First India-Jaipur Edition-23rd December 2022

Modi urges people to follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour & asks States to audit medical facilities

Moni Sharma

over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at the international airports. The nasal vaccine has got a go-ahead in meeting as India is stepping up the vaccination drive. He advised states to audit COVIDspecific facilities to ensure the operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators & human resources. P6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a high-level meeting to review the Covid-19 situation in India, via VC, in New Delhi on Thursday. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, Jyotiraditya Scindia alongwith NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer and other health & medical experts are also present here.

The SII has sought the DCGI’s approval for market authorisation of its Covid-19 vaccineCovovax as a booster dose for those aged 18 years who have been jabbed with 2 doses of Covishield or Covaxin. It is indigenous version of vaccine by Novovax Inc and made under SII.

MEGA SURGE! CHINA IS LIKELY SEEING 1 MILLION COVID CASES, 5,000 DEATHS/DAY

A

case rate rise to 3.7 million in January and 4.2 million till March, according to British scientific information and analytics company Airfinity.

They have now come up with a new idea. They wrote a letter to me and said Covid-19 is coming so stop “Bharat Jodo Yatra”. They are coming up with excuses to stop the yatra. Wear masks, Covid is spreading, these are all excuses.

—Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader

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Random testing of international passengers from Dec 24, airlines to select flyers for screening



IMA and other health experts appeal for Covid appropriate behaviour with immediate effect

DAY 12: WINTER SESSION

OF PARLIAMENT Sansad stormy again due to Tawang

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Both Houses on Thursday saw a stormy start as Opposition members demanded a discussion on the India-China border clash in Tawang Sector, Arunachal. While the LS was adjourned till 12 pm, Opposition members staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha after a heated back-and-forth with the Chairman.

RAJ HC REJECTS

ert Vadra, the Raj HC on Thursday rejected a petition seeking quashing of an ED investigation into purchase of land by a company linked in Bikaner. P7 4 weeks stay on arrest

Lok Sabha

Later in the day, RS took up Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Or-

Washington (FIB): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told cheering US legislators during a defiant wartime visit to the nation’s capital that against all odds his country still stands, thanking Americans for helping to fund the war effort with money that is “not charity,”

der (Third Amendment) Bill and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (4th Amendment) Bill, which modify the scheduled tribes list. P5

 Didn’t

intend to insult Bihar: Piyush Goyal withdraws his remark in Parl

Speaker Om Birla advises MPs to wear masks, follow Covid protocols

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Members have freedom of speech in RS, but it’s not free for all: Harivansh

(L) Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Joe Biden at White House on Wednesday. Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris present signed Ukrainian flag to Zelenskyy.

but an “investment” in global security and democracy. He also said

that Ukraine will never surrender, democracy is being tested.

Gehlot enumerates his govt’s achievements of 4 years, commits to more development

CM Ashok Gehlot hands over a cheque to a beneficiary during foundation and inauguration of works worth `68.15 cr at Kanwar Ka Bass, Jaipur on Thursday. Dr CP Joshi, Shanti Dhariwal, GS Dotasra,

electricity, health and edu to every resident.

All the budgets of state govt have been dedicat-

ed to public welfare and the upcoming budget will be dedicated to youth and students. Up-

liftment of deprived sections is at core of every scheme of state govt,’ Gehlot said. Turn to P8

Kathmandu: Nepal Jail authorities refused to release serial killer Charles Sobhraj even as country’s SC ordered his release. Meanwhile, Ex-Mumbai cop Madhukar Zende, who arrested him in 1986 said dreaded criminals like Sobhraj should not come out of the prison for life.

DEFENCE

As India steps up Covid ‘Shield’... ‘CONCERNED’ PM TAKES A KNOW-HOW

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired high-level meeting in the backdrop of spike in cases in some countries on Thursday to assess the Covid-19 situation in the country, preparedness of health infrastructure and emergence of variants and their public health implications and cautioned against complacency. Advising strict vigil, he said Covid not

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday that the public welfare schemes being implemented in the State are being discussed in entire country today. ‘State govt is working with commitment to provide facilities like water,

Dr Mahesh Joshi, Lalchand Kataria, Pramod Jain Bhaya, Amin Kagzi and others are also seen.

Gehlot will visit Delhi to take part in meeting of general secretaries, Cong in-charges today

No order has been issued by the Central government to curb the incoming flights from China: Sources

In a big move, Prime Minister gives a go-ahead to the Bharat Biotech’s Nasal Covid-19 vaccination

Beijing: China is most likely experiencing a whopping 1 million Covid infections and 5,000 virus-related deaths every day as the country of 1.4 billion people is experiencing the worst outbreak the world has ever seen, according to a new analysis. This current Covid wave may see the country’s daily

MAJOR HAPPENINGS

States to create awareness about wearing the face masks and administer precaution doses; especially in view of upcoming festivals & new year celebrations. Centre to test random 2% of int’l travellers for Covid-19 amid new variant scare.

VADRA’S PLEA TO QUASH ED PROBE

Jodhpur (PTI): In blow to Sonia’s son-in-law Rob-

Speaker Om Birla

RS

Speaker Jagdeep Dhankhar

APPROVE COVOVAX AS BOOSTER FOR ADULTS: SII TO DCGI

BJP’s U-Trun on Jan Akrosh Yatra suspension after 2 Hrs

Decision of suspension was taken in view of rising number of coronavirus cases

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: Hours after deciding to suspend its “Jan Aakrosh Yatra” in Raj in view of a rising number of coronavirus cases globally, BJP said it will go ahead with its plan of public meetings in assembly constituencies while following covid protocol.

BJP state president Satish Poonia said that there was some confusion regarding Jan Aakrosh yatra which has been cleared now and the Jan Aakrosh Sabhas (meetings) will take place as per the schedule.

Earlier, the party had announced to suspend the yatra. With an eye on the Assembly polls due next year in Ra-

Tourism and hospitality expo from

Jan 7-9

Rajeev Gaur

Jodhpur: The threeday tourism and hospitality expo will be held in Jodhpur from January 7 to 9. The expo will witness the presence of travel agents, tour operators, hotel suppliers and caterers while it will be kept free of cost for the general public.

President of Jodhana Hotels and Restaurants Association JM Boob said that after the introduction of Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2022 and the Rural Tourism Promotion Scheme, an environment of investment has been created in the tourism sector.

“The situation in the tourism sector is quite good after the hotels got the status of an industry,” said JM Boob.

Secretary Rajesh Singhvi said, “Tourists from abroad come to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer in the new year. This expo will be like a boom for the tourism industry and is aimed to connect tour operators coming from across the country. So, that it can boost the industry.”

jasthan, BJP chief JP Nadda launched the ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ in Congress-ruled state to corner the Ashok Gehlot govt on issues re-

lated to farmers & governance on Dec 1.

“The BJP has suspended Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Rajasthan in the wake of rising num-

IN 41 ASSEMBLIES

Satish Poonia said that so far, Jan Aakrosh sabhas have happened in 41 assembly constituencies. Since there is no advisory of the central and state governments, there was some confusion, the confusion was about suspending yatras but our public meetings will take place,” he said in a video statement. He said that covid protocol will be followed in the public meetings.

13 candidates in the fray for 6 posts of RCA

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: As many as 13 candidates are in the fray for 6 posts of the Rajasthan Cricket Academy, according to the final list released by RCA’s Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Arora. After scrutiny, Arora rejected nomination of joint secretary candidate Shatrughan Tiwari. The contest for the post of president is set to become triangular as Rajsamand Cricket Association secretary Giriraj Sanadhya’s nomination paper was not rejected.

However, Vaibhav Gehlot faction is trying to persuade Giriraj Sanadhya to withdraw his nomination.

‘BJP is frightened by our public support’

First India Bureau

Bharatpur: Former deputy CM Sachin Pilot will visit to Bharatpur on Friday and take part in the birth anniversary celebrations of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, National President of Lok Dal Jayant Chaudhary will also attend the program at college ground.

ber of COVID-19 cases.

For BJP, people come first before politics.

Safety of people, their health is priority,” BJP national general secre-

REDC writes to power companies on rostering 1 hour power cut

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Power companies have announced power cuts across the state. Rajasthan Energy Development Corporation has written a letter to power companies releasing the schedule of area-wise power cuts.

Power cuts have been announced in rural and urban areas. There will be one-hour power cuts from 6.30 am to 7.30 am in the municipality and rural areas. From 7.30 am to 8.30 am, districtdivision headquarters will see power cuts.

Power cuts in industrial areas will be from 5

POWER CUT IN RURAL & URBAN AREAS

pm to 8 pm.

However, power cuts will not be there in emergency services like drinking water, hospi-

COURTESY MEET

tals, oxygen plants and the Military sector. Decision was taken after seeing increase in demand for electricity.

tary Arun Sing said.

A few hours later, Poonia said there was some confusion but public meetings will continue.

If Sanadhya does not withdraw his name on the last day of withdrawal of nominations, the elections could turn into an interesting and triangular fight.

“BJP was so shocked by the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra that the Union Health Minister wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi to follow the protocol related to Corona. But he should keep in mind that BJP leaders will not campaign and they are not following any kind of protocol in rallies. People have conveyed their views on issues like inflation, unemployment and hatred to Rahul.

BJP was so shocked by the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra that the Union Health Minister wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi to follow the protocol related to Corona.

—Sachin Pilot, Former deputy CM

BJP is so frightened by huge public support that it wants to harm the Bharat Jodo Yatra in every way,” he said.

Student outfits protest against change in rules for PhD admission in Raj University

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The student outfits, both NSUI and ABVP, on Thursday protested at the main gate of Rajasthan University against the change of rules for PhD admission. The agitation student’s leaders jammed the JLN Marg, following which, the police resorted to force to disperse the agitating crowd.

