First India Gujarat For Gujarat Today Epaper 15 Feb 2020 edition

1. AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 l Pages 14 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 81 Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on Friday. INDIA, PORTUGAL INK 7 CRUCIAL PACTS AFTER MODI-SOUSA TALKS PM MODI REMEMBERS OLD COMPATRIOT SUSHMA —PHOTO BY PTI I ndia and Portu- gal on Friday signed agreements to boost coopera- tion in a range of areas after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sou- sa held extensive talks. The pacts provide for cooperation in areas of investment, transport, ports, culture and in- dustrial and intellectu- al property rights. Portugal is an im- portant country for India in Southern Eu- rope, and bilateral ties have witnessed a steady progress in the last 15 years. In October 2005, Portugal extradited Abu Salem and Moni- ca Bedi to face terror charges. Prime Minister Modi visited Portugal in June 2017 during which 11 agreements were signed covering number of areas in- cluding space, avoid- ance of double taxation, nano-technology, bio- technology and higher education. seven Shah reviews status of ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ New Delhi: A high-level meeting chaired by Un- ion Home Minister Amit Shah to review the status of ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ fund- raising initiative by his Ministry on behalf of members of the Indian paramilitary forces, is currently underway . Border Security Force Director General Vivek Kumar Johri and Cen- tral Reserve Police Force DG AP Maheshwari are present in the meeting. The contributions in ‘Bharat ke Veer’ are ex- empted from income tax. A number of corpo- rate houses and individ- uals have come in sup- port of the kin of CRPF personnel, who lost their lives during the ghastly Pulwama attack on February 14 last year. As many as 40 CRPF jawans were killed when a suicide bomber of Pa- kistan-based Jaish-e-Mo- hammad terror outfit rammed an explosive- laden vehicle into the convoy of security forces in Pulwama. They were 2,500 in all and were trav- elling to Srinagar in 78 buses from Jammu. —ANI New Delhi: Sushma Swaraj epitomised dig- nity and had an unwa- vering commitment to public service, Prime Minister Modi said on Friday, as he paid tributes to the late BJP leader on her 68th birth anniversary . Swaraj died on Au- gust 6 last year follow- ing a cardiac arrest. “Remembering Su- shma Ji. She epito- mised dignity, decency and unwavering com- mitment to public ser- vice,” the prime minis- ter tweeted. Modi said the former external affairs minis- ter was firmly rooted in Indian values Narendra a large where diplomats are trained, has also been renamed the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. flecting India’s connect with its diaspora, as Su- shma Swaraj Bhavan. The Foreign Service Institute, a renowned institution in Delhi On the eve of her birth anniversary, the government had re- named the Bharatiya Kendra, a cul- tural centre in Delhi re- ethos, and had great dreams for the country . “She was an excep- tional colleague and an outstanding minister,” he added. Pravasi and —PTI Tradition, talent, trade — guiding principles of Gujarat tourism: Rupani STATE’S MoU WITH CENTRAL TOURISM FOR LIGHT & SOUND SHOWS AT KEY TOURIST PLACES BUILDING CM’S IMAGE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA C image, where he has been postured as a deci- sive leader giving transparent governance. It also states that Gujarat is lucky to have Vijay Rupani as the Chief Minister and even his opponents concede that he is decisive. The message on social media claims that even his arch rivals have started recognising his capabilities. He is a very low profi le, commit- ted and result-oriented leader, it says. Every day he is taking one major decision for the benefi t of Gujaratis. Haresh Jhala Sardar Vallabhbhai Pa- tel, was built with the initiative of the Prime Minister with a view to link religion, culture and history with na- tional unity for tour- ism. Tourists visiting the site of the statue are spellbound by the Unity Wall and Bhavan, Rupani said. Union Minister of State for Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel said the Rann of Kutch is like a heaven on earth, which has become a tourist cen- tre made better by several cultural ac- Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Guja- rat CM developed the state’s tourism on three ‘Ts’ -- tradition, talent and trade. This has been taken forward by his government. Speaking at the in- augural session, Ru- pani said special pro- vision has been made in the Budget for pro- moting five iconic ar- chaeological sites in India, Dholavira and Lothal in Gujarat. He said the world’s tallest statue, Statue of Unity in the memory of hief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched a campaign on social media to build his Gandhinagar: The de- velopment of tourism in Gujarat is based on tradition, talent and trade. Driven by this principle, the State Government has de- veloped new tourism sites like Madhavpur Ghed and similar oth- ers during the last three years. After inaugurating the All India Council of Tourism Secretaries at Dhordo in the Great Rann of Kutch, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said Prime Minister Bharat CM Vijay Rupani addresses the convention of the All India Council of Tourism Secretaries in Kutch. including chaeological sites. A MoU was signed between ITDC and Gujarat Tourism De- partment by ITDC MD Chavda said that Guja- rat has a long coastline, wild ass sanctuary in the Rann of Kutch, many temples and ar- to develop innovative and decorative light and sound show on Gujarat’s major tour- ist places. Kamla Vardhan Rao and TCGL MD Jainu Devan in presence of the Chief Minister for consultancy services tivities, thanks to the far-sightedness Prime Minister Modi. Gujarat’s Minister of Tourism Jawahar

2. TALKING POINT 02 AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 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 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 Antarctica logs hottest temperature on record Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica logs hottest Antarctica’s peninsula – the area that points towards South America – is one of the fastest warming places on earth, heating by almost 3C over the past 50 years. Almost all the region’s glaciers are melting A on record, with an Ar- gentinian research sta- tion thermometer read- ing 18.3C, beating the previous record by 0.8C. The reading, taken at Esperanza on the north- ern tip of the conti- nent’s peninsula, beats Antarctica’s previous record of 17.5C, set in March 2015. A tweet from Argen- tina’s meteorological agency on Friday re- vealed the record. The station’s data goes back to 1961. Antarctica’s penin- sula – the area that points towards South America – is one of the fastest warming places on earth, heating by al- most 3C over the past 50 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Almost all the region’s glaciers are melting. The Esperanza read- ing breaks the record for the Antarctic conti- nent. The record for the Antarctic region – that is, everywhere south of 60 degrees latitude – is 19.8C, taken on Signy Island in January 1982. whole continent. Renwick said higher temperatures in the re- gion tended to coincide with strong northwest- erly winds down mountain slopes – a feature of the weath- er patterns around Es- peranza in recent days. He said there were complex weather pat- terns in the area, but the Esperanza reading was likely a combina- tion of natural variabil- ity and background warming caused by ris- ing levels of green- house gases in the at- mosphere. He said: “The reason the peninsula is warm- ing faster than other places is a combination of natural variations and warming signals.” Prof Nerilie Abram, a climate scientist at the Australian University, has carried out research at James Ross Island at the north- ern tip of the peninsula. The lowest tempera- ture ever recorded in Antarctica – and any- where on Earth – was at the Russian Vostok sta- tion, when tempera- tures dropped to -89.2C on 21 July 1983. Prof James Renwick, a climate scientist at Victoria University of Wellington, was a mem- ber of an ad-hoc World Meteorological Organi- zation committee that has verified previous records in Antarctica. He told Guardian Australia it was likely the committee would be reconvened to check the new Esperanza record. He said: “Of course the record does need to be checked, but pending those checks, it’s a per- fectly valid record and that [temperature] sta- tion is well maintained.” “The reading is im- pressive as it’s only five years since the previ- ous record was set and this is almost one de- gree centigrade higher. It’s a sign of the warm- ing that has been hap- pening there much faster than the global average. “To have a new re- cord set that quickly is surprising but who knows how long that will last? Possibly not that long at all.” He said the tempera- ture record at Esperan- za was one of the long- est-running ntarctica logged its hot- test temperature has moving Mass melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet R warming ocean wa- ters are causing one of the world’s coldest places to melt. While we know that human activity is causing cli- mate change and driv- ing rapid changes in Antarctica, the poten- tial impacts that a warmer world would have on this region remain uncertain. Our new research might be able to pro- vide some insight into what effect a warmer world would have in Antarctica, by look- ing at what happened more than 129,000 years ago. We found that the mass melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was a major cause of high sea lev- els during a period known as the Last In- terglacial 116,000 years ago). The extreme ice loss caused more than three metres of aver- age global sea level rise – and worryingly, Last warming, 129,000 years ago – showing how sensi- tive the Antarctic is to higher temperatures. We think it’s likely this melting started well before the ocean warmed by 2˚C. This is concerning to us to- day , as ocean tempera- tures continue to in- crease, and the West Antarctic is already melting. The West Antarctic ice sheet can tell us a lot about the effect of warming ocean tem- peratures because it rests on the seabed. It’s surrounded by large areas of floating ice, called ice shelves, that protect the cen- tral part of the sheet. Despite 197 coun- tries committing un- der the Paris agree- ment to restricting global warming to 2˚C by the end of this cen- tury, our findings show that even minor increases in tempera- ture could have far- reaching impacts. Interglacial winds progressively gets older. We then were able to take sur- face samples on a straight, horizontal line across the blue ice area to recon- struct what happened to the ice sheet in the past. Our team many measurements. We first looked at the fine layers of volcanic ash in the ice to pin- point when the mass melting took place. Alarmingly, the re- sults showed that most ice loss hap- pened at the start of move the top layer of snow and erode the exposed ice. As the ice is removed by the wind, ancient ice is brought to the sur- face, which offers in- sight into the ice sheet’s history . While most Antarc- tic researchers drill deep into the ice to extract their samples, we were able to use a technique called hori- zontal ice core analy- sis. As you travel clos- er to the mountains of the ice sheet, the ice that been brought to the surface by these it took less than 2˚C of ocean warming for it to occur. To conduct our re- search, we travelled to an area on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and drilled into so- called blue ice areas to reconstruct the gla- cial history of this ice sheet. Blue ice areas are areas of ancient ice which have brought to the surface by fierce, high-densi- ty winds, called kata- batic winds. When these winds blow over mountains, they re- ising global tem- peratures some and National that’s took been on the (129,000- Source: The Conversation

3. SC NOTICE TO CENTRE ON CAA VALIDITY PLEA The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the consti- tutional validity of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and National Register of Citizens. P7 NCP SLAMS GOVT OVER BHIMA-KOREGAON CASE NCP chief Sharad Pawar said Maha government’s decision to transfer Bhima-Koregaon case to the Centre is constitutionally wrong as the investigation falls under state’s jurisdiction. P8 AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 l Pages 14 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 81 FURIOUS SC TEARS INTO TELECOS ‘Open to tweaking inside & outside of Budget for growth’ After Supreme Court rap, telecos ordered to clear dues by 11:59 pm TOP 10 DEVELOPMENTS New Delhi: The gov- ernment has asked tel- ecom companies to pay their dues by 11.59 pm tonight, Trust of India report- ed on Friday, hours after the Supreme Court’s dressing down on unpaid dues. Companies Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have been issued notices by the Department of Telecom, according to the news agency. The telecom compa- nies have to pay ad- justed gross revenue (AGR) worth 92,000 crore to the government. This morning, the court ripped into tele- com companies as well as the government over the dues remaining un- paid despite its orders. “We don’t know who is creating this nonsense, is there no law left in the country,” the Su- preme Court asked, summoning company bosses for contempt.  “I am anguished. I feel I should not work in this court,” a Supreme Court bench of Justices Arun Mishra, S Abdul Nazeer and MR Shah said on the petition fi led by Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleser- vices. “Our conscience has been shaken by the way things are happen- ing in the country,” they remarked. the government.  “We will initiate con- tempt against the offi cer and the companies. Not a penny has been deposit- ed... Is it not the outcome of money power?” the Supreme Court said today, referring to a “desk of- fi cer” in the government who had put on hold the top court’s order. Press Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. LIVELIHOOD OF 80 MN HOUSEHOLDS AT STAKE WITH PM’S DAIRY PUSH The Narendra Modi government is wooing US President Donald Trump with offers of duty concessions on dairy products and chicken to seal a trade deal with the United States during the up- coming visit of Trump and his entourage. India, the world’s larg- est milk producer, has no need to import milk or other dairy products, and has traditionally restricted such imports to protect the liveli- hoods of 80 million ru- ral households involved in the industry. But the Trump administration is challenging Turn on P5 New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Fri- day said that she is open to more tweak- ing inside and out- side the Budget for economic growth based on the feed- back given by econ- omists and experts. “If more has to be done beyond Budget 2020, we are willing to do that. I am open to take steps beyond it. We are open to hearing from all of you so that as and when tweakings have to happen or more has to be done beyond the Budget, we are willing to do that, the Finance Minister said in a panel discussion. like  “I am totally at loss how to work in this sys- tem and in this country... A desk offi cer considers himself judge and stays our order.  The Supreme Court had ordered the telecom companies to pay adjusted gross revenue (AGR) worth Rs 92,000 crore to Turn on P5 the Rs THE LETTER THAT ENRAGED COURT SENSEX CLOSES 200 PTS LOWER New Delhi: A “desk of- fi cer’s” letter asking that no coercive action be taken against telecom companies for not pay- ing dues was the trigger for the Supreme Court’s tongue-lashing for the government and a no- tice to telecom compa- nies for contempt. The top court summoned Mumbai: Equity bench- mark indices ended lower after a volatile trading session on Fri- day following Supreme Court’s rejection of the telecom companies’ plea. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 202 points lower at 41,258 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 61 points to 12,113. telecom Turn on P5 Turn on P5 Turn on P5 SC notice To J&K on plea by Omar’s sister for his release Apex Court judge faints during Nirbhaya trial, hearingdeferred Shaheen Bagh invites PM with heartily cut-outs New Delhi: Whether Omar Abdullah’s deten- tion under the stringent Public Security Act (PSA) is valid will be examined by the Su- preme Court, which is- sued notice today to the Jammu and Kashmir administration. The Su- preme Court said it would take up the case again on March 2, re- jecting senior lawyer Kapil Sibal’s request to hear it earlier. Omar Abdullah’s sister Sara Abdullah Pilot had petitioned the Supreme Court against his detention and had asked that he be produced in court and freed im- mediately. tion and this writ peti- tion is liable to be dis- missed,” it said. Vinay Sharma had claimed in the Supreme Court that President Ram Nath Kovind did not consider the “men- tal stability” he suf- fered due to torture in jail while rejecting his mercy petition. The centre denied the assertion, saying he was “fit and of sound mind”. This was part of the con- vict’s last-ditch effort to escape the death sen- tence handed to him and three others for the bru- tal sexual assault on a 23-year-old physiothera- py intern on December 16, 2012. New Delhi: A Supreme Court judge fainted in the courtroom on Fri- day while she was dic- tating an order on the centre’s petition seek- ing separate execu- tions for the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case. Justice R Banumathi regained consciousness even as court staffers rushed to her aid, PTI said, adding that she was subsequently taken to her chamber in a wheel- chair. The three-judge bench, also comprising Justices AS Bopanna and Ashok Bhushan, said that the order will be passed in-chamber. New Delhi: Protestors at Shaheen Bagh on Friday held heart- shaped cut-outs urg- ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit them at the pro- test site. ‘PM Modi come to Shaheen Bagh’ read the cutouts. The heart-shaped cutouts were held by five men in the gathering. The pro- test at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act has been continuing for the past nearly two months. Omar Abdullah Sara Abdullah Pilot Earlier this month, the former chief minister -- in detention since Au- gust 5 when the govern- ment ended special sta- tus to Jammu and Kash- mir -- was charged under the stringent law that al- lows detention without trial for up to three months, and this can be extended. “We were hoping that the release would be sooner...,” said Sara Ab- dullah Pilot. “We have full faith in the justice system. We are here in hope that the people of Kashmir have the same rights as the rest of India. We are waiting for that day,” she added. please Justice R Banumathi tion by President Ram Nath Kovind. “We do not find any ground for exercise of judicial review of the order of the President of India rejecting the petitioner’s mercy peti- In a related develop- ment, the same bench dismissed the plea of Vinay Sharma -- one of the four death row convicts in the case - challenging the rejec- tion of his mercy peti- Turn on P5 Turn on P5 E-vehicles on roads, but much-awaited subsidy policy still missing Energy Minister claims E-vehicles policy soon, but precious little has moved on ground tion since. According to tech- nical experts, 50 per cent of the cost of electrical vehicle is on Lithium Ion Bat- tery and so if the gov- ernment doesn’t give a matching subsidy on two- electrical will be not be viable for the consumers. The State Govern- ment targets to have one lakh e-vehicles by the end of 2022 and this can be achieved only if the government an- nounces subsidy poli- cies at the earliest and also start giving per- mission ging off electrical ve- hicles purchased by the Gujarat Urja Vi- kas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) told media persons that an e-ve- hicle policy will be announced soon. But Energy Depart- ment sources said the framing of the subsidy policy involves four to five departments and nothing concrete has worked out so far. In September, the State Government had an- nounced its intention of giving subsidy to the tune of Rs 37,500 for two wheelers and Rs 90,000 for three wheelers, but there has been no ac- Gujarat Govt Electrical Vehicles Target by 2022 TWO WHEELERS 80,000 Haresh Jhala gy and Transport de- partments told First India that, “There was a time in Gujarat, when policies were prepared and announced first and industrial invest- ment used to follow it.” But now the trend seems to have reversed. “Industries are permit- ted to set up plants and there is no policy. The government has grant- ed permission for Lith- ium Ion battery manu- facturing, two compa- THREE WHEELERS 14,000 Gandhinagar: State may boast of initiat- ing proactive meas- ures in promoting and attracting indus- trial investments, but is proving a laggard in framing of policies and announcements. For electric vehicles, the State Government is yet to finalise the subsidy policy. Sources in the Ener- The wheelers, vehicles Government FOUR WHEELERS 4,500 PUBLIC BUSES 1,500 ernment.” On Thursday, En- ergy Minister Sau- rabh Patel while flag- cars are on the road but there is no concrete subsidy policy being framed by the state gov- nies have set up plants and by mid or end of this calendar year these are likely to go opera- tional. Along with elec- trical commercial vehi- cles like buses and per- sonal vehicles, electric Turn on P5

4. GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 04 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 Women’s Commission calls for inquiry into Bhuj ‘strip’ check First India News will decide what to do depending on the po- lice report.” On Wednesday, 68 fe- male students alleged that they were physi- cally checked to see that menstruating stu- dents were not attend- ing classes since that is against institute rules. The institute also expects menstru- ating women to not touch other women or enter the kitchen, they also said. stitute. We have writ- ten to the District Su- perintendent of Police in Bhuj, asking that a team be sent to the in- stitute to record state- ments from the girl students. Women po- lice have reached the campus and have started an in- vestigation.” She has further said, “We have also asked the local Nari Adalat committee to look into the allegations. We VHP stages protest against Valentine’s Day in Ahmedabad “NCW will set up an inquiry team and visit the girls to inquire about the NCW has also appraised the Kutch University in- charge Vice-Chancellor Darshna Dholakia and the DGP of Gujarat, Shivanand Jha, to look into the matter thor- oughly and report to the Commission at the ear- liest.” — National Com- mission for Women” a statement from NCW said. In addition, NCW FIR LODGED Gandhinagar: The Gu- jarat Women’s Commis- sion has initiated suo moto action against the Shree Sahajanand Girls Institute in Bhuj, a day after 68 female students complained that the in- stitute stripped checked them to see if they were menstruating. The Na- tional Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the issue. RESERVATION ISSUE: CM STEPS IN Meets representatives from both sides of the divide in one day to explore options to keep everyone happy First India News incident. already —FILE PHOTO India, “The commis- sion has initiated suo moto against the Shree Sahajanand Girls In- state level, Leelaben Ankoliya, chairperson of Gujarat’s women’s commission told First explanation of this shameful that has taken place in their institute. At the has also written to in- stitute trustee, Pravin Pindora, and principal Rita Raniga to “give an exercise” Cong plans ‘Save Constitution’ rally First India News Congress to hold more rallies —PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani took time off from his busy schedule to meet with leaders from differ- ent communities to find a solution to the ongo- ing reservation agita- tion, where SC/ST/OBC communities have been in open conflict with the unreserved classes to protect their rights. Sources told First In- dia that Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and MoS (Home) Pradipsinh Jadeja met the chief minister on Friday af- ternoon and briefed him about the upper castes’ strongly opposition to the idea of scraping the August 2018 resolution. They have threatened to launch a state-wide agi- tation if their demands are not met. The chief minister later met Ad- ditional Chief Secretary (Home) Sangeeta Singh, chairmen of the LRD recruitment board and officers from legal and home department. They discussed the legal con- sequences, and CM also The Congress party will hold protest at the district- and taluka-level to protect rights of reserved categories. Leader of Opposi- tion in the Gujarat Assembly Paresh Dhanani said that the BJP government is pushing society towards class con- fl ict. “The BJP gov- ernment is gradually implementing their idea of reservation abolition, by issuing circulars,” he said. In the recent past, the state has seen many protests that resulted from BJP’s divisive policy, he said, adding, “The Congress will stage a protest at the state level and district levels in the coming days to fi ght against the anti-reservation mindset of BJP.” Ahmedabad: All India Congress (AICC) secretary and Gujarat in-charge Rajiv Satav alleged that the agenda of the BJP and RSS is to abolish reser- vation from the country . He said that Uttara- khand’s BJP govern- ment has submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that reser- vation in government jobs is not the constitu- tional responsibility of the government. “The affidavit was against the fundamen- tal right of reservation. Unfortunately, the Su- preme Court ruled in favour of that affidavit. The BJP and RSS have, time and again, talked about abolishing the reservation,” he said. The Congress party’s chief in Gujarat Amit Chavda said that sub- Committee Women candidates from the non-reserved category stage a near the Sardar Patel statue in Gandhinagar. MODIFICATION VHP workers asked youth to not celebrate the ‘western festival’. First India News decency in the name of love. We are taking out protests across country against Valen- tine’s Day to save our culture.” VHP members were also seen distribut- ing pamphlets request- ing youths to not cele- brate Valentine’s Day . “We have urged the youngsters to not cele- brate the western festi- val. For the last three days, we have been dis- tributing pamphlets to youngsters urging them to not celebrate the fes- tival. We are also re- questing Hindu girls not to fall for ‘Love-Ji- had’,” he added. the Ahmedabad: The Vish- va Hindu (VHP) on Friday staged a protest here against Valentine’s Day in a bid to “save Indian culture” according to the mem- bers of the organiza- tion. Mehta, President of VHP Ahmedabad, said that Valentine’s Day is a western festival and hence should be shunned. “We have always op- posed the western festi- val of Valentine’s Day . It is not our culture. We have never opposed love, but we oppose in- Parishad GPCC Chief Amit Chawda mitting such responses in the Supreme Court reflects the BJP’s anti- reservation mentality. “We always stand by the people who are marginalized and de- prived. We will take out a rally with slogans ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ on February 17. To protect the rights of the re- served-category com- munity, we will fight from Sadak to Sansad,” he said. as it is against the reser- vation policy . Sources say the duo also ex- plained that the resolu- tion, if still in effect, would have a political impact in North Guja- rat, and that the BJP would suffer in the up- coming panchayat polls. Thakor had issued an ultimatum, giving the state government 48 hours to scrap the reso- lution. 6 held for negligence at Sola Civil wanted the officers to help him find a solution. Thereafter, the officers discussed various op- tions to resolve the issue while keeping all par- ties happy in a meeting with senior officers from the CMO, these sources said. Later in the day, OBC leader Al- pesh Thakor Bharatji Dabhi too met Rupani and urged him to scrap the resolution and 2 suspects confess to involvement in murder First India News City jeweller cheated Ahmedabad: A jewel- lery shop owner has filed a complaint of cheating against two jewellers jasthan for non-pay- ment of Rs44 lakh, which he says they owe him against jewellery purchased. Yagnesh- kumar Gandhi, runs a jewellery shop named Ashtamangal jewellers in Navrang- pura. In his complaint, he says the cheque for payment given by the two customers, Shailendra Soni and Vinay Ramlal Soni, bounced. First India News a class 4 employee working on contract. Two doctors and three nurses have warned and ferred to another ward- department.” In this regard, an em- ployee of the hospital who did not want to be named for fear of blow- back, said: “The hospi- tal authorities have made a farce out of the investigation. They ter- minated one of the em- ployees working on con- tract, while the doctor and nurses were only warned. The major cul- prits have been saved.” to death by Hardik Pa- tel’s goons on Wednes- day when he was sitting alone in his office un- armed. Patel was se- verely wounded in the incident and was later declared dead in a pri- vate hospital. The as- sailants were identified as Rahul, Satish, Sahil, Vicky and two other unidentified persons. History-sheeter Mar- athi was one of prime accused in the murder of Manu Davya. Sourc- es say Patel was former- ly a close associate of Marathi. Ahmedabad: Discipli- nary action has been initiated against six persons, including a doctor, at Sola Civil Hos- pital, after an internal investigation them guilty of negli- gence during fumiga- tion operations. About two months back, a 75-year-old man died after inhaling va- pours produced during fumigation in the hospi- tal’s ICCU ward. Sola Civil hospital manage- ment took against six persons on been trans- Surat: Two persons surrendered before Su- rat’s detective crime branch (DCB) for their alleged involvement in the murder of gangster Surya Marathi. Out of the seven accused in the case, the two persons, Satish and Rahul, con- fessed to being part of the group that carried out the attack, wherein Marathi’s former asso- ciate, Hardik Patel, who was with the assailants, also died. Marathi was stabbed from Ra- found 39, —FILE PHOTO tigating the negligence in fumigation opera- tions, the committee has submitted a report to us. On the basis of which, we have taken action against a total of six persons, including thorities by a commit- tee of senior officials of Sola Civil Hospital and Sola Government Medi- cal College. Sola Civil Hospital superintendent, Dr RM Jitia said, “After inves- Friday after a report by the hospital’s newly-es- tablished investigation committee. An inquiry committee was appoint- ed after the incident. The report was submit- ted to the hospital’s au- Ramlal action GUP SHUP TALKIN’ ‘BOUT A REVOLUTION T tactics employed by various departments at a department canteen at the Secretariat. Apparently, like many of us, they are also fed up with the slow pace of things in the government. First, they were cribbing to each other about the loops one has to jump through before anything gets done. One said to the other, “At this tortoise-like speed, we can’t deliver results and meet people’s aspirations.” Then, they moved to solution mode. “There is a need for a sea change in the system,” said the fi rst person, “which can be brought only through revolution.” As the other nodded sagely, we have to wonder, is Gujarat prepping for a revolution? LIGHT ON THE DETAILS H Chief Minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated a tent festival which is apparently going to be held at Mandvi beach annually. Inner road-trippers suitably awakened, we excitedly turned to Google to plan a trip at the earliest. Early mover advantage and all that, right? Wrong. There’s zero information available on how much this thing would cost, or how to get there. There isn’t even a website for the brand new tourism initiative. That’s saying something (and nothing nice) at a time when even pets have an Internet presence. NO ROOM AT THE INN? T Trump’s visit is having a problem of the almost biblical variety. There doesn’t seem to be room at the inn for the many offi cers of the various security agencies that have been swarming in lately. At least, not the rooms they want, from what we hear. Offi cials from two different security agencies from New Delhi apparently got into a ‘thing’ over a ‘choice’ room at a government guesthouse. Neither was willing to accept any other rooms. Until a high- ranking police offi cer intervened. To recap: Grown men were fi ghting over a room until they were separated by a superior offi cer. This would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. ow would you feel if you opened your daily newspaper and saw only headlines with no articles? We got a taste of that on Friday, the day after he logistics team handling accommodation for President wo government employees were overheard discussing dilly-dallying BUGGED? Or is it the grapevine... . First India begins a column that brings to you gossips or tete-e-tete from the corridors of power ALL ROADS LEAD TO TRUMP W visit that they’re ignoring tax-paying citizens. Anyone who’s visited the offi ce of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to get any work done has been receiving the same line: “(Insert person in charge) is not available since they’re on a visit to airport/Gandhi Ashram/Motera.” This is particularly true of the commissioner and mayor. We get that we need to roll out the red carpet, but could we maybe not trip over ourselves in the process? There’s an election coming, after all. e understand that Trump’s an important guy and that his visit is important, but it’s not ok that civic body offi cials are so enthusiastic about the Donald’s

5. GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 05 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 CIVIL HOSP IS TRUMP-READY Operation theatres, ambulances, emergency medicine and medical teams preparing in accordance with VVIP protocol First India News Govt assigns IAS, IPS officers duties for visit With Ahmedabad: preparations for US President Trump’s visit to the city in full Ahmedabad’s Civil Hos- pital has been put on high alert. The largest civil hospital in Asia has kept their emergen- cy services ready to deal with any medical emergencies that might occur on February 24. At part of a pro- gramme titled Kem Chho Trump, the Amer- ican head of state is scheduled to partici- pate in a road show in the city on February 24 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and in- augurate the newly- built Motera stadium and tour the Sabarmati Ashram. Trump is to stay at the Hyatt hotel in Vastrapur during his visit to the city . Sources say the hos- pital has been prepar- ing in accordance with protocol issued by the US Prez to have 22km roadshow in Ahmedabad US Secret Service agents descend Donald swing, First India News First India News stadium and Gandhi Ashram. DGP Shivanand Jha and Ahmedabad Police Commis- sioner Ashish Bhatia will be responsible for the Guard of Honour at the airport, while cultural event and welcome reception at the airport will be taken care of by Secretary C V Som. Secretary Mamta Verma and Ahmedabad Collector KK Nirala will take care of Sabar- mati Ashram, while cultural events at the stadium will be coordinated by Industries Commissioner Rahul Gupta. The control room and logis- tics at Motera Stadium will be handled by Dhananjay Dwive- di. Media coordination has been assigned to Ashwani Ku- mar, Secretary Information and secretary to Chief Minis- ter Vijay Rupani. Airport per- missions and coordination will be the responsibility of Lochan Sehra and Captain Ajay Chauhan. Gandhinagar: The state gov- ernment has released its list of IAS and IPS officers who will handle various duties on Feb- ruary 24, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Presi- dent Donald Trump arrive in the city to inaugurate the new- ly rebuilt Motera Stadium. Sources say the assignments rely heavily on the officers’s track record and their previ- ous exposure to international dignitaries. Additional Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar and Principal Secretary Kamal Dayani will handle the event at the stadium, in coordination with other officers and event management company . Road and Building Secretary Sand- eep Vasava and Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vi- jay Nehra will be in charge of the brand building for the state along the route from Airport to Ahmedabad: To guarantee in- fallible security for the visit of US President Donald Trump on February 24, 300 American se- cret service agents arrived in the city and met with Ahmedabad police and other security agen- cies to discuss the three-layered security system. During the event, Trump is to take part in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and inaugurate the newly rebuilt Motera stadi- um and tour the Sabarmati Ash- ram. The US head of state is to stay at Hotel Hyatt in Vastrapur. The law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the US President arrived on Thursday and conducted a security sweep of Hotel Hyatt. They will visit Motera Stadium and Gandhi Ashram on Saturday . Only secret service agents and Trump’s per- sonal security have been allowed entry into the presidential floor at Hotel Hyatt. AT THE READY will also be kept ready at the hospital as part of the protocol. Three ambulances, including an ICU on wheels, are prepared for any emer- gency. Dr GH Rathod, Medical Superinten- dent of the hospital, says, “Whenever there is a VVIP movement, we prepare the protocol according to the medi- cal emergency . There is nothing more that can be said.” doctors and a paramedi- cal team have also been assigned for duty . Moreover, blood of Trump’s blood group state government. In addition, two operation theatres have been pre- pared at the hospital, while five specialist DOTTING THE I’S AND CROSS THE T’S First India News Presi- Ahmedabad: dent of the United States of America Don- ald Trump will likely be be treated to a 22km long roadshow during his 3.5 hour visit to the city on February 24. During the roadshow, more than 50,000 people are likely to greet the international along the cavalcade’s route from the Airport to Motera stadium and Gandhi Ashram route. Mayor Bijal Patel told that more than 300 reli- gious leaders, NGOs, and other organizations have been invited by the civic body to take a part in the roadshow. “The roadshow will be simi- lar to the ones we have organized in the past to greet international dig- nitaries. We have asked different communities and people from differ- ent regions to remain present in their tradi- tional attire. Different Stages are being erected along the convoy’s route. 3 ROUTES guest Ahmedabad’s civic authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to ensure that US President Donald Trump’s visit to the city later this month goes off without a hitch. Police checking has increased, roads have been fi xed, junction boxes on street-light poles are being checked, and even Gandhi Ashram has been fogged to avoid any untoward incident, including mosquito bites. —PHOTOS BY NANDAN DAVE decided for Trump’s travel within the city. Citizens will be prohib- ited from using the road from the airport to the Gandhi Ashram, from Gandhi Ashram to the Motera Stadium and from the stadium to the airport for the course of Trump’s visit. religious people will also greet the presi- dent,” she said. “There will be stages for cultural events and folk dances along the road,” she added. So far, 11 roads have been re- surfaced at the cost Rs27 crore. For now, three routes have been Torrent Power staff attacked FROM JACKET AND PG 1 the Supreme Court? A desk offi cer considers himself judge and stays our order. Who is the desk offi cer? A desk offi cer says coercive action not to be taken until further orders. How can he stay our orders,” Justice Arun Mishra had demanded of the government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Telecommunications (DoT) so that dues could be cleared beyond the January 23 deadline for payment. E-vehicles on... for the charging stations across the state. Public charging stations are to be approved by the Central Government and its subsidy is disbursed through Guja- rat Energy Development Agency . In the current financial year, the pan-India sales of E-vehicles have touched 2,85,000 vehicles and they were paid Rs 3.6 billion in subsidy . and his supervisor were checking for illegal elec- tricity connections in Vat- va’s Gulmahor Society . “They asked why we were checking there,” he says in his complaint, adding, “They suddenly got very angry and started using abusive language. Then they beat us up and threat- ened to kill us.” Police are investigating. Ahmedabad: Brijeshku- mar Thakur, an executive officer with Torrent Power at Shahpur, has filed a po- lice complaint accusing two men, identified as Ir- shad Dilshad Saiyad and Vajiul Saiyad, of verbally and physically assaulting him on Thursday . In his complaint, Thakur says the two accused proached him while he on the currency, bond and equity markets. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said, “In order to take India to a high trajectory growth rate, we will discuss on forward-look- ing measures regarding the Budget and Beyond.” who “stayed” the court or- der and said no action should be taken against the companies if they failed to pay up by the deadline.  Telecom providers in the country pay the DoT 3-5 per cent of their AGR in spectrum usage charges and 8 per cent as licence fees. Top 10 developments...  Who is the desk offi cer? Where is the desk offi cer. Call him now here. Is there any law left in the country?” the judges fumed. “No company has deposited anything for many years. They should have deposited some money,” they said.  Companies have long argued that the AGR should comprise just revenue accrued from core services, while the govern- ment says it should include all revenue. Apex Court... The top court had earlier rejected the request of AP Singh, the counsel of Vinay Sharma, seeking the perus- al of the original file of rec- ommendation Delhi Home Minister Sa- tyendra Jain and Lieu- tenant Governor Anil Baijal for the rejection of his mer- cy petition. Livelihood of... all hurdles to US exports across the world, more importantly to nations that nurture a trade surplus with America and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to pull all stops to make the 24-25 February visit pleasant for the US President. ap-  Telecom companies including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices had approached the Supreme Court in January, seeking modifi cation in the top court’s verdict to get more time to pay up.  According to the Telecom Department, Bharti Airtel owes around Rs 23,000 crore, Voda- fone Idea Rs 19,823 crore and Reliance Communications Rs 16,456 crore.a made by Furious SC... The managing directors of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, MTNL, BSNL, Reliance Communications, Tata Tele- communication and others were summoned to the court on March 17. “It is better not to live in this country and rather leave the country,” the judg- es thundered, angry about a letter from a desk officer of the Department of Telecom,  The court had rejected the telecom service providers’ plea seeking a review of its earlier order that allowed the government to collect dues worth Rs 92,000 crore from them. The Letter... the offi cer besides telecom bosses over non-payment of dues of Rs 92,000 crore as Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The Department of Telecom, given one hour to withdraw the letter, has now done so. “Should we wind up ‘Open to... Participating in an interac- tive session on ‘Budget & Beyond’, organised by the NITI Aayog, the Finance Minister said that the imme- diate feedback to the Budget has been motivating, as it has had a “positive impact” SC notice... Abdullah’s father Farooq Ab- dullah and Mehbooba Mufti, also former chief ministers, have been detained under the same law, which is used most- ly against terrorists and stone-throwers.  The telecom companies want the top court to allow them to approach the Department of

6. PERSPECTIVE SC judgment on tainted netas… a moral victory for EC! 06 AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 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 IN-DEPTH PLIGHT OF INDIA’S WOMEN hat is common between Delhi, the national capital and Bhuj, a town in the far-flung Kutchh region of Guja- rat? At both these places, girl stu- dents have been subjected to the most shameful treatment in recent times. Stu- dents of Delhi’s prestigious all-women Gargi College had a harrowing time when they were sexually molested by “outsiders” at a college event a few days ago. On Valentine’s Day , stu- dents of Sahjanand Girl’s Institute were humiliated by the principal and staff who allegedly asked them to remove their under- wear to prove they were not menstruating. As it is, educating a girl child is a challenge for various reasons. To make matters worse educational institutions are becoming night- marish places for them. The Bhuj incident not only highlights how we treat girls but also the medieval mindset which some of the so-called educated women carry . The institute’s principal and other female staff insulted and paraded the stu- dents forcing them to strip to check on their menstrual cycle. The reason, as given by an Ahmedabad newspaper: the institute, which is run by Swaminarayan temple follow- ers, believes in segregating its menstruating students to avoid physical contact with fellow students and prevents them from entering the kitchen or a temple. All this is happening in even as the SC is seized of the issue of Sa- barimala temple where menstruating women are not allowed entry to the sanc- tum sanctorum as that would defile the presiding deity . The incident also reminds one of the menstruating girls not going to schools to avoid “embarrassment”. More than action against the institute’s principal and staff, what is needed is a wide- spread campaign to change the mindset of the people who still follow 16th-century prac- tice against a normal and necessary biologi- cal phenomenon. For the time being a “dis- turbed” National Commission for Women has promised an inquiry into the incident. At Gargi College, outsiders forcibly en- tered the premises during a college festi- val and molested them. The incident hap- pened during the third day of the college festival Reverie on February 6, when hoodlum barged in and groped students besides indulging in other disgusting acts. Initially, the college principal too de- nied the incident and the police also refused to take cognizance of their complaint. But when students started giving a detailed ac- count of the shocking incident and mounted pressure the principal lodged an FIR. The police also moved into action as the issue threatened to get out of hand. If at Bhuj the institute’s principal and staff themselves humiliated the girl students, at Gargi College the Principal remained indif- ferent to the plight of her students who re- fused to take things lying down. If women work as enemies of their own, who will fight for their rights? Maybe, it is time to ponder. W KARTIKEY DEV SINGH @KARTIKEYBANETHI A fter the Election Commis- sion’s continued badgering of ‘weeding-out’ netas with a criminal background from Indian politics, Friday’s judgment of the SC is both a moral and strategic victory of the Election Commission in ensuring that the citizens of India get a legislative that is free of criminals or at least the voters’ fundamen- tal right to know about the criminal background of can- didates is secured. The lu- cidly written judgment of the SC on Friday, welcomed by the EC is a document that is a statement on the state of politics in the nation today . With the SC empowering a decisive and powerful Election Commission headed by the un- assailable CEC Sunil Arora, the political system may see fewer of unworthy men enter- ing the legislature. Armed with this order, the Election Com- mission should now be able to purge the system for clean pol- itics. Provided parties, too, shun criminals for a healthy democracy . According to sourc- es, the EC is likely to come down heavily on the dispropor- tionate assets of tainted netas and election candidates. Point 3 of the judgment states, “On a perusal of the documents placed on record and after submissions of counsel, it appears that over the last four general elec- tions, there has been an alarming increase in the in- cidence of criminals in poli- tics. In 2004, 24% of the Mem- bers of Parliament had crim- inal cases pending against them; in 2009, that went up to 30%; in 2014 to 34%; and in 2019 as many as 43% of MPs had criminal cases pending against them.” It justifies the public perception that poli- tics has for long been a safe refuge for criminals in India. In 2002, the Supreme Court held that the voter has a funda- mental right, to know relevant such as whether charges have been framed, the con- cerned court, the case num- ber etc.) who have been se- lected as candidates, along with the reasons for such selection, as also why other individuals without crimi- nal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.” In its February 13 order the Supreme Court has made it mandatory for political par- ties to “publish, including on official social media pages, details of cases against their candidates” and also give a reason for their selection. Po- litical parties have been di- rected to publish all informa- tion about pending criminal cases within 48 hours of a candidate’s selection “or not less than two weeks before the first date of filing nomi- nation, whichever is earlier.” Notably , it has two points at the end that are very critical which empower the Election Commis- sion and will have long term positive implications in the pro- cess of cleaning up the political system, namely: “ The political party concerned shall then sub- mit a report of compliance with these directions with the EC within 72 hours of the selection of the said candidate. 