2024 POLLS
—PHOTO BY ANI 2 devotees die of suffocation at Bihariji temple Mathura: At least two people died of stampede and suffocation, while several people were tak en to the hospital at the Bankey Bihari temple in UP’s Mathura during midnight celebrations of Janmashtami. Thou sands of the devotees thronged the famous Banke Bihari to offer prayers and participate in rituals. Incident hap pened at around 2 am during Mangla Arti. The maximum rush was witnessed at Bankey Bihari of Vrindavan on Saturday.
QUICK READ Moni Sharma New Delhi: A day after being raided by the CBI over allegations of cor ruption in the liquor policy, Delhi's Deputy CM Manish Sisodia launched a scathing at tack on the Centre and PM Minister Narendra Modi for "misusing" the centralAddressingagencies.a press conference, Manish Sisodia, who also han dles the Excise Dept, al leged that the CBI offi cials were instructed by the "high command" to raid his home. He claimed that to stop AAP chief Arvind Kejri wal because his work in the education and health sector is being discussed globally. He defended the excise policy 2021-22, which is being probed for alleged irregularities in its formulation and implementation, saying the policy was “the best” of its Sisodia,kind. whose resi dence and office were searched by the central agency for 14 hours on Friday, said Kejriwal’s policies, especially on health and education, have now been noticed globally.
Shimla (PTI): BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led cen tral government has done a lot for farmers with a fourfold increase in the agricultural budget in eight years. Addressing a public meeting at the municipal council ground in Paon ta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmour dis trict, Nadda claimed that no other government worked so much for the farmers as the current dispensation.TheOpposition kept talking about the farm ers’ agitation, but the Modi government fo cused on helping farm ers prosper, he claimed. “The agricultural budget has seen a four fold increase during Narendra Modi’s ten ure as prime minister. It is now Rs 1,33,000 crore from just Rs. 33,000 crore in 2014,” he said. The country has to grow unitedly to be come a developed na tion by 2047, he added. “We have to also keep in mind our traditions and Indian culture, the oldest in the world,” he added. He highlighted Ayushman Bharat, Him care and Ujjawala schemes of the Centre and opening of the pres tigious Atal Tunnel in Rohtang by PM Modi af ter completion of its work on war footing in 2020. He also reminded the people how Modi re stored in 2014 Himachal Pradesh’s special cate gory status, which had been cancelled by the previous Congress gov ernment.
THAKUR’S ‘MONEY SHH’ JIBE AT DELHI DY CM, SAYS SISODIA MAKES MONEY Anurag Thakur flanked by (R) Adesh Gupta and Manoj Tiwari speaks to media at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Saturday. Aday after the CBI carried out searches at the home of Delhi’s Deputy CM Manish Sisodia over corrup tion allegations in the liquor policy, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said that he is just an accused in the liquor ‘scam’, but CM Arvind Kejriwal is the kingpin. On AAP’s claim of being the main chal lenger to the BJP in the 2024 general election, Anurag Thakur said, “AAP made tall claims earlier too but could not stand before PM Narendra Modi.”
BJP National President JP Nadda with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur during his visit to Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, in Sirmaur district, on Saturday.
The railway bridge on Chakki river collapses due to a flash flood triggered by heavy rains, in Kangra on Saturday.
New Delhi: The DGCA has suspended the licence of pilots for violation of rules in two separate cases. A senior DGCA official confirmed that the regulator has suspended the licence of the pilotin-command (PIC) of SpiceJet flight for 6 months after he ignored a co-pilot’s warning to skirt the clouds and flew plane into severe turbulence.
New Delhi: The national capital reported 1,109 new COVID cases in last 24 hours with positivity rate of 11.23%, Health Dept said on Saturday. With this, the active cases in city stand at 5,559. As many as 1,687 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries since the onset of the city to 19,60,902.
‘Modi govt surpassed previous govts in increasing agri budget’
—PHOTO BY PTI
Mumbai: Bombay HC has granted bail to Sheena Bora murder accused turned approver Shyamvar Rai The bail has been given on the grounds of parity as all other accused, including Indrani Mukerjea and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, had been granted bail. Rai was Indrani’s driver who was allegedly involved in the murder.
Police personnel use a sniffer dog to patrol Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station on Saturday.
NEW DELHI l SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI
The maximum damage has been reported from Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts, he said, adding that so far 36 weather-related inci dents have been report ed from the state. As many as 743 roads, including Manali-Chan digarh NH at Mandi and Shimla-Chandigath high way at Shoghi have been blocked for traffic. P5
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Nadda claimed no other govt worked so much for the farmers 22 held in `500 cr scam in 2 months
The BJP is not aboutworriedany excise fraud, it is worried about Arvind Kejriwal because they see him as the main challenger to Prime Minister Modi in the generalupcomingelection.—ManishSisodia, Deputy CM of Delhi WILL BE ARRESTED IN 2-4 DAYS: SISODIA Aday after CBI con ducted searches at the residence of Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, the AAP leader said that he might be arrested within the next 3-4 days stating that the liquor issue or the excise policy was just an excuse to target him since he was a minister under the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, but that won’t deter his party from doing the good work. TMC, CPM LEADERS SLAM GOVERNMENT The CBI raid at Sisodia’s residence in the excise policy case drew varied reactions from opposition parties with Congress leaders speaking of “mis use of central agencies” but supporting the action by the probe agency while TMC and CPI-M slam ming the government.
NO. DELENG/2021/19840 l Vol 1 l Issue No.
OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, NEW DELHI & MUMBAI RAHUL NEWCONG“NO”GANDHI’SLANDSINFIXONPARTYCHIEF
DELHI REPORTS 1,109 NEW COVID CASES IN 24 HRS
ANUBRATA’S BAIL REJECTED, IN CBI CUSTODY TILL AUG 24 Asansol: A special CBI court here on Saturday rejected CongressTrinamoolleaderAnubrata Mondal’s bail plea in the alleged cattle smuggling scam and extended his custody with the central agency for four days till August 24. He could “influence witnesses and tamper evidence if granted bail,” CBI official told court.
❍ ‘26/11-TYPE ATTACK’ THREAT Text came from no. with Pak code: Mumbai CP Mumbai (ANI): The messages received by police threatening a 26/11-like attack in Mumbai came from a phone number which has Pakistan code, city Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar said onTheSaturday.messages were received on WhatsApp on a helpline number of traffic police’s Worli control room around 11:45 on Friday night. While one message said that six people will exe cute the attack, another said preparations were on to blow up Mumbai which will bring back the memories of the 26/11 attack, officials said. “Prima facie, the threat messages to blow up Mumbai like 26/11 came from a number that has Pakistan code,” Phansalkar said. We have taken the messages seriously. Necessary measures are being taken to investigate the threat mes sages. We are alert on coastal secu rity and are coordinating with Coast Guard. A man was detained from Virar near Mumbai, crime branch team which is probing the matter. —Vivek Phansalkar, Mumbai Police Commissioner Day after CBI raid, Sisodia says.... WILL BE MODI vs KEJRI
P2 22 dead in flash floods, landslides in Himachal Shimla (ANI): At least 22 people, including eight members of a family, were killed and five oth ers went missing in inci dents of landslide, flash flood and cloud burst triggered by heavy rain fall in Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours, State Disaster saidSudeshDepartmentManagementDirectorKumarMokhtaonSaturday.
New Delhi (PTI): In an operation that lasted over two months, the Delhi Po lice busted an ingplaintspolice,rencies.hawalatomoneytionalsthecialspartspeople500etloan-cum-extortioninstantrackamountingtooverRscroreandarrested22fromdifferentofthecountry,offisaidonSaturday.ThegangoperatedatbehestofChinesenaandtheextortedwasbeingroutedthatcountrythroughandcryptocurAccordingtothehundredsofcomwerelodgedallegthatloanswerebeing passed at higher interest rates, and after complete recovery of the money along with interest, the gang used to extort more money from the people using their morphed nude pictures. More on P7
PAKISTAN PM SHARIF PEACE’‘PERMANENTSEEKSWITHINDIA Islamabad: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan wants to have “permanent peace” with India through dialogue as war is not an option for either of countries to resolve Kashmir issue, according to a media report on Saturday.
www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia TITLE 352
l Besides Sisodia’s home in Delhi, 31 other locations were searched by the CBI across 7 states in the country l Assam CM Him anta Biswa Sarma asserted that 2024 LS elections will be a walkover for BJP if Kejriwal is pitted against PM Modi P3 l The Rouse Avenue Court defamationdavandKejriwal,acquittedSisodiaYogendraYainacriminalcase
SHEENA BORA CASE: BOMBAY HC GRANTS BAIL TO SHYAMVAR
Manish Sisodia shows a copy of The New York Times covering Delhi’s education model on its front page while addressing media over CBI raid and other issues at his residence, in Delhi on Saturday. Sisodia alleged that the central agencies took away Satyendar Jain, who was Delhi’s health minister, and now are after him so as to pull down Kejriwal Delhi’s Deputy CM reiterated that the Centre was furious over the front-page shout-out to the Delhi education model in the New York Times on Thursday In a the12orderedVinaiLieutenantreshuffle,bureaucraticDelhiGovernorKumarSaxenahadthetransferofIASofficersfollowingraidsonSisodia
DGCA SPICEJETLICENCESSUSPENDSOF2PILOTS
BJP CHIEF IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
New Delhi: According to insiders, the most recent attempts to persuade Rahul Gandhi to accept position have failed. Sonia too has ruled out returning as Prez due to her health, focus has now shifted to Priyanka as most members are keen on rallying around a Gandhi.
PAK’S PROBE AGENCY MAY ARREST EX-PM IMRAN KHAN Islamabad: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan could be arrested by country’s top investigating agency for failing to appear before it and snubbing its notices in the prohibited funding case, according to a report on Saturday. FIA issued a second notice to Khan on Friday.
CBI at Manish Sisodia’s premises on Friday. —FILE PHOTO
Delhi court acquits Kejriwal, Sisodia, Yogendra Yadav in a defamation case
New Delhi (PTI): A tenant allegedly killed his landlord following an argument, clicked a selfie with his body and escaped with belongings of the deceased in northwest Delhi's Mangolpuri area, police said on Saturday. The 25-year-old accused, Pankaj Kumar Sahni, hails from Bihar's Samastipur district. Sahni travelled in metro and boarded a train for Rohtak in Haryana from New Delhi to avoid being arrested. He was eventually traced to Mangolpuri Industrial area and arrested after being pursued for around 250 kilometres, a senior police official said. On August 10, police received a call at 6.41 am regarding the murder and reached the spot. They found a person bleeding from his head and lying theSuresh'spurihisthe(32),Theunconscious.caller,JagdishsaidhelivesongroundfloorofhouseinMangol-andhisfatherroomwasonfirstfloor,thepolice official Accordingsaid.to Jagdish, his father came along with Sahni four days ago, introduced him as an orphan and expressed the desire that the second floor be rented out to him. They allowed Sahni to stay at their house, police said. On the evening of August 9, Sahni returned to the house in an inebriated state. An argument also broke out between him and Suresh. The matter was later pacified when Sahni apologised to Suresh and Jagdish, the officer said. Sahni called Jagdish in the early hours of August 10 and informed him that he had left their house around 11 pm because Suresh used indecent words and filthy language against him which he could not bear. Sahni then burst into laughter. Sensing something unusual and suspicious, Jagdish rushed to the first floor and found his father lying unconscious and bleeding due to a head injury, police said.
Another user said, “Good. Please conduct a drive against those who rides on footpaths and also those who ride / drive wrong side.”
