First India-Jaipur Edition-01st April 2023

NADDA: INDIA IS NOW CALLED THE ‘PHARMACY OF THE WORLD’

New Delhi: BJP National President JP Nadda on Friday virtually inaugurated BJP district offices in Telangana and Andhra. India is now called the ‘Pharmacy of the world’; it provides quality and affordable medicines to many countries, he said.

READ Crucial

NAVJOT SIDHU TO BE RELEASED FROM JAIL

TODAY: ADGP-PRISONS

DEATH COUNT IN INDORE TEMPLE TRAGEDY RISES TO 36

Indore: As many as 36 people have been killed after the roof of a stepwell collapsed at a temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on Thursday. The stepwell roof at the Beleshwar Mahadev temple could not sustain the weight of a large crowd on Ram Navami.

TARGET $2 TRILLION!

Union Minister of Commerce and industry Piyush Goyal unveils Foreign Trade Policy ’23, expects Exports to touch $2 tn by 2030

Patiala: Putting speculation of his likely release to rest, jailed Congress leader Navjot Sidhu’s team has confirmed his release on April 1. This was also confirmed by ADGP-Prisons B Chandrashekhar. Sidhu is serving time in a 1988 case.

EXCISE POLICY: DELHI COURT DISMISSES

SISODIA’S BAIL PLEA

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday dismissed a bail plea of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special Judge MK Nagpal dismissed plea.

19-YR-OLD GIRL GANGRAPED IN MOVING CAR IN BENGALURU, 4 HELD

Bengaluru: A 19-year-old girl in Bengaluru who was with her friend when the couple was confronted and the boy was forced to flee. The accused then abducted the victim and raped her in the moving car. Cops arrested all the accused.

TRUMP WILL NOT BE HANDCUFFED IF HE SURRENDERS: LAWYER

New York: Donald Trump will not be handcuffed when he surrenders next week in NY to face criminal charges, under terms of a deal agreed between his defence attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors, lawyer Joe Tacopina said on Friday.

New Delhi (FIB): As many as six people died due to suffocation while two others were injured after a fire broke out in a house at Mazar Wala Road, Machhi Market, Shastri Park, informed police officials on Friday. Police rushed to the spot for investigation.

“The deceased include four adult males, an adult female and a halfyear-old child. The injured include a 15-yearold girl and an adult male,” DCP North East district Joy Tirkey.

First India Bureau New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday exuded confidence that India’s merchandise and services exports will cross USD 2 trillion by 2030 from the current level of USD 765 billion, as he unveiled a “dynamic and responsive” foreign trade policy. He said that goods exports have witnessed good growth considering the current global scenario while services exports may see a quantum jump in the current fiscal.

“It shouldn’t be that by 2030, services exports cross USD 1 trillion while you (merchandise exports) lag behind. I am confident that we will cross USD 2 trillion by 2030,” Goyal said. The WTO’s global trade has forecast growth in world trade to slow down to 1 per cent in 2023 due to global uncertainties.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal with Union MoS for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel & Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal releases Foreign Trade Policy 2023, at Vanijya Bhawan, in Delhi on Friday.

PM MODI WISHES POPE SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM BRONCHITIS

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Friday wished speedy recovery to Pope Francis from bronchitis. “Praying for the good health and speedy recovery of Pope Francis,” PM Modi said. Pope Francis showed a “clear improvement” on Thursday.

Gujarat HC quashes CIC order, pulls up Kejriwal

PM Narendra Modi’s MA degree need not be furnished, says High Court; imposes fine of `25,000 on Kejriwal

Moni Sharma

RUSSIA LOOKS TO DEEPEN TIES WITH INDIA IN REVISED FOREIGN POLICY INTEREST RATES ON SAVINGS SCHEMES UP

R

ussia will focus on strengthening its strategic partnership and trade ties with India in Eurasia and ensure their resistance to “destructive actions” of unfriendly states and their alliances, according to an updated foreign policy doctrine approved by President Vladimir Putin on Friday.Centre on Friday hiked interest rates of small savings schemes by up to 70 basis points for the April-June 2023 quarter. Interest rates of schemes like SCSS, Monthly Income Savings Scheme, NSC, Kisan Vikas Patra, all post office time deposits and Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme have been hiked.

CHANGES KICK IN FROM TODAY

Ahmedabad/New Delhi: The Gujarat high court on Friday set aside the seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC), asking the Gujarat University to provide information on PM Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav asked Kejri to deposit Rs 25,000 in 4 weeks to GSLSA & refused to stay order as requested by Kejriwal’s lawyer Percy Kavina.

8 AAP WORKERS HELD FOR PUTTING UP ANTI-MODI POSTERS IN AHMEDABAD

IPL BEGINS IN NEW FLAVOURS!

Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry

—Piyush

Police personnel at the site at Shastri Park in Delhi on Friday.

4 DIE IN MASSIVE BLAST IN HOUSE

A major blast took place at a house in the middle of farms in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr on Friday, leaving four people dead. According to police, the blast reportedly occurred in a cylinder. P6

Several regulations are expected to roll in from the first day of financial year 2023-24, even as some of the special dispensations allowed during the pandemic come to an end. FOR INDIVIDUALS FOR BUSINESSES  New Tax Regime  Home Loan Rates  Sr Citizen FD  Costlier Cars  Debt Mutal Funds  Senior Citizen Savings Scheme  Tax Rebate  Leave Encashment  Insurance Investment  Capital Gain Exemption  Online Gaming  Audit Trail  Insurance Commissions  Home Loan Capital PM DEGREE ROW

Tamannaah Bhatia and singer Arijit Singh during

ABHISHEK AND SUVENDU TRADE CHARGES, BJP SEEKS NIA PROBE Fresh violence rocks Howrah, Shah calls Guv, Didi

 Ban orders under Sec 144 imposed after fresh violence, over 16 arrested

First India Bureau

Kolkata: A fresh spate of violence erupting in the Kazipara area of Shibpur on Friday morning, which was brought under control by the police in a couple of hours, and a bitter war of words between the ruling TMC and Opposition BJP followed in the aftermath of the largescale violence wit-

 45 arrested for torching vehicles and destroying public and private property

Amit Shah addresses at foundation stone laying ceremony of `56 cr scheme at Mansa, Gandhinagar, via VC, in Delhi on Friday. P5

nessed in Howrah over a Ram Navami procession the day before.

The administrative hustle during the action-packed day com-

GEHLOT BLAMES BJP’S ‘HINDU RASHTRA’ IDEOLOGY FOR AMRITPAL SINGH’S RISE

Ravi Katara & Shubham Jain

Bharaptur/Ajmer:

Chief Minister Ashok

Gehlot on Friday blamed the “Hindu Rashtra” ideology, which he said was being followed by the ruling BJP, for the rise of separatists like Amritpal Singh in Punjab.

Gehlot, who was on a tour of Bharatpur and Ajmer to take part in divisional level workers’ conference, targeted Bhagwat and Yogi along with Modi saying

CM: THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH PILOT SINCE HE IS IN CONGRESS PARTY ONLY

P laying down the rift within the Congress in Rajasthan, Gehlot said every party has minor differences and every party also has some complaints. CM Ashok Gehlot reflected on Sachin Pilot and stressed that there is no problem with Pilot since he is in Congress party only.

prised Union HM Amit Shah calling up WB Governor CV Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking action taken reports form the state administration. Till reports last received, 45 people were arrested, several people, including many police personnel, were injured in the violence since Thursday.

Raj govt to knock SC door in Jaipur bomb blast case

Naresh Sharma

SECTION 144 IN SASARAM AFTER 2 GROUPS CLASH

Patna: A clash broke out between 2 groups after ‘Ram Navami’ celebration in Bihar’s Sasaram. “Some houses were set on fire. The administration came to the spot and calmed them down. The situation is under control now,” a senior officer said. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been imposed in the area.

the IPL 2023 opening

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Five people died as a tanker coming from Bikaner hit a pickup jeep at 3 pm on the NH going from Phalodi to Bikaner in Jodhpur. The dead include 3 children, a woman and a youth were travelling in the jeep. A girl child has been referred to Jodhpur. The deceased are identified as pickup driver Parvat, Urmila (38), Vikas (20), Praveen (12) & Raveena (12). P7

Docs call on Dotasra, PCC Chief assures full support

Vikas Sharma

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressing divisional level workers’ conference in Bharatpur on Friday.

that they talk about Hindu nation, that’s why Amritpal has got the courage to speak.

“A new man, Amrit-

“’He may have gone away from us at the time of political crisis, but we saved the government in time. Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan hatched a conspiracy to topple the Rajasthan government and Rahul Gandhi has said that both Gehlot-Pilot are ‘assets’ for Congress,” he said.

pal Singh, has emerged who is saying that if Bhagwat and Modi talk about Hindu Rashtra then why should I not

talk about Khalistan. Why has he got such courage?. Our country remained unbroken because Indira Gandhi

did not allow Khalistan to be formed, which is also why she was killed,” said CM both in Bharatpur, Ajmer More on P8

Jaipur: A major meeting was conducted at CMR on Friday wherein officials dicussed on the HC’s decision in Jaipur bomb blast case by reviewing all aspects. The state govt will appeal against the decision in the SC. Senior officers including DGP Umesh Mishra were present in the meeting along with Home dept officials. Notably, BJP’s sit-in demo over the court decision will be carried out in city today. More on P2

Jaipur: In what could be termed as a ‘big development’ related to Right to Health Bill, the talks between private doctors and PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra lasted for about half an hour wherein PCC Chief told docs, “Instructions given to officers regarding technical points.” Dotasra also hinted at appointing officers and possibly ACS finance can be appointed for talks.

and on Friday docs met Dotasra, who also sent them to officials after talking to doctors. Docs have stressed that if officials will discuss the bill on instructions of govt, then probably one or other solution will come out of dispute.