6) If a po- litical party fails to submit such compliance report with the Elec- tion Commission, the Election Commission shall bring such non-compliance by the political party concerned to the notice of the SC as being in contempt of this Court’s orders/directions.” facts about the candidate includ- ing assets and criminal back- ground. (Union of India v/s As- sociation for democratic rights). The parliament then amended the Representation of people’s actions to nullify certain direc- tions of the Supreme Court. The amendment was that the candi- date had only to declare convic- tion and charge framed an of- fence punishable with impris- onment of two years or more. Supreme Court again in 2003 in the PUCL v/s Union of India reiterated that without knowing the relevant antecedents of the candidate the election cannot be free and fair. In 2013, the Su- preme Court in Lily Thomas v/ s Union of India ruled that any MLA, MP , MLC, who is convict- ed of a crime and given a mini- mum of two years imprison- ment loses membership of the house immediately . However, an attempt was made to overturn this direction by way of the or- dinance which failed. Still, there is no provision which blocks the way of criminals in legislatures, only a convict with two years or more imprisonment is barred from election and that too only if the conviction is not stayed by the appellate court. The general feeling is that shady characters win elec- tions using money and mus- cle power and become “maan- niyas” (honourable) over- night simply by donning white khadi. Their winnabil- ity and ill-gotten wealth make them a favourite of all political parties who have no qualms about fielding such elements and those with a criminal background also are not embarrassed when they give details of their an- tecedents at the time of filing nomination. On Friday , concerned over the alarming rise in criminaliza- tion of politics, a bench of Jus- tices RF Nariman and S Ravin- dra Bhat passed the significant order directing all political par- ties to comply with the order. The judges also asked the Elec- tion Commission to bring to their notice non-compliance of the order, if any , which would be treated as contempt. The judges said, “It shall be mandatory for political parties (at the Central and state level) to upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases (in- cluding the nature of offenc- es and relevant particulars With the SC empowering a decisive and powerful Election Commission headed by the unassailable CEC Sunil Arora, the political system may see fewer of unworthy men entering the legislature Why are some democracies happier than others? G ’96, Barack Obama in 2013, and Donald Trump in 2018-’19 did not in- crease public satisfaction. And in Australia, the re- volving door of prime ministers between 2013 and 2018 has left many voters dissatisfied. lobal dissatis- faction with de- mocracy has in- creased over the past 25 years, able to achieve high and rising levels of democrat- ic contentment? There are four factors that stand out in explaining why some democracies have – or have not – experienced an eroding democratic satis- faction. These can be summarised by four “Ps”: polarisation, pa- ralysis, perfidy, and powerlessness. that they have agency over the political process. A clear example of power- lessness is where there is low electoral integrity. Elections are one of the most visible aspects of de- mocracy, and unfair elec- toral practices decrease public satisfaction. The unlimited money pouring into US elections since 2010, its demonstra- bly gerrymandered elec- toral districts, active voter suppression, and contro- versies in vote counting have left many disillu- sioned with the electoral process. Canada is better off, but the circumvention of election finance rules by Conservatives in the 2006 election campaign and Robocall scandal in the 2011 Canadian federal elections did not enhance public satisfaction. FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM according to our recent re- port. Drawing upon the HU- MAN Surveys project, the report covered 154 coun- tries, with 77 countries cov- ered continuously for the period from 1995 to 2020. Not surprisingly, gloomy headline finding – rising democratic dissatis- faction – attracted the most attention. Less widely dis- cussed, however, is the “good news” – that a small sample of coun- tries has bucked the trend, and have record high levels of satisfaction with their democracies. PERFIDY Perfidy – or, corruption and scandal – is one of the strongest predictors of dissatisfaction with democracy. These can be short-lived, as with the UK parliamentary ex- penses scandal of 2009, which saw dissatisfaction temporarily rather longer in duration, such as the “tangentpoli” investigations in 1990s It- aly which led to the col- lapse of the entire party system. the POLARISATION First, countries with in- creasing show rising dissatisfac- tion. This is especially the case in majoritarian elec- toral systems that gener- ate “winners and losers”, leaving close to half of the electorate dissatisfied following every election. polarisation the UK during the Brexit paralysis of 2019, in which the British cabinet and parliament jammed over whether to pass the EU withdrawal agreement, hold a second referendum, or call an election. The UK is not the only example: shutdowns in the US un- der Bill Clinton in 1995- Countries in southern Europe caught in the eurozone crisis, have experienced breakdown in democratic satisfaction TOP TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp High charging time & range anxiety are common issues faced by EV owners. Technologies are being developed to address these issues. Our PSUs are identifying alternative solutions to develop high-capacity chargers & battery swapping facilities to effectively cater to our EV fl eet. were log- spike, or ISLANDS OF CONTENTMENT Why are such countries – the Netherlands, Den- mark, or Switzerland – PARALYSIS Citizens abhor a political vacuum. Perhaps one of the clearest examples is government POWERLESSNESS Finally, citizens must feel G Vol 1 G Issue No. 81 GRNI 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: Jagdeesh Chandra, Resident Editor : Darshan Desai, responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

7. INDIA AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 07 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 PM, OTHER LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE TO CRPF MARTYRS PULWAMA ATTACK ANNIVERSARY CRPF remembers 40 jawans Srinagar: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday paid tributes to their person- nel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack on this day, last year when their convoy was targeted by a suicide bomber of Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Moham- mad (JeM). Umesh Gopinath Jad- hav from Maharashtra was the special guest at the wreath-laying cere- mony at CRPF campus here to mark a year of the attack. Jadhav took a 61,000 km long jour- ney across India to meet families of jawans who lost their lives in the attack. Jadhav met the fami- lies of the Pulwama martyrs and said that he collected the soil from their houses. “I am proud that I met all the families of Pulwama martyrs, and sought their blessings. Parents have lost their sons, wives lost their New Delhi:PM Modi led the nation in paying tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwa- ma a year ago and said India will never forget their martyrdom. Congress leader Ra- hul Gandhi, ministers Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Puri as well as AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal were among those who remembered killed when a convoy of vehicles carrying security was attacked on Febru- ary 14 last year. “Tributes brave martyrs who lost their lives in the grue- some Pulwama attack last year. They were ex- ceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protect- ing our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom,” Minister Modi tweeted. BJP president J P Na- dda also hailed the sac- rifice of the CRPF per- sonnel. “India will always re- member their martyr- dom. We should all unite to completely end terrorism from its very roots,” he said on Twitter. —PTI ‘SACRIFICE WON’T BE FORGOTTEN’ Hardeep the 40 those personnel to the husbands, children lost their fathers, friends lost their friends. I col- lected soil from their houses and their crema- tion grounds,” he said. PULWAMA PROBE REACHES DEAD END Srinagar: The case threw unique challenges for NIA, anti-terror probe agency formed in aftermath of Mumbai terror strikes in 2008, as it there is no solid information about mastermind behind the at- tack. “It was a blind case for us. There were lot of murmurs but everything needs to be established beyond doubt in the court of law,” an offi cial said. MOS HOME SLAMS RAHUL’S ‘PULWAMA BENEFIT’ QUESTION MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy fi red a broadside at former Congress President Rahul Gandhi for playing politics on Pulwama attack. Gandhi had raised ques- tions on ‘benefi ciaries’ of fallout of the martyrdom of CRPF personnel. Reddy alleged that Gandhi was making such statements at the behest of “adversarial state” Pakistan. NIA FAILED TO NAB CULPRITS: MUFTI New Delhi: PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said that National Investigation Agency (NIA) failed to nab the culprits of Pulwama terror attack even after a year. “No surprises that a year post-Pulwama attack, NIA failed to nab culprits. The same agency is now sheltering it’s pawn Davinder Singh who was caught with militants,” Mufti tweeted. ‘THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES TODAY’VALENTINE’S DAY’ New Delhi: Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan remembered the martyrs of Pulwama and their sacrifi ce on the day of love. Am- itabh wrote on social media, “Suna ja raha hai aaj hai Valentine Day. Pyar mohabbat jatate hain foolon se aur dilon se. Dil Mohabbat ki baatein to honi chahiye pratidin. Ek hi din banaya kyu gaya hai ye hai to abhinn. Par soche zara saal bhar pehle hua jo. Isi din shaheed hue Pulwama mein veer jo Shraddha se natmastak hote hain aaj hum, fool barsaate hain unpar aaj hum.” RAGA RAISES THREE QUESTIONS ON PULWAMA ATTACK ANNIVERSARY New Delhi: Slamming the Centre on the fi rst anniversary of Pulwama attack, Rahul Gandhi questioned who has been held ac- countable for the “security lapses” and also asked about the outcome of the inquiry into the attack. “Today as we remember our 40 CRPF martyrs in the #PulwamaAt- tack , let us ask: 1. Who benefi tted the most from the attack? 2. What is the outcome of the inquiry into the attack? 3. Who in the BJP Govt has yet been held accountable for the secu- rity lapses that allowed the attack?” he tweeted. Prime SC notice to Centre on plea against validity of CAA Status report in Aircel-Maxis case filed IN THE COURTYARD the allegations men- tioned in the charge sheet appeared to be “quite serious in na- ture.” The matter was earlier adjourned sine die. The case, which is be- ing probed by the CBI and ED, relates to al- leged irregularities in grant of Foreign Invest- ment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. both probing agencies. DJ Sujata Kohli after receiving the report ad- journed the matter for February 20. In January, the court directed the Central Bu- reau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a fresh status report in the Aircel-Maxis case. While issuing the direc- tions, district judge Su- jata Kohli observed that New Delhi: The CBI and Enforcement Direc- torate filed the status report in the Aircel- Maxis case in a Special Court in Delhi. CBI has informed the court that they have sent Letters Rogatory to Malaysia and there is some development re- garding it, and also that the agency is working on a new lead. ASG San- jay Jain appeared for SC DECLINES SAJJAN KUMAR’S PLEA FOR BAIL IN 1984 ANTI-SIKH RIOTS CASE New Delhi: The Su- preme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre on a plea chal- lenging the constitu- tional validity of Citi- zenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the Na- tional Register of Citi- zens (NRC). The apex court has sought the Central gov- ernment’s reply and tagged the matter along with similar pending matters. The petition was filed by Jamiat Ule- ma-e-Hind. Earlier on February 7, the top court issued a notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the consti- tutional validity of CAA and effective im- plementation of the As- sam Accord. Over a hundred peti- tions have been filed in the apex court for and against the amended citizenship law. New Delhi: SC declined former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s plea seeking interim bail in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Appearing for Kumar, Senior lawyer and former ASG sought the interim bail, citing the need for private medical treatment. A bench headed by Chief Justice SS Bobde refused interim relief to Kumar and scheduled the matter for hearing after the Holi vacation. HEARING ON CONGRESS’ MANIFESTO PLEA FOR 2019 LS POLLS ADJOURNED SC ALLOWS KARTI TO TRAVEL ABROAD CBI MOVES SC AGAINST BAIL Hearing on CBI probe in Gargi college incident on Feb 17 ‘BOOKIE’ CHAWLA MOVES HC OVER CUSTODIAL REMAND New Delhi: SC allowed Congress MP Karti New Delhi: CBI moved SC against the J’khand Chidam- baram to travel abroad, for attending a tennis HC’s order granting bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad New Delhi: Delhi HC said that it will hear on Feb 17 advocate ML Sharma’s petition seek- ing a CBI probe in the Gargi college incident. Sharma mentioned his plea before a division bench of Justices GS Sistani & Justice C Hari Shankar seeking an ur- gent hearing in the mat- ter. The bench enquired Sharma about the