First India-Mumbai Edition-20th March 2023

JAPAN PM

KISHIDA ON 2-DAY VISIT TO INDIA FROM TODAY

New Delhi: As Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to arrive in India for a two-day trip on Monday, the leader’s visit to the national capital is seen as a great opportunity to review the bilateral ties between the two countries.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

NIKHAT ADVANCES IN WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

New Delhi: Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen out-punched Algeria’s Boualam Roumaysa to secure a pre-quarterfinal berth in the Women’s World Championships here on Sunday. In the 50kg event, Nikhat beat the reigning African champion by 5-0.

NOW, TERRORISM CASE AGAINST EX-PAK PM

IMRAN KHAN

Islamabad: Pakistani police on Sunday registered a terrorism case against Imran Khan and over a dozen PTI leaders for indulging in vandalism, attacking security personnel and creating unrest outside the judicial complex in Islamabad.

‘Diplomat’ reverentially calls PM as ‘Modi the immortal’

An article in US-based magazine

The Diplomat says PM Modi is popular among Chinese netizens

Beijing (PTI): Prime

Minister Narendra Modi is reverentially called ‘Modi Laoxian’ meaning ‘Modi the immortal’ by Chinese netizens, a rare respectful reference to an international leader, notwithstanding the bitter India-China border row, according to an article published in the USbased strategic affairs magazine The Diplomat.

In the article — ‘How is India viewed in China?’,

Crucial

READ

AUS LEVEL ODI SERIES, BEAT INDIA BY 10 WKTS

Visakhapatnam: Pacer Mitchell Starc’s bowling (5/53) and Mitchell Marsh (66 n.o.) and Travis Head’s (51 n.o) unbeaten 121-run opening partnership helped the visitors thrash India by 10 wickets to level the 3-match ODI series 1-1 on Sunday.

19 KILLED, OVER 30 INJURED IN B’DESH

BUS ACCIDENT

Dhaka: At least 19 people were killed and over 30 others injured on Sunday when a bus crashed into a ditch in Bangladesh, officials said. The Dhakabound bus operated by Emad Paribahan veered out of control on the Bangabandhu Expressway at 7.45 am in Madaripur’s Shibchar, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

SHAH OFFERS PRAYERS

AT SOMNATH TEMPLE

Gir Somnath: Union Home

Minister Amit Shah and his family members offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Sunday.

Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat for various public events, visited the Somnath Temple on the second day of his visit. P6

Mu Chunshan, a journalist known for analysing Chinese social media, especially Sina Weibo, (akin to Twitter in China), also said that most Chinese feel that India led by Modi can maintain a balance among major countries in the world.

Sina Weibo has over 582 million active users. They point to both his dress and physical appearance, seen as Laoxian-like, and some of his

NARENDRA MODI HAS CHANGED INDIA’S POLITICAL CULTURE, SAYS JP NADDA

New Delhi (ANI): Before 2014, India was associated with wrong attributes, but today Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the political culture of the country, BJP national president JP Nadda said on Sunday. JP Nadda was addressing the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha National Youth Parliament in Tamil Nadu, through video conferencing. P5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unusual nickname on the Chinese internet: Modi Laoxian. Laoxian refers to an elderly immortal with some weird abilities. The nickname implies that Chinese netizens think Modi is different even more amazing than other leaders.

—Mu Chunshan, a journalist

Chinese netizens.

“So the word ‘Laoxian’ reflects the complex sentiment of Chinese people toward Modi, combining curiosity, astonishment, and perhaps a dash of cynicism,” Mu wrote.

“I have been doing international media reports for nearly 20 years and it is rare for Chinese netizens to give a nickname to a foreign leader. Modi’s nickname stands out above all others. Clearly, he has made an impression on Chinese public opinion,” he said.

policies, which are different from India’s previous ones, Mu said.

On India’s relations with other major countries, he said, whether it

PROBLEM IN PUNJAB

is Russia, the United States, or Global South countries, India can en-

RADICAL PREACHER AMRITPAL STILL ELUSIVE

4 arrested associates of hardliner flown to Dibrugarh

First India Bureau

Chandigarh: Four arrested members of an outfit headed by Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh were brought to Assam’s Dibrugarh on Sunday even as the hunt for the radical peacher and his associates continued.

The Punjab government also extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services till Monday noon and security forces took out flag marches at several places in the state, including Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

2 NEW FIRs LODGED AGAINST AMRITPAL AMMUNITION & VECHILES SEIZED NO INTERNET, SMS SERVICES TILL TODAY

Chandigarh: Two more FIRs have been registered against Amritpal Singh and his associates in connection with the recovery of a weapon from an abandoned vehicle and breaking through police barricades in Jalandhar, the Jalandhar range DIG, Swapan Sharma said on Sunday.

Jalandhar: The vehicle used by Amritpal Singh for his escape was seized by Punjab Police on Sunday, along with several other vehicles and ammunition.

The police said Amritpal’s seven aides have been arrested, and efforts are underway to nab the proKhalistan leader as well.

Chandigarh: The Punjab govt has extended suspension of mobile internet and SMS services till Monday noon, amid the hunt for radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh continued on Sunday. The state authorities had on Saturday suspended the internet and SMS services till Sunday noon.

How can he become PM when he can’t handle his party: CM

Eknath Shinde jibes at Rahul

over a country?”

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hit out at Uddhav Thackeray in a meeting at Khed on Sunday. Shinde raised questions like how did Uddhav move away from Hindutva?

How did he get tempted by the post of Chief Minister?

Commenting on Uddhav, Shinde said, “Balasaheb kept the Congress-NCP away. But you decided to make Rahul Gandhi of Con-

gress the Prime Minister of the country. How can he become the PM who cannot handle the

responsibility of his party president? He who cannot conquer a state, how can he win

“You were tempted by power. You are fascinated by the chair. You took it. But when the topics of Savarkar, Dawood, and Hindutva came up, you started changing your stance. What could be more unfortunate than this?”, questioned Shinde.

“What do you think about Sonia Gandhi and Sharad Pawar? We saw this in the video. When Sharad Pawar was the Agriculture Minister, you would have said,

what did he achieve as the minister? So, what happened after the 2019 election? He lit the bulb of power and chief ministership in your head and what was bad became good. You forgot everything,” Shinde criticized Uddhav. Referring to the incident of Ajit Pawar winking in front of the media, Shinde further added, “While giving bait to the media, who was winking at whom? We saw that. What’s going on?”

joy friendly ties with all of them, which is “very admirable” to some

Besides hosting Chinese President Xi Jin-

ping and former Premier Li Keqiang, since he came to power in 2014, Modi also held two rare informal summits with Xi, 69, in Wuhan and later in Mamallapuram near Chennai, which raised expectations of improvement in the relations between the two Asian giants.

The Sino-Indian relations hit the bottom following aggressive military actions by the Chinese military in eastern Ladakh violating the agreements to resolve the border dispute leading to a nearly three-year-long military standoff.

RAHUL GANDHI’S ‘WOMEN BEING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED’ REMARK DELHI

COPS KNOCK AT RaGa’S RESIDENCE

Rahul should share info if he is serious about women's issues: Thakur

New Delhi (PTI): A Delhi Police team on Sunday queried Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence over his remark made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that “women are still being sexually assaulted” and asked him to provide information about the “victims” to take up their complaints.

A furious Congress condemned the Delhi Police action after the cops knocked on Gandhi’s doors for the third time in five days, and attacked the Central govt, accusing it of harassment, intimidation and vendetta, but the BJP rejected the charge. Terming the action as “unprecedented”, Gandhi, in his preliminary reply, questioned the sudden urgency shown by Delhi Police.

RAJ CM IN DELHI, DEFENDS RAHUL

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Rajasthan CM

Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said the move of Delhi police to initiate an inquiry in the wake of a remark made in Bharat Jodo Yatra was a clear case of “vendetta, intimidation and harassment” to create an atmosphere against the former Congress chief.

Nagpur: Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should share information if he is really serious about women’s issues.

Thakur’s remarks came on a day Delhi Police queried Rahul Gandhi at his residence over his remark made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that “women are still being sexually assaulted”. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Thakur wondered if Rahul was trying to hide something. “It has become a habit of some people to remain in limelight by saying anything. But, they don’t understand the seriousness of the subject. If Rahulji is really serious about women’s issues, then he should give the information.

What is he hiding?...

Was it a lie then or is he lying now, only he can tell,” the Minister said. Queried on growing obscenity

It has become a habit of some people to remain in limelight by saying anything, said Anurag Thakur

and the use of abusive language on OTT platforms and regulation of content, the minister said such complaints have increased a lot recently.

“As per the current procedure, producers have to address complaints about the content first and then they go to their association. When a complaint reaches the government (I&B department), strict action is taken as per rules,” he said.

Thakur said such complaints of (obscenity on OTT platforms) have increased and the department is taking them seriously.

Rahul Gandhi comes out of his home in New Delhi, on Sunday.

Punjab Police team at Dibrugarh Jail where they brought Amritpal’s 4 associates on Sunday.

CM Eknath Shinde

Anurag Thakur

Rapid Action Force stand guard amid a crackdown against Amritpal, in Amritsar, on Sunday.

Rijiju’s remarks bid to pressure judiciary, threaten judges: Raut

Shiv Sena - UBT

‘Action against depts for unutilized development funds’

RAGA CONTROVERSY

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Shiv SenaUddhav Balasaheb

Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday alleged that Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks that a few retired judges are part of an “anti-India gang” are an attempt to pressure the judiciary and threaten judges.

Speaking at a conclave in the national capital on Saturday, Rijiju had claimed that a few retired judges and some activists who are “part of the anti-India gang” are trying to make the Indian judici-

ary play the role of the opposition party.

Reacting to the remarks while talking to reporters here, Raut said, “What kind of democracy is this? Does it suit a law minister to threaten the judiciary?

It is a threat to judges who refuse to bow down to the government and it’s an attempt to pressure the judiciary.”