Tenant selfielandlord,killstakeswithbody
Union Minister Anurag Thakur with Delhi BJP President Adesh Gupta (R) and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari addresses a press conference at BJP headquarters, in New Delhi. —PHOTO BY PTI STORM OVER SISODIA
Vehicle owners using pressure horns being penalised TAKING THE BULL(Y) BY ‘HORNS’ Challans will be issued to those found creating usingviolatingpollutionnoisebythenormsandpressurehornsormodifiedsilencers
New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Police arrested a woman working as a housemaid for allegedly stealing jewellery worth Rs 50 lakh from a household in CR Park. The arrested woman was identified as Archana and the stolen gold and diamond jewellery were recovered. The staff of Police Station CR Park, South District, has done commendable work by arresting a domestic maid lady namely Archana in a case registered U/s 381 IPC PS CR Park. Upon her confession, stolen gold and diamond jewellery etc. were recovered. A complaint of theft was reported at CR Park Police station on August 18. Gold and diamond jewellery of approx Rs 40-50 lakh had been stolen from a woman's house. Later, a case under section 381 of IPC was registered. During the course of the investigation, the place of occurrence was thoroughly examined and a number of people and vendors/ shopkeepers near the house were inspected.
New Delhi (PTI): BJP on Saturday sharpened its attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, with Union Minister Anurag Thakur describing him as the “kingpin” of the “liquor scam” in the capital. Addressing a press conference here, Thakur said the AAP should not try to divert attention from the excise scam by raising other issues as its “real face has been unmasked”. Taking a dig at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Thakur referred to him as “Money Shh”, alleging that alleges he makes money and maintains silence. Thakur was flanked by Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta and Lok Sabha member Manoj Tiwari. The CBI on Friday morning carried out searches at the residences of Sisodia and IAS officer Arava Gopi Krishna apart from 19 other locations after registering an FIR in connection with the alleged corruption in implementation of the Delhi excise policy.
Kejriwal ‘kingpin’ in ‘liquor scam’: BJP New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Congress leaders and workers staged a protest outside the Aam Admi Party office here on Saturday demanding the resignation of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in connection with the alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy. The marchedprotestersfromthe Delhi Congress office at DDU Marg towards AAP headquarters raising slogans against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia. Delhi Congress demanded that Kejriwal should remove Sisodia from his Cabinet as he is named in an FIR registered by the CBI in the excise policy “scam”, said Delhi Congress media department vice chairman Parvez Alam.
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Traffic Police on Saturday said it has started a special drive to penalise those who use pressure horns and modified silencers in their vehicles. The traffic police took to Twitter to inform people about the “Startingdrive.today, #DelhiTrafficPolice shall be penalising those who use pressure horns and modified silencers in their vehicles.
Delhi Cong holds protest, seeks Sisodia’s resign
Excise policy: Will cooperate with CBI in probe, says Nair
Maid held for theft of `50 lakh jewellery
Media articles cited by the notcomplainantwascomplainantperused,however,thecouldestablishacaseofdefamationfromthesereports.
Congress supporters burn an effigy during a protest demanding the resignation of Deputy CM Sisodia over the alleged corruption charges in the excise policy, in New Delhi. —PHOTO BY ANI New Delhi (ANI): Vijay Nair, one of the accused in the excise policy case, said that he would fully cooperate with the CBI in the investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR against Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and 14 others in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy. Excise officials, liquor company executives, dealers and some unidentified public servants and private persons have also been booked in the case. Vijay Nair is one of the accused in the case. Earlier there were reports stating that Nair ran away abroad. Replying to these allegations, he said, “I am surprised to see the news claiming that I have run away abroad. I have been here for the last few weeks due to some personal work. It is wrong to say that I am absconding.”
personnelertweeted.hiMeinShorNahi,”#Del-itAseniorpoliceoffic-saidalthoughpoliceweretaking action against such offenders earlier as well, now the focus will increased.“Challans will be issued to those found creating noise pollution by violating the norms and using pressure horns or modified silencers,” the officer said. “We will interview doctors and ask them about the ill-effect of noise pollution. We will air the interview to educate people so that they would stop using modified silencers and pressure horns,” another officer said.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had recently recommended the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take action against Rai for allegedly accepting Rs 50 lakh bribe to grant "undue favours" to an executive engineer in two corruptionRaicases.has been transferred to the administrative reforms department as its special secretary, the order said. Currently, Sisodia handles the health portfolio in the Delhi government.According to the order, 1990-batch officer Jitendra Narain has been made the chairman and managing director of Delhi Finance Corporation (DFC) while southwest Delhi district magistrate Hemant Kumar has been given the additional charge as DFC's executiveVivekdirector.Pandey has been appointed as secretary (IT) and given the additional charge of managing director of Geospatial Delhi Limited and director of Union Territory Civil Services. Until now, he was posted as (power)theoperation)chargehasbatchforms.administrativesecretary,re-Anofficerofthe2004ShurbirSinghbeenrelievedoftheofsecretary(co-andgivenchargeofsecretarywhilehewill continue to be the chairman of Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board. Officer Garima Gupta has been given the additional charge of special secretary, transport, while she will continue to be the managing director of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation and secretary, social welfare and women and child development, the order said.
CAPITOL NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 02 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia
12 IAS officers transferred after CBI raid at Sisodia house Those UditfamilysecyincludetransferredspecialofhealthandwelfarePrakashRai
New Delhi (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday acquitted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Deputy Manish Sisodia and Yogendra Yadav (former AAP leader) in a criminal defamation case filed by lawyer Surender Sharma, who claimed that his candidature from AAP was cancelled in 2013 assembly elections at last moment.TheAdditional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vidhi Gupta on Saturday while passing the order said the media articles cited by the complainant has been perused, however, the complainant could not establish a case of defamation from these reports. All three persons were present in the court while the order was pronounced by the court on Saturday.Thecase was filed by one lawyer Surender Kumar Sharma who died due to ill health during the case hearing. Later his nephew continues to pursue the case in court. According to Sharma, he had filed a defamation complaint against these leaders and pleaded that his candidature from AAP was cancelled in 2013 and published in various newspapers in a defamatory manner.Surender Kumar Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by several volunteers of AAP just before the election, who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on Aam Aadmi Party ticket, saying Arvind Kejriwal was pleased with his social services.Helater decided to fill up the application form to contest the election after being told by Manish Sisodia and Yogendra Yadav that AAP’s Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket.
Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. —FILE PHOTO Gold, approxjewellerydiamondofRs40-50lakhhadbeenstolenfromawoman’shouse.
New Delhi (PTI): In a bureaucratic reshuffle, a dozen IAS officers were shifted between departments on late Friday evening, hours after a CBI raid at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy.According to a transfer posting order issued by the services department of the Delhi government, those transferred include special secretary of health and family welfare Udit Prakash Rai, a 2007 batch IAS officer of AGMUTDelhicadre.
Many people also took to the micro-blogging site to laud the city police’s decision and also gave suggestions regarding other issues.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (L) inaugurating a sessione. The siezed turtles.
Ghazipur (PTI): The railway police Saturday arrested two suspected women smugglers and seized 626 turtles while they were taking them from Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur to Siliguri in West Bengal, officials hereThesaid.cost of the seized turtles is about Rs 7 lakh, the officials said. Government Railway Police station incharge Akhilesh Kumar Mishra said the two women from Sultanpur -- Lachho Devi and Kanchan Devi -- were found on Friday carrying the turtles in a sack in a general coach of Kamakhya Express which was going from Gandhidham in Gujarat to Guwahati. He said the forest department was informed and a team arrived and counted the turtles. The women said they had collected the turtles from the nearby areas and boarded the train to take them to Siliguri. Mishra said there could be a role of some gang in the smuggling of turtles and investigations are underway to findFortydetails.per cent of the turtle species are listed in the endangered category of International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species.
—PHOTOBYPTI
New Delhi (ANI): Taking a jibe at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), former Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday termed the agency as an ‘uncaged parrot’ now. Attacking the CBI, he said that CBI is that uncaged parrot whose plumes are saffron. “CBI, once a “caged parrot” is now uncaged. Now, its plumes are saffron Its wings are ED It parrots what his Master says!” said Sibal in a tweet.The former minister’s comment came after CBI conducted a raid at Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s residence on Friday in connection with the alleged scam in the recently withdrawn excise policy of the Aam Aadmi Party government.
A sub-merged road in Delhi after heavy rain on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia attending a session. —PHOTO BY PTI Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday asserted that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be a walkover for the BJP if Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal is pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Sarma claimed that the Delhi chief minister is not even known in many states, which will lead to a further increase in the BJP’s tally in the Lok Sabha. “Badhiya hai (It will be fine),” Sarma quipped, when asked by reporters whether it will be Modi versus Kejriwal in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. “In any game, say cricket, an opposition is needed. Someone needs to play against Australia also. Modiji versus Kejriwal will be a good game,” he said. The BJP leader claimed that people in many states haven’t even heard of Kejriwal and if he is pitted against Modi, BJP will be happy as party’s tally in the Lok Sabha will increase. “It will amount to a walkover,” Sarma asserted. On allegation by the AAP that the Centre is trying to destroy the healthcare model initiated by Kejriwal’s party, the Assam chief minister maintained that Delhi’s ‘mohalla clinics’ cannot be a model for healthcare.
Former Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal
“CBI is ‘uncaged parrot’ with saffron plumes”
The railway police arrested two women,suspectedthecostoftheseizedturtlesisaboutRs7lakh Delhi Police bust fake passport & visa racket; kingpin held in Mumbai
Five accused arrested as IGI unit of Delhi Police busted one of the biggest international fake passport/visa rackets and recovering of 325 fake passports, 175 fake visas and other related things from their possession, in New Delhi on Saturday.
Armed Force Tribunal will boost pending court cases: Rajnath
theraincloudydepartment(IMD).orologicalingson’snotch27.5temperaturewithmorningwokeEarlier,“severe”.theDelhiitesuptoacloudyonSaturdaytheminimumsettlingatdegreeCelsius,aabovethesea-average,accord-totheIndiaMete-DepartmentTheweatherpredictedskywithlightordrizzleduringday.
An artist gives final touches to an idol of Lord oninVyaparfestivalChaturthitheaheadGaneshaofGaneshatSadan,Gurugram,Saturday.
DELUGE IN DELHI Several parts of Delhi and nearby areas witnessed heavy rainfall
Defence Minister said this at the ‘National Seminar on Tribunal’ArmedIntrospection:Forces
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Justice Rajendra Menon Chairperson, Armed Forces Tribunal, at a National seminar Introspection Armed forces tribunal, in New Delhi on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI
NATIONAL SEMINAR New Delhi (PTI): CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he and his deputy Manish Sisodia will visit Gujarat next week with a message that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will provide free and quality education as well as healthcare services if it is voted to power in the state in upcoming assembly polls. Kejriwal said he and Sisodia will be in Gujarat for two days during which they will also hold interaction with youth. “On Monday, Manish ji and I will go to Gujarat for two days - to guarantee education and health. Like Delhi, We will open good schools, good hospitals and mohalla clinics in Gujarat as well. Everyone will get good education and medical treatment for free. People will get so much relief. Will interact with youth also,” he Kejriwaltweeted.made the announcement a day after the CBI raided Sisodia’s residence in connection with an alleged scam in the formulation of Delhi excise policy. While the CBI raid lasted, AAP leaders held a series of press conferences throughout the day to slam the BJP-led Centre over the action against the Delhi deputy CM. The party leaders accused the PM of using the CBI and other agencies against Delhi government ministers to dent the image of the AAP as he was “rattled” by the growing popularity of its national convenor Kejriwal and his model of governance.
bringingthunderstormalongwithmuch-neededrelieffromtheheat
Kejriwal, Sisodia on 2-day visit to Gujarat from Monday
2 women arrested in UP, 626 turtles seized
GEARING UP FOR GANESH CHATURTHI
Heavy rains lashes parts of Delhi and NCR region
—PHOTO BY ANI
CAPITOL NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 03 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia New Delhi (PTI): Rains lashed parts of the national capital on Saturday bringing much-needed relief from the heat, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).Shahdara, Laxmi Nagar, Paschim Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and Dwarka were among the areas which received rains, it said. The minimum temperature settled at 27.5 degree Celsius, a notch above the season’s average, the IMD said. The relative humidity was 79 per cent at 8.30 am, it said. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 35 degree Celsius. The air quality of the capital was recorded at 73 at 8 am which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category.AnAQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500
Delhi (ANI): Delhi Police have busted a major fake passport and visa racket with the arrest of the mastermind from Mumbai. The arrest was made by the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport unit of Delhi Police. So far, 325 fake passports and 1,200 fake stamps have been recovered in the Tanucase.Sharma, the DCP (IGI) has informed that the mastermind of the racket, Zakir Yusuf Shaikh has been arrested from Mumbai. DCP also said that Zakir had invested a lot of money in several Marathi web series. So far, a total of 5 people have been arrested in the case, which also includes 1 passenger. DCP Sharma also gave information about the fake passports and fake visas that have been recovered. She said that 325 fake passports and more than 175 fake visas from Australia, China, and other European countries have been recovered from the possession of those arrested.
‘2024 LS polls will be a walkover for BJP if Kejri pitted against PM’
New Delhi (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the Armed Forces Tribunal will boost the cases lying pending in the Courts.“Court cases from different domains and of diversity are increasing continuously in the courts, due to which their disposal has become time consuming...Armed Forces Tribunal will boost this,” said Singh. Singh’s remarks came at the inaugural session of ‘National Seminar on Introspection: Armed Forces Tribunal’ that has been inaugurated with the aim to examine the functioning of the Armed Forces Tribunal, and established to ensure speedy and inexpensive justice to Ex-Servicemen, their families and War-Widows, besides the serving personnel of Armed Forces.According to an official statement from the Defence Ministry, the objective of the seminar was to analyse its working, suggest remedies for any shortcomings, and resolve the problems and difficulties faced by the litigants in the course of availing speedy justice. While Singh was present at the function as the Chief Guest, Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju was the Guest of Honour. The seminar, conducted as a part of Raising Day celebrations of the Armed Forces Tribunal, was also attended by some senior functionaries and officials of the Defence Ministry and the Law Ministry. Earlier on Friday, the Defence Minister interacted with the jawans of Assam Rifles and 57 Mountain Division at Mantripukhari Army Station in Imphal and lauded their services by saying that the Indian borders are protected and safe due to the sacrifice of the Indian Army and its troops. “...No matter which government is there in the country and try hard for making the country the richest in the world, the role of India’s security forces plays the main role in securing the borders which is more important than anything else,” he had said. While on Thursday, he paid homage to the military personnel who lost their lives, during the landslide at Tupul in Manipur, back in July this year. He met their family members and gave cheques of Rs seven lakh to the wife of each soldier who lost his life.
PERSPECTIVE NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 04 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia IN-DEPTH
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL Jagat Prakash @JPNaddaNadda The news of loss of lives due to natural calamity at many places in Himachal Pradesh is very painful. My sympathies are with the families of the victims. Government administration is engaged on relief and rescue work on war footing. May God place the departed souls at his feet.
Gandhi was fulwillofearnedlustriousoftrumpetandbecomeyourcountryvelopinganernment,mouldingmeasurenottinguishedmoderation.plaryhaseye-witnessmyselftions,gressThelandwere“IndiaIndiatwojoiningofretiringBombayPresident1902.servedgenerations.that1915)forsiretion’‘greedintohereatmosphere,ofwhichthemain,aboutmuchTherecludedshouldmanprehensivemostcalling:bedentialparagraphmarkingGopalcallyduringNothing1894.overFreedomrevolutionisingnon-violentlyIndianMovement).AlfredWebbpresidedtheMadrasSessioninHewasanIrishman.specularhappenedhistenure.Historithe1890’s,toquoteS.was“aperiodoftime.”IquoteafromhisPresiAddress.Itmaynotinspiring,itisworthre“Politicsareamongtheennoblingmostcomspheresofhuactivity,andnoneeventuallybeexfromtheirexercise.ismuchthatissaid,thatisdeplorablethem.Yettheyreandeverwillremain,mosteffectivefieldupontoworkforthegoodourfellows.Thepoliticalthatwhichwehopetobreathe,isonewhichnothoughtoforlustorlowambishouldenter.Wedethegoodofall.Weworkall.’SirHeneryCotton(1845-belongedtoafamilyworkedinIndiaforfiveHeneryCottoninIndiafrom1867toHebecameCongressin1904attheSession.He,afterbecameamembertheHouseofCommons,theIndiaGroup.Hisbooks,“NewIndiaorinTransition”andandHomeMemoirs”wellreceivedinEngandIndia.Inhisaddress,hesaid,“….IndianNationalConhasthusitsownfuncwhichItakeitupontosay,asawatchfulfromitsbirth,itdischargedwithexemfidelity,judgementandYoursisadispast.IfyouhaveinanyconsiderablesucceededinthepolicyofGovyouhaveexercisedimmenseinfluenceindethehistoryofyourandthecharacterofcountrymen.Youhaveapowerintheland,yourvoicepealslikeanotefromoneendIndiatotheother.YourilleadershaveanicheintheTempleFame,andtheirmemorybecherishedbyagrateposterity.”
THE FIRST INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, 1885
l Vol 1 l Issue No. 352 l RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Impressions Printing and Packaging Limited, C-21, 22 Sector-59, Noida-201301. Published at G-20, 3rd Floor, 309, Preet Vihar, New Delhi-110092. Phone 011-49846474.
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TOP TWEETS W espite the Supreme Court’s strong judg ment in the Nirbhaya gang rape case, gang rapes continue to happen in India. That’s because of the patriarchal mindset which looks at women only as sex ob jects. The groundswell of criti cism of Gujarat government over the release of convicts who gangraped a pregnant Bilkis Bano does not mean that such heinous crime won’t recur. It is equally possible for future rapists to get away with state pardon. Politics was at play in the Bilkis Bano case. Not so in Kera la where a sessions judge has been roundly criticised for his misogynist remark in a sexual harassment case. The Kozhikode sessions court in a shocking re mark said that sexual harass ment charge won’t hold if a woman is provocatively dressed. This is almost like a khap pan chayat in western Uttar Pradesh barring women from wearing provocative dresses or using mo bile phones. It also ignores the argument that even those women who are simply and decently clad have not been spared by rapists. An equally shocking revela tion was made by the gold-win ning Indian women’s lawn bowl team who were told that they were being selected for their looks. Imagine a women’s team being selected not for their med al winning capability but how charming they looked. The quar tet of Rupa Rani Tirkey, Pinki, Nayanmoni Saikia and Lovely Choubey outplayed South Africa in the final to grab the gold. In a talk show the women play ers broke down while narrating the misogyny they had to go through and how depressed they were before they left for the Commonwealth Games.
An equally shocking revelation was made by the goldwinning Indian women’s lawn bowl team who were told that they were being selected for their looks. Imagine a women’s team being selected not for their medal winning capability but how charming they looked. The quartet of Rupa Rani Tirkey, Pinki, Nayanmoni Saikia and Lovely Choubey outplayed South Africa in the final to grab the gold
MPs’ PLEA TO CONFER BHARAT RATNA ON THE DALAI LAMA IS A WELCOME IDEA hen the Tibetan spir itual leader, the Dalai Lama, turned 85 in 2020, the world cele brated his birthday. The United States thanked India for hosting the Dalai Lama since 1959. When he turned 87 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Dalai Lama, whom China views as “split tist”, the gesture riled China. The spiritual guru is China’s peeve and invites a strong reac tion from the northern neigh bour whenever New Delhi reaches out to its honoured guest. China raised strong objec tions when India allowed him to visitChinaLadakh.has not cared for In dia’s sensitivities but expects New Delhi to be sensitive about its concerns. It is in this back ground that a group of all-party MPs is demanding Bharat Ratna for the famous spiritual guru who truly deserves the honour. The government won’t be set ting any precedent as the hon our was conferred on foreigners like Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) and Nelson Mandela (1990). But will India bait China when ties are at a low?
AO HUME, ‘FATHER’ OF INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India
Rajnath @rajnathsinghSingh Participated in the opening ceremony of the new office at Panchkula, Haryana today. BJP has become the largest party not only in the country but in the world. The BJP governments under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri@ narendramodi have worked with great transparency and authenticity at the Center and in the states. SPIRITUAL SPEAK Radiate boundless love towards the entire world. Buddha
Sir Henery Cotton (18451915) belonged to a family that worked in India for five generations. Henery Cotton served in India from 1867 to 1902. He became Congress President in 1904 at the Bombay Session. He, after retiring became a member of the House of Commons, joining the India Group. His two books, “New India or India in Transition” and “India and Home Memoirs” were well received in England and India
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The man who took the initiative to founding the Congress was a retired ICS officer. He was Allan Octavian Hume, 1829-1912. He did not became President but was apparently General Secretary of the Congress for 22 years from 1885 to 1908 K NATWAR SINGH
ot even a couple of dozen Congress persons would know the names of four Britishers, each of whom became President of the In dian National Congress. The man who took the initiative to founding the Congress was a retired ICS officer. He was Allan Octa vian Hume, 1829-1912. He did not became President but was apparently General Secretary of the Congress for twenty two years- 18851908- See, “A Dictionary of Indian History” by Sach chidananda Bhattacharya. The book was published in 1967 at the University of Calcutta.Thefirst session of the Congress was held in De cember 1885 in Bombay un der the Presidentship of Women Chandra Bannerjee. The 1888 session was con vened at Allahabad under the presidentship of George Yule (1829-1892). He was a business man. He was head of Andrew Yule and Co in Calcutta, besides its Sheriff. He was also President of the Indian Chamber of Com merce.Yule was widely known in Indian circles for his en lightened outlook, liberal views and genuine sympa thy for Indian aspirations. He was an influential and forceful figure in the public life of Bengal. He helped to enlarge India’s national per spective.TheCongress deputation that went to London in 1889, to press upon the British government to grant India political reforms. The Con gress delegation met Yule who was helpful and sympa thetic.SirWilliam Wedderburn (1838-1918) presided at the annual session of the Con gress in 1889 in Bombay and at Allahabad in 1910. He passed the ICS examination in 1859 and left for India in 1860. At the time of his re tirement in 1887, he was Chief Secretary to the Gov ernment of Bombay. During his service he de voted much time to famine relief and problems of agri cultural indebtedness. His concern with these prob lems brought him in touch with the Congress. After retirement he en tered Parliament in 1893. He formed the Indian Parlia mentary Committee of which he was Chairman till 1900. He came to India in 1901, for investigating into famines and proposing pre ventive measures. In 1904 he came again to attend the 20th Session of Congress in Bombay, which was presided by Sir Henery Cotten.Asa Liberal, William Wedderburn believed in the principle of self-govern ment. He welcomed the for mal proclamation made by Secretary of State for In dia, Edwin Montagu and Viceroy Lord Chelmsford in 1917, assuring establish ment of self-government (In reality this did not hap pen).Wedderburn’s main con tribution to the promotion of national consciousness was his lifelong labour on behalf of the India Reform Movement (By this time
RAPES, MISOGYNY STALK WOMEN
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LYNCHING CASE: COURT REVOKES BAIL OF ACCUSED CMASSAMMEGHALAYA-DISPUTE:SMEETTODAY
Shah meets ITBP men hurt in bus accident
CM PUSHKAR SINGH DHAMI VISITS AFFECTED AREAS Dehradun: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami visit ed the affected areas near Thano and instructed officials to make alterna tive arrangements for restoring vehicular move ment. “The administra tion is fully alert. Disaster relief teams are at work. The Army’s help may also be taken if needed,” he said. The villages hit are Maldevta, Bhutsi, Tauliyakatal, Thatyud, Lavarkha, Ringalgadh etc.
HEAVY
Palakkad: A local court here cancelled bail of 12 accused in the case of killing of a tribal man in the district for allegedly stealing food in 2018. The Special Court for trial of offences under the SC/ ST Act ordered the cancellation of the bail, accepting the pros ecution’s argument that under their influence several witnesses in the case had turned hostile during the ongoing trial.
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to Rajiv Gandhi on Saturday. Patna: The Congress urged CM Nitish Kumar and DyCM Tejashwi Yadav to take necessary steps over the controversy on appointment of RJD leader Kartikeya Kumar as law minister. The BJP has demanded his removal alleging an arrest warrant is pending against him in a 2014 kidnapping case. Hill collapsed on a house due to torrential rains at Gohar in Mandi on Saturday.
RAINS, FLOODS KILL 31
CRUCIAL READ
Patna (ANI) : Bihar Deputy Chief Minis ter Tejashwi Prasad Ya dav on Saturday came out with a list of direc tives for cabinet col leagues belonging to the RJD, in an obvious at tempt at image makeo ver for his party. The RJD heir appar ent issued the com mandments on his offi cial Twitter handle, whereby party minis ters have been forbid den from purchasing new cars and also from allowing visitors to touch“Greetingsfeet. should be exchanged with na maste or aadab,” said Yadav, whose party is facing heat over crim inal cases pending against many minis ters. He further asked ministers to conduct themselves “with dig nity and humility” and give priority to helping the poor “irrespective of their religion and caste.” The ministers should promote hones ty, transparency, and promptness in their de partment, he said. They have also been urged to share their work plans and development work.
PM Narendra Modi Vladimir Putin Emmanuel Macron
leaderremark:Anti-BrahminBJPousted Bhopal : The MP unit of BJP has expelled Pri tam Lodhi, an OBC lead er from Shivpuri dis trict and a relative of former CM Uma Bharti, from the party for his “anti-Brahmin and antiwomen” remarks.
FARUQUI SHOW: TIGHT SECURITY IN HYD, BJYM WORKERS DETAINED
CONG FOR ACTION IN LAW MIN ROW Bihar DyCM Tejashwi Yadav talking to reporters.
—PHOTO BY ANI A farmer at the end of the stir.
If a judge clears 50 cases, 100 more filed: Kiren Rijiju 75-hr farmers’ stir ends Lakhimpurin Kheri
COURT MUSLIMFINESPARTY IN GYANVAPI CASE ‘C’GARH AIRPORT TO BE BHAGATSHAHEEDSINGH’
No new cars, touching of feet: Tejashwi to ministers
Shilong: The second phase of border talks between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve differences relating to six disputed areas will be held at Guwahati on Sunday, DyCM Prestone Tynsong said. The two states had signed an MoU for ending the 5-decade-old border dispute in six of 12 dis puted areas in New Delhi on March 29 in presence of HM Amit Shah.
Chandigarhi: The Pun jab and Haryana gov ernments have agreed to rename theMinister,Haryana’sDushyanttheafterMannMinisterSingh,iconafterinternationalChandigarh’sairportfreedomstruggleShaheedBhagatPunjabChiefBhagwantsaidonSaturdayameetingbetweentwogovernments.Chautala,DeputyChiefwaspresentinmeeting.
Moscow for a meeting with his Russian coun terpart Nikolai Patru shev and Russian Depu ty PM Denis Manturov. Come Friday, Putin and Macron reached consensus to allow an IAEA team to inspect the Russian Russia,outplantZaporizhzhiacontrollednuclearinUkrainewithhavingtotravelviaasKievand
New Delhi: The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the permission granted to a zoo being built by Reliance Indus tries in Gujarat’s Jamnagar saying there was no logic or basis in the petition. A bench of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Krishna Murari junked the plea filed by an advocate seeking to ban acquisition of animals by Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
RESUMESDEVIVAISHNOYATRA Reasi: Movement of pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra resumed on Saturday, after a temporary suspension due to flash floods. “... upward movement of pilgrims to Vaishno Devi temple has been stopped from Katra. Priority is given to pilgrims ShrineMatadownwards,”comingShriVaishnoDeviBoardsaid.
PM Modi, Rahul pay homage to Rajiv Gandhi
SC DISMISSES PIL AGAINST RIL’S ZOO IN GUJARAT’S JAMNAGAR
Lakhimpur Kheri: A farmers’ agitation seek ing the removal of Un ion minister Ajay Mishra and a law guar anteeing MSP among other demands, was called off Saturday after top officials met the pro testers, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh TikaitTikaitsaid.said the future strategy of the SKM will be chalked out during a meeting in Delhi on Sep tember 6. DM Mahendra Baha dur Singh and others ar rived at the dharna site around 2.30 pm and re ceived the a memoran dum by the farmers. The officials assured that a meeting at the government level for farmers will be ar ranged in the first week of September, before Ti kait and other farmer leaders ended the 75-hr stir. Rakesh Tikait and others said the agitation started with the arrival of farmers from various states from Wednesday night itself.
Indian nuclearIndo-RussianUkrainedeescalateoutreachPM’shelpsRussia-war,givesfilliptospacestationplanandFrenchdealonthecivilpower
Renni Abraham Mumbai: Indian PM Narendra Modi notched up a major global vic tory, through calibrated diplomacy, ensuring deescalation of the Rus sia-Ukraine war while raising the stakes of economic cooperation with the EU and Russia. Last Tuesday, PM Modi spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron in the wake of a spate of wildfires across the south west region of Gironde in France. Modi’s twitter handle further in formed of discussions over bilateral coopera tion under the IndiaFrance Strategic Part nership (forged since Rafael fighter jets pur chases through a govtto-govt deal) and other issues of GLOBAL and regional leftdia’sSimultaneously,significance.InNSAAjitDovalforRussiavisiting
western nations had de sired. A person familiar with the devps said, “In dia’s economic relation ship with France will result in a likely civil nuclear energy deal soon following Modi’s outreach. Doval was ac companied by ISRO Chairman to Russia af ter Indian involvement with French Earth ob servation mission is be ing curtailed by latter.” India will most likely join with Russian Space Centre mission as a counterbalance to ena ble its space research & technology programme to continue unabated. “Indian diplomacy helped deescalate ongo ing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Calibrated mediation ef fectively brought Russia, European nations to ne gotiation where discus sion can now proceed to bring an end to fivemonth-old war.” Rus sia’s high dependence on China in semiconductor industry was discussed particularly, after Pu tin’s recent visit to Chi na where he announced a ‘No-Limits’ relation ship with China.
Odisha, Jharkhand along with Himachal & U’khand reel under persistent inclement weather that has crippled life (ANI)Shimla/Dehradun: At least 31 people were killed, as heavy monsoon rains triggered flashfloods, landslides, and house collapses, up ending normal life across large swathes of theThecountry.fatalities included four each in Uttara khand and Odisha, and one in Jharkhand, apart from 22 in Himachal. Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh scaused landslides and flashfloods, with officials saying 22 people, includ ing eight members of a family, died. Ten people were injured in the state which has reported 36 weather-related inci dents.The Manali-Chandi garh national highway at Mandi and the ShimlaChandigath highway at Shoghi, have been blocked for traffic. In Uttarakhand, a se ries of cloudbursts killed four people, while 10 went missing as rivers breached banks, washed away bridges, and threw mud and waters inside houses, forcing evacua tion of multiple villages. A number of roads were blocked for traffic, while all Anganwadi centres and schools were shut in PauriOdishadistrict.--already reel ing under floods, with 4 lakh people marooned in 500 villages reported four deaths. Water levels in Subarnarekha, Bud habalang, Baitarani and Salandi are being moni tored, officials said. In Jharkhand, heavy rainfall and high-speed winds uprooted scores of trees and electricity poles, and submerged low-lying areas in many districts. A woman died in a rain-related inci dent.
Hyderabad: Security has been stepped up at a Hyderabad venue where comedian Munawar Faruqui is scheduled to perform on Saturday after a BJP MLA was detained. The Hyderabad Police detained Telanga na BJP MLA T Raja Singh after he threatened to set fire to the concert venue. The leader had threatened, “See what will happen, If they invite him. Wherever the programme is, we will go and beat him up.
INDIA NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 05 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia
New Delhi (PTI): Con gress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid homage to Rajiv Gan dhi their father on his 78th birth anniversary. “Papa, you are with me every moment, in my heart. I will always try that I can fulfill the dream you dreamed for the country,” tweeted Rahul on Saturday. PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also paid tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversa ry. Several leaders from the political sphere paid tribute to Rajiv Gandhi.
New Delhi (ANI) : Home Minister Amit Shah visited the AIIMS Trauma Center here on Saturday and enquired about the health condi tion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel injured in the tragic road accident that occurred in Jam mu and Kashmir’s Pa halgam on 16 August. Shah reached the hospital around 1 pm and personally checked about health conditions of three critically in jured ITBP personnel who were on Friday ad mitted to the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi after being shifted from Srinagar through special Air Ambulances.Thethree ITBP per sonnel, being treated at the AIIMS Trauma Cen tre, are identified as Constables Balwant Singh, Tsewang Dorje, and Bablu Kumar. Amit Shah meeting an injured personnel at AIIMS on Saturday.
IMD ISSUES ALERT IN MP DISTS NORMAL LIFE HIT DUE TO HEAVY RAINS Bhubaneswar: The heavy rainfall triggered by the low pressure area over the northwest and adjoin ing west-central Bay of Bengal has badly affected the normal life across Odisha. As per the latest forecast, the depression has weakened into a wellmarked low-pressure area over Chhattis garh and adjoining east Madhya Pradesh.
PM NARENDRA MODI PLAYS PEACEMAKER
Varanasi: The court of district judge imposed a fine of Rs 500 on An juman Intezamia Masjid -- the mosque manage ment committee -- for delaying hearings in the mosqueandidolsthewomenonhasGauriGyanvapi-Shringarcase.ThecourtfixedthenextdateAugust22.FivehavesoughtrighttoworshipofShringarGauriotherdeitiesinthepremises.
Bhopal: India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning of very heavy to ex tremely heavy rainfall in four districts of Madhya Pradesh, as intermittent showers continued to lash in large parts of the state. The IMD has issued red alert for Narsinghpur, Damoh, Sagar and Chhatar pur districts and orange alert at isolated places in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Gwalior etc.
New Delhi: With the number of pending cas es nearing 5-cr, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said if a judge disposes of 50 cases, 100 new liti gations are filed as peo ple are more aware now and approach courts to settle disputes. Addressing a semi nar on the functioning of the Armed Forces Tribunal in the pres ence of Defence Minis ter Rajnath Singh, Riji ju said the government is tapping technology to reduce pendency in courts.
Mumbai: India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell by $2.238 billion to $570.74 billion for the week ended August 12, the RBI data showed. India’s forex reserves have declined sharply in recent weeks as the RBI sold dollars to defend the rupee. There was a sharp drop in the foreign currency assets during the week under review. India’s foreign currency assets, which are the biggest component of the forex reserves, slumped by $2.652 bn to $506.994 bn during the week ended August 12, according to the RBI’s weekly statistical supplement.
FTA provisions to prevail in origin disputes
New Delhi (Agencies): India will follow provisions of free trade agreements (FTAs) over the wider and more stringent domestic framework in case of any dispute over value addition or rules of origin related to imports under FTAs.
—PTI FORMAL BYCREATIONJOBJUMPED8.9%INJUNE
BENGALURURENTSWAREHOUSINGINMUMBAI,UP7.2%
New Delhi (PTI): The Adani Group is likely to launch next week an open offer worth Rs 31,000 crore to acquire 26 per cent stake each in Swiss firm Holcim's two Indian listed entities Ambuja Cements and ACC, from public shareholders.InMay this year, the Adani Group announced that it has clinched a deal to acquire a controlling stake in Holcim Ltd's businesses in India for USD 10.5 billion. Markets regulator Sebi granted approval for the open offer this week. The open offer is estimated at over `31,000 crore if fully subscribed.Intwoseparate regulatory filings, Ambuja Cements and ACC have submitted their letter of offers for the open offer launched by the Adani family group's Mauritiusbased firm Endeavour Trade and Investment. As per the revised schedule submitted by ICICI Securities and Deutsche Equities India - which are the managers of open offertendering of the shares in the open will start from August 26 as against the earlier date of July 6. This will end on September 9, 2022. In May, the Adani Group had made an open offer at ` 385 per share for Ambuja Cements and `2,300 per share for ACC. For Ambuja Cements, the group had made an open offer to its public shareholders to acquire up to 51.63 crore equity shares, representing 26 per cent of the expanded share capital, aggregating to ` 19,879.57 crore.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA New Delhi (Agencies): India’s retail inflation may be moderating after hitting a peak in April but there are some upside risks that will weigh on the RBI’s mind as it decides the course of future rate hikes. Apart from the geopolitical risks and the volatile nature of commodities and uneven nature of rains, two MPC members pointed towards the recent hike in GST tax as near term risk to retail Externalinflation.members of the Monetary Policy Committee, Ashima Goyal and Shashanka Bhide, underlined the recent hike in GST tax on some of the consumer-centric items as a source of upside risk to inflation.“Some rise in GST tax rates, electricity tariffs, energy costs and rupee depreciation, although the rupee is showing signs of mean reversion towards real equilibrium values, are short-term risks for inflation,” Goyal said. Bhide said that the upside risks to inflation remain significant despite easing of energy prices and other raw materials. An uneven southwest monsoon with deficiency in the eastern region and the crop prospects could determine the trajectory of food inflation going forward, Bhide highlighted.“Onthedomestic front, inflationary pressures exerted by the rising input prices are continuing. The impact of recent changes to GST rates, somewhat uneven distribution of the southwest monsoon rainfall with deficiency in the eastern region of the country, could be source of upward pressure on prices.”Themove to hike GST at a time when the inflation is surging came under criticism from the opposition during the discussion over price rise in the just concluded Parliament session.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION OFFICIALS’ STATEMENTS Because retailers are witnessing growth in sales, hiring has also picked up at every level and this will continue till the festive season. Ahead of festive months, we see a shortage of staff for roles in customer service, kitchens: Kabir Suri, president, NRAI.
Hiring hikes in restaurants, hotels sector amid expansion plans
—PTI Leh: The Union Territory of Ladakh has announced a new electric vehicle policy with subsidies to encourage the citizens to procure e-vehicles in order to create a carbonneutral future, an official spokesman said on Saturday. Ladakh’s EV and Allied Infrastructure Policy aims to transform the UT into a torch bearer in terms of the adoption of electric vehicles in the country and envisions to encourage and cultivate an EV ecosystem, the spokesman said. —PTI
AUTO INC IS FINALLY ON THE HIGHWAY TO GROWTH New Delhi : There is lot of excitement building up in the auto sector as it manoeuvresoutofaroughpatchandontoasmoothhighwayto robust sales underpinned by strong consumer interest and easing supply bottlenecks. A host of new launches and those that are in the pipeline have added to the euphoria and auto sector watchers are filled with optimism about the upcoming festive season. The overall dispatches for July picked up considerably showing that demand scenario is robust and likely to accelerate.
The GST Council, in its 47th meeting, had withdrawn exemptions on some prepackaged food items like rice, wheat flour, curd, lassi.
L&T COMMISSIONS ITS 1ST GREEN HYDROGEN PLANT AT HAZIRA New Delhi: Engineering major L&T commissioned its first green hydrogen plant in green45willSaturday.GujaratHazira,onItproduceKgofhydrogen daily, through an alkaline electrolysis process, which will be used for captive consumption in Hazira manufacturing complex. L&T, which has forged multiple partnerships for development of technology and projects in the green hydrogen space over past years, is in talks with around a dozen companies in the steel, cement and refining segment for providing green hydrogen solutions.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT For ACC Ltd, the group had offered to acquire up to 4.89 crore shares held by public shareholders, representing 26 per cent of the expanded share capital, aggregating to `11,259.97 crore.
NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 06www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Commodity Price Change % Chg GOLD 51,505.00 -98.00 -0.19(Per 10g) SILVER 55485.00 -958 -1.7 (Per 1kg) COMMODITIES Currency Price Change % Chg USDINR 79.78 0.089 0.11 GBPINR 94.7 -1.4 -1.4 CURRENCIES
*Rates till the edition went to print.
—PTI
New Delhi: Warehousing rents in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR rose by an average 7.2 per cent during the last fiscal on higher demand from third party logistics, ecommerce and manufacturing sectors, as per a report. In its Asia-Pacific Logistics Highlights H1 2022 report, Knight Frank said Mumbai saw an annual growth of 9.3 per cent in prime warehousing rents to Rs 265 per square feet per year in the last fiscal, from `243 per square feet in the previous year.
LADAKH ROLLS OUT EV POLICY WITH RESERVESINDIA’SSUBSIDIESFOREXDIP
Air India to start 24 more flights to connect key metro cities MAJOR HIGHLIGHT As of now, there are 70 aircraft in Air India’s narrowbody fleet, 54 of which are operational. By the beginning of 2023, the remaining 16 aircraft will gradually enter service again.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the levy of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on items such as rice, wheat flour and curd was taken after agreement among all states. She also pointed towards the fact that some of the items had a higher tax before the GST came into effect.
New Delhi (Agencies): Hiring for customer-facing roles in sales and commercial operations as well as other divisions is gaining momentum across hospitality and retail sectors on the back of rising demand and bullish outlook for the upcoming festive season. Hiring is picking up across restaurants and hotels given revenge spending and expansion plans of chains through new outlets and“Aheadinventories.ofthe festive months, we see a shortage of staff for roles in customer service and kitchens. Since the unlocking in March, recovery has exceeded pre-Covid levels in many instances and now that the festive season is around the corner, demand and consumption are expected to increase even further,” said Kabir Suri, president of National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) that represents more than 500,000 restaurant“Thereoperators.isatalent crunch as many workers had lost their jobs during Covid-19 and went back home or changed their profession,” Suri added. “Many (restaurateurs) are now training raw talent which is a lengthier process. We are also simultaneously looking at other industries such as retail, or anything that is customer facing.”
BRIEFS
Retailers are also feeling the pinch of reverse migration that happened during Covid-19.“Many of them never came back. This led to a shortage of staff across segments in the retail industry as it requires a special skill set where the attitude is very important,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI). “Because retailers are witnessing growth in sales, hiring has also picked up at every level and this will continue till the festive season.”
OTHER STORIES
business
New Delhi (Agencies): Air India will start additional 24 domestic flights beginning this Saturday in an effort to improve connectivity between major metro cities. The majority of these planes will operate on routes that pass via Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, among others. Two new frequencies will be added by AI on the routes from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad as well as from Mumbai to Chennai and Hyderabad.Additionally, one new frequency will be added on the routes from Mumbai to Bengaluru and from Ahmedabad to Pune. “The additional 24 flights include two new frequencies from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and from Mumbai to Chennai and Hyderabad, as well as one new frequency on the Mumbai-Bengaluru route and Ahmedabad-Pune route,” Air India said in a statement.“Thisexpansion bolsters connectivity between key metros, and improves connectivity between Air India's domestic and international networks.Over the past six months, Air India has been working closely with our partners to return aircraft to service, and we are delighted that this effort is now bearing fruit,” said Campbell Wilson, MD and CEO, Air India.Asof now, there are 70 aircraft in Air India's narrowbody fleet, 54 of which are operational.
The decision comes as the country eyes trade deals with large trading partners such as the European Union. The CBIC has instructed its officials to follow provisions in FTAs and the associate rules of origin in case of conflict with Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules (Carotar), 2020. Currently, the Carotar rules require extensive submission of data and facts where, in certain cases, the requirement even goes beyond the stipulated conditions under the bilateral/multilateral FTAs.
Endeavour Trade and Investment is promoted by Acropolis Trade and Investment Ltd.
Adani to launch open offer for ACC and Ambuja Cements
MPC members flag GST hike as upside risk to inflation
CURRENT DISCOM DUES DROP 80 PER CENT DAY AFTER EXCHANGE BAN New Delhi: The outstanding current dues of states and Union territories to developers dropped 80% within a day of the electricity grid operator barring defaulting distribution companies from power exchanges for shortterm purchases or sales. They fell to `1,037 crore on Friday from `5,100 crore after some paid up while others disputed their dues.Restrictions on Karnataka and Telengana were removed just before midnight.
BY $2.23 BILLION New Delhi: Formal job creation under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation jumped by 8.9% in June 2022 and stood at a record high of 1.83 million compared to 1.68 million in May 2022. Net new subscribers added to EPFO in June were 0.55 million more than June 2021, reflecting a steady rise in formal job creation under the retirement fund body, shows the provisional payroll data released by the EPFO on Saturday.
GEHLOT, VENU TO VISIT TOMORROWAHMEDABAD Senior observer for Gujarat election, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot will visit Ahmedabad on Monday and will be accompanied by Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal. After the meeting of MLAs in Jaipur, both will leave together for Ahmedabad. Notably, a meeting of all Congress MLAs is scheduled for Monday at Hotel Clarks Amer wherein KC Venugopal and Ajay Maken will speak to the legislators in presence of CM Gehlot and PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra.
CONGRESS TO OPPOSE NONLOCAL VOTERS Srinagar (PTI): The Congress on Saturday said it will oppose any inclusion of non-local voters in electoral rolls in J-K and is mulling mounting a legal challenge over the issue. AICC in-charge J-K Rajini Patil alleged that the move to allow non-locals to vote in J-K was illegal and said the Congress would attend the all-party meeting convened over the issue by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. We will discuss this issue. We will... oppose it, she said here. She was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the 78th birth anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Vikar Rasool took over as the party’s new JKPCC president at the function.
Emotional Gehlot remembers Rajiv on fulfilling his dream
SHAH NAIDU’SMEETSSON K eeping in view 2024, the BJP has already entered the election mode. If sources are to be believed, Nara Lokesh, son of Telugu Desam withDelhiShahmetNaidu,ChandrababuchiefhadAmitinNewalonghis brother-in-law. It is said that this meeting lasted for an hour at Shah’s residence. Nara Lokesh, in the beginning of the conversation, expressed concern that “whenever TDP fights together with the BJP, it benefits Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party’. I am not talking of alliance but talking of fighting together in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Where BJP can also get the benefit of Narendra Modi’s name.” Anyway, BJP’s vote share in Andhra is only 4 per cent now. NarasaidLokeshthat BJP in the elections of 2024, and that he will talk to his father also about this.’ Notably, when Chandrababu naidu had recently met PM Modi, the PM had shared his picture from his twitter account, which shows his likes and feelings about Naidu.
Jammu (PTI): The police on Saturday raided multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch in connection with a hawala racket that was unearthed with the arrest of two people who were allegedly routing money to terror outfits Lashkare-Taiba and Al Badr, the officialsAbdulsaid.Hamid Mir, a resident of Poonch, and Delhi-based garment trader Mohammad Yaseen were arrested from Jammu bus stand and the national capital on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Hawala money worth Rs 24 lakh was recovered from them. The officials said police have been carrying out searches at multiple locations in Poonch since early this morning. “The raids are going on and further details are awaited,” an officialAccordingsaid. to police, Yaseen, a resident of Delhi’s Turkman Gate, revealed that the hawala money was being routed to India through South Africa and collected in Surat and Mumbai. He ran a garments business in Meena Bazaar and was the Delhi link to send this money to terror operatives in Jammu and Kashmir through couriers, the police had said earlier.
TERROR FINANCING CASE
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a man from Shirdi on Saturday in connection an improvised explosive device (IED) planted under the vehicle of an officer of the Punjab police, an official said. In a joint operation with the Punjab police, the ATS conducted a search in Shirdi town of Ahmednagar district and apprehended the accused, identified as Rajendra, in the early hours of the day, he said. The arrested accused has been handed over to the team from the Punjab police, the official said. Bareilly (PTI): Two people were killed and three others were seriously injured when the car in which they were travelling fell into a gorge on outfort,andcaringKherilagefromfiveishin-chargetoerstheMirganjfeettrolafterplacepoliceNationalDelhi-LucknowHighwayhere,saidonSaturday.TheaccidenttooklateFridaynightthedriverlostcon-andfellintoa30deepgorgeontheoverbridge.Twopeoplediedonspotandthreeoth-havebeenadmittedhospital,Inspector-Mirganj,Sat-Kumarsaid.Accordingtopolice,friendshailingMohammadivil-ofLakhimpurdistrictwerego-toDelhiwhentheirfellintothegorgewastrappedinside.Aftertwohoursofef-oneofthemcameandinformedthe police who reached the spot and started the rescue operation.All were evacuated from the car, however, Salim (40) and Aamir(28) had died by then. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Bareilly where they are undergoing treatment, he added.
UP: 2 die, 3 hurt as car falls into gorge
—REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO
WHY THIS ANGER ON GADKARI? N itin Gadkari is perhaps one of the only leaders of the BJP, whose uniformity of words and deeds India believes in. If any minister of the Modi government has the best track record, it is Gadkari. When he speaks fearlessly in Parliament, he also collects praises from the opposition parties. In 2014, when the Modi government first took over the reins, Gadkari had 7 important ministries, which have been reduced to only one today - Roads and National Highways. If sources are to be believed, apart from Gadkari’s own moral courage, the support he was getting from Nagpur was also important. But as Nagpur also bowed down before Modi’s grand personality, Gadkari’s stature in saffron politics went down. People will not forget when in 2019 he had openly said - ‘The man who thinks that he knows everything, he is at fault, people should avoid ‘artificial marketing’. Perhaps Gadkari was also aware of this. It must have been well known that why the top leadership of the party is treating him in a stepmotherly manner, that is why when the entire BJP and the Sangh were busy in targeting Nehru, he read hymns in praise of Nehru. Just last month in July, at a program in Nagpur, Gadkari openly expressed his thoughts and said that the politics of the country has become so bad that sometimes he feels that he should retire from politics. He had further said, ‘Today’s politics is being done purely to stay in power.’
Raj CM Gehlot with (L) Kuldeep Ranka, Usha Sharma, Anil Agarwal, Mamta Bhupesh, Govind Ram Meghwal, Rajendra Yadav, Lokesh Sharma and others during inauguration of Rajiv Gandhi Centre of Advanced Technology on Saturday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA
THE RACKET
WHY ARE THE STRINGS OF LIQUOR TELANGANA?CONNECTEDSCAMWITH
F rom the time when the politics of Delhi, which has been splattered on the slow flame of publicity and alleged honesty, it has now been drizzled with liquor, its flames have started touching the headlines. Ever since the CBI raids on Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleging irregularities in excise policies, the clamor within the Aam Aadmi Party has started coming out and screaming. It should be noted that the FIR was regmulation and implementation of the Excise Policy of Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal’s best friend Manish Sisodia has been made accused ‘number one’ by the CBI. BJP has also hit two targets with one arrow. Telangana CM KCR was emerging as the new champion of opposition unity these days and he was attacking PM Modi and his government. So, in this latest CBI raid case, a big Telugu company of Hyderabad has also been made an accused, it is alleged that 13 zones were allotted to this company alone, in lieu of which there is an allegation of collecting huge election donations. Sources claim that this Telugu company is linked to a close relative of KCR.associatedSourceswithBJPclaimthatahugeamountofRs300crorere-ceivedfromthisdeal was spent by AAP in Punjab elections. In fact, the BJP wants that the financial resources of political parties who can challenge it through such raids should be curbed. There have also been allegations of helping the BJP from inside the AAP, but today AAP’s leader’s ambitions have started touching the sky, now he has started raising himself at the national level, and this has not gone down well with the BJP leadership. Interestingly, recently a leading linguistic newspaper of Gujarat has presented an election opinion poll in Saurashtra, in which it has been told that in 56 seats itseatstheseandthethrowntra,Saurash-ofAAPhasoutCongressinis presenting a big challenge to the BJP. IS CONGRESS IN COLLUSION WITH AAP? I n the hours-long CBI raids at Manish Sisodia’s house, it is said that the agency has got an important clue, whose strings are being linked to a loudmouth Congress spokesperson. This important information has been received by quoting sources that when the CBI scanned the files of Manish Sisodia’s laptop, they came to know that accused number 11 Dinesh Arora and accused number 14 Arun Ramchandra Pillai were involved with thisCongressprominentleader.Itwasbecauseofthesetwoaccusedthatraids were also conducted in Telangana. If sources are to be believed, AAP wanted the Congress to support AAP on the issue of CBI raids on Sisodia and not to highlight the issue in the media. It is said that AAP also wanted the Congress to declare this raid as an issue of political ill-will. But this could not happen, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has already justified these raids and said that CBI should have conducted not just one, but ten raids in the matter.
MAN HELD FOR PLANTING IED IN COP’S VEHICLE
GEHLOT INAUGURATES RAJIV GANDHI CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
New Delhi (PTI): In an operation that lasted over two months, the Delhi Police busted an instant loan-cum-extortion racket amounting to over Rs 500 crore and arrested 22 people from different parts of the country, the police officials said on Saturday.Thegang operated at the behest of Chinese nationals and the extorted money was being routed to that country through hawala and cryptocurrencies, the police officials said. According to the police, hundreds of complaints were lodged alleging that loans were being passed at higher interest rates, and after complete recovery of the money along with interest, the gang used to extort more money from the people using their morphed nude pictures.TheIntelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation (IFSO) of the Delhi Police took cognisance of these complaints, and during analysis, found that more than 100 such applications were involved in the racket. These apps were seeking malicious permissions from users. After obtaining access to the users’ contacts, chats, messages and images, the gang used to upload sensitive information to servers based in China and Hong Kong, a senior police officer said.
Police raids underway in J&K’s Poonch
BY RAMANTRIDIB The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal K. Chandrashekar Rao Manish Sisodia Nara Lokesh Nitin Gadkari
www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022
First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Saturday, again took a dig at the central government regarding the economic slowdown and appealed to overcome the situation of recession with cooperation. On this occasion, he said that the dollar has crossed `80 and in such a situation, the central government should fight this economic slowdown by discussing with the state governments. He quipped that net closure also causes problems for me but in the interest of common people, efforts will be made to have its effect only in a particular area. The old information center has been transformed into the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Advanced Technology, inaugurated by Gehlot. PM Modi should work with states to economy:strengthenGehlot
25 INJURED AS BUS RAMS INTO TRUCK Etah: As many as 25 passengers were injured when a roadways bus in which they were travelling dashed into a stationary truck near Keelramau village on Etah-Farrukhabad road here, police said on Saturday. The accident took place under the Bagwala police station area on Friday night. The Farrukhabad to Delhi bus with about 60 passengers dashed into the stationary truck, injuring 25.
NEWS 07 Chinese nationals were involved in many of these extortion cases, Delhi Police said on Saturday 22 held in ` 500 cr extortions in 2 months
z So what is the plan ning for the 2024 Olympics? Our players will per form their best there as well. We have made budget provisions to provide them training wherever they need it, be it India or abroad. Players will not face any problems and the na tional federations will play their roles effec tively.
In such a short span of time, where people fail to start a channel in 9 months, you have launched a channel in 90 days. Bharat24 has been set up and has started to function for which, I extend my con gratulations. I have complete faith that Bharat24 will provide the right news to the people. z How will you regu late social media? The Press Council of India is there for Print Media. For Electronic Media, there is a threelayered structure, where one has to regu late themselves. Simi larly for Digital Media, there is a three- layered structure. Firstly, the platform itself does it, then there is a body that does it and on the third layer is the interdepartmental commit tee, which does this work. On the third lev el, not many cases come to the fore, but I have taken a proactive stance on it and such YouTube channels, accounts and web portals that were always on the lookout to divide India, and even used to indulge in propaganda against friendly nations to In dia, we have brought such mediums down. Not once, but four times, I took a decision and brought down over 95 such channels that were working with a ne farious agenda, even if they had a viewership of millions.
REMOVED, STRESSES THE
MINISTER
New Delhi (ANI): Un ion Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has embarked on a fourday visit to Australia during which he will hold interactions to broaden engagement between the two coun tries in areas of learn ing, skilling, research, innovation and entre preneurship.Duringthe visit, Pradhan will co-chair the sixth meeting of the Australia-India Ed ucation Council with Australian counterpart Jason Clare. In a state ment prior to his de parture, Pradhan said that reforms in India's education sector and the renewed vigour in India-Australia rela tions opens up im mense opportunities for both sides to “estab lish the knowledge economy as a key pillar of our bridgedgeknowlnationalbuildpurpose,toaddthatpressedEntrepreneurship,SkillUnionPradhan,cooperation”.whoisalsoMinisterforDevelopmentandexconfidencethetourwillmomentum“ourunityofhelptranses, further broaden our engagements at all lev els in all areas of learn ing, skilling, research, innovation and entre preneurship and deep en ra.withPradhanfirstconnect”.people-to-peopleOnAugust21,thedayofhisvisit,willinteracttheIndiandiaspoHewillvisitWesternSydneyUniversity(WSU)thenextdaytoco-chairthesixthmeetingoftheAustraliaIndiaEducationCouncilwithJasonClare.
www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Honesty is a hard won privilege. Do not expect it from everyone. Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, India
z How did this mira cle of medals occur under your leader ship in the Common wealth Games? This time, because there was a challenge due to Covid-19 pan demic. For example, the Tokyo Olympics took place when Cov id-19 was at its peak and I know how diffi cult it was to send the players and to get them trained, there were oth er issues too. Despite this, our athletes won several medals, Neeraj Chopra won a ‘Gold Medal.’ This has been the first time in 121 years that we have won a ‘Gold Medal’ in Ath letics. Apart from this, our 19 athletes went for the Paralympics and we won 19 medals. We won 16 medals in Deaf Olympics. Common wealth Games were also a challenge since Shooting was not a part of it, while last time, we had 16 medals in Shooting. So straight away, we can subtract those medals. But in spite of that, we won so many medals this time around, which is a ma jor achievement. But what is the reason be hind this? PM Modi’s schemes like Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme. We pay for all the expenses of elite players like food, ac commodation etc, then their participation in national and interna tional events is paid for by the Government of India, and other than that, we give Rs 6 lakh to such players for fi nancial security. Apart from this, we select 3,000 athletes from across the nation and spend Rs 5 lakh per athlete for their train ing, etc. We also give them Rs 1.20 lakh per annum for their other uses. We are running 23 National Excellence Centres and these are apart from the State Centres. We are going to open 1,000 Khelo In dia Centres of which, permission has been given to 590 centres and retired athletes will be appointed as coaches. Additionally, we have appointed 400 coaches in 9 months which is a feat, never been accom plished before. Through this, we have carried forward PM Modiji’s idea of a ‘New India.’ Also, what Modiji does like speak ing to players before they head out to some tournament, if needed, he speaks to them dur ing the tournament also whether it was the hockey team or now during vatedkeepModi,world,Primeperhapsthemthemforreturn,Modiji.wewhenvatingspeakingCommonwealthtoPuja,motitheathletesneedediswhatneedtolearnfromAndwhentheyhostingthemtea,conversewithandmotivatefurther,therearenotmanyMinistersinthewholikePMhaveworkedtoourplayersmotiandupbeat.
z So, as Minister of Information oneoverjorthedoBroadcasting,andwhatyouthinkhasbeenhighlightormasteptakenbyyouthepastyear?
Union Minister says India remains committed to develop and popularise Chabahar Port till realisation of the bilateral contract signed by both countries Sonowal at Shahid Behestti port at Chabahar in Iran, on Saturday.
DESPITE MAJOR HURDLES AND CHALLENGES, ONLY NARENDRA MODI - AMIT SHAH COULD HAVE GONE AHEAD AND GOTTEN 370 AND 35
NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 082ND FRONT
First
First India Bureau New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Ship ping & Waterways Sar bananda Sonowal paid a visit to the Shahid Behestti port at Chaba har in Iran to review the progress in the de velopment of the port onInSaturday.aneffort to invig orate the potential of Chabahar port, Sonow al also handed over Six mobile harbour cranes to Indian Ports Global Chabahar Free Trade Zone (IPGCFTZ) at the port. He was accompa nied by the India’s Am bassador to Iran, Gaddam Dharmendra. Dr Ali Akbar Safaee, Deputy Minister and Managing Director of Ports and Maritime Or ganisation, Iran, led the Iranian delegation at the launch on Saturday. Sonowal and Dr Sa faee had a fruitful meet ing on development of maritime and port coop eration between Iran and India. Both the del egation discussed the possibilities of trade & unlock trade potential between Central Asian countries with South Asian, ASEAN and even from Far East countries like Japan and Korea. Sonowal reiterated that Chabahar port can reduce distance, time and cost. It was decided to form a joint technical committee for smooth functioning of the port. Speaking on the occa sion, Sonowal, said, “India remains fully committed to develop the Chabahar port to realise the vision set during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016. The inauguration of the SIX mobile har bour cranes would act as a force multiplier for the operation of the Shahid Behesti Port and further fuel impe tus to the development of the Chabahar port. The strategic role of Chabahar port to un lock trade potential in the regional trade be tween Central Asia, South Asia & South East Asia is huge. We are continuously work ing towards making the International North South Transport Cor ridor as the preferred route of trade between the two regions.”
z After the removal of Article 370, people consider there are two ‘Yugpurush’ i.e. Nar endra Modi and Amit Shah. How do you perceive Shah as a Home Minister? Anurag Thakur: I firmly believe that when there is a leader like Narendra Modi in the country, who can take decisions and an individual like Amit Bhai, who everyone ad dresses as the ‘Modern Chanakya,’ know what strategies are to be made. Let me reveal something here. It was a weekend on August 3 and 4, 2019. About a week before, we were all told that no MP would go to their constituen cies or homes as there would be a training, since a new Parliament had been formed. And I was made the head of that training to co-ordi nate the entire event. I was handling the stage management and I raised the team for it as the party had given me the responsibility. PM Modiji and Party Presi dent Amit Bhai, who was also the Home Min ister, had to come for the Opening Session. Amit ji was to address the Opening Session how ever, he called me up in the morning saying that he would not be able to address the gathering so I made the required changes in the pro gramme. He could not come for the pro gramme on August 3 although he was in the Parliament, but was busy with other works. I met him in the evening and he said that he will see, if he can come on August 4 before the con cluding ceremony, where PM was sched uled to address. During lunch on August 4, I asked him, if I can schedule his address, to which he replied that he won’t be able to address the programme. I was unable to fathom what had happened that he was not coming. But during those 2 days, Amit Bhai was en grossed in devising ways to remove Article 370 and 35 (a), how to go about it, the strategy, the legal aspect and how to get it passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and especially the Rajya Sabha, where we did not have a full majority. Despite all this, they got it done and this was only possible because of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. That is why I say, histo ry has been written.
Pradhan on 4-day Australia tour to deepen edu & research ties
z You pointed out right that in the name of fact-checking, people cannot be allowed to spew venom in society. PIB is a orragsomethingYes,notpremenation,agendapropaganda.thehasofthatGovernmentandofwaysdiarityhappen.people,checking,underorcheckuporgosonauthorityfact-checkingandanyperfromthenationcanontheirsocialmediatheirwebsiteandputapieceofnewstoifit’sauthenticnot.Butsomepeople,thegarboffact-trytoincitethatshouldnotNation’ssecuisparamount.Meisfree,infact,IalstressonFreedomSpeech,BJPdoessotheNarendraModiensuresthereisFreedomSpeech.ButnoonetherighttobreaknationthroughIfyouristobreakthethenIndiaissuforus,wewillletsuchthingsfloat.ifyouhavetosayagainstAnuThakur,AmitShahevenNarendraModi, we do not mind. But to break India, if you work under an agenda, and do not follow the law, then, action will be tak en against you.
CEO & Editor-in-Chief of First India & Bharat24, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra during The New JC Show, speaks to Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur about how he perceives the ‘Modern Chanakya’ of Indian Politics, Amit Shah as the Union Home Minister, how the Narendra Modi Government firmly supports the principle of Freedom of Speech, the laurels our players brought to the nation by winning a slew of Medals in Commonwealth Games, the plans to open 1,000 KheloIndia Centres to carry forward PM Narendra Modi’s idea of a ‘New India’; How the appointment of 400 Coaches in 9 months is a rare feat achieved by the Government, planning for the 2024 Olympics & much more...
(Part—II) August 5, 2019 will go down as a watershed moment in Kashmir’s history: Thakur
Dr Jagdeesh Chandra greets Anurag Thakur during The New JC Show. (A) UNION During the show #JCwithAnuragThakur trended toponAll-IndiaTwitter
Sonowal reviews Chabahar Port progress in Iran
—Dr
anveerclicks.Singh and Deepika Padukone are one of the most loved jodis in Bollywood. Recently, Deepika and Ranveer purchased a plush vacation home in Alibaug, which is a beach town close to Mumbai. Now, the duo performed an intimate Griha Pravesh Pooja at their residence in Alibaug, which was attended by their immediate families only. Now, the Jayeshbhai Jordaar actor shared some beautiful and heart-warming moments from the Griha Pravesh ceremony on his social media handle. Reportedly, Ranveer and Deepika’s bungalow in Alibaug costs Rs 22 crore. The couple was also spotted at the local registrar’s office in Alibaug doing the formalities on
Disha Patani is one of the most popular actors in the tinsel town of Bollywood. Apart from films, she also keeps her fans and followers entertained on her social media. Speaking of which, yesterday, she took to Instagram and posted a couple of new photos looking gorgeous as ever. Taking to the ‘gram, Disha Patani shared a couple of photos where she can be seen dressed up in a beautiful beige bodycon dress. The criss-cross cut-out detailing on the sleeves and in the front elevated the look of her outfit even more. Disha left her long tresses open, while she sported a glamorous makeup look. She struck a couple of attractive poses, while the beautiful dim yellow lighting added magic to the
Khushi KapoorJanhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan
Sight
Her post... Still from the trailer Rakul Preet Singh onam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja have been blessed with a baby boy today. The couple has been on cloud 9 ever since they announced their first pregnancy news. Sonam has been having a blast during her pregnancy and her social media is proof of it. In fact, the actress has even revealed several times that she enjoyed her pregnancy phase. From going on her babymoon with hubby Anand to flaunting her pregnancy fashion she has done it all. But fans have been eagerly waiting to hear the news of the arrival of Sonam’s baby and finally, the good news is here. The star couple has become parents to a beautiful baby boy. S
J anhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan are two of the hottest and mosttalented actresses of the current generation in Bollywood. Fans loved to see them together in the chat show and now it looks like very soon we will get to see the two powerhouses of talent sharing the screen space. In the picture, we can see Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor sitting together and looking terrified. Both the girls look flawless and can be seen wearing sweater tops. Janhvi stuns in a lavender-coloured sweater top while Sara wore a pinkish white sweater top. Sara holds Janhvi in her hand and their expression is what catches our attention. Sharing this picture, Sara wrote, “From brewing coffee that was hot, now finally as ko-actors we shot.” for sore eyes Cuttputlli Trailer KHUSHI TEMPERATURERAISES
Disha DeepikaPataniPadukone
ne of the most popular star kids on the block is Janhvi Kapoor’s sister Khushi Kapoor, who is all set to debut in Zoya Akhtar’s film, The Archies. Khushi took to her Instagram handle and shared new photos from a shoot where she was seen nailing a cutout dress like a pro. In the photos, Sridevi’s daughter was seen clad in a black cut-out dress with glam makeup on. She struck several poses and looked absolutely stunning. Seeing her photos, Deepika Padukone also could not resist dropping a comment. She wrote, “Uff” with a heart-eyes emoticon. On the other hand, Khushi’s close friend and The Archies co-star Suhana Khan also left a sweet comment. She wrote, “Amazing.” Several actors cheered for fter dropping the intriguing teaser, makers of Akshay Kumar and Rakul Preet Singh starrer Cuttputlli took to social media to drop the trailer of the gritty thriller. In the trailer, Akshay is seen as a cop chasing after a serial killer who has murdered 3 school girls and is looking for his next target in the small hill station of Kasauli. Akshay and his team of cops have to hunt him down in 2 days and stop the murders from happening. Sharing the trailer on social media, Akshay wrote, “3 Murders, 1 City, A Cop and A SerialKiller out on the loose!drops#Cuttputllion2ndSeptember,onlyon@Disney-PlusHS.”
www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 09 NEW DELHI, SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022
FINALLYKO-ACTORSTURN
Something you have implemented at work is likely to profit the company and get you noticed. You are likely to celebrate the achievement of a family youngster in a grand way. Shifting into your very own house may soon become a reality. An exotic island destination beckons.
Aquarius
IIFD Surat has been awarded as best education institute of Gujarat by Times Retail and Education Icon for 3 years.
A vacation you only dreamed about is likely to become a reality soon. Healthy eating will help prevent digestive ailments. Money will be no constraint in buying what you like. Driving down with lover to a happening place is indicated today. Overall a good day.
IIFD has been educating and imparting training in the fields of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Event management and short term Design courses.
IIFD got a feather in its cap when the students showcased their collection at PARAMPARA-FASHION KALEIDOSCOPE in Mauritius 2018.
Your financial situation is set to improve, as earning opportunities come to you. Help from co-workers in a time consuming task will be forthcoming on the work front. Support of family will encourage you to take up a challenge. Socially, your presence will be much looked forward to.
Fashionate is a mega fashion show being organized annually by IIFD Surat since 2014, where the students of IIFD showcase their talent by designing mesmerizing outfits for the runway in front of industry sharks namely Samant Chauhan, Ken Ferns, Neeta Lulla and Anju Modi.
Sagittarius
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22
Problem about finances will be resolved. Those on medication will find a distinct improvement in their condition. Smooth going is indicated for those on a long journey. Stars on the property front appear the brightest. Taking the family on a trip seems impossible today due to your professional commitments.
Taurus APRIL 21 - MAY 20
Money put together on previous occasions is likely to come in handy now. A family youngster is keen to learn from you, so don’t disappoint. Settling down in a new house is indicated for some. You may have to awaken partner’s interest in you once again. Health will be satisfactory.
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22
Pisces FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 Changes made by you at workplace may not be appreciated by all. Strict dietary control will keep you fit. A family reunion is on the cards and will enable you to meet everyone. You can be tasked to organise an outing for friends and relations. Some of you may plan to add to your property.
YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva Whatsapp Subscription Subscribe “First India” Daily E-News Paper For Free On Whatsapp To Receive the Most Exclusive News from the Power Corridors of Rajasthan & Delhi.
IIFD stands out shining in the ocean of fashion governing the world of fashion education in India.
MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
Scorpio OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22
IIFD students got the opportunity in April 2018 to showcase their collection at INTERNATIONAL FASHIONER WEEK (DELHI) along with reputed INDIAN as well as INTERNATIONAL designers like Reena Dhaka and Rinku Sobti.
IIFD Surat has always provided 100% placement and internship assistance to its students.
To break the classroom barrier IIFD also provide the International Educational trip to fashion capitals throughout the world. The last visit had Paris, Italy, Germany and Switzerland in the tour list.
International Institute Of Fashion Designing
Leo JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
You are likely to find the day most auspicious. Your knowledge about your line of work will be roundly appreciated and get you the thumbs up from higher ups. Friends and family may get together to give you a surprise and make your day. Business travel may leave little time for romance.
Money coming from various streams will keep you in an elated state of mind. A new fitness regime that you have adopted promises to keep you in the pink of health. Getting an old furniture upholstered may be at the top of the mind. Your search for perfect partner may soon be over.
Gemini MAY 21 - JUNE 21
JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19
Libra
CITY FIRST nternational Institute Of Fashion Designing is a first choice of many students across India and abroad too. IIFD is internationally acclaimed top ranked college for design studies with a variety of fashion, interior and textile design courses. Fashion designing courses and Interior Design courses at IIFD are curated by industry experts and the curriculum is so vast and of international standards with so less fees as compared to other design colleges in India.
Mukesh Maheshwari started as an entrepreneur and an educationist with a common vision of contributing knowledge to the upcoming creators and innovators of tomorrow. He is the inspiring director of IIFD Surat since last 2014. It is his sharp vision, ethical efforts and intellectual ideas that has honoured him with many awards like Times Retail and Education Icon and Global Peace Excellency Award for his contribution in nurturing the students in the field of Fashion, Interior, graphics and event management. He is also effortlessly contributing to the society with a motto to create social awareness where he also organized breast cancer program.
Some clarification will need to be sought on a financial issue, before you take the next step. Efforts in the real estate market may bear fruit. A project left halfway by someone else may come on your shoulders, but your efforts will be acknowledged. You are a God fearing person.
IIFD also exhibit the acumen of their Interior Design students at their popular Interior event ARASA. ARASA is an annual exhibition and platform where you witness the resonance of design and trend as interior students present their creative ideas and proto types and judge by the masters of industry.
Your popularity is set to soar on both personal and professional fronts. Some of you will have to curb your splurging ways. Family life will cruise along smoothly with much love and bonhomie. Don’t speed up on the road. Chance of moving to a new location on transfer is likely for some.
10ETC NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia SRIJAN, Model DAY!THEOFFACE
FOUNDER DIRECTOR OF IIFD IIFD DESCRIPTION I Mukesh Maheshwari
Virgo AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23
Help extended to someone will help him or her get ahead on the academic front. People falling under this sign will have very refreshing day. Visiting a mall or watching a movie with family is likely to be the highlight of the day for some. You may enjoy travelling to a tourist destination.
Aries
Capricorn DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20
IIFD Surat students have also participated in Gurugram International Couture Week 2019.
Your stars favour a bright beautiful day .A family reunion is on the cards and you may get invited to a social function. Tax advisor will be a big help in saving taxes, so don’t hesitate to contact one.It is difficult for the relationship of friends turned lovers to fall apart, so relax.
Cancer JUNE 22 - JULY 23
eople are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. Natural beauty comes out if only one listens and attends to the needs of the body, mind and spirit in a balanced manner. Outer beauty turns the head but inner beauty turns the heart. Describe yourself for us. My name is Priyanka Munjal and I am both a professional actor as well as a model. My home town is Muzaffar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh and I have done post-graduation. Why did you choose modelling as a profession? I had been active on stage since my school time and participated in many shows while in college. The glitz and glamour associated with actors and models always inspired me to join the fashion industry. Started with corporate print ad shoots for many brands and slowly I became the face of TVC, digital ads along with print ads. Meanwhile, I was also given the chance to walk as a showstopper for many famous designers on the ramp. What challenges did you face in this industry? Every person faces different challenges in this industry. I also faced many problems when I started such as favouritism, discouragement by fellow models, politics
ETC www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 11
HARD
WORLD BELONGS TO City First spoke to one such mesmerizing soul Priyanka Munjal from Delhi who believes that there are miles to go before one sleeps. Here are some excerpts of that tete-a-tete WORK
DHANUSHREE VYAS cityfirst@firtsindia.co.in P and the biggest problem was me being a small-town girl. People judged me for that but I never lost my confidence and worked hard. This made me reach the zenith of success. We would like to know about your achievements. I was crowned the Ms Diva 2013 and played a lead in a TV serial for DD National. I also produced a song for TSeries and got a chance to feature in many songs and leading magazines such as Grihshobha, etc. I have also been the brand face for many corporate houses which made my parents proud. Now people recognise me for my work which fills me with immense happiness.
ART AT GLANCE!BIRTHDAY BELLS!
CITY FIRST T he tintionscelebrabirthdayofNiSeth, Vice President -Tops for WER1 took place on Sat urday with great aplomb.Alarge and beautiful birthday cake had guests gushing over the centre piece. Mouth watering food, a lavish bar with delicious drinks and groovy music dotted the night with fervour and festivity. Guests were seen dancing till the sun rise and ofgrandthewasofcrowdbybrationstinuationsaxenaSethdaywholeheartedly.enjoyingAnotherBirthBashforNitinbyNeelamwasconofceleattendedeliteDelhi—namesfewguests—seenenjoyingwarmth&hospitalitythehost.
JAHAN SE ACHA!
SAAREU
Jagdeesh Chandra launched the poster of the Hope Season 2, a charitable musical event by Shree Deepak Foundation, at his residence on Friday, August 19. During the event, Lucky Ali and Shabeer Kumar will perform live at Deep Smriti Mansarovar,Auditorium,Jaipur, on 17 September. CMD Neelanjan Das Gupta and Soniya Dwivedi were present during the launch. Actress Raima Sen, Soma Laishram & Avika Gor enthralled the audiences in Nha Trang City during at the grand closing ceremony of the first ever Namaste Vietnam Festival curated by Captain Rahul Bali to mark 50 years of Indo Vietnam Relations on Saturday.
—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN
CITY FIRST G allery showgrouporganisedDotWalkaexhibition“InaBlink of an eye”. This show is curated by Shruti Ram ingaiah and will be held from July 30 to Septem ber 10. This show will be on view from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. The Blink of an Eye considers the states of transcending into sleep and being awake as a metaphor to reflect on time as extended, indefi nite and a nonconsecu tive happening, event, and passage. Each artist featured in this exhibi tion explores the human state of being in the pro cess of transition be tween reality and the unfamiliar, through their artistic practice and ap proaches. The event aims to the relation between the state of wakefulness and sleep, and also before waking up of untethered, blurred, tumbling thoughts capable of us humans. These states are scientifically defined as hypnagogic — a state im mediately before falling asleep, and hypnopompic — a state leading to con sciousness or being awake. The two states are different in character; the former slips us through an imaginary, fantasised and uncon scious moment before drifting into sleep. I instagram.com/thefirstindia
Glimpses from Dance festival Gopika Verma Ranjana Gauhar Shovana Narayana Sharan Lowen Rashmi Vaidyalingam Rama Pandey Wasifuddin Dagar Avinash Pasricha Suresh Goyal Aman Nath Priyanka, Means and Kajal Priyanka, Rashmi, Neelam, Dr Nidhi and Preeti Oberoi Vicky Jain, Jatin Bali and Anil Katach Dr Nidhi, Anu, Rashmi, Sanjay, Neelam and Sarita Neelam, Kajal, Rashmi and Kajali Piyush, Priyanka, Rashmi and Rupinder Rashmi, Neelam, Rashme and Kajali Amit, Kajal and Rahul Akriti and Nitin Seth Avika Gor
DURING THE DAY!
12 NEW DELHI | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia
CITY BUZZGETSTAYVACCINATEDMASKED
POSTER LAUNCH!
HAPPY B’DAY! Actor Randeep Hooda celebrated his birthday at his Versova home by throwing in a birthday brunch for close friends recently. Filmmaker Rahul Mittra tweeted a photo with the actor saying (@ rahulmittra13) Enjoying birthday boy Randeep Hooda’s brunch party ! ‘Juende reh mere praa’.
CITY FIRST tsav’s 2-day dance festival “Saare Jahan se Acha” kick starts with pomp and show. Utsav Educa tional and Cultural Soci ety, New Delhi, inaugu rated its annual two-day dance festival in the capital. The dance festi val which is part of the 76 Anniversary of In dia’s Independence cel ebrations will feature Indian classical dance. It is a two-day festival from August 17-18 to be held at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre. This year’s festival is a part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” by the Gov ernment of India. The first day of the festival featured the production “Nritya Dhara - a Tribute to In dia’s Cultural Herit age.” The program was choreographed and pre sented by Guru Ranjana Gauhar and disciples (Odissi), Guru Santosh Nair and disciples (Chhau), Guru Jayaprabha Menon (Kerala SNA Awar dee) and disciples (Mo hiniyattam), Guru Vid ha Lal (Bismillah Yuva Puruskar) and disciples (Kathak) and Guru Mangoljao Singh and disciples (Manipuri). Utsav, founded by Ranjana Gauhar- Pad mashree and SNA Awardeehas been at the forefront of pro moting Indian dance forms and young artists by organizing many ma jor dance festivals like ‘Unbound Beats of In dia’ for upcoming and outstanding dancers, ‘Su- Tarang’ that cele brates young dancers, and the World Dance Day. ‘Saare Jahan Se Ac cha’ is an ode to our country and commemo rates the nation’s Inde pendence Day. The Guest who attended the event were Rama Pan dey Modi.KamalMudgalMadhviLowenSharanDagarWasifuddinAmanNarayanShovanaNath
