First India-Mumbai Edition-23rd March 2023

MUKESH AMBANI ONLY INDIAN IN TOP 10 HURUN GLOBAL RICH LIST

New Delhi: RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani was the only Indian to make it to top 10 billionaires on the 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List, with a net worth of $82 billion. 65-year-old industrialist has retained his title as Asia’s richest man for 3rd consecutive year.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

GOOD NEWS! RLY LOWERS FARE OF AC-3 TIER ECO TICKET

New Delhi: Railways Ministry has issued an order to reduce price of AC-3 tier economy class ticket with effect from Wednesday, bedding will be made available as before. Fare for a 3-tier economy class ticket, which had been made equal to fare of AC-3 tier ticket through a circular issued last year, is reduced.

ADANI GROUP SEEKS TO TAKE CONTROL OF MORE AIRPORTS

New Delhi: Adani Airports, part of billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, will bid for more airports across India in its ambition to become the leading airport operator, Chief Executive Arun Bansal said on Wednesday.

Padma Glory

READ Crucial

PEACE IN KASHMIR

AFTER SCRAPPING OF ART 370 : AMIT SHAH

Kupwara: Union Home

Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday that peace is being established in J&K after abrogation of Article 370. He was speaking after inaugurating Maa Sharda Devi Temple in J&K’s Kupwara through VC. P5

TREMORS FELT IN DELHI-NCR, DAY AFTER MAJOR JOLTS

New Delhi: A day after a powerful earthquake jolted Delhi and neighbouring cities, mild tremors were felt in national capital and adjoining areas. The quake of 2.7 magnitude occurred around 4:42 pm on Wednesday.

PROTESTORS THROW INK AS SECURITY KEEPS THEM

AWAY FROM IHC IN UK

London: Pro-Khalistan protesters shouted slogans, threw water bottles and ink at London Metropolitan police, who were on other side of road from Indian High Commission. For protesters, immediate provocation was bigger Indian flag draped over walls of India House.

President Droupadi Murmu with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, MoS Nisith Pramanik and Padma awardees in a group picture at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Right) PM Narendra Modi being greeted by Pandwani singer Usha Barle prior to receiving the Padma Shri award in presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Smriti Irani and others. Of the 106 Padma awards that were announced, 6 are Padma Vibhushan, 9 are Padma Bhushan and 91 are Padma Shri. Former Union Minister SM Krishna, Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Singer Suman Kalyanpur, Kantha embroidery artist Pritikana Goswami are among those who have been honoured at the ceremony. Of these, over 50 people were awarded on Wednesday. Rest of the awardees would be conferred the honour in another ceremony later. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, Dr Dilip Mahalanabis, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Narendra Chandra Debbarma, Areez Khambatta and Karma Wangchu were honoured posthumously. P5

INDIA EYES 6G!

PM unveils Bharat 6G Vision Document, launches research & devp test bed

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled Bharat’s 6G Vision Document and inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office and Innovation Centre. At the event, PM also launched the 6G R&D Test Bed and the ‘Call before u dig’ App.

PM Narendra Modi also assertained in the event that “telecom technology is empowering our citizens in India”. Noting that India has seen a rapid surge in the number of internet users in rural areas in recent years, he said “it shows the power of Digital India.”

ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Headquartered in Geneva, it has a network of field offices, regional Offices and area offices.

4 dist judges to be elevated as Madras HC judges: SC

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The SC Collegium headed by CJI DY Chandrachud has recommended names of 4 district judges for appointment as judges of the Madras HC. The collegium, which comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph, recommended the names of R Sak thivel, P Dhana bal, Chinnasamy Kumarappan, and K Rajasekar. Collegium reiterated its earli-

SC: CENTRE DISTURBING SENIORITY OF JUDGES BY DELAYING DECISIONS

The Supreme Court collegium has asked the Centre to expedite the pending appointments of judges, pointing out that withholding names of judges disturbs the seniority of the candidates.

er recommendation dated July 25, 2022, for appt of Senior Advocate Harpreet Singh Brar as a judge of Punjab, Haryana High Court.

PM MODI’S MANN KI BAAT COME APRIL 30, 100TH EPISODE TO BROADCAST WORLDWIDE

Today, when India is presiding over the G-20, reducing the regional divide is one of its priorities. When we talk about bridging the technological divide, it is very natural to expect from India.

—Narendra Modi, PM

l 6G test bed launched to provide industry, academic institutions and others a platform to test & validate evolving technologies l 6G testbed is being co-developed by a

APP

ABOUT CALL BEFORE YOU DIG (CBuD)

The Call Before You Dig (CBuD) app is a tool envisaged for preventing damage to underlying assets like optical fibre cables, that occurs because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to loss of thousands of crore every year.

TALKING 6G SOON AFTER 5G ROLLOUT

consortium of various IITs, including those in Guwahati and Madras

lIndia is the second largest telecom market globally, with 1.2 billion digital subscribers

This time not only India but even other countries would listen to PM Narendra Modi’s 100th episode of the radio programme Mann Ki Baat. For the same, BJP is preparing in full swing. In every LS, in 100 places, 100 people will sit and listen to Mann Ki Baat, in which different groups of doctors, engineers, teachers, and social workers will listen to this program and all other sections of the society. Apart from this, those who are hon oured with Padma Bhushan or Padma Vibhushan will also be honoured and will be heard. BJP’s national gen secy Dushyant Gautam and Vinod Tawde are in charge of program, under their leadership, this programme is being conducted across dif ferent states on April 30.

Purpose of broadcasting the programme across the world is because PM Modi is a global leader. All the countries appreciate the work of the PM. People want to hear him. Our aim is that we broadcast PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat to as many countries as possible. —BJP SOURCES

OVER 100 FIRs, 6 ARRESTED FOR PASTING POSTERS AGAINST MODI ACROSS DELHI

Over 100 FIRs have been registered and 6 people have been arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with objectionable posters, including those with derogatory remarks against PM Modi, across the national capital.

Police issues lookout circular, non-bailable warrant against Singh

First India Bureau

Chandigarh: Punjab

Police on Wednesday issued a lookout circular (LOC) and non-bailable warrant against Waris de Punjab chief and Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, claimed reports. Sukhchain Singh

Gill, IGP (HQ), Punjab, informed during a press conference that the Khalistani leader has not yet been apprehended.

The IGP said, “We are putting forth all attempts to capture him. It is difficult to say that we are

POLICE QUESTION AMRITPAL SINGH’S WIFE AND MOTHER

Jallupur Khera: Police on Wednesday questioned absconding Amritpal’s wife Kirandeep and mother Balwinder at his native village Jallupur Khera. SSP Satinder Singh, however, denied questioning them but maintained that “it was a routine matter.”Cops remained at the house of Amritpal for an hour, didn’t speak to media later.

optimistic that we will arrest him soon. Other states and central agencies are fully cooperating with Pb Police.” P6

Raj Thackeray strikes again against Uddhav & CM Shinde!

dutva and the current political scenario in Maharashtra.

In a surprise attack, the MNS chief slammed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for cosying up too much to the Centre and snatching jobs from the state.

Till now, no one has gone to Pakistan and shown them the mirror.

for his remarks on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks during an event in Pakistan.

First India Bureau Mumbai: On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Uddhav Thackeray held a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. The political leader spoke about Hin-

“Our Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to loot from Surat and bring it to Maharashtra... Shinde is looting from Maharashtra and taking it to Surat. I want to tell Eknath Shinde, work for the people of Maharashtra; don’t follow Uddhav Thackeray,” he said.

Not one to tread lightly, the MNS leader further turned his attention to cousin Uddhav.

“Uddhav and his people always conspired to

Javed Akhtar did that. Every Muslim in Maharashtra should be like Javed Akhtar… I want people like Javed Akhtar and many more. I want Indian Muslims who speak against Pakistan and tell them our power.

—Raj Thackeray, MNS chief

remove good leaders from the party and now the end result is this (the split in the Shiv Sena).

Ali Baba and his 40 people left the Shiv Sena...I

won’t call them chor because they are not thieves.” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar

Notably, while attending a festival honouring writer Faiz Ahmed Faiz in Lahore, Akhtar was told that Indians think all Pakistani are terrorists. He gave a stern reply and said the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks continue to roam freely in Pakistan. Raj Thackeray also highlighted the fact that 17,000 cases were filed against his party workers over their campaign to take down speakers from masjids.

PM Narendra Modi, Ashwini Vaishnaw & Doreen Bogdan unveiling Bharat 6G Vision Document at the inauguration of the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Residence of ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh, at Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar district on Wednesday.

Raj Thackeray addresses the rally at Dadar’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

GUDI PADWA CELEBRATIONS IN MAHA Enthusiasm and pomp mark

Marathi new year welcomed with colourful processions, traditional attire, camaraderie

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Gudi Padwa festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm and pomp in Maharashtra on Wednesday with people hoisting "gudis" at their houses and processions were taken out to welcome the beginning of the traditional Marathi new year.

The day is marked by people cleaning their houses, decorating them with colourful rangolis and hoisting the gudi--a bamboo stick decorated with a colourful cloth tied to a “kalash” at the top and a garland of flowers attached to it along with mango leaves and neem leaves.

The word “Gudi” or “Gudhi” means a flag and “Padwa” or Pratipada is the first day of the new moon phase. Hoisting the “gudis” is considered auspicious and believed to bring good luck and fortune.

Farmers celebrate 'Gudi Padwa' festival to mark the beginning of the new harvest season.

In Mumbai city and elsewhere, colourful processions are being taken out joined by men, women, and children in traditional attire.

Music performances, playing of traditional dhols and lezim dances are the major attractions of these processions or shobhayatras.

Women dressed in traditional 'navvari' or nine-yard sarees rode bikes, while horses took

part in the processions taken out at Girgaum, Dadar, Vile Parle and other areas in the megapolis.

Women performed the traditional lezim dance and played dhols in the processions, traditionally known as shobhayatras which were taken out in Thane, Dombivali and other satellite towns in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in the morning.

Marathi outreach: Ahead of BMC polls, BJP’s festive fervour

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Mumbai BJP has announced plans to celebrate Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, with greater enthusiasm this year. Nearly one lakh karyakartas, or party workers, will

75-ft ‘STATUE OF KNOWLEDGE’ dedicated to Ambedkar on cards

Latur (PTI): The Maharashtra government has given approval for a 75-foot ‘Statue of Knowledge’ dedicated to Dr BR Ambedkar in Latur city, local MP Sudhakar Shrangare said on Wednesday.

