First India-Jaipur Edition-19th March 2023

VERY FRAGILE, CHINA MUST COMMIT TO RESOLVE ISSUE: EAM

New Delhi: The situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains “very fragile” as there are points where Indian and Chinese troop deployments are “quite dangerous” and China needs to deliver on commitments to resolve issue, EAM S Jaishankar said on Saturday. P6

EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

COLLEGIUM IS BEST SYSTEM WE HAVE DEVELOPED: CJI

New Delhi: Not every system is perfect but this is the best system available, CJI DY Chandrachud said on Saturday while defending the Collegium system of judges appointing judges, a major bone of contention between the govt and judiciary.

MODI FOCUSING ON ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF NATION: NADDA

Tumkur: BJP nat’l president JP Nadda on Saturday said, while his party led by PM Modi was focusing on all round, inclusive development of the country, Cong was still busy promoting dynastic politics with repackaging after repackaging of its leader Rahul. P5

NEW PARADIGM IN INDIA-BANGLADESH TIES... FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP!

PMs Narendra Modi, Sheikh

Hasina inaugurate

India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

This is the first crossborder energy pipeline between India & Bangladesh

Moni Sharma

New Delhi/Dhaka:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Saturday inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a cross-border energy pipeline, via video conferencing.

“In the last few years, under the able leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress. Every Indian is proud of that & we’re delighted that we’ve been able to contribute to this development

PERSPECTIVE P4

SUBSTANTIAL SALE OF BOOK ON GANDHI

Natwar

READ Crucial

I&B MINISTER THAKUR CAUTIONS THE MEDIA AGAINST NARRATIVES...

THE ‘ENERGY’ BOOSTER!

 16 DISTRICTS: Rangpur and Rajshahi regions in Bangladesh to be benefitted from the mega project

 `377 CRORE: Total estimated cost involved to built

 `285 CRORE: For Bangladesh portion of pipeline was borne by the Government of India (GoI)

 1 MILLION MT: High-speed diesel will be provided to Northern West Bengal districts

journey of Bangladesh,” said PM Modi at the inauguration of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. Modi said that India-

B’desh friendship pipeline was initiated in Sept 2018, adding, rail connectivity between the two nations helped in sending Covid vac-

India’s Millet Mission!

I am confident that this pipeline will further speed up the development of Bangladesh and be an excellent example of the increasing connectivity between both countries. India supplying 1,100 MW electricity to Bangladesh; hydrocarbon trade with Bangladesh crossed $1 bn. —Narendra Modi, PM The operation of IndiaBangladesh Friendship Pipeline will put in place a sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transporting HSD from India to Bangladesh and will further enhance cooperation in energy security between 2 countries.

—Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh PM

cines to Bangladesh. It is pertinent to note that inauguration took place a day after birth anniv of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Millet Mission will be blessing for 2.5 crore marginal farmers, says PM Modi After India’s proposal, the UN declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’

US

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India’s Millet Mission will become a blessing for 2.5 crore marginal farmers. This was the first time since Independence that a government was paying attention to the needs of millet-producing farmers, he added.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in Pusa, New Delhi, PM Modi said, “India’s Millet Mission will become a blessing for 2.5 crore marginal farmers. After Independence, this is the first time that a government was paying attention to the needs of millet-producing farmers.”

“Today, millets constitute only 5-6% of the

Where is Amritpal Singh? Arrest remains a suspense

n Huge drama in Punjab over likely arrest of Amritpal Singh, internet shut till today afternoon

n Hrs after reports of Singh’s arrest, police tells media that he is on the run; however, sources say he is held

Moni Sharma

WHO IS AMRITPAL SINGH, CHIEF OF ‘WARIS PUNJAB DE’?

Amritpal Singh is the chief of the separatist Khalistani pressure group ‘Waris Punjab De’ which was founded by actor and activist Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident in February last year. Once Amritpal Singh assumed control of ‘Waris Punjab De’, Sidhu’s family distanced themselves from Amritpal, claiming that he was never nominated as the leader of their son’s organisation.

In India, millets are primarily grown in 12-13 States. However, in these states, the domestic consumption per person was not more than 2-3 kgs per month. Today, it has increased to 14 kg per month.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

national food basket. I urge India’s scientists and farm experts to work expeditiously to

2 die, 5 others missing after being swept away in Chambal

Manoj Jain

increase the share. We will have to set achievable targets for it,” PM Narendra Modi said.

US President Joe Biden plans to host Indian PM Narendra Modi for a state dinner this summer, people familiar with the matter said. The White House aims for the state dinner to take place in June but the timing could slip. However, a spokesman for the National Security Council declined to comment.

Kochi: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday urged media fraternity in country to remain cautious and desist from giving its space to narratives that threaten nation’s integrity. Illogical opinions, could not destroy democratic nature of India, he added.

ARREST WARRANT AGAINST IMRAN

KHAN CANCELLED

Islamabad: A Pakistani judge on Saturday cancelled former premier Imran Khan’s arrest warrants in Toshakhana corruption case and allowed him to go home without indicting him, amidst clashes among supporters and police.

TRUMP SAYS HE IS EXPECTING ‘ARREST’ SOON, CALLS PROTEST

New York: Former US President Donald Trump said he expects to be arrested on Tuesday in a case brought by the Manhattan district attorney’s office, and called on his supporters to protest, according to a post on Truth Social on Saturday.

Chandigarh: Situation is tense across Punjab with internet connection being snapped in parts of the State till 12 noon on Sunday. Hours after news reports of self-styled preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh being arrested after a high-intensity car

Request all citizens to maintain peace, harmony Police is working to maintain Law & Order. Request not to panic or spread fake news or hate speech. —Punjab

chase, Punjab Police said that Khalistan sympathiser is still on the run.

A total of 78 persons have been arrested and several detained so far in connection with crackdown launched against Amrit-

Police

pal Singh and his aides, added Punjab Police. “Several others including Amritpal Singh are on the run and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab them,” cops added.

However, a source, close to Punjab Police told First India that Amritpal Singh has been arrested and for security reasons this news is being kept confidential from media.

Karauli: Two persons were killed and five others were missing on Saturday after a group was swept away by a water current while crossing the Chambal river on foot in Karauli district. Police said that 10 people have been rescued out of the 17 belonging to two families of MP’s Shivpuri district who stepped into the river thinking the water level was shallow.

Superintendent of Police P Karauli Narayan

Togas said the bodies of a man, identified as Devkinandan, and a woman, Kallo, were fished out from the river while five persons were still missing, were feared drowned. P3

KHARGE, GEHLOT DISCUSS ROAD MAP FOR ASSEMBLY POLLS

First India Bureau

Gandhinagar: Union

Home and Cooperation

Minister Amit Shah at the final day of IDA 49th Dairy Industry Conference in Gandhinagar on Saturday, said that India must not be satisfied by becoming the world’s largest milk producer, but must also aim to become the biggest dairy exporter. Shah also reiterated the

Cong will fight elections as one unit, form govt: Gehlot

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reached New Delhi on Saturday and met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Notably, meeting, which was organised at Kharge’s residence, was also attended by Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

CM Ashok Gehlot also addressed the media after the meeting

and said, “What is the State of politics in the State? How to prepare

ahead of the elections? We met today regarding this and for planning

CM GEHLOT APPROVES 5 INVESTMENT PROPOSALS OF OVER `6,994 CRORE

Jaipur (Naresh Sharma): Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday approved fi ve investment proposals worth ` 6,994 crore in the fourth meeting of the Board of Investment here. Employment opportunities will be created for 5,415 people with the proposals approved in the meeting, according to a release. The customized packages approved in the meeting are related to the projects of two cement manufacturing plants, caustic Soda, Hydrochloric Acid and related products manufacturing plant, a manufacturing unit for automobile assembled frames, parts and accessories, and setting up of a hotel. More on P10

ahead. Prime Minister should apologise to the country. The freedom

fighters did not get anything. What did Rahul ji say for which he should

apologize? He raised all issues in Bharat Jodo Yatra. The main problem of the country today is inflation, unemployment. Congress will fight elections as one unit and form government,” he said. Gehlot further said, “Rahul Gandhi is a dabang leader and he can fight them (BJP). Today, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. If disaffection is not overcome, civil war may also happen,” he said.

Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is making every possible effort for 360 degree development of dairy sector in India so that the country emerges as the largest milk exporter in the world.

—Amit Shah, Union HM and Minister of Cooperation

central govt’s commitment to strengthening cooperative model. P5

Nursing officer dies of Covid in Bhilwara

First India Bureau Bhilwara: A deputy superintendent of nursing died on Friday morning at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara. The deceased has been identified as Mahendra Singh Rathore. Earlier, four foreign tourists including a woman, who came to visit Rajasthan from Australia tested positive for Covid-19, officials informed on Thursday.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot calls on Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Saturday.

‘We must target to be largest milk exporter’

HM Amit Shah felicitated by Indian Dairy Assn President RS Sodhi in presence of CM Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Saturday.

A heavy police force deployed at Mehatpur on Saturday.

PM Narendra Modi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline via VC, on Saturday.

PM Narendra Modi being greeted by Union Minister Narendra Tomar during 2-day ‘Global millets Shree Anna conf’ in Pusa on Saturday.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WILL HOST PM MODI FOR A STATE DINNER THIS SUMMER

DEMANDING DISTRICT STATUS FOR SUJANGARH, SHAHPURA, PHULERA

LOCALS SHUT MARKET, BLOCK NH 58

Many Cong leaders offer to resign; Phulera locals unhappy over merger in newly announced Dudu dist

First India Bureau

Sujangarh/Jaipur: Local people on Saturday agitated against the State Government for not making Sujangarh a district. The local market was closed and people blocked NH 58 demanding the formation of a district. The blockade led to long queues of vehicles on the mega highway. The locals demonstrated outside the Congress MLA from Sujangarh Manoj Kumar’s residence after which police force was deployed there.

Meanwhile, several Congress leaders offered resignations accusing the government of neglecting the demand.

On the other hand, Youth Congress Shahpura (Jaipur) President Ramkunwar Kataria resigned for not making Shahpura a district.

Residents of Sambhar, Phulera were also unhappy for not carving the towns as a new district. In Phulera, MLA Nirmal Kumawat staged a demonstration.

He said that local people are not willing to get the area merged in the newly announced Dudu district.

Auto driver held for molesting 9-year-old girl in Jhotwara

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A case of molestation of a nine-yearold girl by an auto-rickshaw driver has come to the fore in the city. Earlier, once dropping them at home, the accused auto driver misbehaved with the minor.

This time when the same auto driver came to pick her she refused to go with him stating him as ‘dirty’. On coming to know about the molestation, the victim’s grandmother lodged a report at the Jhotwara police station. Police registered a report under the POCSO Act. Taking immediate action, the police arrested the accused auto driver on Friday night. As per the police, a complaint of molestation by the victim’s grandmother has been filed on Friday afternoon.

Raj will survive if leaders unite: Farooq Abdullah

Jaipur: UDH Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal on Saturday made it clear that the announcement of 19 new districts will have no impact on the JDA areas. In an exclusive conversation with First India News , Dhariwal made it clear that JDA areas will remain the same. “There will be no change in the area of Jaipur Development Authority. 100 per cent Congress Government will return to power in Rajasthan. The tradition of changing the government will be broken this time. The common man is happy with the announce ments made by CM Gehlot,” he said. Jaipur has been divided into four districts namely Jaipur North, Jaipur South, Dudu, and Kotputli. CM Gehlot had on Friday announced the creation of 19 new districts. —Abhishek Shrivastava

‘Barefoot’ MLA Prajapat offered silver shoes

Barmer: Congress MLA Madan Prajapat’s barefoot protest has been rewarded with “Silver” shoes by the people of Balotra after the announcement of Balotra becoming a new district. People of Balotra have gifted a pair of “silver” shoes to the MLA who pledged to remain barefoot till his demands are not met. Prajapat had been barefoot for over 388 days in demand of making Ba -

Kekri people hail Dr Raghu Sharma post formation of new district, thank Gehlot

M Imran Tak

lotra a district.

He removed his shoes outside the assembly gate on February 23, 2022, after his demand was not addressed in the last year’s budget. He pledged to remain barefoot until his demand was met.

Kekri: There is an atmosphere of celebration in the Kekri assembly constituency after CM Ashok Gehlot announced to make Kekri a district. Congress workers and people of the area expressed their gratitude to Dr Raghu Sharma in Jaipur. People celebrated by bursting crackers and feeding sweets in the villages and towns of the assembly constituency. Recently, Dr Raghu Sharma had submitted

a demand letter containing 1.81 lakh signatures to CM Ashok Gehlot regarding the creation of the district. Dr Raghu was demanding to make Kekri

a district for the last 15 years. Earlier in 2012 also, a memorandum was given to GS Sandhu Committee and during this tenure also to Ramlubhaya Committee.

Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: Commenting on the political situation in Rajasthan on Saturday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said that there is a need to unite leaders then only the state would be saved.

“Look at the condition of Rajasthan.

People lost their lives. When arrogance comes that nothing can happen without me, then the arrogance drowns a person. I request you also, try to unite the leaders, remove the distances, then only Rajasthan will survive, otherwise Rajasthan will not survive, it will drown,” he told the gathering.

Salman Khurshid said that misunderstanding is being

The media boycotted the conference against the MP Danish Ali’s certain remarks

spread among the people.

“If Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians live together, then the country will be strong. If we fall apart, the country will fall apart,” he said.

Meanwhile, a ruckus happened in the programme after media persons objected to the comments made by BSP MP from UP Kunwar Danish Ali against the media.

Diya, Rathore seek crop damage compensation

First India Bureau Rajsamand: Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari on Saturday visited the Merta and Degana Assembly constituency and took stock of crops damaged by unseasonal rains in the Lok Sabha constituency. During her visit, she interacted with the farmers and directed officials to imme-

Union Min visits Weavers Service Centre

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways Darshana Jardosh on Saturday suggested linking various handloom products to the market.

The minister conducted a visit to the Weavers Service Centre here and interacted with handloom weavers and handicraft artisans.

She appreciated the initiative taken by WSC

Darshan Jardosh and Ramcharan Bohra interact with artisan in Jaipur on Saturday.

Jaipur in the field of handloom and the contribution of handloom weavers and handicraft

UNION MIN VAISHNAW IN JAIPUR TODAY

Jaipur: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will be on a one-day visit to Jaipur on Sunday. As per the schedule, the Union Minister will reach Jaipur at 10:40 am from Ajmer Shatabdi and later inspect Jaipur Junction and Carriage & Wagon Maintenance Depot at noon. Chief Public Relations Officer of North-Western Railway, Cap. Shashi Kiran informed that the minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will also inspect the newly-built Khatipura Railway Station at 2:30 pm. The union will also take part in the Brahmin Mahapanchayat at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium.

artisans. Apart from this, the she appreciated the work of trainees and weavers done in the de-

FORMATION OF PUSHKAR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

sign resource centre and suggested linking various handloom products to the market.

Rathore felicitated for budget announcement

lll

Pushkar will be renovated and beautified in the coming days, said RTDC chairman

Dharmendra

Rathore during the felicitation programme

Jaipur: RTDC chairman Dharmendra Rathore was felicitated over the budget announcement for the formation of Pushkar Development Authority.

Rathore said in the programme held at RTDC Hotel Gangaur in Jaipur that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is sensitive to the development of Ajmer and Pushkar. He said that

Pushkar will be renovated and beautified in the coming days. Chairman of the Public Grievances Redressal Com-

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Rajasthan ATS on Saturday busted a fake SIM card gang and arrested two people for allegedly issuing fake sim cards on the IDs of other people. Police informed the accused have been identified as Akash Sharma,

diately prepare and send the Girdawari report to the state government.

“Crops have been damaged due to the recent unseasonal rains. The farmers had to bear heavy losses owing to these rains. The government should compensate the losses of the farmers,” she said.

Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore also wrote

a resident of Hanuman Basti in Dadabadi and Ravi Prakash, a resident of Bairwa Basti.

“A few people have been arrested in the matter even before. During the investigation, it was revealed that a total of 81 fake SIMs were sold by distributors Akash Mobile, Bhagwa-

a letter to CM Gehlot expressing concern regarding crop damage due to hailstorm.

“The State Government should give compensation to the farmers by conducting the damage assessment at the earliest, and an economic package should be announced to provide relief to the farmers,” he said.

ti Mobile, Sharma Communication, Ravi Mobile, Suman Enterprises and Vinay Mobile. Fake SIMs issued by these distributors have been found being used via modem boxes. The modem box has been recovered by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow,” police said.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The ‘Brahmin Mahapanchayat’, will be organised by Rajya Vipra Kalyan Board at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday. A control room has been set up in the office of the Vipra Welfare Board and arrangements have been made for the convenience of the people attending the mahapanchayat.

People from the Brahmin community reached Jaipur on Saturday from different states to take part in the gathering.

Nirmal Tiwari & Dinesh Tiwari

Protesters burn tyres over the demand of new district in Sujangarh on Saturday.

Mukesh Mathrani

MP Diya Kumari visits a farmland and takes stock of crop damage in Rajsamand District on Saturday.

Dharmendra Rathore addresses Congress leaders at Hotel Gangaur in Jaipur on Saturday.

Congress leader Dr Raghu Sharma and others celebrate the formation of Kekri as new district, on Saturday.

SELFIE IN DUBAI

BJP State president Dr Satish Poonia takes selfie with Rajasthani migrants while attending various conventions in Dubai on Saturday.

Farooq Abdullah, Amin Kagzi, Danish Ali, Salman Khurshid and others during the interaction with media at Pink City Press Club on Saturday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Villagers timely rescue 10 pilgrims

Governor, CM, Raje & other leaders express grief over the tragedy

Manoj Jain

Karauli: The rescue operations carried throughout the day for searching for five missing persons in Chambal river in Karauli. During the operation, two dead bodies were recovered by 2 pm. Police officials said that the rescue op was started about half an hour after the accident which took place at around 7 am.

17 devotees were going from MP to visit

Kaila Devi temple in Karauli and they were washed away in Chambal. 10 of them were rescued by villagers soon after the incident.

As soon as the information was received, the team of police and district administration reached the spot. The rescue operation was started by a team of divers. In the afternoon, two dead bodies were recovered with the help of divers while search for others continued.

Roof of under-construction shop collapses, six injured

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: A roof of an under-construction shop collapsed burying nine labours in the Jhotwara area of the city. The nine labourers were working on the construction of the ceiling of complex.

After the accident, the local people informed the police. On information, the Civil Defence team arrived at the spot and started the rescue operation. All nine people have been evacuated, and out of this, six severely injured labourers have been sent to the hos-

pital for treatment. As per the police, roof construction work is going on at a shop on Niwaru Road. While working on the roof, it fell on the labourers, burying them on the

spot. The work of roof construction was being done on the third floor.

After the police and Civil Defence team, the administration officials also reached the incident site.

THREE MEDICAL TEAMS ON SPOT, LEADERS EXPRESS CONDOLENCES

T hree medical teams were present on the spot. 4 of the ten people rescued were sent to the local hospital in Mandrayal town for treatment.

Minister Ramesh Meena also spoke to the collector regarding the incident. Governor Kalraj Mishra has expressed deep condolences to the three devotees who lost their lives in the river. He prayed to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear the loss.

Former CM Vasundhara Raje also condoled the demise. “I express my condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives in this incident.” she tweeted.

SI held in 6-yr-old bribery case in Kota

Kota (FIB : The ACB Kota team has arrested Sub-Inspector (SI) Satyapal Pareek in a nearly 6-year-old bribery case. The team produced him in the court from where he has been sent on remand for 2 days. The accused is a resident of Triveni Water Point, Oil Factory, Baran and presently posted in Kota Police Line.

Additional SP ACB

Kota Vijay Swarnakar said that the complainant Santosh Khandelwal resident of Jaipur had filed a complaint against the accused Pareek and others in ACB

Action taken against 2 Jhalana safari vehicles

First India Bureau

Jaipur : Action was taken on two safari vehicles in Jhalana. The vehicles were banned for not being present on the safari time. A roster was cut off of

Court No. 1, Jaipur. In the complaint, it is alleged that in a case registered in Baran Kotwali in the year 2016, in lieu of not being made an accused, the accused demanded Rs 5 lakh.

The complaint was investigated by Baran ACB. Probe revealed that Pareek had taken Rs 1 lakh from the complainant.

vehicle owner Kunal Gangwal and driver Saurabh Saini was banned for 1 week.

Vehicle owner Prem Prakash Pranami’s vehicle was also acted against and driver Shobhit was banned for a week. Action was taken on three vehicles on Friday also, said Range Officer Janeshwar Chaudhary.

MLA Dilawar files complaint against State Congress in-charge SS Randhawa for remarks on PM Modi

Gul Mohammad Kota: A police complaint was filed on Saturday against Rajasthan Congress in charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa by BJP’s state general secretary Madan Dilawar for his “threatening” remarks against PM Modi. Dilawar, who is also an MLA from Ramganjmandi in Kota district, filed the complaint at Mahaveer Nagar police station and, along with his supporters, sat on a dharna at its gate for some time, demanding

the lodging of a case against the Congress leader for sedition and other alleged offences.

Circle Officer Amar Singh Rathore said the complaint by the MLA was received and facts and evidence related to

YOUTH CONGRESS PROTESTS IN KOTA AFTER DILAWAR’S COMMENTS ON RANDHAWA

the allegations in the complaint were being examined.

In his complaint, Dilawar alleged that Randhawa, with an aim to provoke violence, “threatened to kill the prime minister”.

Congress workers were furious over the statement made by BJP MLA Madan Dilawar regarding Congress state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Youth Congress workers led by Congress leader Shivkant Nandwana protested outside Mahavir Nagar police station against Dilawar’s statement. They demanded to register a case against Dilawar, or else the Congress workers would agitate with full force. He warned the state in-charge of Congress, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. He stated that they want to ask Madan Dilawar, a politician or a goon. All of the workers reached have come to file a case against him. If a case is not registered against them, they will agitate with full force. If the conduct of Madan Dilawar does not improve, there will be a gherao Dilawar and stop coming out on the streets. Shivkant said that ever since Dilawar became an MLA, he used to issue any statement to gain cheap popularity. Randhawa did not issue any such wrong statement for PM Modi.

1. Local villagers gathered to fish out the victims. 2. Rescue operation by SDRF team underway. 3. Karauli Collector Ankit Kumar Singh and SP Narayan Togas at the spot on Saturday.

Rescue operation on Saturday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Madan Dilawar submits complaint to a police officer on Saturday.

MAHATMA GANDHI: A TRUE INSPIRATION

Earlier in the year, MJ Akbar and I decided to co-author a book on Mahatma Gandhi. Why another book on him, when eleven thousand already exist. Yet, Gandhiana has not yet had its day. We were both aware of the diminishing demand for books on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The sales are still substantial. Our book is aimed at the eighteen to twenty five age group. They are familiar with Gandhi’s name and his fads, his fasts and obsession with spinning yarn, but not with his qualities as a saintly politician.

Not one in a thousand or even ten thousand of this group would have read, “The Story of My Experiment With Truth”, his autobiography. In many ways it is unique. We also had to address the question, “Was Gandhi a saint among politicians or a politician amongst saints.” The answer is not easy. Even George Orwell, EM Forster, Nehru and Einstein have not come close to solving the riddle.

I got hooked on Gandhi in my teens. The only time I set eyes on him was in June 1945, at the railway station at Bharatpur, my home town.

“If Swaraj had to be viewed for any length of time, only as home spun thread, that would be like having an infantile leg to nurse into maturity. A man like the Mahatma may succeed in getting some of our countrymen to take an interest in this kind of uninspiring nature for a time because of their faith in his personal greatness of soul. To obey him is for them an end in itself. To me it seems that such a state of mind is not helpful for the attainment of Swaraj”

The Frontier Mail, by which he was travelling in a third class compartment to Shimla, made a five minute halt at Bharatpur. When the train stopped, the Gandhi cap wearing Congress wallahs rushed toward it. I too had acquired a Gandhi cap against the wishes of my aristocratic father. While he vaguely respected Gandhi, he was not an enthusiastic admirer.

It was Gandhiji’s silence day and that restrained the boisterous of the crowd. My attempts to get his autograph failed. I was shooed off by the humourless Pyarelal, his secretary. I only have a vague memory of the event. One thing I do remember — I thought he was darker than I had imagined.

Now to the book. The most gripping part is the exchange of letters between Tagore and Gandhi, during the nonviolent, non-cooperation movement. Tagore was critical of some aspects and wrote

THE VICIOUS TROLLS GO AFTER CJI

Not one in a thousand or even ten thousand of this group would have read, “The Story of My Experiment With Truth”, his autobiography. In many ways it is unique. We also had to address the question, “Was Gandhi a saint among politicians or a politician amongst saints.” The answer is not easy. Even George Orwell, EM Forster, Nehru and Einstein have not come close to solving the riddle

a long essay in the Modern Review in September 1925.

“It is extremely distasteful to me to have to differ from Mahatma Gandhi in regard to any matter of principle or method. Not that, from a higher standpoint, there is anything wrong in so doing; but my heart shrinks from it. For what could be a greater joy than to join hands in the field of work with one for whom one has such love and reverence? Nothing is more wonderful to me than Mahatmaji’s great moral personality. In him divine providence has given us a burning thunderbolt of Shakti. May this Shakti give power to India — not overwhelm her — that is my prayer. The difference in our

If digital media’s messaging platforms have to be categorised they can befittingly be called a nuisance because of the trolls. Some trolls are backed by the ruling party, others by parties in opposition. Their purpose is the same - to somehow vitiate the atmosphere by attacking anyone with vicious barbs. And God forbid if the issue is political. Nothing is left unsaid by trolls who can be as abusive as one can imagine, and they spare none. So long as they target politicians it is understandable but it becomes dangerous when they begin to target judges with the objective of influencing judgments. In other words, they attempt to sway judges.

The latest target of trolls is

IN-DEPTH

PUNJAB POLICE SCUTTLE SEPARATISTS’ PLAN TO FOMENT TROUBLE IN STATE

The Punjab Police have acted in time to cut radical Sikh Amritpal Singh’s any possible plans to revive the pro-Khalistan movement in Punjab. The police had come in for scathing criticism for buckling to protests from Amritpal and releasing his close aide in February. Supporters accompanying Amritpal attacked the police with swords and injured many of them. It was a meek surrender by the police that shocked the state and sent waves of concern as the memory of Operation Blue Star was revived. With today’s meticulously planned action, the state police have redeemed its honour.

The separatist leader’s village Jallupur Khaira in Amritsar district was sealed in apprehension of trouble while the police chased and arrested Amritpal while he was on his way to Shahkot tehsil. The Internet remained suspended.

standpoints and temperaments has made the Mahatma look upon Rammohun Roy as a pygmy — while I revere him as a giant. The same difference makes the Mahatma’s field of work one which my conscience cannot accept as its own. This regret which will abide with me always. It is, however God’s will that man’s paths of endeavour shall be various, else why these differences of mentality. How often have any personal feelings of regard strongly urged me to accept at Mahatma Gandhi’s hands my enlistment as a follower of the charkha cult, but as often have any reason and conscience restrained me, lest I should be a party to the rais-

ing of the charkha to a higher place than is its due, thereby distracting attention from other more important factors in our task of all-around reconstruction. I feel sure that Mahatma himself will not fail to understand me, and keep for me the same forbearance which he has always had.

“If Swaraj had to be viewed for any length of time, only as home spun thread, that would be like having an infantile leg to nurse into maturity. A man like the Mahatma may succeed in getting some of our countrymen to take an interest in this kind of uninspiring nature for a time because of their faith in his personal greatness of soul. To obey him is for them an end in itself. To me it seems that such a state of mind is not helpful for the attainment of Swaraj.”

Tagore and Gandhi were born in the same decade, the former in 1861 and Gandhi in 1869. Both died in the same decade. Tagore passed away in 1941, Gandhiji was shot dead by Godse on 30th January 1948.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

The latest target of trolls is CJI Chandrachud, heading Constitutional Bench hearing the Sena v/s Sena case. 12 Oppn leaders and senior advocate Vivek Tankha, who is also a Congress MP in RS, have written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking immediate action against the trolls who have used “filthy and deplorable” content against the CJI

DY Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, heading the Constitutional Bench hearing the Sena versus Sena case. Twelve Opposition leaders and senior advocate Vivek Tankha, who is also a Congress MP in Rajya Sabha, have written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking immediate action against the trolls who have used “filthy and deplorable” content against the CJI. Others supporting Tankha’s initiative include Ram Gopal Yadav and Jaya Prada (SP) and

Raghav Chaddha (AAP), Shakti Sinh Gohil and Pramod Tiwari (Cong).

Tankha, who blamed the “troll army presumably sympathetic to the ruling party in Maharashtra”, demanded exemplary legal action against the troll army. Whether trolls are good for democracy and should be allowed to carry on shooting barbs with impunity at the high and mighty, or should one learn to live with them? One thing is certain they cannot be stopped from being nasty.

Amritpal’s arrest hopefully will stop the separatist movement from taking root in Punjab afresh. The action should also send a strong message to the Khalistan protagonists sitting in Pakistan, Canada, UK and Australia.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

The

TOP TWEETS

iconic Vivekananda Rock memorial

Visiting

of the late

Ranade Ji who was behind the building of the spiritually charged complex.

Yadav

Reached Tamenglong in Manipur and met with officials of the district administration to take stock of the development work. PM Shri @ narendramodi ji’s ‘Act East’ policy has made visible positive difference on ground. The meeting discussed ways to accelerate growth in the region.

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

Centre committed to strengthen India’s cooperative model: Shah

Union Home & Cooperation Minister addresses Indian Dairy Summit in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar (ANI): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that India must not be satisfied by becoming the world’s largest milk producer, but must also aim to become the biggest dairy exporter.

Shah also reiterated the central government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative model. The Union Minister was speaking at the Indian Dairy Summit, organised on the third and final day of the Indian Dairy Association’s (IDA) 49th Dairy Industry Conference in Gandhinagar.

The theme of the conference was “India Dairy to the world: Opportunities & Challenges”.

“Our milk processing capacity is around 126 million litres per day, which is the highest in the world. From 1970 to 2022, India’s population has increased fourfold, but milk production has increased by ten times,” Shah said.

“We should not be satisfied by being the

Ahead of polls, JP Nadda holds roadshow in K’taka

Tumakuru (ANI):

RaGa INSULTED INDIA IN UK: NADDA

world’s largest milk producer. We must also strive to become the world’s biggest dairy exporter. A second White Revolution is needed and we are working in that direction. The Narendra Modi government will not let any opportunity go to waste,” he said.

“The Indian dairy sector has grown by 6.6 per cent per year in the past decade. The Central government is setting up 2 lakh dairy co-

AIADMK sets the ball rolling for EPS’ ultimate elevation

Our milk processing capacity is around 126 million litres per day, which is the highest in the world. From 1970 to 2022, India’s population has increased fourfold, but milk production has increased by ten times. —Amit Shah, Home Affairs and Cooperation Minister

operatives in villages, and once that happens, the dairy sector’s growth will go up to 13.80 per cent. India’s share of global milk production will be 33 per cent. Our dairy exports will be at least five

Don’t see any ‘middle path’ to break Parl logjam: Ramesh

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami files his nomination papers for party’s General Secy post, in Chennai, on Saturday.

Chennai (PTI): AIAD-

MK interim chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Saturday filed nomination for election to the party’s powerful General Secretary post, setting the ball rolling for his ultimate elevation, as rival leader O Panneerselvan slammed the “pickpocket-like” approach of the EPS camp in holding the polls, alleging due party process was not followed.

EPS filed his nomination at the party headquarters, nearly a month after the Supreme Court greenflagged his continuance as the AIADMK interim

HIGH COMMAND WILL DECIDE ON POLL TIE-UP: BJP

Chennai (ANI): Tamil

Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state vice president Nainar Nagenthiran on Saturday said that the party would follow the orders of the top leadership on forming an alliance with the AIADMK. Nainar Nagenthiran was responding to news of a possible BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu.

chief, dealing a blow to Pannerselvam (OPS) in his running feud with his rival over the leadership issue.

New Delhi (PTI): Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said he does not see a “middle path” to end the logjam in Parliament as the Opposition’s demand for a JPC probe into the Adani issue was “non-negotiable” and the question of an apology over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK does not arise.

He said the govt is rattled by 16 Opposition parties coming together to demand a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani issue and is resorting to a “3D orchestrated campaign — distort, defame and divert”.

He also hit out at BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s efforts to seek termination of Rahul Gandhi’s LS membership over his remarks in the UK, saying all this was “intimidation” and part of efforts to distract from the real issues.

Samajwadi Party’s 2-day nat’l exec meet begins in Kolkata

Kolkata (ANI): The Samajwadi Party on Saturday began its two-day national executive meeting in Kolkata during which it will discuss the party’s policies and strategies for the elections in three Hindi states due this year and Lok Sabha polls next year.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav, MP Jaya Bachchan and state unit chiefs from 20 states, and several other leaders were present at the meeting.

Akhilesh Yadav with SP leaders Kiranmoy Nanda, Jaya Bachchan and others at National Executive Meeting, in Kolkata, on Saturday.

Talking to ANI, party leader Kiranmoy Nanda said, “The preparations are done. The meeting will take place under the leadership of

Akhilesh Yadav. The meeting is taking place on Friday and Saturday, and a rally with the party workers will take place on March 17.”

times the current level,” said Shah. The union minister noted that dairy is a vocation for the world, but in India, where 9 crore families are directly connected with dairying, it is also a source of

livelihood, strengthening the rural economy, addressing nutritional challenges, and women empowerment. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel also addressed the occassion and said, “Small dairy farmers are the real strength of the Indian dairy sector. Gujarat has been a model of overall development and is also a leader in the dairy industry with a 20 per cent share in the country’s milk production.”

Ahead of Karnataka assembly polls, BJP chief JP Nadda held a roadshow in Tumakuru on Saturday. BJP leader and former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa was also present. On Friday, Nadda had hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in London on Indian democracy saying that the latter’s party is in danger, not the country’s democracy.

“The actions of Congress and Rahul

Gandhi are highly condemnable. Congress only knows to divide people. It’s not democracy that is in danger but your party,” Nadda had said while addressing a public rally in

the Chitradurga district of poll-bound Karnataka. He further said that Rahul raised questions in a foreign land because people have “ignored” his party here in the country.

Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah attends the occasion of the 49th Dairy Industry Conference organized by Indian Dairy Association, in Gandhinagar on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BJP chief JP Nadda, former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and other Karnataka BJP leaders participate in a road show in Chikkanayakanahalli, Karnataka, on Saturday.

TERROR-FUNDING CASE SIA CARRIES OUT RAIDS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN J&K

Searches were conducted in places connected to Sarjan Barkati

Srinagar (PTI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out raids at eight places on Saturday in a case related to collection of funds by Maulvi Sarjan Barkati, the face of “anti-national” protests in 2016, and using the same for personal gains, officials said.

The SIA, a subsidiary of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, registered a case against Barkati earlier this year to probe the collection of funds as well as his “anti-national” speeches.

According to the officials, it is alleged that more than Rs 1.5 crore were generated through crowdfunding and from suspected terror sources, and utilised for personal benefits, profiteering and in furtherance of secessionistterrorist campaigns.

Barkati and others are alleged to have made a huge amount of money by making emotional appeals to the public to support them for their day-to-day needs.

INVESTIGATION STILL GOING ON

The SIA has so far identified 10 suspects whose involvement has surfaced in the initial investigation. The early morning raids spread over many districts of Kashmir are still underway. With the seizures of electronic gadgets, incriminating material and other corroborative evidence, the SIA is hopeful that the searches would enable it to extract some vital leads, including on whether these funds had anything to do with terror and Hurriyat finances.

Under this garb, Barkati not only generated huge funds but prima facie, also laundered money coming from unidentified sources, suspected to have originated from terror outfits, for further use in sustaining the secessionist-

CRUCIAL READ

Sambhal: Police have arrested the two owners of a cold storage here where 14 people were killed and several injured after the building’s roof collapsed, a senior official said on Saturday. The two were arrested from Haldwani district in Uttarakhand, he said. Twenty-four people were pulled out of the rubble of the collapsed structure on Indira Road under Chandausi police station limits and 14 of them died, according to officials. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set up a committee to probe the reasons behind the collapse, which took place on Thursday.

situation very fragile, China must resolve issue’

New Delhi (Agencies):

gations have shown Barkati has diverted a substantial part of the funds for his personal benefits and purchased a piece of land worth Rs 45 lakh in Anantnag town in the name of his wife, which he subsequently sold for Rs 72 lakh, making a profit of Rs 27 lakh, and also built a palatial house using public money.

He has also purchased five kanals of land to establish a madrassa, which according to credible information is meant for making money and providing a platform to anti-national elements and also aimed at being a breeding ground for luring youngsters towards terrorism.

A large chunk of such ill-gotten money has allegedly been deposited in several FDRs in the name of Barkati’s family members.

Owaisi accuses Nitish of helping BJP in Bihar

Patna (Agencies):

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday blamed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for strengthening the BJP in Bihar, and also argeted Tejashwi Yadav for poaching his MLAs. Owaisi began his twoday visit to Bihar’s Seemanchal. He said, “Nitish Kumar said that AIMIM is a party of the Muslim community. I want to tell him that his capacity is limited only to Kurmi and Kushwaha. Nitish was responsible for helping & making BJP stronger in Bihar..”

The situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains “very fragile” as there are points where Indian and Chinese troop deployments are “quite dangerous” and China needs to deliver on commitments to resolve the issue, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. In the context of the Ukraine conflict, the Indian side is working on getting the G20 to refocus on its original mandate of challenges to global development and growth, including rising debt and food shortages, Jaishankar said at the Conclave of a media organisation on Saturday.

“This is a very challeng-

ing and abnormal phase in our ties with China,” he said, adding China’s violation of agreements and protocols for border management had resulted in the clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020 that resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.

“Now we have deployed our troops, we have stood our ground and the situation to my mind still remains very fragile because there are places where our deployments are very close up. And in the military assessment actually, therefore, quite dangerous,” he said.

UP Energy Minister warns striking

to join back or face dismissal

Lucknow (PTI): Uttar

terrorist campaigns, the officials said.

It is alleged that Barkati used to openly invite and incite youngsters to take to violence and pull down the Indian State in Jammu and Kashmir.

Preliminary investi-

CBSE has warned schools against starting the academic session before April 1, saying it poses the risk of causing anxiety and burnout among students. The warning by CBSE comes after several schools commenced their academic session, especially for Classes 10 and 12. “Attempting to complete an entire year’s worth of course work in a reduced timeframe poses risks for students who may get overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with the pace of learning, leading to anxiety and burnout,” CBSE said.

YOUTUBER ARRESTED FOR FAKE VIDEOS OF MIGRANT WORKERS ATTACKED IN TN

Patna: YouTuber Manish Kashyap from Bihar, who has several cases filed against him by the Bihar and Tamil Nadu police for allegedly making fake videos of Bihari migrant workers in the southern state, was arrested on Saturday. Kashyap was arrested at the Jagdishpur police station of Bettiah in the West Champaran district, where he surrendered after the Bihar Police, and it’s Economic Offences Unit, reached his home to attach his properties. He is accused of circulating false and misleading videos about residents of Bihar working in Tamil Nadu.

4 KILLED, 28 INJURED AS BUS OVERTURNS IN J&K’S PULWAMA

Srinagar (PTI): Four people hailing from Bihar were killed and 28 injured when their bus overturned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday, officials said. The incident took place on the

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in the Barsoo area of the south Kashmir district, they added. Four passengers, all residents of Bihar, were killed in the accident, the officials said, adding that 28 passengers were injured,

of whom 23 were rushed to various hospitals for treatment. LG Manoj

Sinha expressed anguish over the incident and directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected people.

6-DAY SOUTH VISIT

Not only has the accused breached the public trust through emotional blackmailing by building a personal fortune with the funds donated to him by people for daily sustenance, he also camouflaged money coming from suspicious sources under the garb of crowdfunding for the furtherance of the secessionist-terrorist campaigns, the officials said.

Pradesh’s Energy Minister AK Sharma on Saturday issued a stern warning to striking electricity department employees to join their duties by 6.00 pm, or face dismissal. Services of 1,332 contractual employees have already been terminated, he said.

Speaking to reporters here, Sharma said, “A decision has been taken to initiate action against 22 persons from the de-

Kiren Rijiju invokes ‘Lakshman Rekha’ for SC order on EC

New Delhi (PTI): Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday invoked the constitutional “Lakshman Rekha” guiding different institutions, including the executive and the judiciary, and wondered that if judges become part of administrative appointments, who would carry out judicial work.

Rijiju was responding to a question on a Supreme Court bench directing the government to set up a panel comprising the prime minister, the chief justice of India and the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha to select the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners till a law is in place for the same.

“The appointment of

election commissioners is prescribed in the Constitution. Parliament has to enact a law. Accordingly, the appointment has to be done. I agree that there is no enactment for that in Parliament, there is a vacuum,” the minister said at the India Today Conclave. Rijiju said he is not criticising the apex court judgment or talking about its “repercussions” or what the government is going to do on the issue.

President Murmu reaches Kanyakumari

lll

Tamil Nadu

Governor R.N. Ravi, Minister Mano

Thangaraj, district collector Sridhar and other officials welcomed her at the airport

Chennai (Agencies):

President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a sixday visit to Kerala, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu, on Saturday reached Kanyakumari.

The President was accorded a warm welcome at the Vivekananda rock memorial where she will spend time at the meditation hall.

She will also pay a visit to the iconic Tiruvallur statute and return to Thiruvanan -

thapuram. Heavy security is in place in Kanyakumari and traffic is

diverted in many places of the district near the beach road.

partment under the ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act).

BJP trying to topple Delhi govt via no-confidence motion, says AAP

New Delhi (Agencies): The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged that BJP is trying to topple its government through bringing a motion of no-confidence in the Delhi Assembly.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said that the BJP was trying to topple the AAP government in Delhi by introducing a no-confidence motion.

“BJP is luring and threatening AAP MLAs to join their party. BJP has also approached several AAP MLAs to support the no-confidence motion,” he claimed.

Apart from this, instructions have also been issued to lodge FIR

against those who are damaging the government property, and obstructing others from discharging duties. FIR has been registered against 29 persons in this regard.” “Services of 1,332 contractual employees have been terminated. I once again request all the contractual employees to resume their duties by 6.00 pm, otherwise they will be dismissed from service tonight,” he said.

Barricades collapse as Union Min’s chopper lands in Karnataka

Vijayapura (Agencies) : An incident of barricades collapsing during the landing of a helicopter carrying Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was reported from Vijayapura district on Saturday.

According to authorities, the incident raised security concerns, and the authorities were looking into it. The Union minister reached Vijayapura to

attend a public rally of the beneficiaries of state and central government projects in the premises of the Sainik School. When the chopper was in the landing process in the premises of the school, the barricades erected to protect the perimeter came off and collapsed due to the force of the wind that was generated during the landing.

Another interview of Bishnoi surfaces from jail

New Delhi (PTI): Th “W A day after Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav claimed that an interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was not recorded inside any jail of the state, another surfaced on Friday. It was run by a private news channel that had run the first interview on March 14.

Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in the high-security Bathinda jail, in the latest video can be seen in an

orange T-shirt and with short hair and beard. There was no immediate reaction from the state govern -

ment to the undated interview. In the latest interview, Bishnoi can be heard speaking about the Goindwal jail incident that took place last month and in which two gangsters were killed.

This interview surfaced a day after Yadav claimed that the first interview of Bishnoi by the private news channel was not recorded inside the Bathinda jail, or any other prison of the state.

‘LAC

President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Vivekananda Rock memorial, in Kanyakumari on Saturday.

Bathinda jail

President Droupadi Murmu paying homage at the Vivekananda Kendra, in Kanyakumari, on Saturday. —PHOTOS BY ANI

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju

Police personnel stand guard as State Investigation Agency (SIA) conduct raids at various locations, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Police personnel during raids at various locations, on Saturday.

workers

Electricity Department workers perform ‘havan’ during their threeday strike, in Varanasi. —PHOTO BY ANI

—PHOTO BY ANI

200 warrantees held by Jodhpur police in Operation Arunodaya

Police action started at 4 am under the aegis of both ADCPs

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: To arrest the permanent warranties in the city, on Saturday morning, the police arrested about two hundred warranties by running Operation Arunodaya. Police Commissioner Ravidutt Gaur said that for this operation, a total of 76 teams were formed in East and West districts. These teams started raiding the places of warranties at 4 am in the morning. A total of 1000 houses were raided. During this, Rs 18

Lawyers hold talks with govt for Advocates

Protection Bill

Jaipur (FIB): All five main conveners of the Lawyers’ Sangharsh Committee held talks with Principal Secretary Law Gyan Prakash Gupta on Saturday for the amendment in the Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill-2023.

Kamal Kishore Sharma, Ranjit Joshi, Mahendra Shandilya, Ravi Bhansali and Vivek Sharma met the officer and held talks. During this, Bar Council of Rajasthan Chairman GS Rathore and Additional Advocate General Vibhuti Bhushan were also present. The conveners said that the bill should be amended in favor of the lawyers. The principal secy has assured the lawyers to get the amendments done. In the Bill presented by the state govt in the Vidhansabha on March 15, a provision has been made that the protection will be given only if the crime is committed inside the court premises.

95 buyers of 17 nations to attend Raj Int’l Expo from Mar 20 in Jodhpur

Kin of Bhiwani victims protest in Bharatpur again

20 teams of 200 cops act against 61 history-sheeters

Shubham Jain

lakh was recovered from the house of Ghevarram Vishnoi, an accused in an NDPS case. A total of 200 people have been arrested including 74 permanent warranties, they will be presented together in court. The police teams raided 600 places in the western region, said an official.

As per the police, this operation was conducted on the instructions of the police headquarters to arrest permanent warranties in the district. Under this, various teams were sent to 600 places. During this, 46 permanent warranties, absconding for a long time were arrested.

Ajmer: In a major crackdown on criminals in the city, locations of 61 historysheeters were raided and 28 habitual criminals were interrogated in the police stations. The crackdown was performed on Saturday under the ‘Vajra Prahar’. 200 police officers

and employees raided several locations of history-sheeters, and booked habitual criminals for breach of peace, said ASP City Sushil Kumar. The police are keeping an eye on the active and old criminals involved in criminal activities. So that criminal incidents in Ajmer can be curbed, Sushil Kumar added.

BOTH SOLDIERS DIE IN ACCIDENTS

First India Bureau

Jaipur: 95 buyers from 17 countries will come to attend a three-day Rajasthan International Expo which will start in Jodhpur on March 20.

Industry minister Shakuntla Rawat said that the CM Ashok Gehlot will formally inaugurate the expo on March 21. “Rajasthan International Expo has been conceptualized with the aim of providing an opportunity to the handicraft exports

IAF officer, Army Commando cremated

Hanumangarh (ANI): The last rites of Rajendra Godara , a Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF), who met with an accident on February 21 and passed away during his treatment at the Air Force Hospital in the national capital, were performed on Friday.

According to officials, the Wing Commander met with the accident while travelling in a car in the Capital on February 21. He was critically injured in the accident.

KARAULI COMMANDO CONSIGNED TO FLAMES BY 4-YEAR-OLD SON

of the state to showcase its dominance at the global level,” she said on Saturday.

In the expo, 95 buyers mainly from the US, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sweden, Thailand, Netherlands, Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Sudan, Senegal, Egypt, Bolivia will come. In addition, 234 Indian buyers will participate in the expo, Rajiv Arora, chairman of RAJSICO and Rajasthan Export Promotion Council said.

Bharatpur (FIB) : A protest march was taken out by Jabir, the brother of deceased Nasir and Junaid in the pahadi area. The people in the protest march demanded the release of Ataullah, an accused of an alleged attempt to murder case. The people in the protest marched from the old hospital area to the bus stand intersection. There was a mild clash reported between the police and protesters. The procession caused a jam at the bus stand for some time.

Huge rush at Shri Khatu Shyam ji temple on Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi

On Friday, an Air Force team from Delhi reached the Suratgarh AFS with the mortal remains of Wing Commander Godara. From there, the body was brought to his native village, Dholipal, by road.

Panic triggers as bomb like thing found on road

First India Bureau Jaisalmer : A bomblike object was found near Airport Road of Kotwali police station area in the district on Saturday. On information from a passerby, top police officers reached the spot. After inspection, coordination is made with the concerned departments for the safe disposal of the explosives. The police team went to the spot after receiving information about discovering a bomb-like object

on the Khudhi road in Kotwali. On receiving the information, senior police officials reached the spot and informed the Air Force officials.

The live bomb weighs 3 to 5 kg. An attempt was also made to break the bomb, as there were injury marks on the bomb.

The body was cremated with full military honours. A large number of villagers and eminent citizens were present, along with Air Force officers, at the sombre, ceremonial tribute for the Wing Commander.

Karauli: A pall of gloom descended on Modankapura village of Karauli district on Saturday when the mortal remains of army commando Kuldeep Gurjar reached his native village. Kuldeep Gurjar (30), who was posted in the 6th Rajput regiment in Meerut, died in an explosion during war practice. He was admitted to the hospital, but he succumbed to injuries. After keeping the deceased at his residence for some time, the body was taken to the burial ground following the protocol. An emotional and tearful adieu was given by the villagers and officials of the district administration. A gun salute was given to the departed soul and the funeral pyre was lit by his four-year-old son, Mannu. He will be laid to rest with full military honours.

Nepal Election body delegation in Jaipur, praise Indian officials

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A delegation of the Election Commission of Nepal visited Jaipur and collected information regarding the process of adding names to voter list, EVM, VVPAT and IT. The delegation interacted with Chief Electoral Officer Rajasthan Praveen Gupta and District Election Officer.

Gupta briefed the delegation about the electoral process followed in India. He informed that an initiative has

been taken by the Election Commission of India to add the names of youth above 17 years of age to the voter list.

The delegation from Nepal also got hands-on experience of EVM and VVPAT. The delegation lauded India’s election

THAR MAHOTSAV 2023

process and said that in a country with a large population, the election process is conducted on a large scale and the advanced tech of voting and counting through EVMs has made the process completely fair and transparent.

First India Bureau

Sikar: On the occasion of Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi on Saturday, a huge crowd of devotees thronged the famous temple of Baba Shyam of Khatu Shyamji town in the district. The devotees continue to reach Khatu Dham since midnight. Devotees walking from Ringus to Khatu Dham carrying saffron symbol are reaching Khatu Dham with the cheers of ‘Baba Shyam’ and paying obeisance to Baba Shyam. Baba Shyam’s supernatural makeup has been done by Shri Shyam Mandir Committee with colourful flowers.

The security guard of Shree Shyam Mandir Committee, and an additional police force has been deployed under the direction of SHO Subhash Chandra Yadav for the safety measures of the devotees. Devotees witnessed

overwhelmed emotions after getting a glimpse of Baba Shyam and wished for the prosperity of home, family and business.

Three-day-long desert fest begins with flying colours in Barmer

lll

The title of Thar Sundari was jointly won by Komal Siddh and Tanu Fulvariya this year, while Thar Shri was won by Vikram Singh Solanki

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Barmer is hosting the famous three-day event, ‘Thar Festival’, which began on Saturday. The festival aims to celebrate the colourful life of the desert and promote folk art, culture, history, tourism and handicrafts of the region. The event features folk music, renowned singers and poets, moustache and turban tying competitions, sand art

displays, camel decoration shows and cultural performances.

In the series of competitions, Thar Shri and Thar Sundari competi-

tions were the most popular among the audience. This year, the

title of Thar Sundari was jointly won by Komal Siddh and Tanu

Fulvariya, while Thar

Shri was won by Vikram Singh Solanki. The festival commenced with a procession from Gandhi Chowk in Barmer that included local bands, chariots, well-dressed camels and horses, folk artists and women dressed as brides. The procession travelled from Gandhi Chowk to Adarsh Stadium, via the main parts of the city.

The Barmer MLA Mevaram Jain, district collector Lok Bandhu

Yadav, Zila Pramukh Mahendra Chaudhary and Chairman at Barmer Nagar Parishad Deepak Mali flagged off the procession. The SP Digant Anand, Zila Parishad CEO Omprakash Bishnoi and ADM Surendra Purohit were also present during the procession. During the tattoo show of BSF’s Camels, the desert ships were specially decorated with ornaments on their feet, neck and back.

Ravi Dutt Gaur, Amrita Duhan and Gaurav Yadav briefing the media about the operation in Jodhpur on Saturday.

The accused held in the custody of the Ajmer police on Saturday.

The BSF’s

Industries Min Shakuntala Rawat, RAJSICO president Rajeev Arora and other official on Saturday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

(Top) Glorious picture of Baba Shyam. (Bottom) Devotees throng the temple on Ekadashi in huge numbers on Saturday. —PHOTOS BY VIDYA SAGAR

Protesters burning the effigy of Zahida Khan on Saturday.

IAF officials, villagers and relatives of Rajendra Godara during the last rites in Dholipal village on Saturday.

Officials of Nepal Election Commission with Raj officials on Saturday.

Officials at spot on Saturday.

RAJ SETS NEW RECORDS IN MINERAL BLOCKS AUCTION

Premium bids of ` 148.30 cr received for plots with reserve price of ` 2.04 crore

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: New records are being established daily in the auction of minor mineral blocks of Rajasthan at premium rates. Additional Chief Secretary Mines, Petroleum and Water, Dr Subodh Agarwal said that compared to the reserve price of Rs 19 lakh for 8 plots of Masonry Sandstone in Alwar, the highest bid of Rs 46.61 crore, setting a

The result of CM Ashok Gehlot’s emphasis on exploration and instructions to promote legal mining is that the auction of mineral blocks has increased in the State. Mines

Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya has been continuously monitoring and giving necessary instructions.

—Dr Subodh Agarwal

March 14 to March 17,

new record in the e-auction has been received.

He informed that in the successful auction of total 62 plots held on the e-portal of the Government of India from

premium bids of Rs 148 crore 30 lakh have been received for plots with a reserve price of Rs 2.04 crore. In these, 5 plots of quartz and feldspar at

 Rs 59.32 cr from auction of 62 plots will be given in the first installment.

 Tight auction and monitoring system.

 Opportunity to miners across the country.

 All plots auctioned at premium rates.

Kotputli Paota and two plots of masonry stone at Chomu Hathnoda have also been auctioned at a premium several times higher than the reserve rates.

Cyber Security has emerged as a crucial subject in the present IT era: Dr Tripathi

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A Cyber Quiz for Cyber Awareness was successfully organized on Saturday at Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur under the joint aegis of Sardar Patel Police University’s Cyber Security Centre and Awas Foundation. In this quiz 5 teams participated and questions were answered keeping cyber security, hacking, online behavior in mind.

The quiz competition was moderated on stage by writer and filmmaker Avinash Tripathi.

Vice- Chancellor of Sardar Patel Police Uni-

versity Dr Alok Tripathi, IPS (Retd) and President of Suresh Gyan Vihar University Professor A Halder, Pro- President Profes-

sor Ritu Gilhotra, and others were present.

Prizes were awarded to the winners and runners-up of the quiz competition. Dr Alok Tripathi said that in today’s changing era, where information technology is being spread by every person & organization, cyber security has emerged as a very important subject. “Keeping this in mind an attempt has been made to increase awareness via cyber quiz,” he said.

Dr Alok Tripathi, officials, and winners of Cyber Quiz pose with their respective trophies at Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur.

Life is beautiful because of the different experiences, different people, varied languages, culture and traditions that we come across. Let us celebrate our diversity. —Dr

2ND FRONT

FOURTH MEETING OF BOARD OF INVESTMENT

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

Gehlot: Govt committed to increase industrial units & jobs in pvt sector

Naresh Sharma

Recently, the important representative meeting of the Sangh has ended in Samalkha, Haryana, and there was a round of intense brainstorming about the functioning of the BJP governments in the meeting. But on the other hand, one or two big leaders of the party in Delhi have complained about the work of Union Ministers and Chief Ministers, claiming that they are constantly being accused of corruption and administrative failure. Two Chief Ministers of the states and more than half a dozen Union Ministers have been suggested to be replaced, which may have been the reason why Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was summoned to Delhi in the middle of the Assembly Session. Similarly, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who has almost completed his two terms, came to Delhi and met the top leadership. Some people have said to consider several other options including Subodh Uniyal to replace Dhami and Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia to replace Manohar

Lal Khattar. Sources say that Acharya Devvrat, the current Governor of Gujarat, is also being floated as an alternative to Manohar Lal. He has been associated with the Sangh for a long time and is one of the senior leaders of the Arya Samaj in Haryana. It is believed that there may be a change of leadership in both these states sometime before March 31. On the other hand, knowledgeable sources have denied the change of leadership in Haryana because Manohar Lal is in the ‘good book’ of the High Command and now the state elections are also round the corner.

At least, he is not accused of corruption. Similarly in Uttarakhand too, no other name is emerging as a strong alternative to Pushkar Singh Dhami. So according to sources, status quo will remain in Haryana and Uttarakhand between these conflicting reports. In addition to this, there are preparations to send about 8 Union Ministers to the BJP organisation and this work can also be done sometime before May 15.

VASUNDHARA RAJE SCINDIA STARTS HER PREPARATION!

Recently, Vasundhara Raje Scindia called an important meeting of her core group. If sources are to be believed, in that meeting it was decided that the process of selecting candidates for all 200 assembly seats of Rajasthan should start from now on. First of all, a list of strong contenders should be prepared seatwise and on this 5-7 names may be considered on a seat. After this, a ‘ground survey’ should be conducted for each seat and the name of the most suitable candidate should be brought forth.

Then, a final list of candidates for 200 seats should be prepared and sent to Delhi High Command. And after this, the final decision on the list should be taken by the Delhi High Command. On the other hand, the High Command has also kept the Vasundhara factor in full consideration. In this connection, Vasundhara Raje may soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda.

WHAT WAS ‘NETAJI’ THINKING?

The General Secretary (GS) of the BJP has a lot of power. Recently, a woman MP from Madhya Pradesh reached the house of the BJP GS to meet him on some work, however ‘Netaji’ was in a detached mood. He looked at that female MP and said, ‘I have always seen you in Sarees, why don’t you try some modern dresses?” Hearing this, the woman MP became furious and told the General Secretary bluntly that ‘his bad behaviour will be reported to the top leadership.’ Meanwhile, realising that the matter could turn sour for him, the ‘Netaji’ went directly to the Party President JP Nadda and complained to the Party President about the woman MP saying that ‘she was being rude to me, hence I scolded her.’ Interestingly, Netaji also requested Nadda to handle the matter saying, “ Please see that the matter does not reach till ‘top’.”

PRIYANKA WILL GET BIG RESPONSIBILITIES

Priyanka Gandhi may get more important responsibilities in the Congress organisation in days to come. It seems that in Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s new team, Priyanka Gandhi can be retained as General Secretary. Apart from this, she can also be made the election in-charge of an important state like Madhya Pradesh. Along with this, she can also be entrusted with the coordination of Himachal Pradesh. In fact, Kharge wants ‘Priyanka to be made more effective in the organisation by making her the ‘General Secretary’, but Sonia and Rahul fear that this will give the BJP an opportunity to attack them that ‘Congress has merely changed the face of its topmost leader, otherwise, all the important decisions are still being taken by the Gandhi family’.

There has been controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s speech in London, while Rahul met his Party President Mallikarjun Kharge before going to London. Kharge told Rahul that ‘when he returns from London to Delhi after three-four days, then he will send a few leaders, from states where elections are to be held, to meet Rahul.’ However, Rahul’s response stunned Kharge as the Gandhi scion said, “I will come back later. You know that even a good car has to be sent for servicing after 3 months.’’

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday, said that the state government has implemented many important decisions and programmes to increase investment in the state in the last four years. Investors are being provided facilities with MSME Policy, Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme, Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy and One Stop Shop System. The recently introduced RIPS 2022 has been well received by investors. Due to these policies, the state government is continuously getting proposals from international companies. This would further strengthen industrial development in the state.

 Project of Wonder Cement Ltd- 4 MTPA, 2.5 MTPA Cement and 40 Mw energy generation plant worth Rs 1800 cr; to employ 825 people. Place: Parevar village in Jaisalmer district.

State govt is dedicated to setting up new industrial units & increase job opportunities in private sector. Time-bound starting of projects should be ensured by removing all hurdles.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

WHY DID VARUN SAY ‘NO’ TO OXFORD?

Unlike his cousin Rahul Gandhi, BJP leader Varun Gandhi is being a little more careful in projecting the new face of India at international forums. On the one hand, while Rahul Gandhi, on three other occasions, including at the University of Cambridge in London, spoke about the threat to democracy in India, Varun turned down the invitation to the Oxford Union in which he had to debate how successful India is under Modi’s leadership.

This invitation was sent to Varun from the office of Oxford Union President Matthew Dick. Varun first received the invitation through an e-mail, after which Mathew’s assistant Sultan Khokhar contacted him over the phone. At a time, when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is going to London and living there with the idea that democracy in India is under threat, Varun’s refusal to speak against the Oxford Union proposal can be dismissed for many political reasons.

As Varun also said in his reply to the Oxford Union, “I believe that such issues should be raised within the periphery of the country and between the policy makers here. Foreign forums are not the appropriate place for it.”

In fact, Varun reiterated in his private conversation that ‘it is a form of treason to say such negative and misleading things about India on a foreign soil.’’ And this ‘thing’ pleased his party ‘top’ too.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEVERAL UNION MINISTERS AND CMs OF BJP! ...AND FINALLY

He was addressing the fourth meeting of

the Board of Investment at the CMR on Saturday. The government approved customised packages for 5 projects to attract investment worth Rs 6,994 crore in the State. With the approval of proposals, employment opportunities will be created for 5,415 people.

“The State government is committed to setting up new industrial units and increase employment opportunities in the private sector. The time-bound starting of projects should be ensured by removing all obstacles in the investment,” Gehlot said.

He directed the CS to hold a meeting with departmental officers for a detailed study of proposals received. Along with this, officers were instructed to explore possibilities of setting up new industrial units. Industries Minister Shakuntala Rawat said that the department is organising a meeting on first Thursday of every month to discuss the proposals of investors and to implement them on the ground.

 Project of JK Cement Ltd4MTPA clinker, 3 MTPA Cement, Solar Power Project and 25 Mw Power Generation Plant worth Rs 2,550 cr. Employment to 825 people. Place: Parevar village in Jaisalmer district.

 Project of Fortellia Industries Pvt Ltd- Caustic Soda & related products manufacturing plant worth Rs 1,500 cr to employ 2,070 people. Place: Village Kheer Khaiya, Dungarpur.

 Project of Badve GroupSetting up of manufacturing unit for automobile assembled frames and parts; Firm: Belrise Industries Ltd etc. worth Rs 1015.77 cr. to employ 1,402 people. Place: RIICO Area, Karoli.

 Project of Maya Hill Resort LLP; 127.71 cr to employ 293 people. Place: Delwara.

Nandishalas in Rajasthan to be given grant for 12 mths now

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: ‘Magician’ Gehlot’s ‘political engineering’ was at forefront in constituting new districts as he took decision without any political discrimination. Gehlot made the district from constituencies of 5 BJP MLAs -Anupgarh, Beawar, Phalodi, Salumbar and Shahpura were made districts. He also gave ‘gift’ to 3 independents who saved the government - Dudu, Gangapur City and Behror. He also

made Raghu Sharma, Rajendra Yadav and Sukhram Vishnoi happy while PCC Chief Govind Dotasra’s stature increased by making Sikar, a division. Meanwhile, Suresh Modi’s Neem Ka Thana was also made a district and CM Gehlot shocked Khairthal and Dudu locals by making them a district as no such demands were being raised.

Additional provision of ` 21.13 crore for Gaushalas and Nandishalas

First India Bureau Jaipur: Nandishalas established in the State will now be given grant for the entire year (12 months) instead of 9 months.

Along with this, maintenance grant will also be given for 12 months for hand-

of dists, Ramlubhaya likely to fight upcoming polls

Yogesh Sharma Jaipur: If all goes ‘well’, Ramlubhaya, the ‘creator’ of districts, can contest the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. It is believed that he may contest from Anoopgarh for the state assembly or from Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh Lok Sabha SC Reserve Seat in the 2024

general elections.

Notably, he has rendered services as Collector of district in this area and knows the area like the back of his hand. Moreover, he is known as a ‘flamboyant officer’ and can benefit the party in the area as he is a Punjabi speaker.

In Shri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh canal area, discussions are go-

ing on about his name as his ‘stature’ has increased among the locals with the creation of Anoopgarh district. However, his wish remained to contest Lok Sabha in the 2024 summer. Ramlubhaya was also the chairman of the committee which gave shape to the new districts and divisions and later CM Gehlot

icapped and blind cows in Gaushalas. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved an additional budget provision of Rs 21.13 crore in this regard.

Nandishalas will be provided assistance throughout the year instead of 270 days at the rate of Rs 40 for large cattle and Rs 20 for small cattle. In this way, an additional grant of Rs 21.13 crore will be given to Gaushalas and Nandishalas for the year 2023-24. It is worth mentioning that Nandishalas

have been established to solve the problems faced by the villagers due to stray animals and to get rid of the damage caused to the crops by them. A financial provision of more than Rs 1,100 crore was made by Gehlot in the Budget for the year 2023-24 for Gaushalas and Nandishalas. An announcement was made regarding the increase in the grant time for these Nandishalas and handicapped and blind cows.

2023 polls: AICC releases

‘Gehlot Phir Se’ video

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The power struggle in Rajasthan, the tussle between Gehlot and Pilot factions, has now come to a complete end! Now, AICC itself has made a formal announcement with the release of the video titled ‘Gehlot Phir Se’. Now, 2023 elections will be fought under the

JODHPUR INT’L THEATRE FEST INAUGURATED

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that theatre is a vibrant form of depiction, which leaves a deep impression on the society.

“Society gets inspiration through drama and encouraging it paves the way for change in the society. Drama plays an important role in preserving and promoting the rich culture of the state,” he said while-

addressing the inaugural ceremony of Jodhpur International Theatre Festival via VC from Bikaner House in New Delhi on Saturday. Gehlot said that Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi is doing excellent work in the field of arts. Extending a warm welcome to all the artists from India and abroad at the Festival, he said that effective social change is possible through theatre. Along

with the performance of plays in the festival, there will also be a churning on theatrical art every day. Through

these, new artists will be able to get benefited and inspired by their experiences by listening to the experts of

leadership of Gehlot, who will also be the CM face with the slogan of ‘Brand Ashok Gehlot’. Of course, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul & Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also hold some selective election meetings. On this occasion, a political spectator repeated his saying that, “In Rajasthan, Congress means Gehlot.”

this field. Gehlot said that there is no dearth of talented artists in Rajasthan. An international platform is also being provided to artists through Bikaner House in Delhi.

A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the budget for the formation of ‘Lok Kalakar Sambal Kosh.’

On this occasion, the CM released a booklet on Jodhpur International Theatre Festival.

‘Role of drama crucial in preserving culture’

CM Ashok Gehlot chairs the 4th meeting of the Board of Investment at CMR on Saturday. Also seen here are Shakuntala Rawat, Usha Sharma, Veenu Gupta, Akhil Arora, Om Prakash Kasera and others.

CM Gehlot virtually inaugurated Jodhpur Int’l Theatre Festival from Bikaner House, New Delhi. Dr BD Kalla, Gayatri Rathore, Ramesh Borana and others join inaugural ceremony via VC.

‘Magician’ Gehlot’s ‘political engineering’ in new districts

‘Creator’

DESCENDING FROM THE HEAVENS

The fields of fashion, beauty and design are cloud-filled. This free-spirit fashion is the latest in trend and catching the attention of fashion enthusiasts. City First gives you some insights into this cloud-inspired fashion!

Every now and then, an internet trend is born that we’re simply enthralled by. When it comes to fashion especially, trends are always emerging. While they might be hard to keep up with, there’s one in particular that we’ve been obsessed with lately and it is none other than the dreamy cloud-in-

especially among Millennials who are drawn to this style. Taste makers on social media have argued that clouds bring back memories of our innocent childhood. Not only this but make-up artists also today are having fun creating “cloud art” for the nails and eyes in the beauty industry. On social media, hashtags like #cloudnails, #cloudeyeshadow, and #cloudmakeup are trending, attesting to an upsurge in imagination and inventiveness. The daring, avant-garde makeup looks developed for the wellliked American TV show “Euphoria”

are largely responsible for the new style. The latter highlights the uniqueness of a younger age that appreciates unrestrained, unabashed self-expression and serves as inspiration for several runways. This exquisite fashion gives relaxation to the eyes with its soothing hue which is the best choice for summer clothing. The “puffy” style has taken over our social media feeds in everything from dresses and jackets to headbands and shorts and we can’t get enough of it. The mesmerizing fashion holds the ability to uplift your

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Stress can be defined as an internal state of the body or in other words a natural physical and mental response to a challenging or threatening situation. In the presence of stress, our body prepares itself to deal with a perceived danger or stressor. Stress can affect our body in various ways and cause several physical and psychological symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, digestive problems, increase blood pressure, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Stress occurs because of the presence of a stressor. A stressor can be any event, situation, or circumstance that triggers a stress response in the body. There is a wide range of stressors and which can be acute or chronic and can come from

www.firstindia.co.in

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

FIGHT THE FRIGHT

beneficial because it helps the student in getting himself or herself to prepare for the exams.

Exam phobia (fear) is an excessive and irrational fear of exams and is not to be taken lightly. Many students experience exam phobia throughout their academic career and during the exam period these students may experience an increased level of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, disturbed sleep patterns, decrease in appetite, poor concentration, forgetting, and inability to learn.

Many students can overcome the fear of exams somehow by themselves but those who are unable to cope require a lot of guidance, positive reinforcement, and emotional support. If left unmanaged, exam stress can negatively impact a student's academic performance, mental and physical health, and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment methods available to manage and reduce exam stress. Let’s see how to push panic away!

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychological treatment that is effec -

to their stress levels. They also learn relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and time-management strategies to help them better manage their stress levels during exams.

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR)

MBSR is a meditation therapy and is being used for treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc. MBSR is effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Students who practice MBSR learn to focus on the present moment, without judgment or distraction and to develop a greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions. This can help them stay calm and focused during exams and reduce their overall stress levels.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety in students. Exercise can help to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Students can incorporate exercise into their daily routine by walking, cycling, or engaging in other physical activi-

and practised easily and can be used to calm the mind and body during exam periods.

SOCIAL SUPPORT

Having a strong social support network can be beneficial in managing exam stress. Students can seek support from friends, family, teachers, or counsellors. Talking to someone about their worries and concerns can help to alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of relief.

MEDICATION

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage severe anxiety or panic attacks during exam periods. However, medication should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. These therapies and strategies can help students effectively reduce their stress levels, improve their academic performance, and promote their overall well-being.

To those overwhelmed by examination blues, say goodbye to palpitations and tremors.

To headaches and sleeplessness. Take a deep breath, focus on your goals and do your best. Optimism strengthens opportunities and potential. No exam is final or fatal. Smile, breathe, believe and

You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver or any precious metal for investment sake. You are a child at heart and never let this child die. You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle like anything.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true. You will feel happy today.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today. You are a God fearing person.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful one day. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today.

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others. You are a very grounded person.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends than the same and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good for now. Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable.Your personality will attract many eligible bachelors.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. Today is a favourable day for business. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. Your lover may finally say yes to get married to you.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate. You must create an environment of understanding at home. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. Promotion can be expected even if other are not.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You need help on academic front and you should not shy away from asking. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them. Admit your faults in relationship.

DR VIKAS GAUR cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Space Salt’s new track KHALIS

CITY FIRST

Space Salt duo Atul Arora and Shravan

Sajjan are back with a new track titled Khalis. Having released their last track Bewafa back in November 2022, it has been a long wait for the fans to hear their next song which is purely calming and soothing in every way.

With Khalis, Space

Salt has ventured into a newer space which is different from their usual songs but it still has the pop-rock feel to it. The lyrics are a blend of

caption that read, “Do more of what makes you happyPURE.” The lyric video has already garnered more than 30k views and it is only growing by the minute.

THE WAIT IS OVER!

Hindi and Urdu giving the contemporary music, a very sufi feel.

Space Salt shared the official lyric video on March 4th with a

MANIFESTING EXCELLENCE!

ZIAUDDIN KHAN

Brahmakumari BK Shivani said that it is more important to focus on inner health to achieve success with peace and tranquillity. We can empower society only by empowering ourselves, while addressing the ‘Manifesting Excellence’ motivational program organised under the joint aegis of Awasan Mandal and FICCI Flow at the auditorium of Maheshwari Public School on Saturday. She said that in today’s era, success can be achieved only through determination. Only positive and better thinking can show us the path to success and peace. There is that power in achieving success through thoughts, through which whatever you want can be accomplished. She said that it is very important to have

positive power in the mind for success.

Principal Secretary Kuldeep Ranka said that we have collected a lot of material facilities but

Significance of organ Transplantation

CITY FIRST

India’s leading healthcare organisation ARTEMIS Hospital, Jaipur organised a conference to brief about MIS: Role of Liver

Conditions by their expert team including Dr Giriraj Bora, Sr. Consultant GI & HPB Surgery, Dr Seema Sharma, Head, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr DD Sinha, Head, Paediatric Surgery and Dr J.K. Mittal, HOD, Paediatric & Neonatology at Daffodils by ARTEMIS Hospital, Jagatpura, Jaipur on Saturday.

During the conference, Dr Giriraj Bora,

Chief Liver Transplant & Sr Consultant - GI & HPB Surgery Said, “MIS has several advantages over open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. It also reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as infections and hernias. The use of minimally invasive surgery for liver transplant donors is a significant step forward in the field of organ transplantation. At Artemis Hospital we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients”.

could not increase the spiritual qualities. Due to this, unrest and tension are increasing in life. He said that we have to once again return to

spiritual qualities, values and equality.

Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora graced the occasion as the chief guest and said that there was a time when there were talks of shutting down the board, but due to the energy and positive thinking of the personnel, today the board has achieved a turnover of Rs.8500 crore. On this occasion, he also praised the Mandal personnel openly. He also thanked

Maheshwari Public School sponsor Ujjivan Bank for successfully organising the programme.

On this occasion, Divisional Secretary Alpa Choudhary, Chief Engineer KC Meena and other officers of the division from all over the state and Chairperson of FICCI Flo Jaipur Mudrika Dhoka, Neeta Bhuchara and other officers were present.

LECTURES ON GLOBAL LAW

CITY FIRST

The Seedling School of Law and Governance organised a guest lecturer at Jaipur National University on Saturday. During the session Professor (Dr) Ian Johnstone, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at The Fletcher

SWEET SCENT OF FLOWERS!

School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA and Professor (Dr SG) expressed their views on the shortcomings of international laws. On this occasion, the guests were honoured by Dr Sandeep Bakshi, Chancellor, Jaipur National University. JNU Chancellor Dr Sandeep Bakshi while

addressing the students said that the purpose of the guest lecture is to

provide the latest information to the students and to make the stu-

While making way for the overall growth and development of India, technology expert and philanthropist, Vimal Daga has announced a free-of-cost AWS Cloud Enablement Training Program, which is a visionary initiative to help India achieve its 5 trillion dollar economy. During a meet and greet with talented students recently he made this announcement which will help millions of aspiring technology professionals and students in India. Keeping in view the same, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, had announced the Cloud First Policy that aims at promoting and adopting cloud computing across all departments. As an ode to this visionary initiative by the Government of India, technology mogul and a true philanthropist at heart, Vimal Daga has announced a specially designed and free-of-cost AWS Cloud Enablement Training Program to upskill the youth of the country in cloud computing. Vimal Daga, the Founder of Linux World and Arth School of Technology shared.

dents familiar with the legal powers, limitations and capabilities of the United Nations Security Council. Also, when and on whom are the decisions of the council binding? What are the legal impediments to the Council’s decisionmaking? He said that national and interna-

tional laws should be committed to protecting the rights of citizens. Professor Johnstone discusses the subtle processes of legal reasoning through the principles of deliberation, compliance and interpretation within international law and international relations.

Comprehensive training program

CITY FIRST

The Government Secretariat, the centre of administrative power of Rajasthan, is buzzing with flowers of more than 70 species these days. The rainbow world of different types of flowers is seen blooming to welcome visitors. Where the rows of 40 coloured flowers of bougainvillaea give comfort to the eyes, whereas Barbas binds the mind, on the other hand, more than 10 varieties of rose, the king of flowers, have scented the entire complex with their fragrance. 10 species of roses with petunia, salvia pansies, aster phlox, pancetta, etc are currently blooming in Government Secretariat Garden. Under the supervision of Suresh Narayan Sharma, Senior Superintendent (Horticulture) of the Public Works Department, this Phulwari has been prepared by the Personnel Department.

B&WSSC organised a training program to create a lasting and positive impact that will contribute to the larger goal of self-reliance in India recently. Through this program, participants were not only equipped with the necessary knowledge to begin their start-up journey and manage their venture but were also provided with a kit having all the tools, that are needed to take the first steps towards success. B&WSSC, under a CSR initiative, conducted this training

session and distributed starter kits to 42 beneficiaries to fulfil their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and kickstart their business endeavours. Monica Bahl, CEO, B&WSSC said “With this project, B&WSSC strives to provide elementary entrepreneurship education, handholding and mentoring support to potential and existing entrepreneurs who aspire to start or scale-up their existing enterprises and eventually become job creators, thus, achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat envisaged by our PM

Modi.”

Narendra

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Atul Arora and Shravan Sajjan

Stills from the previous seasons of Fashion Connect

(L-R) Kuldeep Ranka, BK Shivani and Pawan Arora

(L-R) Mudrika Dhoka, Sushma Didi, Purnima Ranka, BK Shivani, Kuldeep Ranka, Pawan Arora and Ritu Arora

BK Shivani during the program

(L-R) Dr Davy Jindal, Dr Giriraj Bohra, Dr JK Mittal, Dr DD Sinha, Dr Agsar Ali and Dr Seema Sharma

Dr Sandeep Bakshi with others during the guest lecture During