First India-Jaipur Edition-22nd December 2022

STUDY TOUR ENDS IN TEARS!

BE ALERT, COVID-19 IS NOT OVER YET, SAYS HEALTH MINISTER

TEST, TRACK, TREAT!

4 CASES OF BF.7 VARIANT, RESPONSIBLE FOR COVID-19 CASES RISE IN CHINA, FOUND IN GUJARAT AND ODISHA

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: As Covid-19 cases surge in China, Japan, US, Korea and Brazil, Indian government on Wednesday directed state authorities to be on high alert and to strengthen surveillance.

Imphal: At least 20 students were feared dead and more than 40 were injured after 2 buses carrying students lost control in Noney district on Wednesday. Accident took place along Bisnupur, Khoupum Road. 5 girls died on the spot, others succumbed to their injuries in hosp.

According to the reports, 2 buses carrying students belonged to Thambalnu Higher Secondary School, Yaripok. The buses were heading toward Khoupum for a study tour. According to police, a bus carrying around 36 students and staff of Thambal-

NEPAL TO RELEASE

KILLER SOBHRAJ

PIL OVER CLEAN CHIT TO ARYAN WITHDRAWN

Mumbai: A criminal PIL challenging the ‘clean chit’ given to actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan in the cruise ship drug bust case was withdrawn from Bombay HC on Wednesday. Acting CJ SV Gangapurwala called it a “publicity litigation”.

Follow Covid-19 rules or postpone Yatra: Min writes to Rahul & Gehlot

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, while reviewing the states' preparedness for Covid-19, stressed on the utmost need for surveillance, containment and management, and cautioned that the pandemic is not yet over. The minister advised the states/UTs to send samples of all Covid-19 positive cases to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) labs to facilitate tracking of new variants.

The increasing number of Covid-19 cases in China, Japan, South Korea, France and US are posing a challenge. It is important to be prepared and remain alert against new and emerging strains of covid-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season.

—Mansukh

Mandaviya, Union Health Minister

BHARAT JODO YATRA ENTERS HARYANA

Rahul: Yatra has changed gap between people, leaders

Ashvini Yadav

Alwar: Bharat Jodo

Yatra entered Haryana from Rajasthan on Wednesday. Meanwhile, at the flag exchange ceremony held at the Haryana border adjacent to Alwar, Rahul told Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that ministers in Rajasthan will walk 15 kilometers once a month and this model should be implemented in every Congress ruled state.

Rahul said, ‘I am happy that the CM and the Cong chief of Rajasthan have decided that all the ministers and leaders of Rajasthan will walk 15 kilometers once a month and will work after listening to the public.

More on P10

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot regarding Covid norms in Bharat Jodo Yatra. He

Shah says battle against drugs delicately poised

CHARGE

GOVERNMENT IS ADAMANT, SAYS SONIA ON TAWANG CLASH DEBATE IN SANSAD

People gather near the wrecked remains of a school bus that overturned while trying to make a sharp turn on the Old Cachar road, in Noney on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

First India Bureau

nu Higher Secondary School, Yairipok met with accident & over-

turned at Nungsai village, around 50 km south west of Imphal.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh meets injured and enquires about their health at RIMS hosp, Noney on Wednesday.

PM MODI, CM BIREN GRANT EX-GRATIA; PRESIDENT, VP, NADDA CONDOLE DEMISE PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of `2L to the next kin of deceased and `50,000 to injured from PMNRF. CM N Biren Singh gave assurance of `5L each from CMRF to kin of deceased. Prez Droupadi Murmu, VP Jagdeep Dhankhar, BJP chief JP Nadda and others expressed condolences.

Kathmandu: Nepalese SC has ordered release of the French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, known as “the Serpent”, who preyed on western tourists travelling on the hippie trail in south Asia in the 1970s and was jailed for life for the murder of an American woman.

New Delhi: Gaganyaan mission has once again been pushed behind as the Indian Space Research Organisation continues to develop and test systems for India’s maiden human space mission. Gaganyaan mission will now launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.

has issued a diktat amid a surge in Covid cases in China and East Asia. In the letter written to Rahul and Gehlot, Mandaviya said that Covid norms should be strictly followed during yatra and the use of mask, sanitiser be implemented. ‘Only vaccinated people should participate in yatra. Follow rules or suspend yatra,’ read the letter.

Mansukh Mandaviya chairs a review meeting with Rajesh Bhushan, S Aparna, Dr VK Paul, Dr NK Arora, Rajesh S Gokhale, Rajesh Kotecha and Rajiv Bahl in view of rising Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.

Parliament

not meant for “reckless politics”, HM Amit Shah said responding to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s allegation that Centre snoops on politicians with Israeli spyware Pegasus. The minister asked the Congress MP to furnish proof of his claims.

ZELENSKYY IN US: UKRAINE PREZ TO MEET JOE BIDEN AT WHITE HOUSE

Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday and then deliver an address to a joint session of Congress at Capitol Hill. His first known wartime trip outside Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion last February.

Govind Singh Dotasra hands over flag to Udai Bhan in presence of Rahul Gandhi, CM Ashok Gehlot, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Mamta Bhupesh, Sachin Pilot and others during Yatra, in Nuh on Wednesday.

Modi government alarmed by huge turnout in Yatra, so writing: Gehlot

Rahul Gandhi poses for a photo with CM Ashok Gehlot during yatra, in Nuh on Wednesday.

Dausa: CM Gehlot on Wednesday claimed that letter written to him and Rahul by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya regarding following Covid protocol during BJY is because BJP has been “alarmed” at the popularity of march in the state. ‘Modi did rallies in Tripura where no Covid protocols were followed. Mandaviya should have written 1st letter to the Prime Minister,’ Gehlot said.

POONIA ATTACKS CONG GOVT FOR

‘GIMMICK’ OF FARM LOAN WAIVER

Satish Poonia addressed Jan Aakrosh Rally in Kushalgarh and Banswara city

Banswara: State BJP

President Satish Poonia on Wednesday visited Banswara and addressed Jan Aakrosh Rally in Kushalgarh and Banswara city. Poonia attacked Cong for not waiving farm loans.

“Congress only did the work of collecting votes by telling lies. The loans of the farmers have not been forgiven. The unemployed are not even getting jobs. Crime is increasing. In the tribal area, the Congress did maximum corruption and deceived them by depriving them of their rights.

The State Government has also not utilized the funds of the Central Government properly. Rahul Gandhi had said that by transferring non-TSP personnel working in TSP, he would give employment to TSP people, but that promise was not fulfilled,” said Poonia.

MLA Saraf

writes to Civil Aviation Min to ban int’l flights from China

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Malviya Nagar MLA Kalicharan Saraf has written a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia requesting him to ban international flights coming from China following the outbreak of a new variant of Coronavirus. “The situation in China is continuously deteriorating due to Coronavirus. The situation has become so serious that beds are not available in the hospital for treatment of corona patients and there is a huge shortage of medicines in China. In such a situation, ban international flights to and from China without delay, so that the infected citizens cannot enter India,” read the letter.

BJP COULD NOT EVEN PLAY THE ROLE OF OPPOSITION, SAYS CHANDANA

Jaipur: Sports Minister Ashok Chandana on Wednesday attacked the BJP over its Jan Aakrosh Rally. The minister said that the funeral procession of BJP’s Jan Akrosh Yatra has passed. “One can easily sit at a tea stall and can know the reality of the Jan Aakrosh Rally. Crores of people participated in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. The BJP is coming up with new tricks to stop Bharat Jodo Yatra, but this yatra will stop only Kashmir and not anywhere else. In the last four years, the BJP could not even play the role of opposition,” said Sports Minister Ashok Chandana.

Shekhawat express condolences to kin of cylinder blast victims

Jodhpur: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday reached Bhungra and other nearby villages in Jodhpur and expressed condolences to the family members of those killed in the cylinder blast.

While interacting with family members of the victim, the union mint said that he feel a personal responsibility towards each victim’s family. “Ever since the accident, I have been continuously trying to provide maximum help. This is the time for an

I feel a personal responsibility to each victim’s family. This is the time for an open heart and a helping hand.

—Gajendra

S Shekhawat Union Jal Shakti Min

open heart and a helping hand. It was a horrific accident, families of those who were affected will not be able to forget it in their life. Whatever happened is sad,” said Shekhawat.

FIRST AUTHORITY IN COUNTRY

MEETINGS

Jaipur: BJP has allotted date and schedule to several leaders for addressing public meetings under 2nd phase of Jan Aakrosh Yatra. On Dec 22, Gulabchand Kataria & Chunnilal Garasia will address meeting at Bagidora, Kalicharan Saraf, Ramlal Sharma will go to Sikar, Gyanchand Parakh and Otaram Devasi will be in Bhinmal, Bhajan Lal Sharma and Chandrakanta Meghwal will address rally in Anta. On Dec 23, Rajendra Rathore & Chandrakanta Meghwal will address meeting at Neemkathana, Bhajan Lal Sharma and Srichand Kripalani at Pushkar, Mukesh Dadhich & Shankar Singh at Sanchore.

Dr Somya visits 10 plus night shelters at midnight

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Mayor of JMCG Dr Somya on Tuesday night inspected shelter homes & took stock of arrangements. The mayor inspected more than 10 shelter homes between 11pm to 1am and found a lack of arrangements at various locations.

She went to areas like Sanganer, Maharani Farm, Vidyadhar Nagar, JK Lawn Hospital, Ajmer Road 200 Feet Bypass, Triveni Nagar Pulia, Gandhi Nagar Railway Station and saw the ar-

rangements being made for people during winters. During inspection at a shelter home in Sanganer, she expressed displeasure over quilts being sent to a nearby police station and peo-

ple were given blankets. During the inspection, the mayor also saw people sleeping in the open. She also asked the people to sleep in shelter homes during this winter season.

Interviews for SI & RAS 2021 to be held in early 2023

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: RPSC will conduct interview for sub inspector recruitment exam & RAS exam 2021 early next year.

Commission’s Chairman Sanjay Shrotriya said that for the last 6 months, the commission is engaged in completing the recruitment process for the college lecturers and till now the interviews of 31 subjects

have been completed.

Shrotriya was talking to reporters on Wednesday on eve of RPSC’s 74th Foundation Day. Commission will celebrate foundation day on Dec 22.

He said in January, interviews for sub-inspectors recruitment will be conducted while interviews for RAS-21 exam will be held between February and March.

Complete Bisalpur project within 5 months, says Jaipur Collector

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Dist Collector Prakash Rajpurohit said the Bisalpur Prithviraj Nagar drinking water project should be completed in the next five months by employing more manpower and resources.

The speed of laying the pipeline under the project should be increased and the work related to distribution should be completed before three months.

The District Collector was giving instructions to the concerned

RERA starts e-exemption certificates

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has started issuing online exemption certificates. Rajasthan RERA is the first authority in the country which is giving this certificate.

The certificate is issued for such projects whose work has been completed, the local body has issued completion certificate but the promoter has not yet

started selling the project neither marketing nor any pre-booking has been done.

In such cases, it will

BIG RELIEF FROM NEW ARRANGEMENT

officials during the inspection of construction works of the Bisalpur Prithviraj Nagar Project on Tuesday. He told so far a total of 612 km of pipeline has been laid. So far, a total amount of Rs 311.94 crore has been

spent on the scheme. District Collector informed that under the scheme, 19 high reservoirs & 9 clean reservoirs with pump houses are being constructed. Along with this, work of laying & connecting a total of 1008.73 km transmission/rising main and distribution pipelines is being done. Superintending Engineer Subhanshu Dixit & other officers were present. It is worth mentioning that Rs 563.93 cr has been released by state govt in first phase.

2 dummy candidates held in 2nd grade exam

India Bureau

not be necessary to register such a project in RERA and RERA will issue an exemption certificate.

Online application for this certificate can be filed in RERA and the certificate will be issued online.

Udaipur: The police have arrested two youths who appeared in the second-grade recruitment exam in Udaipur on Wednesday posing as dummy candidates instead of registered candidates. Among them, Manohar Lal’s dummy candidate is a lecturer in a government school. Second, Narendra Singh prepares for the exam. The first case pertains to Government School Ekling-

pura Centre. The accused Manohar Lal Vishnoi, a resident of Sanchore, reached Jalore as a dummy candidate in place of candidate Ashok Parikh.

