First India-Mumbai Edition-24th February 2023

Green energy a gold mine for private players: PM Modi

POST-BUDGET WEBINAR

New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the first postBudget webinar, particularly focused on Green Growth.

It is first of of 12 postbudget webinars being organized by the government to seek ideas and suggestions for effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the recent Union Budget. Speaking about Green growth, which

Crucial

READ

Cape Town: Indian women’s cricket team suffered a heartbreaking five run defeat against Australia in the first semifinal of ICC

Women’s T20 World Cup here on Thursday. In reply to 173 runs target, India could only manage to score 167 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Pune: External Affairs

Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the responsibility for the trade imbalance with China rests squarely on businesses as well, blaming Indian corporates for not developing the right sourcing arrangements. Speaking at the Asia Economic Dialogue here, Jaishankar said the government is doing its bit by bringing in policies like the thrust on Atmanirbhar Bharat and made it clear that the “massive external exposure” puts national security at threat. Terming the challenge posed by the trade imbalance with China as very serious and formidable, the career bureaucrat turned politician said the responsibility here is not just of the government, but it is an equal responsibility of businesses as well. “Indian corporates have not developed the kind of backwards (integration), vendor supplies, components and parts, ingredients and intermediates that should be supporting us,” he said. With lots of people, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, asking India to focus on services, Jaishankar warned that those who “do down” manufacturing are “actually damaging India’s strategic future”.

was one of the seven top priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24, PM Modi said India’s solar, wind and biogas potential is no less than a “gold mine or an oilfield” for India’s private sector. These renewable sources have huge potential to generate a huge number of green jobs.

The Union Budget has envisaged a number of projects and initiatives spread across various sectors and ministries -- Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Transition, Energy Storage Projects, Renewable Energy Evacu-

ation, Green Credit Program, PM-PRANAM, GOBARdhan Scheme, Bhartiya Prakritik

Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, Coastal Shipping and Vehicle Replacement.

“India’s vehicle scrapping policy is a key part of India’s green growth strategy.

We are going to scrap over three lakh vehicles. This budget is an opportunity for the security of India’s future. We need to work collectively and swiftly to implement budget policies,” Modi said.

Deplaned, arrested, released on interim bail: High drama as Cong’s Khera nabbed on way to Raipur

PAWAN’S BAKHERA

New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Pawan Khera was arrested on Thursday by Assam Police in connection with an FIR over alleged remarks against PM Narendra Modi, a day of high drama that began with him being deplaned from a flight to Raipur and his party leaders protesting on the tarmac.

Khera, who was in news this week for apparently fumbling on the prime minister’s father’s name during a press conference, was released on interim bail till February 28 by a Delhi court later in the evening on the directions of the Supreme Court.

He had moved the apex court to seek relief in multiple FIRs against him in Assam as well as in the UP towns of Varanasi and Lucknow.

After dictating the order granting interim bail, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, apparently displeased with the Congress leader’s remarks, told senior advocate AM Singhvi, who was representing Khera, “We have protected you (Khera) but there has to be some level of discourse.” P6

IN VIRAL VIDEO, PAKISTAN MAN SAYS “ALLAH, GIVE US MODI SO THAT HE CAN FIX COUNTRY”

Islamabad: In a viral video posted by Pakistani Youtuber Sana Amjad, a fellow Pakistani is heard ranting against Shehbaz Sharif govt over the prevailing state of affairs in the country and saying that they would also have been able to buy goods at reasonable prices had PM Narendra Modi been ruling Pakistan. In the viral video, Sana Amjad is heard asking a local why the slogan ‘Pakistan se zinda bhago chahe India chale jaao” was being raised, he responds saying he wishes he wasn’t born in Pakistan. He said he wishes that the

Partition hadn’t happened as he, and his fellow countrymen, could then have been able to purchase essential items at reasonable prices. “Modi is much better than us, his people respect and follow him so much. If we

had Narendra Modi, we wouldn’t need Nawaz sharif or Benazir or Imran, not even Gen (Parvez) Musharraf. All we want is PM Modi, as only he can deal with all mischievous elements in the country (Pakistan).

PM Modi will rid K’taka of corruption: Amit Shah

Bellari: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the BJP will form the government with full majority in Karnataka and urged people to repose faith in PM Narendra Modi and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Shah was addressing a public gathering in Sandur here in Karnataka and his statement comes at a time when the state is expected to go to polls by May.

HIGHLIGHTS

ASSAM POLICE REGISTERS CASE AGAINST PAWAN KHERA: POLICE SPOKESPERSON

Guwahati (ANI): A case has been registered at Haflong police station in Assam’s Dima Hasao district against Congress leader Pawan Khera, police said on Thursday. Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, IGP L&O and spokesperson of Assam police said a team of Assam police left for Delhi to take remand of Pawan Khera in connection with the Haflong police station case. “A case has been registered against Pawan Khera at Haflong police station in Dima Hasao district, our team is Delhi, and we have requested Delhi Police to arrest him,” he said.

l Supreme Court grants interim bail to Pawan Khera, agrees to club all FIRs against him

l Congress stages dharna at tarmac, sloganeering and distressed passengers

l Action against Khera is new example of vendetta politics: Jairam Ramesh

CONGRESS LEADERS SHOULD NOT LIVE IN ANY ‘MISCONCEPTION’ THAT THEY ARE ABOVE LAW: BJP

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Thursday hit back at the Congress for protesting police action against its spokesperson Pawan Khera, saying the Opposition party’s leaders should not live in this “misconception” that they are above the law and criticised them for their agitation on the Delhi airport tarmac. “Whatever is done is done lawfully. Congress leaders should not live under this misconception that they are above the law,” BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters here on Thursday.

“Trust PM Modi and Yediyurappa once, and we (BJP) will give such a government that it will rid Karnataka of corruption and make it a number one state in south India,” Shah said. P5

BJP WILL WIN 150 SEATS IN K’TAKA ASSEMBLY POLLS, CLAIMS PRADHAN

BY PTI

Bengaluru: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that the saffron party will poll 150 seats. “BJP in Karnataka is going to win 150 seats in upcoming assembly elections. We are going to carry out required strategies to reach the target,” he said.

AAP, BJP trade charges as MCD meet adjourned again

New Delhi (PTI): The overnight impasse in the election of standing committee members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi continued on Thursday as the House was finally adjourned till Friday, amid demands by BJP for fresh voting citing violation of ballot secrecy by AAP councilors. The MCD House witnessed high drama

Covid fear: Mom locks herself, son for 3 years

punctuated by as many as 15 adjournments since Wednesday through night till early Thursday morning.

First India Bureau Mumbai: Days after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Kalyan Lok Sabha MP and son of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde - Shrikant Shindehad given a ‘supari’ (Contract) to attack him, Shrikant Shinde has hit back at Raut and stressed that ‘without him there will be no morning entertainment in Maharashtra’.

“Maharashtra needs Sanjay Raut, without him there will be no morning entertainment in Maharashtra.

So I am extremely worried about him. He has schizophrenia. Raut is living in a virtual

I am extremely worried about him. He has schizophrenia, Raut is living in a virtual world,” said Shrikant

world,” said Shrikant.

“Sanjay Raut’s allegations are ridiculous. On one hand they give the letter to the police to investigate, on the other hand they say in their reply that he will be slapped or punched. His associate - assistant editor Chhindkar - says that he had only told him to be careful

and had not told anyone’s name nor what he was going to do. That’s why I am worried about Sanjay Raut. I sympathize with him. He is showing symptoms of schizophrenia. The patient feels as if someone is calling him. Raut should take care of his health,” the MP said.

Gurugram: Munmun Majhi locked herself and her son at their Gurugram home for three years because she was terrified that the 10-year-old would “die of Covid as soon if he stepped out”, police said after the two were rescued and hospitalised for a thorough check-up. P6

Will bring whole truth about govt formation with Ajit: Fadnavis

First India Bureau Mumbai: Maharashtra

Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he would bring to light the whole truth about his formation of a shortlived government with NCP leader Ajit Pawar in November 2019.

“All the details will surface gradually, and you all will learn about them. What is in the pub lic domain is only half the truth. I will bring out all the details,” Fad navis told report ers here, re sponding to questions.

“The moment I say something, more informa-

tion comes out from the other side. I am the one who will bring out everything,” he added.

Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday cryptically that President’s rule in Maharashtra was lifted only after Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government was formed.

Uddhav Thackeray would not have

joining hands with Ajit Pawar had taken the state by surprise even as the BJP and Shiv Sena had fallen out after the 2019 Assembly elections.

But the Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar govt lasted for only three days as they did not have the numbers, and it was followed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-NCPCongress `Maha Vikas Aghadi’ government.

chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule of trying to mislead people.

Bawankule had claimed on Wednesday that Sharad Pawar had agreed to an alliance with the BJP but did not want Fadnavis as CM.

“The statements of both Bawankule and Deputy CM Fadnavis are misleading in the context of NCP. We have nothing to do with the BJP, we are in absolute sync with all MVA partners and our ideologies are opposed to that of the BJP,” said Tapase. All the details will surface gradually, and you all will learn about them. What is in the public domain is only half the truth. I will bring out all the details.

Nationalist Congress Party chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase, meanwhile, accused Fadnavis and state BJP

—Devendra Fadnavis, Maha Deputy Chief Minister

‘Without Raut there won’t be any entertainment in Maharashtra’

‘TRADE IMBALANCE WITH CHINA RESTS ON BUSINESSES’

PM Narendra Modi addresses the post-budget webinar on ‘Green Growth’ via video conferencing, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Congress leader Pawan Khera being taken into police custody owing to an FIR against him, while he was boarding a plane, in New Delhi, on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public rally at Sandur in Bellary district, on Thursday. —PHOTO

WOMEN’S T20 WC SF: INDIA FACES HEART BREAKING DEFEAT

CRUCIAL READ WOMAN DETAINED FOR ATTEMPTING SELF-IMMOLATION

Mumbai: Police on Thursday detained a woman outside the state secretariat Mantralaya in Mumbai where she had allegedly planned to set herself on fire. According to officials, a bottle of petrol and a matchbox were recovered from her possession, and she was taken to Marine Drive police station. “Marine Drive police detained the woman, identified as Lata Bai Patil, for trying to set herself ablaze,” an official said.

GADKARI TO ATTEND NANDED UNI CONVOCATION

Cops book Raut over ‘false allegations’

Sena workers hold protest against Raut

First India Bureau

First India Bureau Mumbai: Late on Wednesday night Thane police registered a First Information Report (FIR) for defamation against Shiv Sena –Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut for alleging “threat to life” from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde.

that Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde had given a ‘supari’ (contract) to kill him to a Thane-based criminal Raja Thakur.

WHAT HAPPENED

Aurangabad: On Friday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will attend the convocation ceremony of Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University in Nanded. During his twoday tour, he will also take part in the gold jubilee celebrations of Abhinav Bharat Shikshan Sansthan and meet with local leaders and party functionaries. After his visit to Nanded, Gadkari will also be visiting Parbhani and Hingoli before leaving for Mumbai.

CIVIC BODY GETS `40 CR TO IMPROVE WATER INFRA

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has received a fresh allocation of Rs40 crore from the Centre to strengthen its water supply infrastructure and build sewage treatment plants (STPs). The civic body is now in the process of floating tenders for the projects that need to be implemented by using the funds received.

“The Centre has already given approval to the Rs257 crore and the detailed project report (DPR) of the project is with the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) for technical sanction. The technical sanction is expected shortly,” an official said.

SHEEZAN BAIL PLEA HEARING ADJOURNED

Palghar: A court in Palghar district on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the bail application of TV actor Sheezan Khan, arrested in the Tunisha Sharma suicide case, to Friday. After police sought time to respond to the bail application, the Vasai sessions court adjourned the hearing till the next day.

Sheezan Khan, arrested for the alleged abetment of his co-actor Tunisha Sharma’s suicide, is lodged in judicial custody. Khan and Tunisha Sharma were allegedly in a relationship earlier but had a break-up later.

