First India-Delhi Edition-20th December 2022

NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE ECHOES IN UPPER HOUSE

Oppn walks out of RS as Dhankhar rejects Chinese incursions debate!

New Delhi: Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha walked out on Monday after Chair rejected demands for debate on Chinese incursion on borders.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected all the nine notices under rule 267 saying they were not in order. However, Congress and other parties kept insisting on their demand for suspension of business so the issue could be taken up.

But the chair did not relent, leading to MPs of the Congress, Left, DMK and other parties staging a walkout.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed a bill for the repression of piracy on high seas with life imprisonment along with death penalty for convicts. Foreign Minister Jaishankar said government is including option of life in prison.

MODI TO CHAIR 2ND NAT’L CONFERENCE OF CHIEF SECRETARIES

NEXT MONTH

New Delhi: Ahead of the Union Budget 2023-24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the ‘second national conference of chief secretaries’ in the national capital next month, a senior government official said. The second national conference of chief secretaries will be held in Delhi from January 5-January 7 and it will be a significant step towards further strengthening the partnership between the Centre and state govts, the official told PTI.

New Delhi: EAM S Jaishakar took strong exception to word “pitai” used for Indian soldiers by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi last week. Jaishankar said in LS that word “pitai” should not be used for country’s soldiers. “Our soldiers are standing at a height of 13,000 feet in Yangtse and guarding

our border. They should be respected,” Jaishankar said.

New Delhi: Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said that “terror incidents in J&K decreased by 168 per cent” since the Modi government came to power and “Left Wing Extremism incidents were down by over 265 per cent” since 2015.

Millet Meal for Modi

tive results,” Thakur told reporters here.

New Delhi (PTI): Two deputy superintendents of police and three head wardens were suspended after mobile phones and handmade knives were recovered from inmates of Mandoli jail here, officials said on Monday.

Acting on a tip-off, Director General (Prisons) Sanjay Baniwal constituted a special vigilance team at prison headquarters for a major crackdown on communication gadgets smuggled into the jail, said Additional Inspector General (Delhi prisons) HPS Sran.

New Delhi: It seems that the BJP top brass has finally taken a call on how the party wants to move ahead in the politically volatile state of West Bengal. After facing a defeat in the assembly elections, the party will put all its might in local outreach rallies. Moreover, Shah has reportedly also asked the party leaders in state why has the left’s vote share increased while BJP’s hasnt.

“INDIA

DIDN’T EXPECT ANYTHING FROM PAK”

New Delhi: India’s level of expectation from Pakistanis is “never very high”, EAM S Jaishankar said on Monday, in his first comments over the personal attack made by his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar said, “Our expectation levels with the Pakistanis are never very high.”

Thakur said, “the Modi government undertook decisive actions which yielded definitive results.”

Surgical strikes in 2016 were in response to the Uri attack. Balakot Air strikes in 2019 were in response to the Pulwama bombing, so all these decisive actions yielded defini-

Shah lays out plan for ‘Bangla-Vijay’!

and of these some mega rallies will also be addressed by PM Narendra Modi. Notably, Amit Shah, on Saturday, asked state leaders to focus on holding smaller rallies. It is also being said that every month 2-3 rallies will be held in approx two dozen constituencies already chosen by the high command.

He said since 2014, violence due to insurgency has come down by 80 per cent, civilian deaths decreased by 89 per cent and 6,000 militants have surrendered.

Thakur said, “an era of peace has started in the northeastern region under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.”

Baghel takes dig at Bajrang Dal

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to host a “millet-only” lunch for PM Narendra Modi and all the members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday in the Parliament premises.

Lunch being hosted to mark “Millet Year”, a special initiative by PM Narendra Modi, after which United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet (IYOM).

In view of the 2024 General Elections, BJP has taken an aggressive stance in Bengal that

has 42 Lok sabha seats.

For this, rallies have been planned - about 30 in all - throughout 2023

3

Amit Shah and BJP national President JP Nadda, it is being said, will address a dozen rallies each during this time.

New Delhi: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on Monday took a sharp swipe at members of the Bajrang Dal, over a song from Shah Rukh KhanDeepika Padukone starrer “Pathaan”, and spoke about the significance of saffron colour among ascetics as he said that the colour symbolises sacrifice.

LG INTERVENES

ED to file supplementary charge sheet by Jan 6 11 long pending projects cleared by Delhi govt

New Delhi (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Monday told a Delhi court that it will file a supplementary charge sheet by January 6 against all the accused arrested in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy scam case in which DyCM Manish Sisodia is also an accused.

The ED made the submission before Special Judge MK Nagpal during the brief hearing on the bail application of AAP’s communications

in-charge Vijay Nair and businessmen Abhishek Boinpally and Binoy Babu.

The court adjourned the hearing on the bail pleas of Nair and Boinpally for January 4 on request of the advocates in the case while Babu’s plea was posted for January 9 for arguments.

Gurugram (PTI):

Three inter-state sharpshooters of Lawrence Bishnoi and Kala Jatheri gangs were arrested here, police said on Monday.

Six pistols, 16 cartridges and a car were seized from their possession, they said.

Preet Pal Singh Sangwan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), said the three men were wanted in about two dozen cases registered in Haryana, Rajasthan and DelhiNCR.

New Delhi(PTI): Lt Governor VK Saxena invoked his powers to get cleared within days 11 files on important development projects of the Centre pending approval with Delhi government, officials said on Monday.

Some projects awaiting clearance included redevelopment of GPRA Colony, Srinivaspuri pending since 2019, GPRA Sarojini Nagar pending since August 2021 and Urban Extension Road (UER-II) by

NHAI, pending since September 2021. There was no immediate reaction from the government.

The LG

Special chefs from Karnataka to cater to MPs with delectable ragi Idlis, dosas. Other items like ragi and jawar rotis, bajra and jawar khichdi along with bajra kheer to be served among many others.

Millet was notified as a nutritiouscereal in April 2018 and was also included in the Poshan Mission campaigns.

Asia and Africa, primarily India, Nigeria and Sudan are primary producers and consumers of millet crops.

15 million

tonnes of millet produced in India, in last 5 years

DELHI EXCISE SCAM

approved the proposals sent by Delhi Government after it was informed about invoking of provision by the LG to recall files, officials added.

sharpshooters of Bishnoi-Jatheri gangs arrested

DSPs among 5 Mandoli jail officials suspended

HERO OF LONGEWALA PASSES AWAY

New Delhi: Work on railways’ ambitious bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad has gained momentum, with more than 98 per cent of land being acquired in Maharashtra. Piers have been erected for 118 kilometres, girders are being launched and the work on construction of bullet train stations has started.

Jodhpur: Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran of the 1971 India-Pakistan war whose bravery at Rajasthan’s Longewala post was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie ‘Border’, died in Jodhpur on Monday. He was 81.

ELON MUSK ASKS TWITTER USERS TO VOTE ON WHETHER HE SHOULD STAY AS BOSS

Washington: Elon Musk has asked Twitter users to vote whether he should quit as head of Twitter. In a poll, Musk tweeted, “ “Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of poll”.

BULLET TRAIN: OVER 98% LAND ACQUIRED IN MAHA

Meanwhile, LS passes bill to deal with maritime piracy and Appropriation Bills moved in RS

Should not disrespect our jawans: EAM objects to ‘pitai’ word by Rahul Gandhi

“Terror attacks down 168%, ‘naxalism’ by 265% in Modi govt”

Opposition MPs walk out from the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Season’s first dense fog hits rail, road traffic in Delhi-NCR

Dense to very dense fog is predicted in northwest India during the next five days: IMD

New Delhi (PTI): The season’s first dense fog blanketed Delhi and neighboring areas on Monday morning, lowering visibility to 150 metres and affecting road and rail traffic movement. The India Meteorological Department said the IndoGangetic plains are likely to see “dense to very dense” fog over the next five days, which may result in cancellation and diversion of trains and flights.

A railway official said around 20 trains were delayed by 15 minutes to 2 hours in the morning.

“Fog affecting train movement today. We have taken precautionary measures. Speed restrictions are put in place in such conditions. Safety is our pri-

ority. Passengers are informed about schedules through announcements and other means,” a northern railway spokesperson said.

However, an airport official said flight opera-

tions were not affected as Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) were in place for around four hours starting at midnight. Satellite images showed a thick layer of fog extending from Pun-

15-yr-old girl ‘married off’, ‘subjected to domestic abuse’

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to the city police in connection with a 15-year-old Muslim girl’s allegation that she was married off and subjected to domestic abuse.

In a statement, the panel said it has received a complaint from the girl, a resident of Delhi, who said she was married off in February at the age of 15 in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.

She also informed the DCW that she got pregnant and her in-laws tried to abort the foetus, but were unsuccessful.

“She has alleged that her husband and inlaws often beat her up. She has alleged that her husband even hit her with a hot tava, electric wire and screwdriver. She has stated that her husband threw her out from her matrimonial house and thereafter, she came to Delhi to her parental home where she is presently residing,” the statement said.

SUBMIT ACTION-TAKEN REPORT OVER MISSING GIRL: CHILD’S BODY TO POLICE

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights has directed police to submit an action taken report over an FIR registered in connection with a 13-year-old girl missing for 18 days. The child rights panel said that it has taken cognisance of a tweet about the case. The report has to be submitted by December 28. In a tweet on Sunday, the DCPCR said, “A

Maliwal has issued a notice to the Delhi Police and sought a copy of the FIR, along with the details of the ar-

13-year-old girl missing for 18 days. No clues FIR 0529/22 registered on 01/12/2022 under police station Budhvihar, Rohini.” “The commission has taken cognisance of this tweet in reference to a 13-year-old girl, who went missing from Delhi. Consequently, SHO, PS Budh Vihar has been directed to furnish an action-taken/status report in the instant case,” the panel said.

rests made in the matter. The commission has also sought an action-taken report by December 22.

jab to east Uttar Pradesh across Haryana and Delhi, the IMD said.