He had submitted a proposal in this regard, he said.

On Tuesday, the state government issued an order regarding the statue and also the beautification of the Ambedkar Park in the city, the BJP MP said, adding that Rs10 crore has been sanctioned for the entire project.

Shrangare had last

CRUCIAL READ TWO HELD FOR CHAIN SNATCHING IN NAVI MUMBAI

Thane: With the arrest of two men, Navi Mumbai Police on Wednesday claimed to have solved 12 cases of chain snatching reported in the limits of Kharghar, Nerul, and Vashi police stations. Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Dahane said there were two incidents last month where motorbike-borne persons snatched a chain. A total of 81.45 gm of chains including a few mangalsutras, altogether valued at Rs6.04 lakh, were seized from their possession. A motorbike used for chain snatching was also recovered. Further probe is on, the DCP said.

MAR 21: HIGHEST SINGLE-DAY RAINFALL IN 17 YRS

Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed the highest amount of rainfall in a single day in March since 2006, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Tuesday, the city recorded 16.6 mm of rainfall, which was last seen on March 10, 2006, when 11.9 mm was recorded at the Santacruz observatory. IMD Mumbai’s scientist, Sushma Nair, confirmed that this was the highest single-day rainfall in the last 17 years. The Colaba observatory recorded the highest-ever single-day rainfall in March in Mumbai in 1918, measuring 34.3 mm.

ANNUAL MEET OF TOUR OPERATORS LATER THIS YEAR

Aurangabad: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will hold its 38th annual convention in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, Maharashtra later this year. The agreement was signed between the Maharashtra government and IATO on Monday in Mumbai. The convention will be attended by 1,500 tour operators from across the country after the monsoon season. The meeting was by The State Tourism Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was also present in the meeting.

MAN ABSONDING FOR 28 YRS, ARRESTED IN MUM

hoist gudis, on their houses across the city, while booth chiefs and activists will carry out Shobha yatras, or processions, in various parts of Mumbai.

Ashish Shelar, Mumbai BJP President, said, “We have decided to celebrate Gudi Padwa. It is

one of the three-and-ahalf auspicious muhurtas as per the Hindu calendar. To welcome the New Year, BJP activists have hoisted gudis on their houses”. The BJP is hoping to make deeper inroads amongst Marathi voters in the city, particu-

larly as they account for up to 30% of the population and have traditionally been the Shiv Sena’s main strength. The BJP won 82 seats in the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, just two less than the Shiv Sena’s total.

To win control of the BMC, the BJP will need 114 seats out of 227. Shelar said that cultural nationalism was integral to the party’s ideology and that “every Hindu household must celebrate Gudi Padwa with great enthusiasm”.

Mumbai: An accused in a cheating case who was on the run for 28 years has been arrested here, police said on Tuesday. Police officials posed as employees of the civic body BEST in order to trap him. Recently, police got a tip-off that he was living in a flat in the Dana Bandar area, the official said. Virendra Sanghvi alias Mahesh Shah was named as an accused in a cheating case registered at D B Marg police station in 1995. He was accused of selling bogus shares of Rs20 lakh, said a police official.

2nd e-double decker bus hits Mumbai roads

INTRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC BUS

year

First India Bureau Mumbai: Within a month of introducing the first air-conditioned electric double decker bus (e-bus), the civicrun Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has started plying second such vehicle in the city, but the passengers, enthusiasts and staffers said they were left disappointed as the issues they had flagged in the first bus remained un-

addressed in the latest service. The first electric double decker bus was introduced in the city on February 21.

The second such bus, registered at the Vashi Regional Transport Office (RTO) on March 17, is being operated on route no 138 between

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Backbay Depot in south Mumbai, besides being used for heritage tours, a BEST spokesperson said.

A few minor internal changes have been done in this bus based on the passengers feedback

given after the bus first was introduced, he said.

The second electric double decker bus has been hired on wet lease from a private operator.

The BEST staffers, passengers and bus enthusiasts said that they had pointed out some flaws in the first double decker e-bus and they

were expecting those to be rectified in the next bus. But several of their concerns related to safety and comfort remained unaddressed in the second double decker e-bus as well, they said.

Currently, the BEST has only 50 diesel-run double decker buses.

Dy CM Fadnavis participated in the Swagat Yatra which started in Nagpur on Wednesday. —PHOTOS BY PTI

CM JOINS IN

Women in traditional attire participate in a procession to celebrate the Marathi New Year, ‘Gudi Padwa’, in Mumbai. —PHOTOS BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE AND PTI

Passengers say issues faced in first one remain largely unresolved

installed a 75-foot replica of Ambedkar’s statue and there was a demand from some organizations that a permanent statue should be

installed in the city. The ground-breaking ceremony for the project will be performed on Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the MP said.

A temporary version of the statue was installed last year. —FILE PHOTO

CM Shinde participates in the 'Swagat Yatra' in Thane on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Alumni, students’ groups write to Dy CM, seek FIR

First India Bureau

Mumbai: At least two students' collectives of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have requested Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to direct the police to register an FIR in the death of the first-year student, Darshan Solanki, who allegedly committed suicide in February.

The state government has already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior police officer to probe the death.

In an e-mail-cum-letter written to Fadnavis on Tuesday, the students' groups claimed the SIT investigation is based on the Accidental Death Report (ADR) filed by the police, and "the refusal of the SIT

Tto base their investigation on FIR is a failure to recognize the rights of the family".

This letter is written by Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), Ambedkarite Students Collective (ASC) and a concerned alumni group of IIT Bombay.

The APPSC also tweeted a photograph

Ruckus at Osho ashram in Pune as disciples with malas enter forcefully

First India Bureau

Pune: Several disciples of late spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh wearing “sanyas malas” on Wednesday forced their way into the Osho International Meditation Centre (OIMC) to protest the management’s purported plans to sell the Ashram land. Tension has been brewing between a group of disciples and the OSHO International Foundation (OIF) management which manages the affairs of the Ashram for some time.

of Solanki with a caption that he would have turned 19 on Tuesday. Solanki, who hailed from Ahmedabad in Gujarat and was a firstyear student of the B Tech (Chemical) course, allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the seventh floor of a hostel building located on the campus on February 12.

His family had claimed he faced discrimination at the IITB for belonging to a Scheduled Caste community and suspected foul play in his death.

However, the inquiry committee set up by the IITB has ruled out caste-based discrimination and hinted at deteriorating academic performance as a possible cause of suicide.

"Darshan would have turned 19 today, if the institute had implemented all the policies mandated by law, reservation in faculty, mental health support, sentisation for savarnas, proper grievance redressal mechanism, etc. @iitbombay has failed you. #justicefordarshansolanki, (sic)" the APPSC tweeted.

On Wednesday, after more than 250 followers forced their way into OIMC. Police detained a man after he became

“violent” and tried to attack police personnel outside the ashram. He was not a part of the group of protesters but he became aggressive after the followers forcefully entered Ashram premises, police said. Followers of Osho have not been permitted

to the mala--a string of beads with a locket--inside the ashram established by the godman for 23 years, according to a Newslaundry report.

OIF management claims that Osho had dropped the mala “long before leaving the body”.

On March 21, marked

GST dept announces dismissal of officials through newspaper ad

Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax department in a rare move issued a newspaper advertisement announcing the dismissal of three GST inspectors from service for their involvement in a fake raid on a trader, an official has said.

“It was the first time in the history of the GST administration in the state that an advertisement was issued to announce the dismissal

This monsoon, BMC to use concrete to fill potholes

Redo survey of hawkers: Union urges civic body

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The union of hawkers in Mumbai has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to redo its survey on the number of hawkers in the city.

The survey was done in 2014, and needs to be done in every five years, as per street vendors

of errant officials," he said. He said the motive behind making the action public was to protect the image of the GST department.

According to the official, three inspectors participated in a fraudulent raid and ab -

sconded with Rs11 lakh from a prominent trader. Once their involvement was verified, they were subjected to disciplinary measures.

"The ongoing inquiry which the state police department is conducting against the three inspectors will continue. After hearing them, we decided to dismiss them from service to protect the image of the department," the official added.

E-buses to replace current fleet in Thane

First India Bureau

Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation plans to replace its entire fleet of more than 300 public transport buses with those powered by electricity in a phased manner, an official said on Wednesday.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: To fill potholes during the monsoon this year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will implement a new method to fill the potholes.

The civic body usually uses cold-mix technology to fill potholes on Mumbai roads. However,

this year it is set to implement a new method that involves usage of rapid concrete. Last year, BMC had carried out a pilot analysis of technique during monsoon.

Officials said that now, pothole pits will be cut in a particular shape, following which concrete will be poured into the pits and left to

harden. It will take six hours for the surface of the road to become uniform, said officials. Meanwhile, in a statement, the civic body on Tuesday said they have asked contractors to present offers and design specifications, following which work orders will be issued via tenders.

The survey was done in 2014, and the union said that as per the Street Vendors’ (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, the survey needs to be done every five years. Shashank Rao, Union President, said the BMC’s numbers were flawed.

“As per our understanding, the civic body has accounted for 32,000 hawkers but any

common citizen can point out how there are over two lakh hawkers in the city. If the BMC is not accounting for the right number of hawkers, it is presenting a wrong picture to hawkers and citizens,” said Rao. Five years ago, BMC authorities had distributed more than 1.25 lakh forms to hawkers.

HEALTH WATCH

To that end, the civic body has so far introduced 11 e-buses, including a few air-conditioned ones.

Vilas Joshi, chairman of the Thane Municipal Corporation Transport Services, said all its buses running on diesel or compressed natural gas will be gradually replaced with eco-friendly electric buses.

The civic body also plans to introduce dou-

as Osho’s “enlightenment day” by his followers, when protesters sought police protection to enter the ashram--and permission that they be allowed to wear the mala while doing so, the report added.

“After our intervention on Tuesday, the followers were allowed to enter Ashram campus with ‘malas’ but today (Wednesday) these followers entered forcefully. A man, who is not a part of followers’ group, became unruly and violent and tried to manhandle police, forcing police to use force to evict him from spot,” said Smartana Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II).