Criticizing the government doesn’t mean

What kind of democracy is this? Does it suit a law minister to threaten the judiciary? It is a threat to judges who refuse to bow down to the government and it’s an attempt to pressure the judiciary.

—Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena - UBT leader

being against the nation, Raut said.

The Shiv Sena - UBT Rajya Sabha MP also said that after Rahul Gandhi spoke about the threats to democracy in the country, there is now a move to get the Congress leader suspended from the Lok Sabha.

To a question on the demand that Gandhi should apologize for his comments, Raut said,

“Rahul Gandhi will not apologize and why should he?” “Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have in fact spoken against the country and its political leaders on foreign soil,” he charged.

The BJP has been demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks he made in London, in which he alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under

attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.

The remarks triggered a political storm, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, and the Congress hitting back at the ruling party by citing previous instances of PM Narendra Modi raising internal politics abroad.

Shivaji Maharaj holds significance in my life, says Sachin Tendulkar

Thane (PTI): Maharashtra Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai has directed the Thane district administration to take action against those departments which do not fully utilise the funds allotted to them for development projects.

Speaking via videoconferencing during a review meeting on Saturday, Excise Minister Desai, who is also the Thane Guardian Minister, said the authorities need to ensure that funds from the District Planning Committee (DPC) be spent on projects.

During, the meeting, Thane Collector, Ashok Shingare, gave a presentation on the status of the utilisation of funds allotted by the District Planning Committee.

“The district administration should ensure 100% utilisation of funds. He also directed the officials to re-appropriate the balance and unutilised funds to oth-

er accounts and projects in the district,” Desai said.

“The collector should take action against those departments which do not spend the funds properly,” he said.

It is to be noted that the govt. has allocated Rs36,000 crore for development work in the state in the Budget.

Mumbai (PTI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday said that iconic warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has had immense significance in his life right from the school days.

Tendulkar was speaking before the performance of “Jaanta Raja”, a play on Shivaji Maharaj’s life, at the Shivaji Park ground here.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has immense significance in my life. The first chapter I studied in school in history was about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the first time I held my bat was at this Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ground,” Tendulkar said.

Sachin Tendulkar —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

Thane: Amid objections from anti-superstition organizations and opposition parties, self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s Bageshwar

Dham event culminated on Sunday.

The two-day event of the religious leader had begun at Salasar Central Park Ground in Mira Road on Saturday.

As many as 36 women complained of gold chain theft by pickpockets during a four-hour long sermon by Shastri that was attended by thousands of people, police said.

“So far, 36 women have come forward to lodge complaints that their gold chains or ‘mangalsutra’ necklaces were stolen during the ‘satsang’ programme. The total value of these gold chains is Rs4.87 lakh,” an official attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar police commissionerate said.

The complainants approached the Mira Road police during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, he said.

“The victims thronged the police station, due to which chaos prevailed there for some time. Police faced a tough time,” the official said.

The complainants said that thousands of people were present at the event, he added.

The religious discourse by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, was organized by Shantaben Mithalal Jain Charitable Trust.

Thane: The air quality in Mumbai has improved from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’ due to the recent unseasonal rains that have settled pollutants. Experts, however, predict that this improvement will be short-lived as the skies clear.

On Saturday, Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 166, which is lower than most days in the past

four months. The recent rainfall has helped clear the air by washing away most of the common air pollutants

to 500 ‘severe’.

through a process called wet deposition.

Mumbai has been recording ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ air quality, with some days being even worse than Delhi and other major cities.

Experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to vehicular pollution and construction work.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 is ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401

CRUCIAL READ

POLICE BUST GANG INVOLVED IN HOUSE-BREAKING

PUNE RLY STATION TO GET 120 NEW CCTV CAMERAS

Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav about the poor air quality in Mumbai and increasing air pollution in Maharashtra. He blamed the illegal government’s lack of sensitivity and the absence of a full-time environment minister for the worsening crisis.

Experts have blamed increased vehicluar traffic for the worsning air quality in the city.

NMC fines contractors for alleged power theft

stated at the time.

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Contractors of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in Maharashtra allegedly resorted to power theft while installing decorative lighting for the upcoming Civil20 India 2023 Inception Conference here. They were reportedly fined by a state-owned power

company, an official said on Sunday.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) detected power thefts at seven locations in the city, the power company stated in a release. The contractors had sourced electricity for decorative lighting from street light poles, it was stated.

The NMC is charged a subsidized rate of Rs7.51 per unit for the street lights, while the power company charges

Rs13 per unit for a temporary power connection. Hence, the contractors indulged in power thefts, the release said.

The state-owned power company imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on the contractors for the thefts and wrote to the civic body to get authorized power connections, it said.

Earlier this week, the MSEDCL initiated action at Somalwada square and Civil Lines against contractors under the Electricity Act and recovered a fine of Rs18,630. A similar action was taken at six other places in the city and Rs30,000 was collected in fines, it was

More than 200 delegates from India and abroad will be attending Civil20 India 2023 Inception Conference scheduled to be held in the city from March 20 to March 22.

Along with street art, major buildings in the city, such as Kasturchand Park, have been decorated with lights ahead of the meet. Flags of G20 nations have also been put up at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International airport.

Latur: The police busted a gang involved in house-breaking and thefts in Latur city, police said on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, the police apprehended the accused who were planning to break into a house in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, an official said. The police recovered sharp weapons from the men, who are history sheeters with several cases to their name in the district, the official said.

Pune: Pune railway station is set to receive a boost in security measures with the installation of 120 new CCTV cameras in the next three months. The move comes as defective cameras are replaced and blind spots are covered. The installation will be carried out by RailTel, a public sector undertaking of the railway ministry. Pune Divisional Railway Manager Indu Rani Dubey confirmed the news.

FOUR BOOKED FOR CHEATING INVESTORS OF MORE THAN `68L OVER GOOD RETURNS

Thane: An offense has been registered against four persons of an investment company for allegedly cheating people of more than Rs68 lakh in Thane district, police said on Sunday. At least 17 people had invested with the company and were promised 16% to 20% returns in RDs and double the amount invested in 60 months, he said. The victims had invested in the firm since 2013 and had not received any returns. The accused closed their offices and absconded, the official said, adding that no arrests have been made in the case.

COMMERCIAL UNIT CATCHES FIRE IN MUM, NONE HURT

Mumbai: A minor fire broke out in a garment unit located near a hospital in suburban Bhandup in Mumbai on Sunday, an official said. The blaze erupted in the groundplus-one-story structure in the afternoon, the Fire Brigade official said, adding it was a “level 1” fire. No casualty was reported in the incident, he said. The exact cause of the blaze which was put out after 30 minutes, is not known yet.

PALGHAR ZP SEEKS `100 CRORE FUND FOR DEV PROJECTS

Palghar: Palghar Zilla Parishad(ZP) has sought funds worth Rs100 crore from the infrastructure development agency of the state government for the implementation of various projects in the district, an official release said on Sunday. Responding to the demand, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured ZP president Prakash Nikam that sufficient funds will be allocated, a release said.

MP slams Union minister for categorizing retired judges, activists under ‘anti-India gang’

First India Bureau

woman poses for a selfie in front of a G20 logo installed at the Nagpur airport Metro station for the upcoming G20 meet, in Nagpur on

Excise minister directs Thane administration to enusre funds allocated for civic development are used for projects

Shambhuraj Desai

Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink interacts with children from Mumbai’s Dharavi slum on Sunday. He was in the city as part of the English football club’s community outreach programme.

UNSTABLE NEIGHBOURS: A MAJOR CONCERN FOR EMERGING REGIONAL POWER INDIA

the Menace of Extremism and Rights of Minorities and Women.

Myanmar: Myanmar is under military junta rule with little hope of restoration of democracy in near future.

Myanmar is reeling under economic crisis with the poverty-ridden public having no say in the affairs of the state. India has friendly relations with Myanmar but its proximity to China is a point of concern. India has not supported the UN resolution condemning Myanmar but has asked Myanmar to respect human rights, fundamental freedom, and rule of law.

IN-DEPTH RAHUL GANDHI IS CAUGHT IN GOVERNMENT’S CROSS HAIR

The world’s economy has come under the grip of the two-year-old COVID-19 pandemic and has been adversely impacted by the Ukraine conflict. But India’s economy has been remarkably resilient to deteriorating external environment, and strong macroeconomic fundamentals have placed it in good stead

Currently India is at the helm of affairs in world fora with a permanent seat in UNSC, Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as well as G-20 and important member of BRICS and Indo Pacific Initiative of US. India has emerged as ‘voice of global south’ and has been acknowledged as emerging power of the century by the US, Russia, and their allies. India’s growing importance is evident as the US sees India as an important partner for peace in Indo Pacific and the Russians have found their longest strategic ally standing firm with them in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. India’s international geopolitical stature has risen mainly due to stable political environment at home and wider acceptability abroad. The world’s economy has come under the grip of the two-year-old COVID-19 pandemic and has been adversely impacted by the Ukraine conflict. But India’s economy (fifth largest in world) has been remarkably resilient to the deteriorating external environment, and strong macroeconomic fundamentals have placed it in good stead compared to other emerging market economies. The growing political stature

and economic potential has taken India to a new high in global affairs. India needs to promote regional peace and stability in order to have a strong claim to be a major world player but currently the biggest challenge India faces is its unstable neighbours.

CURRENT SITUATION IN NEIGHBOURHOOD: INDIA’S PERSPECTIVE

Currently barring Bhutan and Bangladesh India’s neighbourhood is facing political and economic turmoil, with countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal facing a long road for recovery while Myanmar and Afghanistan virtually facing global isolation. It is in India’s interest to promote regional economic integration, and need to step up role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in regional cooperation, dialogue, and regional economic integration and enhance effectiveness of BIMSTEC.