Visibility dropped to 150-200 metres at the Palam Airport between 3.30 am and 6 am and improved to 350 metres

Ex-AIIMS dir Guleria joins Medanta hosp

New Delhi (Agencies): Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria has joined Medanta hospital as the chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine and Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, said Medanta hospital officials Monday.

Dr Guleria will also take over the role of director of the Medical Education department.

“Further strengthening its team of doctors who deliver worldclass, holistic healthcare, Medanta has appointed Dr Randeep Guleria as chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine and Respiratory & Sleep Medicine and director of Medical Education,” said Medanta officials.

Prior to joining Medanta, Dr Guleria was director of AIIMS, New Delhi where he served as faculty for over 3 decades.

With expertise in the field of lung cancer, asthma, COPD, respiratory muscle functions, and sleep disorders, he has over 400 publications in reputed International and Indian journals.

AROUND IGI AIRPORT & DWARKA

MAY DISRUPT FLIGHT, TRAIN SERVICES: IMD

New Delhi (PTI): The IMD also issued an advisory, saying difficult driving conditions on highways, some collisions and tripping of power lines are also possible. “Likely train delays, diversons and cancellations. Airport operations are likely to be affected with flight delays and cancellations,” it said. The Met office suggested that travellers carry essential items like water and medicine on long journeys.

by 7 am, an IMD official said. The Safdarjung Observatory, the primary weather station of the national capital, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius.

DENGUE OUTBREAK

Tally crosses 4K-mark in Delhi, 500+ cases in Dec

New Delhi(PTI): More than 250 dengue cases have been reported in the national capital in December, taking the infection tally of the vector-borne disease past the 4,000 mark so far this year, according to a civic report issued on Monday. In November, 1,420 cases were logged, while 1,238 cases were recorded in October.

The dengue infection tally stood at 3,857 till December 9, and 257 more cases have been recorded since then till December 16. The city has also recorded 251 cases of malaria and 45 cases of chikungunya this year, according to the report released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Of the total of 4,114 reported cases, 693 were logged in September. In 2017, the city logged 4,711 cases in the January 1-Decem -

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

THE MCD REPORT SAYS?

ber 16 periods, the report stated. No death has been reported so far this year due to the disease while in 2021, dengue claimed 23 lives, the report said.

In 2015, the city witnessed a massive dengue outbreak, with the number of cases crossing 10,600 in October. It was Delhi’s worst dengue outbreak since 1996.

Plants, designer lights stolen from revamped roads in Delhi; PWD to hire guards to keep watch

New Delhi (Agencies): Following incidents of theft and encroachment on its revamped roads, the Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to hire a special agency to man each stretch and ensure decorative lights, plants and other expensive items are not stolen.

Explaining the need for security, a senior PWD official said, “Under the streetscaping project, the department has installed costly

plants, artefacts, decorative pillars, lanterns and streets lights and furniture for beautification.

Theft & encroachment,

5 new water bodies to resolve waterlogging issues

lll

Of the five water bodies, 3 will be in Dwarka Sector 8 and the remaining two will come up in Dwarka Sector 20 and Dwarka Sector 23. Drains in the area will also be redeveloped

Travellers headed to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and residents of Dwarka sub-city are set to get some relief from issues related to flooding and waterlogging during monsoon as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will redevelop the entire drain and create five new water bodies to store excess rainwater, said officials.

According to officials, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inspected the project on Sunday and di-

rected the executive agency to complete the project by May 2023. All concerned departments have been strictly di-

rected to start works for de-silting and redevelopment of drain lines to avoid waterlogging when foreign dignitar-

ies arrive for the G20 summit scheduled in September. The drainage work commenced on November 20.

Speaking about the initiative, an official with the L-G’s House said, “Once completed, these water bodies will have a total storage capacity of 1.22 lakh cubic meters (cu m) and it will prevent rainwater from flooding the streets. This major project was stuck for the last two years due to pending permissions for tree cutting/translocation from Delhi Government. It was only after the L-G’s intervention that permission for translocation of trees was given.”

however, are a big issue – more than 60 costly poles and designer lights were stolen during installation… even people

travelling in luxury cars plunder costly plants installed on the sidewalks.

To prevent petty theft, encroachment as well as for upkeep and maintenance of the area, the streetscaping division has decided to hire a special agency for providing roundthe-clock security.”

As of now, the PWD has hired and deployed an agency at Road 49 Pitampura, Moti BaghNaraina flyover and Road 59 Wazirabad.

approves proposals

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday approved the proposals of extremely important projects of the government of India or other agencies that were pending for long periods.

These projects aimed at transforming the city’s skyline and augmenting infrastructure included redevelopment of GPRA Colony at Srinivaspuri pending since 2019, GPRA Sarojini Nagar pending since August

2021 and the Urban Extension Road (UER-II) by NHAI, pending since September 2021, said a statement from LG office.

It took the Lt. Governor, V.K. Saxena, invoking his powers to recall files in terms of Rule 19(5) of the Transaction of Business of the GNCTD Rules (ToBR), 1993, for the Kejriwal Government to finally send 11 files of critical infrastructural importance to the Capital, to the LG for approval.

Vehicles are stuck in traffic congestion on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, in Gurugram on foggy Monday Morning.  —PHOTO BY ANI

—REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

New Delhi: The city recorded 23 dengue cases in January, 16 in February, 22 in March, 20 in April, 30 in May, 32 in June, 26 in July, and 75 in August. Cases of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are usually reported between July and November, sometimes stretching till mid-December as per the MCD report issued on Monday. Cases of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are usually reported between July and November, sometimes stretching till mid-December.

WHAT

New Delhi (Agencies):

Artists performing a classical dance ‘Kathak’ during the 70th anniversary celebrations of the India-Japan diplomatic relations, at APRC Ground, in New Delhi. —PHOTO BY ANI

DCW chief Swati

DCW chief Swati Maliwal

DCW NOTICE TO DELHI POLICE —REPRESENTATIONAL

LG

for infra projects held up for unreasonable periods

Farmers warn govt of trouble

RSS-affiliated

New Delhi (PTI):

Thousands of farmers held a rally here on Monday under the banner of RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) to press for a rollback of GST on agricultural goods and other demands and threatened to intensify their protest if these are not met.

Braving cold conditions, the farmers travelled to Delhi from several states, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, on tractors, motorcycles and private buses and participated in the ‘Kisan Garjana’ rally at the Ramleela Ground to seek relief measures, the organisers said.

The protesters were demanding a rollback of GST on farming ac -

holds protest

tivities, an increase in the income support provided under the PM-Kisan scheme, revocation of the permission for commercial production of geneti -

cally modified (GM) crops and remunerative prices for their produce based on the input cost, they said.

Launched in December 2018, income sup -

JNU students protest outside UGC office

port of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments is provided to all land-holding farmer families under the PM-Kisan scheme.

The BKS, in a state -

Dalit girl assaulted, raped; juvenile among 3 held

New Delhi (Agencies): A 15-yearold Dalit girl was allegedly assaulted and raped by two men and a teenager -- all three known to her and from the same neighbourhood -in Greater Noida, officials said on Monday. Police have arrested the two men, aged 21 and 22, while the third accused, a 15-year-old juvenile, has been taken into custody, two days after the incident took place in the Kasna police station area, an official said.

ment, said “state and central governments will face trouble if they do not heed the farmers’ demand in time”.

National General

FARMERS FROM VARIOUS STATES REACH DELHI

New Delhi: T he farmers travelled to Delhi from several states, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, on tractors, motorcycles and private buses and participated in the ‘Kisan Garjana’ rally at the Ramleela Ground to seek relief measures. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), in a statement, said “state and central governments will face trouble if they do not heed the farmers’ demand in time”.

Secretary, BKS, Mohini Mohan said: “The promises made by the prime minister regarding the rights of farmers have proved to be empty.”

Plea to prohibit images of deities on walls rejected

New Delhi (PTI): Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking to prohibit the practice of putting up images of deities on walls to prevent people from urinating, spitting or littering in public places.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, which had earlier reserved its order on the plea, rejected it.

“This seriously denigrates and disparages the sanctity of the sacred images... Fear is used as an element to stop people from urinating or spitting and littering. These things cannot be permitted over the element of pure devotion borne out of faith and freedom to practise and profess one’s religion,” petitioner and advocate Gorang Gupta

Hearing on Fatehi’s defamation complaint on January 21

New Delhi(PTI): A Delhi court is likely to hear on January 21 a criminal complaint filed by actor Nora Fatehi against Jacqueline Fernandez for allegedly defaming her by “unfairly dragging” her name into a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving ‘conman’ Sukesh Chandrashekar.

Fatehi, a Canadian citizen, has also arrayed 15 media organisations as accused in her complaint. The complaint was brought up before

serting that adequate compensation for the time lost due to the closure of academic spaces because of Covid19 should be provided to students.

terminal MPhil and PhD batches.

The students have claimed that the terminal batches of MPhil and PhD have been “unjustly asked” to submit their research by December 30 without considering the time lost due to COVID-19.

The demonstration was called by the student union of JNU as-

Students raised slogans and held placards mentioning their demands.

Some of the placards read: ‘UGC jawab do (UGC give answers), ‘UGC, don’t play with the future of students of MPhil and PhD batches.’ Speaking to PTI, JNUSU counsellor Madhurima highlighted that quality research must be ensured by pro-

viding adequate compensation for the time lost due to the closure of academic spaces.

“The 2018 PhD batch lost more than one and half years to COVID lockdown and are unjustly asked to submit before December 30 2022 without adequate compensation for the time lost,” Madhurima said.

“Moreover, the 2020 MPhil batch started coursework in February 2021, and is being asked to submit before completing 2 years of the programme,” she added.

“On Saturday, the girl had gone to meet one of the accused, who is a friend of hers, at his rented accommodation near her home. The two others, who were also known to her, were at the accused’s home and they locked the room from inside before assaulting her and forcing themselves on her,” a local police officialsaid.

“The girl somehow managed to reach her home and narrated the ordeal to family after which they approached the police station and an FIR was lodged, leading to the arrest of the two accused men and the detention of the juvenile,” the official said. The accused have been charged with various sections, police said.