WOMEN RANSACK GAMBLING DENS, LIQUOR JOINTS

First India Bureau

Thane/Palghar: A video surfaced on social media on Tuesday showing a group of women ransacking what they claimed were gambling dens and liquor joints in Ulhasnagar town of Thane district.

The women, said to be members of a political party, told the media the police had not acted on their complaints against these gambling dens and liquor joints so they decided to themselves take action on these outlets.

The alcohol comprising different brands of foreign liquor has been seized

ble-decker e-buses, which can be operated along the Ghodbunder Road route, which has seen rapid development over the past few years, he said. Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said electric buses require less maintenance and it is cheaper to operate such vehicles than the ones running on fossil fuels.

If properly managed, the transport services can be self-sustainable and even generate revenue for the civic body, he said.

The Ulhasnagar police said no offence has been registered in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, a man was arrested in Vasai city in Palghar district for stocking foreign liquor worth Rs7.50 lakh at a private premises without the requisite permissions. The alcohol, comprising different brands of foreign liquor, has been seized. The accused hails from Kutch in Gujarat, the official said, adding that a case has been registered under the Prohibition Act.

Flu on the rise: 249 H3N2 infections recorded in Maha since Jan 01

State has witnessed 3 deaths due to H1N1 and 1 death due to H3N2 virus infection so far this year

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The tally of H1N1 (swine flu) and H3N2 influenza infections reported in Maha-

rashtra this year stands at 417 and 249, respectively, the state health department has said. A majority of these were detected in March.

There are currently 160 patients infected with flu viruses being treated at various hospitals across the state, it said.

In response to the rising number of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza cases and potential public demand, state has provided Rs70 lakh to districts to acquire flu shots, officials said on Tuesday.

Notably, while pri-

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against the four main groups of type A and B flu viruses and are updated every year to cover the strains that are most likely to circulate during the upcoming flu season.

—Dr Lancelot Pinto, pulmonologist, at Hinduja Hospital

vate physicians have been making a case for the flu vaccine, and are also witnessing a demand among those who can afford them, the government is yet to issue any official advisory on the issue. This comes at a time when Maharashtra has

witnessed three deaths due to H1N1 and one death due to H3N2 virus infection, according to health department data. Three more suspected deaths including one in Pune city and another in Khadki cantonment area were reported due to the virus,

but those are yet to be confirmed, it added.

Since 2015, state has been giving free influenza vaccines to people from high risk categories and pregnant women as well as healthcare workers. However, the demand has been negligible, officials claim.

For 2022-2023, the state had procured one lakh doses which were distributed to six divisions across Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai. According to state officials, 99,778 doses have already been used up.

Student groups claim the SIT investigation based on ADR, instead of FIR is a ‘failure to recognize the rights of the victim’s family”

A student named Darshan Solanki allegedly killed self in February. —FILE PHOTO

THE GROUPS

Disciples of late godman Osho Rajneesh protesting outside the gate of his Ashram in Pune on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

HUMAN AND LOGISTICS COSTS OF LAC DEPLOYMENTS

ized in high altitude warfare. The issues related to the border have taken centrestage in the diplomatic relations between two countries with Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar repeatedly emphasizing that problems at the LAC are results of China’s actions during the summer of 2020. Beijing have been refuting these statements. In multilateral fora like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the G-20, Indian and Chinese delegates have met only to disagree on the issue. Conversely, the 26th Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on IndiaChina Border Affairs was held on 22nd February 2023 in Beijing in person, a first since the 14th Meeting in 2019. Similarly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, attended the G 20 Foreign Minister’s meet in New Delhi on March 1-2, 2023. These perhaps are the only signs of gradual thaw in the cold relations.

IN-DEPTH

A BIG REBUFF TO KEJRIWAL’S ATTEMPT TO FORM THIRD FRONT

On the ground, however, at the LAC and at the IndiaChina border in general, a huge number of military forces stand in readiness, suspicious of each other’s movements and intentions. It remains to be seen, for what duration, two of the largest economies in the world can sustain such high altitude manoeuvres. Perhaps, the Siachen Glacier may serve as an example on the human and logistics costs of massive deployments at one of the highest battlegrounds in the world. Even for the economic strength of the Chinese, global power status will come with enormous expense

Even as the Russia-Ukraine conflict garners majority of global attention, the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh does not show any signs of abatement or resolution. Seventeen rounds of Senior Commanders Meetings have taken place between the Indian and Chinese forces at the border. At several patrolling points and contested areas the armies have disengaged, but at two points of contention namely Demchok and the Depsang Plains heavy deployment remains. Over the last three years developments, at the border and at the policy level from both sides have led to further deterioration of relations between New Delhi and Beijing. Recurring incidents at the border, most recent being the 9th December 2022 skirmish between soldiers of the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army in Arunachal Pradesh have led both sides to issue statements in support of their respective stance and territorial claims. Such incidents combined with the emphasis on building infrastructure at the border has created a race to achieve better mobility of troops and equipment at the border. India and China

AMRITPAL ESCAPE A CAUSE OF WORRY

are also however, aware of the importance of the border residents in the larger exercise of border management. The Chinese have taken to naming and re-naming places since 2017, an exercise reminiscent of European imperialism and their obsession with place names. These actions were formalized through a law which came into effect on 1 January 2022. The law lists various responsibilities for civilian and military authorities in China to “safeguard national sovereignty”. The law covers delineation and border defence to immigration, border management and trade. India has repeatedly refuted such attempts and maintained that such efforts do not alter facts on the ground.

India’s approach, on the other hand, focuses on welfare of the border residents and seeks to integrate them into the larger ideas of development, which is a major goal and slogan of the Modi government. For several years, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India undertook the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) to provide better civic amenities and facilities in the border zones. Its purpose was to cater to the basic needs of residents of the peripheral zones and perhaps to involve them into the bordering practices carried out by the state.

The BADP, since February 2023 has been replaced with the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) on the north-

Punjab government will have no answer to the simple question posed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the escape of Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh despite the presence of 80,000 policemen on the alert after the fugitive gave his chasers a slip on the first day of crackdown. Punjab Police were upbeat about the arrest of some of Amritpal’s supporters and kin but the big fish clearly caught them napping and made his escape. “How did he manage to flee despite you having all the information about him and such a heavy deployment of forces,” the court asked. This was in response to a petition filed by Imaan Singh

Even as the Russia-Ukraine conflict garners majority of global attention, the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh does not show any signs of abatement or resolution. Seventeen rounds of Senior Commanders Meetings have taken place between the Indian and Chinese forces at the border

er border. VVP emphasizes on “comprehensive development of villages of blocks on the northern border thus improving the quality of people living in identified border villages. This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border” (MHA 2023). The idea is to provide for sources of livelihood and employment in the villages itself and involving the borderlanders in border work. Furthermore, India’s quest to achieve better transport and communications infrastructure at the northern border is complimented with the induction of more battalions in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP). Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently announced 7 more battalions for the ITBP thereby enhancing the force by 9400 personnel. It adds to the recently raised Mountain Corps of the Indian Army special-

Punjab government will have no answer to the simple question posed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the escape of Khalistan sympathiser. Amritpal Singh despite the presence of 80,000 policemen on the alert, gave his chasers a slip on the first day of crackdown

Khara, the legal adviser of Amritpal’s Waris Punjab De. Khara’s petition suggested that Amritpal is in illegal detention at an undisclosed destination. Newspaper reports, however, indicate exactly how meticulously Amritpal planned his escape using a gurdwara. A TV news clip showed

With Xi Jinping, securing an unprecedented third term and unrelenting aggression in Chinese foreign policy, it is difficult to imagine an early resolution of the standoff. Chinese tactics in the South China Sea are maritime precursors to its actions at the LAC. India has done well to thwart the pressure while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic and military negotiations. In terms of its impact on India’s relations with China, the Galwan valley incident will remain a landmark. With an array of diplomatic and policy responses, New Delhi has sent clear and strong message that its territorial sovereignty is paramount. India’s actions to a certain extent enhance its regional stature and perhaps assure its neighbours, many of which share borders with China.

Lately, the standoff at the border has repeatedly figured in global geopolitical discussion as the United States of America has endorsed Indian stance that China has caused problems at the LAC. A recent Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Report lists the issue as one of the flashpoints with possibility of escalation into a large scale war between India and China. Chinese, naturally, have strongly objected to such analysis and has argued that it is a matter of bilateral concern between New Delhi and Beijing and third parties should not meddle.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Amritpal switching to a motorcycle after changing his clothes in a village gurdwara.

Punjab Police’s defence was that Amritpal is an absconder and a hunt was on to nab him. An order to apprehend him under the National Security Act has already been issued. Amritpal is a proponent of radical ideology for the secession of Punjab from India using all means, including violence, to create Khalistan, said the Punjab Police in its affidavit. By escaping from the police dragnet, Amritpal has left the cops on tenterhooks. Until he is arrested there will be apprehension of trouble in the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has, however, assured that he won’t spare anyone fomenting trouble.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal’s attempt to forge opposition unity before the Lok Sabha elections suffered a massive setback when the seven chief ministers of non-Congress and nonBJP ruled states did not turn up for dinner for which they were invited to Delhi recently. Kejriwal’s dinner was not found tempting enough by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin, Telangana’s K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Bihar’s Nitish Kumar and Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren. Named ‘Progressive Chief Ministers’ Group of India as ‘G 8’, the alliance was being formed as a third front which would take on the BJP. Kejriwal’s attempt to be a leader of the proposed third front met a sad end after the rebuff. Mamata also harbours ambition to be a national leader. So do Nitish Kumar and KCR. Stalin also would rather go with Congress than with AAP. Kejriwal may have to assure fellow CMs that he won’t insist on leadership.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Bible

TOP TWEETS

On ‘World Water Day’, let’s join together in the efforts of respected Prime Minister for water harvesting and availability of clean drinking water. It is our commitment to solve the water crisis through ‘Amrit Sarovar’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. Water is the basis of life of all living beings. ‘If water is there, there is future’. #WorldWaterDay

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

Since ancient times, the holy land of Bihar has made its indelible mark as a land of religion, culture, education and innovation. Greetings to all the people of the state on the occasion of Bihar Day. I wish for restoration of the glorious glory of Bihar under the leadership of Modi ji and continued progress and prosperity of the state.