We always had the capacity to do more, but I feel it needed PM Narendra Modi to pump up our energies and enthusiasm and see the change witnessed thereafter.

Doctors team called on Govind Singh Dotasra on Friday.

3 kids among 5 from family die in Jodh accident

Rain, hailstorm wreak havoc on standing crops

Farmers distress as western disturbance damages crops in Biratnagar

BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Khadi Board wants govt school kids to wear its uniform

Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board has sent a proposal to the state government for providing free khadi uniforms in government primary schools.

Besides, the board has demanded that medical staff in government hospitals and doctors should wear aprons and gowns made of Khadi.

Bedsheets, pillow covers, curtains, fancy gowns, soap, handwash, and phenyl should also be procured from Khadi Industries.

First India Buraeu

Jaipur: Several areas of the Biratnagar subdivision in Jaipur witnessed hailstorms on Friday afternoon due to the active southernwestern disturbance. This untimely rain has again wreaked havoc on the crops & destroyed it . As per information, it started with light drizzle accompanied by strong winds & later there was a hailstorm in more than half-a-dozen villages. Farmers said that a lot of their crops got destroyed.

LIGHT RAINFALL IN PARTS OF RAJASTHAN

Jaipur: Light to moderate rainfall, triggered by western disturbance, was recorded in some parts of Rajasthan during the last 24 hours. As per meteorological (MeT) department, the highest rainfall till Friday morning since yesterday was recorded at 40 mm in Kotputli and Jaipur and 23.3 mm in Ganganagar. By Friday evening, Ajmer, Jaipur, Sikar, Churu and Ganganagar recorded 16.2, 5.2, 8, 3.7 and 3.6 mm of rainfall. The day temperature also remained below 35.1 degrees Celsius (Vanasthali- Tonk). The effect of the western disturbance is likely to end from April 1 and the weather is likely to remain mainly dry on April 1-2.

DGR & CII organise job fair for retired and retiring Def personnel

THUNDERSTORMS,

WINDS

RAIN ON APRIL 3

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW SCHEMES

Free electricity, gas at `500 from today

FREE ELECTRICITY TO 11 LAKH FARMERS

11 lakh farmers will start getting free electricity for 2000 units per month which means up to 66 units daily. This benefit will be available on agricultural connections. Similarly, common electricity consumers will get free electricity up to 100 units per month.

GAS CYLINDER FOR `500

HALF FARE FOR WOMEN IN BUSES

First India Bureau

Jaipur: With the beginning of the new financial year from April 1, a lot is going to change in the life of common man. People will have to spend more money on many facilities from Saturday. There is also going to be relief in some sectors too.

&

Jaipur: An official of the weather department said another fresh Western Disturbance is expected to become active on April 3, which may once again cause thunderstorms, strong winds and light rain in parts of Bikaner division and Shekhawati region. A western disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over Afghanistan and the neighbourhood. Another cyclonic circulation over Southwest Rajasthan and the neighbourhood extends up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. The western disturbance will likely affect Northwest India from April 2.

The board has made a special demand that a day should be fixed when officers and employees in the government offices should wear Khadi dress. This would encourage people to wear Khadi and the financial condition of Khadi industries will also improve.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has made several announcements to promote Khadi and it is expected that the government will approve the proposal soon.

2008 JAIPUR SERIAL BLAST

State govt terminates services of AAG

Yadav for failure

in HC

Naresh Sharma

Major Gen RS Godara inaugurating the seminar for retired, retiring Defence personnel at Gandhi Path, Vaishali Nagar on Friday.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organised an employment seminar for retired, retiring Defence personnel on 31 March 2023 at Maan Palace, Gandhi Path W, Vaishali Nagar Jaipur.

The event was organised to provide multiple opportunities, as a second career option, to skilled and experienced defence veterans.

Around 1171 veterans and 24 corporate houses participated in the Employment Seminar with total of 1050 job vacancies. The event was beneficial for both, corporate and veterans.

Jaipur: The state government on Friday terminated services of Additional Advocate General Rajendra Yadav for failure to effectively represent the 2008 Jaipur serial blast case in the Rajasthan High Court. The government will file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the acquitted accused in the case. This decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by CM Ashok Gehlot at CMR on Friday.

Gehlot said that the HC has acquitted all the accused, overturning the 2019 district court verdict. “It is the intention of the State Government that the cul-

prits should be given the harshest punishment, therefore the State Government will soon file a SLP in the Supreme Court against the decision of the High Court,” he said.

Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, Principal Government Secretary Home Anand Kumar, DGP Umesh Mishra, ADG SOG-ATS Ashok

TO CREATE AWARENESS ABOUT GOVT SCHEMES

Rathore, ADG Crime Dinesh MN, ADG Intelligence S. Sengthir, Principal Government Secretary Law Gyan Prakash Gupta and Secretary Home Law Ravi Sharma were present in the meeting.

On Wednesday, HC acquitted them on grounds that the investigating agency (ATS) did a “shoddy investigation”.

CS reviews Yuva Mitra Internship Prog

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A review meeting of the Rajiv Gandhi

Yuva Mitra Internship Programme was conducted by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics was held at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Usha Sharma on Friday.

Sharma instructed the concerned officers to review the works of the interns and directed them to encourage the

interns to create awareness among the people about the schemes and

budget announcements made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. In the

meeting, Omprakash Bairwa, director of the Directorate of Econom-

Gas cylinders will be cheaper from today, electricity bills are now going to give relief to both farmers and common consumers. Along with this, many schemes of the government will also be implemented today.

PART-TIMERS WILL GET UP TO `3 LAKH ON RETIREMENT

On retirement, employees working part-time in govt offices will get a retirement package of Rs 2 to 3 lakh. Home guards, contract employees, over 2 lakh part-time employees will get the benefit.

`1000 WILL BE MINIMUM PENSION

Social security pension will be at least Rs 1000 from today in the state. Social security pension will automatically increase by 15 percent.

Families with Ujjwala Yojana will get gas cylinders for Rs 500. Only Rs 500 will have to be paid every month for re-filling, the rest of the money will be paid by the state government.

Women will have to pay only half fare on roadways buses. This discount will be available on roadways buses (local and express buses), This facility is not applicable in Volvo-Scania.

TREATMENT UP TO `25 LAKHS

Under the Chiranjeevi Yojana, up to Rs 25 lakhs will be given for treatment. Till now, treatment up to Rs 10 lakh could be done. Accident insurance for the families involved in the Chiranjeevi scheme will also be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

NEW RATES IN RANTHAMBORE

As per order of the government, the entry fee for tourists visiting Ranthambore National Park has been increased. The new rates will be applicable from the morning shift on April 1.

`10 L ON INTERCASTE MARRIAGE

The incentive package will be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for intercaste marriage with a Dalit. After marrying a Divyang, an incentive package of Rs 5 lakh will be available.

6.50 L ORPHAN KIDS WILL GET `1500

6.50 lakh orphan kids included in the Palanhar Yojana will get increased money. The money received every month for children up to 6 years will be increased from Rs 500 to Rs 750. Kids of 7 years to 18 years will get from Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 every month.

ALLOWANCES TO BE INCREASED BY 15%

There will be a 15 percent increase in the allowances and honorarium of Urban Bodies and Panchayati Raj employees across the state from April 1. They will now get an increased allowance.

Transport dept records `1,300 crore increase in revenue collection

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Transport Department has worked more than expected this financial year. The revenue collection of the transport department has crossed Rs 6,000 crore. This financial year, there has been an increase of Rs 1300 crore in the revenue collection.

In the last financial year, the department received a revenue of Rs 4758 crore. Record sales of vehicles in this financial year helped the department garner more revenue in the form of one-time tax.

Transport Commissioner KL Swamy took

REG OF VEHICLES WILL BE CHEAPER

One-time tax on diesel vehicles will be reduced by 2%. Till now, a 2% one-time tax was levied on diesel four-wheelers during registration. Now, there will be an equal one-time tax.

Raj High Court grants bail to Divya Mittal in `2 crore graft case

CHALLENGES FACED IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR

z Due to closure of border check post, there was a possibility of less revenue collection

z The department did not have a permanent financial advisor in the last crucial months of the financial year

z The department had a huge shortage of officers. In the last months the charge of about a dozen DTOs had to be given to the transport inspectors.

z The number of sub-inspectors in the transport department was negligible.

dozens of review meetings of RTOs and DTOs for performance.

COURTESY VISIT!

ics and Statistics and Joint Government Secretary, said that under the programme, the information about the schemes being run by the state government through Yuva Mitra Interns Parivar Samwad is being made available to the general public.

“The interns are not only giving information about these schemes to the people but also helping the eligible and underprivileged families to get the benefits,” he said.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Justice CK Songara’s bench in the Rajasthan High Court granted bail to the then Additional SP of SOG, Divya Mittal, who was in judicial custody for demanding a bribe of Rs 2 crore from the owner of the pharmaceutical company in lieu of helping in the case registered in the SOG. The ACB arrested her on January 16. Mittal had said in the bail application that the ACB had neither arrested her while taking bribes nor recovered any amount from her. There is no concrete evidence against her.