WINTER BREAK

Tihar jail gears up to update technology

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According to sources, the existing jammers have failed to jam the 5G network after the introduction of this superadvanced technology

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Tihar Jail administration is now preparing to update the technology of jammers inside the jail.

According to Tihar Jail sources, the existing jammers have failed to jam the 5G network after the introduction of this super-advanced technology. The Tihar administration has already informed the Delhi government about this.

Therefore, there is a need to update the jammers. Preparations are

already underway though it might take some more time to get implemented.

According to Tihar of-

ficials, there are three jammers in Tihar Jail and one each in Mandoli and Rohini Jail. They have already

mastered the skill of jamming 3G and 4G networks. Meanwhile, notorious gangsters, are taking the advantage of this, even staying within the boundaries of the jail. These jammers work like dominant towers which reduce the signal strength of the network inside the prison.

According to Tihar Jail sources, there are many dark spots inside the jail where the rays of the jammers can’t penetrate.

NO GUARANTEE OF PREVENTION

The petition said the common practice of affixing photographs of deities on walls to prevent urination, spitting and throwing garbage in public places had created a serious menace in society as these pictures did not guarantee the prevention of such acts. Instead, people publicly urinate or spit on the “sacred images”, the petition said.

said. The plea said affixation of sacred images to prevent urination in public and spitting violated sections 295 and 295A of the IPC as it hurt the religious sentiments of the general public.

20 yrs after, man convicted in rash driving case

New Delhi: A court in New Delhi has convicted a man of rash driving and causing serious injuries to a person in an accident two decades ago. It was hearing a case against Nawal Kishore, who was accused of driving a tractor rashly and hitting Hira Nand Sharma on the Old Pankha Road in southwest Delhi on March 2, 2002.

Hira Nand Sharma succumbed to injuries 12 days later at a hospital, the prosecution said.

No house arrest for jailed PFI leader Abubacker: Delhi HC

New Delhi (PTI): Hearing a plea by E Abubacker against a trial court order refusing to release him on medical grounds, the Delhi HCon Monday said the jailed former chairman of the Popular Front of India will be provided medical treatment but not kept in house arrest.

“When you are asking for medical bail, why should we send you to your house? We will send you to a hospital,” remarked a bench headed by Justices Siddharth

Mridul & Talwant Singh. Last month, Abubacker’s counsel had said he had cancer and Parkinson’s disease and was in “great pain”, which needed urgent

medical supervision. Abubacker was arrested by the agency during a massive crackdown on the banned organisation this year and is presently in judicial custody.

BKS

for rollback of GST, increase in income support under PM-Kisan scheme

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) farmers take part in the ‘Kisan Garjana Rally’ to demand various relief measures from the Central Government, at Ramleela Maidan, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi (PTI): Dozens of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University on Monday staged a demonstration outside the University Grants Commission office, demanding an extension for the

Labourers taking a break and basking under the winter sun near Kartavya Path, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Members of the Democratic Students’ Federation from JNU holding placards protest seeking an immediate extension to Terminal Mphil/Ph.D. scholars, at UGC building in New Delhi on Monday.

EXTENSION FOR TERMINAL MPHIL, PHD BATCH

Chief Metropolitan

Magistrate Snigdha Sarvaria, who assigned the matter to Metropolitan Magistrate Kapil Gupta. Gupta posted the matter for January 21 to decide whether to take cognisance on the complaint. Fatehi had said in her

complaint filed on December 12 that she has “a pristine reputation apart from a rapidly progressing career which has quite obviously threatened her rivals who are unable to compete with her on fair footing”.

Nora Fatehi. (R) Jacqueline Fernandez and Sukesh Chandrashekhar

Abubacker was arrested during a massive crackdown this year.

There are 3 jammers in Tihar and one each in Mandoli & Rohini.

15-yr-old

—PHOTO BY ANI

—FILE PHOTO

Messi - D10S (DIOS: GOD IN SPANISH)

LIONEL MESSI IS THE WORLD CHAMPION!

l Lionel Messi has won the World Cup Player of the Tournament for a second time

l As a result, Messi makes history to become the first player to win this prize twice

In a sport that produces superstars every year, what does it take to get immortalised as one of the greats for posterity? The answer could be very simple and yet quite complicated. In today’s day and age, when every move and tackle made, every pass completed and every goal scored makes it to the handsets of millions of football fans within seconds, it sure could be easy to become popular in the world’s most popular sport. Over the years, there have been several stars who have produced greatness on the greens, from Alfredo de Stefano to Johan Cryuff, Ferenc Puskas to Lev Yashin, Zico to Michel Platini, there are a plethora of names that one can recount. But when it comes to the list of the greatest of them all, they are all dwarfed by two names, Brazil’s Pele and Argentina’s Diego Maradona.

l The Argentina star scored seven goals in the tournament and got three assists

l Messi's most: 21 total World Cup goal contributions (13 goals, 8 assists)

l Messi became first player to win 5 Player of Match awards at a single men's WC

shattered several records en route to the trophy that Ar gentina has been pining for 36 long years since the great El Diego had done it for them. Having emulated his idol at last, Messi is truely now Argentina’s “Messiah”. Lionel Messi is ‘D10S’ (DIOS), a combination of the Spanish word for “God” with the No. 10 on his jersy. Before the 2022 World Cup, Messi had only scored six World Cup goals - meaning he more than doubled his tally from his previous four tournaments combined.

“World Champions!

I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it. Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the dream of all Argentines... We did it! Go Argentina! we are seeing each other very soon,” Messi captioned a photo after winning

This is because apart from the exemplary skills and achievements that the two could boast of, leading their respective countries to the World Cup title ensured that their names have been written in the annals of footballing history in golden letters.

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, another name joined that rare and elite list of all.

Lionel Messi, not that his silken dribbling skills, innumerable goals at club and international level, were not enough to earn him a legendary status, but a World Cup win was just the stamp that he needed to become an all-time great. The magician himself was at the forefront, scoring 7 times in the tournament, including two strikes in the see-saw final encounter against defending champions France. He

The Argentina captain was part of the national team that lost to Germany 1-0 in the 2014 final, but the magic he produced game in, game out during his peak years for Barcelona never seemed to translate when wearing the blue and white stripes of his coun try. He has now surpassed Pele with 13 goals at World Cups and is tied for fourth with Just Fontaine on the all-time list. His seven in this year’s tournament surpassed Maradona’s five at the 1986 edition in Mex ico. In what may come as a relief to millions of football fans across the world, Argentine tal isman Lionel Mes si has an nounced that he will con tinue to play football for Argentina.

UK’S DECEMBER OF DISCONTENT

The UK is facing a winter of discontent against the Tory government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Major trade unions have threatened to cripple work demanding pay hikes. The earlier instance of such a massive strike was in December 1979 during the rule of Margaret Thatcher. It will be unfair to blame workers, including those from the health sector, for their drastic step as the inflation is at an all-time high and the cost of living has gone through the roof. The energy crisis because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has made life tougher. In line with Thatcher’s approach, Rishi Sunak is preparing to foil the strike by considering deploying an

The UK is facing a winter of discontent against the Tory government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Major trade unions have threatened to cripple work demanding pay hikes. The earlier instance of such a massive strike was in December 1979 during the rule of Margaret Thatcher

army if needed.

Most of the unions which have threatened to go on strike are mainly from the public sector like National Health Service unions of nursing, junior doctors, ambulance crews, midwives and physiotherapists. Railway workers

struck work. The country is faced with travel chaos this month with passport and border check staff going on strike unless Sunak and his Chancellor Jeremy Hunt agree to the workers demand for a pay hike, chances of which are remote as the economy is in recession.

The strikers are facing both criticism and support from the public. The criticism is on account of large-scale disruptions the strike would cause but those aware of the hardships being faced by the working class because of the unaffordable cost of living are sympathetic towards them. The government is refusing to give pay hikes saying that it will further fuel inflation. For Rishi Sunak these are testing times.

At 35, Lionel Messi seems to be keen on enjoying the feeling of playing as the world champion for Argentina, something that he has never done before in his long and decorated career. After winning the World Cup in Qatar, Messi confirmed he would carry on to play for Argentina, at least a “few more” times as he dismissed rumors about his retirement. “I wanted to close my career with this, it was the one that was missing so I can no longer ask for anything else,” said Messi and added “I was able to get the Copa America and now the World Cup that I had fought so hard for. I’ve got it at the end of my career. But I love football and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.”

OM SHARMA

The writer is pursuing engineering from the University of Melbourne (Australia)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Those who cling to perceptions and views wander the world offending people. Buddha

Amit Shah @AmitShah Pt. Ram Prasad Bismil, Thakur Roshan Singh and Ashfaq Ullah Khan are the national heroes whose patriotism and contribution to the freedom movement inspires every Indian. The grateful nation will always be indebted to these sacrifices who happily laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur Heartfelt salutations to the brave and hardworking sons of Mother India, Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaq Ullah Khan and Thakur Roshan Singh, the administrators of ‘Kakori Rail Action’, on their sacrifice day. Your sacrifice while fulfilling your duty towards the country in the freedom struggle will be remembered for generations.

TOP TWEETS

Hada Sangwan

Only 38 died, higher death toll misleading: Bihar Govt

Patna (PTI): The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Monday put at 38 the number of people who died in the Saran hooch tragedy, asserting that higher death figures quoted by various quarters were “misleading”.

State Prohibition Minister Sunil Kumar made the averment at a hurriedly convened press conference inside the assembly premises on the last day of the winter session, when proceedings were disrupted by the opposition BJP over the deaths that took place in the dry state last week.

“The number of people who died after consuming spurious liquor in Saran is 38... higher figures are misleading,” said the minister.

BJP leaders have been claiming that “more than 100 people” have died. Most media reports have put the death toll to be more than 50.

The minister, however, added, “We may revise the death toll if we get any additional information which is found correct upon verification.”

He said, “In 2018, as per media reports, CM said compensation will be given if liquor proved to be cause of death.

He promised Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of hooch victims.”

IN THE COURTYARD

UNNAO RAPE CASE: KULDEEP SENGAR MOVES DELHI HC FOR INTERIM BAIL

Is change in Mamata’s attitude seasonal?

JD(S) releases first list of 93 candidates for K’taka elections

Bengaluru (PTI): The Janata Dal (Secular) on Monday released the first list of its 93 candidates for the Assembly election in Karnataka, due by May next year. The list has nominees from almost all the districts of Karnataka right from Khanapur in Belagavi in north Karnataka to Hanur in Chamarajanagar district of southern part of the state. The list was released after taking consent Ex PM HD Deve Gowda.

Veer Savarkar’s portrait in K’taka Assembly fuels row

Belagavi (PTI): Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s life size portrait was unveiled inside the Assembly chamber at the ‘Suvarna Vidhana Soudha’ here, along with several national icons, drawing criticism from opposition Congress, which alleged that it was a unilateral decision, keeping them in dark.

The portraits of Swami Vivekananda, Subash Chandra Bose, BR Ambedkar, Basaveshwara, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhb-

hai Patel and Savarkar were unveiled by Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and CM Basavaraj Bom-

mai, inside the Assembly chamber, before the commencement of the 10-day winter session of the state legislature.

Will delay in forming Cabinet in Himachal Pradesh lead to factionalism in Cong?

Shamsher Singh

New Delhi: The speed with which CM of the Congress took oath in Himachal Pradesh was a unique thing from the point of view of the Congress. Congress' own previous record shows that the party took so much time to decide the leader in many states that the other party's government was formed. This time the party did not take such a risk. The election results came on Thursday and the chief minister and deputy chief minister were

sworn in on Sunday. On the contrary, the leader of the BJP in Gujarat was already announced, yet a day later, on Monday, the Chief Minister was sworn in there. But in Gujarat all the minis-

ters were sworn in along with the Chief Minister and portfolios were also distributed among them. The BJP administered the oath of the government with full preparation. On the

contrary, in Himachal Pradesh everything stopped after the oath of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. It has been a week since the Chief Minister was sworn in and it is not certain when his government will take oath. Right now the government of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister has been running for a week and this is not a new thing. Just a few days ago, govt of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, that is, 2 people, continued to run for a month in Maharashtra.

Have kept Opposition chair warm for CM Chouhan: Nath

Bhopal (Agencies):

HC JUNKS PLEA

AGAINST PACKED TIHAR JAIL

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking to call for probation report of Tihar Jail inmates to consider releasing first time offenders accused of offences punishable with imprisonment of less than three years to reduce overcrowding.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, however, allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea and file a fresh one after better research.

SC ASKS J’KHAND TO RESPOND BEFORE DEC 23

New Delhi (PTI): Taking note of the delay in the appointment of a new police chief in Jharkhand, the Supreme Court has directed the state government to respond to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to cure the defects in the proposal for recommending the names of officers for the post of the DGP. Incumbent Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP), Neeraj Sinha, a 1987 batch IPS officer, is scheduled to retire on Feb 11, 2023.

New Delhi: West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee's attitude has really changed.

She attended the PM's meeting in Delhi on December 5 and also attended the meeting of the North Eastern Zonal Council with the Union Home Minister held recently. Mamata, who kept distance from programs till now, not only attended the meeting with Amit Shah, but also gave him a grand welcome. Her

photo was released welcoming Amit Shah wearing a patka and talking to him holding his hand. Yet another photo, of her having food with Amit Shah, was also released.

Not only this, after the meeting she also took Amit Shah to her office in Nabanna, state secretariat. Together they reached Mamta's office from VVIP lift and there was a 15-minute conversation between two. It is being told that Mamata asked Shah for outstanding money of MNREGA.

PASSING ON THE BATON

Shimla (PTI): Himachal Pradesh is taking steps to reform the state's transport sector with innovative ideas and will shortly introduce a new electric vehicle policy, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Monday.

Agnihotri test-drove an electric vehicle from the Secretariat and inquired about its technical aspects. He said positive efforts would be made to radically change the transport sector.

Discussions are being held at various levels to introduce the new policy, he said.

"Initially, the operation of electric vehicles will be promoted at the Secretariat. Thereafter, their use will be increased in public transport," Agnihotri said.

The first day of the winter session in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed verbal exchanges between the ruling and opposition leaders, with the former Chief Minister Kamal Nath saying that he has kept the opposition chair warm for CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Before the session began, Speaker Girish Gautam chaired the meeting of the business advisory committee.

Finding Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan absent during the question hour, state Congress president Kamal Nath said he has kept the chair of opposition warm for him.

"He (CM Chouhan) is not here, I want to tell him through you that I have kept this chair (opposition seat) warm for

Rahul’s Yatra is now Hooda’s responsibility!

New Delhi: Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra is now about to reach Delhi border. The yatra, led by Rahul, will reach Delhi on December 24 and take a week’s rest. After that, the yatra will start again on January 2 or 3 and will go to Haryana, Punjab and then Jammu and Kashmir via Ghaziabad. So, the responsibility of Rahul’s visit for the next few days is going to

fall on Haryana leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda. There is a big program to welcome Rahul’s visit in Delhi and the responsibility is also on him. Apart from this, for the duration of the journey in Haryana, he will have to make better arrangements than in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Even when the Yatra reaches Punjab, his responsibility will not end. Keep in mind that whatever program is

organized by Cong in Delhi and NCR, responsibility of gathering

crowd and making all other arrangements remains with Hooda.

However, preparations are also being made in the All India Congress Committee to organize a big program on the arrival of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Delhi. The Congress party has called a meeting on December 23 to discuss its preparations. In it, all the party’s general secretaries, secretaries, state in-charges, state presidents and leaders of the Congress Legislature Party in the Assembly have been

called. It is being told that all these leaders will be present in the Congress visit on 24th December. Keep in mind that Congress has lost badly in the recent municipal elections in Delhi. In the last two assembly and two Lok Sabha elections, the party could not even open its account. For this, the party is making all-out efforts and along with Delhi, the leaders of Haryana and Raj have been engaged.

him," Kamal Nath said, referring to state Home Minister Minister Narottam Msihra.

Responding to that, Mishra, who is also the state Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said,

"This is the day dream." Narottam Mishra

the opposition of not allowing the House to function properly and evading from the debates on public issues.

CBI raids educational institution owned by DK

Bengaluru (Agencies): The sleuths of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday conducted raids on educational institution owned by Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru.

The sleuths raided the National Education Foundation located in Rajarajeshwarinagar in Bengaluru and conducted verification of documents. Shivakumar is the chairman of the foundation and his

daughter Ishwarya is the secretary.

Shivakumar stated that CBI has conducted raids on his educational institutions. “They (CBI) are conducting inquiries on our land and business,” he said.

Sharat K Verma

Higher death figures are being quoted by various quarters: Minister

BJP MLAs stage a protest outside Bihar Assembly questioning liquor prohibition in the state in the wake of Chhapra hooch tragedy during the Winter Session of State Assembly, in Patna on Monday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leads the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Alwar on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

‘Himachal taking steps to reform transport sector, new EV policy’

Mahesh Sharma

accused

KHAJURBANI VICTIMS GOT ` 4L, WHY NOT SARAN’S?: SUSHIL MODI TO CM

RAIDS ARE ON TO NAB ACCUSED: MINISTER

GIVE COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS’ KIN: BJP

The BJP MLCs staged a protest against the Nitish government outside Vidhan Parishad in Patna on December 19. The MLCs demanded compensation for the families of those who died in the hooch tragedy in Saran.

IMPOSE PREZ RULE IN BIHAR: CHIRAG

B ihar leader and MP Chirag Paswan demanded President’s rule in the state over Nitish Kumar govt’s mismanagement of the Hooch Tragedy. After at least 72 people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Bihar’s Chhapra.

New Delhi: BJP MP Sushil Modi hit out at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over compensation to the kin of victims who died due to hooch.

Patna (ANI): In the aftermath of Bihar hooch tragedy, state Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Monday said that raids are being conducted at various places to nab all the accused. He added that further action in the hooch tragedy would be taken only after the post-mortem report. “Raids are being conducted at various places so that all accused and nonFIR accused can be nabbed,” said Sunil Kumar. DK

New Delhi (PTI): Expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Monday sought interim bail from the Delhi High Court in connection with a case in which he was sentenced to life term for raping a minor girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017. A bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Talwant Singh directed that the case be listed before another bench for hearing on December 22. "List this application before a bench in which one of us, namely, Justice Talwant Singh, is not a member subject to obtaining directions of the chief justice," the court ordered.

MASOOD OBJECTS TO MISHRA’S REMARK

Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar and others stage protest over Veer Savarkar’s portrait in Karnataka Assembly, on Monday.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being felicitated at IYC office.

Kamal Nath

—FILE PHOTO

WINTER SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

OPPOSITION BEING OBSTRUCTIONIST, SAYS BJP

It is in India’s, its democracy’s and

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Monday accused the Opposition, especially the Congress, of having an obstructionist approach and called for not politicising a sensitive issue like national security after several parties walked out of Rajya Sabha when their demand for a debate on alleged Chinese incursion was not allowed by the chairman.

Leader of the House in RS and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal said there are several precedents of demands for a discussion or clarification on sensitive issues not allowed in Parliament when the Congress-led UPA was in power between 2004 and 2014.

It is unfortunate that opposition’s “frustration” has reached such a level that they have stopped respecting parliamentary rules and regulations or paying any heed to the chairman’s rulings, he told.

interest that an issue as sensitive as national security should not be politicised, says Goyal

Did India-China row figure in Modi, Jinping exchange: PC

New Delhi (PTI): The Congress and treasury benches were engaged in a verbal spat in the Rajya Saba on Monday after ex-finance minister P Chidambaram sought to know if the border situation figured during the brief exchange Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali.

As the senior Congress leader referred to a video of Modi's brief chat with Jinping in Bali during the G20 summit last month, treasury benches raised a protest, alleging he was deviating from the discussion on supplementary grants.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked Chidambaram to place the video on the table of the House later

68 new airports by end of 2024: Scindia

govt's ambitious UDAN scheme, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia informed Parliament on Monday.

