Shahi 'firman' subdues 'land wars' in neighbouring states!
Kartikey Dev SinghNew Delhi: With the crescendo around the border row between Maharashtra and Karnataka rising to a new high, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Wednesday evening, ‘brokered’ peace between the two neighbouring states as he chaired a meeting with Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Karnataka - Eknath Shinde and Basavaraj Bommai respectively - in New Delhi. During the meeting, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra were also present.
Shah has strictly told the leaders that no state will make claim to another’s territory untill the time the Supreme
Court makes a decision on the issue. Notably, Shah has also dictated to the leaders that “Both states have agreed to form a committee headed by one senior IPS officer regarding this matter so that constitutional norms are followed
and law and order is maintained in both states so that outsiders and locals don’t face any
ters, three from each state, will sit and discuss the various issues that are present between the neighbouring states.
Moreover the Union Home Minister also commented on the role of the opposition parties in both the states and claimed that the social media played amajor role in stoking emotions. “Some fake Twitter (handles) mentioning top leaders were spread… and this issue is very serious… It has been decided that wherever these cases have come out, FIR will be registered and those who have done it will be exposed in front of the public,” he said.
problem.”
It has been learnt that Shah clearly told the leaders that six minis-
He also appealed to the opposition parties not to make the matter into a political issue, ‘for the welfare of people of both the state’.
CHINA BORDER CLASH ISSUE ECHOES IN PARL
New Delhi: The ruckus continued during the Winter Session of Parliament on Wednesday with the Opposition seeking to corner the ruling BJP-led government over a host of issues including border issues with China, unemployment and the economy. As many as 17 Oppn parties staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha accusing the government of not holding a discussion over Dec 9 clashes along the LAC between Indian & Chinese forces at Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress, RJD, AAP, MDMK, Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI, JD (U), DMK, TMC, and TDM were among the 17 parties that walked out from the House during ‘Zero Hour’. More on P6
Mumbai: On Tuesday, the Mumbai
from Patna for issuing death threats
arrested
NCP
Pawar. However, one day after the arrest, Mumbai police spilled the beans as to why did the man issue death threats.
“Narayan Kumar Soni has been arrested from Bihar. He called NCP president Sharad Pawar’s residence in Silver Oak area yesterday (Tuesday) and threatened to kill him. He will be produced in court. The accused is mentally unstable. He lived in Pune for ten years, during which his wife left him and married another man. After this he approached Sharad Pawar and requested him to mediate in the matter,” officials said. According to the cops, the accused confessed, “Sharad Pawar did not make any effort to solve his conundrum.” On this, Narayan Soni got angry and started issuing threats.
decision
After K'taka, dispute may escalate BETWEEN MAHA AND TELANGANA
Mumbai: After the Maharashtra-Karnataka border row, a Maharashtra-Telangana border dispute may escalate as 14 villages of Chandrapur district in the western state bordering the Telugu one, have expressed interest to join the latter alleging continuous neglect and lack of development by the former.
Although, all these 14 villages--geographically lo cated in remote Jivati tehsil of Chandrapur trict -- are part of Maharashtra; the dependence of these villages is more on Telangana. These 14 hamlets have lagged behind in development due to the government’s negligence and lack of developmental
INDIA-CHINA
projects. The villages have to struggle for basic facilities like roads and water; because of this, the local people resent the Maharashtra government.
The Telangana government is providing facilities like Gram Panchayat building, school, water tanks and other basic facilities. The administration of Telangana is constantly
reaching out to these people, and villagers are taking advantage of the social welfare scheme of the Telangana government.
All these 14 villages figure in the voter’s list of both the states and the people there enjoy dual identity, entitling them to take benefits of all the basic facilities including political status from both Telangana and Maharash
TROOPS CLASH IN ARUNACHAL
‘PLA wanted to set up the observation post on LAC’
First India Bureau
Itanagar: China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was planning to set up an Observation Post on LAC at Yangtze in Tawang, Arunachal, an Indian Army officer said. Officer claimed that as extreme winter is approaching Chinese side wants to get information about preparations of Indian troops deployed at forward posts at the LAC. IA said unlike 2020, this time our soldiers were prepared and thwatrted attempts of Chinese who tried to access our higher ground to set up Observation Post, were stopped, forced to leave.
WHITE HOUSE, PDP PREZ SPEAK
l Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday described the recent tension between India and China on the border in Arunachal as “a very sorry state of affairs” saying it was unfortunate that the BJP was doing nothing about it.
RESPITE ON CARDS FOR KIRIT, SON AS EOW LOOKS TO CLOSE VIRAT DONATION CASE
Sandeep ShuklaMumbai: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has got relief in the case related to the donation scam filed against him and his son, Neil. The Bombay High Court has stayed his arrest for the time being.
The EOW is prepar-
ing to give a major relief in the alleged 57 crore fraud case on BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya. It is reported that the EOW is going to present its report in this matter, in which
Kirit Somaiya is going to be cleared of all charges and the investigation file would be closed.
Notably, there is an allegation that he raised funds to save INS Vikrant, but then
misused that fund. This case has been registered on the complaint of a 53-year-old ex-serviceman. The complainant alleged that he gave donations to Somaiya to save the ship and the former govt initiated probe against Kirit and his son for misusing funds.
The White House on Wednesday commented on the recent face-off between the Indian and the China troops at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and said it is glad to note that there was a quick disengagement of the tension.
90,00,000
police one Narayan Soni to President Sharad Mumbai: Former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh on Wednesday withdrew a defamation suit filed against TV journalist Arnab Goswami and ARG Outlier Media which owns Republic TV. Additional sessions judge V D Kedar allowed the withdrawal but imposed a nominal cost of Rs 1,500 on Singh which will be paid to Goswami. “It is not in dispute that due to filing of the suit the defendant has to engage an advocate. I feel cost needs to be imposed for withdrawal of the suit unconditionally,” the judge said. Singh had filed a defamation suit in 2021 against Goswami and the owners of Republic TV seeking damages of Rs for allegedly defaming him. Amit Shah holds meeting with Maha CM Shinde, Dy CM Fadnavis, K'taka CM Bommai and K'taka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, directs them to wait till SC makes its NOW LAWYER RAISES DEMAND FOR MARATHWADA Mumbai: Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, who is famous for making various statements, has raked up the demand for an independent Marathwada. He has also criticized MPs Udayanraje Bhosale and Sanjay Raut. “Sanjay Raut opposes independent Vidarbha and independent Marathwada. What is Sanjay Raut doing in a drunken state while Home Minister Amit Shah is holding a meeting on the border issue? How much land does Udayanraj own? How much property tax does he pay? I will unearth all this at the right time,” he said. UHM Amit Shah with K’taka CM Basavaraj Bommai, MahaGovt LAC chairman, 4 members resign in protest
Term withdrawal of the Late Yashwantrao Chavan Literature Award 2021 to translation of memoir a ‘one-sided’ decision
Mumbai: Chairman of the Maharashtra government’s Marathi language committee and four members of the literary board have resigned in protest against the State dispensation’s “one-sided” decision to withdraw an award for the Marathi translation of alleged Maoist ideologue Kobad Ghandy’s memoir.
A controversy has erupted after the government on Monday withdrew the Late Yashwantrao Chavan Literature Award 2021 announced for the Marathi translation of Ghandy’s book “Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir”.
The government also scrapped the award selection committee.
Author and chairman of the state government’s Language Advisory Committee,
Laxmikant Deshmukh, on Wednesday announced that he was stepping down from his post in protest against the way the government withdrew the award announced for the Marathi translation of Ghandy’s memoir.
On December 06, the government’s Marathi language department had announced the award to Anagha Lele for her translation of Ghandy’s book. But the decision faced criticism on social media because of Ghandy’s alleged Maoist links.
Deshmukh, in his letter addressed to Minister for Marathi language Deepak Kesarkar, said, “Maharashtra had never witnessed political interference in literary awards, except in 1981 when Vinay Hardikar’s book was similarly rejected by the then state government that later faced severe backlash. This
Ink attack row: Police drop attempt to murder charge against accused
Ghandy’s book is not even banned, still the Maharashtra government back-tracked its own decision to award the translated version of it. This kind of treatment by the government will discourage people in future to be part of such processes. If the board is not going to support us, then I better quit. Please accept my resignation.
—Heramb Kulkarni, Member of Award Selection CommitteeTHE REVERSAL
A Government Resolution (order) issued on Monday had stated that the decision of the selection committee had been reversed for “administrative reasons”, and the award, which included a cash prize of one lakh rupees, has been withdrawn. The committee too has been scrapped, the GR added.
government also took a one-sided decision and as a protest I am quit-
mittee of the state government.”
“Ghandy’s book does not sympathize or promote violence of Naxalism, still the state government took a one-sided decision,” he said.
Deshmukh, a former IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, was earlier the chairman of All India Marathi Literary Convention.
Three members of the award selection committee on Tuesday resigned from the state Literature and Culture Board citing “insult of democratic procedures”.
The three authorsDr Pradnya Daya Pawar, Neeraja and Heramb Kulkarni - were also members of the award selection committee that was scrapped by the government.
Mumbai (PTI): State minister Deepak Kesarkar on Wednesday defended the government’s decision to reverse the award for the Marathi translation of former Maoist ideologue Kobad Ghandy’s memoir, saying giving the prize would have meant the government’s “stamp of approval” for Naxalism. “An award even for the translation of Ghandy’s book would have meant the government’s stamp (of approval) for the Naxal movement and for their violent actions.
AWARD WITHDRAWN TO
‘UNSAID EMERGENCY’: PAWAR
Pune: The attempt to murder charge against three persons arrested have been dropped by Pimpri Chinchwad Police in Pune district, for allegedly throwing ink at State Minister Chandrakant Patil. Along with this, the suspension of 10 police personnel in connection with the incident has also been revoked.
The incident occurred in Pimpri city on Saturday apparently as a mark of protest against Patil's remark about Dr BR Ambedkar and social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. After which, three people threw ink at him when he was step-
ping out of one of the office-bearer's houses. Ten police personnel, including three officers, had been suspended for alleged security lapse.
“We have dropped section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC in a case registered against three accused, who were held. However, the other sections under which they were booked, will remain,” Ankush Shinde, Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner said on Tuesday.
ting from the post of chairman of the Language Advisory Com-
Another member of the board, Vinod Shirsath, also tendered his resignation as a mark of protest. Shirsath is also the editor of 'Sadhana', a Marathi weekly.
Hundreds of jawans have died fighting against Naxal movements. I cannot give any kind of government approval to the Naxal movement,” Kesarkar, who holds the charge of the Ministry of Marathi Language, said. A row erupted after the state government rolled back the decision of a selection committee and withdrew the Late Yashwantrao Chavan Literature Award 2021 for Anagha Lele for her translation of Ghandy’s “Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir”, six days after announcing the prize on December 06.
OFF-ROAD
Mumbai (PTI): Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on Wednesday said the ruling dispensation was trying to impose an “undeclared emergency” by scrapping a literary award, which was finalized by a selection committee. He was referring to a row over the Maharashtra government withdrawing an award for the Marathi translation of former Maoist ideologue Kobad Ghandy’s memoir. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly said, “The Eknath Shindeled government is interfering in the selection of literary awards. He said political parties should not interfere in these matters.” Pawar wondered if the resignation of the selection committee members wasn’t “shameful” for the government. The row erupted after the state government withdrew the Late Yashwantrao Chavan Literature Award 2021 for Anagha Lele for her translation of Ghandy’s “Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir”, six days after announcing the prize.
‘Maha should have shown broadmindedness and invited Thackeray for Samruddhi E-Way opening’
Shirdi (PTI): Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has said the Eknath Shindeled Maharashtra government should have shown the “broadness of mind” and invited former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for the inauguration of the Samruddhi Expressway.
The first phase of the Nagpur-Mumbai expressway, officially named ‘Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg’, was inaugurated by Prime Minis-
ter Narendra Modi in Nagpur on Sunday.
Speaking to the media in Shirdi on Tuesday, Gorhe said, “When Thackeray was the CM, he closely monitored the work of Samruddhi Mahamarg. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, his government ensured that the work of the expressway continues unhampered.”
Toll charge too high on expressway, says Patil
India
vowed to seek answers on the high toll fee charged on the Samruddhi Expressway.
The first phase of the expressway from Nagpur to Shirdi was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week.
Addressing media persons in Mumbai on Wednesday, Patil said that he would seek answers from the
GLITZ & GOLD
state government in this regard.
“Vehicles using the Samruddhi Expressway will have to pass through a total of 18 toll booths. Light vehicles will have to pay a toll of up to Rs899 on this total route of 520 km. Four-wheeler heavy vehicles will have to pay a toll of around Rs1,200 for the entire journey of 701 km from Mumbai to Nagpur,” said Patil.
The current toll rates are unaffordable for the common man, he added.
Man fires in air on Samruddhi Expressway stretch, booked
First India News
Aurangabad: A case was registered against a man on Wednesday for firing in the air near a tunnel of the newlyinaugurated Samruddhi Expressway in Aurangabad district.
Police swung into action after a video clip surfaced on social media showing a man coming out of an SUV and firing in the air from a gun near a tunnel. The incident occurred on
the expressway stretch passing through Phulambri taluka in Aurangabad district.
A case was registered against the man, who has been identified, under the Arms Act 1959.
FIRST FATALITIES
A lone blackbuck, gray langur and also a few stray dogs are the first deaths reported on the Samruddhi Mahamarg within days of inauguration of its Phase I stretch. The 510km-long section of the expressway was opened to the public on Sunday. The remaining portion is expected to be operational within a year.
60,000-crore gems & jewellery park coming up in Navi Mumbai’
lll Devendra Fadnavis said that the facility is expected to generate a total employment of for over 1 lakh skilled and unskilled workers
First India Bureau
Mumbai: Navi Mumbai will have one of the world’s largest gems and jewellery park with an investment of Rs60,000 crore, said Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra.
Spread over 80 acres of land, this gems and jewellery park will be one-of-its-kind manufacturing to retail park and the largest such fa-
cility in the country, the minister said in a tweet.
“Spread over more than 80 acre (25 acre in Phase 1), this will be one of the largest Gem and Jewellery parks in the World,” he tweeted.
Fadnavis further said that a few days ago, a delegation of India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) met him with a proposal of setting up a state-of-theart gems & jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai.
SARAF NEW AG OF MAHA
skilled and unskilled professionals.
“The park will generate direct and indirect employment for over 1,00,000 skilled and unskilled workers,” he said.
The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also said that he has directed “all concerned departments to expedite the approval process for this most iconic project of this sector”.
“When Thackeray was the state chief minister, he closely monitored the work”
CAN’T APPROVE ANY NAXAL MOVEMENT, SAYS KESARKAR
IMPOSEFirst Bureau Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state President Jayant Patil has Neelam Gorhe Jayant Patil
94 BMC ex-councillors put out ‘SOS’ call to CM Shinde
ED plea in HC against closure of Tops Group case by Mumbai police
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the police’s decision to close the Tops Group scam case.
The BMC is being run by the whims and fancies of the administrator with ever-changing priorities that are driven by vested interests. —The ‘SOS’ letter
The order of closure was issued by the Esplande Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, which had purportedly just a few days previously submitted the matter to the Special PMLA Court.
HC CONTINUES INTERIM STAY ON GOVT DEVTL WORKS SUSPENSION
First India Bureau
Mumbai: An ‘SOS’ call has been sent out by several former councillors of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday. They have alleged lack of transparency, financial mismanagement, policy paralysis and arbitrary transfers under the rule of state-appointed administrator and civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal.
The letter has been signed by 94 former councillors cutting across party lines, in-
TWO WORKERS DIE OF SUSPECTED ASPHYXIATION
Palghar: Two workers died at a factory in Palghar district, suspected of asphyxiation, police said.”The two victims aged 27 and 32 were working in a resin factory. Around 10 pm yesterday, one entered a reactor but collapsed inside. His colleague, who witnessed it, entered the reactor and met the same fate,” said Palghar Police Spokesperson Sachin Navadkar. Other workers soon pulled them out of the reactor and rushed them to Wada rural hospital, where doctors declared them dead. We suspect that they died of asphyxiation, he said.
cluding former mayor Kishori Pednekar of the Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. Pednekar claimed that the morale of officers was at an “all-time low” and the entire governance had come to a standstill as operations were being run as per the “whims and fancies” of the administrator.
In the letter written on December 12, they urged Shinde to “intervene immediately” and direct the administrator to publish a white paper on the state of affairs at the BMC.
The term of these councillors ended in
March 2022, after which, the state government appointed Municipal Commissioner Chahal as the administrator of the civic body.
“We are writing to point out about the deep rot and decline of BMC due to lack of transparency and accountability, ad hoc and arbitrary transfers, financial mismanagement and fiscal indiscipline leading to the collapse of the civic administration and governance of Mumbai and damage to the morale of officers,” the letter read.
The letter also sought Shinde to direct the BMC to publish its DLS
MAN JUMPS IN CREEK TO END LIFE, SAVED BY COPS
Thane: Three police personnel in Thane saved the life of a 31-year-old man who had jumped into a creek to commit suicide, police said on Wednesday. An official said the three beat marshals in Kalwa received a message that a man had jumped into the Kharegaon creek.
“They rushed to his help with two boats and pulled him out of the water,” the official said. The man said that he tried to commit suicide due to domestic issues. Police counselled and handed him over to Bhiwandi police, the official added.
SELLING PVT DATA FOR
`50,000
Pune: A temporary employee with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Pune office has been arrested by the Mumbai police Crime Branch (Unit VI) for allegedly selling personal user data for as much as Rs50,000. The accused, identified as Sujit Nangre, 27, reportedly provided data of mobile service providers to one Sandeep Palande, a senior employee of Airtel. This data eventually made its way to loan collection agencies who used it to call up people and threaten them to return the money. The lid on the scam was blown with the arrest of two brothers Rahul, 28, and Nikhil Eligati, 25, in the last week of November.
3 WOMEN, 2 KIDS
DIE AS TRACTOR
FALLS INTO CANAL
Pune: Three women sugarcane workers and two children were killed after the tractor-trolley in which they were travelling fell into a canal in Solapur district, police said on Wednesday. The deceased belonged to Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district.
The incident took when a group of migrant workers engaged by local farmers for sugarcane harvesting were returning to their camp after the day’s work, said a police official. “Due to the driver’s error, the tractor-trolley got off the road and fell into the dry canal. While four persons died on the spot as the trolley fell on them, one person died in hospital,” said Shirish Sardeshpande, Superintendent of Police, Solapur.
SURVEY TO STUDY CONDITION OF FARMERS
Aurangabad: The authorities in Marathwada region have undertaken a survey to study the financial and social condition of farmers and their families so that the benefit of government schemes can be extended to them, a senior official said on Wednesday. According to Deputy Divisional Commissioner Parag Soman, the survey will be completed in three months. “It has already begun in some districts and will soon start in the rest,” he said. The Divisional Commissionerate issued letters to the district collectors in the region, saying that the financial, social aspects of the farmers and their families will be studied in the survey.
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) police crime branch said their priority is to find out how the toddler died and who was behind it.
According to a senior officer from MBVV police—which is investigating the murder of a toddler and molestation of her 19-year-old mother—the biggest challenge is to find out how exactly the baby has died.
“We will first investigate the toddler’s death and then the mother’s molestation,” he said.
Cops have arrested
DISMAL STATE THE SIGNATORIES
The letter blamed that the bureaucracy in the BMC has succumbed to the pressure of adverse lobbies and cartels, who are driving transfers, contracts, policies and financial decisions. On the “arbitrary transfers”, the letter said there are officers, who have been shunted out six to seven times in just three months and there were instances where the transfer orders were reversed or changed in less than 24 hours. They said the BMC budget has now become an item of disregard and only a paper exercise.
Former Congress councillor and Leader of Opposition in the BMC Ravi Raja, former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) councillor and group leader Rakhi Jadhav, former Samajwadi Party (SP) councillor and group leader Rais Shaikh, former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar are among the councillors who have signed the letter.
(draft letters) and policy decisions on its website immediately and continue to do so till a fresh general body is elected, apart from replying to their letters and queries.
Urging the chief minister to treat the letter as an “SOS call”, they said that the government led by him will be seen as being responsible for the “mess” that the BMC has become.
The ED’s plea came up for hearing before the bench of Justice Amit Borkar, when Advocate Hiten Venegaonkar, appearing for the agency, sought an early hearing.
Venegaonkar submitted that the accused in the case have already filed their discharge applications before PMLA court and it could be heard anytime and it would render their plea here infructuous.
Advocate Kushal Mor, appearing for the accused, was then told by the bench “Not to precipitate the lower court hear-
April 01, 2021, but work orders were not given and also those wherein work orders were issued but the actual work had not begun.
ing till January 12.”
The court will hear ED’s plea on that date.
The ED plea stated that the impugned order of September 14, 2022 passed by the Magistrate court, accepting ‘C’-Summary Report is bad in law and passed without jurisdiction.
The agency’s plea stressed that it is the settled position of law
that after the case has been committed to the Superior Court, the lower court ceases to have jurisdiction in the matter and is incompetent to pass any orders, whatsoever, concerning that case. Hence, restoration/ revival of the case by the Magistrate Court after the committal of the case was ultra vires, ED said.
NCB Mumbai busts inter-state drug trafficking syndicate, 5 held
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai has busted an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate supplying drugs in Dharavi, Mumbai. According to the NCB officials, five people have been arrested in a well-coordinated operation conducted over four days.
Four co-passengers to be grilled in Palghar baby’s death case, cops on toes
the driver in the case and have traced four of the passengers who are yet to be questioned.
According the sources, there were eight occupants, including the woman, in the vehicle when the incident took place on MumbaiAhmedabad Highway on Saturday morning.
Police have already arrested the driver of the car in connection with the case.
“The woman was seated next to the driver, two passengers were in the middle seat while four others were in the back. We have identified four passengers but are yet to question
them,” the police officer added.
The remaining two passengers are yet to be traced.
On Saturday, the woman, who boarded the vehicle at Pelhar on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway to go to Manor, said that her “10-month-old baby girl
According to police, they will first thoroughly investigate how the toddler fell out of vehicle, before opening probe on mother’s molestation
was thrown out of the running vehicle” by one of her molesters who was seated in the back.
Crime Branch investigators are yet to ascertain how the baby died.
A total of illicitly diverted 1407 CBCS bottles (140kg) and 6000 Nitrazepam tablets (3.6kg) were seized from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai in multiple on-field operations, confirmed by the NCB.
The NCB had information from internal sources that a Mumbaibased syndicate was actively involved in the inter-state trafficking of illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs.
According to NCB during the investigation, a couple Z.Qureshi and S.Z.Qureshi was identified as based in Kopar khairane, Navi Mumbai who was allegedly dealing in the procurement and supply of drugs. Later it was found, that they used to store drugs on the premise of Kopar khairane. Moreover, they were distributing the drugs mainly in Dharavi, Mumbai.
Based on the specific output, 920 CBCS bottles were seized from their possession.
The couple arrested by NCB revealed that they used to procure the drugs from a person named R. Singh during the interrogation.
According to NCB, a trap was laid to apprehend Singh at Sion. Soon, Singh was apprehended and confessed his involvement as a carrier in operation and street-level peddling. He was also managing the logistical support to other persons for the movement and distribution of the drugs.
After interrogating the said three persons, more drug-deal information was intercepted. Another distributor from Mira Road was obtained. On the basis of that, discreet surveillance was mounted in Mira Road, Thane area.
The investigation has indicated that syndicate has linkages with interstate suppliers and the drugs were being procured through Dharavi.
l Allege lack of transparency, financial indiscipline in BMC under Chahal in letter l Governance, morale of officers at ‘alltime low’ as leaders seek Shinde’s interventionTEMPORARY DOT PUNE EMPLOYEE NABBED FOR
No on-field results will (nor should) lessen the valid criticisms surrounding this tournament, but it would be a shame for the historic achievement for African football to be overlooked. We can’t definitively know how much of a role geographic proximity played in the Moroccan story, but the case for breaking European and American hegemony over the game is surely established beyond doubt
MOROCCO
ARE THE FIRSTEVER AFRICAN SEMIFINALISTS OF THE WORLD CUP
IN-DEPTH
WILL FORMER RBI GUV GO BEYOND YATRA AND TAKE POLITICAL PLUNGE
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has certainly attracted plenty of negative press, with scandal from bidding process through to the tournament itself. Yet out of this negativity, one positive storyline has arisen. With victories over two recent European champions –Spain and Portugal – Morocco have become the first African nation to reach the last four of the World Cup.
MAPPING A PATH TO THE FINAL
Could the location of the tournament itself partially explain the Moroccans’ surprise progress? When an Asian side – South Korea in 2002 - similarly broke the duopoly of Europe and the Americas, it was on home soil.
An African squad would have made it to the semifinals 12 years ago in the first World Cup to be hosted on that continent, if not for one of the most infamously unsporting acts in the game’s history, at the hands (literally) of Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
Now the World Cup is played in the Arab world for the first time and, perhaps
2022 FIFA WC HAS CERTAINLY ATTRACTED PLENTY OF NEGATIVE PRESS, WITH SCANDAL FROM BIDDING PROCESS THROUGH TO THE TOURNAMENT ITSELF. YET OUT OF THIS NEGATIVITY, ONE POSITIVE STORYLINE HAS ARISEN
not coincidentally, we are seeing a nation from the region reach unprecedented heights.
GEOGRAPHY COULD MATTER MORE THAN WE THINK
In 21 previous tournaments, only three teams have lifted the trophy without being either hosts or a prior champion. One of those – West Germany in 1954 – did so in a neighbouring country. Before 2010, no European nation had won the tournament outside Europe and only one non-European nation had won on the continent.
This trend is also seen in continental competitions.
The European Championships’ two biggest shocks were Denmark’s 1992 success after initially failing to qualify, and the 2004 champion-
DANGEROUS MOVE ALONG THE LAC
China’s provocative action along the Line of Actual Control in Tawang has raised temperatures between the two countries. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attempting to occupy vantage positions in the Yangtse area of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh were effectively pushed back by the Indian soldiers after a skirmish in which a few soldiers suffered injuries but that won’t deter the Chinese from attempting another transgression either in Ladakh or in Tawang.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in Parliament that the “Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled
ship of rank outsiders Greece. The Danes’ victory came in another Scandinavian nation, and the Greek success was in another Mediterranean country.
Of course, none of this is directly causal. The Moroccans have certainly not reached this lofty stage because the tournament is in a fellow Arab country. As a low-scoring, complex team game, football is one of the hardest sports to predict and every little advantage, even as small as being in a comparable climate, could tip the balance of a game one way or another.
PARALLELS WITH OTHER NATIONS
When looking at historical data, the clearest predictor of which sides may be primed to perform better than ever before is their latitude relative to the tournament host. For example, Paraguay’s best run was in South Africa in 2010, at similar latitude, rather than in geographically closer South American nations further south.
Of the 39 nations to reach the tournament at least six times, 23 of those have never bettered their performance at the tournament closest to their home latitude. Almost three-quarters of sides’ best tournaments involved travel less than 10 degrees either north or south.
Rajnath’s statement in Parl that “Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory, compelled them to return to their posts” did not satisfy Oppn which insisted on a discussion on repeated Chinese aggression
them to return to their posts” did not satisfy Oppn which insisted on a discussion on repeated Chinese aggression. The govt did not accede to the demand leading to a walkout by the Opposition. The demand was also made after a more violent clash in Galwan
THE “WORLD” GAME?
Even with its huge global appeal, football has been historically slanted towards Europe and the Americas, which may have stifled progress of the game in other regions.
Despite its numerous ongoing flaws, the administration has come a long way since the absurd situation in 1958 when the one place designated for a team from the Asian and African regions was taken by Wales.
Morocco’s fairytale run should certainly be seen as a huge positive for the game in North Africa, in particular. There do remain numerous “blind spots” in where tournaments have been held.
Rio de Janeiro, where the 1950 and 2010 finals were held, lies within one degree of the Tropic of Capricorn. Amazingly, if you travel north from there, you will only find one World Cup final venue (Mexico City) south of Doha.
A SPORTING CHANCE
Criticisms of the process and politics underlying the 2022 World Cup cannot be overlooked, but the decision to broaden the geographic footprint of host nations can at least be seen as a positive step towards a more reasonable distribution of sporting advantage.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATIONValley in 2020 in which many soldiers were killed.
The disengagement happened after several rounds of talks between the army commanders of both sides but Chinese build-up in Ladakh remains a worrying factor. Even in Yangtse area there is nothing new about Chinese transgression. In 2021 Chinese launched an aggression with sizable number of troops which too was repulsed.
The status quo along LAC is not a very comforting idea because of China’s attempts to open new flashpoints along LAC whether in the east or in Ladakh. It is this unpredictability of PLA that has made Oppn seek clarification from the govt on the actual situation along the border which the Chinese say is stable.
joining
Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, however briefly, in Rajasthan has brought his political leanings in the open. The former Governor has always been critical of the BJP government’s economic policies but earlier his views were taken to be that of an academician and economist. Now onwards his opinions will be looked at as biased political views. The BJP attacked Rajan with the retort that he wants “to be another Manmohan Singh” who, incidentally, is still regarded as a highly rated economist. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT Cell chief, said that Rajan’s “commentary on the Indian economy…is coloured and opportunistic”. The criticism will not dilute the significance of the event as Rajan is an eminent economist and will bolster the appeal of Rahul Gandhi’s march. The question that many would seek an answer to is whether Rajan, who has been a strong critic of demonetisation, will join the Congress or support it from outside.
SPIRITUAL SPEAK
MAHENG/2022/14652
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Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh
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Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Bible
PM launches centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj
First India Bureau
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched centenary celebrations of Swaminarayan sect leader late Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the inaugural function of birth centenary celebrations of Swami Maharaj in Ahmedabad.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a guide and guru who touched countless lives across India and the world.
“He was widely respected and admired as a great spiritual leader. His life was dedicated to
the service of spirituality and humanity. As the leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, he inspired countless cultural, social and spiritual initiatives, providing comfort and care to millions,” the PMO statement added.
In his birth centenary, people from across the world are celebrating his life and work.
The yearlong worldwide celebrations will culminate in the ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav’ that will be hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibaug, which is the worldwide headquarters of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Nitish Kumar blames BJP for hooch tragedy in Bihar
Nitish Kumar told his former alliance partner that it would not be tolerated
India BureauPatna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday blamed the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the loss of lives in the state due to consumption of liquor.
Losing his cool while speaking in the Assembly, the Janata Dal-United leader said: “You (BJP MLAs) are responsible for the hooch tragedies in Bihar. We all know that you are doing the dirty work. I parted ways with you… and it was my good decision. You are talking in favour of liquor in Bihar. It would not be tolerated.”
A ruckus was witnessed in the Assembly on Wednesday over the loss of lives in Saran due to consumption of spurious liquor.
The death toll has risen to 17 on Wednesday. Five of them died on Tuesday night and 12 others passed away at a hospital on Wednesday.
The condition of five others are said to be critical. The incident was reported from Mashrakh and Isuapur village.
Saran: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Wednesday lost his cool in the state assembly when leaders of the Opposition BJP attacked his govt over several deaths due to sp urious liquor in Saran district’s Chhapra area.
As Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned the state’s liquor ban policy since 2016.
Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the House and screamed at the BJP MLAs ‘’Sharabi ho gaye ho tum...(you are drunk)”.
MODI OVER CM’S “SHARABI” COMMENT
New Delhi: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi reacted strongly at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ‘sharabi’ statement made in the Bihar Assembly today. “The tenure of Nitish Kumar is over. He has lost his memory. He calls Prashant Kishor and BJP MLAs as ‘tu’, ‘tum’. It happened earlier as well. He loses his temper very often now. But his disposition was not like this before,” said the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar to ANI.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi sworn in as Cabinet Minister
Chennai (ANI): Tamil
Nadu CM MK Stalin’s
son Udhayanidhi Stalin was on Wednesday sworn in as a cabinet minister in the state.
Udhayanidhi was administered the oath by Governor RN Ravi at Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan. Udhayanidhi took oath in presence of CM Stalin. He has been given the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Portfolio. After taking charge, Udayanidhi paid respects to former Tamil Nadu CM the Late CN Annadurai. “I thanked and congratulated the
ever-leading Hon’ble Chief Minister @mkstalin for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Dravidian model govt cabinet that implements social justice programs and protects the welfare of Tamils,” tweeted Udhayanidhi.
‘GOVT WILL TAKE STRICT ACTION AGAINST ACCUSED’
Patna: Bihar excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday “confirmed” six people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the Chhapra area of Bihar’s Saran district. Bihar minister “vowed’ that govt would take “strict action” against culprits responsible for deaths.
“Process of filling an FIR is underway. I have spoken over the phone with SP. He confirmed the death of six people so far.
BIHAR CM SHOULD RECONSIDER PROHIBITION POLICY: GIRIRAJ
New Delhi: Bihar BJP leaders, including Union minister Giriraj Singh, on Wednesday asked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reconsider prohibition policy in the state, claiming that it has failed with illegal sale of spurious liquor causing frequent deaths and rise in crimes linked to it. Singh told reporters outside Parliament that Kumar should convene an all-party meeting on the issue and take a decision accordingly.
4 Meghalaya MLAs join BJP as party seeks North-East boost
New Delhi (PTI): Four Meghalaya MLAs, including two from the state’s ruling National People’s Party, joined the BJP on Wednesday as the party looks to expand its footprints in the north-eastern region ahead of assembly polls.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the party’s pointsman for the region, said the joining of the four “experienced and respected” political figures will mark a “new beginning” for the BJP in the
state, where it could win only two seats in the 60 member-assembly in the 2018 polls.
Though the state’s
Congress is worried about Amethi and Rae Bareli
Shamsher SinghNew Delhi: The two traditional Lok Sabha seats of Gandhis - Amethi and Rae Bareli - are a majro cause of worry for the grandold party and the party’s first family - Gandhi family. These seats have been held by the family for decades but in the last election BJP’s Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi seat. Rahul’s team had an idea of this in advance, so he contested from the Wayanad seat in Kerala, from where he is now an MP. Therefore, now the big question is whether Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi this time or not? If he fights, will he fight from only one seat or will we fight from both Amethi and Wayanad seats?
Keep in mind that no member of the NehruGandhi family has lost two consecutive elections. Indira Gandhi was also defeated from Rae Bareli, then won from Chikmagalur in the byelection and did not lose again after that. Sonia Gandhi has not lost any election. Rahul has also been contesting elections since 2004 and lost from Amethi for the first time in 2019. So the family cannot take the risk that he contests rom Amethi again and loses. The current situation in Uttar Pradesh is not very good for the Congress. The BJP is riding on the wave of Hindutva and the Con-
POLL
minister Smriti Irani in 2019 elections.
gress and the first family have also left both the regions. On the other hand BJP and Smriti Irani are active in both the areas.
As far as Rae Bareli is concerned, it is almost certain that Sonia Gandhi will not contest the elections this time. Her health is also not good and after leaving the post of Congress President, she is almost in a state of retirement. Even if she has to become an MP, she will go to Rajya Sabha like Sharad Pawar. That is why it is believed that
this time Priyanka Gandhi Vadra can contest from Sonia’s seat. Congress is still confident about that seat but the party is not too confident about Amethi.
It is certain that BJP will try to make a big fight on both these seats.
Even if Priyanka and Rahul contest poll or only Priyanka contests, the party will try to corner her and some renowned and aggressive candidate will be fielded so that Priyanka can be surrounded in her own area.
SUKHU’S ELEVATION A SIGN OF CHANGING TIMES IN CONGRESS?
Shimla: Sukhvinder
Singh Sukhu becoming the Chief Minister in Himachal Pradesh is a big deal for the Congress in many respects.
He is the first such leader who was made the state president by Rahul Gandhi and has now become the Chief Minister. Keep in mind that when the Congress party was in power at the center, Rahul Gandhi promoted many leaders.
He made many young leaders ministers in the
center. But barring a few exceptions, all the youths were sons of one or the other prominent leader. Many of them conducted major fraud with Rahul and Congress. Rahul also made many young leaders as state presidents, but many of them also cheated. However, no member of his youth team had yet become the chief minister.
Sukhu is the first leader who was made the President of Himachal Pradesh by Rahul Gandhi despite opposition
from the old leaders of the party and now he has become the Chief Minister. Rahul had given Sukhu a go-ahead de-
is the fact that Sukhu does not come from a political family. He is the son of a simple bus driver. Barring two or three exceptions, Rahul has always promoted and been cheated by members of big political families. So, now there is a new beginning. Instead of people coming from well-known political dynasties and rich families, people from humble background have started going to higher positions in Congress and this can be a good sign for Congress.
ruling NPP has been a member of BJP-led National Democratic Party, their relations have been far from smooth.
COURTYARD in the
ARTICLE 370: APEX COURT TO CONSIDER LISTING PLEAS
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would consider listing for hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. “We will examine and give a date,” said Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha as one of the petitioners in the case sought early listing of the matter. Various petitions are pending before the top court challenging the validity of the law scrapping Article 370 of the constitution.
CENTRE’S REPLY SOUGHT ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Centre to two pleas seeking transfer to the apex court the petitions pending in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to recognise same-sex marriages. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions of senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy that the pleas relate to the fundamental right to equality. “Issue notice,” the bench said.
APEX COURT WARNS ODISHA LAWYERS AGAINST STRIKE
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has warned it will come down “very hard” on those who vandalised courts and disrupted proceedings in of Odisha, including members of the bar, and admonished state police for their “utter failure” to control situation. It observed the demand for establishing a permanent bench of the high court Odisha seems to have become a “prestige issue”, while noting there was no justification for having another bench of the high court in view of the widespread use of technology.
ULB POLLS: UP TOLD NOT TO ISSUE NOTIFICATION TILL
20
Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday extended till December 20 its order restraining the Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission from issuing a notification to conduct urban local body elections in the state.
The Lucknow bench of the court was hearing a petition alleging that the reservation process for the OBC (Other Backward Classes) was not followed for the urban local bodies by the state government.
On Wednesday, the state government sought three day’s time to file a counter affidavit.
You are talking in favour of liquor in Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister to BJP MLAsSHARABI HO TUM: NITISH KUMAR SCREAMS AT BJP MLAs HIS TIME IS OVER: SUSHIL Sonia Gandhi with party leader Rahul Gandhi takes part in the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Mandya. —FILE PHOTO RAHUL GANDHI WILL CONTEST 2024 LS FROM AMETHI, CLAIMS AJAY RAI Amethi: Rahul Gandhi would contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections again from Amethi with which the Nehru-Gandhi family has old ties, Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Ajay Rai claimed on Wednesday. Rai, the regional head of the party in UP, also said that it is his appeal to the people of Amethi to send Rahul Gandhi to Delhi by electing him as an MP again with a huge margin. “The Gandhi-Nehru family has old relations with Amethi...no one can weaken it. Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi in 2024,” Rai told reporters here. There has been no word from the party so far on the former Congress president fighting the next parliamentary elections again from Amethi. Rahul Gandhi, who had won the Amethi parliamentary seat for three times in a row, was defeated by BJP leader and Union Mahesh Sharma spite opposition from the then Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Was made the president in 2013. Also worth noting Himachal Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administers the oath of office to Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as the CM. —FILE PHOTO TN Guv RN Ravi with TN Chief Minister MK Stalin presents a bouquet to Udhayanidhi Stalin.
WINTER SESSION
OF PARLIAMENT
“Feasibility studies on for Venus missions”
Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Space MoS Jitendra Singh tells Lok Sabha that ISRO took initiatives studies in this regard Opposition leaders meet in Kharge’s chambers before start of day’s Session
NIA has registered 497 cases till Dec 2: MoS Rai
New Delhi (Agencies): MoS (Home Affairs)
New Delhi (ANI): Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that ISRO has taken initiatives for feasibility studies on missions to Venus.
“Union Minister of State Science & Technol ogy; Earth Sciences; Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday informed that ISRO has taken initiatives for feasibil ity studies on mis sions to Venus as well as Aeronomy studies,” read an official statement by the Union Department of Space. The term "aeronomy,"
coined and introduced about 60 years ago, refers to the scientific study of the upper atmospheric regions of the Earth and other solar system bodies. It covers the chemis-
try, dynamics and energy balance of both neutral and charged particles.
“Both these missions are being conceptualized and the scientific scopes are being deliberated nationally with participation of science community,” said Singh.
Earlier on Tuesday, Union Agricultural minister Narendra Singh Tomar and MoS Dr Jitendra Singh formally released the data products and services of RISAT-1A satellite for the user community, as per an official press release.
Nityanand Rai on Wednesday told the Rajya Sabha that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a total of 497 cases till December 2 this year, including the Coimbatore blast. He said that an increase in the cases had been recorded in the recent years. Rai in a written reply said that from 2019 to 2022, judgement in 67 NIA cases was pronounced by the court, of which 65 resulted in conviction
and 2 in acquittal. Citing reasons for the rise in cases, Rai said: “The reason for the increase in cases over the years is due to enhanced capacity of NIA with the establishment of new branch offices, expansion of its mandate in 2019 by the inclusion of certain offences related to human trafficking, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 in the schedule of National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.”
New Delhi (ANI): Ahead o f the beginning of the day’s proceedings in Parliament, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday convened a meeting with leaders of opposition parties to discuss the December 9 faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control
(LAC) in Arunachal.
On Tuesday, both Houses were rocked by the issue with the Op-
position staging a walkout after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the Tawang clash. “A total of 17 parties attended today’s meeting and decided to raise the issue for discussion if not allowed it has been decided that parties will walk out from the house,” a leader said.
Cong MP moves adjournment motion to discuss raids at
New
(ANI):
office
gist Sunil Kanugolu. Police
persons by
room in Jubilee
the Telangana police. Police conducted raids on Tuesday nighwt at Congress Poll Strate-
NO FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ‘BHARAT RATNA’ NECESSARY: RAI
WRITTEN REPLY
20 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS TO BE COMMISSIONED IN COUNTRY BY
New Delhi (PTI): India
plans to commission
20 nuclear power plants by 2031, adding nearly 15,000 MW in power generating capacity, the government told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The first of these 20 nuclear power plants, a 700 MW unit, is expected to be commissioned in 2023 at Kakrapar in Gujarat, which already has three atomic power generating units operational. According to a
written reply by MoS in the PMO Jitendra Singh, the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam is likely to be operational in 2024, followed by two 1,000 MW units at Kudankulam in 2025. Two 700 MW units at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan are likely to be completed by 2026, while another two 1,000 MW units are likely to be completed at Kudankulam by 2027, he said. Two 700 MW units are expected to
Jio 5G services launched in MP from Mahakaal temple
Mumbai: Jio on Wednesday started its 5G services in Madhya Pradesh by dedicating the high-speed services from the holy shrine of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Shri Mahakaal Mahalok. MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the highspeed telecom services at an event, a statement by Jio said. After the launch, Jio demonstrated the immersive benefits of 5G in the field of
healthcare, through Jio Community Clinic medical kit, and the revolutionary AR-VR device, Jio Glass, the statement said. These benefits will bring transformational changes in the lives of the people in Madhya Pradesh, it said.
be completed at Gorakhpur in Haryana by 2029, the minister said listing out details of projects under consideration. In addition, government had accorded administrative approvals and financial sanctions for building 10 atomic power units of 700 MW each at Gorakhpur, Haryana (units 3&4), Kaiga, Karnataka (units 5&6), Chutka, Madhya Pradesh (units 1&2) and four units at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan.
New Delhi (ANI): MoS Nityanand Rai told Lok Sabha that the decisions regarding Bharat Ratna award are taken from time to time and no formal recommendations for this Award are necessary. He was replying to the query of BJP leader Bhagirath Choudhary who had asked if there is a set criterion for conferring ‘Bharat Ratna’, the date on which ‘Bharat Ratna’ award was started and whether the govt proposes to confer the award on various brave freedom fighters.
“Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian Award was instituted on January 2, 1954. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for this Award. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/ performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The decisions regarding the award of Bharat Ratna are taken from time to time. No formal recommendations for this Award are necessary,” MoS Rai answered.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress has given a call to protest the arrest of several of its leaders over alleged derogatory posts against Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and the ruling state government. As per police, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Department conducted searches at the office of Sunil Kanu-
Jewellery firms booked for `352 cr fraud
New Delhi (PTI): The CBI has booked three Jalgaon-based jewellery companies for alleged loan fraud of over Rs 352 crore in the State Bank of India, officials said on Wednesday.
In three separate FIRs, the CBI has named Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers Pvt Ltd, RL Gold Pvt Ltd, and Manraj Jewellers Pvt Ltd, and their promoters-directors-guarantors — Ishwarlal Shankarlal Jain Lalwani, Manish Ishwarlal Jain Lalwani, Pushadevi Ishwarlal
Jain Lalwani and Neetika Manish Jain Lalwani — as accused.
According to the SBI complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers caused a loss of Rs 206.73 crore, RL Gold Rs
69.19 crore loss and Manraj Jewellers Rs 76.57 crore to the bank.
The three companies allegedly transacted business with their associate firm Rajmal Lakhichand, the largest debtor among the four companies. They also
involved three named in the FIRs — Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers Pvt Ltd, RL Gold Pvt Ltd, and Manraj Jewellers Pvt Ltd.
The purchase and sale of all four companies were primarily routed through Rajmal Lakhichand, the SBI has alleged.
The accounts of the FIR-named companies show payments made to Rajmal Lakhichand for purchases, but they said that receivables for products sold to it are shown as outstanding.
Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to get ticket to Final
During the match, Argentina had only 39 per cent of possession while 2018 champions Croatia had 61 per cent
Al Daayen (ANI): Julian Alvarez’s brace and Lionel Messi’s goal help Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 here at Lusail Stadium to enter the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes and defender Nicolas Tagliafico were brought into Argenti-
na’s starting line-up.
Croatia started off aggressively getting a corner in the 16th minute where Dejan Lovren’s header from a difficult angle on the left was too high with the help of Josip Juranovic’s cross.
Lionel Scaloni’s men made their first aggressive move in the 25th
minute when Enzo Fernandez’s right footed shot from outside the box was saved in the bottom right corner coming from the assist of Alexis Mac Allister.
In the 32nd minute, Dominik Livakovic of Croatia conceded a penalty corner. Livakovic and Kovacic both got yellow cards and in the 34th minute Messi converted it to give Argentina a 1-0 lead
This appearance was
Lionel Messi’s 25th equalling Lothar Matthaus’ record in FIFA World Cup.
In the 39th minute, the Argentines doubled their lead as Julian Alvarez scored a goal to give his side a 2-0 lead.
Argentine scored almost for the third time when Messi’s cross helped Alexis Mac Allister take a header from the left side of the six-yard box to save in the centre of the goal.
golu, who is working for Congress as a political strategist in Telangana. The Cyber Crime
police said that it had on Tuesday night conducted a raid on the party’s war room and seized several computers. “We have registered five FIRs based on five different complaints for allegedly making derogatory remarks on social media against the opposition party,” said KVM Prasad, (Cyber Crime ACP).
MINOR GANG-RAPED IN KARNATAKA DIST, 4 ARRESTED INCLUDING AN UNDERAGE
Hassan (Agencies): Four persons, including a minor, have been arrested for gang-raping a minor girl in Karnataka’s Hassan district, police said on Wednesday. Charges under the Pocso, IPC and prevention of atrocity act have been slapped on the accused, identified as Sudarshan, Swagath, Papanna and a minor boy. According to police, the incident had taken place in a village under the Sakaleshpur Rural police station limits. The accused had lured the 13-year-old girl to an isolated place and raped her. After the crime, the accused had threatened the girl not to say anything and behaved in the village as if nothing had happened.
1 HELD WITH 30 KG
‘MALANA CREAM’ WORTH `18 CRORE
New Delhi (Agencies): Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested a drug trafficker and seized 30 kg malana cream, also known as ‘hashish’, valued Rs 18 crore from his possession in Alipur in the national capital. The accused was identified as Rajesh Kumar, 30, a resident of Khanna Khurd near Ludhiana in Punjab. With the arrest of the drug trafficker, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell on Wednesday claimed to have unearthed an interstate syndicate involved in smuggling drugs in Delhi and its peripherals.
FREAK ACCIDENT: KERALA MAN DIES AFTER COCONUT HIT
Thiruvananthapuram: A man in Kerala’s Kozhikode died on Wednesday after being hit on the head by a coconut falling from a roadside tree. The victim Muneer, 49, worked in Saudi Arabia, but had come home to attend to his father who was unwell and admitted to a hospital. On Tuesday after being with his ailing father, Muneer was driving back home on his two-wheeler when the incident occurred. Even though he was taken to a hospital quickly, he breathed his last early on Wednesday.
SPECIAL TASK FORCE OF ODISHA’S CRIME BRANCH ARRESTS ONE WITH TIGER SKIN
Bhubaneswar (Agencies): The special task force (STF) of Odisha crime branch on Wednesday seized one tiger skin and arrested one person in this connection, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a team of STF conducted a raid with the help of forest officials of Baripada forest division early morning near Belpal Chhak under Udala police station in Mayurbhanj district. The officials seized a Royal Bengal tiger skin and arrested a wildlife criminal Debasish Patra alias Sibu, of Musakhai village of Mayurbhanj district. In this connection, the STF has registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
T’gana Cong calls for protest after cops raid poll strategist’s office in Hyderabad
Kanugolu’s2031: MoS JITENDRA SINGH’S
BRIEFS
Govt to further bring down inflation: FM
First India Bureau
Lucknow: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of its cuttingedge 5G services here.
Airtel 5G Plus services will be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the rollout. Customers with 5G-enabled devices will enjoy a high-speed Airtel 5G Plus network at no extra cost until the rollout is more widespread, according to a press statement. —PTI
EDIBLE OILS IMPORT
UP 34% TO 15.29
LAKH TONNE IN NOV
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday assured the Lok Sabha that the government will take measures to further ease inflation, which has dipped below the RBI’s upper tolerance level of 6%.
Retail inflation has moderated to an 11-month low of 5.8% in November from 6.77% in the previous month. “We will bring down further for the sake of common people,” she said.
The government is constantly watching the price situation of essential commodities, she said.
The finance minister made it clear that there is no fear of stagflation as India is one of the fastestgrowing economies with low inflation levels.
With regard to fiscal deficit, the finance minister said the government would be able to meet the fiscal deficit target of 6.4% of the GDP for the current financial year.
The government is com-
Mkts settle higher for 2nd consecutive day
Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended with gains on Wednesday, extending the previous day rally amid lower level of inflation on domestic front and betterthan-expected inflation readings from the US.
mitted to the path of fiscal consolidation, she added.
On non-performing assets (NPAs), Sitharaman
CAD may jump to a 37-quarter high in second quarter
said it has come down drastically to 7.28% at the end of March 2022 due to various measures taken by the
NO FEAR OF STAGFLATION
z FM made it clear that there is no fear of stagflation as India is one of the fastest-growing eco with low inflation levels
z She said the government would be able to meet the fiscal deficit target of 6.4% of the GDP for the current financial year
Modi government. With regard to the declining value of the rupee against the US dollar, she
said, the domestic unit is appreciating against all other currencies, and the fall against the greenback is lower as compared to other currencies.
Quoting the World Bank report, she said India’s forex reserves is one of the highest in the world and this provide a cushion against global spillover.
Later, the House passed Supplementary Demands for Grants, authorising the government to spend additional `3.25 lakh crore in FY23.
November WPI inflation hits 21-month low of 5.85 per cent
New Delhi: India’s edible oil imports rose 34% in Nov to 15.29 lakh tonne on sharp jump in import of crude palm and refined palm oils, according to industry body SEA. As per the data, imports of vegetable oils rose 32% in November 2022 to 15,45,540 tonne. Out of total vegetable oil imports, SEA said shipments of edible oils increased to 15,28,760 tonne in November this year. Import of non-edible oils fell 52% in Nov 2022 to 16,780 tonne. —PTI
POWER GIANT NTPC TO RAISE `500 CRORE VIA NCDs
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 144.61 points or 0.23% to settle at 62,677.91. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 52.30 points or 0.28% to end at 18,660.30.
From the Sensex pack, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, NTPC, IndusInd Bank, SBI, Power Grid, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Larsen & Toubro were the major winners. Nestle, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever and UltraTech Cement were among the laggards.
` RISES 15 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.45 AGAINST US $
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee gained 15 paise to settle at 82.45 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, as a positive trend in domestic equities and easing inflationary pressures strengthened investor sentiment. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened flat at 82.60 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 82.40 and a low of 82.71. It finally ended at 82.45 against the American currency, registering a rise of 15 paise.
Mumbai (PTI): Falling exports and high crude prices are set to push up current account deficit (CAD) in the second quarter to a 37-quarter high of 4.4% of GDP at $36 billion as against $9.7 billion or 1.3% in the year-ago period, estimates a report.
As a percentage of GDP, the previous high was in the first quarter of 2013-14 when CAD had scaled to 4.7%, but in absolute terms the previous high was in the third quarter of 201213 when it touched $31.8 billion.
Global headwinds facing merchandise exports had the shipments contracting by close to 20% in October 2022 and the agency expects merchandise exports to slip to an eight-quarter low of $88.2 billion in Q3FY23.
‘Govt saved banks from `3 lakh cr of NPAs by clearing road projects’
New Delhi: State-run power giant NTPC will raise `500 crore through the issuance of non-convertible debentures on a private placement on Friday. “NTPC has decided to issue unsecured nonconvertible debentures of `500 crore on December 16, 2022, through private placement at a coupon of 7.44% per annum with a door to door maturity of 10 years 3 months 30 days on April 15, 2033,” a BSE filing stated. The proceeds will be utilized for, inter alia, funding of capital expenditure, refinancing of existing loans and other general corporate purposes. —PTI
M&M TO INVEST
`10,000 CR ON EVs IN NEXT
New Delhi (PTI): The government on Tuesday claimed in the Rajya Sabha that it has saved Indian banks from `3 lakh crore of NPAs by helping clear pending road projects in the country since 2014.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin
719 NH PROJECTS FACING DELAYS: GADKARI
New Delhi (PTI): As many as 719 national highway (NH) projects are facing delays and 438 projects of these are likely to be completed in the ongoing fiscal, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. As many as 268 projects are facing delays of less than a year, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha. Gadkari said, “The government constantly monitors sanctioned projects and as part of this exercise, 719 delayed National Highway projects have been identified across various states.”
Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that there are 415 road projects where 95% of work is complete but have been categorised in the delayed projects category.
He said the government would soon carry out state-wise monitoring of all such pending or delayed projects and help clear them at the
earliest.
“There are 415 projects where 95% of work is complete and are termed as delayed projects. When our government came in 2014, there were projects worth ` 3.85 lakh projects which were shut for various reasons,” he said. “We have saved Indian bank from 3 lakh crore NPAs,” he said.
New Delhi (PTI): The wholesale price-based inflation fell to a 21-month low of 5.85% in November as prices of food, fuel and manufactured items softened.
The WPI (wholesale price index) based inflation has been on a declining trend since May and came down to single digit in October at 8.39%.
Experts said a high base of last year and some easing in food prices also worked in favour of the November 2022 wholesale price index coming in at its lowest level since February 2021 when it was 4.83%.
“Decline in the rate of inflation in November 2022 is primarily contributed by fall in prices of food articles, basic metals, textiles, chemicals & chemical
ADB KEEP INDIA’S GDP GROWTH UNCHANGED
AT SEVEN PER CENT
New Delhi (PTI): Asian Development Bank (ADB) has kept its outlook for India’s economic growth unchanged at 7% for the current fiscal year while forecasting a weaker-than-previously expected pace for developing Asia.
ADB’s 7% growth projection for fiscal 2022-23 (April 2022 to March 2023), unchanged from its September forecast, compares to 8.7% GDP growth in 202122. For 2023-24, the GDP growth has been kept unchanged at 7.2%.
The Manila-based ADB in a report on Wednesday saw Asia expanding 4.2% this year.
‘Success rate of startups relatively higher’
LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2016
products and paper & paper products as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year,” the commerce and industry ministry said on Wednesday.
Inflation in food articles in November was 1.07%
OTHER STORIES
against 8.33% in the previous month.
Inflation in vegetables was (-)20.08% during the month compared to 17.61% in October.
As per WPI data, in the ‘fuel and power’ basket, inflation was 17.35%.
GOVT ALLOWS NON-RESIDENT TAXPAYERS TO MANUALLY FILE FORM 10F TILL MARCH 31
New Delhi: The income tax department has allowed non-resident taxpayers not having PAN to file Form 10F manually till March 31, 2023, a move which would ease their compliance burden and enable them to claim lower TDS rate. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had in July made it mandatory for non-resident taxpayers to file Form 10F electronically to claim benefit of lower TDS. However, taxpayers faced problems in electronic filing of the form as the income tax portal did not allow a taxpayer who does not have a PAN to file Form 10F. —PTI
COAL
TO BE DEVELOPED BY
BIDDERS CAN SHOW INTEREST FOR IDBI
BANK
TILL JANUARY
7
New Delhi: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Wednesday said it will invest `10,000 crore in the next 7-8 years in the manufacturing and development of electric vehicles at Pune, Maharashtra. “The company, through its subsidiary, will make investments of approximately `10,000 crore over a period of 7-8 years for setting up the manufacturing facility, development, and production of Mahindra’s upcoming BEVs,” it added. —PTI
New Delhi: The success rate of startups in India is relatively higher than the rest of the world and there were 84,012 recognised startups in the country at the end of November, Union minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday (December 14).
To boost the startup ecosystem, the government launched the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2016, and an action plan was also put in place.
“Startups are prone to failures is a very high prob-
ability. Though I must say, the success rate of startups in India is relatively higher than the rest of the world...,” the minister said.
The number of recognised startups has in-
creased from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 as on November 30, 2022, the minister said.
The FFS, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and CGSS extend support to startups at various stag-
z According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal to boost the startup ecosystem, the government launched the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2016, and an action plan was also put in place
es of their business cycle.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has been approved for four years starting from 2021-22 and is being implemented with a corpus of `945 crore.
CPAI ASKS SEBI TO PROVIDE UNINTERRUPTED TRADING IN COTTON FUTURES CONTRACTS
New Delhi: CPAI has urged capital markets regulator Sebi to facilitate uninterrupted hedging and trading in cotton futures contracts to market participants. This comes after Sebi in August suspended trading in all cotton futures contracts on commodity exchange MCX for one month to align the contract specifications with that of the market. Later, MCX informed that it is in process of modifying the cotton contract specification and no fresh position would be permitted in cotton January 2023 contracts and the subsequent expiry contracts till such time the revised contract specification gets finalised. The market participants and hedgers need to roll over the position into January 2023 onwards contract. —PTI
IN INDIA, SAYS PIYUSH GOYAL
MAHARERA directs recovery of ` 730 cr from developers
Nagpur, Nashik, Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Satara and Ratnagiri.
Renni AbrahamMumbai: In a bid to ensure real-time compensation accrues to home buyers in the state, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MAHARERA) has directed 13 district collectors to provide special assistance to aggrieved complainants for a timebound recovery of Rs730
Complaints by home buyers ranged from failure to hand over possession as per the contractual obligation by realty developers, incomplete housing projects by builders to sub-standard work have been consistently taken up and decided in favour of concerned citizens by MAHARERA, since its inception.
The district collectors are expected to play a mitigating role to ensure the recovery of money ordered to be paid to the
ently issued orders regarding accruing interest for investors’ money paid to developers, compensation and refunds following proper hearings in each case. Over the last five years, the realty regulator in Maharashtra has issued 733 warrants for payment of cumulative compensation amount of Rs729.68 crore against developers, in favour of complainant home buyers.
In another first, the MAHARERA has appointed a retired state government official (of additional collector rank) to coordinate with
to take appropriate action to liquidate warrants, follow-up and execute them in close coordination with collectors.
Retired Additional Collector, Anant Dinkarrao Dahiphale, has been recently assigned the charge to follow-up and
Maha sets up panel to collect data on inter-faith couples
ACB grills MLA Salvi for 4.5 hours
Mumbai (PTI): The state government has set up a committee to gather information on the inter-faith and inter-caste marriage couples and the maternal families of the women involved if they are estranged. State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Wednesday said the move is aimed at avoiding a repeat of the Shraddha Walkar case.
The opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) called it a “retrograde” step and said the Eknath Shinde government had no right to spy on the personal life of people.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday by the state’s Women and Child Development Department
said the “Intercaste/Interfaith marriage-family coordination committee (state level)” will be headed by Lodha.
The committee will monitor district-level initiatives for women involved in such marriages who may be estranged from their families, so that assistance can be provided if necessary.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Lodha said setting up the committee was an attempt of the state government to ensure that the Shraddha Walkar case does not happen again.
The GR said that the panel will have 13 members from government and non-government fields to study policies of the state annd Centre.
Alibaug: Rajapur MLA Rajan Salvi was interrogated by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials at its Alibaug office for 4.5 hours on Wednesday. After Kudal MLA Vaibhav Naik, an investigation has been initiated against Salvi over illegal assets.
The ACB had issued a notice to the Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MLA to appear for an open investigation in Alibaug last week.
After undergoing grilling for four-and-ahalf hours, Salvi walked out to be greeted by Shiv Sainiks raising slogans in his support. “No matter how many such notices come, I will not be afraid. I will continue to do my work. I will face this investigation with determination and nothing will come of it,” he said.
G20 meetings put work at Marine Drive on hold
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The excavation work of the coastal road at Marine Drive has been halted for twothree days due to the ongoing G20 meetings.
The municipal corporation made the decision for the convenience of the foreign delegates since the roads were littered due to the spillage of wet soil during excavation.
The streets of Mumbai have been decked in just a few days to welcome the participants from abroad attending the summit being held in Mumbai.
The meetings are being held at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Colaba. Therefore, the roads leading to these locations have been decorated. Also, efforts are being made to keep these roads clean.
Work on the seashore at Marine Drive has been halted too. Excavation work of two parallel tunnels beneath the
Sea Coast Project is underway. These tunnels are being built from Priyadarshini Park to Chhotya Chowpati at Swarajyabhoomi along Netaji Subhash Marg (Marine Drive).
One of the tunnels has been dug, and the work on the other tunnel is in progress. But while digging the tunnel, a large amount of wet soil is released, which damages the roads.
Meanwhile, despite the construction ban in Mumbai for 10 days due to pollution, the work on the sea coastline will continue.
Supriya Sule also used car meant for Nirbhaya squad: Chitra Wagh
First India Bureau
Kolhapur: Hitting back at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Women’s Wing chief Chitra Wagh on Wednesday claimed that vehicles secured from the Nirbhaya Fund were used by political leaders of all parties when Maha Vikas Aghadi government was in power.
Sule had recently tar-
geted the Chief Minister Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavisled government and alleged that police vehicles meant to ensure safety of women in Mumbai were being used to protect MLA supporters of CM Shinde.
In response to the NCP leader’s claim, Wagh revealed, “MP Supriya Sule has also used a car of the Nirbhaya squad,” adding that the cars deployed for Y-plus
security of ministers, MPs and MLAs will gradually be requisitioned back to the Nirbhaya squad by the Shinde-Fadnavis government.
FOR THE PEOPLE
Targeting the MVA coalition government— comprising Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, Congress and NCP—Wagh termed Sule’s claim as “ulta chor kotwal
“Out of the 99 vehicles given to police stations, nine vehicles have been deployed to convoys of ministers, including ex-tourism minister) Aaditya Thackeray,”
Duty of govt to protect all people who come to pray to Lord Ram: UP MoS
against it in the state. In order to pass the legislation, the government will present a proposal in both assemblies in upcoming session.”
Raghuram Rajan joins Bharat Jodo Yatra in Raj
Jaipur (PTI): Reserve Bank of India’s former governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday joined Rahul Gandhi during the Congress-led Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan.
Mumbai: Minister of state in the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanathled Uttar Pradesh government, Raghuraj Singh, on Wednesday emphasized on the duty of government officials to protect citizens in India and those who come from overseas to pray to Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
“Not only Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, but any citizen of the country and the world
can visit Ayodhya to offer prayers to Lord Ram. Being in the government, we are responsible for protecting the citizens coming to UP. Opposing Thackeray is a personal matter of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and the BJP and the government have nothing to do with it,” assured Singh while speaking to First India.
On a three-day visit to Mumbai, Singh also talked about rising cas-
es of ‘Love Jihad’ and the UP government’s decision to enact a law to curb it, population control and possible legislation in UP Assembly and food schemes.
Speaking to First India, Singh addressed the ‘Love Jihad’ incidents occurring across the country, “In view of the increasing cases of ‘Love Jihad’ in the country, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to bring a law
Sharing his thoughts on UP’s population control bill, Singh said, “In order to keep increasing population in check, the UP government has decided to introduce a population control law in the state. We plan to present a proposal in this regard in the upcoming session.”
On the UP’s plans to introduce a food scheme, Singh informed, “The government will implement ‘Maa Annapurna Bhojnalaya’ scheme in every district of the state to help the poor and general public get food. It will be implemented in two phases, starting from the district level.
The yatra resumed from the Bhadoti area of Sawai Madhopur on Wednesday and reached Badhshapura for a morning break. Rajan walked with Gandhi during this leg of the yatra on Wednesday.
“#BharatJodoYatra Shri Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of RBI, shaking steps with @RahulGandhi ji... The increasing number of people standing up to unite the country against hatred shows that we will be successful,” The Indian National Congress tweeted along with a picture of Rajan walking with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The yatra reached Bagdi village of Dausa in the evening.
The BJP on Wednesday took a swipe at former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan after he joined the Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and said his commentary on India’s economy should be discarded with “disdain” as it is “coloured and opportunistic”. BJP’s foreign affairs department head Vijay Chauthaiwale tweeted, “One former RBI governor became head of govt and country lost ten precious years. Thanks to Modi, India will not repeat that mistake. RRR (Raghuram Rajan) can walk from Delhi to Chicago.” The party’s IT department head Amit Malviya said, “Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, a Congress appointee, joining Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is not a surprise”
Retired additional collector appointed to follow-up. monitor recovery effort from defaulting buildersROLE OF DISTRICT COLLECTORS
The respective developers have been ordered to pay interest, damage compensation, refund and other due payments to complainant home buyers within a prescribed timeline after completion of hearings on complaints.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan during the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Sawai Madhopur district on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY PTI
Raghuraj Singh talks ‘Love Jihad’, population control legislations and food schemes with First India
Galaxy is an expression of digital innovation that includes deep blue and electric pinks and is closer to violet but often less saturated than purple. It was inspired by the holographic effects of light. The 2018 Color of the
Year represents knowledge and exploration, independence and selfrespect, creativity and complexity, mystery and magic. The colour violet, which is related to monarchy and stands for strength, nobility, luxury, and ambition,
blends the qualities of blue’s stability with red’s energy. It conveys luxury and elegance and has historically been associated with introspection, spirituality and mindfulness techniques.
Galaxy fashion has
already become a trendsetter in today’s fashion world. It is perfect for a person who is into stars and the universe.
The galaxy print hasn’t lately taken over your Instagram feed because it’s off the beaten path. So it’s a welcome change of pace to see a poster of a dreamy constellation made up of stars and planets.
In reality, the galaxy print has only started to show up on the catwalk. The runway during the Fall 2017 Milan Fashion Week had a galactic motif. The Ashish Spring/ Summer 2018 Ready-toWear collection also had a cosmic motif. Additionally, the Galaxy theme is heavily emphasised in these pieces from the Zuhair Murad Resort 2018 collection.
The author is a Jaipur-based Communication Skills Educator & Writer) Conducting an effective, engaging, informative, immersive interview is a task that combines knowledge and skills. It is a hugely advantageous asset to students, professionals and almost anyone. That one may not aspire to be a journalist or reporter, talk show host or presenter, has nothing to do with developing this ability. A great interviewer will always make for a sound conversationalist, improve his/her confidence levels and always come across as a convincing communicator. So what are these elements or prerequisites to becoming an astute Interviewer? Read on.
RESEARCH (BASIC SECONDARY RESEARCH ONLINE):
Go online and search for your interview subject (interviewee). Find out as much information as you can about the subject. If the subject has his/her own website, research that thoroughly and gather as much Factual Information as possible. In addition to the factual information from the subject’s own website and social media handles, also search gener ally about him/her on google. Try and read arti cles about/by the subject. Create a mental picture of your subject – education, work life, personal life, professional highs and lows, experiences and jot down points in a diary.
OCCASION (WHAT/ WHERE/WHEN):
Be extremely mindful of what the event/occasion for the Interview is. Is it for a function at college with a live audience? Is a for a Publication/Newspaper?
Who is the Target audience of the interview? Is it people from a specific/certain section of society? All this information will give you clues on how to construct the questions in order for the interview to be most Relevant and Interesting/ Engaging to the intended
INTERVIEWS CONDUCT GREAT
audience. For instance, if you are interviewing the subject for a college newsletter, then your questions should seek to have inspirational answers, and delve into the subject’s own educational journey, and work-life journey so as to provide a path and point of context for the majority of the readers who will be Students. On the other
hand, if the interview is for a Conference or Professional Forum, then your Questions should be more Business Oriented, focusing more on the Professional life of the Subject. If the interview is for a more light-hearted social-media platform, your questions can/should include some humour and less serious topics too!
PRE-PLAN BUT STAY FLEXIBLE: It is a good idea to develop and pre-write a questionnaire. This questionnaire might have around 10 to 12 questions. However, once the interview starts, and you begin asking your prewritten questions, you must remain flexible.
Sometimes, your subject will be difficult, not very open, will answer in yes/ no, and will not elaborate – then, you will have to have enough presence of mind to ask him/her the same question in different words (rather than moving on to your next question), without irritating the sub-
ject. In another situation, maybe the subject gives you an answer that might take the interview in a completely different direction. You must have the presence of mind to not stick to your questionnaire too strictly, and notice and take advantage of the interesting direction your subject is wanting to take the interview. For example, you ask your subject, What was your school
the job interview further).
ETIQUETTE:
This stays the same if you are the interviewer or the interviewee. You must be gracious, thankful, complementary, and polite. Say things like, Thank you for Taking the Time and talking to me/us. Likewise, say thank you for having me (if you are the subject). Always express your gratitude at the beginning of the interview as well as at the end, and off the record, ask how the interview was.
EQUALITY:
life like? And your next question was to tell us one bad incident from your school life. And the subject answers, my school life was happy and uneventful, but when I got my first job, I almost did not get selected for the interview! (forget your follow-up school-related question and have the presence of mind to probe
Having just talked about etiquette, being polite in no way means that one comes across as subservient, in-awe-of, or ‘less than the interviewee. No matter who the interviewee is, how accomplished, respected, senior, or someone who enjoys celebrity status; be on equal terms and footing with the person, or else it will show. And if it shows, the interview will be both unprofessional and likely to be editorially compromised.
With the aforementioned tips and tricks, you can be sure to combine knowledge and skill in a manner that makes you a very gifted and natural interviewer. Go ahead, try it!
Sonam keeps it comfy
Di Wedding actress made a stylish appearance as she was spotted at the airport.
Sonam, who is known as a fashion diva, never fails to disappoint her fans with her style statement and yet again, at the airport, the actress kept it comfy and casual as she donned a multi coloured kaftan. Sonam also carried a black tote bag and for accessories,
Star-studded holiday season bash
ADITYA JOINS ANANYA FOR FIFA 2022
Aditya Roy Kapur and Ananya Panday are the latest rumoured couples in BTown. According to reports, the two have just recently begun dating, but they are keeping things private right now. The two are being linkup up ever since Karan Johar quizzed Ananya about seeing her with Aditya at one of his parties. Ananya and Aditya were also seen posing together for paparazzi at Manish Malhotra's Diwali bash.
Recently, Ananya flew to Doha, Qatar for the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. She was accompanied by her father-actor Chunky Panday, her best friend Shanaya Kapoor, and her fatheractor Sanjay Kapoor. Not just that, Aditya Roy Kapur was also spotted with his rumoured girlfriend Ananya.
Jennifer Aniston has gotten into the holiday season spirit and in keeping with the same, the Friends star recently hosted a special bash that was reportedly attended by her close friends from the industry. As reported by Page Six, the actress hosted a secret bash that saw who's who of Hollywood in attendance at her sprawling Bel-Air mansion.
Jennifer Aniston hosted a holiday bash that was attended by her closest friends and colleagues from the industry. Some big names on the guest list included Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, David Spade, Bradley Cooper, Jason Bateman and Tobey Maguire. Also, her Friends co-stars, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox were seen at the party.
The actress had also invited her The Morning Show co-stars
she added chunky golden jewelry. The actress added a pair of black sunglasses to complete her outfit as she headed to Goa with her sister Rhea Kapoor. She also shared a picture on her Instagram story with Rhea and wrote: "@ rheakapoor and me Goa bound."
KIM KARDASHIAN OFFERS A 'LIFE TIP'
Kim Kardashian surely knows how to drop the hottest snaps and her new post consisted of amazing ones as she hit the beach in a bikini. The Kardashians star took to her Instagram on Tuesday to share photos where she was seen striking stunning poses while sporting a white bikini top and bottom which happened to be seethrough in a gorgeous setting.
Kim Kardashian seemed to be having a gala time on the beach as posed for sizzling snaps in her recent post. Along with the stunning photos, Kim also offered a "life
the super secre tive bash thrown by Aniston also included a "no cell phones" rule. The re port also suggested that the vibe of the party was "old-school, fun party."
Reese Wither spoon, John Hamm and Mark Duplass for the festive celebra tion.
I relate to my character on a personal level
to appear in many films including Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal and Golmaal Returns among others. The veteran actor’s journey has its ups and downs.
ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in
Sanjay Mishra is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors of Bollywood. Sanjay made his acting debut in the 1995 film ‘Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!’. Later, he went on
Sanjay Mishra got candid with Ashish Tiwari of First India as he opened up on his role in Vadh and more.
Sanjay Mishra, who plays a murderer in the recently released film ‘Vadh’, has an emotional connection with the film.
Sharing about his character he said, “I always try to make an effort to keep a
healthy mix of roles for the screen. It is evident in my choices like ‘Golmaal’, ‘Ankhon Dekhi’, ‘All the Best’, ‘Masaan’ and even my two recent and upcoming films ‘Cirkus’ and ‘Vadh'”.
He added, “I don’t want to bore the viewers and myself by doing similar kinds of work. Variety toh honi chaahiye na life mein (variety is always good to have in life).”
Sharing why this character is special to him he shared, “This character is
special because I have seen many people who are alike my character, a uncle and aunty who can be found in every neighbourhood. The character relates to the audience on a personal level “
The movie emphasises on attachments and relationships in a family, “ Attachment over the years have evolved . The connection is always there it only keeps evolving . There are expectations on both ends of a relationship “ Sharing on thoughts on
being the lead he shared , “I’m that kind of an actor who can make any role into a lead role. Whatever work you do, make that into a lead role. But at the same time, it feels good when people come to you with such parts, achchi baat hai. I don’t do any role thinking about a lead role or supporting role, but just as an actor.”
Sanjay Mishra’s aching performance in Vadh is now out for the nation to see. He may seem meek at first but turns out to be just as meticulous
ASHISH TIWARI WINS BIG!
The Universal Indian Awards was held for its second season. Touted as one of the most prestigious honours in the entertainment world. It was an evening full of glamour and pride with many renowned celebrities present on the red carpet.
Ashish Tiwari a celebrated name in the field of Journalism who now stands strong as the Managing Editor ( Entertainment ) of First India Group with no doubt has brought a revolution in the world of media with his unfiltered interviews and conversations with our favourite celebrities. Added another feather to his cap as he went ahead to carve his name on the trophy of the Universal Indian Award 2022 for 'Best Entertainment Editor.' Well, this is just the be-
ginning of all the recognition Ashish Tiwari really deserves for his unparalleled contribution towards the entertainment industry.
Ashish Tiwari currently heads a channel with a vision to be the best Media Agency by using their insights, experience, expertise and creativity. 'Bharat 24' is a channel that is constantly challenging its own existing ways, thoughts, processes and systems and developing radical new ways, tools, processes and systems that show the way.
During his conversation with Media, Ashish showered gratitude towards his CEO media maestro Jagdeesh Chandra and his entire team for bringing out the best of the entertainment world to the audiences.
Aryan becomes entrepreneur
Aryan Khan, the eldest child of actor Shah Rukh Khan, shocked the entertainment world by announcing last week that he will be making his directorial and scriptwriting debuts. He's moved his career along by now announcing his foray into entrepreneurship. In India, he and his associates introduced the D'YAVOL premium vodka brand. D'YAVOL, interestingly, translates as Devil.
Aryan, Bunty Singh, and Leti Blagoeva will also be entering the brown spirits market later, according to Mintreports. For distribution and marketing
needs, they have partnered with AnheuserBusch InBev (AB InBev), the biggest brewer in the world. Their vodka would reportedly be "a single-estate liquid created liquid manufactured in Poland from winter wheat," accord-
ing to reports. Talking about the same Jr. Khan told Mint, “We thought there was a kind of void in the current space. And when there’s a void, there’s an opportunity, and I think businesses are all about opportunity".
Rani to inaugurate Kolkata Film Festival!
Rani Mukerji will make a trip to Kolkata to inaugurate the Kolkata International Film Festival with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee. In its 28th edition, the festival has invited Rani as a Distinguished Guest for her illustrious career over the last 25 years and her immeasurable contribution to the Indian film industry. She will be felicitated at its inaugural ceremony where dignitaries from world cinema, Indian cinema and West Bengal will be present. Rani said, “A visit to Kol-
VICKAT MELT HEARTS
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are one of the cutest couples in B-Town and they never fail to give their fans some serious PDA pictures. The couple recently cel- ebrated their
first wedding anniversary together. Posting some unseen pictures of them together, they made every netizen go “awwwwwww”! After a quick vacay in the hills, both of them got busy with their respective schedules. While
Mumbai, Vicky stayed back for the shoot of his upcoming Sam Manekshaw biopic.
Now, a recent encounter between the two hastured
the hearts of netizens who cannot get enough of the two.
During a recent award function, though the two entered the venue separately, the moment they met became viral on the internet. While Vicky was leaving the venue, Kat was entering. As they came face to face, they shared a warm hug and Katrina’s blushing face could not be missed out! Kat looked breathtaking in a shimmery gown and flowy hair. Meanwhile, husband Vicky Kaushal donned a classic suit that complemented his toned body.
IPS CHAUDHARY IN ACTION!
kata is always special to me as it brings back childhood memories and reminds me of my love for cinema that grew in my heart from an early age.
Kolkata International Film Festival has cel ebrated the legacy of filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen and many Bengalis artists and technicians who have contributed to creating this vibrant Indian film industry and I’m hon oured that this time they have decided to celebrate my career and felicitate me along with other achievers.”
‘Love playing women who are equal to men!
Bhumi Pednekar is one of the most sought-after actors in Bollywood today because of her incredible acting skills and penchant to deliver towering performances. She has, through her choice of roles, picked to play heroines who do not shy away from proclaiming that they are equal to a man!
“I have always believed that cinema can be a powerful tool to showcase strong, independent and fiercely progressive women on screen. My journey in cinema is a living example of this because I have consciously chosen films that present the woman of today,” says Bhumi.
She adds, “Dum Laga
Ke Haisha, Badhaai Do, now Govinda Naam Mera and many more, I have always been in clined to play women who haven’t compro mised on their dreams and wishes and stood up against the patri archy.”
Bhumi further adds, “I love playing wom en who chal lenge the status quo in society and change the lens on gender. I love playing with women who are equal to men. I would like this to be my small contribution to Indian cinema and my calling card.”
Ranveer Singh wins hearts!
Superstar Ranveer Singh is one of the purest souls in the film industry. While promoting his upcoming comedy entertainer Cirkus at the Malad Masti event in the suburbs of Mumbai, Ranveer noticed a small child crying and getting pushed in the crowd. Noticing his plight, Ranveer picked the kid up to protect him. He then carried the child and made sure he safely got back to his custodians. This video is winning