SENIOR IAS OFFICER COLLAPSES IN MUM HOTEL, DIES

Mumbai: A 57-year-old Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer posted as secretary in the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) died just after finishing his dinner at a hotel in south Mumbai, police said on Thursday. The senior bureaucrat, Prashant Dattatray Navghare, started feeling uneasy soon after finishing his meal and suddenly collapsed at the hotel on Wednesday evening. The IAS officer was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared brought dead, an official said. A cause was not immediately known.

A senior officer from Thane police said they had registered an FIR against Raut under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 153 (A) (promoting disharmony between different groups, religions, etc), 500 (defamation) and other relevant sections at Kapurbawdi police station based on the complaint filed by former Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Mayor Meenakshi Shinde.

In a letter to the Thane police commissioner, Raut had alleged

Chief Minister Shinde had later said they will verify the allegations to find out if there was any proof to establish them.

A team from the Thane police on Wednesday went to Nashik to record the statement of Raut to gather proof of his allegations.

According to sources, Raut indicated that one of his editorial staff members had cautioned him about the attack. The police later recorded the statement of the staffer as well. He told Thane police that he had merely warned Raut that there have been instances of ink

party office’

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday blamed mischief mongers for banners, portraying some party leaders as “future chief ministers” of Maharashtra, popping up at its south Mumbai office.

NCP National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto said a few banners first came up at their Ballard Pier office showing state President Jayant Patil as a future chief minister on the latters birthday on February 16. An office-bearer was found to be behind it, he said.

“The office-bearer owned up and removed the banners. But later, posters of Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule as future chief ministers are

being put up by unnamed people without authorization,” he said. Blaming mischief mongers, he said the police have removed the unauthorized posters. Crasto also rejected speculation that there are differences between Patil and Pawar, who is the leader of opposition in the assembly. “All are working together and have fine relations,” he said.

Thane: Shiv Sena workers on Thursday protested against Shiv Sena –Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut in Thane for claiming Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant had hired a historysheeter to harm him.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Raut a day earlier in Kapurbawdi police station here on the complaint of Shiv Sena leader and former Thane Mayor Meenakshi Shinde. She had accused Raut of promoting disharmony between different groups, defamation and other offences. During Thursday’s protest, Shinde and other women’s wing work-

being thrown on political leaders in Maharashtra and asked him to be careful.

The ink throwing referred to the incident involving state minister Chandrakant Patil that happened in December last year.

ers of the Shinde group Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena brought a masked man with a photo of Raut on his face in an ambulance for “admission” in the mental

Thane: State minister Shambhuraj Desai has claimed Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut’s allegation of a threat to his life has been made to defame Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde. Rajya Sabha member Raut on Tuesday wrote to the

Mumbai police commissioner, alleging “threat to life” from the MP from Kalyan in Thane. When asked about it, Thane

health hospital here.

Shinde said Raut had “lost his mental balance and, therefore, we seek quick treatment for him”.

Raut had made the al-

Guardian Minister Desai, while talking to reporters here on Wednesday, claimed, “Raut made the allegation to get his security enhanced and defame the CM’s son.” Desai added that the deputy CM has said the police will check Raut’s claim and if it is found to be false, suitable

Officials should follow PM’s footsteps to interact with people, says Shinde

First India Bureau Nashik: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has supported the need for state bureaucrats and officers to follow the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interact with people and resolve their issues.

He was addressing the state Revenue Department officials after inaugurating a two-day conference at Loni in Ahmednagar on Wednesday.

State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Sandipan Bhumare, Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer and revenue officials from across the state were present.

“Our PM directly

communicates with people to understand their problems and then takes steps to resolve them. Our officials, including those from the revenue department, should follow his footsteps in resolving the grievances of the people. The more we directly communicate with people and resolve their problems,

AFTER EC VERDICT…

the lesser will be the footfall of the common people at government offices, including Mantralaya,” said Shinde.

According to the CM, the government is taking steps to strengthen the functioning of the Revenue Department to make it more peoplefriendly.

“The department officials should commu -

According to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the government is taking steps to strengthen functioning of the Revenue Department to make it more people-friendly

nicate directly with the public to function in a transparent manner.

Our government is implementing state-ofthe-art projects of public interest involving the revenue department like Maharajswa Abhiyan, e-property card, land survey by drone, digitalization of district maps,” said Shinde.

legations against Shrikant Shinde, the Lok Sabha MP from Kalyan, in a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner and state Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

legal action will be taken against him. To another query from reporters about some statements of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad, Desai dismissed claims of the presence of anti-social elements in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

Mumbai (PTI): Shiv Sena - UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said all political leaders must congratulate noted lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar for criticizing Pakistan on its own soil for its role in fomenting terror activities in India.

Talking to reporters here, Raut said “PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat need to congratulate Akhtar for his brave stand.”

The perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks are still roaming freely in Pakistan and Pakistanis should not feel offended when India talks about the 2008 carnage, Akhtar recently said in Lahore.

All eyes on ‘ownership’ of Shiv Sena Bhavan and Saamana

to the party headquarters Shiv Sena Bhavan and party mouthpiece Saamana, both currently controlled by the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

First India Bureau Mumbai: With the Election Commission (EC) recognizing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction as the real Shiv Sena, it remains to be seen whether his group will stake claim

While the Shiv Sena Bhavan is located at Dadar in central Mumbai, the Saamana head office is situated in the nearby Prabhadevi area. Both these establishments are currently run by different trusts.

CM Shinde has maintained that he would not stake claim to the Shiv Sena Bhavan even though he has got the party name and symbol. However, the rival camp

is wary and on guard. Former councillors had gathered outside party office at BMC to discourage claim this week.

Recently, Shiv SenaUddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader and Thane MP Rajan Vichare submitted a letter to Thane Police Commissioner Jai Jeet Singh, urging him to thwart any attempts by the Shinde group to usurp the Shiv Sena ‘shakhas’ (local party offices) in the city.

The Shiv Sena Bhavan is controlled by Shivai Seva Trust. Its founding trustees include late Bal

Thackeray and his wife late Meena Thackeray. Many of the founding trustees are not alive now.

Its present trustees include senior leaders Subhash Desai, Diwakar Raote, Leeladhar Dake, former Mumbai mayor Vishaka Raut and Uddhav Thackeray himself.

While Saamana, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece was founded by late Bal Thackeray, it is managed by Prabhodhan Prakashan, whose printer-publisher is Thackeray loyalist Subhash Desai.

Sena – UBT had accused Maha CM’s son Shrikant Shinde of giving a contract for murder to a history-sheeter

Sanjay Raut. —FILE PHOTO

Shinde faction leaders demonstrating against Raut in Mumbai on Thursday. —

PHOTO BY ANI

RAUT MADE ACCUSATION TO DEFAME MAHA CM’S SON: MINISTER

PM Narendra Modi with Maha CM Eknath Shinde—FILE PHOTO

‘Congratulate Javed Akhtar for speaking against Pak’

‘Mischief mongers to blame for unnamed banners at

Marathi mouthpiece Saamana office in Prabhadevi area of Mumbai.

— PHOTO BY PTI

Uddhav Thackeray-led faction wary of Shinde camp trying to stake claim to both premises

Cops seek citizens’ suggestions for patrol

First India Bureau

Pune: As part of the newly-launched evening foot patrolling rounds, the Pune city police is now seeking suggestions from citizens for the roads they want to be patrolled., Last week, the Pune police launched the drive under which teams led by senior officers have started foot patrolling the areas, especially crowded markets and narrow lanes, which are sensitive from the law and order point of view.

Last week, Pune police launched drive under which teams led by senior cops started foot patrols in various areas

In a tweet on Thursday, the Pune City Police said, “In the jurisdiction of 32 police stations under five zones of the Pune City police, the initiative of foot patrolling is currently underway. We hereby seek suggestions from citizens if there are any specific areas or roads you want to highlight for them to cover under Foot Patrolling, please comment below this post and let us know.” Officials said the suggestions from citizens will be examined and will be covered by foot patrolling teams from respective police stations.

NEW MAHA HOUSING SOCIETY rules to come into effect soon

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Maharashtra Co-operative Housing Societies (MCHS) Rules will likely be implemented by the end of March this year. Senior bureaucrats, officials of the state Cooperative Department and members of state housing bodies have discussed and compiled the rules, which are nearly

six months to a year.

According to experts, this delay has adversely affected the functioning of housing cooperatives in Maharashtra.

Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, Expert Director, Maharashtra State Housing Federation Ltd, who was among those present at a meeting held at the Mantralaya (state secretariat), said, “Maharashtra has over 1,25,000 cooperative

in the state. Hence, a chapter (Chapter XIII-B) was introduced in 2019 for managing housing societies in the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960.” The new chapter has many benefits, but its provisions cannot be implemented without requisite rules. The Maharashtra State Co-operative Housing Societies Federation had been following up with

Weeks later, case against 7 people for Nashik factory fire

It is high time that the Maharashtra government publishes the MCHS Rules. The amended Act gives considerable relief to housing societies. The new Act has brought clear provisions on Right to Information. Failing to adhere to them can result in a penalty on society office bearers by the deputy registrar.

—Ramesh Prabhu, Founder Chairman, MahaSEWA

It is common knowledge that the bureaucrats are not doing their duty properly. The officers should do the proper homework whenever an amendment is proposed in the Act. We have seen instances where an Act is amended, but the rules are not framed for long. When the Act is being amended, why should one wait for rules for more than a few months? This particular procedure has to be followed by all gov-

housing societies sector needs reforms that would meet the standard of EDB to implement the technology-based governance. This will be done through online dressal Mechanism

ders after an online velopment of housing

pute Redressal System through online portals

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Police have filed a case against seven people, including the owner, manager, and operator of the facility weeks after three workers were killed in a fire at Jindal Poly Films Ltd in Nashik district.

A fire broke out on January 01 at the company premises located at Mundhegaon alongside the Nashik-Mumbai National Highway in Igatpuri taluka. Around 22 workers were injured in the incident.

As the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was not followed while starting the plant after its checking and repairing, thermic fluid oil leaked from the unit which led to the fire, the police said, quoting a report.

Accordingly, a case has been registered against them under Indian Penal Code sec-

CRUCIAL READ

MAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE HANGING HIMSELF TO DEATH

Nashik: A 35-year-old man allegedly stabbed his wife to death on suspicion of her character before hanging himself to death at their house in Nashik city, a police official said. “The man stabbed his wife, with a knife and slit her throat.

Later, he hanged himself in the kitchen of their house,” a police official said. The children returned home from tuition at 7.30 pm, they knocked on the door and informed their neighbours when nobody opened it. “The exact reason behind the murder is being ascertained,” he said, adding that a case has been registered at Ambad police station.

CASE AGAINST 2 PERSONS FOR DUPING BIZMAN

Nagpur: Two persons allegedly duped a businessman from Maharashtra’s Nagpur city of Rs 3.15 crore in a land-related deal, police said. The accused, who owned an infrastructure company, purchased land from the businessman in 2009 and registered a sale deed, an official from Sitabuldi police station. They have been booked for not paying the amount of Rs2.85 crore for a land sale to a businessman and also not returning Rs30 lakh invested in their company. A case has been registered against them under Indian Penal Code Sections 406, 420 and 34.

TRIO KILLS 27-YEAR-OLD MAN FOR HARASSING GIRL FROM THEIR FAMILY

Nashik: A 27-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Nashik city, during a dispute with three people who had accused him of harassing a female relative. Police have arrested two of the alleged attackers, her brother and brother-in-law and are looking for the third person, her uncle, said the official.

The Three men accused the deceased, Vikas of pestering a girl from their family for marriage, leading to a fight outside the victim’s home in the Panchavati area. During the fight, the girl’s brother stabbed Vikas in the head and stomach, leaving him seriously injured. Vikas died during treatment, said the official.

20-YEAR-OLD

ARRESTED FOR

Screening of over 25,000 children done by civic body

Panvel: Nearly 25,700 children in the city have been screened under a special campaign by the Panvel Municipal Corporation ‘Aware Parents, Healthy Children’.