Manohar, a lecturer in a government school by profession, had already given exam in the first shift. In the second shift, when the invigilator was strictly matching photo-identity card of everyone in examination hall. The bogus candidate tried to escape, the police personnel caught him.

in

working days, interview process has been done in 148 working days.

This year, there have been minimum legal disputes in exams conducted by the commission, due to which every work was completed in a time-bound manner, he said.

He expressed desire to conduct online exams but lack of resources, it cannot be implemented at present.

Anjana writes to PM, urges to declare Sammed Shikhar as tourist spot

PK Agarwal

Nimbahera (Chittorgarh): Cooperative Minister Udai Lal Anjana has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the holy pilgrimage of Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji Tirth. The minister has requested that Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji Tirth should not be declared a tourism destination as it is against the sentiments of the Jain community.

On Wednesday, the markets remained closed in Nimbahera and observed a peaceful protest against the order. The protestors said that keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the society, at least think about the land worshipped by the tenacity of 20 Tirthankaras.

Satish Poonia addressing Jan Aakrosh Rally in Kushalgarh and Banswara city on Wednesday.

2ND PHASE OF JAN AAKROSH YATRA: BJP LEADERS TO ADDRESS PUBLIC

Ram Mehata

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat talking to family members of those killed in the cylinder blast in Bhungra village in Jodhpur.

Rajeev Gaur

Dr Somya inspecting shelter home at midnight.

Dr Somya interacting with one of the occupants of night shelter.

Chairman said that the Commission has conducted 92 examinations

last one year and released results of 96 exams. Out of a total 188

Sanjay Shrotriya and other officials interacting with media.

First

PROTEST IN JAIPUR

15 RETAIL LICENCES CANCELLED FOR ILLEGAL SALE OF AVIL DRUG

ACTION TAKEN AGAINST MEDICAL STORES:

z Balaji Medical & General Store, Kumbha Marg, Tonk Road

27-yr-old Bundi woman found dead in Mumbai

Family members accuse live-in partner of murder

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Drug Controller Organisation has cancelled the licences of 15 retail shops for the misuse of Avil drug in Jaipur.

The action, which came after First India flashed the news about the misuse of the drug, was taken under the supervision of Drug commissioner Pukhraj Sen a few days back.

During the action, several irregularities were found in the purchase and sale of the drug. After approval of drug controller Ajay Fatak, action

against the shops intensified and ADC Anil Agrawal, Rakesh Verma and Subhash Chandra cancelled the

z Vikram Medical & Provision Store, Ramnagariya, Jagatpura

z Sri Sai Medical And General Store, Kukas

z Shanti Medicals, Ramganj

z Saksham Medical, Malpura Road, Sanganer z Life Care Pharma, Delhi Bypass, Amer z Kanha Medical, Ramganj Bazar

z Kamal Medical & Provision Store, Agra Road

z Dhanraj Medical And General Store, Jhalana Dungri

z V J Pharmaceuticals, Malviya Nagar

z Naveen Medical & Provision Store, Jagatpura Road

z Vaishnavi Medical & General Store, Delhi Road

z New Life Care, Malviya Nagar

z Shubham Medical And Provision Store, Goner Road

z Shree Gayatri Medical & Provision Store, Gator Road

Bundi: The body of a 27-year-old woman was found in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, four days after she was reported missing from her home in Kopar Kheran area.

The deceased, identified as Urvi Vaishnav, was a resident of Bundi, Rajasthan and used to work as a waiter in a hotel for the last 6 to 7 years.

licence of 15 shops.

The NCB has also arrested renowned psychiatrist Dr Anil Tambi nearly a month after

Kota Prof held for seeking sexual favour from student

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: An associate professor of Rajasthan Technical University, Kota along with his middleman has been arrested for allegedly seeking sexual favour from girl students in lieu of good marks.

The shocking matter came to light after a girl lodged an FIR against the accused Girish Parmar with Dadabadi police station of Kota.

The police arrested Parmar and his middleman Arpit Agrawal on Wednesday.

Parmar mounted pressure on the final year student of the

electronics department through one of her male classmates, according to the police complaint lodged by her.

An audio recording of the conversation between Parmar and the male student has surfaced on social media, in which the professor was heard making vulgar comments about the victim. The statement of the victim was recorded on Wednesday.

Court junks plea involving Jai Mahal Palace Hotel land case

Jaipur: In the case of Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, involving the former royal family, the magistrate’s court dismissed the case filed by the heirs of the servants of the royal family claiming ownership over part of a land.

The petitioners, Ram Singh, and others had claimed ownership of the land of Nataniyon Ka Bagh. The case was filed in 1985 against former Maharaja Bhawani Singh, Rambagh Palace Hotel officials Vikram Singh, Jait Singh and Bhopal Singh and others.

Advocate Ramjilal Gupta appeared on behalf of Rambagh Palace Hotel and argued that the plaintiffs have no ownership and possession over the property. The MM-1 court dismissed the applica-

tion of the petitioners as they could not prove their possession and ownership of the land.

A room at the heritage properties comes with a hefty price-tag, starting from tens of thousands of rupees per night.

raid at his house. A large number of NDPS category medicines were also seized in the raid. After the arrest,

Tambi was produced in the link court of NDPS court, from where he was sent to jail for 14 days.

The family of the deceased has accused the woman’s live-in-partner of killing her. The family said that Urvi had come in contact with a man named Riyaz Khan about 7 months ago and they had been living together. Urvi’s two brothers also

Verdict today in money laundering case against Bizman Robert Vadra

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Hearing in Money Laundering case relating to Big Land scam at Kolayat, Bikaner, by Robert Vadra concluded on Wednesday. After hearing the matter for 3 days in part, hearing was concluded on Wednesday.

Prayer was made by counsel of Robert

Electric buses to ply on city roads in 2023

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Jaipur City Transport Service Limited (JCTSL) is all set to run electric buses on city roads from May-June next year. In the first phase, a total of 100 buses will be run on lease in the city next year. A target has been set to increase it to 300 by the end of the year.

This decision was taken in a meeting of the JCTSL board held recently. A proposal has been prepared and sent to the government.

The board has considered operating 1,000 electric buses by the year 2025 keeping in view the future population and its corresponding needs.

Chandna launches portal for Rajiv Gandhi Urban Olympic Games ’23

Jaipur: Sports Minister Ashok Chandna on Wednesday inaugurated the registration portal of Rajiv Gandhi Urban Olympic Games2023 in the Secretariat.

With this, the registration process for the Urban Olympic Games also began on Wednesday. The games are scheduled to start on January 26.

While addressing a press conference on this occasion, Minister

pic Games. “Rajasthan has emerged as a ‘trendsetter’

other states in the field of sports.

These games will be organised in all 240 local bodies of the State.

SEVEN SPORTS TO BE PLAYED IN EVENT, ANNOUNCES CHANDNA

The Minister of State for Sports informed that seven types of sports will be organised under the Urban Olympics. These include Kabaddi (Boys and Girls Category), Tennis Ball Cricket (Boys and Girls Category), Kho-Kho (Girls Category), Volleyball (Boys and Girls Category), Athletics (100m, 200m, and 400m), Football (Boys and girls category), and basketball (boys and girls category). The competitions will be organised at the municipal, district and state level.

Vadra to quash ECIR( Enforcement case information report) which is not even FIR. Case was strongly op-

posed by Addl. SG Rajasthan High court Rajdeepak Rastogi on behalf of ED, saying filing of writ challenging the action of ED is abuse of process of court and it is a case of serious money Laundering by Robert vadra and his colleagues.

The Court will pronounce its judgement on 22 December.

used to live nearby. It was on December 13 that Riyaz dropped Urvi at the hotel and she never returned. Her brothers tried to reach

First India Bureau

Ashok Chandna said that Rajasthan is the first state to give government jobs to national players along with organising a unique event like Rural Olym-

for

Renowned psychiatrist Dr Anil Tambi arrested by NCB month after raid at his house in Jaipur

Bhanwar S Hada

her but her phone was switched off. Following this, her family members filed a missing complaint at Nerul police station.

NDPS category medicines were seized from (inset) Psychiatrist Dr Anil Tambi’s house in a raid on November 29.

Mother of Urvi Vaishnav (L) demands arrest of accused.

First India Bureau

Students protest against accused Assistant Professor.

WHY DRAGON PROVOKING INDIA: AFTER GALWAN NOW TAWANG

BELAGAVI ROW: K’TAKA AND MAHA CAN’T WAIT FOR TOP COURT ORDER

India hopes to become a primary power in its region, finally de-hyphenating from Pakistan, and able to compete with China in South Asia but this may be true as long as Indian military is strong enough to not allow a repeat of 1962 in the Himalayas.

Despite ongoing Ukraine war entering a crucial and dangerous mode Modi’s statement that the ‘Era of War is Over’ is a belief that China will not go to war with an India. India by defining Pakistan as visible enemy and Terrorism as invisible enemy, leaving out China from the firing line may be deemed to be acceptance of China’s occupation of Indian Territory without firing a shot

India and China share about 3,500 km long border which is not fully delineated and has been a consistent cause of conflict. Both nations have fought a war in 1962, had border skirmishes in Sikkim in 1967, Sumdorong Chu Valley 1987, Daulat Beg Oldie 2013, Doklam in 2017, and Galwan in Ladakh in 2020. Now just two-and-a-half years after Galwan, the Indian and Chinese troops faced off at the Yangtse area near Tawang in the eastern sector of their disputed border. These conflicts have been de-escalated but the questions still remain are how long will such skirmishes continue and what may possibly be the end result? Border dispute remains a major irritant and a potential source of conflict between the two neighbours.

PROBABLE ATTRIBUTES AND TAWANG CLASH

On differing perceptions on Line of Actual Control (LAC), in June 2020, Indian and Chinese troops got engaged in a brawl in Galwan Valley that left twenty Indian soldiers dead while causing an unspecified number of Chinese casualties. This border dispute marked an implacable

decline in India-China ties. A series of meetings between military leaders and some diplomatic efforts resulted in de-escalation in Ladakh region but the LAC still remained focus of developmental and defence activities and uneasiness on both sides of border continued. India joining the Quad navies for an advanced Malabar naval exercise in Sea of Japan in Nov 2022, ‘Yudh Abhyas 2022’ Indian and US Army’s within 100 km of the LAC has all been perceived by Chinese as crossing of diplomatic and military red line. Some other issues like ascertaining authority by Xi Jinping on assuming third term and need to divert attention from protests in China over governmental anti covid policies and emerging discontentment may have contributed to this Chinese provocative action.

All these factors along with the fact that the Chinese side attempted to take control of the 17,000-ft (5,180-meter) peak dominating the whole region triggered the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, 2022. Chinese

troops carried out an incursion across the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Indian Army countered this attempt by Chinese to change the status quo on the LAC in which both side soldiers had reportedly suffered some injuries in the clash.

India and China share about 3,500 km long border which is not fully delineated and has been a consistent cause of conflict. Both nations have fought a war in 1962, had border skirmishes in Sikkim in 1967, Sumdorong Chu Valley 1987, Daulat Beg Oldie 2013, Doklam in 2017, and Galwan in Ladakh in 2020

The entire border between India and China is disputed but the flash point has remained in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh where the stakes are clearly higher. India claims some 45,000 square kilometers of territory in Aksai Chin in the western sector of the border, which China occupied in the 1962 war, while Beijing claims an area of around 90,000 square kilometers, roughly coinciding with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern sector. China’s interest in Arunachal is primarily to gain leverage in a future settlement of the border and use it as a bargaining chip for an eventual ‘swap’ and the recognition by India of the occupation by China of Aksai Chin.”

India hopes to become a

primary power in its region, finally de-hyphenating from Pakistan, and able to compete with China in South Asia but this may be true as long as Indian military is strong enough to not allow a repeat of 1962 in the Himalayas. Despite ongoing Ukraine war entering a crucial and dangerous mode Modi’s statement that the ‘Era of War is Over’ is a belief that China will not go to war with an India. India by defining Pakistan as visible enemy and Terrorism as invisible enemy, leaving out China from the firing line may be deemed to be acceptance of China’s occupation of Indian Territory without firing a shot.

THE PATH AHEAD FOR MILITARY PLATFORMS

Need for more regular, systematic and progressive mutual talks through military platforms to help build mutual trust and arrive at common grounds and mutually acceptable solutions to normalise bilateral relations.

The diplomatic channels need to be more vigorous and arrive at mutually agreeable formula for lasting peace, a well defined demarcation and clarity on the LAC is crucial in this effort.

