First India-Jaipur Edition-17th March 2023

RAMDEV: ANOTHER PATANJALI FOODS FPO WILL COME UP IN APRIL

New Delhi: Baba Ramdev on Thursday said that promoters’ share freeze by the stock exchanges will not impact Patanjali Foods’ operation & company has started process of launching a follow-on public offering (FPO) in April to increase public shareholding to 25%.

RAJESH GOPINATHAN RESIGNS AS TCS MD & CEO

New Delhi: TCS chief Rajesh Gopinathan has put in his papers, nearly 4 years ahead of completion of his tenure, and will be replaced by company veteran K Krithivasan. Krithivasan nominated as CEO designate with the immediate effect.

C

HEETAH OPTER RASHES

2 pilots die after the Indian Army’s Cheetah helicopter crashes near Arunachal’s Bomdila

The helicopter had gone missing after it lost contact with the ATC at around 09:15 am

Moni Sharma

Bomdila: The bodies of the pilot and the co-pilot of the Indian Army’s Cheetah Helicopter that crashed in Arunachal Pradesh earlier on Thursday have been found by the civilians. As per reports, their families have been informed. The two pilots were identified as Lieutenant Colonel VVB Reddy and Major Jayanth A.

The Cheetah helicopter had gone missing in morning when it was moving from Senge to Missamari. The helicopter lost contact with

READ Crucial

BOOKIE’S DAUGHTER WHO OFFERED BRIBE TO AMRUTA ARRESTED

Modi, Hasina to inaugurate India-Bang F’ship Pipeline

First India Bureau

ERIC GARCETTI IS US AMBASSADOR TO INDIA AFTER 20-MONTH FIGHT

Washington: Eric Garcetti, former Los Angeles mayor and a close ally of President Joe Biden, has been confirmed as the US’ ambassador to India by the US Senate. The confirmation followed a lengthy 2-year nomination process that saw many allegations.

Will speak in Parliament if allowed by chair: Rahul

Delhi Police issues a notice to Rahul Gandhi on ‘women are still being sexually assaulted’

remark

Mumbai: The daughter of a wanted bookie, who posed as a designer and offered a crore as a bribe to Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta Fadnavis to intervene in a criminal case involving her father, was arrested by Mumbai Police. Aniksha is daughter of wanted bookie Anil Jaisinghani.

CENTRE WRITES TO 6

STATES AMID RISE IN COVID-19 CASES

New Delhi: Centre asked 6 States — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, TN, Kerala and Karnataka — to follow a risk assessmentbased approach to prevent, contain spread of infections, citing a possible localised spread of the virus.

RSS CHIEF MOHAN BHAGWAT WILL VISIT JAIPUR ON APRIL 7

Jaipur: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat will visit Jaipur on April 7. Bhagwat will participate in Seva Sangam event in the city here. RSS Chief last visited Jaipur for 5 days from January 25, 2023.

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the IndiaBangladesh Friendship Pipeline on Saturday via VC on March 18. This is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh, built at an estimated cost of ` 377

TRAGIC MONTH

 8 MARCH Indian ALH Dhruv ditched off the cost of Mumbai

 12 MARCH Indian Mi-17 had emergency landing in Jodhpur

INDIAN ARMY ORDERS PROBE INTO ARUNACHAL CRASH

Indian Army ordered an inquiry after a Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh in which two pilots were killed on Thursday.

the ATC at around 09:15 AM. Later, it crashed near Mandala, West of Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh.

“Five search parties of the Indian Army, SSB and ITBP were immediately launched. The wreckage of the aircraft

was found near Village Banglajaap East of Mandala. With regret we inform that the pilot and the co-pilot of the helicopter lost their lives in the accident,” the Army’s Eastern Command released statement confirming the deaths.

New Delhi (FIB): Under attack from ruling dispensation for his remarks on democracy during his recent UK visit, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that if Indian democracy is indeed functioning then he will be allowed to speak in Parl and defend himself against the allegations made by BJP ministers.

“I am a Member of Parliament and allegations have been made against me in Parliament by four ministers. It is my right to have the opportunity to speak in House. It is my democratic right ,” he told media.

BrahMos missiles, howitzers, Dhruv choppers: `70,000 cr defence push

crore, of which the Bangladesh portion of the pipeline built at a cost of approx ` 285 crore, has been borne by Indian government under grant assistance.

New Delhi (FIB): The Defence Ministry has approved proposals worth over Rs 70,000 crore for buying different weapon systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given approval on Thursday.

Deal includes mega order of ` 32,000 crore for Indian Navy to buy 60 UH Marine choppers from HAL, officials ad-

Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh

Persistent efforts are being undertaken to bring self-reliance in the defence sector. Proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore were approved today. Over Rs 2.71 lakh crore worth of procurement cleared in FY23. 99% to be sourced from Indian industries.

dded. BrahMos missiles, Shakti EW systems & Utility helicop-

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION RURAL IN RAJASTHAN

ters-Mariime, valued at `56,000 crore have been cleared for Indian Navy.

CM GEHLOT APPROVES HIKE IN CONTRACT WORKERS’ HONORARIUM WORKING

Ashok Gehlot

@ashokgehlot51

First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to increase the honorarium

I didn’t speak anything antiIndia in London seminar.

—Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader RAHUL HAS A HABIT OF DEMEANING

INDIAN DEMOCRACY: RAVI SHANKAR

BJP slammed the Congress MP and stated that his comments “cannot become the barometer for success or failure of a democracy” and that the former Congress president has made it a habit to “demean Indian democracy”. “How long will Rahul Gandhi mislead the country? The BJP again reiterates that he said that ‘America and Europe should take note of India’s democratic backsliding’. It’s his habit to insult the feelings of Indians by criticising Indian democracy abroad,” said BJP MP RS Ravi Shankar Prasad during a press conference. BJP leader added that the party would campaign across the country for an apology from Rahul Gandhi.

CBI registers FIR against Sisodia in ‘snooping case’

First India Bureau

New Delhi: In a fresh jolt to former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia, CBI on Thursday filed an FIR against him in a ‘snooping case’. CBI had alleged in February FBU was created and allegedly used for collecting intelligence related to “political activities of persons, issues touching interest of AAP”.

CM’S SECURITY BREACH: SIX COPS SUSPENDED

ED’S FRESH SUMMONS

TO BRS LEADER KAVITHA

The ED has issued a fresh summons for March 20 to BRS leader K Kavitha in the Delhi excise policy moneylaundering case, after she skipped Thursday’s notice.

TEJASHWI TO APPEAR BEFORE CBI ON MAR 25

CBI on Thursday assured Delhi HC it will not arrest Bihar Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav this month, after which politician agreed he will appear before the CBI on March 25.

Probe Lawrence’s TV interview: Pb CS to DGP

First India Bureau

The BJP is infuriated by the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, so it wants to suppress the voice of Rahul Gandhi by misusing the police and other agencies. Rahul is a soldier of truth. Congress will strongly raise the voice of the victims by thwarting all such attempts.

Attempt was made to try to stop CM’s convoy at RU on Wednesday. Action was taken on it on Thursday SI Rakesh Meena, ASI Dharmendra, Constables Rajesh, Gajendra, Surendra & Radheshyam suspended. Addl DCP Crime Adarsh Chaudhary is probing case.

Jaipur: Inspector General (IG Prisons) of Punjab Police, Roop Lal Arora, has claimed that the interview of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was not recorded in Punjab. The senior IPS officer said that the interview took place while he was in Rajasthan as before bringing him to Bhatinda, he was lodged in Rajasthan jail. Surprisingly, on Wednesday, the Jaipur Police Commissionerate also denied any such interview of

Lawrence here. Following the controversy, Punjab CS Vijay Kumar Janjua has asked the DGP to probe matter and submit report in 2 days. CS directed DGP to find out from where jailed Lawrence got in touch with the media.

Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and others during 2nd phase of the Budget Session of the Parliament in Delhi on Thursday.

LS Speaker Om Birla conducts House proceedings on Thursday.

Wreckage of Cheetah helicopter of Indian Army which crashed near Mandala in West Kameng on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as (R) Lt Col VVB Reddy and (L) Major Jayanth A.

Statements regarding virangana Manju Jat ‘false, rumours’, clarifies Dhariwal

Says did not take the name of Manju Jat; BJP continues to create ruckus over Dhariwal’s remark

Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma & Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal

clarified on Thursday regarding his statement on March 13 related to war widow Manju Jat as false, misleading and a rumour. He said that he had just mentioned that Jat’s brother-in-law was already married.

Dhariwal said that the matter of kinship was said for Sundari Devi, which she herself said in an interview to a newspaper that it had been more than three years that she has been living with her brother-in-law, Vikram Singh. She said that she had two daughters and now there is a boy and a girl from Vikram.

PANEL FORMED FOR MAKING RAJASTHANI STATE’S OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: KALLA

Jaipur: Rajasthan Government has formed a committee to consider declaring Rajasthani the official language of the State, Minister BD Kalla said on Thursday.

BUDGET SESSION

After hearing the minister, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore said that they were not sitting in the House to discuss personal lives. He said that women are being raped and no matter what clarification the minister gives, he has insulted the war widows.

Meanwhile, BJP MLAs created a ruckus by questioning Dhariwal’s reference to Sundari Devi and his clarification on Manju Jat.

Dhariwal reiterated that he did not even take the name of Manju Jat.

Replying to the calling attention motion moved by the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly during Zero Hour, Kalla, the art and culture minister, informed the house that the government has approved the formation of a committee, which will study the model of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and submit a report to the state government. Minister BD Kalla said based on the report, the state government will take action regarding the recognition of the Rajasthani language on similar lines.