Nepal: Since the abolition of the monarchy, the Himalayan Republic has hardly ever seen political stability and economic growth & politicians have been more interested in playing India against China for getting economic or infrastructure aid in return. It was with India’s help that Nepal overcame its economic crisis in past and now again the country is on verge of debt trap facing growing unemployment and high inflation. India may have to step up as-

sistance to make Nepal economically self-sufficient and counter Chinese influence.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is facing political turmoil and unprecedented financial crisis since 2022 mainly attributed to the poor financial policies of all-powerful ruling Rajapaksa family. To emerge from the present economic crisis President Wickremesinghe is seeking support of global financial institutions like IMF. India on its part has extended four billion dollars aid and has supported the IMF’s proposal based on the Debt Security Analysis.

Maldives: There is political flux in the Maldives with the rivalry between President Ibrahim Solih and Speaker Mohammed Nasheed touching a new high and the country’s economy still recovering from the brutal impact of the global pandemic. India on its part has successfully dealt with “Keep India Out” campaign and developed good bilateral relations with Maldives in defence and economic fields.

Afghanistan: The resurgent Taliban rule is yet to be recognized by global community including their once-upon-atime mentor Pakistan and Emirates. India has reopened its operations in Kabul and began the process of re-engaging by sending humanitarian aid. While signalling a long-term commitment to development of Afghanistan, India must draw redlines on

Pakistan: Pakistan is in middle of worst pollical and economic crisis as virtually all parties have failed to deliver on governance. Despite Chinese assistance, the country is rocked by food and fuel shortages, terror attacks and political turmoil. Though the LOC with India has seen lesser firing and infiltration in last one year, yet there is no let out on promoting Sikh radicalisation in Punjab and targeting innocent Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. The things have worsened with a running battle with the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan over the Durand Line dispute and accusing the Taliban of supporting Pakistan terror group Tehreek-eTaliban. Its right time for both India & Pak to mutually initiate confidence building measure to mitigate the hostile environment.

China: An assertive surge in Chinese economic & diplomatic involvement in the region is a major point of concern. The long-term conflict between the two sides lies in divergent perceptions of each other, long lingering border dispute, the growing power gap where China is emerging as global power challenging the US and India has emerged as regional power. And in geopolitical stand-off with China, importance of maintaining positive influence with India’s neighbours cannot be understated. The commonality of stand between India & China on Russo- Ukraine war & successful Modi - Xi Ping summit meets should be further explored & steps should be taken to normalise bilateral relations.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

After being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in the National Herald case last year and facing heat in parliament for his alleged anti-India comments in London, Congress leader is being hauled on coals for his comments that “women are still being sexually assaulted” made during his Kashmir leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Delhi Police reached his Tughlaq Road residence on Sunday morning after more than 40 days of the conclusion of his long march. Police had taken cognizance of posts on the social media and recently sent a list of questions asking for details of the women who spoke to him so that justice can be given to him.

Whether it is his statement made in London allegedly insulting the country or during the long march, the government’s intention is to keep Rahul Gandhi and his party on the back foot. To make matters worse for him the BJP has initiated a move to get him suspended from parliament.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

“One who neither rejoices nor grieves, neither likes nor dislikes, who has renounced both the good and the evil, and who is full of devotion, such a person is dear to Me.”

Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEETS

S

amajwadi Party’s national executive ended its twoday meeting in Kolkata on Sunday. The choice of Kolkata as venue away from Uttar Pradesh where the party is strong seems strange as West Bengal is not where it belongs and it does not stand a chance against Trinamool Congress, the BJP and the CPI-M. Also, SP and Trinamool Congress are working to forge an alliance at the national level and share the intent of keeping the Congress out. They would certainly not put up candidates opposite each other in Bengal in the parliamentary elections.

Any thought of seat-sharing can be dismissed right away as Chief Minister Mamata

SP and Trinamool Congress are working to forge an alliance at the national level and share the intent of keeping the Congress out They would certainly not put up candidates opposite each other in Bengal in parliamentary elections

Banerjee is a miser when it comes to that.

So what could have been the reason for this move, and also the decision to not join hands with the Congress party? Two notable developments in recent months may have led to this development. The more

significant of the two are the comfortable relations between Mamata and the Governor CV Ananda Bose. Compared with the acerbic relations the Chief Minister had with the previous governor Jagdeep Dhankhar there is a sea change. Has Mamata made peace with the Centre after the Enforcement Directorate and CBI inquiry against her nephew Abhishek Banerjee?

During the recent Budget session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly owning real estate in London and Australia. If the UP CM could spill the beans on the floor of the House, the investigating agencies must surely be having a dossier on the SP chief. Are TMC and SP, therefore, driven by fear?

in the democratic process. PM Modi’s vision for a New India, where every youth has the opportunity to thrive, is coming to life.

IS FEAR THE KEY IN SP-TMC PROXIMITY

COL RAJESH BHUKAR

The author is a Post Graduate in International Studies, Alumni of Defense Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Combat, Mhow

PM MODI HAS CHANGED INDIA’S POLITICAL CULTURE: JP NADDA

The BJP chief said that events like BJYM conference would increase youth participation

New Delhi (ANI): Before 2014, India was associated with wrong attributes, but today Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the political culture of the country, BJP national president JP Nadda said on Sunday.

JP Nadda was addressing the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) National Youth Parliament in Tamil Nadu, through video conferencing. Addressing the event, Nadda said, "Modi Ji has changed India's political culture. I appeal to the youth to go to every nook and corner of the country and tell everyone about the change PM Modi has brought in the Indian politics".

"Before 2014, our country was one of the most corrupt, policy paralysis, backward, walking on knees,

these were the attributes given to India. Today, our country has embraced a great transformation. Under PM Modi, India is one of the leading countries giving directions to the world," he added.

The BJP president

said that events like these will increase youth participation in national matters.

"I am feeling glad to meet the youths of the nation through video conferencing. I congratulate Tejasvi Surya and Bharatiya Janata Yuva

Govt to initiate process for passage of budget

Morcha for this National Youth Parliament. Youth's involvement will increase in matters of the nation through this Youth Parliament," he said.

"I am happy that this great initiative starts from here. Notably, Tamil Nadu is a great land of rich history, culture and heritage; it's a land of temples, Vedas and traditions. It is the state known for the oldest language," Nadda added.

Nadda further emphasised the importance of channelizing the youth energy.

"It is our responsibility to channelise the youth energy, to give due significance to the voices of people and the collective wisdom, to become the part and parcel of a mature democracy through respecting each and every voice," he said.

No Oppn front is possible without Congress: Ramesh

New Delhi (PTI): No

NO PLACE IN DEMOCRACY: BJP

PRESIDENT SLAMS

RAHUL GANDHI

New Delhi (PTI): BJP president J P Nadda on Sunday accused Rahul Gandhi of overstepping all bounds of democracy and said he should be sent packing “lock, stock and barrel” in a democratic manner. “Those who do not believe in democracy have no place in democracy,” Nadda said after inaugurating the ‘National Youth parliament’ of his party’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, being held in Chennai. The Congress has become mentally bankrupt, Nadda said while alleging that Gandhi “instigated” foreign powers like the US and European countries to interfere in India’s internal affairs by claiming that they were “oblivious” while democracy was under threat in India.

Opposition front to take on the BJP is possible without the Congress and if a coalition is formed for the 2024 general elections, the party will have a central role in it, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said.

In an interview with PTI, Ramesh, however, said it was too early to talk about all this right now as the Congress' first priority was the upcoming elections in Karnataka and the string of state polls this year.

‘LIKE CONG, BJP WILL BE FINISHED FOR MISUSING CENTRAL AGENCIES’

SP President Akhilesh Yadav with party leaders on Sunday.

New Delhi (PTI): Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday asserted that the BJP would be politically finished in the days to come, "just like the Congress", for allegedly misusing central agencies against opposition parties. Yadav also pressed for the caste census which, he said, would be a major issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "Earlier, the Congress used to misuse the central agencies, and now the BJP is doing the same. Congress is now finished. The BJP, too, will meet a similar fate," he said.

Ramesh's remarks come after both Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Uttar Pradesh's Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) saying the two parties would stay away from both the Congress and the BJP, and indicating possible talks with other regional players ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

AAP leader demands apology from Kiren Rijiju for ‘anti-India’ remark

New Delhi (PTI): Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday condemned Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in the UK, saying the Congress leader owed an apology to Parliament and the entire country.

In a statement, the former Union minister also hit out at the Congress and its leaders, accusing them of running a “deliberate drive” to denigrate the country’s Parliament, Constitutional institutions and democratic values.

Gandhi’s remarks has triggered a massive political row, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions and the Congress hitting back, citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad.

New Delhi (Agencies): With the whole of last week’s parliamentary proceedings having been washed out without transacting any business, owing to disruptions by treasury benches and opposition members, the Indian Government only has two weeks to get the Union budget for 2023-2024 passed in Parliament.

As per norms, the Union budget needs to be passed in both Houses of Parliament before the end of the financial year, i.e. prior to March 31, 2023.

Therefore, in the

forthcoming week starting from Monday, the government may try to get the process of budget clearance started. Normally, demands grants for some key ministries like railways and agriculture are taken up for discussion and voting in Lok Sabha.

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday said that Union Law minister Kiren Rijiju should apologise over his remarks for calling some of the retired judges "anti-India".

Saurabh Bhardwaj said, "Now for him to say that judges are antiIndia, it is very shameful. Kiren Rijiju should apologize to the whole country that he is calling the SC judges antiIndia." "Kiren Rijiju should not cross the 'Lakshman Rekha'. It is unfortunate that despite being a Law Minister, he crossed this

GOD IS TESTING SISODIA: KEJRIWAL

New Delhi (ANI): God tests those who pursue the path of truth and He is testing Manish Sisodia also in this way, said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday adding that kids & teachers are missing Sisodia in the state.

'Lakshman Rekha'. Today the country is proud of its Supreme Court. Get a survey done all over the country, today there is only one institution in which people have faith, and that is the Supreme Court," he said.

Earlier, Union Law Rijiju made the remark at a public event. "A few retired judges have now become activists and are part of the anti-India gang where they are trying to turn the judiciary against the government," he had said.

Process of eviction of enemy properties starts

New Delhi (PTI): The Union Home Ministry has started the process for eviction and sale of enemy properties, the immovable assets left behind by people who have taken citizenship of Pakistan and China.

There are a total of 12,611 establishments called enemy property, roughly estimated to be worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, in the country.

According to a Home ministry notification, the guidelines for dis-

posal of the enemy properties have been changed under which

the process for eviction of enemy properties now shall be initiated

The enemy properties are vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, an authority created under the Enemy Property Act

with the help of the District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner con-

cerned before the sale of properties.

In case of the enemy properties valued below Rs 1 crore, the custodian shall offer for purchase to the occupant first and if offer of purchase is refused by the occupant, then the enemy property shall be disposed of in accordance with the procedure specified in the guidelines.

Earlier the union govt had sold movable enemy properties like shares and gold.

Asked whether the TMC and SP's actions could jolt Opposition unity, Ramesh said, "The TMC, Samajwadi, people keep meeting, the Third Front, Fourth Front will continue to be formed, but it is necessary to have the Congress in the Opposition."

FOR DAMAGED CROPS

Cong MLA

New Delhi (ANI): Former Education Minister and current Congress MLA from Jhajjar, Geeta Bhukkal has demanded that the government should conduct a special Girdawari (a document, in which the patwari enters the name of the owner, cultivator, land number, area, kind of land, cultivated and non-cultivated area, source of irrigation, crop, conditions, revenue, rate of revenue, minimum twice in a year) in Jhajjar district for damage to crops caused by hailstorms and rain and to give compensation to the farmers for their crops.

While talking to ANI, Geeta Bhukkal said, "Under the leadership

GUJARAT CM HOLDS REVIEW MEETING ON CROP LOSSES

Gandhinagar (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday conducted a comprehensive review of the situation in the state following the unseasonal rains. CM Bhupendra Patel got the preliminary details of other losses including loss of summer crops and fruit due to this unseasonal rain especially in Amreli, Junagadh as well as Saurashtra-Kutch, Central and North Gujarat.

of Chaudhary Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress will raise the issue of demanding compensation for the crops destroyed in the Assembly tomorrow."

Thunderstorms & Hailstorms reported at isolated parts in Delhi:IMD

New Delhi (ANI): India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said as per reports hailstorms have been reported at isolated places over Delhi’s Ayanagar and Palam with the minimum temperature in the national capital being settled at 15.4 degrees Celsius.

Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, of the Regional Weather Forecasting Center, New Delhi said, “Hailstorm was reported at Delhi’s Ayanagar

and Palam which was small in size. With the western disturbance

that is affecting, such activity will continue tomorrow as well and

there are chances of thunderstorms and light rain in Delhi NCR.

Hailstorms may also occur in a few places in Delhi.” The activity of light to moderate rainfall, lightning, and thunderstorms are affecting the whole of Northwest India. Snowfall has also occurred in the Himalayan region. Rainfall activity will continue tomorrow as well, but the day after it will come down,” he added.

As per IMD, “Thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain are also expected in

parts of Haryana and Rajasthan. IMD predicted light-intensity rain/ drizzle in adjoining isolated places in South Delhi and NCR, and hail storms were predicted in the adjoining areas of Behror in Rajasthan.”

“Thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of Farukhnagar, Kosali, Rewari, Narnaul, Bawal (Haryana) Khairthal, Kotputli, Alwar, Rajasthan,” IMD added.

IMD PREDICTS RAINFAILL IN SEVERAL C’GARH DISTS, ISSUES ORANGE ALERT

Raipur (ANI): India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued an orange alert for multiple districts in the state of Chhattisgarh predicting light to moderate rain accompanied by thundershowers. While speaking to the ANI, Meteorologist H P Chandra said, “The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert in the areas adjoining Surajpur, Balrampur, Surguja, Jaspur, Pendra Road, Kabirdham, Mahasamund, Durg, Raipur, Balod, Dhamtari, Kanker, Narayanpur, Kondagaon. A yellow alert was issued in Korea, Bilaspur, Mungeli, Janjgir, Bemetara, Balodbazar, and Rajnandgaon areas”. IMD Meteorologist HP Chandra further stated that the weather situation in the state will likely continue till March 20.

Government should give compensation to farmers:

‘RaGa owes an apology to entire country for his remarks in UK’

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda addresses the virtual inauguration of BJYM National Youth Parliament, in New Delhi on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

A commuter crosses the waterlogged Delhi-Gurugram Expressway road after heavy rains, Sunday.

Butler Palace in Lucknow, one of the ‘enemy properties’ of the Raja of Mahmudabad. —FILE PHOTO

Congress MLA from Jhajjar, Geeta Bhukkal.

Saurabh Bhardwaj

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (L), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (R).

GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO RAISE FARMERS’ INCOME, SAYS AMIT SHAH

Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, also visited Somnath Temple

New Delhi (Agencies): Union Home

Minister Amit Shah and his family members offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Sunday.

The national-level multi-state cooperative societies recently approved by the Union Cabinet for promotion of organic products and exports, will help increase farmers’ income manifold in the next 10 years, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday. The Modi Government is determined not only to double the in-

come of the country’s farmers, but also to increase it manifold in the next ten years, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah.

Addressing a function in Junagadh, he noted that PM Naren-

CRUCIAL READ

2 PHONE SNATCHERS ARRESTED, DELHI COPS SAY THEY USED SIMS FOR ONLINE THEFT

New Delhi: Two persons have been arrested by a team of Special Staff, North District for allegedly snatching mobile phones and using the SIM card inside to transfer money from the wallets and bank accounts of the victim, said Delhi police on Saturday. The accused have been identified as Shoib alias Shibu and Arman alias Monu. According to the police, the accused used to target mostly the inter-state travellers near Majnu ka Tila, ISBT of Kashmere Gate, Red Fort Old Delhi and New Delhi railway station at a specific time.

MAN GETS 20 YEARS IN JAIL FOR RAPING MINOR GIRL IN UP

Bhadohi: A Special POCSO court has sentenced a 22-year-old man to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for abducting and raping a minor girl, a court official said on Sunday. Special Judge (POCSO) Madhu Dogra in her order on Saturday also imposed a fine of Rs 33,000 on the convict, Rs 25,000 of which will go to the victim. A case was registered against Yadav the very next day at the complaint of the girl’s father, and hearing in the matter started on March 9, 2022.

5 DEAD AFTER BEING WASHED AWAY IN HEAVY RAINS IN UP

Sonbhadra: Five people including 4 women & a child died after being washed away during heavy rain and hailstorm in UP’s Sonbhadra, the police said. The dead have been identified as Geeta Devi, Santra, Rajkumari, Yashodiya and Rajpati. The incident took place on the intervening night of Saturday. As per police, 6 including four women and two children had gone out on Friday evening and did not return. After waiting for hours, their relatives approached the police and went to search for them.

DELHI MAN SEEN BEATING WOMAN, FORCING HER INTO CAR IN VIRAL VIDEO, COPS TO PROBE

New Delhi: A man was seen beating a woman and forcefully making her sit in a car near Mangolpuri flyover in a video that surfaced on the internet, informed the police. “On initial investigation, it was found that the car is registered at Gurugram’s Ratan Vihar where a team of personnel was sent,” Police said. Further investigation is underway to gather more information about the incident. As per police, in the viral video, some people were seen standing on the roofs of cars, in flagrant violation of road rules, on NH-24, near Pandav Nagar, to celebrate the birthday of a YouTuber.

GIRL HELD IN MURDER OF HYDERABAD STUDENT GETS BAIL

Hyderabad: Niharika

Reddy, the girlfriend of a youth who brutally killed his friend here last month over a love triangle, was released on bail on Sunday.

The girl was granted bail by Rangareddy district court on Saturday, less than two weeks after she was arrested in the sensational case. Niharika was the girl friend of Hari Krishna, who ho killed his friend N. Naveen in the most brutal fashion by beheading him, ripping out his heart and chopping off private parts.

dra Modi has taken new initiatives in the agriculture sector, such as Kisan Credit Card, FPO and the Krishi Sinchai Yojna. The government has made the country’s farmers prosperous through the new Ministry of Cooperation. Af-

ter the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation, several steps have been taken to take cooperatives forward, he said, adding that natural farming would be the only alternative to serve the mother earth in the coming days.

Junagadh (PTI): Agricultural production in India was low not because our forefathers did not know farming but for the lack of irrigation facilities and good-quality seeds, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said Sunday. He added that many farmers thought that production could be ramped up by applying chemical fertilisers and harmed the soil quality in the country. “Western countries didn’t know farming, whereas our forefathers knew agriculture well. Agricultural production was low here because we didn’t have irrigation facilities and good-quality seeds. However, we concluded that by applying urea, we could increase production. But in the process, we harmed the quality of our soil,” Shah said.

Jairam Ramesh slams

Delhi Police over visit to Rahul ’s residence

New Delhi (ANI): Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Sunday hit out at Delhi Police after a team led by Special CP (Law and Order) visited Rahul Gandhi’s residence to seek information on the ‘sexual harassment’ victims that he mentioned in his speech during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Power consumption rises 10%, surpasses last year’s energy supply

New Delhi (PTI): India’s power consumption surged 10 per cent to 1375.57 billion units (BU) during April-February this fiscal year, and has already surpassed the level of electricity supplied in entire 2021-22.

The government data showed that power consumption in April-February 2021-22 was 1245.54 BU.