The protesters said that the varsity administration has implemented interviews in PhD admission process and 30 marks of the interview will be calculated for admission.

Both the student outfits have been protesting against the change in admission rules to PhD. courses.

Tiger T-57 unwell, closely monitored

First India Bureau

Sawai Madhopur:

The health of Ranthambore National Park tiger T-57 has deteriorated once again. The tiger was reported to be in a critical condition on Dec 20, following which, it was tranquilized on Dec 21.

Ranthambore Field Director Sedu Ram Yadav Tiger T57 recov-

Speed up domestic expansion work: ACS BOOSTING INFRASTRUCTURE

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Raj State Gas, a joint venture of State govt, will have to speed up the infrastructure and CNG-PNG work by coordinating with other agencies

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Petroleum, Subodh Agarwal has said that the expansion of domestic gas facilities through pipelines in the cities is the priority of the state government and Agarwal was presiding over the meeting of the Board of Directors of Rajasthan State Gas Ltd. at the secretariat on Thursday. He said that along with speeding up the PNG connection work in

Kota, new CNG stations should be set up so that people can get cheap & better services.

Agarwal also reviewed the CNG distribution system of RSGL in Neemrana and Ku-

kas and expressed the need to increase business. RSGL Managing Director Ranveer Singh said that preparations are in the final stage to release 200 new commercial and more than 9,000 new domestic gas connections in Kota by RSGL. He said work is being done by RSGL in Shivpuri and Gwalior.

Gail Gas representative CGM Ajay Jindal also participated virtually. Diptanshu Pareek, Vivek Srivastava, Gagandeep Rajoria & Ravi Agarwal were present.

ered on Thursday, but condition again worsened in afternoon.

“The tiger is being closely monitored and efforts are being done to treat him,” said Sedu Ram Yadav.

Meeting today to review covid management

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Amid reports of rising corona cases in China, Secretary of the Medical and Health Department Dr Prithivi will chair a meeting of department officials in Swasthya Bhawan on Friday to review the Covid management.

Secretary Dr Prithvi informed oxygen, ventilators and other things are available in sufficient quantity,” said Dr Prithvi.

The police also arrested two students involved in protests on Thursday.

ABVP protested un-

JP Nadda flagging off the Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Jaipur. Also seen Arun Singh, Satish Poonia, Vasundhara Raje and other BJP leaders. —FILE PHOTO

der the leadership of Bharat Bhushan and NSUI protested under the leadership of Amardeep Parihar

Students sitting at the main gate of Rajasthan University. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Sachin Pilot during Bharat Jodo Yatra. —FILE PHOTO

There will be one-hour power cuts from 6.30 am to 7.30 am in the municipality and rural areas. From 7.30 am to 8.30 am, district-division headquarters.

Niranjan Arya paid a visit to Governor Kalraj Mishra at Raj Bhavan on Thursday.

Subodh Agarwal during meeting of Board of Directors of Rajasthan State Gas Ltd on Thursday.

PROF SUSPENDED, SLAPPED IN COURT; SHOE THROWN AT VC DURING PROTEST

to send three-member team

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: Associate Professor of Rajasthan Technical University (RTU) Girish Parmar, who was pressurising girl students to have physical relations in lieu of not failing them and giving good marks, was suspended on Thursday.

RTU Kota VC SK Singh said that action has been taken on the basis of the investigation of the three-member committee. When the police reached the court with the accused professor, he was slapped by advocate Atish Saxena.

Meanwhile, ruckus

was seen at RTU for about three hours. A large number of students protested demanding action. They sat on dharna outside the university gate since 10:30 am on Thursday. They kept shouting slogans with banners

4 electrocuted in Bhilwara while placing motor in well

First India Bureau

Bhilwara: In a tragic accident, four people died at Jodhdas village near Rayla region of Bhilwara after they got electrocuted while installing a motor in the well, on Wednesday evening. The four died one after the other in the well. Among the dead, two were blood brothers. According to the re -

ports, motors were being installed in the well during which the accident happened. After receiving the information, Rayala Police Station Officer Sunil Chaudhary, Tehsildar Bhanwar Lal Sen, Naib Tehsildar Mohit Pancholi, Patwari Mukesh Chotiya reached the spot and operation was initiated to recover the dead bodies.

and posters in their hands. During the conversation, someone hit the VC with a shoe. However, after suspending the accused, the students calmed down.

Another girl student has registered a police complaint against Par-

mar alleging him of pressurising her to have a physical relation or he would flunk her.

The university administration has constituted a three-member committee to probe the matter.

This includes Professor SK Rathore (Dean), Professor DK Palwalia, Professor Dr Manisha Bhandari. VC SK Singh said that the inquiry committee took the statements of the students and collected facts and then Parmar was suspended. “He will remain suspended until the investigation is over. Arpit Agarwal has also been suspended,” he said.

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari on Thursday met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and apprised them about the demands of Rajasthan.

During the meeting, Diya requested Singh to give financial approval

for the ECHS polyclinic and canteen in Ajmer’s Beawar. On which, the Defence Minister assured that the approval

Bharatpur: Condemning the

RTU professor seeking sexual favours from girl students, State Technical Education Minister Subhash Garg said, “The Technical

Vice-Chancellor

GARG CONDEMNS INCIDENT, DIRECTS UNIVERSITY VC TO TAKE ACTION PROF WAS BEATEN IN 2012 FOR ‘STEALING FEMALE TEACHER’S UNDERGARMENTS’

76 tourists arrive in Jaipur on PoW

Jaipur: The royal train Palace on Wheels on Thursday reached Jaipur with 76 tourists, who are on a Christmas tour, from three countries. A red carpet welcome was given to the tourists at Gandhinagar station here. They were welcomed by applying Tilak and garland.

Pradeep Bohra, Gen-

Diya meets Rajnath, Gadkari, requests funds for devp works

Quinquagenarian couple found hanging at home

Jaipur (PTI): The bodies of an elderly couple were found hanging in their home in Jaipur Rural, police said on Thursday.

eral Manager of Palace on Wheels said that the luxury train has been decorated in a special way for Christmas. “Jingles are being played inside the train, Christmas trees have been put up for Christmas. The main event will be held in Jaisalmer where there will be fireworks and special cake cutting will be done. Turkey will also be served,” he said.

will be given soon. Diya also urged Gadkari to allocate funds for repair and reconstruct of roads in the Rajsamand.

Ramesh Sharma (50) and his wife Santosh (50) were found hanging in their home, located opposite the Mohalla Sarai Janana Hospital, Kotputli police station SHO Sawai Singh said. Initial probe revealed

that the couple took the step after Santosh Sharma was diagnosed with cancer. They probably committed suicide by hanging on Wednesday night, Singh said.

On Thursday morning, the couple’s tenant informed the police, who took custody of the bodies. The bodies were handed over to the couple’s relatives after post mortem, SIngh said.

SMS resident doc attempts suicide:

Cops

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A female resident doctor of SMS Medical College attempted suicide on Thursday morning. The female resident consumed poison in the SMS Girls Hostel room. During interrogation, it has come to light that Nikita was under stress for the last few days.

Professor, middleman sent to police remand till Dec 25; NCW

Students vandalise campus gate during the protest on Thursday.

incident

Education Secretary has directed the

to take action in the matter.” Garg, who was a professor before joining politics, said that what could be more reprehensible for a teacher than to keep such an eye on students.

Kota: In 2012, the accused Assistant Professor Girish Parmar reportedly stole the undergarments of a female teacher, following which, he was beaten by her family members and the faculty concerned. The administration of the Rajasthan Technical University had then moved Parmar out of the hostel.

Nirmal Tiwari

MP Diya Kumari with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Palace on Wheels arrives with foreign tourists — on Christmas tour — at Gandhinagar Railway Station on Thursday.

MERKEL’S BOMBSHELL WEST v/s WEST

REFORMED OR NOT, THE ‘SERPENT’ TO BE OUT OF PRISON SOON?

It shows that international agreements with the West specially the US carry no value and remain in play only till the time they favour the West and allows them time to turn the tide to suit their interests. Yes, it is amply clear that Western powers are likely to dump treaties and agreements like a HOT Potato when they no longer serve their purpose. It indeed is a lesson to India, China, Pakistan and to the rest of the developing countries in international politics

Quizzically enough, as I chanced upon the recent interview of Angela Dorothea Merkel, ex chancellor of Germany, it gave me a peep into the pandora box of the Western world’s political dynamics. A seasoned politician and a scientist, she was the first and the only lady chancellor of Germany and was referred to as the de facto leader of the European Union. Having been brought up in erst while East Germany under Kremlin’s influence, her control over Russian language was perfect yet, she was not inclined to communist ideology.

Her actions and decisions as the chancellor of her country ensured a commanding position for Germany not only in Europe but amongst all NATO allies. Nonetheless, today many find faults with her for increasing Germany’s dependence on Russian energy imports through Nord Stream 1, without acknowledging that the graph of Germany’s industrial growth was highest during Merkel’s chancellorship.

All through her political career, she professed that she did not want to give advice from the side-lines, and therefore, described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “brutal

TALIBAN RETURN TO OLD WAYS

war of aggression” which constituted a far-reaching turning point and the most glaring violation of international law in Europe since the World War II. She further believed that European solidarity goes out to Ukraine which has been attacked and raided by Russia, and that the Ukraine’s right to self-defence was incontestable.

Surprisingly, a leader with such clarity and frankness on Russia – Ukraine war, suddenly took a U turn and in an interview in the second week of Dec 22 to a newspaper Der Zeit of Germany, came out with the facts that hitherto fore, were a subject of confidentiality amongst all NATO leaders joining their hands to support Zelenskyy and fight Russia.