The United States and Russia have consistently figured in Sino Indian relations. India will have to formulate a firm policy where the proximity with US and Russia will have to be kept off the Sino India bilateral relations. The UNSC, G - 20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS and Indo Pacific Initiative are some platforms where rising Indian clout has to be used to its maximum advantage.

Despite frequent border clashes and Aatmnirbhar Bharat, the Sino Indian trade is on rise and the latest data shows 34% rise in mutual trade and with disadvantage to India. A balanced trade and economic relationship might lay a solid foundation for future relations, given the size of both economies..

COVID CURBS FACE RAHUL’S YATRA

China’s Covid-19 surge has sent alarm bells ringing across several countries, including India. Experts have forecast 10 lakh Covid-19 deaths in China. These numbers would be multiple times higher than in Wuhan, from where the virus was said to have spread, which reported 3,869 deaths between December 2019 and April 2020. These numbers were disputed as the average number of deaths over a week in the same period was said to have been 284. China, it is widely believed, under-reported Wuhan deaths. Although there is no mechanism available to verify the actual casualties that may take place in this fresh wave, the numbers being esti-

China’s Covid-19 surge has sent alarm bells ringing across several countries, including India. Experts have forecast 10 lakh Covid-19 deaths in China. These numbers would be multiple times higher than in Wuhan, from where the virus was said to have spread, which reported 3,869 deaths between December 2019 and April 2020

mated are frighteningly high. With no travel restrictions in China and no compulsion on pre-flight testing, a cautious India has put the Covid-19 protocol back in place. There are not going to be any restrictions but people, especially those with co-morbidities and senior citizens, have been advised to

adhere to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, avoiding crowded places and using sanitiser. The rest of the guidelines are for state governments to ensure testing and tracking of cases and vaccination.

Nothing in India can be without political ramification. The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has written to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asking the latter to suspend his Bharat Jodo Yatra or strictly follow Covid-19 guidelines and allow only vaccinated people to participate. The Congress has hit back at the BJP. Gehlot said that the BJP is scared of BJY’s popularity. MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the BJY was not to Mandaviya’s liking.

The Karnataka Assembly resolution declaring the boundary row with Maharashtra as settled has not gone down well with Maharashtra. The dispute is over the merger of Belagavi and two other villages with Maharashtra as decided by the State Reorganisation Act, 1956, which Karnataka has refused to accept as it does not want to lose control of the territory. Then Maharashtra refused to accept the Mahajan Commission report rejecting the state’s claim over Belagavi (then Belgaum). In 2004 Maharashtra filed a petition in the Supreme Court claiming territorial control of Belgaum which was renamed Belagavi by Karnataka and made its second capital.

Both the states have the BJP in power yet they are unable to resolve it through dialogue. In an attempt to defuse the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently advised both chief ministers of the two states to wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict. With Assembly elections approaching, Karnataka can’t let go of regional sentiments for political gains.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

TOP TWEETS

Best

China’s recent U-turn on its zeroCovid strategy has led to a sharp increase in Covid infections and deaths in the communist nation.

● Vol 4 ● Issue No. 196

● RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.

Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur. Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504.

Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Bible

Narendra Modi @narendramodi

wishes to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri @ysjagan Garu on his birthday. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

COL RAJESH BHUKAR

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

‘

GOVT KEEPING AN EYE ON INFLATION’

New Delhi (ANI): Amid the continuing debate over soaring inflation, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the govt is keeping an eye on it.

Replying to the debate on the Supplementary Demands for Grants in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said that inflation in India is purely "extraneous" nowadays because of fuel and fertiliser prices. India's retail inflation based on consumer price index remained above the Reserve Bank's tolerance level of 6% since January this year. It declined to 5.88% in November, making it the first time in 2022 to fall within RBI's band.

On the other hand, wholesale price based inflation (WPI) fell to 21-month low last month. Later, the Rajya Sabha returned Supplementary Demands for Grants to Lok Sabha, thus completing the process of authorising the govt to spend an additional Rs 3.25 lakh crore in FY2022-23. Sitharaman also stressed that the supplementary demand for grants is essentially for food security, fertiliser requirements and providing support to Indian economy.

CENTRAL AUDITOR FLAGS DELAYS IN STRENGTHENING SECURITY OF NAVY

An approval ac-

Shah: 71 multi-state cooperative societies under liquidation

New

DAILY WAGERS, 63 HOUSEWIVES DIED BY SUICIDE EVERY DAY IN 2021’

A s many as 115 daily wage earner and 63 housewives ended their lives every day in India in 2021, which saw a total of 1,64,033 suicides in the country, the Lok Sabha was informed Tuesday. Sharing data from NCRB, Union MoS for Home Nityanand Rai said a total of 42,004 daily wage earners and 23,179 housewives committed suicide last year. Altogether, 20,231 self-employed people, 15,870 salaried people, 13,714 unemployed, 13,089 students, and 12,055 involved in business, committed suicide last year, he said in a written reply.

BHARAT JODO YATRA

New Delhi: Amid the Opposition's offensive against the government over the India-China border tensions, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi today chaired a meeting of all party MPs in Parliament to discuss the strategy for the remainder of the Winter Session. The

New Delhi (PTI) :Around 71 multi-state cooperative societies are under liquidation this year so far, with the maximum number of them located in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi and Odisha, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

According to the data placed by Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in his written reply to the Rajya Sabha, five multistate cooperative banks were also under liquidation till December 15, 2022. Out of 71 multi-cooperative societies that are under liquidation, 15 of them are located in Rajasthan, followed by 13 in Maharashtra, 11 each in Delhi and Odisha, the data showed.

In a separate reply on

Fight today is between 2 ideologies, Cong has a role to play, says RaGa in Haryana

Nuh (Haryana): As the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' entered Haryana on Wednesday, party leader Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP, saying the fight today is between two ideologiesone which benefits a select few, while the "other is the voice of the people, farmers and labourers".

The Yatra crossed over to Haryana from Rajasthan. Addressing a gathering in Nuh district, Rahul Gandhi said the fight between the two ideologies in the country was not a new one and has been going on for thousands of years. On the BJP questioning his cross-country foot march, he said, People of our ideology go out to spread love and affection," he said.

Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar today took a dig at the Narendra Modi government for raising an alarm over a fresh COVID-19 spike at a time when Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra was gaining momentum. The JD(U) leader, who dumped the BJP four months ago to join the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the Congress, vowing to defeat the NDA by uniting the opposition ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls, was talking to journalists on the sidelines of a function in Patna. "It should be known why they (the ruling BJP at the Centre) had become laidback over Covid in the first place, and why they have certainly become vigilant now when the Congress people are taking out a yatra," Nitish said.

WHY JUST CONG, WHY JUST BJY? PAWAN KHERA ON COVID CONCERNS LETTER

New Delhi (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations in gangster-terror nexus cases and seized large quantities of illicit weapons and ammunition from the premises of gangsters.

The anti-terror agency conducted these searches at two locations in Haryana's Sirsa to dismantle and disrupt the emerging nexus between terrorists, gangsters and weapon suppliers based in India and abroad.

During the searches, four illicit weapons (one Rifle, one Gun, two Pistols), over a hundred pieces of ammunition of different calibres, a number of blank and fired cartridges and sharp-edged weapons have been seized, the NIA said.

EASING UP SECURITY CHECKS

Taking out laptops, phones at airports to end soon

New Delhi (ANI): According to reports, passengers may soon be able to pass through airport security checks without having to lay out laptops, phones and chargers in separate trays, easing the congestion that has made news this month.

Reportedly, the organisation which looks after the aviation security, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), is set to launch a mandate within a

BCAS is set to launch new security mandate soon.

month that will lead to the adoption of modern equipment which will

be used to screen bags without taking out the electronic devices.

Several airports in the US and Europe already use such baggage

scanners, which do not require passengers to remove their electronic

devices or jackets.

According to sources, the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad will first witness the installation of these machines and they will reach other airports within a year This step was taken after some of the country’s busiest airports experienced a chaos due to a surge in travel, this resulted in the deployment of more staff and security equipment.

PUNJAB POLICE ASKS CHANNI TO APPEAR ON JAN 12

Mansa (Punjab): The Punjab Police on Wednesday summoned former Punjab CM, Charanjit Singh Channi asking him to appear before the CJM court on January 12, in connection with a case registered against him during the Punjab polls.

This came soon after his visit to assassinated Punjabi singer and Congress leader Siddhu Moose Wala’s parents on Tuesday evening in Mansa. “The case was registered on the complaint of AAP. It’s a false case,” Channi added.

the performance of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Shah said 48,907 PACS were in profit, while 24,243 of them were in loss as of March 2020.

DELHI HC NOTICE TO CENTRE OBJECTING ‘TAM’ BY PVT

BODIES

New Delhi: The Delhi HC on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre and others on a PIL stating TV Audience Measurement (TAM) Services are being carried out by an array of private bodies, thus carrying out overriding activities of Constitutionally mandated duties of BIS as prescribed in BIS Act 2016.

The plea stated that due to the non-implementation of the BIS Act, 2016 and alleged illegal creations of so-called trend-setting ‘TAM services’ bodies/institutions mushroomed to siphoning off govt funds.

PRODUCTION

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday assured Delhi High Court that it will not execute the production warrant issued by the trial court for Anubrata Mondal till the matter is pending here.

The trial court on Monday issued a production warrant for TMC leader Anubrata Mondal in Delhi in connection with the West Bengal cattle smuggling money laundering case. TMC leader Anubrata Mandal on Tuesday moved Delhi High Court challenging the issuance of a Production warrant by Rouse Avenue Court in the ED case related to the West Bengal Cattle Smuggling matter. Mondal is currently lodged in Asansol jail in connection with a CBI case.

NAINITAL COURT REJECTS PETITION FOR CBI PROBE

Dehradun: The Nainital High Court, on Wednesday, rejected the petition related to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. A single bench of senior judge Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Uttarakhand High Court, dismissed the petition seeking a CBI investigation in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

The single judge bench said that the SIT team is doing satisfactory work in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

DELHI HC GRANTS INTERIM BAIL TO RIOTS ACCUSED

New Delhi: The Delhi High court on December 21 granted interim bail to a Delhi riot accused to attend the marriage of his son and daughter. The petitioner is an accused in a case registered at Dayal Pur police station in 2020.

Justice Jasmeet Singh granted bail to accused Ibrahim from December 25, 2022, till January 10, 2023, to attend his son and daughter’s marriage ceremonies. The bench directed him to surrender before the jail authorities on January 10 at 5 p.m.

Inflation in India is purely extraneous due to prices of fuel, fertiliser, says Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha

In a separate reply on the PACS Amit Shah said 48,907 PACS were in profit, while 24,243 of them were in loss as of March 2020. Nisith Pramanik and Jyotiraditya Scindia are also seen.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while replying to the discussion on The Appropriation (No.5) Bill, 2022 and The Appropriation (No.4) Bill, 2022 in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. RS returned these Bills authorising payment of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the current financial year. —SCREENGRAB FROM SANSAD TV

‘115

Congress Parliamentary Party meeting was held at Parliament's Central Hall with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and all party MPs in attendance. Earlier Cong leader, Shashi Tharoor said that the Centre must address the issues on the LAC with China and provide answers to people. Stating that the govt is accountable to the people, Tharoor said that the opposition are asking for a discussion on this issue.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi during the meeting on Wednesday.

SONIA GANDHI HOLDS KEY MEET TO DISCUSS INDIA-CHINA LAC ROW

Catholic Bishops' president Andrews Thazhath met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday regarding Pope Francis invitation to India. Giving the detail about the meeting, Andrews Thazhath said, "The discussion was regarding inviting the pope to India. PM Modi told me that during his visit to Vatican City last year he has already invited him."

—PHOTO BY ANI

CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ PREZ MEETS PM MODI ON INVITING POPE TO INDIA

Delhi:

corded by Cabinet Committee on Security in Feb 2009 to enhance the security of all coastal and offshore naval assets within three years in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks was "diluted" due to delays in creating the enabling framework, CAG has said. It said Fast Interception Crafts (FICs) were inducted into the Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) with a delay of 13 to 61 months, adding the infrastructure was not available. The report was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.

‘WON’T EXECUTE

WARRANT AGAINST ANUBRATA MONDAL TILL JAN 9’

NIA seizes huge ammunition during multiple searches in Haryana

Rahul Gandhi in Nuh on Wednesday. Randeep Singh Surjewala, Bhupindra Hooda, Kumari Selja, Uday Bhan are also seen.

First India Bureau

RAGA ANGRILY STOPS MAN FROM TAKING SELFIE WITH HIM, BJP HITS BACK

Avideo has gone viral on social media that shows how Rahul Gandhi pushed aside the hand of a Congress worker who was seen attempting to take a selfie with him. In the video, Gandhi reportedly shook the worker’s hand angrily. The video is reportedly from Bharat Jodo Yatra which entered Haryana on Wednesday. Meanwhile, BJP IT Cell incharge took a dig at RaGa. Sharing the video, he tweeted, “Rahul Gandhi needs lessons in how to conduct himself in public.”

NITISH KUMAR JABS MODI GOVT FOR RELEASING COVID CAUTION AMID BJY

Nuh (Haryana): Noting that the BJP is taking out yatras in Karnataka and Rajasthan, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday asked if Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had sent letters to them too. The retort came after the minister wrote to Rahul Gandhi to consider suspending the Bharat Jodo Yatra if Covid protocols could not be followed.“Please announce Covid protocols, we will follow them,” Khera told reporters here “Why just Rahul Gandhi, why just Congress party, why just Bharat Jodo Yatra?” he asked.

TMC MP SAUGATA INTERRUPTS SHAH IN LS

Amit Shah, speaking in the Lok Sabha on the issue of drug abuse in the country, shot down TMC MP Saugata Roy, who tried to interrupt his speech. “Dada, if you want to give a speech, I will sit down. You can speak. Being such a senior MP, such interruptions are unbecoming of your position and seniority,” Amit Shah said.

Four cases of BF.7, variant of concern in China, found in India

Ahmedabad (PTI): Four cases of BF.7 variant of Omicron, which is responsible for the surge in Covid-19 cases in China, have been found in India, sources in the Union Health Ministry told media. While two have been detected in Gujarat, one case has been traced to Odisha. The two new cases of BF.7 have been detected in Gujarat’s Vadodara and Ahmedabad.

A 61-year-old NRI woman living in Sabhanpura area of Vadodara has tested positive for the BF.7 variant of Covid-19. According to Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, the NRI woman came from the United States to Vadodara in November and after a week, she tested positive for Covid-19. The woman’s sample was sent for genome sequencing, the results of which confirmed that she has tested positive for the BF.7 variant.

The civic chief said the woman was inoculated with three doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The woman was kept in home isolation and did not report any major symptoms. The condition of the woman is normal.Besides the NRI woman, a man living in the Gota area of Ahmedabad has also tested positive for BF.7.

BENGALURU AIRPORT TO SCREEN AIR PASSENGERS

Bengaluru: Karnataka is preparing to send COVID-19 test samples for genome sequencing, step up the booster dose programme and will soon start screening passengers at the Bengaluru airport following an alert by the union government over a spike in coronavirus cases in other countries, the government said on Wednesday.

“In the wake of new variants being found in other countries, the Union Health Ministry has directed states to send samples of all new Covid cases for genomic sequencing, and we have already

taken measures to implement the same,” said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar. Speaking to the media in Belagavi, Dr Sudhakar said that some countries including China and Japan are witnessing a sudden spurt in cases. China’s rate of hospitalisation has been particularly alarming.

X-MAS VIBES IN CITY OF JOY

No rise in cases but we must be vigilant: Ex-AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria

New Delhi: Cases are not rising anywhere but we must be vigilant, said the former chief of AIIMS, Dr Randeep Guleria, amid an alarming surge in cases being reported in China. Dr Guleria, however, assured that the Covid situation in India is much better compared to China because of a hugely successful vaccine drive. “India’s situation is much better compared to that of China because our vaccination strategy has been very successful. Most of the people in the high-risk group have taken booster doses and natural infection has happened,” he said.

2 FROM GUJARAT +VE WITH NEW COVID VARIANT, CURED AT HOME

Ahmedabad : Two people who had contracted the strain of the coronavirus causing a surge in COVID-19 cases in China had been detected in Gujarat over two months ago and recovered at home, without needing hospitalisation, officials said on Wednesday. “The patients were infected with BF 7 and BF 12 form of Omicron variant were reported in Oct-Nov 2022. These two patients were treated in home isolation. They have fully recovered now,” a health dept official said, requesting not to be named. One of the patients, a 61-year-old woman in Vadodara, had arrived from the US on September 11, and tested positive for COVID-19 on September 18, the official said, adding she had taken three doses of the Pfizer vaccination and was in home isolation. The close contacts had tested negative for COVID-19, the official said on Wednesday while talking to media.

BSF soldiers stand tall amid dense fog

Amritsar (ANI): Border Security Force (BSF) troops stationed at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar, Punjab, were standing tall and patrolling regardless of the dense fog, zero visibility, and frigid winter days. As visibility dropped below 10 metres due to fog, ANI learned that troops at the AttariWagah border in Amritsar, became more vigilant.

Troops of the Border Security Force were observed patrolling the India-Pakistan border through a dense fog. However, the increasing fog did not appear to dampen the soldiers’ spirits.

According to Nitika, Sub-Inspector of BSF, they are constantly vigilant in perilous circumstances so that millions of Indians can sleep soundly.

Union Min Bharati Pravin Pawar speaks on Tribal Empowerment

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Sate for Health and Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar addressed the media on Tribal Empowerment in New Delhi. She spoke about various initiatives of the Government taken for the upliftment of tribal population and the progress made in empowering tribal population.

Addressing the media, she said, “The allocation for STC funds has been increased from Rs.

Truth will prevail: KCR’s daughter on liquor policy

Hyderabad(PTI) :

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha, who the ED mentioned in the Delhi Excise Policy charge sheet accusing her of holding 65 per cent stake in a liquor company, hit out at the BJP on Wednesday saying “truth with prevail”.

Kalvakuntla Kavitha tweeted, “Rajagopal Anna.. Don’t rush!! Even if my name is mentioned 28 times or 28000 times a lie is not true. #TruthWillPrevail.” This came after BJP leader Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy tweeted tagging a news article with the caption.

19,437 cr in 2014-15 to Rs. 87,585 cr. in 2022-23 and the allocation for Ministry of Tribal affairs has also been increased from Rs. 3832 cr. in 2014-15 to Rs. 8407 cr. in 2022-23. She said that this is a very commendable step for the development of trib-

THE 22-YARDS’

al area in all directions”.

Bharati Pravin Pawar also said that on the CBSE pattern in Eklavya Model Residential schools more than 1 lakh students are enrolled and are getting education along with sports facilities.

She further said that various scholarship schemes such as for pre and post Matric scholarship schemes, National Overseas scholarship scheme are ensuring that tribal students are getting regular quality education.

SRINAGAR RECORDS -4.2 DEGREES, 40-DAY INTENSE COLD SPELL BEGINS

Srinagar: The weather office has predicted mostly cloudy weather with chances of light snow at isolated places from December 26 over north and northwestern parts of the Kashmir valley.Interior parts of Dal Lake in Srinagar were frozen on the night of Tuesday with the

weather office predicting continued dry and cold weather as Kashmir’s harshest 40-day winter period ‘Chillai Kalan’ begins on Wednesday.The meteorological (MeT) department said the Chillai Kalan will start on a dry note. “Dry weather is expected till Dec 25 evening,” MeT said.

25 KG HEROIN SEIZED AT PUNJAB BORDER FROM PAK SMUGGLERS

New Delhi: Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered 25 kilograms of heroin after a brief encounter with Pakistani smugglers at the international border in the Fazilka district of Punjab on Wednesday. A senior BSF officer informed that at about 1.50 am, BSF troops deployed at the

border observed some suspicious movement of smugglers on both sides of border fencing in the area falling near Village Gatti Ajaib Singh in Fazilka district. In prompt action, BSF troops immediately fired at the Pakistani smugglers ahead of the border fence. The smugglers managed to escape.

NEWS DIGEST

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra

IPL 2023 mini auction on December 23

New Delhi (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified the rules related to the ‘Impact Player’ which will be added from the IPL 2023 season. The clarification of rules comes just a couple of days ahead of the IPL 2023 auction which takes place in Kochi on Friday. The BCCI clarified to all 10 franchise via a note that ‘Impact Player’ can only be an Indian player and not a foreigner, unless there are less than ‘4 overseas stars’ in the Playing XI.

“Only an overseas player who is part of 4 substitutes named in the team sheet can be used

as an Impact Player. If a team introduces an overseas player as an Impact Player in a match, in no circumstance can a 5th overseas player take the field,” the BCCI note quoted by Cricbuzz website stated. The note explained how the ‘Impact Player’ can be used.

“The Captain will nominate the Impact Player. The Impact Player can be introduced (i) before the start of the innings; or (ii) after completion of an over; or (iii) in case of a batter, at the fall of the wicket or the batter retiring at any time during the over.

KL RAHUL SUFFERS HAND INJURY AHEAD OF 2ND TEST AGAINST BANGLADESH

NCPCR: BYJU’S THREATENING KIDS, PARENTS

New Delhi: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has claimed that the edtech company Byju’s is allegedly purchasing the phone numbers of kids and their parents and threatening them that their future will be ruined if they do not buy courses from it. “We’ll initiate action and if need be will make report and write to government,” NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo told to media.

JHARKHAND GOVT WITHDRAWS ORDER TO DECLARE SHIKHAR JI A TOURIST PLACE

Ranchi

NAZAM SETHI TO TAKE CHARGE OF PCB AS RAMIZ SACKED OVER

PERFORMANCE

Media also reported about the Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s decision on keeping Sammed Shikhar’s identity intact as a pilgrimage site. Acharya Vidyasagar announced on Paras TV that the Jharkhand government will not develop Sammed Shikhar as a tourism site, It will remain a holy site for Jains.

SURGE IN CHINA, ALERT

BF.7 is the sub-variant of deadly Omicron variant of Corona Virus. —FILE PHOTO

BSF personnel patrolling on the International Border fence as visibility continues to reduce due to increasing fog at the Attari Wagah border, on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

IPL Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades fainted during the last session of auction in February, 2022. —FILE PHOTO

TEAM

Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja was sacked from the role on Wednesday. The move from the PCB comes a day after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss in a Test series at home. Ramiz Raja, the proceedings of the PCB during 2 T20 World Cups and a 50-over Women’s World Cup. Pak PM Shehbaz Sherif, who is also the patron of the board, cleared the appointment of Sethi as the new chairman of the PCB.

Dhaka: KL Rahul, India’s stand-in captain for the Test series in Bangladesh, suffered an injury on his hand while batting in the nets on the eve of the second Test match in Mirpur, Dhaka. India lead the series 1-0 and Rahul is expected to lead the visitors as Rohit

Sharma was earlier ruled out of second Test as well as he is recuperating from a thumb injury.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration of the Christmas festival, at Allen park, in Kolkata on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

: The Jain community, which has been agitating for the last several days to save its holy site Sammed Shikhar, has achieved great success. The Jharkhand government has announced that now the Sammed Shikhar at Girdih district will not be made a tourist destination. This good news has been announced by Vidyasagar, the biggest spiritual guru of the Digambar Jain community.

GUJARAT CM IN DELHI, MEETS PM MODI

PM Narendra Modi with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel during a meeting, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

BRIEFS

Govt serious about taming inflation: RBI Guv

Mumbai (PTI): RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said there is a “very coordinated approach” between the Union govt &the central bank to fight inflation. Das said the government is “equally serious” about taming inflation.

New Delhi: Gold price rose `192 to `55,261 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday amid gains in precious metal prices internationally, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at `55,069 per 10 grams. Silver also jumped `433 to `69,962 per kilogram. In the international market, gold was trading higher at $1,815 per ounce while silver was up at $23.94 per ounce. —PTI

COAL

ONLY

The remarks came weeks after the RBI wrote a note to the government explaining the reasons for missing the upper end of the tolerance band on inflation set for it for nine consecutive months, which is a first since the onset of the flexible inflation targeting framework in 2016.

“I must say that to check inflation, there has been a very coordinated approach between the central bank and the central government,” Das said, listing out the measures taken by the two. He said the RBI actions included one on the rates, stance of the monetary policy and liquidity measures, while the government undertook several supply

OTHER STORIES

New Delhi: Out of 99 coal mines that were put on the block in the fourth round of the auction, just eight blocks have been auctioned successfully, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. Development of new mines are required towards Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce import dependence. Coal demand of 1500 million tonne per annum (MTPA) is projected by the year 2030, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi said. —PTI

ELIN ELECTRONICS IPO SUBSCRIBED 95% ON DAY 2

New Delhi: The IPO of electronics manufacturing services company Elin Electronics was subscribed 95% on the second day of subscription on Wednesday. The IPO received bids for 1,34,54,580 shares against 1,42,09,386 shares on offer, as per NSE data. The category meant for non-institutional investors was subscribed 1.29 times, RIIs received 1.33 times subscription and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) portion 1%. The IPO has a fresh issue of up to `175 crore and an offer for sale of up to `300 crore, aggregating up to `475 crore. —PTI

DOMESTIC DEMAND

New Delhi: The demand for finished steel in India is expected to grow 8% this year compared to 2021. Supported by the government’s infrastructure-led growth model, domestic finished steel demand has registered a double-digit growth of 11.9% in the first eight months of the current fiscal, ICRA said in a report on Wed. The demand is “poised to close the year with a growth of 8%...78% growth for FY 202223,” Icra said. —PTI

side measures like cutting down taxes on petrol or diesel, reducing duties on imported food items.

Stating that the “government also is equally serious about controlling inflation”, the bureaucratturned-central bank governor said, “everyone is interested in bringing down inflation and I am sure the government also will be equally keen that inflation is brought down”.

LOW DEMAND, RISE IN RAW MATERIAL PRICES KEY PROBLEMS OF MSMEs: SURVEY

New Delhi: The decline in demand and rise in raw material prices due to high transportation costs are the major problems faced by micro, small and medium enterprises in the last 27 months, according to a survey. The report by Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) also said that though markets have stabilised, about 57% of the units that participated in the survey are struggling to get new orders for their merchandise. While the impact of COVID-19 has been slowly receding, the economic situation is yet to completely stabilise due to multiple factors, according to the report. —PTI

VIACOM18 GETS PARIS OLYMPICS BROADCAST RIGHTS FOR INDIA

New Delhi: Viacom18 Media has secured exclusive media rights to broadcast the next Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris in 2024, in India and the subcontinent region. It has also received non-exclusive rights to the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, said a joint statement. ”Through the agreement, Viacom18 will provide multi-platform coverage of the Games, and ensure freeto-air television coverage within the region,” it said. —PTI

OFFICE LEASING SET TO GROW 10-15% IN FY23, NEXT FISCAL: REPORT

Mumbai: In spite of ebbing growth momentum, commercial leasing activity is likely to grow at a healthy 1015% this fiscal and the next, a report said on Wednesday. At this growth rate, commercial leasing space will touch 28-30 million sq ft (msf) this fiscal and grow further to 31-33 msf. It added that even at this rate of growth, demand will be below the pre-pandemic high of 42 msf in fiscal 2020, but within sniffing distance of fiscal 2019 level of 34 msf. —PTI

ENGAGING E-COMMERCE PLAYERS TO PUSH SALES OF GOODS PRODUCED BY TRIBALS: PRADHAN

New Delhi: The government is taking steps to enhance production and marketing of forest produce of tribal communities and engaging with e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart to push their sales, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday. He also said that the tribal community will be the major beneficiary of the emphasis of the NEP on the use of mother tongue or local language as the medium. Briefing about the steps being taken by the government for the welfare of tribals, the minister said that financial allocations under centrally sponsored schemes have been increased significantly. —PTI

CREDIT GROWTH FAR AWAY FROM BEING CONSIDERED AS ‘EXUBERANT’, SAYS DAS

Mumbai (PTI): The present credit growth is far away from being considered as “exuberant” and there is no “big gap” between the credit growth and deposit accretion when looked at the absolute numbers, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday. “I think the credit growth at the current point is certainly far far away from exuberance or something like that. It is definitely very, very steady. We are monitoring it very very carefully,” Das said. When one compares the credit growth and deposit growth, it seems like a wide gap because of the base effects, Das said, adding that the credit growth is going up after two years of being depressed, while deposit growth number has come off a relatively higher growth during the pandemic years. “Just as the credit growth looks very high because of the low base effect of the previous years, the deposit growth is also pretty low because of the base effects of the previous years,” he said.

Mumbai (PTI): Pressing for the prohibition of instruments like Bitcoin, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday warned that the next financial crisis can be triggered by pri vate crypto currencies, if such speculative instruments are allowed to grow.

Das has been staunch ly opposed to such instruments and the RBI has gone till the Supreme Court with its contention.

“Cryptocurrencies… have huge inherent risks from macroeconomic and financial stability (perspective) and

we have been pointing it out,” he said.

The RBI governor added that the developments over the last one year, which include the latest crash of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which is termed as one of the biggest financial frauds in the history of the US, illustrate the threat posed by such instruments. “After all these, I don’t think we need to say anything more about our stand,” Das said, adding that private cryptocurrencies’ valuation has shrunk from $190 billion to $140 billion.

‘Economy likely to grow at over 7% in FY23’

New Delhi (PTI): The Indian economy is likely to grow at over 7% in the current fiscal year, former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Wednesday, while observing that the growth rate should sustain next year too provided the forthcoming Budget does not have any negative surprises.

Panagariya further said recessionary fears have been around for a while but so far neither the US nor the EU has gone into recession. “From the viewpoint of India, in terms of head-

has signed 13 FTAs so far’

New Delhi (PTI): India has signed 13 free trade agreements (FTAs) and six preferential pacts so far with its trading partners for ensuring greater market access for domestic goods and promoting exports, Union minister Anupriya Patel said on Wednesday.

The country has recently signed three such agreements with Mauritius, the UAE and Australia.

Further, India is also actively engaged in free trade agreements (FTAs) negotiations with some of its trading partners including the UK, European Union and Canada.

winds originating abroad, the worst is probably behind us,” he said.

The RBI revised down its growth estimate for FY23 to 6.8% from the earlier 7%.

“Overall, I still expect us to end the current fiscal year with a growth rate ex-

REVISED DOWN EARLIER IN DEC

z The RBI revised down its growth estimate for FY23 to 6.8% from 7%, while the World Bank revised upwards its forecast to 6.9%

ceeding 7%. Next year, the 7% growth rate should sustain assuming the forthcoming Budget does not have any negative surprises,” the economist said.

Panagariya said capital outflows induced by the hikes in policy rates by the

US Fed Reserve had placed the rupee under considerable pressure.

“Those flows have reversed with positive net portfolio inflows in November,” he said, adding that inflation in the US is also coming down.

But in the meantime, Panagariya said, the rupee has appreciated against currencies such as the Euro and Yen which may contribute to weakness in exports in the coming year.

Even prior to this episode, the rupee had been overvalued, he added.

MARKETS WILT FOR SECOND DAY AS COVID THREAT SPOOKS INVESTORS

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty gave up early gains and ended lower by 1% on Wednesday amid a largely weak trend in Asian markets and sell-off in index majors Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank and HDFC twins.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 635.05 points or 1.03% to settle at 61,067.24.

The broader NSE Nifty declined 186.20 points or 1.01% to end at 18,199.10.

From the Sensex pack, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Fin-

Auto components industry grows 34.8%

New Delhi: India’s auto components industry witnessed a 34.8% growth to ` 2.65 lakh crore in firsthalf of 2022-23, riding on domestic demand, particularly from the passenger vehicles segment, the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India said on Wednesday.

During the period, exports of components grew by 8.6% to $10.1 billion (` 79.03 lakh crore), while imports climbed 17.2% to $10.1 billion (` 79.8 lakh crore), ACMA said.

“We’ve seen great growth come out of passenger cars and commercial vehicles...

The festive season was very positive for two-wheelers, and we hope that two-

wheelers will be back on the growth track, like they have been in the past,” ACMA President said.

He further said moderation in the supply-side is-

EXPORTS UP 8.6% TO $10.1 BILLION

During the period, exports of components grew by 8.6% to $10.1 billion, while imports climbed 17.2% to $10.1 billion (`79.8 lakh crore), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) said

sues, such as availability of semiconductors, high input raw-material costs and non-availability of containers, also helped in the growth.

serv, Maruti, UltraTech Cement, Tata Motors, Axis Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and Kotak Mahindra Bank were the major laggards.

Sun Pharma, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Nestle, Wipro and Infosys ended in the green.

Airtel

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of high-speed 5G services in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

The company also announced the roll out of 5G services in Imphal.

In a statement anouncing that 5G services have gone live in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the company said that the services are currently operational at SG Highway, Memnagar, Satellite, Navrangpura, Sabarmati, Motera, Chandkheda,

RUPEE SLIPS 10 PAISE TO 82.80

AGAINST DOLLAR

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee declined 10 paise to settle at 82.80 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday as a massive sell-off in domestic equities and risk aversion in global markets dented investor sentiment. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened weak at 82.76 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 82.66 and a low of 82.83. It finally ended at 82.80, a decline of 10 paise.

8

MINES AUCTIONED IN 4TH ROUND: JOSHI

FOR FINISHED STEEL TO GROW 8 PERCENT

GOLD CLIMBS `192; SILVER PRICES SEE JUMP OF `433

‘Allowing pvt cryptos to grow can precipitate next financial crisis’

‘India

First India Bureau

launches 5G services in Ahd, Gandhinagar, Imphal

South Bopal, Gomtipur, Memco, Bapunagar in Ahmedabad and Koba, Raysan, Sargasan, Pethapur and other key locations in Gandhinagar town. Customers with 5G enabled devices will enjoy the high speed network at no extra cost until the roll out is more widespread.

TRAVEL MOOD: HOTELS SOLD OUT ON HIGH DEMAND

Tourist destinations like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mt. Abu, and Sariska are in huge demand

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: The tourism and hotel industry is all set to witness a boost this winter season as all major hotels and budget hotels have been completely booked. Due to Christmas and New Year, bookings from December 22 to January 5 have been completed in hotels across Rajasthan. It is expected that the travel industry will get a revenue of more than Rs. 500 crores. Tourist destinations like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mt. Abu, and Sariska are in huge demand and major hotel properties, including the heritage hotels, have been booked. Resorts and hotels located near wildlife sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and Jhalana Leopard Safari are also witnessing a rush of

Priest’s body found in pieces in 2 sacks in Dholpur

tourists this year. Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh said, “The way Rajasthan has emerged as a model state in pre-covid and post-covid management, tourists across the globe are considering Rajasthan as the safest destination for vacation”.

Luxury train Palace on Wheels has also

made special arrangements for Christmas and New Year Celebrations this year. Experts believe that in the next 15 to 20 days, more than 1 lakh tourists will visit Rajasthan every day. Forest Minister Hemaram Chowdhary informed that the tourists are attracted towards nature and wildlife of Rajasthan.

Of these 76 passengers, 65 are American nationals, nine Indians and two are French nationals. The train departed from Safdarjung railway station

Wednesday

will reach Jaipur on

morning. Retired GM Pradeep Bohra’s experience also helped in getting the booking of the luxury train.

Flights filled up to capacity ahead of Xmas & New Year

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: With Christmas and New Year just round the corner, the Jaipur International Airport is witnessing a huge rush of passengers these days. Despite the rising fares of airline companies, flights are filled up to capacity and tourists from Jaipur are preferring destinations like Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.

Jaisalmer, which is the most sought-after destination for new year celebrations for tourists, is also reporting a rush of tourists. The air fare for Jaisalmer has been increased to threefold in the last few days. Similarly, fares for Goa and Mumbai are also very high. This is de-

Scrape businessman’s son robbed of ` 6L

First India Bureau

MISCREANTS

SHOOT MAN IN LEG, RS 3.5L LOOTED

AIR FARE FOR VARIOUS CITIES

ASI held by ACB in Tonk while taking `5k bribe

First India Bureau

Dholpur: A middleaged man’s body dressed as a temple priest was found in a sack near a temple in Bhimgarh of the Kanchanpur area of the Bari subdivision of the district. On the information, police reached the spot and searched the sack, where the body of the middle-aged man was found in pieces. The deceased was later identified as Bhavuddin of village Bhimgarh. For the last many years, he did the puja at the Chamda Mata’s temple. The people of the village informed that there is a cave nearby near which some people lived in disguise of saints, who are absconding from the spot after the incident.

Jhunjhunu: Three bike riders assaulted a scrape businessman’s son and looted Rs 6 lakh in the Sehod area of the subdivision. According to the information, Nishant’s son Manoj (24), a resident of Neem ka thana was returning home after selling scrape goods from Rewari. On return, three unidentified bike riders came to the intersection of Sehod village of Khetri sub-division, assaulted Nishant, and fled from the spot with a bag containing Rs 6 lakh from him.

The tempo vehicle driver also escaped from the spot after the incident.

The police took the injured Nishant to Ajit Hospital in Khetri, where after the first aid

he was referred to Jaipur due to severe head injuries. Nishant gave the statement that he is a student of M. Com, and his father works as a scrap dealer.

Ranji Trophy: Sanju Samson sinks Kerala with blazing half-century

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In the ongoing Ranji match between Rajasthan and Kerala at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Sanju Samson, who is out of Team India, has put the team in a better position by playing captaincy innings of 82 runs. Sanju scored 82 runs in 108 balls hitting 14 fours in his brilliant innings. However, he missed completing his century by 14 runs.

Samson entered the

DG BSF inaugurates BSF park in Jaisalmer

Sanju

field against Rajasthan when Kerala had lost three wickets for 31 runs. The team was in trouble. In such a situa-

Two bike-ridden miscreants shot and looted Rs 3.60 lakh from a bike rider in the Laxmangarh police station area of the district.

Vidyadhar Dhaka, a resident of Narsas village, was injured when he was shot in the leg. On being taken to Laxmangarh CHC, the doctors referred him to SK Hospital. The police have created blockades across the city to nab the accused miscreants at the earliest. The accused have also been caught in the CCTV cameras.

spite the fact that nearly a dozen flights take off to Mumbai from Jaipur every day and still the airfare is above Rs 20k.

Sources informed that two flights operate daily from Jaipur to

Pune and Chandigarh.

The airfare for Pune has increased three-fold.

One flight operates from Jaipur to Goa and Jaisalmer, due to which these airlines are charging arbitrary fares.

Tonk: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) while accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000. Police informed the ASI, Arjunlal Meena, was posted in Deoli police station. "CR Meena, a teacher posted at Gandhi Tala School in Bhilwara district, had filed a complaint stating that ASI Arjunlal Meena was demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000 from him in lieu of not taking action on a police complaint. The complaint was verified and a trap a laid. The accused was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs. 5000," police said. The residence and other premises of the accused are being searched.

Four members of a family die in Pali, suicide note recovered

First India Bureau

Pali: A married couple died by suicide by jumping into a well along with their four-year-old daughter in Rajasthan’s Pali district on Wednesday, police said.

The heart-wrenching incident happened in Sanjhi village. The couple had a three-year-old son, who was unwell. The child died while he was being taken to a hospital, they said.

Upset by the loss, Bhalaram Meghwal (30) and his wife Meera (26) killed themselves and

CONDOLENCE MEET

their daughter Nikita as well, local SHO Uday Singh said. He said a suicide note was recovered from Bhalaram’s possession.

The bodies were tak-

en out off the well and were undergoing postmortem examination, the officer said, adding that the matter has been registered under CrPC section 174.

tion, Sanju took responsibility and put the team in a better position while playing the captaincy innings.

CONVOCATION CEREMONY

We need to save ancient agri: Guv

First India Bureau

Udaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday said that agriculture scientists should suggest such measures which would bring prosperity in the fields. He also talked about the need to save the ancient agricultural culture.

Addressing the 16th convocation of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, he

said along with traditional methods of farming Vedic; the tradition

of agricultural science should be contemplated on a large scale.

The Governor said that this university should become the country’s main center for research and education in the field of agriculture and technology.

“For this it is necessary that by adopting innovation, the university should pay attention to such subjects which will improve the yield in the fields and agriculture will progress further according to the local climate,” he said.

CM approves comm for police modernisation

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The state government has issued an order to review the implementation and progress of the Police Modernization Scheme and has constituted a highlevel committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Government Secretary, Home Department.

The committee will have four members and one coordinator. Additional Chief Secretary/

This

Jaipur: The luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’ has been booked more than 90 percent for the first time this season. RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore has made various efforts to ensure that the luxury train has maximum passengers this season. The train will have 76 tourists for the Christmas celebration.

on

and

Thursday

First India Bureau

Remains of priest’s body in a sack near a temple in Bhimgarh of the Kanchanpur area.

Nishant is referred to Jaipur due to severe head injuries on Wednesday.

Officials of the district administration reached the suicide spot immediately after accident in Pali on Wednesday.

Samson scored 82 runs in 108 balls hitting 14 fours in his brilliant innings at SMS stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday.

First India Bureau

Jaisalmer: Director General (DG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh on Wednesday inaugurated the BSF park in Jaisalmer. The BSF

SAM park will exhibit stories of BSF jawans, camel patrolling, an arms exhibition, a photo gallery, audio-video visual hall, firing simulator, a children’s park, cafeteria, souvenir shop among others.

Principal Government Secretary-Finance, Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Government Secretary-Planning, Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police, State Crime Records Bureau member, and Joint Govt Secretary-Home (Police) will be the coordinators.

committee will be permanent and the administrative department of the committee will be the Home Department.

The condolence meeting of Kamlesh Dangayach, wife of Harimohan Dangayach, the businessman associated with Hotel Marriott and Hotel Ramada, was held on Wednesday at Anuvibha Kendra located near Gaurav Tower on JLN Marg, Jaipur. Pawan Arora, Kalicharan Saraf, Rajeev Arora, Mohanlal Gupta, and Pratap Singhvi were among those who paid homage.

Kamlesh Dangayach passed away on December 18.

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Pankaj Kumar during a tour of BSF park in Jaisalmer on Wednesday.

Governor Kalraj Mishra addressing 16th convocation of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology in Udaipur.

LUXURY TRAIN ‘PALACE ON WHEELS’ FULLY BOOKED

Ensure uninterrupted power supply to farmers for Rabi crop: CM Gehlot

During the meeting, CM also ordered prompt redressal of consumers’ grievances

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot chaired an important meeting of the Energy Department at the Chief Minister’s residence on Wednesday and said that the State Government was working with commitment for uninterrupted power supply in the State.

In the meeting, Gehlot gave directions to the officials on important points like power supply to farmers for rabi crops, redressal of consumer complaints, adequate power supply in residential areas etc.

The Chief Minister reviewed the power available from various sourc-

es in the state and also directed to prepare an action plan for adequate availability of power in the coming months.

Replace the defective transformers

Gehlot said that farmers should not face in-

HC notice to Govt over transfer of Dr Soni

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A bench of the Rajasthan HIgh Court on Wednesday issued notice to the State Government over the transfer of Ajmer CM & HO, Dr Krishna Kumar Soni. Sunil Kumar Singh along with Rekha Dixit, Saurabh Chatterjee, Keerti Harsha and M Raja, Advocates appeared for Dr Soni argued, “Dr Soni was earlier transferred from Ajmer to Kekri but the Hon’ble High Court vide order dated 23.09.2022 was pleased to set aside the impugned transfer order but the respondents again transferred Dr. Soni to the District Hospital Shahpura, Bhilwara vide impugned order dated 04.11.2022.” Now the matter will be heard after vacation. The Writ was filed against the State of Rajasthan through Principal Secretary, Department of Medical and Health, (Group-2), Panchayati Raj (Medical) Department, Joint Secretary, Department of Medical & Health (Group-2), Director, Department of Medical And Health, and Sh. Anuj Kumar Pingolia, BCMO, Arai, Ajmer.

2 die, 4 hurt as car rams into bikes in Hindoli

Bundi (FIB): A car driver rammed three motorcycles face-to-face. Due to the tremendous collision, two people died and four people were seriously injured. Three injured were referred to Kota. According to eyewitnesses and the police, Mahavir Meena (40), Rakesh Meena (13) and other residents of Mojiyo Ka Jhopra of Gram Panchayat Vijaygarh were coming towards the village from Bundi on a motorcycle in the evening. Kalu Lal Regar, a resident of Bada Nayagaon Kukda Dungri, was also coming on the second motorcycle and Amit Dharwal, a resident of Bundi, was on the third motorcycle.

convenience in power supply at any cost for rabi crops in the state.

He directed the officials to provide adequate electricity for irrigation of rabi crops.

Along with this, the officers were also asked to replace the defective transformers within 72

hours. Also, Gehlot asked to provide relief to the farmers by cutting industrial supplies if required.

Quick disposal of complaints

Gehlot has given instructions to redress the complaints of electricity consumers in the state with utmost sensitivity. “Complaints of consumers regarding electricity bills should be redressed promptly by the engineers at the district and sub-division level with full seriousness. Along with the cities, it should be ensured to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers without tripping,” he said.

FOR CM REHABILITATION HOME SCHEME

Jaipur: The State Government is making constant efforts for proper housing for the homeless, old people, working women and helpless/destitute persons of the state. In this sequence, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial provision of Rs 28.23 crore for the ‘Chief Minister’s Rehabilitation Home Scheme’. According to the proposal, till the departmental building is constructed, the houses will be operated in the available state buildings and in case of nonavailability of the state buildings, the houses will be taken on rent.

State CJ Mithal meets protesting advocates

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The picketing of the senior advocates due to irregularities in the nomination of senior advocates in the Rajasthan High Court entered the 331st day. The picketing began on January 25 this year.

Chief Justice Pankaj Mitthal along with Bar President Mahendra Shandilya and the executive team reached the picket site and met Advocate Poonamchand Bhandari and Vimal Chowdhary. Pankaj Mitthal said that soon a way will be found. Senior advocates welcomed the CJ and thanked him. They said that they have been agitating peacefully for 331 days in a nonviolent manner.

HC seeks Centre, State Govt’s reply

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Bhopal Bench of the National Green Tribunal has sought response from the Central Government, National Board of Wildlife and the State Government for issuing Wildlife NOC directly without obtaining NOC from the Forest Department for conducting commercial activities in Nahargarh Fort.

Along with this, the tribunal has also issued a notice to the Central Government and the State Government seeking replies regarding the operation of commercial activities in the Jaigarh Fort.

Rajendra Tiwari filed a separate application and informed

the NGT that the tribunal had given orders to stop the commercial activities in the Nahargarh Fort. Later, the Supreme Court had also given a stay in favor of the Archaeological Department.

After this, the Forest Department and Archaeological Department together started the process of taking wildlife clearance for conducting commercial activities in Nahargarh Fort.

Jaipur: The Department of Personnel has issued a clarification regarding the meaning of “Outstanding Sportsperson”. For this, a list of championship and national sports units was issued. Athletes participating in these sports units and championships individually or as a team will take advantage of it.

Also, players participating in IOC’s Summer Olympics, OCA’s Asian Games, World Cup or World Championships SAOC’s South Asia Games, CGF’s Commonwealth Games, International School Games or Championship of ISSF, Asian School Games or Championship of ASSF, Paralympic Championship etc. will also be able to avail benefits. Various amendments in service rules have been made in this regard.

CM Ashok Gehlot chairs review meeting of Power Department at CMR on Wednesday. Also seen here are BS Bhati, Usha Sharma, Akhil Arora, Bhaskar A Sawant, Ashutosh Pednekar, AK Gupta, RK Sharma, Ajit Kumar Saxena, Pramod Tank, NS Nirwan and others.

First India Bureau

RAJ CONG LEADERS AREN’T

TIRED OF BJY, SAYS RAHUL

Alwar: I would say to Kharge ji, I would suggest that wherever the Congress government is formed, our cabinet, ministers, MLAs and leaders should walk on these roads for at least one day in a month.”

Rahul further said, “I have learned a lot in the Yatra. We do not give long speeches while travelling. The journey starts at six o’clock, we walk for six to seven hours and then give a speech of 15 minutes.

Nowadays there is a gap between the leader and the public. Leaders think that there is no need to listen to the public. This journey has tried to change that. We walk for seven to eight hours and all the leaders listen to the farmers, labourers, youth and small shopkeepers.”

“I don’t feel tired in evening too. The leaders of Rajasthan are sitting here. Ashok Ge-

hlot, GS Dotasra, Sachin Pilot, Harish Chaudhary, look at their faces. He has walked 25 kilometres daily for 17 days, he has run a half marathon, but there is no tiredness on his face. We aren’t moving with our power but with your love & power. Someone said that I am ascetic of the country. I haven’t done any big work by walk-

ing from Kanyakumari. There are crores of ascetics who are bigger than me, who wake up every day at 4 o’clock & work in the fields. Walk on the streets for entire life,” Rahul said. Adding he said, BJP leaders asked what is the need for Yatra? Whenever people go out to spread hatred in this country, people of our ideology start spreading love.”

CM GEHLOT TO INAUGURATE DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN JAIPUR, KALWAR & JOBNER TODAY

CM Ashok Gehlot will inaugurate various development works in Jaipur, Kalwar and Jobner at village Kanwar Ka Bas in Jobner today. Dr CP Joshi, GS Dotasra, will also be present. The event is being organised by Lal Chand Kataria. Various Ministers and MLAs will also be present.

CM ASHOK GEHLOT TO CHAIR PRE-BUDGET SUGGESTIONS MEET AT SECRETARIAT TODAY

CM Ashok Gehlot will chair a pre-budget suggestions meeting at the Conference Hall of the Secretariat today. The CM will interact with the youth, Women, Professionals from various fields and also students during the meeting. CS Usha Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance Akhil Arora will also be present in the meeting.

Govt committed to provide employment: CM Gehlot

Dausa: CM Ashok Gehlot reached Dausa Circuit House on Wednesday, where he met the locals and listened to their problems & directed the District Collector Qamar Chaudhary for quick redressal of peoples’ problems. After this, Gehlot visited the Khadi Bagh and inquired about the arrangements.

Talking to media, Gehlot said that today the entire nation is troubled by rising inflation. “In order to provide relief to people, the State Govt is conducting studies on various aspects. Also, a plan is being prepared to distribute food kits to the economically weak and the deprived sections. The government will

also provide gas cylinders to such families for Rs 500, so that the monthly expenditure can be reduced,” he said.

“Government is committed to provide employment. To give

relief from unemployment to youth, about 1.35L govt jobs have been given by State Govt. At the same time, recruitment for 1.25 lakh posts is under process while will give 1L jobs in future.

JODHPUR CYLINDER BLAST

Make provisions for financial aid to

Alwar: Claims and counter claims have been plenty throughout the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but one claim made on Tuesday has topped all. On Tuesday, while walking with Rahul Gandhi in Alwar, Jitendra Singh suddenly bowed down. When the video of this was aired, BJP leader Amit Malviya commented and said, “Former Minister Bhanwar Jitendra bowed down to tie Rahul Gandhi’s shoelaces.”

But now Bhanwar Jitendra Singh himself shared a video and showed that Singh was tying laces of his own shoes and said, “It is

good that the entire BJP machinery is keenly watching the Bharat Jodo Yatra. BJP is apprehensive about the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra and resorted to the only thing they know to do- lie.”

Harish Chaudhary also hit back and said, “Bhanwar Jitendra’s shoe lace had come loose and Rahul Gandhi him-

self stopped & signalled him to tie the laces. I am a witness to this.”

Meanwhile, a girl walking with Rahul in the Yatra also revealed, “Bhanwar Jitendra Singh’s shoe laces were untied “and on this Rahul Gandhi interrupted Bhanwar Jitendra who then tied his shoe laces.”

Now God only knows what the truth is?

Alwar: All organisational appointments in Congress will be completed in next 10 to 15 days. Word in party’s ‘inner circles’ is that Cong state in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa is engaged in this work so that party work can be done according to Rahul Gandhi’s intent.

Raj Congress became active as soon as BJY entered Haryana & is focused on conveying Rahul’s message to every village. State President GS Dotasra said, “All appointments from Dist to Block Prez will be done soon.”

New Delhi: In the tragic case of gas cylinder blast in Bhungra village of Jodhpur, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, asked the officials of Indian Oil Corporation to make provision for financial assistance from the insurance company to the victims.

The Speaker asked IOC Chairman SM Vaidya that due to this incident, many families no longer have a member who can look after the

family. Birla asked them to provide employment to a member of the families affected by the tragedy and to explore the possibility of providing houses to those who do

MAHATMA GANDHI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Named after ‘father of the Nation’, flouting safety

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: As an establishment grows over a period of time, its ‘soft power’ also grows. However, how one organization uses this soft power is arbitrary and, at times, raises question on the said organization as well. And one such case, it seems, is of Mahatma Gandhi Medical University, before which, it would appear that perhaps the ‘system’ also bows down!

Firstly, the University occupied the Green Corridor around it & is reportedly now preparing for shifting of “high tension” lines. What is interesting here is that the

proposal for re-routing of the line has been forwarded by RIICO to Power Grid, instead of RIICO taking possession of the said ‘Green Buffer Zone’

In fact, the proposal for re-routing of 400 KV “High Tension” line on the recommendation of University has been forwarded wherein, the reason stated by University Management in proposal sent to Power Grid CMD mentions that the medical hub is ready on the allotted plots of RIICO. Apart from the Medical College, Dental College, Nursing College, Nursing School, Cardiac Centre, Super Speciality Cancer Hospital and

other facilities have been established at this place and due to high tension line, there is problem of “magnetic transmission’ on brain therapy, mammography, dexa scan.”

Thus the University administration wants re-routing of 400 KV “high tension” at its own expense.

In fact, this has posed

as a major threat to the safety of medical students due to serious negligence of Mahatma Gandhi Medical University administration. 10 to 12 feet high walls were erected just below the high tension with the intention of occupation and keeping aside the threats posed by the overhanging high tension wires, a playground-

parking area has been developed underneath. Not only this, at one or two places, material stores have been built under the line itself.

Actually, the area below the 400 KV high tension of the power grid is the “Green Buffer Zone” and even RIICO declared this area as “Green Buffer Zone” during allotment of land to the Uni-

not have their own houses from the CSR funds of the company.

Birla also asked to take strict action against such agencies which are giving domestic cylin-

We have to act very sensitively towards the accident victims. The company should try to provide help to all the victims from the insurance company in this matter. Apart from this, financial aid should also be given to the victims on company’s behalf.

—Om Birla,

LS Speaker

ders for commercial use and those involved in illegal refilling.

Various officials of the Indian Oil Corporation attended the meeting chaired by Om Birla.

rules, risking students’ lives!

ery of “Green Buffer Zone” by installing iron railings of 10 feet.

versity. According to the safety regulation of the Central Electricity Authority, this zone is extremely dangerous and construction cannot be done in the “right of way” of about 46 meters below the line. But ignoring the threat to the lives of medical students, the University is doing illegal encroachment, and made a mock-

But the most surprising thing that in this entire proposal RIICO hasn’t mentioned anywhere about the illegal occupation in the “Green Buffer Zone” by the University Administration, nor did it tell that the 400 KV transmission line of Power Grid is several years old. In such a situation, the question is, whether the University management was not worried about the danger of construction near the high tension, and if that is a genuine concern, then why are the strict rules of “Green

Buffer Zone” being mocked? After all, why are other government agencies silent about RIICO and Power Grid?

This also raises a pertinent question: Is all this not in the knowledge of Dr ML Swarnakar? If Dr ML Swarnakar has really retired from the hospital, then hand over the work of solving this serious issue to a responsible person! Along with this, it is also the responsibility of the government agencies that look after the safety norms, so that the students of Mahatma Gandhi University campus should not become victim of a big accident due to high tension line?

There is never a truer saying than the old adage-The person who doesn’t make time for exercise, must eventually make time for illness.

First India Bureau

Laxmikant Sharma

Ashvini Yadav

Ashvini Yadav

We walk for 7 -8 hrs & all leaders listen to farmers, labourers, youth, traders: RaGa There is huge enthusiasm among party & no anti-govt wave in Raj, says Gehlot

CM Ashok Gehlot enjoys tea-break after inspecting the PanditNawalkishoreSharmaKhadiBagh premises in Dausa on Wednesday. Also seen here are Anil Kumar Sharma, Mamta Bhupesh and others.

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses people’s concerns at the Circuit House in Dausa on Wednesday.

Rahul Gandhi hugs Sachin Pilot as the latter extends best wishes to Rahul for BJY.

Rahul Gandhi walks with the ex-servicemen from Haryana during the Bharat JodoYatra in Nuh district in Haryana on Wednesday.

Congress Org appointments to take place within next 10-15 days

‘A plan is being made to provide food kits to deprived & economically weaker sections’

God only knows, what is the truth about shoelaces!

Rahul Gandhi

Bhanwar Jitendra Singh

‘Act sternly against those involved in illegal refilling’

victims: Birla directs IOC officials

Om Birla chairs a meeting of IOC officials regarding Jodhpur cylinder blast. Also seen here are V Satish Kumar, Lala Ram, Alok Kumar Gupta and Rajeev Dutta.

ML Swarnakar

YAAR MERI ZINDAGI

istry is true and strong between the two and wonderfully backed up by great acting, drama and dialogues. The dialogues in a mishmash of Urdu, Hindi and English were by Kadar Khan, need I say more?

urbani- so aptly named by our desi Clint Eastwood Feroz Khan- is a movie about sacrifice, but this is not the sacrifice of a lovelorn couple but between two close friends- Feroz and Vinod Khanna- a bromance which steals your heart. The chem-

When we watch the songs of Qurbani and what a collection! Still remixed, admired, watched and sung they are, from the iconic Nazia Hassan’s ‘Aap jaisa koi meri zindagi mein aaye – where a sultry sexy shimmering Zeenat crooned at the males across the nation to ‘Laila main Laila’ –these two songs have spawned generations of songs in Bollywood, remixes and memes. But they do overshadow some other melodious numbers like ‘Hum tumhe chahte hain aise’,

direction, sporty action scenes, excellent acting by both the stars- Feroz Khan and Vinod Khanna, not to mention the leashed violence and sexual overtones depicted in the film and the absolutely memorable fantastic music – made it a huge box office hit and saved Khan from doom.

‘kya dekhte ho’, ‘baat ban jaaye’, which are a joy to listen to even today. Qurbani Qurbani- a title songs too was hugely popular.

Qurbani with its bold plot, great cinematography, tight

Amjad Khan in the role of an inspector – impersonating as a bumbling character- leaves a mark. Zeenat Aman’s character leaves much wanting and she coasts the movie with her stunning looks, contemporary style and allure, never really plumbing the depths of acting like her male co-stars did. But Zeenat has been etched forever in the memory of India as the ultimate Laila with Qurbani!

THROWBACK THURSDAY IS BACK AFTER A LONG INTERVAL AND WE BRING YOU ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE BLOCKBUSTERS YOU CAN WATCH EVEN TODAY- QURBANI. THE MUSIC WILL HAVE YOU SWINGING!

ANITA HADA anita.hada@firstindianews.com

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jingle bells, fairy lights, and bags filled with anticipation are the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season! December is here, and the air is already starting to feel festive. And what’s the better way to get into the holiday spirit than to visit one of India’s majestic cathedrals, which are decked up in holiday décor and are lit up like stars? You may also take advantage of the serene ambience by doing some meditation or singing along to Christmas carols! So, here is a list of a few secret churches you really must see during Christmas in India.

India is home to several ancient and revered churches. Let’s explore these top five churches with City First to visit during Christmas in India if you’re seeking a place to attend midnight mass as Christmas approaches.

JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH, DHARAMSHALA

A historic Anglican church called St. John in the Wilderness Church is located in McLeodganj, a beautiful valley about 8 kilometres from Dharamshala. The church is renowned for its magnificent design and neo-gothic architecture. It is one of the nicest churches to visit during Christmas in India is without a doubt, St. John. St. John Wilderness Church, which is nestled in a stunning picturesque location, will undoubtedly provide you with a sense of serenity and calm, making it one of the ideal churches to visit during Christmas in India. Although it appears to be an ancient and abandoned structure from the outside, the interiors are well-kept and quite lively.

DON’T MISS THESE HOLY CHURCHES TO VISIT IN INDIA DURING CHRISTMAS

It is the most well-known

in Shimla and one of India's most obvious symbols of British rule. Anyone travelling to Shimla should visit this wonderful building, which is created in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. For additional information, please check out these 9 locations in India where you may see magnificent snowfall.

The silhouette of the yellow structure in Shimla can be seen from miles away, and it is regularly filled with admirers of architecture. Shimla Christ Church features five stained glass windows that represent different Christian qualities, a front porch, and church bells in a neo-gothic form. It is open every day for services and is now the only venue of worship for Christians.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL, PONDICHERRY

In Puducherry, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a well-known monument. Any visitor to the Cathedral would be mesmerised by its architecture, drawn to its serene surroundings and compelled to stay by its gorgeous interiors. The history of the church is intriguing. Before being demolished by different groups, it had been successfully erected three times. But once it was completed for the fourth time, it rose to prominence as one of Pondicherry's most significant and stunning tourist destinations and one of the top places to go during Christmas in India. Check out the best road trip ideas for the new year to learn more.