In entire fiscal year 2021-22, power consumption was 1374.02 BU, which is less than 1375.57 BU recorded

Lucknow (Agencies): Power employees in Uttar Pradesh have called off their 72-hour strike after a detailed round of discussion with UP energy minister Arvind Kumar Sharma. The strike was called off after 64 hours on Sunday. The Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti (VKSSS) announced the decision after the UP energy minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said that the government would sympathetically consider all their demands. The minister appealed to the power employees to return

during April 2022 to February 2023 period. Experts say power consumption is expected to grow in double digits in the coming

Yogi takes stock of progress in Ram temple construction

HIGH-TECH GANG OF SNATCHERS BUSTED, 2 HELD IN DELHI

New Delhi: Two persons have been arrested by a team of Special Staff, North District for allegedly snatching mobile phones and using the sim card to transfer money from the wallets and bank accounts of the victim, said police. The accused have been identified as Shoib alias Shibu and Arman alias Monu. According to the police, the accused used to target mostly the inter-state travellers near Majnu ka Tila, ISBT of Kashmere Gate, Red Fort Old Delhi and New Delhi railway station at a specific time.

SP LEADER, BROTHER BOOKED FOR ATTEMPTING TO KILL MAN, MOLESTING HIS WIFE IN UP

Etah: Police on Sunday said they have lodged an FIR against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Rameshwar Singh Yadav, his brother & four others for allegedly attempting to kill a man and molesting his wife over a year ago. Yadav, a former MLA, and his younger brother Judgendra are in jail in connection with various criminal cases registered against them. On Saturday, a case was registered against Rameshwar Yadav & other accused on a complaint registered by Sanju, a resident of Lal Dundwara village, said Station House Officer, Malavan, Devendra Nath Mishra.

Ayodhya(ANI): Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visited under construction Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple site on Sunday.

Yogi Adityanath first visited and worshipped in Hanumangarhi Tem-

ple after he did darashan of Ram Lala. Then CM visited Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple site. 70 per cent of the construction of the temple has been completed, Officials informed CM Yogi Adityanath.

to work at the earliest so that power supply could be restored in areas where it had been adversely affected. The minister further assured that any action initiated against employees would be legally withdrawn.

months in view of forecasts of unprecedented high demand, especially in summer. The power ministry has estimated peak pow-

er demand in the country at 229 GW during April this year, which is higher than 215.88 GW recorded in the same month a year ago.

Jairam Ramesh said, “It has been 45 days since Bharat Jodo Yatra ended. They (Delhi police) are going for questioning after 45 days. If they are so much concerned why didn’t they go to him in February?”

He also added that Rahul Gandhi’s legal team will respond to the matter as per law.

Congress leaders accused the BJP-led central government of di -

Bengaluru (PTI): Rahul Gandhi on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to Karnataka attending a series of programmes starting from Sunday, Congress said. In view of the Assembly elections due by May, the Congress leader will participate in two programmes in Belagavi in North Karnataka and Kunigal in Tumakuru district. As per his itinerary, the leader will arrive at the Hubballi airport and go to Belagavi by road.

verting people’s attention from the Adani issue. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge stressed that no matter how much BJP try to save Adani, they “will continue to question them”.

NIA NABS 13TH ACCUSED IN PHULWARI SHARIF PFI CASE

New Delhi (Agencies):

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday said that they have arrested an accused, Md Irshad Alam in Bihar’s East Champaran in connection with the Phulwari Sharif PFI case. The NIA

said that they found that despite the ban on the PFI imposed on September 27, 2022, the PFI leaders continued to propagate the ideology of violent extremism and were also arranging arms and ammunition to commit crimes.

panic, but precautions

Experts on rising H3N2 cases

New Delhi (ANI): As the influenza H3N2 cases have started to rise rapidly in the country after Covid cases dipped, experts are of the opinion that people need to be careful, but there is no need to panic if precautions are taken on time.

Talking about the symptoms of the virus, Dr Anupam Sibal, a senior doctor of Delhi’s Apollo Hospital, told ANI that the symptoms are similar to Covid but are staying

New Delhi (ANI): Union Health Minister Mankush Mandaviya to chair a two-day Global Conference on Digital Health on March 20-21 in New Delhi. Using India’s Presidency of G20, the conference is organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the WHO (World Health Organisation) South-East Asia Regional Office, an official statement said on Sunday.

for longer periods of time.

“From time to time, changes are seen in the virus. The symptoms of the influenza virus

TO MAKE A SPORTING NATION

New Delhi (PTI): The health ministry is examining the possibility of introducing a centralised recruitment for faculty and non faculty at all AIIMS across India to address the shortage of personnel at these premier health institutes. Around 44% of the faculty posts are lying vacant in 18 new

are appearing after corona, although its symptoms are almost similar to corona. The common symptoms are cough, cold and fever.

But in this virus, it is seen that patients are having the symptom for a long time due to which it is spreading rapidly,” he said.

Union Min Anurag Thakur highlights Centre’s push

First India Bureau

Chennai (PTI): Union Minister Anurag

Thakur on Sunday highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s push for developing the sports culture in the country, and stressed on the role of states as well in the effort. Various steps had been taken to promote sports and sporting talent in the country and the results were now visible, Thakur said in his ad -

dress at the 13th Convocation of Tamil Nadu Physical Education & Sports University. State Governor and the varsity Chancellor R N Ravi and Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development and university ProChancellor Udhayanidhi Stalin, were also present on the occasion.

Thakur said PM Modi has always “exhorted us to make India a sporting power-

house.”

“This commitment is evident (in) whether it is motivat -

ing our athletes or meeting them before or after various champi -

onships. Under his (PM) leadership India’s sports culture has found an invigorated momentum, sports infrastructure has been scaled up and all efforts are being made to nurture athletes from the playfield to the podium.”

“Various sports centres of excellence have been launched under the Khelo India project.

There has been an inclusion of many sports scientists under sup-

port staff in the centres of excellence as well,” he said.

Speaking about the change brought about in order to give importance to coaching and infrastructure, rather than administration, he said, “When I took over as the minister, the first thing I did was to surrender a few administrative posts and make way to hire more coaches. And we had more than 450 coaches in less than 9 months.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with his family members performs a ritual at the Somnath temple, in Gir Somnath district on Sunday.  —PHOTO BY ANI

Amit Shah waves to the supporters at the foundation stone laying ceremony in Junagadh on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visits the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, in Ayodhya, Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

No need to

needed:

Union Minister Anurag Thakur at the 13th Convocation of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, in Chennai on Sunday. Tamil Nadu Guv RN Ravi is also seen. —PHOTO BY ANI

FPIs INVESTS `11.5K CRORE IN INDIAN EQUITIES IN MARCH

SAYS RBI GOVERNOR DAS

Need to internationalise payment products

Kochi (PTI): Reserve Bank

‘India should target $350 billion exports through e-commerce’

New Delhi: Foreign investors have put in `11,500 crore in the Indian equities so far this month, mainly driven by bulk investment from the USbased GQG Partners in the Adani Group companies. Going ahead, FPIs may take a cautious stance in their approach in the coming days following the collapse of the US-based banks that dented sentiments in the market, experts said. According to the data with the depositories, FPIs invested `11,495 crore till March 17. —PTI

TOP 10 MOST VALUED FIRMS LOSE `2.09 LAKH CR IN M-CAP

Governor Shaktikanta Das underlined the need for using the G20 presidency to present India’s e-payment story to the global audience and seize the opportunity to internationalise payment products like UPI and RuPay.

India’s home-grown payment products like UPI and RuPay network are increasing their global footprint and will make crossborder payments easier, Das said.

“Under Reserve Bank's Payments Vision 2025, we stand committed to the core theme of ‘E-Payments for Everyone, Everywhere, Everytime’ (4Es). We must seize every opportunity to internationalise our payment products. This will open up a new world of opportunities for our country. This is the year of the Indian Presidency of the G20. Let us present the India story to the global

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z According to Governor Shaktikanta Das, India’s homegrown payment products like UPI and RuPay network are increasing their global footprint and will make cross-border payments easier

audience,” he said. The governor further said with the Indian economy getting increasingly integrated with the global system, crossborder payments have assumed greater significance.

z With the Indian economy getting increasingly integrated with the global system, crossborder payments have assumed greater significance

z QR code-based merchant payments through UPI apps are already enabled in Bhutan, Singapore and the UAE

“Our home-grown payment products, UPI and RuPay network, are enhancing their global footprint,” he said and added launch of UPI linkage with Singapore’s PayNow is a major step forward.

New Delhi (PTI): India should target $350 billion worth of goods export through e-commerce by 2030 and for that the government needs to address pain points of the sector by taking steps like formulating a separate policy, a report by economic think tank GTRI said.

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said the current e-commerce export provisions in India are a patchwork over the rules framed for regular B2B exporters.

India’s e-commerce exports have the potential to grow at a faster pace than its IT exports did in the early 2000s, it said. With Global B2C e-commerce exports estimated to grow from $800 billion to $8 trillion by 2030, India’s strengths in high-demand customized products, expanding seller base, and higher profit margins per unit of export place it in a prime position to benefit

India’s power consumption rises 10% in AprFeb to 1375 BU

ACCORDING TO GTRI DATA

z India’s e-commerce exports have the potential to grow at a faster pace than its IT exports did in the early 2000s

z India’s current e-commerce export numbers remain far below their potential.

Currently, e-commerce exports account for only $2 billion

from this trend.

GTRI has identified 21 action points for accelerating the country’s exports through online medium.

India’s current e-commerce export numbers remain far below their potential.

New Delhi (PTI): India’s power consumption surged 10% to 1375.57 billion units (BU) during April-February this fiscal year and has already surpassed the level of electricity supplied in entire 2021-22. The government data showed that power consumption in April-February 2021-22 was 1245.54 BU.

In entire fiscal year 202122, power consumption was 1374.02 BU, which is less than 1375.57 BU recorded during April 2022 to February 2023 period.

Experts say power consumption is expected to grow in double digits in the coming months in view of forecasts of unprecedented high demand, especially in summer.

