First India-Jaipur Edition-17th April 2023

JAGDISH SHETTAR RESIGNS AS MLA, QUITS BJP, JOINS CONGRESS

New Delhi: Senior BJP leader, once CM and 6-term MLA, an angry Jagadish Shettar on Sunday resigned from Karnataka assembly. Later in the day, Shettar joined the Congress party.

13 DIE, 600 SUFFER HEATSTROKE IN MAHARASHTRA’S KHARGHAR P5 Navi Mumbai: At least 13 people died and over 600 suffered heatstroke at Kharghar venue for the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony on Sunday, as lakhs were directly sitting under sun for hours.

ARJUN TENDULKAR MAKES IPL

DEBUT FOR MUMBAI INDIANS P6

Mumbai: Son of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler Arjun Tendulkar made his much-anticipated IPL debut as he was picked for the first time in the MI.

ATIQ & ASHRAF AHMED MURDER ROW

THE END OF ATIQ ERA!

 Three accused in the killing sent to 14-day judicial custody

 The Ministry of Home Affairs to draft SOP for safety of journalists

Moni Sharma

Prayagraj: Jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead at pointblank range by two assailants posing as TV reporters while they were being escorted to a hospital in Prayagraj for a mandatory medical examination under heavy security cover on Saturday night. The two shooters and an associate were taken into custody by police at the crime scene itself. The three-member judicial enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Arvind Kumar Tripathi of Allahabad HC

READ Crucial

RAJASTHAN ROYALS

‘FIRST WIN’ AGAINST GUJARAT TITANS

 3-member judicial committee to submit report in 2 months

 Internet services shut and Sec 144 imposed in Prayagraj

Police officers to be on alert, ensure peace, law and order are maintained in the state and the public doesn’t face any trouble.

—Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh

and will also comprise retired IPC officer Subesh Kumar Singh and retired District Judge Brijesh Kumar Soni. They been asked to sub-

mit a report to govt in 2 months. Internet services remain shut in Prayagraj district as part of the security measures. More on P6

SHAH SAYS SMALL STATES ARE DHAROHAR OF INDIA

 HM: BJP, PM Modi are blessed with a full majority in States like Goa & Uttarakhand

Moni Sharma

 BJP will form govt in Karnataka in the upcoming Assembly elections: Amit Shah

Ahmedabad: Rajasthan Royals were 4/2 after 3 overs but breakneck fifties from Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer helped them win the match.

Hetmyer kept RR’s chase alive after Samson fell to GT’s debutant spinner from Afghanistan Noor Ahmad.

4 DIE, MANY INJURED AT US TEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY SHOOTING

Washington: Over 4 people were killed and several injured in a Saturday night shooting at a teen birthday party in Alabama, in the latest deadly spasm of American gun violence. Local news reports said the shooting occurred at a Sweet 16 party in Dadeville.

CBI ARRESTS ANDHRA CM’S UNCLE BHASKAR IN MURDER CASE

Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Sunday arrested Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, uncle of Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in connection with its probe into the 2019 murder of his cousin and former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.

3 MORE DIE OF COVID IN STATE, 422 NEW CASES REPORTED

Jaipur: Three more deaths from corona were reported from the state in the last 24 hours on Sunday.

According to the health department bulletin, one death each was reported from Bikaner, Nagaur, and Pali. 422 new cases were also reported.

Ponda: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday addressed a rally in Goa as a part of BJP’s campaign for the next year’s Lok Sabha elections. Shah’s rally also focused on the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections as he claimed that a full-majority government of BJP will be formed in Karnataka. He also visited Nagesh temple in Goa’s Bandora along with Goa CM Pramod Sawant.

Shah took a swipe at Kharge for his remarks on BJP’s victory in “small states” of Goa & Uttarakhand earlier. P5

When we won elections in Goa and Uttarakhand, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge reacted by saying these are small states. But he should understand that small states are important parts of the country. Centre has a bigger responsibility towards small states as they are important parts of India.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

CM Gehlot stresses on ‘jhukega nahi’ approach to handle mafia in Rajasthan

Naresh Sharma and Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: Voicing concern over the brazen killing of ganglord-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in police custody on Saturday night, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said that such incidents take place when there is no law.

“The country is watching what is happening in Uttar Pradesh. Such incidents can hap-

I facebook.com/thefirstindia

THE ASSAILANTS WANTED TO KILL ATIQ, ASHRAF TO BECOME FAMOUS: POLICE

A court in Prayagraj sent all the three assailants who killed gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf to 14 days’ judicial custody. They have been identified as Luvlesh Tiwari, Sunny and Arun Maurya, though other names were also being bandied about. They hail from Banda, Kasganj and Hameerpur, resp. The police have said that 3 men, arrested have confessed that they had been following the brothers ever since they came to know they had been sent to police custody. The assailants are also learnt to have told police that they wanted to kill Atiq and Ashraf to become famous.

STORY SO FAR...

 Atiq first criminal case was 44 years ago, in 1979, when he was accused of murder.

 He had over 100 criminal cases against him, including murder and kidnapping.

 Ahmed was also a five-term MLA and a former Samajwadi Party Lok Sabha MP.

 He rose to promi-

dent’s rule.

 Atiq became the boss of an extortion and land-grabbing syndicate in Prayagraj.

 Atiq contested 2004 LS polls from the Phulpur seat, once Nehru’s LS seat, and won.

 In 2005, Atiq was named as accused in murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, his political In 2006, he was accused of kidnapping Umesh Pal, key witness in Raju murder case. In 2008, Atiq surrendered before UP police and was expelled by Samajwadi Party. 10 High Court judges had recused themselves from hearing cases of Atiq Ahmed.

CBI grills Arvind Kejriwal with over 56 questions in 9 hours

First India Bureau New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned for nearly nine hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday in the liquor policy case. He was questioned as a witness in the case which investigators said involved corruption in framing the policy to benefit a liquor lobby. He hasn’t been summoned for further questioning by the central agency so far. Kejriwal’s ex deputy Manish Sisodia, who held the excise portfolio, was arrested in the same case last month. Kejri said he will discuss more in session of Delhi assembly called by AAP today. P6

The CBI asked me everything starting from 2020, the year the liquor policy came into force, to the end of it.

—Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister

THE PROBE AGENCY SAYS...

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said the then secretary to Manish Sisodia told investigators that the draft liquor policy was given to him in March 2021 by the now-arrested leader at Arvind Kejriwal’s home.

there is no rule

kill

SANJAY, RAGHAV, ATISHI AMONG AAP LEADERS DETAINED DURING

P olice detained several AAP leaders, including RS MP Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, who were protesting outside the CBI office on Sunday. Delhi minister Atishi has also been detained. Meanwhile, AAP on Sunday held an “emergency meeting” of its office-bearers to decide party’s next course action.

PROTEST

maintaining law and order in the state is difficult,” he told the media after attending the Rajasthan Police,” Gehlot told the media after inspecting the parade on Rajasthan Police Foundation Day at Rajasthan Police Academy.

Gehlot, however, warned mafia and gangsters active in his State that their fates could also be the same as the slain UP ganglord. Gehlot said that Raj Police esteem is high, leading to State being considered peaceful. More on P8

REWARD ON ARREST OF CRIMINALS INCREASED

A fter Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s instructions in the law and order review meeting on Saturday, the state government on Sunday increased the reward amount on the arrest of criminals in the State from `5 lakh to `20,000. The cops arresting the criminals will also get encouragement. Below are the revised price details.

THEN AND NOW...

CM REACTS ON MURDER OF ATIQ AND ASHRAF

Such incidents happen if there is no rule of law: Gehlot

CM Ashok Gehlot addressing the Police personnel on occasion of Rajasthan Police Foundation Day, at RPA in Jaipur on Sunday as DGP Umesh Mishra looks on. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Union HM Amit Shah with Pramod Sawant waves to supporters at Farmagudi, Ponda on Sunday.

Relatives of Atiq, Ashraf speaking to the media over their killing by unidentified assailants, at their burial, in Prayagraj on Sunday.

A partially deserted view of an area after Atiq and Ashraf were shot dead, in Prayagraj on Sunday.

CM

Nandini Gupta, the 19-year-old from Rajasthan’s Kota has been crowned Miss India 2023. Nandini with her father Sumit Gupta, mother Rekha Gupta and sister Ananya Gupta after winning. P12 Ashok Gehlot @ashokgehlot51

Kota’s daughter Nandini Gupta has made the state proud by winning the title of Miss India World 2023. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Nandini for this big achievement.

KOTA GIRL NANDINI CROWNED FEMINA MISS INDIA 2023

AAP workers stopped on way to gherao CBI office

AAP workers led by Naveen Paliwal stage demo at Naryan Singh Circle

Paliwal said that BJP is worried due to increased popularity of Kejriwal

CP Joshi to attend Maha Akrosh Jan Gherao today

Guava orchards catch fire in Swmr, 2,000 trees burnt

Rashid Khan

First India Bureau Jaipur: BJP State President CP Joshi was on Mumbai tour on Sunday.

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur : Aam Aadmi

Party workers held a protest over Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s CBI questioning in Delhi on Sunday in connection with alleged liquor scam.The party workers led by state president Naveen Paliwal took out a protest march to gherao CBI office here but they were stopped by police at Narayan Singh Circle, where they protested and blocked Tonk road for some time.

Paliwal said that attempts were being made by BJP to weaken APP. He said that the BJP is worried due to the increasing popularity of

No matter how many conspiracies the people of BJP hatch, but the workers of Aam Aadmi Party are never going to bow down. Each and every worker of AAP will keep on fighting.

—Naveen Paliwal, AAP State President

Arvind Kejriwal. “AAP has got the national party status and Arvind Kejriwal’s pop-

ularity is continuously increasing, due to which the BJP is making repeated attempts

to weaken our party,” he said.He accused the central government of misusing government agencies like CBI and ED to threaten and suppress the voice of opponents.

Paliwal said that the party workers will continue their protest in support of Kejriwal.

Sawai Madhopur : A massive fire broke out in guava orchards in Sawai Madhopur district which destroyed nearly 2000 guava trees on Sunday. The orchards in Kundali Nadi village of Malarna Dungar subdivision caught fire due to unknown reasons. With strong winds, the fire spread and engulfed more than 20 bighas of land quickly. Farmers and other villagers tried to control the fire by throwing water through tube well but they failed. Later, fire brigades doused the flames.