PAUL CATHEDRAL, KOLKATA

This enormous colonial-era building in the centre of the city transports you back in time.

This is one of the first locations travellers want to see when they get to Kolkata. The Christmas season, when the cathedral, surrounding gardens, and nearby streets are all flooded with light and happiness, is when it is at its most beautiful.

It is the first Episcopalian church in Asia and was constructed largely to serve Calcutta's expanding Christian population.

The Indo-Gothic architecture of the building has a cascading white superstructure, a lofty spire, and vibrantly coloured windows. It features a spacious nave, a spectacular altar, a chancel, and sculptures and paintings that illustrate pivotal moments in Christian history.

The only church in Old Goa without the words “Holy Jesus” painted on the outside is this one. The Jesuit emblem, which stands for “Jesus, Saviour of Men,” is beautifully carved onto the triangular roof of the church as the initials “IHS,” which stands for “Jesus, Saviour of Men.” Check out the New Year Edition to learn about the interesting locations to visit in India as we enter 2022.

Christmas is round the corner and what’s the better way to get into the holiday spirit than to visit one of India’s majestic cathedrals, which are decked up in holiday decor and can make you feel comfortable and at peace at the same time!

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS, GOA

India’s most distinctive example of baroque architecture is the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Goa. One of the nicest churches to visit during Christmas in India is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The beginning of Christianity in India corresponds with the construction of this church, which was started in 1594 and finished in 1605.

CHRIST CHURCH, SHIMLA

landmark

The

has

captivated her audience with her charm and acting skills.

She is one of those actresses who loves to keep her fans and followers updated. Whenever Anushka gets spotted by the paparazzi, her fans go crazy. Now, yet again, the actress made an appearance in the city as she arrived at an event in Mumbai.

Anushka looked stylish as ever as she donned an off-while silk jacket and paired it with wide-legged track pants.

The Sanju actress also posed for the shutterbugs and later was seen sitting in a fancy burgundy car as she waved at her fans.

GAUAHAR AND ZAID announce the pregnancy

Actor Gauahar Khan announced that she is expecting her first child with her husband, Zaid Darbar. She shared a colourful and animated video, seeking best wishes, prayers and blessings. The words in the video read, “One became two, when Z met G. And now the adventure continues, as we become three!” Gauahar captioned,

“Bismillah hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem. Need all your love and prayers. Ma Sha Allah! @pixiedustdesign showering their best on us from our wedding to this beautiful new journey too.” Friends, family and fans flooded the video with hearts and comments.

Kishwer Merchantt commented, “I knew, I knew looking at your posts lately, so happy for u guys…”

“TUESDAY INSPIRATION”

Shehnaaz dances with Rupali at the wedding

Shehnaaz Gill has been an audience favourite since her entry into Bigg Boss 13 house as a contestant. The Punjabi singer and actress are loved by one and all for her innocence and bubbly personality. She is also regarded of the most fashionable actresses in the entertainment industry.

Honsla Rakh fame actress recently attended the wedding of her manager Kaushal Joshi, where she was seen having lots of fun with numerous celebs.

Bigg Boss 13 fame actress looks fabulous in a white saree with multicoloured floral embroidery work. The actress had accessorized her look with a choker neckpiece and studs. She was seen dancing her heart out along with Vishal Aditya Singh and Anupamaa lead Rupali Ganguly.

Videos from the wedding are floating on social media, where she is seen enjoying herself at the wedding.

Suhana

Rubina missing Bigg Boss’s voice

advice

the journal, with Suhana’s hand over it. The next picture gives a glimpse of the first page of the journal and the text reads, “This journal belongs to Suhana Khan. By Papa.” The next page reads, “On Acting.” The last picture shared by Suhana partially shows SRK’s hand-written notes from 2014. Sharing the pictures, Suhana wrote, “Tuesday inspiration.”

In the video shared by Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 fame, she is seen gorging on various delicacies of her hometown in Himachal Pradesh. The actress is from Shimla and is presently enjoying a break from work at her home. She has been sharing pictures and videos of the beautiful view of the snowcapped mountains and her fashionable winter looks. She also shared pictures with her family. In her recent video, she is seen having the best cious food. The audio for the reel was the voice of Bigg Boss at different time frames. She shared boss chahte hain…….” From her video, it seems like the actress is missing her stay in the Bigg Boss

tened to Bigg Boss’s voice throughout

Shilpa shared her daughter Samisha’s first reaction to touching snow and it is very adorable. In the video, Shilpa is seen wearing a grey and black sweater and black pants. She is playing in the snow with her son Viaan. Both of them are throwing snowballs at each other. Viaan asks Samisha to touch snow but she isn’t very keen to touch it. She is

looking cute in a brown fur jacket and beige tights and matching boots. Sharing the video, Shilpa wrote on Instagram, “In the season of candy canes, wreaths, holly, and mistletoe. I like to take things a little slow… To fill your hearts with that warm and fuzzy glow. All you need is tons of laughter, oodles of giggles… And, your little one getting her very first handful of snow. #holidayseason #snow #londondiaries.”

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan is all set to foray into acting, and will soon make her Bollywood debut with Zoya Akhtar’s highly-anticipated movie The Archies.

Khan took to her Instagram just a few moments ago to share a few pictures of the journal given to her by Shah Rukh Khan. The journal included acting notes and

that Shah Rukh Khan wrote over the years. The first picture shows the cover page of

Anushka Sharma is one of the most versatile actresses in Bollywood.

actress has carved a niche for herself in the film industry. Since her debut, Anushka

Anuksha Sharma

Spotted

Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar

Suhana Khan’s post...

Shehnaaz Gill during the wedding

Shehnaaz Gill

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

Shilpa’s post

Rubina Dilaik

SHEDDING LIGHT ON HEALTH

CITY FIRST

The 51st annual conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESICON 2022) Scientific program began on Wednesday at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur. It will be formally inaugurated by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra today. Organising Secretary Dr Sanjay Saran informed that Dr Prakash Keswani, Dr Sailesh Lodha, Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Dr Balram Sharma, Dr Prem Prakash Patidar, Dr Rajiv Kasliwal, Dr Manoj Khandelwal, Dr Ajay Shah was present during the Scientific Program inaugural session.

At the conference, over 2000 doctors from India and abroad have gathered under one roof, where they will be discussing diseases related

OPENING CEREMONY

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

to hormones as well as sharing ideas on their prevention and treatment. On the first day of the conference, many discussions and workshops were also organized on several topics.

Dr Sailesh Lodha threw light on diabetes and Dr Prakash Keswani on thyroid informed that in the conference the reversal of these diseases by eradicating them from the root was discussed.

BOOK LAUNCH GREETINGS!

CONDOLENCES!

This

Much Awaited Show

CITY FIRST

This year renowned film Bollywood Actress Lara Dutta & Indian Standup Comedian Danish Sait will be present in the Award Ceremony apart from top jewellers of India who will come to take part in this glittering evening of the 12th edition of ‘JJS Indian Jeweller Design Awards’, powered by GIA.

December 23 2022 at 7pm onwards.

CITY FIRST

This is absolutely exciting for all to know that the timetable for the film’s screening at the 15th Jaipur International Film Festival was released on Wednesday. JIFF founderdirector Hanu Roj informed that the grand Opening Ceremony of JIFF will take place at 4:30 P.M. on January 6, the first day of the festival at Maharana Pratap Auditorium, jaipur. It would be followed by the screening of 282 films from 63 countries from January 7-10. These films include 12 fulllength films of Indian Panorama, which are promoted during

the recently organized ‘Torch Campaign’ by JIFF, conducted in four cities of the country. Short Fiction films, web series, and animation films including 61 full-length films, and 28 fulllength documentaries will be the center of fascination during the five days going festival. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

include 12 fullIndian Panora-

Alok Kala, organiser of the Indian Jeweller Award said that “Out of the 133 finalist pieces chosen from 1000 plus entries across 28 cities of India. 22 pieces has been chosen by the Jury members. The includes Bridal Sets, Necklaces, Rings, Designer Bracelets. These 22 awards will be announced on

LET’S SWAY AT ZARZA

Arpit Kala, Convener IJ Award said that, “With the ‘JJS Indian Jeweller Design Awards-2022’ Indian Jeweller is bringing forth a brilliant opportunity for manufacturers, retailers and designers of India to showcase their talent, creativity and products through a unique platform, which is accessible from any part of the country and created especially for them”.

The grand wedding reception of Shreya Ginni, daughter of Senior journalist and writer Mrs and Mr Manoj Rajan Tripathi with Dr Prateek, son of Mrs and Mr Narayan Prasad Pandey was held at Dayal Bagh, Lucknow on Tuesday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various dignitaries and who's who of the city were also present on the occasion.

RAS Priyanka Jodhawat’s book ‘Kuch Dil Ne Kaha...Ehsaason Ki Kainaat’ was released on Monday at the RAS Club in Jaipur. Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora congratulated Jodhawat for her new book and wonderful initiative. Jagdeesh Chandra was also greeted by Priyanka, as she paid a courtesy visit to the former’s residence to seek blessings and gift a copy of her book. Jagdeesh Chandra congratulated her wished her more success.

(L-R) Dr Sanjay Saran, Dr Anil Bhansali, Dr Sudhir Bhandari & Dr Prakash Keswani during the lamp lighting ceremony

Jagdeesh Chandra greets the newlyweds Dr Prateek and Shreya. Also seen are Manoj Rajan Tripathi and Jitendra Kumar

Jagdeesh Chandra with IAS Jitendra Kumar and Avneesh Vidhyarthi

Members of the ESICON 2022 organising committee

Jagdeesh Chandra paid condolences on the demise of M Salim, administrative officer of the Rajasthan State Sports Council at his residence in Jaipur on Wednesday, December 21. He also consoled Former Press Advisor to CM Rajasthan, M Yasin, father and the bereaved family on the occasion and wished them good health of mind and body. M Salim passed away on December 14.

—PHOTO

BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Salsa, Ballerina, Bachata and Arabian Belle dance forms ushered in the most dashing way at Zarza Club, Jaipur recently ahead of the New Year. A large number of Jaipurites enjoyed international dance forms and music. During this, International Artist Deep Jandu from Canada tied the knot with his live music performance. Talking about the program, Gaurav Pratap Singh and Rajeev Srivastava said that it is our endeavour to make the Jaipur a wonderful party hub. Various who’s who of the Pink City were also present onj the occasion.

Lara Dutta

Faculty of Science, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) organised a curriculum conclave on 20-21 December 2022. It was inaugurated by Prof. SK Singh, Vice Chancellor, of Rajasthan Technical University, Kota. The President of MUJ Prof. G. K. Prabhu emphasised incorporating the elements of competence building, relevance, flexibility and fun in the revised curriculum.

Priyanka Taly, Founder of Priyanka’s Box Of Treasure (PBOT) organised Christmas Party at Lux Club Cafe recently. Nisha Singh, Priyanka Agarwal, Manogya Bajaj, Ayushi Khanchandani and all the women gathered for Zumba, Fluid Art, Talk show on Women’s Health, Pop-up Shopping & Networking.

year, the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival is all set to run from Jan 19-23 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Marking another year of ‘the greatest literary show on Earth’, the Festival will recognise and celebrate visual art with exceptional indigenous (tribal/traditional) artistic talent along with contemporary artists. This year, an artwork - Vishwaroopa- based on nature and her elements, curated by three artistes.

The attraction and excitement among the youth and students continue for the state-level development exhibition which started on Saturday at Jawahar Kala Kendra. The chief guests of the cultural evening were Ravi Jain, Commissioner, of Jaipur Development Authority and VK Singh, Additional Director General of Police.

Mayank, Toshi Vijay and Hemang

Rakesh Choudhary, Kamlesh Choudhary and Jai Prakash Choudhary

The gorgeous belle dancer

Rajeev Shrivastav, Yogendra Singh, Sandeep, Poonam Madan & Gaurav Pratap Singh

Jagdeesh Chandra with Mrityunjay Kumar, Abhishek Kaushik, Kapil Tyagi and Avneesh Vidyarthi

Jagdeesh Chandra with M Yasin

Late M Salim