DR KRISHNENDRA MEENA The writer is Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala; Kumar Mangalam Birla honoured

New Delhi (ANI): Late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s wife, Rekha, on Wednesday received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu during an investiture ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Jhunjhunwala, the founder of Akasa Air often referred to as India’s own Warren Buffet, passed away on August 14, last year. He was born on July 5, 1960 and grew up in Mumbai. After graduating from Sydenham College

in 1985, he enrolled at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and married Rekha Jhunjunwala, also a stock market investor.

The chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla, was conferred with the country’s second-highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday conferred Padma awards to distinguished honorees across diverse fields, including former Union Minister SM

Krishna and Narendra Chandra Debbarma, the late president of the

Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura. Krishna received the

PM holds meet as Covid cases rise

PM Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of health infrastructure

New Delhi (ANI): Amid the spike in influenza cases in the country and the rise of Covid-19 cases in the past 2 weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a highlevel meeting to assess in terms of preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, the status of the vaccination campaign.

A comprehensive presentation was made covering the global Covid-19 situation including the rising cases in India by the Secretary, of Health, MoHFW. PM Modi was briefed that India has been witnessing a slight rise in new cases with average daily cases reported as 888 and weekly positivity reported as 0.98 percent in the week ending March 22, 2023.

“The action taken on the directions given by Prime Minister during the last Covid-19 review held on December 22, 2022, was also briefed. He was informed that

the availability and prices of 20 main Covid Drugs, 12 other drugs, 8 buffer drugs, and 1 influenza drug are being monitored.

PM Modi directed officials to enhance the Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories & said that effective monitoring of IRI/SARI cases, & testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Adenovirus be followed up with States.

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR PLEAS

SEEKING

TO CRIMINALIZE MARITAL RAPE ON MAY 9

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday listed the pleas concerning the constitutional validity of the Marital Rape exception on May 9, 2023. The batch of petitions, which was listed before a bench for 21st March 2023, could not be heard then owing to Justice Pardiwala’s absence. Accordingly, the matter was mentioned again today before the bench by Senior Advocate Indira Jaising and Advocate Karuna Nundy seeking a specific posting.

SISODIA SENT TO JUDICIAL CUSTODY TILL APRIL

5

New Delhi (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday sent Delhi’s former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia till April 5, 2023, in a money laundering case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD. The ED produced Sisodia before the Court at the end of the custodial remand period granted earlier. The ED didn’t seek further remand and moved an application for judicial custody.

PM TO ADDRESS ‘ONE WORLD TB SUMMIT’ AT VARANASI

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the ‘One World TB Summit’ in Varanasi on March 24 and launch projects worth over Rs 1,780 crore during the visit to his parliamentary constituency. On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, he will address the One World TB Summit being organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Stop TB Partnership, a United Nationshosted organisation that amplifies the voices of people, communities and countries affected by the disease.

CLARIFY ON CARBON DATING OF SHIVLING

BY APRIL 15: COURT

Prayagraj (PTI): Allahabad HC has granted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) the last opportunity to file its response by April 5 clarifying whether the process of carbon dating will damage an object, claimed to be a “Shivling”, found inside the Gyanvapi mosque or safe evaluation of its age can be done.

The Hindu petitioners have claimed the object to be a “Shivling”. The claim was disputed by Muslim side, which said the object was part of a “fountain”.

BILKIS BANO CASE: SC AGREES TO CONSTITUTE NEW BENCH TO

HEAR PLEA

New Delhi (ANI): The SC on Wednesday said that it will constitute a bench to hear a plea challenging the pre-mature release of 11 convicts who had gang-raped Bilkis and murdered her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots. A bench said, “I will have a bench constituted. Need to break two benches for it. Will look at it this evening.” The CJI said this after advocate appearing for Bano, mentioned the plea seeking listing of the case and said that the matter is not getting listed.

INDIA BECOMING BIG EXPORTER OF TELECOM TECHNOLOGY: PM MODI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is moving fast to become a big exporter of telecom technology from being only a user few years ago. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office and Innovation Centre here, Modi said India is one of countries to have rolled out 5G mobile technology at the fastest pace. He said the services have been expanded to 125 cities within 120 days of the launch of 5G. ''Within 6 months of the rollout of 5G technology we are talking about 6G,'' Modi said. This, he said shows the confidence of the country. ''Before 4G, India was only a user of telecom technology, but now India is moving fast to become a big exporter of telecom technology,'' he said.

INDIA REPORTS

1,134 FRESH

COVID CASES

New Delhi: India recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five deaths with one each reported by Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra and one reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8am stated.

KERALA

ON ALERT, USE OF MASKS URGED

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George, chairing a meeting to review the increase of Covid cases in the state on Wednesday, said it would be better if the aged, children and those with ailments use masks in public places. The Kerala Health Minister also said that the use of masks when visiting hospitals should be a must.

No barter on JPC, Rahul’s case is a matter of distortion: Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi (Agencies):

The Congress on Wednesday said that there could not be barter on the demand for a JPC (Joint parliamentary committee) in lieu of Rahul Gandhi's apology. While addressing a press conference, party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, said, "There could be no middle path. The opposition will not back down from the demand of a JPC in Adani Group. There cannot be a barter on the JPC as Rahul Gan-

CRUDE OIL PRICES DECLINE, PETROL PRICES SHOULD COME DOWN: CONG

New Delhi: The Congress has demanded that the Centre transfer the benefits of declining crude oil prices to the consumers. In a press conference on Wednesday, Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said that in March last year the price of crude oil was higher than what it is now, and the difference is Rs 16.75 per litre.He said, "The cost of crude oil for India is Rs 36.68 per litre this month and the prices were Rs 53.45 last year. So the benefit should pass on to the consumers. But, the government is profiteering at the cost of the consumers.

dhi's case is a matter of distortion." He said Rahul Gandhi has already written to the Lok Sabha Speaker to allow him to

speak in the Parliament under rule 357. The spokesperson said the JPC was formed in 1992 when the Congress gov-

ernment was in power, in 2001 during the Vajpayee government it was formed, both were on the stock market scams.

Padma Vibhushan from President Murmu at a grand presentation

ANI

ceremony on Wednesday, Debbarma, the late president of the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura, received the Padma Shri (posthumously).

PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were in attendance during the presentation ceremony. Six distinguished persons this year were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan while 9 were conferred with Padma Bhushan. Another 91 persons were conferred with Padma Shri.

❍ AMIT SHAH E-INAUGURATES MATA SHARDA DEVI TEMPLE IN J-K

Peace established after abrogation of Article 370: HM

New Delhi (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday said that peace is being established in Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory is once again returning to the old civilization and traditions after the abrogation of Article 370.

Shah was speaking after inaugurating Maa Sharda Devi Temple in J&K's Kupwara district through video conferencing. The Centre abrogated Article 370 and 35(A) from

AMIT SHAH TO VISIT KARNATAKA TWICE IN NEXT 5 DAYS

New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah has lined up fresh visits to pollbound Karnataka. According to sources, Shah will visit Karnataka twice in the next five days. He will visit the state on March 24 and 26, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state," a source said.

the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019. Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union territories of J&K & Ladakh on the same day.

AMIT SHAH TO INAUGURATE ASSAM RIFLES COMPLEX IN MIZORAM

New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Assam Rifles complex and lay foundation stone for Laldenga Cultural Centre in Mizoram on April 1, officials said here on Wednesday. According to officials of the Aizawl Smart City Project, the proposed Rs 1.93 crore centre would be built on the northern side of Assam Rifles ground in the heart of the state capital. Officials said that the Union Home Minister would inaugurate Assam Rifles headquarters complex at Zokhawsang, about 15 km east of Aizawl.

Jairam’s interjection of Rahul points to immaturity?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi and his team should explain to Jairam Ramesh that he is not doing Rahul any good by publicly stopping him in a press conference. His job is not to prompt Rahul in the press conference.

If Rahul does something wrong then Ramesh’s job is to cover up that mistake later. Rahul said in the press conference ‘Unfortunately I

am MP’, but Ramesh stopped him and began to murmur in his ear. If

Ramesh hadn’t stopped him and murmured in his ear, perhaps no heed

THE FRACAS OF CONGRESS-BJP OVER RAHUL GANDHI CONTINUES

New Delhi: The big problem with Congress is that many leaders of Congress, like BJP leaders, think that Rahul Gandhi needs an understanding. This situation is not good for Rahul. Later, to give the incident a twist, the Congress leaders started a narrative questioning if someone in the BJP can do the same to Modi as Ramesh did with Rahul? However, the truth is, in no political party whatsoever, no one can stop or interject a supreme leader and that is why the said leader is the supreme leader.

would have been paid to Rahul’s word, but Ramesh turned every-

one’s attention to Rahul’s statement. In fact, Ramesh is so anxious to

show his knowledge that he does not understand that he is giving an opportunity in the hands of BJP to prove Rahul Gandhi as ‘Pappu’.

When Rahul Gandhi was in London for two weeks, he participated in five public events. Sam Pitroda was present with him everywhere. But nowhere did he stop Rahul from saying anything. Rahul was giving a speeches like a boss and kept on presenting his ideas.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the COVID situation amid rise in cases in the country and to take stock of the public health preparedness, in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Maa Sharda Devi temple at Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, via video conferencing, on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his office, on Tuesday.

PM Narendra Modi greets Hirbai Ibrahim during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Smriti Irani also seen.

President Murmu confers the Padma Bhushan award to Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla (top left), Padma Vibhushan to S.M. Krishna (top right), & Padma Shri award to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (Posthumous) in New Delhi on Wednesday.

AMRITPAL FALLOUT

Akali Dal ready to offer legal assistance to those detained

Chandigarh

(ANI):

Shiromani Akali Dal

President Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the party is ready to provide legal assistance to all the Sikh youth who are arrested by Punjab Police in their ongoing search hunt for fugitive

Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh.

Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal took to Twitter and said, “Shiromani Akali Dal has decided to provide complete legal assistance to all Sikh youth arrested in the ongoing extra-constitutional crackdown in Punjab and ensure their rights are not trampled upon by AAP Punjab”.

Shiromani Akali Dal has released the list of legal team helpline

numbers: Arshdeep S

Kler 8054200007, Harish Rai Dhanda 9814220300, Gurmeet S Maan 9815533999, Bhagwant S Siyalaka 9815250589, Amardeep S Dharni 9815000026, Jaspreet S Brar 8054800034, Parampreet S Bajwa 7814400060, Parambir S Sunny 9872360026, Zubin 9855572302, Ravinder S Sampla 9814474445, SHIROMANI AKALI DAL OFFICE 01722639256.