Patwari Roop Singh Meena said that as per the initial estimate, the fire has caused a loss of more than Rs 38 lakh.

Joshi visited in view of the Pravasi Sammelan. He paid tributes to Vijaya Shridhar Tawde, the mother of BJP National General Secy Vinod Tawde at his residence. Joshi also visited Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple and wished for the happiness and prosperity of the country and the state.

Joshi will attend the Maha Akrosh Jan Gherao program in Jodhpur on Monday. A large number of leaders and officials of Brahmin society wil welcome him at Jodhpur airport. He will take a meeting of Jodhpur division at Kasturi Orchid. He will attend a similar protest in Bikaner on April 18. On April 20, he will address the conference of OBC representatives in Pushkar.

PEOPLE OF RAJ ARE SUFFERING DUE TO MISRULE OF CONG PARTY: RAHATKAR

Bhilwara: BJP’s national secretary and co-in charge of Rajastahn Vijaya Rahatkar on Sunday said that the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be fought in the leadership of PM Modi. Addressing a party workers meeting in Shahpura (Bhilwara), she gave the mantra of victory in the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections and said that both the elections will be fought under the leadership of Modi. She said that people are suffering due to misrule of the Congress party. The meeting was also addressed by MP Subhash Bahedia, Shahpura MLA Kailash Meghwal, Jahajpur MLA Gopichand Meena, and others.

Harassed over loan, JMC sweeper ends life

First India Bureau Jaipur: Troubled by usurer, a sweeper in a Municipal Corporation died by suicide after hanging from a sari in Jaipur. Seeing him breathing, the wife took him to a hospital but he died. The wife of the deceased told the Nahargarh police station that even in sleep he used to

ATROCITIES AGAINST WOMEN

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur : Two new Assistant Commercial Managers (ACM) were appointed in North Western Railways on Sunday. Charting expert CRS

Madan Meena and CMI of Commercial

Complaint Cell

Vivek Sharma were given postings in Jaipur Rail Division as ACM. For the first time, a reservation cadre officer was made ACM in NWR.

Similarly, Vivek Sharma has worked in Vigilance and then in CBI on deputation. CTI Sameer

Sharma, Anwar Hussain, GLO President

Subhash Pareek, Reservation Expert Ajay Kashmiri, CRS Danaram, Jagroop Singh Gurjar, SC-ST Association Vice President Ashok Meena, RS Aggarwal, Satish Pal, SN Sharma, Sanjay Kapoor, & other reservation and booking staff distributed sweets at Jaipur station and exchanged greetings.

First India Bureau Jaipur: A case of rape by befriending a 24-yearold woman and sedating her has been reported. Obscene videos were also made when the victim was unconscious, the police report said.

The accused on the pretext of getting married kept on raping her for two years. Even after marrying another girl, he raped her by blackmailing to make pornographic videos viral. The victim has lodged a report against the accused at Malpura Gate police station.

SHO Malpura Gate, Satish Chandra is investigating the matter.

GIRL DIES AFTER BEING POISONED BY ACQUAINTANCE IN CAR IN JAIPUR

Jaipur: A case of murder of a girl by giving poison has been reported in Jaipur. Celphos tablet was given to her in the car while going to the village with an acquaintance. The girl died during treatment at SMS Hospital. Khoh Nagoriyan police station handed over the dead body to the relatives after the post-mortem. A case of murder has been registered on Saturday evening on the complaint of the brother of the deceased. SHO (Khoh Nagoriyan) Manohar Lal said that the deceased Sunita Meena (23) was living in Indira Gandhi Nagar at Khoh Nagoriyan for a long time. Her acquaintance Mohar Singh Meena also lived here. On April 14, they left for village by car, where Meena fed some intoxicant to her.

MARRIED WOMAN RAPED IN CHURU

Churu: A married woman was allegedly raped by a software engineer in Churu district, police said. Police informed the accused has been identified as Madan Sharma, a resident of Churu and a software engineer by profession. "An FIR has been filed and searches are being made to nab the accused. The matter is being investigated by Sardarshahar SHO Satpal Bishnoi.

say that usurer would make them homeless.

On her complaint on Saturday evening, the police filed a case of

abetment to suicide against Tarachand Khatik who lent Rs 2lakh to the deceased and charged heavy interest.

SHO (Nahargarh) Devendra Kumar said that Shubhash Umarwal, a resident of Purani Basti Nahargarh Road, died by suicide. Shubhash was a sweeper in the Municipal Corporation. He lived with his wife

Meenu Devi and three children. He was at home with kids on 3 April while wife Meenu Devi had gone to her work. Shubhash tied the noose of saree and hanged. Shubhash was taken to SMS hospital in a critical condition and died during treatment. She said he also did not bring salary from the corporation.

NEWS DIGEST

6 DIE IN 3 SEPARATE ROAD ACCIDENTS IN H’GARH, JHUNJHUNU

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: The state tree

Khejri is in danger in Bikaner. Local people have complained that Khejri trees are being cut to set up a solar plant. Recently, a matter of cutting of khejri trees also happened in Jaimalsar village. More than 10,000 Khejri trees were cut down within a radius of 12 km in Kavani village, about 45 km from Bikaner and in

Jaimalsar village, 12 km ahead of it. In some places, the stump of Khejri was left, but in most places the trees have been uprooted.

Villagers Manak Das and Chhotu Das said that till three-four years ago, there were khejri trees all around but the trees have been cut at a fast pace. They claimed that some trees were lying on the spot and traces of big vehicles were also visible.

Attempt made to set record for hugging trees in Jaipur

People of Gopalpura village take oath for maximum plant adoption and plantation drive in Jaipur

First India Bureau

Jaipur: With the aim of promoting greenery, an attempt was made to set a new world record for adopting maximum number of plants by taking oath at one place in Gopalpura village. The team from the Golden Book of World

Records presented Sarpanch Savita Rathi with a symbolic certificate and medal for the world record. Alok Kumar of the team told that according to the Golden Book of World Records Gram Panchayat will be given full-time certificate after the survey completion in the com-

ing days. On this occasion, Chief Guest MLA Manoj Meghwal said that today a strong mes-

sage of environmental protection has gone to the whole country from this Haritima Dhani.

He said that it is necessary to save the earth and we have to recognize the value of soil.

Thousands of women power were also seen on this occasion. Children were also inspired to enrich nature in future.

Chairman Nilofer

Gauri, Idris Gauri, Councilor Sonika, Sarpanch Anand Singh, Neetu Soni of Gangaur Sansthan, Ghanshyam Kachhawa along with Sushma of Mahila Jagruti were welcomed by Sarpanch Rathi, Khusla Ram, Kanhaiya Lal Sharma, Sohan Mali, Deputy Sarpanch Gan-

pat Das, Mool Ram, Bhiva Ram Prajapat, Bhanwara Ram, Babulal Meghwal, Pusaram Prajapat, Ratan Jakhar were present. Folk artist of Gopalpura Dhannaram and party presented a cultural programme, commendable dance drama was also presented for drug addiction. Operation was done by Hari Ram Kavi Gopalpuria. Thousands of people took oath to adopt trees for the protection of nature.

Hanumangarh/Jhunjhunu: Three people were killed in two separate road accidents in Rawatsar area of Hanumangarh district on Sunday. The first incident took place in Chaiya village on Nohar road wherein an unidentified vehicle hit a motorcycle from behind which led to death of Satveer Meena. The second incident took place on Khoda-Kesardesar Road where a tractor lost its balance and overturned. Two people, identified as Vinod Kumar and Shankar Lal, lost their lives while one was injured in the mishap,” police said. In Udaipurwati Three persons were killed when a pickup jeep hit a bike at Chapoli of Jhunjhunu district on Sunday. Bike riders were returning home after working in the field.

CONTAINER DEPOT TO BE BUILT IN JPR FOR GOODS EXPORT

Jaipur: A container depot is being constructed in Jaipur for export of goods, President of Rajasthan Small Industries Development Corporation and Rajasthan Export Promotion Council Rajiv Arora said. He said that a container depot is being set up in Jaipur for storage of goods so that the industrialists from the state get benefit in exporting goods. “The goods manufactured in Rajasthan are of very high quality, but due to lack of proper knowledge of its export, the manufacturers are not able to take advantage of it,” he said.

Most khejri trees have faced such fate at Jaimalsar in Bikaner.

AAP workers were stopped at Narayan Singh Circle after which they started to lay down on ground in protest.

CP Joshi at Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai on Sunday.

Naveen Paliwal and others were detained at Kho Nagoriyan Police Station on Sunday. Later they all were released.

Opposing CBI’s probe of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP State Prez and supporters protesting at the Naryan Singh Circle in Jaipur on Sunday.

Vijaya Rahatkar addressing BJP workers in Bhilwara on Sunday.

Over 10,000 Khejri trees axed for solar plant in Bkn

2 new ACMs in North Western Railways Man rapes and blackmails girl on pretext of marriage

Vivek Sharma Madan Meena

CASTE-BASED GATHERINGS PICK UP PACE AHEAD OF POLLS

Ahir Regiment demand echoes in poll-bound Raj

Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: Yadav leaders on Sunday demanded the formation of Ahir Regiment in the Indian Army considering the strength of soldiers from the Yadav community. They also raised several other demands including the formation of Shree Krishna Board (Aheer Vikas Board), public holiday on 23 September on the birth anniversary of Raja Rao Tuleram.

The leaders of Yadav community were addressing at Ahir Janjagriti Sammelan at VT road ground in Mansarovar. They said that there are more than 26 crore Yadavs in the country and most of them are young.

“They are contributing in the army, agriculture, research, Industry sector etc,” the leaders, who put up a show of strength ahead of the assembly elections, said.

There are more than 26 crore Yadavs who are giving their important contribution in the Indian Army, agriculture, research, Industry sector etc.

—Leaders from the Yadav Community

Nath community demands Goraksh Nath Board

First India Bureau Jaipur: People from the Nath community on Sunday demanded from the State Government to form a Goraksh Nath Board.

The demand was raised at Rajasthan Nath Samaj Mahasangam which was organised at Vidhyadhar Nagar in Jaipur on Sunday.

