First India-Mumbai Edition-22nd December 2022

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT SUICIDE CASE RISES IN LOK SABHA

‘Rhea got 44 phone calls from Thackeray father and son?’

WHY DID AADITYA MEET TEJASHWI, QUESTIONS SHEWALE

ther-son duo. “Calls came in the name of ‘AU’ on Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty’s phone.

The Bihar Police has said that ‘AU’ means Aaditya and Uddhav.

The Sushant suicide case was investigated by Mumbai Police, Bi-

I don't want to get into that filth at all. The one who doesn't have loyalty in his house. They cheated us. We cannot expect anything good from them. Such dirty topics are being brought to sideline the issues of Maharashtra. I don't want to go into it. I do not respect Rahul Shewale. I know how our family saved their marriage. I don't want to go into the personal lives of some people. Because I don't have that culture.

—Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena leader

Old pension scheme will put burden of Rs 1.10 lakh cr on exchequer, won’t revert to it: Fadnavis

Sandeep Shukla

Nagpur: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the government will not revert to the old pension scheme as it would put a burden of Rs 1.10 lakh crore on the exchequer and lead to bankruptcy of the state.

Replying to a question in the state Assembly, Fadnavis said the old pension scheme was stopped in 2005.

He also lauded the then Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government for taking the decision of stopping the old pension scheme in the interest of the

state.

Under the old pension scheme, employees get a defined pension. Under this, an employee is entitled for a 50 per cent amount of the last salary drawn as pension.

However, the pension amount is contributory under the National Pension System, which is in effect from 2004.

“The government will not give pensions as per the old scheme. If the old pension scheme is to be implemented,

STUDY TOUR ENDS IN TEARS!

then it will add a burden of Rs 1,10,000 crore and this will lead to bankruptcy of the state. The old pension scheme will not be implemented,” said Fadnavis, who is also the finance minister of Maharashtra.

The Congress-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh have announced they would restart the old pension scheme, a move termed as financially not viable by several experts.

har Police and CBI. But people still haven’t got answers to many questions”, said Rahul Shewale.

‘’Where has the CBI investigation reached in the case of Sushant’s death? Has CBI reached any final conclusion in this matter? Are there marks of beating on Sushant’s body? Has the phone conversation between Sushant and his ex-manager Disha Salian been investigated,” Shewale questioned and said, “NCB took action against Rhea Chakraborty. This action was taken in the

case of possession of drugs. But before Sushant’s death, Rhea received a phone call. This thing has come to light in the investigation of Bihar Police. The call came in the name of ‘AU’.”

“Did two persons come outside Sushant Singh Rajput’s house on June 10, 2020? Were his laptop and other electronic items confiscated? Was Rhea Chakraborty in touch with a prominent political leader of Maharashtra? Is it true?” Rahul Shewale asked in the Lok Sabha, further add-

ing, “The name of ‘AU’ has come up in this matter. Rhea Chakraborty received 44 calls in the name of ‘AU’. Rhea Chakraborty’s legal team interpreted ‘AU’ as ‘Ananya Uddhav’. The Mumbai Police has not disclosed anything in this regard. But as per

Bihar Police’s investigation, ‘AU’ stands for ‘Aditya Uddhav Thackeray’. I have received this information. The CBI has not yet received any information in this regard. So what is the real information in this case? I have requested the Home Minister to take it up.”

Isn’t it true that relatives of MLAs, Ministers are connected in teacher recruitment scam, asks Ajit

First India Bureau

Nagpur: The winter session of the state legislature is witnessing a clash between the ruling party and the opposition over various political issues. On Wednesday, a demand was made by the opposition to discuss the teachers’ recruitment examination scam case. However, Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar in his reply said

that the matter is under consideration. Upon this, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar gave a sharp reaction and presented his strong stand.

The Legislative Secretary sidestepped two

RASHMI SHUKLA CASE: CONDUCT FURTHER PROBE, SUBMIT REPORT: COURT ASKS COPS

Pune: A court here has directed Pune Police to investigate further an alleged phone tapping case against senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla after the police filed a closure report citing lack of evidence. Shukla was accused of illegally tapping

the phones of Cong leader Nana Patole. "The court has directed the police to further investigate the case. We will do the necessary investigation and resubmit a report," a senior official said. He did not divulge any more details stating that the police were

WINTER SESSION

yet to receive the order copy. A case was registered against Shukla at Bundgarden police station here in February 2022 under section 26 of the Indian Telegraph Act when the Shiv SenaNCP-Congress govt was in power in Maharashtra.

Shah says battle against drugs delicately poised

First India Bureau

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-

New Delhi: Union HM Amit Shah in Lok

on Wednesday said the battle against drugs was delicately poised and urged states to fight the menace together with the central govt, keeping aside politics. Responding to a discussion in Lok Sabha on the drugabuse problem in the country and steps taken by the govt to control it, Shah said the Modi govt has zero tolerance policy towards drugs and vowed to put behind bars drug traders, howsoever big, in the next two years. Shah said Rs 97,000 crore worth drugs were destroyed between 2014 and 2022 while Rs 23,000 crore drugs were seized between 2006 and 2013.

HOUSE

GOVERNMENT

SAYS SONIA

of the star questions raised by Ajit Pawar on the Teacher Recruitment Test scam, prompting the opposition to adopt an aggressive strategy . Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar stood and made the opposition’s stand clear. “I asked 7 different questions. Two parts of it were dropped from today’s list by the Legislative Secretary. Why were they dropped? Are the sons-

daughters or relatives of the present ministers, MLAs involved in this scam? Is not that the truth? Is it correct that the action is being delayed only because the children of some ministers, MLAs and some officers are involved in the scam ? If yes, what are the steps taken to take action through transparent hearing without any political pressure?” Pawar asked.