New Delhi: Market capitalisation (m-cap) of the top-10 most valued companies eroded by over `2.09 lakh crore last week, with Reliance Industries and TCS taking the biggest hit. Corporate major Reliance Industries’ m-cap plunged `67,722.33 crore to `15,04,001.93 crore. IT bellwethers TCS’ market valuation tumbled `55,654.17 crore to `11,63,194.14 crore. In the ranking of top-10 firms, Reliance Industries retained No.1 rank. —PTI

SMUGGLED GOLD

SEIZURE RISES 47% TO 3,502 KG IN 2022

US BANK CRISIS Banking sector MFs lost 6% in a week

US Fed meet, FIIs to drive domestic equity mkts

New Delhi (PTI): The trading activity in the domestic equity markets is likely to remain volatile this week as investors will focus on global cues such as the outcome of the US Federal Reserve meeting and the US banking crisis due to lack of local triggers, analysts said.

FII activity and movement in the rupee and oil prices will also be watched

Reliance re-auctions gas in line with new govt rules

New Delhi: Smuggled gold seizure increased nearly 47% year-on-year in 2022, with Kerala accounting for the maximum quantity of confiscation of the yellow metal, according to government data. Various wings of the government seized 2,383.38 kg of gold in 2021 and 2,154.58 kg in the preceding year. In the first two months of 2023, as much as 916.37 kg of smuggled gold was seized. As per the data by the finance ministry, there were as many as 3,982 cases of seizure of gold in 2022 compared to 2,445 in 2021. —PTI

SEBI STARTS TAKING STRICTER APPROACH IN IPO CLEARANCE

New Delhi (PTI): Banking mutual funds have lost up to 6% in the last week following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank that dented investors’ sentiment in the banking and financial services space.

The failure of the two US-based banks sent shockwaves across the global financial system and weakened the sentiments in the banking sector in India too, wherein shares took a beating and declined in the range of 3-13% in the week under review.

However, experts believe that the direct impact on the Indian banking sector

was negligible to low. The incessant selling in the bank stocks is clearly reflected in the banking sector mutual funds, as evident from the shortterm performance returns of the 16 schemes under the category.

Of the 16 banking sector mutual funds, all of them have given negative returns to investors in the range of 1.6% to 6% in the week ended March 17, according to an analysis of data compiled by ACE MF Nxt.

So far this year, these funds have given negative returns ranging from 8% to 10%, the data showed.

TO SUIT EMISSION RULES

New Delhi: After the Paytm’s IPO fiasco, Sebi has turned cautious while giving clearance to the initial share sales as it has returned the preliminary papers of half a dozen companies. These companies have been asked to re-file their DRHP with certain updates. Apart from OYO, Go Digit General Insurance Ltd; Lava International; Paymate India; Fincare Small Finance Bank India & BVG India draft papers have been returned. —PTI

New Delhi (PTI): Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner bp plc have re-launched an auction for sale of natural gas from their eastern offshore KG-D6 block after incorporating the government’s new marketing rules to give CNGselling city gas companies first priority over supplies.

Reliance and its partner BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd (BPEAL) will sell 6 million standard cubic meters per day of gas in an e-auction planned for April 3, a tender notice said. The price is indexed to the global LNG marker, JKM but will be subject to the governmentnotified ceiling price. The partners had originally planned the auction in January but days before that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on January 13, published new rules for the sale and resale.

TaMo upgrades passenger vehicle range

New Delhi (PTI): Tata Motors has upgraded its passenger vehicle portfolio to conform to stricter emission norms while Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra & Mahindra are confident of transitioning their respective product range before the April 1 deadline.

The Indian automobile industry is currently working to make their products meet the second phase of Bharat Stage VI, equivalent to Euro-VI emission norms, in real-time driving conditions.

Four-wheeler passenger and commercial vehicles

will need more sophisticated equipment to be added to meet the next level of emission standards. The

second phase of BS-VI emission norms are set to kick in from April 1. Car prices are also ex-

TOP TALKING POINTS

z The Indian automobile industry is currently working to make their products meet the second phase of Bharat Stage VI, equivalent to Euro-VI emission norms, in real-time driving conditions

z Four-wheeler passenger and commercial vehicles will need more sophisticated equipment

pected to rise as automobile companies are investing to add additional equipment in powertrains.

by traders as global trends have been dictating the direction of the local stock markets currently, they added.

The US banking crisis remained at the centre stage keeping the participants on their toes. Besides, the continuous outflow the foreign funds added to worries, analysts said.

“In absence of any major domestic event, the focus

OTHER STORIES

would be on the upcoming FOMC meet scheduled on March 21-22. Besides, movement in crude and trend of foreign fund flows will also be in focus for cues,” Ajit Mishra, VP - Technical Research, Religare Broking Ltd said.

Traders are expecting the US Federal Open Market Committee to go for a lower 25 basis point cut or even pause the rate hike.

HINDENBURG FALLOUT: ADANI GROUP SUSPENDS WORK ON `34,900 CRORE PETCHEM PROJECT

New Delhi: Adani Group has suspended work on a `34,900 crore petrochemical project at Mundra in Gujarat as it focuses on resources to consolidate operations and address investor concerns following a damning report by a US-based short seller, sources said. After Hindenburg Research’s January 24 report alleging accounting fraud, stock manipulations and other corporate governance lapses chopped off about $140 billion from the market value of Gautam Adani’s empire, the apples-to-airport group is hoping to claw back and calm jittery investors and lenders through a comeback strategy. —PTI

GOVT INVITES APPLICATION FOR RBI DEPUTY GUV POST

New Delhi: The finance ministry has initiated the process to appoint a new Reserve Bank deputy governor in place of MK Jain, whose extended term is coming to an end in June. The applicant should have an experience of 15 years in banking and financial market operations, said a public notice, indicating that candidates from the private sector will also be considered for the appointment. Traditionally, one of the four deputy governors is from the public sector banking industry. —PTI

FSIB TO BEGIN LOOKING FOR NEW LIC CHAIRMAN THIS MONTH

New Delhi: The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the headhunter for directors of state-owned banks and financial institutions, may select a new chairman of insurance behemoth LIC this month. The chairman will be selected from the four MDs of the company. The bureau may conduct an interview for the position towards the end of next week. FSIB is likely to make a selection this month, subject to the availability of members due to Parliament’s Budget session. —PTI

MERCEDES-BENZ EXPECTS INDIA TO BE ITS FASTEST GROWING MARKET THIS YEAR TOO

New Delhi: German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz expects India to be its fastest growing market globally, maintaining the feat that it had achieved last year as well, according to a senior company official.

“I still see India to be shining among all the other countries. When we see our global reports the growth is still there in India even in the first two months of the year. (It is) too early to call for the full year but if I have to go by the first two months results, it is quite strong and positive compared to many other markets across the world,” Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director & CEO Santosh Iyer said.

There are many parts to the realisation of a goal. We have to choose the one that is the most truthful, the closest to our heart and which matches our aptitude.

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

Will take tough action to stop vulgarity on OTT: Thakur

tent on OTT platforms.

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Maharashtra

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Taking a tough stand on complaints against content on OTT platforms, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said vulgarity and abusive language was not acceptable in the name of creativity.

Addressing a press conference here, Thakur said the government had taken a serious view on complaints of vulgarity and abusive language in content on OTT platforms and will not hesitate to take tough

action to stop this trend.

"These platforms were given freedom for creativity and not for obscenity and when one crosses the limit, then hurling abuses in the name of creativity can-

not be accepted at all," Thakur said.

"If there is a need to change the rules, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will not hesitate. It will take tough action to

stop vulgarity and abusive language," the minister said.

In January, Thakur had batted for creative autonomy and said adequate safeguards were in place to monitor con-

"Creativity should not be reined in, it should have autonomy. But it should not be too much that anything can be shown. We have kept adequate provisions and till date they are working fine," Thakur had said on January 15 while participating in the 75th anniversary celebrations of 'Panchajanya' weekly, the RSS mouthpiece.

On Sunday, Thakur said there was a threestage mechanism to deal with content on OTT platforms.

"As per the current procedure, producers have to address complaints about the content first and then they go to their association. When a complaint reaches the government (I&B department), strict action is taken as per rules," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said necessary infrastructure will be created for courts and funds will be allocated on priority to ensure timely justice to common people.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new annex building of the district and sessions court in Nyay Mandir, Fadnavis said the state government has sanctioned the construction of 40 new courts and residential buildings.

The nine-storey annex building was built at a cost of Rs 160 crore and it will help the courts to increase their efficiency, he said.

"Facilities and wellequipped buildings are required to speed up the process of justice. Efforts will also be made at the government level to reduce the number of cases in courts," the

deputy chief minister said.

Necessary infrastructure will be created for courts and funds will be allocated on priority to ensure that common people get timely justice, he said.

Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Gavai, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Sanjay Gangapurwala, Justices Sunil Shukre, A S Chandurkar, Valmiki Men-

ezes among other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Gadkari in his address said the use of modern technology will make the judiciary more effective and citizens will get instant justice. Justice Gavai further said that the purpose of judiciary, law and executives is to give justice to common citizens. "Everyone should get justice in time and at minimum cost," he opined.

Six districts of Marathwada face crop losses

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The meeting in the village of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was heavily discussed in political circles for the past few days. On March 5, Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Shinde group in a meeting held in the village. In response, Shinde attacked Uddhav Thackeray in harsh words in his speech in the village meeting on Sunday.

Shinde said that Uddhav betrayed the thoughts of Balasaheb who did not even stand up to the Congress and NCP. Meanwhile, he also told the audience about an incident that happened in the 2019 election.

Shinde has warned Uddhav and said, “No one should think that I do not know anything if I do not speak. There is a limit to tolerance.

Once a person goes beyond that, all the barriers break down.”

“During the 2019 elections, my mother was undergoing treatment in the hospital. I had left for Palghar to campaign. Then I got a call

from the doctor. All my preparations were done, it was necessary to go to the meeting. Even though I knew everything, I told the doctor that I would reach in the evening. Mother was almost gone, but I reached the hospital after completing their meeting,”said Shinde.

“After all this, how can you call us traitors”, asked Shinde. “Is it our crime to fulfill the duty? Is it our crime to

go to hospital wearing PPE kit during Covid?

This Eknath Shinde contacted corona virus twice. But I did not back down. I never answer accusation with accusation,” said Shinde.

Meanwhile, Shinde also said that due to the work of Ramdas Kadam’s son Yogesh Kadam, the deposits of others will be confiscated in the election. “We have decided to have a big authority for Konkan on the lines of MMRDA.

Everyone has seen the love of Yogesh Kadam. So no one has the courage to overthrow him. He will do so much work in the next one and a half years that the deposits of who contest against him, will be confiscated,” he said.

Aurangabad: At least six districts of Marathwada reported crop losses on more than 62000 hectares of land due to unseasonal rainfall, an official said on Sunday. The losses had occurred because of showers that lashed the Marathwada region since March 14, the official said.

Crops on 62480.30 hectares of land in six districts were damaged due to rains in just five days, he said.

As per a report issued by the divisional commissioner’s office, the region received 5.2 mm average rainfall on Saturday and Sunday, which led to losses in Aurangabad (7762.50 ha), Parbhani (2400 ha), Hingoli (5604 ha), Nanded (23554 ha), Beed

(11365 ha), Latur (11794 ha). No losses were recorded in Jalna and Osmanabad districts, the report said.

At least six people died in rain-related incidents in the last five days. Of these, five casualties were reported in Parbhani and one in Latur, it said. Apart from this, 21 small and 55 large animals also died amid rains in the region.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Leader of Shinde group Ramdas Kadam strongly attacked Thackeray group chief Uddhav Thackeray. Kadam made many revelations about how Uddhav tried to end the Kadam family politically. Meanwhile, he targeted the Thackeray group by mentioning hotels in Sri Lanka, Singapore and London.

“How to end Yogesh Kadam? For this, a con-

spiracy was being hatched by the Thackeray group. Uday Samant was also in that group then. Balasaheb Thackeray used to take care of a tiger like Ramdas Kadam, the differ-

FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

ence is that you take care of goats and sheep like Subhash Desai,” commented Kadam.

“The Ramdas Kadam who enhanced your stature, aren't you ashamed that you are accusing us? Whose hotels are in Sri Lanka? Whose hotel is in Singapore? Whose hotel is in London? Who owns properties in America? Ramdas Kadam will not rest until this is brought before the people of Maharashtra one day,” questioned Kadam.

First India Bureau

Latur: Former Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Sunday that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar tried to create equality in the country by drafting the Constitution and it is every citizen’s responsibility to protect it.

Addressing a gathering in Latur on Saturday, Bhujbal said if anyone tampers with the Constitution and commits injustice, Bhim soldiers should always

be ready to fight.

Dr Ambedkar taught us to educate, organise and agitate. Accordingly, bahujan people should get education and work for the betterment of the society, Bhujbal said.

“Efforts are being made to spread Manuwad again in the country. Casteism is being practised. We must fight against it. Bhim sainiks have the strength to raise their voices against injustice and struggle,” the NCP leader said.

Private vehicle scrapping policy in the offing, says MoS Choubey

lll

The government will give a 25% rebate on the purchase of new vehicles (to those) having scrap certificates. Besides, new vehicles will be registered free, he added

First India Bureau Nagpur: Union Minister of State for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Sunday said the government has taken various steps to bring down pollution and will soon bring out a policy on the scrapping of private vehicles aged more than 15 years. He was addressing reporters at ‘Meet the

Press’ in Nagpur.

A policy is already in place for scrapping old government vehicles.

Replying to a query on whether a similar policy will be brought for private vehicles older than 15 years, Choubey said, “A highlevel joint meeting of the Ministry of Environment and nine other departments was held recently. The govern-

ment is working on a policy to encourage private vehicles older than 15 years to go for scrapping after getting a (vehicle) health certificate.

“The government will give a 25 per cent rebate on the purchase of new vehicles (to those) having the scrap certificates. Besides, new vehicles will be registered free,” he added. Describing the pro-

Advisories are being sent to all states to prepare a new scrap policy

posed move as a “revolutionary step”, the minister said advisories are being sent to all States to prepare a new scrap policy for private vehicles, which will

prove beneficial for them. The senior BJP leader from Bihar also attacked the incumbent Nitish Kumar-led government terming it “goonda raj 2.0”. He expressed confidence that the BJP will return to power in Bihar in 2025 state elections and also perform well in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls under the leadership of PM Modi.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur being welcomed on his arrival at Nagpur airport, on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

These platforms were given freedom for creativity; hurling abuses cannot be accepted, he said

‘Needed infra will be created for courts to ensure timely justice’

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis —FILE PHOTO

Rainfall in Marathwada.

—FILE PHOTO

Ramdas Kadam —FILE PHOTO

There is a limit to tolerance: Shinde to Uddhav Thackeray

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde —FILE PHOTO

Kadam hints at ‘Uddhav faction’ hotels in Lanka, Singapore

‘Everyone’s responsibility to protect Constitution’

❍ UNSEASONAL RAINFALL

ESCAPE REALITY AND ENTER THE CIRCUS WORLD

he magic and poetry of the circus have long stimulated the imaginations of artists. They drew inspiration from this fantastical world for the fashion world and brought beauty live from the majestic circus, featuring the beauty of acrobats from the all-feing on, and things flying everywhere. The circus has many moving parts, but everything is completely controlled and orderly.

To use the metaphor correctly, life is a circus with many moving components that all function as they should. It is full of adventure, chaos and laughter. Too much going on, and things flying everywhere, but everything is

completely steady and tidy. It allows one to be logical and unreal at the same time. Not only lessons but glamour is a major attraction of the circus. We know that, in the circus, all is possible: there can be a man with two heads or a character with a green face. When we say that some fashion designers have actually brought the carnival to town through the best of imagination. The beautiful amalgamation of fun with glamour is called Circus fashion. Dressing up like a clown and looking like the chicest sad weirdos with stunning designs and dazzling hair and makeup.

Ruffles, supersized dimensions, and bespoke pastel hair are greatly appreciated. There are plenty of runway looks to draw inspiration from, but non-performers may find them too over the top, even without the red nose. Dressing up like beautiful acrobats with hot short dresses and pretty cool makeup is something out of this world. You can also carry this look to give a more stunning look, wild animals like horses and elephants and cute birds are embroidered on outfits with rhinestones, along with cages. Even animal-inspired accessories and makeup inspired by the character of the white clown, with the eyes of models defined with black liner can give a chic look to the themed attire.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

City First displaying the ravishing avatars of acrobats from the all-female circus members, inspired from the gleaming and glittering world that will lift up your spirits!

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

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

DAY

Driving down with lover to a happening place is indicated today. A vacation you only dreamed about is likely to become a reality soon . Healthy eating will help prevent digestive ailments. Money will be no constraint in buying what you like. Luck will be in your favour.

Gemini

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Try what you may, making your mark in a totally different field will be difficult. Some of you will fight an infection successfully. Helpful nature of a relative is likely to ease your job. Some of you may undertake an overseas journey. Good returns are foreseen from a rented property.

Leo

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Wrong decisions may prove heavy on your finances. A family youngster may become a pillar of strength for you. Chance of going on a vacation with family is indicated and will be lots of fun. Your balanced approach will help resolve a property matter amicably.

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

You are likely to find the day most auspicious. Your knowledge about your line of work will be roundly appreciated and get you the thumbs up from higher ups. Friends may get together to give you a surprise. Business travel may leave little time for romance.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

Your stars favour a bright beautiful day . A setback you have recently experienced can make you come out stronger. Tax advisor will be a big help in saving taxes, so don’t hesitate to contact one.It is difficult for the relationship of friends turned lovers to fall apart, so relax.

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

Keep on doing whatever you are doing to remain healthy. Some of you will have to curb your splurging ways. Family life will cruise along smoothly with much love and bonhomie. Don’t speed up on the road. Chance of moving to a new location is possible.

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

Something you have implemented at work is likely to profit the company and get you noticed. You are likely to celebrate the achievement of a family youngster in a grand way. Shifting into your very own house may soon become a reality. You will feel less burdened today.

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Good earning opportunities come to you. Help from co-workers in a time consuming task will be forthcoming on the work front. Support of family will encourage you to take up a challenge. Socially, your presence will be much looked forward to.

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

Money coming from various streams will keep you in an elated state of mind. A new fitness regime that you have adopted promises to keep you in the pink of health. Getting an old furniture upholstered may be at the top of the mind of some homemakers.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will derive great benefit from an exercise routine. Extra workload is foreseen at work, but nothing that you cannot handle within office hours. Taking the family on a trip seems impossible today due to your professional commitments, so postpone it for some other day.

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

Previous investments are likely to give you good returns. Some of you may decide to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and visit the very same exotic destination that they had been to.No amount of excuses will dispel lover’s suspicions about your tendency to stray the path.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Visiting a mall or watching a movie with family is likely to be the highlight of the day for some. You may enjoy travelling to a tourist destination recommended by your friends. Reignite the flickering romance in your life by spending more time together.

YOGA: A SECRET MANTRA TO PREVENT FRAILTY

Asystematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, yoga did not seem to of fer a benefit for frailty markers over activi ties like exercise or tai chi. The review is published in nals of Internal Med icine.

IS FRAILTY A COMMON DISEASE OF THE ELDERLY?

Older adults have an increased burden of chronic disease, disa bility, and frailty. Frail ty affects up to 50 per cent of adults aged 80 years and older, and its prevention and manage ment are high-priority areas in public health and clinical practice. Yoga may be a preven tion and management strategy and is already used to improve balance and mobility in older adults.

ROLE OF YOGA IN FRAILTY PREVENTION

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School reviewed 33 RCTs comprised of 2,384 participants aged 65 years or older to evaluate the available trial evi dence on the effect of yoga-based interventions on frailty in older adults. impacts on frailty markers including measures of gait speed, handgrip strength, balance, lower extremity strength and endur ance, and multi-compo nent physical perfor mance measures.