Replying to queries during Question Hour in RS, Scindia said UDAN is an ambitious scheme of the government of India, under

India is leading world in climate protection: Birla

New Delhi (FIB): The Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla, inaugurated the orientation programme for Indian Forest Service officers at Parliament House Complex on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Birla said that India’s diversity is its strength and this strength of ours is enshrined in our Constitution. Unlike other democratic countries, democracy in India is associated with tradition and has been part of our lives.

Talking about the role of Indian Forest Service officers, Birla said that they should work for the protection of forests as well as increasing the

forest cover in the country. Birla also said that while implementing the laws, the officers should be sensitive towards those whose lives & livelihood depend on forests.

which during the last six years — since its inception in 2016 — nearly 1.15 crore people who had never travelled in an aeroplane were able to undertake journey.

He further shared that 11 airlines are currently part of UDAN, out of which three are

startups, whereas 70 new airports have been established.

“Apart from these we are going to establish 68 new airports by end of 2024 towards diversification of civil aviation sector,” said the minister.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was started on October 21, 2016.

These are strategic and border roads in the northeast... We know who is threat in country’s northern and eastern parts. Have Chinese agreed to discuss the friction points in Doklam junction. —P Chidambaram, former Finance Minister

in the day. Chidambaram said, “I just want to know, without going into de-

New Delhi (ANI): As per National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), 25 airports of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been earmarked for leasing over years 2022 to 2025, said Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday.

Referring to India’s commitment to climate conservation, Birla said that climate protection and worship of nature have been an integral part of Indian culture.

Bareilly (Agencies): An FIR has been filed against a Malta-based couple and an orphanage official here for ‘wrongful conversion’ of an abandoned baby girl who was adopted by the foreigners.

3 years ago, the baby was found abandoned in an earthen pot here and was adopted by the couple. Right-wing activists have now lodged an FIR against the orphanage in Bareilly and Malta-based couple that has adopted the baby.

This comes a week before child, named Sita, was supposed to travel to Malta.

PRASHASAN GAON KI ORE

tails, was the border situation discussed? Don’t tell me what you discussed.”

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury seeks discussion in Parliament on J&K

New Delhi (ANI): Congress Leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday sought time for a detailed discussion on J&K in the backdrop of ongoing exodus of Kashmiri Pandits tak-

18 pieces of J’khand woman’s body found

Sahibganj (Jharkhand) (PTI): Search is underway to trace the remaining body parts of a woman, who was found chopped into pieces in Sahibganj district, police said on Monday. Around 18 pieces of the 22-year old woman’s body were recovered on Sunday, they said. Her husband Dildar Ansari and several family members have been arrested for allegedly committing the crime following a feud on intervening night of Friday and Saturday, police said. Victim belongs to primitive Pahariya community, and was the second wife of Ansari. “Search operation

to retrieve other body parts of the deceased is on,” SP (Sahibganj) Anuranjan Kispotta said. Meanwhile, sparked a war of words between leaders of opposition BJP & ruling JMM-led combine on Monday. Ex Jharkhand CM and senior BJP leader Raghubar Das alleged that crimes against tribal women have been continuously.

ing place from valley due to targeted terror.

Speaking in the Lower House on Monday, Chowdhury said, “In this situation, a detailed discussion should be held on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir in the House.”

Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Monday, said AAI airports are leased out in the public interest for their better management utilizing private sector efficiency and investment. States and passengers are the ultimate beneficiaries of enhanced airport infrastructure and facilities created by a private partner, who operates, manages and develops leased airport under Public Private Partnership (PPP), he said.

Minister further said airports have emerged as a nucleus of economic activities & have a multiplier effect on the economy of the State. According to the MoCA, airports namely Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Amritsar, Trichy, Indore, Raipur, Calicut, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Patna, Madurai, Surat, Ranchi, Jodhpur, Chennai, Vijayawada, Vadodara, Bhopal, Tirupati, Hubli, Imphal, Agartala, Udaipur, Dehradun & Rajahmundry have been earmarked for leasing.

NEWS DIGEST

Auraiya (UP): 5 people were killed & 33 others injured in separate accidents here on Monday morning due to dense fog, police said. In Auraiya dist, 3 people were killed and 9 others were injured when a bus going to Lucknow from Dehardun rammed into a truck from behind on Lucknow-Agra Expressway, they said.

Deceased have been identified as Mahesh Chandra, Neeraj Kumar and Aman Kumar, they said. Due to dense fog, some other vehicles including a bus and car were also affected by accident but no passenger riding on them was hurt, police said. Injured passengers were rushed to Saifai medical college hospital in Etawah for treatment, they said.

VIOLENCE ROCKS ALLAHABAD UNIVERSITY

Ultimate litmus test is reaching remotest village: Singh

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday inaugurated the countrywide Good Governance Week celebrations from December 19-25, 2022, with a nationwide launch of “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, the ultimate litmus test of good governance is

that its benefits should reach the

citizen living in the remotest village of India.

dra Modi entails an

approach to assess real

the

ground. Modi had once said, “The country has sufficient resources to deliver benefits to the

last man in the queue in the true spirit of Antyodaya and the desired results can be achieved through Good Governance”.

MoS said that for sustainable development of rural India, Schemes must take into account the needs and wishes of the people in true bottom-up approach and should be implemented through latest technological tools in transparent, effective & accountable manner.

Prayagraj: The Allahabad University was rocked by violence on Monday when students fought a pitched battle with security guards and then the police. Trouble began when the guards stopped a student leader from entering the campus. The student leader said that he was on his way to the bank inside the campus. This led to a scuffle that paved the way for stone pelting by the students, the officials said.

3 DIE AFTER CAR FALLS INTO RIVER IN KERALA

Thtissur: Three members of a family died on Monday after their car fell into a river at Arattupuzha in Thrissur district of Kerala, police said. The family was on the way to attend a marriage function in a nearby resort, the police said. Rajendra Babu (66), his wife Sandhya (62) and their grandson Samarth (6) died in the accident the car met with while navigating on the road along river, the officials further said.

FIR FOR MORPHING YOGI'S PICTURE IN ‘PATHAAN’ SONG, INVESTIGATION ON

An

(IT)

-

remotest

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the “Rural Regeneration” vision of Prime Minister Naren-

outcome-based

development on

everyone’s

Piyush Goyal speaks during Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

P Chidambaram speaking in the RS during the Winter Session.

Om Birla addressing probationary officers of Indian Forest Service.

Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurating Good Governance Week.

NATION-WIDE CAMPAIGN

Lucknow : The Lucknow police have lodged an FIR against a Twitter handle named, ‘AzaarSRK’, for sharing a snippet of the song ‘Besharam Rang’ from Pathaan with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s face in place of Deepika Padukone.

FIR has been registered under Section 295A of IPC & Section 66 of the Information Technology

Act. Several BJP leaders and Twitter users found this objectionable and disrespectful and demand

ed strict action against the accused. Cyber team of DGP headquarters is currently investigating matter. Song ‘Besharam Rang’ from Pathaan has courted controversies ever since it was released.

FIVE KILLED, 33 INJURED IN ROAD ACCIDENTS DUE TO DENSE FOG IN UP

Malta couple who adopted baby, charged with conversion

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) (ANI): Following the Yangtse skirmish between the Indian and Chinese soldiers along the Line of Actual Control in Tawang sector, the monks of famous Tawang Monastery have warned China that, “it’s not 1962, it’s 2022” and “it is PM Narendra Modi government” at the helm. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not spare anyone. We support the Modi government and Indian army,” Lama Yeshi Khawo — a Monk of Tawang Monastery said voicing the concerns of all those present at the 17th-century monastery that has also witnessed the 1962 clash between the Asian giants. Yesi Khawo said that the Chinese government always “goes after” other countries’ territories and it’s totally wrong.

‘IT’S NOT 1962, BUT 2022 WITH PM MODI GOVT’, TAWANG MONASTERY MONKS WARN CHINA

Dildar Ansari

PRICES OF BIKES

NiC rise 8% annually to `32 lakh crore: FM Sitharaman

First India Bureau

India is 2nd largest steel producer: Min

First India Bureau

IT DEPENDS ON REQUIREMENT

Mumbai (PTI): Italian superbike maker Ducati on Monday said it will hike the prices of its entire range of motorcycles in India from January 1. The company, however, did not disclose the quantum of the hike. Ducati India announces an increase in price on its entire motorcycle range to be effective on ex-showroom price from January 1, 2023, the luxury bike maker said in a statement. The revised prices will be applicable for all models and variants of the bikes irrespective of dealerships.

GOLD PRICES GAINS

`231; SILVER ALSO CLIMBS BY `784

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said note in circulation (NiC) has witnessed an annual growth of 7.98% to ` 31.92 lakh crore as of December 2, 2022.

The demand for currency depends upon several macroeconomic factors, including economic growth and level of interest rates, she said in a reply to the Lok Sabha. The quantum of cash or banknotes in the economy depends on the requirement for meeting the demand for banknotes due to GDP growth, inflation, replacement of soiled banknotes and growth in non-cash modes of pay-

Icra revises banking sector outlook to ‘positive’

ment. She stressed that the mission of the government is to move towards a less cash economy to reduce the generation and circulation of black money and to promote the digital economy.

Both the government and RBI have taken measures to promote a less cash economy and encourage digital payment, she said.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a reply to the House said crypto assets are by definition borderless and require international collaboration to prevent regulatory arbitrage.

“Therefore, any legislation on the subject can be effective only with significant international collabo-

ration on evaluation of the risks and benefits and evolution of common taxonomy and standards,” he said. In another reply, Chaudhary said the total FDI inflow in the country increased from $81,973 million in FY21 to $84,835 million in FY22, reflecting increased foreign investment opportunities in India.

New Delhi: India’s steel production has reached a historic level of 120 million tonnes per year making it the world’s second-largest producer of Steel, the government said on Monday.

Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India intends to double its steel production to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

“There has been a doubling in the last eight years of steel production in the country, which has been

historic and which is why we have become the second largest steel producer in the world today,” he told Rajya Sabha.

The minister informed that steel production in the country has increased at a historic level. In 2013-14, we had only close to about 60 million tonnes per annum production of steel, we are today at 120 million tonnes,” he said.

“In terms of capacity, we had only 75 million tonnes, we are today at 154 million tonnes,” he said.

New Delhi (PTI): Gold price rose `231 to `54,652 per 10 gram in the national capital on Monday amid strong global trends, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the precious metal had closed at `54,421 per 10 gram. Silver also climbed `784 to `68,255 per kilogram.

“Gold prices traded higher in the Asian trading hours.

Comex gold prices are trading up by 0.32% at $1,795 per ounce,” said Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst at HDFC.

NET LEASING OF OFFICE SPACE LIKELY TO RISE BY

41-49%

Mumbai (PTI): Domestic rating agency Icra on Monday upped its banking sector outlook to ‘positive’ on healthy asset growth, improving asset quality and stronger capital buffers. The agency expects asset quality to improve to a decadal best of 4% from a gross NPAs perspective by the end of FY24.

Sensex, Nifty climb nearly 1% after two sessions of fall

Govt to take view on privatisation of PSBs after consultation

New Delhi (PTI): Net leasing of office space is likely to rise by 41-49% across seven major cities this year on a lower base and improved demand postpandemic, according to JLL India. Net absorption or leasing of office space stood at 26.2 mn square feet in 2021, and it is likely to be in the range of 3739 million square feet this year across seven cities -Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

Nevertheless, the net office leasing will remain lower than the record absorption achieved in 2019 -- the pre-COVID year -- at 47.9 million square feet.

FLEXI STAFFING INDUSTRY GROWS 6% IN JULY-SEPT

The banking system’s credit growth will slow down to 11-11.6% in FY24, after a very healthy growth of 15.2-16.1% expected in FY23, the rating agency said. A bulk of the credit growth story will be led by state-owned lenders which are in far better shape now having recognised and provided for loan losses and also after some capital infusions, it said, adding that the market share gains for private sector lenders will slow down. Public sector lenders will witness a credit growth of 13.4-14.1% in FY23 and 9.5-10.1% in FY24, the agency estimated, adding that the same for private sector banks will be 14.5-15.5% and 12.6-13.5%.

Mumbai (PTI): Key stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed nearly 1% higher on Monday following heavy buying in banking, oil and FMCG shares after two sessions of losses. Benchmark Sensex jumped 468.38 points or 0.76% to settle at 61,806.19. During the day, it advanced 507.11 points or 0.82% to a high of 61,844.92.

The broader NSE Nifty climbed 151.45 points or 0.83% to end at 18,420.45.From the Sensex pack, Mahindra & Mahindra, Power Grid, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC, Hindustan Unilever, Maruti, ITC, Titan, Nestle, Bajaj Finance and Reliance In dustries were the major winners.Tata Consultancy Services, In fosys, Tata Motors and IndusInd Bank were among the laggards.

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee gained 6 paise to settle at 82.69 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday as robust buying in the domestic equities and a weak American currency against key crosses overseas boosted investor sentiments. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened weak at 82.80 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 82.57 and a low of 82.80. It finally ended at 82.69 against the American currency, registering a rise of 6 paise over its previous close of 82.75.

New Delhi (PTI): The government on Monday said it will take a view on privatisation of public sector banks (PSBs) after consultation with the concerned department and regulator.

Consideration of issues related to disinvestment and decision on selection, terms and conditions, etc. in case of strategic sale is entrusted to the Cabinet committee designated for this purpose under the

India will be big export eco: Pichai

New Delhi (PTI): India will be a big export economy and it needs to create a balance between safeguarding citizens and enabling companies to innovate with its framework, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said. Pichai said that the company is focussing on startups from India and out of its $300 million for the startups, around one-fourth will be invested in entities that are led by women. He said that the technology is working at a big scale and touching lives of people around the world, which calls for framing responsible and balanced regulation.

Google to invest in early-stage startups

First India Bureau

New Delhi (PTI): The flexi staffing industry grew 6% in July-Sept as compared to the preceding quarter this year mainly due to rise in demand across all sectors due to festivities, a report said. “Buoyed by a strong festive season and rising demand across sectors, the ISF members added 78,000 new jobs in July-September quarter, a 6% rise in new jobs over previous April-June quarter,” said ISF’s Flexi Staffing Employment Growth report.

New Delhi: Google will focus on investing in womenled early-stage startups through its ` 75,000 crore India Digitisation Fund, a senior company official said on Monday. The company had launched $10 billion -- about `75,000 crore as per the prevailing exchange rate at the end of 2020 -- to make access to the internet affordable.

Through Google IDF, the company bought a 7.73% stake in Jio for $4.5 billion and a 1.2% stake in Bharti Airtel for $700 million.

“Moving forward, as part of our IDF investments, we will be targeting support for early-stage

companies with a particular focus on women-led startups,” Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager & VP,

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z The company had launched $10 billion India Digitisation Fund to make access to the internet affordable.

z Through Google IDF, the company bought a 7.73% stake in Jio for $4.5 billion and a 1.2% stake in Bharti Airtel for $700 million.

Google India said.

The company announced several projects powered by artificial intelligence.

Government of India (Transaction of Business)

Rules, 1961, minister of state for finance Bhagwat Karad said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

“Before such consideration for decision thereon,

OTHER STORIES

SUGAR OUTPUT UP 5% DURING OCTOBER 1 TO DEC 15, 2022 PERIOD

New Delhi (PTI): Sugar production has increased 5% to 82.1 lakh tonnes between October 1 and December 15 period of this marketing year, while mills have contracted to export 45-50 lakh tonnes of sweetener, industry body ISMA said on Monday. Sugar marketing year runs from October to September. The production of sugar stood at 77.9 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period of the 2021-22 marketing year.

consultation is undertaken with the ministries and departments concerned and, where necessary, with the regulator concerned,” he said.

In the Union Budget for the financial year (FY) 2021-22, he said, the government’s intent to take up privatisation of two PSBs and approval of a policy of strategic disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) was announced.

COAL PRODUCTION IN INDIA TO TOUCH 1BN

TONNES NEXT FISCAL

New Delhi (PTI): India’s coal production will touch one billion tonnes in the next financial year from 900 million tonnes this fiscal ending March, as the country gears up to stop the import of thermal coal by 2024-25, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi informed Parliament on Monday. The Coal Minister said India’s domestic coal requirement will reach 1,500 million tonnes by 2030, for which the nation needs to scale up its production.

NTH TO OFFER EV BATTERY TESTING AT MUMBAI & KOLKATA CENTRES FROM NEXT FISCAL

New Delhi (PTI): Anticipating a rise in

vehicles (EV), the government’s National Testing House (NTH) on Monday said it will

EV batteries and charging systems at its Mumbai and Kolkata centres from the next fiscal. Currently, the Manesar-based International Centre for Automotive Technology and the Pune-based Automatic Research Association of India (ARAI) are the two agencies in the country providing testing services for EVs and their batteries.

INDIA SEES ALMOST TWO-FOLD JUMP IN OILMEALS EXPORT

New Delhi (PTI): India’s oilmeals export saw almost two-fold jump at 23.92 lakh tonnes during the April-November period of the current fiscal, on record export of rapeseed meal, according to the latest data released by SEA. The country had exported 15.96 lakh tonnes of oilmeals in the same period last fiscal. According to SEA, the export of soyabean extraction rose to 3.26 lakh tonnes during April-November period of the 2022-23 fiscal.

JIO, AIRTEL GAIN SUBSCRIBERS IN OCT AT VI’S EXPENSE

New Delhi (FIB): Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel gained 1.41 million and 0.8 million mobile users respectively in October, largely at the expense of cash-strapped Vodafone Idea (Vi), which continued to suffer heavy customer losses, unable to compete effectively with its financially stronger rivals. Vodafone Idea (Vi) lost a whopping 3.5 million mobile users in October, further shrinking its user base to 245.62 million.

LED BY WOMEN

DUCATI INDIA TO HIKE

FROM JANUARY 1

z The quantum of cash or banknotes in the economy depends on the requirement for meeting the demand for banknotes due to GDP growth, inflation, replacement of soiled banknotes

RUPEE RISES 6 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.69 AGAINST US DOLLAR

Stress is good as it helps us perform at our best, but unrelenting stress breaks one’s life, so revitalise yourself regularly. —Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

2018 PET SHOP RULES

FILE PENDING BEFORE L-G OFFICE, DELHI GOVT TELLS HIGH COURT

New Delhi: The Delhi government informed the Delhi High Court Monday that the matter pertaining to the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018 is currently pending before the Lieutenant Governor’s office for consideration, in a public interest litigation seeking regulation of pet shops in strict compliance with the said rules and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1980.

The counsel appearing for the Delhi government informed a division bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Talwant Singh that the file went from the Chief Minister’s of-

fice on December 14 and the issue is presently before the L-G, pending consideration. The HC, thereafter, listed the matter on February 2, 2023. Last month, the

HC had asked the Delhi government to inform the court about the “mode and manner in which the 2018 rules are being implemented and enforced in accordance

FOR THEIR SUPREME SACRIFICE

with law”.

In a hearing last month, senior advocate Jayant Mehta, appearing for the PIL litigant, had submitted that pleadings have been

BHARAT

complete. During the hearing, the Delhi government was unrepresented, and Mehta said replies have been filed by respondents and the Delhi government was represented in the matter in the previous hearings.

Mehta had submitted that as per the RTI filed by the petitioner in November last year, a list of pet shops registered with the Delhi Animal Welfare Board shows that not even a single pet shop has been registered. Mehta further submitted that pet shops need a licence before housing animals, and in Delhi not even a single pet shop is registered with the state animal welfare board.

‘Nafrat ke bazaar mein, meri mohabbat ki dukan’

HC asks Delhi govt, MCD to reply to plea for basic amenities

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court Monday sought response of Delhi government, municipal corporation and other authorities on a plea seeking to provide basic amenities including sanitation, drinking water, health and education services to the inhabitants of Bhalswa resettlement colony here which is located near the landfill leaving the whole area polluted.

Seats up for grab in special spot admission round in 33 DU colleges

Alwar: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his poetic best on Monday when, while addressing a mega crowd at Malakhera in Alwar district of Rajasthan, Rahul jibed at BJP leaders and stressed, “I do not find BJP leaders to be bad. When I go on the way, they point and ask what are you doing? I want to answer them

that I am opening a shop of love in the market of hatred. Come, you also open a shop of love in the market. Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Ambedkar all had opened shop of love in the market of hatred,” the Gandhis scion said. Rahul also said that the best scheme for the poor is in Rajasthan.

New Delhi: Admissions to 33 shortlisted colleges will take place in Delhi University’s special spot round, for which candidates can begin applying Monday.

While very few of the arts courses are up for grabs in this special round, the largest number of vacant seats in some colleges are for language courses such as BA (Honours) in Sanskrit, Punjabi or Urdu. Apart from this, several seats continue to remain vacant for various science courses across colleges, and in home sciences programmes.

dents are forced to live with contaminated water and poor liv‘AUTHORITIES IGNORANCE’

ing conditions due to which they are facing serious health issues.

RETIRED UP COP LOSES OVER RS 8L TO CYBER THUG

New Delhi: AIIMS Delhi has suspended a store purchase officer after authorities found several irregularities at the store under him. In an order, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences said the store purchase officer will remain in New Delhi headquarters and will not leave without obtaining the prior permission of the competent authority. “During

the period that this order shall remain in force he shall be entitled to subsistence al-

lowance as per rules,” said the order issued on December 17.

According to official

sources, the officer had been keeping expired products in his store and the suspension notice came after AIIMS Director M Srinivas visited the store last Wednesday and found irregularities with the procurement and stocking of surgical items.

“He had placed products which were without tender,” said an official.

The move comes days after AIIMS Delhi an-

nounced it will create a procurement digital library (PDL). The digital library will act as a repository of all the supply and work orders issued by the AIlMS and will be made public from April 1 next year. This will ensure transparency and reduce the burden of applications filed under the Right to Information Act (RTI) related to AIIMS procurement, according to officials.

NASA PROJECT

Even courses such as B.Com and B Com (Honours) continue to have seats vacant in some colleges such as Aditi Mahavidyalaya, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College and Swami Shraddhanand College.

No north campus college is part of this special round. Candidates who have not been allotted to any college so far will be able to participate in this round. They will be able to apply over the next two days and the allocations will be declared on Dec 22.

Noida (PTI): A retired police sub-inspector has been conned of over Rs 8.50 lakh by a cyber thug who posed as the government’s treasury officer to help him with his pension, an official said on Monday.

An FIR has been lodged at the Cyber Crime police station in Noida’s Sector 36 and police have launched an investigation into the case, the official said.

“On November 21, I got a call from an unknown number. The person on the other side identified himself as a treasury officer from Saharanpur. He said you have applied for transferring your pension to Saharanpur and shared a lot of details

about my professional documents, convincing me that he indeed is a government officer,” According to complainant Bijendra Singh Malik, who retired from the police service on July 31.

“This person then told me that he was preparing the file of my pension and that in order to proceed further he would send me an OTP on my phone number which I must share with him. I obliged with the OTP and some other details as sought by him over the phone. A little later, I got notifications that a sum of Rs 8.62 lakh has been withdrawn from my account in two installments,” the retired cop said.

9 J-K STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN GLOBAL ASTEROID SEARCH CAMPAIGN

Jammu(PTI): In the first, nine students of a private school in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district participated in a global asteroid search campaign as part of NASA’s citizen science project.

The campaign was organised by Delhibased Homi Lab in association with the International Astronomical search collaboration (IASC) from October 21 to November 15, Homi Lab said in a press release here.

A spokesperson of the lab said this was the first time that a school from the Kathua district has participated in the NASA Campaign.

It said Shrnya, Abhay Pratap Singh, Divum Bharti, Rashi Sharma, Alyssa Sardhalia, Samar Pratap Singh Bhadwal, Mehul Sharma, Mrigan Kamouli Vaishisth and Pranaya Mahajan from Spring Dales English School Kathua participated in the Kalam Asteroid Search Campaign.

“As part of NASA’s citizen science project that is conducted by Hardin Simmons Uni-

versity, USA, under this programme, IASC and Homi Lab deployed a unique platform that

105 FROM 9 NATIONS

objects and Main Belt asteroids. Outreach and training support was extended by Kalam Centre, Delhi,” the release said. It said a total of 105 participants from nine countries were selected across the globe through a rigorous screening process and were later trained to analyse data and spot potential asteroids close to the earth.

(NEO) Programme and discovered 3 preliminary asteroids. Preliminary discoveries are the first observations of asteroids found in the main belt located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter which need further confirmation to go to provisional status,” the release said.

The release said selected participants were provided highly specialised training in order to operate the advanced astronomical software, Astrometrica.

gave selected participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover real near-Earth

“At the end of the campaign, young minds made path-breaking contributions to NASA’s Near-Earth Object

It said this usually takes up to five years after which the asteroid can be officially catalogued by Minor Planet Center, International Astronomical Union (IAU).

This software is used to analyse images from the ‘Pan Starrs’ (The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) telescope, located in Hawaii, USA. It uses a 1.8 m (60 inch) telescope to survey the sky to look for asteroids, comets, and NearEarth Objects (NEO).

—REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

AIIMS suspends store officer over irregularities

JODO YATRA

SLAY THE DAY YOUR WAY

STRAPLESS DRESSES HAVE HAD QUITE A JOURNEY IF YOU ASK. THE POPULARITY OF BANDEAU DRESSES AND CORSETS HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ENDURING POPULARITY OF STRAPLESS NECKLINES. LET’S DIVE INTO THIS STAGGERING STRAPLESS FASHION WITH CITY FIRST

There are several alternatives available when looking for a dress to wear on a night out. It might be hard to attempt to narrow down your options on your own because different clothes work better for different body shapes, climates, and events. If you want to

add extra glamour to your appearance then you can go with a stunning strapless outfit.

A strapless dress or top has no apparent shoulder straps or other forms of support, yet it nonetheless fits snugly around the upper torso. The internal corset and/or brassiere are typically used to support the dress, and the tightness of the bodice prevents the garment from falling out of place.

Strapless fashion was born when women’s clothes got more open-minded in the 1960s and it became more popular and acceptable to expose

skin. Today, strapless dresses can also incorporate elements from other dress types, such as belts, fitted bodices, and long, flowing skirts like in maxi dresses. International fashion designers including Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney all include strapless pieces in their designs.

In recent years, several celebrities have been photographed donning strapless gowns. Gisele, a Brazilian fashion model, was one of them and she was dressed in a long, flowing white dress by Christian Dior.

There are a tonne of

alternatives available for the strapless fash ion to add to your closet if you’re ready to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.

There are so many interesting strapless designs that designers are embracing right now, from sculptural minidresses to chic maxis. Apart from styling a straoless dress the difficulties of wearing a strapless dress are numerous. Depending on the situation, if you style it cor rectly, the appear ance would have the desired style.

www.firstindia.co.in

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

FACE OF THE DAY!

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

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

Gemini

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

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

Leo

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Financial front remains rosy and promises to bring in gains.

Guidance may become the key to further your career. A family member may make you proud with an achievement. Spending time with friends is possible. Some of you may decide to take your romance to the next level.

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

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

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

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

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

Something being organised on the social front may get you totally involved. Expect immediate returns from the investments made by you. Workload is likely to increase on the professional front. This is a fine day on the financial front, as you manage to earn a lot.

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

Your bank balance is likely to swell and make you financially secure.

Buying something expensive for the house is indicated. Responsibilities are likely to increase manifold. Those feeling lethargic and unwell may get back on the path to perfect health. Love is in the air and you are likely to enjoy.

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Problems faced on the financial front are likely to disappear. Someone who admires you will leave no stone unturned in appeasing you today. Those unwell are likely to recover soon through regular medication. Something may keep you from realizing your full potential on the academic front.

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

Someone’s good advice will help in making the right decisions on the academic front. Things start looking up on the health front as you manage to remain regular in your workouts. Prospects of marriage for lovers are set to brighten. Some of you can book tickets to someplace exotic.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

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

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

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

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Going the extra mile for someone will be greatly appreciated by all.

Much hustle and bustle can be expected on the social front to your delight.Someone may not agree to your terms but that should not affect your productivity. You will get a chance to tap your potential on the professional front.

HAPPINESS IS , WARM FEET!

Now in case you are one of those who wish for winters to go away soon, we have something special for you! What if we told you, that you can love the Christmassy season, just as much as others and also keep your feet (and hands) warm and soft, how would you feel? Elated, right?

WEAR A WARMER SHOE: Give your feet a head-start by keeping your shoes indoors where it is warmer.

WEAR SHOES DESIGNED FOR YOUR ACTIVITY AND WEATHER: Avoid mesh running shoes. Instead, wear a hiking boot or trail shoe and something with a thicker sole, is water resistant or has water-proof features, especially around the toes and lower sides of the shoe.

WEAR A THICKER SOCK: Aim for wool or synthetic fiber socks rather than cotton, which can absorb moisture quickly, dry slowly and pull heat away from your skin, making it a fabric to avoid when there might be snow involved.

WATERPROOF CLOTHING: If you’re going to be in cold con-

ditions for an extended period of time, consider adding a liner between your sock layers, or even using plastic bags.

MOVE YOUR BODY: Starting to feel cold, walk faster, ski faster, run faster, do a few jumping jacks. Physical activity increases body heat and helps to get the blood moving faster to your extremities which alleviates that cold feeling.

Remember that if you use toe warmers or do warm water soaks, then you’ll want to make sure the toe warmer or water is not too hot as you can easily burn yourself. If you have neuropathy then you need to check the temperature with your hand or forearm first, as you cannot rely on your feet to tell you if it is too hot.

Don’t let cold feet keep you indoors during the winter. There is more to winter walking than just the treadmill. But your toes can get painfully cold, and you may even risk frostbite in bitter weather. You want to avoid getting sweaty feet, as that puts you at risk of developing a blister. You can protect your feet in cold weather with these tips.”

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FEET WARM AND SOFT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Take one tablespoon of ghee and heat the same in a small pan

Add about 2-4 almonds to the heated ghee and let the dry fruit turn black in colour

z On medium heat, let these two ingredients mix well and afterwards, just add it to a small container

z Every night, before sleep, ap-

ply this roasted almond ghee concoction to your toes and over the same, wear your socks for some time

z You can massage your toes and also your cuticles for nail health

z Do this for about 2 weeks and you will see the difference yourself. Not only will your feet stay warm but they will feel soft and supple (like the ones shown in ads)

TANISHA SANTOSHI, Artist

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

WHETHER YOU’RE AN AVID WINTER SPORTS ENTHUSIAST OR ONE THAT PREFERS TO STAY INDOORS AT ANY SIGN OF COLD OR WET WEATHER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP YOUR FEET WARM AND DRY. WHEN VENTURING OUT INTO THE ELEMENTS YOU MAY NEED SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST A RAIN BOOT OR A FANCY KNEE-HIGH. CITY FIRST BRINGS TO YOU SOME EASY SURVIVAL TIPS TO EFFECTIVELY KEEP YOUR FEET WARM AND DRY THIS WINTER SEASON!

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

DEEPIKA UNVEILS FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 TROPHY

D

SHEER BEAUTY

As we speak about celebs, one such star who has always been attracted to avant-garde style is Fashion Queen Shehnaaz Gill. Time and again, Shehnaaz has simply stunned us with her fashion statement, and we are totally bowled over her wardrobe collection. Ditching the extravagant heavily embellished ensem bles, Shehnaaz hopped on the ongoing ombre saree trend and nailed it like a goddess. The actress shared a few pictures on her Instagram handle in which, she looks breathtaking draped in a pink and white ombre dupion silk floral printed six-yard and exudes elegance as she poses for the pictures. Her saree is beautifully adorned with floral motifs on the border and is draped very well. She paired her six-yard with a floral printed sleeveless blouse that per fectly elevates her look. Shehnaaz completed her look by donning diamond jewellery with her outfit. She went for subtle makeup and styled her hair into a bun.

SECRET ROMANCE!

Janhvi Kapoor is one of the most talented actresses in the industry. The Roohi actress always remains in limelight due to her personal and professional life. Janhvi, who dated Shikhar Pahariya in the past was recently spotted in Delhi with her ex-boyfriend at an event.

To note, Shikhar Pahariya is the grandson of Sushilkumar Shinde, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The two dated each other for a few years before parting ways. However, they did not confirm their relationship.

On Saturday, Janhvi and Shikhar attended a fashion show in Delhi. Many pictures and videos of the duo

from the event are doing rounds on the internet and soon after fans wondered if they have rekindled their romance. One user wrote, “Are you guys back to gether?” While another user said: you both together again.” In the video, Janhvi is seen don ning a beige bodycon dress and paired it with a matching oversized blaz er, while Shi khar sported a sparkly outfit.

Kareena Kapoor Khan is current ly going through an excellent phase in her acting ca reer, with some unique and promising projects in her kitty. The su premely talented ac

tress, who recently won the hearts of audiences with her stellar perfor mance in Laal Singh Chaddha, is keen to play challenging characters. Kareena, who is also a great movie buff, often gives her followers rec ommendations on what to watch, and even re views her favourite films and shows. Simi larly, she recently re viewed the White Lotus Season 2, with an inter esting Instagram story.

Nora Fatehi

Kareena Kapoor

Zoya Akhtar

Janhvi Kapoor

Janhvi and Shikhar Pahariya during the fashion show

Shehnaaz Gill

Nora in Prada co-ord skirt set

Deepika Padukone

Deepika unveils the trophy

Shehnaaz in silk floral saree

‘Historic Masterpieces’

CITY FIRST

Asta Guru will be hosting their ‘Historic Masterpieces’ Modern Indian Art auction on December 27 and 28. The exceptional collection on auction will showcase several rare, masterful works from the oeuvre of eminent artists who made a massive impact in the world of Modern Indian Art.

The Jodhpur Polo season 2022 will be showcas ing the very best of polo sportsman

ship. With a series of riveting events including the Army Commander’s Cup and the Indian Air Force Longewala Cup Exhibition Cup, the season will witness dignitaries of note from all over the country in attendance.

AstaGuru, as cus-

Afghanistan to Delhi

CITY FIRST

dent, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House states, “We are very pleased to be sponsoring an event of this magnitude, to be able to interact with people from all walks of life, have a true rendezvous with royals from across the country and celebrate the ethos of Polo. This was a great opportunity for us and Jodhpur Polo to come together in our love for India’s vibrant legacy and have robust exchanges surrounding culture and art. We look forward to working with Jodhpur Polo again in the near future.”

This heartwarming initiative doesn’t just empower refugee single mothers from Afghanistan, but also keeps their culinary memories alive!

Ilham is the medicine for my wound. I am blessed and happy to be a part of it,” says Farida (name changed) a refugee from Afghanistan who sought asylum in India after losing her husband to the militant outfit-Taliban, a couple of years ago.

from the NGO, Aditi knew that the best course of action for the Afghani women was to give them a source of earning which they can manage themselves.

She soon came up with the idea of starting Ilham to preserve local traditions and provide livelihood opportunities.

sustainable.

Ilham made its debut by setting up a two-day stall at Dastkar a few months after its inception. The traditional delicacies like Nargisi and Shami Kabab, Kabuli and Noranj Pulao, Manthu and Baklava saw people coming back for seconds.

todians of heritage themselves and a proponent of the incredibly diverse and vast history of India, is overjoyed to collaborate with this esteemed institution.

Talking about this year’s Jodhpur Polo Season, Sunny Chandiramani, Vice Presi-

The exceptional collection on auction will showcase several rare, masterful works from the oeuvre of eminent artists who made a massive impact in the world of Modern Indian Art. The stellar works come from iconic artists such as Hemendranath Mazumdar, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, Jehangir Sabavala, M.F. Husain, Akbar Padamsee, Bikash Bhattacharjee, among others. Several of the works are appearing in an auction for the first time.

She presently works with Ilham, a catering startup in Delhi. Just like her, seven other single mothers from Afghanistan have attained financial independence and are living better lives, all of the efforts of Aditi Sabrawal.

Ilham was started by Aditi, under the UNHCR Self Reliance and Livelihoods project, in 2015.

Aditi, who currently works at UNHCR, used to work with Dastkar, an NGO working with local artisans to help revive their traditional skills. Due to the experience she had gained

Aditi met these women at an NGO, which they would visit with the hope of finding a dignified job.

Most women at Ilham are unlettered and due to language barriers, were struggling to find a job.

The women found themselves on their feet with Ilham – a social enterprise which is now entirely managed by these Afghani women who have the authority to make decisions. In 2017, they started managing the expenses on their own, thus becoming self-

Moreover, the women are now capable of meeting their monthly expenses like house rent and food and have also enrolled their children in schools.

The social enterprise’s progress can also be measured by the recognition they have received in its journey.

In March 2018, Ilham received the ‘Best Women Entrepreneurs’ by Delhi Food Walks and American Centre and their work was appreciated by the United Nations World Food Program on World Food Day (October 2018).

Humayun’s Tomb: The cultural significance

Seventy Years of Diplomatic Relations between Japan & India

CITY FIRST

Randeep Hooda and renowned filmmaker & branding specialist Rahul Mittra graced the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between Japan and India at an exclusive function at the Army Polo & Riding Club in New Delhi on Sunday with lots of VIPs in attendance.

Lt. Gen Rajinder Dewan, Quarter Master General of the Indian Army presided over the celebrations along with Japanese Ambassador to India Suzuki Hiroshi charmed the special invitees by delivering his welcome address in Hindi. This high-level event saw

stunning Yunasame performances by Japanese horsemen and breathtaking tent pegging by Indian army personnel. Randeep Hooda cantering across the sunkissed ground on a white horse was the highlight of the event, followed by lively performances by Indian dancers.

Expressing his gratitude to be part of the anniversary celebrations, Randeep Hooda stressed the commonalities between both the countries like ancient culture and traditions, resilience being one of the most striking. “How India resurrected itself from the aftermath of the painful partition right after attaining independence is simi-

lar to how Japan sprung back after the horrific incidents towards the end of world war 2. The decades later both our countries are leaving their footprints on the world map & fostering such cordial ties which will surely pave way for even more enhanced relations between the two great countries,” Randeep Hooda said in his opening address.

Award-winning filmmaker-actor Rahul Mittra spoke about cinema as the most interactive art form and as one of the most effective & powerful mediums for enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering cultural diplomacy.

cityfirstdel@gmail.com

CITY FIRST

In Delhi, India, is Humayun’s Tomb, one of the earliest stillstanding instances of the garden tomb typical of Mughal-era construction. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

Humayun’s Tomb, a significant piece of Mughal architecture, was built in 1569 following the death of the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1556 by his Persian queen Amdah Bn Begam. Mrak Mrz Ghiys, a Persian architect, created it. The Taj Mahal was one of several notable architectural accomplishments that were influenced by the building.

One of the earliest plots to have been set out according to the

definition of an Islamic char bagh (also known as a “paradise garden”) is the 10-hectare (25acre) area on which the edifice is located. Four sizable squares are created by causeways and water canals that divide the garden. The entire area is divided into 36 smaller squares by fur-

ther dividing each of the four squares in the same way. The four centre squares are taken up by the tomb. There is a hammam and a baradari (pillared pavilion) on the property (bath chamber). The renowned English architect and designer of

New Delhi, Edwin Lutyens, was inspired by the architectural splendour of this garden and recreated a similar arrangement around what is now the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential House) in the early 20th century.

The last Mughal em-

peror, Bahadur Shh II, used Humyn’s Tomb as a fortress and last shelter during the Indian Mutiny (1857–58). The emperor Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire, is among the notable figures whose bones are also kept in the mausoleum.

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Randeep Hooda, Rahul Mittra , Suzuki Hiroshi and Rajinder Dewan during the event

Afghan refugee Farida preparing delicious afghan delicacies

Humayun’s Tomb