BE ALERT, COVID-19 IS NOT OVER YET: HM TEST, TRACK, TREAT!

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.

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.

tiser 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.

New Delhi: MP Rahul Shewale has commented on meeting between Aaditya Thackeray and Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. “After all, why did Aaditya Thackeray go to Bihar? Why did he meet Tejashwi Yadav? This should be investigated and the motive behind this visit should be disclosed,” Shewale demanded. Notably, Aaditya had met Tejashwi Yadav few weeks ago and stressed that since both of them are of the same age, so he met Tejashwi and discussed various issues with him.

MP Rahul Shewale demands clarification on several aspects of case while claiming that Bihar police mentions it was Aaditya Uddhav whose number was saved as ‘AU’ in Rhea’s phone

UHM Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Raj CM Gehlot regarding Covid norms in Bharat Jodo Yatra. He 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, sani-

Ajit Pawar

Devendra Fadnavis

Late Sushant Singh Rajput

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

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.

Amit Shah speaks in LS on Wednesday. Also seen here are Anurag Singh Thakur, Kiren Rijiju, Nisith Pramanik and others.

Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Supriya Sule, Sanjay Singh & others protest inside Parl premises, Delhi on Wednesday.

NOT FOR RECKLESS POLITICS, SAYS SHAH OVER CONG MP’S PEGASUS CHARGE

he Parliament is 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.

IS ADAMANT,

ON TAWANG CLASH DEBATE IN SANSAD Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the govt for not allowing a discussion on the India-China border issue in Parliament, saying silence on matters of serious concern has become its defining feature. She slammed the ruling BJP for being ‘adamant’ in not permitting a discussion on the issue. Sonia and other leaders also protested in Parl.

Sabha

MUSK

London: Elon Musk has said he will resign as Twitter’s chief executive officer when he finds someone “foolish enough to take the job”. He had promised to abide by result of a Twitter poll which saw 57.5% of users vote “yes” to him quitting the role. He will run software & servers team later.

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.

Chaos in Maha Council as Oppn targets CM

Proceedings interrupted thrice as Shinde Nagpur land case under scrutiny

Nagpur (PTI): Maharashtra Legislative Council was adjourned thrice on Wednesday after uproar over a Nagpur land allotment decision by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the urban development minister in the previous state government.

Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve raised the issue in the House for the second consecutive day to which members of the ruling side objected.

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last week ordered status quo on the decision taken by Shinde, when he was the urban development minister in the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, over the allotment of land meant for slum dwellers to private persons.

Shinde had on Tues-

day denied any wrongdoing and rejected the opposition’s demand to quit.

On Wednesday, Danve said, “Manojkumar Suryavanshi, chairman of the Nagpur Improvement Trust, had issued an order stating people from one family received more than one plot. Thus, the plot dis-

tribution cannot be regularized.”

He claimed that CM Shinde, who was earlier the state’s urban development minister, had given an order for the regularization of land allotments.

Before Danve could proceed further, members of the ruling side started shouting and

interrupted his speech.

The Bharatiya Janata Party legislators objected that Danve was raising the issue every day when state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already given a reply on it in the Council on Tuesday.

As both sides continued to argue, Shiv Sena (UBT) member Naren-

dra Darade, who was presiding over the House, adjourned proceedings for 15 minutes.

When the House resumed, Fadnavis said, “If the discussion was over on Tuesday, why are we discussing the issue again in the House? Everybody knows the issue is subjudice, then why are we discussing it in the House.”

However, Danve and his party colleague Anil Parab argued that this House has all the rights to discuss any issue.

As both sides refused to back down, the House was adjourned for another 15 minutes.

When the proceedings resumed, both sides continued targeting each other, ignoring the appeal of Darade to maintain decorum. Darade then adjourned the House again for 15 minutes.

‘We have 2 ‘rashtra pitas’, Modi father of New India’

Nagpur (PTI): Amruta Fadnavis, the wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “The Father of New India”, adding that the country has two “rashtra pitas” (father of the nation). “We have two rashtra pitas.

Narendra Modi is the father of New India and Mahatma Gandhi is the father of the nation of earlier times,” Amruta, a banker and singer, said during a mock court interview.

Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Yashomati

Thakur slammed the senior BJP leader’s wife over the remarks. “People following the BJP and RSS ideology keep trying to kill Gandhiji again and again. They keep doing such things as they are obsessed

Desai warns of water supply woes in K’taka

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai on Wednesday warned if Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai does not stop making irresponsible statements, Maharashtra will have to rethink about water supply from its dams to the neighbouring state.

Addressing the media in the Vidhan Bhavan complex here on Wednesday, Desai slammed Bommai over Karnataka government’s stand that not an inch of land will be given to Maharashtra.

Desai said he condemns such comments, which do not suit Bommai as he holds a constitutional post.

“If Karnataka does not stop (making such statements), then Maharashtra will have to rethink over the water being supplied to the neighbouring state,” Desai said.

When the case is

sub-judice, a chief minister using such a “threatening language” is not good and he should stop it, he said.

“Even Maharashtra can reply in the same language and he should not provoke us,” Desai said.

Maharashtra is maintaining patience and the Karnataka CM should keep in mind that the southern state is very much dependent on water supply from the Koyna and Krishna dams (in Maharashtra) during the dry season of March and April, he said.