STRONG

Chief Secretary Usha Sharma instructing the officials during a review meeting of the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitra Internship Programme held at the Secretariat on Friday.

Dark rain clouds cover the sky as an effect of the western disturbance in Jaipur city on Friday.

Vehicles on the Narayan Singh Circle as heavy rain lashed several parts of the city as an effect of the western disturbance on Friday.

Ashok Gehlot chairs meeting with Usha Sharma, Kuldeep Ranka, Anand Kumar, Umesh Mishra, Ashok Rathore, Dinesh MN, S. Sengthir, Arti Dogra, Gyan Prakash Gupta, and Ravi Sharma at CMR on Friday.

RTH STIR DAY 12: MEDICAL COUNCIL

SEEKS

DETAILS OF STRIKING DOCTORS

Around 400 doctors have returned to work and action will be taken against the others

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Medical Council Registrar Dr Manish Sharma after instructions of the Human Rights Commission has written a letter to all medical college principals seeking information about name, date of birth, and council registration of striking resident doctors. The doctors have been on strike against the Right to Health Bill.

The resident doctor leaders came forward after two days for the first time after talks with the state government. President of JARD Dr Neeraj Damor and other resident leaders were present at RD Hostel.

Meanwhile, ‘Pol Khol Yatra’ was started from Jaipur on Friday. After leaving Jaipur, this journey of doctors

passed through several villages and towns and reached Sikar district collectorate late in the evening with a torch. Doctors of Jaipur handed over the torch to Dr. Deepika and Bharti sitting on Sikar protest. The torch passed through Laxmangarh, Fatehpur, Mandawa to Jhunjhunu.

5 IPS transferred, Sunil Dutt posted as ADG Rules

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Gehlot government transferred 5 IPS officers late on Thursday night regarding which the Personnel Department issued the orders. According to the order, senior IPS Sunil Dutt has been posted as Additional Director General of Police, Rules, while Dr. Prashakha Mathur has been posted

Asst Professor ‘hangs self’ in university

First India Bureau

Jaipur: An assistant professor of a private university died by suicide. A suicide note was found in the room stating “My life is trapped in loans. People used me for their work, and neither the college provides money, nor the university.” The deceased Soumyabrata Nath (38) was a resident of Silchar (Assam).

ACB nabs Excise official for taking `6K bribe in Udaipur

First India Bureau

HC PULLS UP LAWYERS OVER ADVOCATING AGAINST STIR

Jaipur: While hearing the public interest litigation filed against the strike by private doctors in the state, a division bench of Acting Chief Justice MM Srivastava and Justice Anil Upman in the Rajasthan High Court pulled up the lawyers.

I WOULD REQUEST DOCTORS TO END STRIKE AS THEIR METHOD IS WRONG, SAYS GEHLOT

On the strike of private hospitals and doctors against the RTH, CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday again appealed to the protestors to end their strike. “I would request them to end the strike as their method is wrong. Resentment is growing among people. If the doctors are facing any problem, we will fix it. The rules of the bills are yet to be framed their suggestions will be incorporated.” “Our thinking is open but going on strike like this... where will the poor patient go? Your approach is not good,” he said. According to the Bill, every resident of the state will have the right to emergency treatment and care “without prepayment” at any “public health institution, health care establishment and designated health care centres”.

as Additional Director General of Police, Reorganization at Police Headquarters, Jaipur.

Meanwhile, IPS Vikas Kumar has been posted as Inspector General of Police, RAC Jaipur, while Omprakash II has been posted as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Security, Jaipur.

Additionally, IPS Jagdish Chandra Sharma has been posted as Deputy IG, CID CB Jaipur.

13TH

“They are the same lawyers, who returned to the courts only a week ago after one month of the judicial boycott. The lawyers should not advocate against any strike, as they themselves go on strike in the name of boycotting judicial work,” the bench said.

Later, the High Court issued notices to the State Government, Indian Medical Association, Rajasthan Medical Council, and Doctors’ Association and sought their response by April 11 on the matter.

—Kamal Kant

Man gives triple talaq to wife in Jaipur, tortured for dowry

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A case of triple talaq has been reported in the city. The victim woman was tortured for dowry and was thrown out of the house. After the dowry harassment case was registered by the woman, her husband called on the pretext of compromise. However, he

pronounced the word ‘talaq’ thrice and went away. The victim registered a case of triple talaq against her husband on Thursday at

Ramganj police station. As per the police, a 24-year-old girl, a resident of Hatwada Road, Mehnat Nagar, has lodged the report. In 2018, she was married according to Muslim Shariat to a 26-year-old youth from the Galta Gate locality. The police have registered a case of triple talaq and started an investigation.

Raj Commandos win 2 trophies

eral of Police, Armed Battalions, and Chief Sports Officer, Rajasthan Police Vishal Bansal appreciated the remarkable performance of the players of the team and wished them the best for the future. ADG Vishal Bansal said that in a competition held from March 21 to 31, 2022, the Rajasthan Police commandos team outperformed all other paramilitary forces and state police forces.

Udaipur: ACB Dungarpur unit arrested Rajendra Prasad Jatav Prahradhikari, an official of the Excise Department in Udaipur, on Friday for taking a bribe of Rs 6,000 from the complainant.

Additional Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau Hemant Priyadarshi (Addl. Charge Director General) said that the ACB Dungarpur unit received a complaint that Jatav demanded bribes in lieu of allowing him to run his

licensed liquor shop smoothly and not bothering him.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajendra Prasad Gail, Udaipur,

ACB under the supervision of ACB’s Dungarpur unit verified the complaint and arrested Jatav. A probe is on in the case.

On the occasion of Pushya Nakshatra, priests perform Pushyabhishek of Lord Ganesh ji at Moti Dungri temple in Jaipur on Friday.

Hundreds of namazis gathered at Jama Masjid in Walled City to perform the Jumme-Ki-Namaz on Friday evening in Jaipur.

Rajendra Prasad Jatav in ACB custody in Udaipur’ on Friday.

Doctors start ‘Pol Khol Mashal Yatra’ from Jaipur to Sikar on Friday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Rajasthan Police Commando Team won “Best State Police Commando Team” trophy and the “Chakravyuh Trophy” at the 13th All India Police Commandos Competition-2022 organized by NSG in Manesar on Friday.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

TRUMP INDICTMENT WON’T KEEP HIM FROM PRESIDENTIAL RACE

BUT WILL MAKE HIS RE-ELECTION BID MUCH HARDER

AManhattan grand jury has voted to indict former President Donald Trump. The specific state charges, reports The New York Times, “remain a mystery” but will be related to the Manhattan district attorney’s investigation of Trump for making hush money payments to a porn star just before the 2016 presidential election. It’s the first time a U.S. president or former president has been indicted.

At the same time, Trump is expected to continue his campaign for the presidency, seeking to regain in 2024 the position he lost in 2020 to Joe Biden. What are the consequences of an indictment and potential trial for his campaign and, if his effort is successful, his future presidency?

Article II of the U.S. Constitution sets forth very explicit qualifications for the presidency: The president must be 35 years of age, a U.S. resident for 14 years and a natural-born citizen.

In cases involving analogous qualifications for members of Congress, the Supreme Court has held that such qualifications form a “constitutional ceiling” –prohibiting any additional qualifications to be imposed by any means.

Thus, because the Constitution does not require that the president be free from indictment, conviction or prison, it follows that a person under indictment or in prison may run for the office and may even serve as president.

Holmes’ statement came in a letter reflecting on the Sherman Antitrust Act, which he thought was a foolish law.

But Holmes was prepared to accept the popular will expressed through democracy and selfdetermination.

Perhaps the same reflection is apt here: If the people choose a president hobbled by criminal sanctions, that is a form of selfdetermination too.

And one for which the Constitution has no ready solution

This is the prevailing legal standard that would apply to former President Trump. The fact of his indictment and potential trial is irrelevant to his qualifications for office under the Constitution.

Nevertheless, there seems no question that indictment, conviction or both – let alone a prison sentence – would significantly compromise a president’s ability to function in office. And the Constitution doesn’t provide an easy answer to the problem posed by such a compromised chief executive.

GOVERNING FROM JAIL?

A presidential candidate could be indicted, prosecuted and convicted by either state or federal authorities. Indictment for a state crime may seem less significant than federal charges brought by the Department of Justice.

Ultimately, though, the spectacle of a criminal trial

TRUMP’S ‘STORMY’ AFFAIR NAILED

It’s the first time a US President or former president has been indicted. At the same time, Trump is expected to continue his campaign for the presidency, seeking to regain in 2024 the position he lost in 2020 to Joe Biden

in state or federal court would have a dramatic effect on a presidential campaign and on the credibility of a president, if elected.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty. But in the case of conviction, incarceration in state or federal prison involves restrictions on liberty that would significantly compromise the president’s ability to lead.

This point – that functioning as president would be difficult while under indictment or after being convicted – was made plain in a 2000 memo written by the Department of Justice. The memo reflected on a 1973 Office of Legal

SEGREGATING RELIGION & POLITICS DIFFICULT, SO HATE SPEECH TO STAY

Counsel memo produced during Watergate titled “Amenability of the President, Vice President and other Civil Officers to Federal Criminal Prosecution while in Office.” The background to the 1973 memo was that President Richard Nixon was under investigation for his role in the Watergate break-in and Vice President Spiro Agnew was under grand jury investigation for tax evasion.