In a dramatic style, Angela confessed that there was no real interest amongst the Western powers to implement the provisions and conditions laid down in Minsk 1 & 2 Agreements signed by Ukraine and Russia in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Instead, the intention of US and allies reeked with conspiracies and deceits by the West to give time to the NATO and Ukraine to build up their military capabilities for the sole purpose of a confrontation with Russia.

In other words, the West planned and schemed for the war against Russia since 2014 after they organized a coup to forcibly remove a democratically elected Ukraine government and replace it with a puppet government loyal to

Surprisingly, a leader with such clarity and frankness on Russia – Ukraine war, suddenly took a U turn and in an interview in the second week of Dec 22 to a newspaper Der Zeit of Germany, came out with the facts that hitherto fore, were a subject of confidentiality amongst all NATO leaders joining their hands to support Zelenskyy and fight Russia

the West.

In my opinion, Angela has proven herself to be Putin’s friend as her confession is almost a declaration to let out NATO secrets. In simple words, what Merkel said can be taken as an announcement that Putin is not the aggressor but the victim of a veiled Western conspiracy against it. In fact, Angela has provided Putin the defence which he may need in the future to protect himself from Western actions at international courts when the war crimes are taken up. Obviously, the implications from this interview are far reaching. It shows that international agreements with the West specially the US carry no value and remain in play only till the time they favour the West and allows them time to

turn the tide to suit their interests. Yes, it is amply clear that Western powers are likely to dump treaties and agreements like a HOT Potato when they no longer serve their purpose. It indeed is a lesson to India, China, Pakistan and to the rest of the developing countries in international politics. While negotiating with west, countries should choose friends with open eyes Judging so called friends not by what they say but by what they do and their past reputation of honouring treaties and agreements with other parties in the agreement.

The numerous visits of German Chancellor to Russia between 2014 (in the aftermath of annexation of Crimea by Russia) and 2021, when Merkel vacated her office as the ultimate leader of European Union and Chancellor of Germany are being looked at with suspicion of delaying Russian onslaught on Ukraine to buy time. She out rightly mentioned that she felt no regrets for her handling of Vladimir Putin during her time in power and blocking the route of Ukraine joining NATO membership as Putin would have taken it as a “declaration of war” against Russia by the West. It appears that in the opinion of the West, democratically immature Ukraine would have been less prepared for an invasion then what it was in February 2022 and thus, hinting at a global conspiracy.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Taliban are gradually showing their true misogynist and hard-line character but the world is a silent spectator. After banning girls from attending schools, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has taken the regressive step of telling women that the doors of universities were now shut for them, leaving female students in tears. The anguished students were left with no future as other regressive restrictions on women’s clothing and movement are already in place. Instances of public flogging have also been reported. All these are dreadful reminders of the old Taliban regime and its brand of ruthless Islam.

President Joe Biden left

Taliban are gradually showing their true misogynist and hardline character but the world is a silent spectator. After banning girls from attending schools, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has taken the regressive step of telling women that the doors of universities were now shut for them, leaving female students in tears

the Afghan people, especially women, after the withdrawal of Allied forces from Kabul in 2021. In his White House address Biden said that it was “the right and the responsibility of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to

run their country”. He also said the US will continue to speak out for the rights of women and girls. Does speaking out for them makes them less vulnerable to the attacks on their psyche being witnessed now? Reacting to the latest Talibani firmaan the US said the “move would come with consequences for Taliban”. Other than turning off the aid tap, which will only starve the Afghan people, the consequences have not been spelt out.

Taliban stand out like a sore thumb for the way they treat women. In no other Islamic country are women subjected to such treatment. Iran, where women are protesting against wearing hijab, does not bar women from attending schools and colleges.

Charles Sobhraj may have spent two decades in jail; his release from a prison in Nepal still makes news. The serial killer, notorious as Bikini Killer, is now 78 and hopefully a changed man after long incarceration. The French national shot to infamy after he killed 20 tourists on South and Southeast Asia’s hippie trail between 1972 and 1976, most of them backpackers. “Handsome, charming and utterly without scruple” women easily fell to his charms and he ruthlessly finished them off after he was done with them. What made Sobhraj stand out as a criminal was his ability to evade police and avoid detection, which earned him the nickname of “Serpent”.

He continued with his crimes like drugging tourists and robbing them to maintain a luxurious lifestyle even in prison. In mid seventies he bribed Tihar jail staff to live in comfort. Later he drugged them to escape, but was nabbed by Mumbai Police.

Is Sobhraj a reformed man now?

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

TOP TWEETS

Dharmendra

India, led by PM @narendramodi ji remains the biggest hope for the world. An all-weather champion of multilateralism, more of the world today strongly acknowledge India’s criticality in maintaining global peace. ‘Not an era of war’ has resonated strongly and touched chords.

l Vol 4 l Issue No. 197

l RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.

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

Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

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

You should perform your duty with a view to guide people and for universal welfare.

Bhagavad Gita

Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda

Saddened to hear about the demise of renowned Gamak Vidwan & Padmashri awardee H R Keshavamurthy Ji. He was a pioneer who mastered Gamak & even taught children this great art form for free. His legacy will live on forever. My condolences to his family & admirers. Om Shanti.

Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

COL ANUPAM

JAITLY (RETD) The writer is Defence expert, Motivational Speaker & Corporate Trainer

WINTER SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

LOK SABHA ADJOURNED AGAIN AMID UPROAR BY OPPN ON BORDER ISSUE

New Delhi (Agencies):

Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday without any business, owing to continuous protests by the Congress-led Opposition, which sought discussion on the IndiaChina border clashes in Arunachal Pradesh.

As Lok Sabha assembled at 4 p.m. after several adjournments since morning, Opposition members led by the Congress entered the well of the House, shouting slogans and seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the House.

Rama Devi, who was in the Chair, adjourned the House till 4.30 pm amid chaos and slogan shouting.

At 4.30 p.m. when the Lower House reassembled, protests and slogan shouting by the Opposition members resumed. While Congress and DMK members entered the well of the House, NCP, JD-U and TMC members stood near their seats.

Opposition members shouted slogans seeking PM Modi’s presence in the House and called

SIGNED 4 CO-OP DOCUMENTS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION TIE-UP”

New Delhi (FIB): The Minister of State (MoS), Dr Jitendra Singh, on Thursday said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed 04 (four) cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last

for a discussion on the India-China border clashes issue.

Amid the pandemonium, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in-

IN THE COURTYARD

PANEL TO CONDUCT ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT OF SC PREMISES

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has constituted a committee headed by apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat to conduct an audit of “physical and functional access” of the top court premises to make them disabled-friendly. The ‘Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility’ has been given a broad mandate to prepare and release a questionnaire for persons with disabilities, including the apex court employees, advocates, litigants and interns, who visit the top court premises.

PARTHA CHATTERJEE’S

JACQUELINE WITHDRAWS PLEA TO GO ABROAD

New Delhi: Actor Jacqueline Fernandez, accused in a money laundering case, on Thursday withdrew from a Delhi court her plea for permission to go abroad. The actor told the court about her decision after the judge said the question of charge should first be decided. “You can withdraw the application and let the question of charge first be decided. Otherwise I will pass a judicial order,” the judge said. Fernandez had sought permission to visit Bahrain from December 23 to January 5 to see her mother.

JUDICIAL

CUSTODY EXTENDED BY 14 MORE DAYS

Kolkata: A CBI court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress secretary general, Partha Chatterjee and six others for another 14 days in connection with the teachers’ recruitment scam. All the seven individuals will be presented at the same court again on January 5 next year. On Thursday, Chatterjee’s counsel Selim Rahman made a fiery argument at the court, even going to the extent of questioning CBI’s competence as regards to producing concrete evidence in the matter. In his counter argument, the CBI counsel said that although charges of incompetence have been raised by the petitioner’s counsel.

HC ALLOWS TEEN GIRL TO DONATE

LIVER’S PART TO DAD

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted permission to a 17-yearold girl to donate a portion of her liver to her ailing father. The High Court took the decision even taken after an expert committee constituted by the Appropriate Authority under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 initially opined that the daughter cannot be exempted from the bar imposed by the Act and Rules on organ donation by minors. Court asked it to reconsider its stance.

MADRAS HIGH COURT ORDERS NOTICE ON RSS PLEA

Chennai: A division bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday ordered notice on a batch of appeals challenging the orders of a single judge, which had granted permission to the RSS to take out “route marches” and hold public meetings in auditoriums and open grounds alone. A bench of the HIgh Court ordered the notice returnable by January 5, when the appeals from G Subramaniam of Anna Nagar and 44 others came up for further hearing on Thursday.

five years.In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, MoS Dr Singh said, the agreement with the USA is for accommodating USA instruments in India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. He informed that the agreement with Japan is to conduct feasibility study for a joint lunar polar exploration mission.

troduced the Jan Vishwas Amendment of Provision Bill 2022 in the House. He also immediately referred the bill to a joint Parlia-

New Delhi (FIB):

of

RS PASSES THE CONSTITUTION (ST) ORDER BILL

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha has passed The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022 and The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2022. Tribal Minister Arjun Munda moved the bill.

GOVT INTRODUCES JAN VISHWAS BILL IN THE LOK SABHA

New Delhi: Commerce & industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday in Lok Sabha introduced Jan Vishwas Bill, which seeks to decriminalise minor offences by amending 183 provisions in 42 Acts with a view to promote ease of business.

GOYAL TAKES BACK REMARKS “AGAINST BIHAR”

2841 selected as Khelo India Athletes: Thakur

New Delhi (FIB):

Khelo India Athletes are selected on their performance in the Khelo India Games, National Championships / open selection trials. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) provides a platform for identification of talented sports persons in priority Sports disciplines through the National Sports Talent Search Portal.

This was stated by Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minisster Anurag Thakur in a written reply in

Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Under “Sports Competition and Talent Development” component of Khelo India scheme, athletes are selected as Khelo India Athletes based on their performance in the Khelo India Games, National Championships / open selection trials.

a

reply to a question in Lok Sabha

Thursday said during last three years, i.e., 2019-20 to 2021-22, around 40,000 women have been trained all over India including

mentary panel.

Soon after this, the House was adjourned for the day.

Earlier in the morning, both Question Hour

175 in Bihar. Nai Roshni scheme has now been merged as a component of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme w.e.f FY 2022-23, to improve livelihoods of minorities, particularly artisan communities, through skill development, education and leadership training, to support their entrepreneurship interventions.

and Zero Hour proceedings were washed out due to continuous protests by the Opposition on the India-China border clashes issue.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday withdrew his “demeaning” remarks on Bihar, which triggered protests in Parliament by MPs from the state who demanded an apology from him.“Let me clarify that I have no intention to insult either Bihar or the people of Bihar. If it has hurt anyone’s sentiment, I immediately withdraw that statement,” he said in Rajya Sabha. On Tuesday while RJD member Manoj Jha was speaking on inflation in the Upper House, Goyal had said “Inka bas chale toh desh ko Bihar hi bana de”.

Mulling EC proposal on political donations: Govt

New Delhi: The govt on Thursday said the Election Commission proposal to reduce anonymous political donations to Rs 2000 from Rs 20,000 is uder examination.

On a question about the government’s response to the Commission’s proposal and whether such measures would usher in reforms and transparency in donations received by political parties, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in a written

Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra resumes from Haryana’s Nuh district

Nizamabad (ANI):

Bharat Rashtra Samithi will hold a ‘Maha Dharna’ in all the district headquarters on Friday protesting against the Centre’s “anti-farmer policies”, MLC K Kavitha said on Thursday.

Kavitha, daughter of CM KCR, alleged that the BJP govt at the Centre is “forcing” Telangana Govt to take back schemes under MGNREGA. “Tomorrow the party will launch Maha Dharna in all district headquarters, against BJP Government’s antifarmer policies, in light of the recent demand to exclude agricultural activities from MGNREGA Scheme in Telangana,” Kavitha said.

“Today it is a fact that the BJP is an anti-farmer, anti-poor, and procorporate Government. On one hand, the Government is targeting farmers and the poor,” she alleged.

Nuh (ANI): Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi resumed from Malab Village in Nuh’s Haryana on Thursday.

People in large numbers were seen joining the march holding banners and party flags. The ongoing foot march of the grand old party entered the state of Haryana on Wednesday. On Wednesday, while addressing a gathering here, Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other parties and said that the leaders of these parties do not listen to the public.

“Nowadays, there is a gap between the leaders of BJP, Samajwadi Party, and the public. Leaders think there is no need to listen to the public and give speeches for hours. We have tried to change this in this journey,” Gandhi earlier

CHANDY’S SON TAKE JIBE AT BJP

Nuh (ANI): Former Kerala Chief Minister’s son Chandy Oommen on Thursday aimed at the Centre government over its letter to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, urging him to consider suspending or postponing the Bharat Jodo Yatra if Covid protocols could not be followed. “When PM Modi took out a Yatra in Gujarat, a similar situation was there but no action followed,” Oommen said after joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra here.

said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday the Yatra observed its last day in the Congress-ruled state of Rajasthan. It is

BJP SCARED OF LOVE BJY GOT: KHERA

New Delhi (ANI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s letter to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asking them to follow COVID-19 guidelines strictly during the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra has elicited diverse reactions from leaders.

reply in Rajya Sabha said, “The proposal is under examination.”

Aiming for reforms and transparency in donations received by political parties, the poll panel had proposed reducing anonymous political donations from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000.

the only Congress-ruled state where the yatra covered around 500 km over 17 days before entering Haryana.

AAP’S EXPANSION PLANS

Talking about the issue, Congress leader Pawan Khera said BJP is scared of the love Bharat Jodo Yatra has received. He said, “Their intent is clear. They are only bothered about the love the Yatra has received.”He also added, “If BJP was worried about the country, they would have written a letter to Satish Poonia as well who is taking out ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ in Rajasthan.”

Belagavi (ANI): The Panchamasali Lingayat community padyatra, demanding more reservations to meet the educational and professional needs of its people, reached Belagavi in Karnataka on Thursday.

The community is demanding they be included in the 15 per cent OBC category of 2A. A heavy police force has been deployed at Hirebagewadi in Belagavi due to the Panchamasali padayatra being held under the leadership of the Jagadguru Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of the Kundalasangama Peetha.

Karnataka Assembly is currently holding its Winter Session at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

Can AAP dent Cong and BJP’s morale in K’taka polls?

Shamsher Singh

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party has now started preparing to contest the Karnataka assembly elections. Assembly elections are going to be held in May and before that Arvind Kejriwal’s party has started making populist announcements. The party has promised that it will implement the old pension scheme if its government is formed in the state. The

Congress was also about to say this, as it had promised in Himachal Pradesh and won the election, but AAP made the announcement even before the Congress. Not only this, the party’s state number two leader Bhaskar Rao also participated in the demonstration of state government employees. The employees were demonstrating for the restoration of the old pension scheme. Senior leader Brajesh Kalappa,

who left the Congress and joined AAP, also talked about restoring the old pension scheme.

However, AAP’s weakness is that it does not have an organization in the state and

does not have senior leaders either. Then the question is how will the party contest the Karnataka elections? Will it fight in the way it fought in Gujarat or will it fight in the way it fought in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand etc.? If it fights like Gujarat i.e. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann and other leaders work day and night then Congress can suffer a big loss. There Congress party is hoping to re-

turn to power this time but if AAP fights with full force and JDS also contests the elections on its own, then BJP would be benefited. But if AAP contests elections like in Himachal Pradesh, then Congress will not be harmed. Five months before the elections, it seems that AAP does not have an organization and will fight just for the sake of fighting. But the real picture will emerge after Arvind Kejriwal’s first visit.

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. —FILE PHOTO

“BRS to hold Maha Dharna against Centre”

Panchamasali Lingayat’s march for quota in K’taka

Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Nuh. —PHOTO BY ANI

Lok Sabha adjourned amid commotion in the House, in New Delhi on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

“ISRO

OVER 40K WOMEN TRAINED IN INDIA UNDER NAI ROSHNI SCHEME: IRANI

Union Minister

Minority Affairs Smriti Irani in

written

on

STARTED RT-PCR SAMPLING OF INT’L PASSENGERS: GOVT

New Delhi (ANI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that the government has started random RTPCR sampling among the passengers arriving at International airports in the country amid the recent surge of Coronavirus infection in various countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States.

“We have also started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at International airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps,” Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in his statement in the Lok Sabha while advising the States to make sure that people wear masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing even during the festive and the New Year season. He also encouraged the states to increase awareness towards precautionary doses against Coronavirus.

“We are keeping an eye on the global Covid situation and are taking steps accordingly. The States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid-19,” Union Health Minister Mandaviya added.

He further said that the health department has been proactive in managing the Covid pandemic. The Centre has also provided financial assistance to States in the fight against the pandemic, he added.

“So far, 220 crore covid vaccine shots have been given,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya mentioned. Mandaviya then claimed that the number of Covid cases is depleting in India despite its surge across the world.

“From the last few days, Covid cases have been rising in the world but in India, the cases are depleting. We are seeing rising Covid cases and deaths due to it in China,” Union Health Minister said.

GENOME TESTING OF ALL POSITIVE CASES IN J’KHAND

Ranchi: Concerned at the reported spurt in Covid-19 cases in countries like China, USA and Japan, the Jharkhand government has asked officials to send for whole genome sequencing of all positive samples of Coronavirus to track the variants, a top Health department official said on Thursday. The development comes in the wake of Union Health Minister reviewing the Covid situation.

UP CM HOLDS MEET TO ASSESS COVID SITUATION

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday held a meeting to assess Covid situation. Officials said after the meeting that though face masks have not been made compulsory but should be encouraged at public places.

PUNJAB CM MANN HOLDS COVID REVIEW MEETING

Chandigarh: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann held a meeting of health officials over Covid-19 situation.

“We just have nine active cases of Covid. 16 districts do not have any positive cases of Covid so far. We have established oxygen plants & have prepared hospitals as well accordingly,” Health Minister Chetan Jouramajra said.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday advised all the MPs to wear masks and follow the Covid protocol completely, in view of the increasing cases of Covid 19 in many countries across the world. Birla himself was operating the House wearing a mask in the House. Birla appealed the MPs to be careful and

spread public awareness regarding Covid before the uproar by the opposition MPs during the Question Hour saying that in view of the past experiences, this time there is a need for constant caution and vigilance. The govt has also advised following the Covid protocol across the country.While advising all the MPs to use masks, Birla appealed to them to make efforts to spread public awareness in their respective areas.

“HAVEN’T GOT REQUEST FOR USE OF GANGA WATER IN COVID TREATMENT”

New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday clarified that it has not received any request from National Mission for Clean Ganga to conduct research on the use of Ganga river water as a cure for the COVID-19 virus.In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Jal Shakti MoS Prahlad Singh Patel said, “Govt has

not received any request from National Mission for Clean Ganga to conduct research on the use of Ganga river water as a cure to the Covid-19 virus.” “However, NMCG had sent two proposals viz., ‘Ganga Sediments could immunize against COVID-19’ and ‘Treatment of COVID-19 by Ganga Jal’ on April 28, 2020, to the Indian Council of Medical Research for examination.

WITHOUT TESTING

“Just like last time we had conquered covid with collective efforts, similarly we will succeed in stopping this epidemic in the future also.”

—Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker

“We have also started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at International airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps,”.

—Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister

There won’t be a lockdown situation in the country since 95% of the people here are vaccinated. The immunity system of Indians is stronger than that of the Chinese...India needs to go back to Covid basicstesting, treating, tracing.

—Dr Anil Goyal, Indian Medical Association

Covid nasal vaccine to be rolled out as booster dose

New Delhi: Paving way for more options for third or precautionary doses in India, Bharat Biotech, which is the manufacturer of Covaxin, will roll out its nasal vaccine as a booster dose after receiving a final nod from the authorities.

Sources said that permissions are in the final stage, and they could be introduced on the COWIN platform by the upcoming week.

Bharat biotech’s Nasal vaccine, being a needless jab, will be India’s first such booster dose. It can be administered to those above 18 years. Pricing of the vaccine will be decided soon and it will be made available

Army doctors save woman badly injured in bear attack

Udhampur/Jammu (PTI): Army doctors have saved a 61-year-old woman badly injured in a bear attack in a village here by performing a timely surgery to repair her wind pipe and blood vessels of the neck.

HOW NASAL SPRAY WORKS

It is a vectored, needleless, intranasal Covid vaccine. An intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response – neutralizing IgG, mucosal IgA, and T cell responses. It comes with ease as one does not require a health practitioner or worker to give them a dose.

in government and private facilities.

Science Ministry recognised the vaccine as the ‘World’s first intranasal vaccine for COVID developed by India’.

In December, it also got approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for restricted use in emergency situations in 18 and above age group.

Parliamentary panel raises concerns over production of electric locomotives

Agra (ANI): With the surge in Covid cases in China and other countries, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country Taj Mahal in Agra is put on alert, confirmed the District Health Information Officer in Agra. Domestic and foreign tourists come every day in large numbers to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Keeping the situation in mind, they will have to undergo a Covid test before their visit as per the official sources.

Submarine corruption case: Nod for prosecution of Naval officers

New Delhi (PTI) The govt has given the goahead to prosecute four serving and retired Navy officers in connection with alleged corruption in purchasing spare parts to retrofit Russian Kilo-class submarines, officials said.

The CBI had filed its chargesheets in November last year, within two months of initiating a probe into a corruption case, following which it had sought the government’s sanction to prosecute accused Navy of-

In India, we have sufficient evidence to prove that those who recovered from Covid are best protected. It’s important to monitor all variants. But it’s unlikely that we’ll face any serious problem due to the virus in the current scenario.

—Dr Sanjay Rai, Senior Epidemiologist, AIIMS Delhi

“A 61 years old female resident of Pancheri village was brought barely breathing to emergency of Command Hospital after sustaining severe injuries to her neck and abdomen following attack by a wild bear on December 16,” an officer said She was immediately attended by trauma surgeons, who found out that she has got life threatening injuries to her wind pipe and large blood vessels of her neck.

New Delhi (PTI): Raising concerns over missed targets in electric locomotive production during this financial year, a parliamentary standing committee has asked the Railway Ministry to closely monitor the manufacturing capacity of production units.

The Standing Committee on Railways, in its report presented in Parliament on Thursday, noted that with the national transporter head-

ing towards 100 per cent electrification on broadgauge lines, the requirement of diesel locomotives would reduce substantially, while that of the electric ones would increase to a great extent.

The committee also noted that the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and the Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) were given targets to manufacture 450 and 200 electric locomotives for 2022-23 and 202324 respectively.

India wary of Taliban’s decision to ban women from Afghan varsities

New Delhi (PTI): India on Thursday said it is concerned over reports that the Taliban have banned women from universities in Afghanistan, and renewed its call for setting up of an inclusive government in Kabul that ensures the equal rights of women and girls in all aspects of the Afghan so-

MERCURY SET TO DIP

ciety.Several countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, France,

Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom, have strongly condemned the Taliban’s decisions to ban women from universities. “We have noted with concern the reports in this regard. India has consistently supported the cause of female education in Afghanistan,” the MEA spokesperson said.

North India likely to witness cold wave

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi-NCR is likely to witness dense fog for the next two to three days while Punjab, Haryana, and North Rajasthan may expect a decrease in temperature by 1-2 degrees alongwith cold wave conditions, Dr Kuldeep Srivastava, Head of Regional Weather Forecasting Centre said on Thursday.

“If we talk about the weather in Delhi, then a thick blanket of fog

is seen in the morning hours and visibility is dropped by around 100 meters. In the Palam observatory, today morning the visibility was till 100 meters, and later around 8 in the morning there is an improvement,” Dr Kuldeep Srivastava said. “In the next two days, there are chances of having dense fog in Delhi-NCR and the visibility will be around 100 meters. The temperature will remain

between 6-7 degrees for the next 2-3 days,” Srivastava added. The lowest temperature for

today was recorded at 4.6 degrees in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, he said. “We have fixed

criteria for the formation of fog. A layer, availability of moisture along with less wind speed are the criterion. From Punjab up to Bihar and till Gigantic West Bengal and Northern parts of Rajasthan, the wind speed in the morning hours is less which is 2-3 km per hour along with sufficient availability of moisture, and during the day time, we have a clear sky,” he told ANI.

ficers Commander S J Singh (retired) and three serving commanders — Ajit Pandey, Abhishek Kumar Shar and Jagdeesh Chander, the officials said.

After more than a year, the government has finally given the sanction to prosecute the four accused figuring in the CBI (CBI) chargesheets.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya speaks in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

OM BIRLA ADVISES MPs TO WEAR MASKS, FOLLOW COVID PROTOCOLS

TAJ MAHAL ON COVID ALERT, NO ENTRY FOR TOURISTS

Raj HC rejects Vadra’s plea seeking quashing of ED probe

Court however, extends stay on Vadra’s arrest by four more weeks

Shiv Prakash Purohit

NIA presents charge sheet in Kanhaiya Lal murder case

4 die in road mishap as speeding car rams into parked trailer on NH48

Two arrested over Bundi girl’s murder

Jodhpur :

In a blow to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra , the Rajasthan High Court on Thursday rejected a petition seeking the quashing of an Enforcement Directorate investigation into the purchase of land in Bikaner by a company linked to him and his mother.

Justice P S Bhati also turned down his plea seeking for “no coercive action” in the alleged money laundering case, but extended an earlier stay on Vadra’s arrest by four more weeks to allow the petitioners to appeal before a two-

judge bench. The ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in September 2015 based on a complaint over the purchase of 125 bighas of land in Bikaner’s Kolay-

at by Sky Light Hospitality. Vadra, had sought the quashing of the ECIR. Forged documents were allegedly used while making the deal. “The present petitioners have not been

arrayed as accused, and at the given stage, seeking the intervention of this court for quashing of the ECIR in question, is premature,” the judge said. KTS Tulsi argued the case for Vadra.

Jaipur (FIB): The National Investigative Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a charge sheet against nine accused in the matter relating to the murder of Kanhaiya Lal Tailor in Udaipur.

Riyaz Jabbar, Mohammed Guas, Riyaz Attari, Farhad Sheikh, Asif, Mohammad Mohsin, Wasim Ali, Javed and Muslim Khan, has been neamed in charge sheet and the investigation is pending against Amjad and other accused.

Three days before the completion of 190 days of arrest, the NIA presented a charge sheet in the special court under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Indian Penal Code and Arms Act. NIA Court Judge Sunil Ranwah extended the judicial custody of the accused till January 3.

Ajmer: Four people died on the spot in a horrific road accident on the national highway of Bandanwara. All four youths belong to Sangteda village of Kotputli. According to police, on Thursday evening, four people in a car were on their way to Kotputli from Ujjain. Meanwhile, a speeding car rammed into a trailer parked in front of the hospital on Bandan-

wara NH48 from behind. On information, police reached the spot and took the bodies out of the vehicle and transported them to the mortuary at Bhinay with the help of a highway ambulance. Due to a severe collision, the front part of the car was completely damaged. The bodies of two fell out of the car and two were trapped inside the car. They were pulled out with the help of the local people and people.

Bundi: Two people were arrested in the murder case of a girl, hailing from Bundi district, who was killed in Mumbai by her lover. Police informed that Urvi met accused Riyaz Khan, who promised the girl to marry her but later refused. When the girl persuaded, Riyas Khan and his associate Imran Ismail Sheikh killed her. “A murder case was registered in Panvel and the two accused have been arrested,” added police.

Hooda slams 2nd consecutive century

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Ranji player

Deepak Hooda’s dream year continues as he scored a second consecutive century on third day of Ranji match between Rajasthan and Kerala. In the first innings, he scored 133 runs. The Rajasthan team scored 278 of five wickets in the second innings.

Team players Abhijit Tomar scored 68

runs and Kunal scored 48 runs, respectively. Rajasthan was 278 for five at stumps with a lead of 309 against Kerala on day three after Deepak Hooda slammed his another ton of the match while playing classic cricket at SMS Stadium Jaipur.

Earlier, Kerala, which had resumed its first innings at 268 for eight, was bowled out for 306, conceding a lead of 31.

ACB-DG BL Soni honors 47 officers with DG Discs

Navin Sharma

Jaipur: The Director General Disc Samman ceremony was organized on Thursday at the Anti-Corruption Bureau HQs in Jaipur. In this program, Rajasthan ACB’s DG BL Soni honored 47 officers and employees who have done remarkable and excellent work in the AntiCorruption Bureau by awarding them DG discs and citations.

During this felicitation ceremony, 20 RPS, 4 Police Inspectors, one Sub-Inspector, one Head Constable, 11 Constables were awarded DG Discs and 10 officers and employees of other services were awarded DG Citations.

In the program, BL Soni said that action is being taken against corruption by adopting the policy of zero tolerance.

“Due to the hard work of officers and employees

YOUTH SHOT DEAD BY FRIEND WHILE HUNTING

Punit Chaturvedi

Dungarpur: A 22-yearold youth was allegedly shot dead in Khera Samor village of Dungarpur district by a friend while hunting in the jungles. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Arvind Dindhor.