Maharashtra stands firm with the Marathispeaking people residing in the border areas, he added.

with changing history by repeating lies and maligning great people like Gandhiji,” Thakur said.

In the mock court interview (abhirup nyayalay), Amruta was asked about her calling Modi rashtra pita last year. The interviewer asked her if Modi is the rashtra pita, then who was Mahatma Gandhi.

Amruta replied that Mahatma Gandhi is the country’s rashtra pita and Modi is the rashtra pita of New India. “We have two rashtra pitas; Narendra Modi is the rashtra pita of New India and Mahatma Gandhi is rashtra pita of that

AADITYA ROSE IN POLITICS BECAUSE OF FAMILY’S REPUTATION: AMRUTA First India Bureau

Mumbai: Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday cleared the air about her criticism of Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray. In an interview, she said that in response to the young leader’s women oppressor

(earlier) era,”she added.

Amruta's remarks came days after Maharashtra Governor Bha-

comment about her husband. Explaining her remarks, Amruta said, “When Aaditya Thackeray called Devendra Ji a woman oppressor as well as a reactionary, I got goosebumps. That is why I called him a silkworm. Devendra Ji has worked hard and risen, and Aaditya rose because of his family’s reputation.”

gat Singh Koshyari faced flak over his remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Kesarkar roasts Uddhav over resignation

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Amid the opposition’s demand for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s resignation over the Nagpur Improvement Project plot allocations, Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena Spokesperson Deepak Kesarkar has slammed Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray. Responding to Thackeray’s demand, Kesarkar told reporters, “Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the resignation of CM Shinde. He has asked him to resign and contest elections again.”

“When the Maha Vikas Aghadi (coalition) came to power, the people did not vote for leaders of Maharashtra. So, did he resign and become the chief minister again?” he asked. He further stated, “Ultimately, parties run on ideology and do not depend on relationships. The recent Gram Panchayat poll results are eye-opening. If you have worked for the development of the people, the people will also be with you.”

Lock Shinde-Bommai in a room until border row is solved: Chavan

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Congress leader and former state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday suggested that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Karnataka CM Bavasaraj Bommai be locked in the same room until the border dispute is resolved.

While interacting with the media in Nagpur on Wednesday, the Congress leader said, “The issue of Karnataka border is in the Supreme Court. And the Karnataka government

is afraid that the apex court will give a verdict in favour of Maharashtra. That is why inflammatory statements have been made by Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.”

There are rumours

about the Karnataka Assembly possibly drafting an important resolution on the border issue during its Winter Session.

When asked about it, Chavan said, “If the Karnataka government can take a decision not to

give an inch of land to Maharashtra, we can also take the same decision.”

The former chief minister said that whatever happens, Karnataka will have to accept the Supreme Court’s decision.

“The Maharashtra government should not play a passive role in the border issue. If the union home minister tells the chief ministers of both the states to lock themselves in a room and not come out till the border dispute is resolved, it will stop,” he asserted.

WHO IS LYING ABOUT BORDER ROW MEETING, ASKS NCP MLA

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

MLA Rohit Pawar has questioned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s commitment towards Maharashtra on the border row with Karnataka.

He called into question their claims of dispute resolution after meeting

with Karnataka Chief Minister Bavasaraj Bommai and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, amid conflicting statements

made by Bommai.

“Bommai is saying that the border issue was not discussed (at the meeting). Then the question is who is lying? The Karnataka CM has exposed the lie of the Maharashtra government by saying that the meeting with the union home minister was not related to the border issue, but only law and order,” Rohit said.

MLA Pawar tweeted, “Why did our chief minister and deputy CM mislead Maharashtra by giving out wrong information? If we look at the statements of the Karnataka CM, it’s clear that they are not afraid of Central (government) leaders like Maharashtra leaders are. Whatever happens, Maharashtra will not sit silent like the government.”

Day of protests at Vidhan Bhavan

Nagpur: Opposition members on Wednesday staged a demonstration in the Vidhan Bhavan complex here and reiterated their demand for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s resignation over the allotment of government land in Nagpur issue.

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ajit Pawar, Danve, Congress legislator Nana Patole and other MVA leaders staged a demonstration.

The MVA leaders raised slogans like “Kitne khoke bhukand ok...

bhukand shrikhand, 50 khoke ek dum ok”, alleging corruption in the NIT land case.

Members of the ruling alliance of Shinde’s Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena faction and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also staged a demonstration in the Vidhan Bhavan premises alleging that Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction’s deputy leader Sushma Andhare had insulted saints and Hindu gods. The ruling alliance members also raised slogans against former CM and Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray.

‘Will enter Karnataka like China invaded...’

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Amid the simmering border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday stoked a controversy, saying they will enter the neighbouring southern state the way China has “invaded” Indian territory.

“The way China has invaded (Indian territory), we will do the same in Karnataka. We do not need anyone’s permission to do so,” Raut told reporters in Delhi.

“We want to resolve the issue through dialogue but the Karnataka chief minister is setting everything ablaze (with his statements). Maharashtra has a weak government (in power) and thus could not take any stand against that state,” he said.

The Shiv Sena leader also blasted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his silence and inaction on the

border dispute.

“Bommai wakes up every day and beats the ears of Maharashtra and our chief minister (Shinde) goes to the Assembly rubbing his cheeks. This is Maharashtra’s misfortune,” he said.

“He (CM Shinde) should take a stand and if he is not, then you are not fit to be the CM. When there is a need for answers, the state government is taking a passive stand. Maharashtra will stand behind you. Be it the government of any party, we are united on the border issue. Every political leader of the state will stand with you,” he asserted.

First India Bureau

BJP MLAs stage a protest against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs outside the state legislature in Nagpur. —PHOTO BY ANI

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray protests against state govt at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur on Wednesday. —ANI PHOTO

Amruta Fadnavis

Deepak Kesarkar

Former Maha CM Prithviraj Chavan.

—FILE PHOTO

Rohit Pawar —FILE PHOTO

Sanjay Raut —FILE PHOTO

Shambhuraj Desai

‘Maha will form task force to study nCoV situation’

Nagpur (PTI): Amid a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the state government will form a task force or a committee to study the evolving situation.

Did anyone notice that BJP supporters across the country were wearing masks after the Gujarat victory? Apart from this, if corona is seen increasing in countries like China, then first stop international air services. The notice has been given only because Rahul Gandhi's leadership is growing, keeping the core issue aside, the BJP has started worrying about the impact of Bharat Jodo Yatra.

— Kakasaheb Kulkarni, Spokesperson,

Raising the issue in the state Assembly, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said be it China, Japan, Korea or Brazil, new variants of COVID-19 are being reported.

In China, the situation is serious and there are no beds available for hospitalization, claimed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader.

Will there be a high powered committee, task force to study the evolving situation and what is happening in other parts of the

world, he asked.

In response, Fadnavis said, “We will coordinate with the Centre on this. As suggested by the leader of opposition, we will form a task force or a committee to keep an eye on the evolving situation and make suggestions.

We will definitely implement these suggestions.” Pawar said the state should rise above party lines to

tackle this challenge.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, the Union Health Ministry

on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of COVID-19 to keep track of the emerging variants.

In a letter to states and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circu -

Need not panic, given excellent vaccination coverage: SII CEO

lating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures.

Will wait for results of genome sequencing: Health Secy

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Maharashtra Health Secretary Sanjay Khandare on Wednesday said that the state would be sending all COVID-19 positive samples to laboratories in Mumbai and Pune and based on their results the state government will decide on COVID norms. He also mentioned that there were no plans to conduct mass testing now.

Khandare’s statement came a day after the Union Health Ministry issued an advisory for states and Union Territories to track COVID-19 variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network. There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in China, Japan,

Brazil and the US among other countries. Speaking to the me-

Police take steps to secure abandoned bungalows in Palghar

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Police have taken measures to step up security at abandoned bungalows in Mahim village of Palghar where a 16-yearold girl was allegedly gang raped last week.

According to the Palghar police, the spot where the offence was committed is a scheme of 20 bungalows which was abandoned after construction as the developer fell into a dispute with a bank. The bungalows were attached by the bank subsequently and since then the bank is the custodian of the entire property.

“We have obtained details about the issue surrounding the bungalows and are writing to the bank, asking them to deploy security guards to ensure that no untoward incidents occur on the property.

We have also started surprise checks at the bungalows,” said Balasaheb Patil, Superintendent of Police, Palghar.

Over the years, the bungalows have become

a hangout spot for local youth and soon, they became a hub of antisocial activities.

The survivor, a resident of Satpati village in Palghar district, was allegedly taken to one of the vacant bungalows, where the nine accused forcefully restrained and sexually assaulted her.

The police, over the last two days, have arrested all the nine accused, charging them under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and that of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

dia, Khandare said, “As per Union Health Department’s advisory, we

will send all the samples to Pune and Mumbai labs for genome se-

quencing.” “Based on the result of genome sequencing and the Union government’s instructions, we will decide Maharashtra’s COVID-19 norms,” he added.

Currently, Maharashtra is having

around 100 positive cases daily in the state so we will go for genome sequencing of all the positive samples.

The official also said as of now there’s no plan on starting random COVID-19 testing at railway stations, airports, etc. “We are waiting for instructions from the Union government on the issue.” he said.

Meanwhile, State Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said, “The Center has advised us to be aware of the new variant (BF.7). The Center has also instructed us to be alert according to the manner in which the picture is seen in the media from China. The new variant has not found in Maharashtra as of now.”

Pune: Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla expressed concern over reports of a rising COVID-19 graph in China but said there is no need to panic as the vaccination coverage in India is excellent.

Poonawalla’s tweet came a day after the Union Health Ministry urged all states and UTs to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of newer variants, if any, amid a spurt in cases in the US and China.

“The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the

The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_ INDIA

guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_INDIA,” Poonawalla tweeted. In October, Pooanwalla said the SII stopped producing the vaccine in December 2021. Of the total stock available at that time, about 100 million doses had already expired, he had said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pune-based SII had collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca for making the Covishield vaccine

MLC claims Social Justice Dept got books at inflated cost

Nagpur (PTI): An MLC on Wednesday alleged the Maharashtra Social Justice Department purchased books at an inflated price of Rs36 crore to set up libraries in Dalit residential areas, prompting State Minister Chandrakant Patil to assure a probe. The allegations were

MAN GETS 1 YEAR JAIL FOR MOLESTING MINOR

Thane: A court in Thane district has sentenced a man to one-year rigorous imprisonment for molesting a seven-year-old girl in 2016 on Tuesday. A fine of Rs1,000 was also imposed on him. On September 30, 2016, The accused molested victim by taking her to an isolated place on pretext of giving chocolates.

Special public prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale said the victim and her mother were not traceable and were not examined but the judge accepted the deposition of other witnesses, she said.

raised in the Legislative Council by MLC Kapil Patil who said the state social justice department procured books worth Rs36 crore some months ago to open libraries in Dalit residential areas whereas the original cost of the books is not even Rs two crore.

