AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 88

IT’S A BOY! ACTORS KAREENA KAPOOR LOCKDOWN A POSSIBILITY IF CASES KEEP AND SAIF ALI KHAN WELCOME THEIR RISING FOR 8-15 DAYS, SAYS MAHARASHTRA BABY SON, SECOND CHILD AFTER TAIMUR CHIEF MINISTER UDDHAV THACKERAY

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia Wife of BJP mulls poll strategy with Mamata’s DJOKOVIC farm laws, economy on mind nephew Party hails PM his able leadership in ef- gets CBI fective handling of the Modi for agri pandemic, BJP vice pres- ident Raman Singh said summon reforms, handling at a press conference. covid situation He said the resolu- tion also highlights the New Delhi: The BJP on Garib Kalyan Yojana REIGNS Sunday passed a resolu- during the pandemic, tion thanking Prime comprehensive budget Minister Narendra and diligent handling Modi for reforms in the of the situation on the agriculture sector and Line of Actual Control TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for his able leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi at BJP national offi ce bearers meet. with China. in effective handling of Earlier, BJP general Kolkata: The Central the COVID-19 situation. Modi told party leaders utes to those who lost secretary Arun Singh Bureau of Investigation The resolution was to take the benefits of their lives due to the had informed that dur- (CBI) on Sunday passed in the first meet- the new farm laws to coronavirus. ing the course of the reached the residence ing of the BJP’s new set the people. The political resolu- meet, discussions will be of Trinamool Congress of national office-bear- The meeting was in- tion was passed thank- held on farm laws, Aat- (TMC) MP Abhishek ers and it was chaired by augurated by Prime ing the prime minister manirbhar Bharat and Banerjee, who is also party chief J P Nadda. Minister Modi and it for the reforms in the upcoming state polls. the nephew of West During the meeting, started by paying trib- agriculture sector and Turn to P6 Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and served a notice on Madhav: Govt his wife, asking her to SHAH WITH FAMILY VOTES IN CIVIC POLLS join probe in a coal pil- working on ferage case. According to the CBI law to regulate sources, the team of of- social media ficials from the probe agency reached Baner- New Delhi: Senior jee’s Kalighat residence BJP leader Ram Mad- but couldn’t find any- hav has said social me- one there. They left af- dia has become ‘so pow- ter 15 minutes, serving erful that it can even a notice to Rujira Ban- topple governments, dopadhyay Turn to P6 leading to anarchy and weakening democracy, and solutions to tackle this are needed to be found within the consti- tutional framework’. There are some leaders Speaking at the launch (in Delhi) who said of his new book ‘Because they knew how to India Comes First’, Mad- break the spine of hav said democracy is Bengal. It is not easy to stressed and facing new break our spine. AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit shah with wife Sonal Shah, son Jay Shah, challenges with the rise Bengal taught me to daughter-in-law Rishita Shah, grand daughter Rudri and Member of Rajya Sabha Narhari of “non-political” and Amin after casting his vote at Naranpura Sub Zonal Offi ce in Ahmedabad on Sunday during fight bravely like a “non-state” forces. phase 1 of the state local body polls. Shah expressed confi dence that the people of the tiger. We cannot be “Social media is so state will establish Gujarat as the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP). Polling intimidated with jail. powerful that it can took place for municipal corporations in six major cities of Gujarat. —Mamata Banerjee, even topple govern- —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI West Bengal Chief Minister ments Turn to P6 NOVAK THRASHES MEDVEDEV FOR RECORD-EXTENDING 9TH Puducherry floor test today, two more MLAs quit AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLE Puducherry: Just a day now reduced to 12. The because the party didn’t Serbia’s Novak Djokovic beats Russian Daniil 7-5 before the floor test in opposition has 14 MLAs give me due recognition Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to win the men’s singles the Assembly, the crisis in the 33-member assem- in the government and Australian Open title in Melbourne on Sunday. for Congress in Puduch- bly, which has seven va- in the organisation,” Djokovic dominated his serve to hold to take a 6-5 erry deepened with two cancies. Lakshminaray- Lakshminarayanan lead and then broke back Medvedev to take the fi rst more MLAs of the Con- anan, who had been told reporters. Later, he set 7-5. Medvedev lost the plot in the second set as gress-DMK alliance re- elected from the Raj also resigned from the 6-2 signing on Sunday. Bhavan constituency, party membership. World No. 1 broke his serve thrice to win the set 6-2. Djokovic continued to dominate like a champion as With the resignation handed over his resigna- On being asked if he he won the 3rd set 6-2 to seal his 9th Australian Open of DMK legislator Ven- tion letter to Puducher- will join any other par- championship. Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open katesan and Congress Congress legislator K Lakshminarayanan, who had been elected ry Assembly Speaker VP ty, he said, “I will be dominance is intact — nine fi nals, nine championships MLA K Lakshminaray- from the Raj Bhavan constituency, handed over his resignation Sivakozhundu at the lat- joining, as per decision and increased his overall grand salm tally to 18. 6-2 anan, the strength of the letter to Puducherry Assembly Speaker VP Sivakozhundu at the ter’s residence. of people of my constit- ruling alliance has been latter’s residence, on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI “I took this decision uency.” Turn to P6

LOW TURNOUT IN SIX MUNICIPAL MADAN LAL SAINI’S NEPHEW ALONG WITH WIFE, TWO DAUGHTERS COMMITS SUICIDE CORPORATIONS, BJP STILL CONFIDENT OF WIN First India Bureau (40), daughters Pooja suicide note men- his hospital bed to fly to (22) and Anu (18) were tioned. On receiving the CM Rupani casts vote in his hometown of Ra- Sikar: In a shocking also battling with mental information, SP Kunwar jkot, where he went to incident, a couple and health after the younger Rashtradeep and other Rajkot, returns to hospital the poll booth accompa- their two daughters al- son Amar’s death, said offi cials rushed to the nied by his wife Anjali, legedly died by hanging the police. On Sunday, spot. The bodies were bed for another week before returning to the in Sikar. The family of they died by suicide shifted to Kalyan First India Bureau Election Commission hospital, where he will Hanuman Prasad Saini inside their house in hospital where post- website estimated voter spend another week. (45) was under depres- Purohit Ji Ki Dhani in mortem will be conduct- Gandhinagar: A low turnout at just 42.32%— The SEC website at sion after his son Amar Radhakrishnapura area. ed on Monday. Hanu- voter turnout did noth- 4% less than it had been 6pm said that Jamnagar died due to a heart A suicide note has been man was class four ing to halt the posturing in the 2015 election. had witnessed the day’s attack four months found from the room. employee at a nearby among political leaders One person who did highest voting, with back. Hanuman was “We cannot live without government school. His well after polls for the exercise his ballot was 50.22%, followed by Ra- the nephew of former son Amar. We too are wife was a homemaker, state’s six municipal Chief Minister Vijay jkot (47.27%), Surat BJP state president and leaving the world. The Pooja was a student of corporations closed on Rupani. Having tested (43.82%), Bhavnagar Rajya Sabha MP Late world is worthless with- MSc First Year and Anu Sunday evening. negative for COVID-19 (43.66%) Vadodara Madan Lal Saini. Hanu- out a son. Police should was studying in BSc At about 6 pm, when for the second time, Ru- CM Rupani and his wife Anjali, after they cast their vote in Rajkot, (43.53%) and A’bad man’s wife Tara Devi not harass anyone” the Second Year. voting ended, the State pani took a break from on Sunday. —PHOTO BY CHIRAG CHOTALIYA (38.73%). Turn to P6 NEWS www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 02 GUJARAT VOTES CAUTIOUSLY IN MUNICIPAL CORPORATION POLLS

