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April 28, 2021 I Wednesday YEAR : 7 I ISSUE NO.: 114 PAGES : 4 I PRICE : 1/Annual Subscription : 300/Editor: Kapilkumar M. Hirpara www.sunvillasamachar.com AHMEDABAB EDITION
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SUNVILLA SAMACHAR LEADING ENGLISH DAILY MORNING NEWSPAPER, AHMEDABAD
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Future generations won’t forgive you, Priyanka writes to Adityanath on Covid-19 crisis Page : 2
Zampa, Richardson still in Mumbai; awaiting Australia return
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Oxygen crisis deepens in Gujarat as Covid cases cross 5 lakh-mark
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Night curfew in 9 more cities in Gujarat; malls, salons, theatres to close till May 5 Agency News: Ahmedabad While permitting essential services and industries to function in these 29 urban areas, the government has asked all shops, commercial establishments, road-side kiosks, restaurants (except take-away service), shopping complexes, malls, Gurjari Bazzars, cinema halls, auditoriums, salons and beauty parlours, to remain closed till May 5.Himmatnagar, Palanpur, Navsari, Valsad, Porbandar, Botad, Viramgam, Chotta Udepur and VeravalSomnath are the nine cities where curfew will be imposed. The announcement comes after Chief Minister Vijay Rupani held a meeting with top government officials.While permitting essential services and industries to function in these 29 urban areas, the government has asked all shops, commercial establishments,
road-side kiosks, restaurants (except take-away service), shopping complexes, malls, Gurjari Bazzars, cinema halls, auditoriums, salons and beauty parlours, to remain closed till May 5. The government also ordered closure of schools and coaching centres, gymnasiums, swimming pools, water parks and places of amusement.The government has also ordered all APMCs to close down, except those dealing with fruits and vegetables. The public transport buses have been asked to ply with 50 per cent
occupancy. The government has permitted operations of shops selling provisions, vegetables and fruits, medical stores, milk parlours, bakeries and others selling food. In these 29 cities, the government has allowed industrial, finance, banking and construction activities to continue with Covid protocols, including 50 per cent staff attendance. Home deliveries, post and courier service, have also been allowed. During the curfew period, pregnant women or a person suffering from any
Himmatnagar, Palanpur, Navsari, Valsad, Porbandar, Botad, Viramgam, Chotta Udepur and Veraval-Somnath are the nine cities where curfew will be imposed. ailment will be permitted along with an attendant. Passengers travelling by train, bus or aeroplane will also be permitted, provided they show their tickets. Those connected with essential services and carrying identify cards, can move during curfew hours.For weddings, only 50 persons will be allowed after registration on Digital Gujarat portal. For final rites, 20 persons can take part. Sports events can be organised without any audience.
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Director of Ileana’s first film made heavy ceramic shells drop on her waist
If you can’t manage, we will ask Centre to intervene: HC to Delhi govt on Covid crisis Agency News: New Delhi “Our confidence is shaken. Put your house in order,” the Delhi High Court on Tuesday told the Delhi government as it hauled it up for rampant black marketing of oxygen cylinders and essential drugs in the national capital. The court on Tuesday asked it to submit a report about the deaths which have taken place in Delhi on account of shortage of oxygen. “Set your house in order. Enough is enough. If you cannot manage it, tell us then we will ask the central government to send their officers. We will ask them to take over. We cannot let people die like this,” the division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said, as it asked the government to take over a cylinder distributor’s unit in Dwarka.The court told the Delhi government that they are administrators and should know how to administer.
The Delhi High court noted that the shortage of oxygen reported by the hospitals is a constant complaint which means “there is some truth in it”.
“You should know what your powers are and how you have to administer,” said the court, adding, “All the government controls are actually leading to hoarding. Your system has not helped. That is very clear to us.”It said the government was ensuring supply to the cylinder distributors but it “is not bothered about hospitals crying hoarse that ‘we are not getting two cylinders’ or the public is not able to get. You have left it to them to have a free run. They can do whatever they want to”.During the hearing, the court was told that a vendor
has 20 MTs of stock but was not supplying the cylinders to the hospitals despite contracts with them. The court said the distributor was possibly diverting them to the black marketing. ‘Does he have a license’: HC pulls up Gautam Gambhir The court also pulled up BJP MP Gautam Gambhir for distributing medicines for Covid-19 patients. “Is he holding any license? Does he not require license? How is anybody able to procure large quantity of drugs,” the court asked. Gambhir has been distributing medicines free of cost to people through his charity foundation. ‘Never made any such request’: HC on Ashoka Hospital being dedicated to judiciary Delhi High Court also issued a notice to the Union Territory government to file a response concerning reports about the Ashoka Hotel being dedicated to the judiciary.
Andhra Pradesh CM holds meeting Railways deliver 450 tonnes of liquid oxto review Covid-19 preparedness The Chief Minister has asked collectors to appoint cluster incharges and district-level flying squads.
Agency News: Andhra Pradesh
Adah was seen posing as a warrior. Adah donned a long gold hued gown and was holding sword in her hand.
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PM Modi’s aunt dies during Covid-19 treatment Agency News: New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aunt Narmadaben Modi who was undergoing treatment for coronavirus infection died at the civil hospital here on Tuesday, the family said. Narmadaben (80) lived in the New Ranip area of the city with her children.”Our aunt Narmadaben was admitted to the civil hospital some ten days ago after her condition deteriorated following coronavirus infection,” said Prahlad Modi, the prime minister’s younger brother.”She breathed her last at the hospital today,” he told PTI. Her husband Jagjivandas, brother of the prime minister’s father Damodardas, had died many years ago, said Prahlad Modi.
Rush to hospitals, big gatherings worsen India’s Covid crisis: WHO Agency News: Geneva People in India are rushing unnecessarily to hospital, exacerbating a crisis over surging Covid-19 infections caused by mass gatherings, more contagious variants and low vaccination rates, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.India’s death toll is now pushing towards 200,000, and hospitals that do not have enough oxygen supplies and beds are turning away coronavirus patients.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday addressed all the district collectors at the review meeting on the Covid-19 preparedness.The Chief Minister has asked collectors to appoint cluster in-charges and districtlevel flying squads. According to an official release, Reddy said there is a need to devote attention to its management so as to avoid hardship to the public as it was done during the first wave last year.”There is also a need to ramp up testing capacity duly ensuring RT/PCR tests being carried out,” he added.He stressed on the need to ensure that each and every case of death is analysed properly and that appropriate action, in terms of clinical practices, such as to ensure that serious cases are
being reported to the hospital on time. “We are making arrangements to procure enough vaccines to cover 2.04 Cr population between the age of 18-45 at the state cost. Collectors must personally ensure that there is 100 per cent coverage of the left over health workers and other front line workers by appropriately motivating and counselling them,” Reddy saidAs the country is facing an acute shortage of oxygen,
Reddy instructed to carry out an oxygen audit in each of the hospitals so that all patients who really deserve the supply of oxygen can be accommodated. As per the release, 320-340 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen is being supplied to all the hospitals in the state.In the meeting, Reddy also instructed the collectors to ensure the effective functioning of the District 104Call Centres.”The collectors should also ensure that there are
We’re better prepared to beat Covid-19 this year compared to 2020: Harsh Vardhan Agency News: New Delhi India is better prepared mentally and physically this year with more experience to beat the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to 2020, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Tuesday.He made this remark while inaugurating a series of blood donation camps at 13 locations in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh through a webinar in the presence of Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur, a health ministry statement said. The camps are being organised by the Competent Foundation with the help of various associations, NGOs and blood banks in wake of fulfilling the blood requisition due to COVID-19 pandemic, it said.Addressing the webinar, Vardhan appreciated the efforts of the foundation to organise blood donation camps with more strength and expansion for fulfilling the blood requirement due to the pandemic. He exhorted people to at least donate blood once a
year on their birthdays as it is a big help for humanity. He said that in his opinion, donating blood is even more pious than visiting revered holy places, the statement said. Vardhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the largest vaccination drive in the world in January, which is now being accelerated further as the vaccination of young people is about to begin from May 1.He also said that in 2021, the country is better prepared mentally and physically with more experience to beat the pandemic as compared to last year, the statement stated. He appreciated the fact that this blood donation camp has been set up following all COVID protocols, guidelines and SOPs. He said that the blood donation drive is being
He made this remark while inaugurating a series of blood donation camps at 13 locations in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh through a webinar. done before vaccination of youth which is commendable as after being vaccinated it is advisable to not donate blood for 2 months.President of Competent Foundation Sanjay Tandon said this year the foundation decided to organise blood donation camps beyond Chandigarh tricity in 13 different locations across the region with more strength in the wake of fulfilling the blood requirement during the COVID pandemic, the statement stated. He appealed that in the middle of coronavirus epidemic, blood donation has become more important because supply of blood has become extremely difficult.