AIR PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE EXPLODES WHILE TESTING AT FACTORY;

1 DEAD, 2 HURT

MLC Kapil Patil said state social justice dept procured books worth `36 crore

the state social justice department

inflated

details before the House,” said Chandrakant Patil, who handles the Higher and Technical Education Ministry.

Kapil Patil had said, “the appointed agency charged Rs36 crore from the state which is a very serious matter and needed to be inquired.” The minister

clarified not a single book purchased for these libraries is about the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Savitri Phule, Jyotiba Phule, and Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil. “Not a single purchased book is about their work, their thoughts etc,” he said.

Non-cognizable offence against Adsule, 3 others

Thane:

manager, its safety manager, supervisor and others under Indian Penal Code Section 304A, he said.

34-YEAR-OLD MAN FOUND DEAD IN PALGHAR, POLICE SAY STRANGULATION LIKELY CAUSE

Palghar: A 34-year-old man has been found dead in Palghar district and police suspect it to be a case of murder, an official said on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Sunil Tiwari. A passer-by spotted the body on Tuesday evening and alerted the police. The victim seemed to have been strangulated to death and the body dumped at the isolated place, an official from Valiv police station said. A case was registered against unidentified persons under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 and 201, he added.

TWO INJURED AS PART OF FIVE-STOREY BUILDING COLLAPSES IN MALAD

Mumbai: Two people were injured after a portion of a 30-year-old five-storey residential building collapsed in Malad early Wednesday morning, civic officials said. The incident happened at around 6 am at ground-plus-five Anurag CHS located in Mehta Industrial Estate. Four fire engines and a rescue van were rushed to the spot and the building was vacated after the incident. Injured were taken to a hospital and their condition was said to be stable, they said.

26 WOMEN RESCUED FROM SPECIALLY-BUILT CAVITY IN MUMBAI HOUSE; FOUR HELD

Mumbai: The Social Service Branch (SSB) of the Mumbai police conducted a raid at a south Mumbai house where allegedly a flesh trade racket was being operated, saving 26 women kept in a specially-built cavity and arrested four persons, an official said on Wednesday. During the raid, four persons, including three women, all allegedly involved in running the racket were nabbed, but ten of their accomplices managed to escape from the spot, said the official.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A non-cognizable offence has been registered against former Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsule and his three associates for allegedly assaulting a government officer, police said.

No FIR has been registered yet and an investigation is on into the matter, he said. Notably, in the case of a non-cognizable offence, the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant as well as cannot start an investigation without the permission of court.

The complainant, Mehboob Khan Pathan (58), Vice Chairman of the Maharashtra Mantralaya Co-operative Credit

Society, alleged that Adsule along with three associates reached his office and sought the appointment of two persons as directors on board of society to which Pathan asked him to wait for six months.

Adsule then allegedly asked Pathan to collect Rs45 from each of the credit society employees and give a cheque in the name of a union of the former MP, the complainant said.

JOB RACKET IN MANTRALAYA: 3 NABBED BY COPS

Mumbai: Police have captured three persons for allegedly cheating 11 youngsters to the tune of Rs63.60 lakh. Sagar Jadhav, 26, a Malad resident, had first written a complaint to the joint commissioner about the scam in May 2022. He alleged that he came in contact with one Mahendra Sakpal in January 2020, who promised him a job at Mantralaya. Jadhav and other aspirants had even undergone medical check-ups and participated in interviews at Mantralaya, officials said.

‘STAY SAFE’

DEPUTY CM FADNAVIS SAYS STATE TO COORDINATE WITH CENTRE AND MONITOR EVOLVING CIRCUMSTANCES

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses Maha Assembly in Nagpur on Wednesday.

First India Bureau

“The State government will probe the claims made by the member Kapil Patil that

purchased books at an

price. We will present

The spot is a

NCOV TALLY

As per Union Health Department’s advisory, we will send all the samples to Pune and Mumbai labs for genome sequencing. Based on the result of genome sequencing and the Union government’s instructions, we will decide Maharashtra’s COVID-19 norms.

—Sanjay Khandare Maharashtra Health Secretary

Adar Poonawalla @adarpoonawalla

Maharashtra Congress

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.

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-

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

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

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..

VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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.

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

MAHENG/2022/14652

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Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

Editor: Kartikey Dev Singh 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

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

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

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

The Karnataka Assembly resolution declaring the

THE

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

New Delhi: An approval ac-

2009

Shah: 71 multi-state cooperative societies under liquidation

of all

within three years in

‘115 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

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

Nuh

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.

CREW ARE HUMAN TOO, SAYS JET CEO

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

Amit

“Dada,

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.

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

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 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

corded by Cabinet Committee on Security in Feb

to enhance the security

coastal and offshore naval assets

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 PRODUCTION 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

(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

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.

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.

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

ONLY 8 COAL MINES

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

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”.

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.

pvt cryptos to grow can precipitate next financial crisis’

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.

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

OTHER STORIES

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: 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

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

‘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-

‘India 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-

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.

Auto components industry grows 34.8%

First India Bureau

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

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

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.

Airtel launches 5G services in Ahd, Gandhinagar, Imphal

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.

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

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,

AUCTIONED IN 4TH ROUND: JOSHI

DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR FINISHED STEEL TO GROW 8 PERCENT

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

‘Allowing

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.

HC stays Deshmukh’s bail order till Dec 27

Sambhajiraje looking to be Maha’s ‘Chhatrapati’?

SHOT AT FUTURE

Mumbai (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Wednesday extended till December 27, the stay on its order granting bail to former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh in a corruption case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) .

