First India-Mumbai Edition-19th March 2023

LAC SITUATION 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

OUR 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.

NADDA

MODI FOCUSING ON ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF NATION:

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 Singh, Former Minister of External Affairs of India shares his views on MJ Akbar and his co-authored book on Mahatma Gandhi & his great moral personality.

READ Crucial

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

THE ‘ENERGY’ BOOSTER!

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

z `377 CRORE: Total estimated cost involved to built

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

z 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

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.

After India’s proposal, the UN declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’

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.

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 Police

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-

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.

BJP-Shinde camp to jointly contest 288 seats, win 200; no decision yet on seat-sharing: Bawankule

Kartikey Dev Singh

Nagpur: The Bharatiya Janta Party and the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will contest all 288 Assembly and 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in alliance with other NDA constituents, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Saturday.

He said no formal decision had been taken so far on sharing of the

seats.

His comments came amid reports that Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was getting a raw deal regarding the allocation of seats for the upcoming polls.

“The BJP and the Shiv Sena will contest 48 Lok Sabha seats and 288 Vidhan Sabha seats in alliance with other constituents of the NDA,” Bawankule said.

The Assembly elections are due in Maharashtra in October 2024.

He said BJP and Shiv Sena have started preparations to win 200 seats under the leadership of Prime Minister

The BJP and the Shiv Sena will contest 48 Lok Sabha seats and 288 Vidhan Sabha seats in alliance with other constituents of the NDA.

—Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP state president

Narendra Modi and in coordination between CM Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Queried whether

BJP will contest 240 seats and Shiv Sena 48 (of 288), Bawankule said, “There was a meeting related to this and there will be meetings in future”.

“A clip was circulated by twisting it. BJPShiv Sena alliance will contest 288 seats and win 200. No (seat-sharing) formula has been decided so far. Central and state leadership will decide on it,” he said in response to reports.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Maha govt planning to take help of agri graduates to assess crop damage

First India Bureau

Beed: The Maharashtra government will have to make alternative arrangements to assess crop damage as state employees are not calling off the ongoing strike, Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar said on Saturday.

He said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has asked if agriculture graduates and educated youths can be roped in to carry out panchnamas or damage assess-

ments of crops affected by hailstorms and unseasonal rains in various regions of the state.

Lakhs of employees of the Maharashtra government have been on strike since March 14 demanding the resto-

ration of the Old Pension Scheme.

“Farmers are in distress due to damage caused to crops by unseasonal rains in the state. The process of panchnamas is affected as agriculture assistants, gram sevaks, and talathis are on strike.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asked me if B.Sc agriculture graduates and other educated youths can do panchnamas if there is no availability of staff,” Sattar said.

Agri Minister Abdul Sattar

‘We must target to be largest milk exporter’

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.

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

It will be MVA versus BJP in Maha 2024 polls: NCP

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President, Jayant Patil, on Saturday said the 2024 Assembly polls in the state will be a contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.

He further said that there will be a question mark on the existence of the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.

Talking to reporters here, Patil said he feels the BJP will contest all the 288 Assembly seats on its symbol as he expressed confidence that the Shinde group will “cease” to exist.

“I don’t think the Shinde group will remain intact and the fight would be between

OVERLOOKED ON PURPOSE?

There was no word on the demand for availability of 12-hour uninterrupted electricity supply for farmers, Patil said, adding that the chief minister ignored the issue of 100% grant to aided schools and implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). A committee has been set up to decide claims of forest land rights. This is nothing but delaying tactics, he added.

the BJP and the MVA,” said the NCP leader.

The MVA government, formed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led group of Shiv Sena, the NCP and Congress, collapsed last year after Shinde walked out of the undivided Shiv Sena.

He then joined hands with the BJP to return as the chief minister. His group was recently allotted the name “Shiv Sena” and its “bow and arrow” symbol by the

I don’t think the Shinde group will remain intact and the fight would be between the BJP and the MVA. If the Shinde group manages to exist till then (Assembly polls), BJP will, at the last minute, allow them to contest 48 seats and tell them only five to six of their nominees can win.

—Jayant Patil, Maharashtra NCP chief

Election Commission. Patil alleged that the BJP doesn’t want to recognize the existence of local political outfits and allow their growth. “The BJP has worked to destroy smaller parties allies or rivals. The BJP’s single-point agenda is to destabilize smaller parties so that it can grab their vote share,” said the NCP leader. If the Shinde group manages to exist till then, BJP will, at the

last minute, allow them to contest 48 seats and tell them only five to six of their nominees can win, said Patil. When asked about CM Shinde’s statement on the demands of farmers participating in the long march, Patil said the government has increased the money for onion procurement to Rs350 per quintal despite the demand being Rs500 to Rs600 per quintal.

THALAIVA COMES CALLING!

Designer ‘offering bribe’ to Amruta Fadnavis: Sena (UBT) seeks probe

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray recently sought a thorough probe in a case where designer Anishka Jaisinghani has been accused of offering a bribe to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta. The editorial in the party mouthpiece

‘Bid to disturb peace, halting renaming protest’

First India Bureau

Aurangabad: An ongoing agitation to protest the renaming of Aurangabad will be halted ahead of a rally here on Sunday, said All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Imtiaz Jaleel, claiming that attempts are being made to disturb communal harmony in the city.

“People are coming

SENA’S SHINDE FACTION HOLDS RALLY IN PALGHAR

First India Bureau

Palghar: The Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena held a rally in Maharashtra's Palghar district and called upon party workers to prepare for the upcoming elections.

Addressing the rally at Nalla Sopara, the party's Palghar district in-charge Ravindra

Phatak asked party workers from the VasaiVirar region to work towards winning future elections to the civic

bodies, state legislature and the general elections scheduled for next year.

He urged Shiv Sainiks (party workers) to approach each and every household in the region and work for the party's victory.

Phatak further said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will address a mega rally in Vasai after the current session of the state legislative Assembly concludes.

Elections are due in civic bodies of the state.

AIMIM has opposed renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad dists of Maha

from outside (out of Aurangabad) to address the rally organized by Sakal

Hindu Samaj here. We have brought our agitation to a halt. Now it is the responsibility of the police to maintain peace,” Jaleel told reporters after meeting city police chief Nikhil Gupta on Friday.

Jaleel said a relay hunger strike, which began nearly two weeks ago, outside the collector’s office will be paused from Saturday.

Appeal to promote Maharashtra’s ACF dismissed by apex court

First India Bureau New Delhi: Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal for promotion of an assistant conservator of forest (ACF), not requiring two years of ACF training and one year of field training vis-a-vis appointments by nomination where such training is compulsory.

It held that this was another unending dispute arising between direct recruits and pro-

moters regarding their seniority. It further noted that government resolutions in the matter cannot override statutory rules and the resolutions neither speak about promotions to the

post of divisional forest officer (DFO) nor about seniority conclusively.

A bench of Justices

Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay S Oka said the appellants were appointed as ACF through nomination in 2016. Challenging their appointment on probation, the appellants moved the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal to declare their appointments as ACF from training commencement date, considering it as period of service.

NATIONAL PRIDE

Saamana said that “Mrs

Amruta Fadnavis is pure and pious”, but how did somebody offering a bribe of Rs1

CRUCIAL READ MUMBAI-BOUND TRAFFIC ON SATARA HWY TO BE CLOSED

Pune: Mumbai-bound vehicular traffic on the Satara-Mumbai Highway will be closed for six hours on March 18 and March 23 on account of installation of some systems in a new tunnel at Katraj near Pune, officials said. As per the officials, the vehicular traffic from Satara to Mumbai will be closed from 11 pm (March 18) to 2 am (March 19) and similarly from 11 pm to 2 am on the intervening night of March 23 and March 24.

NCB DISPOSES OF 855KG OF SEIZED NARCOTICS

crore reach her “kitchen”. “Even if Amruta vahini (sister-in-law) has registered an FIR, there should be a detailed probe of this because this is a serious matter,” it said.

Anishka Anil Jaisinghani was arrested by police on Thursday after Amruta Fadnavis accused her of offering a bribe for intervening in a criminal case and also threatening her.

Aaditya raises Mum pollution issue

Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) disposed of 855.33kg of seized drugs on its 38th Raising Day, an official said here. NCB Mumbai also initiated a special Anti Drugs Awareness campaign, he said. Among other places, it was organized at the CSM Terminus in Mumbai, whose facade was illuminated with the NCB’s logo colours and its motto “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO LIFE”.

4 BOOKED FOR TRANSPORTING CATTLE IN THANE

Thane: An offence has been registered against four persons for allegedly transporting cattle under inhumane conditions in a truck in Thane district, police said on Saturday. A patrolling team of the police spotted a truck loaded with buffalos near Dapoda village on Mumbai-Nashik Highway in the early hours of Friday, an official from Narpoli police station said. At least 25 buffalos were found packed inside, he said. The accused did not have a permit to transport animals, the official said.

JACKAL RESCUED FROM BUILDING SITE PIT IN THANE

First India Bureau Mumbai (PTI): Yuva

Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday wrote to the Centre raising the issue of air pollution in Mumbai, citing widespread construction activities and lack of effective supervision to control them.

In a letter to Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Thackeray said, “In the past 6 months, the air quality in Mumbai has consistently been rated as ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ on the AQI (Air Quality Index). Other cities in Maha-

rashtra are also posting concerning air quality numbers.”

The entire city is undergoing construction, causing a large amount of dust and debris, much of which is left unattended and unchecked. Measures are needed to help the Urban Development Department and local bodies understand the consolidated impact construction has on the city’s environment, he said.

Thackeray also urged the Centre to evaluate and relocate refineries and fertilizer plants on the state’s eastern coast.

Mumbai: State Forest Department officials rescued an adult golden jackal, which had fallen into a pit at a construction site in neighbouring Thane city, on Saturday. The jackal was spotted near a construction site on Thursday morning and was later found trapped inside the pit, an official said. The department reached out to RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) for assistance, following which a three member rescue team was dispatched to the scene.

‘Nashik has potential to be defence equipment manufacturing hub’

Union minister Gadkari talks about changing scene of India’s defence sector at ‘Know Your Army’ event

First India Bureau

Nashik: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday expressed potential of Nashik to become a defence equipment manufacturing hub.

In his inaugural address of “Know Your Army”, a two-day arms

and equipment exhibition of the Indian Army, Gadkari cited the example of the Multi-Model International Passenger and Cargo Hub Airport in Nagpur (MIHAN) and said Nashik has a similar potential.

“Rafale aircraft are being manufactured at MIHAN, Nagpur. As many as 450 engineers from

engineering colleges in the area have got jobs there. The Falcon jet aircraft will also be manufactured there soon. As many as 1,200 parts of Airbus and Boeing are manufactured there,” he said.

Nashik also has a plant of HAL, the stateowned aerospace and defence company, and other defence manufacturing units and training facilities at Deolali, Gadkari said.

“All these will give

scope for defence manufacturing here. It will create new jobs in Na-

shik, help exports grow and these equipment will be used for the pro-

tection of our country,” he said.

India used to import modern weapons but the “Make in India” programme under PM Narendra Modi has changed the dynamics. India now exports defence equipment, he said.

Lauding the “Know Your Army” programme, Gadkari said it will provide citizens, including students, with an opportunity to know more about the force and its equipment.

LIKE SMART CITIES, WE NEED SMART VILLAGES TOO, SAYS UNION MIN GADKARI

Nashik (PTI): Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said along with smart cities, India also needs “smart villages”.He was speaking after inaugurating a statue and memorial of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde at Nandur Shingote in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district.“Munde led from the front to do justice to farmers....He worked for farmers through schemes such as the Krishna Valley, Tapi Irrigation and Vidarbha Irrigation projects,” Gadkari said.“While taking forward his legacy, various schemes will have to be implemented for farmers’ children. Farmers should become energy suppliers along with food. There is a need to implement the ‘smart village’ concept along with the smart city project,” he added.

Jayant Patil

Maha NCP chief expresses doubt on existence of CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in the future

Nitin Gadkari —FILE PHOTO

Actor Rajinikanth with Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and his son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray, at Matoshri (the Thackerays’ private residence), in Mumbai on Saturday. PHOTO BY ANI

STANDING CROPS READY FOR HARVEST DAMAGED IN NANDED, AURANGABAD AND LATUR DISTS

5 DIE AS UNSEASONAL RAINS, hailstorms hit Marathwada

First India Bureau

Aurangabad: Unseasonal rains and hailstorms killed five persons and damaged crops spread across nearly 4,950 hectare in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region this week, said the local administration on Friday.

According to a report prepared by the divisional commissioner’s office, an average rainfall of 2.4 mm was recorded in the eight districts of the Marathwada region in central Maharashtra.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Nanded (5.7 mm) on Friday, it said.

Five persons--who incidentally all belonged to Parbhani district-lost their lives in different incidents related to unseasonal rains and hailstorms that occurred on Thursday and Friday. Around 23 other resi-

Special court acquits 24-yearold accused of raping minor

First India Bureau

WEATHER FORECAST

Thane: A 24-year-old man from Navi Mumbai, who was accused of raping a minor girl, has been acquitted by a special court, with the judge calling it a case of consensual relationship. The order by Special Judge (POCSO) VV Virkar was passed on March 15 and was made available on Saturday.

The man was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2014 for allegedly eloping with his neighbour to Tuljapur and raping her promising that he would marry her.

GIRL WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FOUND PREGNANT, CASE FILED

dents in the region reported injuries due to the weather, it said.

The report recorded 22 large animals and five small ones also perished.

The unseasonal rains and hailstorms also damaged crops across 4,946.44 hectare.

The highest crop loss was recorded in Nanded district (4,794 hec-

MACT gives ` 13.18L compensation to fam of man killed in crash

First India Bureau

Thane: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane has awarded a compensation of Rs13.18 lakh to the family of a man who was killed in a motorcycle accident.

MACT member MM

Walimohammed ordered driver of errant vehicle and the insurance company Bajaj Allianz Insurance Co Ltd to jointly and severally pay the compensation to the claimants along with 8% per annum interest from the date of filing of the claim. The copy of the order passed on March 08 was made available on Friday. Appearing for the

claimants, advocate SM Pawar informed the MACT that on February 1, 2018 the victim Suresh Madke and his cousin were travelling towards Shirgaon on a motorcycle when a jeep coming from the opposite direction dashed their vehicle.

The victim sustained injuries and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The victim was a mason and earned Rs30,000 per month, the tribunal was informed.

The compensation amount includes Rs40,000 towards loss of consortium and Rs15,000 each towards loss of estate and funeral expenses, the order stated.

tare) followed by Aurangabad (152.44 hectare), it added.

Similarly, in Latur, heavy rains coupled with hailstorms and stormy winds damaged standing crops in several villages.

Rains hit Nilanga, Ahmedpur, Chakur and Udgir talukas of the district during the day, said an official.

District Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan held a review meeting at the collector’s office and directed officials to conduct panchanamas of the damages immediately.

Renapur taluka and Janwal village and surrounding areas of Chakur tehsil received rains and hailstorm along with lightning

and thunderstorm for more than an hour.

Standing crops ready for harvest were damaged because of the hailstorm, said Dattatreya Gavsane, district superintendent and agriculture officer.

The hail also destroyed crops in Janwal of Chakur and Hali Handarguli in Udgir, he said.

In her order, the judge said it appears to be a case of consensual relationship “which is apparent from the history given by the prosecutrix to the Medical Officer”.

Since it was not proved that girl was not below 18 years of age, abduction charges cannot be pressed against the man, said court.

Nagpur to host C-20 meet from March 20-22

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Ahead of the civil society organizations (C-20) meeting in Nagpur, the city has been decked up with decorative lights by local authorities.

Along with street art, major buildings in city, such as Kasturchand Park, have been decorated with lights. Flags of G20 nations have also been put up at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Around 250 represent-

Pune police books man for cheating investors of `300 cr

First India Bureau

Pune: The Pune police has registered a case against a man for allegedly luring investors with a promise of big returns and cheating them to the tune of Rs300 crore, an official said on Saturday.

The Bundgarden police on Friday registered an offence under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act based on a complaint lodged by an investor who allegedly lost Rs36 lakh in the fraud, the official said.

Preliminary inves-

tigations into the complaint revealed that the accused had allegedly cheated at least 200 investors by taking loans in their names, he said. The accused operated a firm called Ashtavinayak Investment in the Camp area of the city and lured people with a promise of getting them huge returns on their investment, the official said.

atives of civil society from G20 and other countries will participate in conference to be held from March 20 to 22. The first meeting of the Development Working Group (DWG) under India’s G20 presidency was held in Mumbai on December 13. Members, guest countries and invited international organizations had attended meeting.

Commuters have ‘near death’ exp at MSRTC depot

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Passengers at the Mumbai Central bus depot of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) had a close escape after pieces of plaster and concrete fell from the ceiling of bus stand.

The incident highlights the poor infrastructure of the MSRTC, one of India’s biggest public transport undertakings with a fleet of over 15,000 buses. Ironi-

EXTREME MAKEOVER

cally, the MSRTC headquarters are on the Mumbai Central bus depot premises and all its officials sit there.

“We were sitting at depot waiting for a bus to Nashik, when, around 11.05 pm, huge concrete and plaster chunks fell. Our colleagues were luckily able to dodge in time or else they would have been injured. It is high time government pays attention to this,” local politician Smita Chaudhari said.

Palghar: A case of rape has been registered after a 15-year-old girl with intellectual disabilities was found pregnant in Palghar district, an official said on Saturday. Citing the complaint by the teenager’s mother, an official from Virar police station said the girl had taken cattle out for grazing some months ago when a person raped her. But the mother learnt about the sexual assault when the girl was four months pregnant. She then approached the police. Police have registered a case under Indian Penal Code section 376 (rape) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against an unidentified person, said the official.

“When it is consensual relationship, even though it is assumed for a while that the prosecutrix at that time of incident was 17 years plus 6 months, which is an age of understand-

ing and discretion and the prosecutrix being on the verge of attaining majority, the act of sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix cannot be termed as rape,” said court.

CRUCIAL READ

MAN HELD FOR POSING AS COP, ROBBING BIKER

Thane: A 37-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly posing as a policeman and robbing a motorcyclist in Thane district. The accused posing as a policeman allegedly intercepted a motorcyclist in Kalyan town on Thursday. He robbed him of his belongings and decamped with the two-wheeler, said Senior Inspector Mahendra Deshmukh. Based on the CCTV footage from the area, the police zeroed in on the accused. Further investigation is underway.

COPS COUNSEL SOCIAL MEDIACRAZY YOUTH

Latur: Police in state’s Latur district have begun tracking down and counselling youngsters who shoot videos with weapons or make clips while performing dangerous stunts to show off on social media, an official said. As part of an initiative, Latur police personnel speak to youth and their parents every Saturday to make them aware of the legal troubles one can invite due to such videos, which can also be life-threatening, said the official

CIVIC CLERK ARRESTED FOR ACCEPTING

` 15,000 BRIBE IN

THANE DISTRICT

Thane: A civic clerk in Thane district was arrested on Friday for demanding a bribe and receiving a part of it, the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) has said. Bala Jadhan (52) from Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation had demanded Rs30,000 from the complainant in the case who had applied for a job in the civic body after his father took VRS (voluntary retirement scheme) from there, ACB said in a statement. The accused sought the money to give the complainant the job under the “succession right” category, ACB said. He was caught taking the first installment of Rs15,000 by ACB officials.

THANE MAN HELD FOR POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

Thane: A man was picked up from near the Kopri police station on Friday on a tip-off, a property cell official said. His interrogation revealed that the accused was facing two cases of abetment of suicide and illegal possession of firearms in Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra, he said. A case was registered under Arms Act and further investigation is underway, the official said.

MAN HELD FOR CHAIN-SNATCHING CASES IN THANE

Thane: A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of chain-snatching incidents in Thane district, police said on Saturday. Several incidents of chain snatching were reported in Mumbra region in the last one month and four of them had taken place between February 25 and March 11, Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone I Thane Ganesh Gawade said.

Aurangabad’s heritage structure Soneri Mahal gets a new look with lights

Built in the 17th century, the palace has been decked up with gold lighting by Maharashtra Archaeology Dept

abad city, a 17th century palace, Soneri Mahal has acquired a brighter and more attractive look through a ‘lighting’ makeover.

The Maharashtra Archaeology Department has installed lights at the heritage structure to illuminate it and attract visitors.

he served the Mughals during Shah Jahan’s rule, an official said. The illumination work was undertaken last month and has now been completed, said Amol Gote, Assistant Director of the Archaeology Department. The formal inauguration of this illumination will be done in midApril, Gote said. For now, it is being illumi-

nated at regular intervals.

“The palace, which is located in the Pahadsinghpura area (of the city), is known after king Pahadsingh. It had golden colour on its roof, therefore it is known as Soneri Mahal,” said Mayuresh Khadke, Conservator.

“The illumination will give the palace a golden look from out-

side. We have also undertaken work to restart fountains in the long water tank which is contemporary to the palace construction,” Gote said.

Officials said the initiative will draw more visitors to the palace in Aurangabad, which has several tourist attractions, including the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, in and around it.

The monument was constructed by Bundel king Pahadsingh when

Nat’l flags of G20 countries put up at the entrance of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. —ANI PHOTO

Formal inauguration to take place in mid-April. —FILE PHOTO

The victim died while undergoing treatment. —FILE PHOTO

MAHATMA GANDHI: A TRUE INSPIRATION

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister

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.

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.

“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”

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. 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

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.

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. 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

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.

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 Parliament 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 “nonnegotiable” 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 Lok Sabha membership over his remarks in the UK, saying all this was “intimidation” and part of efforts to distract from the real issues.

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

Congress had curtailed people’s voice with emergency: Rajnath

Lucknow (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday hit out at Rahul Gandhi stating that contrary to allegation, the BJP had not curtailed anybody’s voice in the country as was the case during the 1975 Emergency.

His remarks came at a Holi Milan event organized by Lucknow Udyog Vyapar Mandal in his Lok Sabha constituency Lucknow. The Defence Minister said, “If anyone thinks that India’s democracy is in danger, then it should be

BLUE ECONOMY OF INDIA

RAHUL GANDHI AN IMMATURE LEADER, SAYS MP CM SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi saying that he is an immature leader. Talking to the media here on Saturday, Chouhan said, “Rahul Gandhi is not mature, his mental age is like that of children. He is immature.

But the Congressmen are determined to forcefully make this immature leader a national leader.” “It is surprising that Rahul Baba is saying that unfortunately he is a Member of Parliament (MP). What does it mean to be the MP unfortunately? Is this not an insult to the Parliament?” the CM said.

discussed with the parliamentarians of the country. There is no democracy like India anywhere in the world. BJP

Govt exploring India’s ocean resources: MoS

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr

Jitendra Singh said here on Saturday that the previous governments never cared to explore India’s vast ocean resources and it is for the first time, after Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister that there is a serious effort to explore and harness the ocean resources and give priority to the Blue Economy of India.

GOA DELEGATION

The MoS recalled the not once but in two of his Independence Day addresses to the nation,

PM Modi had referred to the Deep Ocean Mission thus underlining its importance.

Dr Jitendra Singh was talking to a high level Goa official delegation led by Union

Minister, Shripad Yesso Naik and Goa State Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte. The delegation called on him to discuss the various potential projects to promote tourism and ocean related economy in Goa.

The Tourism Minister of Goa, Rohan Khaunte and his team placed before Dr Singh some of the proposals for different schemes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

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.

IN THE COURTYARD

CONMAN’S REQUEST SEEKING TRANSFER OF CASE TO ANOTHER JUDGE REJECTED

New Delhi: Alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar on Saturday filed a petition seeking the transfer of the case to another judge in Rs 200 crore money laundering case. He alleged that the judge was biased. Meanwhile, Patiala House Court refused to hear Sukesh Chandrasekhar’s expressing displeasure over the filing of a petition by Sukesh. The court said that the accused does not have the right to comment on the presiding officer. The court has also extended the judicial custody of Sukesh Chandrasekhar till March 31.

NGT LEVIES `100 CR PENALTY ON KOCHI MUNICIPAL CORP

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Kochi Municipal Corporation to pay a compensation of Rs 100 crore for the damage to the environment because of its failure to handle solid waste. It said that the concerned authorities have been “utter failure” and have “rampantly violated the statutory solid waste management rules.

is not stopping anyone’s voice. The voice was stopped in 1975. The voice was stopped by imposing an emergency.”

HC QUASHES KERALA GUV'S ORDER ON KTU RESOLUTION

Kochi: The Kerala High Court quashed order of Governor, issued in his capacity as chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, suspending resolutions of the Syndicate and the Board of Governors, respectively. The Chancellor had recently suspended the University syndicate’s decision to constitute a, “Syndicate Standing Committee”.

COLLEGIUM SYSTEM IDEAL FOR JUDGES APPOINTMENT, SAYS EX-CJI U U LALIT

New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit Saturday said the collegium was the “ideal system” for appointment of judges to the top court and high courts in the country. His comments come in the backdrop of Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju raising questions over the collegium system. Justice Lalit, who demitted office as the 49th CJI on November 8, 2022, also said judiciary was completely independent of the executive and while the Supreme Court was “fantastic”, there is “tremendous area for improvement”.

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.”

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

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates various projects, at Kalvin Talukdar College, in Lucknow on Saturday. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also seen. —PHOTO BY ANI

Dr Jitendra Singh talking to a delegation led by Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik and Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.

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.

OWNERS OF COLD STORAGE WHICH COLLAPSED HELD

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.

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

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 WARNS SCHOOLS AGAINST STARTING ACADEMIC SESSION BEFORE APRIL 1

New Delhi: The 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,

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.

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.

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 workers to join back or face dismissal

Lucknow (PTI): Uttar 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.

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.

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.

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.

President Murmu reaches Kanyakumari

6-DAY SOUTH VISIT 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.

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.

Bishnoi is currently lodged in the high-security Bathinda jail

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

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses during the inaugural session of the National Convention on India’s International Relations. —PHOTO BY ANI

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju

Huge crowd gathers after barricades collapse.

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.

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

—PHOTO BY ANI

business BRIEFS

MG MOTOR TO GIVE 100 VEHICLES TO WTICABS INDIA

New Delhi: MG Motor In-

dia on Saturday said it has bagged an order to supply 100 units of its various models to WTiCabs India.

The fleet of 100 vehicles, including Hector and ZS EV, will be used for the rent-a-car division of WTiCabs India. “Our partnership will further make MG vehicles more accessible to SUV and EV enthusiasts in India. We are deeply grateful to WTiCabs for having chosen the MG Hector and ZS EV as their choice of vehicle for their business,” MG Motor’s Rakesh Sidana said. —PTI

KHAN BECOMES NIPPON ENERGY’S YOUNGEST COO

New Delhi: Nippon Energy, the Japanese solar company that provides financing, engineering, and contracting solutions for various solar projects, has recently announced the promotion of Muhammad Haris Khan to Chief Operating Officer and Board Member. Muhammad Haris Khan is an experienced professional with over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. He started his journey with Nippon Energy as a Renewable-Hydrogen Expert in January 2018. —ANI

‘INDIA GETTING AN EYE-WATERINGLY BIG TRANS UPGRADE’

New Delhi/Varanasi: A sense of wonder filled the carriage as the Vande Bharat Express raced through the flatlands of Uttar Pradesh, bound from Varanasi to Delhi, at 130 kph (81 mph). That is a shade faster than the Northeast Regional ferries passengers between New York and Washington-and, by Indian locomotive standards, revolutionary, according to the Economist.The train covers its 759-km route 130 minutes faster than the next-quickest service.

“It’s so much more comfortable!” says M Afzal, 42, a cloth dealer from Varanasi. —ANI

CROSS-BORDER

CBDC TRANSACTIONS:

RBI, UAE SIGN MOU

New Delhi: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) have signed an MoU for innovation in financial products in Abu Dhabi, to enhance cooperation and jointly enable innovation in financial products and services. Under the MoU, two central banks will collaborate on various emerging areas of fintech, especially central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and explore interoperability between CBDCs of CBUAE and RBI. —ANI

Govt likely to discontinue FAME-2 subsidy

UNCERTAINTY LURKING AHEAD FOR EV DEALERS AS EV MAKERS RELYING ON FAME TO MAKE ESCOOTERS CHEAPER

MARKETS THIS WEEK

Fed continues to play the role of a party pooper just when our investors had started recovering from the Adani damage. Steep rate hikes may be back as hinted by Powell to tackle the stubbornly high inflation. Nevertheless, hope your holi celebrations were far more colourful than your portfolios currently.

As much as we try moving away from Musk and give new and fresh insights every week, he just simply keeps crawling back in our wrap. Try and remember the worst boss you’ve had and multiply that times infinity. That’s Elon for you. He indulged in an ugly back-and-forth with a now-former employee who hadn’t even been informed that he was laid off. It’s hard to find anyone remotely close to this inhumane “genius.

Hope your equation with your boss is doing good, its appraisal time after all. In case you are looking for ways to put those fat bonus cheques to use, do give our latest blog a read.

Now, let’s grab some cool shake and dig into some of the important news that made headlines this week

BYE BYE EVS?

Pulling the plug: GoI may discontinue its `10,000 crore Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles or FAME-II scheme beyond FY24. It is also holding back subsidies worth `1,100 cr while it investigates alleged misappropriation of funds by TVS Motors, Ather Energy, Ola Electric, and many others. It may move the unspent FAME-II funds to electric buses during this investigation. As per FY24 budget, subsidy under the FAME scheme is projected at `5,172 cr, compared with `2,897 cr in FY23. Scheme scam: EV makers have been relying on FAME to make electric scooters cheaper than the regular conventional ones. Under the scheme, companies could offer a discount of up to 40% on the cost of locally manufactured vehicles and claim it as a subsidy from the government. But, several EV players were indulging in foul play by providing misleading information and declaring im-

WHAT ELSE MADE THE NEWS?

z MASK UP? India has recorded several cases of the new H3N2 variant of influenza. It may be time to get vaxxed and mask up again.

z ENDORSEMENT SCAN: Government released endorsement guidelines for celebrities and influencers which require them to use the product or service before endorsing it.

ported components as locally sourced so that they could qualify for subsidies. A whistleblower popped up and suggested that the industry claimed subsidies worth at least` 300 crores with 0 value added in India. What next? FAME subsidies had anyway fallen short of target. Fyi, FAMEI had barely doled out onethird of the planned budget, and looks like FAME-II

z MENDING TIME: Mr. Adani is looking to sell 4-5% stake in Ambuja Cement to international lenders as part of its debt reduction plan to restore investor confidence, as per reports.

z UNDER WATCH: RBI is keeping a tab on country’s top 20 business conglomerates for any signs of financial stress amidst the Adani row.

z TAX SLASHED: Maharashtra slashes jet fuel tax to 18% from 25% to help promote the variation industry.

z MONEY BREW: India’s fav beer giant Bira 91 raised $10 mn from Japan’s MUFG bank in its series D funding round.

could see a similar fate. Government wants to instead focus on Production linked PLI schemes. While FAME scheme is disbursed at the point of sale, PLI benefits are directly given to manufacturers and much harder to dupe.

OUR TAKE

While the decision is still hanging in air, this could spell serious trouble for not

Forex kitty down by USD 2.39 billion

Mumbai (PTI): The country’s forex reserves fell by USD 2.39 billion to a threemonth low of USD 560.003 billion for week to March 10, the Reserve Bank said in its latest weekly data release.

In week to March 03, reserves rose by USD 1.46 billion and stood at USD 562.40 billion. On an annualised basis, RBI said, reserves are down by USD 47.31 billion during the week under review while on a fiscal year

EXPERTS SAY...

New Delhi (PTI): The packaging industry is growing at 15-17% and the sector has the potential to create employment opportunities in the country, industry experts said.

The experts also called for the promotion of domestic players and setting up the packaging industry in every district on the lines of the ‘one district one product’ initiative to create jobs at the local level.

“Presently, the demand for packaging of all things has increased a lot and there is a lot of scope for employment in this sector,”

basis, the same plunged by USD 62.23 billion.

With this erosion, the forex kitty is at the lowest since early-December, according to the weekly statistical supplement released by the RBI on Friday.

The loss in the reserves is due to the revaluation of the foreign currency assets, which are the largest component of the forex kitty, to the tune of USD 2.2 billion to USD 494.86 billion

just EV stakeholders but also India’s green mission. This negative publicity at such early stages could put brakes on the transition. EVs currently have a minuscule share – (5% in 2W and 1% in PVs). They need support to bring down costs and boost acceptability. Government could have tried plugging loopholes rather than pulling the plugs off completely, we feel.

TECH-DATE CRYPTO: PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE

Another strike: Regulatory net continues to tighten around cryptos in India. This time the govt has brought the trading of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Last year, it introduced a 30% income tax on gains made from crypto trading. An additional tax deducted at source of 1% came into effect in July’22. Following this, crypto trading volumes collapsed by 60%-90% in Indian exchanges. This was followed by an investigation from the Enforcement Directorate across local crypto exchanges. Cryptos had a disastrous last year with major global cryptos losing at least two-thirds of their value while several went bust.

What will PMLA mean?

This would require all entities dealing with cryptos to implement mandatory KYC processes, reporting of suspicious activities, and will require financial entities/crypto firms to maintain client details for five years. These rules already apply to banks, financial institutions, and other intermediaries. All in all, crypto entities and trading will now come under increased scrutiny.

Government’s stand: RBI has had a tough stance on private cryptos and firmly believes if private currencies are regulated and allowed to grow, the next financial crisis will come from them. Crypto regulation is one of the key agendas for G20 and as India is holding the G20 presidency, crypto regulations will naturally take the forefront in India. Mind ya, US, European Union already use anti-money laundering provisions to regulate crypto.

for the week to March 10.

On a year-on-year basis, the value of foreign currency assets fell by USD 45.86 billion and from a fiscal year perspective, they lost USD 59.49 billion.

Expressed in dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US units like the euro, the pound and the yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.

‘ONE DISTRICT ONE PRODUCT’

z The experts also called for the promotion of domestic players and setting up the packaging industry in every district

z The development and setting up of the packaging industry on lines of ‘one district one product’ initiative to create jobs at the local level

Washington (PTI): Time is running out for laid off H-1B professionals as under the existing laws they need to leave the country within 60 days of losing their employment status, giving sleepless nights to the thousands of Indian tech workers and their family members.

is considering their request to extend the existing time window to 180 days, the process is likely to take up some time, leaving no other option for these professionals other than to leave the country.

Congress here on Saturday. The event was organised by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), an

autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a release said.

“This has a humanitarian impact on them as their families, including their USborn children are uprooted abruptly, and those who were laid off in the earlier months are now running out of time,” the Foundation For India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), which took up their cases with lawmakers and federal administration said in a statement.