Under this eightweek-long campaign, the civic health department is carrying out health check-ups of children aged 0 to 18 years. Students from government and semigovernment schools, junior colleges, private schools, blind schools, anganwadis, hostels, and out-of-school children are being checked.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Achole police of Palghar district on Thursday arrested one person and sent him to jail for allegedly kidnapping a one-year-old girl from Padkhalpada in the Nalasopara area. An officer of Achole police station said the security guard was arrested from his village in Bihar. The girl was rescued and handed over to the family, he informed further.

Further, the officer said, “The girl was playing outside the house at Achole Dongri, Padkhalpada, in the Nalasopara area on February 15 when the accused, Su-

MAN

KILLING FATHER

Thane: A 20-year-old man from Maharashtra’s Thane district has been arrested for killing his 69-year-old father. His mother is a domestic worker, said Pandurang Tithe of Tilak Nagar police station. The son told the police that his father would constantly abuse and trouble him, and on Wednesday evening, he hit him with a grindstone and slit his throat in a fit of anger, killing him on the spot.

Police outpost gutted in fire; nobody hurt

Nashik (PTI): The fiberglass cabin of a police outpost in Nashik Road area here caught fire in the wee hours on Thursday, an official said. The outpost in Bytco Chowk area caught fire at around 5.30 am and was gutted in fire, he said. Local residents informed police about the incident after which police and fire brigade personnel reached the spot and doused the flames. Nobody was injured in the incident. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

tions 304A (causing death by negligence), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), among others, the police said.

Newly launched double-decker e-bus gets dent near Metro site

mendrakumar Sukaldas Mandal, abducted her.” “Searching frantically for the girl outside their house and not finding her, they reached the police station. A case was registered and we started examining the CCTV footage, which showed the security guard taking the girl away. A case under section 363 of the IPC was registered in the matter,” the officer added.

Mumbai (PTI): The first air-conditioned double-decker electric bus launched in Mumbai suffered a dent from a structure close to a ramp made for metro rail work near Maharashtra Legislature complex, a functionary of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking said.

The bus on Wednesday evening brushed past a raised platformlike structure near a makeshift ramp that has been provided as construction goes on for an underground Metro rail station as part of the Colaba-Bandra-

SEEPZ-Airport Line 3. “It happened at 7.30 pm when bus, on route II5, was heading from Nariman Point to CSMT. At a junction near Vidhan Bhavan, I heard a sound as if the underbody of bus had scraped the ground. I heard it from my car, which was

some 15 feet away,” said an eyewitness. A passenger also confirmed the incident, while some BEST staffers alleged the incident took place as the bus has “low ground clearance” as compared to others in the civic-run undertaking’s fleet.

Couple gets `15.31 cr as part of child’s SMA drug funding

cently shifted to Kerala, has received Rs15.31 crore from an anonymous donor to purchase a life-saving drug for the treatment of their 16-month-old son.

Marine Engineer Sarang Menon and Adithi Nair’s son Nirvaan was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 2, a rare disease for which a key onetime drug costs almost Rs17.3 crore. Donations began pouring after a crowdfunding page was started on Milaap.org, but the identity of the person who gave USD 1.4 million, or Rs15.31 crore,

is unknown, Nair said.

The target set by Menon when the crowdfunding page began was Rs17.50 crore. “We are happy this contribution has taken us very close to our target. I think we

will manage to raise the remaining amount on our own as well as through relatives and friends,” she said.

“However, it will take at least 2-3 weeks for us to take Nirvaan back to

Mumbai due to some mandatory testing and the time required for the arrival of the drug from the US to Mumbai,” Nair informed.

The family has already initiated the required communication with the Union finance ministry and import-export department for necessary clearances for the drug. Dr Neelu Desai, paediatric neurologist at Hinduja Hospital will be treating Nirvaan. SMA is a group of ailments in which specialized nerve cells that control movement in the arms, legs, face etc get killed.

The family has initiated required communication with the Finance Ministry, import-export department for necessary clearances for the drug

Toddler abducted and rescued, one held

Despite introduction in 2019, Maha Co-op Housing Societies Act has not been implemented by the govt yet

Smoke billows from fire at Jindal Poly Films Ltd that took lives of three workers.

MODI: EPITOME OF SELFLESSNESS, SIMPLICITY

PM Modi: The Perfect CEO of India Inc.

A systems thinker with the unique ability to compartmentalize not just his own life but the rigors of everyday work, a perfectionist with an exemplary sense of punctuality and efficiency, a pioneer of the infotech revolution in India, PM Modi has been navigating his countrymen onto the path of progress and development with greater insight and vision than the CEOs of global organizations.

It was 1994 and I remember PM Modi was the party Secretary then. He is a true visionary and believes in simple living and high thinking. What is amazing about Modiji is that so many years ago he was so immersed in technology that people like us and most others did not even have a clue of what Modiji was already an expert at. I was associated with media and was in the profession that demanded staying up-to-date with latest tech developments, but Modiji has never had nay parallel in the realm of technology. In 1996 and 1997, Modiji possessed an email account and would communicate over email. I don’t remember sending out emails even in ‘98 or couple of years down the line. Can we think of this! Modiji had a Nokia Communicator at a time when we were struggling with those bulky mobile phones. He owned that sleek device for communication, used a laptop and had an exceptionally professional approach towards work. What made him stand apart

‘HE WAS ONE OF THE EARLIEST ADOPTERS OF TWITTER AND FB IN INDIAN POLITICS’ Alot of other politicians who initially criticized the use of social media in politics started making prolific use of it subsequently. They understood much later that social media establishes a direct connect with people. Modiji has always been the pioneer of technological revolution in India & its presence in our daily lives. Modiji had a Nokia Communicator at a time when we were struggling with those bulky mobiles. He owned that sleek device for communication, used a laptop & had an exceptionally professional approach towards work. What made him stand apart from everyone was that while he would own state of the art technology & use it like a pro, his conduct was always simple.

from everyone was that while he would own state of the art technology and use it like a pro, his demeanour and conduct was always simple. The know how of technology did not alter the way he connected with the masses, always at the ground level. He was the first leader to draw the attention of the political community towards the diverse uses of social media. He was one of the earliest adopters of Twitter and Facebook in Indian politics. A lot of other politicians who initially criticized the use of social media in politics started making prolific use of it subsequently. They understood much later that social media establishes a direct connect with the people. Modiji has always been the pioneer of technological revolution in India and its presence in our dayto-day life.

Modiji is a very keen observer of life. He has imbibed lessons from his own experiences, from books, from his interaction with people from diverse walks of life, the lives of other people and this depth and wisdom is reflected in the way he leads his life.

I have heard him speak about his observations about children and the fact is, my child does exactly that! He has observed about how children behave when they return

home from school, he has made observations about the relationship between children and their grandparents and parents and others, how they grow up as individuals and create an identity for themselves - this quality of observing and knowing life from every angle is remarkable about Modiji and I don’t think any politician possesses it to this extent!

Another thing, I have never seen him getting angry! Ordinary people like us often lose our temper though we try not to. Not that we don’t give a long rope to people and our staff but we still end up getting impatient if some work is not accomplished as per our requirements. But I have never, ever found Modiji raising his voice or losing his patience with any person.

A CM’s office is a hub of activity. Some 60 to 200 people are always present at a given time in a CM’s office. Some are there, well, just to show their faces. Some MLAs seeking positions in the government, wanting to become ministers, some other who want to get some work done, but Modiji works better than a CEO. His sense of punctuality is impeccable. If you have an appointment for 3 pm, you will get to meet the CM at 3 pm and not some couple of hours later or the next day.

Time management and punctuality are his hallmark. His office, as active CM, was always bustling with energy. Work is accomplished and without wasting any time there. Also, he has a penchant or a preference for meeting specialists. His table would be super clean, the files would never be pending and not even a paper on the table.

Swachhta has been his motto in every aspect of life since childhood. It is not that he does not receive files but nothing is kept pending at Modiji’s office.

Another thing that he has been very clear about in his communication to everyone is - his policy about not discussing any upcoming elections. He tells people very categorically “Elections are not my priority. I prepare for elections only four months prior. I focus on my state and its requirements.” A lot of people have an inclination towards preparing for the

next elections from the very first day. They start thinking of ways to woo certain communities or take decisions to influence a certain section of society. But for Modiji, that has never been the case. Nothing could ever deter him from taking decisions for the welfare of the state. Development of the country and the state are his priority. He is never under political pressure or burdened by the considerations of what will benefit him in the coming elections, this has never been Modiji’s policy or interest.

Politics is not his life, it is just one aspect of his work. Flawless and futuristic governance has been his focus always and his views of life, of working and developing a bond with people have been kept separate from politics. I remember he was under tremendous pressure in about 2001 when MLAs were pressurizing him to make them ministers, others want-

ed him to make them chairmen of organizations and they would complain to the party high command. But Modiji never surrendered to such pressures. His line of action was clear - he wanted to work for Jan Kalyan, the welfare of the masses and he never succumbed to individual demands. He is not there to work for individuals but the collective progress of the country and development of the masses. His stance was firm - he would never let down the glory of a position or a chair. Every post comes with responsibility and accountability. Irrespective of who is upset or not, Modiji would always do what is right and morally correct. He is not someone to be pressurized to do things that are against his high philosophy of life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

We will rid K’taka of corruption, make it No.1 in south India: Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah urges voters to have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ballari (PTI): Union

Home Minister Amit

Shah on Thursday asked the people of poll-bound Karnataka to repose faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and said the BJP would give such a government that it would rid the State of corruption and make Karnataka number one in South India within five years.

Addressing a public meeting at Sandur, a Congress stronghold, in this district, Shah also took potshots at the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit and the JD(S), dubbing them as dynastic parties which cannot do good for the people.

“Trust PM Modi and Yediyurappa once, and we (BJP) will give such a government that it will rid Karnataka of corruption and make it a number one state in South India within five years,” Shah said. Assembly elections are due in Karnataka by

Union Home Minister Amit Shah waves during the Vijay Sankalp convention, in Bellary on Thursday.

May. Shah recalled that in the 2018 assembly election, the BJP had emerged as the largest party but fell short of a few seats to form a government. This led to a power play between Congress and the JD(S) and corruption in Karnataka, he said.

“Both Congress and the JD(S) are dynastic parties. Dynastic parties do no good for people in democracy,” Home Minister Shah said.

NAGALAND POLLS

Cong’s plenary session to chalk out strategy

‘R a G a -LED CONG LINKED WITH ‘TUKDETUKDE’ GANG’

Ballari (PTI):Union

Home Minister Amit Shah cautioned people against the divisive Congress’ and said only Modi can protect India and make the country prosperous.

Raipur (PTI): Laying out a clear roadmap for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and forging poll tie-ups with like-minded parties to take on the BJP will be the centre of discussion at the three-day Congress plenary session starting here Friday.

Kohima (ANI): Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) chief Shurhozelie Liezietsu

on Wednesday said that the option for a postpoll alliance is still open, but it’s not confirmed which party will they support.

Talking to ANI, Liezietus said, “The upcoming elections are very special. Earlier only 3-4 parties used to fight, but this time there are 12 political parties.

But, ours is the only regional party, the rest are national parties”.

Talking about the BJP-NDPP alliance, he said, “The relation between BJP and NDPP is not very smooth.”

“To be frank, we have faced difficulties in this election. Earlier, we used to field all 60 candidates, but this time, at the eleventh hour, many of our candidates defected to other parties. I didn’t get much time to reorganisse the party and was able to field only 22 candidates.

But, I am sure that all 22 pose a winning chance.

We are expecting only 12-15 seats,” he said.

UAE

PM’S

GRIP ON GUJARAT, BJP WON POLLS EVEN AFTER BRIDGE COLLAPSE: GIRIRAJ SINGH

Patna (ANI): Union Rural Development Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying that the latter should see the credibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who won the Gujarat elections with a huge margin even after the tragic Morbi accident. “The one who still searching for ‘Samadhan’ (solution) even after 17 years of his political career, compares himself with PM. Just look at Modi’s credibility in Gujarat which he has created in the last 27 years. He has a grip on the people of Gujarat so tight that even after the tragic Morbi incident, the party managed to win 156 seats in the assembly elections; that’s his credibility,” Giriraj Singh said. “Bihar Chief Minister is compelled by his greed for power. He is not Jayaprakash Narayan who will choose to leave politics, nor Lohia (Rammanohar Lohia). Nitish should quit politics as soon as possible because he is going to face a state of disrepair,” Singh further said.

Rajagopalachari’s great-grandson CR Kesavan quits Congress

Chennai (ANI): CR

Kesavan , great-grandson of India’s first Indian-born Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, resigned from the Congress party on Thursday, saying that he has not seen any vestiges of the values that made him work for the party with dedication for over two decades.

In a letter to Congress president, Kesavan shared his resignation letter on Twitter.

“I have not seen any vestiges of the values that made me work for the Party with dedication for over two decades. I can no longer in good conscience say that I concur with what the Party presently symbolizes, stands for nor seeks to propagate. This is why I had recently declined an organizational responsibility at the National Level and also refrained from participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” he said.

“On one hand there is PM Modi-led BJP strengthening India, and on the other there is Rahul Gandhi-led Congress linked with ‘Tukde-Tukde’ gang. You have to make a choice between the two,” he said. Shah alleged that when there was a UPA rule led by PM Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi (as UPA Chairperson) in the country for 10 years, Pakistan carried out many attacks inside India, but the then government did not retaliate. After Modi formed the government, then also Pakistan attacked India at Uri and Pulwama, but within 10 days surgical and air strikes were carried out inside the neighbouring country and the terrorists were wiped out, he said.

The Congress top brass will be in attendance at the 85th plenary session that will primarily endorse the presidentship of Mallikarjun Kharge and will pave the way for the new working committee led by him.

The session, which comes in the backdrop of the Bharat Jodo Yatra that has been touted as a success by the party, will be attended by around 15,000 delegates.

On the first day of the three-day session, the Steering Committee, which is playing the role of the Working Committee (the previous one was dissolved until a new CWC is formed), will also decide on whether there

BJP TRYING TO THREATEN VOTERS: CONG

Shillong: Meghalaya

Congress Chief Vincent H Pala has alleged that the BJP is trying to threaten the voters of the state that they would be punished if they do not vote the BJP to the power. “BJP is trying to threaten the citizens of Meghalaya, saying that if they don’t vote for us, they will be punished. But the people of Meghalaya are much cleverer than the BJP,” Pala said.

will be elections to the top decision-making body or not. The party currently

Yogi govt to appoint ‘Udyami Mitras’ in all 75 districts to facilitate investment

Lucknow (ANI): In an attempt to expedite the appointment of Udyami Mitras for facilitating investment in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to give weightage of 50 marks to the applicants in the test results.

These Udyami Mitras, or friends of entrepreneurs, will be appointed on the basis of their education, work experience, and their performance in the in-

terview and computer test, in which they will get a weightage of 50 marks depending on their categories.

According to an official statement, the weightage will be given in four categories, namely A, B, C, and D.

Biswa Bhusan Harichandan sworn in as 9th Governor of Chhattisgarh

Raipur (ANI): Biswa Bhusan Harichandan on Thursday took osath as the ninth governor of Chhattisgarh at a ceremony in the Raj Bhavan in the state capital Raipur. Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami administered the oath of office to Harichandan at Darbar Hall in the Raj Bhawan. Governor

PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE

Harichandan took oath in Hindi. Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel, State agriculture minister

ON PARIS AGREEMENT

Ravindra Chaubey, Chattisgarh BJP president Arun Sao, former Chief minister Dr Raman Singh, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Narayan Chandel along with various senior officials were present in the ceremony.

Before this stint, he was the 23rd Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 24th July 2019 to 22nd February 2023.

‘Limiting global temp rise to 1.5°C non-negotiable’

New Delhi (ANI): Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 UAE PresidentDesignate, emphasised the need to mobilise resources and partnerships towards bold and transformative approach to climate action. Al Jaber also said the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is nonnegotiable.

Speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit hosted by

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi, Al Jaber

recognised India’s prominent global role and noted that the coun-

FOGGY CONDITIONS RETURN IN DELHI

T he residents of Delhi have been witnessing cold, foggy weather conditions for the past few days, further affecting visibility. Following a difference in the weather in the national capital, from hot temperatures a day ago to cold, foggy conditions, the minimum temperature is expected to settle at 13 degrees Celsius for the next 2 days, said the Regional Meteorological Department, New Delhi. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to touch 29 degrees Celsius. Check Delhi’s latest weather forecast An increase in temperature was observed for the last few days as the mercury soared to 33 degrees in Delhi-NCR.

try, which assumes the Presidency of the G20 this year, is soon to be-

come the world’s third largest economy. The president-desig-

nate of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) said, “India’s sustainable development is critical, not just for India, but for whole world. India’s goal of adding 500GW of clean energy in the next 7 years is a powerful statement of intent. And, as one of the largest investors in renewables, the UAE will explore all opportunities for partnership with India to contribute to high growth, low carbon pathway.”

CONG MP INVITES 16 PARTIES TO JOIN HANDS

Madurai: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday invited a total of 16 political parties to come together with Congress as the “captain” for a “Progressive India” ahead of the 2024 general elections. DMK RJD NCP JDU SS U JMM IUML MDMK RSP VCK PDP NC KC MNM (16 parties). We respect each other and work together to defeat RSS,” Cong MP Manickam Tagore said.

rules three states on its own - Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

In MBA in A category, a weightage of 10 marks will be given to a candidate who has 60 per cent marks, 15 for 70 per cent marks, 17.50 for 75 per cent marks and 20 for 80 per cent marks.

The candidates who will meet all these requirements, candidates thrice the number of vacancies will be called for an interview, in which interview will be of 25 marks and computer test will be of 10 marks,” as per the statement said.

Patna (PTI): It is pointless to fret over who would be the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition, since what matters is clarity as to who must be stopped from returning as PM, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said. The MP called West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee a “tried and tested” leader who would be a “game-changer” in next year’s LS polls.

CJI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ‘NEUTRAL CITATIONS’ FOR SC JUDGEMENTS

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Thursday announced launch of ‘neutral citations’ which would ensure a uniform pattern of citing the decisions of the Supreme Court. The apex court had earlier said that steps have been taken for introduction and implementation of a uniform, reliable and secure methodology for identifying and citing decisions in the apex court, namely the ‘neutral citations system’, to ensure a uniform pattern of citing all the decisions of the top court.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COURT SUMMONS ABBAS ANSARI

Lucknow: Gangster Mukhtar Ansari’s son Abbas Ansari, who is in jail in connection with the Prevention of money laundering case, was summoned by the Anti-corruption Court, Lucknow for illegally meeting his wife at the Chitrakoot jail. The development came days after jailed MLA Abbas Ansari’s wife Nikhat Bano was arrested with two cellphones when she visited the prison for allegedly providing “undue help” to her husband.

CENTRE NOTIFIES ELEVATION OF ADVOCATES

New Delhi: The Central Government on Thursday notified the elevation of 4 advocates as Additional Judges of Allahabad HC and Madras HC. The Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju wished newly appointed Judges, saying, “As per relevant provisions under the Constitution of India, the following Advocates have been appointed as Additional Judges of Allahabad High Court and Madras High Court.”

EPS SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE AS SC ALLOWS HIM TO CONTINUE AS AIADMK’S GEN SECY

Chennai: The supporters of the Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) faction burst into celebrations at the party office in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai as Supreme Court on Thursday allowed him to continue as AIADMK’s Interim General Secretary. “This judgement is a big win for us. We will capture the government again. We will be in the government very soon and EPS will be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu forever,” a supporter said while speaking to ANI.

We have fielded 22 candidates, hope to win 12-15 seats: NPF

“Oppn must unite to stop Modi from returning as PM”

Sultan Al Jaber was speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with INTUC President G Sanjeeva Reddy during the 33rd plenary session of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), in New Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. —FILE PHOTO

Biswa Bhusan Harichandan

India’s democracy turned into Hitlershahi: Cong Chief

New Delhi (ANI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge today came down heavily on the BJP government at the Centre after party leader Pawan Khera was arrested in Delhi, and alleged that the Narendra Modi government has turned “India’s democracy into a Hitlershahi”.

“Notice is given if the opposition raises issues in Parliament. ED raids are conducted on our leaders of Chhattisgarh before the plenary session. Today the media chairman was forcibly taken off the plane and arrested. The Modi government has turned India’s democracy into a Hitlership. We strongly condemn this dictatorship,” Kharge tweeted. This comes after Mr Khera was arrested by Assam Police on Thursday in Delhi. He was earlier deboarded from a

flight while enroute to Raipur to attend Congress Plenary Session. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that he is “ready to fight the long battle” soon after Assam Police arrested him.Khera will be taken to Assam on transit remand. “We will see (in which case they are taking me). It’s a long battle

CRUCIAL READ

OF AIR FORCE JOBS, HELD

New Delhi (PTI): A 39-year-old man was arrested from Bengaluru for allegedly duping over 100 people on the pretext of providing jobs in the Indian Air Force by impersonating a flight lieutenant, police said on Thursday. The accused has been identified as Kamal Sharma, a resident of Vikas Vihar, the police said.

DRUGS WORTH

`25 CR SEIZED IN MANIPUR, 1 HELD

Imphal (PTI): A person was arrested in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district after WY tablets, a narcotic substance, worth Rs25 crore were recovered from his possession near the India-Myanmar border, police said. During a routine patrolling, Myanmarese SIM card & two phones were also recovered from his possession.

Haryana CM proposes budget of `1,83,950 cr

Chandigarh (PTI):

BJP SLAMS CONGRESS OVER PROTEST

and I’m ready to fight,” said Mr Khera as Delhi Police took him after he was deboarded from an aircraft at Delhi airport.

Delhi Police said that a request was received from Assam Police for assistance in the arrest of accused Pawan Khera in case FIR No. 19/2023, PS Dima Hasao, District Haflong, Assam.

“Based upon the same, requisite local assistance was provided and upon the requisition of Assam Police, accused Shri Pawan Khera was detained from Terminal 1 of IGI Airport and has been subsequently arrested by the IO concerned of Assam Police,” a Delhi Police official said.

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP leader said Congress leaders “flouted law” by starting protests on the Delhi airport tarmac and endangered the lives of fellow passengers. People were inconvenienced by the Congress’ protests, he said. Bhatia slammed Congress leaders for raising some “objectionable” slogans against Modi during their protest at the airport. “Modi enjoys the blessings of more than 140 crore people of the country and abusing him is like digging a hole in which the Congress will fall,” Bhatia said. People will teach the Congress a lesson, he said. BJP has targeted Khera for using the businessman’s name as Modi’s middle name and accused him of insulting the prime minister.

Sikhs among most targeted faith groups for hate crimes in US: FBI

Washington(PTI):

Jews and Sikhs were the two most targeted religious groups in the hatemotivated crime in the US in 2021, according to the annual compilation of nationwide incidents by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

3 DIE, 50 INJURED AS BUS CRASHES INTO TREE IN MP

Singrauli (PTI): Three persons were killed and nearly 50 others injured on Thursday when a packed bus carrying members of a wedding party collided with a tree in Madhya Pradesh’s Singrauli district, police said. Out of the injured people, 11 were critically hurt, they said. The injured persons were admitted to the district hospital.

95% WHATSAPP USERS BOMBARDED WITH PESKY MESSAGES DAILY IN INDIA

New Delhi (Agencies): A A massive 95 percent of WhatsApp users surveyed in India indicate that they get one or more pesky messages each day and 41 percent of those even get four or more such messages on a daily basis, a report showed on Thursday.

About 76 percent said they see such unsolicited messages on WhatsApp based on their conversations with WhatsApp business accounts and Facebook and Instagram activities. WhatsApp users in India have been raising issues about unsolicited commercial communication on the platform for years.

POLICE BUST INSURGENT CAMP IN ARUNACHAL

Itanagar (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh Police on Thursday busted a camp of an insurgent outfit in Changlang district and recovered arms and ammunition. The team recovered one AK 47 rifle, a M 16 rifle, a hand grenade, 6 magazines, ammunition, and documents, a police official said. The camp was then destroyed by police personnel.

PCS MAINS EXAM KICKS OFF IN UTTARAKHAND

Haridwar (ANI): As many as 1716 candidates appeared for the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) Mains at different centers across Uttarakhand on the first day of the three-day examination starting on Thursday. The PCS mains exam was conducted in three cities including Haridwar, Dehradun, and Haldwani on Thursday.

A total of 1,005 hate crimes related to religion were reported in 2021, the FBI said.

The largest categories of religion-based crime included antiJewish incidents at 31.9 per cent followed by anti-Sikh incidents at 21.3 per cent. Anti-Muslims accounted for 9.5 per cent of religionbased hate crimes. AntiCatholic incidents accounted for 6.1 per cent

and anti-Eastern Orthodox (Russian, Greek, Other) for 6.5 per cent.

Overall, law enforcement agencies reported 7,262 total incidents and 9,024 victims, demonstrating that hate crimes remain a concern for communities across the country, the FBI said.

The overall number of agencies reporting

Woman locked herself, son for 3 years to escape Covid

Gurugram (ANI): In a shocking case of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, a woman in Gurugram, locked herself and her son in an apartment for three years due to the fear of the virus, both of whom have been rescued, informed the police on Wednesday.

Talking to the media,

Child Welfare Committee Member, Gurugram, Usha Solanki said, “A resident of Chakkarpur, Gurugram informed the police that his wife and child are locked in a flat for the last 3 years. His wife neither lets him enter the apartment nor sends their son outside.” she said.

decreased to 11,834, from 15,138 in 2021, so data cannot reliably be compared across years, it said.

According to the FBI data for the year 2021, 64.8 per cent of victims were targeted because of the offenders’ bias towards race/ethnicity/ ancestry, which continues to be the largest bias motivation category.

I-T raids over 70 locations of Uflex company

Noida (Agencies): Income Tax department raids at over 70 locations of Uflex company across the country continued for the third day on Thursday. So far, Rs 1.50 crore in cash has been recovered from the company’s premises in Noida. A total of 32 locations of the Group are being raided in Noida alone.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said no fresh tax will be imposed, as he presented the state budget for the financial year 2023-24.

Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, proposed Rs 1,83,950 crore state budget for the year 2023-24, an increase of 11.6 per cent over the revised estimates of Rs 1,64,808 crore.

There is no proposal for imposing any fresh tax in the state budget for 202324, said Khattar in the state assembly here. Khattar said it is the fourth budget of the second term of the BJP-JJP government.

He said feedback of MLAs and different sections of the society were taken and were incorporated in the budget.

Minister assures action against mishandling of CM’s Relief Fund

Thiruvananthapuram

(ANI): Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan on Thursday said that strict action would be taken against people involved in the mishandling of Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Rajan made the statement after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau found agents and some officers involved in distributing CMDRF funds to undeserving candidates with fake medical certificates.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET

z No new tax in the budget

z Increased old-age pension to Rs 2,750 per month

z Income eligibility for old-age pension increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh

z More than 2 lakh antyodaya families will get financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore

z One lakh houses for antyodaya families

z Benefit of ChirayuAyushman Bharat Yojana extended to families with

annual income up to Rs 3 lakh

z Financial assistance of Rs 2,500 announced for girls seeking admission to ITIs

z Cashless medical facility for journalsits

z Haryana tops in per capita income, expected to be around 3 lakh in the coming year

z National-level scientific sports training and rehabilitation centre will be set up for nutrition and rehabilitation of injured players

UP issues posting orders of two new IAS officers

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has issued orders for the posting of two new IAS officers to the post of Municipal Commissioners in Varanasi and Gorakhpur. Shipu Giri, CDO Pratapgarh, has been made the new Municipal Commissioner in Varanasi Municipal Corporation while Pranay Singh, who is already posted in Varanasi Municipal Corporation, has not yet been given any new posting.

Gaurav Singh Sogarwal has been made the new municipal commis-

sioner of Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. He was CDO Maharajganj while his wife Anuj Malik, who is also an IAS officer, is the Additional Commissioner and RFC of Gorakhpur Division. Yashu Rustagi has been made the Special Secretary Vocational Education and Skill Development Department and Director Training and Service SchemeUttar Pradesh.

Delhi man convicted by NIA court for spying for Pakistan-based handlers

New Delhi (PTI): A special NIA court in Delhi on Thursday convicted a man in a 2017 espionage case after he was found to be working for his Pakistan-based handlers.

Mohd Parvez, a resident of Delhi’s Chandni Mahal, was convicted by the special court un-

der various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities

TO MAKE LEARNING MORE ACCESSIBLE

(Prevention) Act, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. The official said the case pertains to a conspiracy hatched by foreign intelligence agencies to obtain information from defence personnel posted in sensitive border areas of India.

AIIMS to collaborate with IITs and IIMs

New Delhi (ANI): With the aim of making learning more accessible, AIIMS is planning collaboration with institutions like IITs, IIMs, ISB, AIIMS Director Dr M Srinivas said.

“Undersigned is glad to announce that institutional collaborations are being planned by AIIMS with institutions like IIT’s, IMs, ISB (India School of Business), etc. for making inter-sectoral learning more accessi-

ble, and with corporations like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc. to provide students with some exposure to the

world of management, something outside the routine medical education, patient care and research,” the state -

ment read. The statement further added that ‘Start-Up policy’ for students is also intended to be drafted.

“Some active measures are also being planned to promote entrepreneurship in AIIMS actively. The ‘Start-Up policy’ for students is also intended to be drafted,” it stated.

Interested students & residents are requested to attend the meeting with the undersigned.

New Delhi (PTI) : The salaries in India are expected to increase by 10.3 per cent in 2023, compared to an actual increase of 10.6 per cent in 2022, a report showed on Thursday. Although slightly lower than last year, the projected increase continues to be in the double digits despite concerns about economic vola-

tility, which may be in response to attrition rates, according to Aon, a leading global professional services firm. At 21.4 per cent, the attrition rate in India for 2022 remained high -- a consequence of an ever-changing talent strategy and the ongoing gap between supply and demand of talent.

DELHI MAN CHEATS 100 PEOPLE WITH PROMISE

Congress leaders stage a protest dharna at the IGI Airport after the party leader Pawan Khera was allegedly deboarded from the plane owing to an FIR against him, in New Delhi on Thursday.

Gaurav Singh Sipu Giri

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar presents the State Budget 2023-24 during the Budget Session, in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Jews & Sikhs were the two most targeted religious groups in 2021.

DOMESTIC SOLAR CAPACITY ADDITION

GROWS 27% IN 2022

India gives hope for future: Bill Gates

NOT SUFFICIENT EMPHASIS ON JOBS IN FY24 BUDGET: EX-RBI GUV SUBBARAO

Measures announced in Budget to spur eco growth: Fin Ministry

New Delhi: Solar capacity installations in India increased by 27% to 13 gigawatts (GW) during the calendar year 2022, according to a Mercom India report. “Solar capacity made up 82% of the total 16 GW new power generation capacities added in 2022,” the report titled ‘Mercom India Solar Market Update’ said. India added 13 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in the calendar year (CY) 2022, a 27% increase year-onyear (y-o-y) compared to 10.2 GW installed in CY 2021, it added. —PTI

GOLD DECLINES BY `305; SILVER PLUMMETS `805

New Delhi (ANI): India gives hope for the future and proved that the country could solve the big problems at once even when the world is facing multiple crises, Microsoft cofounder and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates said in his blog "Gates Notes".

In his blog, Bill gates said that he believed that with the right innovations and delivery channels the world is capable of making progress on lots of big problems at once, even at a time when the world is facing multiple crises and usually

he received the response like, "There isn't enough time or money to solve both at the same time."

But India proved all the responses wrong. "There is no better proof than the remarkable progress that India has accomplished," Gates said in his blog.

"India as a whole gives me hope for the future. It's about to become the world's most populous country, which means you can't solve most problems there without solving them at scale. And yet, India has proven it can tackle big challenges. The country eradicated polio, lowered HIV transmission, reduced poverty, cut infant mortality, and increased access to sanitation and financial services," he added.

ACCORDING TO BILL GATES

Microsoft's co-founder also stated that India has developed a world-leading approach to innovation that ensures solutions reach those who need them. When the rotavirus vaccine, which prevents the virus that causes many fatal cases of diarrhoea, was too expensive to reach every child, India decided to make the vaccine itself.

India worked with experts and funders (including the Gates Foundation) to build factories and create large-scale delivery channels to distribute the vaccines. By 2021, 23% of 1-year-olds had been inoculated against rotavirus, and these low-cost vaccines are now being used in other countries around the world, Gates said.

New Delhi (PTI): Former RBI governor D Subbarao on Thursday said there was not 'sufficient emphasis' on jobs in the Budget for 202324 and it failed to grapple with the unemployment problem head on, except to believe that growth itself will generate jobs.

New Delhi (PTI): The measures like increased capex, boosting the green economy and initiatives for strengthening financial markets announced in the Budget 2023-24 are expected to promote job creation and spur economic growth, the finance ministry said.

In its Monthly Economic Review, the ministry said during the December 2022 quarter, various High-Frequency Indicators (HFIs) pointed towards a slowdown in general, as monetary tightening appeared to have started weakening global demand.

certainties emanating from the lingering pandemic and relentless conflict in Europe may further dampen global growth," it noted. Even as global output is expected to slow, the IMF and World Bank project India to be the fastest-growing major economy in 2023.

"As in 2022-23, India faces the coming financial year with confidence imparted by underlying and overall macroeconomic stability while being on the alert against geo-political and geo-economic risks," the monthly review said.

New Delhi: Gold price declined `305 to `56,035 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday amid a fall in rates of precious metal in the overseas markets, according to HDFC Securities. The yellow metal had settled at `56,340 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also plummeted `805 to `65,095 per kg. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were quoting lower at 1,827 US Dollar per ounce and 21.57 US Dollar per ounce, respectively. —PTI

ONGC TO INVEST $2

BILLION TO RAISE

OIL OUTPUT

OTHER STORIES

India gives hope for the future and proved that the country could solve the big problems at once even when the world is facing multiple crises

APPAREL SECTOR TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY IN TAKING EXPORTS TO $1 TRILLION BY 2030: AEPC

New Delhi: The labour intensive apparel sector will contribute significantly in taking the country’s merchandise exports to $1 trillion by 2030, AEPC said on Thursday. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said that the incentives in the Budget will help the apparel industry focus on market and product diversification. The council chairman Naren Goenka said that providing an ease-of-doing-export environment would enhance the sector’s competitiveness.

“In the coming years, we will be able to support the government’s efforts to make India a $2 trillion ($1 trillion goods and $1 trillion services) export target by 2030,” the AEPC Chairman said. PTI

z India has developed a world-leading approach to innovation that ensures solutions reach those who need them

z With the right innovations and delivery channels the world is capable of making progress on lots of big problems at once

Wheat crop in good condition, says FCI MD

New Delhi (PTI): Wheat crop is in good condition and the government's procurement would be normal at 300-400 lakh tonne in the 2023-24 marketing year starting March, FCI Chairman and MD Ashok K Meena said on Thursday.

"I was disappointed that there was not sufficient emphasis on jobs ...Mere growth will not do; we need job intensive growth," he said. The former RBI governor was asked what was his biggest disappointment with the Budget.

According to him, roughly a million people join the labour force every month and India is not able to create even half as many jobs.

"As a result, the unemployment problem is not just growing but is becoming a crisis," he pointed.