A large number of

Post attack, security of MLA Divya, her mother increased

Nath community people including Sampat Nath, Suraj Nath, Jairam Yogi, Prahlad Yogi, Lokesh Yogi, Sandeep Yogi, Vikas Yogi and several others attended the programme. The community people from various parts of the country and the state including from Thanagaji, Alwar took part in the programme.

Rawna Rajputs from different states hold Mahasabha in city

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Various demands of Rawna Rajput were discussed at the Rashtraiya Rawna Rajput Pratinidhi Adhiveshan which was organised by Akhil Bhartiya Rawna Rajput Mahasabha here on Sunday. Founder and state president of the mahasabha Virendra Rawna said that the national

Dalit man murder: Bandh in Barmer, Jodh as people protest ‘action’ on cops

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Protesting against the action on policemen, more than a dozen towns observed a day bandh in two bordering districts Barmer and Jaisalmer. During the bandh market remained closed and at many places people burned effigies of the chief minister to mark their protest. They are demanding to revoke the action on policemen.

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: The State Government on Sunday beefed up the security of Osian MLA Divya Maderna and her mother Leela Maderna following the incident in which her car was attacked by a group of miscreants a few days ago. The police had given two personal security officers to each of them.

On Sunday, Divya Maderna tweeted, “On April 10, Badri Ram ji threatened to kill me. He gave this deadly threat on the spot when there were police officials from three police stations. Look at their courage, the next day, on April 11, they at-

JAKHAR DENIES

tacked me under heavy police presence. The police cordoned off the spot and pulled me out safely with great effort. Had the police not come into action immediately, I would have been killed or may have been admitted to ICU for sure.”

On the other hand, ‘sarv samaj’ has called ‘mahapadav’ on Monday outside the district collec-

AFTER MARRYING ONLINE

Pak bride to come to Jodh through Wagah

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Three months after entering wedlock with a Jodhpur man through video conference, Pakistan’s Uruz Fatima will come to her husband Muzamil’s house through Wagah border.

It was an interesting case of an ‘online’ wedding of Uruz Fatima and Muzamil which took place on January 2 this year. All the rituals of the wedding

were performed online as the bride was sitting in Pakistan while the groom was present in Jodhpur.

Fatima has now got a visa for India and she will come to her in-laws house in Jodhpur. She will enter India through Wagah border.

Muzamil is the grandson of a civil contractor Bhale Khan Meher. Meher said that Fatima got the visa a week back and she will come to India soon.

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

tor office in Barmer. At many places including Shiv, Bhiyand, Pokhran people have

Rajeev Gaur & Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: Continuing scathing attack on the Congress Government, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday said that the Ashok Gehlot Government has made a peaceful Rajasthan a chaotic State.

He said that the Government has failed on every front.

Shekhawat was talking to the media in his parliamentary constituency Jodhpur on Sunday.

He said that the law and order has deterio-

carried out March past and given memorandum to the authorities demanding to revoke the action on policemen. It mentioned here that in Barmer dalit man assault and murder case, action had been taken against two policemenfor ignoring prompt action on the complaints lodged by the deceased.

Digant Anand, superintendent of police in Barmer confirmed the action on policemen.

meeting was organised to hold deliberations on four major demands of the community. He said that one of the main demands is revision in point number 11 – Rawna Rajput (Daroga, Hajuri, Wajir) in the OBC list. Apart from this, the community members have demanded amendment in revenue records for revising time

limit for correction in the name of the caste, community based census and removal of anomalies in reservation in TSP area.

The community members from various parts of the country including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh took part in the programme.

First India Bureau

Udaipur/Sikar: Four children including a cousin brother and sister were drowned in two separate incidents in Rajasthan’s Udaipur and Sikar districts on Sunday.

A boy and his cousin sister were drowned in a pond in Kotda area on Rajasthan-Gujarat border in Udaipur where they had gone to graze cattle. They entered the pond to take a bath when they slipped into

deep water. The bodies were handed over to family members without a postmortem on request of the family members.

In Sikar’s Dataramgarh area, two boys identified as Mohit and Jitendra were drowned in a farm pond. SHO Madan Kadwasara reached the spot with a rescue team.

against the Congress government. The demonstration will take place at Mahavir Udyan, in front of Collectorate Office.

Shekhawat visited the site with district president Devendra Salecha and reviewed the preparations for the protest.

On the other hand, during his Jodhpur visit, Shekhawat today attended a programme of the teachers of private schools in which the donors were felicitated.

rated and ‘Gundaraj’ is there in the state in which the morale of criminals has increased.

Forest officials capture 2 leopards in Ajmer, Udaipur

Mukesh Rajkumar & Ravi Sharma

Ajmer/Udaipur: Two leopards were caught by the forest officials in Ajmer and Udaipur districts on Sunday.

A female leopard was caught by forest officials in Beawar town of Ajmer district on Sunday and later released in the Todgarh Ravli Sanctuary.

“The leopard has killed other wild animals for its prey. The

incidents created panic among the villagers and forest officials were informed about the move-

ment of panther. The forest team placed a cage with a goat inside it. As soon as panther

entered the cage, the forest officials caught the panther and later released the panther in

the Todgarh Ravli Sanctuary.” Forester Gajendra Singh said. In Udaipur, the leop-

ard that mauled a 70-year-old farmer at Palri village of Udaipur on last Sunday finally got trapped in one of the cages that has been installed by the forest officials in the area. More than six cages were installed by the department in the area and various teams were formed to nab the big cat which was stalking in the residents of Palri village and was killing either stray dogs or cattle for pray.

The minister said that the BJP will hold a historic demonstration in Jodhpur on Monday

MLA Heera Lal Meghwal, state advisory council member Anil Sharma also attended the event.

Four held in separate paper leak cases

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Three invigilators on Sunday arrested for leaking exam paper in Chomu area.

The BA Geography paper was leaked from Kaladera College.

The accused Manjit Singh, Vikram Kumar and Jitendra Kumar had circulated the paper on social media before the exam.

The accused have been arrested and are being interrogated, SHO Kaladera Haben-

dra Singh said.

Meanwhile, the SOG has arrested one Arun Sharma, a resident of Shrimadhopur in Sikar district, accused in the senior Teacher Exam 2022 paper leak case.

Sharma had already taken the paper from Anil alias Sher Singh before the exam and had also leaked the paper to other candidates in Jaipur.

Accused Arun is being questioned, the officials said.

Osian MLA Divya Maderna along with security personnel.

‘Peaceful Raj turned into a chaotic State’

4 children drown in separate incidents in Udaipur, Sikar

Akhil Bhartiya Rawna Rajput Mahasabha president Virendra Rawna and others during the Rashtraiya Rawna Rajput Pratinidhi Adhiveshan organised at Birla auditorium in Jaipur on Sunday.

Mahendra Yadav, MP Balaknath, Param Vir Chakra recipient Yogendra Yadav, Minister Rajendra Yadav and others at Ahir Janjagriti Sammelan in Mansarovar on Sunday.

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO & SUNIL SHARMA

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hears public grievances at his Jodhpur residence on Sunday.

Sarv Samaj to hold ‘mahapadav’ today outside district collector office in Barmer.

MP Ramcharan Bohra addresses people from Nath community at Nath Samaj Mahasangram in Jaipur on Sunday.

MAHATMA GANDHI ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLS REFLECT THE ESSENCE OF EDUCATION

Rajasthan has got 1+ ranking in the Performance Grading Index of the Ministry of Education, GoI

PRAKASH BHANDARI

The writer is a veteran journalist for 50 years with standing in bilingual journalism. He had a long association with the Times of India as its Editorial Advisor.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “By education, I mean an allround drawing of the best in a child and man in body, mind and spirit.” Also, the beautiful slogan inscribed at the entrance of many schools “ज्ञानञार््थ प्रवेश, सेव र््थ प्रस्र्ञान” reflects the essence of education. The state government of Rajasthan, adopting the very thoughts, has brought a sea of change in the education system by opening Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools.

The beautiful slogan inscribed at the entrance of many schools

reflects the essence of education. The state government of Rajasthan, adopting the very thoughts, has brought a sea of change in the education system by opening Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools

“The costly education available in private schools is now being made available free of cost in these schools. Many parents are choosing to stay away from the high fee charging schools. The teacher’s cadre being created would ensure that the teachers who have sound knowledge of English would impart quality education,” observed Jain Bittu, state spokesperson, Sanyukta Abhibhavak Sangh, a platform for parents who have enrolled their children in schools

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says,“ I am pleased to see a child going to an English medium school converse in English fluently. Learning English has its own advantages. I want every child in the state to study English as a language and excel in competition. Therefore, the government, after opening Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools in urban areas, has decided to open these schools in the rural areas too. The government intends to make such schools available to a common man who is unable to enroll their children into Convent Schools.”

In Rajasthan, formal English education, before Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools, was being imparted from Class Sixth only. Thus, the students, groomed with Hindi medium instructions, felt difficulties in grasping the English language.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot decided to launch Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools in the year 2019 on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to impart education from Class 1 to Class 12th.

These schools envisaged to be developed as a centre of excellence and as per the Vision 2028 paper prepared by the education department under the guidance of Education Minister Dr BD Kalla.

Implementing the Vision 2028 and commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, one government school in all the 33 district headquarters was converted as a specialized English medium school and named after Mahatma Gandhi. The medium of instruction in these selected schools from class one to 8 was kept in English. It was decided that the medium of instruction would be in English from 9th to 12th subsequently.

“ In the beginning we decided to keep the strength upto 30 students from class 1st to 5th, 35 from 6th to 8th and 60 from 9th to 12th per section. The response of the students to get enrolled in the schools was very immense.

So, the department had to adopt the transparent system of selecting the students by drawing lots,” said Kalla.

In the financial year 2021-22, 533 government schools were converted into Mahatma Gandhi English medium school.

Similarly, another 445 schools were converted into English medium schools in the financial year 2022-23.

The response by the students could be gauged with the fact that in the year 2021-22 some 89,570 students got themselves enrolled in the English medium Mahatma Gandhi School. In Dausa district’s Chhatriwali Dhani, which is situated in a rural area, the enrolment of students in the English medium school snowballed from 88 (20202021) to 242 (2022-23).

Of the 66,223 government schools in Rajasthan, 2,029 schools have been sanctioned as Mahatma Gandhi English schools—137 in villages, 302 in cities and 755 in big villages with a population of more than 5,000. Currently, the number of English medium schools is 1,658. The English medium education up to the 11th standard is being imparted in 33 schools and up to 8th standard in 200 other schools.

The Chief Minister Gehlot has made a budgetary announcement to open another 1,000 schools in the year 2023-2024.

In the year 2021, a decision was taken by the state government to establish a 1,000 Mahatma Gandhi Schools in the urban areas and an equal number in the rural areas.

Starting English medium schools with qualified teachers was a big challenge. Thus, it was decided to appoint 10,000 contractual teachers for running the schools. The state government would provide contractual employment to such teachers who hold the qualification to join the English cadre. The contractual employment for the English cadre will be provided in Level I and Level II. For Level 1, it would be mandatory that the applicant should have stud-

ied in the English medium school and had passed the 12th examination in English medium. He or she will also have to possess an elementary diploma. The Level 2 eligibility would be to graduate in English medium with a minimum of BEd degree. This job would be contractual and the teachers would be paid Rs 16,900 per month.

It was also necessary to make academic initiatives to ensure quality education in such schools. It was decided to disburse free textbooks in English to the students. In the towns and cities, fund allocation of Rs 5 lakh was made to buy furniture and other items, and for rural areas it was kept at Rs 2.50 lakh.

“ The number of students opting for English medium school is amazing. Apart from merit, we have to adopt a lottery system to cope up with the demand. I am sure in the next few years, our educational standard in such an English medium would meet the standards set by reputed public schools. “ said CM Gehlot. .

The Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools that have become quite popular in Rajasthan, started pre-primary classes for children aged three and above also. Thus, Rajasthan has become the first state in north India to take this step.

“This will not only improve the level of education but will also create competition in the educational environment of the state. It will benefit students and parents as well. I am happy to say that this is the first initiative taken in north India,” said Gehlot. Over a crore students have enrolled themselves for the English medium school.

A strong monitoring system has been set up to ensure quality education in Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools. A sepa-

Today, along with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Mr. @ChouhanShivraj ji, in the “Baba Saheb Ambedkar Mahakumbh”

rate separate cell will be set up for this at the Directorate of Primary /Secondary Education, Bikaner and nine Educational Divisions. The accent will be on sports and other activities and for this staff have been provided for these English medium schools.

Rajasthan has got 1+ ranking in the Performance Grading Index of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Rajasthan was in first position at the national level in the Fit India Movement session 2020-21. In the Inspire Award Scheme, Rajasthan stood at the first position in the country (session 2020-21 and 2021-22). To honour the sacrifice made by the martyrs, a total of 297 schools have been named after the martyrs.

Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools had only Classes 1-8. Since then, one class each year has been added to accommodate promoted students. The schools in total have shot up from 33 to 350. In July last year, the number of applications for admissions received was nearly thrice the available seats.

“The costly education available in private schools is now being made available free of cost in these schools. Many parents are choosing to stay away from the high fee charging schools. The teacher’s cadre being created would ensure that the teachers who have sound knowledge of English would impart quality education,” observed Jain Bittu, state spokesperson, Sanyukta Abhibhavak Sangh, a platform for parents who have enrolled their children.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has allocated Rs 14.50 cr for opening an English medium residential school for minority community in Jaipur.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE

All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction. Buddha

By education, I mean an allround drawing of the best in a child and man in body, mind and spirit.

—Mahatma Gandhi

I am pleased to see a child going to an English medium school converse in English fluently. Learning English has its own advantages.

—Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan Chief Minister

The response of the students to get enrolled in the schools was very immense. So, the department had to adopt the transparent system of selecting the students by drawing lots. —Dr BD Kalla, Rajasthan Education Minister

The officers should work on mission mode to ensure success of the Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools.

—Usha Sharma, Rajasthan Chief Secretary

2021-22

More than 533 government schools were converted into Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools

2022-23

More than 445 schools were converted into Mahatma Gandhi English medium schools

2023-2024

Gehlot has made a budgetary announcement to open another 1,000 schools

US official praises PM Modi, calls him ‘Unbelievable, Visionary’

Modi’s level of commitment to people of India is just indescribable, says Raimondo

New Delhi (Agencies): US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, recounting her recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that India and America would lead the artificial intelligence revolution. Ms Raimondo, who visited India in March, said the

best of India was at display during her visit, in terms of culture, tradi-

tion and celebrations.

Pictures and video clips of her playing Holi

have gone viral on social media and reflect the strong relationship be-

tween the US and India.

The commerce secretary fondly remembered her Holi celebrations this year in India.

“I was recently in India. I went a day earlier so that I could have the opportunity to participate in Holi. And the defence minister was so gracious to host me with his family,” Ms Raimondo said on Saturday. She also recounted her meeting with PM Modi, calling him a visionary.

“I had an incredible opportunity to spend an hour and a half with PM

Amit Shah honours Dharmadhikari

Mumbai (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that people have immense respect and devotion for Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari or Appasaheb, a social worker and such respect and devotion can be achieved only through sacrifice, dedication and service.

Amit Shah presented the “Maharashtra Bhushan” award for the year 2022 to Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari at Raigarh, Maharashtra today. On this occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and many other dignitaries were present.

“People have immense respect and devotion for Appasaheb, a social worker who did

social service in public life without aspiring for any fame. Such respect and devotion can be achieved only through sacrifice, dedication and service done by Appasaheb. People’s love, trust and respect for Appasaheb is a tribute to his

work and value, and the teachings of Nanasaheb.

Like Appasaheb, instead of following the people, one should act in such a way that people follow him,” he said. Shah said that it is rarely seen in history that the culture of social service re-

mains in the same family for three generations.

First Nanasaheb, then Appasaheb and now Sachin Bhau and his brothers are carrying forward this tradition of social service. He said that by giving him the Maharashtra Bhushan

Award the Maharashtra government has not only honoured Appasaheb but has also inspired crores of people to live life like him. “This land of Raigad in Maharashtra is the holy land of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. ,” said Shah.

Modi. He is the most popular world leader for a reason. He is unbelievable, visionary, and his level of commitment to the people of India is just indescribable,” she said.

Earlier this year, India and the US announced partnerships in the fields of space, defence, semiconductors and next-generation technologies.

The bilateral agreement is another example of the US bolstering ties in strategic areas with New Delhi, while isolating China.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared beautiful artwork of famous landmarks in Diu, presented to him by Padma Shri awardee Premjit Baria, who is an eminent painter and specialises in contemporary art. Mr. Baria is an ex pert in making miniature paintings and sketches by fiddling with a gel pen on Portuguese architec ture and folk art. The Prime Min ister shared several sketches and tweeted, A few days ago, I received these amazing works of art from Shri Premjit Baria Ji, who has just been conferred the Padma Shri.

Will Nitish Kumar talk to non-UPA parties?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: When Janata Dal U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Congress leaders in Delhi on Wednesday, a strategy was worked out between them. In this, it was decided that Nitish Kumar would talk to the leaders of those parties, which are not yet a part of the UPA but may be ready to contest the elections together against the BJP. RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav was also involved in this strategic meeting. But he is already a part of the Congress-led UPA, so he is not going to have any significant role in future politics. There are many parties outside the Congress-

led UPA, whose leaders do not want to talk to the Congress. Nitish will act as a bridge between them.

Nitish Kumar has proposed, on his part in talks with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, that he can talk to six non-UPA parties. It was also decided in this meeting that the Congress itself would hold talks with the constituents of the UPA. Means Congress will talk to parties like NCP, JMM,

123 suffer from heatrelated issues, 13 dead RaGa

Haveri (ANI): Karnataka CM Basavaraj

Bommai said he received a tremendous response in the Shiggaon constituency as the people have blessed him several times.

EX CM JAGDISH SHETTAR RESIGNS AS MLA, QUITS BJP, JOINS CONGRESS

New Delhi (ANI): 13 people died and 123 others are critical after they suffered heat-related health issues at Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2022 attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday, as per sources. More than 120 people suffered from heat-related health is-

sues, like dehydration, due exposure to sunlight.

Maharashtra CM has announced `5 lakh aide granted to the kin of the deceased. The CM also visited MGM Hospital, where people are currently undergoing treatment. The number of casualties is likely to go up as the condition of fifteen people remains critical.

Exuding confidence the CM added that the voters of the constituency will elect him this time with a big majority. Speaking to the media after filing his nomination at the tahsildar's office here for the upcoming Assembly polls to be held on May 10, he said, "The voters of the Shiggaon taluk are mature and vigilant. They have voted for the comprehensive development of the taluk. Compared to the previous

tenure, it was possible to do more development work this time and focus on the development of everyone equally."

"The new textile park, IIT, & Ayurveda College are some of the development work that had been done this date. So, the people will support him more than before. Since BJP is the ruling party, there will be more aspirants. ," he said.

INDIA’S AMBASSADOR TO THE US OVER G20 PRESIDENCY

New Delhi: Senior BJP leader, once chief minister and six-term MLA, an angry Jagadish Shettar today resigned from the Karnataka assembly. He has not got a ticket by the embattled BJP for the state elections due in three and a half weeks. On Sunday morning, Shettar reached Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district and handed over his resignation letter to assembly speaker Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri. Later in the day, Shettar joined the Congress.

“SHETTAR’S

Bengaluru (ANI): CM

Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that the resignation of Shettar is unfortunate. “We even offered him a good position in Delhi and a ticket to his family. However, he rejected the offer & decided to contest on Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency,” Bommai said.

Ready to share successes with world: Sandhu

Washington (PTI): India, the current G-20 president, is ready to share its strengths and successes with the world, its envoy has said, asserting that the India-US partnership will not only benefit the two countries, but its rewards will be reaped around the globe.

India assumed the year-long presidency of the G-20 in December last year and aims to host a leaders’ summit in New Delhi in early

September. The G-20 is an important forum of the world’s 20 major developed and developing

economies.

“As the current president of the G-20, we are ready to share our

strengths and successes with the world -- from vaccines and skills to digital public good as well as what we learn from others,” India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu , said on Saturday while addressing a packed gathering of eminent Indian-Americans at the India House. He said PM Narendra Modi & US President Joe Biden’s believe that democracies will deliver.

“Our cooperation today

touches every conceivable domain. Our cooperation touches every conceivable domain; we are working closely under Quad, I2U2 and IPEF. Our diaspora has given more wings to our dreams and more winds to our sails. Ultimately, it is people of both countries that drive the IndiaUS partnership. The success of the India-US partnership will not only be in the interest of India and the US, but also the global good,” he said.

Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka BJP strongman B S Yediyurappa on Sunday criticised Jagadish Shettar for his decision to quit the party, saying the people would not pardon him. Yediyurappa, a former CM asked. “What injustice have we done to him? He has already decided to go to Congress. Let him go.”

New Delhi: Returning to Karnataka’s Kolar for the first time since his controversial 2019 speech which ultimately led to his disqualification as an MP last month, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally Sunday and continued his salvo against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Gautam Adani.

Speaking at the ‘Jai Bharat’ rally in the pollbound state, Gandhi said “Adani was a symbol. A symbol of corruption” under the PM Modi-led government.

The BJP government, he asserted, was trying to intimidate and silence him as they did

RJD, DMK, Muslim League etc. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar will talk to Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav. Apart from these four anti-BJP parties, he will also talk to two parties in harmony with the BJP - Biju Janata Dal and YSR Congress. Keep in mind that DMK chief MK Stalin had organized a conference on social justice in the past, in that too Naveen Patnaik and Jagan Mohan Reddy had been invited, but both did not send their representatives to that conference.

Congress supporters walk past giant cut-outs of senior party leaders installed at the venue of party leader Rahul Gandhi’s public meeting ahead of Karnataka Assembly polls in Kolar, on Sunday.

not want questions on Adani in Parliament.

“They are afraid of me.

They think that by disqualifying me, they can threaten and make me fear them. I am not afraid of them,” he said.

IN THE COURTYARD

MUSLIMS QUOTA: K’TAKA BJP UPBEAT DESPITE SC RAP

Bengaluru: Though opposition parties are celebrating and criticising the BJP-led Karnataka government following a reprimand by the Supreme Court over the withdrawal of four per cent reservation quota for Muslims, the ruling BJP is upbeat about the turn of events. The Supreme Court has recently observed that the ruling BJP government’s decision to withdraw four per cent reservation under the OBC category for Muslims appears to be “based on fallacious assumptions” and “was on a shaky foundation”.

FILL VACANCY IN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES EXPEDITIOUSLY: SC

New Delhi: The SC has directed the Centre to ensure that vacancy in the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is filled on an expeditious basis. A bench comprising CJ D Y Chandrachud & Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala noted the submission of the Centre that there is one vacancy in the Commission. “The Union of India shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the composition of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is completed on an expeditious basis,” the bench said. BJP leader & former Union minister Vijay Sampla is the chairperson of the Commission.

SBI SEEKING CLARIFICATIONS ON MARCH 27

FRAUD CLASSIFICATION ORDER FROM SC

New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has filed an application in the SC, seeking clarifications on the court’s March 27 order on manner of fraud classification by banks. In the application filed before the apex court, SBI said, “there is an apprehension of the said judgment (dated March 27, 2023) being misconstrued and misapplied in absence of the clarifications which are sought in the present application.” On March 27, the SC had ruled that borrowers have the right to be heard before banks classify their accounts as fraudulent.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu (L) and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in Washington DC on Saturday.

‘PM

United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo addresses the Reception, at the India House, in New Delhi on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Nitish Kumar

Maha CM Eknath Shinde meets victims at a hospital on Sunday.

Basavaraj Bommai

Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis felicitates the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan Award’ to Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari during a ceremony, in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. (R) Shah addresses gathering.

HOW ATIQ AHMED’S KILLERS PLANNED HIS MURDER

MIC IN HAND, GUNS TUCKED IN...

Police said, the killers arrived in Prayagraj 2 days ago on Thursday and stayed at a lodge

Prayagraj (Agencies):

The three men who shot and killed Atiq Ahmed, a notorious gangster and former lawmaker, and his brother Ashraf on Saturday had followed them all day, posing as journalists with fake identification cards and a camera, sources said on Sunday, suggesting a carefully planned murder.

According to the police, the assailants, Lovelesh Tiwari, Sunny and Arun Maurya, have confessed that they wanted to eliminate Atiq Ahmed and become famous in the underworld.

They arrived in Prayagraj on Thursday and stayed at a lodge. The manager of the lodge is being questioned by the police.

The killers have said they planned the attack after learning that the brothers were in police custody and were being taken to a hospital for a medical check-up.

They decided that posing as journalists was how they could get very close to Atiq and tracked him all day on Saturday with other journalists.

According to witnesses, the 3 men approached Atiq and Ashraf outside the Motilal Nehru Divisional Hospital in Prayagraj around 10 pm, when the handcuffed men were being escorted in from the gates.

OPPOSITION TARGETS BJP-LED CENTRE OVER KILLING OF ATIQ AHMAD

I am shocked by the brazen anarchy and total collapse of law and order in Uttar Pradesh. It is shameful that criminals are now taking the law into their own hands, unfazed by the police and media presence.

—Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal

BJP turned India into a “mafia republic. BJP has turned India into a mafia republic. I will say it here, I will say it abroad, I will say it everywhere as this is the truth. 2 men in custody shot dead in front of a zillion policemen & cameras.

—Mohua Moitra Leader, TMC

RSS MARCHES IN TN

PLAYING WITH RULE OF LAW: PRIYANKA

The law is written in the Constitution & this law is paramount. Criminals should be given the harshest punishment, but it should be as per law of the land. Playing with or violating the rule of law and the judicial process for any political purpose is not right for our democracy,” the Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said.

‘2 DEAD IN FULL MEDIA GLARE’

“We ask children to watch tv and news channel to increase their general knowledge, but the way crime (Atiq Ahmed’s killing) was shown live on national television was ‘horrifying’ for children and women,” NCP MP Supriya Sule said. “It is very worrying whatever has happened,” she added.

“ADMIN MUST BE TAKEN TO TASK”

“The administration must be brought to task if they do not follow the law”, Kapil Sibal said, Invoking the killing of Atiq’s son Asad, Sibal said, he was a young boy (Asad), aged 19. How could be a threat to national security? If you want to catch him, hit him on his leg, prosecute him. Why do you want to kill him?”

ASADUDDIN OWAISI DEMANDS ADITYANATH’S RESIGNATION

We demand the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The Supreme Court should suo-motu take cognisance of the matter and form a team to investigate into the incident and there should be no officials from Uttar Pradesh in that team. I plead to the Supreme Court,” said AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday attacked the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh over the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf.

Class 1 student rapes 3-year-old girl on school rooftop in UP; held

Muzaffarnagar (UP): A 10-year-old boy allegedly raped a three-yearold girl at a school in the district, a police official said on Sunday.

The boy has been detained by the police, while the girl has been sent for medical examination.

Citing the complaint lodged by the girl’s family members, police said the girl was taken to the roof of the school and allegedly raped by the boy on Saturday.

—REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

3 HELD IN RAID ON FACTORY IN MATHURA

Mathura (ANI): Three accused were arrested in a raid at a factory manufacturing illegal weapons in a village in Mathura, said police officials. Apart from illegal weapons, the police also recovered equipment used for making weapons from the possession of these accused. The three accused have been identified as Digambar, Mukut and Keshav.

MUMBAI INDIANS SHINES AGAINST KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS

Arjun Tendulkar makes memorable debut

Kolkata: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight

Riders: Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in their Indian Premier League match. Venkatesh Iyer slammed a scintillating 104 off just 51 balls to power KKR to 185 for six after being asked to bat.

MI chased down the target with 14 balls to spare with Ishan Kishan top-scoring with 58 while stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav

CRIMINALS SHOULD BE GIVEN HARSHEST PUNISHMENT UNDER LAW OF LAND: CONG

New Delhi (PTI): Criminals should be given the harshest punishment but it should be under the law of the land and subverting the rule of law for any political purpose is dangerous for democracy, the Congress said on Sunday. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the rule of law as laid down in our country’s Constitution is paramount. Whoever does this, or gives protection to those who do such acts, should also be held responsible,” he said.

ATIQ ADMITTED TO HAVING LINKS WITH ISI, LET, SAYS FIR

Prayagraj (PTI): Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad, who was shot dead along with his brother at point-blank range, had admitted during questioning by police that he had links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to an FIR. Police said Ahmad’s statement was recorded on court orders.

A murder happened and section 144 was imposed, the government there (Uttar Pradesh) did it. But if this incident took place despite the presence of UP police, then it is a serious matter. —Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader & Rajya Sabha MP

The killing of gangsterturnedpolitician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in police custody in Prayagraj raises serious questions over the style of functioning of the UP govt. It would be better if the SC takes cognisance of this “extremely serious & worrisome” incident, which is being discussed across the country.

—Mayawati, BSP chief

‘NAHI LE GAYE TO NAHI GAYE’ WERE ATIQ’S LAST WORDS

Prayagraj: Moments before their killing, Atiq and Ashraf were speaking to the media and their murder was captured on camera. Atiq was shot in the head from behind from pointblank range. “Nahi le gaye to nahi gaye (they did not take us, so we did not go)” were Atiq’s last words when asked what he had to say on not being taken to his son Asad’s funeral.

POLICE STEP UP SECURITY OUTSIDE

UMESH

PAL’S RESIDENCE IN PRAYAGRAJ

Prayagraj (ANI): Security has been deployed outside the residence of Umesh Pal in Prayagraj after the mafia-turned-politician Atiq and his brother Ashraf were shot dead. Atiq was accused in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in 2005 and also in the subsequent killing of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the BSP’s leader’s murder, in February this year.

AHMAD, BROTHER ASHRAF BURIED IN UP’S PRAYAGRAJ

Prayagraj (PTI): Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Khalid

Azeem alias Ashraf were buried in their ancestral village in Prayagraj on Sunday. The bodies were handed over to the family members after conducting the post-mortem examination for performing the last rites.

