22 DEC 23 - JAN 20 JAN 21 - FEB 19 FEB20 - MARCH 20 Those ailing can expect their New dimensions open up It may be diffi cult to make a A friend will come to the condition to improve. Not on the professional front client accept your views on rescue in bailing you out of much gains on the monetary as you handle more than the professional front. Avoid a fi nancial situation. front are indicated. Those one project. Your desire to indulging in speculation. Inculcating physical feeling restless in a particular job will increase earning may need to be put Peak physical fi tness will make even workouts in your lifestyle will benefi t be able to settle down in time. on hold temporarily till the time is strenuous activities seem like child’s health. A family get together can fi nd Interruptions on the domestic front are right. Your health consciousness will play. Bad mood of a family member you into your element. You will have foreseen that will not allow you to do keep you hale and hearty. Pending may spoil the domestic environment. enough to invest in a suitable DEEPALI RATHORE, Digital Creator your own thing. things may hinder growth. Romance thrills, but can distract you. property. 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 11 ‘Jee Ni Karda’ Saturday he makers of Sardar Ka Grandson released a new song on Sunday. The song ‘Jee Ni Karda’ is yet an- other remix, but a good one. It is a recreation of T the 2012 track ‘Dhoor’ by Manak-E. The moment you start listening to the two minutes long video, you re- alise you already know the lyrics and the tune. Grooving Night Live to the new track are Sardar Ka Grandson lead actors Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh. —Agency Sleepless nights

Hansal Mehta

ce director Hansal Mehta is going through sleepless nights amid the on- going pandemic situation. Mehta aturday Night Live has A shared a picture on his official Insta- roped in Tesla CEO Elon gram handle and described his feeling. He said Musk to host the May 8 re- that the current situation has made his sleep- lease of the well-known ing pattern has messed up. Recently, he men- S sketch show with musical tioned that he had symptoms of COVID 19. guest Miley Cyrus. The Sharing a picture of a laptop, he wrote, “This business magnate is an un- virus. Covid 19. Among other things, it has common illustration of a business messed up my sleep rhythm. I sleep all day and big shot to be included as the host of am unable to sleep at night. I’m anxious. Like the NBC late-night show. The news all of us are. But thankfully there is cinema to comes on the heels of Musk’s SpaceX keep that anxiety at bay.” —Agency Travel venture adventure launching the second operational flight of its Dragon spacecraft to the Interna- Baby Boy Kenna tional Space Station on Friday. —ANI

Miley Cyrus Rakul Preet Singh Best Kuch toh BIG DONATION! out of sharam karo Christina Milian’s post s India tance of social ndia is witnessing a worst enters distancing on massive surge in the merican actor Christina Milian has the their social me- number of Coronavirus welcomed her third child, a baby boy he 2021 Golden Asec- dia handles, oth- I cases owing to the sec- named Kenna. This marks the star’s Raspberry ond wave of ers were seen jet- ond wave. Bollywood actors second baby with her boyfriend Matt Nawazuddin Siddiqui A Awards aka Coronavirus, ting off to other are coming forward and Pokora. In January last year, the couple was T Razzies’ winner’s the country faces countries and providing help to people. blessed with a son whom they named Isaiah. list was announced recent- major challeng- sharing their va- ken up the same. Among them, actor Akshay Christina took to Instagram to announce the ly and Sia’s Music, Mike es. The situation cation photos on Nawazuddin Kumar has also come for- addition to their family. —ANI Lindell’s Absolute Proof, has worsened in social media. As expressed his ward and donated Rs 1 and Donald Trump’s the last few a result, multi- displeasure to- crore to former cricketer- lawyer Rudy Giuliani weeks due to a ple celebrities wards this be- turned-politician Gautam That ‘Muscle’ turned out to be the shortage of oxy- have been trolled haviour. The re- Gambhir’s foundation to big winners at the gen cylinders online for their nowned actor help the COVID vic- in Diesel is awards known for and the unavail- decision to holi- called out celeb- tims in all pos- all set to their mocking ability of hospi- day during a rities for cele- sible manner. take on a take. Among the tal beds. The pandemic. Now, brating their The cricketer V new pro- winners was also health care sys- actor Nawazud- holidays while took to his of- ject! The actor is Robert Downey tem in the coun- din Siddiqui has the country is ficial Twit- joining the cast of Jr’s Dolittle which try is facing a spo- facing its big- ter handle a new action-com- bagged the Worst crisis. While gest challenge. and shared edy titled Muscle. Sequel/Remake some Bollywood —Agency the news Details about the award.The celebrities have with the fans. plot are being kept awards particu- emphasized —Agency under wraps and larly became the impor- production of the political this movie is likely to year with begin later this MyPillow year. STXfilms is CEO Mike going to produce Lindell’s and this movie along Vin Diesel Rudy Gi- with Reginald uliani’s Hudlin and Byron Phillips, Vin Diesel and wins. Samantha Vincent. F. Gary Gray will be di- —Agency recting the upcoming movie. —Agency Kate Hudson Tested Negative

s the COVID 19 cases con- Shahid in tinue to rise, A several cel- ebs have also been tested positive for the ‘KARNA’ deadly virus. Amid hahid Kapoor has been one of the most this, ace fashion de- sought after actors in Bollywood who has signer Manish Mal- proved his mettle time and again. The ac- hotra was also diag- S tor is all set to surprise the audience nosed with Coronavi- once again as he has been roped in for Rakeysh rus. The renowned Omprakash Mehra’s upcoming project Karna Shahid Kapoor fashion designer is wherein he will be seen playing the titular role. To once again making Manish Malhotra note, Karna will be based on the character from the the headlines as he has shared his health up- Mahabharata and explores the story of the fierce and date on Instagram and confirmed testing complex warrior, who was both noble and immoral. —Agency negative for the deadly virus. —Agency Akshay Kumar 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 | MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 12

In our fight against Coronavirus, citizens follow the curfew agendas. In between the curfew, the renowned centre of the Pink City, Statue Circle which used to be crowded on LOCKDOWN EFFECTS! weekends is now being crowded by the presence of pigeons, creating a beautiful vision to be captured on Sunday at 1:30 pm. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA B’DAY AT HOME THE RETURN OF Although the coronavirus is a party pooper, that doesn’t mean folks whose birthdays happened to correspond with THE “IT” BAGS the pandemic can’t treat themselves! City First has curated a list of trendiest handbags that have made a comeback in the fashion world! KARISHMA GWALANI karishma.gwalani@ firstindia.co.in

MONICA PRABHAKAR he lockdown has [email protected] us self-isolating in our homes. This is ong gone are the days Tparticularly hard, when bags were just especially for those who even the thought of and friends on zoom an essential part of have their birthdays it is a little sad. is certainly a fun op- women’s closet, it is coming up during the So while sitting in- tion. City First talked L now a statement ac- lockdown. With no get- side a restaurant or jet- to a few of its readers cessory to complete ting together and singing ting off abroad isn’t on from Gujarat and Ra- the look. happy birthday, no clink- the cards for 2021 just yet, jasthan, to know their The ‘it’ bags define femi- ing of glasses, no dress- celebrating your birth- views on ‘Birthday at ninity, luxury and a must- ing up and partying, day at home with family Home’. have trend for the fashion- forward. ‘It’ bags generate I was so happy This was sensation, waitlists, in- that I hugged the second spired knockoffs, and en- my mother and sister. constant time couraged fashion-lovers After the cake cutting when I celebrated everywhere to spend an celebration, we all had my birthday in entire month’s paycheck. in the 90s and now in 2021. look stylish; straight up from our dinner. My mother my own house. City First has curated a list Pouch bags (soft, oversize runways of Paco Rabbane, cooked everything that I liked and I wonder if I will of trendiest handbags that clutch) is a major streetwear Dior and Gucci. ordered on my birthday. I cannot ever get to celebrate it now. I miss have made a comeback in the staple taking over Instagram ever forget my birthday in lock-down the uncanny surprises, people fashion world. and Gen-Z. CRESCENT MOON/ BAGUETTE SHOULDER BAG for which my family made a lot of pasting my face with cake and the efforts to make my birthday special. joy of having people around. QUILTED TEXTURE BAGS HOBO BAGS Saved the best for the last. This bag first donned by fash- Inspired by a nursery rhyme, These ‘90s & ‘00s hit hand- —ALNAWAZ ABJANI, GUJ —SUNITA ARYA, RAJ ion marvel Coco Chanel in the Hobo Bags were first worn in bags have smashed the run- 1955s has made a huge come- 1936. Ever since this practical ways and streetwear alike. The lockdown has us self-isolating in our homes. back in 2021. Quilted bags yet luxurious bag has been a This moon-shaped shoulder come in a range of sizes, tex- favourite of working women. bag fits the Pantone colour This was particularly hard for me since I had my tures and colours, a gamut This slouchy, spacious satchel palette as well as classic black birthday during the lockdown. With no getting together from runways of Burberry made its comeback in 2000 ment, chain bags are your & whites. Celebrities like Ky- and singing happy birthday, no clinking of glasses, no and Alexander McQueen. and now in 2021. It fits just thing. These 1969 classic ‘It’ lie Jenner and Sonam Kapoor dressing up and partying, it was slightly depressing. But about anything while having bags are loved by celebrities are strutting the streets with this did not mean that I had to forego the celebrations POUCH BAGS room for more. like Priyanka Chopra, Shrad- these. All brands, luxury & entirely. I connected with my friends virtually, had a cute little celebra- This soft oversized clutch dha Kapoor and Kareena Ka- streetwear have created their tion at home. But I hope this pandemic ends soon. made its comeback from time CHAIN BAGS poor Khan. In 2021, these come versions, from Fendi to Lavie —VARSHA AGARWAL, RAJ to time. First in the 70s, then If you like to make a state- in a chunky chain to make you and from Prada to Allen Solly.

IN GUJARAT! —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI A Diva Beyond Bounds imran Ahuja, an Simran is an eminent ing several Competitions entrepreneur at Doctor in Naturopathy all across the globe in- Aviation, talk and an International cluding the USA, Dubai, S show host on TV Yoga Icon with Distin- Singapore, Paris. She’s Asia, USA, an Illustrious guished letters from the someone who is a Author and an Interna- Prime Minister of India’s flag-bearing epit- tional Celebrity Anchor, Office, recognising her ome of the be- is a multitude of reso- exceptional contribu- lief that passion nating talent. She is tion to Yoga and Fit- is life and if also a Fashionista, ness across the world, lived to the full- Ms India 2013, an Ac- popularly known as est, nothing is im- tress and Cultural Am- Simran Ahuja Yoga possible. During bassador of Folk Dance Lover. As the Cultural her journey towards GUJ: Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple provided space for an by winning 18 consecu- Ambassador at Paris, she incredible success and isolation ward for Police personnel, who performed their tive titles and is also takes the Cultural Dance fame, she has always duty during covid-19 at Kalupur area in the Old City at known as the ‘Dancing of India to several coun- been a girl who has bro- Kriti Sanon and Simran Ahuja Ahmedabad on Sunday. Queen of Folk Dance’. tries and has been Judg- ken cliches. —CITY FIRST Simran Ahuja