"This may continue in 2023 as various agencies have forecasted a decline in global growth. Apart from the lagged impact of monetary tightening, the un-

Markets fall for 5th day; Sensex declines 139 pts

Mumbai (PTI): Falling for the fifth straight session, equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined on Thursday amid concerns that the US Federal Reserve might raise interest rates further to curb inflation.

New Delhi: India’s top oil and gas producer ONGC will invest over $2 billion in drilling a record 103 wells on its main gasbearing asset in the Arabia Sea as it pivots a turnaround plan that will add 100 million tonnes to production, a company official said. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has three main assets off the west coast - Mumbai High, Heera and Neelam, and Bassein and Satellite, which contributed the bulk of 21.7 million tonnes of oil and 21.68 billion cubic metres of gas it produced in 2021-22. —PTI

SALARIES IN INDIA

LIKELY TO INCREASE

BY 10.3% IN 2023

INDIA’S EXPORTS MAY SEE TEPID GROWTH IN 2023: GOVERNMENT

New Delhi: India’s exports may see tepid growth this year as the country’s major export markets are forecast to decline sharply in 2023, the government said. Growth of global trade fell in 2022, “and is expected to be still lower in 2023 with a further decline in volume and value of trade on the back of slowing global output,” India’s Ministry of Finance said in monthly economic report. High frequency indicators suggest monetary tightening has started weakening global demand, the report said. FIB

NSE GETS FINAL NOD FROM SEBI FOR SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE

New Delhi: Leading bourse NSE on Thursday said it has received final approval from markets regulator Sebi to set up a Social Stock Exchange (SSE) as a separate segment on its platform. The final clearance was received on February 22, the NSE said in a statement. The Social Stock Exchange segment will provide new avenue for social enterprises to finance social initiatives, provide them visibility and bring in increased transparency in fund mobilisation and utilisation by social enterprises. PTI

CARBON-FREE ALTERNATIVE

"Area sown to wheat is higher than last year. The current condition of wheat crop is very good. Our procurement should be normal at 300-400 lakh tonne in 2023-24," Meena said.

The wheat procurement had declined last year due to a fall in domestic production and higher exports, he said.

Meena said it is unlikely to have any impact and the short duration crop will not be affected.

Fresh foreign fund outflows and mostly weak trends in Asian markets also hit investor sentiments, traders said.

In a highly volatile trade amid monthly derivatives expiry, the BSE Sensex declined 139.18 points or 0.23% to settle at 59,605.80.

The NSE Nifty slipped 43.05 points or 0.25% to end at 17,511.25.

In the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, Larsen & Toubro, Titan, IndusInd Bank, Bharti Airtel, Power Grid, Bajaj Finserv, Infosys, HDFC Bank and HDFC were the major laggards.

On the other hand, Axis Bank, Tata Motors, ITC, State Bank of India, Tata Steel and Sun Pharma were among the gainers.

RUPEE GAINS 15 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.73 AGAINST US DOLLAR

New Delhi: The rupee appreciated by 15 paise to close at 82.73 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday, tracking its regional peers and lower crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.78 against the American currency and finally settled at 82.73 (provisional) against the greenback, registering a gain of 15 paise over its previous close of 82.88. During the trading session, the rupee touched a high of 82.71 and a low of 82.79 against the dollar.

Olectra-RIL unveil new hydrogen bus

Mumbai: Salaries in India are expected to increase by 10.3% in 2023, highest among major world economies and Asian peers, according to Aon plc. In 2022, salaries in India witnessed an actual increase of 10.6% in 2022. As per Aon plc’s 28th Annual Salary Increase Survey in India, double-digit salary growth will continue in India despite economic volatility, largely as a response to high attrition rates. —PTI

New Delhi (PTI): Olectra Greentech in technical partnership with Reliance on Thursday unveiled a Hydrogen Bus, which is a carbon-free alternative to traditional public transportation. This initiative will help out the Indian govt to achieve carbon-free hydrogen ambitions.

The 12-metre low-floor bus has a customisable seating capacity of 32 to 49 seats for passengers and one driver seat, it informed.

A single hydrogen fill allows the bus to travel up to 400 km. Hydrogen fill for this range coverage takes

just about 15 minutes. These buses generate only water as tailpipe emissions. This is the main unique selling proposition for phasing out old diesel

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z Olectra aims to contribute to the nation’s environmentally sustainable energy security through its Hydrogen buses

z The 12-metre low-floor bus has a customisable seating capacity of 32 to 49 seats for passengers and one driver seat

The Economic Survey 2022-23, tabled in Parliament ahead of the Budget, had pencilled in a growth rate of 6.5% for FY24 but with more downside than upside risks, it added.

India expects fuel demand to grow 4.7%

New Delhi (FIB): India's fuel demand is likely to grow 4.7% in the next fiscal year beginning on April 1. Fuel consumption in 202324, a proxy for oil demand, could rise to 233.8 million tonnes from the revised estimate of 222.9 million tonnes for the current fiscal year ending in March, according to govt forecasts.

The estimates were released on the website of the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). Domestic demand for gasoline, used mainly in passenger vehicles, is expected to rise by 7.1% to 37.8 million tonnes, while gasoil consumption was seen growing by about 4.2% to 90.6 million tonnes, the data showed.

Govt to extend rice export curbs for stability, supply

New Delhi (FIB): India does not plan to lift a ban on broken rice exports and cut a 20% tax on overseas shipments of white rice as the world's biggest exporter of the grain tries to keep a lid on domestic prices, two government sources said on Thursday.

and petrol systems and replacing them with these green buses.

Type-4 hydrogen cylinders are established on the top of the bus. The cylin-

ders can withstand temperatures between (-) 20 and (+) 85 degrees Celsius.

Olectra aims at commercially launching these buses within a year.

New Delhi's rice export curbs will force buyers, especially in Asia and Africa, to pay more for the staple that has become expensive in the last few weeks.

India banned overseas shipments of broken rice and imposed a 20% duty on exports of various other

grades in September 2022 amid concerns over production due to below-average monsoon rainfall in key growing states.

"Rice exports didn't slow down despite the 20% export duty, and that's why we believe that there is no reason to reduce or scrap the duty," said a govt official.

There is a satisfaction and happiness in spending your days doing work that you find rewarding, this is truly empowering.

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

‘India’s image of country ready to go to any extent to protect its national security’

First India Bureau

Pune: External Affairs

Minister S Jaishankar

on Thursday said the image of India today is that of a country that is willing to go to any extent to protect its national security.

Every country has its challenges and no challenge is as sharp as that of national security, he said, adding that India is a country that will neither be pushed out nor will it allow its basic bottom lines to be crossed.

The minister was addressing 'Festival of Thinkers', an event organised by Symbiosis International University here.

"In the last few years, we have been tested for a long time on our western border. I think things are a little different now and

everyone will agree. Few things had happened in 2016 and 2019 and we have been tested and we are being tested on our northern borders," he said. How India comes through this test will show our ability to stand up, Jaishankar said.

"We have today the image of the country which is willing to do what it takes to defend its national security. It (India) is a very forbearing country, a patient country, it is not a country that goes around picking fights with other people, but it is a country that will not be pushed out. This is a country that will not allow its basic bottom lines to be crossed," he said.

"Since it is a polarised world, different countries will try to prejudice you. They

We want to go into G20 saying that there is a large part of the world which is not sitting on that table but they have a legitimate interest and somebody needs to speak up for them. India today is perceived by the rest of the G20 not only as the voice of independence and self-confidence but also as the voice of the global south, —S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

will urge you. Sometimes they use pretty strong words. Now how do you stand up for your interests and sometimes the interests of others who may not have the same ability

and strengths that you do. We are seeing that today," he added. Referring to the Ukraine conflict, he said the pressures which came with that conflict were also the

moment when our sense of independence and sense of confidence were tested.

"We are seen as independent and also seen as not just standing up for our rights, which we

should and we are (doing it), but we are also becoming the voice of the global south. Last month, we had a consultation process ahead of the G20. It was the first time it happened. We as the president of the G20, at the level of Prime Minister, myself, Finance Minister, Trade Minister and Environment Minister, had a consultation with 125 countries of the global south.

"We want to go into G20 saying that there is a large part of the world which is not sitting on that table but they have a legitimate interest and somebody needs to speak up for them. India today is perceived by the rest of the G20 not only as the voice of independence and selfconfidence but also as the voice of the global south," Jaishankar said.

‘NONE CAN OUTGROW DIFFICULTIES, IF BASIC INDUSTRY IS TERRORISM’

Pune: In an apparent reference to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said no country can come out of its problems and emerge prosperous if its "basic industry" is terrorism. Replying to a question on whether India will be helping its western neighbour facing troubles, Jaishankar said terrorism is the fundamental issue of the India-Pakistan relationship, which one cannot avoid and "we cannot be in denial of the fundamental problems". "No country is ever going to come out of a difficult situation and become a prosperous power if its basic industry is terrorism," he said at Asia Economic Dialogue here organised by the external affairs ministry. "...if I were to look at any big decision I am making, I will also look at what is the public sentiment. I would have a pulse what do my people feel about it. And I think you know the answer," he added.

‘DATA PRIVACY,

Pune: Jaishankar said data security and data privacy are the biggest challenges of the digital world and issues connected to them are expected to be addressed during the G20 meeting. He said the G20 meeting was taking place at a time when factors like the Ukraine-Russia war, COVID pandemic and its effects on world stage had created “multiple layers of stress”. “We still have not fully appreciated it but digital has changed our lives. There was a time when wealth and military strength and gold reserves decided this power, while later it was oil. Now, there is a new term ‘data is the new oil’. What does it mean? It actually means every digital transaction contributes to artificial intelligence, the creation of which will actually determine what is the balance of power among nations in the coming years,” he opined.

show sympathy to BJP, it’s trying to destroy Shiv Sena’

First India Bureau Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday asked his loyalists not to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in any way in the upcoming Kasba Peth and Chinchwad Assembly bypolls in Pune district, alleging that the ruling party was trying to destroy the Shiv Sena.

Delivering a virtual

speech as part of a campaign for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates contesting these by-elections, Thackeray also hit out at the BJP for “bringing” party’s ailing Pune MP Girish Bapat for campaigning in Kasba constituency.

“It is the height of cruelty and inhuman behaviour to see Girish Bapat, who is ailing, being involved in campaigning,’’ Thackeray said. Thack-

eray wondered why the BJP has not fielded any member of the Lokmanya Tilak family for the Kasba bypoll.

The BJP has given candidature to Hemant Rasane for this seat.

The former chief minister asked his sup-

porters not to show any sympathy to the BJP and not to vote for it as it is trying to destroy the Shiv Sena by engineering a split.

“We did vote for BJP when we were in alliance. But although we were against Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), these parties never targeted us the way BJP is doing now,” he said.

The MVA sympathis-

es with BJP’s Chinchwad bypoll candidate Ashwini Jagtap, wife of late MLA Laxman Jagtap.

Thackeray also high lighted the allega tions of corruption in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corpora tion currently ruled by the BJP.

“The MVA was called an autorickshaw and

your government is called a double engine. But the engine just blows steam in the air,” he

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission on Thursday said it was postponing the implementation of new syllabus for exams to 2025 instead of starting it from the current year.

MPSC aspirants have been protesting across the state, mainly in Pune, seeking that the new syllabus be implemented from 2025.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said students have succeeded, adding the MPSC decision is important and shows his government belongs to the common

man. “We do not want politics on this issue. Now students have got enough time to study. We need to thank MPSC for this decision,” Shinde added.

The announcement of the implementation of the new syllabus being postponed was made by MPSC on its Twitter handle.

In June last year, the MPSC had said it would switch to descriptive pattern exams from the present objective type.

This had led to protests from aspirants who claimed they would not get time to to prepare as per the new syllabus if it is implemented from 2023.

Raut’s statements shouldn’t be taken seriously: Dy CM Fadnavis

First India Bureau Mumbai: Thackeray group leader and MP Sanjay Raut has been very aggressive against BJP and Shinde group. He leaves no chance to criticize his political opponents. Raut has made serious allegations against CM Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde, claiming that Shrikant conspired to attack him.