FUNCTIONS AFFECTED

According to the 1973 memo, “the President plays an unparalleled role in the execution of the laws, the conduct of foreign relations, and the defense of the Nation.”

Because these core functions require meetings, communications or consultations with the military, foreign leaders and government officials in the U.S. and abroad in ways that cannot be performed while imprisoned, constitutional law scholar Alexander Bickel remarked in 1973 that “obviously the presidency cannot be conducted from jail.”

RUNNING FROM PRISON

Yet what to do if citizens actually elect an indicted or incarcerated president? This is not out of the question. At least one incarcerated presidential candidate, Eugene Debs, garnered almost a million votes out of a total 26.2 million cast in the election of 1920. One potential response is the 25th Amendment, which enables the president’s Cabinet to declare the president “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

The attention which hate speech is getting from the Supreme Court raises hopes of a change in society. However, Supreme Court’s intervention or directions alone won’t bring about a change in mindset when any riffraff, read fringe element, is free to pass a comment. The will of political parties and their members in ensuring that their followers abjure from using poisonous barbs will play a far more important part in controlling the menace. In Supreme Court’s Justice KM Joseph’s opinion hate speech “will stop if politics and religion are segregated”. He blamed hate speech on State’s “impotence”. More than “impotence” states have their own biases depending on which party is in power in a particular state. The bias is borne out of vote politics. Terms like “appeasement” and “Hindu pride” are freely used by political parties to attack one another for the sake of minority or majority community’s votes. Given the religion-driven politics of today and earlier years the “segregation” is impossible to imagine.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

TOP TWEETS

A

merica is set for a political storm after former President Donald Trump’s indictment over hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during his presidential campaign in 2016. He is the first ex-president to be indicted in America. About a week before his indictment on Friday, Trump had warned of “death and destruction” if he were to face criminal charges. The Joe Biden administration cannot take the warning lightly after a deadly attack by Trump supporters on Capitol Hill. Trump called the unprecedented verdict “political persecution”.

Although he could never prove his charge of electoral fraud, Trump continues to

America is set for a political storm after former President Trump’s indictment over hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during his presidential campaign in 2016. He is the first ex-president to be indicted in America

insist that he won the 2020 election and the election was rigged. It is this refusal to accept defeat that provoked Trump to incite his supporters, mainly the White supremacists, to storm the seat of power in a first act of its kind in American history.

The attack happened when the election of Joe Biden was about to be formalised. Investigators claimed that the attack was part of a plan to overturn the election. Five people died in the violence and over 100 were injured. The loss caused to the Capitol was estimated at more than $ 2.7 million.

Reacting to the judgment

Trump said, “The Democrats have lied, cheated and stolen in their obsession with getting Trump out.” As he claimed innocence, the verdict could not only divide America with the right-wing white supremacists on the side of Trump but also influence the next presidential election in which the former president, a Republican, was emerging as a front-runner.

meeting with the Advisory Group on Airlines to discuss issues critical to the ongoing growth phase of aviation, such as infrastructure requirements for the future.

Shah’s gift of `56 cr worth projects to his constituency

Ahmedabad (PTI): Union Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated some projects and laid foundation stones of others in Mansa town, part of his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, in Gujarat through virtual mode.

Cumulatively worth Rs 56 crore, these projects include the renovation of Chandrasar lake, linking of other waterbodies and filling them with water from the Narmada, underground sewerage network, a release said.

On the occasion, the Union Home minister also announced upgradation of an existing government hospital in Mansa with the help of private donors as well as starting a medical college linked with this facility in the future.

“During the last five years, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has undertaken developmental works of

During the last five years, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has undertaken developmental works of nearly Rs 1,182 crore in Mansa Assembly constituency. This includes construction of Mansa-Kalol highway, which has drastically reduced travel time between these two towns of Gandhinagar district. —Amit Shah, Union Home minister

nearly Rs 1,182 crore in Mansa Assembly constituency. This includes

construction of MansaKalol highway, which has drastically reduced

India and Israel will give new direction to global fight against terrorism: Om Birla

New Delhi (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said that a common strategy of India and Israel will give a new direction to the world in the fight against terrorism.

He made the above remarks during his meeting with an Israeli Parliamentary Delegation led by Amir

Ohana, Speaker of Knesset (Parliament) of the State of Israel. The Israeli Parliamentary Delegation called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House on Friday.

travel time between these two towns of Gandhinagar district,” Shah said in his virtual address. The Union Home Minister praised CM Bhupendra Patel and his government for undertaking renovation work of Chandrasar Lake and filling other surrounding lakes with Narmada water.

Will lodge defamation suit against Kejriwal: Assam CM

Guwahati (Agencies):

New Delhi (PTI): A day after senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh thanked Germany for taking note of Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Friday said that “we don’t need endorsements from abroad” as “our fight is our own”.

Disagreeing with Singh, Sibal, who quit the Congress last year, also asserted that “we don’t need crutches to walk ahead”.

Digvijaya Singh had thanked the German foreign ministry and Richard Walker, Chief International Editor of Deutsche Welle for “taking note of how Democracy is being compromised in India through the persecution of Rahul Gandhi”.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma dared his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal to call him corrupt when the latter is on a Guwahati tour on Sunday. Sarma, on Friday, also threatened to file a defamation case against the Delhi Chief Minister. Sarma asserted that there is no pending case against him, neither before any court in the country nor in any agency. He asked, “Which case is there against me? I challenge Arvind Kejriwal to show a single case filed against me.” Earlier, when the Delhi Chief Minister called Himanta Biswa Sarma a corrupt man, he wanted to file a defamation case, but as Kejriwal spoke inside the Delhi Assembly, according to Sarma, he could not file a case.

“I wanted to file a defamation suit. But as Arvind Kejriwal is a coward, he spoke against me inside the

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at a function in Guwahati on Friday.

BJP SAYS KEJRIWAL ‘PEDDLING LIES’

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Friday hit out at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and accused him of “peddling lies” against PM Narendra Modi after the Gujarat High Court set aside the Central Information Commission (CIC) order asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Modi’s degree to the AAP leader. The court also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks.

Delhi Assembly. I challenge him to call me corrupt on his scheduled Assam tour, the

New Delhi (ANI): The BJP is planning a huge welcome for PM Narendra Modi during his visit likely next week in Chennai where he is likely to flag off Vande Bharat Express among other developmental programmes, sources said on Friday. The PM is likely to visit Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai where he will inaugurate the new terminal of Chennai Airport, flag off the Vande Bharat Train and attend an event of the Ramakrishna Mission.

next day I will file a defamation suit against him, like Manish Sisodia,” Sarma said.

PAK PEOPLE BELIEVE PARTITION WAS MISTAKE: RSS CHIEF BHAGWAT

Bhopal (PTI): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said people of Pakistan were not happy after more than seven decades of Independence and they now believe the partition of India was a mistake. He was speaking at a

function to mark birth anniversary of teen revolutionary Hemu Kalani, which was attended by Sindhis from different parts of the country.

“It was Bharat before 1947 (Partition). Those who broke off from Bharat, are they happy

still? There is pain out there,” Bhagwat said. However, in a reference to the acrimonious relationship the two nations have now, Bhagwat underscored the fact that India did not belong to a culture that calls for attacks on others.

Union HM Amit Shah virtually addresses foundation stone laying ceremony, in New Delhi on Friday.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal

“Don’t need endorsements from abroad”

SGPC’s protest march for release of ‘innocent’ Sikhs

Amritsar (PTI): The SGPC took out a procession on Friday to press the Punjab govt to release “innocent Sikh youths” arrested during a police crackdown on radical preacher

Amritpal Singh and his outfit Waris Punjab De.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the apex gurdwara body, also sought from the government to revoke the National Security Act (NSA) slapped against a few persons during the police action.

Led by its chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, the procession marched from SGPC headquarter to district administration complex. The members submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner Surinder Singh, which included the demand for the release of “innocent Sikh youths” arrested during the crackdown. The Punjab govt has informed the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, that almost all the people taken into preventive custody – 348 out of 360 – have been released.

New Delhi: Expressing concern over Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s daughter receiving death threats in the US, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal on Friday appealed to the Indian embassy in the US to ensure her safety. Mann’s daughter reportedly received threat calls from pro-Khalistan elements. “Read

J&K Lt Guv chairs meeting to discuss preparations for Amaranth Yatra 2023

Jammu: J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday chaired the 44th board meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), in which various aspects of Yatra-2023 were discussed, an official statement said. The J&K Lt Governor is the ex officio Chairman of SASB.

The meeting discussed the ongoing works and future projects for smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.

Two suspects Suhaib Reyaz and Anayat Ullah Iqbal admitted their involvement in the terror attack on a YouTuber journalist.

2 HYBRID TERRORISTS HELD IN SHOPIAN

all the Sikh youths. The Akal Jathedar had responded that he has the right and duty to speak about “innocent Sikh youths”. He had also condemned the state government for invoking the stringent NSA against some of those held.

Principal Secretary to Lt Guv and SASB’s CEO Mandeep K. Bhandari made a detailed presentation and briefed the board on various aspects of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023.

Srinagar: 2 hybrid terrorists involved in a terror attack on a YouTuber journalist have been arrested in Shopian district on Friday, police said. An SIT was set up to probe the attack and on the basis of oral, circumstantial and technical evidences, a number of suspects were rounded

up. During questioning, two suspects identified as Suhaib Reyaz and Anayat Ullah Iqbal, both residents of Saidapora Payeen, admitted their involvement in the terror attack. “It also came to fore that duo were working as hybrid terrorists of proscribed terror outfit TRF,” police said.