While the US Citizenship and Immigration Services

“FIIDS appeals to the USCIS, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to consider a request to expedite the extension of grace period. FIIDS also appeals to the elected officials, tech executives, and community leaders to emphasise the need and urgency to increase the grace period,” the foundation said in a media statement.

Since last year, more than 2,50,000 such professionals have been laid off in the United States, FIIDS said.

‘Packaging industry growing at 15-17%’

Prof Tanveer Alam, Director of the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Delhi, said at the Asian Packaging

‘Time running out for laid off H-1B professionals’

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

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

The

COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEVERAL UNION MINISTERS AND CMs OF BJP!

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’.

...AND FINALLY

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.’’

US$35 LAKH PAYOUT TO INDIAN FIRM

HC junks Iran plea against order

THE VERDICT

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the government of Iran challenging an exparte order directing the nation to pay more than USD 35 lakh to an Indian company in a dispute over sale of railway wagons.

In a ruling earlier this week, a division bench comprising Justice KR Shriram and Justice Rajesh Patil also imposed a cost of Rs10 lakh after dismissing the Iran government’s plea. It ruled that the fine amount would be payable to the Indian company, KT Steels, within four weeks.

The Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), through the Iranian Islamic Re-

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.

public Railways (RAI), had floated a global tender for purchase of railway wagons. The Indian government, back in the 1970s, was exporting wagons through the State Trading Corporation (STC).

KT Steels submitted its bid through STC and the Indian public sector company entered into a purchase contract with the Iranian government on March 16, 1970. In 1972, due to a spike in

international oil prices, there was an increase in freight charges for shipment of wagons and in August 1976, the contract was amended. With this modification, the export continued until 1977.

However, KT Steels claimed that the Islamic Republic of Iran failed to pay the freight charges as agreed for 306 wagons in 1973 and 94 wagons shipped in 1977. The Indian firm filed a suit

Peddlers who shipped drugs to UK, Aus nabbed; in custody till Mar 22

First India Bureau Mumbai: Two drug peddlers were arrested for allegedly supplying drugs to Australia and the UK through a courier service, police said on Saturday.

Officials said that the accused were arrested during a drug bust in Mumbai. They were produced in the court which sent both the accused to police custody till March 22.

Earlier on March 16, Mumbai police’s AntiExtortion Cell was said to have recovered

15.743kg of ketamine drug, worth Rs8 crore, from the Andheri area. Two persons were arrested in connection with the haul. During the police interrogation, the accused peddler said, “Around 10kg of ketamine drugs were

sent abroad every week from Mumbai.”

According to the police, the peddlers sent drugs and medicines to Australia and the UK through couriers.

“The arrested accused used to send drugs to Australia and the UK through couriers, along with medicines. Every week 10kg of ketamine drug was sent from Mumbai. They used to bring drugs from Gujarat, which were packed along with medicines and shipped abroad,” said the Mumbai police.

the HC in September 1996, but the government of Iran never appeared before the court.

In an ex-parte judgment passed in 2008 the HC directed IRI to pay an amount of USD 1,387,727 for 304 wagons, USD 1,696,722 for 94 wagons and USD 484,840 towards damages- all totalling USD 35,69,289.

It also ordered an interest payment at the rate of 9% per annum on the freight charges.

The HC accepted KT Steels’ arguments that the Islamic Republic of Iran did not pay heed to the court’s orders till a disclosure order was passed. It found no satisfactory explanation for this delay. In view of these observations, the HC dismissed the plea filed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and imposed a `10L fine.

We observe that the Iranian government has chosen not to appear before this court and still refuses to comply with its orders.

Applicant has not made any submissions, but only RAI, which is not even a party, has engaged a counsel to appear.

—Bombay High Court

Mumbai cops issue notice to organizers

As many as 1 lakh people are expected to attend the two-day darbar that began in Mumbai on Saturday. —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Mumbai: Mumbai police on Saturday sent a notice to the organizers of Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri event to be held on Mira Road here under Section 149 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

BY PTI

The move comes after cops received a complaint from the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti.

“Baba should not say anything that hurts the sentiments of any saint or any other religious belief in his court. In the notice, it has been asked not to insult any religion or faith. The police will

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

take cognizance of the spread of any superstition during the program and will take action against the organizers,” the notice reads. Suresh Khandelwal, organizer of Baba Dhirendra Shastri Darbar said, “In SK ground the Darbar will be held and around one lakh people are expected (to attend).”

“All devotees have been asked to maintain discipline. Police force and around 100-150 bouncers have been deployed. We have over 2,000 volunteers along with CCTV cameras. We have made all the arrangements,” he added.

Farmers call off long protest march to Mumbai

Govt agrees to dispense aid of ` 350 per quintal to onion growers, orders officials to execute other directives

First India Bureau Mumbai: Members of the farming and tribal communities, who were on their way to Mumbai from Nashik district of Maharashtra, called off their long protest march on Saturday. The move came after their demands were taken into consideration and ground-level officials received orders to exe-

cute the government’s directives, a CPI(M) MLA said.

The march had started from Dindori town, located around 195 km away from Mumbai, on March 12. Farmers demanded relief of Rs600 per quintal to onion growers hit by price crash, 12-hour uninterrupted power supply to farmers, and waiver of farm loans.

Farmers have begun heading home from Vasind in Thane district, the location they reached before the foot march was called off.

On Friday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told the Assembly that onion cultivators will be given a financial relief of Rs350 a quintal

and appealed to them to call off the protest.

“Our demands have been met. All the demands by the farmers were taken into consid-

eration in the state legislature and collectors and tehsildars have been issued orders. We received calls from our activists that work (implementation of the government order) has begun. So we have decided to call off the march,” Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA Vinod Nikole said. Meanwhile, a 58-yearold participant in the long march died on Friday. The deceased Pundalik Ambo Jadhav was declared brought dead at a Shahpur hospital.

Slaps `10L cost, to be paid within 4 weeks; pulls up foreign govt for ‘oversight’

The case dates back to a 1970 sales contract between KT Steels and the Iranian Islamic Republic Railways.