(L to R) Ahmedabad mayor Bjial Patel, BJP state unit chief CR Patil and his wife, Rajya Sabha member Narhari Amin and Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja after casting their votes on Sunday. Despite worries, AMC polls marred by Surat sees slight Rajkot votes bogus voting, clashes improvement without any in voter turnout Gargi Raval Workers of the Bharati- paign merchandise police officers reached ya Janata Party (BJP) within 100 metres of there to placate the op- Ahmedabad: After and Congress clashed the polling booth, he position party mem- from 2015 major hitches polling for the and returning officers was verbally and physi- bers. Local MLA Ahmedabad Municipal as well as the commis- cally assaulted by BJP Pradeep Parmar was 13.84 lakh of the city’s 32.88 BJP drew attention to an Corporation (AMC) sioner of police Sanjay workers. A scuffle also allegedly stopped by lakh voters came out to decide inconsistency, Cong workers sat on elections was wrapped Srivastava were also broke out over Elec- the police from enter- at 6 pm on Sunday even- informed of irregulari- tronic Voting Machines ing a polling booth at fate of 484 candidates dharna on Saturday night but ing, the total turnout ties during voting. Con- (EVMs) in Asarwa area the last minute. As per polling was peaceful registered was record- cerned BJP leaders of the city, which com- reports, all candidates ed at 38%, lower than rushed out at the last pelled the booth in- contesting polls were 46.51% of the 2015 elec- moment to cast their charge to shut down the sent out of polling tions. While Gomtipur votes. polling booth for a booths by the police. area recorded the high- Further, a candidate while. But, police ar- Also, a clash between est turnout in the city of the Aam Aadmi Par- rived on the spot to re- the Nationalist Con- at 47.33%, the lowest ty (AAP) Amit Panchal solve the matter. gress Party (NCP) and was in the Navrangpu- was also attacked at Meanwhile, Con- BJP was witnessed in ra ward at 25.93%. Tripada International gress workers were the Kubernagar ward, Polling was marred School in Ghatlodia. He seen expressing out- as an altercation en- with several com- alleged that after he rage over bogus voting sued between support- Divyesh Patel, 67, arriving to vote astride a horse. Ansh Bharadwaj (in white), son of late Abhay Bharadwaj, Dhansukh plaints of bogus voting asked BJP workers not in Khadia and Saijpur ers of NCP candidate Bhanderi (in peach), chairman Guj Municipal Finance Board in the final two hours to try and influence vot- areas. Before the situa- Nikulsinh Tomar and Ruchi Thakkar brought several of the electoral process. ers by setting up cam- tion could turn volatile, BJP workers. memorable instanc- Masuma Bharmal room at their Karan- Surat: The city saw a es. For instance, San- Jariwala para Karyalay which minuscule (2.7%) im- jay Ghadshi voted for was run by Ansh, the provement in turn- the first time ever. Rajkot: Rajkot: In a son of late Rajya Sab- out from 2015, with Family members car- break from the norm, ha member Abhay 13,84 lakh voters ex- ried the paralyzed leaders from the rul- Bharadwaj, and ercising their ballots Ghadshi into the ing Bharatiya Janata Dhansukh Bhanderi, in the Surat Munici- polling station, Party (BJP) raised chairman of the Gu- pal Corporation elec- where he was greeted their voices against jarat Municipal Fi- tion on Sunday. by former mayor Dr irregularities during nance Board. Despite cam- Jagdish Patel, who polling for the Rajkot A few members of paignin g for several had arrived at the Municipal Corpora- the Congress had sat weeks, leaders and same to cast his vote. tion (RMC) election on dharna late on members of parties A member of the on Sunday. Saturday night out- across the political Civil Hospital nurs- One leader present side at the Rajkot city divide had to reach ing staff, who has at a polling booth police commission- —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI out once again on been on the front said, “Despite be- er’s bungalow after Sunday, inviting peo- lines of the fight longing to the same local police started ple to come out of against COVID-19, family, people’s rounding up party their homes and vote. said, “We have been names were allocat- workers . They were joined by serving patients for a ed to different wards. “Around 28 Con- social and religious year but we have vot- In the official list re- gress workers who leaders as well. ed to place the city in ceived by the party, hold strong influence Katargam and Ved the hands of good the names appear in in their respective areas saw the highest people,” after she one booth, but when areas were rounded turnout, at 52.03%, had voted. voters reached the up by police officers followed by Anjana- Meanwhile, venue to cast their citing various rea- Dumbal, at 51.02%. 67-year-old Divyesh votes, they were redi- sons. We approached The lowest number Patel turned heads as rected to another the city police com- of votes was record- he arrived on horse- polling booth. We missioner and the ed in Soni Faliya, back--as he has for have complained to DCP, but to no avail. Nanpura, Athwa Pip- every election for the the returning offic- We had no option but lod at 34.66%. past 25 years--to cast er.” to resort to dharna,” Vadodara sees low voter turnout Of those who vot- the first vote of the “I was very excited former Congress city undergoing treatment at ed on Sunday, 8.09 day at the Althana- to vote. However, president Mahesh Assembly Speaker a local hospital, request- lakh were male and Bharthana booth. while my parents re- Rajput said. Rajendra Trivedi ed the hospital at which 5.75 were female, of- Sunday’s votes will ceived voting slips, I Aam Aadmi Party he was admitted to ar- ficials said. decide the fates of as did not. So it was a (AAP) city president launched a door-to- range for an ambulance Surat has an esti- many as 484 candi- tad difficult to locate Rajbha Jhala, who door campaign so that he could cast his mated 32.88 lakh vot- dates--120 from BJP, my polling booth, but was contesting polls to convince people vote. “Voting is my duty ers registered across 117 from Congress, I managed to track it from RMC’s ward 2, as a citizen, so I requested its 30 wards, of whom 114 from AAP, 55 In- down and cast my complained that the to venture out & vote the hospital authorities to 18.17 lakh are male dependents and 78 vote,” said Ali Gogha- button on the ballot provide me with an am- and 14.71 lakh, fe- from other parties- ri, a first-time voter. near his name did Haresh Jhala bulance so that I can cast male. -who are battling for The ruling party not light up when my vote,” he said. Despite the low 120 seats in the 30 also set up a war pressed. Vadodara: Voting for the Dilip Joshi arriving at a polling booth in an ambulance. Congress MP Ranjan numbers, the day wards of the SMC. Vadodara Municipal Cor- Bhatt was turned away poration (VMC) saw a aging response from vot- morning. Many people from a polling booth--de- slow start on Sunday ers saw the ruling party are staying away because spite vocal protestations- morning. This prompted spring into action. The they are worried about -when her name was not state Assembly Speaker BJP deployed workers to contracting COVID-19. found on the list of voters Rajendra Trivedi to step residential societies to Many others are simply in that particular ward. in and visit voters’ homes request citizens to cast fed up with the political Meanwhile, Vadodara in a bid to get them to their votes. BJP MLA and climate of the state,” said police commissioner come out and cast their state Assembly Speaker city-based social activist Shamsher Singh and dis- votes. Rajendra Trivedi also did Kabir. trict collector Shalini The voter turnout in the rounds of various so- However, there were a Agarwal appealed to vot- Vadodara city was just cieties appealing to the few inspiring instances ers to call the control 13.6% around noon and people to vote and pro- of people overcoming room to report any trou- improved slightly, to mote democracy. grievous circumstances ble they might encounter Rajkot Municipal commissioner Udit Agarwal and his wife 27.4%, around 3.30 pm. “Voter turnout has to exercise their right to during the voting pro- after casting their votes. The less than encour- been lacklustre since vote. Dilip Joshi, a patient cess. Priests of Swaminarayan Temple in Surat also voted. GUJARAT www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 03 BJP candidate accused of Bogus voting caught grabbing `4 cr worth of land on camera in A’bad Congress leader says Naresh Rabari forged documents, demands police action First India Bureau First India Bureau IDENTITY THEFT? Ahmedabad: An alert citizen has Vadodara: A Congress caught an instance leader has alleged of bogus voting on that a BJP candidate camera, and the vid- had grabbed land eo clip has now worth Rs4 crore in the gained traction on Chikhodara area of social media. the city. Congress The clip, shot inside leader Vishal Srivas- a polling booth at the tav called for action Aditya International surfaced at other cen- also accused the man by local police against School in the city’s tres, as well. For in- of bogus voting. BJP candidate Naresh Naroda area shows a stance, in Naroda’s Technical issues Rabari of Ward 16 un- person “helping” vot- Haspura village, early with the EVM caused der the Gujarat Land ers by pressing the voters were seen yell- voting to be halted in Grabbing (Prohibi- buttons on an elec- ing at a man who had Room 16 of A-One tion) Act, 2020. tronic voting machine been sitting next to the School in Juhapura According to Srivas- (EVM)—essentially, EVM without an iden- for 45 minutes, until a tav, the BJP candidate voting in their stead. tity card. It turned out tech-savvy cop rushed forged documents to person named Darubhai registered against Al- Grabbing (Prohibition) cember, when he an- The video also that he had been wait- in with a solution. buy land in the city. He Patel, who passed away pesh Patel. Act, passed in the last nounced the legislation. shows the booth of- ing for his appoint- Further, some said that Rabari had not in 1969. “The land is in Nar- session of the state As- “To ensure that no ficer asking voters to ment letter since people were given disclosed information He alleged that the esh Rabari’s possession sembly, has been framed criminals and land press a particular but- morning. The election the wrong polling about the alleged police person who claimed to now, and there is a clear to ensure time-bound mafia usurp land of ton, raising several official eventually is- stations on voting cases lodged against be Darubhai is a man case of land grabbing. and speedy disposal of farmers, and to teach questions on the neu- sued his appointment slips issued by the him. The Congress lead- named Alpesh Patel, a So a criminal case complaints and protect them a strict lesson, trality of the election letter at 10.41 am, lead- Bharatiya Janata er further added that resident of Satadhar should be filed against the interests of farmers the government has process in that par- ing to questions on the Party in Bapunagar Rabari used the help of society in the city. The Rabari and six others,” and the common man, decided to bring this ticular booth. operations at this area on Sunday six other persons to Congress leader says he said. the Chief Minister Vijay stringent law,” the CM Many irregularities booth. Locals have morning. forge the identity of a a police case has been The Gujarat Land Rupani had said in De- had said, at the time.

CM Rupani free of nCoV as state TOO YOUNG TO VOTE sees another 283 new cases in 24 hrs First India Bureau the same time. Eight districts reported no Gandhinagar: The new cases on Sunday. state’s daily jump in The state currently the number of new has 1,690 active cases, COVID-19 cases including 29 patients on seems to be heading ventilator support. How- towards 300 again, ever, 264 patients were after a brief respite also discharged on the where they hovered day, taking the state’s to- just under 250. Sun- tal recoveries to 2,61,009 day brought 283 new patients so far. cases and one fatali- Since January 16, a ty in Panchmahal CM Rupani had tested positive on Monday. —FILE PHOTO total of 8,12,547 people district, taking Guja- have been given the rat’s total case load him to exercise his bal- rat city had 46, and Ra- first dose of the vac- to 2,67,104 and the lot in the Rajkot Mu- jkot city had 16 new cine and 55,409 people death toll to 4,405. nicipal Corporation cases in the 24 hours have been adminis- Chief Minister Vijay elections. ended 5 pm on Sunday. tered the second dose. Rupani was officially Ahmedabad city re- Kutch district saw 11 The state maintains Two little boys were engrossed watching something on a mobile phone while their parents cast their votes at a polling centre in declared free of the ported the most new new cases, and Va- that none of these peo- Ahmedabad’s Danilimda area, on Sunday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI Sars-CoV-2 virus on cases (66), while Va- dodara district had ple have presented any Sunday, just in time for dodara city had 57, Su- eight new cases during serious side effects. Mob violence in Surat leaves gym owner dead, ‘Time to set retirement age for elected officials’ First India Bureau leader--who has in the —FILE PHOTO cision” to nominate “Do you want me sug- past also served as a youngsters in the mu- gest and recommend his friend severely injured Rajkot: The time has Union finance minis- nicipal corporation the age or terms of re- come to fix a retire- ter, the party’s state elections. tirement?” in response ment age for people’s unit president, and Ra- He added that politi- to a pointed question. representatives, right jkot’s mayor--was in cal parties should fix a “Change is always from the state Assem- the city to cast his bal- retirement age for peo- for the better. Even na- bly level to the Lok lot in the Rajkot Mu- ple’s representatives, ture keeps changing. Sabha, Karnataka nicipal Corporation including MLAs and So politics cannot go Governor Vajubhai election. Lok Sabha members. against the laws of na- Vala said in Rajkot on Vala, who had flown However, he re- ture,” he said, welcom- Sunday. in from Bangalore just frained from offering ing the party’s deci- The veteran Bharati- to vote, told the media specific advice, and sion to introduce new ya Janata Party (BJP) that it was a “good de- Veteran BJP leader and Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala sarcastically replied, faces.

—FILE PHOTO WHEN VOTING INK TRUMPS WEDDING BELLS

First India Bureau after several missed First India Bureau panied by his parents, calls through dinner, siblings and other fam- Surat: An evening that Jignesh asked Sunil to Ahmedabad/Surat/ ily members who joined began with dinner meet him at Jahangir- Vadodara: Polls for him in this endeavour. party ended tragically pura. Sunil hitched a municipal corpora- Darshan Sonawane, for a local gym owner ride with a guest, and tion elections opened resident of Tarsali area who was stabbed to then proceeded to head for the public early on in Vadodara, dressed up death by a mob in the towards Ugat Road in Sunday morning, in his wedding finery city’s Ugat Road area. Jignesh’s car. There, which saw many and voted before reach- His friend, who was while they were talk- brides and grooms ing his wedding venue. also stabbed in the ing, they were set upon dropping by polling “Voting is as sacred as a same incident, is being by a mob of 15-20 peo- booths to cast their ‘kanyadaan’. This great treated at a city hospi- ple, who stabbed Sunil votes, before embark- festival of democracy tal for severe injuries. seven to eight times. ing on new chapters of does not come by every A police complaint Jignesh received about their lives. day,” he said. has been filed by Manav, 10 stab wounds. Pas- In Ahmedabad’s In Surat’s Puna, a the brother of the de- sersby who witnessed Thaltej ward, Dhanraj bride and her groom also ceased, who has been the incident called 108. Barot was on his way to prioritized voting, and identified as Sunil, a Sunil was declared Himmatnagar for his stopped at their respec- resident of Amaroli. brought dead at a near- wedding, when he tive booths to cast their Manav told the police by hospital, and Jignesh stopped to cast his vote. ballots before proceed- that, when Sunil called was admitted. Police The groom was accom- ing to get hitched. his friend Jignesh back are investigating. PERSPECTIVE www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 04

BRIG VETERAN ANIL GUPTA WHY DID THE DRAGON RELENT The author is a Jammu based veteran, political uous political directive of not the Chinese goods, Apps, and commentator, columnist, security ceding even an inch of terri- business houses has not only and strategic analyst tory to the Chinese, the nego- reduced the trade deficit be- tiators refused to wither tween the two countries but he agreement reached be- down or get fatigued due to has also hit its economy. The tween the two Asian giants to prolonged negotiations, a tac- way India controlled the pan- ease tensions on the Line of tic used by the Chinese to tire demic and was among the few Actual Control (LAC) took and wear down the adversary nations to develop not only one many by surprise. The imple- and succumb to the Chinese but four vaccines (two already mentation began on 10th Feb- pressure, a manifestation of launched) belied the hopes of ruary with phased withdraw- the Chinese strategy of “Win- Chinese leadership which had T al from the north and south ning without Fighting”. They hoped the collapse of the In- banks of the Pangong Tso stuck to their aim and in the dian economy and its conse- Lake, a major area under dis- process convinced the Chi- quent weakening as a regional pute being referred to as fric- nese of the futility of con- power. Instead, India’s speedy tion point by both sides. The fronting a determined India revival of economy and grow- entire process including re- which was in no mood to bow ing soft power through “Vac- moval of infrastructure cre- down before the expansionist cine Maitri” has ruffled many ated after April 2020 and vaca- and the revisionist ideology ing labour costs, aging popu- feathers not only in China but tion of heights occupied by of the Chinese Communist lation, a spike in credit de- its cronies as well. the infantry units is likely to Party (CCP) under its all-pow- THE INDIAN BOUNCE BACK FROM THE CHINA- faults, growing rich-poor & Another reason which is at- take 10-15 days as the entire erful leader Xi Jinping who ORIGINATED PANDEMIC HAS TAKEN COMMUNIST CHINA urban-rural disparity, rising tributed to prolonged negotia- exercise is being undertaken had taken it upon himself to BY SURPRISE. INDIA HAS NOT ONLY EMBARKED UPON unemployment, near collapse tions is the Chinese desire to in an atmosphere of utter fulfill the “China Dream” by THE PATH OF AATM NIRBHAR BHARAT (SELF RELIANT of Xi’s favourite Belt Road wait and watch the way things trust deficient between the 2049, the centenary year of INDIA) BUT THE BOLD DECISIONS TAKEN TO BAN THE Initiative are the other ills af- unfold globally after the presi- two sides. A strict and fool- Communist rule. The Indians CHINESE GOODS, APPS, AND BUSINESS HOUSES HAS fecting the Chinese economy dential elections in the US are proof verification mecha- have worked hard to convince NOT ONLY REDUCED THE TRADE DEFICIT BETWEEN THE and domestic stability. completed. Contrary to the nism has been put in place to the dragon to relent. TWO COUNTRIES BUT HAS ALSO HIT ITS ECONOMY Agrarian crisis has emp- Chinese expectations despite avoid the incidents of the The credit also goes to the tied the domestic granaries the change in presidency the past which left to a physical valiant Indian Army and its compelling China to import new POTUS is as aggressive clash between the two sides at field commander who turned food grains. China’s food in- against China as his predeces- Galwan in June last year. Af- the tables on the Chinese The first and the most com- heated habitat. Indian sol- flation has risen by double sor. He has termed China as ter the disengagement pro- through a brilliant tactical pelling reason was the reali- diers on the other hand beat digits. Spiralling prices of number adversary and the The first and cess is successfully complet- manoeuvre to outflank the sation by Xi Jinping that the their adversaries hands food items particularly pork, new US administration has the most ed in this sector, the com- PLA Army troops on the Chinese have bitten much down and were seen to be by the most commonly con- not only openly supported In- compelling manders are scheduled to north bank by occupying tac- more than they could chew. their counterparts as very sumed meat in the country, dia and cautioned China meet within 48 hours to dis- tical heights on Kailash Range The Chinese belligerence and agile, alert, and aggressive. has angered the masses. The against its growing expan- reason was the cuss the modalities from dis- on the south bank on own side expansionism was for the Conscription in the Chinese continued wartime deploy- sionism, it has also promised realisation by engagement in other sectors. of the LAC. It enabled the ne- first time opposed strongly Army and their young sol- ment of its combat forces in to strengthen the security al- Xi Jinping that Patrolling has been suspend- gotiators at all levels to under- everywhere after the Indians diers being a product of the Tibet further compounded liance with Japan to counter the Chinese ed in the area temporarily to take tough negotiations with- had shown the way of refus- one-child norm was another the problem. Xi has realised the increasing Chinese threat have bitten avoid clashes. While the ma- out conceding to the solutions ing to get bullied and giving contributory factor. There that its tactics of diverting in the region. The United much more jority at home and abroad are offered by the Chinese. in to the Chinese hegemony. was tremendous pressure the attention of the Chinese States has accused China of than they could happy with the agreement Xi Jinping is an astute pol- The determined response of back home from their par- public through a display of bullying and attempting to reached and the possibility of itician expert in the art of India acted as an elixir for ents and PLA veterans to pull aggressive behaviour to- build a “maritime empire” in chew. The normalcy returning along survival. In an earlier article other victims of Dragon’s ex- back from the area. wards India and other neigh- the South China Sea, an- Chinese the LAC, there are many nay- of mine “Will Xi Jinping Re- pansionism in South and The other major problem bours in fact has backfired. nouncing several rounds of belligerence and sayers and doubting toms lent”, I had mentioned that Xi East China seas, across the faced by China is the failure Unrest in Hong Kong, com- sanctions on Chinese state expansionism within the country who are would prefer to relent than to Taiwan Strait and the Indo- of the domestic consumption bative Taiwan, growing dis- companies involved in build- was for the first blaming the government for bow down or surrender to his Pacific region. The Chinese market to pick up momen- sension in Tibet and Xinxi- ing artificial islands. To Drag- time opposed a sell-out and ceding our ter- adversaries at home. The in- calculation of taking advan- tum. Though Chinese GDP ang, growing dissatisfaction on’s dismay France, EU, Great ritory in Eastern Ladakh to ternal situation in China is tage of the ongoing pandemic has remained positive its at- among the masses, and eco- Britain, and Australia have strongly the Chinese. Some have also not good and Xi’s adversaries (which is alleged to be of Chi- tempts to shift from a manu- nomic uncertainties have also joined hands with the US everywhere stated that possibly there has are breathing down his neck. nese origin) misfired very facturing-driven economy to compelled the Dragon to look to curb China’s expansion. after the been a secret deal between The growing resentment badly. The Chinese resources a consumption-driven econo- inwards and resolve domes- All in all, a process has be- Indians had the two countries and govern- among the masses is also af- but not only overstretched my has not yielded the de- tic problems rather than gun with a ray of hope that shown the way ment has given certain com- fecting the popularity of CCP. but fatigued thus exposing sired result. China’s con- challenge the might of its ad- normalcy would return soon of refusing to mitments to the Chinese Xi Jinping has centralised all the fragility of its armed forc- sumption- a key driver of versaries on the borders. along the troubled LAC, de get bullied and which are being hidden from powers. Centralisation works es in a combat situation. growth- has dampened the Knowing Xi Jinping, it could facto border between the two the nation. Some senior vet- well as long as the going is The Chinese troops were hopes of revival amidst fears be a tactical withdrawal for Asian giants. Considering giving in to the eran officers have also good but the worsening inter- found wanting as far as fight- of the resurgence of the Wu- the time being. that it’s just the beginning Chinese averred that the government nal situation has given rise to ing in super high altitudes is han pandemic. The retail Among the external factors and ‘miles to go before we hegemony. The has virtually accepted 1959 many dissenters within the concerned. They were unable sales are still slowed down that may have contributed to sleep’ peacefully because suc- determined Chinese claim line and ques- party and other political op- to bear the vagaries of hos- displaying a lack of confi- the Chinese disengagement at cessful completion of this response of tioned the logic of having a ponents. The worsening in- tile weather and extreme dence among the masses. To this time after a prolonged phase would pave way for the India acted as buffer zone and our troops ternal situation and dashing wind chill factor which revive the spirits before the and elongated standoff subsequent disengagements vacating the heights occu- of hope of improved rela- makes survival at these Chinese New Year celebra- through the winters are the in other disputed sectors that an elixir for pied on the Kailash Range. tions with America post- heights extremely difficult. tions begin, the disengage- Indian revival story and cer- would lead to ultimate de-es- other victims of Many of the doubts have aris- Trump have played a major The emphasis in the PLA has ment has been so timed. Chi- tain pronouncements of the calation without which for Dragon’s en because of the duplicitous role in reaching the agree- been to fight in a digital envi- na can ill afford tensions it new US President Joe Biden. peace to prevail is difficult. expansionism and treacherous behaviour ment after a standoff extend- ronment avoiding contact has acquired globally through The Indian bounce back India can ill-afford to let its in South and of the dragon in recent years. ing nearly for an year. Xi has battles least realising the lo- its revisionist policies seems from China originated pan- guard down and hence there East China Nonetheless, credit needs enough problems at home gistics and physical prob- to have been realised by Xi. demic has taken the Commu- should be no let-up in its 24x7 seas, across the to be given to the Indian ne- and the continued standoff lems of super high altitude Problems facing the bank- nist China by surprise. India surveillance and preparation gotiators both military and with India was harming their warfare. Thus, the morale of ing industry have yet to be has not only embarked upon for an inevitable war with Taiwan Strait diplomatic for their persever- national interests including the PLA soldiers was in their resolved. The likelihood of a the path of Aatm Nirbhar China. and the Indo- ance, patience, and persua- the economy which probably boots despite claims of pro- rapid slowdown in credit Bharat (Self Reliant India) but THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY Pacific region sion. Backed by an unambig- made the Dragon relent. viding them with a centrally growth also looms large. Ris- the bold decisions taken to ban THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL Top Can Chinawood win soft power for Beijing? TWEET Ravi Shankar Prasad ith movie theat- up. Soft power also brings wood co-production (these theaters still struggle to @rsprasad ers closed all lasting income to its coun- escape quota restrictions), open because of COVID-19, India will become a global hub over the world try of origin in terms of starring the likes of even without the pandemic, for manufacturing of Telecom due to the COV- products and services, like Brendan Fraser and Jet Li, it’s hard to say that such pro- and Networking Products and an incremental production of around. W ID-19 pandemic, tourism for example. When grossed over $400 million ductions could help the Chi- `2.4 Lakh Crore is expected to be Hollywood studios had lit- in 1934, Walt Disney began worldwide in the first 21 nese film industry overseas. achieved over 5 years tle reason for celebration work on “Snow White and weeks of its release. Hollywood became an ef- over the past year. In busi- the Seven Dwarfs,” other Is this enough to make fective soft powerhouse not Rajnath Singh ness for over a century, Uni- film studio chiefs derided Chinawood a new soft pow- only because of million- @rajnathsingh versal Pictures (founded in the project as “Disney’s er? The answer is, probably dollar budgets and top- Thank you Salem! Today’s State 1912), Paramount (1912), Folly,” since adults, not chil- not. Because Chinawood quality products, but also BJYM Convention indicates the Warner Bros. (1923), Walt dren, were considered to be productions face a similar thanks to creative freedom. people’s mood in Tamil Nadu. The Disney (1923) and Columbia primary consumers. These challenge as all the other For instance, Oliver Stone’s success of BJP’s ‘Vittrivel Yatra’ Pictures (1924) now have an executives forgot that chil- blockbusters shot in the “Born on the Fourth of has shaken DMK & Congress in Tamilnadu. Only the combination extra reason to be con- dren watch films over and of US culture for decades to mances. Marketing itself country, these films often July” (1989) and Francis of ‘Lotus’ and ‘Two Leaves’ can cerned. In 2020, China took over again and want all the come. That is what China “China’s tourism and per- lack creativity, self-criti- Ford Coppola’s “Apoca- bring development and prosperity over Hollywood’s crown as related merchandise. wants to achieve. It has forming arts capital,” Chi- cism, audacity and freedom. lypse Now” (1979), both to this great land. the world’s biggest movie “Snow White” went on to been taking similar steps nawood attracts thousands Take the recent historical masterpieces, were ex- market, with a revenue of become the first film in his- ever since farmer-turned- of TV shows and film pro- war drama, Guan Hu’s “The pressly critical of US mili- $3.2 billion, 84% of which tory to gross $100 million, entrepreneur Xu Wenrong ductions every year. Eight Hundred,” for exam- tary intervention in Viet- Spiritual came from domestic sales. selling 400 million tickets began building Hengdian Also, since fewer than 40 ple. The film — at $470 mil- nam. The films are also on Is this new status enough from 1937 to 1948. World Studios in the 1990s. foreign films are allowed to lion, 2020’s top-grossing pro- the patriotic side, with SPEAK for China? Probably not. Known as Chinawood, it be- take a bite of this massive duction — pushed China to American values overem- New blockbusters will soon WELCOME TO came the largest outdoor market due to a strict quo- the number one spot in phasized. However, by crit- The wise work for the CHINAWOOD rebalance these numbers, film studio in the world and ta system, Chinawood also global box office revenues. icizing America’s own cul- welfare of the world, without but soft power — the ability These are just numbers. one of China’s biggest do- houses foreign produc- However, most of this profit ture and politics, the films to seduce people from all Disney’s greatest achieve- mestic tourist attractions, tions like “The Mummy: comes from China itself and are far from being hard- thought for themselves. over the world through cul- ment was making his crea- offering historic film sets, a Tomb of the Dragon Em- not international markets. power propaganda. —Bhagavad Gita ture — takes time to build tions into lucrative vehicles resort hotel and live perfor- peror,” a Hollywood-China- While European and US SOURCE: FAIR OBSERVER