NIA seizes ‘proceeds of terrorism’

The Akal Takht Jathedar’s personal secretary Jaspal Singh said the government has informed them the rest would be released soon.

Earlier this week,

❍ RAM NAVAMI CLASHES

Howrah still tense, PIL in HC seeks CBI probe

Kolkata: As tension over clashes in Howrah district over a Ram Navami procession continued on Friday, a PIL was filed at the Calcutta High Court seeking CBI probe into the matter.

The clashes which were mainly at Sandhyabazar area of Shibpur on Thursday, spread to adjacent Kazipara area this morning. A group of people started pelting stones towards the high-rises in the area. A couple of vehicles were vandalised and torched.

Even the vehicle of the state minister Arup Roy, which was passing through the area then, was not spared. The

window-screen of the vehicle was totally smashed. However, the minister was not present in the vehicle.

Finally, a huge contingent of police force, accompanied by the personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), reached the spot. They resorted to massive lathicharge to bring the unruly mob under control. Some of the policemen also suffered injuries in the clashes. Till the filing of the report, the total number of arrests in this connection was 36. Though the situation has been brought under control, tension prevails in these pockets.

Punjab CM Bhagwant

Mann hit out at Akal Takht Jathedar Harpreet Singh for “provoking” people through an ultimatum to the state government to release

Output of 8 key infra sectors record 6% flat growth in Feb

New Delhi (PTI): Production of eight infrastructure sectors recorded an almost flat growth rate of 6% in February as against 5.9% in same month last year, official data said on Friday.

The output of core sectors increased by 8.9 % in January 2023. Barring crude oil, all the segments posted an increase in production. Crude oil output contracted by 4.9% in February.

The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity — stood at 7.8% in April-February this fiscal as against 11.1% during the same period last fiscal.

Core sector or key infrastructure industries, which have a 40.27% weight in the overall index of industrial production (IIP), would have a bearing on industrial production data for the month.

Just days before the Jathedar’s ultimatum, Punjab police had said that nearly 30 people detained during the crackdown against Amritpal were hardcore criminals and the remaining would be released after verification.

New Delhi (PTI) : The NIA has seized more than Rs 7.80 lakh in cash and a vehicle as “proceeds of terrorism” in a case related to the recovery of arms and explosives, smuggled from Pakistan by the proscribed Babbar Khalsa International, in Haryana last year, an official said on Friday.

The cash and the In-

—REPRESENTATIONAL PIC

nova vehicle were seized on Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a spokesperson of the

MUSLIMS HELP IN LAST RITES OF HINDU CISF JAWAN

Srinagar (PTI): Muslims in J&K’s Kulgam district on Friday helped perform the last rites of a Hindu CISF jawan who died of cardiac arrest. Balbir Singh, 55, a CISF jawan died on Thursday of cardiac arrest at his home in Karkan area of Kulgam. Singh, posted in Amritsar, had taken leave to attend the first death anniversary of his brother who was killed by militants last year. Singh’s family is the only Hindu Rajput family living in the village, so, his friends and the local Muslim community came forward to help perform his last rites.

federal agency said.

On May 5 last year, police had intercepted the vehicle at Bastara Toll Plaza in Haryana and recovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one pistol with two magazines, 31 rounds of ammunition, and Rs 1.30 lakh in cash which had been concealed in a specially designed cavity.

COVID-19: India records 3,095 new cases

New Delhi (PTI): India witnessed a single-day rise of 3,095 fresh COVID-19 cases with the active caseload increasing to 15,208, according to Union Health ministry data updated on Friday.

The toll has risen to 5,30,867 with five deaths – one each reported by Goa and Gujarat and three reconciled by Kerala – in a span of 24 hours, the

data updated at 8 am said. The daily positivity was recorded at 2.61 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.91 per cent.

The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,15,786).

The active cases now comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections while the national recovery rate has been recorded at 98.78 per

Govt extends mandatory testing of heavy vehicles

New Delhi (PTI): The government has extended the date of mandatory fitness testing through a registered Automated Testing Station (ATS) for heavy goods and passenger motor vehicles by 18 months to October 1, 2024.

cent, according to the ministry website.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease is at 4.41 crore (4,41,69,711) while the case fatality was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

According to the ministry website, 220.65 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide drive so far.

RK Vishwakarma is new UP DGP

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: IPS Dr Rajkumar Vishwakarma has been appointed as the new Acting DGP of the UP Police. Vishwakarma has been given new responsibility after the retirement of Acting DGP Dr Devendra Singh Chauhan on March 31. Meanwhile, the Yogi govt has transferred 6 senior IPS officers. Dr Vishwakarma of 1988 batch will retire after 2 months on May 2023. He was currently holding the responsibility of Chairman/DG UP

173-YEARS-OLD HERITAGE

Police Recruitment Board and Promotion Board UP. Besides, he has been given the additional charge of acting DGP.

Along with this, IPS Prashant Kumar ADG Law & Order has been given the charge of Special DG Law & Order as well as Special DG Crime and Economic

Offenses Organisation. IPS Vijay Kumar has been given the additional charge of Director Vigilance along with DG CBCIG and IPS Anand Kumar DG Prison Administration and Reforms Department has been made handed the cooperative cell. Meanwhile, IPS SN Sabat has been made DG Prison Administration & Reforms Department from DG UP Power Corporation and IPS Manmohan Kumar Bashal has been made Special DG UP Power Corporation from ADG Crime.

Shimla’s Retreat to open for public from April 23

Prez Murmu will open historical estate for public officially during her visit

Shimla (Agencies):

The 173-years-old heritage The Retreat, the summer holiday resort of the President on the outskirts of Himachal Pradesh capital, earlier known as the Presidential Retreat, will be thrown open for the public from April 23, it was announced on Friday.

President Droupadi

Murmu will open the historical estate for the public officially during her visit to Shimla.

It was revealed at a meeting held in the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, 15 km uphill from Shimla where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s cottage is located. It was informed dur-

ing the meeting that the President will formally launch opening of the Retreat on her scheduled visit to Shimla.

Subsequently, the visitors and the tourists will be able to visit the retreat on a nominal fee of Rs 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs 250 per person for foreign nationals throughout the year, except on Monday and other government holidays and also during the Presi-

dent’s stay. The visit of school children of government schools will be free till June 30.

The key attractions for the tourists will be the main building, enabling the glimpses into the life of the Presidents, official dining halls and artifacts.

Besides, the lush green lawns with wide range of attractions like curated tulip and other flower beds will be an added attraction.

A health worker collects a swab sample of a man for the COVID-19 testing amid a spike in cases, in New Delhi on Friday.

Earlier, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry (MoRTH) had said that fitness testing for heavy goods vehicles and heavy passenger motor vehicles through an ATS will be mandatory from April 1, 2023.

However, in the case of medium goods vehicles, medium passenger motor vehicles and light motor vehicles (transport), the MoRTH had said the requirement will be made compulsory from June 1, 2024.

CRUCIAL READ

7 MEMBERS OF MARRIAGE PARTY KILLED IN ROAD MISHAP IN ODISHA’S SAMBALPUR

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident, seven members of a marriage party were killed after their vehicle fell into a canal in Sambalpur district late on Thursday night, the police said on Friday. The deceased, all residents of Badadhara village in Jharsuguda district, have been identified as Ajit Khamari, Subal Bhoi, Sumant Bhoi, Saroj Seth, Dibya Loha, Ramakant Bhunya and Satrughan Bhoi. The driver of the vehicle is reportedly on the run ever since the tragic accident.

2 BJP MEN BOOKED FOR DEMANDING `15 LAKH FROM BIZMAN

New Delhi: An FIR has been filed against two BJP leaders in Delhi, Siyaram Shakya and Dheeraj Pradhan, for allegedly demanding Rs 15 lakh from a businessman to let him construct his house.

The FIR was lodged with the Dabri police in Dwarka on March 29. Pradhan is said to be the Mehrauli district vice-president of BJP, while Shakya is reportedly a local BJP leader. Businessman Chaman Prakash Saxena is a resident of East Kidwai Nagar.

TSPSC PAPER LEAK: T’GANA CONG CHIEF COMPLAINS TO ED

Hyderabad: Telangana Congress chief A Revanth Reddy on Friday complained to the ED about Telangana State Public Service Commission paper leak and urged the ED to conduct the investigation. He said that cash transactions of crores of rupees took place in the case and there were even hawala transactions from abroad. Alleging that the SIT of the state govt is questioning few people and leaving others, he asked the ED to question all those involved.

FOUR KILLED IN BLAST IN CHEMICAL FACTORY IN UP’S BULANDSHAHR DISTRICT

Bulandshahr : Four people were killed on Friday in an explosion in a chemical factory in Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place in a house, where the factory was running, on Dhikoli road in the Nagar Kotwali area. The house where the explosion took place has collapsed, more persons are suspected to be buried under the debris. Cylinder pieces have also been recovered from the spot. The explosion was so strong that its sound was heard for two kilometres. Senior officials have reached the spot and rescue work has begun.

SGPC members take out protest march till Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding the release of youth arrested recently in Punjab under ‘Operation Amritpal’, in Amritsar on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

the reports of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s daughter receiving death threats in the US. It is an act of extreme cowardice. I appeal to the @IndianEmbassyUS to ensure her safety,” Maliwal tweeted. Mann’s ex-wife Inderpreet Kaur Grewal, who lives in the US with daughter Seerat Kaur, 21, and son Dilshan, 18, confirmed the incident through social media.