A single bench of Justice MS Karnik on December 12 granted bail to the 73-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader in the corruption case but said the order will be effective after 10 days, as the CBI sought time to challenge it in the apex court. The investigation agency on Friday moved the Supreme Court but the plea would be heard only in January 2023 after vacation.

On Tuesday, the CBI, through Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh, urged Justice Karnik of the high court to extend the earlier stay till January 3. This court had granted bail but it was not to be effected. The Supreme Court doesn't have a vacation bench, unfortunately. So the order may be extended till January 3, Singh had said.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, the ASG urged the bench to “protect him for a reasonable time.”

However, Aniket Nikam, appearing for Deshmukh, submitted they (CBI) have the remedy of approaching the vacation registrar available in the apex court but they don’t want to exercise that.

Mumbai: Having made a dent in the political sphere of the state through events organized by his Swarajya Sangathan as well as protests against ‘insults’ to his ancestor, Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje may be gearing up to form an independent party in the next few days.

A descendant of 17th century warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and member of the erstwhile royal family of Kolhapur— Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje—reportedly plans to formally enter the Maharashtra political arena after his stint as an independent MLA.

Sambhajiraje began organizing programmes across the state through his organization ahead of civic polls. As a result 13 candidates belonging to the Swarajya Sangathan have now secured

wins in the state Gram Panchayat elections. They have all bagged the position of sarpanch.

A felicitation ceremony of all winning candidates will be held soon.

According to the rumours floating on the political circuit, Sambhajiraje may make a ma-

BJP objects to Bhujbal using ‘hen’ metaphor

Nagpur (PTI): BJP

MLA Manisha Chaudhary on Wednesday objected to Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal calling Mumbai the `Kombdi’ (hen) that lays the golden egg. Bhujbal, a former minister, said he was only using the popular Marathi version of the phrase ‘to kill the goose that lays the golden egg’.

Speaking with reporters at the legislature complex, Chaudhary, MLA from Dahisar in Mumbai, said Bhujbal called Maharashtra’s capital a “hen” during a discussion on supplementary demands in the Assembly. When she objected and tried to raise a point of order, Bhujbal said “you sit down”, she alleged, adding that this was an insult to all women MLAs.

Earlier, Bhujbal told reporters outside the Assembly that he was talking about the need to

improve the basic amenities in Mumbai and curb pollution. “While raising this issue, I said Mumbai is the hen that lays the golden egg, do not kill it. What I intended to say was please save the city. But unfortunately one of our sisters said why did you call Mumbai `Kombdi’. It is a popular phrase,” he said.

He took his words back as Chaudhary had taken offense, but the ruling benches made false allegations in order to create a ruckus, the NCP leader alleged.

jor announcement at this function. A meeting of the Swarajya Sangathan has been organized in Pune next week. For the last two decades, Sambhajiraje has wielded a lot of influence in the politics of Kolhapur. He has played an important role in the

struggle for Maratha reservation. The total number of members at the organization currently stands at 89. After being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP in 2016, Sambhajiraje called on the MVA government (that collapsed in June this

year) to lend him support as an independent candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections held in May. However, the coalition of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP declined to support him. This left Sambhajiraje with no choice but to withdraw from the fray.

Jains call for bandh over Sammed peak call

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Members of the Jain community on Wednesday called for a bandh in Maharashtra over the Jharkhand government declaring Sammed Shikhar, a tourist attraction.

Warning of endangerment to the sanctity of Sammed peak, Jains in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have united against the decision.

Community members took to the streets in Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Jalgaon, among other places across Maharashtra to express their dissent.

Major markets were closed in various places in response to the agitation.

‘BJP unwilling to give funds to panchayats’

First India Bureau

Kolhapur: Armed with shovels, Shiv Sainiks belonging to the Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction on Wednesday began removal of encroachment at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district.

Raising slogans, they left for Vishalgad from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Kolhapur city.

This comes after the CM Eknath Shinde -led government di-

rected authorities to remove all encroachment near 17th century military general Afzal Khan’s grave at Pratapgad Fort.

Kolhapur royal family scion Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje had written to the CM and asked him to direct removal of encroachment at Vishalgad.

The Thackeray group, led by Kolhapur district President Sanjay Pawar and leader Vijay Devane, has become aggressive about the encroachment.

Solapur: The Congress party on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is threatening elected representatives that if they do not support the government, funds will be released to the Gram Panchayats.

Former Congress MLA from Akkalkot constituency Siddharam Satlingappa Mhetre has claimed that the BJP MLAs are calling Gram Panchayat representatives and spreading fear that they will not be given money if they do not support the ruling alliance. Mhatre leveled this serious charge against BJP MLA Sachin Kalyanshetty.

“The people of Akkalkot have votes us in 11 Gram Panchayats out of 20. But the people in power are calling the elected Sarpanchs of the Gram Panchay-

ats to their office. They are being threatened that if they go to Mhatre, they will not get the funds. That’s why there has been a stir,” Mhetre said.

He further said that Sarpanches who are with us are giving a befitting reply to these bullies.

According to Mhetre, the elected Sarpanches have said that even if funds are not released for one-and-a-half year, they will work they we will be voted to power in 2024 elections.

In Jalgaon and Dhule, black ribbons were sported by people belonging to the Jain community. In Pune, traders protested the decision by keeping their shops closed. In Madha of Solapur district, Jains took out a grand silent march in the city. Women and children chanted ‘Jai Jinendra’ and raised slogans against the Jharkhand government.