Raut has also claimed that BJP and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis are responsible for rebellion and split in Shiv Sena. Now, Fadnavis

Thackeray hopes for change in fortune!

has reacted to Raut’s statements while interacting with the media on Thursday.

“Sanjay Raut has faith in my ability. So I thank him. But what Raut is saying in recent times is not to be taken very seriously. Unfortunately, he is the spokesperson of a party. Therefore, it is necessary for Raut to be careful while speaking,” said Fadnavis.

Uddhav, Aaditya are my ideological opponents, not enemies: Fadnavis

Mumbai: Deputy CM and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis has cleared that Aaditya Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not his enemies. “I have often said that neither Uddhavji nor Aaditya Thackeray is my enemy. We became ideological opponents because they accepted another view, and I have a different opinion. Sanjay Raut thinks so much of my potential, I am thankful for it. However, being a leader on his level, he should think a little while speaking,” he said.

THE ‘REAL’ SHIV SENA

First India Bureau

Mumbai: While the Uddhav Thackeray loyalist leaders are currently in an unprecedented dilemma, Thackeray is trying to make a new political comeback from the Konkan tour on March 05.

The induction ceremony of former NCP MLA Sanjay Kadam from Dapoli seat into Shiv Sena will be held on March 05 at the shooting ground in Khed.

This tour has acquired unique importance due to the current political environment in the state.

Konkan has been Shiv Sena’s stronghold for the last 30-35 years. But last year, Ratnagiri minister Uday Samant, former minister Ramdas Kadam, and MLA Chiranjeev Yogesh also joined the Shinde faction, which has undermined Thackeray’s dominance in both the southern and northern parts of the district.

Amid this situation, Thackeray is trying to make a new political reshuffle in the Konkan by holding a meeting in the village which is the home ground of the Kadam father-son duo.

I recognize only CM Shinde-led Sena: Rahul Narwekar

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Days ahead of Budget Session of Maharashtra legislature, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said on Thursday that he has not got representation from any group claiming to be a separate party in the House. His remarks come against the backdrop of Election Commission

recognizing the group led by CM Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena and allowing it to use the bow and arrow symbol

in elections.

Narwekar said that only one party with 55 Shiv Sena MLAs led by CM Shinde and its chief whip Bharat Gogawale are recognized.

The Budget Session of the state legislature will be held from February 27 to March 25, while the Budget presentation is scheduled for March 09.

“I haven’t got any representation so far

that there is a split in the party (Shiv Sena). If I get a letter, a decision will be taken as per rules of the tenth schedule of the Constitution (which deals with defection),” said Narwekar, who belongs to the BJP. In the 2019 Assembly elections, 56 MLAs were elected on the Shiv Sena symbol. The death of one of them, Ramesh Latke, necessitated a by-

poll last year in which his widow Rutuja Latke won as a candidate of the Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, which chose the flaming torch poll symbol. The EC has allowed the Sena - UBT to keep the ‘mashaal’ symbol till the conclusion of the Kasba Peth and Chinchwad Assembly bypolls in Pune district scheduled for February 26.

MY ELECTION

IS LEGITIMATE, 164

MEMBERS VOTED FOR ME: NARWEKAR

Mumbai: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar commented on the question raised by senior advocate Kapil Sibal over his appointment on Thursday and said, “When there is a disagreement on a matter, one goes to the court to seek a verdict. Even though Sibal has questioned my appointment, my appointment has been done in a valid manner. When the Assembly speaker is elected, the motion is duly filed. The members of the Assembly then vote. After voting, the result is announced and the speaker is elected according to all the rules. I have also been elected in the same way. On July 03, 2022, around 164 members voted in favour of resolution, so, my selection is legitimate.”

First India Bureau Mumbai: The hearing on the power struggle in Maharashtra is going on in the Supreme Court for the last three days. During the arguments presented by Abhishek Singhvi on Thursday, the Supreme Court’s comment on Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation as Chief Minister has become a topic of discussion.

The court said, “If you had faced a trust vote, which was an open vote, and had lost, it would have been clear what the impact was due to those 39 MLAs. If you had lost the trust vote only because of those 39 MLAs, you would have won that vote after disqualification.”

“Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation cannot be a key issue because, at that time, it seemed straightforward that this would happen. All this was done by those who were given tickets by the leadership and MLAs. The fact that the whip was applicable on June 29, the same was applicable on the 3rd, is clear,” said Thackeray group leader Anil Desai.

PROTESTS

New syllabus implementation now from 2025

‘Don’t

Why didn’t BJP field any candidate from Tilak family?, asks Uddhav

‘Uddhav’s resignation can’t be key hearing issue’

Rahul Narwekar

DATA SECURITY BIG CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL WORLD’

Aditi Rao Hydari, the popular actress who is best known for her performances across Bollywood and South film industries, is now busy with the promotions of her upcoming project, Taj: Divided By Blood.

Meanwhile, in an Exclusive interview, Aditi Rao Hydari opened up about her acting career and why she is constantly drawn to period films. Here’s what the gorgeous actress has to say...

“I really don’t know,” said the actress, who further explained why she chose to do period films. “I know that period dramas just come into my life somehow or the other. But I don’t know what it is and why I love them so much. Even when I listen to something regular, I’m like ‘Is this period?’ I think I just enjoy it because there is something about history, right? I don’t know, it’s something magical about it. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m happy that I get to do a lot of these period dramas,” she concluded.

UNSEEN WEDDING PICS

HEIST THRILLER

Stankovic’s wedding, right from the afterparty to the baraat. One of the unseen pictures that have surfaced on social media shows Natasa grooving while she posed with DJ Ganesh.

Another one seems to be from the afterparty, and it shows Hardik and his broth er Krunal Pandya dancing their heart out as they posed with him.

Bad Bunny fuels dating rumours

s Bad Bunny’s phone case hinting towards a rumoured romance with Kendall Jenner? Recently, a picture of Bad Bunny with a phone case similar to that of Kendall was seen doing the rounds on social media. Kendall owns the same case in a hot chocolate colour. There are speculations that the two might be romantically involved as the duo were seen together a lot lately. On Saturday, a glimpse of Bad Bunny’s phone case was caught under the camera when he arrived at the same restaurant as the supermodel.

EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONS

Disha Patani is one of the most loved actresses in town. On Wednesday evening, Disha steamed up the Internet as she dropped a hot picture of herself. In the new picture too, she rocked an animal print bikini in style. Interestingly, her stretch marks grabbed everyone’s attention and the Internet can’t stop praising her. In the picture, Disha is seen posing in her bathroom while donning an animal print bikini. The actress decided to show off her stretch marks gracefully in the picture.

ami Gautam is currently enjoying the praise coming her way for her solid performance in the film, Lost. She is now all set to be seen in the film Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga with Sunny Kaushal.

On Thursday the first look was unveiled along with the release date. The film is slated to release on Netflix. Directed by Ajay Singh, the heist thriller also stars Sharad Kelkar in a key role. The poster was shared by Yami and Sunny on Instagram. Along with it, they wrote, “Kursi ki peti baandh lijiye because this heist thriller will keep you on the edge AT ALL TIMES.

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga is all set to land on your screens on March 24, only on Netflix.”

MOST FOLLOWED WOMAN

elena Gomez has done it yet again. The 30-year-old pop megastar just beat Kylie Jenner to become Instagram’s mostfollowed woman, yet again. For the un-

versed, Selena held the title a few years back too. Scroll below for the details.

Selena Gomez has caused a huge stir on social media, all thanks to her Instagram following. At the time of writing this article, The

Rare Beauty founder has approximately 380 million followers on her official Instagram handle. It should be noted that Kylie Jenner seemingly has the same following count as that Gomez. It was the celebrity fan ac-

count pop faction that first noted the change in Selena and Kylie’s following count.

As of 10:25 a.m. (IST) on

23 February 2023, Kylie Jenner has 380,408,274 followers. However, Selena has 380,853,293 followers.

Natsa Stankovic

Selena Gomez

Disha Patani

Yami Gautam

Poster of the film...

Aditi Rao Hydari

attempting to pinpoint when and where they occur.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Housing is a key health determinant, and inadequate housing is a serious public health concern.

• In the United States each year, 13.5 million nonfatal injuries occur in and around the home, 2900 people die in

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You will experience a change within yourself regarding what you want in a romantic partner. You will start thinking seriously and begin looking for your soul mate in earnest. Do not trust any complete stranger on money matters today as you are likely to bear considerable loss.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You have great capacity to charm everyone. You are going to impress those around you with your wit and grace. You will win the admiration of everyone around you. Take advantage of this shining period to make new friends and mix with new people and new opportunities will open up in front of you.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

house fires, and 2 million individuals seek medical attention for asthma.

• Poor living conditions are linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, lead poisoning, injuries, and mental health issues.

food spills.

Could your home environment be making you sick? Toxins, pesticides, gases, mites, and moulds are all around us. The more you are exposed to them, the more likely you are to acquire the health problems that they might cause.

There are two approaches to being ‘home ill’, according to Robert McLellan, M.D., director of Exeter Hospital’s Environmental and Occupational Health Center in Portsmouth, N.H. Which of your health issues are related to your surroundings? Or, what dangers exist in your surroundings, and how they may harm you?

WHAT IS ‘SICK BUILDING SYNDROME’

According to McLellan, the first angle, known as ‘sick building syndrome’, causes a slew of symptoms including eye, nose, and throat discomfort, stuffiness, ‘spaciness’, and rash.

“These symptoms come and go very fast; you may notice them within an hour or two of entering a building, but they

‘Building-related illness’ addresses the second point. The effects of environmental dangers may not be readily obvious in this scenario. Radon exposure, for example, can cause lung cancer, although this can take years. Building-related illnesses, such as sinusitis, allergies, and asthma, can be detected using objective tests.

Every home is unique, according to Elizabeth Sword, executive director of the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC) in Princeton, New Jersey, but we should all go to the same general sources to assess what threats we face. Sword refers to air, food, water, and consumer products as the ‘organizing principles’ of combating environmental threats.

10 ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT

Tobacco use: Longterm tobacco smoke exposure (not to mention your own!) raises your chance of lung cancer, respiratory infections, other lung issues, and perhaps heart disease. McLellan advises against allowing tobacco smoke in your home.

Radon: Radon is an odourless, invisible gas that has been

linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers. Radon testing is not costly.

Asbestos: If you live in a house built between 1920 and 1978, you may have been exposed to asbestos, which was widely utilized as a building and insulation material at the time. Small amounts of asbestos are unlikely to harm you, but inhaling significant levels can increase your risk of cancer and lung illness. Although asbestos should only be removed by professionally trained and qualified workers, you can recognize it yourself.

Lead: Many homes built in the United States before 1978 contain lead paint, which poisons roughly 900,000 American children each year. If you have a small child at home who is in danger of lead exposure, consult with your doctor about getting the child’s blood lead levels tested. Consider testing for lead paint if you reside in an older home.

Another, more recent source of lead poisoning is scented candles. According to the Environmental Illness Society of Canada, certain candle manufacturers continue to use lead cores in their wicks, which can result in lead particles being discharged into a home’s air. Infants, tiny children, and pregnant women are especially vulner-

Gases produced during combustion: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide are examples of these gases. They have the potential to induce flu-like symptoms, respiratory diseases, and even death. Indoors, do not use unvented combustion appliances (such as portable kerosene heaters). Over a gas stove, use an exhaust hood. Every year, clean and maintain your chimneys and furnace, making sure they are properly ventilated. Install a carbon monoxide detector as well.

Water pollution: The United States has one of the world’s cleanest water sources, but that does not mean it is perfect. If you have a private well, test your water for nitrates and germs once a year. You may also wish to test for pesticides, organic pollutants, or radon, depending on where you reside. Chemicals found in the home: Some household goods can be hazardous if not utilized properly. Select the least hazardous chemical for the job. Keep home chemicals away from children and pets, and keep them outside the house and away from living areas whenever possible.