PUNJAB CM’S DAUGHTER THREATENED IN UNITED STATES, SAYS SWATI MALIWAL

Paramilitary personnel patrol the area where arson occurred during ‘Rama Navami’ procession, in Howrah on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

IPS Dr Rajkumar Vishwakarma

The reality is that we don’t discover our destiny, but it is our destiny which discovers us, provided we have prepared ourself enough to seize the opportunity.

—Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

CM Gehlot reiterates ‘Mission 156’, says Cong will continue

Former dy CM

Sachin Pilot misses event in Ajmer

Ravi Katara & Shubham Jain

Bharatpur/Ajmer : CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday expressed confidence that the Congress will be back to power in the state in the year-end assembly elections, calling it “Mission 156” — a reference to the number of seats it hopes to win in the 200-member assembly.

Gehlot was addressing the divisional level Congress workers’ conference in Bharatpur.

Expressing confidence that the voters would once again bring the Congress to power, he said, “I have not imposed any tax during this tenure so far and the government is giving re-

DINNER FOR JOURNOS AT CMR

Jaipur: A dinner for journalists’ was organised at CMR on Friday wherein 24 journalists and editors were present. Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India and CMD First India News was also present during which he held a discussion with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as CM was taking feedback regarding various schemes of the government.

spirit of 1947,” he said.

PCC President Govind Singh Dotasra said that the government has appointed maximum number of ministers from Bharatpur, as Congress has won all the seats except one.

Cabinet Minister Vishvendra Singh, Min Bhajan Lal Jatav, Min Ramesh Meena, Minister Zahida Khan, Minister Subhash Garg, MLA Joginder Singh Awana, Bayana MLA Amar Singh were also present.

Is Lalit Modi your agent, Hooda asks Central govt

Jaipur: Congress MP

lief to the people in the era of inflation, the benefit of which is not being received by everyone.”

State in-charge SSRandhawa said that they all have to unite and fight against BJP as

they want to divide the country. “They are engaged in dividing castes. We have to bring back

RSS, BJP discuss appointing LoP, Dy LoP & others at Sewa Bharati Bhawan

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: BJP’s National Organization General Secretary BL Santosh, Rajasthan in-charge Arun Singh, BJP State President Chandra Prakash Joshi and Organization General Secretary Chandrashekhar had a meeting with the office bearers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at Sewa Bharti Bhawan on Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Sangh’s area campaigner Nimbaram, province campaigner Babulal and others were also present. The discussion was held about the organizational changes in Rajasthan as well as Seva Sangam program of RSS.

Discussion was also held about the new responsibility of Satish Poonia. Sources informed that Rajendra Rathore may be made the Leader of Opposition and Satish Poonia may be given the responsibility of deputy leader of the opposition.

GOVT PROVED WEAK IN PUNISHING JAIPUR BLASTS ACCUSED, SAY JOSHI, ARUN SINGH

S tate BJP State Prez CP Joshi said that the Jaipur serial bomb blasts accused were let off because of weak lobbying by the state government. “The entire case puts the govt under suspicion for gross negligence. The acquittals show the insensitivity of the govt in this whole matter. 71 innocent lives were lost in the bomb blasts while hundreds of people were left. The govt should punish the accused by strong lobbying in the Supreme Court and justice should be done to the victims,” he said. “CM Gehlot also holds the home portfolio, yet the common man of Rajasthan is yearning for justice. If the state govt does not show seriousness even in punishing the accused of Jaipur blasts, what will happen to rest of cases?”

4 ACQUITTED YET TO BE SET FREE: LAWYER

The four men who were acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court earlier this week in the 2008 Jaipur serial blasts case are yet to be set free as a related case is pending against them in a trial court, officials said. The pending case pertains to the recovery of an unexploded bomb after the serial blasts in Jaipur which had claimed 71 lives, 185 injured. Their lawyer SS Ali said a bail application of the four will be moved in trial court on Monday.

APPOINTMENT OF LoP IN NEXT TWO DAYS, SAYS

ARUN SINGH

Jaipur: With the beginning of the election year in Rajasthan, the BJP has come into active mode. After the State president, now the BJP can soon announce the new LoP. Raj BJP in-charge Arun Singh said that a meeting of party MLAs will be held in two days in which the name of the LoP will be announced on the basis of the opinion of the legislators and after the decision of the party high command. However, Arun Singh has said that the party MLAs will decide who will be the Leader of the Opposition.

The situation in Rajasthan is so bad that Congress ministers themselves say that if the Congress is not able to recover even now, the Congress MLAs may fit in Fortuner.

Don’t know on what basis the CM talks about getting 156 seats. I think that Gehlot will not be able to get 156 or even 56 seats. It will be difficult for MLAs to sit in a car,” he said.

—Aishwary Pradhan

Meanwhile addressing similar conference at Jawahar School in Ajmer amid rain, CM Gehlot said that Rahul Gandhi was thrown out of Parliament and it has tremendous reaction. “Despite the rain, people have raised their chairs and are standing in the conference. No one knows in which direction the country is going. Democracy is in danger,” he said.

Deepender Singh Hooda has targeted the BJP over Lalit Modi’s statement before filing a court case against Rahul Gandhi in London.

Hooda, while talking to the media at the state Congress HQs on Friday said that Lalit Modi is accused of running away from the country with crores. “He is a fugitive sitting abroad and speaking in favour of the BJP and the Central government. The Central government should tell whether Lalit Modi

When state president of BJP assumed his office, the way big leaders kept distance from him, it is clear that there is factionalism in BJP.

—Deependra Hooda, MP

is its agent. Why did Interpol’s red corner notice against fugitive Mehul Choksi withdrawn,” asked Hooda.

Hooda said that Lalit Modi was on the run and all the agencies of the country were behind him. “He is accused in

Delegation from 19 countries visits RHB’s City Park, calls it outstanding

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: ‘Outstanding, Beautiful, Never Seen Before True Beauty, Mind Blowing Place, Natural Beauty’, all these adjectives were written countries in the visitor’s book by 25 delegates from 19 during their visit to City Park on Thursday.

During the visit to City Park, the delegation saw Madhyam Marg Plaza, Rock Fountain, Lake, 213 feet high flag mast on which the Indian tricolor proudly flutters and various sculptures and praised them eloquently.

The guests who came under the aegis of HUDCO at City Park were welcomed in Rajasthani style by garlands and tying turbans. The guests took a

‘REINFORCEMENT’ AWAITED

DELEGATION ALSO STUDIED AMBITIOUS

PLANS OF THE RAJASTHAN HOUSING BOARD

It is noteworthy that a delegation of 25 international representatives from 19 countries have come to Rajasthan under the Training Program for Overseas Professionals on Formal Solutions to Informal Settlements being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Human Management Settlement Institute (HSMI) New Delhi under the ITEC course scheme. On Wednesday, the delegation had also studied the ambitious plans of the Board after reaching Housing Board’s headquarters. Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora thanked the delegation from 19 countries and also invited them to visit Jaipur again.

tour of City Park in a golf cart and interacted with visiting local tourists.

Earlier, the delegation visited several other projects including Rajasthan MLA

Housing Project and Chief Minister Jan Awas Yojana. All the delegates of the team were very impressed and happy to see the construction being done by the RHB.

With a dozen vacant posts, all eyes awaiting IAS

About half a dozen IAS officials do not have workload according to their capacity, these officials can be brought in main stream

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: Another senior IAS - Ujjwal Rathore of 2008 batch - retired on March 31, from the post of Secretary, JDA. With this new vacancy, now a total of one dozen posts for senior IAS are lying vacant in the state and their additional charge is being carried out by other officers.

These posts are Secre-

tary Water Resources, Secretary Education, Secretary Animal Husbandry, Secretary WCD, Secretary Plan, DG HCM-RIPA, DG Panchayati Raj Sansthan, Registrar Cooperative and Divisional Commissioner Kota. Apart from thi, two posts are vacant on IAS members in Revenue Board. Notably, some of these posts are vacant from six months

to a year! This means that the transfer list of IAS is overdue.

In reality, jumbo transfer lists of IPS, IFS and RAS were released during the Assembly session but the IAS transfer list is still awaited.

There is no denying the fact that compared to other services, the transfer list of IAS not only important, but also a troublesome work for the DoP. Add to that the drought of IAs officers at senior level and as a result the permutation and combination to ‘fit’

With Ujjwal Rathore retiring from post of JDA Secretary on March 31, a total of one dozen posts for senior IAS are lying vacant in the state

ficial can be changed for their ‘over performance’!

corruption cases. Will the words of such a person be heard in the country now,” he asked? He sought an answer from the government and asked it to clarify why he was speaking as their agent?

On the question of factionalism in Raj Cong, Hooda said that the Congress party is united in State and BJP should worry about itself. “When state president of BJP assumed his office, the way big leaders kept distance from him, it is clear that there is factionalism in BJP,” he pointed out.

CM Ashok Gehlot meets IFS trainees

Jaipur (FIB): A Trainee officers of the Indian Foreign Service paid a courtesy call on CM Ashok Gehlot at the CMR on Friday. Giving best wishes to officers, Gehlot wished them a bright future. He said that the training period is an important part of the beginning of service for any officeremployee. “All of you should play an important role in the development of the country by undertaking training with full devotion and dedication,” he said.