MP Shrirang Barne, who is from Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena, raised the issue in the Parliament on Wednesday. He requested the Jharkhand government not to declare the pilgrimage site as a tourist destination, respecting the sentiments of the community.

Dynamic, static testing of rake trial run done

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) on Wednesday informed that the dynamic and static testing of the first prototype rake trial run of Mumbai city’s only underground ColabaBandra-SEEPZ Metro Line 3, Aqua Line, was successfully completed.

The trial run will continue after which mandatory performance and safety testing will be carried out for a few months by the Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO). The commissioner of railway safety (CRS) will then inspect and certify the train.

NEW ROLE

Georgia-returned med student elected as sarpanch in Sangli dist

health habits, contribute towards the betterment of youth’s aspirations and welfare of the farmers’ community in the village.

First India Bureau

Pune: Yashodhara Shinde (21) aspired to become a doctor and was pursuing the medical course in Georgia. However, fate had something else in store for her as she returned to her village in Maharashtra, contested the Gram Panchayat election and won it too.

Shinde now plans to work for the betterment of her village Vaddi in Miraj tehsil of Sangli district and also complete her education online.

Shinde said she wants to make women self-reliant, introduce e-learning and other education tools for students, help children adopt good

“I have been pursuing the MBBS course at the New Vision University in Georgia. Currently, I am in the 4th year and one-and-a-half years of the course is still left to be completed,” she said.

“When elections were announced in my village, locals wanted someone from our family to contest for the sarpanch’s (village

head) post. A decision was taken to field me for the position. I got a call from my family and I returned, contested the election and won,” said Shinde.

When asked about her plans as sarpanch for the development of the village, Shinde said her main focus will be to address the issues of women and make them stand on their feet.

“I am of the opinion that women must get an equal chance to show what they are capable of and I would like to

make them educated and independent and not rely on their male counterparts,” she said.

Her priority list also includes the welfare of children and their education.

“I would like to expose them to e-learning and the latest pedagogies. I would also like to work towards the construction of toilets in the village and facilitate easy availability of sanitary napkins for girls and women. Also, children need to adopt good health habits,” she said.

When polls were announced, locals wanted someone from our family to contest for the sarpanch’s post. A decision was taken to field me for the position. I got a call from my family and I returned, contested the election and won.

—Yashodhara Shinde, medical student

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Kartikey Dev Singh

Political observers believe Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje may be aiming to contest state Assembly polls. —FILE PHOTO

Yashodhara Shinde (21) now plans to work for the betterment of her village Vaddi in Miraj tehsil and also complete her education online

Yashodhara Shinde

Independent leader’s efforts bear fruit as his org now elects 13s sarpanches in GP polls

Sammed Shikhar is located in Giridh district of Jharkhand.

—FILE PHOTO

Manisha Chaudhary

Siddharam Satlingappa Mhetre

Sainiks reach Vishalgad to remove encroachment

Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district. —FILE PHOTO

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’,

‘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

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.

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 In dia if you’re seeking a place to attend mid night mass as Christ mas 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

One of the

about the interesting locations to visit in India as we enter 2022.

CHRIST CHURCH, SHIMLA

It is the most well-known landmark 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.

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.

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. 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

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

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

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 personal ity. She is also regarded of the most fashionable actresses in the entertainment industry.

Honsla Rakh fame actress re cently attended the wedding of her manager Kaushal Joshi, where she was seen having lots of fun with nu merous celebs.

Bigg Boss 13 fame ac tress looks fabulous in a white saree with multi coloured floral embroi dery 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 Anu pamaa lead Ru pali Ganguly.

Videos from the wedding are floating on social me dia, where she is seen enjoying herself at the wed ding.

highly-anticipated movie The Archies.

Suhana 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

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

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.”

Rubina missing Bigg Boss’s voice

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 Insta gram, “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, oo dles 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

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

GOLD COAST FILMS ANNOUNCES

SOCIAL CREATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2022

Sunny Arora and Neeraj Mishra of Gold Coast Films announced their latest venture – Social Creator of the Year Awards 2022 amidst glitz and glamour at JW Marriott Sahar. Almost 200+ creators participating in the awards like Mehak Ghai, Shruti Sinha, Rajvee Gandhi, Zinie Sanghavi and many more were present at the do. They were cheered by eminent celebrities like Devoleena Bhattacharjee. Aneri Vajani, Divya Agarwal, Harsh Rajput, Shivin Narang & Sonali Kukreja, Srishty Rode, Vishal Singh,

Arti Singh and others were present at the spectacular launch.

An eclectic mix of many more celebs like Jay Soni, Sanam & Abigail, Pooja Gor, Kishwer Merchant, Arshi Khan, Vahbiz Dorabjee, Gia Manek, Lekha Prajapati, Reena Aggarwal, Tanya & Kritika Sharma, Ankit Bathla, Aparna Dixit and Sushant Digvikar among others were present to cheer both Sunny and Neeraj for their newest baby – the SCY Awards. Devoleena Bhattacharjee stole all the limelight with her first postwedding appearance with hubby Shanawaz Shaikh. The creators seemed quite excited at the announcement of such a grand-scale award show dedicated to them. Most of them were also seen going live and making

the event a virtual megahit.

Gold Coast Films (GCF) is known for curating exclusive and engaging travel content for various broadcasting platforms. The Media Company believes that in this digital age where the creator ecosystem is at its peak, brands now trust the creators more than their other marketing verticals. With consumers having easy accessibility to the internet, the results are visible, measurable and have a very long shelf life. Social Creator of the Year (SCY) is yet another first, award show to recognise and honour these content creators from different genres.

Neeraj Mishra, CoFounder, of Gold Coast Films, further elaborates on the awards and shares, “GCF has been working with tourism boards w.r.t Indian Outbound Market for a few years now and have executed several campaigns successfully. SCY was born and we could sense the gap. No award show is purely dedicated to creators, not at this scale.

We look forward to hosting this grand award show at international locales every year and for our debut season, we have partnered with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and we will surely be able to come up with some mesmerizing content for this Island nation.”

The first season of SCY awards is set to be hosted at the exotic locations of Sri Lanka over 4 days from 1st March 2023. Sri Lanka becomes the perfect location to host the awards as it has so much to offer. From beautiful beaches to scenic cities, serene greenery to exotic landscapes clubbed with some amazing hospitality that the country is known for.

SCY has partnered with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. The Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts boasts to own some of the most instagrammable hotels in the world and hence becomes an apt choice to host the awards. With mini-events such as Sundowner Pool Party, Yacht Party etc. to be

hosted at Cinnamon Bentota Beach & Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The final awards will happen at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on the 3rd of March 2023.

“We are excited to partner as the Hospitality Partner in Sri Lanka for the Social Creator of the Year Awards, to further strengthen Cinnamon’s presence in the Indian market. This further deepens our commitment to the Indian market and our current efforts in working with diverse content creators that create new opportunities for us to engage with our audiences in India. “, commented Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

SCY has also partnered with Sri Lankan Airlines as their “Airlines Partner”. Sri Lankan Airlines is known for its luxurious amenities, flying comfort and direct accessibility from key Indian cities to Sri Lanka.

Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing, Sri Lankan Airlines Ltd adds, “As the National Carrier, Sri Lankan

Airlines has been at the forefront of promoting destination – Sri Lanka, in its single largest market, India through many content creator initiatives. As a prime promoter of the destination, we strongly believe in the impact and effectiveness of authentic travel content, inspiring travellers to explore and rediscover Sri Lanka's charm.

We are pleased to be the Airline Partner of the esteemed So cial Creator of the Year Awards, which will take place in Sri Lanka in the coming year. The Airline has a strong presence in India with convenient connectivity out of nine major cities to Colombo and beyond. We take this opportunity to wish the organising team all the very best,

be nom-

Vaani Kapoor’s maiden US tour!

aani

graph is on a constant rise. The gorgeous girl, who is riding on incredible appreciation for her role as a transgender girl in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, is now headlining a couple of films as a leading girl with a Dinesh Vijan project, and a yet untitled project! Now, Vaani reveals that she will be on her first-ever three-city US tour. The vivacious Vaani Kapoor will be seen performing at sought-after venues in Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey to her chartbusters

Shamshera, Ghungroo, Nashe Si Chad Gayi, Sakhiyan from Bell Bottom and others. She has been paired opposite leading Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ayushmann Khurrana and has superhit music to her credit.

She adds, “I’m fortunate to have had superhit songs in my career because I’m now going to fulfil a huge dream of mine- dancing on my chartbusters at my very own maiden US tour! It seems so surreal and I’m still pinching myself that I have, as an actor, got the opportunity to entertain people across the world!

Uorfi detained in Dubai

While visiting the UAE, Uorfi Javed is reported to have been detained in Dubai for allegedly wearing a revealing outfit in public, which is prohibited there. The actress has been in the United Arab Emirates for more than a week filming her upcoming projects. Wearing a range of unconventional outfits, she has shared videos from her trip. Local police in Dubai were questioning Uorfi after she filmed a video 'in an open area' wearing something not allowed to be photographed in public.

Furthermore there was ‘no problem’ with Uorfi’s outfit but she shot the video in an open area. As a re-

sult, police detained her for ques tioning. The report also added that the UAE local authorities might postpone Uorfi's tickets back to Delhi.

Uorfi was in the news last month for her alleged feud with author Chetan Bhagat.

The author had claimed during an event that the youth, especial ly boys are get ting distracted by Uorfi.

PATHAAN BACKLASH CONTINUES

An enraged seer from Ayodhya threatened to burn Shah Rukh Khan alive over his Pathaan song 'Besharam Rang'.

The angry seer namely, Mahant Paramhans Acharya of Tapasvi Chhavni, once declared that he would burn Shah Rukh

Khan alive if he ever met him. It has been reported that Paramhans Acharya added that 'Besharam Rang' insults the saffron colour associated with Hinduism.

The seer declared, "People of our Sanatan Dharma are constantly protesting about this. We burned Shahrukh Khan's poster today. If I ever get the chance to meet the

film Jihadi Shah Rukh Khan, I will burn him alive."

As part of his demands, Acharya threatened to set the theatres on fire if the film were allowed to be released in theatres. Mahant Raju Das, a priest at Hanuman Garhi, began protesting against Sidharth Anand's film just a few days earlier.

The

travel, beauty, entertainment, fashion, comic, lifestyle, dance, gadget, finance etc. The nominations begin in January and the jury panel will be shortlisting the winners in mid of February 2023.

and looking forward to an exciting event."

creators will

inated across various award categories like

Kapoor’s career

Devoleena Bhattacharjee with Shahanawaz Shaikh

Srishty Rode

Arshi Khan and Ankit Bathla Neeraj Mishra & Sunny Arora Arti Singh

Sushant Digvikar

Kishwer Merchant and Aparna Dixit

Mehak Ghai with Shivani Singh

Vishal Singh

Divya Agarwal

Gia Manek

Harsh Rajput Jay Soni Pooja Gor

Tanya and Kritika Sharma

Shah Rukh Khan