G Vol 2 G Issue No. 88 G RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad. Published at D/302 3rd Floor Plot No. 35 Titanium Square, Scheme No. 2, Thaltej Taluka, Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad. Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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INDIA www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 05 SONIA GANDHI WRITES TO PM MODI Security beefed up at In her letter to PM Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi demanded a rollback of the increase in fuel prices Singhu border and New Delhi:: In a letter over 258 per cent and adjoining areas to Prime Minister Nar- FUEL PRICE RISE: HAVE URGED OPEC collected upwards of Rs endra Modi, Congress COUNTRIES, SAYS PRADHAN 21 lakh crore in the last President Sonia Gandhi six and a half years. has accused the govern- India has urged the OPEC (Organisation of the "This unaccounted-for Petroleum Exporting Countries) and OPEC plus ment of "profiting off windfall is yet to be countries to not go for a production cut as that is people's misery and suf- passed to the people for impacting the fuel price in India, Union petroleum fering" by increasing whose benefit it was minister Dharmendra Pradhan said. "There are two prices of fuel in India. ostensibly collected," main reasons behind the fuel price rise. International she says. In her letter, Gandhi market has reduced fuel production & manufactur- says, "On one hand, In- ing countries are producing less fuel to gain more She called it "cruel" dia is witnessing sys- profi t. This is making the consumer countries on part of the govt to tematic erosion of jobs, suffer," the minister said. There was a sharp fall in refuse to reduce fuel wages and household prices "even when glob- demand amid Covid-19 pandemic,” he adds. —ANI income. The middle al crude oil had crashed New Delhi: In order to the barricades close to class and those at the FOLLOW ‘RAJ DHARMA’ & REDUCE FUEL PRICES to $20/barrel last year." avoid any untoward the protest site. Two margins of our society WB GOVT REDUCES TAX BY `1 ON "The whole principle incident at the protest control rooms for moni- are struggling. These PETROL, AND DIESEL of deregulation & dy- site, farmers protesting toring of CCTV camer- namic pricing is predi- challenges have been Kolkata: The West Bengal government on against the three farm as have also been set up compounded by run Sunday announced a reduction of tax by Rs 1 per cated on the principle laws enacted by the behind both the stages. away inflation and an litre on petrol and diesel, which will be applicable that reductions in crude Centre government at "Activities of people unprecedented rise in from midnight. In a statement, State Finance oil prices will propor- Singhu border have moving around are price of almost all Minister Amit Mitra said that the state govern- tionately benefit the beefed up the security been monitored and vol- household items and ment decided Re 1 cut in prices of petrol and end consumers. The at Singhu border and unteers are keeping a essential commodities. diesel to be applicable from midnight. “State govt fact that your Gov fails adjoining areas. close watch on people Sadly, in these distress- believe that this will provide some respite to the to do so implies a delib- Around 100 CCTV coming from outside ing times, the Govern- people. The Central government levies `32.90 as erate, conscious deci- cameras at both the and farmers staying on ment has chosen to tax + cess on one litre of petrol,” he said. —ANI sion to deny the com- stages and many loca- tractor trollies. Since profiteer off people's mon man his due," tions including the are- there are many cuts for misery & suffering." She adds, "Instead, as outside restrooms entry and exit towards She further adds, Government has been earmarked for women the villages so the vol- "Petrol has breached the crude oil price is Therefore, your Gov- 20th is little less than that the government over-zealous in levying protestors have been unteers have been the 100/litre mark in nearly half of what it ernment's act of raising a brazen act of profi- has increased excise excessive excise duty installed along with deployed at every pos- many parts of the coun- was during the UPA prices [continuously for teering." duty on diesel by 820 per on petrol and diesel." heavy deployment of sible spot," said try. To put it in context, Government's tenure. 12 days till February Gandhi further said cent and on petrol by —ANI police personnel near Maninder Singh.

Private sector NAVY TEAM DIVES INTO GLACIAL needed to make Farm laws, ‘death warrant’ LAKE IN UTTARAKHAND'S TAPOVAN India leader: FM for farmers: Kejriwal Bengaluru : Finance Uttarakhand: In a 68 BODIES Minister Nirmala Si- New Delhi: After a joint operation, the In- RECOVERED tharaman interacted meeting with farmer dian Navy and Indian with members of PHD leaders from Westen Ut- Air Force (IAF) chambers in Bengalu- tar Pradesh at Vidhan winched divers to meas- ru on February 21. FM Sabha on Sunday, Delhi ure the depth of a gla- Sitharaman highlight- Chief Minister Arvind cial lake formed up- ed that unless the pri- Kejriwal called the Cen- stream of Tapovan in vate sector is ener- tre’s new farm laws Uttarakhand. gised enough and fa- “death warrant for Indian Navy divers cilitated enough, India farmers” and said these were winched by the RESCUE TEAMS BATTLE ON IN TAPOVAN will just lose a big op- laws will lead farming corporates,” the Cief Uttar Pradesh farmer IAF's Advanced Light portunity to be a world under the control of “a Minister told reporters. leaders is underway on Helicopter (ALH) at an leader. "With that spe- few corporates”. “On February 28, a Sunday at the Vidhan altitude of 14,000 feet cific India touch “A detailed discus- grand ‘Kisan Panchay- Sabha in the national above the mean sea lev- which is more hu- sion took place with at’ is going to take place capital to discuss farm el to measure the depth mane. So if that's the farmers from Western in Meerut where these laws and other issues. of the glacial lake. way India approaches Uttar Pradesh over the laws will be discussed Farmers have been "With no road access, its responsibility, That three black laws. These and an appeal will be protesting at the differ- Indian Navy diving will be incomplete un- laws are like a death made to the Govern- ent borders of the na- team were quickly mo- less private sector warrant for farmers. If ment of India to take tional capital since No- bilised onboard the IAF data will help scientists dam. “The Naval divers down from the helo and plays the role of key these laws are imple- back these laws,” added vember last year, ALH," agency quoted determine the pressure undertook the challeng- recording of depth,” driver," said Nirmala mented, farming will go Kejriwal. against the three newly the Navy as saying. The on the mud wall of the ing task of winching the Navy added. Sitharaman. into the hands of a few Earlier, Kejriwal and enacted farm laws.

Not Afraid Of Anyone, Can't Be Nitish Kumar pitches for ‘one nation, IN THE COURTYARD Intimidated With Jail: Mamata one rate’ policy for electricity Suspicion cannot take Kolkata: West Bengal The chief minister's Patna: Bihar Chief by Prime Minister Nar- the place of proof: Chief Minister Mamata programme was after Minister Nitish Kumar endra Modi on Satur- Banerjee said on Sun- the CBI had served a no- on Sunday said that it day. The Chief Minister day that she is not tice in the name TMC will be good if a single asserted that the gov- Supreme Court afraid of anyone and MP and her nephew Ab- rate policy for electric- ernment will not do not Odishas: Suspicion, cannot be intimidated hishek Banerjee's wife ity is adopted for the spare violators of however strong, can- with jail or something and sister-in-law Sun- entire nation as it will liquor prohibition in not take the place of else. day in connection with benefit states like Bihar Bihar. proof, the Supreme Holding out a chal- a case of alleged coal which gets power at a He made the statement Court has said, lenge without naming pilferage. higher rate as com- while answering a ques- stressing that an ac- any one or political par- of fighting against Let there be chal- pared to several others. plied by Centre to tion over reports of cused is presumed to ty, the Trinamool Con- rats," she said. lenge in 21, let us see Speaking to media in states) the same for some people who died be innocent unless gress supremo said that "As long as there is whose strength is more; Patna, Kumar said, “In electricity across the after consuming spuri- proved guilty beyond they have not learnt to life in me, I will not be there will be only one yesterday’s NITI Aayog country, it would be ous liquor in the state. a reasonable doubt. lose. afraid of any intimida- game in 21 and I will be governing council good. As of now, we pay The liquor ban was en- School. There has to sonable doubt,” the "Don't try to intimi- tion," Ms Banerjee said the goalkeeper in that meeting, we raised more than others.” forced in Bihar in April be a chain of evi- bench said. date us with jail, we at a programme here on match and want to see questions about elec- The sixth governing 2016. Kumar also ex- dence so complete as As per an FIR lodged have fought against the International Moth- who wins," Ms Banerjee tricity. If everyone pays council meeting of the pressed concern over to show that in all hu- with the police by Gi- guns and are not afraid er Language Day. said. —PTI (rate of electricity sup- Niti Aayog was chaired “anti-social activities”. man probability the tanjali Tadu, her act must have been husband Bijay Ku- done by the accused, mar Tadu had been a bench of justices working deputed at Indira Banerjee and Chandabali police Hemant Gupta ob- station. served while uphold- The woman has al- ing an order of the leged that the ac- Orissa High Court cused Banabihari DELHI CRIME BRANCH ARREST 4 MORE SERUM INSTITUTE DIRECTED TO which acquitted two Mohapatra, his son PEOPLE IN RINKU SHARMA’S DEATH CASE OWAISI TO LAUNCH AIMIM’S PRIORITISE INDIA’S NEEDS men accused of mur- Luja and other ac- New Delhi: After exam- (40), Dilshan alias Aftab BENGAL CAMPAIGN WITH RALLY Pune: Adar Poonawalla, company is also trying its dering a home guard complices killed her ination of witnesses and (22), Fayaiz alias Sadri Kolkata: AIMIM Chief public meeting of All CEO of vaccine major best to balance the needs by electrocuting him. husband with an CCTV, Delhi Crime Branch (21), Faizan alias Nirale Asaduddin Owaisi will India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Serum Institute of India of the rest of the world, “It is well settled by a electric shock after on Sunday arrested four (21).” Rinku Sharma kick off his party’s Muslimeen (AIMIM) (SII), on Sunday urged he added. ”Dear countries plethora of judicial administering some more persons in the was allegedly stabbed election campaign will take place at the other countries to be and governments, as you pronouncement of poisonous substanc- Rinku Sharma death case. by a group of people at a in poll-bound West Metiabruz Pink square patient as they wait for await #COVISHIELD sup- this court that suspi- es to him. The apex Delhi police in a state- birthday party in Delhi’s Bengal on February in the afternoon. the supplies of COVID-19 plies, I humbly request cion, however strong court said the post ment said, “in addition Mangolpuri area on Feb- 25 with a rally in a Metiaburuz Assembly vaccine, Covishield, as the you to please be patient, cannot take the place mortem report re- to the fi ve people already ruary 10. According to the minority-dominated constituency in South company has been direct- @SerumInstIndia has of proof. An accused veals that the cause arrested in connection police, the incident took Metiabruz area of the 24 Parganas district ed to prioritise the needs been directed to prioritise is presumed to be in- of death was electric with the case, Crime place following a scuffl e city. According to comes under Diamond of India. Apart from mak- the huge needs of India. nocent unless proved shock and there is no Branch has arrested Deen at a birthday party over party sources, the fi rst Harbour LS seat. ing efforts to meet the We are trying our best”, guilty beyond a rea- conclusive evidence. Mohd alias Sakaruddin some business rivalry. requirements of India, the Poonawalla said. INDIA www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 06 MAHARASHTRA DISTRICT ENTERS LOCKDOWN Amid rising cases, Amravati district placed under lockdown for a week Night curfew & schools ‘New Indian Mumbai: Amravati district in Maharash- shut till Feb 28 in Pune Covid strains tra will be placed un- New Delhi: Pune have nessed a spike in Cov- der lockdown for a announced a night cur- id-19 cases over the past could be more week amid rising cases few in the city amid a few days. The Vidarbha infectious’ of COVID-19 in the fresh coronavirus spike region in Maharashtra state. Cabinet Minister in the region. No public has witnessed a rise in New Delhi: All In- Yashomati Thakur movement will be al- daily coronavirus cases. dia Institute of said the lockdown will lowed in Pune between The 6 districts of Medical Sciences kick in from Monday 11 pm to 6 am except for Akola, Amravati, Yavat- (AIIMS) Director evening. essential services. mal, Buldana, Wardha Randeep Guleria The government Moreover, schools & & Nagpur in Vidarbha said India’s fight said only essential ser- colleges will also re- have reported a steady against coronavi- vices will be allowed to main shut till February rise in coronavirus cas- rus faces its latest function during the 28 and fresh guidelines es. Two districts where challenge in the strict seven-day lock- will be issued on Mon- cases have surged are wake of new strains down. day, said the Pune divi- Mumbai & Pune, emerging across The lockdown will be sional commissioner. though this could be the country. The extended if people do Some Vidarbha dis- due to migration & not new variant can not follow safety rules, tricts, along with Mum- maintaining Covid-19 even cause re-infec- the minister said, add- Physical distancing goes for a toss at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. —FILE PHOTO bai and Pune have wit- protocols, experts said. tions in people who ing the decision to stop have developed an- all non-essential activ- rashtra minister Vijay ti-bodies to the vi- ity was taken after Wadettiwar said they MAHA CM WARNS PEOPLE NEED TO INCREASE PACE rus. While terming COVID-19 cases contin- are considering night KERALA REPORTS 4,070 herd immunity for OF TOTAL LOCKDOWN AS OF COVID VACCINATIONS: ued to rise in Maha- curfew and a decision FRESH CASES, 15 DEATHS coronavirus as a STATE REPORTS 6K CASES CENTRE TO STATES rashtra. would be taken at a IN LAST 24 HOURS “myth” in India, The announcement meeting chaired by Mumbai: In a stern warning, Maharashtra New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry Guleria said at least for the lockdown in Chief Minister Uddhav CM Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said New Delhi: Kerala reported 4,070 new has written to all states and UTs high- 80% people need to Amravati comes hours Thackeray. there will be a total lockdown in the state cases of COVID-19 on Sunday when lighting the need to significantly enhance have antibodies for after the district ad- “Coronavirus cases if people don’t start wearing face masks. 57,241 samples were tested in 24 hours. the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations, the whole of the ministration in Pune are rising in Nagpur, The statement comes amid increasing The State’s cumulative case burden, noting that a large number of healthcare population to be shut down schools and Akola, Amaravati, Ya- cases of coronavirus in state. He said ever since the pandemic began, rose to and frontline workers still remain to be protected. Two lead- coaching centres till vatmal, Mumbai and that ‘lockdown will start from tomorrow 10,30,587 cases. The test positivity rate, covered. In a letter addressed to chief ing experts recently February 28. Deputy Pune. We have asked evening wherever needed’. “Lockdown which has been remaining steady, showed secretaries of all states and UTs, Union contended that a Chief Minister Ajit Pa- the district adminis- will not start all of a sudden. We aren’t a slight increase to 7.11% on the day. Of Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said new coronavirus war met with senior tration to take a call on putting a stop to any development works. the 57,241 tests done by the State, 31,180 the number of days of vaccination in mutant strain was officials to assess the lockdown or other re- Lockdown will start from monday evening were rapid antigen assay while RT-PCR a week should also be increased to a reportedly detected COVID-19 situation in strictions after assess- wherever needed,” said CM Thackeray. tests numbered 24,219. Other molecular minimum of four days per week at the in Amravati, Yavat- the district before tak- ing the situation on the A partial lockdown has been imposed in diagnostic tests like Truenat and CBNAAT, earliest to speed up the process of vac- mal & all in Vidarb- ing the decision. ground,” Mr Wadetti- five districts including Amravati, Akola, constituted the remaining tests. cination and gear up system to take up ha region in east- Earlier today, Maha- war said. Buldhana, Washim and Yavatmal. the vaccination of the 50+ population. ern part of state. ‘Sreedharan’s impact is likely to be minimal’ India, Maldives sign $50 New Delhi: With tech- nocrat E Sreedharan Sreedharan suited to adorn million defence agreement throwing his hat in the any post in Kerala, including political ring by decid- CM’s: State BJP chief Male: India on Sunday ing to join the BJP, sen- Kasaragod: Kerala people are fed up with reiterated its commit- ior Congress leader BJP President K the anti-development ment to Maldives’ secu- Shashi Tharoor said he Surendran on Sunday stand of both the rity and signed a USD 50 is likely to have a “min- said that ‘Metro man’ United Democratic million defence Line of imal” impact on the up- E Sreedharan is suited Front (UDF) and Left Credit agreement with coming Kerala Assem- to adorn any post in Democratic Front it to boost the maritime bly polls, & asserted E Sreedharan (left) and Shashi Tharoor (right). the state, including (LDF). “People like capabilities of the stra- that BJP is not a serious Kerala’s Chief Minis- Sreedharan joining tegic island nation. contender except in a Sreedharan’s impact on surprise to him because ter’s post. Speaking to BJP is an indication The USD 50 million External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with few seats in the state. Kerala elections will the technocrat had a media persons ahead that they are not hap- credit line agreement Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi. Mr Tharoor also said turn out to be the an- long innings executing of the BJP’s statewide py with the way UDF for defence projects was it will be very difficult nouncement of joining engineering projects, rally ‘Vijayayathra’ in and LDF have run the signed between the Fi- External Affairs Minis- Minister of Economic for the BJP to improve the BJP itself. not making or imple- Kasargod, the state state. He is qualified nance Ministry of Mal- ter S Jaishankar held Development Fayyaz Is- upon its performance The 64-year-old for- menting policies in a BJP President said to adorn any post in dives and the Export talks with Maldivian mail & Minister of Na- of winning one seat in mer Union minister fractious democracy. that Sreedharan join- the state including the Import Bank of India. Defence Minister Mari- tional Planning, Hous- the 2016 assembly polls said that Mr Sreed- “It’s a very different ing BJP shows that Chief Minister’s post. The signing of agree- ya Didi, Minister of Fi- ing and Infrastructure and the high point of E haran’s entry came as a world,” he added. ment took place after nance Ibrahim Ameer, Mohamed Aslam. Goswami’s father says she’s a drug addict: Kolkata Police Srinagar hospital accused of lll Kolkata: The father of friend Prabeer Kumar Singh, a close aide of she had taken on celeb- tax evasion: Officials Pamela Goswami, the Dey, who was arrested BJP’s West Bengal rities like singer Ri- New Delhi: The Income seven premises includ- Police said that flamboyant youth wing with her on Friday, pointsman Kailash Vi- hanna over the farmers Tax Department has de- ing four residential leader of the BJP ar- were living together jayvargiya, “plotted” protest, Goswami was tected multiple instanc- were covered. Pamela was rested for alleged pos- for some time. her arrest. arrested with Mr Dey es of alleged tax evasion The statement said caught on a “tip- session of cocaine, had Clad in a red saree, a Pamela Goswami, a and her personal secu- after it raided a busi- `82.75 lakh cash and jew- told Kolkata police she bespectacled Ms Gos- former fashion model rity guard Somnath ness group that runs the ellery and bullion worth off” & her father had become a drug ad- Pamela Goswami wami created a flutter and small-time actress, Chatterjee on Friday “biggest private” multi- `35.7 lakh were seized dict under the influ- at a city court where was remanded in po- after 90 gm of cocaine speciality hospital in “as the concerned per- had complained ence of a friend whom she was produced, try- lice custody till Febru- was allegedly found in Srinagar, tax body sons from whose custo- about her drugs he wanted to be kept Sources in the city ing to wriggle out of ary 25. her handbag and con- CBDT said on Sunday. dy these were found “under watch”, police police said Pamela the grasp of police and Very active on social cealed in the car she The searches were were not able to explain consumption sources said Saturday. Goswami and her screaming that Rakesh media platforms where was travelling. launched on Friday, and the same”.

FROM PG 1

Low turnout... conducting a peaceful rise. The second issue is also being attended by moned in an ongoing tion. We require new tiated against Twitter meet the needs of the However, according to election in six munici- that the BJP’s new strat- BJP state unit presi- probe,” said an official. rules and laws to tackle and their representa- people in my constitu- updated data on the site, pal corporations of the egy for candidates dents, assumes signifi- Since Rujira was not pre- and manage. The gov- tives in India for willful- ency since there was no Jamnagar saw 53.64%, state, BJP state unit seems to have back- cance as it came amid sent during CBI visit, the ernment is already ly abetting and promot- allocation of funds un- Rajkot had 50.75%, chief said that voters fired,” he said. fierce protests by a sec- team has shared their working in this direc- ing anti-India tweets and der the MLA Local Area Bhavnagar had 49.47%, have voted in favour of Meanwhile, social tion of farmers in Pun- number asking Rujira to tion,” he added. penalise them. Development fund,” he Vadodara had 47.99%, his party, even if in few- media is already rife jab, Haryana and west- get in touch with them Madhav’s comments Madhav said that in said. Ahmedabad saw 42.53% er numbers. with sarcastic com- ern Uttar Pradesh by today. The CBI said come amid a row be- his new book he has Four Congress MLAs, and Surat saw a voter On the other hand, Pa- ments along the lines of against the three new they want to quiz her tween the government penned his observations including ex-ministers A turnout of 42%. In 2015, tils’ Congress counter- “Voters stayed home to farm laws. over some of her bank and Twitter over block- on several decisions of Namassivayam (now in the average voter turn- part Amit Chavda’s practise physical dis- The farmer union transactions. ing of accounts with In- the Modi government. BJP) and Malladi Krish- out had been 45.81%. claimed that the low tancing from the EVMs leaders have been step- formation Technology Answering a question na Rao, had quit, while Ahmedabad had seen turnout was a scathing (electronic voting ma- ping up their attack on Madhav: Govt... Minister Ravi Shankar on Gandhi, he said the another party legislator 46.51%, Surat, 39.93%, indictment of the ruling chines).” the Modi government and regulating them is Prasad asking the micro- RSS does not undermine was earlier disqualified. Vadodara 48.71%, Ra- party. With counting slated over the issue. difficult as they are bor- blogging site to follow any leader’s contribu- Telangana Governor jkot 50.04%, Jamnagar Political analyst Ma- to be held on Tuesday, it derless. These forces can the Indian law. tion. Tamilisai Soundarara- 56.77%, Bhavnagar hesh Pandya seemed to remains to be seen Wife of... promote anarchy, which Besides, the Supreme jan, handed over addi- 47.49%. agree with Chavda’s as- which of these supposi- to question her under will weaken democracy Court has issued a notice Puducherry floor... tional charge of Puduch- Even as the State sessment. “Dedicated tions will hit closest to Section 160 of CrPC (re- but solutions should be to the Centre and Twit- Venkatesan told the me- erry, had on Thursday Election Commissioner voters have not come home. quire attendance of wit- within the constitution- ter on a plea, seeking to dia that he had quit the directed Narayanasamy Sanjay Prasad thanked out to vote as they are nesses, from the Code of al framework,” he said at regulate hate content post of MLA only and to prove majority by or- voters and political par- dissatisfied with the BJP mulls... Criminal Procedure). the event hosted by the and to make a law as per continued to be in the dering a floor test on Feb- ties for their support in government and price The meeting, which was “Yes, she has been sum- Prabha Khaitan Founda- which action can be ini- DMK. “I was not able to ruary 22. TALKING POINT www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 07

—CLIMEWORKS Too little too late? Engineers have built machines

to scrub CO2 from the air. But will it halt climate change?

Direct air capture is touted as a way to offset emissions DEANNA D'ALESSANDRO from industry and Professor & ARC Future Fellow, elsewhere. University of Sydney —SHUTTERSTOCK

ecently, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmos- phere was measured at at 415 parts per million (ppm). The Rlevel is the highest in human history, and What’s DAC all about? purified and compressed. negative emissions can be traded. energy. Australia also has some of the is growing each year. Captured CO2 can be injected into DAC machines process an enor- world’s best sites in which to “seques- Amid all the focus on emissions reduc- Direct air capture refers to any me- the ground to extract oil, in some cas- mous volume of air, and as such are ter” or store carbon in underground

tion, the Intergovernmental Panel on chanical system capturing CO2 from es helping to counteract the emissions very energy-intensive. In fact, re- reservoirs. Climate Change (IPCC) says it will not the atmosphere. Plants operating to- produced by burning the oil. search has suggested direct air cap- Direct air capture is a relatively new be enough to avoid dangerous levels of day use a liquid solvent or solid sorb- The proponents of the Climeworks ture machines could use a quarter of concept in Australia. Australian com-

global warming. The world must active- ent to separate CO2 from other gases. and Carbon Engineering technology global energy in 2100. However new pany Southern Green Gas, as well as

ly remove historical CO2 already in the Swiss company Climeworks oper- say their projects are set for large- DAC methods being developed could the CSIRO, are developing solar-pow- atmosphere - a process often described ates 15 direct air capture machines scale investment and deployment in cut the technology’s energy use. ered DAC technologies. The SGG pro- as “negative emissions”. across Europe, comprising the world’s coming years. Globally, the potential While the challenges to direct air ject, with which I am involved, involves

CO2 removal can be done in two ways. first commercial DAC system. The op- market value of DAC technology capture are great, the technology uses modular units potentially deployed in The first is by enhancing carbon storage eration is powered by renewable geo- could reach US$100bn by 2030, on less land and water than other nega- large numbers, including close to sites

in natural ecosystems, such as planting thermal energy or energy produced some estimates. tive emissions technologies such as where captured CO2 can be used in oil

more forests or storing more carbon in by burning waste. planting forests or storing CO2 in soils recovery or permanently stored. soil. The second is by using direct air The machines use a fan to draw air Big challenges or oceans. If DAC technology can overcome its capture (DAC) technology that strips CO2 into a “collector”, inside which a se- DAC technology is also increasingly hurdles, the benefits will extend be-

from the ambient air, then either stores lective filter captures CO2. Once the Direct air capture faces many hurdles gaining the backing of big business. yond tackling climate change. It would it underground or turns it into products. filter is full, the collector is closed and and challenges before it can make a Microsoft, for example, last year in- create a new manufacturing sector

US research published last week sug- the CO2 is sequestered underground. real dent in climate change. cluded the technology in its carbon and potentially re-employ workers gested global warming could be slowed Canadian company Carbon Engi- DAC technology is currently expen- negative plan. displaced by the decline of fossil fuels. with an emergency deployment of a fleet neering uses giant fans to pull air into sive, relative to many alternative ways Australia is uniquely positioned to

of “CO2 scrubbers” using DAC technol- a tower-like structure. The air passes of capturing CO2, but is expected to be a world leader in direct air capture. ogy. However a wartime level of funding over a potassium hydroxide solution become cheaper as the technology It boasts large areas of land not suita- Looking ahead

from government and business would be which chemically binds to the CO2 scales up. The economic feasibility ble for growing crops. It has ample sun- The urgency of removing CO2 from needed. So is direct air capture worth the molecules, and removes them from will be helped by the recent emer- light, meaning there is great potential the atmosphere seems like an enor-

time and money? the air. The CO2 is then concentrated, gence of new carbon markets where to host DAC facilities powered by solar mous challenge. But not acting will bring far greater challenges: more cli- mate and weather extremes, irrevers- ible damage to biodiversity and eco- systems, species extinction and threats to health, food, water and eco- nomic growth. DAC technology undoubtedly fac- es stiff headwinds. But with the right policy incentives and market drivers, it may be one of a suite of measures that start reversing cli- mate change. Direct air capture of CO2 will be needed to address climate change. —SHUTTERSTOCK Artist impression of a DAC facility to be built in the US state of Texas. If built, it would be the largest of its kind in the world. Carbon Engineering SOURCE: THECONVERSATION.COM I have realised that one of the biggest motivators in life are our parents, to make them proud is still the best motivation. —Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India 2ND FRONT www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 08 V’dara Cong ‘dating cafes’ poll Dalits ban BJP entry over promise goes under voter lens missing Ambedkar photos The Opposition party’s promise of “dating coffee shop destinations for youth and corporates” invited BJP wrath Darshan Desai What is wrong if the Vadodara: Sometimes wrong usage of the lan- Vadodara guage could send a Municipal Corpora- bright well-intentioned tion provides af- Housing societies in Kalol have put up banners against entry of BJP leaders. idea for a toss. This is fordable coffee shops what happened with the to youngsters, cou- First India Bureau prominent leaders as Adhikar Manch’s de- Congress last week ples and even corpo- provided in a 1996 offi- mand is that Ambed- when its Vadodara Gandhinagar: Sev- cial resolution about kar’s picture must also unit’s progressive poll rates who can’t af- eral Dalit colonies in those whose pictures be put up at public of- promise to set up “dat- ford the expensive Kalol town near Gan- were a must at all pub- fices along with those ing destinations with cafes, where one cup dhinagar have put up lic offices. of Mahatma Gandhi, coffee shops for youth, of coffee is sold for banners banning entry Rathod had made Jawaharlal Nehru, students, couples and not less than Rs of BJP leaders and this demand the first Sardar Vallabhbhai corporates”, ran into 100? The BJP has a campaigners in pro- in January 2020 and Patel, Pandit Deenday- rough weather. problem since they test against the Guja- subsequently a repre- al Upadhyay and Shy- The Opposition par- rat Government’s re- sentation to Gujarat amaparasad Mukher- ty’s manifesto was al- can’t think out of fusal to include Dr Ba- Governor Acharya jee. ready put to test when the box. basaheb Ambedkar Devvrat in November. Simmering with an- polling for Vadodara —Prashant Patel, among national lead- The Governor’s office ger, Rathod, Dalit Municipal Corporation Congress’ “Iconic Vadodara” manifesto sparks off unwarranted controversy. Vadodara Congress President ers whose pictures are had drawn the atten- rights activist Kanti took place on Sunday, —REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO. put up at government tion of the State Gen- Parmar and several along with that of five offices. eral Administration others have launched a other corporations. India, “The BJP has a 100?,” Patel asks. er,” Patel said, explain- serted. This follows a cam- Department. campaign among the The BJP called the problem since they can’t He wondered why ing the purpose. The BJP , which did paign launched by Even the National Scheduled Caste popu- Congress party’s mani- think out of the box. should youngsters from He said the Congress not release any mani- Dalit Adhikar Manch Commission for Sched- lation in the State to festo promise a reflec- They speak of swadeshi, weaker sections of the party was promising a festo for the city, says across Gujarat against uled Castes had on De- boycott the BJP during tion of the “trappings but welcome Walmart society be left out just modern life with af- this is a desperate Con- the BJP Government, cember 15 last shot off the ongoing local body of an Italian culture” with open arms.” because they couldn’t fordable amenities, and gress’ attempt to lure which recently wrote a notice to the Gujarat polls. While polling for claiming that it had “of- “What is wrong if the afford a CCD. This facil- this was why it had the young voters “by to the manch’s conven- Government about 6 municipal corpora- fended the sensibilities Vadodara Municipal ity would be for them. promised to set up Eng- hook or by crook.” The or, Kirit Rathod, stat- this. tions concluded on of the sanskari nagari Corporation provides “Then there are joint lish medium schools party has also issued a ing that Ambedkar’s But after all this, to Sunday, voting for more (Vadodara is called a affordable coffee shops families in Gujarat, and a full-fledged hos- press release, stating, picture could not be his surprise, Rathod crucial -- from Dalits’ sanskari nagari).” to youngsters, couples where a husband and pital run by the munic- “The youngsters as put up. got this letter last viewpoint -- elections When asked about the and even corporates wife can’t discuss their ipal corporation. “BJP well as corporates of The government re- month that the govern- of municipalities and ‘Iconic Vadodara’ mani- who can’t afford the ex- issues and aspirations has ruled Vadodara sanskari nagari Va- plied to him on Janu- ment would maintain district and taluka pan- festo promise, Vadodara pensive cafes, where openly. Here, they will since 1995, they dodara are furious by ary 21, 2021, that it a status quo on the 1996 chayats will be held on Congress president one cup of coffee is sold have a space to spend couldn’t even think of this. They can’t come would not alter a list of resolution. The Dalit February 28. Prashant Patel told First for not less than Rs some moments togeth- these things,” he as- out of Italian culture.”

AHMEDABAD'S GREEN LUNGS! Nirma’s management institute alumni speak of positives in Covid uncertainty

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The 8th Theme of 8th alumni conclave of alumni conclave the Nirma Universi- was ‘Embracing ty’s Institute of Man- Uncertainty’ agement, which was held on Saturday in the post-Covid sce- a perspective on how nario, aptly deliber- organisations with “ag- ated on the theme, ile and nimble ap- “Embracing Uncer- proaches” thrived dur- tainty” with speakers Nirma University —REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO ing this period. pointing out at the Speaking from the positives derived Drawing on her own friendly too, leading to marketing and sales from the 2020 crisis. experience about ad- a tremendous shift in panel, Varun Sinha, Speaking at the day- justing to a new job in the domain of HR.” Assistant Vice Presi- long conclave, called the middle of the pan- Yash Rathi, Learning dent of ZipLoan.in, Pratidhwani, Akansha demic, she said, “Em- and Organisation De- talked about what un- Gandotra, who is the ployer branding oppor- velopment Specialist, certainty meant for fin- Strategic and Commu- tunities have expanded, Ford India, said, “Even tech services, which nication Lead at Udaan. especially in the virtual if you are sure, you were on a steady growth The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has created a greenhouse near Sabarmati Riverfront in Paldi, which appears to be com, said uncertainty mode, which proved to can’t be too sure, and pre-COVID, and then the only green patch in a concrete jungle. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI ushered in endless pos- be an effective onboard- that’s the beauty of un- came to a standstill af- sibilities. ing tool and budget- certainty.” He provided ter lockdown.

THE BIG GAME Team India get used to swinging pink ball, swanky stadium lll First India Bureau former US president spectators. playing in his 100th Test, Donald Trump was The big guns -- skip- was also seen in action. India braces to Ahmedabad: The here in 2020. per Kohli, his deputy While the spinners world’s largest cricket- The four-match series Ajinkya Rahane, the may have accounted for play its third ing venue, the New Sard- is currently tied at 1-1 flamboyant Rohit Shar- the bulk of wickets in ar Patel Stadium, with the visitors win- ma and the swashbuck- the first two Tests of the test at the Motera, is all set to wit- ning the first Test in ling wicketkeeper-bats- ongoing series, the In- ness its first internation- Chennai by 227 runs, and man Rishabh Pant -- dian pacers took all 20 world’s biggest al match, as India Cap- India coming back batted in the nets as the wickets to win their Motera tain Virat Kohli led a strongly with a 317-run likes of Jasprit Bum- only previous day-night vigorous training ses- triumph in the second rah and Mohammed pink ball match on stadium in sion on Sunday looking game at the same venue. Siraj ran in and tested home soil, against Bang- to get used to the swing- Eager to seal the fate themselves under the ladesh in Kolkata. Ahmedabad to ing pink ball and a of the rubber with an- blazing sun. Openers Shubman swanky arena in other victory, the home Pace spearhead Bum- Gill and Mayank Agar- be inaugurated Ahmedabad. team players did stretch- rah is bracing for a wal also had a hit at the by President India will play its ing exercises, fielding comeback after missing nets, while the spinners third test match against drills before hitting the the second match at Che- —Ravichandran Ash- Ram Nath England in a Day/Night nets at the new Sardar pauk and the seasoned win, Axar Patel and Kul- format that starts on Patel Stadium, which Ishant Sharma, who is deep Yadav -- too rolled Kovind February 24, the day has a capacity of 1,10,000 Indian cricket players at the nets at Sardar Patel Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. standing on the cusp of their arms over. www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 09 AHMEDABAD, MONDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Sumitra Godara, Shashi Bhati, Kajal Choudhury, Ravina Maurya and Swati Jangid

City First explores the chronicles of couture show which post-travelling to several cities has finally reached the land of royalty and traditions, Bikaner! With 9 fashion designers, Bikaner Couture Show features the best of fashion mingled with an essence of ethnicity!

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO ETHNIC SAGAshow featured various glamorous faces includ- ing Akansha Bhalla, Swati Jangid, Divya Ka- sliwal, Neha Jaiswal SUSHMITA AIND and Kriti Garg among [email protected] others. Apart from the glamorous fashion spec- midst the de- tacle, the show also serts and the highlighted rap perfor- crescent moon, mances by Aekaltora the gala even- which introduced a A ing began with bash of rhythm amongst the glamorous the cultural display. For display of fash- the successful imple- Yasheel Pandel ion at Shree Ganesham mentation of the show, Resort on Sunday. there were two men be- fine gala evening. Retd Jagdeesh Chandra hind who have put their Col Hem Singh, Na- was the chief guest constant efforts, Gaurav gendra Singh Shekha- for the grand Bikaner Gaur, founder and direc- wat, Narendra Singh Couture Show. With a tor of the various cou- Bhati, Rajendra Swami, back-to-back display ture shows, and Bikaner Vineet Jain, Richa of ramp walks, the mod- Couture Show’s direc- Chandel, Abhishek els spread their charm tor, Yasheel Pandel. Joshi, Yogesh, Jatin, on stage with apparel This was the first Rahul Soni, Ajay Singh crafted by nine ven- time, that the city had Bhatnagar and Sand- tures. Bikaner Cou- experienced such a eep Singh were present on the occasion as dig- ture Show featured Jagdeesh Chandra puts forth his views grandiose show. The nine sequences by spectators enjoyed the nitaries among others. Nitu Bhutra, Sapna Sharma Traditional Party Wear, Mody University, Ambika Fashion’s, M N Jew- ellers, Gurukulam Fashion Bikaner, Rajwadi Men’s Wear, Nirmal Sarees, and Renu Shar- ma. The grand fashion

Isha Agarwal, Yashvi Soni, Laxman Raghav, Akanksha Bhalla, Gaurav Gaur, Sanya, Ruby Choudhury and Sushmita Aind Clockwise: Neha Jaiswal, Riya Sen and Divya Kasliwal ETC www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 10

From left: Ruchi Jha, Devendra, Aarushi, Garima Wadhwani, Ayushman, Khushi Ajwani, Sushmita and Khushi Srivastava Glamour on the way... CITY FIRST

eights Institute of Fashion Technology and Beatles in as- sociation with Miss Rajasthan held a look launch of Optima H 2021 on Sunday at Beatles Lounge, Jaipur. During the launch, 6 female and 2 male models showcased their designer dress collection. The main event is scheduled to be held on February 26 at Beatles Lounge.

The director of Heights Fash- —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA ion Institute Anjali Gupta in- formed that there will be 7 fashion sequence during the show, in which models will walk the ramp on distin- guishing themes. The event will witness Khushi Srivastava 6 showstoppers, 12 fe- Garima Wadhwani male runway models and 12 male runway model. Kayam Kawa Khushi Ajwani Ayushman (India Got Talent fame singer) will also be giving a live performance during the show. [email protected] Sushmita

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER YOUR MAR 21 - APR 20 APR 21 - MAY 20 MAY 21 - JUNE 21 JUNE 22 - JULY 23 If you are a working Money from an unexpected Good earning promises You will succeed in mother, you may fi nd it source may delight you, so to keep you in an upbeat asserting your authority on DAY diffi cult to balance home keep your fi ngers crossed mood today. Worries the social front by having FACE OF THE DAY Horoscope by and offi ce as of now, but .Academic front looks regarding a health issue your way. A property issue this will be a temporary phase. A promising. Some of you are set to are likely to disappear, as you gets resolved amicably. You will be Saurabbh Sachdeva property deal is likely to be sealed, as enjoy a trip out of town. Setting up a make quick recovery. Do not able to establish yourself fi rmly on you are able to complete all the new house is on the cards for some. misunderstand the motives of the professional front. You manage formalities. Someone close may pay Money well spent may give you inner someone trying to help you. You to stabilise expenses and bring you a visit and brighten your day. satisfaction. will enjoying togetherness. yourself into the saving mode.

LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 AUG 24 - SEP 23 SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 Your effort to keep in touch A fun time is foreseen for An excellent time is A change in lifestyle will with everyone will come in those planning to invite foreseen for those taking a help some come back in for appreciation by all on people over to their place. break from the daily grind. shape. Success is foreseen the social front. A good Good command over a A match-making process for those playing the turn done to someone is likely to be particular subject may fi nd you may get underway for the eligible. stocks. Intelligent application on returned with interest. Luck favours amongst the top positions on the You will fi nd yourself much more even unfamiliar territory on the you today both personally and academic front. You are likely to active on the social front and will academic front will keep your fl ag professionally. A diet plan adopted discharge all your domestic make efforts to remain in touch with fl ying high. A windfall can be recently will suit your system well. responsibilities to the satisfaction. all. You will be able to buy property. expected on the property front.

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES NOV 23 - DEC 22 DEC 23 - JAN 20 JAN 21 - FEB 19 FEB20 - MARCH 20 Don’t think twice in taking An ancestral property is Some of you may want to You make all the right outside help. Your initiative likely to come in your opt for a break from the moves on the social front will help mend fences with name. Luck favours you on monotonous routine. This is and manage to retain your someone you were not in the academic front. Career the best time to forge your popularity. A property may talking terms. You can join your friends wise, you are likely to fare well as per own path, as there are opportunities fi nally come into your name, as the or family in undertaking a trip to a the expectations of your seniors. You galore. You remain on a safe wicket on paperwork is slated to get over soon. holiday destination. A chance to prove will need to get a hang of things, the fi nancial front. Adding to your Bank balance of the salaried will your mettle on the professional front before you chip in with suggestions. wealth is possible. Keeping minor remain in a healthy, despite rising PAYAL JANGID, Model will be nicely availed by you. Be more assertive in dealing. ailments at bay by taking up yoga. costs. Health remains satisfactory. ETC www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia I facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 11 —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA agdeesh Chandra was the Chief J Guest at a ‘Fit- HEALTH IS WEALTH ness Motivational’ event organised by Giriraj Saini at Anu- rag Sharma’s Work- outs The Gym on Sunday. Fitness Coach Bharat Singh Walia made a celeb- rity appearance at the event. The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, knowledge of the field, advantages and importance of keep- ing fit, a career in the fitness industry and keeping a healthy lifestyle through nu- Jagdeesh Chandra with (left) Giriraj Saini and Bharat Singh Walia Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience Tripti, Divya and Lalita trition. Enjoying THE BIG LAUNCH

MITALI DUSAD since [email protected]

ssure Clinic of- Christmas fers a A wide range of proce- ctress Pamela dures for healthy Anderson re- hair, skin and cently started body. After run- trending over ning eight success- A her latest inter- ful clinics in India, Nushrratt Bharuccha during the inaugural ceremony of Assure Clinic with the founders, Dr Abhishek Pilani and Dr Priyanka Desai Pilani view! After get- Assure launched its ting married to 9th clinic in Jaipur body-builder Dan Hay- on Sunday at Vaishali this chain of lifestyle clinic is fore making them meet her hurst, and recently gave Nagar, Jaipur. Founders of growing from city to city. As- boyfriend. She said, “Every their first post-wedding the clinic, Dr Abhishek Pi- sure provides some amazing single time I introduce my par- interview. And what lani and Dr Priyanka Desai skin remedies and procedures ents to my boyfriend, I have was surprising was, Pilani thanked everyone like hair transplant in India. told them before every first Anderson and Hay- on the occasion. They have a very professional meeting, ‘He is my boyfriend at hurst, joined the The launch was done and well-educated team of doc- present, we will get married if talk show, virtu- by Bollywood actress tors. My best wishes to the we are successful in this rela- ally, from their Nushrratt Bharuccha. team.” tionship. But if we aren’t, you beds! One of the hosts Talking at the event, The leading lady of one of will have to understand that it’s joked, “Pamela, to Nushrratt said, “I am 2018’s biggest hits ‘Sonu Ke okay, he is my partner right quote you, you have happy to launch As- Titu Ki Sweety’, Nushrat now in this journey and he may said in the past ‘in the sure clinic in Jaipur. Bharucha also revealed the one not be tomorrow, which is arms of the man I love Nushrratt Bharuccha It’s nice to see the way thing she tells her parents be- okay.” is exactly where I should be.’ I didn’t think we JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF were actually going to Pamela Anderson see you in the arms of the man you love.” “We The Battle of Belonging haven’t left here since Christmas Eve,” Pamela KARISHMA GWALANI replied. —Agency n an ongoing virtual edition of the Jaipur Literature I Festival on Friday, a question ‘Who is Indian During the virtual session and what is ‘nation- During the virtual session hood’?’ took the centre stage nationalism, patriotism, during a conversation be- citizenship and belonging as tween a politician and cele- well as the nature and future brated author Shashi Tha- of nationhood. The duo, in UNSCRIPTED roor, and journalist Faye turn, discussed these themes D’Souza. and ideas in the context of It’s a baby boy! Vidhu Vinod Chopra talked about his The session, titled ‘The the past, the present and the memoir Unscripted, his unwavering Battle of Belonging’ takes emergent future during areena Kapoor Khan and inspiration from Shashi their virtual conversation. Saif Ali Khan had many intention to make good cinema, working Tharoor’s book of the same The conversation also reasons to celebrate on Sun- with Rajkumar Hirani and whether he wants name, and evaluates the his- traced India’s journey post K day as the couple welcomed torical and current political Partition, and how the free- their second son. The actress who a biopic on his life! trends impacting the ‘idea of dom struggle gave birth to has been admitted at Mumbai’s India.’ The book explores the the nationalism of shared Breach Candy hospital delivered MITALI DUSAD cinema, that it is the un- changing interpretations of sorrow. in the wee hours of Sunday, as per scripted space where the reports. Kareena was reportedly hat next?’ magic happens. rushed to the hospital on Satur- was a ques- The book is an un- Kareena Kapoor Khan day night. —Agency tion that scripted conversation SAY NOTHING ‘W took centre between screenwriter SUSHMITA AIND stage during a conversa- Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu tion between the Bolly- Vinod Chopra. When lF explored the wood director, Vidhu Vi- asked would he use the journey of one nod Chopra, scriptwriter same adjective for his such writer dur- Abhijat Joshi and Vani life, the director replied, ing the second

—PHOTOS BY R K SINGH J A GALA EVENING Tripathi Tikoo at the first- “I think I would. Except day, who is known as an ever virtual edition of the for the fact that I really investigative journalist, During the virtual session Jaipur Literature Festi- wanted to make movies. as well as for his way with right to write people’s sto- val on the second day. I really wanted to do words at the non-fictional ries.” It is ironical that the that. That’s not unscript- writing. Patrick Radden Patrick further added that filmmaker, whose semi- ed. But my journey in Keefe in a conversation with while writing a non-fiction nal works like Parinda life is — I got married Fintan O’Toole shared his ex- book, we must not burden and 1942: A Love Story when I was very young, perience while he wrote ‘Say our minds with the sight of appear finely scripted, in the early 20s. When I Nothing’ and mentioned, “To grave horror. Investigation Sophie Chaudhary Vaani Kapoor would choose to call his met Renu (Saluja), who enter someone else’s territo- looks deeper into reality, it memoir Unscripted: was slightly older than ry is to be responsible for the surpasses judgments and one CITY FIRST POLITAS at The City Palace, anchored by Sophie Choudhary Conversations on Life me. The only thing that’s outcome. You try to see the cannot be perfect at it be- Jaipur on Sunday. Bollywood and the dress code for the even- he Indian Polo Awards actress Vaani Kapoor delivered ing was formals with a black and Cinema. But Vidhu scripted in my life is the world with someone else’s cause the world is different in association with Wed- a stellar dance performance, tie. The award ceremony was Vinod Chopra maintains pursuit of excellence; head. We must keep in mind for each individual. There- ding Asia was organised leaving the audience spellbound followed by gala dinner. More and demonstrates everything else is un- that empathy is important, fore, our individuality must T by LA POLO x LOS for the night. The ceremony was details on City First tomorrow. JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF JLF through both his life and scripted.” and, you need to earn the be the least driven essence. 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 CITY BUZZ AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 12

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

The interesting polo match captured with the First India hoarding making the perfect backdrop. A THRILLING

FINALE Diya Kumari presenting the Sona Polo Team with the Carysil Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Cup

KARISHMA GWALANI [email protected]

he hugely exciting 16-goal Jaipur Open, sponsored by Carysil and played T for the Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Cup Audience enjoying the match kept everyone on the edge of their seats on Sunday. singing the National An- profile match be followed It ended with Sona Polo them and there was even a by an equally spectacular beating the opposing team, special fashion show of Polo high tea. Spotted at the event Piramal Carysil by 12 - 11. Apparel organised for the were well-known faces like Diya Kumari was the Chief viewers between the chuk- Zarine Khan, Farah Guest for the match and pre- kers. During the high tea, old Khan, Chirag sented the prestigious cup to polo pictures of Maharaja Parekh, Harsh Pira- the winning team. The Sawai Bhawani Singh were mal, Manasi Scott match started with Bolly- also displayed. It was only and many Fashion Show at the Polo Match Mansi Scott wood singer Manasi Scott appropriate that this high others.

Meena Jadeja, Nisha Singh, Priyanjali Rajyalakshmi, Audience enjoying the fashion show Shivani Jadeja, Usha Rajyalakshmi and Diya Shekhawat Shamsheer Ali, Bhawani Kalvi, Himmat Bedla, Pablo Juareche and Om Singh

Neeru Soni, Lalit Soni and Suman Soni Rishee Miglani, Narendra Singh and TS Bist and Ajit Singh Vishal Mathur Rhea Parekh, Sania Suhag, Ashley Parekh, Akansha Khangarot, Himani Gupta

Kaushal and Kashmi Doda Rina Shah Selfie session at Polo Harsh Piramal and Mansi Scott

Akshay Hada and Digvijay Singh and Mrigendra Samode Shailendra Singh Rohit Kamra Old polo pictures exhibited during the match Pablo Juareche and Kuldeep Rathore Riya Suledia