The officials who called on the Chief Minister included Surbhi Goyal, Pooja Jha, Amit Gate, Bhavishya Desai and Bhavesh Chowdhary. All these officers have come for a week’s training in Rajasthan.

Harishchandra Mathur, Director General of Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration Hemant Gera and Nodal Officer Dr. Rakesh Singhal and other officers were present on the occasion.

transfer list!

senior officials in important positions, is an added challenge. One of the reason for this ‘drought’ is the central deputation of one dozen IAS.

It has come to light that a Secretary of a major and important department can be changed owing to poor performance while another of-

Such is the disgruntlement against the poorly performing Secretary that the official has been completely sidelined. While the over performing Secretary has courted controversy. About half a dozen senior IAS do not have workload according to their capacity. Word is that these officials can be brought in main stream, because there is not enough time left to bring CM Ashok Gehlot’s flagship schemes to ground.

In such a situation, the IAS with less workload can be given work of those officials who are currently holding additional charge. Notably, the IAS who have less workload as of now, are all senior officials.

It has also come to light RSRTC MD NAthmal Didel and RSMM MD Karan Singh have suo-moto requested for their transfer, whereas 2005 batch IAs Punam, is currently on APO having returned from Bihar.

According to sources, the situation regarding

Collectors is not clear as of now, as to will they be shuffled right now or with posting of Collectors in new districts. As such Tonk Collector Chinmayee Gopal and Barmer Collector Lok Bandhu have stayed on the position for two years and 18 Collectors have spent more than a year on their current assignment and thus, a change is necesary due to various reasons. Therefore, the entire IAS lobby is eagerly awaiting the transfer list.

Ujjwal Rathore

Deepender Hooda interacts with media on Friday. GR Meghwal, Mamta Bhupesh, Krishna Poonia also seen.

Yogesh Sharma

The guests were given welcome in traditional and Rajasthani style

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

CM Ashok Gehlot in Ajmer on Friday. Govind Singh Dotasra, Dr Raghu Sharma, and Dheeraj Gurjar also seen.

CM Ashok Gehlot in Bharatpur on Friday.

REDEFINING THE WORD

FASHION JAIPUR COUTURE SHOW 2023

City First highlights some glimpses of designer Seema Patel’s collection showcased at the Jaipur Couture Show, held at The Palace from March 13 to March 15!

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

The three-day Jaipur Couture Show, presented by First India and Bharat24Vision of New India organised at The Palace on Ajmer Highway from March 13 to March 15.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the chief guest and appreciated the designer, Seema Patel for her magical collection. Designer Seema Patel took everyone on a ride to the glittery world with evening cocktail colours white infused with metallic silver vibes. While describing her gorgeous ‘ASWI’ collection, the talented designer said, “We’ve been moving away from the very traditional look of bridesmaids wearing identical dresses, with matching hairstyles, makeup, shoes, and accessories. This is a collection for bridesmaids, and all of the pieces can be worn again, I believe wellmade, lovingly crafted clothes are made to be worn and loved for many, many years. My long-term vision includes making an even bigger impact and I will put my all into that, I am grateful to Gaurav Gaur for the great opportunity.”

Seema Patel, a prominent and one of the highly acknowledged names in the fashion design sector of Surat and Navsari, has established the fashion label SIMS Studio in Surat. Seema is an ace fashion designer known for its fine silhouettes and the relatabil-

ity of the brand with its clients. Her designs have an Indian touch with a west ern twist which is inculcat ed beautifully in her crea tions. SIMS studio has a premium and exclusive range of outfits to offer to all age groups. She has show cased the collection ‘ASWI’ at the Jaipur Couture Show Sea son -11.

This collection has been specifically created considering the trendy and culturally con nected new generation. The collection has been designed with youthful vibrant col ours and modern silhou ettes. Various who’s who of the city including Supermodels, Elite Miss Rajasthan Win ners, Models and Influencers were present during the electrifying fashion show.

Designer Seema with the models Karishma, Navya, Soni, Soni, Rutvi, Mugdha, Sneha, Kalpana and Arzoo

CLOCKWISE: Soni Singh, Karishma, Harshita and Mugdha Godse

Vishal and Soni

TIME TO ENJOY A

pril Fools' Day is a day of amusement and laughter observed on April 1 all over the globe. This day is jampacked with antics, jokes, and shocks. It's time to show off your inventiveness and sense of humour. Whether you choose to prank someone or simply enjoy watching others giggle, April Fools' Day is a great reason to let loose and have fun. The goal of this day is to have joy with your loved ones and giggle a little.

The pranks and jokes performed on others are completely harmless and make for fantastic tales to giggle about afterwards. Pranksters frequently reveal their pranks to their victims by shouting loudly and proudly, "April Fools" The origins of April Fools' Day are disputed, but its history spans centuries of April Fools' hoaxes, ranging from family high jinks (such as tricks on your parents or children) to workplace pranks and April Fools' puns at everyone's expense. April Fools' Day is one of the most commonly observed secular festivals in the Western world. It got its name from the tradition of performing practical jokes on this day, such as informing acquaintances their shoelaces are untied or sending them on errands. Despite the fact that the day has been celebrated for centuries, its real origins are unknown and

the joy of FOOLS

effectively unknowable. City first gives you several amusing April Fools' Day pranks you can play on your loved ones.

COFFEE CONVERSATION

We'll confess that depending on how reliant your April Fools' hoax receiver is on their morning caffeine, this spoof is extremely cruel. Replace the sugar in this oldie but

morous April Fools' joke, try this: If you put crunchy peanut butter on their sneaker, it will look like something you might discover in the Toilet. Take the joke a step further and swipe a lick of the peanut butter with your finger.

STUPID FOOL

Unwrap a lollipop, substitute the candy with a

goodie with salt so that when your target groggily tries to enjoy their first cup, they get a tastebud treat. In this oldie but goodie, swap out sugar with salt, so when your target groggily goes to enjoy their first cup, they’ll get a tastebud surprise.

PEANUT BUTTER PRANK

If you want to temporarily gross out a buddy with a hu-

Brussels sprout and rewrap the treat to present to your unknowing children. After the trick, treat yourself to some genuine lollipops.

SHOWER OF SOUP

Unscrew your faucet and insert a bouillon cube to give your family member a shower that scents increasingly like chicken as the water flows down.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

The grand opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) was organised on Friday, March 31. The launch of the Centre was marked by a specially curated program 'Swadesh' comprising three shows The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation, India in Fashion, and Sangam/Confluence. Boasting world-class infrastructure, the cultural centre comprises a 2,000-seat Grand Theatre, a 4-storey Art House, Pavilion, a museumlike convertible area of 52,627 sq. ft for art shows and exhibitions, and a Studio Theatre. Children, students, senior citizens, and differently-abled will have free access to the Centre. It was a star-studded evening in Mumbai as Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre opened its gates for patrons. Many Bollywood and international celebrities put their best fashion foot forward for the grand opening. On the guest list were Rajinikanth Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon and several other renowned celebrities.

We were keen to create a space for both promoting and celebrating our artistic and cultural heritage in cinema and music, in dance and drama, in literature and folklore, in arts and crafts and in science and spirituality.

RUMOURS CONFIRMED?

Actress Parineeti Chopra, who is quite active on social media, is currently hitting headlines for her rumoured romance with AAP leader Raghav Chadha. Their relationship rumours started after they were spotted together entering a restaurant recently. Now, Parineeti’s Code Name co-star and ace singer Harrdy Sandhu has confirmed that she is getting married. He said that he has even congratulated her for the same. While speaking to DNA, the ‘83 actor confirmed Parineeti’s relationship. He said, “I am so happy that it’s finally happening.

I wish her all the luck. I have called and congratulated her.” Harrdy even revealed that during the shoot of their film, they used to discuss marriage. He said that Parineeti had said that she will tie the knot only when she finds the ‘right guy’.

Candid Pictures

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are one of the most loved couples in town.

A while ago, Anushka took to Instagram and shared a bunch of candid pictures with Virat from the Dior Fall 2023 show. The event was held at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, last night. The gorgeous duo made a starry appearance at the event along with other celebs. For the grand event, Anushka looked stylish in a yellow outfit while Virat looked dapper in a suit. They complemented each other

Her post...

well. In the pictures, Anushka is seen flaunting her goofy side for the camera. In one of the monochrome pictures, Anushka has wrapped her arms around Virat's neck as they pose for the cam-

era. The candid moment is all things love. Another picture shows Anushka dishing out pout goals while her team is busy styling her. She shared the pictures with pinched finger emoji.

—NITA AMBANI

Work-life balance

anhvi Kapoor is one of the most loved star kids in town. On Friday afternoon, Janhvi took to social media and offered a glimpse of her hectic routine. She shared a bunch of pictures with her fans.

In some of the pictures, Janhvi is seen donning a pink bikini and chilling by the pool while another picture shows her sporting a hat on the sets of Mr and Mrs Mahi. In one of the pictures, she is seen sleeping on a couch. She has also posted a picture in which she has bandages on her injured arm. One of the mirror selfies features her in a black cutout dress. Along with the pictures, Janhvi wrote, "from one extreme to another." Soon after she shared the pictures, her brother Arjun Kapoor commented, "Casually mixing work-life balance." Even her rumoured beau Shikhar Pahariya dropped mermaid and red heart emojis. Her fans were seen gushing over her 'beauty'.

PRE-WEDDING SHOOT

Popular actress Dalljiet Kaur recently tied the knot with UKbased businessman Nikhil Patel on March 18. For the uninformed, Nikhil and Dalljiet lovebirds met at a mutual friends’ party in 2022 in Dubai and soon connected. After being in a relationship for about one year, Dalljiet exchanged rings with Nikhil on January 3 in Nepal. Speaking about their wedding, the actress shared several glimpses of the pre-wedding festivities that included mehendi, sangeet, and haldi.

She even shared amazing pictures and videos from her wedding where Dalljiet and Nikhil look made for each other. At present, Dalljiet is in Kenya where Nikhil is posted for work.

Dalljiet’s social media feed is full of lovely photos from her wedding and

honeymoon. The actress shared every update with her fans. After the photos from the wedding and honeymoon, the actress is recently dropping photos from the pre-wedding. Dalljiet’s recent post with her husband Nikhil where the couple posed in black took the internet by fire. After this, she posted another photo today where she is seen posing with Nikhil in white ethnic outfits. She wore a white blouse with a plunging neckline. Nikhil stands behind her in a white and cream-coloured sherwani.

Parineeti Chopra

Nikhil Patel and Dalljiet Kaur

Her post...

Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone

Aaradhya Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani

Suhana Khan, Aryan Khan, Gauri Khan and Salman Khan Anand Piramal and Akash Ambani

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Shraddha Kapoor Sonam Kapoor

Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani and Ajay Piramal

Her post...

SHENANIGANS!

RETIREMENT CEREMONY!

Ashish Aman, Bhawan Prakash Sharma, Sushila Sharma and Seema

The retirement ceremony of Bhawan Prakash Sharma, Librarian, son of the Late Harsahay Sharma took place at Sumer Paradise, Mansarovar, Jaipur on Friday. Various dignitaries including Ashish Aman, Business Head, First India graced the occasion with their presence.

WEDDING BELLS!

The grand wedding ceremony of Kiran, Pooja, Rekha and Anisha, daughters of Vimla Devi and Mahavir Khadotiya with Shankar, son of Jamna Devi & Bhagirath Bichwaliya, Deepak, son of Shravan Devi & Mangalram Bichwaliya, Mohan and Sohan, sons of Prabhu Devi & Kailash Bichwaliya respectively took place at Dhani Shyamwala, Manoharpur, Shahpura on Thursday. Various dignitaries including Pukh Raj Parashar, Chairman, Redressal of Public Grievances Committee, Government of Rajasthan, State Minister Sandeep Choudhary and Upen Yadav, Rajasthan Unemployed Integrated Federation reached to bless the newlyweds.

CREATING HISTORY

CITY FIRST

DURING THE DAY!

Jaipur-based

Achievers Polo team created history this season by winning 19 tournaments out of the 24, played as part of the Indian Polo Association, polo calendar 2022-23. No other team in Indian polo history has had this success rate for 5 years running. The team won all three open Tournaments - Indian Open National Championship, Northern India Open Championship and Jaipur Open Championship played in this season and had the distinct privilege of winning most of the leading tournaments at Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Mumbai. This was informed by the coowner and promoter of the Achievers Polo Team from Jaipur, Vikram Singh Rathore while addressing a press conference.

Rathore stated that Achievers Team became the only team in Indian Polo history to win the Indian Open consecutively for the last 5 years. The only other team that comes close in terms of performance and results to this team is the fa -

FAIRMONT JAIPUR : OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PARTNER

mous “Jaipur Tigers” led by Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur in the 1932-33 polo season, where the team won most of the leading Polo Tournaments.

Achievers Polo Team is co-owned and promoted by Parul Rai from Delhi and Vikram

Rathore from Jaipur. They have been fielding teams in all tournaments at Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Mumbai for the last 10 years. In their endeavours to promote & popularise polo, they have given opportunities, exposure and help with better quality imported

horses and polo infrastructure to some of the future stars of Indian Polo including Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Siddhant Sharma, Hurr Ali, Vishwarupe Bajaj, Dino Dhankar etc. to name a few. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jaipurites will also be able to raise the taste of Delhi in Pink City. Hotel Holiday Inn is organising a nineday Delhi 6 Food Festival, which will run from April 1 to April 9. Ramesh Kukreti, Executive Chef of Holiday Hotel, shared that now the Holiday Inn Hotel of Pink City will also smell the aroma of delicious dishes in the busy streets and lanes of Delhi. The expert chefs and masters of culinary skills from Jaipur will showcase their exquisite culinary skills in making Delhi cuisine and take Delhi’s culinary skills passed down from generation to generation to new heights. The main delicious dishes of Delhi street food on the menu are Chaat, Paratha, Pav Bhaji, Kebab, Kulfi, Gol Gappa, Puri Aloo, Laddu, Changeji Chicken, Naan, Kebab, etc. The festival will be open from 7 pm to 11 pm for the evening dinner for the guests.

Josh Clover, Elliot Rayne, James Carr, Steve Wright, Neil Sen, Prisha Lamba, Digvijay Singh, Bahul Chandra, Sanjay Choudhary and Johnny Lynn

CITY FIRST

Fairmont Jaipur, the first luxurious outpost of the global hotel chain in India announced its official hospitality partnership for the Asia Cup Polo 2023 on Friday. The much-anticipated match will take place on April 1, featuring the Royal Jaipur team and the Windsor team. Dignitaries and sponsors including Digvijay

Singh from Rajasthan polo club, Steve Wright from GAP, Elliot Rayne from Rayne Enterprises Holdings, Sanjay Choudhary from Incuspaze, and Bahul Chandra from Dotsquares, attended the press conference.

Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Jaipur said, “We are honoured to be the hospitality partner for the much-awaited Asia Cup Polo 2023 and we look

forward to associating with the Royal Family and Asia Cup polo in the years to come as well. The upcoming match, promises to be a remarkable exhibition of both sportsmanship and skill.”

Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh is set to play for the Royal Jaipur team against James Carr and Josh Clover from the Windsor team at the Rajasthan Polo Club. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

On the occasion of Ram Navami, Maha Aarti was organised at Ramchandra ji’s temple, Chandpole on Thursday. Hundreds of devotees including Gopal Das Maharaj, samaj sevi Gokuldas Maheshwari graced the occasion with their presence.

Educate a woman, empower a woman!

CITY FIRST

On the occasion of the 75th Rajasthan Day, a talk show was organised by Vasudha Jan Vikas Sansthan on the topic ‘Participation of women in the history of Rajasthan and the confluence of modernity and condition of women in the changing environment’ on Friday at Masala Ministry, Jaipur. A Heritage Art Show was also organ-

ised. Dainik Bhaskar’s State Editor Mukesh Mathur and well-known litterateur and writer Jitendra Singh Shekhawat were the main speakers of the talk

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

show. Mona Sharma, director of Vasudha Jan Vikas Sansthan NGO, moderated the talk show.

Chief speaker Mukesh Mathur said that the

girl-child sex ratio rate in Rajasthan is 1009 girls per 1000 boys, which can be called a pleasant figure. Giving an example of Jaisalmer’s Pokaran village, he said there were only 2 girls in that village, in such a way the whole village used to tie rakhi to those girls in a line, but today with collective efforts here awareness has come. Writer

Jitendra Singh Shekhawat said that before in-

dependence in Rajasthan, women did not have the freedom to remove the veil at home, but gradually in the Shekhawati region, women started doing government jobs and money started coming into the house, then people started teaching women and Started higher education. During the art show, artists Aditi, Smita Shukla, Draupadi Meena and Mansi displayed their paintings.

Shri Bajrang Power & Ispat Ltd announced that their brand, Goel TMT will be one of the Associate Sponsors of the Rajasthan Royals franchise for the upcoming three seasons of India’s premier cricket league. Goel TMT is one of central India’s largest fully integrated steel plants that produces the highest quality steel for pan-India distribution. For over 2 decades, it has been one of India’s most credible brands with quality & trust at the core of product development. Speaking on the association, Sandeep Goel, Director, Bajrang Power & Ispat Ltd Said,“Association with such a prominent league fills us with high energy. A successful partnership with Rajasthan Royals previously has reinstated our faith and we are elated to be partnering with such a promising franchise that embodies the same values of commitment, aspiration, and strength as GOEL TMT.”

The grand wedding ceremony of Sachin, son of Sadhna and OP Vyas with Aditi, daughter of Sudha and Ashok Kumar Singhi took place at Bal Niwas Marriage Garden on Thursday, March 30. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Kathak Dancer, Mitali Ghosh from Jaipur

Jagdeesh Chandra with OP Vyas, Sachin Vyas, Aditi Singhi Vyas and Swati

Swati, Sudha Singhi, Ashok Kumar Singhi, Sachin Vyas, Aditi Singhi Vyas, Kavya, Sadhna Vyas, OP Vyas and Alok Jain

Newlyweds Sachin & Aditi, Arnav, Tarang, Shobhit, Kartik, Sagar, Harshit, Uday, Aashima, Aakriti, Alankrita and Sahiti

Ramesh Kukreti

Siddhant Sharma, Shamsheer Ali, Rajvi Shailendra Singh, Parul Rai, Vikram Rathore, Chris Mackenzie and Alejo Aramburu

Vikram Rathore addressing the audience Jaipur based Achievers Polo team members

Geeta Yadav, Smita Shukla, Savitri Sharma, Mona Sharma, Jitendra Singh Shekhawat, Pooja Shekhawat, Reena and Joytsna Shukla

Pooja, Anisha, Kiran, Manisha, Pukh Raj Parashar, Sandeep Choudhary, Upen Yadav and Sadhu Ram Yadav