First India-Mumbai Edition-02nd January 2023 by firstindia

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MAXIMUM NEWS WIDER REACH! 074 CHANNEL NO MUMBAI l MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI TITLE NO. MAHENG/2022/14652 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 236 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

Sandeep Singh, accused of sexual harassment, gives up his sports portfolio

Sandeep Singh

Crucial

READ

Complainant is a junior athletics coach, she urges CM Khattar to set up SIT probe

Coach alleges that she had to quit social media due to constant harassment

After UddhavAaditya, ‘trouble’ knocks at matriarch Rashmi’s door

First India Bureau

ATTEMPT TO SPOIL MY IMAGE: SINGH

Minister Sandeep Singh

Sports

Haryana sports Minister Sandeep Singh has been booked on charges of sexual harassment and outraging modesty of a woman after a junior athletics coach filed a complaint against the Olympian.

handed

More such women who have been harassed will come forward if the Sports Minister is arrested. After all, how long will a person remain silent? The Sports Minister has officially, mentally harassed me. Singh invited me to his home and forcefully engaged me in sexual misconduct.

—Junior athletics coach

athletics coach, held a PC at office of Opposition INLD, which has demanded that Manohar Lal Khattar govt, Haryana HM Anil Vij to set up a Special Investigation Team to probe matter.

Politicians, well-wishers attend prayer meet for Modi’s mother

First India Bureau

3 women have died in a stampede at a rally of Telugu Desam president and former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in AP’s Guntur district. This is 2nd incident in a span of 4 days that people lost their lives at a public event of Naidu.

3 DEAD, 6 INJURED IN SUSPECTED TERROR ATTACK IN RAJOURI

A prayer meeting was organised in memory of PM Modi’s mother Hiraba at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, at Vadnagar on Sunday.

Ahmedabad, according to a bulletin from the hospital. She was hospitalized on Wednesday

after her health deteriorated. Modi performed last rites of his mom in Gandhinagar on Friday.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: 23 people died in separate accidents in the State on Sunday and Saturday night.

Sikar: 12 people, 7 of a family, died in a fierce collision of three vehicles in Sikar on Khandela-Palsana road on Sunday evening. A pickup and a bike collided near Maji Saheb’s Dhani and both the vehicles collided with the truck coming from the front.

Hanumangarh: 5 persons died on Saturday night after their car col-

The exchange of the list took place under the provisions of the agreement on the prohibition of attack against nuclear installations and facilities, the MEA said.

RELEASE PRISONERS

SOON: IND ASKS PAK India on Sunday asked Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 2 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan.

Shukla

Mumbai: BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, right after getting relief in INS Vikrant fraud case, has now started targetting the top leaders of the MVA government. In this connection, he had warned Mahavikas Aghadi leaders in a tweet on Saturday. On the last day of the year 2022, Somaiya had announced a new war by nominating 5 leaders.

After issuing the warning on Saturday; on Sunday, Somaiya went straight to the police station and lodged a complaint against Uddhav Thackeray’s wife - Rashmi Thackeray and five others

lided with a truck on the Rawatsar- Sardarshahar Megha Highway.

Kota: Couple was killed and three others were injured when a speeding car lost its balance and rammed into a tree on NH near Sehnali.

Chomu: Two people were killed while half-adozen people were injured on Sunday evening after two speeding cars collided with each other.

Somaiya has filed a complaint against Rashmi Thackeray in Revdanda police station in connection with 19 bungalows alleging a land transaction between Rashmi Thackeray and Anvay Naik.

Tweeting about this, he has announced the names of 5 leaders.

Thackeray faction leader Anil Parab is on Somaiya’s target in the Sai Resort case of Uddhav Thackeray and his family. Along with this, Somaiya also mentioned NCP leader Hasan Mushrif, Congress leader Aslam Sheikh and Thackeray faction leader Kishori

Pednekar in his tweet and warned Mahavikas Aghadi leadership of difficult times ahead.

Speaking with the media, he said, “The land dealing documents of Rashmi Thackeray have been destroyed.

When Uddhav Thackeray was the Chief Minister, he got the records destroyed. That’s why a thorough investigation of the episode should be done. That’s why we have decided to file a complaint.”

“Raigad Zilla Parishad have committed offences punishable under Sections 415,420,467,468,471 of IPC and also under the provisions of Village Panchyat record for forging the record of Grampanchayat and committing illegal acts in the Grampanchayat,” he said.

Interestingly, apart from Rashmi Thackeray, Somaiya has filed the case against five other individuals including Manisha Ravindra Waikar, a resident of Mumbai; Collector Raigad Alibaug; Chief Executive Officer of Raigad Zila Parishad and Sarpach (former and current) of Gram Panchayat Korlai.

Sambhaji sacrificed self, hence called Dharmaveer: Shinde targets Ajit

‘IF RAGA ‘AURA’ CONTINUES, political change likely in 2024’

NO TO HATRED

Maha govt to revise existing health scheme: CM Shinde

Will include additional ailments to cover maximum number of patients who cannot afford treatments

Mumbai (PTI): Shiv Sena –Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed last year gave a new “aura” to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. If the trend continues in 2023, the country may see a political change in the next general elections.

In his weekly column Rokhthok in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, Raut also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should not sow “seeds of hatred and divisiveness.”

The Rajya Sabha member said the Ram Janmabhoomi temple issue has been settled, so no votes can be

sought on the matter.

“Hence, a new ‘Love Jihad; angle is being explored. Is this weapon of ‘Love Jihad’ being used to win elections and create fear among Hindus?” he asked.

Referring to the death of actor Tunisha Sharma last month and the murder of Shraddha Walkar allegedly by her boyfriend, Raut asserted these were not cases of ‘Love Jihad’, but maintained that no

woman from any community or religion should face atrocities.

‘Love Jihad’ is a term often used by rightwing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.

Raut said, hoping the country is free of fear in 2023.

“What is going on is politics of power. Hope Rahul Gandhi’s yatra is successful and achieves

its objective,” he said.

Gandhi started the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a mass contact initiative, from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 07, 2022 and it is likely to culminate in Srinagar this month-end.

“The year 2022 has given a new shine and aura to the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. If it remains the same in 2023, we can see a political change in 2024 (general elections),” said Raut.

Thane (PTI): Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the state government will revisit its health scheme to cover additional ailments under it for the benefit of maximum number of the needy people.

He was speaking at a midnight blood donation camp organized by the Thane unit of the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena here.

The CM also donated blood at the camp.

scheme, while some other illnesses which are not relevant will be removed from the scheme, he said.

“We want to see that this scheme benefits maximum number of needy persons and those who cannot afford costly treatments,” he said.

his party, because of their work, have become popular among people in the last fivesix months.

“We work on the principles and guidelines of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray and (late Sena leader) Anand Dighe,” he said.

Awakening Hindus is the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) agenda, but this does not mean creating hatred and divisiveness in society, Raut said.

Police register cross FIRs against BJP, Shinde camp

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai has appealed to the Central government to reinstate the Maulana Azad National fellowship and the pre-matriculation scholarship scheme for minority community students.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Rajya Sabha member Dalwai said the pre-matric scholarship has been modified from this year and made applicable for only Classes IX and X students. The Maulana Azad fellowship scheme has been discontinued, he stated.

Both these decisions will adversely affect the minority community students, he said.

Cong leader asks for consideration of students belonging to minority communities

Dalwai said the literacy rate among minorities, particularly Buddhists and Muslims, is significantly lower on account of the prevailing poverty within the communities.

The poor parents from these communities will be forced to pull their children from schools, he said.

Dalwai said pre-matriculation scholarship for six minority communities should include students from Classes I to VIII and the Maulana Azad National fellowship should be restored.

Thane (PTI): Police registered cross complaints on Saturday in connection with the attack on a local BJP functionary allegedly by workers of the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena (BSS) faction in Thane city of Maharashtra.

At least ten persons, including two former councillors of the BSS faction of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have been named in a First Information Report (FIR), a police official said.

Prashant Jadhav (42), the Wagle mandal general secretary, was attacked on December 30 when he was put-

ting up a banner on his birthday.

A case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of Jadhav, a Thane police spokesperson said.

A cross FIR was also registered against Jadhav, his father, and two others at Wagle

EX-LEGISLATOR KESHAVRAO DHONDGE

PASSES AWAY AT 100 IN AURANGABAD

Mumbai: Veteran leader of the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) and former Maharashtra legislator Keshavrao Dhondge died at the age of 100 years on Sunday, his party colleague said. Dhondge hailed from Kandhar village in Nanded district and had served as an elected representative from 1951 to 1995. He was elected as an MLA five times and as an MP once. Dhondge was felicitated by the Maharashtra legislature in 2022 for being a centenarian ex-legislator. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar condoled his death.

Pune

Pune (PTI): Hundreds of people including political leaders visited Jaystambh military monument in Pune district on Sunday to mark the 205th anniversary of the Koregaon-Bhima battle. A heavy security cover was deployed at the venue in view of violence near it on January 01, 2018.

Pune Guardian Min-

ister Chandrakant Patil, however, did not visit the memorial to avoid any untoward incident, citing an ink attack threat to him if he went there.

The minister in a press statement said, “I have received threat of an ink attack on me if I visit the memorial. I am walking on the path of Dr Babasaheb Ambed-

kar’s thoughts, thus I am even ready to take bullets on my chest.”

“However, some people wish that there should be an untoward incident or communal riots there. As scores of people go there with a lot of devotion, their safety and security is important for me. So, I have decided not to go there,” he added.

Estate police station on Saturday night.

According to the report, Jadhav attacked a former councillor belonging to the BSS faction when she and others objected to him putting up a banner that blocked sunlight to a housing society. No arrest has been made so far.

Shinde said the government will include additional ailments for patients under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule

Shinde also said the chief minister’s relief fund “which was closed for two-and-ahalf years”, has been started and a sum of Rs11 crore disbursed to more than 1,000 people in the last five months.

The CM said the state government and

Shinde became the CM on June 30 last year after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government collapsed.

At the camp, Shinde also lauded a physically challenged man who had donated blood 121 times in 25 states.

WAIT 2-3

DAYS, YOU WILL SEE

Jains take to Mum streets over Guj, J’khand holy sites

First India Bureau

On Friday night, a BJP functionary Prashant Jadhav was attacked by a group of former councillors belonging to the BSS, when he was putting up a banner on his birthday. He is currently undergoing treatment at JJ Hospital in Mumbai. His father was also attacked, as per the FIR. While addressing media persons on Sunday, Awhad said, “Wait for two days, you will know when someone’s bungalow will be demolished in Thane.” Though Awhad did not give any specifics, the state political circuit is abuzz with reports of imminent action on account of the Thane incident.

CRUCIAL READ

TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE TO REMAIN CLOSED FROM JAN 5-12 FOR MAINTENANCE

Mumbai: According to an order issued by District Magistrate Vikas Kulkarni, who is also chairperson of the Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust, Trimbakeshwar temple is to remain closed between January 5-12. The Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) will work on conservation and maintenance of the temple. It will focus on the conservation of the ‘jyotirlinga’ and the maintenance of the temple structure. Trimbakeshwar temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and is one of the twelve ‘jyotirlingas’ where Hindu genealogy registers are kept.

Mumbai: Members of the Jain community took to the streets in large numbers on Sunday to protest desecration of holy sites at Shatrunjay Giriraj in Palitana, Gujarat. They also demanded that the Sammed Shikhar in Jharkhand not be declared an ecotourism site.

Sadhus also demanded that consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food be banned within 500 metres of the Shatrunjay Giriraj and Sammed Shikhar sites.

They are considered holy because the first Jain tirthankar attained ‘moksha’ (salvation) at the former,

while at Sammed, 20 of 24 tirthankars attained ‘moksha’.

“Eco-tourism in Jharkhand should not happen as it would spoil the sanctity of the place,” said DC Jain, a protester from Phanaswadi.

After the rally, sadhus addressed the community at the August Kranti Maidan. State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and his wife were also present on the occasion.

RADHE MAA DISCHARGED IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE OF 2014 BY SESSIONS COURT

Mumbai: A sessions court discharged self-proclaimed god woman ‘Radhe Maa’, in an 8-year-old domestic violence case. The court observed that, no domestic relationship existed between her and the alleged victim. The complainant had accused Radhe Maa, her husband and five other family members in 2014 of allegedly abusing her and demanding dowry at Radhe Maa’s behest. She had moved the sessions court in 2017 after a magistrate’s court refused to drop her name from the proceedings.

Last month, ink was thrown at Patil during an event in Pimpri town of Pune district in an apparent protest against his controversial remark about Dr BR Ambedkar and social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

As per the Dalit narrative, British forces that fought the Peshwas at Koregaon Bhima on January 01, 1818, comprised largely of soldiers from the Dalit Mahar community. They waged a war for free-

dom from ‘casteism’ of the Peshwas.

Every year on this day, a large number of people, mainly from the Dalit community, visit the ‘Jay Stambh’ (victory pillar), which was erected by the British in memory of the soldiers, who fought against the Peshwas in the battle.

On Sunday, a large number of people gathered at the victory pillar, decorated with flowers and lights amid heavy police security.

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Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut calls out propagation of ‘Love Jihad’ to ‘create fear among Hindus’

Sanjay Raut —FILE PHOTO

POLITICIANS, OTHERS VISIT KOREGAON-BHIMA FOR ANNUAL EVENT IN MEMORIAM The ‘Jay Stambh’ commemorates the Bhima Koregaon battle against casteism. —FILE PHOTO BHIMA-KOREGAON VIOLENCE

Reinstate scholarship, M Azad fellowship: Dalwai to Central govt

First India Bureau Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil gives it a miss citing possible ink attack, after incident last week ACTION: AWHAD Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA, Jitendra Awhad, on Sunday hinted at action amid the Thane attack dispute between the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

ACB nabs 21 persons in 16 traps in 2022

Thane (PTI): The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) laid 16 traps and arrested 21 persons in bribery cases in Palghar district in 2022, an official said.

The 16 cases included four related to the Revenue Department, three to the police, two each to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and Forest Department, one each to Agricul -

Total cases across Maha in 2022 stood at 744, in which 1,083 persons were charged

ture, Rural Development, Health and Education Departments, as well as, one on a private individual.

Overall, the agency’s Thane region, which includes Palghar, saw 83 successful entrapments, with a total of 124 persons being arrested, said Thane ACB Superintendent of Police Sunil Lokhande.

“The biggest amount in a trap was Rs1 lakh. This was seen in two cases in which MSEDCL staffers and police personnel were held,” he added.

10 YEARS, `20L

FINE FOR TWO IN ROBBERY CASE

Thane: A special court in Thane sentenced two men to 10 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs10.15 lakh each in a case of robbery. The accused were employed as driver and cleaner. The prosecution had informed the court that on the night of July 20, 2012, the victim was waiting for his friends at Airoli railway station when the accused armed with a sickle robbed him of his belongings.

Two dead, 17 injured in fire at Nashik chemical plant

Nashik (PTI): One person was killed and 17 others injured, four of them critically, in a massive fire at a chemical factory in Nashik district on Sunday.

The blast in the Jindal Poly Films factory, located in Mundhegaon along the Mumbai-Agra highway in Igatpuri taluka, was so strong that it was heard in nearby villages, said officials.

“Four among them are critical while another one has died,” he said.

A high-level inquiry has been ordered by the government to ascertain reason for the accident.

Even after nine hours, the fire is still raging on as 20-22 firetenders continue to douse the blaze, said an official.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site and also met with injured persons at a Nashik hospital. He assured free medical treatment for the injured.

Dhaval Antapurkar,

THREE KILLED IN FIRE AFTER BLAST AT SOLAPUR CRACKER FACTORY

Mumbai (PTI): At least three persons were killed and as many others injured in a major fire that broke out after a blast at a firecracker factory in Solapur district on Sunday. The blaze erupted at the unit located at Shirala in Barshi taluka at around 3 pm. “There was a blast inside the firecracker manufacturing unit, which led to the fire,” said an official.

“After being alerted, the fire brigade and police personnel rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation,” he added.

Director at the Directorate of Steam Boilers, a Maharashtra government body, ruled out boiler blast as reason for the fire. “The three boilers out of the five at the Jindal Poly Films in Igatpuri were of waste heat recovery or running on thermic fluid. It does not use any inflammable material to prepare steam.”

BMC struggles to tackle mosquito menace in Mumbai

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Local residents in areas with mosquito breeding grounds have complained to the local civic body about it and lack of action to curb the issue.

With temperatures in the city dropping, culex mosquitoes, which do not transmit dengue or malaria, but bite and breed in stagnant water like gutters, nullah and creeks, are proving to be a menace. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, an inaccessible storm water drainage system is making the task of treating the breeding spots more difficult.

The aedes and anoph-

eles mosquitoes, that transmit dengue and malaria during the monsoon, lay their eggs in freshwater. With the change in season, the population of the culex or common house mosquitoes is known to increase. This year, residents say, the menace has worsened. “For the past two weeks, we have been facing an issue near my office at Khetwadi in Girgaon. It has become difficult to step out,” said Pratibha Tulaskar. Residents of Andheri, Lokhandwala and Mulund have been facing a similar issue.

According to the BMC’s Insecticide Department, the breeding spots of Culex mosquitoes have multiplied due to stagnant water.

Generally, every year after the monsoon, the flow of stormwater drainage like gutters and nullahs stops and the stagnant water becomes a breeding spot. We have our team in every ward, but closed gutters or inaccessible choked nullahs make it difficult to spray pyrosene oil or mosquito larvicide oil.

MAN CONNED OF ` 2.10 LAKH IN LOTTERY SCAM

Mumbai: A man was allegedly duped of Rs2.10 Lakh by an unidentified person in a lottery scam, police said on Sunday. The complainant received a scratch card from an online store. It revealed he had won a supposed prize worth Rs10.4 lakh. Later, he was contacted and duped of Rs2.10 lakh by a person claiming to be a senior executive. When he kept asking for more money, the victim realized he had been duped.

MAN HELD FOR FLINGING NEWBORN SON ON TO HOSPITAL FLOOR; INFANT STABLE IN ICU

Nagpur:A man was arrested for allegedly throwing his newborn son on the floor of a hospital in Nagpur city after a fight with his wife, a police official said on Sunday. The incident took place in Government Medical College and Hospital on Saturday evening and the child’s condition is stable, the Ajni police station official added. “The Amravati-based accused used to suspect his wife’s character. He picked up an argument when he came to visit her after she gave birth to their son. In a fit of rage, he threw the infant on the floor,” he said.

ONE ARRESTED FOR STABBING A MAN TO DEATH

Mumbai: Mumbai police have arrested a man for allegedly stabbing a 29-year-old to death following an altercation Gilbert Hill area of Andheri, officials said. “There was an altercation between the deceased, Sanjay Kamble, and the accused, Salman Shaikh, following which the accused attacked him with a knife on the throat and stomach and killed him,” the police officials said. A case has been lodged.

GOLD, DIAMOND JEWELS STOLEN FROM WOMAN

Mumbai: A 66-year-old woman alleged that her gold and diamond jewellery was stolen during a birthday party in Malad, a police official said on Sunday. The party, attended by members of her social group, was held recently in a hotel on Link Road, he said. “A theft case has been registered and CCTV footage of her residential society, route and party venue is being checked,” said the official.

MAN SETS GODOWN ON FIRE IN THANE DISTRICT; NO CASUALTIES REPORTED YET

Thane: A man allegedly set a godown on fire in Thane district, no casualties were reported in the incident, police said on Sunday. A blaze erupted at a decorator’s godown in Bharat Nagar area Dombivili which completely gutted the godown and materials worth Rs60,000 were destroyed, he said. Based on a complaint, an offence under Section 435 of the Indian Penal Code was registered against a man who allegedly set the premises on fire, a police official said. The police have identified the accused and further probe is underway, he added.

156 people caught for drunk driving in Mumbai

Mumbai

tivities

The

out

NCPCR notice to BMC over land given to Urdu Bhavan

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was served a notice by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) over cancelling land allotted for an Industrial Training Institute (ITI). Instead, the civic body allotted it to the Urdu Bhavan in Agripada, Central Mumbai.

IN DEVOTION

The notice was issued following a complaint lodged earlier this week by Yogesh Limaye. The NCPCR said that the cancellation of the ITI project will deprive children of employmentoriented education, thus it has issued the notice.

According to the notice, the NCPCR has taken cognizance of the case under Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. In view of the allegations stated in the complaint, the NCPCR is of the view that prima facie the matter is in violation of children’s education and depriving them of employmentoriented education.

Therefore, the NCPCR has requested the office to look into the matter and take remedial measures. It also suggested that an Action Taken Report be submitted to the Commission within 10 days of receipt of the notice.

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Nine hours on, 20-22 firetenders still at the spot, as they try to douse the flames

High-level probe into cause of incident; CM announces `5 lakh ex-gratia for deceased Smoke billowing out of the factory in Mundegaon village in Nashik district on Sunday. —PTI PHOTO CM ANNOUNCES `5 LAKH EX-GRATIA Normally, 20 to 25 people work in the plant. But, as it was the first day of the New Year, the number was less on Sunday. As huge grass has grown on the premises and inflammable material is lying everywhere, our first aim is to control the fire. The exact reason behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained. It will take some time. —Radhakrishna Game, Divisional Revenue Commissioner

CRUCIAL READ

People welcomed the new year by thronging Mumbai’s renowned Siddhivinayak temple and Nagpur’s Sai Baba temple on Sunday. They were spotted seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesh and Sai Baba, as they began the year. —PHOTOS BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE & ANI Rajan Naringrekar, BMC Insecticide Officer (PTI): Mumbai police caught 156 people for drunk driving and 2,465 people for riding motorbikes without wearing helmets during New Year fes- in the city, an official said on Sunday. large number of police personnel were deployed across the city for the safety of citizens during the celebrations. A campaign was conducted from late Saturday night till the wee hours of Sunday to check people violating traffic norms. city police caught 156 drunk drivers, while action was also taken against 66 people for rash driving, he said. Action was also taken against 2,465 people for riding motorbikes with- wearing helmets and challans were imposed on 274 people for triple riding on two-wheelers. The police also pulled up 679 drivers for jumping traffic signals. Thane (PTI): More than 650 persons were booked for alleged drunk driving between December 30 and Sunday morning in Thane city as part of a traffic safety drive in the run up to the new year, a police official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vinaykumar Rathod said 156 people were booked on December 30, a total of 233 on December 31 and 270 between midnight and 6am on January 01. “Of the 659 persons booked, 457 face charges under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act and the rest under Section 188 of MV Act, which are related to driving while intoxicated and abetting such an act,” he said. 659 PERSONS BOOKED FOR DRUNK DRIVING IN THANE DISTRICT

NEW YEAR

A cop administers breath analyzer to a reveller.—FILE PHOTO

PM NARENDRA MODI WANTS 350 BJP MPs IN 2024

India’s Prime Minister played the role of a catalyst, even providing Rs 3,000 crore in funding, for the accelerated development of a vaccine against nCov through publicprivate enterprise that proved crucial in the battle against the nCov. Not only that, he also exported the Indian vaccine free of cost to less developed nations of the world that were reeling under the impact of the pandemic even as exorbitant costs demanded by European vaccine manufacturers ruled out their ability to purchase those vaccines.

ASENIORBJPLEADER TOLDFIRSTINDIA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be in perpetual election mode with a current focus on the north-eastern state of Tripura in India where the next round of state assembly elections are scheduled as well as the southern state of Karnataka in the coming months. And yet, the Modi juggernaut has also upped the ante on the international political landscape for a high stakes gambit likely to transcend India as a major world player to pitchfork the Indian premier into the race for the next Nobel peace prize.

The latest endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi came a couple of days ago when Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called him up ostensibly to congratulate him on ascending to the presidency of the G20 formation of nations. Zelenskyy tweeted thereafter and said, “I had a phone call with@PMOIndia.”

Narendra Modi wished a suc-

cessful G20 presidency. It was on this platform that In announced the peace formula and now, I count on India’s participation on its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN (United Nations).” Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also paid glowing tributes to an emergent India under PM Modi’s leadership evidencing his amiability to India playing a mitigating role to end the Russian conflict with Ukraine.

While Modi plays peacemaker on the global stage currently, his international role during the global Covid 19 pandemic has also been acknowledged as a game changer by the world.

Even the World Health Organisation (WHO) had acknowledged India’s professional and sanitized response to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic right since its outbreak in February 2020 considering the herculean task of protecting and vaccinating a 1.38 billion plus population in India was concerned.

PM Modi’s emphasis on the development of an indigenous vaccine in the country that was also subsequently distributed free of cost to several underdeveloped nations of the world came in for particular ac-

THE GLOBAL STAGE

Modi plays peacemaker on the global stage currently, his international role during the global Covid 19 pandemic has also been acknowledged as a game changer by the world. Even the WHO had acknowledged India’s professional and sanitized response to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic right since its outbreak in February 2020 considering the herculean task of protecting and vaccinating a 1.38 billion plus population in India was concerned.

claim globally.

“India’s Prime Minister played the role of a catalyst, even providing Rs 3,000 crore in

funding, for the accelerated development of a vaccine against nCov through public-private enterprise that proved crucial

REST IN PEACE POPE BENEDICT XVI

enedict XVI leaves behind a complex legacy as a Pope and theologian. To many observers, Benedict, who died on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95, was known for criticizing what he saw as the modern world’s rejection of God and Christianity’s timeless truths. But as a scholar of the diversity of global Catholicism, I think it’s best to avoid simple characterizations of Benedict’s theology, which I believe will influence the Catholic Church for generations.

While the brilliance of this intellectual legacy will certainly endure, it will also have to contend with the shadows of the numerous controversies that marked Benedict’s time as pope and,

later, as pope emeritus.

PRIEST & PROFESSOR

Benedict was born Josef Alois Ratzinger

April 16, 1927, in Marktl am Inn, Germany. During World War II, he was required to join the

Hitler Youth, a wing of the Nazi Party. He was later drafted into an anti-aircraft unit and then the infantry of Nazi Germany.

CARDINAL AND POPE

As a skilled theologian,

Ratzinger was chosen by Pope John Paul II to head the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which oversees and enforces Catholic doctrine. In this position, Cardinal Ratzinger disciplined a number of theologians.

CONTROVERSIES

After his election, Pope Benedict XVI had to confront a growing sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. While a cardinal, he had publicly downplayed the extent and seriousness of the crisis. And it was under his leadership that The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith decided not to remove Lawrence C. Murphy from the priesthood, even though Murphy had been accused of molesting more than 200

boys at a Catholic school for the deaf in Wisconsin.

THEOLOGICAL WRITINGS

As pope, Benedict continued his theological writing and produced three important encyclicals or papal letters. The first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, or “God is Love,” defends “charity” as love that is freely given. Charity is not simply a good deed but an act that changes both the giver and the recipient.

LEGACY OF BENEDICT

When Benedict resigned as pope in 2013, it took the world by surprise. In saying that he could no longer bear the burdens of the Papacy, Benedict promised to live in seclusion. His official title became “Pope Emeritus.”

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

in the battle against the nCov. Not only that, he also exported the Indian vaccine free of cost to less developed nations of the world that were reeling under the impact of the pandemic even as exorbitant costs demanded by European vaccine manufacturers ruled out their ability to purchase those vaccines,” a senior BJP leader told First India. He added, “While Balakot played an important role to ensure a 300 plus Lok Sabha result in favour of the BJP in 2019, the Prime Minister’s proactive human service record is expected to secure the political future of party even in 2024 general elections when the party expects to further consolidate its presence across India by achieving a target of electing over 350 Members of Parliament in Lok Sabha.”

The only political reversal that may adversely impact the BJP prospects in the 2024 polls is the looming worry regarding Supreme Court of India’s likely verdict on the issue of political reservations for the other backward caste communities (OBC) coming before the general elections are announced, the senior BJP leader noted.

TOP TWEETS

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL RENNI ABRAHAM The writer is Honorary Consulting Editor, First India Mumbai Narendra Modi wished a successful G20 presidency. It was on this platform that In announced the peace formula and now, I count on India’s participation on its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the United Nations SPIRITUAL SPEAK For the lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble and salvation. Bible Narendra Modi@narendramodi Birthday greetings to Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia Ji, who is working to ensure a vibrant aviation sector with a focus on connectivity and boost the steel sector. May Almighty bless him with a long and healthy life.@JM_Scindia Amit Shah@AmitShah Birthday greetings to the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri @ NBirenSingh Ji. Your commitment towards the development of Manipur and the welfare of people is commendable. May God bless you with a long and healthy life. on

B l Vol 1 l Issue No. 236 l RNI TITLE NO. MAHENG/2022/14652 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Dangat Media Pvt Ltd, No.22, Dighe MIDC, Vishnu Nagar, TTC Industrial Area, Dighe, Navi Mumbai-400701. Published at Plot No. 3 Scheme C of Manglorean Garden Home, CHS Limited, Survey No. 5, 6C (Part) Ville Parle East, Mumbai 400057. Phone 022-46031417.

the PRB Act ...NOBEL PRIZE FOR INDIA’S WORLD nCOV VAX DRIVE, TITLE OF PEACEMAKER WHO ENDED THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE STRIFE

Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra Editor: Kartikey Dev Singh responsible for selection of news under

PM MODI PLAYS PEACEMAKER ON

While

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PM Narendra Modi

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2024 LOK SABHA ELECTIONS BJP TO LAUNCH PRE-POLL DRIVE IN MAHARASHTRA FROM TODAY

First India Bureau

Mumbai: BJP chief JP Nadda will launch the party’s pre-poll campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra on Monday.

He will visit Chandrapur constituency, and hold a series of meetings during his day-long stay under ‘Lok Sabha Pravas Yojana’.

The BJP has started preparations for the 2024 elections. Nadda will do ‘pravas’ (stays) in every state to kick-start prepoll campaigns.

Of total 545 Lok Sabha constituencies, the party has shortlisted 160 constituencies where it may face a tough contest. Maharashtra has 144 constituencies of which 18 are tough it.

Prominent leaders such as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister Devender Fadnavis and Minister Raosaheb Danve will accompany Nadda in his day-long tour in Maharashtra.

New Delhi (ANI): The Central govt should take nation into confidence about recent border clashes between Indian and Chinese troops, said Congress leader Harish Rawat on Sunday. “The whole nation wants to know what is happening at the borders,” Rawat said in reply to a query about Rahul Gandhi accusing Centre of hiding behind the back of Indian soldiers. “Whenever you start to question this government whether on Galwan, Depsang or Tawang or any issue, when you question them on Chinese incursions, when you ask them to take the whole nation into confidence on border issues, then the BJP leadership says we are raising questions about the loyalty of Indian soldiers,” Rawat added.

BJP SETS TARGET OF 60 LS SEATS IN SOUTHERN INDIA FOR 2024 ELECTIONS

New Delhi (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after capturing fortress Karnataka has now started preparations to spread its wings in other southern states as well. According to the party sources, the preparations are in full swing and seasoned BJP workers are being deployed on more than 50 seats. Their training in this regard was conducted in Hyderabad a few days back. There are 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, 25 in Andhra Pradesh, 39 in Tamil Nadu, 17 in Telangana and 28 in Karnataka. The sources further said that the BJP has recently conducted a training camp in Hyderabad, in which a complete plan has been prepared to target about 60 Lok Sabha seats in the Southern States of the country.

K’TAKA: BJP TO WOO VOKKALIGA LEADERS

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP is going to allure several Vokkaliga leaders from “panchayat to Parliament” into its fold from Karnataka’s Old Mysuru region ahead of the Assembly polls in the southern state due later this year, party leaders said on Sunday. They said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already been working on the ground and reaching out to like-minded people in the run-up to the election.

BENGAL BJP TO SHIFT PARTY HEADQUARTERS

Kolkata (Agencies): The 98-year long journey of the state BJP headquarters in West Bengal in rented accommodation at the congested and narrow Muralidhar Sen Lane in north Kolkata is about to end this new year. Instead, the state headquarters of the saffron camp will be shifted to a new modern office in Salt Lake on the outskirts of Kolkata which is considered as the information technology hub of the state.

`1L cr worth mobile phone exports is PM’s vision: Min

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for 2023 is to have mobile phone exports with the segment featuring in the top 10 export category from India, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

While speaking with PTI, the minister said that the government will take all the measures that are required for boosting the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country and in 2023 will look at widening the manufacturing base beyond mobile phone manufacturing.

“PM Narendramodi Ji’s vision for 2023 is mobile phone exports worth Rs 1 lakh crore, with mobile phones featuring in the Top 10 exported category,” Chandrasekhar said.

PM TO LAUNCH 3,200 KM RIVER CRUISE

New Delhi: The river cruise from Varanasi in UP to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, billed as the world’s longest, will be flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on January 13. The luxury cruise with foreign tourists will cover around 3,200 km of 27 river systems including Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly, Brahmaputra and West Coast Canal in India in a span of 50 days. The cruise will cover 50 major tourist sites, including some heritage sites, the famous Ganga Aarti at Varanasi and sanctuaries such as Kaziranga National Park and the Sundarbans Delta.

PM MODI TO ADDRESS 108TH INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ON JANUARY 3

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) on January 3 at 10:30 am via video conferencing. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the focal theme of this year’s ISC is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment”. It will witness discussions on issues of sustainable development, women empowerment and the role of science and technology in achieving this.

Guv sign it

assembly: U’khand CM Baghel on reservation bill

Raipur (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel once again attacked the Governor and BJP on Sunday about the issue of delaying the reservation bill, which has been passed in the state assembly.

He said, “A bill which was passed in the assembly, is called the property of the assembly. It has left the assembly and gone to the Raj Bhavan, even that too is pending.

The Governor should either sign it or return it to the Vidhan Sabha. The bill was passed in

the Vidhan Sabha on 2nd December. Even after one month, the fu-

at stake due to the stubbornness of the government.” CM Baghel was speaking to the reporters at the event of the blanket distribution programme among the labourers on the very first day of the year.

Raipur North MLA Kuldeep Juneja, Mayor Ejaz Dhebar, and former Mayor Pramod Dubey were present during the programme along with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

ture of the students and youth of the entire state who want to get a job is

The assembly session is about to start tomorrow, as per the official sources.

Kolkata: The VHP has passed a resolution against religious radicalism, which it said was responsible for terror attacks across the world, and demanded a stringent law to ban illegal conversions and implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. “A comprehensive policy has to be made at the global level to deal with the toxic effects of religious dogmatism. This narrow-mindedness and exclusivism has to be neutralised at the intellectual, social and political levels,” VHP said in a press note.

Bharat Jodo Yatra left a huge impact on people: Vaiko

Chennai (ANI): MDMK general secretary and MP Vaiko on Sunday said that congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra has left a huge impact on people.

Viako said,” Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi has left a huge impact on people. The opposition has to unite to defeat the BJP in the 2024

FISSURES IN ALLIANCE?

general election. There is a danger to Democracy because of the policies of the Union Government”. ‘BJP is strong in all aspects,” he added.

This statement comes a day after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed there is a huge undercurrent against the BJP and said that his party will win a landslide victory in the

upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh.

On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi said “I can give this in writing that Congress is going to sweep the Madhya Pradesh elections. BJP will be seen nowhere. I can guarantee this for you.

Every person in MP knows that BJP has formed its government using money.”

JDU-RJD: Allies with no mutual trust?

Shamsher Singh

New Delhi: Lalu Prasad’s party Rashtriya Janata Dal and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU are not of the same opinion on the post of Chief Minister in Bihar. Nitish Kumar said recently that Tejashwi Yadav will lead the Grand Alliance in 2025. Nitish had said this in front of RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister of the state Tejashwi Yadav but Tejashwi or his par-

ty did not react to it. Even before this, Nitish Kumar had said that

Tejashwi will take care of the development work of Bihar. At first

glance, it appears to be Nitish’s goodwill towards Tejashwi, but RJD leaders are seeing it as a strategy to postpone Tejashwi’s coronation for three more years.

RJD leaders want Nitish Kumar to leave the post of Chief Minister now and get involved in the strategy of 2024 general elections. RJD state president Jagdanand Singh has said in very clear words that one has to give up small things

to achieve big things. What he meant to say was that in order to become the Prime Minister, Nitish Kumar should leave the post of Chief Minister. Other RJD leaders also said that if Nitish has to become a contender for the post of Prime Minister of the united opposition, then he should hand over the command of the state to Tejashwi and work for coordination with the opposition parties across the country.

Medical colleges in each district of UP this year, says Yogi

Lucknow (ANI): In order to strengthen the health infrastructure of the state, the Yogi Adityanath government will start 4,600 health ATMs in all wellness centers and medical colleges in every district, informed the government on Sunday.

According to an official release, the process of appointing expert personnel to assist the people at all health ATMs has also been expedited. “With its launch, the patient will be able to get the facility of 60 tests. Teleconsultation facilities will also be available at health centers. Furthermore, all the PHCs and CHCs of the state will be connected with SGPGI and people will not have to run to the medical college for minor problems. At the same time, the facility of medical colleges will also start in almost all the districts of the state this year. Work is going on in this direction on a war footing,” it said.

UP’S PLANS FOR $1tn ECONOMY

Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has prepared a landbank of more than 15,000 acres as part of the Yogi govt’s goal to make the state a $ 1 trillion economy and to strengthen the infrastructure so that global companies coming to GIS-23 do not face any problem.

The Yogi Government’s special focus, for this year, will be on the health sector, law and order, tourism, education, and infrastructure development.

The Government wants to ensure that the people of the state get better health facilities as well as technologybased education.

IN THE COURTYARD

PASSPORT OFFICER CANNOT ACT AS THE MOUTHPIECE OF J&K CID, RULES HIGH COURT

issue or renewal of passport. “Even, there is not an iota of allegation against the petitioner that may point out to any security concerns. The police verification report formulated by CID-CIK cannot override the statutory provisions of Section 6 of the Passport Act 1967,” court said in an order on Saturday.

EX-MP MINISTER SENTENCED TO THREE-YEAR IMPRISONMENT IN CORRUPTION CASE

Gwalior: A local court has convicted Congress leader and former minister Bhagwan Singh Yadav in a 2004 cooperative bank corruption case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. Besides Yadav, five other accused were also handed jail terms for periods of three years and four years while two others were absolved of the charges, according to the prosecution. Special MPs and MLAs court judge Sushil Kumar Joshi on Friday imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on Yadav, government advocate Dharmendra Sharma told PTI.

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KASHI TO DIBRUGARH VIA B’DESH: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda addresses a public meeting, in Coimbatore, recently. —PHOTO BY PTI R Chandrasekhar says govt will take measures needed to boost electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India

“Take nation into confidence over India-China border clashes”

VHP seeks strict anti-conversion law and UCC

Either

or return it to

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel speaking to the media. —FILE PHOTO Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko speaks in the Upper House during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi recently. —FILE PHOTO

J’KHAND NAXAL ATTACK: CHARGE SHEET AGAINST 14 New Delhi: The NIA has filed a supplementary charge sheet against 14 accused persons in a case related to the Naxal attack on former MLA Gurucharan Nayak and the killing of two police personnel in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on January 4 last year, the agency said on Sunday. The Central agency filed the charge sheet on Saturday before the NIA Special Court in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi. The case was initially registered on January 5, last year at Goilkera police station in West Singhbhum district.

The J&K and Ladakh High Court has pulled up authorities for denying passport to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s mother, saying passport officer cannot “act as a mouthpiece” of the CID. It said it appears, there is no ground to refuse her request for

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav during the ceremony to distribute appointment letters to teachers related to the Education, Science and Technology department, at Gyan Bhawan, in Patna on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Srinagar:

J&K: SNOW-CLEARING PARTIES DEPLOYED IN DODA AS TOURIST INFLOW CONTINUES

Doda (ANI): The Doda civil administration has deployed snow-clearing parties after fresh snowfall on Saturday suspended vehicular movement in some places.

Snowfall in Kashmir attracts tourists from across the world at this time of the year.

Due to heavy snowfall on the highway, vehicular movement got suspended, and the tourists were facing difficulties, informed the administration. Many tourists had to wait for a long till the road was cleared. Indian Army deployed along LoC in the Uri sector continues patrolling in harsh winter conditions.

The India Meteorological Department on Sunday said that minimum and maximum temperatures in January 2023 are most likely

to be below normal over many parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular, east and northwest India.

As per IMD, abovenormal to normal minimum temperatures are most likely over southern parts of the south

Peninsula, many parts of northeast India and some parts of northwest India.

IMD also predicted monthly rainfall for January 2023 over Northwest India consisting of seven meteorological subdivisions (East Uttar

Int’l Year of Millets 2023 kicks off

WHAT ARE MILLETS?

New Delhi (ANI): The International Year of Millets 2023 has officially kicked off.

The government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution for declaring the

91 LAKH VISITED VAISHNO DEVI SHRINE IN 2022

Jammu: Over 91 lakh pilgrims visited the famous Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2022, the highest in the last nine years, a senior official of the shrine board said on Sunday. Over 23,000 devotees offered prayers at the shrine located atop Trikuta hills on New Year’s Eve.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg said this in a tweet.

year 2023 as the International Year of Millets and the proposal of India was supported by 72 countries. UNGA declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets in March 2021.

KIN SEEK HELP TO BRING BODY OF TN BOY DIED IN CHINA

Hyderabad: A 22-year-old student from Tamil Nadu who was studying in China for last five years has died of an illness, and his economically weak family has requested the foreign ministry for help to bring back his body. Towards the end of his medical education, the student, Abdul Sheikh, was doing internship in China. He had returned to India recently and gone back to China on December 11.

JAINS PROTEST AS SHRI SAMMED SHIKHARJI DECLARED TOURIST PLACE

New Delhi: Members of Jain community protested in several parts of the country against the Jharkhand govt’s decision of declaring ‘sacred’ Shri Sammed Shikharji a tourist place. Jain community members gathered in huge numbers and protested at the India Gate in Delhi against the decision. Similarly, in Aligarh, a huge rally was carried out from Ramlila ground. The rally comprised of both men and women in huge numbers.

TRIPURA MINISTER NC DEBBARMA

DIES AT 80

Agartala: Senior Tripura Minister and president of Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura NC Debbarma died here on Sunday following prolonged illness, family and hospital sources said. He was 80. Debbarma, who held the Revenue and Forest Departments, is survived by four sons, three daughters and wife. He suffered from a severe brain stroke on December 30 and was admitted to the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital, where he breathed his last.

100 HOSPITALISED IN KERALA AFTER FOOD POISONING

Pathanamthitta: Over 100 eople suffered from suspected food poisoning with one of them in a serious condition after allegedly taking meals during a baptism in a church near Keezhvaipur in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. State Health Minister Veena George ordered an enquiry into the incident. The probe is to be done by the Food Safety Department that has been asked to submit a report immediately. The police said they filed a case against the caterers who provided the meals.

Millet is a common term for categorizing smallseeded grasses that are often called Nutri-cereals. Some of them are sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), little millet (kutki), foxtail millet (kakun), proso millet (cheena), barnyard millet (sawa), and kodo millet (kodon). An essential staple cereal crop for millions of smallholder dryland farmers, millets offer nutrition, resilience, income and livelihood for farmers.

Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) is most likely to be below normal (78 per cent of Long Period Average (LPA)), IMD said on Sunday.

ARMY IN URI CONTINUES PATROLLING IN HARSH WINTER CONDITIONS

ICG rescues 12 crew of sinking vessel in Gujarat

Indian Army

IMD PREDICTS RAINS IN COASTAL AREAS OF TN

BETWEEN JANUARY 3-5

Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted light to moderate rains in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu

between January 3 and January 5. “Dry weather is likely to prevail in Tamil Nadu, Puduwcherry and Karaikal regions for today and tomorrow,” the RMC said in a statement on Sunday.

Ahmedabad (PTI):

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 12 crew members of a sinking supply vessel in the Arabian sea off the Gujarat coast, it said on Sunday.

The operation was carried out on Saturday after a distress message was received by the Mumbai-based ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The Motorised Supply Vessel (MSV) was reported to be heavily flooded and sinking.

Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumes command of the western air command

New Delhi (ANI): Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on Sund ay. The Air Marshal is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune and was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1985. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff

College, Wellington, said a press release by the Ministry of De -

fence. An experienced fighter pilot, Category

‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, fighter Striker Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner, Air Marshal Sinha has more than 4500 hours of flying experience, added the statement.

In his service career spanning over 37 years, the Air Marshal has tenanted important command and staff appointments.

Rohit stays skipper, BCCI shortlists 20 players for WC

New Delhi (PTI): There is no imminent threat to Rohit Sharma’s ODI and Test captaincy as the BCCI brass hasn’t found anything unsatisfactory about his leadership in the traditional formats, according to sources in the board. Skipper Rohit, along with head coach Rahul Dravid, attended the review meeting in Mumbai. The meeting was conducted by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Along with last selection committee’s chairman Chetan Sharma, NCA head VVS Laxman, president Roger Binny also attended the review meeting.

New T20 captain Hardik Pandya wasn’t a part of the meeting.

BCCI’S FOCUS ON FITNESS OF PLAYERS

Mumbai: The BCCI will increase its focus on player fitness and consider who have played a substantial domestic season when

making selections for the national team, it said on Sunday following a review meeting ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

INJURY-PRONE PLAYERS TOLD TO SKIP IPL

Mumbai: Among several key decisions was also a verdict on players’ participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The top officials of the Indian cricket board have decided that the World Cup-bound players who are prone to injuries will not play in the IPL.

ROADMAP AFTER THE REVIEW MEETING

Mumbai: BCCI secretary Jay Shah opened up on plans for the 2023 ODI World Cup to be held later this year on home soil. The BCCI has already shortlisted a total of 20 players for the event.“BCCI has

U’KHAND CM DHAMI VISITS RISHAB PANT

Dehradun: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Dehradun’s Max hospital on Sunday afternoon to see the star cricketer Rishabh Pant, who is undergoing treatment after getting seriously injured in a road accident near Roorkee. Dhami also inquired about the treatment being given to the cricketer.

ROADMAP FOR FUTURE

shortlisted 20 players who will be rotated till the 50 overs World Cup,” he said.

GOVT TO HONOUR ROADWAYS STAFF

Dehradun: After visiting injured Rishabh Pant, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced that his government will on Republic Day honour the driver and operator of Haryana Roadways, who saved the life of star cricketer Rishabh Pant who met with an accident recently.

As it eventually sank, all the 12 Indian crew were taken onboard Motor Tanker (MT) Searanger. The call was made regarding uncontrolled flooding onboard Indian MSV, ‘Nigahen Karam’. After receiving the call, the MRCC alerted all the vessels operating in vicinity of the spot and coordinated with Maritime Rescue Sub Centre, Porbandar to divert a Motor Tanker Searanger to provide immediate assistance.

New Delhi (PTI): Nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes committed against women were received by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in 2022, the highest since 2014.

In 2021, the NCW had received 30,864 complaints while in 2022, the number slightly increased to 30,957.

Of the 30,957 complaints, the maximum of 9,710 were related to the right to live with dignity that takes into account the emotional abuse of women, followed by those related to domestic violence at 6,970 and dowry harassment at 4,600, according to NCW data accessed by PTI.

About 54.5 per cent (16,872) of the complaints were received from the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi recorded 3,004 complaints, followed by Maharashtra (1,381), Bihar (1,368) and Haryana (1,362). According to the data, the highest number of complaints related to the right to live with dignity and domestic violence were received from Uttar Pradesh.

“Today’s actions will define India’s picture in 2047”

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that science, technology and innovation in 2023 will define India’s picture in 2047.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, while speaking on ‘2023 Science Vision’ said, “2023 holds significance because 2023 would outline India’s form in 2047. India’s picture of 2047 will be determined

in 2023 itself. This picture will be an outline of the last eight years.”

He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts for giving a new dimension to the country in the field of science and technology, which is recognized worldwide and has now started showing results.

“2023 is the last 25 years before 2047. India will celebrate its hundredth anniversary of Independence in 2047, so the last quarter will

also have 2023 as its first year. It will be 2047 when India will be able to see all the dreams of

its century come true. This also because the economy of India depends on our innova-

tions, and our scientific achievements to a considerable extent.”

The minister further appreciated PM Modi for the respect he has accorded to science in the last eight years, the way he has treated the scientists by giving them respectable positions and the way he has simplified several rules for the ease of doing scientific work.

Giving an example, the minister said, “Space has been opened

for private public participation, and as a result, private rockets are being launched. As this year ends, the country would be filled with enthusiasm.”

“Gaganyaan would be a matter of pride for us. Being the first of its type, Gaganyaan will be the first human flight that will take Astronauts of Indian origin to space. This will as a result increase our selfesteem,” Dr Singh further added.

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MoS Dr Jitendra Singh talks to media in New Delhi on Sunday.

CRUCIAL READ

WINTRY WEATHER

JAY SHAH EXPLAINS INDIA’S 2023 ODI WC Baramulla: deployed along LoC in Uri sector continues patrolling in harsh winter conditions.“We are doing our duty to keep the nation safe. Till the time we’re deployed here no infiltration attempt can be successful. No challenge big enough for a soldier,” an Army personnel said.“These jawans are patrolling of fence despite heavy snowfall and minus temperature,” he said. A view of the snow-covered Gulmarg ski resort after heavy snowfall, in Gulmarg. —PHOTO BY ANI

NCW received nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes against women in 2022

Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha receives the Guard of Honour.

140 Indian embassies will participate in the global events

PIC

—REPRESENTATIONAL

INDIA’S ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION GROWS 11% IN DEC

GST COLLECTIONS RISE BY 15% IN DEC 2022

New Delhi: India’s power consumption logged a double-digit growth of over 11% to 121.19 billion units in December 2022 compared to the year-ago period. The robust growth of power consumption indicates sustained momentum of economic activities in December. Experts say power consumption and demand will further increase in January due to use of heating appliances, especially in the northern parts of the country, and further improvement in economic activities. —PTI

FPIs PUMP IN `11,119 CRORE IN INDIAN EQUITIES IN DEC

New Delhi: The collections from Goods and Services Tax (GST) grew by 15% to over ` 1.49 lakh crore in December 2022, indicating improved manufacturing output and consumption demand, besides better compliance.

This is the 10th month in a row that the revenues have remained above the ` 1.4 lakh crore mark. The collection in November was about `1.46 lakh crore.

“The gross GST revenue collected during December 2022 is ` 1,49,507 crore, of which CGST is ` 26,711 crore, SGST is ` 33,357 crore, IGST is `78,434 crore (including ` 40,263 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ` 11,005 crore (including `850 crore collected on import of goods),” the ministry said.

CORPORATE TAX TO GDP RATIO EXCEEDS 3 PER CENT AFTER TWO YEARS IN FY’22

New Delhi (PTI): Corporate tax collections exceeded 3% of the GDP after a gap of two years in 2021-22, reflecting overall improvement in profitability of India Inc propelled by increase in demand for goods and services. However, the corporate tax collection is yet to surpass its five-year high of 3.51% of GDP recorded in 2018-19. In actual terms, the net corporate tax collection in 2021-22 stood at `7.12 lakh crore. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market price was `236.64 lakh crore. The percentage of net corporate tax to GDP worked out to be 3.01%.

PETROL, DIESEL SALES SURGE IN DECEMBER 2022 ‘Confident to surpass 700MT production target in FY’23’

New Delhi (PTI): India’s petrol and diesel demand soared in December as increased consumption in agriculture sector helped build on the momentum generated by the festive season, preliminary industry data showed on Sunday.

Petrol sales soared 8.6% to 2.76 million tonnes in December, as compared to 2.54 million tonnes of consumption in the same month last year. Sales were 13.3% higher than in COVIDmarred December 2020 and 23.2% more than in prepandemic December 2019.

Month-on-month, the demand was up 3.7% on the high base festive season created since October.

Diesel, the most used fuel in the country, posted a 13% rise in sales in December to 7.3 million tonnes, as compared to the same month last year.

Consumption was up 14.8% over December 2020.

Kolkata (PTI): Coal India chairman Pramod Agrawal remained confident in surpassing the ambitious 700 million tonne production target by March 2023 and said a “price revision is essential” for the dry fuel to get the company compensated adequately.

INDIA’S COAL PRODUCTION LIKELY AT 997 MT IN FY’24

New Delhi: Foreign investors pumped in `11,119 crore in the Indian equities in December, making it the second consecutive monthly inflow, despite increasing concerns over the re-emergence of Covid-19 cases in some parts of the world. However, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have turned cautious in recent days. The inflow in December was much lower compared to `36,239 crore invested by FPIs in the month of November, data with the depositories showed. —PTI

MCAP OF EIGHT OF TOP-10 FIRMS

JUMPS `1.35 L CR

The revenues for December 2022 are 15% higher than the GST collection in the same month last year, which itself was close to `1.30 lakh crore.

During the month, revenues from the import of goods were 8% higher, and the revenues from the do-

mestic transaction (including the import of services) are 18% more than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year. In November 2022, 7.9 crore e-way bills were generated, which was significantly higher than the 7.6 crore e-way bill issued in October 2022.

Revenues from GST

Electric two-wheeler sales may miss target

New Delhi (PTI): Electric two-wheeler sales could miss the target of 10 lakh units in fiscal 2022-23 by 20%, mainly due to withholding of around Rs 1,100 crore subsidy by the government, according to industry body SMEV.

touched a record of about ` 1.68 lakh crore in April.

In May, the collection was about ` 1.41 lakh crore, June ( ` 1.45 lakh crore), July (`1.49 lakh crore), August ( ` 1.44 lakh crore), September ( ` 1.48 lakh crore), October (`1.52 lakh crore), November ( ` 1.46 lakh crore) & December (`1.49 lakh crore).

Diesel sales, however, dipped marginally by 0.5% when compared with November 2022.

It will be another feather in coal India’s cap, once the company meets the annual production target with over 12% growth for the first time set by the government, while keeping the coal price capped for nearly five years to support the nation containing the inflation to some extent.

In 2021-22, the production was 622.6 million tonne. The company is extracting more coal to meet India’s growing energy demand, but at the same time, it was

New Delhi (PTI): The country is expected to produce 997.14 million tonnes (MT) of coal in the coming financial year. Of the projected figure, state-owed CIL’s output is likely to be 760 MT, followed by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) at 75 MT, and captive and others at 162.14 MT, according to government data.

“taking several measures to reduce emissions to support the country’s net zero target by 2070”.

“The 700 million tonne aim itself is challenging and ambitious. So far we are ahead of the progressive target. In December, we achieved 101% of the year-on-date target. Our coal companies are pushing hard,” Agrawal said.

Domestic Passenger Vehicle sales rise 23% in 2022

New Delhi (PTI): Domestic passenger vehicles sales rose by 23% to a record of 37.93 lakh units in 2022 led by the likes of Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors as the companies rode on easing of pandemic related challenges and semiconductor shortages to cash in on pent up demand, specially for SUVs.

37.93 LAKH UNITS IN 2022

z According to MSI official the industry wholesales in January to December 2022 were just short of 38 lakh units. It was 37.93 lakh units against 30.82 lakh in 2021, which is a growth of 23%

2022. “The industry wholesales in January to December 2022 were just short of 38 lakh units. It was 37.93 lakh units against 30.82 lakh in 2021, which is a growth of 23%,” MSI Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales Shashank Srivastava told reporters.

highest was in 2018 which was 33.3 lakh units.

“So, this is about 14% higher than the highest ever,” he added.

New Delhi: Eight of the 10 most valued firms together added Rs 1,35,794.06 crore in market valuation last week, with State Bank of India and Reliance Industries Limited emerging as the biggest winners. Last week, the 30-share BSE benchmark climbed 995.45 points or 1.66%.

Hindustan Unilever Limited and Bharti Airtel were the laggards from the top-10 pack. Reliance Industries remained the most valued firm, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever, SBI, HDFC, Bharti Airtel and Adani Enterprises. —PTI

POWER DEFICIT RISES SLIGHTLY TO 0.6% IN APRIL-NOV

In 2022, sales of electric two-wheelers stood at around 6 lakh units, with three major electric twowheeler (E2W) makers -Hero Electric, Ola and Okinawa -- crossing the 1 lakh annual sales mark for the first time, the SMEV said.

These OEMs dominated the E2W market, controlling over 50% of the total market share, and emerged as the top players in the category. Though the E2W industry performance in the calendar year 2022 looks positive with sales of around 6 lakh units, “the volumes are not keeping up with the projections made by Niti Aayog and many other research agencies”,

JSW GROUP MULLS FORAY INTO 4-WHEELER EVs

New Delhi (PTI): Sajjan Jindalled conglomerate JSW Group is considering a foray into the manufacturing of electric vehicles, according to a top official of the group. “The group had examined EV manufacturing plans earlier also but now it is becoming attractive,” JSW Group CFO Seshagiri Rao said. The group is looking to manufacture four-wheelers, Rao added.

SMEV said.

“December has raised a red flag for the industry as it has witnessed a 28% dip in sales, reaching a total of only 59,554 units compared to 76,162 units in November, 22, as per the VAHAN portal,” it added.

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

New Delhi: Power deficit in the country rose slightly to 0.6% in April-November this fiscal year, while electricity demand has witnessed around 11% jump in the said period. The latest government data available showed that the power deficit in the country stood at 5,691 mn units (MU) in April to Nov 2022, while it was 4,058 MU in April-Nov 2021. The power producers supplied 10,12,249 MU in April-Nov2022. —PTI

Other manufacturers like Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Skoda India also reported record sales in

He further said the 2022 wholesales are “the highest ever in the industry for a calendar year” and the last

On the reasons for the growth, Srivastava said, “I believe this resurgence to the highest ever level is partly because of the better availability of semiconductors because last year was badly affected by the semiconductor issue.”

China

Covid situation, macro data to drive mkt

New Delhi (PTI): Macroeconomic data announcements, the Covid situation in China and global market cues would guide Dalal Street in the first week of trading in the New Year, analysts said. Markets would also keep a track on rupee movement, Brent crude oil prices and foreign fund investment trends.

“As market players attempt to understand the Fed’s stance, Indian markets may respond in lockstep with their international counterparts when the FOMC minutes are made public later this week. PMI data for the mfg sector to be announced on Monday and services sector on Wednesday will also influence trading.”

Swiggy delivers 3.50 lakh biryani orders

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Food delivery app Swiggy delivered 3.50 lakh biryani orders on New Year Eve and the app dispatched over 2.5 lakh pizzas across the country, according to a report in PTI which cited sources.

Swiggy also said as per a poll it conducted on Twitter, 75.4% per cent orders came for Hyderabadi Biryani, followed by Lucknowi-14.2% and Kolkata-10.4%.

“With 3.50 lakh orders, Biryani was the top item that was delivered,” sourc-

es said. The app had delivered 1.65 lakh Biryani orders at 7.20 PM on Saturday.

Bawarchi, one of top

biryani selling restaurants in Hyderabad delivered two biryanis per minute on 2021 New year Eve and for

RECORD NO. OF ORDERS

z Food delivery app Swiggy delivered 3.50 lakh biryani orders on New Year Eve and the app dispatched over 2.5 lakh pizzas across the country z Bawarchi, one of top biryani

December 31, 2022, it prepared 15 tonnes of the delicacy to meet the demand, restaurant sources said.

PM MODI’S VISION FOR 2023 IS MOBILE PHONE EXPORTS OF `1 LAKH CRORE: CHANDRASEKHAR

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi’s vision for 2023 is to have mobile phone exports with the segment

at widening the manufacturing base beyond mobile phone manufacturing.

MUMBAI | MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023 07 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Commodity Price Change % Chg GOLD 55,350.00 00.00 0.00 (Per 10g) SILVER 71,300.00 00.00 0.00 (Per 1kg) COMMODITIES Currency Price Change % Chg USDINR 82.73 0.00 0.00 GBPINR 99.52 0.00 0.00 CURRENCIES

selling restaurants in Hyderabad delivered two biryanis per minute on 2021 New year Eve business

BRIEFS

*Rates till the edition went to print. = = = = CIPACA TO PARTNER WITH 25 HOSPITALS, TO

250 ICU BEDS

—PTI DGCA TOOK 305 ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS IN 2022 Mumbai: Aviation safety regulator DGCA took 305 enforcement actions, including imposing financial penalties against various operators and individuals, among others for non-compliance of various norms during 2022, an official statement said on Sunday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has the mandate to enforce civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards. —PTI NEW HOUSING SUPPLY UP 51% IN 2022 ACROSS 7 CITIES; NCR SEES 20% FALL IN LAUNCHES:

Delhi: New supply of residential properties rose 51% last year to 3,57,635 units across seven major cities as builders launched more projects to tap rising demand, according to Anarock.

its annual report for 2022, the

housing brokerage said new launches increased to

ADD

Chennai: Rural intensive care unit service provider CIPACA has planned to partner with 25 hospitals and create about 250 ICU beds, a top official has said. The city-based ICU care provider hopes to forge partnerships with 25 hospitals and create about 250 ICU beds, supported by the growing enquiries from the hospitals in small towns and rural areas to establish emergency and ICU care operations.

REPORT New

leading

featuring in the top 10 export category from India, MoS for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said. The minister said that the government will take all the measures that are required for boosting the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country and in 2023 will look

—PTI

First India Bureau

GULABRAO SPILLS THE BEANS

UDDHAV DIDNT LISTEN, SO WE HAD TO TAKE OTHER PATH: PATIL

Mumbai: On Sunday, Shiv Sena leader Gulabrao Patil spoke about the leadership of the government in Maharashtra and hit at Uddhav Thackeray saying that the Shiv Sena faction leader did not listen to his leaders, ‘hence we had to take another path regretfully’. Patil also said that he will fulfill the responsibility given by the Shinde-Fadnavis government in the new year. Shiv Sena has resolved to establish its glory in Maharashtra under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, he said. Patil

MISSION 2024 LOK SABHA POLLS

BJP chief Nadda to address two rallies in Maha on Jan 2

Chandrapur: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda will on Monday launch a drive from Chandrapur as part of the party’s plan to win 18 “difficult” seats from Maharashtra in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a BJP leader said on Sunday.

Nadda will address rallies at Chandrapur in east Maharashtra and Aurangabad in the Marathwada region.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP failed to retain the Chandrapur constituency which was won by Congress, the only seat the Grand Old Party currently holds in Maharashtra which sends 48

president.

He said Nadda will offer prayers at the famous temple of goddess Mahakali in Chandrapur city.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 of the 25 seats (out of the total 48) it contested in Maharashtra, while the party’s then ally Shiv Sena bagged 18.

lems, Patil said, “The Gram Panchayat body was elected unopposed. Our shops are opened daily. Our OPDs are running daily. If you come in the morning, we have public court every day. Thousands of people come with problems. No matter how many accusations someone makes, let them come to the field.”

“I should be criticized. People throw stones at the tree that bears fruit. Uddhav Thackeray did not listen. Unfortunately, we had to find a new way to keep the party alive,” added Patil.

Man tries to dupe in BJP legislator’s name, case filed

Mumbai: Bandra Police on Saturday said they had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an unidentified person after the Personal Assistant (PA) of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ashish Shelar filed a complaint alleging that a person tried to cheat people using Shelar’s name to get them jobs in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Police said.

Police said that an unknown person posted a job reference on the internet. “After further enquiry, it

was found that an attempt was made to trap people by using the name of BJP MLA Ashish Shelar,” Bandra police said.

After the matter came to light, Shelar’s PA filed a complaint at the Bandra police station.

‘Based on the complaint, police had registered a case against

unknown persons under sections 419,420,511 of the Indian Penal Code, “ Police said.

An MLA from Vandre west, also an advocate, Ashish Shelar, is the president of the BJP in Mumbai.

Bandra police said they had started further investigation. More details awaited.

with a mega Vijay Sankalp rally at Chandrapur,” said Devrao Bhongle, district BJP

“Nadda will address his first rally in Chandrapur on Monday followed by an organisational meeting. His second rally will take place in Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) in the Marathwada region,” said Sanjay alias Bala Bhegade, coordinator for Lok Sabha

Introspect for a united Sena: Kesarkar to Uddhav

Mumbai: Eknath Shinde broke away from Shiv Sena and formed the government with BJP in Maharashtra. In the period between the rebellion and formation of the Shinde-Fadnavis government, efforts were made to unite the Thackeray group and the Shinde group. But after the formation of the Shinde-Fadnavis government, this possibility disappeared.

Now, once again, the possibility of these two leaders coming togeth-

er has been expressed by a minister from the Shinde group, and a condition has been placed before Thackeray for the same.

Shinde faction leader and School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar has placed a ‘condition’ before Uddhav Thackeray. Kesarkar said, “We are the people following the thoughts of Balasaheb Thackeray. People who follow Balasaheb’s ideas do not leave easily. So something must have

SHORTLIVED GLORY?

happened, causing people to get upset and walk out. Uddhav Thackeray should introspect what exactly

happened, just like I did.”

Kesarkar said that if he (Uddhav) does selfexamination, Shiv Sena

will not take long to unite. He added, “I respect Uddhav Thackeray. It is in the hands of Uddhav Ji to reduce the bitterness. Ajit Pawar is a pure hearted personality. Although he seems tough on the outside, their hearts are pure.”

“We are proud of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. We are also proud of Ajit Dada as the leader of the opposition party.”

SHINDE-FADNAVIS GOVT CAN COLLAPSE ANYTIME: KHADSE

There is restlessness among MLAs in this government. Everyone wants to be a minister, he said

Mumbai: The future of Maharashtra politics is not clear as many things are happening behind the scenes. Although it has been 6 months since the handover of power in Maharashtra, the expansion of the second phase of the cabinet is yet to be completed. A few days ago, there were discussions that some MLAs from the Shinde

group had come to Mumbai and lobbied to get a ministerial post as merely two years are left to the state assembly elections.

After all these developments, Eknath Khadse, a senior leader of Maharashtra and MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party, has made a big statement and claimed that the

current dispensation can be ‘routed’ anytime. Khadse said on Sunday,

TROUBLED FUTURE?

lying each other right now. Abdul Sattar has also openly talked about this,” Khadse said and appealed that Sattar should openly state the names of the conspirators. “They still have the hanging sword of the court verdict. The fate of this government depends on the result. If this kind of unrest increases, this government can collapse anytime,” claimed Khadse.

one wants to be a minister.”

“The leaders are bul-

Notably, Abdul Sattar had said, “Following the allegations against me, I

have presented my case to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. There is a conspiracy against me by a leader who did not get a ministerial post. I have many wellwishers in the opposition party as well. There was a meeting with the Chief Minister a few days ago, and what happened in that meeting came out. I have discussed this with the Chief Minister and have demanded an inquiry.”

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tra Nitin Gadkari and uty Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, har Bawankule added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have a dream, ‘Har Ghar Jal, Har Ghar Nal’. In 2024, this Gu- labrao Patil will be known as Paniwala Baba.” While commenting on peoples’ prob-

“The Shinde-Fadnavis government in Maharashtra can collapse an-

ytime. There is restlessness among MLAs in this government. Every-

Gulabrao Patil —FILE PHOTO

NEW

SUNRISE OF HOPE

Boats are seen at Bhayander Chowpatty while the sunrise is witnessed on the first day of the New Year 2023, in Mumbai on Sunday. —BY PHOTO ANI Ashish Shelar Deepak Kesarkar

FUTURE PLANS?

—FILE PHOTO

This year resolve on rebuilding your self-relationship, know your deepest values, fall in love with your own self, again. —Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

Eknath Khadse —FILE PHOTO

JP Nadda

uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

ed symbolises boldness, pas sion and love. It is a favour ite of both Cupid and fash ion enthusiasts. While Blue depicts royalty and elegance, both colours are the life of a party. I’m here to talk about the colours which will make you look hot and elegant especially in New

Even though they are among the most stunning and brilliant hues, it may be difficult to con trast. However, with a little experimentation, you may design looks that will set you apart from the crowd. Any shade of red, including crimson, scar let, and wine, can quickly improve your overall appear ance when combined with

Additionally, you may keep re pur posing this costume concept all year long, regardless of the season. Ex plore our basic, straightforward, and innovative concepts by sliding up! If you have an eye for style, red and blue may be a sophisticated pairing. For formal meetings, you may layer a powder blue leather jacket over a muted red dress, or a blue chambray blazer. Finish it off the other way with a red hat and a red handbag. If red is not your type then you may try Royal Blue! You must be looking for the best makeup looks to wear with a blue dress right now if you want to seem like a genuine blue princess at your prom or wedding. Imagine yourself wearing a blue outfit and looking per fect. Once you begin coordinating col ours and picturing how your eye shad ow or lipstick will appear, you may start applying makeup. With consid eration for your skin, the colour of your eyes, and the occasion, you’ll need advice on whether to wear subtle makeup and when to go dramatic.

MUMBAI, MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023

MAKEYOU STAND OUT OFTHE CROWD!

REDANDBLUEARETHECOLOURSOFFASHION,ONECONVEYSLOVEWHILETHEOTHERCONVEYSROYALTY.CITY FIRST BRINGSTOYOU SOME AMAZING FASHION IN RED & BLUEWHICHWILL

NEW

EDUCATION!

vides, the learning is more enjoyable, more immersive, more permanent, and deeper. It can be:  A field trip to a local restaurant where one practically experiences various aspects of Commerce and Accounting practices play-out 

hen it comes to our children, most kids, aided by us, their parents, will make generic new year’s resolutions such as being healthier, eating better, and so on. Neither will our children stay invested in these statements, nor will we. I propose that why not, for the sake of our children and their long-term happiness, the resolution this year, be directly related to education. To correct, in some measure, the dwindling interest and ‘fun’ in education and restore it using an experiential, practical approach?

FUN… WHY & AMP; HOW?

As the very simple and straightforward title of this article suggests, Make Fun-Learning and TravelLearning Approaches Your Child’s New Year Resolution; why this specifically? And what precisely do I mean by Fun-Learning & Travel-Learning Approaches? Let us examine this.

Fact – children in classrooms read books. These textbooks or reference books serve as the primary source of their knowledge. Let us draw a parallel. We eat food at home. It is our primary source of nutrition. It is good as well –clean, sanitary, safe, healthy, and in most cases, tasty too! We still get bored and want to eat at a restaurant, don’t we?

It works similarly with learning. Reading a text or a reference becomes a

chore and a bore. The mind shuts off and becomes fatigued by constantly having to ingest knowledge in this manner. It needs a ‘change’ in the scenario, however temporary, shortlived, or superficial.

This is where the FUN aspect of learning comes in. At home at least, in an environment controlled and administered by us parents, we can ensure that at least not ALL learningtime, feels like the same-old boring drag. How? By making it fun. How?

an extent in the alibi that the reason we don’t have time is that we are building a better life for them. Hav ing said that, children don’t just need ‘facilities and in frastructure’, they need their parents! And they don’t just need their par ents for emotional growth, having parents around can be immensely beneficial in making mundane things fun. Study with your kids. They will enjoy it infinitely more than being in an extra class!

A holiday to Europe that encompasses lessons ranging from History to the Arts, Literature to many other subjects  A curated travel experience that we design for our children that is neither far away or expensive, something as simple as a day trip to a close-by farm, where children will experience, and learn through those experiences, various aspects of multiple subjects ranging from science to mathematics. The simple point behind all this is to make learning, which was once fun and interesting, the same again. To alleviate at least some of the intense pressure that our children are in today, by making studies not ONLY about grades and GPAs but also about just being children, and experiencing the joys of discovery!



Study outdoors. Don’t subject your child to their desk and chair. Gardens, lawns, and parks are great places to study. These environments positively predispose the child and put the learner in a great frame of mind to imbibe.



Curtail Tuitions. Lacking in a certain subject? Join yet another tuition. This itself creates mental fatigue and boredom. Essentially, we are recreating a second-school, postschool, each day, for our children. Let us stop this and encourage them to selfstudy. It will be more fun, I promise.

TRAVEL - EXPERI ENCE Makes You UNDERSTAND:

Travel-led approach to education also has similar benefits to a fun approach. Travel puts con cepts, fundamentals, and bookish knowledge into a real-world, practical per spective. It gives children, students and learners a chance to ‘experience’ something that hitherto they could only read about. A concept that oth erwise remains a concept is turned into a real ity they can share, see, touch, and feel.



Make Time. As parents, we have no time for our children. We may be justified to

Travel also simplifies and exemplifies scho-

lastic lessons. Something that might be difficult to understand from a textbook might become more easily digested, and permanent when experienced during travel. A naturally occurring phenomenon such as birth, if for instance, viewed in the wild during travel, will stay with a student much longer than merely being told about it in class. The moment we equate a lesson with a practical, hands-on experience that travel pro-

The education environment today has become a toxic gas-chamber of unbreathable proportions with too much trauma as a result of academic and societal expectations, ones that are simply too unrealistic and out of reach. This is deeply impacting children’s mental well-being and causing mental distress that manifests in various ways including and not limited to physical illness and disease, emotionally stunted growth and academic as well as career decisions that end up in frustration and discontentment. All this can be seized, or at the very least, mitigated, by making learning fun! And what better time and opportunity to make that change, than at the cusp of a brand new year?

10 ETC MUMBAI | MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

CHILDREN’S

YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE

KARTIK BAJORIA (the author is a Jaipur-based Communication Skills Educator & Writer)

Disha Parmar is a prominent name in the entertainment world. The actress was presently busy impressing the audience by showcasing her exceptional acting prowess in the se quel of Ekta Ka poor’s hit show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2. Disha es sayed the female lead Priya and starred opposite Nakuul Mehta who played Ram. Recently, Nakuul shocked fans when he announced his exit from show, Now Disha also decided to quit the hit daily soap. She shared that earlier, when the makers in troduced a leap, and she had to play the role of a mother to a five-year-old girl, she had apprehen sions, but as the track was intrigu ing, she decided to continue with the show.

AMAZING ALIA!

Actress Alia Bhatt started the year 2022 on a high note and definitely ended it on a rather happy note. She ruled the year like no one. She managed to impress the audience with her classy performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi. Not only in India but she was highly praised on an international level too. It went on to be come one of the highest earners of 2022 at the box office. Later, she featured in Darlings which was re leased on an OTT plat form. Again, she received an overwhelm ing response

from the audience and critics alike. Last but not the least, she featured with her husband Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra. After getting delayed several times, the film finally saw the light of day and it ruled the box office. This was her first film with Ranbir post their marriage.

—Agency —Agency film Tehran. She will be seen sharing the screen space with John Abraham in her second film. Manushi spilt the beans on her dreamy wish list of directors that she wants to work with. She also shared her thoughts on the ongoing debate be tween OTT vs thea tres.

OTT VS THEATRES! DISHA QUITS BALH-2! GLIMPSES FROM THE TRIP! WAIT IS OVER!

—Agency IU Disha Parmar Manushi Chhillar Katrina Kaif Alia Bhatt Miley Cyrus Vicky Kaushal’s post...

HERE’S WHAT OUR TINSEL TOWN CELEBS DID FOR NEW YEAR

ADAA KHAN

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

The New Year 2023 is here while many celebrated the special day vacationing others just chose to stay by their families. Check out what our favourite celebrities did for the New Year...

SUBUHII JOSHII

I am also a DJ so I am going to be in Indore playing for New Year’s eve. I usually don’t like being alone for New Year I like to be with my friends and family but this year I won’t be able to due to my work. This year my New Year reso lution is to do the best work of my career and I am going to work very hard to achieve what I want. Be the best ver sion of myself and work the maximum this year.

For New years I’m think ing of being with friends and family. I had gone to Muscat, and Kashmir so now because of the covid scare I am just thinking of just avoiding it. I have never made any resolu tions. All the resolu tions that we make get bro ken. So proba bly I just feel that let things happen on their own.

ALY GONI

2022 was good to me and I am sure 2023 will also be good to me. I didn’t take up Tv shows in 2022 I am working on something so when the right time comes I will talk about it in 2023.

I intend to do a good OTT project I would be in Jammu on New Year with my family. There is no substitute for celebration without family.

ASHA NEGI

Due to my hectic schedule I hardly get time to spend with my family and friends. Especially this year, I would love to celebrate the New Year with my loved ones. And create some beautiful memories, I want to make the most of this trip before I get back to work. Happy New Year everyone!

RANNDEEP R RAI

There are no plans as such. I might go to Jhansi and bring on New Year’s eve with my family and friends. If I am in Mumbai, I plan to go to Siddhivinayak, Mahalaxmi temple to seek blessings and also to the Gurudwara. I think my New Year’s resolu tion would be to be happy and do good work which keeps my fans and family happy.

SUDHANSHU PANDEY

My New Year plans are very simple. I am not going anywhere to celebrate. I am staying home and maybe a couple of friends are coming to my house on New Year’s eve. Other wise, just have two friends and family with my wife and kids.

People are waiting for the much-anticipated nuptials of Sidharth and Kiara as the wedding season continues to heat up.

Fans have been enthralled by their romance for a while, and every day, more rumours about their planned wedding surface. Although there have been rumours that the Shershaah pair would wed in December 2022, the majority of publications currently indicate that this will now most likely happen in February 2023. The couple reportedly has a

tonne of projects in the works and wants to finish them all before beginning their wedding ceremonies.

The wedding will report edly take place in Jaisalm er, Rajasthan. A source close to the pair shared, Sidharth and Kiara, are going to get married on February 6. Their pre-wedding functions will hap pen on February 4 and 5, where their guests and families will cel ebrate the customary, mehendi, haldi and sangeet ceremonies.

ana Saeed gets engaged to her boyfriend Csaba Wagner.

The actress, on Sunday, shared a video on her Instagram handle offering a glimpse of her magical proposal. The news has come on the occasion of New Year 2023. In the video, the couple can be seen twinning in black outfits.

The wait is finally over as the makers have unveiled the first look of Ranbir Kapoor’s next film Animal, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, on the special occasion of New Year, shared the poster on his Twitter handle that features Ranbir in a rugged look.

The actor can be seen wearing a bloodsoaked white shirt and is carrying a blood-coated axe between his arms while he lights a cigarette starring at someone.

Seeing the poster, it seems in the movie, the actor will feature in a never-seen-before look. Along with the poster, the filmmaker also an-

nounced the release date of the film, which is August 11.

Anil Kapoor also shared the poster on his Instagram handle and captioned it as, “#RanbirKapoor releasing the #Animal within, soon!

This is such a killer poster love it.” Rashmika Mandanna captioned the poster “Animal first look is here... So so excited for you all to see this look.”

Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles. From the Animal first look, it is evident that Ranbir Kapoor is finally set to shed his boy-next-door image for the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial.

Alia and Ranbir threw a private celebration for their loved ones on Saturday to ring in the new year. At Ranbir and Alia’s ring in the new year party, guests included actors Aditya Roy Kapoor, Rohit Dhawan and his wife Jaanvi.

At the gathering, Alia appeared to be in

good spirits. Alia captioned images from the house party she posted on Instagram., “Happy new new... with my loveliest ones.”

TR30 is all set to go on floors in February and audiences can’t keep calm! The film is eyeing a worldwide release

NTR30 is touted as the much-awaited project of the year as Koratala Siva and NTR are reuniting for a film after a long time. Anirudh is composing the music for the film, so it is needless to say that film buffs can expect electrifying tracks and a killer BGM. Nandamuri Kalyan Ram is presenting the film.

12 MUMBAI | MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia CITY BUZZ GET VACCINATED STAY MASKED

ANIMAL’S FIRST LOOK OUT Alia hosts a New Year Pyjama Party Sid-Kiara to tie the

February? S

knot in

SANA GETS ENGAGED TO BOYFRIEND CSABA WAGNER

Poster of the film Her post...

N. T. Rama Rao Jr.

Alia Bhatt

Malhotra and Kiara Advani WORLDWIDE RELEASE

Sana Saeed and Csaba Wagner

Sidharth