ur- gency with regard to his plea. He responded by New Delhi: London based businessman Sanjeev Chawla, who was extradited to India for his involvement in a match-fixing moved Delhi HC chal- lenging his 12-day cus- todial remand nounced by House Court. He, through his counsel, challenged custodial remand grounds that it was against extradition treaty signed between U K & India. New Delhi: The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of a plea seeking to declare manifesto of Indian National Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as “unfair” and against the Model Code of Conduct, as the party had promised freebies to voters in an attempt to bribe them. A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. The petition seeks to declare null and void the winning seats of Congress party. One Adarsh Kumar Agarwal has fi led this petition against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. racket, tournament and asked him to deposit Rs 10 crore with the apex court registry. A three- judge Bench of the apex court, headed by CJI Sharad Arvind Bob- de passed the order. Yadav in the fodder scam case. After the former Bihar CM completed half of his jail term in connection with Deoghar treasury scam case, HC had granted him bail. pro- stating that there are chances of destroying evidence related to the case. The advocate told the court that nothing major has been done so far. Patiala on FELT BAD: DIDI ON NOT BEING INVITED TO E-W METRO FUNCTION Kolkata: Attacking the BJP for not inviting her for the inauguration of Phase I of East-West Met- ro corridor, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said a lot of hard work was put on the work of metro but they don’t have the courtesy to call and in- form.”We worked hard for the metro and it feels bad SOULS OF GANDHI FAMILY ARE CORRUPT , SAYS SAMBIT PATRA New Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Rahul Gandhi for targeting the government on Pulwama terror attack anniversary, saying that the souls of Gandhi family are corrupt. “That was a Dastardly attack.. And this is a dastardly comment.. Who Benefi tted the most? ..Mr Gandhi can you think LEFT PARTIES TO PROTEST AGAINST TRUMP’S VISIT TO INDIA New Delhi: The Left parties will stage a protest against US President Donald Trump’s visit to India scheduled for later this month. Trump will pay a two-day visit to India from Feb 24 at the in- vitation of PM Modi. “CPI and CPI (M) will stage a protest against Donald Trump’s visit. The agi- tation is likely to take place on February 24,” CPI General Secretary D Raja said. “Left parties are of the view that people should express their strong opposition to Trump when he is visiting India & there are several reasons to oppose his visit. PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT VARANASI ON SUNDAY New Delhi: PM Modi is slated to visit his Par- liamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Sunday (February 16). Modi is scheduled to participate in the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebra- tions of Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul. He shall also be releasing the translated version of the Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages, according to an offi cial statement. Dr Chandrasekhar Shivacharya Mahaswami, Head of the Gurukul, said Modi would also release a mobile app of the Granth. that even for a small route they don’t have the cour- tesy to call me and in- form,” said Banerjee while speaking at the Assembly. Her comments come after Banerjee’s name was missing from the invita- tion of the inauguration of Phase I of East-West Metro corridor between Salt Lake Sector-V to Salt Lake Stadium. beyond Benefi ts? ..off course not..this so called “Gandhi” family can never think beyond Benefi ts ..not just materialistically corrupt..their Souls are also Corrupt,” tweeted Patra. Hitting out at Cen- tre on fi rst anniversary of Pulwama attack, Rahul Gandhi asked who has been held accountable for the “security lapses.”

8. INDIA AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 08 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 Pawar slams Maha govt, Centre over Bhima-Koregaon case transfer POWERGallery ARMY HQ LIKE RESTRUCTURING NOW FOR AIR HQ? Army HQ like restructuring is reportedly now being made applicable to Air HQ with some seniors offi cers likely to be moved to opera- tional duties. Rajiv Bansal appointed as CMD, Air India Rajiv Bansal has been appointed as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Air India. He is a 1988 batch IAS offi cer of Naga- land cadre. Kolhapur: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said that the Maharash- tra government’s al- leged decision to trans- fer the Bhima-Koregaon case to the Centre is constitutionally wrong as the investigation of crime falls under state’s jurisdiction. “Behaviour of some people in Maharashtra Police (involved in Bhi- ma Koregaon investiga- tion) was objectionable. I wanted that the role of these officers is investi- gated. In the morning, there was a meeting of Maharashtra govern- ment ministers with po- lice officers. At 3 pm, the Centre ordered the transfer of the case to NIA. This is wrong as per the Constitution be- cause crime’s investiga- tion is state’s jurisdic- tion,” he said. “The Cen- COURT TRANSFERS BHIMA KOREGAON CASE TO NIA COURT BAIL PLEA OF NAVLAKHA, TELTUMBDE REJECTED Pune: A Sessions Court here on Friday passed an order in Bhima Koregaon case, transferring all records and further proceedings of the case to Special National Investi- gation Agency (NIA) court, Mumbai. All the accused in the case will be produced before the special court of NIA in Mumbai on February 28. The NIA had fi led a petition in Pune’s Sessions Court on January 29 last month seeking transfer of the case to the agency’s court in Mumbai. Mumbai: Bombay HC rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Gautam Navlakha & Anand Teltumbde in connection with Bhima Koregaon case. The court has given them a four-week time to approach the Su- preme Court. Navlakha and Teltumb- de were booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) follow- ing the violence at Koregaon Bhima village in Pune on January 1, 2018. RAJEEV RANJAN APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, FISHERIES Rajeev Ranjan has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Fisheries. He is a 1985 batch IAS offi cer of Tamil Nadu cadre. PAWAN KUMAR AGARWAL APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, CONSUMER AFFAIRS Pawan Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. He is a 1985 batch IAS offi cer of West Bengal cadre. have charged in the case,” Deshmukh had claimed. On January 1, 2018, vio- lence had erupted during the 200th-anniversary cel- ebrations of the Bhima- Koregaon battle. One per- son lost his life while several others were in- jured in the incident. Po- lice had filed 58 cases against 162 people. wrongly been gaon case to NIA with- out taking the state gov- ernment in the loop. “We have not received any letter regarding probe in Bhima Kore- gaon case. We will de- cide our next step after reading the letter and seeking a legal opinion on it. People from many organisation have told me that some people tre taking out investiga- tion out of state’s hands in this manner is wrong and Maharashtra gov- ernment giving support to their decision is also wrong,” he said. Last month, Maha- rashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had said that the Centre should not have trans- ferred the Bhima Kore- SARASWATI PRASAD APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, NCST Saraswati Prasad has been appointed as Sec- retary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). He is a 1985 batch IAS offi cer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. TENURE OF IYER AS SECRETARY, DRINKING WATER EXTENDED The tenure of Parameswaran Iyer as Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has been extended upto April 30, 2021. He is a 1981 batch voluntarily retired IAS offi cer of UP cadre. 81% Delhi voters received fake news during elections: Survey Arvind Kejriwal invites PM Modi for swearing- in ceremony on Feb 16 SAI MANOHAR TO RETURN TO MP NEXT MONTH JOINT DIRECTOR CBI, A Sai Manohar, is returning to the parent cadre Madhya Pradesh after completion of seven years deputation tenure next month. He is a 1995 batch IPS offi cer. ment back to power with a massive victory. The survey “Delhi – #DontBeAFool” conducted on a sample size of 400 people to in- terrogate tion, penetration and impact of fake news spread via social media on the elections. Rumours ahead of the elections included that women participat- ing in the sit-in protests at Shaheen Bagh were being paid to demon- strate against CAA and the proposed NRC. Tweets of renowned individuals proved to be volatile before elections. About 40% of people in survey were between 18- 25 yrs of age. New Delhi: Over 81 per cent of Delhi’s popula- tion received fake news through various social media platforms as the Assembly neared, according to a new survey by non-prof- it Social Media Matters and Institute for Gov- ernance, Policies and Politics. Facebook and What- sApp were the leading platforms that were used for the dissemina- tion of misinformation, showed the results. “The epidemic of fake news is threaten- ing the basic fragment of our democracy. When the voter is in a constant state of cogni- tive dissonance how are they expected to was AWASTHI LIKELY TO BE REGULAR DGP, UP As per available indications, Hitesh Chandra Awasthi is likely to be declared as a regular DGP of UP. He is a 1985 IPS offi cer and presently holding the additional charge of DGP. elections dissemina- IFS OFFICER IS PS TO PIYUSH GOYAL Mahesh Kumar has joined as PS to Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industries. He is a 2008 batch IFS offi cer. spread Delhi C M Arvind Kejriwal meets veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar at his residence in presence of AAP leader Sanjay Singh. allegations New Delhi: Arvind Ke- jriwal has invited PM Modi for his swearing- in ceremony on Febru- ary 16 in New Delhi. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who spear- headed the party’s land- slide victory in the Delhi Assembly polls, will take oath as the chief minister for the third consecutive time in a grand public cere- mony Delhi’s iconic Ramlila Maidan. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh said that he does not be- lieve that the contro- versial remarks made by BJP leaders dur- ing the Delhi Assem- bly election did not have the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “He himself uses such aggressive lan- guage. I don’t believe that without knowledge Kejriwal was called terrorist and Ravan,” Singh told ANI. JAVADEKAR SPEAK ALLAHABAD HC STILL SHORT OF 11 PERMANENT JUDGES Allahabad High Court is still short of 11 perma- nent Judges as on February 1, 2020. elections were held on February 8. The re- sults declared on Feb- ruary 11 saw the Aam Aadmi Party winning 62 of the 70 seats, bringing the Arvind Kejriwal-led govern- make choice. As a nation, it has to be our priority to bring an end to it,” Am- itabh Kumar, Founder, Social Media Matters, said in a statement. The Delhi Assembly an informed NINE ADDL JUDGES RECOMMENDED AS PERMANENT JUDGES OF MADRAS HC The Supreme Court Collegium has approved the proposal for appointment of following nine Additional Judges of Madras High Court as Permanent Judges of that High Court: Ms Jus- tice P.T. Asha, Justice M. Nirmal Kumar, Jus- tice Subramonium Prasad, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Justice Krishnan Ramasamy, Justice C. Saravanan, Justice B. Pugalendhi, and Justice Senthilku- mar Ramamoorthy. Babri rubble petition soon in SC Nirmohi Akhara not ‘satisfied’ with temple trust Lucknow: The All-In- dia Babri Masjid Action Committee will move SC seeking rubble of demolished mosque in Ayodhya, said AIBMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani. He said that he would soon dis- cuss the issue with sen- ior lawyer Rajiv Dha- wan and would file a petition in SC later this month. “We could have raised the rubble issue during the review peti- tion’’s hearing, but the plea was dismissed. Ayodhya: Voices of dissent have started emerging from the Nirmohi Akhara here over the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, up by the Centre to su- pervise the construc- tion of a grand Ram temple. Nirmohi ‘‘Sarpanch’’ Raja Ram- chandracharya said that the new trust has ‘‘several faults’’. SACHIN DHANI RELIEVED TO JOIN CENTRAL DEPUTATION Sachin Dhania has been relieved to join central deputation as Deputy Secretary in the Depart- ment for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Delhi on deputation basis. Babri set Shah while accept- ing BJP’s defeat in Delhi polls, had said that the party had dis- tanced itself from some controversial remarks made by its leaders during Delhi elections. demolition of mosque was illegal & unlawful. “The pillars, stones & other wreckage of de- molished mosque should be handed over to Mus- lims. We will soon file a petition for this.” “According to the Sh- ariat, a mosque’’s de- bris cannot be used in any other construction. The apex court has not given any direction on the mosque’’s debris,” he said. SC stated that RAJENDRA KUMAR TIWARI IS NOW FULL TIME CHIEF SECRETARY, UP Rajendra Kumar Tiwari has been appointed full time Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He is a 1985 batch IAS offi cer of UP cadre. Akhara his Arvind has THIRD INDIAN DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS ABOARD CRUISE New Delhi: Another In- dian aboard a cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan has been infect- ed by the coronavirus, the embassy in Tokyo said. This takes the number of Indians infected by the highly contagious disease on board the Diamond Princess to three. A viral outbreak that began in China has killed 1381 SONIA TAKES FEEDBACK FROM CONG LEADERS AFTER DELHI DEBACLE New Delhi: Following the Congress debacle in Delhi Assembly elections, party interim president Sonia Gandhi has launched an exercise to meet leaders for a feedback on the dismal showing of the grand old party. Congress leader Alka Lamba, a former MLA from Chandni Chowk, met Gandhi to give a BAGHEL FIRST C’GARH CM TO SPEAK AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel will be the fi rst CM of Chhattisgarh to have been invited to deliver a keynote address at Harvard India Conference. A press release from DPR said: “It is a matter of pride for a tribal-dominated 7 agriculture-orient- ed state like Chhattisgarh.” “Although the CM has been invited to a discussion on the topic ‘Caste and Politics in Democratic India’, he will share his experiences on recent innovative initiatives in agriculture and allied sectors in Chhattisgarh with policymakers and researchers present there.” JHARKHAND ADGP SUSPENDED OVER 2016 RS POLLS CASE Ranchi: The Hemant Soren government ordered suspension of ADGP (CID) Anurag Gupta in con- nection with conduct of RS polls in state in 2016. Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS offi cer, was accused of working in favour of a BJP candidate at the behest of the then state govt headed by Raghubar Das. In an audio clip that went viral, the ADGP was heard talking to Cong leader Yogendra Sao and asking the latter to vote for his legislator wife. He was accused of using foul language against the then LoP & present CM Hemant Soren. people and infected nearly 64,000 on Friday since it began spreading in central Wuhan city in late December. The WHO has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and coronavirus that caus- es it. 219 people have the virus on the cruise ship isolated at a port in Japan’s Yokohama. feedback on the reasons for the poor showing in Delhi, where it was last in power from 2003 to 2013 on its own. Lamba said that they discussed the election results and the steps to strengthen the party in the national capital. Lamba said that she would meet people in her constituency to thank them for their support.

9. SPORTS AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 09 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 Vihari come to rescue on Day 1against NZ XI Eva de Goede wins FIH 2019 Women’s Player of the Year award ral FIH Hockey Pro League - where the team lost only 1 game & then gold at Euro- Hockey Champion- ships in Antwerp, where they beat Ger- many in the final. Over a career span- ning 14 years, 30-year- old de Goede has played more than 230 matches for the Neth- erlands and has two Olympic gold medals (Beijing 2008 & Lon- don 2012), 2 World Cup gold medals and three Champions Trophy gold medals to her name. This is the second consec- utive year that de Goede has won the FIH Play- er of the Y e a r award. Lausanne: Nether- lands women’s cap- tain Eva de Goede has been named as the 2019 FIH Wom- en’s Player of the Year by the Interna- tional Hockey Feder- ation (FIH). The mid- fielder took the prize ahead of Argentina’s Carla Rebecchi and Janne Muller-Wie- land of Germany, who finished second and 3rd respectively . Eva de Goede has been a fixture of the Netherlands’ nation- al women’s since her debut in 2006. With each year, the creative midfield- er seems to just get better and better. In 2018, she was voted Player of the Tourna- ment at the last Hockey Champions Trophy in China. She led her team to victory in the inaugu- India are playing against NZ XI in Hamilton before the start of Tests agement was failure of all the three open- ers. Shaw and Gill were undone by the extra bounce while Agarwal counter to seam move- ment. New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggeleijn (3/40) got the ball to rear up awkwardly length during his first spell and Shaw’s dis- missal was the ugliest one. Kuggeleijn, who was hitting the deck hard, got one into Shaw’s rib-cage leav- ing the batsman in no position to duck. The eyes were not on the ball with the bat face closed. The awk- ward hit ballooned up and was taken by Ra- chin Ravindra at short leg. Agarwal, who has been in horrible form of late, then edged an away going delivery to keeper Dane Cleaver behind the stumps. Hamilton: Hanuma Vihari’s hundred the seasoned Cheteshwar Pujara’s 92 were the bright spots in an otherwise batting performance by India on the first day of their warm-up game against New Zea- land XI here. All the 3 designated Mayank Agarwal (1), Prithvi Shaw (0) and Shubman Gill (0) failed the seam and bounce test, falling cheaply . With skipper Virat Kohli opting for an in- tense net session over the warm-up game, India managed only 263/9 with none apart from Vihari (101 re- tired) and Pujara able to score even 20 runs on a Seddon Park track that had liberal grass covering. What would worry the Indian team man- gutsy and failed to dreadful from team openers It was a beautiful crowd, it was beautiful weather and we won the gold, which was special. I just love to play those games. Eva de Goede, Captain Netherlands It’s Mahi way: MS Dhoni turns wildlife photographer, shares stunning image Hanuma Vihari Kohli ‘Anxious & desperate’ post series defeat shocker New Delhi: India’s confidence is shaken as skipper Virat Koh- li looks ‘anxious & desperate’ ahead of crucial 2-match Test series, starting on February 21. As per reports, ru- mor has it in the wake of the 3-0 defeat in the ODIs. After winning the T20Is 5-0, India li’s form. The world New Delhi: MS Dhoni seems to be making the best use of his time away from internation- al cricket. The World Cup-winning captain has been on an envious vacation spree. On Friday, Dhoni shared a stunning pho- tograph of a tiger from Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Dho- ni revealed that he spot- ted the tiger and the Big Cat just gave him enough time to snap some photos. “When u spot the tiger on ur own and he obliges u with number one Test and ODI batsman strug- gled to get going in the ODIs, scoring just 75 runs in three innings. And Kohli was so shocked with the turn of events that he didn’t even get out of his pads after dismissal third ODI. were thrashed by the Black Caps in the three-match ODI se- ries. India’s confident must have taken a blow with the way they lost all the three games. What was more worrying for In- dia during the series was their mainstay Virat Koh- former Dhoni, it came to light, was even mobbed by fans as he rode a jeep on the way to Tiger Re- serve. In a viral video, a huge crowd can be seen approaching even as the guards try to keep it away . Bopanna enters semifinals serve in January . As per the official website of Kanha National Park, it was the 1st time MS Dhoni visited the popu- lar park of central In- dia. He had arrived on a chartered plane that landed onBaiher. just enough time to click a few pics.Visit to kanha was outstanding (sic),” Dhoni wrote on Instagram after flaunt- ing the photograph. Dhoni with his family and friends had visited the Kanha Tiger Re- batting in the Dhoni Ranji: Gujarat put Andhra in brink of defeat New Delhi: Gujarat, who resumed the day’s play at 354/6, added 52 runs more to their over- night score to secure a 229-run lead against Andhra. While Karan Shinde scored 64 & Bo- dapati Sumanth chipped in with 47, Axar Patel picked up five wickets as Gujarat Andhra to 216/7. Guja- rat is now three wickets away from sealing a quarter-final berth. ‘Exciting to be able to tell my story via biopic’ the quarterfinals by beating the Australian pair of John Peers and Michael Venus in a gripping encounter. Meanwhile, second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas lost 7-5 6-4 to unseeded Slovenian Aljaz Bedene as upsets continued at the Rotterdam Open on Thursday. earned five break points in the opening set but the Greek failed to con- vert any and Bedene won 11 points in a row to wrap up the set. Rotterdam: India’s Ro- han Bopanna & Cana- dian partner Shapovalov have en- tered the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open with a thrilling victory over 4th seeds & 2015 champion of Jean-Ju- lien Rojer and Horia. The Indo-Canadian pair registered a 6-2, 3-6, 10-7 victory in 74 min- utes to enter the last four of the ATP 500 event. Bopanna Shapovalov, reached their first ATP Denis Mumbai: Tennis star Sania Mirza says she is excited about bringing her life sto- ry to the screen and is cur- rently in talks with direc- tors. It was announced last year that Sania, the only Indian women to win a Grand Slam title (in doubles), signed a con- tract with Ron- Tsitsipas reduced Kontinen and Jan-Len- nard Struff Jamie Murray and Ken Skupski. Bopanna and Shapovalov had entered Tour final in June last year at the Mercedes- Cup in Stuttgart, will meet the winners of match between Henri has versus & who nie Screwala’s RSVP movies. “I’’ve some meet- ings with directors and that’s why was in had AIMING FOR 7TH F1 TITLE Lewis Hamilton unveils new Mercedes car I day . It is a real privilege to be in this position.’ Hamilton returned to the Mercedes factory in Northamptonshire for the first time this year on Tuesday spent much of the off- season in America. guys have worked so hard to put the car to- gether and there are only two of us, Valtteri (Bottas) and I, who get to drive it. ‘It is pretty incredible, and we get to stretch its wings to- cord of seven world ti- tles. He is also just sev- en victories shy of the German’s all-time win record of 91. ‘At this time of the year you don’t really feel any pressure,’ said Hamil- ton. ‘You are focused but it is about enjoying the mo- ment. ‘The London: Lewis Hamil- ton has unveiled the new Mercedes he hopes will fire him to a record- equalling seventh For- mula One world cham- pionship. The 35-year- old British driver will be given the first taste of his new machinery during a shakedown test at Silverstone on Friday afternoon. Hamilton is this year bidding to match Mi- chael Schu- macher’s re- Mumbai... It’s still in the initial stag- es,” Sania said about the film. The sports star said she has always lived her life on her terms and it would be in- teresting for her to see her fans’ reaction to her journey. Sania believes athletes make for a good movie subject as people can relate to their strug- gle and hardwork. having

10. Kindness and helping others are the signs of a secure and happy person, only when we ourselves are fulfilled can we reach out to others. 2NDFRONT —Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India 10 AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Mohan Bhagwat to inaugurate new RSS Gujarat HQ today 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 84% land acquisition for Dabhoi Kevadiya railway link complete The railway link once completed will connect Vadodara to the Statue of Unity First India News Pandit Upadhyay, Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vaj- payee, among several other veterans. The RSS was found- ed in 1925, while its original headquarters was a rented place in the Manek Chowk area until 1964 when it was shifted to the Maninagar building. It was then inaugu- rated by Sarsangh- chalak Balasaheb Deoras. The new building will have water har- vesting facility, roof- top solar panels to meet its power re- quirement and it is going to use treated water for toilets. 2 floors have been dedi- cated for residential purposes and 3 floors will have halls. In the basement of building, there will be 2-tier parking facilities. Deendayal former Ahmedabad: Rashtri- ya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Gujarat swayam- sevaks and pracharaks will get a modern head- quarters with latest technology. The new five-storeyed building has been constructed with donation from Swayamsevaks well wishers. Dr Smark Samiti Trustee Amrutbhai Kadiwala said that following the Indian tradition and culture Vastu Pu- jan was done on Fri- day and it will be in- augurated and dedi- cated to Sangh sway- amsevaks and pracha- raks by Sarsanghcha- lak Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday by light- ing a lamp at 9.15 am. Later, he will dedicate a hall at 10.15 am. Bhagwat will also ad- dress intellectuals at the Dinesh Hall in the First India News THE FINAL STAGE Vadodara: 84% work of land acquisition for Dabhoi - Kevadia rail link project has been completed by the dis- trict administration for which a sum of more than Rs 17 crore has been paid to land own- ers, said district collec- tor Shalini Agrawal. Kevadia is now on global tourism map due to world’s tallest statue - the Statue of Unity. Indian has set target to build Kevadia railway sta- tion by 30th October this year. Dabhoi - Kevadia railway link once completed will con- nect Vadodara to Stat- ue of Unity. Vadodara is located Gujarat and Hedgewar evening. He will speak on ‘India’s role in world’. The lecture and interaction have been organised by Madhav Smriti Nyas. The RSS headquar- ters has been reno- vated at a cost of Rs 8 crore that was donat- ed by three lakh sway- amsevaks and well wishers. It has re- placed the 55-year-old building hosted M S Golwalkar, on main Mumbai - Delhi rail route. The process of land acquisition in Vadodara district is underway in 14 villages of Dabhoi taluka under the leader- ship of Prant Officer Himanshu Parikh. The process is mon- itored by Chief Min- Railways tion square meter land have been issued al- ready for which land owners have been paid Rs 17 crore 91 lakh 99 thousand 468. Process of acquisi- tion of rest 16% land which equals of 5,19,207 ister residence staff in real time through CM Dashboard Dab- hoi - Kevadia rail line project requires ac- quisition of 6,20,498 square meter land of 14 villages of Dabhoi taluka in Vadodara district. Of this or- ders for land acquisi- 1,01,291 square meter is in final stage, said Collector office. A proposal in this regard under section 19(1) has been sent to State government Such proposal is eligi- ble for approval 60 days after received which is March 27. Adani-AAI sign 50-yr pact to operate A’Bad airport that had to Pak marine force captures 4 Indian boats, 22 fishermen ‘Parmar unhappy with govt and organisation’ FEELING NEGLECTED State should promote Dandi memorial: LoP Gandhina g ar: Leader of Opposi- tion Paresh Dha- nani has alleged that though state government developed ‘Nation- al Salt Satyagraha Memorial’ at Dan- di, it has not effec- tively promoted it as a tourist desti- nation. In a letter addressed to CM Vi- jay Rupani, he has asserted that State is not promoting the national memorial in same way as some festivals and tourist places, because of which Dandi does not get good number of tourists. Dhanani reminded CM that on Jan 30, 2019, PM Modi had dedicated this memorial to na- tion. “But, Gandhi is not promoted like Patel,” he asserted. He claimed that while the State and Central Gov- ernments are ag- gressively promot- ing the Statue of Unity. But very lit- tle is done to pro- mote the national memorial. First India News First India News Ahmedabad: Ram- sinh Parmar a big name in cooperative sector as well in Thasra constituency, is un- happy with govern- ment and BJP or- ganisation and sig- nalled that he may bid goodbye to the party. Parmar just before state assembly elec- tions joined BJP, but lost election. Since 1977 Parmar, MLA from Thasra, is asso- ciated with coopera- tive organisations of Charotar area as well as AMUL and has ruled single handedly . He got elected in fed- eration unanimously . It all started when his supporters and workers were ne- glected in Dakor municipal elections and were not given proper weight age in organisational structure. Not only this he demand to provide ministerial berth to CK Raulji, who also joined BJP Ahmedabad: Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) on Friday signed a 50 years concession agreements with Air- ports Authority of In- dia (AAI) for develop- ing and operating three airports includ- ing Ahmedabad, Luc- know and Mangalu- ru, the company said in its filing with stock exchanges. The agreements has been signed between AAI and AEL’s wholly owned subsidiaries Adani Ahmedabad In- ternational Ltd, Adani Lucknow In- ternational Airport Ltd and Adani Mangaluru International Airport Ltd. Earlier in February 2019, AEL had made the highest bids for airports Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalu- ru, Thiruvanan- thapuram and Guwa- hati of which the Un- ion Cabinet had ap- proved the AAI run Ahmedabad, know and Mangaluru airports to be leased has assembly First India News Porbandar: The Paki- stan Marine Security Agency has captured 4 Indian boats with 22 fishermen near International Maritime Border Line (IMBL), Jakhau coast in Guja- rat An office bearer of the Gujarat Ma- rine Fisheries Society today said that the boats were from Okha and Porbandar and had ventured in the sea to catch fish yes- terday. They were captured from near the Interna- tional Maritime Bor- der Line, the imagi- nary boundary between the territorial waters of the two countries aboard coming elections of Dakor Sevaliya and Thasra polls. Some BJP leaders are also using their might. In between Parmars statement regarding his retirement has charged the atmos- phere. It is possible that Paramar keeps himself aloof from BJP and in future field his trustworthy candidates in the elec- tions for AMUL, a huge brand and coop- erative against BJP candidates. Airport per-passenger model. While AEL would pay Rs 3600 crore to Airports Au- thority of India as part of the lease, it would spend Rs 6000 crore on the airports for the next seven years post takeover. Meanwhile, approv- al for Guwahati and Jaipur airports are awaited from state governments while Kerala govern- ment has challenged the Thiruvanan- thapuram airport bid of AEL in court. fee leaving with Parmar, was not met. His de- mands are not an- swered in a positive manner which has angered and he might big goodbye. He is not happy with organi- sation as well as government ready to quit. Not only this he has started prepara- tions to field his trustworthy candi- dates against BJP candidates in up- Congress out on a public-pri- vate partnership (PPP) mode. Having won bids, AEL had also set up a subsidiary Adani Air- ports Ltd which would operate, manage and develop the airports. The company had ear- lier stated that it would be investing roughly Rs 10000 crore in airport projects. Under the current agreements, would stand to hold a management control for 50-year lease pe- riod as well as on a off the Parmar at and the AEL Luc- Gandhinagar to get police commissionerate First India News FORMATION OF NEW STATE UNIT Guj Cong set-up to take another month: Satav the rank above IG and DG will sit as the Police Commissioner. This decision might see a number of police stations currently un- der the jurisdiction of the Ahmedabad police, such as Sabarmati Po- lice Station and Chand- kheda police station, being included under the new commissioner- ate in Gandhinagar. Un- til now, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat were the only four cities in state to have commissionerate. Gargi Raval find more young peo- ple.” Satav said the party performed well in 2017 and hopes to better its mance in upcoming polls. Some elected MLAs left the party then but that has not affected the work and the party as a whole. “Shankersinh Vaghe- la too left the party with 14 other leaders. If we look at it from that angle we couldn’t have achieved even 43 seats,” said Satav. tion,” Satav said. He admitted that the party lacks support in the urban areas and they need to strengthen their cadres in this re- gion. “We need to focus more in the urban are- as. We need to strength- en cadre in urban areas before the local body polls,” Satav conceded. Asked about the par- ty’s approach in the for- mation of the new unit, he only said, “Youth matters to us and in the new leadership you will is delaying the re-or- ganisation State unit. He claimed that the State leaders are “very disciplined children.” The Congress leader attributed the delay in the formation of the new State unit to the Delhi elections and it will be delayed further because of the upcom- ing Rajya Sabha elec- tions for four seats. “Most of the things for the party’s body formation in the state of the Gandhinagar: state government is set to introduce a Po- lice Commissioner’s Office in Gandhina- gar, a decision taken after seeing the in- creasing areas under the city’s police. Expe- riencing rapid urban growth in recent years, Gandhinagar has be- come the fifth city in the state to get a unified command system. According to govern- ment draft, an officer of The Ahmedabad: The al- ready delayed forma- tion of the new body of the State Congress will take one more month, even as the organisa- tion is likely to have a fresh young look, AICC secretary in-charge of Gujarat affairs Ra- jiv Satav said. In an exclusive in- terview to First India, Satav denied there is any in-fight- ing in the party that perfor- have been settled, but the announcement will take some time. At present we are fo- cused on the upcom- ing Rajya Sabha elec- that

11. www.fi rstindia.co.in I www.fi rstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefi rstindia facebook.com/thefi rstindia I instagram.com/thefi rstindia11 AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2020 CRITICS BEST FILM: I Article 15 I Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota I Photograph I Sonchiriya I The Sky Is Pink Both the lead actresses in the film ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu, have been nominated for the ‘Critics Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) category HI-5 @ 65! The most-awaited Filmfare Awards are being held today, February 15 at Guwahati. Various Bollywood biggies are all set to perform on the magnificent night, while others will cheer for their peers and be a part of the grand-award announcements. The 65th Filmfare Awards will be on-air soon BEST FILM Chhichhore CRITICS BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (MALE): I Akshaye Khanna, Section 375 I Ayushmann Khurrana, Article 15 I Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Photograph I Rajkummar Rao, Judgementall Hai Kya DIRECTOR BEST Aditya Dhar, URI-The Surgical Strike Jagan Shakti, Mission Mangal Siddharth Anand, War Nitesh Tiwari, Chhichhore CRITICS BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (FEMALE): I Bhumi Pednekar, Sonchiriya I Bhumi Pednekar, Saand Ki Aankh I Kangana Ranaut, Judgementall Hai Kya I Radhika Madan, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota I Sanya Malhotra, Photograph I Taapsee Pannu, Saand Ki Aankh BEST ACTOR (FEMALE) Gully Boy BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE): I Arijit Singh, Kalank Nahi I Arijit Singh, Ve Maahi I Nakash Aziz, Slow Motion I B Praak, Teri Mitti I Sachet Tandon, Bekhayali Kareena Kapoor Khan, Good Newwz Alia Bhatt, Gully Boy BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE): I Neha Bhasin, Chashni I Parampara Thakur, Mere Sohneya I Shilpa Rao, Ghungroo I Shreya Ghoshal, Yeh Aaina I Shreya Ghoshal, Vaishali Mhade, Ghar More Pardesiya I Sona Mohapatra, Jyotica Tangri, Baby Gold Mission Mangal Rani Mukerji, Mardaani 2 Vidya Balan, Mission Mangal Kangana Ranaut, Manikarnika -The Queen Of Jhansi BEST ACTOR (MALE) URI-The Surgical Strike Ayushmann Khurrana, Bala Hrithik Roshan, Super 30 Akshay Kumar, Kesari Zoya Akhtar, Gully Boy War Ranveer Singh, Gully Boy Shahid Kapoor, Kabir Singh

12. HOLLYWOOD AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 12 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 Margot Robbie TO STAR IN Russell’s next F best reviews of her career, as well as her second Oscar nom- ination. She was most recently seen in ‘Birds of Prey’ reprising her role of Harley Quinn, and also recently finished production on ‘The Suicide Squad’, also playing Quinn. On the produc- ing side, her LuckyChap En- tertainment banner produced ‘Promising Young Woman’, which premiered Sundance Film Festival. Russell has received three best director Oscar nomina- tions — for ‘American Hustle’, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘[The Fighter’ — in addition to two screenplay nominations. His most recent directing ef- fort was Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘Joy’ for Fox. New Regency’s producing credits include Oscar best pic- ture winner ‘Birdman’, ‘The Revenant’, ‘Little Women’, ‘The Lighthouse’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Ad Astra’, ‘Wid- ows’, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ and ‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’. ollowing her Oscar-nom- inated turn in ‘Bomb- shell’, Margot bie looks to have found her next project, signing on to co-star site Christian Bale in a new David O. Russell film at New Regency. Russell would direct from his own script. Plot details are being kept under wraps. Mat- thew Budman, an executive producer on ‘Joy’ and ‘Ameri- can Hustle’, is producing. Russell had been consider- ing a handful of options in the last few months as he waited for the right cast to come to- gether this project. With Bale and Robbie’s schedules open- ing, the opportunity to direct his first film since 2015’s ‘Joy’ looks to be headed in the right direction. Robbie is coming off a busy 2019 that included appearing in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, where she played Sharon Tate, as well as “Bombshell.” The role earned her some of the Rob- oppo- at the —Agency Margot Robbie SOPHIE TURNER expecting 1st baby K two-year-old couldn’t get enough. Kylie even revealed on her Instagram story that Stormi told her to be quiet while they were watching! “We’re watching Frozen 2 for the first time and she’s really into it because I just turned to tell her I love her — I said, “Stormi I love you, do you love me?” — and she said, ‘Shhhh mommy!’ I was in shock. She’s never done that before. She obviously really loves this movie.” The mom and daughter duo were snuggled together in bed as they watched the animated flick, and Stormi couldn’t take her eyes off of the television screen as the movie played. Before this, Stormi’s favourite movie was Trolls — she even met Poppy from the film for Christmas — but it looks like Frozen 2 is creeping in! Kylie often posts sweet pho- tos and videos like this one of Stormi, giving us an in- side look at their quiet mo- ments at home and more. Stormi Webster TELLS KYLIE to be Quiet ylie Jenner showed her baby girl Frozen 2 for the first time on Feb. 11, and the C couple are reportedly expecting their first child together, eight months after their fairytale wed- ding in France. According to a source, the star is about four months along, and while it’s still ‘early’ days, the couple is ‘ex- tremely excited’. “They told their families recently and eve- ryone is ecstatic and so happy for them,” added the source. Both of their families are keeping their thoughts and feel- ings to themselves for the mo- ment since the pair hasn’t con- firmed the news on their own yet. “At the moment, they and the rest of the Jonas family are trav- elling through central Europe as they continue their Happiness Begins tour.” The couple attend- ed the Grammy Awards together in January, and were spotted in London days later with Turner wearing a baggy sweatshirt. Turner, 23, and Jonas, 30, tied the knot in a surprise Las Vegas cer- emony in May 2019 after the Bill- board Music Awards. ongratulations are in or- der for Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and singer Joe Jonas. The Janet Jackson Fun of growing up with animals S growing up during a sit down with “The To- night Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, recall- ing the fun she had with them as a kid. “We had so many animals growing up,” she shared. “We had fawn, Mouflon sheep, peacocks, a giraffe ... just all kinds of ani- mals. It was my job to feed them, to clean them.” The singer said her busy schedule these days doesn’t allow her the time to care for such an extensive brood. “It’s very tir- ing,” she added. “You never get enough sleep... My mother did it (without a nanny), her mother did it, why not? Why can’t I? I’m sure I will need someone in the future for some help here and there, but I don’t have anyone, and I love it.” inger Janet Jackson once had an ar- ray of exotic animals for pets, includ- ing a giraffe. She looked back at the impressive pet animals she had —Agency Kylie Jenner with daughter Stormi Webster Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas —IANS —IANS FACE OF THE DAY YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20 TAURUS APR 21 - MA Y 20 GEMINI MA Y 21 - JUNE 21 CANCER JUNE 22 - JUL Y 23 Your monetary conditions have improved for good. On professional front, you will fi nd yourself busy helping others today. Your sibling may do something incredible and will become famous. Don’t be reluctant when it comes to career choices rather think with calm mind. You will be in limelight. You have become serious in life and you take your responsibilities seriously. It takes time for a business to start giving profi ts so kindly remain patient. Your actions will decide what will happen tomorrow therefore make sure that you make right causes. You will spend quality time with your parents today after a long time. Improved earnings will help you buy things that you wanted for a long time. Don’t get involved in others’s affairs. Be wise with your responsibilities. A new vehicle is on the cards. Life will take a beautiful turn soon. You are in right frame of mind today to take any fi nancial decisions today. You will get a lot of encouragement from family. You have a nature to appreciate people for all the goodness that lies in them. You are people’s person. You love your family more than anything. IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY TODAY LEO JUL Y 24 - AUGUST 23 You are a confi dent persona and you don’t fail to impress your boss on professional front with your work. It is important that you start understanding and respecting the individuals, remember you can never control others. Your spouse loves you and sometime even overlook your mistakes. VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23 LIBRA SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 You are fi nancially secure but you still want more, always remember there is no end to wealth so start feeling content no matter what and keep forging ahead. You are mentally very clear about your plans to settle abroad also about the country where you want to settle. SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 You will be there for your spouse no matter what. You are very close to your pets and you adore them like your own child. Scorpio women are fearless and you will stand for your respect at all costs if someone tries to harm it. You have learned in life, who matters and who doesn’t. You have to make efforts to get what you really desire. You just try to maintain healthy relationships with people on social front. Your lover will do something special for you that will make you very emotional. Your boss will really treat you special today because of your working abilities. Support from your colleagues will give you motivation. Keeping strict fi tness regime will make you completely motivated and hopeful in life. Enjoy your birthday! SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22 You will remain in good health as you follow discipline in life. You must try and spend more time with people who are positive and motivating as the wrong guidance from the friends can effect your life so make wise choices. You will give some quality time to your friends after long time. CAPRICORN DEC 23 - JAN 20 You may start a new business and an angel investor will approach you soon. On social front, you will fi nd yourself very busy catering to the needs of others. Today you will enjoy a lot with your family as you all may go out together for some family bonding time. AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 PISCES FEB20 - MARCH 20 When it comes to money put your fears to rest. You will earn money from many sources along with being in a full time job. On professional front, you will be assigned with many responsibilities. Great opportunities will knock at your door today. You are a healer and people get healed by merely talking with you. You may land up helping someone in need of monetary help without thinking twice. You will help your two mutual friends resolve their personal issues. There will be a temporary change of place. RAVEENA TEKWANI, Infl uencer

13. ETC AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 202013 THE SPECIAL VALENTINE O 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 wrote, “Throwback to July 2016 our first trip to Paris together, we had to take a cheesy Eiffel Tower picture! I love you forever my val- entine. Thank you for being thoughtful and so generous with your emotions, I’ve never been happier my love.” Anand Ahuja com- mented on the post, “Scandalousssss. Magi- cal, but scandalous!. Love you @sonamka- poor.” The couple often shares loved-up pic- tures on Instagram, leaving their fans in awe. n the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja took to social media to share a lovely post wishing her Valentine, husband Anand Ahuja with a throwback pic- ture from their very first trip to Paris, where the duo are seen kissing each other in front of the Eiffel Tower. Sonam also men- tioned that this roman- tic picture is in fact a throwback from their dating days. The picture is from ... her Instagram post 2016 and we have to say with Paris’ heritage monument in picture, it couldn’t have been more romantic. With the cute photo, Sonam picture —Agency Sonam and Anand Ahuja SUNNY GOES VEGAN Disha’s special VALENTINE SPOTTED! S the global toxic leather industry . Urging people to ditch leather products, Sunny said, “With so many wonderful vegan shoes, bags, and jackets to choose from, there’s no reason to choose to hurt the environment and take a life by wearing an animal’s skin. After learning about the horrors of leather production from my friends at PETA India, I vow to save animals and the planet by kicking leather and urge my fans to join me.” —IANS unny Leone has recently launched a ve- gan campaign at Lakme Fashion Week. In association with People for the PETA, Sunny unveiled her new ad talking about A having a good time when they met at director Ahmed Khan and his wife Shaira Khan’s anniver- sary celebration. The talks of the actress being close to Tiger’s family were quite high but Disha’s gesture has given us clarification about the speculation. The actress surprised lady Shroff with a special bouquet of roses and teddy bears for Valen- tine’s day. Ayesha took to her Instagram to share the picture of the gift and captioned the picture by writing “The cuuuuutest valentine from my thaaaaaank you deeeeee- shu!! @dishapatani.” This just goes to show that both Disha and Ayesha are good friends. Disha com- s 14th February celebrates love, Disha Pa- tani has left no stone unturned in surpris- ing Ayesha Shroff. A few days back, the Disha Patani and Ayesha Shroff were seen Sunny Leone Money, Power and Haste —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO know how to handle all the money and power. And gets bitter in terms of his rela- tionships with his wife and brother by getting into drugs, alcohol and what not. The show is based in the 70s and was en- tirely shot in Mum- bai. My character has a dark side and is wrong most of the times but his broth- er, that is Ash- mit, would even kill for him,” shared Iqbal about his charac- ter in the series. ‘The Bull Of Dalal Street’ is all set to re- lease on Feb- ruary 21. fellow twin! VANSHIKHA GOUR vanshikha.gour@firstindia.co.in B web series ‘The Bull Of Dalal Street, shared about their roles in an exclusive interview with City First. Talking about his character, Ashmit said, “The script of this show thrilled me because of which, I chose to be a part of it. I am portraying the role of Iqbal’s younger brother on- screen. If one looks into my character deeply , they could say that I am the Lakshman to his Ram who would do anything for his brother, very ‘aagyakari’ one who would never do any- thing against his brother’s will. My character is highly straight- mented on the post by writing “Love aunty .” you ollywood actor Ashmit Patel and television star Iqbal Khan, who are all set for their upcoming —Agency Iqbal and Ashmit forward, honest, yet colourful.” However, Iqbal considers that his character has a grey shade to it. “My character is of a man who comes from a small town but he is really smart and he definitely knows how to multi- ply his money, really sharp or rather cunning when it comes to his money . From starting a basic restaurant to getting into a share market and how he ris- es. But somewhere, he doesn’t Bollywood actress Kiara Advani was spotted at Jaipur International Airport on Friday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA Disha Patani MADHUBALA: TORMENTED GODDESS OF INDIAN CINEMA the heartbreaking end to her long courtship with Dilip Ku- mar but also great ill-health. And yet, she completely dom- inated the movie with her brilliantly powerful portray- al against iconic actors like Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor. She died of a hole in the heart, literally and figu- ratively . An obedient and re- sponsible daughter had sac- rificed the love of her life and her Hollywood career- a woman of true character. It was the vicious irony of fate that she was born on Feb- ruary 14, Valentine’s Day . The full moon shone bright till the very end, until the shadow of death eclipsed it fully on February 23, 1969, leaving millions of her fans to bask in the eternal glow. azine ‘Theatre Arts’ printed a full-page photo of her un- der the title ‘The biggest star in the world, and she is not in Hollywood’. Famous direc- tors like Frank Capra came to offer her roles in Holly- wood movies, but unfortu- nately for Indian Cinema, her conservative father did not allow that. Madhubala was a meteor tearing across the film world, only to burn out at the young age of 36 after dominating Indian cinema from the age of 14 as a heroine opposite Raj Kapoor in his first movie as a hero. During the long shooting period of one of Indian cin- ema’s most iconic movies, ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ (1953-60), Madhubala not only suffered full moon- soft, hypnotising and magical, and the sex ap- peal of a love goddess. Her coquettish, slightly lopsided smile, revealing a perfect set of teeth, could seduce the staunchest celibate. Her eyes reflected the sparkle of her brilliant mind, the expres- sion of a genius actor and the pain of her torment. Incon- ceivable that a woman of such lush talent and mesmer- ising beauty would die heart- broken. She carried the pain and burden of an impoverished family . That agony ignited the fire that lit up the world. Even though it did not matter too much to her inner self, her stardom soon broke all glass ceilings, and in its Au- gust 1952 issue, the USA Mag- RAINU SINGH singh.rainu@gmail.com I billions of words must al- ready be in print. What needs to be highlighted is the singu- lar life of extreme pain for a person of such divine beauty and great talent. Madhubala had the most painful child- hood, heartbreaking adoles- cence, and a tragic and quick end to the most promising adulthood. All this in spite of being gifted with the beauty of a t would be futile to write about this extraordinary lady’s life-events, awards, movies, and much more as Madhubala

14. CITY BUZZ AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 14 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 TIME FOR RESURGENCE CITY FIRST S H Kharawala, AG and LD Pri- mary here Ahmedabad cel- ebrated its annu- al extravaganza on February 12-13, in which more than 1,000 students participated. The theme for the An- nual function, Resur- gence: The New India, focused on achievements in the field of sports, digital growth, military areas, space and research and much more. This cul- tural fiesta to tries to send the message to the students and the gen- eral audience at large that our country has come a long way, and that no country can succeed without the support of the citizens. cityfirstgujarat@gmail.com School in recent RADIO GAGA AT SCIENCE CITY —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI Beyond the classroom CITY FIRST O ized an interactive ses- sion with Dr Darshan Trivedi, adjunct Facul- ty MICA and filmmak- er, on Thursday. Stu- dents from Jammu and Kashmir participated in the session where Dr Trivedi talked on the subject ranging from invention to transmis- sion to importance of radio in the digital world. The UN General As- sembly adopted a reso- lution proclaiming 13 February as World Ra- dio Day during its 67th Session. Dr Trivedi menced the session by briefing students about the Radio patent battle between Marconi and Nikola Te- sla. He also explained the difference between n the occasion of World Radio Day , Gujarat Sci- ence City organ- CITY FIRST S held its annual national- level management event, Arohan 2020, recently . More than 700 students took part in competitions including a business quiz, ad mad show, dancing, singing, treasure hunt, Rangoli, PUBG and TikTok, which had prizes worth more than Rs60,000. cityfirstgujarat@gmail.com hri Jairambhai Pa- tel Institute of Busi- ness Management (SJPI) Gandhinagar casting in the world,” he said. As the session pro- gressed, Dr Trivedi in- formed how Radio has managed to make its presence felt in the world of digitalization. “In this digital world Radio has retained its importance. One of the advantages of Radio is no direct involvement is required as in televi- sion and internet. When Jammu and Kashmir was hit by the worst floods in history, FM stations played a vital role in keeping people alert,” said Dr Trivedi. cityfirstgujarat@gmail.com Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modu- lation (FM), Satellite Radio, Online Radio and Ham Radio. Making a special mention of All India Radio’s (AIR) function- ing over the years, Dr Trivedi said India’s na- tional public service broadcaster has been serving to inform, edu- cate and entertain the masses. “AIR’s home service comprises 470 Broadcasting centres, covering nearly 92% of the country’s area, with programming in 23 languages and 179 dialects. Largest broad- com- Guglielmo