adequate numbers of Covid Care Centres. As of now, 59 CCCs have been operationalized by the district with 33,327 beds. The Collectors should also ensure that the quality food, sanitation, provision of medications, functioning of help desks and all the other appropriate steps are taken as was done last year,” the Chief Minister said.According to the official data released by Union Health Ministry, Andhra Pradesh has 95,131 active Covid-19 cases.
High court slams Delhi govt over black marketing of oxygen cylinders Agency News: New Delhi The Delhi high court on Tuesday showed displeasure with the reports of black marketing of oxygen cylinders in the national capital. The court slammed the AAP ledDelhi government saying its entire system has failed as black marketing of oxygen cylinders and crucial medicines for treating Covid-19 patients is going on. “This is a mess that you have been unable to resolve,” the court said.The court further said, “If you (Delhi Government) are not going to be able to manage then tells us, we will ask central govt officer to take over (the refilling unit).”A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli observed it was not the time to become vultures. “Are you aware of black marketing. Is it a good human gesture?”, the bench said to oxygen refillers.The HC issued a contempt notice and asked the Delhi government to take action against erring cylinder dealers.
ygen so far, Delhi receives 70 tonnes Agency News: Canada
On Tuesday, Delhi received its first Oxygen Express’ train ferrying four cryogenic tankers carrying liquid medical oxygen (LMO) from Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) steel plant in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh on Tuesday morning, said officials from the railway ministry aware of the development. The train reached the national capital at 4 am.“Delhi has received its first Oxygen Express carrying more than 70 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen today early morning,” the ministry said.The national carrier has thus far delivered 450 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi through six Oxygen Express trains, carrying 26 tankers and covering over 10,000 kilometres since April 19, the ministry of railways said in a statement on
The national carrier has thus far delivered 450 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi through six Oxygen Express trains.
Tuesday.“Currently, another Oxygen Express is on its way from Bokaro to Bhopal via Jabalpur. This train is carrying 64 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen in six tankers which will replenish oxygen demand in Madhya Pradesh through the city of Bhopal and Jabalpur,” the ministry said.“Another empty rake from Lucknow has reached Bokaro which will bring another set of oxygen tankers replenishing oxygen supply to Uttar Pradesh,” it added.Plagued by
the acute shortage of oxygen due to a significant rise in Covid-19 cases, more states are seeking the railways’ assistance for delivering LMO via the ‘Oxygen Express’ trains. The national carrier has planned more Oxygen Express trains to Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi and MP in the coming weeks. The first Oxygen Express train departed from Mumbai to Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on April 19.On March 18, the Indian Railways decided to deploy first-of-akind ‘Oxygen Express’ trains to transport LMO and oxygen cylinders in bulk along key corridors amid high demand from states grappling with the second wave of Covid-19. “So far, as per provisional estimates, Indian Railways has delivered 202 metric tonnes to Uttar Pradesh, 174 metric tonnes to Maharashtra.
US Prez Joe Biden to propose tax hikes, $80 billion for audits of rich Agency News: Canada Ending “step up in basis,” which allows heirs to use the market value of assets at the time of inheritance rather than the actual purchase price as the cost basis for capital gains when the holdings are sold, would mean much higher tax bills for wealthy estates. Biden’s plan will also include a top individual tax rate of 39.6% for those making at least $400,000, up from 37% today, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the proposals aren’t yet public. That could affect roughly 1% of taxpayers if current income thresholds apply. The person didn’t say whether the $400,000 is also the figure for married couples filing jointly. Biden’s measures will include $80 billion to boost the Internal Revenue Service’s audit capabilities over the next decade for wealthy individuals and corporations, a change that could generate $700 billion in revenue, according to the
President Joe Biden’s coming tax package will feature an end to a major benefit for wealthy estates person. The administration has that drastically already asked for more money minimizes the levy for enforcement in its outline for inheritors. for the 2022 annual budget.The proposals will be key elements to offset the cost of Biden’s “American Families Plan” that he’s set to unveil in a speech to Congress on Wednesday. That program, expected to cost well over $1 trillion and potentially as much as $1.8 trillion, is anticipated to feature funding for paid leave, childcare and education.Higher income tax rates for top earners, along with a 39.6% capital gains rate for those earning $1 million or more, mean that many wealthy taxpayers will see a significant increase in the levies they owe annually and when they sell major investments, such as stocks or businesses.Biden
Capital Gains Hike Would Hit Couples Earning $1 Million Repealing the step up in basis provision would end a longstanding tax break that wipes away the capital gains on an asset when it is inherited, meaning that much of the appreciation on securities, properties and small businesses goes untaxed when the original owner dies.Spending billions more on audits is intended to reverse a multi-year trend of falling audit rates at the IRS. Commissioner Chuck Rettig told a congressional panel this month that as much as $1 trillion in taxes may go uncollected each year.
SUNVILLA SAMACHAR Editorial
SUNVILLA SAMACHAR
We Have Only Ourselves To Blame For Killer Second Wave
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recently said that India’s situation is a devastating reminder of what the coronavirus can do. Indeed, he was right as the country is suffering from a severe and more dangerous second wave of the pandemic. The authorities have confirmed more than 16 million cases and 1,86,000 deaths. India has overtaken the US with the highest number of issues. No doubt there is an unprecedented health emergency as the Centre and the state governments are on the test. When the first wave of Covid hit the world in 2020 there was an inadequate number of beds and medical equipment in India. There were no vaccines. Despite all these, India managed to fight the first wave successfully, but the second wave is more serious. Though one year later, we now have more medical kits, hospital beds, and vaccines but there is not much preparedness because no one expected a second wave. Where the state governments and the Central government, as well as the public, had gone wrong was the complacency. They all had lowered their guard. It was the immune system that fought Covid well last year, and the epidemiologists have also had acknowledged it. Even during the second wave of the pandemic, the rural people are faring better. The intensive vaccination drive launched by the government is going on successfully. India is number one in vaccine technology, and the vaccine manufacturers were working day and night to roll out the vaccines. India even exported vaccines partly as gifts and partly as commercial deals to other countries. But the opening up of vaccination for those above 45 has resulted in a shortage of vaccines. The government has further opened it up for those above 18, which might result in a bigger vaccine shortage. All efforts are being made to increase the supply. So, where did we go wrong? The complacency was the first thing that is responsible for the killer second wave. The authorities were so confident that Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan even announced the covid era was over in March this year. Then came the second wave unannounced. Secondly, the Election Commission had conducted Assembly elections to five states, namely West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, in the midst of the pandemic. Many experts feel that the election rallies were the super spreaders. Probably the Commission was encouraged because of the successful conduct of Bihar polls last year. But that was during the period when the Covid cases were coming down. The Commission could have at least banned the election rallies. The political parties could have restrained themselves from addressing huge gatherings where people participated without masks or maintaining social distances. But almost all parties are guilty of not doing this. By the time the Commission woke up and banned the rallies, it was too late. There cannot be a greater indictment of the Election Commission than the Madras High Court’s strictures against the poll body the other day. The court squarely blamed the ECI for the raging second wave of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and asked if the officials were in some other planet when political parties took out Assembly election rallies without adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols despite several judicial orders. “You have been the most irresponsible institution in the last few months. You are the only institution singularly responsible for the situation we are facing today,” Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said. The third mistake was the authorities allowed millions of devotees to take bath in the Ganges in Hardwar during the Kumbh Mela this month. This again was a super-spreader. Wiser counsels prevailed on the Uttarakhand chief minister who cut short the Mela. By that time, it was too late. The fourth was the failure of the state governments to address the migrant labour issue, but the latter has no faith in the chief ministers. It was also the failure of the states to provide primary medical facilities to the poor and needy. At the macro level, the authorities failed to make timely and correct decisions. The fifth is the politicization of Covid. The Centre blamed the states for not being alert, and the states claimed that the Centre was not heeding their requests for more oxygen and vaccination doses. It is a fact that whoever is to be blamed the crisis worsened. The same players last year worked in tandem and fought Covid. The Prime Minister took the chief ministers on board and shared the burden. No doubt this continued until December 2020. But from 2021, politics took over all else. Finally, the public should get their share of the blame as they had ignored the Covid regulations since January 2021. Swayed by false rumours, they were also apprehensive of taking the vaccine initially when the government had launched the most significant ever vaccine drive in March. But now, there is a huge demand, but the supply is not - Kapilkumar M. Hirpara adequate.
Editor
Mukhtar Ansari, gangster-turned politician, tests positive for Covid-19 Agency News: New Delhi Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari tested positive for coronavirus and has been kept in isolation in the district jail here, officials said on Tuesday. Mukhtar Ansari was found Covid-19 positive in a rapid antigen test on Saturday, which was confirmed in an RT-PCR test on Sunday, chief medical officer N D Sharma said.He has been kept in isolation at Barrack No. 16 in the jail.A team of doctors is monitoring his health, Banda government medical
Mukhtar Ansari was found Covid-19 positive in a rapid antigen test on Saturday, which was confirmed in an RT-PCR test on Sunday. college principal Mukesh Kumar Yadav said, adding that despite testing positive for the infection, Ansari did not show symptoms.Jail Superintendent Pramod Tripathi said his condition is normal.
28.04.2021, Wednesday
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EDITORIAL
Future generations won’t forgive you, Priyan- BJP to celebrate victory on May 2 virtuka writes to Adityanath on Covid-19 crisis ally after EC bans electoral processions Agency News: Lucknow Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Tuesday wrote to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alleging low testing for Covid-19, a shortage of oxygen beds and a sluggish vaccination drive in the state, which is battling a “terrible” second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. In her letter to Adityanath, the Congress general secretary also alleged coronavirus patients and their attendant were scrambling for beds, medicines and oxygen in the state to no avail. Uttar Pradesh Monday reported 249 coronavirus deaths, the highest single-day fatality count so far, and 33,574 fresh cases. The infection has killed 11,414 people in the state till Monday,”If you don’t employ the entire resources of the government with determination in this hour of crisis, the future generations will never forgive you,” she said in her letter, in which she has also made 10 suggestions on fighting the raging pandemic.She said the second wave of the pandemic
is at its peak in many cities of Uttar Pradesh and “is now spreading to villages”. “The biggest concern is that the rate of coronavirus cases is rising, while testing is very low. A large number of cases are not being reported,” Gandhi alleged in her letter in Hindi. She said the war against Covid-19 rests on four pillars of testing, treatment, tracking and vaccination. “There is no testing in rural areas and people in the urban areas also area facing a lot of difficulties in getting their tests done. Test reports do not come for several days. In a state with a population of over 23 crore, there are only 126 government test centres and 115 private centres,” she said. She said another big concern area was an alleged lack of hospital beds,
In her letter to Adityanath, the Congress general secretary also alleged coronavirus patients and their attendant were scrambling for beds, medicines and oxygen in the state to no avail. medical oxygen, and an acute shortage of medicines and their massive black-marketing. “The Ayushman card scheme has failed, it is not being honoured by any hospital. People are being forced to pay three-four times more for oxygen, Remedesivir and other life-saving drugs,” she said, adding it is difficult for the poor and middle class to get treatment in such a scenario. She also alleged people have to face a lot of difficulties at crematoriums and death figures are also being “underreported”. “This game of underreporting deaths is being played every
6-year jail term for Saritha Nair in Kerala solar scam Agency News: Kerala The judicial first class magistrate court in Kozhikode (north Kerala) on Tuesday sentenced the second accused in solar cheating case Saritha S Nair to six years rigorous imprisonment and fined her ₹40,000.Congress leader and former home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan welcomed the verdict. “The ruling front has used her to target Congress leaders. It is a slap on its face,” he said. The court found Nair guilty of breach of trust, cheating, forging documents and other offences. The first accused, Biju Radhakrishnan, her second husband, is in quarantine and his sentence will be announced later. The court held that she has to undergo the sentence separately. She had already been convicted in three other cases. This is one of the 30odd complaints registered against the duo in the solar cheating case in 2013. This case relates to the cheating of a businessman Abdul Majeed in 2012. He had accused both of cheating him of ₹42.70 lakh after promising to install imported solar panels in his office and house and franchisee rights of their firm. Fearing bad publicity many withdrew their
The judicial first class magistrate court in Kozhikode (north Kerala) on Tuesday sentenced the second accused in solar cheating case Saritha S Nair to plaints later. six years rigorous Though the trial in the case was completed in 2018, the imprisonment and verdict was postponed. The fined her Rs. 40,000 case dragged after Nair failed to appear before the court citing many reasons. Later, the court issued an arrest warrant and she was held from her house in Thiruvananthapuram last week.The solar scandal, one of the reasons for the fall of the Oommen Chandy regime, surfaced in 2013. Nair and Radhakrishnan floated a fictitious solar energy company called ‘Team Solar’ and cheated many by seeking investments with the promise of making them business partners or offering to install solar power units. They flaunted their ‘high connections’ to attract gullible investors. She used to frequent the CM’s office using her connections. Oommen Chandy, the then CM of Kerala, had to sack two of his private secretaries
and the state public relations director when their names cropped up in the case. Later, Nair also accused many Congress leaders, including Chandy, of sexually harassing her. This complaint was handed over to the CBI by the Pinarayi Vijayan government two months back but the central agency is yet to take up the case.Nair allegedly figured in another cheating case last year when some of the job aspirants filed a police complaint against her saying she accepted money from them in the guise of helping them to get government jobs. However, due to her alleged proximity with the left front government, which used her to target Congress leaders, she was spared.
Team Apna Time Bhi Aayega is on cloud nine as the show completes 150 episodes Agency News: Mumbai
Ever since its premiere, Zee TV’s Apna Time Bhi Aayega has been striving hard to inspire its audience with Rani’s inspirational narrative. Belonging to the head staff member of an affluent family of Jaipur, Rani wants to break free from the shackles of her background to carve her own destiny. While her character has connected with several women across India, the unpredictable twists and turns to the story line have also kept viewers glued to their television screens. Having received immense love and appreciation, Apna Time Bhi Aayega recently clocked another milestone when it successfully completed 150 episodes. Commemorating the moment, while keeping all the COVID-19 precautions in mind, a few cast and
crew members of the show gathered together for a small cake-cutting celebration. While each member was ecstatic and proud about this achievement, Megha Ray and Fahmaan Khan couldn’t control their happiness that was visible in their eyes and smile. Sharing her thoughts about this milestone, Megha who plays the role of Rani in Apna Time Bhi Aayega revealed, “I honestly have no words, this is a really great milestone for all of us, but there's a long way to go still. I still can’t believe Rani’s
story has touched so many lives. I actually realised this when I had taken a small break from the shoot to help my parents recover from COVID-19. During that time, my character was shown to have been kidnapped and on a daily basis, I used to receive messages from people from across the country, telling me how much they missed watching Rani on-screen. Their love and appreciation touched my heart, and I was beyond delighted when my character returned on television. Completing 150 episodes feels really fantastic as I feel I started shooting for Apna Time Bhi Aayega just yesterday. While we would have loved to celebrate this occasion on a larger scale, we kept it a little low-key due to the current scenario across the country. However, our excitement level is on cloud 9 as we want to continue to inspire and entertain our fans for years to come!
day in every district, in every town of UP,” she said, asking, “It is being done on whose directions?” People are not getting wood for the cremation of bodies and families have to wait for 12 hours for an ambulance to take their deceased loved ones to cremation ground, she claimed. On vaccination, she said the pace of immunisation was “sluggish” in the state as it has inoculated “less than 1 crore people in five months”. “Uttar Pradesh will need at least Rs 10,000 crore to vaccinate 60 per cent of the state’s population, while it has allocated only Rs 40 crore. I urge you (CM) to explore the possibility of manufacturing vaccines in Bharat Immunological and Biological Corporation in Bulandshahr,” she suggested. She added, “Whatever may be your motive behind the order to book people who are exposing the truth of this pandemic and confiscate their property, please first focus your attention on trying to control this deadly virus.”
Agency News: New Delhi
In view of the Election Commission’s decision to ban victory processions on or after counting on May 2,Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will celebrate the day virtually. Speaking to ANI, BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh said, “We are sure of winning the West Bengal elections. As a responsible party, we will celebrate the occasion but it will be according to the guideline of the Election Commission. We have always followed Covid-19 protocol during the election campaign in the five states and we will also follow this order and we will celebrate our win virtually with our karyakartas.”Earlier today, (BJP) national President JP Nadda on Tuesday welcomed the Election Commission’s decision to ban any kind of victory processions or celebrations after the counting of votes on May 2, owing to the worsening Covid-19 crisis in the country.Taking to Twitter, Nadda said that all BJP workers are using their energies to help the ones in need in this
Assam imposes night curfew across state till May 1 Agency News: Assam “It has been observed that there has been a rapid increase in the number of active cases of Covid-19 across the state and therefore, it is felt that night curfew needs to be imposed in all districts of the state, except for essential/emergency services as an emergency measure for well being and safety of the people,” said an order issued by the state disaster management authority.The state government had earlier ordered all shops and business establishments to close at 6pm to contain the spread of the disease. On Monday, the state recorded 3,137 new cases and 15 deaths—both figures the state’s highest for this year. The state has 17,764 active cases at present.Officers of Central and state government departments and those involved in emergency services, public transport, disaster management etc. have been exempted from the curfew, provided they are able to show their valid identity documents on request.Judicial officials, medical personnel, journalists, pregnant women and patients, diplomats of foreign countries, and persons
On Monday, the state recorded 3,137 new cases and 15 deaths— both figures the state’s highest for this year. The state has 17,764 active cases at present holding constitutional posts will also be exempted from the curfew.“There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement/ transportation of essential/nonessential goods. No separate permission shall be required for such movement,” the order read. Personnel related to food products, animal fodder, medicines, medical equipment, banks, insurance offices, telecommunications, internet, IT services, petrol pumps, LPG units, electricity generation and supply, cold storage and warehousing, private security agencies, manufacturing units of essential commodities and units that require continuous production are also exempted. The curfew will not be applicable on those going for Covid-19 vaccination.
As a responsible party, we will celebrate the occasion but it will be according to the guideline of the Election Commission.
hour of crisis. “I welcome the decision of the ECI banning celebrations and processions of electoral victories. I have directed all state units of BJP to strictly adhere to this decision. All karykartas of BJP are using their energies to help the ones in need in this hour of crisis,” he tweeted.Due to the surge of Covid-19 cases, the Election Commission has banned all victory procession on May 2 or later.”In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to exiting Broad Guidelines dated August 21, 2020, and has directed that no victory procession after the counting on May 2, 2021.
Vajpayee’s niece and ex-MP Karuna Shukla dies of coronavirus Agency News: Raipur Congress leader and former MP Karuna Shukla died of coronavirus in Raipur, her family members said on Tuesday.The niece of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died at a private hospital on Monday night, they said. Shukla (70) was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha and represented the Janjgir-Champa Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh. She quit the BJP in 2013 claiming the party was under a grip of power politics.After having ended her 32-yearlong association with the BJP, she joined the Congress in 2014 and contested the Lok Sabha election that year from the Bilaspur constituency but was defeated by BJP’s Lakhan Lal Sahu.She contested the 2018 Assembly election from Rajnandgaon and was defeated by former chief minister Raman Singh.Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed grief over the demise of Shukla. “My aunt Karuna Shukla is no more. The ruthless coronavirus snatched her away.
States received over 155mn doses of Covid-19 vaccines till now Agency News: New Delhi
India has administered over 145 million coronavirus vaccine doses across the country by Monday evening. In the third phase, beginning May 1, the vaccination drive will be expanded to include all adults. However, many states are divided over how to launch phase 3 of the drive. While some have expressed their incapability to do so, others said they may begin with vaccine doses in their stock.Officials in Rajasthan and Punjab said they will not be able to open up vaccinations for all adults from May 1, while Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka said they will roll out the expansion with the stocks they have.Meanwhile, a total of 155,311,140 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been received by states and UTs. Of these, 144,276,074 doses have already been administered (this figure includes wastage), while another 11,035,066 remain with states and UTs as on
Monday morning, according to government data accessed by HT. Another 9,705,000 doses, meanwhile, are in the pipeline. Maharashtra, the worst-hit state,received 15,862,470 doses and it consumed 14,644,390 of those, leaving it with 1,218,080 in stock. Another 300,000 doses are in the pipeline. The national Capital of Delhi, which is the worst-hit city in the country, got 3,490,710 doses and used up 3,164,905 doses.There are another 350,000 doses in the pipeline.Chhattisgarh got 5,916,550 vaccine doses and reported consumption of 5,522,602 doses. There are another 200,000 doses in the pipeline.Uttar Pradesh received 13,096,780 doses, it consumed 12,439,438 of them, and has 1,400,000 in
India has administered over 145 million coronavirus vaccine doses across the country by Monday evening. In the third phase, beginning May 1, the vaccination drive will be expanded to include all adults
the pipeline.Karnataka was sent 9,447,900 doses, it used up 9,447,900, and there are another 400,000 doses in the pipeline.Punjab received 3,336,770 vaccine doses of which it used 3,149,040 doses and has another 350,000 doses in the pipeline. To be sure, individual centres may run out of stock on account of how the states manage their replenishment.
SUNVILLA SAMACHAR
28.04.2021, Wednesday
Disha Patani twerks in BTS Seeti Maar video from Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai. Watch
SPORTS - BUSINESS
Zampa, Richardson still in Mumbai; awaiting Australia return Agency News: Mumbai Cricket Australia are in talks with the Australian government to try and bring home two of their cricketers who are currently stuck in India after having opted out of their respective IPL contracts. It’s been two days since legspinner Adam Zampa and fast bowler Kane Richardson left the bio secure bubble, following their withdrawal from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for “personal reasons”.But with Australia now having suspended all direct flights from India, it looks like Zampa and Richardson will not be able to get home before May 15, when the temporary travel ban is set to end.Cricbuzz has learnt that the two Australians
parted ways with RCB on Sunday (April 25) and moved into a hotel close to the airport in Mumbai. The Bangalore franchise have since moved to Ahmedabad where they’ll play their next set of matches.A CA spokesperson confirmed to this website that the board is waiting to hear from the
Want to bring my ‘big-hitter’ image to the IPL: Lalit Yadav Agency News: New Delhi He is yet to hit his first Indian Premier League (IPL) six, but Lalit Yadav is ready to bide his time before he brings his big-hitter image from domestic Indian cricket to the IPL, and it shows in his three outings for Delhi Capitals (DC) so far this season. Yadav, a batting allrounder known for his ability to hit sixes, earned his debut cap in DC’s second game against Rajasthan Royals. His off-spinners weren’t needed, but his brisk 20 off 24 balls promised a lot. A 12* against Punjab Kings followed, but it
was the game against Mumbai Indians, which showed that the Delhi think-tank’s trust in Yadav was growing.Skipper Rishabh Pant promoted the young right-hander ahead of him, and Yadav came up with another useful knock of 22* off 25, after bowling four overs of crafty off-spin with figures of 1/17.”It’s going good. Match by match, there is improvement. As a player, I feel I am becoming confident in all departments -- batting, bowling, fielding,” said Yadav during an interaction with. “From the team perspective, what’s good is that I have been part.
government about whether Zampa and Richardson will be given an exemption to return to Australia. They’re currently working with the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) and DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to see if a way could be found for the duo to get home before
It’s been two days since leg-spinner Adam Zampa and fast bowler Kane Richardson left the bio secure bubble, following their withdrawal from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for “personal reasons”. May 15.It’s also learnt that arrangements have been made for Zampa and Richardson to fly from Mumbai to Doha and use the same route fellow Aussie, Andrew Tye, had taken to enter Australia after
Aussie players in IPL will have to make own arrangements for return: Australia’s PM Scott Morrison Agency News: Melbourne A Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday said cricketers competing in the IPL will have to make their “own arrangements” to return home after his country banned all flights from India in the wake of a deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic there. Australia on Tuesday suspended all direct passenger flights from India with immediate effect until May 15 due to the “very significant” spike in Covid-19 cases.”They have travelled there privately. This wasn’t part of an Australian
tour. They’re under their own resources and they’ll be using those resources too, I’m sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements,” Morrison was quoted as saying by ‘The Guardian’.Three Australian players -- Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam
Supreme Court allows Vedanta to operate Tuticorin plant for producing oxygen The court constituted a committee headed by Tuticorin collector to oversee the production of oxygen.
Agency News: New Delhi The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed oil-to-metals conglomerate Vedanta Ltd to operate its Tuticorin plant in Tamil Nadu for producing oxygen. “It is a national crisis and the plant to be operated only for production of medical grade oxygen,” the top court noted. The court constituted a committee headed by Tuticorin collector to oversee the production of oxygen. It asked the committee to carry out a safety audit before starting the production unit.Vedanta has to buy electricity from Tamil Nadu government to start the
oxygen plant. The company’s smelter has been closed for nearly three years due to concerns about pollution. The court clearly mentioned that “Vedanta shall not be allowed to enter and operate copper smelting plant under the garb of this (today’s) order.” Vedanta’s shares, which have
Cognizant CEO receives $14 million in compensation in 2020 Agency News: Bengaluru Cognizant CEO Brian Humphries received a total compensation of $13.8 million in 2020, according to the company’s 2021 proxy statement filing on the US SEC. It’s less than the $15.9 million he received in 2019. But $7 million of the latter ($4 million cash bonus and $3 million restricted stock units) was to compensate Humphries for forfeiting certain long-term compensation at Vodafone. Humphries joined Cognizant from Vodafone that year.Humphries and other top executives received 85% of their annual cash incentive (ACI) in 2020. In 2019, Humphries had received 42.8% of the ACI.In 2020, Humphries was granted performance stock units (PSUs) of $6.2 million (22% decrease vs 2019) and restricted stock units (RSUs) of $4.2 million (there were no RSUs in the target direct compensation
in 2019). His realised compensation in the year was $5.1 million, significantly lower than the target direct compensation because, as the proxy statement said, “all the PSU awards made in 2019 and 2020 will vest in future periods.”The top executives’ target direct compensation includes cash, divided between base salary and ACI , and longterm compensation in the form of equity, divided between PSUs and RSUs. The proxy statement said that the 2020 target direct compensation and other compensation of its top executives were set with reference to the 2020 peer group that comprised of 17 technology, software and professional services companies including IBM, Accenture and Salesforce selected based on industry, comparable business operations and scale, including with respect to revenue, market capitalisation and headcount.
having similarly withdrawn from the IPL a couple of days earlier. However, with the announcement of the suspension of flights from pandemic-ravaged India, question marks remain over the travel plans.”We are trying to see if the government does give us the go ahead to bring the players back. If we get the nod, it’s all pretty straightforward. But if not, we’ll be working with the ACA and BCCI to make sure they’re in a secure environment,” the spokesperson said.He also cleared the air about other Australian players, coaches and commentators wanting to cut short their stay in India. One Australian commentator it’s learnt has expressed his desire to end his IPL stint prematurely.
nearly tripled over the last year, rose by over 2%. Overcrowded hospitals in Delhi and elsewhere are turning away patients after running out of supplies of medical oxygen and beds as new coronavirus infections in India hit a record peak for a sixth day on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu ordered
the 400,000 tonne per annum Sterlite copper smelter to close in May 2018, a week after 13 people died in protest while demanding closure of the plant for alleged pollution. The company has consistently denied allegations of pollution. “We are committed to making the entire production capacity of 1,000 tonnes available for the purpose of producing medical grade oxygen,” it said in a statement on Monday. Vedanta, controlled by billionaire Anil Agarwal, said last month it was looking for a state government partner to set up a Rs 10,000 crore ($1.37 billion) copper smelter.
Australia on Tuesday suspended all direct passenger flights from India with immediate effect until May 15 due to the “very significant” spike in Covid-19 cases.” Zampa -- have withdrawn from the league amid the escalating health crisis. India is recording over three lakh daily new cases and more than 2,000 deaths per day right now.
Maruti Suzuki India posts 9.7% drop in January-March profit Agency News: Bengaluru Maruti Suzuki India Ltd reported a 9.7% drop in fourthquarter profit on Tuesday, as weak demand for vehicles during the Covid-19 pandemic and higher commodity costs hurt India’s largest carmaker. After a steep fall in car sales last year when the pandemic first hit, Maruti’s sales picked up in India over the past two quarters as people opted out of public transport and poured their lockdown-savings into big-ticket items such as cars. Still, as the carmaker dealt with rising costs of steel and copper that threatened margins, it passed on some of those costs to customers.
Australia bans direct passenger flights from India till May 15 Agency News: New Delhi Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India following a massive surge in coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians stranded. India’s new coronavirus cases stayed above 300,000 for a sixth consecutive day on Tuesday. It reported 2,771 new deaths, but health experts believe the tally is significantly higher. Cognizant had acquired Finnish IT developer Samlink in 2019 as part of a deal to build and operate a shared core banking platform. A few months ago, Cognizant had to exit the engagement.
Last week, Australia had announced that it would cut the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red-zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of Covid spreading India has ordered its armed forces to help tackle the Covid crisis, as nations including Britain, Germany and the United States pledged urgent medical aid to try to contain an emergency overwhelming the country’s hospitals. Australia closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents last March to
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians stranded. prevent the new coronavirus reaching the country. All returning travellers have to undergo a mandatory twoweek hotel quarantine at their own expense. The quarantine system has largely helped Australia to keep its Covid-19 numbers relatively low, with just under 29,700 cases and 910 deaths.
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Actor Disha Patani has shared a behind-the-scenes video in which she is seen twerking to her new song Seeti Maar from Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai. The video also showed her posing during a photoshoot. Sharing it on Instagram, she didn’t use a caption but simply wrote “#SeetiMaar”.Reacting to her post, celebs, as well as her fans, praised her. Trainer Rajendra Dhole wrote, “so proud of you,your whole body and particularly your mid section is so so ripped” to which she replied, “thanks to you sir”. Actor Samantha Steffen wrote, “Love it.
BOLLYWOOD-HOLLYWOOD Mithun Chakraborty refutes reports of testing positive for Covid-19 Mithun Chakraborty denied rumours of testing positive for Covid-19. The actor and his son Mimoh confirmed that he is fine.
Agency News: Mumbai As India battles the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, reports surfaced claiming that Mithun Chakraborty had tested positive for Covid-19. However, the actor and his son Mimoh Chakraborty cleared the rumour.Mithun, who has been busy with his political campaigns in West Bengal latetly, assured fans that he was fine and enjoying a break. Mimoh too issued a statement noting that Mithun is hale and hearty.On Tuesday, Filmfare tweeted Mithun’s statement which read, “After an extensive campaigning for more than a month, I am enjoying my holiday with my favourite food Beuli Dal and Aloo Posto.” Mimoh issued a statement to SpotboyE and said, “He is absolutely hale and hearty by the grace of God and the love and blessings of his fans. He
continues to inspire me every day to work extremely hard and stay positive at all times. Not the COVID positive I must say. We have to take all the SOPs very seriously and follow as directed. This is a war we can’t lose to this pandemic.”India has registered record numbers over the past few weeks. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday revealed India registered 3,23,144 new cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal,
Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat have contributed 71.68% to the daily count. Several Bollywood stars have tested positive for coronavirus in recent weeks. Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, and Akshay Kumar were a few stars who contracted the virus. Several Bollywood stars have dedicated their social media accounts to amplify resources. This includes Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Sonam Kapoor.
Director of Ileana’s first film made heavy ceramic shells drop on her waist Agency News: Mumbai
Actor Ileana D’Cruz has shared her experience when the director of her first film had heavy ceramic shells dropped on her waist for a scene that he called romantic. She added that he called it ‘romantic and feminine’. Ileana’s first film was Devadasu, a Telugu romantic comedy in 2006. “Well, it was my first film. It was a very successful film for one and it was like a take on Romeo and Juliet in a way. So it was like a full-on love story, very passionate and intense. And there’s a song in that film in which ceramic shells, and they were pretty heavy, they were dropped on my waist. And I didn’t understand it honestly because I was just 18-years-old. I was so young, so naive. The director then explained it to me, ‘You know what, it’s a sensual shot. It will look so beautiful in slow motion. It’s romantic and feminine and the shells are feminine as well. I honestly don’t remember his words but that was his reasoning behind it. And I was like, I don’t understand it but I suppose it makes sense. So I went with it,” Ileana said in an interview with Bollywood Bubble.”And If I have to do it now, I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. I am all for shooting things that will Ileana D’Cruz has shared her look beautiful and feminine and stuff. I mean that’s part of experience when the director of her the job as much as I like to say it or not. I do like the whole first film made heavy ceramic shells song and dance thing. I mean drop on her waist. He had called it I am an Indian film actress. I like to do a mix of everything. ‘romantic and feminine’, she added. So who knows. You never know. Maybe not ceramic shell though, something lighter. It was a little heavy but you know I have strong ab muscles,” she also added. Ileana has also shared about being body-shamed since her childhood. The 34-year-old actor said that it takes a lot of inner strength to convince oneself that what others say doesn’t matter as a person’s opinion about oneself ‘is what matters the most’.In an interview with the Hindustan Times, she opened about body dysmorphia and at the same time highlighted that now she focuses on the good rather than the flaws.
Divyanka Tripathi mourns death of fan, shares post Agency News: Mumbai
Divyanka Tripathi mourned the death of a fan and shared a post on Instagram. See it here.
Actor Divyanka Tripathi on Tuesday took to her Instagram Stories and offered her condolences after learning that one of her fans died due to a heart disease.Writing about it, she said: “Deeply Saddened by the demise of a dear follower and a very loving person - Mahi. RIP”. She shared a post which had been originally shared by an account called ‘memories_of_divekan_’. The note had mentioned how the fan had a heart problem and had succumbed to it. It also mentioned that it was her last wish to get the message sent across to Divyanka and her husband Vivek Dahiya. Divyanka often interacts with her fans on social media. In September last year, a fan had asked her plans of having children. The fan had said: “Mam we all want you to become a mother”. Divyanka replied, “Then you all volunteer to babysit my baby while I work.” In 2018, in an interview to Hindustan Times, she had addressed pregnancy rumours. “I’ve been an open book. I make a point to interact with my fans every few days. I have good relations with the media and they’ve been kind to me. My wedding wasn’t a private affair. I understand that our lives are open to public scrutiny and I’ve accepted that. I share my life’s happy moments with my fans and will continue to do so.”
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28.04.2021, Wednesday
Oxygen crisis deepens in Gujarat Mehsana villages start comas Covid cases cross 5 lakh-mark munity inhalation centres Agency News: Vadodara
Sakshi flaunted her toned legs in a dark blue leopard print swimsuit and completed her look with trendy sunglasses.
The spectre of crippling oxygen shortage threatening to snuff out Covid-19 affected lives is looming large in Gujarat. Growing need of gasping Covid-19 patients has rendered 1,000MT availability of the gas insufficient as hospitals across cities and towns reportedly struggled to treat unabated flow of breathless patients. The state government informed the Gujarat high court on Monday that there are 52,036 Covid patients currently on oxygen support across the state. “With the surge in cases, oxygen demand has risen from 58 MT on March 15 to 1,000 MT on April 24.The state received a quota of 1000 MT on April 24 and all was consumed in hospitals. The state government has created a distribution monitoring and audit system to avoid wastage,” government submitted in HC on Monday. Earlier in the day, the Indian
Hospitals turn away new patients due to O2 paucity Two frontline workers sucAgency News: Surat cumb On Monday, government
hospitals in city were unable to admit new patients due to lack of beds and oxygen. Since morning a queue of ambulances was lined up outside the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER). The main gate of the New Civil Hospital (NCH) on Ring Road too was closed for patients and their relatives. The scene was much or less same at the Government Medical College (GMC), where patient’s entry was allowed from only one gate. Since early hours on Monday those bringing patients were not allowed to enter from the main gate of NCH by the bouncers. They were asked to go back and no satisfactory reason was given for refusing the admission. Despite multiple attempts Dr Ragini Verma, superintendent of NCH, was not available for her comments. Sources in NCH informed that they discontinued admitting new patients from Monday due to shortage of oxygen supply and beds.
Home quarantined patients heave a sigh of relief Agency News: Vadodara Hundreds of Covid positive Barodians quarantined in the home were on the edge for many hours on Monday. The sudden decision by authorities to stop oxygen supply for those under home-based Covid care left the Coronavirus patients and their family members destressed. They heaved a sigh of relief by evening when the office on special duty (OSD) Vinod Rao put the decision on hold after a meeting with MLAs and MP.“It is a relief as we will now be able to supply oxygen to the needy. I don’t know why such an abrupt decision was taken to stop oxygen for home-based Covid care. It created so much panic among the Covid patients and their relatives. We got so many calls for oxygen bottles on Monday and had to turn away the needy,” said Sandeep Kharadi who runs Ma Khodiyar Foundation that is giving oxygen bottles for free to the home quarantined patients. To rationalize use of oxygen, Rao had issued a notification on Sunday wherein 164 small hospitals that were designated as Covid hospitals were asked to not admit patients needing oxygen therapy.
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LOCAL NEWS
Agency News: Vadodara
Two frontline workers died in Dahod due to Covid-19 on Monday. One of the workers was a laboratory technician while another was a peon with the health department. Priyal Choriya (29) used to work at the Rentiya primary health centre as a laboratory technician. She had joined at the health centre about five years ago. The second person to lose the battle against the viral flu was Jayanti Mavi (50) who used to work as a peon in the drug store of the health department. Officials of the district administration, as well as the health department, paid tributes to the duo. The procedure to ensure that their families got aid in time has been started by officials.
Medical Association (IMA), Surat, warned that around 400 hospitals with 4,000 Covid-19 patients will have to start discharging patients if the oxygen supply is not restored. Representatives from IMA, Surat, met the district collector and the city police commissioner on Monday to red-flag the issue. They also shot off a letter to CM Vijay Rupani claiming the diamond city is receiving 20% less oxygen supply against its requirement of 230 metric ton. “Over 4,000 indoor patients are admitted in 400-odd private hospitals of the city. If the oxygen supply is not restored immediately, hospitals will be forced to discharge patients,” said Dr Nirmal Choraria,
The state government informed the Gujarat high court on Monday that there are 52,036 Covid patients currently on oxygen support across the state.
chairman of Covid-19 task force of IMA, Surat. IMA also warned of possible law and order situation at these hospitals and sought police support. Meanwhile, New Civil Hospital (NCH) and Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) closed gates on Monday morning due to shortage of beds and ventilators. “There is a shortage of oxygen. We are trying hard to get supply from multiple private suppliers but there is a definite deficit. Difficult
Sola woman shoots harasser with phone Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad He called her ‘hot’ during his drive of sexual harassment, she used her cellphone camera to ensure he spends time in cold reflection in police custody. A 22-year-old woman, a Sola resident, nailed her harasser on Sunday by photographing his car’s licence plate. The presence of mind of the woman, a customer care executive, helped police nab the culprit, Hiren Patel. On Sunday evening, the woman and her sister had gone to a dairy to buy milk. While the two were returning to their residence, Patel made obscene gestures at them from his car. Initially, the woman thought that the man was perhaps known to them. But soon, they realized he was some random harasser. When Patel drew close to the
woman, he lowered the car window and told her that she looked ‘hot’. He made more objectionable comments and drove away. The woman took pictures of the licence plate at that stage.In her complaint filed with the Sola High Court police station, the woman said that she and her sister later spotted the car near ICB Flora Apartments in the area. The woman said she looked at the pictures in her cellphone and confirmed that the car belonged to the harasser. The woman called her brother, who reached the spot swiftly. The three then waited for the
Declare school vacation from May 1, association demands Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad Schools in Gujarat have urged the state government to declare a vacation in May due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the state. The Gujarat Rajya Shala Sanchalak Mahamandal, an association of managements and trustees of private schools in the state, has urged the government to start the next academic session in June if the situation has improved.In their letter to the chief minister, the association stated the government should announce the summer vacation from May 1 to June 6.The state government has decided to postpone the Class X and XII board exams due to the worsening Covid-19 situation in the state. It also announced recently that students of
to cope up with the deficit at present,” district collector Dhaval Patel told. In districts like Banaskantha, Patan, Gir-Somnath too, doctors complained of oxygen scarcity. “We have 125 beds and have admitted 200 patients needing oxygen. There is no scope to admit anymore patients as oxygen supply is limited,” said Dr Sunil Joshi, superintendent of Palanpur Civil Hospital. “One truck of oxygen was directed to be shared between Patan and Banaskantha. Obviously, the supply has dwindled and is not enough to save life of all patients. It is devastating to see patients die at hospital doorstep gasping for oxygen,” said a health official in Banaskantha. In Vadodara, to tide over a possible shortage, 164 small hospitals in Vadodara were asked to stop admitting patients with oxygen needs and discharge admitted patients. The decision was withdrawn under tremendous political pressure.
The presence of mind of the woman, a customer care executive, helped police nab the culprit, Hiren Patel. man and as he approached the car, the three confronted him. The police control room was informed.The inspector of Sola High Court police, J P Jadeja, said that the man has been booked under the Indian Penal Code’s Section 354A (1) (IV) for uttering sexually coloured words, which makes him liable to be charged with sexual harassment. Section 354 D (stalking) has been invoked as well. The man lives in the apartment complex near which the three caught him.
CAs chart philanthropic path, provide free food to kin of corona patients
Agency News: Vadodara
In their letter to the chief minister, the association stated the government should announce the summer vacation from May 1 to June 6. Classes I to IX and XI, will be given mass promotions for the academic year 2020-21 without annual examinations. Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) had earlier set the
dates for Classes X and XII from May 10 and May 25, respectively. The government said the new exam dates will be announced after a review of the Covid-19 situation on May 15.
A group of chartered accountants (CA) have kept aside the balance sheets and are roaming the streets at night helping the needy for the past more than 10 days now.They are providing food to relatives of Covid patients, especially of those from other cities, who have to spend days waiting outside the hospital. “Covid patients are under treatment in the hospitals and are getting facilities. But there isn’t anyone to help their relatives,” Manish Baxi, CA. He said that while the friends were discussing about people’s plight about a fortnight ago, an idea of providing them free food packets for dinner during night curfew came up.
Covid-inappropriate weddings: 207 cases, 78 arrests Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad In a sweep of wedding halls, police have filed 207 cases over the mask-rule violation or the breach of the 50-attendee cap. Through Sunday and Monday, cops inspected 3,244 wedding venues across the state.On April 21, Gujarat’s director general of police Ashish Bhatia had issued a circular stating that registration on a government website was essential to organize a wedding
event. The failure to register, the circular said, would lead to action under the Disaster Management Act and for violating the orders of police. Based on the information provided on the website,
cops from the police station concerned visit the venue and check the number of people present.Based on registrations, the 3,244 venues were checked and violations were observed in 6.4% of the cases. The office of the DGP has stated that of the 207 cases, 146 pertained to not wearing masks, and 61 to flouting the guest-number norm or for not keeping sanitizers or thermal guns handy. Cops have arrested 78 people from the venues.The
office of the DGP said that between December 19 last year and April 25 this year, cops have checked 17,571 wedding venues and filed 723 cases for various violations. The office said that the drive to check wedding venues will continue. Meanwhile, on Sunday 2,508 complaints were filed under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The offences include venturing out during the night curfew hours.
Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad
Every morning, some 2030 persons queue up outside village sarpanch Pina Patel’s residence in Tareti village located about 3 km from Mehsana. It is not a queue for Covid test or medicine but for another sort of prophylactic – a steam inhalation of an ayurvedic concoction! “In our village of 3,000 population, we had 10 active cases. Even I got positive and then recovered. During that period, I had heard about benefits of steam inhalation by a centre run in Untva village near Kadi,” said Pina Patel. “I was impressed by the simple but effective mechanism and replicated it in our village. It’s giving good results.”Across Mehsana, the steam chambers is a fad revived in the current wave of the pandemic. At places like Untva, about 100120 persons take their daily dose of steam.Operators claim that it attracts people from as far as Ahmedabad. Initially a free service, the operators have started monetizing it after its popularity and spike in demand. “It is still offered gratis to the unaffording,” says Mahendra Patel, sarpanch
of Untva, who set up the first such steam chamber six months ago.“It doesn’t have any side effects, and those who regularly take it claim to feel the benefit. We put 25 different herbs and medicinal plants in a big pot and cover it with a lid. We boil it till it starts emanating steam. The steam is directed to a nearby chamber where a person stands and inhales it for two to three minutes with deep breaths,” Patel explained the procedure. Several other villages in the vicinity have also replicated the model that requires investment of about Rs 25,000 for one time and recurring cost of an LPG cylinder to boil the water. Experts said that inhaling the steam is surely good and is advocated as part
‘52,036 patients on O2 support’ Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad The state government on Monday informed the Gujarat high court that as many as 52,036 Covid-19 patients are on oxygen support at present. The overnment said that it is trying its best to ensure oxygen supply to hospitals and the demand has been increasing with time, with cases increasing by 4-6% every day. It explained that the consumption of medical Oxygen was 58 MT on March 15, but on April 24, it increased up to 1,000MT. As the high court has directed the government to ensure increase in Oxygen supply, the government said that the issue has been taken up by the Centre and it is monitoring and allocating the supply to states.The government said that on April 21, it received 975 MT oxygen as against the requirement of 1,000 MT on that day. There have been requests to increase the state quota, but 1,000
The overnment said that it is trying its best to ensure oxygen supply to hospitals and the demand has been increasing with time, with cases increasing by 4-6% every day. MT was consumed on April 23 against the allocation of 1,000 MT for the day. For proper distribution of oxygen to state hospitals in different districts, the government said that it has set up a task force of two IAS officers. It has been undertaking all efforts to sensitize manufacturers for uninterrupted supply. Out of eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) plants sanctioned by the central government, three have been fully commissioned and four others will be operational soon.
It is not a queue for Covid test or medicine but for another sort of prophylactic – a steam inhalation of an ayurvedic concoction! “In our village of 3,000 population, we had 10 active cases.
of Covid-19 therapy too, but its indiscriminate use must be avoided. “In ayurveda, the method is identified as Svedan chikitsa (sweat therapy) where the patient’s pores get opened up and the properties of a steam get inside the respiratory system,” said Vd Bhavdeep Ganatra, a city-based Ayurveda practitioner. “Steam treatment is good for Covid-19, but it must take place under supervision of an expert. The reason is – every person’s profile is different. For example, those with pitta nature must not be exposed much. They can develop rashes on the skin. Excessive inhalation can lead to drying-up of mouth cavity, loss of water and giddiness in some cases,” he added.
Cotton arrival dips as Covid-19 surges Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad With several market yards, ginning mills and traders’ offices remaining closed due to the massive surge in Covid-19 cases, arrival of cotton in the local market has fallen by a third in April, market players said. “The daily arrival have currently dropped to just 3,0003,500 bales (one bale is 170kg). Arrivals are usually about 12,000-13,000 bales per day during a normal season,” said Arun Dalal, a city-based cotton broker.According to market players, 95% of ginning mills are closed. In addition, many agriculture produce market committees (APMCs) or mandis also are also shut due to the spurt in Covid-19 cases in the state. Further, farmers are also not venturing out for fear of catching the infection. All this has resulted in a drop in arrival of cotton.Not just Gujarat, cotton arrival across the country has declined to 15,000 to 20,000 bales per day compared.
Two held for selling remdesivir illegally Sunvilla News: Ahmedabad Two persons who used the letter pad of a hospital to illegally procure 30 injections of remdesivir from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel hospital were arrested by Ellisbridge police on Monday. The injections were procured by the accused, one of whom is an employee of Shifa hospital, on the pretext of giving it to patients in home isolation. The police was acting on an application that the injections were procured on bogus documents. Ellisbridge Inspector S N Chaudhary and PSI V I Rabari began investigation. A complaint has been registered against one Altaf Asraf Lohiya, Yasminbanu Parbin Shaikh, Jakir Hussain Shaikh and other staff of Shifa hospital. Chaudhary said that during investigation, it was established that the three forged documents of four patients allegedly under home quarantine, and acquired 30 injections from SVP hospital. He said that so far Altaf and
Jakir have been arrested, and Yasminbanu will be arrested soon.Police said that Altaf who works at Shifa hospital got in touch with former nurse Yasminbanu and the two, along with Jakir, got 30 injections between April 11 and April 14. The three drew up fake prescriptions and documents of patients to submit at SVP and procure the injections. The officials said that since the prescription was on the letter pad of the registered hospital, no further inquiry was conducted and the injections were given to Altaf, Yasminbanu and Jakir. The three then sold off the injections at a higher rate to the other patients.The officials said that following directive from a senior to check black-marketing
The injections were procured by the accused, one of whom is an employee of Shifa hospital, on the pretext of giving it to patients in home isolation. of remdesivir injection, the investigation on the application was taken up on war footing and the entire racket was exposed. The Ellisbridge police have registered a case. They are inquiring if more employees of Shifa hospital are involved in the racket and if the accused got more injections on fake prescriptions. However, a senior AMC official said that they send injections to the hospital on receipt of an official e-mail. It is now a matter of investigation as to how the injections were handed over in person to these three.
Printed, Published & Owned by AKSHESHKUMAR S. SAVALIYA and “Sunvilla Samachar” (English Daily) Printed at “Sunvilla Samachar Daily Printing Press”, Shed No.36, Shreenath Sarthak Industrial Park, Near Torrent Power Sub Station, Ring Road, Nikol, Ahmedabad - 380049 and Published from A/24, Shardha Appartment, Thakkarbapanagar Road, Near Approach, Bapunagar, Ahmedabad-382350. Mo.: 9825098053, (* Responsible for selection of News under the PRB act) *Editor : KAPILKUMAR M. HIRPARA, RNI No. : GUJENG/2014/59629.