INTEL: BID TO RADICALISE INMATES OF DEADDICTION CENTRES BY WARIS PUNJAB DE

New Delhi (PTI): While Amritpal Singh continues to elude the Punjab Police, Waris Punjab De (WPD), the organisation he heads, has also come under the scanner of the intelligence agencies with reports pointing to attempts by WPD associates to inculcate a radical and violent way of thinking in inmates of the drug de-addiction centres run by the outfit. “If the inmates do not subscribe to the radical views, they are physically beaten up till they start toeing the line of WPD,” a source said claiming that WPD uses inmates of drug de-addiction centres to stage violent protests. “Amritpal is involved in nexus of drugs and procures low quality cheap antidotes of drugs,” an officer said.

“SENSATIONALIST LIES”: INDIA’S HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK ON PUNJAB SITUATION

New Delhi (Agencies): India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami said that “there is no truth to sensationalist lies being circulated on social media”, while giving details of the situation in Punjab post the police crackdown on ‘Waris Punjab De’ and efforts to arrest Amritpal Singh. In a

CRUCIAL READ

GOVT EXTENDS AADHAAR-VOTER ID LINKING DATE

New Delhi: The Union Law and Justice Ministry has extended the deadline for voluntary linking of Aadhaar and Voter ID from April 1 this year to March 31, 2024, as per a notification issued on Tuesday. The Ministry had on June 17, 2022, notified April 1, 2023, as the “date on or before which every person whose name is included in the electoral roll may intimate his Aadhaar number in accordance with the said section”.

Tuesday’s notification replaced the date with “31st March, 2024”.

Delhi Budget: Infra, Edu, health in focus

DELHI POLICE REMOVE EXTRA

BARRICADES

New Delhi (PTI): Days after pro-Khalistan activists took down the tricolour at the Indian high commission in UK, the Delhi Police today removed barricades outside the British mission in the national capital. The police said that the barricades “were creating hurdles” for commuters and the security of the British high commission is intact.

‘WE DO NOT COMMENT ON SECURITY CASES’

New Delhi (ANI): After removing the barricades, they are now nowhere to be seen outside the British High Commission and outside the residence of British High Commissioner Alex Ellis at 2, Rajaji Marg in New Delhi. When asked about the same, a British official said, “We do not comment on security matters,”

AKALI DAL TAKES ON AAP; SLAMS

AMRITPAL SINGH CRACKDOWN

Chandigarh (ANI): Sukhbir Singh Badal said, “Shiromani Akali Dal strongly condemns the indiscriminate arrests of innocent Sikh youth. We demand the immediate release of all innocents arrested in the ongoing crackdown”. He stated that by making these arrests, AAP government is trying to defame the Sikh community for communal polarization & electoral gains.

AMRITPAL AIDE’S

KIN FILES HABEAS

CORPUS PLEA

AMRITPAL SINGH SNEAKED INTO GURDWARA

New Delhi (ANI): The Delhi administration finally presented its budget document on Wednesday, a day after it was initially supposed to be tabled in the Assembly. The theme of the Delhi budget largely revolved around ‘Clean, Beautiful, and Modern Delhi’. The budget proposed for the year 2023-24 worth Rs 78,800 crore, was presented by Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot, which is almost two and a half times the expenditure of Rs 30,940 crore in the year 2014-15, and 8.69% higher than the revised estimates for 2022-23. Of the budgeted estimate of Rs 78,800 crore for 202324, Rs 56,983 crore is for the purpose of revenue expenditure and an outlay of Rs 21,817 crore under capital expenditure.

EIGHT

KILLED IN EXPLOSION AT TN

FIRECRACKER UNIT

Chennai: Eight people were killed and 13 injured in an explosion at a firecracker unit in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram on Wednesday, said police.

The injured have been admitted to the Kancheepuram district hospital. The reason for the explosion is not yet known. Police said 25 people were working in the unit when the explosion took place on Wednesday afternoon.

Four units of fire force reached the unit and doused the fire.

MAN HELD FOR SENDING THREAT MESSAGE TO BIHAR CM NITISH KUMAR, SAYS POLICE

Patna (Bihar): A 28-year-old man was arrested jointly by the Gujarat and Bihar police from Surat, for allegedly making threatening phone calls to the Bihar chief Minister’s official residence at 1 Anne Marg, Patna. The accused was identified as Ankit Kumar, son of Vinay Kumar Mishra, resident of Madhusudan Etwarpur in Vaishali district. The police officials said the man will be produced before Surat court and brought on the transit remand. “A police team from Patna has also reached Surat for questioning the accused in connection with this case and the motive behind making threat calls on the official number of CM’s house. He reportedly obtained the phone numbers from Google and proceeded to make threat calls,” the officers said.

ISRO DISCUSSING MISSION TO MOON WITH JAPAN

Ahmedabad: Indian Space Research Organisation chairman S Somanath on Wednesday said ISRO has successfully done significant collaborations on its space missions and is also discussing a possible mission to the moon with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Somanath also said there is a good opportunity to launch a mission to explore planet Venus by 2028. He was delivering the inaugural talk on “Indian Capabilities for Space and Planetary Exploration” here.

ENGINEER SACKED FOR EULOGISING

OSAMA BIN LADEN

Farrukhabad: The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has terminated the services of an engineer for praising the slain Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Ravindra Prakash Gautam, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), had been suspended in June 2022 after he put a picture of Laden at his Kayamganj sub-division-II office in Farrukhabad district. A video of Gautam’s Kayamganj office with Osama’s picture hanging in it, had gone viral last year.

video address, he said, “The situation for travel is normal and visitors, including from the UK, are safe. Let me assure all our friends here in the UK, especially brothers and sisters with relatives in Punjab that there is no truth to sensationalist lies being circulated on social media.”

New Delhi (Agencies): Actor Sarabjit Singh alias Daljit Kalsi’s wife has filed a habeas corpus petition at the Punjab and Haryana HC seeking his release from alleged illegal custody in Assam. Kalsi is one of the 5 associates of Amritpal Singh held as part of the Punjab Police’s crackdown on Waris Punjab De.

New Delhi (Agencies): Fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh demanded food and clothes from people at a gurdwara near Jhalandhar at gunpoint after escaping on March 18. Amritpal Singh is still on the run even as the massive manhunt by the Punjab Police to nab him entered the fifth day on Wednesday.

PM Modi and President Murmu greet people on Hindu New Year

New Delhi (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted people on the occasion of various festivals that mark the beginning of the traditional new year and wished people happiness and prosperity.

In tweets, Modi also wished people on the start of Navratri. With the day marking the start of the ancient ‘Vikram Samvat’, a traditional Hindi new year, the prime minister hoped that the country will reach new heights of progress.

He extended Cheti Chand greetings to the Sindhi community and wished people on Sajibu Cheiraoba, which is specially celebrated in Manipur.

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday

greeted citizens on the eve of different festivals marking the arrival of Indian new year and hoped that they bind different communities of India in bonds of love, harmony and affection.

Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the traditional new year in Maharashtra. It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which corresponds to March and April on the Gregorian calendar.

This year, as per the Marathi panchang, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 22.

Navratri, the nineday festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is widely celebrated across India twice a year. As per the Hindu calendar, Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) while Vasant Navratri or Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April).

7 NON BJP CM’S SKIP KEJRIWAL’S G-8 MEETING

New Delhi(ANI): The meeting of the Chief Ministers of 8 nonBJP-ruled states was cancelled due to the unavailability of the Chief Ministers. Apart from Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, no one confirmed their presence at the event. The meeting was to be convened at the invitation of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Notably, the share of capital expenditure as part of the overall budget has been raised 27.68% in this year’s budget. The proposed capital expenditure of Rs 21,817 crore is almost three times the capital outlay of Rs 7,430 crore in 2014-15.

Sonu Nigam’s father robbed of `72 lakh, ex driver arrested Mumbai (PTI): A former driver of singer Sonu Nigam’s 76-yearold father has been booked for allegedly stealing Rs 72 lakh from the senior citizen’s home in Mumbai, an official said on Wednesday. The singer’s father Agamkumar Nigam lives in Oshiwara, Andheri west, and alleged theft took place between March 19 and March 20, he said. Nigam’s younger sister Nikita approached the Oshiwara police station on Wednesday with a complaint about the alleged theft, he said. As per the complaint, Agamkumar Nigam had a driver named Rehan for nearly 8 months but removed him recently as his performance was not satisfactory.

NEXT ROUND OF G20 MEETINGS

BY

HARYANA REINTRODUCES CRIME BILL

Chandigarh: After withdrawing it twice, the Haryana government has again reintroduced the Haryana Control of Organised Crime Bill of 2023 in the state Assembly. The first version of the Bill was passed by the Assembly in August 2019, but withdrawn in November 2020.

DMRC TO INCREASE OPERATIONAL

SPEED OF AIRPORT LINE TO 100 KMPH

New Delhi (Agencies): The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) will increase the operational speed of the Airport Express Line from 80 kmph to 100 kmph from Wednesday. Media persons are also invited to the test. According to officials, the move to increase the speed will bring down the travel time between the New Delhi and IGI Airport stations from 19 minutes by around a couple of minutes.

Is there a conspiracy against Fadnavis?

Sharat K Verma

Mumbai: There is no doubt that there was a conspiracy against Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. As part of the conspiracy, a bookie’s daughter approached Fadnavis’s wife, told her about her grief and made her wear clothes designed by herself (bookie’s daughter). Later, she tried to make a money-making scheme and give an advance of one crore rupees.

The question is whether Aniksha Jaisinghani wanted to get some benefit or did she conspire at her level? It can not be digested that the daughter of a bookie conspired on her own against the former Chief Minister and now the defacto CM of the state. Two days after the

arrest, the police have also alleged that she tried to blackmail Fadnavis’ wife Amrita and demanded Rs 10 crore. This allegation is also not acceptable. A very vicious thug may try to blackmail a businessman or an official but cannot try to blackmail one of the biggest leaders of the region. So this matter is not very straightforward. It has many layers and if examined objectively it can be quite revealing. It looks like a conspiracy of governments. Just think, this case was open in February and an FIR was registered on February 20. Why did the police take a month to take action? An English newspaper published the news on March 15 and the next day the accused girl was arrested.

G20 meetings to be held in Guj from March 27

India currently holds the year-long presidency of Group of 20, which comprises 19 countries across continents and EU

Gandhinagar (PTI): Gujarat will host the next round of G20 meetings from March 27 to April 4, during which three conclaves will be held in the state on a range of issues, where delegates from different countries will converge for participation, an official said. India currently holds

the year-long presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), which comprises 19 countries across continents and the European Union (EU).

Of these three upcoming events in the state, the first meeting on “Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG)” will take place

between March 27 and 29 in Gandhinagar, a senior IAS officer, who is coordinating G20

events in Gujarat, said on Tuesday. “This is the second meeting of ECSWG. It

will be inaugurated by G20 Sherpa Amitabh

Kant in the presence of several senior Central government officials and subject experts,” said Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary (Economic Affairs), state finance department.

Some of these dignitaries include Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Debashree Mukherjee, Additional

Secretary - Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti and G Ashok Kumar, Director General, Mission for Clean Ganga, she told reporters.

On the first day, discussions will be held on the subject “Best Practises on Water Resources” and other related topics. Later, guests will be taken to the famous Adalaj Stepwell, Narmada canal syphon on the Sabarmati river and the Sabarmati Riverfront.

Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal shows the tablet containing the Delhi Budget, at Vidhan Sabha, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO

ANI

Devotees offer prayers on the first day of the ‘Chaitra Navratri’ festival at Sheetla Mata Temple, in Gurugram on Wednesday.

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal.

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

business BRIEFS

‘OLA ELECTRIC TO RAISE FUNDS OF AROUND $300 MN’

India will not slow down: RBI article

Bengaluru: E-vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric is close to raising funds of around $300 million for its expansion plans and to meet other corporate needs, sources close to the company said. The fresh round of fundraising comes amid expectations that Ola Electric would break even soon and achieve profitability. The fundraising would be managed by investment bank Goldman Sachs, and the funds would be raised from existing and marquee global investors and sovereign funds. —PTI

GOLD TUMBLES `480 PER 10 GM; SILVER DECLINES `345/KG

Mumbai (PTI): Unlike the global economy which is risk of recession, India would not slow down and maintain the pace of expansion achieved in 202223, said the RBI bulletin.

Even as global growth is set to slow down or even enter a recession in 2023 as global financial markets wager, India has emerged from the pandemic years stronger than initially thought, with a steady gathering of momentum since the second quarter of the current financial year, said an article in the March bulletin of the Reserve Bank.

Year-on-year growth rates do not reflect this pick-up of pace because by construction they are saddled with statistical base effects, and instead suggest a sequential slowing down through successive quarters of 2022-23 to an unsus-

OTHER STORIES

Sensex and Nifty end higher for 2nd straight day

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmark Sensex and Nifty ended on a positive note on Wednesday, mainly due to buying in healthcare, financial and commodity stocks amid a firm trend in global equities.

‘Govt sees no shortage of fertilizers in Kharif’

New Delhi (PTI): Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday asserted that there will be no shortage of fertilisers in the upcoming kharif sowing season as the domestic production and stocks-in-hand will be sufficient to meet the local demand for soil nutrients.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

pecting reader, it said.

"...Unlike the global economy, India would not slow down – it would maintain the pace of expansion achieved in 2022-23. We remain optimistic about India, whatever the odds," said the article authored by a team led by RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra.

They said the NSO's endFebruary data release indi-

cates that the Indian economy is intrinsically better positioned than many parts of the world to head into a challenging year ahead, mainly because of its demonstrated resilience and its reliance on domestic drivers.

Currently available forecasts of India's real GDP growth for 2023-24, including those of the RBI, settle between 6.0 and 6.5%.

Continuing its previous day's rally, the 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 139.91 points to settle at 58,214.59. The broader NSE Nifty climbed 44.40 points to end at 17,151.90.

Among the Sensex stocks, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, TCS, Hindustan Unilever and Power Grid were major gainers. NTPC, Axis Bank, Nestle, HCL Technologies were the major laggards.

The minister said the country might not require to import urea from the spot market to meet Kharif (summer-sown) demand. Urea being imported under long-term supply agreements will come.

However, he said, there will be some import of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) to meet the local demand.

“There will be no shortage of fertilizers in the upcoming kharif season. The stocks that we will have at the start of next month and estimated domestic production between April and September of next fiscal

z Chemicals and Fertilizers

Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the country might not require to import urea from the spot market to meet Kharif (summer-sown) demand

z However, he said, there will be some import of DAP (DiAmmonium Phosphate) to meet the local demand

will be sufficient to meet the projected requirement during Kharif season,” Mandaviya said.

He said the country will not need to import urea and NPK from spot markets.

New Delhi: Gold price tumbled `480 to `58,770 per 10 gram in the national capital on Wednesday amid a fall in rates of the precious metal internationally, according to HDFC Securities. The yellow metal had settled at `59,250 per 10 gram in the previous trade. Silver also declined `345 to `68,850 per kilogram. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were quoting lower at $1,939 per ounce and $22.34 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

JIO 5G NETWORK ROLLOUT CROSSES

400 CITIES IN INDIA

AXIS MUTUAL FUND AIMS TO RAISE `50 CRORE FROM NEW ETF FUND OF FUNDS

Mumbai: Axis Mutual Fund, the seventh largest fund house, is looking to raise at least `50 crore from a new fund offer during the primary subscription period of March 22-April 5. The open-ended S&P 500 ETF fund of funds will invest in exchange-traded funds replicating the S&P 500 index. Vinayak Jayanath will be managing the fund, which will carry an exit load of 25 bps if redeemed/switched out within 30 days from the date of allotment, and no exit load if redeemed/ switched out within 30 days of allotment, Raghav Iyengar, who is the chief business development officer at the fund house said. —PTI

ICRA REVISES DOMESTIC STEEL DEMAND OUTLOOK TO 7-8% FOR NEXT FISCAL

New Delhi: Icra on Wednesday revised its outlook for domestic steel demand to 7-8% for the next fiscal.

Earlier, the ratings agency had estimated the demand to grow in the range of 6-7%.

DoT seeks `33,111 crore for BSNL AGR dues

POWER FINANCE CORP PLANS TO RAISE `80,000 CRORE IN FY24

New Delhi: State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) said its board has approved raising up to `80,000 crore through various financial instruments.

DOWNFALL Gautam Adani's wealth dips by 60%

Mumbai (PTI): Gautam

Adani's fortunes have suffered a severe setback on concerns over corporate governance and accounting fraud, leading to Reliance Industries' Mukesh Ambani replacing the Ahmedabad -based industrialist as the richest Indian.

New Delhi (PTI): The Department of Telecom has sought ` 33,111 crore for payment of adjusted gross revenue dues of state-run BSNL which is likely to be made in the upcoming April-June quarter, according to a Parliamentary panel report.

New Delhi: Reliance Jio on Tuesday said it has now rolledout 5G network in more than 400 cities. The company has rolled out 5G in the nine cities of Andhra Pradesh, six in Tamil Nadu, five each in Haryana and Kerala, three in Madhya Pradesh, two each in Odisha and Maharashtra and one each in Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tripura.

“Jio True 5G will now be available across 41 additional cities in 16 states/ union territories,” the company said in a statement. —PTI

HERO

MOTOCORP TO HIKE PRICES BY UP

TO 2% FROM APRIL

“With the central government’s capex outlay in FY2024, Icra has revised upwards its steel consumption growth estimate for FY2024 to 7-8% from 6-7%,” it said in a report. In 2023-24, the capital expenditure is budgeted at `10 lakh crore. —PTI

An amount of `40,000 crore will be raised through longterm domestic borrowings, and another `20,000 crore by way of long-term foreign currency borrowing. Besides, proposals have been approved for raising up to `20,000 crore through short-term borrowings. —PTI

20 WOMEN-LED INDIAN START-UP IN PIPELINE TO BECOME UNICORN, REVEALS STUDY

New Delhi: Around 18% of India’s unicorn start-up are founded or co-founded by women and 20 other firms are in pipeline to become unicorn. The study conducted by TiE Delhi NCR, research firm Zinnov, Google, NetApp and venture capital firm Indian Angel Network found that despite comparable metrics, success, and high entrepreneurial intent, socio-cultural barriers hinder women founders’ growth. “Approximately 18% of India’s total unicorns are founded by women, with 20 Potential Unicorns in the pipeline,” the study said. —PTI

SAYS ADANI AIRPORTS CEO BANSAL

New Delhi: Hero MotoCorp on Wednesday said it will increase prices of its model range by around 2% from next month in order to offset the impact of rise in production cost in order to conform to stricter emission norms. The company will make an upward revision in the ex-showroom prices of its select motorcycles and scooters, effective from April 1, 2023, the country’s leading twowheeler maker said in a statement. —PTI

In a submission to the Standing Committee of Communications and Information Technology, the DoT shared that against the proposal of ` 39,725.07 crore for 2023-24, `66,691.82 crore has been allocated to it in the budget.

"The increased amount is towards the payment of AGR Dues to BSNL, which is a part of its revival package. The Department had proposed an amount of `33,111.00 crore for the AGR Dues. The payment will be made once BSNL claims the amount and is most likely to happen in the first quarter of FY 2023-24," the DoT informed.

Mumbai (PTI): US aircraft maker Boeing has said India may require 31,000 pilots and some 26,000 mechanics over the next 20 years amid the growing order book of the aircraft original equipment manufacturers.

Boeing India President Salil Gupte also said the South Asian region is expected to remain the fastest-growing market globally over the next several years.

"India is going to need over 31,000 pilots and 26,000 mechanics over the next 20 years to take care of the aircraft coming in. This is as important a part of the Indian growth story as the aircraft (orders)," Gupte said. He said considering India's air traffic growth, a lot of focus has

India to have a billion air travellers by 2040

New Delhi (FIB): The Adani Group — India’s largest private airport operator (in terms of number of airports in its portfolio) that currently manages seven operational airports including Mumbai’s CSMIA and is building the upcoming hub at Navi Mumbai — expects India to have a billion air travellers by 2040, with passenger traffic growing by an average 8.5% over the next 20 years.

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) CEO Arun

Bansal made this forecast on Wednesday, while adding the group will bid for

more airports in the future. The focus is also on cityside development because

AMBITIOUS PLANS AHEAD

z Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) CEO Arun Bansal made this forecast at a CAPA summit, while adding the group will bid for more airports in the future. The focus is also on city-side development because India an average three people come to recover or see off every passenger

India an average three people come to recover or see off every passenger.

INDIAN AIRPORTS’ REVENUES TO RISE TO $3.9 BILLION NEXT FISCAL YEAR

New Delhi (PTI): Indian airport operators are projected to report 26% rise in revenues at $3.9 billion in the next financial year, aviation consultancy CAPA India said on Wednesday. For 202324, air passenger traffic, including domestic and international, is expected to be 395 million, it said while presenting the outlook for the airports. Out of the total, domestic air passengers will rise to 320 million from 275 million this fiscal. During this period, the international air passenger count will increase to 75 million from 58 million.

to be on making infrastructure robust, both hard infrastructure which includes airports as well as critical infrastructure, which includes pilots, among others.

Adani lost `3,000 crore of wealth every week over the last year and his overall networth is down 60% from its peak, as per the M3M Hurun Global Rich List, which pegged Adani's overall fortune at $53 billion as of mid-March.

Ambani also suffered a decline in his fortune but could displace Adani as the richest Indian as his networth declined by 20% to $82 billion. Both Adani and Ambani have slipped down the global billionaires rankings because of the decline in wealth.

Average salary likely to rise 10.2% on ecomm, infotech

The existing Mumbai Airport is running to capacity and all eyes are on the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to cater to the megapolis’ growing air connectivity requirement.

Bansal says NMIA is being developed with an ultimate capacity to handle 9 crore passengers and 2.5 million MT of cargo per annum. While air travel is almost back to pre-Covid levels, new airports getting operational and over 30 cities getting dual hubs will see the billion mark by 2040 — up from current 20 crore.

Mumbai (PTI): Average salary in India is expected to increase by 10.2% in 2023, mainly driven by ecommerce, professional services and information technology, a report said.

The average salaries in India will increase by 10.2% in 2023, lower in comparison to 10.4% (actuals) in 2022, but still in double digits, according to a 'Future of Pay' 2023 report.

The projected salary increases for 2023 are slightly lower than the actual increases for 2022 across all job levels, except for bluecollar workers, who are

projected to have a slightly larger decrease in compensation in 2023, it stated.

The top three sectors with the biggest projected salary increases are tied to technology, said the report.

E-commerce has the highest projected salary growth at 12.5%, followed by professional services.

‘India may require 31K pilots in next 20 years’

Once we develop an emotional connect to a project, the energy is just amazing leading to success and achievement.

First India

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

‘Raj Thackeray’s achievements are all won on his own steam’

Gudi Padwa Melava sees massive crowds as MNS functionaries target Uddhav, Aaditya

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Gudi Padwa Melava organized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday has been the cynosure of all eyes for weeks-especially since party chief Raj Thackeray has remained unusually tight-lipped on the current political scenario in the state, Tuesday’s call to action notwithstanding. So it was no surprise that the rally saw a massive turnout.

Equally massive was the show of strength from Thackeray’s supporters, who took the opportunity to knock Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya, while also questioning the lat-

Ahead of polls, NCP chief Pawar calls Opposition meeting

Deshpande stated that the MNS's success was achieved through the hard work of Raj Thackeray in 2009 and 2012, back while Balasaheb Thackeray was alive. He also called for a fresh look at the definition of success and failure, citing the example of Shiv Sena's split in 2014.

Woman held in K’taka in Gadkari extortion threat

Maha records

New Delhi (PTI):

Amid talks of opposition unity in the runup to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has invited leaders of various opposition parties here on Thursday to discuss issues of common interest and efficacy of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Sources said the meeting will take place at 6 pm.

Pawar has held that in the interest of free and fair elections, EVMs need to be accurate and any doubts over their efficacy must be addressed by the Chief Election Commissioner.

Experts have said that any machine with a chip inside can be hacked and we cannot allow democracy to be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

Therefore, in the interest of free and fair

elections, we must sit together and listen to the views expressed by eminent IT professionals and cryptographers, Pawar said in his letter to the opposition leaders. Leaders of several opposition parties are likely to attend the meeting keeping in view Pawar’s stature.

The meeting comes in the wake of several efforts being made to bring unity in opposition ranks to help take on the BJP together.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Telangana

Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao have made some efforts in this direction in the recent past.

The Congress has been maintaining that there can be no opposition alliance without it as the party has a national spread.

ters’ treatment of MNS councillors in the Mumbai civic body.

During his speech, Sandeep Deshpande highlighted the struggles and dedication of MNS workers and criticized other political parties for not making similar efforts. He also questioned Aaditya Thackeray's conduct, asking if he felt no shame while berating MNS councillors.

Moreover, Deshpande criticized Aaditya Thackeray's conduct in switching political alliances and challenged his courage to speak up against injustice. He further accused Aaditya of hypocrisy in his actions towards the BJP and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party.

Interestingly, Raj Thackeray’s muchawaited comments on the political scenario did not materialize.

However, the vocal show of strength from his party leaders is sure to fuel further speculation and debate in political circles, and it remains to be seen how the Thackeray family and Shiv Sena will respond to the criticism.

First India Bureau

Nagpur: In an important development in the threat against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a woman identified only as Razia has been detained by Karnataka police, with the Nagpur police en route to arrest her, officials said.

While she is not directly behind the three threat calls that came in to Gadkari’s Nagpur office on Tuesday, the caller--who identified himself as Jayesh Pujari-gave the authorities Razia’s number when he demanded Rs10 crore as “protection”.

Police traced the call

You had no affection for cousin Raj: Nandgaonkar points finger at Uddhav

First India Bureau Mumbai: Former MLA Bala Nandgaonkar has accused Shiv Sena Thackeray group chief Uddhav Thackeray of never having felt affection for his cousin, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray. This was why Uddhav rejected an alliance with the MNS, he said, while addressing the the latter’s Gudi Padwa rally in Mumbai on Wednesday evening.

“We had wanted the two brothers to come together. So, in 2017, we went to Matoshree and proposed an alliance. Subhash Desai, Anil

Parab, Anil Desai, Rahul Shewale and Milind Narvekar were also were present at the time. However, Uddhav Thackeray rejected the alliance,” Nandgaonkar said. “You had no affection

‘We had wanted the two brothers to come together. but Uddhav rejected the alliance’

to Belgaum, and detained Razia, who is now undergoing treatment in Belgaum, officials said.

During a primary interrogation, Razia told the Karnataka police that Pujari, who is in the same jail in Belgaum as her boyfriend, had told her he was sharing her number to get her a job. He had got in touch with her after her boyfriend used Pujari’s phone to call her. Police are also looking into how many other people may have been involved in the extortion call.

Notably, this is the second such threatening call to Gadkari’s office in the past 2.5 months.

for your younger brother, you felt enmity,” he added, directing his comments to Uddhav Thackeray.

“After the MNS came to power in Nashik, we made a change under the leadership of Raj

Thackeray,” Nandgaonkar also said. Nandgaonkar also attacked Uddhav for his leadership in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. “If you didn’t give anything to BMC despite having a budget of Rs45,000 crore, it means that your leadership was ineffective,” he said, further claiming that the Shiv Sena would not have split under Raj Thackeray.

FARMERS’ WOES

First India Bureau Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit Ayodhya on April 06, according to those familiar with the issue.

In a bid to show that he and the MLAs and MPs that support him are equals, Shinde is expected to take them along on the trip, which is being held at the behest of the Mahant of the Ayodhya temple.

“The truth is that Ayodhya is a matter of our faith and identity. So we will definitely go to Ayodhya,” Shinde had said, while accepting the Mahant’s invitation.

While this is Shinde’s

334

fresh nCoV cases, one fatality

Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 334 fresh COVID-19 cases, 54 more than a day before, and one fatality, the health department said in a bulletin.

With the new cases, the state’s COVID-19 tally rose to 81,40,479 and the death toll to 1,48,430. On Tuesday, the state had recorded 280 cases and one fatality. One patient died of the viral disease in Solapur. The case fatality rate in the state is 1.82%. The active cases stand at 1,648.

The bulletin said 174 people recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative recoveries to 79,90,401. The recovery rate in the state is 98.16%. The health department said 6,440 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the overall number of tests conducted in the state to 8,65,63,502.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the situation.

CM Shinde to visit Ayodhya on Apr 06

first time to the temple town since assuming power, it is to be noted that he and his supporters had visited the Kamakhya Devi temple while hunkering down in Guwahati, following his rebellion last June.

He also took a pledge that if a new government is formed, he will come again for darshan. Accordingly, after the transfer of power in Maharashtra, the MLAs of the Shinde group again went to Guwahati and visited Kamakhya Devi.

When Uddhav Thackeray toured Ayodhya after becoming chief minister, he did so without his entourage.

Thackeray group workers become aggressive against Agri minister Sattar during his assessment tour

age within 10 minutes.

The Thackeray group's Gulabrao Wagh, former mayor Nilesh Chaudhary, and activists tried to block the convoy on the issue of farmers.

They should at least wipe farmers’ tears, NCP leader targets Maha govt Mumbai (FIB): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

First India Bureau Mumbai: Jalgaon district witnessed a high voltage incident on Wednesday as the Thackeray group attempted to block the convoy of Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar in Dharangaon. The incident occurred in the constituency of Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil. However, the police intervened to

bring the situation under control, and the Agriculture Minister completed his inspection of unseasonal damage within ten minutes.

On Wednesday, the Thackeray group made an attempt to obstruct the convoy of Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar in Dharangaon.

The high voltage incident took place in the constituency of Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil. However, the police intervened promptly to bring the situation under control. Despite the chaos, the Agriculture Minister managed to complete his inspection of unseasonal dam-

The police administration detained them, and the Thackeray group workers protested at the sight of the convoy. They also chanted slogans condemning Agriculture Minister Sattar and the Shinde government.

The ongoing conflict between Shiv Sena and Thackeray Group is intensifying with direct conflicts between the two groups. Wednesday’s incident has raised concerns on the safety of political leaders.

MLA Eknath Khadse has specifically targeted Jalgaon Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil for his alleged disregard for the suffering of the farmers. Khadse has accused the Patil of failing to provide support to farmers in his district, despite their cries for help. The criticism comes as farmers in Jalgaon face financial difficulties due to the damage caused by unseasonal rain. Despite the impact on farmers, the government has not taken any definitive action to address compensation, causing worry and dissatisfaction among the affected com-

munity. Moreover, ruling party members have allegedly disregarded the farmers’ situation, resulting in harsh criticism from opposition leaders. Khadse has also called out Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar for not doing enough to help farmers affected by the unseasonal weather. Sattar reportedly inspected the damaged crops in the Nashik district during the night the constituency of the Guardian Minister, where significant damage had also occurred, was not paid attention to. Khadse has argued that Sattar should have at least taken the time to console and listen to the plight of affected farmers.

Cops investigate after Gadkari’s office received threatening calls, in Nagpur on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Expecting a massive turnout, police had issued diversions and increased security ahead of the event. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE ‘UDDAV CONSPIRED AGAINST RAJ’

Sharad Pawar —FILE PHOTO

Nandgaonkar in conversation with Raj Thackeray. —FILE PHOTO

Abdul Sattar —FILE PHOTO

Several districts in the state have been hit by unseasonal weather and hailstorms, causing significant damage to farmers’ crops

RANG RAAS

WHERE ART MEETS LUXURY

The exquisite Fashion Connect presented by First India and Bharat24- Vision of New India held at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai on March 19. City First highlights the unique collection of the highly acclaimed Arpita Sulakshana showcased at the mega show!

which elevates each garment to a masterpiece. We are proud to present our latest collection, Rang Raas, inspired by the di vine forest of God Krishna, also known as Nidhivan.”

Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, the crowned jewel of Dubai, hosted one of India’s premier single-day fashion events called Fashion Connect, season 14, Presented by First India News and Bharat24-Vision of New India on Sunday, March 19. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the evening and appreciated the designer, Arpita Sulakshana for her artistic collection designed with perfection and tailored to last. His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum was present as the Chief Guest and Yakoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor in His Highness Office attended the show as the special guest. Designer Arpita Sulakshana, showcased her scintillating couture collection ‘Rang Raas’. While describing her stunning collection, the mythical designer said, “My couture collection offers bespoke pieces for those who appreciate the finer things in life. At the heart of our brand is the unique art of hand painting,

“We believe that luxury should not only be about material possessions, but also about the experience of owning something truly unique and special. Our brand is built on the values of au thenticity, creativity, and craftsmanship. We are com mitted to preserving the tradi tional art of hand painting and bringing it to a global au dience. Our team of skilled artisans works tirelessly to create garments that are not just beautiful, but also ethi cally made. We love to create outfits for those who appreci ate the beauty of art and the elegance of luxury and who seek something exceptional, a statement piece that will stand the test of time,” she added. The Rang Raas collec tion is an ode to the eternal love of Radha & Krishna, depicted through intricate hand paintings that capture the essence of the forest.

KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Desingers Arpita and Sulakshana with showstopper Alina showcasing their collection

Anticlockwise: Eva, Daria, Alina T and Irene

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

International models: Sophie, Daria, Alina, Irene and Natalia showcasing designer collection by Arpita Sulakshana

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR PERSONIFIED

The First India Fashion Connect Season 14, presented by First India and Bharat24- Vision of New India, held at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai on Sunday was a unique fusion of traditional and modern collections which celebrated the heritage of India. Besides this, a ravishing merging of the cultures of UAE and India was also seen on the ramp. During the show, Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023 were also held, wherein the who's who of the creative industries were felicitated. City First highlights some more glimpses captured by our senior photojournalist Santosh Sharma!

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheikh Yaqoob Al Ali felicitating Akanksha Bakshi for Best Luxury, Fashion and Lifestyle Influencer Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheikh Yaqoob Al Ali felicitating Ishita Gupta for Most Promising, Upcoming, Fashion Designer

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheikh Yaqoob Al Ali felicitating Jassi Chhabra for Best Bridal Makeup-Artist

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheikh Yaqoob Al Ali felicitating National Asian Wedding show for Most Popular Wedding Show

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheikh Yaqoob

NO, Shikhar Dhawan is not doing Kundali Bhagya

show but donned the cop costume for an ad shoot for a company called MyTeam11 that is indulged in online ‘fantasy’ gaming. Speaking over

What are all these rumours about Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan playing a cop in a daily soap? Well, after a thorough ‘knowaround’ we have found it exclusively that Dhawan will not be a part of the

the same, a very close source and part of the shooting team confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan was part of the ad shoot and at the same time, the stars from other shoots took some pictures with him and shared them on social media, fuelling the speculations of Dhawan

featuring in Kundali Bhagya. Confirming further, the source revealed the company for which this ad shoot took place is situated in the capital

city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. “We recently did an ad shoot with the Indian cricketer and shared be hind-the-scenes and fun videos from the sets too on our handles. I don’t know how and why these rumours of him being a part of Kundali Bhagya are spreading, but this seems interesting as we are just being an onlooker of the whole scenario until the truth comes out. Eve ryone should wait for the big surprise. It will be released soon”.

NANI LAUNCHES THE MASS ANTHEM OF THE YEAR

‘DHOOM DHAAM’

dent this track will be a regular at every cele bration and occasion with its addictive beats and tune.”

Superstar Nani is all set to bring audiences his Pan-India entertainer ‘Dasara’ which has been making waves ever since its announcement. After having a grand first-ofits-kind trailer launch in Lucknow, the makers launched the film’s music in Mumbai, the first in the city, with yet another spectacular event that introduced audiences to the rowdy mass anthem of the year –Dhoom Dhaam (Hindi).

Featuring Nani, Keerthy Suresh and Deekshith Shetty, ‘Dhoom Dhaam’ (Hindi) can only be described as the ‘massiest local street song’ and an out-andout high-energy, dance track with uptempo beats that are guaranteed to have you on your feet. The song received a massive positive reception and drove audiences into a frenzy, not sur-

prising since the song has already gained popularity ever since the teaser dropped and has been trending on reels.

After making an iconic entry on a truck at the trailer launch event, Nani this time around surprised audiences, making an entry with another South favourite Rana Daggubati, who was part of the launch in support of the film.

Said Nani, “Audiences have eagerly been waiting for Dhoom Dhaam ever since they

heard bits of it in the teaser. It is filled with fast beats, a lot of energy and a complete masala track and has been shot on a massive scale.”

Said Keerthy Suresh, “Shooting this track was an incredible experience and there is a strong element of brotherhood and friendship that comes out strongly in ‘Dhoom Dhaam.”

Said Deekshith Shetty, “The reception we’ve received for ‘Dhoom Dhaam’ is overwhelming and we are confi-

Amity University Maharashtra hosts convocation ceremony

Amity University, Maharashtra held its convocation ceremony on the campus of Amity University Mumbai.

Robert Suskind,(Founding

Dean of California North State University of Medicine), Dr. Rajeev Agarwal (Senior Director of Breast Cancer Institute at Medanta), Amitabh Chaudhry (MD & CEO of Axis Bank Limited) and Nishith Desai (Founder of Nishith Desai Associates) were conferred honorary degrees by Dr. Aseem Chauhan, (Chancellor and President of Amity University, Mumbai.)

The convocation ceremony

was a grand event for the graduates who received their coveted degrees, for the as sembled guests and for all those associated with the Mumbai campus of the es teemed university. A total of 3359 students received their degrees during the ceremony. Of these, the University has awarded 7 students with Dr Ashok K. Chauhan Scholarship, 91 stu dents with Shri Baljit Shastri Award, 80 students with Gold Medals, 76 students with Silver Medals and 32 students with Bronze Medals. 11 students received trophies for their achievements.

Written and directed by Srikanth Odela ‘Dasara’ takes audienc es through the socioeconomic condition, political ambition and power struggle of the Singareni collieries. Stepping into the shoes of Dharani, a hustler driven by his ambi tion and love, South super star Nani in this actionpacked entertainer grapples with the village’s best-kept se crets.

Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri

‘Dasara’ stars Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani and Sai Kumar. Written & Di rected by Srikanth Ode

Mrunal’s emotional breaks down

runal Thakur recently showcased her ‘vulnerable’ side on social media. The actress, who is always happy and chirpy, was seen in tears in her Instagram story. Along with her old photo, Mrunal wrote on Instagram Stories, “Yesterday was tough. But today I’m stronger, wiser and happy! Everybody has pages in their stories they don’t read out loud but I’m choosing to read mine out loud – because maybe someone out needs to learn the lesson I learnt. Take one day at a time! It’s ok to be naive and vulnerable.”

Soon after Mrunal also added a video and explained the photo. She said on Instagram Stories on Tuesday, “And that picture was taken at the time when I felt extremely low and couldn’t make it, but today I’m happy. And, I made it, woohoo!” She ended the video with a loud cheer and laugh.

MOST VALUED CELEBRITY OF 2022

Actor Ranveer Singh has emerged as India’s most valued celebrity of 2022, according to a new celebrity brand valuation report. With a brand value of $181.7 million, Singh has surpassed star cricketer Virat Kohli who occupied the top spot for five years. Well, Singh’s last few films may not have set the cash registers ringing, but his brand value is at an all-time

high. According to the report, titled “Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022: Beyond the Mainstream,” cited by Business Today, Kohli came in second position with a brand value of $176.9 million (Rs 1400 crore). Actor Akshay Kumar, who is also going through a low phase in his career with consecutive flops, was in the third position with a brand value of $153.6 million (Rs 1200 crore).

GAJRAJ SINGH BHATI cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

PADWA AT FIRST INDIA MUMBAI

The First India team enthusiastically and grandly observed the Gudi Padwa Festival on Wednesday at the First India office in Mumbai. The festival was celebrated in the presence of Editor Ashish Tiwari to commemorate the beginning of the traditional Marathi new year. The team was also seen celebrating the festival of Chaitra Navratri.

Anjum Fakih, Shikhar Dhawan and Abhishek Kapur

Anjum Fakih and Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan

Nani

Mrunal Thakur

Ranveer Singh

Nishith Desai, Dr Aseem Chauhan and Amitabh Chaudhary

Janvi, Riya, Mitali, Rajni, Ashish, Manish, Kiran and Tushar

Poster of the song Dhoom Dhaam

Nani, KeerthySuresh, Deekshit Shetty, RanaDaggubati and SrikanthChundi