Pesticides: When caring for your gardens, lawns, and trees, try to avoid using chemical pesticides. To discourage insects, store firewood outside and away from the house. Make sure to keep food in tight containers and clean up any

You are going to feel more dedicated today and you are going to finish off all the backlogs which may have accumulated today. Clearing this will give you a nice sense of accomplishment and this will be noticed by the people who matter to you. Finances will improve as your salary.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Allergens: Moulds and other organisms that can cause allergies and other ailments thrive in water-damaged materials. Use a humidifier only if the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed, keep fuzzy animals out of the house (or at least out of the bedroom), and wrap your mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers to reduce other allergens in the home and address leaks and moisture problems.

Food poisoning: To avoid food poisoning, food must be properly prepared and stored. Keep your refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked, perishable food should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After each use, wash the cutting boards with soap and hot water. Allow no raw meat, poultry, or fish to come into contact with food that has not been thoroughly cooked. Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs.

According to McLellan, children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable to environmental risks. If you are a parent, consider your surroundings through the eyes of a youngster, suggests Elizabeth Sword. “The more kids are exposed when their organ systems are not fully matured, the greater the risk.” A ‘virtual house’ tour, a quiz, and ‘house rules’ - shop smart, ventilate, clean with care, renovate right, keep it out, and clean water - are available on the CHEC’s website (www.checnet.org) to provide further instructions for keeping your home as healthy as possible.

Though humans may be more vulnerable to environmental conditions and illnesses than ever before, McLellan believes that more may be done to prevent them. “By building, designing, and healthily operating our houses, we can prevent many of these problems from becoming out of hand.”

https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/is-your-house-making-you-sick-210352-1.htm

Your mind is very active today. You are full of ideas and inspiration. You will be constantly coming up with new plans which you will be able to plan and execute very easily. Your only problem today will be that you may feel overwhelmed by the flood of new ideas that will constantly fill your mind.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Issues related to profession will get resolved. But no aggressive action, be it in words or in writing should not be taken till then. Those facing issues on personal front should make time for dear ones. Do take care of your health as you have been ignorant of it since long.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You are likely to be involved in detailed planning of a project and you are going to be very thorough about it. You are feeling very industrious and this will be reflected in your job. You are also going to earn acclaim for this. A spurt of creativity will mark every aspect of your day.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

You may be cracking one of the biggest joint venture deals today. But you must mention explicitly once again your mission and goals to your partner. You may devote the end of the day towards your intellectual pursuits or in perusal of an artistic passion.

YOUR DAY

A person who has been around you for a long time but whom you have never really noticed will now begin to play a pivotal role in your mind. It is not just a budding romance. Rather, it is a meeting of mind and spirit that is likely to leave you feeling overwhelmed. Take time to get used to the idea.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22 New horizons are opening up in front of you. A talent which you have always treated as a hobby may become something more and you may find yourself making a living doing what you love. New developments are expected in every front which would broaden your ideas.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

This day is all about change. You may come in contact with someone who will bring substantial changes in your life or put you in touch with other people who can cause the change. However, not all the changes are good for you. You will need to analyze whether the change will be good for you.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You will be feeling very creative today. You appreciate all beautiful things and want to create something beautiful. The day is especially favourable for artists.You may suddenly start feeling deflated ﾖ a common occurrence after a surge of creativity and it may leave you feeling depressed.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

You are going to be in an especially easygoing mood today. You may also play the role of an effective mediator in any dispute today. You are going to spread cheer and goodwill and you are also going to be the life and soul of any party that you attend in the evening.

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

DR TRUPTI SHIROLE cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

MEWAR GAURAV SAMMAN!

City First brings to you some more glimpses from ‘Mewar Gaurav Samman’ was organised in Chittorgarh by First India News to honour people who have done excellent work in the fields of cow service, agriculture, sports, government service, medicine, sanitation, public representatives, social workers etc. Cooperative Minister Udai Lal Anjana, Member of Parliament Chandra Prakash Joshi, Heritage Authority Chairman Surendra Singh Jadawat, Zila Pramukh Dr Suresh Dhakar, MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya, District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal, Superintendent of Police Rajan Dushyant, City Council Chairman Sandeep Sharma, Nimbahera Municipality President Subhash Sharda, Badi Sadari Municipality President Mustafa Ali Bohra were present in the event.

Jinendra Singh Shekhwat, Dr Suresh Dhakar, Chandrabhan Singh Aakya, CP Joshi, Surendra Singh Jadawat, Arvind Kumar Poswal, Rajan Dushyant, Sandeep Sharma, Subhash Sharda, Mustafa Ali Bohra

Jinnendra Singh Shekhawat, CP Joshi, Chandhbhan Singh Aakya, Suresh Dhakar, Udai Lal Anjana, Surendra Singh Jadawat, Arvind Kumar Poswal and Rajan Dushyant Dr SD Vaishnav felicitated by Udai Lal Anjana

Chandra Prakash Joshi addresses during the event

Chandhbhan Singh Aakya Vishal Mathur with Chandrabhan Singh Aakya PK Agrawal

Arvind Kumar Poswal

Udai Lal Anjana addresses the gathering during the mega event in Chittorgarh

Surendra Singh Jadawat addresses during the event

Dr Suresh Dhakad

Jinendra Singh Shekhawat greets Udai Lal Anjana PK Agrawal greets Sandeep Sharma

Jinendra Singh Shekhwat and Vishal Mathur

Jawed Siddiqui and Sarish Vasudevan

Ashish Aman greets Arvind Kumar Poswal

Suresh Dhakar and Chandrabhan Singh Aakya

SP Rajan Dushyant and DM Arvind Kumar Poswal

Jawed Siddiqui greets Suresh Dhakar

Audiences during the event

Ghewar Chand, Shivlal Meena, Dpy Budhraj Tak, LL Pokharna, Vikram Singh, Phoolchand Tailor, Hemendra Singh and Gajendra Singh

Guests during the event

A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Jagdeesh Chandra visited the channel office of Bharat24-Vision of New India at NOIDA on Thursday. After the editorial review, he also awarded the Top performing Anchors who garnered major traction on the popular Social Media handles of Bharat24. Mimansa Malik, Palak Sharma, Pooja Yadav, Surabhi Tiwari, Mahima Kanwar and Karishma Sachdev were awarded for crossing the 7 lakhs viewership on Bharat24 Social media platforms.

awarded Mimansa Malik for crossing the 10.61 viewership on Bharat24 social media platforms. Also seen are Amit Ojha, Shashikesh Ranjan, Syed Umar, Gopendra Nath Bhatt, Shikha Thakur, Aditi Nagar and Poornima Mishra

Chandra awards Surabhi Tiwari for crossing the 7.4 lakhs viewership. Syed Umar, Palak Sharma, Poornima Mishra & Anu Sridhar were also present Jagdeesh Chandra awards Karishma

I FEEL THE MOST COMFORTABLE IN DOING HINDI: RAASHII KHANNA

Raashii Khanna is currently basking in the glory of the recently released web series Farzi in which she plays an RBI officer who joins Vijay Sethupathi’s team to bust a counterfeiting racket. The actress also topped the list of IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities global trend list The actress spoke exclusively to Ashish Tiwari of First India about her character and more.

Speaking on how

she started her journey she said, “When I started I didn’t know what acting was, I had no acting-related goals. After Madras Cafe, I got multiple south opportunities so I never thought I’ll come back to bolly wood. I believe this was god’s plan for me.“

She added, “I got the Dharma film as an offer, so it was all destiny but at the same time a lot of hard work went behind earning every bit of it. There’s a lot of uncertainty in this Industry. Success is the only mantra that will help you

survive here.” Opening up on how she deals with her highs and lows she shared “Professionally there are times when you face lows, south the fans took everything very personally. As a public figure, one is always open to trolls and discussion. And at the same time if a picture fails you are easily replaceable, new highs and lows don’t hit me hard I just learn and keep getting better.”

The actress’s recent release was Farzi speaking on that she shared, “I have not narrated any story

TANISHK ON HIS NEW INDIE POP SINGLE

Music composer Tanishk releases a brand new single ‘Taare’ in the Indie pop music space for the first time. Presented by T-Series, and produced by Bhushan Kumar the song is composed as well as sung by Tanishk himself, while the lyrics are penned by Rashmi Virag. ‘Taare’ is a beautiful melody of love that is sure to melt your heart with its soothing tunes. Making it no less than a visual treat, the music video is a lyrical animation by digital creator Pixoury. Talking about the song,

Tanishk said, "This song is very close to my heart as I’ve been working on it for quite a while. Taare will bring a smile to your face when you play it, as it’s a very sooth ing and calming song. This is an Indie pop song and it appeals more to the young listeners and I’m sure they’ll love it.” The digital artist Pixoury said, “I was very thrilled to work on a song by Tanishk. The song Taare is really beautiful both musi cally and lyrically, and hence I’ve given my best to make it visual ly pleasing as well.”

Sneha to host the WWE Super Dhamaal

Sneha Namanandi will be hosting a forthcoming sports bases show. The actor and entrepreneur sound excited about the venture and share about it. She also talks about why she took it up and what makes this show special.

“It’s called WWE Super Dhamaal. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) has been very popular all over the world. My brother and cousins watch it very often and my brother has tried a bunch of WWE stunts himself on me as a kid. The show has seg -

for Farzi, They had decided that I was Megha. I knew its Raj And DK also Shahid Kapoor I signed it with my eyes closed. In their movies and shows their girl characters are very strong and prominent and when I heard the narration it blew my mind.”

She added “I feel the most comfortable in Hindi, even while shooting during Farzi my director called me Sherni because this is my language and I feel I can explore more here. I never equated happiness with money, so I relate to my character Megha." Raashii will next be seen in the film Yodha which marks her first film with Dharma Productions. The film also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Disha Patani.

GREETINGS!

ments which are bi furcated into WWE infor mation, WWE matches updates, humour, drama, games and so on,” says the actor, who auditioned for it and bagged the show.

Sneha's co-emcee is Three Idiots actor Shar man Joshi. “Sharman

Joshi is a very fine and talented actor.

It’s a great honour to share screen space with such an experi enced and incredible artist. He is a fun per sonality and it com pletely reflects in his performance and on the sets too,” she adds.

Maanvi Gagroo ties the knot with Kumar Varun

Actor Maanvi Gagroo, who announced her engagement last month, married actor Kumar Varun on Thursday.

The couple posted pictures from their intimate wedding ceremony which was only attended by their close friends and family members.

Maanvi took to her Instagram to share the pictures with Kumar Varun. She looked resplendent in a red saree, while Varun opted for an off-white Sherwani.

The photos have them posing next to each other. In the last photo, the two are seen happily signing their marriage papers.

Sharing the pictures, the actress wrote, “In the presence of our close friends and family, today, on this palindrome-ish date, of 23~02~2023, we made it official, in every way. You’ve loved and supported us in our individual journeys, please continue to bless us in our journey together.

While Maanvi Gagroo, has been a part of shows like Four More Shots Please and Tripling, Kumar Vinod is known for his comedy sketches, especially with All India Bakchod. He also appeared with Zakir Khan in Prime Video's web series Chacha Vidhayak Hai Hamare.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Pham Kim Dung Hoang Nhat Nam along with Miss Intercontinental 2022 Bao Ngoc from Vietnam and Luong Thuy Linh, one of the top 12 finalists of Miss World 2019 on Thursday, February 23. They also greeted Nikhil Anand and Nishant Anand from the Glamanand Group.

Tanishk

Sharman Joshi and Sneha Namanandi

Sneha Namanandi

Kumar Varun and Maanvi Gagroo

Jagdeesh Chandra with Nishant Anand, Nikhil Anand, Pham Kim Dung, Hoang Nhat Nam, Bao Ngoc and Luong Thuy Linh

Raashii Khanna

Jagdeesh Chandra

Jagdeesh

Sachdev

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Mahima Kanwar for crossing the 9.85 lakhs viewership. Also seen are Syed Umar, Poornima Mishra and Anu Sridhar