The authors found that when compared to education-only or inactive control groups, there was moderate evidence that yoga improved gait speed and lower body strength and endurance. The benefits of balance and handgrip strength were less certain. While there was no clear advantage for a particular style of yoga, the authors suggest clinicians may consider recommending Iyengar-based styles, with a home practice, that can be customized for older adult populations. These findings add to the growing literature

TRISHA SHUKLA, Model

ADELINE DORCAS cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

show, Taytay is already breaking records. The Back to December singer officially becomes the female artist with the highest attended concert in the U.S.A. There were more than sixty-nine thousand people who attended the first concert of the Eras Tour in Arizona.

U.S.A when she performed at Anaheim Stadium in Los Angeles with an audience of about sixty-three thousand people in 1987. Now, Taylor Swift breaks this record with an audience of over sixty-nine thousand in Arizona during the first concert of Eras Tour.

SARA GRACES SHEHNAAZ'S

BEWITCHING IN BLACK

SHOW FUN

he scorching sartorial glamour. We saw a black gown come out to play fashion over the weekend and it was absolute heaven on earth. Striking as an outfit for all nighttime madness and fun, Kriti's look was laced with perfection. The Shehzada actress looked ravishing in a signature mermaid gown which featured a plunging neckline and side cut-outs. It had a halter neck, and back tie-up detail and was amped up with tonal midnight black bugle beads, crystals and rhinestones.

MODE ON

Shehnaaz Gill is pres ently in the news ow ing to her Bollywood debut. For the unini tiated, the diva is all set to star in Salman Khan's film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Shehnaaz is also busy with her chat show called Desi Vibes with Shehnaaz Gill which has been graced by popular actors. Recently, Bol lywood actress Sara Ali Khan

JISOO ON ‘MY ALCOHOL DIARY’

BLACKPINK member Jisoo will be revealing herself in the form of a new solo artist through an upcoming debut. Set to greet the fans with her album ‘ME’ reflecting the many sides she possesses, the 28-year-old will swift ly make her way through the K-pop scene. The many promotional ac tivities around her release have been anticipated with reports of her returning to music shows which have fans excited. A new con firmation of her variety show ap pearance has everyone anticipating the release further.

According to initial reports, Jisoo shot for her appearance on Youngji’s ‘My Alcohol Diary’ and will be the opening guest for the sec ond season of her show. Soon after, the star herself shared a screenshot of the reports on her personal Ins tagram account confirming Jisoo as her first guest for the season.

Fans are excited to see Jisoo drink on camera and have funny interactions with Youngji who manages to make all her guests feel comfortable while having hilarious conversations with them.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan recently jetted off to South Africa with their kids, Taimur and Jeh Ali Khan for a family vacation. The actress has been sharing glimpses of her fun getaway with her fans on social media. On Sunday afternoon, she took to Instagram and posted pictures from her meeting with women of the Masai community. “With the wonderful ladies of the Masai community.” She also posted a picture of her son Jeh photobombing her picture. The actress is seen posing with the ladies while Jeh is seen running toward her. Bebo wrote along with the picture, “Jeh baba, the ladies man.”

FANS GO 'WOWW'

a sexy avatar. She was seen wearing a gorgeous blue fitted mini dress with a multicolor bralette underneath it. The dress has an open back and multiple layers in the front that shows the bral“Hotter than your ex, better than your next”, the post read.”What a hot-

ness, Stylish and fashionable every day, looking so hot sexy and beautiful”, the users started to comment as soon as the picture went viral. Another wrote,” Beautiful look Nikki”. There is no denying the fact that Nikki does look astonishing in the glamorous dress.

Nikki donning a blue fitted mini dress

Nikki Tamboli

Sara Ali Khan

Her story...

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Shehnaaz Gill

Kim Jisoo

Kriti Sanon

Her post...

Sara’s post...

Taylor Swift

Ranbir makes it to the 100-crore club!

Box office for Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, has surpassed 100 crore nett. Luv Ranjan's quirky romantic comedy, which has been in theatres for 11 days, has accomplished the feat. It is the sixth movie starring Ranbir and Shraddha to gross over $100 million in India.

Sharing the news, film trade analyst Joginder Tuteja tweeted on Sunday, “Tu

es the feat in 11 days. This is also Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s sixth `100 crores film each. Do you know which are their other five?”

The movie has already made over 122 crores at the global box office. Produced by Luv Productions and Ankur Garg, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is presented by Gulshan and Bhushan Kumar of T-Series.

Dimple Kapadia, Boney Kapoor, and stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi are tured in the

SNEHDEEP SINGH KALSI on overnight fame & love

your heart and soul people will surely acknowledge and understand it".

Snehdeep Singh Kalsi, a present Mumbai inhabitant, holds the position of Deputy Manager at Mahindra Finance. Snehdeep finished his studies at Ahmedabad, India. Following that, he earned a B.Tech degree from Gujarat's Charusat University-affiliated Chandubhai S. Patel Institute of Technology (CSPIT).

One of the popular songs from the Brahmastra movie starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Kesariya, was sung by Snehdeep in five different languages. He performed the song in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. Re ally impressive, no? He had excellent and accurate pronun ciation in every language, ac cording to internet users.

Snehdeep’s video went so vi ral that it grabbed the atten tion of PM Modi and Anand Mahindra. “Came across this amazing rendition by the talented @Sneh deepSK. In addition to the melody, it is a great manifestation of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ Su perb!” read the caption by PM Modi. Opening up on the same he said, "I am deeply grateful and I know when you do something full-fledged with

Anand on Mother's Day!

Anand posted an adorable photo of Sonam and Vayu from their naming ceremony. Twining in yellow, Sonam can be seen in the photo cradling her newborn baby son in her arms and giving him an adorable gaze. All things cute, the post was about Sonam enjoying her first Mother's Day, so Anand wrote a lengthy note for her along with it. Adorable isn't it?

His post read, "I have to admit and Son am can verify, that emotional/social awareness is not a strength of mine. As a result, it’s taken me seeing what @ sonamkapoor has done over the past 17 months (and even longer) in ensuring the best emotional and physical health of herself and our baby to understand the levels of commit ment and selfless ness it takes to be a full-time mom.

In an age when we all have been accustomed to immediate reward systems, committing to motherhood does mean giving endlessly over and above that system".

Speaking of how he has nailed the song in all five languages he said, "People are considering it as a new concept but I have been doing this for several years now. And about languages, it helps you better way to understand people. When I was singing it in one language I wanted to try in more and eventually it happened".

Talking about getting overnight attention, he explained, "You know when we travel by train there are so many junctions which come to reach your destination, small or big. I have been practising and working hard for this throughout the years. But it is getting recog-

nised now so it's a big junction phase which is going on right now. But the way I see it is, I still have not reached the destination and this is just one milestone which I have achieved."

Speaking of what destination is he said, " I need what a singer needs, the Love and the recognition of the audience and the media. What matters the most to an artist is that people should respect and appreciate his art and I want the same for me".

When asked what inspires him to do it, is it a family member or it's a passion?

Snehdeep said, " My mother performs kirtan in the gurudwara and everyone from my mother's side performs kirtan there, be it playing or singing. So I think I have grown up seeing that and eventually I fell in love with it. But what really made me do it when I logged in to Instagram and that one thought which struck me was what I want to post and what kind of creativity I can portray! And during my engineering in Ahmedabad, I learned from a guru for four and half a years. I had learned classical music from him, after which when I shifted to Bangalore I continued practising it".

Speaking of getting offers and love from the fans, he said, " Of fers will come and go but the love, I am getting is in deed the most beautiful thing to experience and I want to say that I am very thank ful and grateful for the amount of love which has come my way".

Shivangi on what broke her down!

Earlier actress Shivangi Joshi stated that she will feature in a special role in the new show Bekaboo alongside Zain Imam. The actress recently opened up about her experience in the industry and the challenges she had at the beginning of her career. Shivangi was asked if the industry can be harsh at times and if was there any incident that broke her down. To this, the actress said "Yes, on my first day, there were two senior actors who didn’t appreciate that they have taken a newcomer on the show. As I was new and very young, so obviously no one from an acting back-

Arbaaz on his equation with Helen

When asked how his relationship with Helen has changed over time in a recent interview, Arbaaz Khan recounted how his father Salim Khan had introduced her to his family. Arbaaz claimed that their father had instructed them to treat Helen with "the same respect" as their mother Salma Khan. Salim informed them that he did not want them to love Helen as much as they love their mother, but to somehow understand that Helen 'is a part of his life now'.

Opening up about his equation with his second ‘mother’, Helen Aunty, Arbaaz Khan told said, "We have been together for a long time now and are very close to Helen Aunty. Actually now it's been so many years with Helen Aunty but we still call her Helen Aunty because that's how it is. But obviously, she's our mother. Now she's an integral part of our lives and when it all started, we were very young. So, we were kept away from some of the drama that must have happened in my parent's life."

ground would guide me. Those actors even passed a comment that ‘kyu le liya, kaha se le liya, act ing aati nahi hai’ and I heard it. Then I felt bad and started crying to my mother and she said ‘It's okay, you do your work and time will tell every thing."

PERFECT BOYFRIEND!

The divorce between Malaika and Arbaaz was finalised in 2017. Their son Arhaan Khan continues to be raised by both of them. In 2019, Malaika and Arjun Kapoor made their relationship official and ever since they have been giving us some major couple goals. Opening up about dating a younger

man, Malaika Arora said, "I think it's amazing. When I got divorced I was told that tag will always be there. Finding love after getting divorced was another thing. And then finding love in a younger man, I was clearly told I have lost my marbles. I would just like to say that love doesn't have

an age. If you fall in love, you fall in love. Irrespective of whether he is a younger man or an older man, it should not de fine the space we are in. I am grateful that I found a partner who understands me. The fact that he is younger keeps me younger. I just feel on top of the world.”

Ranbir Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja

Malaika Arora

Shivangi Joshi

Arbaaz Khan and Helen

Anand’s post...

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Snehdeep Singh Kalsi