Artists during a performance of ‘Janata Raja’, a Marathi play based on the life of 17th century warrior king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at Shivaji Park in Dadar area of Mumbai.

❍ BAGESHWAR DHAM EVENT

Accused with Anti-Extortion Cell officials. —PHOTO BY ANI

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

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

S

STAY MASKED

pace Salt duo

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

Atul Arora and ShravanSalt 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

Hindi and Urdu giving the contemporary music, a very sufi feel. Space Salt shared the official lyric video on March 4th with a

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.

Scan the QR code to watch the latest song Khalis by Space Salt

KARAN TALKS ABOUT HIS ROLE IN ISHQ MEIN GHAYAL AND MORE!

A

ctor Karan Kundrra conveyed that his new show Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal produced by Inspire Films (Yash and Mamta Patnaik) is very different from what is there on the screen. In fact, the actor says that his character has been portrayed in a unique way.

“Veer Oberoi is a challenging character because it can easily slip into the caricaturish zone. When someone plays a negative role, they end up making it an allblack antagonist, but they are not real. There is no Mogambo in real life and neither are there absolute good guys. Veer has his own standard of good and bad, he does not care about what people think of him. He is unapologetic and intense. It becomes difficult to make such a character rooted to reality, which is what I am trying to

do,” he says. Ask him if he had any reservations about joining the show, and he says, “When I heard the storyline and character brief, I was excited. I, however, didn’t think I would be able to do jus tice to the hectic sched ules that come with tel evision shows because, over the past few years, I have gotten used to shooting for finite se ries for OTT platforms. But what is life without a bit of challenge?”

People have been compar ing the show to Vampire Diaries, he does admit that this came to his mind as well. “It is obvious, and I am a big fan of the show and Ian Somerhalder. I was worried that I would copy him. Having said that, if we

Karan Johar’s mother Hiroo Johar turns 80

Filmmaker Karan Johar penned an emotional note for his mother, Hiroo Johar and posted photos with her on the latter’s 80th birthday.

had made an exact copy of The Vampire Diaries, why

SLB ON MAKING INSHALLAH

S

anjay Leela Bhansali is one of the most wellknown filmmakers in Indian cinema. Over time, SLB had made it clear that he intended to adapt Baiju Bawra af ter Gangubai for the big screen. In the mov ie, the director had al ready cast Ranveer Sin gh and Alia Bhatt as the two stars and casting for the other two major Baiju Bawra characters was still underway.

R

am Charan has been very active in the media after his return from the United States. The actor discussed nepotism in one of these instances.

Atul Arora and Shravan Sajjaners and their mother, one immediately thinks of Karan Arjun (1995) or Deewaar (1975). For me, as long as the audi ences are drawn to watching the show, it is worth it,” he says. He adds, “During cer tain scenes, I felt I am emulating Ian Somerh alder and then it would strike me to portray the scene in my own way. Do you know the amount of pressure on me right now? Before other people can, I have put myself un der pressure. Some times, when I do cer tain scenes in ro mantic shows, the director says, ‘Tere andar ka Shah Rukh ba har aa gaya.’ And I offer to do another take. As an actor, you have to keep en suring that you bring your own touch to the character.” CITY BUZZ GET VACCINATED

But, there is already a lot of industry talk that, if SLB can find the proper cast, he may decide to make another movie before moving on to Baiju Bawra. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is keen to revive Inshallah. Being a mature romantic comedy, the filmmaker is planning to take two of the top 3 mega stars from the 90s for the film,” re-vealed an industry insider. He is clear on making In shallah with the right names. At once upon a time, he was planning this film with Sal man Khan, but things fell off due to financial issues between the duo. Now, he is si lently consid ering ap proaching other two top mega-stars to check on their availability and interest.

T

he Fashion Connect Season 14, presented by First India and Bharat24Vision of New India will take place at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel,

Stills from the previous seasons of Fashion Connect

SHRIYA’S PERFECT SAREE LOOK S

hriya Saran is a beloved figure who is admired by millions for her breathtaking physical appearance and captivating performances on screen. Despite being in her forties, the actress exudes a youthful vitality that surpasses those much younger than her.

The actress - both on and off-screen - never misses a trick to swoon us with her stunning beauty and fashion sensibilities. Her promotion lookbook for Kabzaa is proof. In the latest chapter, Shriya Saran picked an olive-green organza saree. The ethnic wonder was teamed with a similar shade full-sleeve blouse, showcasing a plunging neckline.

The actor called the nepotism debate, a ‘herd mentality’ and argued that he does not understand this.Ram Charan

“This is herd mentality. This topic is driven by a herd or rather an individual who feels like this. I am inclined towards acting. I was breathing cinema, meeting the producers. Now, if you call that getting a better chance, I don’t know. But, I was in a

film school ever since I was born, so I know art. And for every other artist who is successful here, only the talent speaks,” Charan said. He also said that al though his father might have assisted him with the initial steps, the rest of the voyage was up to him. “I would not have sustained for 14 years if I was not do ing something good for my self. My dad, maybe, was a good stepping stone, but after that, we do have to continue the journey,” he added.

Shriya Saran

Shriya donning olive-green saree

Karan Johar with mother Hiroo Johar

Karan Kundrra

Space Salt’s new track KHALIS

CITY FIRST

Taking to Instagram, the 50-yearold director thanked his mum for believing in him and cited her as his inspiration. “My brave and resilient mama turns 80 today... She taught me how to love ...how stand for what I believe in ... never apologise or justify myself if I was in the right... never pretend to be anyone I wasn’t .... She is as much my conscience as she is my fashion police,” he wrote. Karan also shared that he is scared of his mom to date. “Also the only person who I am still scared of… I love you mom to the planets and back …. I would never have been able to raise Roohi and Yash without you… ..#mymommyhero,” he added. Along with the note, he attached a string of images featuring the memorable moments spent with his mother.Ram Charan on Nepotism

Sanjay Leela Bhansali