“The deceased along with his two friends had gone to jungles in Khera Samor jungle for hunting. One of his friends, identified as Arvind Na-

noma, fired a gunshot to kill animal, but the bullet incidentally hit Arvind Dindhor, who sustained grievous bullet injuries and was rushed to Punjpur hospital. However, he was declared brought dead by doctors,” police said.

“The dead body has been kept in the mortuary of Aspur hospital for postmortem. Deceased friend Arvind Nanoma is being searched for further investigation in the matter,” police added.

BR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

of ACB, strict action has been taken against the corrupt in the state. Information against corruption is also continuously coming on ACB helpline. It is through

teamwork that ACB has taken record action against corruption this year as compared to previous years. There has also been a lot of speedy disposals,” Soni said.

AFO IN ACB NET OVER TAKING `25,000 BRIBE IN SRIGANGANAGAR

The ACB Hanumangarh unit arrested Sugan Chand, assistant fire officer, in Sriganganagar on Thursday taking a bribe of Rs 25,000 from the complainant.

Bhagwan Lal Saini, Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau said that the complainant told the unit that complained that Chand was demanding a bribe amount of Rs 30,000 in lieu of issuing a fire related NOC for the hospital building.

Rape accused occultist with `25k bounty on his name held in Barmer, probe on

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Barmer police on Thursday claimed to nab an occultist who has a bounty of rupees twenty five thousand on his name. Police claimed that they need to travel around 12-13 thousand kilometres to catch the accused. Official said that arrested accused has charged of rape and abortion of woman. The case against the occultist was lodged around a

year ago but police could nab him on Thursday. Deepak Bhar-

Now, dispute on VC search committee member name

Kashiiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Soon after Dr Dev Swaroop resigned from the post of ViceChancellor of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University, another controversy erupted regarding the appointment of a member in the search committee for the new vice-chancellor. The Board of Management (BoM) of the University nominated an academician, who is already a member of a committee

in the university, as the member of the Search Committee. However, after intervention of Raj Bhavan, the BoM had to reverse its decision.

It may be noted that after controversy regarding the LLB degree, Dev Swaroop resigned as the VC. He was not cooperating with the inquiry committee. At the same time, in the search committee formed for the selection of the new Vice-Chancellor, the BoM of the University

nominated an educationist, Professor Ranbir Singh, who is already associated with the University.

On October 21, Subir Kumar, Principal Secy to Governor Kalraj Mishra, wrote a letter to Ayub Khan, Registrar of

In addition to the members of UGC, Raj Bhavan and state govt, one member is nominated for the search committee by the board of the university. In response to this letter, a meeting of the BoM was held on 22nd October, in which Prof Ranbir Singh was nominated.

Professor Ranbir Singh has been the ViceChancellor of Law University in Hyderabad and National Law University in Delhi. He is already a member of the University’s Committee for statutes and this way, his nomination was the Violation of Section 11 (4) of Act No. 6 of the University Act 2019.

On Dec 17, the varsity admin dropped Ranbir Singh’s name and Vijender Kumar was nominated in place of him.

gav, Barmer SP, informed that the accused has been identified as

Lal Baba and in January 22, a woman had lodged a case against an occultist alleging that he had raped her many times and had got her aborted several times. Victim also alleged involvement of her family member. Bhargav said that they announced a bounty on him, police got a tip-off about the accused location in Junagarh, where the accused was hiding in a temple by changing his appearance.

RPSC celebrates 74th Foundation Day

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: The 74th Foundation Day function of Rajasthan Public Service Commission was celebrated with great pomp on the commission premises on Thursday.

Commission Chairman Sanjay Shrotriya began the event by lighting the lamp before Goddess Saraswati.

Commission secretary HL Atal, legal advisor

Presiding over the programme,

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University for the nomination of a member in the search committee for the selection of new Vice-Chancellor.

DR

The Jodhpur High Court has given four more weeks to allow the petitioners to appeal before a two-judge bench.

HAD SOUGHT ECIR

Bhanwar S Hada

First India Bureau

Mangled remains of the car after the accident.

ACB DG BL Soni and ADG Dinesh MN with the officers who have been conferred with DG Disc on Thursday. (Inset) DG disc or the commendation medal. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

ACB NABS CONSTABLE IN PALI WHILE ACCEPTING BRIBE OF `4,000

Pali: The ACB on Thursday arrested a police constable while accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 in Pali. Police informed that Dilip Singh, a constable posted in Jaitaran Police Station in Pali, was arrested while taking a bribe.

“The accused demanded a bribe in lieu of not implicating the complainant in a false case. Constable Dilip Singh demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000. The constable had already taken a bribe of Rs 6,000. The complaint was verified and a trap was laid. On Thursday, the accused was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 4,000 and the matter is being investigated,” police said.

Sriganganagar:

Bhanwar Bhadala and joint secretary Ashutosh Gupta welcomed and felicitated the chairman and members by presenting bouquets to the commission personnel.

Shrotriya said that various innovations were made by the commission during 74 years and it continuously worked on improvement.

Occultist identified as Lal Baba in Police cusotdy on Thursday. After the FIR, he had stopped keeping the mobile phone.

Deepak Hooda celebrating after slamming second ton of the match at SMS Stadium, Jaipur on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY SANOTSH SHARMA

CM: I was very happy when SC too said no one should sleep hungry

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while addressing the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of development works worth Rs 68.15 crore at Kanwar Ka Bas in Jaipur on Thursday, said that the work of Bisalpur scheme is going on fast to solve the water problem in the area. “Our priority is to provide drinking water and water for irrigation to the people of the state. Instructions have been given to officers for proper power supply to the farmers for irrigation of rabi crops,” he said.

“Announcement of Krishi Mandi Will also be done in the budget. I will automatically make everyone happy in the budget. We followed “No one should sleep hungry” policy in state and I was very happy when even the

Supreme Court said that no one should sleep hungry. The State Government is always ready to help every needy family. I

am proud that during the Corona period I had said that no one should sleep hungry and now the Supreme Court has also said the

CM: Suggestions of youth will decide direction of State

same thing.”

The Chief Minister said that Rajasthan is the only state to give 9 months grant to Gaushalas. He also planted saplings in the Gaushala premises. Gehlot said that Rajasthan has emerged as a model state due to public welfare schemes implemented in the field of health, & is continuously progressing in the field of education &

government is running public welfare schemes in every area to provide maximum relief to the people of the state. On this occasion, Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi said that effective steps are being taken by the State Govt to bring change in lives of masses. In-charge Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal said that State Govt is getting development works done on a large scale in the area.

Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria said that remarkable development works are being done by the State Government in the area.

Meanwhile, talking about Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gehlot said, “Rahul Gandhi has praised our 5 schemes and PM Modi should implement them in the country.

Pension scheme should be uniform in the whole country,”

PCC Chief GS Dotasra was also present.

Congress observers likely to visit Jaipur on January 14

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Once again there are murmurs that Congress observers are coming to Jaipur! There is a word that the observers would come on January 14. According to sources, supervisors can bring proposals in the legislative

CM holds pre-budget dialogue with youth, women, professionals and students

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while holding a pre-budget dialogue with youth, sports persons, women, professionals and talented students in the Conference Hall of Government Secretariat, said that youth, sportspersons, women, professionals and students are an important link in state’s development.

“By using their energy and capabilities in

the right direction, the State Govt is constantly taking decisions so that State’s development can be given a new direction with new thinking. Advancement of youth and women by providing better opportunities and environment is State Govt’s topmost priority. Suggestions of the youth & women were given place in previous budget as well and the upcoming budget will also be made according to their aspirations and expectations,” Gehlot said. He said that Raj youth should become partners in State’s development

through their ability.

“The government will encourage them at every step & provide adequate resources. Women entrepreneurs and talented students are being encouraged through policy decisions & schemes.”

“It is our endeavour that maximum opportunities of excellent skill training & employment are available to youth. Work is being done in this direction with positive thinking. Rajiv

Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme-2021 has been started for studies in prestigious institutions abroad,” the CM said.

party meeting wherein every MLA will have to express faith in the High Command.

This would be the same proposal which couldn’t be passed on Sept 25. However, so far there has been no official confirmation as to what will be the agenda of this CLP meeting?

Gehlot to attend RLD’s rally in Bharatpur today

Ravi Katara

Bharatpur: A large public rally will be organised at MSJ College Ground in Bharatpur today to mark the 120th birth anniversary of Former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh. CM Ashok Gehlot, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, RLD Nat’l Prez Jayant Chaudhary, SP leader Dharmendra Yadav, Chandrashekhar Ravan & other senior leaders will also be present.

RLD MLA Subhash Garg informed that CM will lay the foundation stone for various development works worth over Rs 1,000 crore. The district administration of Bharatpur has made preparations for the CM’s visit.

ADM (Administration) Kamalram Meena informed that an exhibition will be inaugurated by CM Ashok Gehlot on the occasion of the completion of four of the Congress government in Rajasthan. The CM will also distribute Scooty to girls under the ‘Bhil Meghavi Scheme.’

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot, PCC Chief GS Dotasra, ministers Vishvendra Singh, Parsadi Lal Meena & other Cong leaders will take part in Chaudhary Charan Singh Jayanti programme in Bharatpur today. RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary & leaders of other parties will also be present, in event focused on farmers, dalit & tribals. This will be a politically significant event where leaders of coalition parties of UPA will be present. Bharatpur is constituency of RLD MLA & State Minister Subhash Garg, who is making all efforts to make the programme successful.

Aishwary Pradhan

CM IN BHARATPUR ON DECEMBER 25 AS WELL

Bharatpur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be on a tour of Bharatpur on December 25. He will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development works

in Nadbai assembly constituency and provide a gift about 50 schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore to the people of the region.

During his visit, the Chief Minister will ad-

dress the public meeting at the playground of Uchain after the foundation stone laying ceremony. At 2.30 pm, he will leave for Jaipur by helicopter.

Randhawa will chair party meet in Jpr on Dec 28: Dotasra

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: Former Deputy CM of Punjab and in charge of Rajasthan Congress Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will visit Jaipur on December 28 to chair a meeting of the party.

PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra said that Randhawa will take meetings of the party leaders. He said that Randhawa will start taking feedback from Jaipur.’

He said that discussion on the preparations for ‘Hath Se Hath

RHB honoured for innovations, rejuvenation and achievements in Housing category

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora said on Thursday that the Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has once again been awarded the ‘SKOCH Gold Award- 2022’ in the Housing category for innovations and rejuvenation. Notably, RHB has got the distinction of earning this honour for the second consecutive year.

Director (Projects)

received the award on Board’s behalf at a function organised at

India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The RHB Commissioner has congratulated the Board family for this achievement. It is noteworthy that in the past years, RHB has established a new identity through innovations like Wednesday auction festival, e-bid submission & e-auction, disposal of more than 16,000 surplus properties, Coaching Hub, MLA Housing, Mukhyamantri Jan Awas Yojana, etc.

Jodo’ campaign which will start from January 26 will also be held in the meeting.

Dotasra said that the party leaders will undertake a ‘Yatra’ for at least 15 km in one month to reach out to the public and to listen to their problems.

“During the Yatra , all the office bearers will go to villages, dhanis, mohallas and wards,” he said.

He said that the party’s state unit will take tour programme of the leaders in advance and separate in-charge

randums received during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Dotasra said that nearly 200 memorandums were received and Rahul Gandhi himself has seen every memorandum.

“We will try to provide relief through the budget,” he said. The PCC chief said that the directions of Rahul Gandhi will be followed.

energetic.

“If we all remain like this together then 2023 and 2024 will not be difficult,” he said.

On the other hand, Dotasara will go to Delhi today to attend a meeting on organisational issues.

will be appointed. He said that the party will soon give a name to this yatra.

Speaking about the suggestions and memo-

Sharing his experience of the yatra, Dotasra said that he does not walk much but seeing the atmosphere and Rahul Gandhi’s resolve, he too was also

On BJP’s decision to suspend its Jan Aakrosh Yatra, Dotasra said that it was ridiculous. He said that the Yatra against the State Government has failed from day one. He said that the public used to say that the anger is against the Centre.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONFERENCE

Arora: Para engineers working on infra projects must get spl training

First India Bureau

Jaipur: RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora, while addressing the closing ceremony of the 12th International Conference on ‘Structural Engineering’ as the chief guest at MNIT, said that structural design has its own importance in infra projects and it is necessary that para engineering staff working on them gets proper training in structural designing &

architecture. The programme was organised under the joint aegis of NCDMM and MNIT.

“Generally civil engineering students do not get the opportunity of field exposure dur-

ing their studies. They are confined to classroom study. The RHB is ready to provide field exposure opportunities to MNIT & engineering students in its projects. This experience would prove important in their career,” Arora said, adding, “Such events prove to be an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing for students & they should acquire maximum benefit from them.”

First India Bureau

Sandeep Garg and Residential Engineer (Project) Sanjay Sharma

Pawan Arora being presented a memento during the programme held at MNIT.

Pawan Arora addresses the gathering at the Conference.

Sandeep Garg and Sanjay Sharma receive the ‘SKOCH Gold Award-2022’ on behalf of the RHB during a programme at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Thursday.

I will make everyone happy in the budget, will announce about Krishi Mandi, he says Naresh Sharma

CM Ashok Gehlot lays the foundation stone of various development works in KanwarKaBasvillage in Jaipur on Thursday. Also seen here are Shanti Dhariwal, Lal Chand Kataria and Dr CP Joshi.

CM Ashok Gehlot holds a pre-budget dialogue with youth, sports persons, women, professionals & talented students in Secretariat. Also seen here are Mamta Bhupesh and Usha Sharma.

Govind Singh Dotasra

State Govt is always ready to help every needy family. I am proud that during the Corona period I had said that no one should sleep hungry and now the Supreme Court has also said the same thing.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

CM Ashok Gehlot worships cows at the BalajiGaushala in Kanwar Ka Bas village in Jaipur on Thursday. Also seen here are Shanti Dhariwal, GS Dotasra and others.

CM Ashok Gehlot hands over symbolic key of tractors given to farmers by Agriculture Dept. Also seen here is GS Dotasra.

UPA’s MISSION 2023 TO BEGIN FROM BHARATPUR TODAY

ONE WOMAN ARMY!

strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong, believes Ritu Sharma from the beautiful place of ‘Pilani’.

She is also a perfect example of influential woman. While sharing her bittersweet journey to City First, the diva expressed, “ I have completed my post-graduation and am always seeking opportunities where I can utilise my skills & ability to show my talent to the world. I am a multi-talented girl who is working in one of the top 10 companies “Accenture” under the accounts and finance profile with my favourite passion modelling. I always wanted to keep my parents proud and become an independent girl who always aims high.

The modelling industry demand individuals who have the ability to organise their time and workload, to be flexible and open to change and most important ability to work well with others. Also, a model should be brave to try new things and not be too afraid to express themselves model should be original, creative and have the courage to do modelling.”

According to the ravishing beauty, “My inspiration is my father “Surya Prakash Sharma”. He faced so many problems in his life but he never give up and so hard work for us, so here I am and following the same what my father is doing work hard. While sharing about her memorable moment, “ I have so many memorable and rewarding movements but the most beautiful movement is becoming top 15 Elite Miss Rajasthan 2022. When I took the trophy for the top 15 Elitemissrajasthan that movement changed my life and it brings me to the top of Rajasthan and feel very beautiful and confident. This also makes my father happy and proud and this makes me the happiest daughter in the world. I am truly grateful to Jagdeesh Chandra sir and Gaurav Gaur for supporting me during my journey.”

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE TO HARDWORK: SAMMY

Only a few people do what they love and follow their hearts. Following your heart is an exhilarating feeling and thrill; it is an adventure that you must experience before leaving this world.

City First caught up with Soumyajit Modak, popularly known as Sammy, about his journey and the challenges he faced so far!

Being on stage, presenting, talking, interacting, motivating, mentoring and offering creative solutions, that’s what keeps Sammy fueled. The microphone and the stage are his callings! As an anchor, he has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Dynamos, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabangg Delhi, Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Ranchi Rays, La Liga India, Premier League India and Royal Challenge Bold league are some of the names who have turned to him for their bigticket events.

When asked about his career choices, Sammy said, “I started my career as a radio jockey in 2011 with Power FM and Kolkata and my hosting career with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012. I used to host events before that but not of a magnitude of an IPL. It was always a conscious effort to keep both ships running together.” He further added, “Sports was always a part of life growing up. My mother’s side of the family is sports fanatics including my mother. I remember growing up mom and I would sit and watch cricket and football matches together. There was an India match in Bangalore where Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble batted out of their skins to take India home, their respective moms were in the stadium watching, and I was watching with my mom at home. My first match as a host just reaffirmed the fact that I was born to do this.

When asked about the challenges he faced, the dynamic man said, “Quite a lot. Starting with the fact that I was one of the first containment hosts in the country, so did not have a reference point to go to. The third season onwards I had an idea of what works and what doesn’t work. I think the fact that I understand the game very well is an advantage I have. Benchmarking your cost also is a challenge honestly. People

don’t know how much to pay you. A very interesting reply was received when asked if there is a scope for the next common man who loves cricket and is trained in media journalism to come through. Currently, the arena is dominated by

cricketers, he said, Yes why not? Look at Harsha Bhogle. Look at Jatin Sapru.

Non-cricketers yet some of the best in the industry. It will be difficult for sure to make a name for a noncricketer, but it is not impossible. Always try and

see how can you bring a bit of “you” into it.

On his experience with FIFA World Cup, Sammy told that it was absolutely fantastic. He continued, “The fact that I hosted the FIFA women’s World Cup here in India is a big deal to

me. Honestly, you get to learn so much. During the games everyone was focused on one and only one thing, everyone in the stadium should have fun. And that just resonates so well with what I believe in - “Give everyone in the stadium

their ticket money’s worth”.

When asked how he wishes to inspire the younger generation and guide them to seek interviews on the ground, Modak exclaimed, “Believe in your dreams. Work very hard to make them

true. On the path to success, you will be hindered by a lot of obstacles and stupid people. Don’t make them your reason to whine and cry. Just forgive and move ahead. You should be dictating your life, nobody else.”

Rahul Faujdar

ex-

Sammy with the Indian National Flag during the Ind vs Pak held at Dubai International Stadium

Sammy at the ElClasico screening for LaLiga in Mumbai

Sammy with his nephews, Dhruv and Arunabh

Sammy with Rahul Faujdar

Sammy at the finals of FIFA Women U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

Sammy at the Pro Kabaddi Players Tunnel in Pune

Sammy at the Barabati International Stadium, Cuttack, hosting a match in the Legends League Cricket 2022

Sammy with the LaLiga trophy

POOJA CIRKUS ON HER ROLE IN

Interestingly, the popular actress, who is joining hands with both Ranveer Singh and director Rohit Shetty for the first time in her acting career, stated that her character is the only ‘reality check’ in the mad world created by the hitmaker. “Rohit sir’s brief to me was like - In the mad world you are the one person like a ‘reality check’. Except for the one scene, I would say, towards the interval. But everything else is like, I am the ‘seedha’ character - the emotional angle of the film,” revealed Pooja Hegde. “So, for me, it was a different experience. I was watching the comedy around me and had to keep sane. Because it was very tempting to kind of, want to be a part of it and to go extra, and be like ‘oh even I wanna do something like that.’ But that’s not my character in the film. So my journey was switched towards that,” concluded the Cirkus actress.

SHRUTI & SANTANU CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF EACH OTHER

Shruti Haasan is extremely active on social media and loves to share every aspect of her life with the fans. She also is vocal about her live-in relationship with her doodler beau San-

on posting glimpses of their ‘we’ time on Instagram. Recently, the Salaar star took to the story section of the photo-sharing app, and dropped a loveydovey couple photograph, along with the caption, ‘All

person, and a very unique human being. People think that a lot of the time we call paparazzi, and yes there are times we do when we are looking extra cute or something (laughs). But a lot of the time we don’t, and it was just getting silly to like being photographed.

I also like to share my life on social media, I think it’s been a great avenue for people to connect with me as a person, and this is a big part of my life.”

Vicky compares Katrina to Hema Malini

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are one of the most loved couples in Bollywood. Their fans love them a lot and always showed a lot of love.

Vicky said that Katrina is a known face because of her work and she represents Bollywood along with Amitabh Bachchan. He did mention that Hema Malini used to be one of these faces. Talking further he also said that his wife has achieved that status.

TAMANNAAH BHATIA TURNS 32!

he actress turned a year older this Wednesday. It’s her 32nd birthday and she has ringed in her special day with her loved ones. Tamannaah is going to spend her time in Coimbatore at Isha Yoga Center situated at the foothills of Velliangiri. The actress has had a rather eventful year with multiple releases and much more. This break will help her re-align herself, reconnect to nature and give her a much-needed break. As much as it’s important to work, taking a break too is equally important. Tamannaah’s celebration reminds us to take a break and be present in the moment appreciating everything we have. The actress celebrated her birthday last year with close friends & family. Social media was flooded with celebratory messages, fan art and indeed an amazing day. The actress has had a wonderful career with many memorable projects in Bollywood as well as various Tamil and Telegu films.

Anushka calls Kareena to form a ‘cat crew’

Anushka Sharma and Kareena Kapoor Khan are one of the most popular actors in the Bollywood industry. They both have carved out their niche in the industry and have not given a pause in their acting career even after getting married. Recently, Anushka was roped in for promoting a popular sporting brand following which she faced severe backlash.

Anushka Sharma and a popular sporting brand PUMA exchanges bittersweet comments with each other on Instagram after Anushka accused the brand of using her images without prior permission.

A day later, on Tuesday, Anushka signed a mutual agreement and then was seen promoting the brand with energy and enthusiasm. Taking to Instagram, she now recalled Kareena’s association with the brand’s Yoga collection and said, “Thank you @kareenakapoorkhan!”

Rashmika remembers Puneeth Rajkumar

The demise of the late San dalwood star Puneeth Ra jkumar left a huge void in the Kannada film in dustry after he passed away in October last year. He left for a heavenly abode after suffering a heart attack. Back in 2017, he shared the screen with Push pa actress Rashmika Man danna in the action enter tainer, Anjani Putra. As the project completed 5 years of its release today on 21st December, the diva took to her Twit ter handle and penned a heartfelt note, sharing her ex perience of working with the Power Star.

Shruti Haasan

...her post

Katrina Kaif

Pooja Hegde

Anushka Sharma (L) and Kareena Kapoor Khan (R)

Rashmika Mandanna

Tamannaah Bhatia

The b’day celebrations

ESICON 2022

India has fought strongly against a deadly global epidemic like Corona. We set a record in front of the whole world by running the world’s largest vaccination campaign by preparing an indigenous vaccine and have recovered from Corona by supplying India-made vaccines to the country as well as the world. But all this has been possible only because of the hard work and determination of doctors in the country and

State.

MFJCF: Saving Lives!

NavjeevanMFJCF organised a meeting and Open Discussion on the Promotion of Organ Donation and Transplant on Thursday at Udyog Bhavan, Jaipur. Rajiv Arora, Chairman MFJCF chaired the meeting and Dr Sudhir Bhandari was the Keynote Speaker. The Guest speakers included Principal SMS Medical college Dr Rajeev Bagarhatta, Appropriate Authority Dr Devraj Arya, and SOTTO Consultants Dr Amarjeet Mehta and Dr Manish Sharma. The valuable inputs by all the speakers set the path ahead for the programme to reach newer heights in Rajasthan.

The meeting was also attended by the senior doctors, Direc-

Desert Soul with Music Exponent KC Maloo

tors and Staff members of the Stakeholder hospitals, in all 13 hospitals participated in the all-important meeting wherein different aspects of Organ donation were part of the Agenda with one aim to MAKE 2023 THE GOLDEN YEAR FOR SAVING LIVES!

The Meeting discussed Mandatory Brain Death Certification, Steps to ensure proper coordination between authorities, the police and the medical fraternity especially in MLC cases, training and collaboration between hospitals and steps to make sure that the complete benefit of Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasth Bima Yojana and Transplant packages reaches the common man among other topics.

CITY FIRST

Rajasthan Forum’s initiative Desert Soul series was organised with renowned Music aficionado KC Maloo. Member of Rajasthan Forum & well-known litterateur Nand Bhardwaj was in conversation with Maloo.

While sharing about his journey KC Maloo shared that his father had a big business in Nepal but Rajasthani culture always fascinated him. The experience of the sweet words through folk music as-

Cultural Extravaganza

CITY FIRST

A TRUE PIONEER!

DURING THE DAY!

pired him to preserve this heritage.

While sharing his vision for folk music, he said “I aimed to connect the new generation with the traditions. To save the culture one should know the traditions and the medium between them is folk music.”

The evening started

CITY FIRST

On the completion of four years of the state government, the statelevel development exhibition started by the Information and Public Relations Department at Jawahar Kala Kendra on the theme of public service, everyone’s respect, progressing Rajasthan, concluded on Wednesday amidst tremendous enthusiasm of the people. During the five-day exhibition, thousands of visitors enjoyed the stalls put up by various departments and received free literature on state flagship programmes, important decisions and

achievements, public manifesto, implementation reports and success stories etc. of the state government.

In the closing evening, Pukhraj Parashar, Chairman of the Public

flagship pro-

Deprivation-Prosecution Redressal Committee graced as the Chief Guest while Pawan Godara, Chairman of OBC Finance and Development Corporation, Jaipur District Collector Prakash Rajpurohit and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the state Dr Deep Narayan Pandey were present as the special guests.

To mark the festival of love ‘Christmas’ a mega blood donation camp was organised by Aashayein, a student-led initiative at JECRC University, Jaipur on Thursday. During the event, participants were dressed as Santa and motivated the donors for the noble cause.

Chief Conservathe state Dr Deep

Around 16885+ units of blood which can save more than 50,000 lives were collected on the occasion. The collected blood will be stored with Jaipuria Blood Bank, Pink City Blood Bank, Gurukul Hospital, Narayana Hospital, Monilak Hospital, SMS Hospital, and Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jaipur’s Miss Rajasthan organiser Yogesh Mishra has been giving opportunities to Rajasthan girls in many National and International beauty pageants from time to time. Mishra, known as the pioneer of beauty pageants said that he has been organising Miss Rajasthan for 25 years and feels proud to have created the record of becoming the national director of the maximum number of international beauty pageants and now he is coming up with Miss Celeste India, Fusion Group and Belle Fille India among many others as National level beauty pageants.

The fifth edition of the Parshuram Cricket League will be organised from January 22, 2023, by the Rajasthan Brahmin Mahasabha Youth Cell (Jaipur Metropolitan). Parshuram Cricket League has been successfully organised four times before by the Youth Cell. More than 60 teams from all over the state will participate in this event and this cricket league played on a knockout basis will be played with a tennis ball.

Arya Cup Inter School tournament powered by BSV started on Thursday at Arya College of Engineering & IT, Kukas. 16 teams from Jaipur are participating in this tournament that will run till December 31.

The poster release of Rajasthan Ghoomar Queen 2023 Season 4 was done by Sadbhavna Parivar Foundation at Moti Dungri Ganesh temple. Sadbhavna Parivar Foundation President Manoj Pandey, Director Shivkanta Pandey, World Book of Record Choreographer Rohit Sharma, Seema Sethi, Naval Kishore Sharma among others were present.

VIKAS SHARMA

This was said by the Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra who was speaking at the formal inauguration of the 51st Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESICON). Conference Secretary Dr

Sanjay Saran informed that the Governor further said that today India is scaling new heights in the field of medicine and setting new records. Our doctors are bringing new technology to the field of medicine with their latest research.

Dr Prakash Keswani, Dr Sailesh Lodha, Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Dr Prem Prakash Patidar, Dr Balram Sharma, Dr Rajeev Kasliwal, Dr SK Sharma, Dr DC Sharma and Dr Ajay Shah were present in the inaugural session.

with Cultural Coordinator Sarvesh Bhatt’s welcome address and introductory remarks by Rishi Mattu, General Manager, ITC Rajputana. In the end, Members of Rajasthan Forum, Padmashri Ram Kishore Chhipa, Ikraam Rajasthani & Ashok Rahi presented the memento.

Rishi Mattu

Dr Durgaprasad Agrawal and Ram Kishore Chhipa Ikraam Rajasthani & Ashok Rahi

Nand Bhardwaj in conversation with KC Maloo

CITY FIRST

Pukhraj Parashar greeted by Alka Saxena and Pawan Godara

During the cultural program

Governor Kalraj Mishra lights the inaugural lamp. Also seen are Dr Prakash Keswani, Dr Sanjay Saran, Dr Sudhir Bhandari and Dr Rakesh Sahay

Governor Kalraj Mishra with Dr Rakesh Sahay, Dr Prakash Keswani, Dr Salash Lodha, Dr Sudhir Bhandari and others

Yogesh Mishra

Dr Manish Sharma, Anil Baxi, Suresh Kishnani, Dr Rajeev Bagarhatta, Rajiv Arora, Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Dr Amarjeet Mehta, Dr Sudhir Sachdeva and Dr Devraj Arya

BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO