AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 155

New Delhi: The gross Goods and Rs 68,481 crore, the government said. the month of April 2021 are 14 percent were up 21 percent than the revenue GST REVENUE COLLECTION Services Tax (GST) revenue collection Collections in April 2021 have surpassed higher than the GST revenues in the from these sources last month. GST THIS APRIL CLOCKS NEW for April, 2021 hit yet another peak of Rs even those of March. “In line with the last month of March’2021,” the govt revenues have not only crossed the Rs 1,41,384 crore, of which CGST was Rs trend of recovery in the GST revenues note read. The revenues from domestic 1 lakh crore mark but have also shown a HIGH AT ` 1,41,384 CRORE 27,837 crore, SGST Rs 35,621,and IGST over past six months, the revenues for transactions, including import of services steady increase, the government added.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 4,01,993: A GLOBAL RECORD

OH DEAR! Relatives of a covid victim hug each other as they grieve outside the SUPURD-E-KHAQ An earthmover covers a grave of a person who succumbed to covid in New Delhi NEW DRIVE KICKS IN A medic prepares to administer the Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday. on Saturday as the bereaved relatives standby to just look on. —PHOTOS BY PTI covid vaccine to a beneficiary at a hospital in New Delhi. Ensure now that It’s Centre vs States on vaccine Delhi receives 24 hrs: More cases than its 490 tonnes of stocks as roll-out for 18+ begins medical oxy: HC New Delhi: Hit by a deadly second Covid India receives wave, India launched the first batch of ever with 3,523 deaths the third phase of the 1,50,000 doses of Russia’s New Delhi: India on world’s biggest vaccine CORONA Coronavirus Saturday became the CATASTROPHE drive today amid an vaccine Sputnik first country in the world alarming spike in cases. V in Hyderabad to register over 4 lakh GUJARAT The centre has said over on Saturday. P5 new COVID-19 cases in a 1 crore doses are still single day. 13,847 New Delhi: Hospitals available with states as The country, in the New cases in the national capital vaccine shortage was past 24 hours, recorded must be given their full red-flagged. stocks ahead of Phase 3. makers. Manufacturers 4,01,993 new coronavirus 172 quota of medical oxy- Delhi, Maharashtra, For the latest phase are free to supply 50 per cases taking the infec- New fatalities The charred remains of the hospital unit in Gujarat’s Bharuch. gen today “by whatever Tamil Nadu, Madhya of the inoculation drive cent of the doses to tion tally to 1,91,64,969, means”, the Delhi High Pradesh, Karnataka, that started in January, states and in the open according to health min- JAILED EX-RJD MP 18 INCLUDING 16 CORONA PATIENTS Court told the centre as Bengal, Kerala, Ra- the centre has tweaked market. The change in istry data. SHAHABUDDIN DIES DIE IN HOSPITAL FIRE IN BHARUCH it heard petitions on jasthan, Jharkhand and the vaccine policy to al- policy, however, has This takes the active OF COVID IN HOSP how the health infra- Punjab are among the low states and private brought the govern- COVID-19 cases in India structure is trying to states that said they’re entities to buy doses di- ment under criticism. New Delhi: Jailed for- Bharuch/New Delhi: At least eighteen per- past the 32-lakh mark. cope with the deadly running low on vaccine rectly from vaccine Turn to P6 mer RJD MP Moham- sons including 16 covid patients died in a The country also re- mad Shahabuddin, fire at a hospital at Bharuch in Gujarat in the second wave of the corded 3,523 deaths and 53, died of COVID-19 early hours of Saturday. “Sixteen coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.” 2,99,988 discharges in at the Deen Dayal patients and two nursing staff were either Water has gone above the last 24 hours, taking Upadhyay (DDU) charred to death or died due to suffocation the head. You have to ar- Vote count of 4 states, 1 UT today: the overall fatality toll Hospi- inside a covid unit,” SP Rajendrasinh Chu- range everything now. from coronavirus to tal on You have made the allo- Who will take the ‘hot cake’ Bengal? 2,11,853. dasama said. As many as 50 patients were cations. You have to ful- Saturday, undergoing treatment when fire broke out India is battling the the Delhi fil it. Eight lives have New Delhi: The Assem- second wave of COV- in the ICU around 1 am, probably because been lost. We can’t shut bly elections in four ELECTION COMMISSION GOES TO SUPREME Prisons of short circuit. Meanwhile, twelve people, ID-19 pandemic with Depart- our eyes to it,” the high states Kerala, West COURT OVER HC’s “MURDER CASE ” REMARK caseload and deaths ment said. including a doctor, died at Delhi’s Batra court said on Saturday, Bengal, Assam and Ta- New Delhi: The Election Commission has com- breaking record highs Sha- Hospital on Saturday after the facility ran referring to a hospital mil Nadu and the UT plained to the Supreme Court against what it called on a daily basis. habuddin, out of medical oxygen - for the second time that reported loss of of Puducherry will “blatantly disparaging remarks” by the Madras High Registering a steady who was serving in the space of a week - at 11.45 am. The lives after oxygen supply come to an end on Sun- Court over holding polls amid the deadly second increase, the active cas- a life sentence in a hospital said the next 24 hours would be stopped for 80 minutes. day with the Election wave of the pandemic. The high court on April 26 es have increased to murder case, was ad- “critical” and that more deaths due to oxygen “We direct the centre Commission set to be- said the Election Commission “should probably be 32,68,710, accounting for mitted to the hospital to ensure that Delhi re- gin counting of votes booked for murder” for not stopping political rallies shortage could not be ruled out. for Tamil Nadu election amid a covid spike. 17.06 per cent of the to- on April 20, it said. ceives its 490 tonnes at 8 am. Turn to P6 tal infections, Turn to P6 Turn to P6

AUDIO CLIP GAINS TRACTION RUPANI HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE OXYGEN ACROSS THE STATE: BJP MP lll First India Bureau worker, “When Chief gar, Prime Minister rubbished these re- home, after having Minister (Vijay Rupa- Narendra Modi’s ports as “rumours”. tested positive for ‘If CM can’t Patan: Lok Sabha MP ni) is unable to provide hometown. The hospital’s super- COVID-19, he has been from Patan, Bharat- oxygen to the needy in A few days ago, lo- intendent, too, re- taking up all constitu- help, sinh Dabhi of the the state, how will my cal news agencies re- leased a video clip ency-related issues Bharatiya Janata presence in the con- ported that 14 pa- denying the deaths. with the state govern- how will my Party has exposed stituency help? People tients had died on Yet, First India is in ment through official presence in the the tall claims of the are dying across the April 26, and at least possession of the clip correspondence. state government in state, and not just in three more had suc- in which a BJP MP is First India tried to presence in the an audio clip that Santalpur taluka.” cumbed in the first allegedly heard stating contact the MP on both was widely circulat- He added that COV- half of April 27. this in a phone call. is cellphone numbers, constituency ed on Saturday. ID-19 patients have However, Health MP Dabhi also said but Dabhi could not be In the clip, Dabhi is died at the Civil hospi- Commissioner that since he is cur- reached directly for BJP’s Lok Sabha MP for Patan, Bharatsinh Dabhi. —FILE PHOTO help anyone?’ heard telling a party tal (GMERS) in Vadna- Jaiprakash Shivhare rently isolated at comment. NEWS www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 02 Palanpur civil hospital does not have enough oxygen to run ventilators, officials admit PREGNANT WOMAN, SENIOR CITIZEN DIE DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF O2 First India Bureau complaining of short- where oxygen and ven- they could not find an if there is enough oxy- when he needed exter- ness of breath. On Fri- tilators were both ambulance that could gen. Right now, the nal oxygen support. Palanpur/ Valsad: day, her breathing trou- available. provide the now criti- civil hospital does not Rainbow’s Dr Tejas The state’s short of ble worsened and doc- After frantic enquir- cally ill patient with have enough oxygen to Shah said, “We did not oxygen has claimed tors said she would ies at government and oxygen support during run ventilators.” have extra ventilators, two more lives--a preg- need ventilator sup- private hospitals in the eight-hour ride. In the second in- and it was not possible nant woman and a sen- port if she and her un- Deesa, Patan, Dharpur, Prajapati and her baby stance, Ganeshsinh to shift him to another ior citizen--in separate born baby were to sur- Palanpur, and both died on Friday Thakur succumbed to hospital since even the incidents. vive. Since they did not Mehsana, relatives fi- evening. the novel coronavirus other Shalby Hospital On Thursday, Ur- have adequate oxygen, nally located a bed Palanpur Civil Su- in Vapi because the (the city’s other major vashi Prajapati was hospital authorities ad- with ventilator sup- perintendent Dr Sunil Rainbow Superspecial- medical facility) was rushed to the Civil Hos- vised the family to port and sufficient oxy- Joshi told First India, ity Hospital did not running short of oxy- Urvashi Prajapati and her unborn child died in Palanpur on Friday pital in Palanpur after shift her to a hospital gen in Rajkot. However, “Ventilators only work have a spare ventilator gen themselves.” evening. 100 ventilators gather dust HC SHOULD DIRECT THE STATE TO FILL ALL VACANT at Rajkot Medical College HEALTHCARE POSTS: PIL ‘Also need uniform policy for hosp admission and bed allocation’

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: A public interest litigation filed in the High Court of Gujarat has asked the court to direct the state to fill all vacant posi- tions in the health de- partment, institute a uniform policy for ad- mission and bed alloca- tion at government and High Court of Gujarat. —FILE PHOTO private hospitals, and also follow ICMR guide- are vacant, with just 25 hospitals. “Unfortunate- lines in testing. of the 68 sanctioned po- ly, private hospitals have Authorities say the medical superintendent’s In his filing, advocate sitions filled. Similarly, a lot of options with KR Koshti submitted to 58.9% of posts for dis- their packages, making office requested ‘storage space’ some time ago the court that he has trict health officers are it difficult for the com- collected information also vacant, as are 55% mon man to understand. Masuma Bharmal Jariwala dia Vaghela said, cal College, Mukesh under the Right to In- posts for taluka health Hence, this needs to be “When the shortage of Samani told First India, formation (RTI) Act on officers, 32% posts for simplified; otherwise, it Rajkot: Even as the ventilators and beds is “We got a request to pro- vacant posts in the medical officers at will prove worthless,” unavailability of oxy- allowing private doc- vide space for ventila- health department. PHCs, 90% posts for dis- the petition said. gen and ventilators tors to charge patients tors from the medical “When the state is trict malaria officers, Advocate KR Koshti took two more lives in a exorbitant amounts, superintendent’s office. facing the worst of the and 70.5% of the posi- has also pleaded that span of 24 hours, these machines have Hence we permitted pandemic, the govern- tions for officers at ur- the court direct the more than 100 of the been lying idle. About them the space to store ment should fill all the ban health centres. state to strictly follow machines are gathering 15 days ago, the medical the equipment. To my posts on a priority ba- Further, 88% of su- the ICMR guidelines for dust at the Rajkot Medi- superintendent told me knowledge, these have sis. It should hire per- perintendent positions, RT-PCR testing and cal College in the home- that the hospital had re- been here for at least a manent staff on pay- 80% of positions for Rapid Antigen Tests. In town of Chief Minister ceived sufficient stock week.” roll, and not on an ad Class I Specialists at addition, the petitioner Vijay Rupani. of ventilators from the Medical superinten- hoc or contract basis. community health cen- has pleaded that the The glut of ventila- government. However, dent at the Rajkot Civil This is serious a situa- tres 19% positions for court direct the state to tors was discovered by none of the machines PDU hospital, Dr RS tion dealing with the CHC medical officers provide complete de- Gujarat Pradesh Mahi- seem to have been put to Trivedi refused to give a lives of people, where and 65% positions for tails of bed and ventila- la Congress President use yet.” straight answer on the medicos with job secu- Class II medical officers tor availability at gov- Gayatriba Ashoksinh Vaghela has submit- issue. “In the first wave rity will serve better,” are also vacant. ernment and private Vaghela, who conduct- ted a memorandum to of infections, we used the filing says. The petition also hospitals. ed a personal inspec- the civil hospital de- Dhaman-1. Now, we use The state government draws the court’s atten- “The information tion at the College on manding proper use of Dhaman-3. We have suf- Ventilators lying idle in the lobby and has revealed that 63% of tion to the online bed should be district- and Friday. the machines. ficient ICU beds with rooms of Rajkot Medical College. posts for senior staff at availability at private city-wise,” the petition Speaking to First In- Dean of Rajkot Medi- ventilators,” he said. primary health centres designated COVID-19 added.

INNOCULATION Vaccination for 18-45 age group begins in 10 districts —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI Limited drive as Guj has only lakh of the vaccine- the city’s 21 urban cination, officials said. -against the govern- health centres. “On the While some confu- received 3L doses from pharma ment’s order for 2.5 first day, around 10,000 sion prevailed at some crore doses--from vac- beneficiaries have reg- centres as people ar- firms, against an order of 2.5 crore cine manufacturers istered for the vaccina- rived in large numbers, Bharat Biotech and Se- tion across 48 centres in authorities ensured First India Bureau for this category. rum Institute of India. Rajkot,” he said. that social distancing These 10 districts Ahmedabad authori- In Vadodara, around was maintained. Ahmedabad: People were given priority ties said they had set up 7,000 beneficiaries from “Given the current between the ages of 18 since they are among 76 vaccination centres this age group are likely scenario, everyone is and 45 years queued up the worst hit by the pan- at government and pri- to be vaccinated during eager to take the jab, as outside vaccination demic, officials said. vate schools, commu- the day, officials said. they should be,” one centres in Ahmedabad, The state had initial- nity halls, temple prem- Only those people beneficiary in Surat, Vadodara, Ra- ly announced that eve- ises, among othes, for who had registered Ahmedabad said. jkot, Bhavnagar, Jam- ryone in the 18-45 age the exercise. themselves on the CoW- Gujarat will get 11 nagar, Kutch, Mehsana, group would be vacci- Rajkot health officer IN portal were allowed lakh doses in May, offi- Bharuch and Gandhi- nated beginning May Pankaj Rathod said the entry and given a token cials said, adding that nagar districts on Sat- 01. However, it launched process to vaccinate at the centre on the basis the state government is urday, as the state be- the drive in a limited people from the 18-45 of SMS received by them in touch with the two gan its innoculation manner since it has age group started at 48 specifying the date, vaccine makers to get drive against COVID-19 only received three different points across A terrified-looking youngster takes the first dose of the vaccine in Ahmedabad on Saturday. place and time for vac- more doses. GUJARAT www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 03 Are NOCs enough to extinguish spate of hospital fires? First India Bureau gin in the Intensive tificate from the fire training,” Rajesh “ICUs hold a ton of Care Unit, where the department. Across Bhatt, in-charge chief flammable items—dis- Ahmedabad: With COVID-19 positive the state, a whopping fire officer at the city- infectants, medicines, Saturday’s blaze at a were on ventilator sup- 3,971 hospitals lack fire run Ahmedabad Fire bedsheets and wired Bharuch medical facil- port. NOCs, the government and Emergency Ser- monitoring machines. ity claiming 18 lives, Fire department of- recently informed the vices, told First India. Moreover, these the state has lost more ficials point out the High Court of Gujarat. “Do the staff know days many hospitals than 30 COVID-19 pa- manifold problems “Many hospitals are how to operate extin- also use plastic cur- tients to fire since the with fire safety—the more focusing on aes- guishers and other rel- tains, which add to the pandemic began. most basic of which is thetics rather than evant equipment? Are danger. Whether it was an unwillingness to fol- practical needs. In ad- they trained in quick Plus, there is a con- Ahmedabad’s Shrey low the prescribed fire dition to the building’s response?,” he asked. stant supply of oxygen. Hospital, Surat’s safety norms. For in- structure and the nec- Pointing out that And people in a hurry Ayush Hospital, or stance, as many as 700 essary equipment, it is with the pandemic may forget to shut the Bharuch’s Patel Wel- hospitals in imperative that staff at raging, ICUs have been valves of these oxygen fare Hospital, these fa- Ahmedabad alone still all hospitals receive at operating 24x7 for the tanks, adding to the tal fires commonly be- lack a no-objection cer- Sixteen COVID-19 patients died in a fire at the Patel Welfare Hospital on Saturday. least basic fire fighting past year, he added, risk factor.” Rander, Athwa account for 36% 11 ARRESTED AS STATEWIDE of all COVID-19 cases in Surat ‘REMDESIVIR’ SCAM UNEARTHED First India Bureau Surat: As the city’s Joint operation involving crime branches in A’bad, Morbi, Surat leads to seizure of `1.6cr in cash COVID-19 cases in- First India Bureau Olpad taluka. A com- crease, the Athwa bined team of the Mor- and Rander areas Morbi/Gandhinagar/ bi, Ahmedabad and Su- continue to have the Surat: Morbi police rat crime branches highest number of with help from their raided the Pinjrat farm- cases of any zone. counterparts in house in a joint opera- The Athwa zone re- Ahmedabad and Su- tion. There, they arrest- corded 17,672 cases rat busted the state’s ed seven more persons out of 90,445 report- largest scam so far and seized 160 vials of ed cases in the city. involving fake remde- fake medicine, 63,000 According to offi- sivir. Police have re- empty bottles, 30,000 du- cials, up to 15,625 covered Rs1.61 crore plicate stickers and cases have been re- Surat Municipal Corporation. —FILE PHOTO in cash accumulated Rs74 lakh in cash from ported in the Rander by selling spurious the accused. area. Both the Athwa Sources say Surat port in hospitals versions of the drug, Morbi Superinten- and Rander zones re- throughout the city. as well as eight bags dent added that the corded 36.41% of the is short of more With the city register- of glucose, each kingpin of the racket, city’s total cases. ing an increasing num- weighing 40kg. an Ahmedabad-based As of Saturday after- than 2,000 doses ber of cases, officials Morbi district Super- man known as Kaushal, noon, 2011 new COV- of remdesivir said the Surat Munici- intendent of Police SR Police have seized massive quantities of cash and the fake drug in Morbi (left) and Surat. had dispatched 96,000 ID-19 cases had been pal Corporation has Odedara told the media fake injections in a Ta- reported in the dis- increased testing of that the Local Crime coy customers, the team procuring injections ri with 1,170 vials of the vera car. However, the trict, and 23 people had hospitals. Sources say people working and liv- Branch team were tipped trapped the two men from two people based fake drug and Rs17.37 driver, Raju Pathan, died as a result of the that there is a shortage ing in congested areas. off that Rahul Kotecha with 40 duplicate injec- out of Ahmedabad. With lakh in cash. abandoned the car and virus. The District Col- of over 2,000 Remdesi- In accordance with and Viraj Hirani had 40 tions and Rs2.15 lakh the help of the Further questioning fled along with Kaushal, lector distributed 2,557 vir injections in Surat. COVID-19 protocols, 82 vials of the antiviral for cash. Ahmedabad crime revealed the existence Raju Pathan and new Remdesivir injec- Officials also stated patients from Civil sale on the black market, During primary ques- branch, Morbi police ar- of factory functioning Kalpesh Prajapati from tions in response to a that 23 patients with Hospital and SMIMER and were looking for pa- tioning these accused rested Mohammad Asim at a farmhouse in Pin- Katargam, Surat. demand of 4,858 injec- severe virus symptoms Hospital were recently tients in need. Using de- revealed that they were Patani and Ramiz Quad- jrat village of Surat’s tions in the city’s 284 are on ventilator sup- cremated. Taluka with 1L Guj adds 13.8K nCoV cases, 172 deaths in 24 hrs population calls First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Even as nurses and con- tract employees of for nCoV centre the 1,200-bed COV- ID-19 facility at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad’s Asar- wa area went on strike for better pay, the state reported an- other 13,847 new cas- es of infection and 172 attributed to the virus in a 24-hour span. With these, the state’s total case load as of 5 pm on Satur- Even as medical staff protested at Civil Hospital (left), patients and their relatives continued to queue up outside the Dhanvantari hospital. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI day stood at 5,81,624, while its death toll The day’s deaths oc- each in, Mehsana, and hal, Valsad, Aravalli, Ahmedabad recorded Bhavnagar, among oth- Residents hold up posters demanding better healthcare services. reached 7,355 since curred in Ahmedabad Patan, three each in Ba- Narmada and Botad, another high with 5,060 ers. Dang recorded the March last year. (22), Surat (24), Va- naskantha, Bharuch, and one each in Chhota new cases, followed by lowest jump with 22 First India Bureau ties. So, it would be a Further, the recovery dodara (17), Jamnagar Gir Somnath, Amreli, Udepur, Tapi, Morbi, 2,188 in Surat, Vadodara new cases. great help for the peo- rate has fallen from (16), Rajkot (14), Bhavna- and Kutch, two each in Anand, Dahod and Khe- 783, 743 in Jamnagar, 700 There are now Patan: The rising tide ple if the government 94.35% on April 01 to gar (12), Surendranagar Navsari, Gandhinagar, da districts. in Rajkot, 517 in 1,42,139 active cases in of COVID-19 and the were to set up a centre 73.78% on May 01. (9), Junagadh (7), four Mahisagar, Panchma- Meanwhile, Mehsana, and 573 in Gujarat. accompanying short- at the taluka level,” ages of medical care one resident said. has everyone across Even as its citizenry PRICE OF RITES the state worried. In sat on the street, the Patan, Harij taluka taluka’s leader held a has now demanded a protest at the mamlat- COVID-19 care centre dar’s office. “We have Rising deaths prove profitable for some in Surat despite having a pop- approached the au- ulation that barely thorities several times, “My relative died cede to these de- numbers one lakh. but have received no With the city seeing more than and we arranged for an mands,” Pandesara- Local residents, who response on whether 100 nCoV deaths a day, funerals ambulance to take the resident Pradeep Ku- sat in a dharna on the the government is any dead body for crema- mar told First India. streets demanding a nearer to taking a deci- have turned into a golden goose tion. The ambulance Not only are these taluka-level care cen- sion to provide us with driver told us that he charges a charade, tre, say the number of health services,” one First India Bureau tives of the deceased. would ensure that the they are also exorbi- cases has been rising elder said. Mourners are being proper last rites were tant. The going rate for steadily in the recent So far the sparsely Surat: With more 100 taken for a ride—some- carried out. Then, he transporting a body is past. “Patients are populated taluka has people dying due to times quite literally—by asked to take the body Rs500-1,000. Getting struggling for medica- seen as many as 450 COVID-19 in the city “agents” found loitering to Jahangirpura—far one last glimpse of a tion and medical facili- cases of COVID-19. every day, funerals out crematoriums with from where we live— loved one’s face, or per- have turned into promises of a quick fu- since there were no forming traditional On Page 05 of the May 01 edition, a headline cash cow for the neral and the chance to queues there. Once we rituals such as pouring mistakenly read: 'Gujarat faces Fabiflu tabs short- amorally inclined, say a final goodbye to got there, another man Ganjajal into the age despite 30 manufactures'. It should have been who have no qualms their loved ones. met us and asked mon- mouth of the deceased 'Gujarat faces favipiravir tabs shortage despite 30 in taking advantage Sometimes, hearse ey to perform the ritu- or showering them manufactures'. The error is deeply regretted. of the fragile emo- drivers are in on the als. We did not have with flowers could cost tional state of rela- scheme. Corpses awaiting their last rites at a Surat crematorium. any option but to ac- up to Rs3,000. PERSPECTIVE www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 04

IN-DEPTH IT’S TIME WORLD SHAKEN BY INDIA’S TO INVEST IN CURIOSITY COVID-19 SITUATION K NATWAR fter a year of enduring barriers SINGH imposed by the pandemic, scien- tists have good reason to welcome the Biden administration’s first The author is Former Minister A of External Affairs of India budget request, which includes significant increases in funding for technol- ogy and innovation. Scientific progress re- quires this investment — indeed, it requires he 1918-1919 influenza epidem- investment in the entire spectrum of discov- ic never reached South Ameri- ery. We need use-inspired research, applied ca, Australia, New Zealand, research and research that can turn abstract China, or Japan. World War I results into concrete solutions. was wrongly called a World To use a factory analogy, every position War. I was confined to Europe along the assembly line needs to be opera- till 1917, the year in which the tional and dependable. But, as a scientist and T USA sent a large number of engineer, I argue that public investments at troops to Europe to fight Ger- the beginning of the spectrum of discovery many. The second World War, — basic curiosity-driven research — should 1939-1945 had a much wide outpace the investment at the end, finding range and reach. In 1941 De- technology solutions. cember Japan extended the The importance of curiosity-driven re- war to the Pacific and Malay- search cannot be overstated. The rapid devel- sia, Burma, and the Andaman opment of the COVID-19 vaccines, for in- Islands. Even it did not by and stance, arose from decades-long curiosity- large include Africa, South of driven research in cell biology. As a research- Sahara. South America did not er who studies fluid flow, I know that answers become a combatant in any to fluid mechanics questions posed a hundred meaningful way. years ago — about how air swirls, how water The Covid-19 pandemic ex- moves and pools or how blood flows — have tends from Chile to Kolkota, enabled us to invent airplanes, imagine ocean New York to New Delhi, Dhaka wave energy extraction and improve drug to Denmark, Moscow to Manila, delivery. Really, all inventions, from cell London to Lahore, Singapore to phones to solar panels, from hair dryers to Sydney, Cape Town to Cairo. wind turbines, are the offspring of curiosity- India is in the grip of a deadly nated Rs 1 crore to Mission friends not coming to play with driven research of the past. second wave. After the first Cov- Oxygen, which is an NGO pro- them? When will school open. Despite its importance, funding sources for id 19 wave, it was (mistakenly viding Oxygen concentrators Their father is without a job, basic research are less diverse compared to thought) that the worst was over. to patients. He says, “I hope the mother is unwell. Just im- funding for technology solutions. This is, in Complacency was all too evi- that their efforts soon reach INDIA IS IN THE GRIP agine the psychological and part, because private industry, which is often dent. It was stressed that Indians out to many more hospitals OF A DEADLY mental is taken toll on their motivated by short-term profits, is unlikely to were less likely to succumb to across India.” SECOND WAVE. lives. This damage will be per- invest in curiosity-driven research. Instead, the virus because our immune What about Bollywood. A lot AFTER THE FIRST manent. If their parents were scientists who are willing to dedicate their systems were much stronger on of millionaires there. What has COVID 19 WAVE, IT to die could end up in a hell hole time to questions that may not pay off for dec- Shortage of account of our chronic diseases been its monetary response to called an orphanage. Am I over- ades depend almost entirely on public funding. like typhoid, cholera, polluted combating Covid -19? WAS (MISTAKENLY dramatic? No. some people Certainly, not every basic research project hospital beds, water, pneumonia, etc. this was Reading newspapers has be- THOUGHT) THAT THE known to me have died of Covid will, in the short term, lead to a breakthrough shortage of self-delusion. come depressing beyond meas- WORST WAS OVER. 19, leaving a family behind with technological solution. And that’s precisely vaccines, doctors, Today we are at the top of the ure. What else can do out to re- COMPLACENCY WAS no financial resources. What of the reason why we should invest heavily in nurses, Covid-19 pyramid. On Wednes- port reality? Is restraint the an- ALL TOO EVIDENT their future. The brutal fact is basic research upfront, to make sure we have ambulances, day the country recorded 3643 swer? Sensationalism must be that their future is in the past. plenty of raw materials at hand when we sanitation staff, deaths. As of writing this, the avoided. It is a horrendously Is mankind on a crash search for technology solutions. Investment and above all surge has passed three million difficult time for everyone. Doc- course? Optimism would be out in technology and innovation can then be oxygen is a daily active cases in India. tors on TV ask viewers not to of place. Pessimism is no help. more selective, with metrics requiring a clear concern and Shortage of hospital beds, panic. Easier said than done. I have been reflecting on This article is evidence of return on investment. We seed liberally and acute anxiety. shortage of vaccines, doctors, What are parents of two chil- what life has in store for chil- the somber mood I am envel- water selectively. Our doctors and nurses, ambulances, sanitation dren do, if one dies of Corona? dren aged 4,5,6, whom could oped in my 92nd year. Without a doubt, these investments are nurses are doing staff, and above all oxygen is a Of course, they panic. The Al- has killed. They are too young important. But if we invest only in efforts a splendid job, daily concern and acute anxie- mighty seems to be indifferent to comprehend, yet they look The passing away of Soli that lead to known desired outcomes, we will working round ty. Our doctors and nurses are to their tragedy. What else can for papa and mama. Who will Sorabji, distressed me very be bound by our imagination of what is pos- the clock. Alas! doing a splendid job, working our dedicated, hardworking doc- take of these orphans? Uncles much. He lived a long life of dis- sible. Furthermore, even a short interrup- round the clock. Alas! respite is tors do, but ask people to keep and aunties? How they may be tinction. He was an outstand- tion to funding for curiosity-driven research respite is not in not in sight, apparently till mid- their composer and try to keep living in another town. ing lawyer. His admirers and could mean a serious gap. We wouldn’t feel sight, apparently May. Other experts say relief calm? The devastating truth is A lower-middle-class family friends numbered hundreds the effects right away, but we would be deny- till mid-May. could only come in July-August. that there is no consolation for lives in Shahadra, in a two-room from all walks of life. He will be ing our grandchildren the raw materials Other experts What is corporate India do- parents whose only teenage son house with three school-going sorely missed. my sincere con- they will need to find solutions to their prob- say relief could ing? Not much is heard of it or daughter is taken away by Co- kids. School is shut. The kids dolences to Soli’s family. lems in a hundred years. only come in donating funds to Mission Oxy- rona. They cannot even give him ask, why they can’t go to meet THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY SOURCE: FAIR OBSERVER July-August gen. Sachin Tendulkar has do- a proper cremation. their friends, why are their THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top What is Apple’s new ‘app tracking transparency’? TWEET

pple users is a continuation of Ap- centralised location for Apple to detect or prevent. Dharmendra Pradhan across the globe ple’s push to be recognised storing and checking what For example, while an @dpradhanbjp are adopting as the platform of privacy. permissions have been app might not use Apple’s Daily flight services to major the latest oper- The new feature allows granted to which apps. “device advertising identi- destinations from #Jharsuguda will further boost air connectivity A ating system apps to display a pop-up no- What is missing from the fier”, it would be easy for for people in western Odisha. update, called iOS 14.5, fea- tification that explains fine print is that there is no the app to generate a little I thank PM @narendramodi ji turing the now-obligatory what data the app wants to physical mechanism to bit of “random data”. This and Min. Shri @HardeepSPuri new batch of emojis. collect, and what it propos- prevent the tracking of a data could then be passed ji for consistently enhancing air But there is another es to do with it. user. The app tracking between sites under the connectivity for the growth and development of Odisha. change that is arguably There is nothing users transparency framework is guise of normal opera- less fun but much more sig- need to do to gain access to merely a pop-up box. tions such as retrieving an nificant for many users: the new feature, other than It is also interesting to image with the data em- Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani the introduction of “app install the latest iOS up- note the specific wording bedded in the filename. GOI has alerted Team @ tracking transparency”. date, which happens auto- of the pop-up: “ask app not While this would contra- CHILDLINE1098 & @NCPCR_ to This feature promises to matically on most devices. to track”. If the application vene Apple’s developer engage with authorities to ensure usher in a new era of user- Once upgraded, apps that is using legitimate “device rules, detecting this type safety of children. If you know any oriented privacy, and not eve- use tracking functions will advertising identifiers”, of secret data could be child that is in need of counselling or any assistance, please alert ryone is happy – most nota- display a request to opt in answering no will result in very difficult. authorities on the helplines. bly Facebook, which relies or out of this functionality. this identifier being set to Apple seems prepared to Required support will be extended on tracking web users’ zero. This will reduce the crack down hard on devel- to every child in need. browsing habits to sell tar- HOW IT WORKS? tracking capabilities of opers who do not play by geted advertising. Some com- As Apple has explained, apps that honour Apple’s the rules. The most recent mentators have described it the app tracking transpar- The API gives software vidual apps. tracking policies. additions to Apple’s App Spiritual as the beginnings of a new ency feature is a new “ap- developers a few pre- In more straightforward However, if an app is re- Store guidelines explicitly privacy feud between the two plication programming canned functions that al- terms, this gives app devel- ally determined to track tells developers: “You must SPEAK tech behemoths. low them to do things like opers a uniform way of re- you, there are many tech- receive explicit permission interface”, or API – a suite The mind is indeed very of programming com- “request tracking authori- questing these tracking niques that could allow from users via the App difficult to restrain but by WHAT’S TRACKING mands used by developers sation” or use the tracking permissions from the de- them to make surreptitious Tracking Transparency practice and detachment, it can TRANSPARENCY? to interact with the operat- manager to “check the au- vice user. It also means the user-specific identifiers, APIs to track their activity.” be controlled. —Bhagavad Gita App tracking transparency ing system. thorisation status” of indi- operating system has a which may be difficult for SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION l Vol 2 l Issue No. 155 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 | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 05 Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s video message comes as India reported over 4 lakh Covid cases ‘TIME TO WAKE UP’: SONIA GANDHI’S VIDEO MESSAGE TO GOVTS ON COVID CRISIS SERUM INSTITUTE PLANS TO BEGIN VACCINE PRODUCTION OUTSIDE INDIA: REPORT New Delhi: The Serum Institute of India, which manufactures the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is planning to start vaccine production in other coun- tries as it struggles to meet supply commitments, its chief executive offi cer said. “There’s going to be an Govt reduces announcement in the next few days,” Adar Poona- walla was quoted as saying by the newspaper in an IGST on import interview published on Friday. Mr Poonawalla said last week that the Serum Institute would be able to of oxygen raise its monthly output to 100 million doses by July, concentrators later than a previous timeline of end-May. New Delhi: Amid the acute shortage of medi- INDIA CAN ANAND MAHINDRA ROLLS cal oxygen in several COUNT ON OUT ‘OXYGEN ON WHEELS’ parts of the country due to surge in COVID-19, THAILAND, SAYS Mumbai: In the wake of the Finance Ministry JAISHANKAR acute oxygen shortage reduced the Integrated A medic checks on a COVID-19 patient being treated against the coronavirus in the state of Maha- Goods and Services Tax New Delhi: Exter- rashtra due to rising disease inside an ICU amid the surge in cases. —PHOTO BY ANI (IGST) rate on the im- nal Affairs Minister S COVID-19 cases, the port of oxygen concen- Jaishankar on Satur- Mahindra group chair- Centre and state governments wake up and fulfil trators for personal use day lauded supplies of man Anand Mahindra their responsibilities. Testing should be increased from 28 per cent to 12 per cryogenic tanks as well on Saturday rolled out across the country and resources should be ar- as other oxygen-related the ‘Oxygen on Wheels’ cent. The reduced IGST ranged on war footing. —Sonia Gandhi, Congress Chief equipment by Bangkok project to ease the rate will be applicable to help India address its transportation of O2. till June end. “IGST on COVID-19 crisis and said import of oxygen con- New Delhi: Congress that it can continue to ‘AATMA NIRBHAR INDIA’, centrators for personal chief Sonia Gandhi, in a PMO provides 150 ventilators count on partnership with use has been reduced video message, today Thailand. “Discussed the SAYS DIGAMBAR KAMAT from 28 per cent to 12 per called for a nationwide COVID-19 challenge and Margao: Hitting out cent to bring IGST rate strategy to fight the from PM-CARES Fund international cooperation at the Centre over at par with commercial surge in Covid cases in with Thai DPM & FM Don spike in coronavirus imports of the same,” India after discussion New Delhi: The Prime Pramudwinai. Appreciated deaths, Goa Leader Ministry. —ANI with all political parties. Minister’s Office (PMO) the supplies of cryogenic of Opposition (LoP) The centre and state has provided 150 medi- tanks and other oxygen- Digambar Kamat on governments “should cal ventilator machines related equipment. Saturday alleged that ‘Co-Jeet’ over wake up and fulfill their from the PM CARES Confi dent that we can Central Government’s responsibilities,” she fund to a Delhi-based continue to count on our ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Covid: Madhuri further asserted. COVID care centre run partnership with Thai- mission has turned into “It’s high time that by the Indo-Tibetan land,” Jaishankar said. ‘Aatma Nirbhar India’. Kanitkar the centre and state Border Police (ITBP), New Delhi: As the governments wake up officials said on Satur- younger population of and fulfil their respon- day. Bhaskar Khulbe, RELIANCE BECOMES INDIA’S LARGEST the nation becomes eligi- sibilities. Migration of Advisor to the PM, has PRODUCER OF MEDICAL GRADE LIQUID OXYGEN ble for vaccination the labourers should written in this context against coronavirus on be stopped. A mini- to the Union Health New Delhi: Amid a surging second Saturday, Deputy Chief mum of 6,000 should Ministry, as per a copy wave of COVID-19 in the country, Reli- Integrated Defence Staff be added to their ac- of the letter provided by campus in south Del- government’s request ance Industries (RIL) has ramped up Lieutenant General counts till the crisis is ITBP officials. hi’s Chhattarpur area. in view of the recent production of medical oxygen to 1000 Madhuri Kanitkar as- over,” the 74-year-old The 150 ventilators, The ITBP, a border massive surge in coro- metric tons per day, making it India’s sured that armed forces Congress leader said in equipped with global guarding force, has navirus infections in largest producer of medical-grade are ready to aid the vac- the five-minute long positioning system been entrusted to run the national capital. liquid oxygen from a single location. cination drive including video shared on the of- (GPS), will be installed the centre with the ad- The PMO letter stated Reliance ramped up production from transportation of empty ficial Congress Twitter at the Sardar Patel ministrative support that the ventilators will near-zero to 1,000 tonnes per day and oxygen tanks to various handle. COVID Care Centre and funding of the be made available from now produces over 11 per cent of the states. Have led the The Congress chief ’s (SPCCC) that began op- state government. The the PM CARES Trust country’s oxygen demand. It has rallied armed forces to launch video message comes as erating on April 26 at SPCCC was opened by Fund on a loan basis of its resources to meet the daily need. operation ‘Co-Jeet’ to India reported over 4 the Radha Soami Beas the Centre on Delhi six months now. —PTI win the war against it. lakh Covid cases for the first time ever in a new global record. The third Vaccination for people between 18 & 44 yrs in Delhi to start on Monday phase of vaccination has also been launched, New Delhi: CM Arvind tration and appoint- 312 MTs. How will this which expands cover- Kejriwal on May 1 an- ENSURE DELHI RECEIVES 490 MT ment.” work?” age to people between nounced that large OF OXYGEN TODAY: DELHI HC Upon being asked He added, “I request 18-44 years even as near- scale vaccination for New Delhi: The Delhi HC on Saturday directed the about Delhi suffering decision-makers with ly 20 states have said people between 18 years Centre to ensure that Delhi receives its allocated from dearth of medical folded hands to provide they’re low on stocks. and 44 years in the Na- 490 MT oxygen supply today by whatever means. oxygen at hospitals, CM oxygen to Delhi. People Free vaccines should tional Capital against A Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Kejriwal said, “There is are waiting outside the be given to all the citi- COVID-19 will com- Rekha Palli order came when it was informed by a major issue of oxy- hospitals just because zens, she said. “Testing mence on Monday, May multiple hospitals about the shortage of oxygen gen. SOS is coming of shortage of oxygen. should be increased 3. The chief minister due to non-supply. The court also warned that it from all hospitals. We We have prepared 5000 across the country and while speaking to the may consider contempt proceedings against the have spoken in the beds at Radha Soami medical oxygen and media said, “Vaccina- Centre if the allocated O2 is not supplied to Delhi. court and written to the Centre but only 150 are other resources should tion for people between Centre that Delhi re- functional as there is no be arranged on war 18-44 years started at quires 976 MTs of oxy- oxygen. We have pre- footing. Free vaccina- only one centre. This is distributed in all dis- morrow (Monday). gen daily but we have pared 1300 beds at Com- tion should be arranged symbolic only. We have tricts. Large -scale vac- There is no walk-in for been allotted only 490 monwealth Games and for all the citizens,” Mrs received 4.5 lakh vac- cination will begin now. I request people to MTs of oxygen. Yester- Yamuna Sports Com- Gandhi added. —ANI cine doses. It is being from the day after to- come only with regis- day we received only plex. —PTI

DIP IN YAMUNA LEVEL MAY AFFECT RUSSIA’S SPUTNIK V, 3RD VACCINE HOSPITALS AMID COVID: CHADHA SITAR MAESTRO PANDIT DEBU FOR INDIA, ARRIVES IN HYDERABAD UNICEF SENDS 3,000 OXYGEN New Delhi: Deputy Chair- amidst the COVID-19 epi- CHAUDHURI DIES OF COVID Hyderabad: The fi rst coronavirus cases in the CONCENTRATORS TO INDIA man of Delhi Job Board demic” affecting hospitals New Delhi: Sitar maestro Pandit Debu Chaudhuri lot of Russia’s Sputnik country hit a grim global United Nations: The UN children’s agency has (DJB) Raghav Chaddha in the national capital due died of COVID-19 related complications at a Delhi V vaccine, the third one record with 4,01,993 sent critical life-saving supplies, including 3,000 informed on Saturday that to the decrease in the hospital today, his son Prateek Chaudhuri said. to be used in India after fresh infections in the last oxygen concentrators, diagnostic tests and other the water level of Yamuna water level of the Yamuna He was 85. Prateek Chaudhuri announced the Covishield and Covaxin 24 hours. 3,523 deaths equipment to help India combat a devastating river has decreased, River. Yamuna river forms death of his father, formally known as Devbrata against coronavirus, were reported. The new wave of COVID-19. The UNICEF also said it due to which there is a major part of Delhi’s Chaudhuri, on his offi cial Facebook page. “My arrived in Hyderabad on Central Board of Indirect is continuing to support the Indian government in a shortage of water in water supply. The river Father, The Legend of Sitar, Pandit Debu Saturday. The vaccines Taxes and Customs the acceleration of its national vaccine rollout to most areas in the national enters Delhi from Hary- Chaudhuri... is no more. He was admitted with come at a time when (CBIC), in a tweet, said equitably reach all population groups. In a tweet capital. Chadha requested ana. “Shortage. In the Covid along with dementia complications and was a deadly second wave that Hyderabad customs Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General had said UN Haryana Chief Minister coming days, may also put in ICU on ventilator around midnight today, of the coronavirus has expedited the clearance family stand in solidarity with the people of the Manohar Lal Khattar on affect Delhi’s hospitals,” 1st May 2021..after which he suffered a attack.” been causing havoc of the COVID-19 vaccine country as they face a horrific COVID-19. Twitter to help “Delhi Chadha tweeted. across the country. The imported from Russia. INDIA www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 06 Centre targets OVER 16 CR VACCINE DOSES GIVEN road work worth TO STATES FREE OF COST: CENTRE `15 Lakh Crore New Delhi: Union And over 17 lakh doses will be supplied to them in the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said Road Transport and New Delhi: More than Highways Minister Ni- 79 lakh COVID-19 vac- Vaccination for EIGHT COVID-19 PATIENTS DIE tin Gadkari on Satur- cine doses are available day said that the gov- with the States and Un- youths with eye IN DELHI’S BATRA HOSPITAL ernment is giving ut- ion Territories and over most priority to the de- 17 lakh doses will be on polls: Nath velopment of infra- supplied to them in the Bhopal: The announce- structure and has set a next three days, the Un- ment made by the Cen- target of road construc- Nitin Gadkari ion Health Ministry tre last month to roll tion worth 15 lakh said on May 1. out the third phase of crore in the next two The Centre has so far vaccination for the years. Mr Gadkari said to provide world-class provided nearly 16.37 younger lot in the ab- he was confident that infra to its citizens and crore vaccine doses to sence of adequate stock the Ministry for Road improving the quality States/UTs free of cost. of doses amounted to Transport and High- of their lives. Of this, the total con- the “betrayal” of peo- ways will achieve the He said that under sumption, including ple, senior Congress A patient is being treated in hospital after contracting COVID-19. target of 40 kilometres the NIP, there are over wastages, is 15,58,48,782 leader Kamal Nath said per day of highways 7,300 projects to be im- doses, according to of- on Saturday and de- New Delhi: Eight COV- ing efforts. Since this construction in the plemented at a total out- ficial data available till manded the Supreme ID-19 patients died in wave hit the country, we current fiscal. He said lay of ₹ 111 lakh crore by 8 a.m. on May 1. A health worker shows the COVAXIN vaccine for COVID-19 at Court take cognisance. Delhi’s Batra Hospital have been demanding that the government is the year 2025. He said “More than 79,13,518 SMHS hospital in Srinagar on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI Red-flagging the una- on Saturday due to short- oxygen from the govt,” permitting 100 per cent that the NIP aims at im- COVID-19 vaccine doses vailability of jabs in age of oxygen, a senior Dr SCL Gupta, Medical FDI in the road sector. proving project prepa- are still available with within the next 3 days,” by the Centre for the many states, Nath said hospital official said. Director of Batra Hospi- The Minister said ration, and attract in- the States and UTs to be the Ministry said. The first fortnight of May. the vaccine rollout an- “Six COVID patients tal told ANI. “Our execu- that in India, projects vestment into infra- administered. “Fur- Ministry also said that Delhi has been allocat- nouncement was a “poll died in the ICU ward tive director is in regu- like the National Infra- structures like high- thermore, more than Maharashtra has been ed 3,73,760 Covishield gimmick” aimed at lur- and two in the main lar touch with govt offic- structure pipeline (NIP) ways, railways, ports, 17,31,110 vaccine doses allocated 17,50,620 ‘Cov- and 1,23,170 Covaxin ing youths for the last ward due to oxygen ers concerned and has for 2019-2025 is the first airports, mobility, and will be received in addi- ishield’ and 5,76,890 doses for the same pe- phase of polls held in shortage today. We could been updating them of its kind and the gov- agriculture and rural tion by the States/UTs ‘Covaxin’ vaccine doses riod, it said. —PTI West Bengal. —PTI not save them after mak- about our oxygen stock”. ernment is committed industry. —ANI NIRAV FILES APPEAL IN UK WILL COME TO POWER PM VISITS GURUDWARA SIS GANJ SAHIB HC AGAINST ONCE AGAIN: SONOWAL EXTRADITION Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarba- nanda Sonowal, confi- Will win 83 dent about winning the state elections Seats, says with an enhanced mandate, said the peo- State Party ple “have shown their Nirav Modi love” by voting for the Chief, Dass BJP and its allies. “Once again the BJP- Guwahati: The London: Fugitive dia- led alliance will come BJP, along with its mond dealer Nirav to power. People have Sarbananda Sonowal alliance partners in Modi has filed an ap- shown their love for us Assam, will win 83 peal in the UK HC seek- by voting us and we ful that the people will seats claimed its ing permission to chal- will reciprocate the continue to show their state party chief, lenge the decision love by working for the love and support the Ranjeet Kumar against the extradition people of the state,” government at all Dass, on Friday, two order made by the lower the chief minister told times,” Mr Sonowal days before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib on the 400th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, in court and passed by the reporters. “I am hope- said. —PTI election results. Delhi on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI UK Home Secretary. The projection is On April 15, the UK far below the 100 government had signed Assam govt bans victory seats the BJP an order to extradite rally on counting day claimed to win CBI SUMMONS Nirav Modi to India. but comfortably KCR takes away Telangana “On February 25, the Assam: Amid rising above the majority MAMATA’S District Judge gave the COVID-19 cases, the As- mark of 64. DIRECTOR OF judgment in the extra- sam government on The state Assem- Health Minister’s portfolio dition case of Nirav Friday banned victory bly strength is 126. SECURITY Modi. The extradition rallies across the state Explaining the Kolkata: The Central Hyderabad: Telangana croachments of land on order was signed on on May 2, when Assem- break-up of num- Bureau of Investigation Chief Minister K Chan- the outskirts of Acham- April 15,” UK's Home bly election results will bers, Mr Dass said (CBI) summoned Mama- drashekar Rao, or KCR pet in Masaipet Mandal Office spokesperson be declared. The gov- the Asom Gana Par- ta Banerjee's Director as he is known, has tak- in Medak, get a compre- had said. Nirav Modi, ernment has also ex- ishad (AGP) will of Security Gyanwant en away the portfolio of hensive report and sub- wanted in India on the tended the night curfew released by the govern- suffer reverses and Singh on May 4 at its the state's Health Minis- mit it to him. charges of fraud and across the state till May ment said. will have to settle Kolkata office for ques- ter after allegations of KCR's move comes af- money-laundering, was 7. The state govern- It has specified that with just eight tioning in relation to land grab emerged ter a few farmers re- K Chandrashekar Rao arrested in March 2019 ment has released two winning candidate seats. The BJP will coal scam case. against the latter. Eata- portedly complained to in London and charged separate notification in will only be accompa- win 70 seats, he Singh, an IPS officer la Rajender's portfolio him that Mr Rajender with money laundering this regard. nied by two persons said, adding the was appointed as the of Medical, Health and allegations of land grab had grabbed nearly 100 and defrauding Punjab “Any victory proces- while the cracking of United People’s new director of security Family Welfare has in Medak district, Mr acres of assigned land National Bank (PNB) of sion or assembly at any fire crackers and us- Party Liberal by the West Bengal Gov- been transferred to the Rao instructed the in the vicinity of his over 11,000 crore. In public place during and age of loud speakers (UPPL), another ernment in March this Chief Minister after the Chief Secretary to get poultry farm, Jamuna February, a UK court after the counting on has been prohibited. partner, will win year after the Election Governor approved Mr an investigation done Hatcheries. A few local had ordered his extradi- 02.05.2021 is prohibit- All persons will have five seats. Commission removed Rao's request. by the district collector TV channels too car- tion to India. —ANI ed,” the notification to wear mask, it said. Vivek Sahay. —ANI Ordering a probe into on the complaints of en- ried a report. YOGI’S VACCINE PLAN HAS MORE FROM PG 1 24 hrs... passed the one-crore implemented, we may price for states from the five legislative as- while the national COV- mark on December 19. even consider initiating `600 to `400 per dose semblies, as well as bye- SOLUTIONS THAN PROBLEMS ID-19 recovery rate has India crossed the grim contempt proceedings,” while the SII has cut the elections, will be de- First India Bureau inoculation programme Hospital here. The ma- further dropped to 81.84 milestone of 1.50 crore the high court said. The prices from `400 to `300. clared tomorrow. for people in the 18-plus jor criterion for ear- per cent. The number of on April 19. According to court declined the cen- As reported earlier, Lucknow: In what category. marking districts was people who have recu- the Indian Council of tre’s request to adjourn Vote count... the Election Commis- beams light at the end of Chief Minister Yogi based on the number of perated from the disease Medical Research the hearing till Monday While polling was con- sion of India (ECI) has the dreaded Covid tun- Adityanath launched the active Covid cases, an of- surged to 1,56,84,406, (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 sam- when its officers would ducted in a single phase issued clear instructions nel for denizens of Uttar all-important pro- ficial told First India. while the case fatality ples have been tested up explain the situation. on 6 April in Tamil that entry of polling Pradesh, Chief Minister gramme from Avantibai “From May 1, vaccina- rate stands 1.11 per cent, to April 30, of which Nadu, Kerala, and Pu- agents and candidates Yogi Adityanath-led gov- Hospital in as many as tion for people between the data stated. 19,45,299 were done on It’s Centre... ducherry. Assam voted will not be permitted in- ernment here kicked off six districts —Lucknow, 18-44 years will also India’s COVID-19 tally Friday. Last week, the govern- in three phases between side the counting hall Covid-19 vaccination- Kanpur, Prayagraj, Vara- start. In the first phase, had crossed the 20-lakh ment said its procure- 27 March and 6 April without a negative COV- for-all-adults pro- nasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut which will be extended mark on August 7; 30 Ensure now... ment price for both vac- while voting in West ID-19 RT PCR report or gramme on Saturday. and Bareilly of the state. to other cities also, the lakh on August 23; 40 (of medical oxygen) to- cines - Bharat Biotech’s Bengal was held in eight Rapid Antigen Test with- Just when the things Youngsters in Lucknow government will start lakh on September 5; day by whatever means. Covaxin and the Serum phases between 27 in 48 hours of the start of looked murkier regard- showed a positive re- the vaccination in and 50 lakh on Septem- It falls on the centre to Institute’s Covishield - March and 29 April. By- counting or vaccination ing availability of vac- sponse towards the vac- seven districts that have ber 16. It went past 60 arrange tankers as well. would remain at `150 elections to Lok Sabha certificate for both doses. cines, unlike other cine drive as thousands more than 9,000 active lakh on September 28; 70 The allocation was per dose, and that the seats as well as Assem- The winning candidate states, Yogi Adityanath who had registered on cases,” Additional Chief lakh on October 11; made on April 20 and vaccines it procures will bly seats in other states can be accompanied by sent his state aircrafts to the app, thronged at the Secretary, Health, Amit crossed 80 lakh on Octo- not even one day Delhi be free for states. Amid were also held during not more than two peo- Hyderabad to get the various centres includ- Mohan Prasad had said ber 29; 90 lakh on No- has received its allocat- the controversy, Bharat the period. The result of ple. EC has also prohib- batch of vaccines for the ing the KGMU & RML on Friday. vember 20; and sur- ed supply. If this is not Biotech has reduced the the general elections to ited victory rallies. 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 | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 07 —TIMOTHY GONSALVES

challenge for those of us who work to determine the moral status of living creatures, and JULIAN SAVULESCU the rights and obligations that follow that status. Visiting Professor in Biomedical FIRST HUMAN-MONKEY Moral status is already one Ethics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting of the most contested areas of Professor in Law, University of practical ethics. Recent work Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical on “speciesism” makes a com- Ethics, University of Oxford pelling case that we have EMBRYOS CREATED—A wrongly assigned animals a CÉSAR PALACIOS-GONZÁLEZ lower moral status. Despite this, human-nonhuman chi- Senior Research Fellow in Practical meras will probably be regard- Ethics, University of Oxford ed as “lesser” than humans, SMALL STEP TOWARDS A though by how much it is dif- cientists have cre- ficult to determine. ated the world’s There are two ways to tackle first monkey em- ethical concerns over the moral bryos containing status of part-human chimeras. human cells in an Scientists could genetically edit attempt to investi- HUGE ETHICAL PROBLEM human stem cells so they do not S gate how the two end up treating part-human ly to provoke moral revulsion. become brain cells—but this types of cell develop alongside chimeras will depend upon the If pigs or monkeys are eventu- may not be possible or even de- each other. The embryos, which moral status we assign them—a ally developed with humanised sirable, in the case of building were derived from a macaque task that these latest embryonic features, it could cause major models for human brain disease. and then injected with human experiments only makes more public opprobrium, perhaps Alternatively, scientists could stem cells in the lab, were al- pressing. setting back public acceptance allow such chimeras to be born lowed to grow for 20 days before of science significantly. so that we can determine their being destroyed. However, this must be bal- moral status by studying them. We have a term for this type Why make anced against the severe short- This would raise other ethical of life form: a chimera, named age of organs for transplanta- issues, as it would require the after the fire-breathing monster chimeras? tion. In the US, for example, newborn to be subjected to nov- of Greek mythology that was There are several rationales for more that 100,000 people are el behavioural tests of cogni- part lion, part goat and part pursuing this line of research. currently waiting for an organ. tion, communication and other snake. It’s hoped that part-hu- Human-monkey chimeras We tend to get over the yuck mental capacities. man chimeras—essentially ani- could be created to study parts factor when lives are at stake. mal bodies with some human of the brain, for instance, so we The production of the Astra- organs or other characteris- can better understand Alzhei- Zeneca vaccine, for instance, Hybrid futures tics—might one day offer clues mer’s Disease. Another goal is uses cell lines that originated Further into the future, chime- to help us treat human diseases, to grow human organs for from foetal cells. But behind the ra discoveries could give hu- as well as providing organs to transplantation by “deleting” chimera yuck factor lies a mans capacities found else- transplant to humans. But for the relevant organ from the thorny ethical problem: the is- where in the animal kingdom, these purposes, part-human chi- animal’s genetic instructions, sue of the moral status of mon- like a bat’s sonar. If we accept meras will first have to be born, and replacing it with human keys or pigs that could have a moral status based on a crea- and this research takes us one stem cells to fill the develop- brain closer to that of a human. ture’s capacities, such en- step closer to that eventuality. mental niche. hanced humans could one day That’s ethically controversial Previously, the same re- be regarded as superior to us. because these creatures could searchers explored this avenue Moral status Seeing as we’re already strug- possess an ambiguous moral in pigs—seen as ideal because Moral status is the concept of gling with issues of equality status: somewhere between their organs are about the same treating life forms according to between human beings, it that of humans, which we don’t size as ours. However, not their interests and capacities. would seem we’re poorly pre- tend to experiment upon, and enough human cells “took” to For example, humans are gen- pared for the ethical challenges animals, which we do. How we create a functional chimera, Researchers previously created a four-week-old pig embryo containing erally thought to have higher presented by future advances in and the research failed. human cells. —SIPA US/ALAMY moral status than monkeys, chimera research. Monkeys are evolutionarily who have higher moral status The issue of moral status is a closer to us, so there’s a greater than pigs, who have higher philosophical and ethical ques- chance that cells will interact fewer ethical concerns with possible in the future. How such moral status than worms. Mor- tion. Science might help us in effectively with each other. The harvesting organs from pigs. animals would look and func- al status is linked to mental ca- detecting it—with information stated goal of the human-mon- Hence, primate research is a tion would depend, in part, on pacities such as consciousness, about the extent of a non-hu- key experiments is to under- stepping stone, not a goal itself. the numbers of non-human and self-consciousness, moral ca- man animal’s capacities, for stand and perfect the develop- human cells. Previous experi- pacities and rationality. instance—but it cannot tell us ment of chimeras in primates ments, for instance, have pro- In the future, some human- what it is. This new research before transferring the technol- Future chimeras duced a goat-sheep entity that nonhuman chimeras could de- shows it’s a concept in urgent In Greek mythology, the Chimera was said ogy to pigs. Whether part-pig or part-pri- had both woolly and coarse hair. velop mental capacities be- need of attention. to be part lion, part goat and part snake. As we intensively farm and mate, living chimeras that fea- This research clearly has the tween ordinary animals and —ALEXMASTRO/SHUTTERSTOCK eat pigs, there are thought to be ture human cells are certainly “yuck factor”, meaning it’s like- humans. That presents a huge SOURCE : THECONVERSATION.COM It is time to look within. Self discipline is the only way forward for happiness and good health. —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 | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 08

BY TRIDIB FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL RAMAN ing epidemiologists, health system,’ saying currently serving as that India’s total The author is a journalist the Director of the health care expendi- and political commentator Centre for Global ture is only 3.5 percent and views expressed are his Health Research at St. of GDP, while coun- personal Michael’s Hospital in tries like Brazil and Toronto. He has said South Africa are GANDHIGIRI TO such frontline workers that ‘Corona Peak will spending 9.5 and 8.3 DEFEAT CORONA from the District Magis- take more time in In- percent respectively. arun Gandhi, the trate and CMO of Pilib- dia now because the In India only one-third V ‘saffron lamp’ of hit so that this ‘Abhinav This should be found INDIA BECOMES there has been a record around 40%. Finance density of population of health care expens- Nehru-Gandhi dynasty Yojana’ can be imple- out.” Only 16% of the ‘POOR,’ LIFE GETS breaking increase in Minister Nirmala Si- here is very high.’ Dr es come from the gov- and three term MP, is mented at the earliest. world’s population has TRAPPED IN the number of daily tharaman has made a Jha says, “India ernment, the rest of known for writing a Last year too, when the captured 60% of the to- VICIOUS CIRCLE wage labourers. Ac- provision of Rs 73,000 should listen to sci- the citizens have to new volume in politics. country was grappling tal available dose of n India, the Corona cording to a figure, out crore for the MGNRE- ence, and not politics, spend from their own In the second wave of with the first wave of vaccine. Of the world’s I pandemic has creat- of India’s population of GA items in the budget at such a time, because pockets. That is, it is the Corona pandemic, Corona, Varun started 7 billion vaccine doses, ed such a havoc that the 138 crore , the working of 2021-22, it is about without science it will clear that in India, when the entire coun- free langar and 4.2 billion doses are fear of the deadly virus population is 70 crore, 34.52% less than the al- not be easy to get out people who have mon- try is reeling under bhandara in 12 wards presently lying with the in this vicious circle, the remaining popula- located budget of last of this pandemic.” ey in their pockets can pressure, this young of Pilibhit and also dis- rich countries alone. not only continues to tion is under 15 years of financial year (Rs While Dr Ashish Jha, buy health facilities MP has decided to give tributed about 10-12 Apart from this, Varun swallow innocent lives, age or are elderly. In 111,500 crore), even Dean of Brown Uni- on their own. India free Corona insurance lakhs of food packets to is also sharing informa- but also our hopes. Ac- May last year, more though there has been versity of Public took a long time to ap- to frontline workers i.e. people for free. Varun tion from time to time cording to a data shared than 3.6 crore families an unprecedented in- Health, says, “Data prove vaccines like doctors, paramedical Gandhi, who has been about how to stay safe by the Pew Research had sought work under crease in the number of are limited due to lack ‘Pfizer-Sputnik-Mod- staff, sweepers in his very active on social from Corona. Varun re- Centre in the Us, about MGNREGA from the labourers. In Uttar of extensive genomic erna’ to peddle ‘At- parliamentary constit- media, especially on his cently tweeted saying, 32 million middle- class government. In June, Pradesh, a MGNREGA sequencing in India, manirbhar’ jibe. uency, Pilibhit. After Twitter handle, has ‘3 IIT students have de- Indians have now fallen the number of people card holder gets wages so mutant variants When India was ex- the insurance cover, if asked some difficult veloped an app which into the category of seeking work under of only Rs 182 per day, may further exacer- porting its indigenous these frontline workers questions to his govern- has real time informa- ‘poor’ due to the Corona MGNREGA increased however, they have not bate the current cri- vaccine in 80 coun- get infected with Coro- ment by tweeting in the tion on the availability pandemic. According to to 4.36 crore. The latest been paid since Decem- sis.” These epidemiol- tries, then only 0.2 per na, then they will get an past, saying, “If India of beds, oxygen and this report, before the figures show that cur- ber. In this Corona era, ogists also point to- cent population was insurance cover of up had sufficient availabil- plasma available in hos- Corona period, the size rently 25 crore Indians ‘life’ has become quite wards India’s ‘poor getting vaccinated per to Rs 5 lakh. Varun ity of vaccine and pitals across the coun- of India’s middle- have applied for ‘cheap,’ while ‘living’ day. We are show- Gandhi himself if we are going try.’ In yet another class was 9 crore, MGNREGA, if has become quite ing ourselves will bear the ex- through such a tweet, Varun told Delhi- which has now compared to expensive. in the race to penses of paying difficult peri- ites as to where they been reduced to the total work- become the premium for od, then why can get free meals. 6.6 crore. Coro- ing popula- CORONA WILL LOSE world mas- this Corona In- have we sent Varun Gandhi has set a na has broken tion, this fig- FROM SCIENCE, ters and Co- surance Scheme. our vaccine to precedent for his fellow the back of ure is NOT POLITICS rona is show- Varun has 80 countries, MPs that ‘If there is the com- orn in Ranchi, Dr ing us the sought what are we passion in the heart, a mon man, B Prabhat Jha ‘mir- a list going to get new chapter of change due to is one of the ror.’ o f Varun Gandhi in return? can be written’. which Nirmala Sitharaman world’s lead- Dr Prabhat Jha Dr Ashish Jha Police on hunt for CM URGES SARPANCHES TO RID man who threw acid at ex-wife VILLAGES OF COVID-19 IN 15 DAYS First India Bureau Rupani made the appeal during a virtual meeting with village heads Ahmedabad: The Sola High Court police are First India Bureau fected. We are fighting “Implement a strong looking for a man who against the pandemic lockdown in villages, allegedly threw acid on Ahmedabad: Chief with the triple T strate- where no outsiders are his ex-wife. According Minister Vijay Rupani gy - maximum testing, allowed entry. Run a to the police, the woman on Saturday urged sar- maximum tracing, and public awareness cam- suffered burns on her panches to take steps to maximum treatment,” paign advising that hand and was miracu- rid their respective vil- Rupani said in his ad- people suffering from lously able to escape lages making of COV- dress. cough, fever or allied major injuries. The ID-19 within the next 15 He later tweeted: “On symptoms be taken to Sola police are still accused confronted his days. the occasion of the Gu- isolation centres set up chasing the accused, wife at the paying guest He made the appeal jarat Foundation Day, within villages,” he who is a resident of Ra- house where she was during a virtual meet- interacting with sar- asked the village nip. staying on Friday. He ing with the village panches of various vil- heads. According to the then drove her to the vil- heads on Gujarat’s lages through the CM The chief minister criminal complaint, lage of Ognaj and at- Foundation Day, which Dashboard under the also appealed to the vil- Sanjana (name changed) tempted to throw acid at was marked in a low- state-wide campaign lage heads to ensure married Hitesh Solanki, her. The woman, on the key manner in view of Maru Gaam Corona that people get vacci- but they divorced after other hand, was able to the ongoing health cri- Mukta Gaam (my vil- nated at the earliest. only a few years of mar- save herself by avoiding sis and the death of 18 lage, coronavirus-free “Let us pledge not to riage. According to the serious injuries. COVID-19 patients in a Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Rupani and Minister of State for Panchayats and Rural Development village).” let the number of cases complaint, the accused On Friday night, the hospital fire in Bharuch Jaydrathsinh Parmar virtually launched the ‘Maru Gaam Corona Mukta Gaam, campaign on the The governor also increase and let us be- hid the fact that he was victim filed a com- earlier in the day. state’s Foundation Day. appealed to sarpanches come free of coronavi- already married and plaint with police sub- Governor Acharya to implement these rus. Form committees had two children. inspector ML Jadhav, Devvrat and senior of- dhinagar. tees, and by tracking ous and a cause for con- suggestions and asked of 10 people each Earlier this year, the who is investigating ficials also joined Ru- Rupani asked the sar- and treating anyone cern. Such a pandemic them to hold meetings, across Gujarat’s 14,000 couple reconciled their the case. She was also pani as he interacted panches to should suspected of being in- occurs once in a centu- form committees and gram panchayats to differences and even taken to a nearby medi- with thousands of vil- pledge to rid their areas fected. ry. No state in the coun- set up isolation centres make villages corona- lived together for a few cal facility for treat- lage heads through the of the novel coronavi- “The (COVID-19 pan- try, and no district in in community halls virus free in 15 days,” months. They soon part- ment of her injuries, CM Dashboard, in Gan- rus by forming commit- demic) situation is seri- Gujarat remains unaf- and schools in villages. he said. ed ways, however. The police officials said. RELIEF FROM HEAT Pvt hosp dumped nCoV body Partly cloudy skies, light rain likely in Guj on roadside, family alleges Saturday brought hailstorms, Sunday gar, Dahod, Chhota First India Bureau Udepur, Narmada, Tapi, evening could bring thunderstorms Dang, Surat, Jamnagar, Surat: Local police are Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavna- looking into allega- First India Bureau rently extending up to gar, Gir Somnath and tions that the privately 1.5km above mean sea Surendranagar are very run Priya General Ahmedabad: Gujarat is level. There is also a likely to witness light Hospital dumped the likely to see partly trough from the above thunderstorms with body of a deceased cloudy weather and light cyclonic circulation seen lightning and gusty sur- COVID-19 patient on rain over the next two over southeast Ra- face winds of 30-40 kph the roadside. Hospital days, the India Meteoro- jasthan and its neigh- Ahmedabad could see light rain on Sunday evening.—FILE PHOTO accompanied with light authorities have de- logical Department has bourhood, extending to rain. Ahmedabad could nied the allegations. predicted. eastern Madhya Pradesh rains to the state, the de- isolated places in see light rain or thunder- They say they handed Police are investigating. The unseasonable wet at 0.9km above mean sea partment said in a re- Ahmedabad, Banaskan- showers in towards the body to the de- weather is being attrib- level. Another cyclonic lease. On Saturday, a tha, Sabarkantha and evening and during the ceased’s relatives. with a fever. “The doc- They asked us to deposit uted to a series of weath- circulation, over south- light thunderstorm with Kutch. For Sunday, IMD night on Sunday, along Trinath Nayak, father tors who admitted him Rs20,000. We came this er conditions—mainly, a ern Pakistan and its lightning, hail and gusty has forecast that isolated with partly cloudy skies of the deceased Bhag- said he would need an morning and found the cyclonic circulation over neighbourhood at 3.1km surface winds of 30-40 places in the districts of with thunder developing wan Nayak, said he X-ray worth Rs2,500 and body on the road and the southeast Rajasthan and above mean sea level kmph accompanied by Aravalli, Mahisagar, towards the evening or brought his son to the charged us Rs4,500 for hospital door locked,” its neighbourhood, cur- might also bring light light rain occurred in Ahmedabad, Gandhina- night. hospital two days ago medicines in two days. he said. www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 09 AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY MAY 2, 2021

spectacular

Women and eyeglasses – they go very well together. City First explores the chemistry of eyeglasses with the nerdy chic look!

close to home with reporters and the nerdy crowd, some- times suggesting unique hid- den powers KARISHMA GWALANI Browline Glasses: If you’re [email protected] still unsure about Wayfarers, there’s also a semi-rimless ashionable geek glasses frame type that can accentuate have been appearing on your style and flatter the shape the catwalk ever since, of your face. This type is suit- which had a geek chic able for both men and women, F theme that perfectly however, they lean more to- demonstrated why be- wards the men’s side ing a fashion nerd is Cat Eye Nerd Glasses: Who cool. Many fashionable celebri- isn’t familiar with cat eyeglass- ties all over the world have es? These have a distinct shape wholeheartedly embraced mak- and are considered to be very ing a spectacle of themselves. suitable for women. They have But have you ever wondered a timeless iconic style that has what style defines glasses as withstood the test of time in geeky? A limited choice of style the sense of fashion. you may think! Well, have I got Rectangle Glasses: You can- a surprise for you…There are not go wrong with choosing six, YES, 6 types of nerd glasses rectangle glasses for daily so that’s a great choice of styles wear. They are stylish and can from which to choose from. bring out the librarian-sexy- Wayfarer Nerd Glasses: Way- secretary vibe that is alluring. farers seem to be the most pop- Round Nerd Glasses: Blame ular style among glasses which it on Harry Potter and John has turned it into a foundation Lennon, but these glasses are of trendy eyewear over the considered to provide a nerdy years. look also and have increased in Clark Kent Glasses: They popularity within the past dec- border a bit closer to the true ade. They are thought to boost nerd legacy and have no asso- your intelligence and allure ciations whatsoever to hipsters when you want to present and bad boys. They are more yourself as smart. 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 | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 10

ARIES WEEKLYWEEKLY LIBRA MAR 21 - APR 20 SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You have set things in motion. This week, Aries, you Support is available for you now, Libra. It’s time to take have to do the hardest thing… wait for the results. the risk and show your creativity to others.The week The week begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus in Taurus, in your house of money, making a trine to forming a conjunction with Venus in your house of Pluto in your house of business professionals. Your fi nancial gain. At the same time, Mercury makes a job is on your mind. The company could be making a MAY 2- MAY 8 square to restrictive Saturn in your house of risk-taking. big announcement soon. And new career opportunities When it comes to your debt and investments, today you could come to you from these changes. On the same are in a serious, take no prisoners state of mind. You day, Venus in Taurus makes a sextile to Neptune in are ready to do what it takes to achieve your goal. Your your house of intuition. Messages from the Universe mind is sharp and able to check through paperwork can fi lter into your consciousness all day. AS ADRIANNE LEE thoroughly. PALICKI TURNS 38 THIS WEEK ON MAY 6, IT IS PREDICTED THAT SHE IS TAURUS GOING TO HAVE THE TIME SCORPIO APR 21 - MAY 20 OF HER LIFE THIS YEAR. OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 The busyness of the last few weeks is ending. This Scorpio, this week, you don’t have to do things week, Taurus, you get a little bit of a break. The week JUST LIKE HER, WHOEVER by yourself. Others step up to help you. The week begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury, in your own begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus, sign of Taurus, making a trine to Pluto in your house in your house of relationships, making a trine to of wisdom. Today, you could be swept away with CELEBRATES THEIR Pluto in your house of communication. Today, your fantastical ideas, exploring other worlds (through powers of observation are better than Sherlock mystical novels or video games, perhaps). Sit and BIRTHDAY THIS Holmes. You can uncover the truth regarding most visualize the steps for making big changes like a any relationship in your life. Today, people confessed new career or moving halfway around the world. WEEK, HAVE A their secrets to you. On the same day, Sunday, Everything is doable when broken down into small Venus, in your house of partnerships, makes a sextile steps. SPECIAL to Neptune in Pisces in your house of fun. HOROSCOPE WHICH IS SAID TO BRING GREAT HEALTH, GEMINI POSITIVITY AND SAGITTARIUS MAY 21 - JUNE 21 NOV 23 - DEC 22

It’s hard to get recognition if no one knows how GOOD FORTUNE. This week, you crack the code on your own personal hard you’re working. Gemini, this week, let people schedule. Sagittarius, you could have a very know what you’ve been up to. The week begins on YOUR CAREER productive week. The week begins on Sunday, May Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus rising in 2, with Mercury in Taurus, in your house of work, your chart, making a trine to Pluto in your house making a trine to Pluto in your house of fi nances. of resources from others. Today, you can uncover AND HOME ARE Today, the truth is revealed. This is a great day to secrets and suss out the truth. You can fi nd answers follow up on money that is owed to you. You can to something that has caused you consternation for IN ACCORD. THIS track down missing money or take some profi ts from a long time by asking a question. At the same time, an investment you’ve been holding. On the same day, Venus, also in Taurus, makes a sextile to Neptune in CAN BE VERY Venus in Taurus makes a sextile to Neptune in your your house of social standing. house of home and family. EFFECTIVE AND REWARDING ABOUT FINANCIAL CANCER CAPRICORN JUNE 22 - JULY 23 MATTERS AND DEC 23 - JAN 20 The tried-and-true method may not work this There is a time for work and a time for rest. Capricorn, week. Cancer, there are always alternatives. The PERSONAL this week, it’s time to rest and recharge. The week week begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus, in in Taurus making a conjunction with Venus in AFFAIRS! your house of creativity and risk-taking, making a trine your house of community and organizations. At to Pluto in your own sign of Capricorn. Today is a good the same time, Mercury makes a square Saturn day to do a pros and cons list about what you want to in Aquarius in your house of fi nancial gains. YOU ARE do with your life. You can be laser-focused and fi nd By getting involved in a networking group or why something is going to work or what to look out for. community organization, you expand your circle READY TO DO Don’t waste this energy on something small. Consider of friends. This is where benefi ts can come in. You big changes like going back to school, moving out of could meet infl uential people. WHAT IT TAKES state, or changing an important relationship. TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!

LEO AQUARIUS JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 JAN 21 - FEB 19

Time to fi nish up a project. Leo, don’t let Aquarius, you may love adventure, but this week, perfectionistic tendencies get in your way this week. there’s no place like home. Happy things happen The week begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in around your home and family now. The week begins Taurus, in your house of technology, making a trine on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus, in your to Pluto in your house of daily routines. Consider house of ancestors, making a trine to Pluto in your how you could transform your life by streamlining house of psychic ability. Today, you could receive a or automating some of the things you do. You might message from your great, great, great grandfather. gain hours every day that you could spend pursuing You might have dreams sent to you by spirits on the what you love. On the same day, Sunday, Venus in other side. This is a good day to practice mediumship. Taurus makes a sextile to Neptune in your house of On the same day, Venus in Taurus makes a sextile to expert help. psychic Neptune in Pisces.

VIRGO PISCES AUG 24 - SEP 23 FEB20 - MARCH 20

Virgo, this week you could receive high marks. All A big project is done and put to bed. Pisces, you have the preparation you’ve done is paying off. The week a reason to celebrate and dance. The week begins on begins on Sunday, May 2, with Mercury, at the very Sunday, May 2, with Mercury in Taurus, in your house top of your chart, making a trine to Pluto in your of communication, making a trine to Pluto in your house of risk-taking. Today, you have the mental house of community and organizations. Today, you fl exibility to change tactics. If you are in negotiations can lead a group, take command, and make changes for something you want, a house, motorcycle, or from top to bottom. Or you can start a group together a pedigree puppy, you have more Jedi mind tricks of like-minded people to share information with. available to you than usual. On the same day, Sunday, Today, consider how to interact with the community. Venus in Taurus makes a sextile to Neptune in your On the same day, Sunday, Venus in Taurus makes a house of relationships. sextile to Neptune in your own sign of Pisces. ETC www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 11 Rakesh Roshan REVEALED Happy B’day, QUEENS! nushka Sharma is among the most loved actresses in Bollywood for a Ranbir Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan reason. The actress who turned 33 on Jackky Bhagnani Saturday has garnered a massive fan year back on April 30, Rishi Kapoor left A following in her career of over 12 us, but his work will keep him alive for years with her stunning looks, acting It is confirmed! years to come, making him immortal. prowess, and versatility. Interest- ver the last few days, A Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan in an inter- ingly, not just on the professional front, but there have been talks go- view recalled his memories with Rishi Kapoor, Anushka has also been making the headlines ing on across the trade fondly known as Chintu Ji. The actor turned on her personal front as well. Anushka has O that Akshay Kumar star- director spoke about the out-station family been happily married to ace cricketer Virat rer espionage thriller, Bell Bot- holidays and hoped for his son, Hrithik to team Kohli for over three years now and they al- tom, is in advanced talks for a up with Rishi Kapoor’s son, Ranbir on the same ways dish out major relationship goals. direct to the digital route. It was film. —Agency The gorgeous star shared her birthday with also revealed that the producer, Radhika Madan who was last seen in Angrezi Jackky Bhagnani has demanded Medium along Rs 150 crore from a digital plat- with late actor form for a direct to digital pre- CALLING IT QUITS Irrfan Khan. miere, and he would take the ctor-comedian Jason Segel and long- Her perfor- route of bypassing a theatrical time girlfriend Alexis Mixter have bro- mance was release only once they get the ken up after eight years of dating. Mix- hailed by the same amount. A ter made an announcement on Insta- fans. Radhika —Agency gram with a lengthy caption alongside an old had also par- photo of her and Segel. “This is a photo of two ticipated in the best friends. This guy and I have shared so dance reality much life together. Changed each other at a show Jhalak soul deep level. All for the better. The depth of Dikhhla Jaa our bond was something I could never have an- Season 8. ticipated,” she Born in New wrote, adding, “I Delhi, Radhi- have never spent ka’s break- so much time through with another per- came with a son, grown along- lead role as Supri side someone in the action-com- else, laughed and edy film, Mard Ko shared so much.” Dard Nahi Hota. —Agency —Agency Alexis Mixter and Jason Segel

Crimes of Anushka Sharma Radhika Madan the future anadian film- maker David Cronenberg is PARTNERSHIP C gearing up to begin production of mid the ongo- his upcoming sci-fi ing COVID 19 film Crimes of the crisis in India, Future, inspired by A actors from his 1970 film of the Bollywood have been same name and coming to aid and now, has roped in Kris- Varun Dhawan also has ten Stewart, Viggo joined in the battle Mortensen and against the shortage Lea Seydoux to of oxygen. The Bhedi- play the lead roles. ya actor took to social Cronenberg’s film media to announce will start filming in that has partnered Athens, Greece this with an initiative to summer. This is the provide oxygen concen- first original screen- trators to hospitals play that has been across the nation. Fur- written by Cronen- ther, he also shared a berg since his 1999 sci- link for fans to donate fi thriller eXistenZ, and and help out the organi- his 2014 film Map of the sation providing oxy- Stars. —Agency gen concentrators amid ...his post the crisis. —Agency Kristen Stewart Varun Dhawan Green Lantern Series Sad Demise Banned Blackbeard C Comics has been aturday began he prestigious Billboard developing a se- with a sad piece Music Awards (BMA) an- aika Waititi is set to hit the ries on the Green of news for Bol- nounced that American high seas as the dreaded pi- D Lantern, which S lywood and the T pop star Morgan Wallen rate Blackbeard in the up- will spread its course television industry as a will not appear on the broadcast, T coming HBO Max comedy across galaxies and dec- popular actor, Bikram- as his “conduct does not align with series ‘Our Flag Means Death’. The ades. The 10 episodes first jeet Kanwarpal passed production’s values”. The country show is season will witness Finn away owing to COVID 19 star’s use of a racial slur has got loosely Wittrock as Guy Garden- complications. The pop- him banned from appearing at one based on the er, who has been por- ular actor was also an of the music’s biggest awards true adven- trayed in the animation ex-army officer who shows. In a statement released by tures of version of the story. Mat- joined the industry af- Dick Clark Productions and MRC, Stede Bon- thew Settle has played the ter his retirement. His after revealing selected nominees net (Darby), character in the live-ac- death came as a shock to for the 2021 BMA, the production a pampered tion Justice League of many of his colleagues announced that Wallen who has aristocrat America which released in the movie business. been nominated in six categories, who aban- in 1997 as a television Manoj Bajpayee took to as determined by Billboard chart doned his film. Guy Gardener is one Twitter to express his placements and not a voting com- life of privi- of the multiple lanterns shock and grief over the mittee will not participate “in any lege to be- Finn Wittrock being portrayed on the loss of the talented ac- capacity,” meaning “performing, come a pi- show which starts on Earth in 1941. Finn’s lan- tor. presenting, and accepting,” of the rate. Late Bikramjeet Kanwarpal tern is based in the ’80s and embodies some of —Agency accolade he would win during the Taika Waititi —ANI those values. —Agency Morgan Wallen May 23 show. —Agency STAY MASKED

CITY GET VACCINATED BUZZ www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 12 CREATIVE PURSUITS! Laugh Out Loud! BAREILY KI BARFI The story showcases the story of a small-town girl, Bitti Mishra failing to keep up with the standards of a perfect girl who loves to get out SUSHMITA AIND for rides at night, drinks beer and cannot find a [email protected] suitable man for herself. The film takes us on a wild ride and displays the best comic side of Ra- know we have jkummar Rao when he is given a task. been here before. Last time we cel- ebrated the same CHACHI 420 I day at the com- For all the classic lovers, Kamal Hassan fits in forts of our perfectly for the role of ‘Chachi’ who longs for homes where we the sight of his daughter Bharti whom he had least wanted to celebrate been dismissed to meet following his divorce it. We haven’t lost with wife Janki. The film also features Johnny the comfort of Walker who portrayed his last comic charac- being virtually ter before his demise. Bringing up the tyran- connected with nies of life, this will definitely crack you up. our people and it’s the weekend, let’s sit back and enjoy the day PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA RAJ: Former Minister Beena Kak has kept herself and her staff busy these days by investing with as many laughs as Famous for its monologue, Pyaar ka their time in making bird feeders. This brings them the joy of doing something meaningful. we can gather. City First Punchnama is a wild ride into today’s has handpicked some relationships. If not entirely true, the movies for you to make movie is set to release a laugh in your the out of this day! Wish- monotonous environment with its puns ing you the best of Laugh- and dialogues. ter Day! CYBER CRIMES HERA PHERI MUNNA BHAI MBBS ‘Ye Baburao ka style The goon Murli Prasad Hai’, these words Sharma aka Munna still echo in our Bhai whose father sees minds when we him as a doctor in the think about Hera future. He plays his Pheri. The story dis- tricks to enter the Medi- plays the challeng- cal College and how far ing life of three does he go? Does he man- men, portrayed by age to win hearts if not Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar. The mischiefs a degree? This movie that they carry and get into, all revolving around the matters of shall surely seep into your aww moments with ‘jaadu ki jhap- money is a laughable representation. The trio is by far the most pi’. You may also enjoy the perfect friendship duo of Munna comic trio in the world of Bollywood. and Circuit on screen. INDIAN DANCE FEST ANNIVERSARY OF CITY FIRST Guru Tegh Bahadur JNU, Jaipur n order to commem- orate ‘International CITY FIRST talked about different National University, Dance Day’, the in- modes of cyber-attacks Jaipur, said that the Istitution Kala Man- he Seedling and their socio-eco- webinar on cyber- zar and Save Our City School of Law nomic consequences, crime awareness was a organised, an online and Governance he also forwarded ad- mere small step to dance competition, In- T organised a we- vice to the participants bring vigilance among dian Dance Fest, on binar on ‘Cyber- to be more vigilant, students to remain Thursday. A special Crimes and its preven- especially during the safe and secure in the discussion on the tion’ on Friday, current pandemic virtual world. Prof dance mode was also April 30. Baharul phase. He advised (Dr) VK Singh, Direc- organised on the oc- Islam, Assistant the frequent tor of Seedling School casion in which Professor, ICFAI change of pass- of Law and Govern- senior dance gu- School of Law, ICFAI words and also em- ance, Jaipur National rus Dr Geeta edge and experi- special category for the University, Tripura, phasised never keep- University said, “Cy- Raghuveer, Shran- ence. The jury in- differently-abled was was the resource per- ing the same password bercrime is arising as garshiromani Usha cluded senior dancers held in the competition son. A Former Advo- for multiple accounts. a serious peril in India Shri, Dr Kavita Saxe- Meena Reddy, Babita and they were awarded cate in Tripura High Dr Sandeep Bakshi, as a social problem.” na and Dr Prem Dave Madan, Anita Pradhan special citations. Court, Baharul Islam Chancellor of Jaipur [email protected] shared their knowl- and Anju Mathur. A [email protected]

HAPPINESS, THE SECRET INGREDIENT CITY FIRST sion, a presentation will be held to commemorate VIJAY SRIVASTAVA ple that they are worth WELL”. Let that word echo epartment of Art the 400th Birth Anniver- something. A compliment in our minds, though the and Culture, Gov- sary of Guru Tegh Baha- here is power in our during this sad venture of situation may seem des- ernment of Ra- dur on May 2, Saturday words. The world our lives would certain- perate, but, this too Djasthan and at 11 am. The speak- must have been a ly lighten up a day in shall pass. Keep your Jawahar Kala Ken- ers will include T bitter place if not it someone’s life. Let’s go mind positive and fo- dra (JKK) are organ- Rupinder Singh, IPS was painted with colours back to the time when cus on what is to come ising ‘Jeevan Mukti and Dr Harpreet and miracles. We use our through these simple rather than what has hap- – Jou Sukh Ko Chahe Kaur, MD. The pro- words to spread happiness words, every situation was pened already. Sada’- Message of Guru gramme will be held on into this world, to tell peo- made alright, “AAL IS [email protected] Tegh Bahadur in today’s the JKK Facebook page. perspective. On the occa- [email protected]

WHAT’S HAPPENING! —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

RAJ: Niranjan Chaudhary, a resident of Kalsada in Bharatpur district with his deed has shown us an example of serving humanity. Rajkumar Aggarwal, 57, from Mathura who is admitted at SMS Hospital, Jaipur was in urgent requirement of blood, Niranjan GUJ: In the world of memes, a fun and informative mural was came to the RAJ: The seller of fast food items like Samosa and seen on the deserted Ahmedabad University Road with the rescue as soon as Kachori are left with no choice but to sell vegetables, curd tagline ‘Stay at home or I will be at your home’. The place which he received the Tarang Arora donated plasma to citizens affected by and milk as they are not able to pay their rents. To survive was earlier a hotspot for students to gather has been spreading information through Covid-19 at Swasthya Kalyan Blood Bank and has urged and feed their families in this lockdown period, this is the the message in creative ways. social media. the youth to play their part in this crisis. only option they are finding feasible.