‘`10 CR IN BUDGET FOR MALVIYA NAGAR

DRAINAGE WORK’

Working towards making rural Raj self-reliant, says Ramesh Meena

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rural Development and Panchayati

Raj Minister Ramesh

AGRA ROAD ‘ECO ZONE’ MATTER UNDER CONSIDERATION IN SC, SAYS DHARIWAL

QUESTION HOUR

EXEMPTION IN ELECTRICITY BILL POSSIBLE UNDER SPECIAL PACKAGE: GR MEGHWAL

MLA Baljeet holds protest run in Pilani,

Udaipurwati

First India Bureau

Jhunjhunu: Behror

MLA Baljeet Yadav held a protest run in PilaniKhetri assembly constituency and Udaipurwati of Jhunjhunu on Thursday. Yadav wore black clothes and protested against the State Government and said that despite years of independence, poor people and farmers are deprived of basic facilities. He demanded to give 100 per cent reservations to state youths in government jobs, reduce corruption and give appointment on 5 lakh vacant posts in six months.

There was a slight scuffle between the police personnel and the ration dealers, who were trying to march to the State Assembly

Urban Development and Housing Minister

Shanti

Kumar Dhariwal informed the House on Thursday that a provision of Rs 10 crore has been made in the State Budget for the year 2023-24 for the maintenance and beautification of the drain passing through Sectors 5, 6, 9, 12 and 14 of Malviya Nagar in Jaipur. Replying to the calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf, the minister said that orders have been given to the Municipal Corporation to get the drain cleaned before the monsoon and to remove the trees and plants growing in the drain.

SPEAKER EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE OVER KALLA’S ‘LETHARGIC’ REPLY

Speaker CP Joshi expressed displeasure with the reply of Education Minister BD Kalla regarding electricity connection to nine schools in Chittorgarh. Replying to a question, the Minister said that the schools will get the electricity connections in six months. Joshi surprisingly asked whether giving electricity connections to nine schools will take six months.

The speaker asked the minister how many connections were given in two years. Kalla then replied that he was not education minister two years back. On this, the speaker expressed displeasure and said that the minister gives reply on behalf of the government.

Khachariyawas: BJP only cares for votes

Urban Development Minister Shanti Dhariwal said in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday that the issue of colonies located in the Ecological Zone on Agra Road in Jaipur is under consideration in the Supreme Court. He said that on January 12, 2017, an order was issued by the Jodhpur High Court that leases cannot be given in the Ecological Zone. He said that before 2017, lease was given in 37 ecological zones in this area. He clarified that after the stay of the High Court, leases could not be given in the pending schemes.

‘24 CASES OF RIOTS, ARSON, AND LOOT LODGED IN CHHABRA CONSTITUENCY’

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal informed the house on Thursday that 24 cases of riots, arson and loot were registered in Chhabra assembly constituency on 11 April 2021. He informed that 116 accused have been arrested in these incidents and 23 accused are yet to be arrested. Dhariwal, while replying to a supplementary question during the Question Hour on behalf of the Home Minister, said that out of total 24 cases, 22 were registered by the local citizens and two cases by the police.

SPEAKER JOSHI ORDERS CHANGES IN STADIUM CONSTRUCTION POLICY

Jaipur: Assembly speaker Dr CP Joshi on Thursday directed the State Government to make changes in the policy for building stadiums at the block level. Congress MLA Shafia Zubair had raised the issue of making the stadium at block level. Speaker Joshi was not satisfied with the reply given by Sports Minister Ashok Chandna and said that there should be no condition of making a stadium at block headquarter level only but the stadium should be built anywhere in the block depending upon the availability of the land. Speaker also directed the government to make amendments in the policy.

19 MLAs named for dist 20-point Programme panel

First India Bureau Jaipur: Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas targeted the BJP saying that the party only cares about votes. He said that even God will not forgive them. The minister said that 2,000 units of elec-

tricity made free to farmers and many other welfare schemes have been announced in the state budget. He said that public blessings are with the Congress.

Khachariyawas said that the BJP has not been able to make the new leader of opposition so far.

First India Bureau Jaipur: 19 MLAs have been nominated in district first level committees of 20-point programme. The MLAs who have been nominated are Panachand Meghwal and Nirmala Sahariya, Amin Khan, Mevaram Jain and Madan Prajapat, Gayatri Trivedi and Kailash chand Meghwal, Ruparam, Chhagan Singh and Puraram Chaudhary, Narendra Nagar and Govind Prasad, Khushveer Singh and Avinash, Sanyam Lodha and Jagsi Ram, and Dayaram and Preeti Gajendra Singh Shaktawat.

PROTEST AGAINST STATE GOVT

Meena on Thursday said that the schemes are being successfully implemented by the department to make the poor, deprived sections and women living in remote rural places of the state self-reliant.

He said that through the schemes, these sections have been empowered socially and economically.

Meena was replying to the debate on the demands for grants of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department. After discussion, the House passed the demands for grants.

The minister said that to give more strength to the villagers under the MGNREGA scheme, an additional 25 days of employment is being given on completion of 100 days of employment.

For this, a provision of Rs 750 crore has been made from the state head and now this scheme has also been made permanent. So far, 3.14 lakh families have got full employment for 100 days in the state under the scheme and 13.37 lakh families have been given employment for 81 to 89 days.

Disaster Management and Assistance Minister Govind Ram Meghwal clarified in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday that under the rules of SDRF, there is no provision to exempt the affected people of natural calamities from electricity bill. He said that the assistance amount is paid as per the SDRF norms set by the State government. He said that those affected by natural calamities can be given exemption in electricity bills under a special package, but there is no such provision in SDRF.

PLOTS FOR SCRIBES IN BEAWAR SOON: SHANTI DHARIWAL

Self Government Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal said in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday that work is on to provide residential plots to journalists at concessional rate in Beawar. He said that a proposal has been sent by the Zilla Parishad to issue a lease deed of the newly created colony Khasra No. 1762/2 and draw a lottery for the rest of the journalists as per the rules. Legal examination of the Council’s proposal is being done.

BHILWARA CRUDE OIL FACTORY TO BE INSPECTED: MIN

Forest Minister Hemaram Choudhary said in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday that the crude oil factory operating at Ratyaheli (Asind-Hurda) in Bhilwara would be inspected by the State Pollution Control Board. He said that in the investigation, distance of this industry from the population and arrangements to prevent pollution will be inspected and if any discrepancy is found, action will be taken to shut it.

WORK ON TO GET NTCA NOD TO OPEN GILAI SAGAR KHANDAR GATE: CHOUDHARY

Forest Minister Hemaram Choudhary said in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday that the process of obtaining permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is on for opening the gate of Ranthambore Sanctuary in Gilai Sagar Khandar for tourism. He said that it is possible to convert Gilai Sagar and the surrounding areas from core to buffer zone only after permission. He said that the proposal for the new buffer zone was sent by the department to NTCA on May 9, 2022. After objections from NTCA, the department redressed them and sent it to NTCA on December 16, 2022. He said that the officers of the department have been directed for continuous follow-up for early permission from NTCA.

Health Bill implementation will benefit people, says GS Dotasra

First India Bureau Jaipur: PCC chief and Laxmangarh MLA Govind Singh Dotasra on Thursday said that the Right to Health Bill should be implemented so that people can get the right of treatment.

“We will listen to everyone, but let the Right to Health Act be implemented in the State. Our party wants to guarantee treatment to the public. Representatives of the government are continuously discussing with the people of private hospitals,” he said.

Regarding the forma-

Business Advisory Panel meet to be held on March 21

tion of new districts in the state, Dotasara said that it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.

However, he said that the people of the state are hoping for new districts and divisions and the CM would do it at the right time.

On BJP’s uproar in

Panchayat Samiti members, ration dealers gherao Assembly

Khan & Dimple Sharma

Jaipur: The members of local bodies on Thursday gheraoed the State Assembly demanding fulfilment of their ninepoint demands. The members of panchayat samiti, municipal councils and ward panch gathered at the 22 Godown and raised slogans against the government.

Notably, the local body members have been protesting for the last six months de-

manding honorarium as well as financial and administrative rights in the local bodies. Meanwhile, ration

Parliament regarding Rahul Gandhi, Dotasra said that Gandhi has never done any such thing anywhere in the country and abroad which insulted the nation. He said that Gandhi is warning about inflation, foreign policy and unemployment and the Central government should take cognizance of it.

“Rahul Gandhi’s journey of 4,000 kilometers has increased his respect in the country and abroad,” he said.

The Congress leader said that BJP has no issue and they are talking nonsense.

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting will be held on March 21. Three bills will come up in the assembly on March 20. These are regarding Amte University, MSME and Municipal amendment bill. On March 21, the Right to Health, Advocates Protection Bill and Jai Minesh Adivasi University Bill will be tabled.

Ramesh Meena, Rathore enter into verbal spat

First India Bureau Jaipur: The house witnessed uproar during the reply by panchayati raj minister Ramesh Meena. Deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore raised objection to the allegations of the minister on Rathore.

The minister accused the former BJP government of corruption in the panchayati raj department. Rathore objected to this and said that the minister should give notice if he has to make allegations.

Rathore also accused the minister of insulting the chair. After heated arguments with the minister, Rathore along with the party MLAs staged a walkout. The minister then gave the reply in the house in the absence of the opposition. Meanwhile, Rathore met the speaker CP Joshi in his chamber on the issue.

Ziauddin

dealers from across the State staged a show of strength in the capital for various demands on Thursday. Thousands of

ration dealers gathered at the Shaheed Smarak in the city and protested against the State Government. The ration

dealers came together under the banner of the Ration Dealer Coordination Committee and shouted slogans.

Minister Shanti Dhariwal speaks during the Assembly Session in Jaipur on Thursday.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas addresses media on Thursday.

Govind Singh Dotasra

Members of the Panchayat Samiti hold protest against the State Government over nine-point demands in Jaipur on Thursday.

Ration dealers from across the State hold protest against the State Government. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

POONIA, BJP WORKERS COURT ARREST AT HALLA BOL RALLY

Poonia addressed the meeting where he attacked the state govt

Ravi Katara

Jaipur: The BJP took out Janakrosh Halla Bol rally against the state government in Bharatpur on Thursday.

Before the rally, State president Satish Poonia addressed the meeting where he fiercely attacked the state government. He said that whether it is loan waiver or unemployment or

any other issue, the Congress government did not keep its promise.

Relief to Rohit continues, hearing on March 20

First India Bureau

New Delhi: In the Rohit Joshi rape case, relief to Rohit has continued and the next hearing in the matter will be conducted on March 20. Meanwhile, the advocate of the victim presented arguments related to the attack, including an acid attack, on the victim’s brother and father. Along with this the victim’s advocate also gave reasons for cancelling Rohit’s interim bail. taking cog-

Right

to Health

Bill to be passed on Mar 23, pvt hosps oppose

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The Right to Health Bill will be passed in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in the current session.The final draft of the bill has been approved after discussions with the select committee and the members of the State Joint Action Committee which had been opposing the bill.The bill is likely to be passed by March 23. However, a section of private hospitals is still opposing the bill. The operators of these private hospitals have warned of boycotting treatment under government schemes if the bill is passed.

11,500 pages chargesheet presented in ACB court

First India Bureau

nizance of which the Delhi HC listed the case for hearing on Monday.

Along with this, the HC suggested to go to SC in connection with the transfer of pending cases in Rajasthan.

The demonstration was regarding the paper leak, atrocities on women, and other is-

sues. After addressing the gathering, Poonia marched along with BJP workers to gherao

the collectorate. During this, there was a scuffle between the BJP workers and the police. BJP workers broke police barricades and reached the main gate of the collectorate. Poonia tried to climb its gate while police tried to stop. Police used water cannons to stop the protesters. Later, BJP workers along with Poonia, State General Secretary Bhajanlal Sharma, and BJP leaders courted arrest. Poonia said that such a demonstration was seen for the first time in Bharatpur against the state govt.

Jaipur: On day 60, the ACB presented the challan in SOG Additional SP Divya Mittal bribery case on Thursday. This challan of Rs 11,500 will be examined by the ACB court on Friday. Besides, the ACB is actively searching for the absconding dismissed constable Sumit in this case. As per ACB, the challan has been presented in the ACB court. Advocate Satnarayan Chitara told that in ACB cases, 60 days are required to present the challan during judicial custody. The period is fixed, in the ACP Divya

TRAGIC INCIDENT AFTER LIQUOR PARTY

Friends smash man’s head with stone

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: A body of a middle-aged man with his head crushed was found in an empty plot near the B-2 bypass intersection in the Sanganer area of the capital. Sanganer police reached the spot after getting the information that the body was near the intersection, and the FSL team was called on the spot.

According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Chanchal, who worked in a

JDC inspects MLA quarters before auction

Mittal bribery case, the challan was presented on the last day. ACB court has issued the warrant against absconding Sumit. Investigation under 173(8) CrPC is pending against accused Sumit, after his arrest, the

challan will be presented after completing the investigation.

Jaipur ACB team arrested SOG Additional SP Divya Mittal on January 16 in Ajmer for demanding a bribe of Rs 2 crore.

Jaipur: JDA is expecting to collect more than Rs 250 crores from the auction of the land of MLA residences in Jalpura. JDA Commissioner Ravi Jain inspected the spot and reviewed the preparations for the auction.

The JDA has made a planning of a total of 34, 467 square meters of land in Jalupura where old MLA quar-

ters were located. The auction of the land is expected to fetch more than Rs 250 crore to the JDA’s coffers. Ravi Jain along with top officials reached the spot today to see development works going on there. In the scheme of the land, three roads have been proposed. Of them, which were 45-wide earlier have been widened to 80 feet while the width of the third road is proposed to be 60 feet.

FIRST INDIA IMPACT

factory nearby. According to the information, there was a fight between Chanchal and his

Aravali Express derails near Ajmer

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A general coach of the Aravalli Express, which runs from Bandra-Terminus to Sriganganagar, derailed near Ajmer on Thursday. As soon as information about derailment was received, Railway Police Force in-charge Laxman Gaur along with Divisional Railway Manager Rajiv Dhankhar and Railway officials reached the spot and inquired about the incident. Ajmer Railway officials said that some wheels of the general coach derailed between Kharwa-Mangliyawas stations.

minister orders inquiry into irregularities on part of Dr Singh

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Gopalan minister Krishna Kunal has ordered an inquiry into the irregularities on part of Dr Lal Singh who worked as the director of the department without a posting order and issued financial sanctions.

After First India flashed the news, the secretary formed the inquiry committee of director Chandmal

Verma and financial advisor Manoj Shandilya which will give a report in seven days.

Dr Lal Singh, who was the additional director, had taken over the post of director

without the posting orders. It was after the transfer of the then-director. He worked for nearly 9 months without the order and issued financial sanctions.

Apart from this, several other irregularities were also committed. On the day of his retirement, Dr Singh had sanctioned a payment of Rs 13.69 lakh to Sabarmati Gaushala Ashram.

friends during the liquor party. Chanchal’s friends first thrashed him and then crushed

his head with a large stone, due to which he died on the spot. After Chanchal’s death, they left the spot leaving him near the B-2 bypass intersection. On Thursday morning at 10 am, a passerby saw the dead body near the intersection and informed the police. The FSL team has also found several pieces of evidence from the spot, on the basis of which the police have now made preparations to register a case of murder against unknown people.

Comedian

Khyali Saharan booked for rape in Jaipur

Jaipur (PTI): Famous stand-up comedian Khyali Saharan has been booked for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman in a hotel, police said on Thursday.

On the basis of a complaint lodged by the woman, a case was registered against the comedian on Tuesday at Mansarovar police station here, they said.

According to police, the incident took place on Monday when the comedian, who is an AAP activist, in an “inebriat-

ed condition” allegedly raped the woman. “A case under IPC Section 376 (rape) has been registered following a complaint lodged by the woman,” said sub-inspector Sandeep Yadav.

Abhishek Shrivastava

Gopalan

Satish Poonia & other workers in a scuffle with the police at the collectorate in Bharatpur on Thursday.

Both accused of killing Chanchal in police custody.

Rohit Joshi Khyali Saharan

JDC Ravi Jain reviewing the preparations of MLA quarters before auction.

Downing of US drone in Russian jet encounter prompts counter

...claims of violations in the sky — an international law expert explores the arguments

MOVE OVER SAGES AND KHALIL GIBRAN, MONEY CAN BUY HAPPINESS

China didn’t and detained the 24 U.S. crew members, demanding an apology from Washington. Since then, China has intercepted Australian and Canadian aircraft that were engaged in routine surveillance in international airspace, prompting complaints similar to those the United States is making now. In both the China case and the recent Black Sea incident, the United States has taken a consistent, widely shared position on the use of international airspace. As such, I believe it is on solid ground in objecting to Russia’s actions as unlawful

The details are disputed, but either way the result was the same: On March 14, 2023, a U.S. drone crashed into the Black Sea after an encounter with Russian aircraft.

According to the U.S. version of events, the unarmed MQ-9 surveillance drone was flying in international airspace when two Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone before colliding with it in violation of international law.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied that its aircraft made contact with the U.S. drone. Instead, Russia asserted that the drone was flying in the direction of Russia’s borders with its transponder off, suggesting that Russia found the flight suspicious. In addition, Russia said, the U.S. drone violated the “temporary boundaries” that Russia had established for its operations against Ukraine and crashed on its own.

In light of Russia’s past misrepresentations about its military activities during its invasion of Ukraine, I view Russia’s assertions with skepticism. Moreover, as someone who studies international law and formerly served in the U.S. State Department as a lawyer advising on issues related to armed conflict, I see this episode as highlighting the right of countries to operate aircraft and drones in international airspace – even for the purposes of spying on another state.

ROLE OF GUVs BEFORE

SUPREME COURT

SHOWING ‘DUE

REGARD’

If the U.S. characterization of the facts is correct, then Russia did indeed violate international law by interfering with the U.S. drone.

Under Article 87 of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Seas, the high seas – basically, waters that are not any country’s territorial sea or exclusive economic zone – are open to all states. And the right of a country to operate on the high seas includes the freedom of overflight. The convention also states that the freedoms “shall be exercised by all states with due regard for the interests of other states in their exercise of the freedom of the high seas.”

The United States is not a party to the convention, which was signed in 1982 and currently has 168 parties, including Russia. Nevertheless, the U.S. recognizes many of its provisions as customary law; indeed, a key U.S. naval handbook recognizes that “the aircraft of all states are free to operate in international airspace without interference by other states.”

As such, Russia violated international law when it failed to act with “due regard” for the U.S. right to engage in freedom of overflight. In fact, based on the U.S. account, Russia directly interfered with that right. And it is presumably on this basis

Role of governors in BJP-ruled states has come in for some sharp criticism in recent years for what the Opposition claims is unhealthy for democracy. Governors of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Telangana have all been in the news for clashing with elected governments over issues of gubernatorial powers as laid down in the Constitution of India.

Governors and elected governments have been at loggerheads over appointment of vice-chancellors, deviation from the text of speech provided by a government, differences over calling for floor test and summoning of a session. Sitting over bills passed by the legislature for months is another conten-

According to the US version of events, the unarmed MQ-9 surveillance drone was flying in international airspace when two Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone before colliding with it in violation of international law

that the State Department spokesman called the drone’s downing a “brazen violation of international law.”

AIRCRAFT IN CONFLICT ZONES

Russia appears to be taking the position that it was entitled to set up boundaries for its “special military operation” in Ukraine and that the United States disregarded those boundaries. Russia may be referring here to a “maritime exclusion zone” that Russia set up in February 2022 to prohibit navigation in the northwest portion of the Black Sea.

In general, the United States considers such zones to be lawful if their purpose is to direct neutral ships and aircraft away from conflict areas – they can play an important role in reducing the risk that such vessels are

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court is at present hearing a petition against the former Maharashtra governor BS Koshyari for ordering floor test after Eknath Shinde led a revolt to cause the downfall of Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government

tious issue between governors and governments in some states. Telangana’s petition against the state governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for delaying her assent to bills is scheduled to come up in Supreme Court next week.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court is at present hearing a petition against the former Maharashtra gover-

mistakenly attacked. The United States itself established a “maritime safety zone” in Mediterranean Sea in 2003 in connection with its invasion of Iraq.

However, neutral ships and aircraft do not become lawful targets merely because they enter such zones. Russia would only have had a reasonable claim to use force against, or interfere with, the U.S. drone if it posed an imminent threat of an armed attack or was otherwise a legitimate military target during an armed conflict.

ON SOLID GROUND IN THE SKIES

Assuming the U.S. account is correct, it would not be the first time that a country has interfered with a U.S. surveillance aircraft in an unsafe manner and effectively downed it.

In 2001, a Chinese fighter jet bumped into a U.S. signals intelligence aircraft that was operating 70 miles from China’s Hainan Island. The U.S. aircraft was damaged in a way that forced it to make an emergency landing on Hainan, while the Chinese fighter jet itself crashed. At the time, US asserted that int’nal law, including “due regard” principle, permitted US to conduct surveillance flights in China’s exclusive economic zone, which US considered to be international airspace.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

nor BS Koshyari for ordering floor test after Eknath Shinde led a revolt to cause the downfall of Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government.

The bench asked some probing questions on the governor’s role and made significant observations. Asking for the material on the basis of which Koshyari called for a trust vote, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that members of a legislature party losing confidence in a leader is an internal party affair. A Governor should not precipitate the fall of a government.

Uddhav Thackeray, besides chief ministers of Opposition-ruled states, would be keenly awaiting the court’s verdict. Telangana’s petition too would also settle a dispute which affects a government’s functioning.

Economists, social scientists and sages of yore have always differed over what constitutes happiness and if money can buy happiness. As the story goes, for a sage by the roadside happiness was about the sun’s warmth which a king with all his wealth and army could not encroach upon. And in that lay a life’s lesson for the king: Happiness is not about power or pelf but spiritual enlightenment. Khalil Gibran said, “Happiness is a myth we seek”. Economists and social scientists find happiness in money and some are convinced that money can even buy happiness. Can real happiness be found in material wealth? Or, is it to be found only in spiritual pursuits?

A Nobel-Prize winning economist has concluded that happiness tends to rise with increase in income. The economist Daniel Kahneman and his fellow economist Matthew Killingsworth have arrived at this conclusion based on a survey of 33,391 people with an income of at least $10,000.

TOP TWEETS

attainment of self-reliance in vaccine development, we, as a nation, are at the forefront of the global healthcare industry with our #Swadeshi technologies.

BUDGET SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

Modi meets with top ministers

Both Houses of Parliament witness ruckus by Opposition members demanding JPC in the Adani issue

New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with his top Cabinet Ministers in the Parliament.

The Minister included Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar, Kiren Rijiju and Anurag Thakur. Thursday was the fourth day of the second leg of the Budget session of Parliament.

Later, Parliament was adjourned for the day amid a ruckus.

While Congress and other Opposition parties insisted on their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the AdaniHindenburg row, the BJP members demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his remarks made in London.

Meanwhile in the Upper House, the Trinamool Congress MPs entered the Well of the Rajya Sabha with a black cloth tied around their mouths as they registered a unique protest which led to the adjournment in both Houses. A similar protest was seen in Lok Sabha as well.

New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Congress staged a protest near Lt Governor VK Saxena’s office here, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue. Several leaders and workers led by party president Anil Chaudhary gathered near Raj Niwas with placards and raised slogans against the BJP and the Centre. Chaudhary alleged that instead of accepting the demand for a JPC probe, the BJP has been creating “roadblocks” for MPs raising the issue in Parliament.

Assam budget: Funds for

New Delhi (PTI): The Parliament will continue to witness logjam and Opposition will carry on its protest until a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) is set up to probe alleged irregularities by the Adani Group, the Aam Aadmi Party said on Thursday. At a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson Sanjay Singh alleged a nexus between Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asserted that the Opposition will not spare those “who looted the country’s assets worth lakhs and crores of rupees”.

PAWAN KHERA SLAMS BJP OVER RUCKUS IN PARLIAMENT

New Delhi (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday slammed the BJP over continuous ruckus in the Parliament, amid the demands of a JPC probe into the Adani issue, and said that the BJP is “scared”.

While talking to ANI, Khera said,” Whenever Congress raises the demand for a JPC probe in the Adani issue, to divert attention, they (BJP) won’t let the session continue.

BJP is scared that somebody will raise Gautam Adani’s name in the Parliament.” On Thursday, Opposition MPs protested outside Parliament by forming a human chain and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani issue.

India is not Cong’s fiefdom, party can’t digest it, says Rijiju

New Delhi (ANI): Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on India in the UK and said that citizens cannot remain silent over the “defamation” of the country.

In a veiled attack against Congress, Rijiju said that India is not their “fiefdom” anymore and the grand old party cannot digest this fact. He said, “If Rahul Gandhi says something and Congress gets into trouble because of that, we have nothing to do with it. But if he defames our country, then as the citizens of this country, we can’t be quiet.”

He added, “ Abuse us as much as you want but we can’t let you insult the nation. Rahul has insulted the judiciary, our judicial system is a robust one. The only demand is that Rahul will have to apologize to the country for insulting it. India is not their fiefdom anymore, they can’t digest this fact.”

He further added that Rahul can say whatever he wants but nobody can insult the country.

“I’m an MP elected to

the Parliament so how can I keep quiet,” he further added.

“Congress and Rahul have been rejected by the people of this country. He has undermined the reputation of our democracy and Parliament..it is not acceptable,” he stated.

Rijiju alleged that Rahul lied that he wasn’t allowed to speak in Parliament. “He (Rahul) led a yatra as per the wishes - then he is saying, he wasn’t allowed to speak?”

“Being an MP in Parliament he (Rahul) has shamed the Parliament, that’s most unfortunate,” Rijiju said.

Himachal CM Sukhu tables Economic Survey 2022-23

Shimla (ANI):

Himachal Pradesh CM

Sukhvinder Singh

Sukhu on Thursday presented the State Economic Survey 2022-23 in the Legislative Assembly.

The document was prepared by the Economic and Statistics Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh. The economic survey revealed that the state’s real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices will grow by over Rs 18,143

crore during the current Financial Year 2022-23 as compared to the previous FY2021-22.

As per first advance estimates of State Income, this translates into growth in real GDP during Financial Year 2022-23 at 6.4 per cent as compared to 7.6 per cent in Financial Year 202122, the Himachal govt said in a statement.

“The State’s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or GDP at Con-

stant Prices (2011-12) in Financial Year 2022-23 is estimated to attain a level of Rs 1,34,576 crore,

as against the provisional estimate of GDP for Financial Year 2021-22 of Rs 1,26,433 crore,” the

statement said.

“Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in Financial Year 202223 is estimated to attain a level of 1,95,404 crore, as against the provisional estimate of GDP for Financial Year 2021-22 of 1,76,269 crore showing an absolute increase of Rs 19,135 crore. The growth in Nominal GDP during Financial Year 2022-23 is estimated at 10.9 per cent as compared to 13.5 per cent in

Financial Year 2021-22,” it said further.

As per the statement, the government of Hill State have outperformed in various sectors ranging from tourism to social services.

“After COVID-19 pandemic domestic tourist arrivals [in Himachal Pradesh] have increased from 32.13 lakh in 2020 to 56.37 lakh in 2021 and further to 150.99 lakh in 2022 in absolute terms,” it said.

Guwahati (PTI): The Assam govt on Thursday presented a Rs 3.22 lakh crore budget for the 2023-24 financial year, announcing funds for promoting micro-entrepreneurship and 40,000 fresh recruitments in different departments.

Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog said the govt will invest Rs 5,000 crore over the next three years to “transform” over 2 lakh unemployed youths into job creators.

For the purpose, Rs 1,000 crore was allocat-

ed in the next fiscal.

Neog said 40,000 people will be recruited in various departments by May 10 to mark the completion of two years of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led govt and fulfil the BJP’s poll promise of giving one lakh govt jobs.

“Our government already provided employment to about 42,000 youths across various departments... The remaining 18,000 are at various stages of recruitment, and this will also be completed very soon,” Neog said.

Mufti snubs critics after temple visit

BJP terms it a poll “gimmick” as PDP chief visits temple in Poonch district

Jammu (PTI): PDP

chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday defended her recent visit to a Shiv temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and performing a ritual there, saying “we live in a country that is home to the Ganga-Jamuni

CHHATTISGARH: BJP ACCUSES POLICE OF ‘BARBARIC’ ACTION

drawing criticism from some quarters.

tehzeeb” and there is no need to discuss the matter further. A video of the former CM offering

MISSION KARNATAKA

water to Shivling inside Navgraha temple, Mandi-Ajote in Poonch on Tuesday has gone viral,

Nadda on 2-day K’taka visit from today

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The BJP chief will attend multiple events and meetings in Karnataka and will also meet Karyakartas to motivate them ahead of the state elections

New Delhi (ANI):

Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Jagat Prakash Nadda will visit the pollbound state on Friday and Saturday, said sources on Thursday.

The BJP National President will attend multiple events and meetings in Karnataka, added the sources. “Nadda will hold a rath yatra and address rally on March 17 in Chitra-

durga district. Next day, he will again hold a rath yatra and address a public rally in Tumkur, Karnataka.”

Nadda will also meet Karyakartas to motivate them ahead of the state elections.

Senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited Karnataka in February. Karnataka is slated to go for Assembly elections this year.

“We are living in a secular country that is home to Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb. The temple was built by Yashpal Sharma (former PDP leader who died last year) and his sons want me to visit the place. I went inside and someone gave me a small vessel filled with water with a lot of belief and love,” she said.

Raipur (PTI): The Opposition BJP on Thursday hit out at the Congress govt in Chhattisgarh Assembly over “barbaric” police action against its leaders and workers during a protest on “poor” implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in the state. Police fired tear gas shells, used water cannons and resorted to lathicharge

as several BJP workers tried to lay siege to the Assembly building in Raipur during an agitation over implementation of the Centre-sponsored housing scheme on Wednesday. Raising the issue in Zero Hour, BJP members claimed the police used tear gas shells to target r party workers and even women protestors were treated with barbarity.

IN THE COURTYARD

DESIGNATING Sr ADVOCATES: SC RESERVES

ORDER WHETHER GUIDELINES NEED TWEAKING

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on whether its 2017 verdict laying down guidelines for itself and high courts for designating lawyers as senior advocates requires any tweaking. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told a bench headed by Justice S K Kaul that the 2017 verdict needs reconsideration.

“CHAKKA JAM NOT VIOLENT PROTEST” DELHI EXCISE: PILLAI’S REMAND EXTENDED

New Delhi: Defending his discharge in a 2019 Jamia Nagar violence case, JNU student Sharjeel Imam Thursday told the Delhi High Court he only campaigned in favour of peaceful protest and ‘chakka jam’ cannot be termed a “violent method of protest”.

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday got remand of Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai till March 20, in connection with its ongoing probe in Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 money laundering case. Pillai was arrested on March 6.

KOTKAPURA FIRING: ANTICIPATORY BAIL OF SUKHBIR DISMISSED

Chandigarh: A court in Punjab’s Faridkot on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in the 2015 Kotkapura police firing incident but granted relief to his father and former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. Both the Akali leaders last week had moved the Faridkot court for anticipatory bail.

Proceedings of Lok Sabha underway during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI DELHI CONGRESS PROTESTS NEAR LG SAXENA’S HOUSE, DEMANDS JPC PROBE

2 lakh entrepreneurs, 40,000 new govt hirings

Kiren Rijiju at Parliament.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma with Finance Minister Ajanta Neog (R), briefs media, in Guwahati on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu in State Assembly in Shimla.

Mehbooba Mufti offers prayers at Navagraha temple, in Poonch.

Pawan Khera

AAP MP Sanjay Singh (L) and RJD MP Manoj Jha.

A Congress supporter tries to cross barricade.

ADANI ISSUE STILL SIMMERS

PM: HEALTHCARE STAFF DOING BEST TO KEEP INDIA HEALTHY

Modi recalls India’s strides in vaccinating people on the National Vaccination Day

First India Bureau

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Thursday complimented all the healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy.

On National Vaccination Day, PM reiterated commitment to building a healthy India and also recalled India’s strides in vaccinating people. Responding to a tweet by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the PM tweeted; “Compliments to all our healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy.

On National Vaccination Day we also recall India’s strides in vaccinating people and reaffirm our commitment to building a healthy India.”

`10L given to kin of youth killed in firing

Indore (ANI): Indore Collector Ilayaraja T on Thursday announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh was being given to the family of the tribal youth who died in police firing to control a crowd of protestors at Dongargaon outpost in the district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night.

The youth who died was identified as Bherulal (18). The crowd was protesting following the death of a 22-year-old tribal woman who was found dead allegedly due to electrocution on Wednesday in Dongargaon village located in Mhow locality of the district.

After the death of the woman, her family members along with other people of the tribal community staged a protest by placing the body on the road outside Dongargaon police outpost demanding that the accused be handed over to them.

MEA welcomes Garcetti as USA’s envoy to India

NEW RECORDS BY WOMEN IN ALL FIELDS: PM

First India Bureau

Compliments to all our healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy. On National Vaccination Day we also recall India’s strides in vaccinating people and reaffirm our commitment to building a healthy India.

“GROWING PORT SECTOR CONTRIBUTING TO ECONOMIC PROGRESS”

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the achievements of Tuticorin VOC port a Y-o-Y growth of 11.35%.

The Port has handled 36.03 Million Tonnes of

cargo, as on 14.03.2023 and surpassed the target of 36 Million Tonnes, set by the Shipping Ministry 17 days ahead in the FY 2022-23.In a reply to a tweet by V.O.

Malali mosque row: VHP holds yagna

Mangaluru: The Malali mosque row here in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district has surfaced again as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists on Thursday performed a special ‘yagna’ seeking divine blessing and intervention for a temple to come up.

The activists performed ‘Maha Gana Yaga’ or ‘Ganapathy Homa’ to pray for construction of a temple at

the site of the mosque, as per the advice of tantris. When the question was asked whether the temple will be constructed at the site of Malali mosque, tantris (foretellers) had advised that the work needs divine blessings.

Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, the Prime Minister tweeted; “Good! India’s port sector is growing rapidly and contributing to economic progress.” (FIB)

TSPSC paper

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that new records of women in water, land and sky will prove to be milestones in building a developed India. PM Modi was responding to a tweet by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways wherein Ministry has informed that Serang Sandhya’ has taken command of a ferry which will take people to their destination.

New Delhi (PTI): India on Thursday welcomed confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to New Delhi and said it looks forward to working with him to take forward the multifaceted bilateral relations.

Considered a close aide of President Joe Biden, Garcetti received the confirmation to the post from the US Senate over two years after he was nominated to the key position.

“We welcome the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to India. We look forward to working with him to take forward the multifaceted bilateral relations,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a me-

We welcome the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to India. We look forward to working with him to take forward the multifaceted bilateral relations.

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, External Affairs Ministry

dia briefing.

The Senate voted 5242 to confirm the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination on Wednesday. His nomination was pending before the US Congress since July 2021 when he was nominated by President Biden.

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13-8 in favour of his nomination.

Kenneth Juster, the last US envoy in New Delhi, stepped down in January 2021 after Biden became President.

leak:

BRS,

BJP play blame game

Hyderabad: Leaders of Telangana’s ruling BRS and Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are blaming each other for the exam paper leak that has rocked Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). Both the parties are targeting each other in what is being seen as an attempt to take political mileage from the issue ahead of Assembly elections scheduled towards the end of 2023.

REFLECTION AFTER RAIN!

Zojila Pass opened after 68 days

Ladakh (ANI): After closure of 68 days, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the strategic Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range on Thursday.

As per Defence Ministry, the pass at 11,650 feet which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and J&K was kept open for traffic till January 6, 2023 through relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions, ensuring that the Pass remained

Zojila Pass was opened on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160180 days in earlier years.

Since the first week of February, the snow clearance operations

Not working for forming next govt: Punjab CM Mann

Chandigarh (FIB): Asserting that the state has successfully completed the first lap of unprecedented development in the last one year, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said the government is working not for forming the next government but for prosperity of the next generation. In a video message on the occasion of completion of one year in office, Mann said the people of the state had given a thumping verdict in favour of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during the Assembly elections held last year.

PREZ’S SOUTHERN SOJOURN

President Murmu arrives in Kerala for 2-day visit

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The President visited INS Vikrant and later, presented the President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy

First India Bureau

Kochi: President Droupadi Murmu arrived Kerala on Thursday as part of her six-day visit to the state, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and CM Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the president at Kochi airport. Murmu visited INS Vikrant, country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier on Thursday evening. Later, she

presented the President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the In-

dian Navy here. On Friday, Murmu will visit spiritual guru Mata Amritanan-

damayi’s Math in Kollam and she will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour in Thiruvananthapuram.

She will also dedicate to the nation the Technical Books of Diploma and Engineering that have been translated into Malayalam by Digital University Kerala (DUK) in a function being organised at Kowdiar.

Following two-day visit in Kerala, Murmu will leave for Kanyaku-

mari in Tamil Nadu on March 18 and pay tribute at Vivekananda Smarak and the statue of Thiruvalluvar.

On March 18 evening, she will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour at Kavaratti, the capital of Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

On March 19, the President will interact with members of Self Help Groups at Kavaratti, the officials said.

—With PTI inputs

were undertaken from both sides of the pass by Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in J-K and Ladakh respectively.

After sustained efforts, the connectivity

across Zoji La Pass was initially established on March 11. Thereafter, efforts were made to improve road conditions to create safe passage of vehicles. Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley has also been reopened on Thursday after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali were kept open throughout winters.

CRUCIAL READ

CONGRESS LEADER EVKS ELANGOVAN RECOVERING WELL

Chennai: Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, admitted for mild chest infection, is recovering well, a hospital treating him said here on Thursday. “EVKS Elangovan was admitted yesterday evening (March 15, 2023) with mild chest infection. His vitals are stable. He is recovering well,” Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre said in a press release. He emerged victorious in the bypoll held recently to Erode (East) Assembly constituency.

COUPLE ARRESTED WITH DRUGS, CASH NEAR KOLKATA

Kolkata: A couple was arrested on Thursday after 3.5 kg of illegal drugs was found in their apartment in Salt Lake near Kolkata, police said. Acting on a tipoff, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) raided the apartment in Sukantanagar on Wednesday evening and it continued overnight, they said. In the raid, Rs 5.5 lakhs in cash and 3.5 kg of illegal drugs were found in the apartment. From an adjacent flat, some goats were also seized, they added.

POLICE ARREST 9 GANG MEMBERS FOR DUPING

ON PRETEXT OF GIVING THEM JOBS

PEOPLE

New Delhi: Cyber Police Team of Delhi Police have arrested 9 members of an interstate gang for allegedly duping people in the national capital on the pretext of giving them jobs. Arrested accused are involved in cybercrime and duped unemployed youths on the pretext of giving them jobs in Private Airlines, officials said on Thursday. Arrested members have been evading police for more than 8 months after police identified them with the technical investigation. The gang had been operating from different locations in Noida, UP and Uttam Nagar, Dwarka and Nawada, Delhi.

K’TAKA: WOMAN’S BODY FOUND IN DRUM, RAILWAY COPS NAB 3

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Railway Police have cracked the murder case of a woman, whose body was dumped in a drum and abandoned near one of the railway stations in the state capital. The police stated on Thursday that three persons have been arrested in connection with the case. The search is on for another five persons. The killers were known persons to the deceased woman, police said. The arrested persons have been identified as Kamaal, Tanveer and Shakeeb. The hunt is on for Nawab, Jamal, Majhar, Assab and Sabool.

SEPTUAGENARIAN OPENS FIRE AT RIVAL IN DELHI, ARRESTED

New Delhi: A 70-yearold man opened fire at a legal rival outside the Delhi Finance Commissioner’s office here on Thursday, police said. According to police, at around 11.15 a.m., KK Sharma opened fire with his licenced firearm at Pradeep Behel outside the office. “An arbitration matter was underway regarding PanchDeep Housing Society, Vikas Puri and today Sharma, a resident of the society, lost the case against Behel and others,” said a senior police official. Legal action has been initiated and the accused has been apprehended.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. —FILE PHOTO

People walk down a road after rainfall, in Shimla, on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

President Murmu with Navy Chief R Hari Kumar and others during a visit to the INS Vikrant, in Kochi, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

Narendra Modi @narendramodi

Udaipur gets record tourists in Feb

Ravi Sharma

Udaipur: The city of lakes saw a record number of tourists in February. The arrival of domestic and foreign tourists in Udaipur has broken the record of the last 14 years. A total of 1 lakh 40,400 tourists arrived in the month.

Most of the tourists in Udaipur come from Gujarat during the Phagutsav in Shrinathji, Vitthalnathji and Dwarkadhish temples.

During this 40-day festival, a large number of Vaishnavs and devotees come from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, including Gujarat.

The AhmedabadUdaipur train, which started about four-anda-half-months ago, has

Patwari held with `20K bribe in Bundi

First India Bureau

Bundi: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a patwari and his middleman in Bundi while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000. Police informed the patwari, Rajkumar Gurjar, posted in Dabi tehsil and the middleman, Gobri Lal was held for seeking a bribe to update revenue records.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis.

also made travel easier for people and has been a boost for the tourism industry. According to Shikha Saxena, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, the arrival of tourists will further increase due to the improvement of air and rail connectivity in

Udaipur.

Other events lined up are the G-20 Sustainable Financial Group meeting to be from March 21 to 23, in which more than 150 guests from 20 countries will arrive, the Gangaur Puja and Mewar Festival will also be organ-

HELICOPTER JOY RIDE IN JAIPUR FROM TODAY

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) will start a Helicopter Joy Ride in Jaipur on Friday.

The ride will begin from Hotel Shiv Vilas located on Delhi Road. For this, a meeting was taken by RTDC chief Dharmendra Rathore on Thursday.

Class 10th board examination begins in Rajasthan

ized by the Tourism Department on March 24, 25 and 26, in which tourists from all over the country and the world will participate. Overall, the loss suffered by the Udaipur tourism industry due to Covid is now being compensated.

Hotel rooms seized in SWM

Sandeep Goyal

Sawai Madhopur: The hotel rooms in Sawai Madhopur where covid infected foreigners were staying have been sealed after sanitisation.

A team led by CMHO

Dr Dharm Singh Meena reached the hotel and sanitised the rooms. Two rooms where the Australian tourists had

Seized

stayed were sealed. At the same time, covid samples of hotel

MOCK DRILL @ AIRPORT

‘Raju Thehat murder planned in Dubai’

First India Bureau

Sikar: The 24th accused arrested in the Raju Thehat murder case, Shakti Singh has revealed that the killing was planned in Dubai.

Police informed that a girl from Anandpal’s family was also involved in killing Raju

Thehat. She along with Anandpal’s close aide, Subhash Baral, had assigned the task of killing to the Lawrence

Bishnoi gang in Dubai. The police, however, have not yet disclosed the name of that girl. Police sources say that the girl could also be Anandpal’s daughter Chinu who is also a suspect. It has also been revealed that their next target was Thehat gang member Vijay Bhargava.

staffers were also collected for the medical examination. A ten member Australian group stayed in the hotel from March 13 to 15. The group reached Sawai Madhopur from Agra and reached Jaipur after visiting the city. Meanwhile, the health department will issue guidelines to all hotels.

RVUNL CMD in Chhattisgarh to ensure coal availability

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: CMD of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) RK Sharma is on a visit to Chattisgarh to ensure the availability of coal in the upcoming season of summer. The CMD is making efforts for the availability of coal to powerhouses of 4340 MW capacity in April. Sharma also met Surguja Collector Kundan Kumar and SP Bhawna Gupta and requested assistance in the second phase of PEKB. The official requested regular mining of coal for an uninterrupted supply. He sought help in maintaining assurance & continuity of coal supply.

RHB to organise Polo match followed by musical night for Club-21 members

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: For the applicants of the famous NRI Club-21 of Jaipur, a polo match will be held on March 25 at the Rajasthan Polo Club ground at Rambagh at 4.30 PM. A musical night by Bollywood’s famous singer band Meet Brothers will also be organised on April 1. “An exhibition match between NRI Club-21 and Polo Club will be played on March 25. At the same time, the duo of Meet Brothers, who have composed music

in many famous films, will entertain the audience through a musical night on April 1. The public has shown great enthusiasm towards NRI Club-21, which is

jointly developed by Rajasthan Housing Board and Raj Angan Society in Pratap Nagar.

Over 1000 people have applied for membership from January

26th to March 15th. The club has received over 21 crores from membership,” Arora said.

“Out of 1000 applicants, about 700 people have deposited the application fee, & some 300 applicants could not deposit the fee due to technical problem”, he added.

“Applicants can avail these programs by paying the fee till March 25. The help desk in the club premises will be operational till March 25,” Arora said, adding, “25 rooms will be built in the NRI Club.

The first helicopter ride was started in Jaisalmer, then in Pushkar, and now in Jaipur.

MEETING OVER RAJ CULTURAL FEST

Jaipur: RTDC chief Dharmendra Rathore chaired a meeting of officials regarding the upcoming Rajasthan Cultural Fest. He said, the Cultural Festival will offer strength to the folk art of Rajasthan and folk artists. “The Rajasthan Cultural Festival will be organized at the divisional and district level from March 28 to 30.

Student kills self in Barmer

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: After being duped by some people, a 25-year-old student had committing suicide by jumping in front of a moving train. Police said that before committing the suicide, the deceased have sent a voice message in which he mentioned some people for duping him. A case has been registered.

First India Bureau Ajmer: The Class X board exams of the Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer began on Thursday. On the first day, the English examination was held and more than 10 lakh students were registered across the state for the examination. The class tenth exams

will end on April 11.

The examinations are being organized at 6,098 examination centers across the state. The students reached the examination centers at 8:30 AM. The examinees were not allowed to wear watches and shoes during the examination. Notably, the class 12th exams began on March 9.

Student commits suicide, landlord dies of heart attack after seeing body

Jaipur (PTI): A class 10 student ended his life by hanging himself in a rented room due to exam pressure in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district while his landlord Bahadur Singh died of a heart attack after seeing the body hanging, police said Thursday. The incident took place at Madhavanand colony in Dholpur where

Pushpendra Rajput (17) lived as a tenant and studied in a pri -

vate school. He had returned from his village on Wednesday and committed suicide in the night, police said. “A suicide note has been recovered from the student’s room. The bodies were handed over to the family members after post mortem. A case has been registered, police added.

The loss suffered by the Udaipur tourism industry due to Covid is now being compensated

An anti-hijack mock drill was conducted at the Jaipur International Airport on Thursday.

RHB Commissioner and President of Club-21 Pawan Arora addressing a meeting of the club’s membership and executive committee at the Board’s headquarters on Thursday.

Landlord Bahadur Singh (70), Pushpendra Rajput (17)

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

CM GEHLOT APPROVES ` 16 CR TO STRENGTHEN TONK-BUNDI SH

With the approval of the proposal, strengthening and development works could be carried at State Highway no. 34

Remaining 18.7- km road will be developed after getting permission from the Union Ministry of Environment

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister

Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial proposal of Rs 16 crore for strengthening and road widening of Tonk-Bundi-Keshoraipatan State Highway. With the approval of the proposal, strengthening and development work can be done of the State Highway-34. This decision of Chief Minister will facilitate the movement of local people.

It is noteworthy that approval was granted for length of work of 48.7 km of which 30 km has been completed. The remaining 18.7 km stretch

of the highway could not be completed due to the road passing through wildlife region. This approval has been given by CM Gehlot for the devel-

Kalla announces Synthetic turf for players in Bikaner

opment of the remaining 18.7 km of road after getting permission from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Govt relaxes 'two-child policy' for government employees

Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: The State government on Thursday, relaxed the two-child policy which was applicable to the State government employees.

CM’s NOD TO SET UP TEMPORARY OFFICE OF ACE, WATER RESOURCES DEPT AT BANSWARA

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to establish a temporary office of Additional Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department at Banswara for smooth and timely implementation of various water projects in the state. According to the proposal, out of 5 news offices and 20 divisional offices currently functioning under Udaipur division, 2 news offices and 9 divisional offices will be brought under the proposed office. This approval will remain effective till March 31, 2024 and a decision may be taken in due course to extend the period based on the volume of works. With this approval, various budget announcements and projects of the State government related to Banswara district can be implemented in a timely manner.

CM GEHLOT SANCTIONS RS 53.22 CRORE FOR WIDENING JALORE-BAGRA ROAD

Jaipur: The State government is continuously working to develop high quality and well-planned road infrastructure in the region. In this order, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the financial proposal of 53.22 crore rupees for widening Jalore-Bagra road. According to the proposal, 18 km road from Jalore to Bagra, will be divided into 4 lanes and a divider will be created. Increasing the width of this road will facilitate traffic on the road. This construction work is part of Jalore-Ramsin-Jasvantpura-Revdar BOT road project.

It is noteworthy that CM Gehlot had announced to make Jalore-Bagra road 4 lane, in the implementation of which the said approval has been given.

Congress announces District Exec Committees in 4 dists

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Congress has declared District Executive Committees in four districts of Rajasthan namelyJodhpur, Jhalawar, Alwar and Baran. In Alwar, 15 V-Ps, 20 Gen Secys and 30 Secretaries have been appointed. GS Dotasara has announced 77 new Mandal Presidents of State. Similarly, in Jodhpur South, one General Secretary, one Treasurer, 15 Vice- Presidents, 20 General Secretaries, 30 Secretaries, two Spokespersons and two Social Media in-charges have been appointed. Likewise, Executive Committee members were appointed in Jhalawar and Baran districts. The District Executive was announced after the approval of PCC Chief G S Dotasara. The Congress party has appointed the

should adopt new techniques for smart farming’

Congress’ Raj in-charge Sukhjinder S

Randhawa appoints Punjab MLA and former Minister Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria as Observers

First India Bureau

Bikaner: What could be termed as a welcome move for sports lovers in the district, the State Education Minister, BD Kalla announced the development of two synthetic playgrounds. Sports lovers, students and youth of the city will get two synthetic playgrounds for Basketball and Handball in the next six months. These sports grounds will be built at Sadul Sports School. As per Minister Dr Bulaki Das Kalla, young talents will bring laurels to

Bikaner and Rajasthan at the national and international levels in the near future in the field of sports.

An amount of about Rs 60 lakh was sanctioned by the Education Department for renovation of these Sports grounds in Sadul Sports School.

Recently, e-bids were also invited for these works.

After this, work orders worth Rs 23,48,000 lakh & Rs 23,30,000 have been issued for the construction of a synthetic basketball court at the Sadul Sports School.

Till now, the government employees having more than two children were ineligible for promotion and increment. But now, such government employees will get seniority and promotion from the same year from which their promotion got due. Education Minister Dr BD Kalla while addressing the Assembly on Wednesday, informed that rules regarding the ‘two-child policy’ have been amended & employees having two kids will also be promoted.

As per the notification issued by the Department of Personnel, employees with more than three children will be given promotion in the same year. However, the actual benefits of increment will be available after three years. Also, for these three years, the employee will get only notional benefit of increment.

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Thursday, virtually participated in the Convocation Ceremony of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner. While addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized upon the cultivation of millet at all levels to provide nutritious food to the growing world population. He said that regular consumption of nutrition-rich cereals strengthens the body’s immunity, so more and more efforts should be made to popularise the products made up of coarse grains among the general public.

During the programme, Governor Kalraj Mishra also in -

There is a need to prepare effective methods for farmers by combining ancient and new knowledge of agricultural practices so as to achieve the desired goals of increasing agricultural production, food production and storage for food security, providing adequate nutritious food.

augurated the ‘Main Gate’ of the university and the ‘Girls’ Hostel Building.’ “The time has come when farmers need to do smart farming. Remote sensing, IoT, robotics, big data analytics and artificial intelligence have ushered in a new revolution in agriculture. Agricultural Universities will also have to make farmers aware of new techniques related to smart farming,” said

IN LAST FOUR YEARS...

Mishra.

The Governor also awarded a PhD degrees to 32 students, PG degrees to 75 students, Integrated Agriculture Post Graduate degrees to 3, Bachelor of Agriculture to 985 students and Gold Medals to eight students. Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria, Vice-Chancellor Professor Balraj Singh and others officials were also present during the programme.

Executive Committee after a long wait due to upcoming assembly elections. Congress' Raj incharge, Sukhjinder Randhawa appointed two Observers for Jaipur

Rural &

&

PSK: Purchase of wheat on MSP will start from March 20

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh

Khachariyawas informed that the purchase of wheat on the Minimum Support Price will start from March 20 at purchase centres in the State. He informed that the MSP of wheat has been declared at Rs 2,125 per quintal. Khachariyawas also told that necessary instructions have been given to District Collectors and purchasing agencies

to streamline the procurement process. The Minister added that in the first phase, the wheat procurement process in the state, which started from March 20 at 57 centres of the Kota division will continue till June 30. Moreover, wheat procurement will start on April 1, 2023 in the remaining districts. Khachariyawas further informed that the work of wheat procurement will be done online in the State.

The ‘inside story’ of inter-cadre transfers of AIS officers!

Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: In the last 4 years, five All India Service officers have been transferred from Rajasthan cadre to other cadres. Meanwhile there are 3 such officers who left the other cadres and joined the Rajasthan cadre. Among the different reasons for moving to other cadres and coming to Rajasthan cadre, most of them are inter-cadre

transfers on the basis of marriage.

IAS Gunjan Singh has recently been transferred to Bihar cadre on

the basis of marriage. There are 6 officers who have undergone intercadre transfer from Rajasthan to other cadre.

IPS POOJA YADAV: Inter-cadre transfer of IPS Pooja Yadav to Uttar Pradesh cadre was approved on April 2, 2018 as her husband Sanjeev Suman is working in UP.

IAS RIYA KEJRIWAL: Inter cadre transfer of IAS Riya Kejriwal, a 2017 batch IAS, occurred on January 15, 2021 wherein, she was transferred from Rajasthan Cadre to UP Cadre as she got married to UP cadre 2017 batch IAS Ishan Pratap Singh. The Inter-cadre transfer has been done on the basis of marriage.

IFS KHYATI MATHUR: Approval for Inter-cadre transfer for Khyati Mathur was received on January 8, 2019. The approval was given to shift from Rajasthan to Kerala cadre

and private issue was stated as the reason for seeking transfer.

IAS TEJASHWI RANA: Inter cadre transfer of the 2017 batch IAS occurred on June 12, 2020 when the IAS was transferred to West Bengal Cadre as she got married to West Bengal cadre 2016 batch IAS Abhishek Gupta. The Centre approved the transfer on the basis of marriage.

IAS GUNJAN SINGH: The orders for Rajasthan cadre 2020 batch IAS Gunjan’s inter-cadre transfer were issued dated March 14, 2023 to transfer from Rajasthan Cadre to Bihar Cadre.

Gunjan married IAS Vaibhav Srivastava of 2018 batch of Bihar cadre and on the basis of their marriage, Gunjan’s transfer was approved.

IAS ARTIKA SHUKLA: Inter- cadre transfer of Artika Shukla occurred from AGMUT Cadre to Raj as she married Rajasthan cadre IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu & was transferred to Rajasthan cadre on the basis of their marriage. Jasmeet and Artika Shukla are IAS officers of 2016 batch and the NOC of Inter- Cadre transfer was received on June 6, 2018, while approval of inter- cadre transfer received on June 26, 2018.

IAS UTSAH CHAUDHARY: Utsah Chaudhary, IAS of Chhattisgarh Cadre 2018 Batch, came to Rajasthan on inter-cadre transfer as transfer approval was received on July 16, 2019. He got married to 2018 batch Rajasthan cadre official Shilpa Singh

and the transfer has been approved on the basis of marriage.

IAS APARNA GUPTA: IAS Aparna , a former Gujarat Cadre official came to Rajasthan Cadre as she married Raj Cadre IAS Mayank Manish. They are IAS officers of 2018 batch & inter-cadre transfer was approved on Dec 6, 2019. While these officers have changed their cadre, but there is also a list of officers, who have moved to another cadre for a certain period. These include 2016 batch IAS Athar Amir, who was transferred from Rajasthan cadre to J&K cadre with approval on Feb 8, 2021. The 2005 batch IAS Poonam has recently returned from her home state Bihar to her native Rajasthan cadre.

City

for Ajmer & Sikar. Punjab MLA & ex- minister Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa & Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria have been appointed as Observers.

A true leader and a successful one understands the balance between maintaining a professional distance and ensuring a personal bond, with his team.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

‘Farmers

Governor Kalraj Mishra attends the Convocation Ceremony of Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner via VC at the Raj Bhawan in Jaipur on Thursday.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas

Sports grounds will be built at Sadul Sports School.

—Kalraj Mishra, Governor

RANDHAWA IN JAIPUR ON MARCH 20

Jaipur: Cong’s Raj in-charge, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will be visiting Jaipur on March 20 and he will participate in various meetings. He will also meet CM Ashok Gehlot and Govind S Dotasra. Randhawa will also meet Sachin Pilot and other Congress MLAs.

Fashion Connect Dubai Where tradition meets fashion!

The Fashion Connect by First India and Bharat24- Vision of New India, set the bar high with the completion of its very successful previous seasons. The Fashion Connect season 14 will be held on March 19 at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai.

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

With the huge response and netizens going gaga over the exemplary lineup and digital readiness, the first international Fashion Connect scored an amazing win over the fashion industry. Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai is all set to host the Fashion Connect Season 14 to be held on March 19, 2023!

Jagdeesh Chandra while congratulating brand ambassador Rishee

Miglani and Show director Lokesh Sharma said “Along with our endeavour to showcase the beauty and talent of charismatic ladies, with Season 14, we also strive to empower women by transforming them into stronger individuals who are aware of their credentials. This pageant will be a great contributor to the welfare of society, while also working in the fashion and entertainment industry. I congratulate the entire team.”

Fashion Connect is orchestrated twice a year in March and September. While the last season was organised in London with the most well-known designers exhibiting their magnificent collections, the latest season is all set to achieve another milestone in Dubai! Turn to

RECALLING THE BEST of THE FASHION DAYS

To honor the fascinating show, renowned designers Arpita Sulakshana, Wrickie Angrish, ItsAish by Ishita Gupta, Escape by Aishwarya and Anju Modi will be spreading the magic with their exquisite designs. Gorgeous beauty Sonal Sharma will be hosting the magical evening.

To appreciate the work of hardworking designers a felicitation show titled ‘Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023’ will also be organised.

The fashion event is known for raising the bar high each season by a notch.

Where the previous edition in Dubai saw many celebrated designers such as Michael Cinco this season is expected to be no less. The season 12 had grand

and opulent collection of Manish Malhotra who is a celebrated Indian designer, costume stylist, entrepreneur, revivalist, and couturier of international repute.

Filmfare Middle East, Jewelry Partner-Nandita Shekhawat, Health Partner

sors for Fashion Connect Season 14 that are looking forward to make this season a huge success too. Rishee Miglani, brand ambassador, Fashion Connect said, "We've worked really hard to come this far. So grateful to all our team and people who've supported us and showered immense love. This wouldn't have been possible without the support the of Jagdeesh Chandra Sir. We're pretty excited and look forward to another successful season of Fashion Connect. I congratulate all the designers and team."

- JNU Hospital, Gifting Partner-Brands For You, Styling Partner- Shades are a few among various spon-

City First highlights glimpses of the previous seasons held in Dubai, London and India which were greatly appreciated by one and all!

Urvashi Rautela, Michael Cinco and Sunil Grover during the rampwalk

Designer Shalini Naruka with models

Lokesh Sharma

Rishee Miglani

Designer Manish Malhotra walks the ramp during the Fashion Connect Season 12

Rupa Khurana, Rishee Miglani, Suneet Varma and Lokesh Sharma with models

Sunil Grover

Celebrations!

Jagdeesh Chandra hosted a celebratory dinner at Hotel Ramada on Thursday, at the culmination of the Press Premiere League 2023. The league was held from February 27 and won by Team Dainik Bhaskar who defeated Sach Bedhadhak team in an exciting grand finale match held on March 13. Both the teams along with Teams First India Red and Blue were part of the celebratory dinner in which anecdotes of the matches were remembered. Senior journalist Avinash Kalla, Pink City Press Club officials, President Mukesh Meena alongwith General Secretary Raghuvir Jangid and former President Radha Raman Sharma also joined the dinner.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

DURING THE DAY!

With the aim of promoting the path of non-violence, an initiative ‘Ahimsa Run’ is being organised by Jain International Trade Organisation (JEETO) on Thursday. In this grand event, people from 68 chapters of Jeeto across the country and 10 international chapters will simultaneously run 3 kms, 5 kms and 10 kms from their respective cities on Sunday, April 2. CM Ashok Gehlot extended his support by launching its poster on Wednesday. Jeeto Women’s Wing Chairperson Sangeeta Lalwani told that preparations are going on in full swing for this in the whole country.

Women’s day was celebrated in Anukampa Residency on March 16 with great enthusiasm and zeal. The theme of the event was ‘STRENGTHENING WOMEN’ where women displayed their beautiful art pieces and motivated others too. The white and blue colour theme represented being close to nature and ‘SAVE WATER’. The program was split into 3 sections of entertainment, showcasing talent and special innovative titles to everyone. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had an amazing time.

CITY FIRST

The grand wedding ceremony of Deepak, son of Janki Devi and Laxman Ram Kudi with Dr Preeti, daughter of Shakuntala and Banwari Lal Jhijhwaria was solemnised at Hotel Apano Rajasthan & Holiday Resort, Jaipur on Wednesday. Jagdeesh

Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various dignitaries including Dr CP Joshi, Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly; Lalchand Kataria, Minister Agriculture; Udailal Anjana, Minister of Cooperative and Shakuntala Rawat, Minister of Industry were also present. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WEDDING BELLS

DURING THE DAY!

BY

FUN-FILLED NIGHT!

Sustainable Energy Transformation

CITY FIRST

CITY FIRST

Anight to remember, March 15 saw some of the most eminent names in Jaipur gather under the starry sky for the grand opening ceremony of Donni’s, the healthy hangout zone at Mansarovar, Jaipur. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the special guest and congratulated MS Donni on the new venture. Situated in the heart of Jaipur, Donni’s, covers are serving luxury with multiple indoor and outdoor venues. Various whos who of the city graced the occasion and made the night full-filled.

Pankaj Sudhir’s story Chauthmal Massab was staged on Wednesday at Sarthak Manav Kushtha Ashram. The play was directed by young director Anil Marwadi and the story was adapted by Neeraj Goswami.

Making India Proud!

CITY FIRST

Dr Jyoti Kiran Shukla, Economist and Policy Expert, has been invited as the panelist for the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women on “Grassroots Leadership and Transformation”. The event has been organised by the Women (W20) India with Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York as their co-hosts to be held on Thursday, March 16, from 3 to 4:15 EST, at the Conference Building, UN, New York. Dr Shukla will be sharing

the panel with Bharti Ghosh, Former IPS and Former UN member; Cheryl Miller, W20 EUEU and Susan Jane Ferguson, Country representative at UN Women India. The speakers for the evening are Ruchira Kamboj, ambassador EPPM; Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women and Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chair of W20 India.

In an event hosted by WRI India and Bask Research Foundation in Jaipur, the Sustainable Energy Transformation (SET-RJ) project initiative by WRI India, Bask Research Foundation and Customised Energy Solutions points out that integrating both Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a solar and wind energy-based power system was discussed on Thursday. AK Gupta, Advisory (Energy), Government of Rajasthan said, “Solar hybrid solutions with a pumped hydro or battery storage is the need of the hour for Rajasthan to harness the huge solar capacity, particularly for usage in peak load hours.”

MM Ranwa, MD of Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. said, “Affordability for the consumer is very essential when we are providing any solutions for Sustainable Energy Trans-

formation.” The research findings were released by MM Ranwa and AK Gupta, in the presence of Bharath Jairaj, Executive Director, Energy, WRI, Sandhya Sundararagavan, Lead, Energy Transitions, and Simran Grover, CEO, Bask Research.

Panelists included Deepti Mathur, Executive Engineer, DSM, Jaipur Vidyut Vitran

Nigam Ltd, Ajay Yadav, Founder President of REAR Renewable Energy Association, Muralikrishnan Kannan, Principal Counsellor, CII-GBC, Aneesh Vijayan, Director, Insight Development Consulting Group (IDCG) and Tirthankar Mandal, Head, Energy, WRI India. The session was moderated by Simran Grover, CEO, of Bask Research.

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Laxman Ram Choudhary, Janki Devi, Dr Preeti, Deepak Choudhary, Sudheer Choudhary and Kritika Kataria

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

MUKESH KIRADOO

Jagdeesh Chandra with Avinash Kalla and Mahipal Singh.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Team Sach Bedhadak alongwith Ajay, Vishal, Vinod, Bharat, Dharmendra, Kartik, Radha Raman, Raghuvir Jangid, Mukesh Meena, Jawed, Indraraj, Ashish, Pawan & Rahul.

Jagdeesh Chandra congratulates Kartik Sharma, Vice Captain of Sach Bedhadak team. Also seen are Radha Raman, Mukesh Meena, Anita Hada, Vishal Mathur and Shishir Awasthi.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Lalit Gangwani, Shaan, Sarish, Mukesh, Radha Raman, Mahipal Singh, Moni Sharma, CP Sharma, Gajraj Bhati, Jinendra Shekhawat, Shishir Awasthi, Mahendra, Anita Hada, Kavita Chauhan and Vikas Sharma.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Vikas Sharma, Radha Raman, Mahipal Singh, Vishal Mathur, CP Sharma, Devendra Singh, Ajay Pandey, Garvit Narang and Bharat Dixit.

Dr CP Joshi, Lalchand Kataria and Udailal Anjana with Laxman Ram Choudhary, Janki Choudhary, Dr Preeti, Deepak Choudhary, Sudheer Choudhary and Kritika Kataria

Jagdeesh Chandra with Suresh Choudhary Lalchand Kataria, Dinesh MN, Biju George and Ashok Choudhary Shakuntala Rawat Jagdeesh Chandra and Dr CP Joshi

RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot with Rachit Agarwal, Sudheer Choudhary, Dr Preeti & Deepak and Chenaram Choudhary

Jagdeesh Chandra with Ajay Singh Rajawat, Rananjay Singh Govind Choudhary, Rudrapratap and Mrityunjay Singh

Jagdeesh Chandra cuts the inaugural ribbon. Also seen are Govind Chaudhary, Veena Rajawat, Ajay Singh Rajawat and Bhawani

Nikita Godha, Tonmali, Smita and Veena Singh Rajawat

Dr Jyoti Kiran Shukla

AK Gupta MM Ranwa