IN 50 DAYS, UP GOVT DEMOLISHES ATIQ’S ENTIRE EMPIRE

Prayagraj: In the past 50 days, Atiq’s entire family has been on the run and his son Asad was killed in an encounter in Jhansi. The mafia don also lost his property and assets worth Rs 1,400 crore in Prayagraj and his several properties have been demolished by the government.

Kejriwal loves power, corruption money: BJP

Bhubaneswar (ANI):

Hitting out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who arrived at the CBI office in the national capital on Sunday for questioning in connection with the liquor policy case, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said the former “loves power, position and corruption money” and not the country.

chipped in with 43. For KKR, Suyash Sharma was the most successful bowler with 2/27.

Sachin had also played for Mumbai, scoring 2334 runs in 78 IPL games between 2008 and 2013. He also captained them in 51 matches, with 30 wins and 21 losses.

Arjun ended the game with figures of 2-0-17-0. He wasn’t needed to bat as Mumbai won the game by five wickets.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Patra said, “Arvind Kejriwal held a press conference earlier today saying he loves India very much. I wish to tell him that he only loves his power, position and your corruption money. I would advise him not to abuse India,” Patra said.

“If Arvind Kejriwalji thinks that he can engage in corruption, wearing gloves, in the hope that his actions won’t be detected, he is mistaken. Just because one’s fingerprints weren’t found at the scene of the crime doesn’t mean he did not commit the crime,” BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh being detained during a protest in support of Delhi CM and party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, near CBI office, in New Delhi on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

AAP CALLS EMERGENCY MEET FEARING

KEJRIWAL’S ARREST DURING CBI PROBE

New Delhi (ANI): Fearing that CBI may arrest Arvind Kejriwal as the questioning is underway at the CBI headquarters in the national capital, AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai has called a meeting at the party office at 5 pm, sources said on Sunday. The office bearers, district president, national secretaries and other leaders of the party have been asked to join the meeting. This comes as Arvind Kejriwal’s questioning in the Delhi Excise policy case is underway at the CBI headquarters. Earlier, AAP leaders including Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh and others were detained for protesting in the national capital on Sunday.

IT IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: SIBAL

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha

MP and former Congress leader Kapil Sibal termed the summons by the premier investigating agency as "politically motivated". The former Congress leader said, "There is no doubt this (CBI summons to Kejriwal) is politically motivated"

AAP TERMS DELHI CM ‘LORD KRISHA

New Delhi: As Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in connection with the excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha called the former "Lord Krishna" and called BJP as "Kansa".

Police personnel conduct a flag march to maintain law and order in sensitive areas following the killing of gangster turned politician

Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf by three assailants in Prayagraj, in Mirzapur on Sunday.

—PHOTOS BY ANI Lavlesh Tiwari

Sunny

Arun Maurya

Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma presents the debut IPL cap to Arjun Tendulkar during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League 2023, at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Sunday.

The RSS on Sunday conducted route marches at 45 different locations across Tamil Nadu, following the SC’s approval. The events were carried out peacefully with the assistance of security.

Relatives carry mortal remains of Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, during their funeral in Prayagraj, Sunday.

CM modernised & strengthened Raj police: DGP

Raj Police of 1.12 lakh force is working diligently to prevent violence & crime, said DGP Mishra

RPA Director expresses gratitude towards efforts made by CM for increasing capacity of Raj police

Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: In his welcome address during the Rajasthan Police Foundation Day celebration at Rajasthan police academy on Sunday, Director General of Police Umesh Mishra said that Rajasthan Police was established on April 16, 1949 with the issuance of Rajasthan Police Integration Ordinance.

“At present Rajasthan Police of 1.12 lakh force is working diligently to prevent

violence and crime along with maintaining law and order in the state as per its glorious traditions,” he said. Expressing gratitude for the works done by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to modernise and strengthen the police, he assured to maintain peace and order in the state.

RPA Director Rajeev Sharma also thanked the guests. He expressed his gratitude towards the efforts made by the Chief

Minister to increase the capacity of the Rajasthan Police. DGP Mishra and Rajeev Sharma also presented a memento to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

The CM took the salute of the parade organised on the occasion. Troops of RAC, Jaipur Commissionerate, Nirbhaya Squad, Hadi Rani Battalion, Mewar Bhil Corps, Traffic Police, and SDRF participated in the parade under the leadership of Trainee IPS Shaheen C.

111 police personnel donated blood at the RPA hospital on Sunday morning. DGP Umesh Mishra and RPA Director Rajeev Sharma met the blood donors. Medical officer in-charge of RPA, Dr. Seema Choudhary said that a total of 111 policemen donated blood. According to instructions of DGP Umesh Mishra, this blood can be used for the treatment of cancer and thalassemia patients.

SEMINAR IN RPA ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY

On the occasion of Rajasthan Police Foundation Day celebrations, a seminar has been organized at the auditorium of RPA on Monday and Tuesday. Eminent senior police officers and subject experts will address these seminars. On Monday, a seminar will be organized on the topic ‘Indian Police: Present Day Challenges And Road Map For The Future’. A seminar on ‘Tackling Cyber Crime Police Community Outreach And Rajasthan Police Hackathon Portal Launch’ will be held on April 18.

Cops honoured for various feats across State on Foundation

Jodhpur/Bikaner/Sri

Ganganagar: The Rajasthan Police celebrated its foundation day on Sunday. On this occasion, police personnel & people were honoured and a series of activities took place across the state. In Jodhpur, Bharat Chaudhary was honoured for saving the lives of 34 people from drowning in the last year. A certificate was given to him by the police commissioner. Similarly, in Bikaner, 46 policemen were hon-

Day

oured for their special works. BSF’s camel riding squad was the centre of attraction in the ceremonial parade. Likewise, in Sri Ganga-

nagar, fifteen cops were honoured on this occasion for their role in recovering the illegal narcotic drug heroin worth over Rs 70 crores.

First India Bureau

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with DGP Umesh Mishra taking the salute of the parade during the Rajasthan Police Foundation Day celebration organised at the Rajasthan Police Academy in Jaipur on Sunday. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

CM Ashok Gehlot receives memento from DGP Umesh Mishra and RPA Director Rajeev Sharma at Rajasthan Police Academy in Jaipur on Sunday.

Women policemen showed strength by marching in Bikaner on Sunday. Several policemen were honoured with police insignia for excellent service at the function.

111 POLICE PERSONNEL DONATE BLOOD IN RPA

Remember, your fortune lies on the other side of the river of the comfortable known and the fear of unknown -–swim across and grasp your fortune.

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

CM: Raj Police will maintain its identity as best force in nation

Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: About the visit of Union Minister Amit Shah to Bharatpur, CM Ashok Gehlot while addressing the media after attending the Rajasthan Police Day celebration at RPA on Sunday, said that Amit Shah was accusing the State government but he should look into his own government first.

“I would like to tell him to look into his own regime. Action should have been taken against the way a minister of his government cheated and did injustice to the people of Rajasthan.

Amit Shah should have spoken about the Sanjivani scam and should have asked people’s pain. His minister is involved in this scam. If he was in UP, he would have been in jail today.

But our police, our SOG works step by step that is why he is out till today,” said CM. The CM

Amit Shah should have spoken about Sanjivani scam & should have asked people’s pain: Gehlot

Textile delegation meets CM, expresses gratitude for budget

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A delegation of textile traders met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Chief Minister’s Residence on Sunday and thanked the Chief Minister for the budget announcements made for the textile entrepreneurs.

They also thanked Gehlot for making Pali a division.

Addressing the delegation, Gehlot said that the state government is continuously working for the promotion of industries in the State.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot interacts with the delegation of textile entrepreneurs including Arun Jain, Anil Gulechha

said that due to the commitment of police, the common people’s confidence in them has increased. The motto of police ‘Confidence in Common People, Fear in Criminals’ seems to be coming true, he said.

“In the last one month, the way the police conducted operations to nab criminals,

crimes have decreased by 10 %. the Rajasthan Police will maintain its identity as the best force in the country,” he said. Food & Civil Supplies Minister Pratap S Khachariyawas, MoS Home Rajendra Yadav, ACS (Home) Anand Kumar alongside various senior police officials were present.

80

Raje: Sankat Mochan Balaji would get justice delivered

Aishwary Pradhan

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Taking a jibe at PM Narendra Modi for his references made at the launching of AjmerDelhi Vande Bharat express, CM Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said that cleverness is visible in his speech but he understands Modi’s tricks. Gehlot said that he too has been doing politics for a long time.

“Modi ji addresses me as a friend in the beginning and later he turns bad,” he said while speaking at a programme of teachers‘Satkar-2023’ at Ra-

jasthan College here. He said that the Centre has started a new trend in nation, which is toppling State govt by horse trading, which should be stopped.

The CM said that Modi calls him the senior most CM, then he should take advice from him & implement OPS across the country.

Education Minister BD Kalla said that one lakh posts in Education Dept will be filled. PCC Chief GS Dotasra said that government should address the issue of third grade teachers’ transfers.

Jaipur: Former CM Vasundhara Raje lit ‘80 Nyay Deeps’ (lamps for justice) and recited Hanuman Chalisa at Chandpole Hanuman ji temple early on Sunday morning. She prayed that on May 13, 2008 serial blasts took place at many places including outside Chandpole Hanuman temple and the accused who mercilessly killed 80 innocent people should be hanged. After the puja, Raje met the families of the victims and assured them that Balaji would get justice delivered to them.

The members of the victim’s families told Raje that BJP government put those terrorists in jail & they were sentenced to death by the lower court. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised this during his visit to Bharatpur.

While the Congress government deliberate-

ly didn’t pursue the dreadful episode, which had spread terror in country & all the terrorists were acquitted, they alleged before

Raje. Raje said that she has lit 80 lamps with the belief that Sankat Mochan Balaji will get justice delivered to victims & get culprits hanged.

MoUs worth Rs 11 lakh crore were signed at the Invest Rajasthan Summit, of which the implementation of about 49 % has begun . President of Rajasthan Local Self Govt Organisation KC Gulechha said that the State Govt’s policies have given special encouragement to textile industry. People from textile industry including Arun Jain, Anil Gulechha and others were present.

Adelegation from Kuchaman also met CM Gehlot and thanked him for declaring Didwana as district. CM Gehlot said that there has been a demand to make new districts since long time and with the formation of 19 new districts, there is immense happiness among people. Nagaur MLA Mahendra Choudhary while expressing his gratitude to the CM said that with this decision, it will be convinient for people in carrying out various works.

Adelegation of Public Health Engineering (PHED) personnel met the Chief Minister at the CMR and thanked him for the announcements made in the budget. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that important decisions are being taken by the state government in the interest of the employees.PHED Minister Dr Mahesh Joshi said that the State govt under CM Gehlot’s leadership is working for the welfare of masses. Minister Arjun S Bamniya said that the State govt has resolved the problems of masses with utmost sensitivity.

IPL matches to be held in Jaipur from April 19

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Ahead of the IPL matches starting from April 19, a meeting of the organising committee was held today at SMS Stadium.

RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot, Jaipur Greater Municipal Corporation Mayor Dr Somya, JMCH Mayor Munesh Gurjar, Additional Commissioner (Law & Order) Kunwar Rashtradeep and the executive committee members of RCA attended the meeting.

Gehlot said that 5 IPL matches will be played in Rajasthan. He said

CM to inaugurate Raj International Centre today

Abhishek Shrivastava

that the meeting was held so that coordination could be established among different agencies and the matches could be organised well.

He said that after BCCI’s advisory, a committee in RCA will be constituted so that maximum formats can be coordinated. “We are happy that we have got permission for IPL matches. I thank the BCCI President for this. We will take the work forward,” he said. Gehlot said that he has extended invitations to the Governor, Chief Minister &

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will inaugurate the Rajasthan International Centre built on the lines of India International Centre and India Habitat Centre in New Delhi today, where international level conferences and intellectual

sions will be held.

The foundation stone of Rajasthan International Centre was laid on April 19, 2013 during the previous tenure of Gehlot government. Its construction did not gain momentum during the BJP government, but work started again during the Gehlot’s rule.

The Centre has been constructed by JDA for Rs 140 crore on 7.44 hectares of land. It has double basement parking with a capacity of 240 vehicles. Urban Development Minister Shanti Dhariwal will preside over the inaugural ceremony. The website and e-library of the Centre will also be launched.

Club-21 applicants groove to Bollywood numbers @ musical eve!

Jaipur: A colourful Sunday evening was organised by RHB at the NRI Colony in Pratap Nagar. Pawan Arora, RHB Commissioner, said that the musical concert was organised for applicants of Jaipur’s famous ‘NRI Club-21’ wherein, Club members & guests participated with their families. The audience danced to the beats of high pitch songs by Bollywood’s famous Meet Brothers and Khushboo Grewal and enjoyed the concert to the fullest. A gala dinner was also organised. Earlier, the Board also organised polo match between NRI Club and Rajasthan Polo Club. Arora, who is also the President of ‘NRI Club-21’, said that more such entertainment events will be organised in Club in near future. He informed that 25 rooms will be built in Club House, which will be developed on the lines of international standards. He said that people are witnessing a tremendous craze for NRI Club21, which is equipped with international and state-of-the-art facilities in Jaipur’s prestigious NRI Colony. The Board has received more than Rs 25 cr on account of membership. He said that any person can apply for membership by paying Rs 4L for associate member & Rs 6L for corporate member. Principal Secretary UDH, KL Meena & several other dignitaries were present.

Parmar

Shivendra

Pawan Arora greets Manmeet Singh at the NRI Colony in Jaipur on Sunday. Also seen are Ritu Arora & Khushboo Grewal.

Shashi Bhargava, KC Meena and others during the RHB’s musical concert at NRI Colony at Pratap Nagar in Jaipur on Sunday.

(3) Enthused audience groove to the beats of famous Bollywood numbers during musical concert. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

others.

Modiji calls me friend, then turns bad: Gehlot

CM Ashok Gehlot pays tributes to martyrs at the Police Shaheed Smarak at RPA in Jaipur on Sunday.

CM Ashok Gehlot being welcomed by DGP Umesh Mishra during his visit to ‘At Home’ event held at PHQs in Jaipur on Sunday. Also seen are Rajendra Yadav, Usha Sharma & Anand Kumar.

and others, who call upon the CM at CMR on Sunday.

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses the gathering during the ‘Satkar-2023’ programmes organised by RESLA & RESA-P at the Rajasthan College premises in Jaipur on Sunday. Also seen here are Dr BD Kalla, GS Dotasra, Dharmendra Rathore, Girdhari Godara, Dayalal Patidar and others. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

CM Ashok Gehlot receives the Guard of Honour from police officials during the programme held to mark the Rajasthan Police Foundation Day at RPA in Jaipur on Sunday. Also seen here are Umesh Mishra and Rajeev Sharma. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

KUCHAMAN DELEGATION VISITS CMR

PHED PERSONNEL CALL UPON CM GEHLOT

‘NYAY DEEPS’ FOR 2008 JAIPUR BOMB BLASTS VICTIMS

Vasundhara Raje lights 80 ‘Nyay Deep’ at the Hanuman Temple at Chandlpole in Jaipur on Sunday and prays to Lord Hanuman for death sentence to culprits of 2008 Jaipur serial bomb blasts.

RAJE IN ASSAM: Vasundhara Raje arrived in Guwahati on Sunday and met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria & Anita Kataria at the Raj Bhavan. She was also scheduled to meet CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and offer worship at the famous Kamakhya temple.

discus-

THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF ELITE MISS RAJASTHAN, KALPANA IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF BEAUTY WITH BRAINS, SHE BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF SELF CONFIDENCE & DEDICATION TOWARDS ONE’S WORK. THE DIVA SHARES HER JOURNEY, DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CITY FIRST!

KALPANA'S RISE TO FAME

alpana, a diamond in the making, hails from the majestic city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. After graduating, she embarked on a journey towards her dreams by becoming a

Kalpana firmly believes in the power of self-confidence and dedication towards one's work. As she states, "If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started." Her positive mindset and commitment to self-grooming are essential qualities that make her stand out in the competitive world of modelling.

When asked about her aspirations, Kalpana reveals her love for Bollywood and her admiration for Urvashi Rautela.

She dreams of following in her footsteps and making it

big in the film industry. "I love my job, but if I got the opportunity to make it in Bollywood, it will be like a dream come true for me," she expresses with enthusiasm.

Despite the challenges she may face, Kalpana's determination and confidence keep her going. "I'll tell myself to keep doing what I'm doing, and I could be one of the finest models in the country," she affirms.

One of Kalpana's proudest moments was when she got selected for the Elite Miss Rajasthan pageant show, her very first audition. The happiness and pride on her parents' faces at that moment are etched

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

it successful,” says a husband.

“Teamwork is the essence of marriage. If my husband and I were not a team, we would be roommates instead of marriage mates – two persons who live together but who are not on the same page when it comes to important decisions,” says a wife. husband and wife who are not a team tend to attack each other rather than the problem. Minor is sues turn into major hindrances. Instead of thinking, ‘How can I win?’ They must think, ‘How can we both win?’ in marriage helps part ners to think in terms of “we” rath er than “me.” In stead of worrying about who is wrong and

TEAMWORK Marital Blues

opinions on how to solve a problem. I have found that the key to success is to be flexible and reasonable,” says a wife married for five years.

One may, at times, feel that it is only a sense of duty that is keeping one’s marriage together.

Instead of giving to defeatist thinking or writing off the potential for improvement by saying, “We married too young” why not hope for better things and wait patiently for results?

What history does one share with one’s partner?

Regardless of the difficulties, one can surely think of pleasant times, accomplishments and challenges that one faced as a team. By reflecting on those occasions, one can work on improving and honouring one’s relationship.

FACEOFTHEDAY

A husband married for twenty- five years says, “When we disagree, we work out practical solutions instead of wasting time and emotional energy in blaming and accusing each other.

One can ask, ‘To relax fully, do I need to be away from my partner? Do I view the money I earn as all

help in solving problems. Some situations are better handled when there is teamwork between partners with different abilities.

Sometimes, the difference in personalities creates problems, thus making teamwork difficult. Should a partner then conclude that he/she is hopelessly

other may disagree strongly. Or if one wants to toil daily in the garden, the other might be happy to sit back. In such a scenario, the garden may yield some results, but it would have produced more if both gardeners had agreed and worked together.

Like these gardeners, if just one partner makes effort, the relationship might improve. But, how much better it would be if both agree and work towards the common goal of preserving Teamwork helps in not just coexisting but agreeing husband will not dictate sions. A husband married for 30 years says, “I try to find a point of agreement with my wife and look for a decision that we can both

Marriage can be compared to skating partners. An ice-skating couple glides smoothly together. Suddenly, the man lifts his partner and thrusts her into the air. She spins, lands gracefully on one skate, and continues circling with him on the ice. The performance seems effortless. Yet, they cannot do it without practice. Similarly, a good marriage too depends on the coordinated efforts of both partners. Teamwork helps partners to come together and not move apart. A happily married man sums up the matter this way, “for forty years my wife and I have solved our problems by speaking frankly and by applying each others’ suggestions!”

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Limiting some items from your diet will have a positive effect on your health. There is much to achieve today and you will find yourself up to it. Academic front seems favourable. You are likely to buy something you have been longing for.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Financial front remains rosy and promises to bring in gains. Good professional guidance may become the key to further your career. A family member may make you proud with an achievement. Spending time with friends is possible. Some of you may decide to take your romance.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Your bank balance is likely to swell and make you financially secure. Buying something expensive for the house is indicated. Responsibilities are likely to increase manifold. Those feeling lethargic and unwell may get back on the path to perfect health.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Someone’s good advice will help in making the right decisions on the academic front. Things start looking up on the health front as you manage to remain regular in your workouts.Some of you can book tickets to someplace exotic.Overall health remains perfect.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Family issues that are leading to disputes are likely to be resolved amicably. There is a chance of somebody taking you along for a function or a party. Keeping track of something or someone may prove an uphill task. Your standing in your circle is likely to get a boost.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You may want things differently on the domestic front, but will need to convince others about your ideas. A break from the routine is indicated and will give you time to do things you were not getting time. Change of season requires you to take good care of your health.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Problems faced on the financial front are likely to disappear.Something may keep you from realizing your full potential on the academic front. A practical solution may be found for a complex problem at work. Those in love will feel much closer now, than before.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Something new may be acquired for the home by homemakers. An initiative on the health front is likely to give rich dividends. Those involved in a project will be able to give a good account of themselves. You despise is likely to turn over a new leaf, so let bygones be bygones.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

NANDINI GUPTA, Blogger

You will succeed in wriggling out of a tight financial situation by curbing wasteful expenditure. An outing with family promises much fun. Prepare well for a long journey, if you want to travel comfortably. Shifting to a new house or a new city cannot be ruled out for some.

This is a positive day that proves special for some. Meditate to embark on a new spiritual journey. You will be able to regain lost ground on the academic front to come at par with the rest. Excellent showing at work will get you hand-picked for an important assignment.

Something being organised on the social front may get you totally involved. Expect immediate returns from the investments made by you. Workload is likely to increase on the professional front. This is a fine day on the financial front. Good understanding and mutual respect is likely to enhance.

Going the extra mile for someone will be greatly appreciated by all. Someone may not agree to your terms but that should not affect your productivity. You will get a chance to tap your potential on the professional front and impress those who matter.

REKHA KUMAR

The writer is a personal development skills facilitator. rekhakumar@protonmail.com

COUPLE GOALS: VIRUSHKA A

PRECIOUS mother-daughter moment

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are one of the cutest and most adored couples in Bollywood. These two never fail in setting couple goals and are often seen flaunting their love for each other in public. The couple recently celebrated their first anniversary. In November, last year, the two welcomed a beautiful girl named Raha.

Alia is a doting mom and the actress is doing a fabulous job of balancing her career and newly embraced motherhood. On Sunday, she shared a photo

COCHELLA X BHANGRA

dren’s books lying on the table and posted it with the caption, ‘Sunday read.’ Alia surely is instilling the right habits in her daughter. Alia is spending her Sunday reading to daughter Raha and having a precious mother-daughter moment.

is quite active on social media, shared Diljit's video on her Instagram story and cheered for him. He performed his hit songs like Patiala Peg and Lemonade. Along with the video, Bebo wrote, "The OG. Ufff @diljitdosanjh" followed by red heart and star emojis.

Love is in the air?

On Saturday, the noted actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh performed at the Coachella music festival and left everyone mighty impressed with his electrifying act. With this, he has become the first Punjabi star to perform at the event. A while ago, Kareena took to her Instagram story and hailed Diljit and his performance.

Bebo, who

Sen in Pink City

ushmita Sen suffered a heart attack last month post which the actress had surgery. She took to social media to share her health update and revealed that she got angioplasty done which shocked her fans.She was shooting for the web series in the city.

The actress took to her official Instagram handle and went live to share with her fans that she is back in Jaipur to resume the shoot for Aarya 3. She said, “Guess where I have just landed? It feels wonderful to be back. Aarya Sareen is back. I cannot wait to bring Aarya 3 to you, the sooner the better.” She went live as soon as she landed and shared with fans that she was on her way to the hotel. The actress also shared that Jaipur feels like home and she is excited to be back.

The rumoured lovers Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were seen hanging out at a Taco Bell on Friday night in Los Angeles, and according to insiders close to them, they aren't that serious about it right now.Their relationship was initially revealed by the Instagram celebrity rumour account Deuxmoi. At Paris Fashion Week, they were seen laughing together. The insider went on to describe Chalamet as "very charming" and "easy to talk to," adding, "Timothée is a total gentleman and treats Kylie with respect." They went on to say that the actor "makes her [Kylie] laugh".The source extolling the virtues of Kylie Jenner's latest fling “He is unlike any other man [Jenner] has ever dated”.

Kylie Jenner

Sushmita Sen

Her story...

Alia Bhatt

Her story...

Anushka Sharma

Her story...

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Her story...

EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH FASHION!

The highly-anticipated and glamourous grand finale of the esteemed Ms VogueStar India and Mrs VogueStar India, alongside the prestigious Fashion Week 2023, presented by the visionary Bharat24 - Vision Of New India, was a dazzling affair held at the exquisite Le Meridian Hotel on Sunday. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the event as the chief guest. His inspiring words of encouragement for all the participants added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the extravagant affair. —MORE IN CITY FIRST TOMORROW...

GREETINGS!

NANDINI CROWNED AS FEMINA MISS INDIA!

CITY FIRST

IFTAR CELEBRATIONS!

9-year-old Nandi-

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Lunaram Darji, of the First India family during a courtesy visit at the former’s residence on Sunday.

ni Gupta from Rajasthan has been crowned the Femina Miss India in a grand ceremony Saturday night. Shreya Poonja from Delhi and Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur were the first and second runner-ups respectively. Nandini did her schooling at St. Paul’s Sr. Sec. School and is currently pursuing Business Management at Lala Laj-

pat Rai College. Like her modelling career, she is known to be a topper in studies as well. The beauty pageant contest was held in Manipur and Bollywood actors Ananya Panday, Bhumi Pednekar, Neha Dhupia and Kartik Aaryan graced the event with their presence. Significantly, the contestant who wins the title of Miss India is also given the title of Miss India World, who represents India in Miss World, this is the second time for Rajasthan, when Rajasthan became Miss

India in Miss World. Submitted claim. Pri or to this, Suman Rao had also increased the pride of Rajasthan by becoming Miss India. Yogesh Mishra, the or ganizer of Miss Ra jasthan, who has been organizing Miss Rajasthan for 25 years, ex pressed his hap piness and con gratulated Nandini Gup ta and thanked the Miss India Organization.

The Nagara family (Yakub Khan, Ayub Khan, Abid Nagara, Dr Aslam Nagara) hosted an Iftar party and dinner at Hotel Lilliput Heritage on Sunday. It was a lavish affair with some mouth-watering delicacies. Jagdeesh Chandra reached the occasion and enjoyed the festive meal. While greeting the family, he said it’s a great way to build camaraderie and strengthen our bonds as a society.

MLA Kalicharan Saraf inaugurated CCTV cameras installed in Ward 136 Neelkanth Colony, Block C with the funds from his MLA fund. Local councilor Usha Tatiwal informed that the residents had demanded the installation of CCTV cameras for their safety, as there have been incidents of vandalism and thefts in the area. MLA Saraf addressed the gathering and said that with the installation of CCTV cameras, the residents of the colony can sleep peacefully without worrying about the safety of their vehicles and homes.

IPR and Labour Policies @Skit

CITY FIRST

The 17th Senior State-level Wushu Competition for Men and Women, organised by the Wooshu Association of Rajasthan, was held from April 14 to 16 at Shri Gulab Rai Halwai Smriti Bhavan in Pilani, Jhunjhunu district. The closing ceremony of the competition was attended by several dignitaries, including Subhash Puniya, MLA Surajgarh Vidhan Sabha, Rajkumar Sharma of the Khadi Gramodyog Board, Heeranand Kataria, President of the Rajasthan Wushu Association, Dr PC Panchariya, Director of Siri Pilani and Rajesh Kumar Taler, the coach of the Indian Wushu Team.

Advanced MRI and CT scan technologies enable precise treatment decisions and outcomes for heart disease patients, according to experts at the ‘Cardiac Imaging - The Need of the Hour’ conference organised by Mahajan Imaging & Labs on Sunday. The keynote address was by Dr T.S. Kler, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman of Fortis Heart and Vascular Institute.

An international conference on “IPR and Labour Policies (Icilp-2023)” was organised by IPR CellSKIT, Jaipur. This conference was inaugurated by a distinguished expert Dr Naren Prasad, Head of Education and Training, Research Department ILO, Geneva, who was invited as the keynote speaker. He talked about evidence-based policy framing with various examples. Dr S S Somra, Professor Economics Depart-

ment, Rajasthan University delivered a special talk on IPR and Labour Policy in the Indian context. Pankaj Tyagi, Associate Manager (IPR), R and D, Hero MotoCorp Limited presented a paper on the GI registration journey of one of the special Rajasthani Products i.e., Sojat Mehndi. The court, emphasized the need for policymakers to take a holistic approach to IPR and policy, taking into account the interests of businessmen, workers, and society as a whole. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Various dignitaries including MLA Rafeek Khan, MLA Amin Kagzi and Dr Raja Babu Pawar (Former Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences) were also present. On this occasion, 200 esteemed Muslim doctors participated in the party. Before the Iftar, Dr Aslam Nagara and Dr Shrutti shed light on the subject of radiology through a presentation by Emkay Diagnostics. The menu included traditional iftar dishes such as samosas, pakoras, and dates, as well as a range of other dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

The record made in AU Jaipur Marathon held on February 5 has been included in the Golden Book of World Records, AU Jaipur Marathon CEO Mukesh Mishra said that Vivekananda Global University had run with 5738 runners who wore Rajasthani turbans and Dr BR Bagaria, Manipal Hospital, had run a five kilometre run with 294 knee transplant patients and had attempted for the world record, which has been included in the Golden Book of World Records after data verification and has been issued a certificate.

The Women’s Committee of Vanbandhu Parishad Jaipur was formed, and its annual general meeting and welcome ceremony for the new executive committee were held on Saturday, April 15, at the Bilkink Inn hotel in Jaipur. On this occasion, ex-president Savita Kothari appointed Madhu Loiwal as the president and Meena Khandelwal as the secretary. Madhu Loiwal announced the 30-member executive committee of the organisation. Chapter president Jyoti Kumar Maheshwari praised outgoing president Savita Kothari for her twoyear term.

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted by Kavita Kharayat. Also seen is Kirti Choudhary

Akshata, Manisha Kumari, Ravina Mulchandani, Divya Nehra, Dr Akshada Joshi, Saianki Chatterjee, Shreya Tomar, Sravya Ladi, Neshka, Pritilekha, Sanjana Sinha and Karishma Kakoti

Nandini Gupta

Jagdeesh Chandra with Ayub Khan, Yaqub Khan, Amin Kagzi and others during the Iftar party

Strela Luwang, Nandini Gupta and Shreya Poonja CM Ashok Gehlot also congratulated Nandini Gupta via tweet

Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience

Jagdeesh Chandra shares a moment of joy with Amin Kagzi. Also seen are Ayub Khan and Rafeek Khan

Jagdeesh Chandra in conversation with Yaqub Khan

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA