First India-Mumbai Edition-25th December 2022

Mumbai: Tunisha Sharma, 20, a television actor, on Saturday allegedly died by suicide on the set of a serial in Vasai in Palghar dist, and her co-actor, Zeeshan Mohd Khan, has been charged with abetting suicide. She went to washroom on set and did not return for a long time. When door was broken down, she was found hanging inside.

TN: 8 SABARIMALA

DEVOTEES KILLED

Pathanamthitta: 8 devotees were killed and two persons, including a nine-year-old boy injured in TN’s Theni district after a car carrying devotees plunged into a 40-feet-deep pit, officials said. 10 devotees were headed home when their car met with an accident.

SURVEY OF IDGAH

FROM JANUARY 2

Mathura: A local court in UP’s Mathura on Saturday ordered survey of Shahi Idgah Mosque, said to be built on the “Krishna Janmabhoomi”by the Archaeological Survey of India after January 2. The report will be submitted after January 20.

LINK PAN CARD WITH AADHAAR BY MARCH

New Delhi: On Saturday, the Government of India had made the linking of the two documents mandatory for all citizens.

While the last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking was March 31, 2020 earlier, the Centre had extended it to March 31, 2023.

LEARNING@75

Forward-looking, futuristic education system being created in country through NEP: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that through the new NEP, a forward-looking and futuristic education system is being created in the country for the first time.

“You know very well that for the bright future of India, our existing education policy and institutes have a big role to play. IITs, IIMs and medical colleges in country have increased after 2014, the year when Patel govt came to power for first time,” he said. More on P6

NEP will promote overall development of students. Vocational and skill education has created a major role in the NEP. It is estimated that more than 50% of students will be linked with vocational education before class 10.

CHANDA & HUBBY GET 3-DAY CBI CUSTODY

z Special Mumbai court on Saturday granted 3-day custody of former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, and her husband, Deepak Kochhar.

z The central probe agency told the court that both of them did not cooperate during the investigation and hence were arrested

z CBI alleged cheating and irregularities in loans sanctioned by the bank to Videocon Group companies. Chanda Kocchar and her husband

z CBI prosecutor A Limosine told court that while Chanda was heading bank, 6 loans were sanctioned which are under the scanner

RaGa at Red Fort: Yatra is to show real Hindustan

First India Bureau

New Delhi: After the Bharat Jodo Yatra reached Red Fort in New Delhi Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP government was spreading Hindu-Muslim hatred to divert attention from real issues. Gandhi also said, “this is not PM Modi’s, but Ambani and Adani’s government”. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan joined the yatra in the afternoon near ITO. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi joined Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat

Modi not listening to anyone, has captured all Temples in U'khand: Subramanian Swamy

pears to have become the strongest critic of the Prime Minister these days and has been making remarks against the Modi government.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Once reported to be extremely close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, now a days, ap-

On Saturday, Swamy was in Pandharpur in Maharashtra where he opposed the state government’s move to make a corridor in the vicinity of the temple.

The senior leader also addressed the media and criticizing PM Modi, said that ‘he is not a Hindu.’

On asking if he will he meet the Prime Min-

ister regarding the deregulation of temples, Swamy said, “PM Modi is not listening to anyone. He is not a Hindu. He has captured all the temples in Uttarakhand. Those who think PM Modi is doing good work are all Modi’s stooges. Today the government has taken over the temples. So why doesn’t the government take over churches and mosques? There is massive corruption in the Waqf Board, why arent they taken over by the government?”

Swamy further add-

ed, “The government has no right to take over the temples in the country. If there is any financial scam by the temple administration then the government can take over the temples for a few months. However, the government would have to relinquish control of the temples after setting up the financial structure of the administration. According to Article 25 of the Constitution, the government cannot interfere in any temple. The Supreme Court has also given a decision in this regard.”

Jodo Yatra in Delhi Saturday morning. Meanwhile, traffic was affected in parts of southeast Delhi as the yatra entered the city. More on P6

RT-PCR ‘must’ for foreign travellers

Centre’s six-point advisory to States

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Saturday, said RT-PCR test is mandatory for international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand amid the surge in Covid cases in multiple nations.

Meanwhile during the day, ministry has given a fresh six-point advisory to the states to face any Covid emergency amid rising cases in neighbouring China.

Passengers coming from abroad undergo testing at IGI Airport, in Delhi on Saturday.

The availability of LMO, in health facilities and uninterrupted supply chain for their refilling should be ensured and added adequate inventory of oxygen cylinders with backup stocks to be maintained.

‘Today the government has taken over the temples. So why doesn’t the government take over churches and mosques?’

Subramanian Swamy

First India Bureau

PM Narendra Modi greets during the 75th Amrut Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan via VC, in Delhi on Saturday.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

❍

BHARAT JODO YATRA ENTERS NATIONAL CAPITAL

Rahul Gandhi with Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Kamal Haasan and other leaders during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, near Red Fort in New Delhi, Saturday.

RAHUL: SHARING LOVE

I RECEIVED FROM HER Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared an emotional picture with his mother Sonia Gandhi taken during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

SOAP STAR TUNISHA, 20, FOUND DEAD ON SET; CO-STAR NAMED IN SUICIDE CASE

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the World. Meanwhile on Christmas eve, a couple dressed as Santa Claus celebrates, at snow-covered Ski Resort in Gulmarg.

Pandharpur corridor cannot be built: Swamy

BJP leader met with locals on Sat; warned Dy

CM Fadnavis of fallout if project goes ahead

Mumbai: With the state government planning a Pandharpur corridor on the lines of Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath project, local leaders on Saturday met with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy to discuss the matter.

Swamy had earlier reportedly opposed the Maharashtra government’s plans to develop a corridor at the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district.

The former Union cabinet minister also visited Pandharpur on Saturday and held discussions on the proposed corridor project with local residents.

While Swamy maintained his reservations on the proposed Pand-

harpur corridor, he warned Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of fallout if the project goes ahead as planned. “Under no circumstances can the Pandharpur corridor happen. If Fadnavis talks too much, he will not even be able to stay the deputy CM. Currently, there is no airport in Pandharpur and the roads are not good. The Chandrabhaga riv-

er is polluted; cleaning it should be prioritized.

Temples and shops located in the town will be demolished for the corridor. Notices have also been issued to many people in this regard.

That is why what the Maharashtra government is doing is not right,” he said.

Swamy also criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra

Shiv Sainiks express their ‘outrage’ at Guv in Amravati

Navi Mumbai: The prices of green chilli saw a slight rise due to dip in supply at the wholesale market.

Traders at the vegetable markets in Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) say that the dip is temporary. At present, the green chilli is available between Rs21 to Rs29 per kg wholesale. It was around Rs17 to Rs22 per kg a couple of days ago.

Navi Mumbai: The deputy Regional Transport Office (RTO), Vashi, has said that there will be no more extension of the deadline for meter recalibration of autorickshaws and taxis in the city. The Transport Department has already extended the deadline from November 30, 2022 to January 15, 2023. As per new fare structure, the minimum rickshaw fare was hiked to Rs23 from Rs 21.

CM SHINDE TO VISIT AURANGABAD, SOLAPUR FOR OFFICIAL GIGS TODAY

Aurangabad: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit Aurangabad and Solapur on Sunday to attend a cleanliness awareness event as well as a function of a cooperative sugar mill, an official said. The cleanliness awareness event will be held in the morning in the Cantonment area here and has been organized by the Revdanda-based Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan. The CM will then proceed to Solapur, some 310 kilometres from here, for a function of Adinath Cooperative Sugar Mill in Karmala.

JNPA LAUNCHES 1ST PHASE OF MSEDCL OPS

Mumbai: Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj controversy refuses to die down. On Saturday, the governor was in Amravati for an administrative event, when he was approached by a group of Shiv Sainiks.

According to reports, the Shiv Sena workers, belonging to the Uddhav Thackeray faction, planned to throw the shoe at the governor for his alleged ‘insults’ to the 17th century warrior king at an Aurangabad event last month.

THE CONTENTION

The Pandharpur temple attracts lakhs of devotees annually, which puts a huge pressure on the government machinery and the police force. The corridor is aimed at facilitating the devotees. However, there is a requirement to demolish some religious as well as residential structures in the town for the project, which is being opposed by some sections.

Under no circumstances can the Pandharpur corridor happen. Currently, there is no airport in Pandharpur and the roads are not good. The Chandrabhaga river is polluted; cleaning it should be prioritized. Temples and shops located in the town will be demolished for the corridor. Notices have also been issued to many people in this regard. That is why what the Maharashtra government is doing is not right.

—Subramanian Swamy, BJP leader

Fadnavis government by terming it “immoral” during a media interaction.

“The Shinde-Fadnavis government has been formed in Maharashtra by breaking the

Shiv Sena (the party split into two factions).

The public has not elected this government and hence, it is immoral. Their case is pending in the Supreme Court,” said Swamy.

Satara mishap: BJP MLA, 3 others injured

First India Bureau

Pune: Jaykumar Gore, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, was injured along with three others after the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) they were travelling in fell off a bridge into a ditch near Phaltan in his native Satara district early on Saturday. The other three injured include the legislator’s bodyguard and the driver, said police.

Doctors treating the MLA said he did not suffer any serious injury in the accident.

“The accident took place in the wee hours of Saturday. The driver apparently lost control over the vehicle, due to which it veered off the Lonand-Phaltan road and fell from a bridge into a ditch at least 30 feet down,” said a senior police official.

Phaltan town is located around 110 km from Pune city.

SUV they were travelling in fell off a bridge into a ditch near Phaltan

“MLA Gore and three others were injured in the accident.

While Gore was admitted to the Pune-based Ruby Hall Clinic, the other injured persons are undergoing treatment in some other hospitals,” he said.

According to police, the SUV broke the barrier of the bridge on the Banganga river before plunging into the ditch.

Gore represents the Man Assembly constituency in Satara district.

Dr Kapil Zirpe, head of the critical care section of Ruby Hall Clinic, said, “MLA Gore was admitted to the hospital at around 6 am. Our medical team immediately started his treatment. Fortunately, he has not suffered any serious injury. His chest is slightly bruised due to the accident.”

“He is conscious and talking. His pulse and blood pressure are normal,” Dr Zirpe told reporters.

Hindu orgs take out morcha for ‘Love Jihad’

First India Bureau

Sangli: With increasing cases of ‘Love Jihad’ coming to the fore in Maharashtra, a morcha (protest march) was taken out by the Hindu Sakal Samaj in Sangli district of the state on Saturday.

The procession started from Ram Mandir Chowk and passed through Panchmukhi Maruti temple, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maruti Chowk, Harbhat Road, Nagar Nigam Rajwada to Station Chowk.

During the rally, members of the organization raised demands for a Love Jihad Act,

OUTRAGED

Who said Pawar sahab is angry with me? fumes NCP’s Ajit Pawar

“Bharat

included local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office-bearers

Patil, Sudhir Gadgil, BJP Western Maharashtra Union Minister Makrand Deshpande, BJP Sangli district President Prithviraj Deshmukh, former Islampur Mayor Nishikant Patil, Neeta Kelkar, Shekhar Inamdar, Nitin Shinde, councillor Urmila Belwalkar,

Maha Kesari tourney to be held in Pune

HEAVY TRAFFIC ON MUMBAI-PUNE EXPWY ON X’MAS

Navi Mumbai: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) inaugurated the operation of the first phase of the MSEDCL distribution franchisee on December 21, 2022, and commissioned the Smart Street Lighting System at JNPA township. The distribution franchisee was inaugurated at the hands of Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, JNPA, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Dy. Chairman, JNPA.

Lonavala: Amid the festive vibes of long Christmas weekend, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway experienced long queues of vehicles lined up in line ahead of toll plazas and in the Khandala ghat region near Lonavala on Saturday. With many people travelling out of cities, the Expressway was packed with heavy traffic on both sides with travellers in distress.

With opposition parties taking an aggressive stand against the governor on the matter and demanding his removal, Shiv Sainiks seem to have followed suit. Demonstrations are being held at various places across the state against the governor’s statement.

While the Sena workers could not manage to harm Governor Koshyari due to timely intervention of security personnel, they made gestures of beating him with the footwear and also raised slogans.

Sensing that the matter could turn ugly, local police immediately rushed to the spot and arrested the protesters before any of them could take an ill-desired action.

Leader of Oppn in Mahaashtra Assembly rebukes journo over query on Patil suspension

First India Bureau

Amravati: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar lost his cool on a journalist when asked about his ‘lack of outrage’ in the state Assembly over the suspension of party leader Jayant Patil for the rest of the Winter Session.

While addressing mediapersons after a prize distribution ceremony in Amravati on Saturday, Pawar appeared none too happy when asked about NCP supremo Sharad Pawar’s reaction to his non-aggressive stance on the issue.

Responding to the question, Ajit Pawar

said, “I have been associated with politics and social affairs for the last 32 years. I do not need anyone to tell me how to do my job as the leader of the opposition. The MLAs who put me there know my work, and that is the reason they gave me this post. Who told you that Pawar sahab is angry with me, did he call

you? I am in touch with him every day.”

Pawar went ahead and reprimanded the journalist for his question. “Who brought this to your knowledge? You have the right to ask questions, but do not ask just anything. Do not create confusion in the minds of people. There is no difference of opinion in the Maha

‘POLITICAL’ RAP

Pune (PTI): Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he had resolved a dispute between two groups in the wrestling association in Maharashtra

Vikas Aghadi (coalition),” he asserted.

The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray is the real Shiv Sena. We (NCP) are in Maha Vikas Aghadi. Under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, Samajwadi Party and other allies are working as a capable opposition party, he added.

meeting the president of the Wrestling Federation of India. When asked about the prestigious Maharashtra Kesari competition, Pawar said both opposing groups in the state wrestling association wanted to host the event.

“The first one will be held in Pune in January and then we will think of the one proposed in Ahmednagar. I will attend the competition after checking the dates,” said Pawar, who is also the chief of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association.

First India Bureau

CRUCIAL READ

Lakhs of devotees come to Pandharpur for annual pilgrimage every year. —FILE PHOTO

after

First India Bureau

Anti-Cow Slaughter Act and Prohibition of Conversion Act in the state

of Maharashtra. Thousands participated in the march including

young school kids. Demonstrators were seen raising slogans of

Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”. Notable participants in the protest march

namely Sanjaykaka

among others.

Members of other Hindu organizations also took part in the protest march.

Thousands took part in the protest march on Saturday.

Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar —FILE PHOTO

A crane lifts the car at the site. —PHOTO BY ANI

BF.7 scare: BMC’s focus on vaccination drive

gers arriving at Mumbai airport will be subjected to RT-PCR tests, and all positive samples will be sent for genome sequencing to the Punebased National Institute of Virology, it said.

up in its 24 administrative wards.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said it would focus on rigorously implementing the vaccination drive amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in some countries, believed to be fuelled by the BF.7 subvariant of Omicron.

A release from the civic body also appealed to citizens to strictly adhere to COVID-19 norms and appropriate behaviour in order to keep coronavirus at bay.

The BMC said the steps it was taking were

First India Bureau

Navi Mumbai: In a tragic incident, a woman and her son were killed and six people were injured after a few stone pieces fell on the road following a controlled blast was done for the construction of a railway track for the proposed Panvel Karjat Suburban Railway Corridor.

The deceased were identified as Devaka Badekar (60) and Sachin Badekar (24).

Assistant Sub Inspector from Khalapur police station Mohan Bhadkar, said, “The son was driving the motorbike while his mother was a pillion rider when the stone hit them after the blast.”

After the incident, the agitated local residents held a ‘rasta roko’. A case was filed for negligence causing death.

Samples of

The civic body said its two hospitals, namely Seven Hills (1,700 beds) and Kasturba (35 beds), and four state government-run facilities, comprising Cama Hospital (100 beds), St. George Hospital (70 beds), Tata Hospital (16 beds) and Jagjivan Ram Hospital (12 beds), were treating COVID-19 patients in the metropolis.

There are 871 beds earmarked for the infection in 26 private hospitals, and admission to all civic and state-run as well as private hospitals will be managed by 24/7 BMC war rooms set

Enough Oxygen facility is available in the form of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO), Dura Cylinders and PSA (pressure swing absorption) tanks to manage COVID-19 cases, the BMC release added.

“Citizens are urged to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in public, maintaining physical distance from others, washing hands frequently with soap and water, and staying home when feeling sick,” it said.

Highlighting that elderly citizens and patients with diabetes and hypertension should take proper precautions, the civic body also asked citizens to take vaccination and precautionary dose.

Businessman’s sons arrested for killing their father

First India Bureau

Pune: Dhananjay Navnath Bansode (47), the businessman who had gone missing since December 15, was murdered by his sons said Pimpri Chinchwad police officials on Saturday.

The police found out that the duo killed their father for his extramari-

tal affair and burnt his body in their factory’s kiln and later lodged a missing complaint.

Both the accused sons were arrested on Friday.

Dhananjay was a resident of Nighoje in the Khed taluka of Pune district. The police identified his sons as Sujit Bansode (21) and Abhijit Bansode (18). A first in-

formation report (FIR) of murder was lodged at the Mhalunge police station on Friday.

According to Police

CBSE cautions parents, students about fake website duping money

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A fake website similar to the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been duping parents of school kids with false information.

The board has issued a circular appealing to parents and students to exercise caution and

not respond to such messages and websites.

The circular has been posted to the official CBSE website, which is http://www. cbse.gov.in. The circular states that https://

cbsegovt.com/ is a fake website address. The concerned fake website is sending messages to parents and students about payment to download and prepare for Class X and XII exams. However, CBSE does not charge any fee from parents directly for downloading admit cards of Class X and XII examinations.

Reason for murder may be the extramarital love affair Dhananjay had with a Nagpur woman

Inspector Kishor Patil, the investigating officer of the case, the accused attacked their father with an iron rod while

he was sleeping.

“Then they pressed a pillow on his face till he died. The duo further burnt the dead body in the bhatti (kiln) at their workplace. We have recovered the bones of the deceased,” Patil said.

Dhananjay had an extramarital love affair with a woman from Nagpur.

Hearing, speech-impaired person murdered; 1 arrested

Palghar (PTI): A man has been arrested for allegedly killing a speech and hearingimpaired person and dumping his body by the roadside in Valiv area of Palghar district, an official said on Saturday.

The body of Sunil Tiwari (34), a native of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, was found in the evening of December 20, after which an investigation

began under teams led by Central Crime Unit Senior Inspector Rahul Rakh and his Crime Unit II Vasai counterpart Sahuraj Ranavare.

“Tiwari had been strangled and his face had been smashed with a boulder to make identification difficult. A probe over three days zeroed in on Yashwardhan Jha (21) of Naigaon,” said an official.

Temple authorities urge people to wear masks

First India Bureau

Hingoli/Aurangabad: Amid the BF.7 Omicron sub variant scare, authorities at Aundha Nagnath temple in Hingoli, considered one of the 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ in the country, have requested people to use face masks.

Everyone coming to the temple must adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour, including maintaining social distancing, said Temple Manager Surendra Dafle.

Similarly, the Osmanabad district administration has appealed to devotees and staff at the renowned Tuljapur temple to wear masks on the

VALUABLES WORTH

MORE THAN `5L

STOLEN; 2 HELD

Thane: Two persons have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing valuables worth more than Rs5 lakh in Thane district, police said on Saturday. The theft had taken place on December 17 when some unidentified persons broke into a house and stole cash and gold jewellery worth more than Rs5 lakh, said Senior Inspector Aviraj Kurhade of Crime Unit I, Kashimira. Based on the CCTV footage and intelligence inputs, the police zeroed in on the accused who were from Kurla area. At least 115g of gold jewellery worth Rs4.75 lakh and Rs1.53 lakh cash were recovered.

premises as well. The appeal has been issued by the Tuljapur tehsildar, who is also the administrator of the temple.

“The appeal covers priests, staff and devotees. They have been urged to wear masks, maintain COVID-appropriate behaviour like social distancing,” he said. Same guidelines have also been reinstated at the Grishneshwar temple for staffers, said an official.

3 NIGERIANS HELD WITH DRUGS WORTH `27.5L IN THANE

Thane: Three Nigerians have been arrested for alleged possession of cocaine and mephedrone worth Rs27.5 lakh in Thane city on Saturday. Based on a tip-off, the Crime Unit-5 of Wagle Estate police laid a trap and nabbed the trio near a mall around 1 am, said Senior Inspector Vikas Ghodke. The police seized 60g of cocaine worth Rs24 lakh and 70g of mephedrone powder valued at Rs3.5 lakh from the accused, he said. While three accused have been arrested, the police are on the lookout for another accused involved in the crime, added the official.

BODY OF UNIDENTIFIED MAN IN HIS MID-FIFTIES FOUND IN

Thane: The body of a man in his mid-fifties was found in Kalwa Creek in Thane on Saturday afternoon, an official said. The body was recovered by fire department officials and Regional Disaster Management Cell personnel from Kharegaon, said civic official Avinash Sawant. Local police have begun an investigation, the official said.

FOUR BOOKED FOR FORCING MINOR INTO PROSTITUTION

Thane: An offence has been registered against four persons for allegedly trafficking and forcing a girl into prostitution in Thane city, police said on Saturday. According to the FIR, the victim alleged that she came in contact with a woman associated with an organization during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was facing a financial crisis, he said. The victim claimed that she was pushed into prostitution by the woman through three other accused for Rs5,000 a day, between May and July 2020, the official said, adding that further probe is underway.

HISTORY-SHEETER NABBED UNDER MPDA IN LATUR

Latur: A 25-year-old man was charged under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) in Latur district and sent to jail, a police official said on Saturday. The Bhagya Nagar resident is accused of crimes like murder, attempt to murder, extortion, damage to property, armed robbery, he added. “The order to jail him under MPDA was given by Collector Prithviraj BP and the action was taken under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Somay Munde. This is the first time such action has been taken in Latur under this Act,” said the official.

Bombay HC asks law firm to pay `5K for disclosing name of rape victim

Division bench asks petitioner to amend the plea, issues notices to all respondents including the state govt, Pune police and the complainant

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court imposed a cost of Rs5,000 on the law firm that drafted the petition for disclosing the name.

The court recently observed that despite

repeatedly telling advocates to not reveal the name of a rape victim, which was a punishable offence with two years of imprisonment, the name of the victim was disclosed in a petition.

The lawyers had

sought to amend the plea to mask the victim’s name wherever it appeared in the plea, which the bench allowed.

A division bench, comprising of Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Prithviraj K Chavan, made the observation on Thursday while hearing an accused’s plea to quash the FIR registered against him by the Pune police under Sections 376 (rape), 406 (criminal

breach of trust), and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Advocate Zaid Anwar

Qureshi, instructed by law firm Huyalkar & Associates representing the petitioner man sought leave to amend the plea to mask the name of the victim wherever it appeared in the petition, including in the cause title. The court allowed the same and asked the lawyer to carry out the amendment the same day.

However, the bench noted that despite repeated reminders that disclosing the name of a rape victim is an offence punishable under Section 228A of the IPC, the victim’s name was disclosed in the present petition.

“Hence, the law firm, who drafted the petition, to deposit costs of Rs5,000 with the Kirtikar Law Library (situated inside HC) within two weeks,” the bench ordered.

Mother, son die in constructional blast accident in Panvel area

based on guidelines issued by the Union government on December

20 and 22 after a surge in cases in China, Japan, and the United

States of America.

2% of all international passen-

Tells people to ensure nCoVappropriate behaviour and get vaccinated

According to latest count, there are only 6,000 doses of Covaxin at the BMC-run Covid vaccine centres (CVCs). However, there is no stock of Covishield and Corbevax at any of the CVCs in Mumbai. Senior health officials from the civic Health Department said that for the last 3-4 months, all the civic-run vaccine centres are facing a shortage of Covishield and Corbevax. “In October, we asked the health department but didn't receive the stock. We have around 6,000 doses of Covaxin, however, there are no takers. We don’t have vaccines but there is no heavy demand.”

ONLY COVAXIN 6K DOSES LEFT IN BMC-RUN VACCINE CENTRES

A man dressed as Santa Claus puts a face mask on a woman at a COVID-19 awareness rally organized by the BMC in Dadar, Mumbai on Saturday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

KALWA CREEK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald welcomes baby Jesus into the world during the Christmas Midnight Mass held at Holy Name High School at Colaba in Mumbai on Saturday.

—PHOTOS BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

CRAZY MOMENTS FROM FIFA WC 2022 IN QATAR

A PHARMA FIRM IN THE DOCK, BUT INDIA WANTS CLINICAL PROOF

For tourist too life was a ball but discipline was not flouted. Qatar is not a democracy. You step out of line, you got it in the neck. When World Cup was allotted to Qatar the widespread reaction was not in favour. Doha proved them wrong. The Hindustan Times of December 20 selected the best XI of the 2022 World Cup

or a man approaching 94 years of age, excitement is a rarity.

FFrom November 20th to December 18th a boyish enthusiasm took over. I was one among the three billion fans who sat glued to the TV to watch the Football World Cup. The first shock was Saudi Arabia defeating Argentina. Lionel Messi looked more than bewildered. Saudi Arabia beating Argentina!! No. it could not be real. But it was.

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia presented Bentley cars to each Saudi player. Soon Germany, Belgium, Brazil, England were out. Little known African countries became giant killers. Morocco played with amazing skill. They had their opponents in a daze. Africa had arrived on the football big league. Doha’s Lusail Stadium did not have a vacant seat. Fans were left breathless. What was the great Cristiano Ronaldo doing? He was not in the field till half time. His arrival on the wonderfully manicured green turf but some pep into the Portuguese team. He even scored a penalty goal. Here was the second

WELFARE POLITICS DRIVES GOVERNMENT

l GOALKEEPER: Emiliano Martinez - Argentina: Without him, it is unlikely Argentina would have won the World Cup. He is the best goalkeeper in the World.

l LEFT BACK: Theo Hernondez - France: He was called to replace his brother, who suffered an injury. Theo did not let the side down.

l CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Sofyan Amrabat - Morocco: The most impressive skill he brings to the game is his ability to dictate the pace of the game.

l LEFT WINGER: Kylain Mbappe - France: The future is his. Once Messi has retired and

best footballer in the world fumbling. He had, a few days before the World Cup began, left the Manchester team under unpleasant circumstances. As Cristiano’s game deteriorated, Messi’s picked up. Soon Portugal was out of the World Cup. Ronaldo’s grief was all too visible.

From the first day I had backed France. The country had won the Cup four years ago. Argentina and France met in the final. The former was two goals ahead when the French wizards Kylian Mbappe scored two stunning goals. Two all. In

The Central government turned Santa Claus for the poorest of the poor when it announced free foodgrains for them under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) starting January 1, 2023. This will be above the earlier entitlement of 5 kg foodgrain under NFSA. The earlier scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna, which was launched in April 2020, has been discontinued as the Finance Ministry’s Expenditure Department had advised against its continuation. The free foodgrain plan will cost the exchequer about Rs 2 lakh crore.

Coming at a time when inflation is making life hard for the 81 crore poor, the gift of free ration for one more year

Ronaldo too, Mbappe will undoubtedly the best player in the game. He is 23 years of age. Messi is nearing 36, Ronaldo is 37.

l ATTACKING MIDFEILD: Lionel Messi - Argentina: By winning the World Cup he is as of now the greatest footballer of all time.

l RIGH BACK: Achraf Hakimi - Morocco: He was solid at the back as well as effective going forward.

l CENTRE BACK: Cristiano - Romero: Only 24, he can only improve. Takes pressure and with confidence.

l CENTRE BACK: Josko Guardiol - Croatia: He is only 20. Top clubs in Europe have their eyes on him.

l CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Luca Modric - Crotia: Age 37. Captain of team. His last world cup.

l RIGHT WINGER: Antonoine GriezmannFrance: He is 37. Did very well in this world cup. Unlikely to play in 2026.

l STRIKER: Julian Alvarez - Argentina: Age 22, his goal against Croatia when he ran from almost the halfway line will be remembered for years to come.

the thirty minutes extra time no goals were scored.

Penalty time. Mbappe scored the first goal. His class was all too evident. His pace is stunning. He suddenly appears from nowhere, sending the football into the goal. Speed, over 38 kilometres an hour!! Mbappe was heartbroken when his two teammates made a mess by missing two penalty goals. Argentina won the World Cup. Even President Macron could not console Mbappe. I too was very disappointed. But the better side won. A few words about

the organizers. Qatar excelled itself. Everything went like clockwork. No misbehaviour in stands, none in the hotels and hostels.

For tourist too life was a ball but discipline was not flouted. Qatar is not a democracy. You step out of line, you got it in the neck. When World Cup was allotted to Qatar the widespread reaction was not in favour. Doha proved them wrong. The Hindustan Times of December 20 selected the best XI of the 2022 World Cup.

Central government turned Santa Claus for the poorest of the poor when it announced free foodgrains for them under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) starting Jan 1, 2023. This will be above earlier entitlement of 5 kg foodgrain under NFSA

will be a big relief for the country’s poverty-stricken population. Since the outbreak of Covid the Centre has been providing free ration to the poor under the.

The pro-poor concern is not the only criteria for extending the free ration scheme, though it is the more important one. The extra 5 kilo free ration will continue to be distributed till the end of 2023, just before the nation goes to poll in 2024. As it will be given irrespective of caste or reli-

gion, it would have a huge impact on BJP’s popularity among the masses.

One may talk of the significance of India getting G20 presidency for Prime Minister Narendra Modi but for the poor getting free foodgrain is more important. The G20 presidency being rotational would have come to India anyway as it is an important member of the group. State governments have to ensure fair distribution by ration shop owners.

Maiden pharmaceutical company has been held accountable by a Select Committee of the Gambian National Assembly for the death of 70 children due to contaminated syrup made by the company. The committee recommended that the Maiden’s products be banned in the Gambian market and legal action be pursued against it. The syrups were contaminated with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Surprisingly, India has come to the defence of Maiden. Although the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation allegedly found irregularities in its processes and ordered its closure, India has refused to take any action on the plea that neither Gambia nor WHO shared clinical data linking the deaths with the syrup.

The pharma company does not have a clean record and that should prompt the government to act against it. The WHO also raised an alert because of the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in syrups. Both can be fatal for humans. Bihar, Kerala and Gujarat had also warned against Maiden’s products.

MAHENG/2022/14652 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Dangat Media Pvt Ltd, No.22, Dighe MIDC, Vishnu Nagar, TTC Industrial Area, Dighe, Navi Mumbai-400701. Published at Plot No. 3 Scheme C of Manglorean Garden Home, CHS Limited, Survey No. 5, 6C (Part) Ville Parle East, Mumbai 400057. Phone 022-46031417.

Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra Editor: Kartikey Dev Singh responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

Addressed the Graduation Day Ceremony of @esichq Medical College & Hospital in KK Nagar, Chennai. Stated that health is at the core of our nation-building strategy. The students receiving their degrees & awards today represent India’s investment capital for a better tomorrow.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

Heartiest congratulations to our talented female wrestler Antim Panghal, who has just been nominated for the #UnitedWorldWrestlingRisingStar of the Year honour. As a rising star in the wrestling world, she has won gold medal at #NationalGames2022 & #WorldU20WrestlingChampionship.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

Bible

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

K NATWAR SINGH

The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

Amit Shah bats for edu in mother tongue for students’ betterment

Says education in mother tongue will increase their ability to think, reason & analyse

Mehsana (PTI): Education imparted to a student in his mother tongue as provided under the new National Education Policy (NEP) will increase his ability to think, reason, analyse and research, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

Addressing a gathering at the 95th anniversary of Sheth GC High School at Vijapur here, Shah said work was underway to translate into regional languages the syllabi of technical, medical and higher education courses, and added that the NEP will make India number one country in next 25 years.

Under British education policy for pre-Independent India, rote

learning was a sign of intelligence, he said, adding that students did not have the power to think, research, reason, analyse, decide and understand, which created many issues in society.

“The new education

policy, which has made fundamental changes, including laying emphasis on the mother tongue, will make India number one in the world in 25 years,” he said.

“If a student reads, speaks and thinks in the

Yogi, PM meet in Delhi, discuss UP Global Investors Summit

New Delhi (Agencies):

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Saturday during which they discussed the UP Global Investor Summit slated to be held in Lucknow from February 10-12, 2023.

Sources said: “As the summit is nearing, multiple meetings are taking in Uttar Pradesh as well as with Central leadership. The Chief

Minister extended an invitation to the Prime Minister for the summit and shared the updates on the preparations so far.”

The sources added

JHARKHAND: 2 HELD FOR SLAUGHTERING

Jamshedpur (PTI): Two persons were arrested on the charge of slaughtering cows and selling their meat in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, the police said on Saturday. The police also seized 500 kilograms of beef from the spot during a raid in Haldipokar under Kowali police station, about 30 kilometres from here, and arrested three customers on Friday. Besides, the police personnel rescued 17 cows from there. Slaughter of bovine animals and selling their meat are banned in Jharkhand.

CASTE-BASED CENSUS FOR OBCs: SC NOTICE TO GoI

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court has sought response from the Centre and others on a plea seeking directions for a caste-based census for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the upcoming Census. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha issued notices to the Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and others while seeking their replies. It also tagged the matter with a similar case pending before it.

“MONEY CAN’T ERASE TRAUMA OF ACCIDENT VICTIM”

New Delhi (PTI): Money cannot erase trauma of a serious accident, the Supreme Court has said. “Whilst no amount of money or other material compensation can erase the trauma, pain and suffering that a victim undergoes after a serious accident, monetary compensation is the manner known to law, whereby society assures some measure of restitution to those who survive, and the victims who have to face their lives,” a Supreme Court bench said.

that Adityanath and Modi was spoke about the MLC polls in UP.

With just a few weeks left for the summit, Uttar Pradesh has managed to get investment proposals worth almost Rs 7 lakh crore, according to official updates.

The state’s representatives have also been travelling abroad to get their hands on a variety of investment proposals under the Chief Minister’s leadership.

NEP has created a big role for commercial and skill education. More than 50 per cent students will be connected to commercial education before Class 10, and this will help to take them towards self employment, micro and cottage industry.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

mother tongue, then it will increase his ability to think, his reasoning power, capability of analysis, and research will naturally emerge within this child,” he said.

“The fundamental change in NEP is to edu-

cate students in their mother tongue at primary and secondary level. I am confident in another two, five, seven years, all the students in the country will be imparted education in their mother tongue,” Shah added.

MP: Ex-Congress MLA BB Pateriya joins BJP

Bhopal (Agencies) Brij Bihari Pateriya, a former Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, joined the BJP on Saturday.

Pateriya, is considered a strong leader in Sagar district, joined the saffron party in Bhopal in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Political turmoil in Sagar has escalated after Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh held a meeting with district

leaders and workers last week. Sources said that Pateriya was sidelined and he was planing to contest the 2023 Assembly elections on a Congress ticket. However, there was minimal chances of his candidature, they added.

BHARAT JODO YATRA

Cong’s jibe at BJP for BJY; says no stopping for Yatra

New Delhi (PTI): Nothing can prevent the Bharat Jodo Yatra from moving forward, the Congress asserted asking the BJP to “stop playing politics in the garb of the Covid pandemic” and trying to “stall” the march, which entered the national capital Saturday morning.

Congress leaders alleged the BJP has made and failed in its every attempt to defame Rahul Gandhi and derail the yatra somehow as people from across the country including Delhi are overwhelmingly extending their support.

“Covid and health are serious issues and the BJP should not make them a tool of their politics,” AICC media and publicity in-charge Pawan Khera told reporters at the Ashram Chowk. “If you have the courage to stop the Yatra, do so. We will follow all rules and protocols, if any with regard to Covid.” “We know our responsibilities and the BJP should govern instead of giving us advice or directions. They are not declaring norms but their concern is Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra which is getting the support of people,” Khera said.

J&K: Big haul of arms & ammunition

Srinagar (Agencies): The J&K Police along with the Army have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in a joint operation at Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Saturday.

The police said that the arms and ammunition recovered include eight AK 74 assault rifles with 24 magazines and 560 rounds, 12 pistols (Tokarev type) with 24 magazines and 244 rounds, 14 grenades and 81 balloons with Pakistani flag imprint.

The police have launched a probe into the matter after registering a case.

HOUSE OF LATE SEPARATIST LEADER SYED

SRINAGAR

NIA RAIDS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN CHANDIGARH, J&K

Lucknow: A

ACJM AK Srivastava directed complainant Nripendra Pandey to produce evidence under section 200 of CrPC. Once he examines himself and his witnesses under section 202 of CrPC, the court would decide whether or not to take cognizance of offences and issue summons to Gandhi. The court fixed January 9 as the next date of hearing.

OROP DECISION DUE TO BJY, CLAIMS CONG

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday welcomed govt’s decision to revise the pension of ex-servicemen under the ‘one rank, one pension’ scheme and said it is the result of Bharat Jodo Yatra which raised the issue. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said one should “understand the chronology” of the issue as ex-servicemen had only two days ago met Rahul Gandhi during the Yatra and highlighted the issue.“This is the direct effect of Bharat Jodo Yatra... Rahul ji’s meeting yielded the decision of the union cabinet two days later,” Ramesh said on Saturday.

Bhagwat to attend 2-day RSS meet in Guj from today

Ahmedabad (PTI): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be in Gujarat on December 25 and 26 to attend a meeting of workers of the outfit’s Saurashtra zone and guide them about expanding its base in the region.

The closed-door meeting, to be held in Anjar town of Kutch, will be attended by nearly 300 RSS workers of Saurashtra and Kutch regions and the focus will be on establishing shakhas (branches) in each and every village of the state, a functionary of the outfit said.

“RSS is completing

NEED OF THE HOUR

Kolkata (Agencies): Guddu Kumar, a suspected ISI-spy, who was arrested by the Special Task Force from New Jalpaiguri on December 21, has informed the interrogating sleuths that he was trapped by the Pakistani intelligence agency through a pornographic website. Kumar, an original resident of Champaran in Bihar, is currently under the custody of STF, whose sleuths are interrogating him to get additional information about his nexus. State police sources said that during interrogation, Kumar had admitted to the police that during his days in Bihar, despite being married, he was keenly addicted to pornographic websites especially those having explicit Indian contents.

100 years in 2025, and a target has been set of establishing shakhas in each and every village. We also plan to cover all the cities and towns through our shakhas. On December 25 and 26, Bhagwat will provide guidance to the workers of Saurashtra and Kutch region,” he said.

Congress top leaders should mind their language!

New Delhi: Several party leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party national president Mallikarjun Kharge, need to work on their language.

If these leaders have to give speech in Hindi, then they will have to learn Hindi. It will not happen that every time they say some nonsense and say that the language is weak or they are Kannada speaking, Bengali speaking, that’s why the problem has arisen. It is okay once in a while, but if this is

happening again and again, then this message will be go among masses that the Congress leaders do not give such statements because of their language problem, but deliberately do wrong things.

Kharge is the National President of Congress, so he needs to be more careful about his words. If he wants to speak Hindi, then learn it well or avoid its idioms, proverbs etc. because there is a danger of ruining the meaning.

Similarly, Rahul Gandhi said in a press conference in Jaipur that

Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian soldiers. If he wanted to say something else, but due to lack of words, he said the word ‘pitai’ then that is a different matter. But if that’s

what he really meant, then that’s too bad. This is also factually wrong as Chinese soldiers are not beating Indian soldiers anywhere. Even if there has been a clash between the two, Indian

soldiers have also beaten up Chinese soldiers.

There are videos of this as well and army officials also confirm this.

Even if this is true, no leader should publicly question the valor of the army and the bravery of the soldiers. So, here comes the matter of both language and understanding of the matter.

A few days ago a big mistake was made by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha.

He had used the word ‘Rashtrapatni’ for President, which is an inde-

cent remark. He later apologized for this and said that his Hindi is not good. But in the name of bad Hindi, he has committed these types of mistakes earlier also. He is the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha and thus has a big responsibility. He cannot make mistakes like this again and again. On the other hand, in Madhya Pradesh, former Congress minister Raja Patria talked about PM. Did he not understand the difference between defeating and killing?

Shamsher Singh

Shah said a person is able to have original thinking only when the subject to ponder over is taught in his mother tongue, and the NEP will help provide a platform to a child’s inherent capacities like art and music etc. Along with this, the syllabi of technical, medical and higher education are being translated into the mother tongue, he said.

NEP WILL PROVIDE PLATFORM TO KIDS’ INHERENT SKILLS: HM

HM Amit Shah addressing a gathering at the 95th anniversary of Sheth GC High School at Vijapur, Mehsana on Saturday.

New Delhi: The Gandhi family walked together in the Bharat Jodo Yatra on Saturday as former party president Sonia Gandhi, her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren joined Rahul Gandhi in the march in the national capital. Sonia Gandhi and her family members walked with Rahul Gandhi for a short distance till the yatra halted for the morning break at the Ashram Chowk in Delhi. This is the second time Sonia Gandhi, also Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, joined the yatra that began in September from Kanyakumari.

GANDHI FAMILY WALKS TOGETHER IN BHARAT JODO YATRA IN NEW DELHI TROUBLE FOR RaGA OVER COMMENTS ON VEER SAVARKAR

ALI SHAH GEELANI IN

SEALED Srinagar (ANI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday sealed a house of late Kashmiri separatist and Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Barzulla in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar.The house of the former president of All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was sealed on the orders of Srinagar’s District Magistrate (DM). Geelani passed away on September 1, 2021, after a prolonged illness. His death is believed as the second major setback for the separatists in J&K after August 5, 2019 (abrogation of article 370), while some observers believe that separatism is over in Kashmir.

complaint has been registered in a court here against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleged derogatory remarks against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Maharashtra recently.On Friday,

New Delhi (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday morning conducted raids at multiple locations in Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir in two separate cases having links to terror activities.The raids are still on at the premises and hideouts of some suspects in these cases, sources said.

The moves come a day after the central counter-terror agency carried out searches at 14 locations in Jammu and Kashmir against people involved in the spreading of terrorist activities by the various proscribed terrorist outfits in the Union Territory (UT) by targeting minorities, security personnel.

Rahul Gandhi leads BJY, in New Delhi, on Saturday.

The J&K Police have started investigation in the matter.

Mohan Bhagwat

Rahul Gandhi with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. —FILE PHOTO

COWS; 500 KG OF BEEF SEIZED

ARRESTED ISI SPY IN WB WAS TRAPPED BY PAK AGENCY THROUGH PORN SITE: POLICE

New Delhi: Public sector

lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has raised `582 crore by issuing bonds on a private placement basis. The bank has issued and allotted Basel III compliant Additional Tier I bonds at a coupon of 8.40 per cent per annum, aggregating to `582 crore on a private placement basis, the bank said in a regulatory filing on Friday. The bank said the non-convertible taxable bonds will qualify as Tier I capital. —PTI

INVESTORS’ WEALTH

ERODES BY `15.77 LAKH CR IN 4 DAYS

INDIA WILL TAKE ‘ 20 years to be a developed nation ’

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Noting that the achievement of $5 trillion economy is a short term “aspirational goal,” former RBI Governor C Rangarajan on Saturday said that even after it, India will still be known as middle income country with per capita income $3472.

Rangarajan further said in order to reach the level of an upper middle-income country, it will take another two years and to be classified as a developed country, the per capita income will have to be at a minimum of $13,205 and that will take more than two decades of strong growth of between 8 to 9% to achieve it.

‘SHORT-TERM ASPIRATION’

z Former RBI Governor C Rangarajan said that achievement of $5 trillion economy is a short term “aspirational goal,” as even after that India will still be known as a middle income country

z Rangarajan said in order to reach the level of an upper middle-income country, it will take another two years

z And to be classified as a developed country, it will take more than two decades of strong growth of between 8% and 9% to achieve it

For this year, govt projects record wheat production

New Delhi (PTI): The government has projected record wheat production in the ongoing 2022-23 crop year (July-June) as total area sown to the winter crop has increased by 3.18% to 312.26 lakh hectares so far in the ongoing rabi season. Sowing of wheat begins in October while harvesting starts in April.

The country’s wheat production had declined to 106.84 million tonnes during 2021-22 crop year due to a heatwave in some key growing states, as against 109.59 million tonne in the previous year, as per official data.

According to the ministry’s latest data, wheat has been sown in 312.26 lakh hectares (ha) in the ongoing rabi season as of December 23, as against 302.61 lakh ha in the yearago period.

Free foodgrain scheme extended for one year

First India Bureau

New Delhi: In a pro-poor move, the government has decided to provide free foodgrains to 81.35 crore people for one year under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) at an estimated cost of `2 lakh crore.

Currently, the beneficiaries covered under the NFSA pay `1-3 per kg.

Under the Act, foodgrain is allocated at 5 kg per person per month for priority households category and at 35 kg per family per month for Antodaya Anna Yojna (AAY) families at highly subsidised prices of ` 1, ` 2 and ` 3 per kg for coarse cereals, wheat and rice, respectively.

With the Cabinet decision on Friday, beneficiaries under NFSA will get foodgrains free of cost for one year till December 2023.

LAUNCHED IN APRIL 2020

z The government has decided to provide free foodgrains to 81.35 crore people for one year under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) at an estimated cost of `2 lakh crore

z Under the Act, foodgrain is allocated at 5 kg per person per month for priority households category

crore people over and above the NFSA quota.

New Delhi: Equity investors have become poorer by `15.77 lakh crore in four consecutive days of market rout where the benchmark Sensex has tumbled over 3%. According to market analysts, investors remained cautious due to rising Covid cases around the globe sparking fears of another global outbreak of the virus. In four days, the benchmark has slumped 1,960.9. The continuous decline in equity markets eroded `15,77,850.03 crore from investors wealth as the mcap of BSE-listed firms now stands at `2,72,12,860.03 cr. —PTI

SCHEME ADDS 11.82 LAKH NEW MEMBERS IN

OCT

He said at aggregate output level, India is the fifth largest economy in the world now. That by itself is an impressive achievement. But in terms of per capita income, India’s rank according to IMF is 142 out of 197 countries.

“The immediate focus of policymakers must be

OTHER STORIES

to raise the growth rate of the economy. Achievement of a $5 trillion economy is a good short term aspirational goal. This will take a minimum five years of sustained growth of 9%. Even then, at the end of it, India’s per capita income will be only $3472 and we

will still be classified as a lower middle income country,” he noted.

“We have thus to go a long way. This only shows we must certainly need to run fast,” the former chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister said.

“Thus 9.65 lakh hectare more area has been covered compared to last year,” the ministry said.

The decision comes days ahead of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ending on December 31, 2022.

Under the PMGKAY, which was launched in April 2020 to provide relief to the poor during the COVID-19 pandemic, 5 kg of foodgrain is being provided free of cost to about 80

ACCORDING TO FINMIN REPORT

“The Prime Minister has taken a historic decision of providing foodgrain to the poor free of cost. A total of 81.35 crore people would benefit,” Food Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The move will entail an expenditure of about ` 2 lakh crore for the exchequer, he said, adding the entire cost will be borne by the Union government.

GOYAL LAUNCHES RIGHT-TO-REPAIR PORTAL & NEW PREMISES OF NATIONAL CONSUMER HELPLINE

New Delhi: Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday launched a host of new initiatives, including the right to repair portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of National Consumer Helpline centre in the national capital. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Consumer Affairs Department and IIT (BHU), Varanasi as well launched a capacity building programme of consumer commissions. These initiatives were launched on the occasion of the National Consumer Day.

OVER 10 LAKH E-SHRAM REGISTRANTS ON NCS

PORTAL: OFFICIALS

PTI

20% ETHANOL-BLENDED PETROL TO DEBUT WITHIN DAYS, SAYS PURI

New Delhi (PTI): The minimum support price (MSP) of crops can guarantee stable prices but not always the best rates, which can only be ensured through fair competition in the market, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand said.

Global developments can complicate India’s outlook

New Delhi: Around 11.82

lakh new members joined the ESIC-run social security scheme in October 2022, according to official data released on Friday. The data is part of a report — Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective - October 2022 — released by the National Statistical Office. It showed that the gross new enrolments with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) rose to 1.49 crore in 2021-22, from 1.15 crore in 2020-21. It was 1.51 crore in 2019-20 and 1.49 crore in 2018-19. —PTI

New Delhi : Over 10 lakh e-Shram registrants have registered on the National Career Service (NCS) portal and are getting jobs accordingly, an official statement said.

The portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 20, 2015. “So far, more than 10 lakh e-Shram registrants have registered on NCS portal and eShram workers are getting decent jobs through NCS,” the ministry said.

The portal is also integrated with 27 states and many private portals like Monster India, Naukri.Com, Freshersworld, Merajob etc. PTI

New Delhi: After achieving the target to sell petrol doped with 10% ethanol, India will in the next couple of days start experimental supplies of 20 per biofuel mixed petrol, oil minister Hardeep Puri said. He said India achieved 10% ethanol blended petrol (petrol 90%, ethanol 10%) in June, well ahead of the deadline of Nov 2022. “E20 (petrol mixed with 20% ethanol) will come in select markets on a pilot basis in a day or two,” he said. E20 is being rolled out in 11 states/UTs of Delhi, Bihar, UK, HP, UP, Haryana, K’taka, Maha, Punjab, Daman Diu & Dadra & Nagar Haveli. PTI

Chand noted that cultivators want it to get the best price for their produce and also to protect themselves from price fluctuations.

“In my view, MSP is not the best price in all situations. It is definitely a stable price but not the best price. Best price comes from competition. If there is competition in the market, farmers can get the best price,” he said.

New Delhi (PTI): Global economic developments are expected to complicate the outlook further for the Indian economy next year and there is a need to maintain vigilance on the external front, a finance ministry report said. The external sector continues to face the headwinds emanating from the global slowdown.

However, it said, the downside to a widening current account deficit is expected to be limited by a robust services export performance through the rest of the year and by inward

remittances, which are expected to touch $100 bn this fiscal, as per World Bank.

“As we head into 2023, global economic developments are expected to complicate the outlook further, and therefore continued vigilance is a critical aspect in maintaining India’s external resilience,” it said.

No country can afford to sit on its laurels, India included, it said, adding that continued commitment to macroeconomic stability will underpin both economic performance and investor interest in India.

Gems & jewellery industry achieves its export target

New Delhi: Hinduja Group, promoter of IndusInd Bank, made an attempt to revise upward its bid for taking over debtridden Relinace Capital to `9,500 crore with upfront cash outgo of `8,800 crore, sources said. The group had made an offer of `8,110 crore in the auction that was held on December 21, sources said. Earlier this week, the Ahmedabad-based Torrent group emerged the highest bidder by putting a bid of `8,640 crore. —PTI

Jaipur (PTI): India’s gems and jewellery industry has achieved its annual export target of $48 billion till the last quarter of the current financial year, an official said.

He said that after Covid pandemic, the industry is back on track and keeping its fingers crossed amid the current surge in number of coronavirus cases across the globe.

“The present chairman of the gems and jewellery council has informed that the industry has achieved the yearly target of 48 billion of exports from the

country till the last quarter.

We have achieved what he had to achieve,” secretary of the JJS Rajiv Jain said.

The 20th edition of the four-day jewellery show kicked off on Friday at the JECC here, which is hosting over 900-plus booths and 500-plus exhibitors from different parts of the country and abroad.

Jain said that the domestic gems and jewellery market is also growing because of heavy gold buying. He said that focus of jewellery traders has now shifted from international consumers to the domestic

buyers.

He said that the industry is back on track after the Covid pandemic and keep-

ing its fingers crossed that a China-like situation doesn’t happen in India.

“We are keeping our fin-

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z After Covid pandemic, the industry is back on track and keeping its fingers crossed amid the current surge in number of coronavirus cases across the globe

z Domestic gems and jewellery market is also growing because of heavy gold buying

gers crossed. If it remains limited to China then it will be a windfall gain for the Indian market,” Jain said.

India seeks more balanced trade with Russia:

Envoy

Moscow

Russia has become a major oil supplier to India. India’s appetite for Russian oil swelled ever since it started trading on discount as the West shunned it to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia emerged as India’s fifth largest trading partner during April-September this fiscal year with a bilateral trade of $22.7 billion during the sixmonth period.

“Trade has risen considerably this year since April, mainly due to our country’s purchasing large volumes of oil and fertilisers,” Kapoor told a forum.

“Trade reached $27 bln. This is a positive trend, though [we] would like it to be bilateral, as [trade] from Russia was worth $25 bln while [trade] from India only equalled $2 bln,” the diplomat said, adding that the Indian side “would like it to be more balanced.”

ESIC

HINDUJA GROUP UPS ITS BID TO ACQUIRE

PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK RAISES `582 CR THROUGH BONDS

MSP can only guarantee stable price, not best: Chand

(PTI): India welcomes the growth of trade with Russia which has reached $27 billion this year mainly due to its purchasing of large volumes of oil and fertilisers from Moscow, but New Delhi wants it to become “more balanced”, India’s Ambassador to Moscow Pavan Kapoor has said.

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

When the behind-the-scenes gossip starts taking shape in politics, then the political ‘road map’ ahead can be fathomed. Recently, when a few BJP MPs gathered at the Parliament House Annexe, PM Modi himself heaped praises on Gujarat State President Patil, giving him credit for the unprecedented victory in the Gujarat elections for some fiveseven minutes. By the way, Patil has also handled the re sponsibility of the PM’s parliamentary constitu ency Varanasi. Every

BJP MP who came out of this meeting of the parliamentary session had a little idea that Patil is going to get something big in the party in the coming days. Soon after, Patil hosted a dinner for NDA allies and BJP MPs at the Delhi Gymkhana Club and the most important thing is that he invited the MPs to the dinner with the request that the ‘PM wants the MPs to attend this dinner’. But it is said that Patil, using his political acumen, had invited leaders like Sharad Pawar to this dinner. However, it is another matter that Pawar refused to attend this dinner citing his health.

Bihar remains the biggest ordeal for Rahul Gandhi even today. Despite extensive reshuffle in the Congress organization of Bihar, the party’s graph is still not rising there. The loyalty of big leaders of Bihar Congress is more towards Nitish or Lalu than their Party High Command. While Bhakt Charan Das, Congress in-charge of Bihar, is said to be a ‘Nitish bhakt’, the newly appointed State Prez Akhilesh Singh is more dear to Lalu and Tejashwi. Now Bihar Youth Congress has got a new president in form of Garib Das, his loyalty is also reportedly with Lalu-Tejashwi. Party High Command is continuously receiving complaints that bidding is being done for various posts in organization. Money is being sought in the name of making District Prez & even Block Prez. In the name of strengthening the party, there is a demand of Rs 25,000 from AICC members, Rs 60,000 from former MLAs, Rs 1 lakh from MLAs and Rs 10 lakh from ministers, and yet, no action is visible.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had an informal meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah during the Winter Session of Parliament. Expressing his pain in front of Shah, Yechury said, “You have made such a person the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who does not allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak in the House. Sometimes even the basic sentiments of the member get hurt.” On this, Shah laughed and said that “we have fielded our wrestler from Haryana in the political arena, who will impress even the bigots. You have already seen its fate in Bengal. Yechury could not say anything on this.”

CHIRAG TO ‘LIGHT-UP’ SOON?

These days Chirag Paswan’s spirits are high. The BJP forgot him by siding with Nitish, but today after Nitish dumped BJP, the same BJP is crying foul. BJP’s number two also inquires about Chirag’s well-being these days. If sources are to be believed, soon Chirag may get the chair of Delhi. There is going to be a major reshuffle in the Modi cabinet in the coming days, and if sources are to be believed, Chirag has been promised that he will be given an important ministry in this reshuffle. The BJP is trying to get Chirag to spit his anger with his uncle and get the Paswan family to reunite so that a new wave can be raised against Nitish in Bihar.

Sadhvi Uma Bharti is fighting for favourite seat for herself in the 2024 general elections, but her party men aren’t allowing her to enter MP. She has the option of Bundelkhand, but the local saffron brigade there isn’t that enthusiastic about her. So,she met veteran BJP leader Nitin Gadkari & revealed her pain. Gadkari spoke to BJP High Command saying, “It would be a big advantage to field Umaji from UP, as there is a large number of Lodh votes of Sadhvi’s cognate.” He got reply, ‘in UP we get votes not on caste equations but on Modi’s face alone, so we have no interest in playing the caste card in the 2024 polls.’ So what is Sadhvi’s political future? Only time will tell.

It has been reported that PM Modi is very serious about CR Patil’s candidature. Sources claim that the PM had met Dattatreya Hosabale, number two of the Sangh, to know the Sangh’s mind in this regard, and while expressing his feelings to Dattatreya, he wanted to know the Sangh’s opinion about making Patil the next BJP President.

Hosabale also praised Patil and said that ‘he can prove to be a successful president of BJP, because he is a good organizer, tactful and approachable.’

But Hosabale’s opinion was that it would be better to wait for a while for Patil’s coronation because right now, the top two positions are occupied by Gujarat leaders. In such a situation, it wouldn’t be fair to make the BJP president a leader of such a state. Even though Patil was born in Maharashtra, his workplace has always been Gujarat.’ So, Dattatreya opined that at least till the elections, only JP Nadda should carry on as Party President & only after that any reshuffle at the top will be apt.’ But the final decision in this regard has to be taken by the BJP High Command (Modi-Shah).

16-year-old girl gang-raped; six including friend arrested

Victim had gone to attend a birthday party held at a chawl in Lower Parel area on Friday night

First India Bureau

Mumbai: After the Palghar gang-rape case sent shockwaves across the state, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly gangraped by six persons, three of them minors, in Lower Parel area of central Mumbai, police said on Saturday.

The police have arrested three of the accused and detained the minors involved in

the assault that took place in a chawl on Friday night.

One of the accused was the victim’s friend and the duo had gone to the chawl to celebrate another friend’s birthday, he said.

The other five accused were also there for the celebration. Later in the night, residents of the chawl

heard the girl’s cries and alerted the local police station.

On reaching the scene, personnel from NM Joshi Marg police station found the minor girl and the accused, he said.

Based on a complaint lodged by the girl, an offence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Protec-

Civic body seals SRA flats used by Mumbai ex-mayor

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sealed two flats of Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building in Gomata Nagar of Lower Parel area, which were being used by former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar.

The civic body had conducted an inquiry on SRA’s request and the legal owners accepted that they leased the flats to Pednekar.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya had alleged that Pednekar had misused her power as mayor and allegedly grabbed six properties allotted to slum dwellers under the SRA project.

Notably, the BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has been accusing Pednekar of corruption

After investigation, the BMC found out the properties had been leased to Pednekar earlier

and illegal occupation of flats and shops under the SRA scheme for the past few days.

He even filed a police complaint at Dadar police station. Pednekar had appeared twice to record her statement.

“Now, the BMC has

I n Chhapra district of Bihar, more than 80 deaths due to alcohol have created a ruckus even in Nitish Kumar’s party JDU. His MLAs are also angry with him for his ‘liquor policy’. A JDU MLA bluntly says that ‘if polls are held in Bihar today, not even 10 JDU MLAs will win.’ MLAs wanted that compensation should be announced by State Govt to those who died of spurious liquor, but Nitish was adamant on his ‘no’, because of which even Tejashwi is feeling helpless. The women have also started getting disillusioned with Nitish, saying that ‘if liquor ban is implemented in a state like Gujarat, there are also large scale de-addiction centres, which aren’t there in Bihar.’

According to an intelligence report, China is setting up its espionage network on a large scale in India. China is looking for such Nepali and Tibetan citizens having knowledge of Hindi language, who can gather intelligence for them by staying in India. In the past, Indian agencies have arrested many Nepali citizens on the charges of espionage, after which such beliefs have become even stronger. Indian agencies are also keeping a close watch on organizations like ‘Nepal Study Centre’ operating in different parts of the country.

increased Pednekar’s troubles by sealing flats and offices in the disputed SRA project in Worli,” said a source.

While Pednekar did not give any clarifications, she took to her Twitter handle to set the record straight. “I do not have a shop anywhere. Neither my office or house was sealed. Even after knowing this, Kirit Somaiya is torturing poor citizens under the pressure of power,” she tweeted.

G-20 SUMMIT

RED-HANDED

One of the accused was the victim’s friend and the duo had gone to the chawl to celebrate another friend’s birthday, he said. The other five accused were also there for the celebration. Later in the night, residents of the chawl heard the girl’s cries and alerted the local police station. On reaching the scene, personnel from NM Joshi Marg police station found the minor girl and the accused, he said.

tion of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered against the accused, said the official.

Three of the accused, who are minors, were detained and sent to

the children’s home in Dongri, he said, adding that further probe is underway.

In the Palghar gangrape case, police custody of nine persons held for the crime was extended till December 28 by a local court on Thursday. The Satpari Sagri police had sought extension of remand citing time to complete the investigation, which was granted by the court.

They were held under Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in an unoccupied house in Mahim area of Palghar in the intervening night of December 16 and 17.

Man threatens villagers with sword

First India Bureau

Akola (PTI): Angered by his defeat in the recent Gram Panchayat elections, a 45-year-old man allegedly threatened villagers by brandishing a sword in the Akola district, police said on Saturday.

A video of the incident, which took place in Khamkhed village in Patur taluka of Akola on Friday, has also surfaced on social media.

The accused had contested the elections to become a member of the Gram Panchayat, but did not get elected.

Upset about the loss, the accused went around the village brandishing a sword and threatened and verbally abused the villagers, said an official.

Members of the accused man’s family had been elected to the

With family members being elected for 30 years, his loss was a shock

Gram Panchayat for the last 30 years and this was a sudden loss, he added.

Based on a complaint, the police registered an offence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act against the accused who is absconding.

PM Narendra Modi will lead the heads of superpower nations: Raosaheb Danve

The union minister said the G-20 Summit is a great opportunity for India to show leadership before superpower nations

First India Bureau

Jalna: Union Minister Raosaheb Danve has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead leaders of superpower nations during the G-20 summit scheduled to be held in India in 2023.

The summit is a great opportunity for India

to show leadership before superpower nations, the union minister for railways coal and mines said while speaking at the concluding function of Maha Expo 2023 on Friday.

“We have held 200 meetings in different cities in preparation for the summit. Guests will experience Indian culture and visit historical places,” Danve said.

The prime minister will lead from the front, while hosting leaders from powerful nations, including the US, China, Russia, France, UK, France and Germany, he said.

The next G20 Lead-

We have held 200 meetings in different cities in preparation for the summit. Guests will experience Indian culture and visit historical places. The prime minister will lead from the front, while hosting leaders from powerful nations, including the US, China, Russia, France, UK, France and Germany.

—Raosaheb Danve, Union Minister for Railways Coal and Mines

ers’ Summit at the level of heads of states or governments is scheduled to be held on September 09 and 10 next year in New Delhi. Speaking about the rise in cases of COVID-19 in China, Danve said India has registered a low death toll compared to other countries during the pandemic and vaccination and booster doses will succeed in controlling the outbreak.

Danve further said the dry port, logistics park and development of railways in Jalna and Aurangabad will aid industries in the region.

Kishori Pednekar

—FILE PHOTO

DIRECTIONLESS CONGRESS IN BIHAR

YECHURY SHARES HIS ‘PAIN’ TO SHAH

WHY IS SADHVI UMA BHARTI SAD NOWADAYS?

NITISH’s OWN MLAS ARE ANGRY WITH HIM

WHAT IS SANGH THINKING REGARDING PATIL?

WILL CR PATIL BE THE NEXT BJP PRESIDENT?

The time has arrived to get dressed up to the nines. As we celebrate Christmas today, who can resist a flash of red, a touch of velvet or a sparkle of glitter? Whether the event calls for a casual, semi-formal, business, cocktail, or festive dress code, City First got the best Christmas party outfit ideas for a stylish celebration!

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

It’s that time of year - the party invites start dropping and it’s time to get your glam on. Designer collections seemed to hope for some sense of normalcy as we close out the year with celebrations filled with friends and family. So what better opportunity to wear the season’s most opulent feathers, luxe vel vets, and, of course, exquisite sequins and shine than this Christmas?

You can stick with Christmas colours and plenty of ruffles to really make a statement. You won’t fail to make an entrance if you choose a dramatic red ballgown for your Christ mas party. One can even go simple and silky, adding some drama to your Christ mas look with some fun accessories. Se quins and sparkles bring all the party vibes and never go amiss when won dering what to wear. Nowadays you can purchase sequin dresses in an array of different colours and styles.

If you like something a little more simple and fuss-free then satin dresses, as well as stretch dresses, are the perfect attire to wear.

They can be subtle yet eye-catching (look for relaxed shapes and stretch fabrics for ultimate comfort) and you can al ways add a little diamante jewellery for some extra Christmas bling. If you’re going for a dress, you should pick one that’s knee-length or longer. Though a slit down the side is perfectly fine if you want to reveal a bit more skin. Pair the look with nice heels and a clutch to com plete your outfit, and you’ll look fabulous.

The Cocktail attire dress code calls for an elegant dress that sits on or above the knee. Also, keep in mind that heels are a must. If you’re unsure of what to choose, a little red or white dress will be your best friend.

www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/mumbai I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 09

CELEBRATING THE SEASON PERPETUAL HOPE! OF

Christmas is the season of family and friends one can spend his entire holidays with family members at home decorating the house and baking sweets cakes, dancing to the tunes of The Red Festival and singing our all-time carols. Spending Christmas with the fam is everyone's favourite Christmas routine and watching movies is one of them, so once again sing for Christmas cheers and Hallmark holiday movie jeers. City First brings to you some magical Christmas Movies which will plop your down on the couch with your loved ones. So here are some finest Christmas movies to ever climb down your chimney.

A CHRISTMAS TALE

The movie has made an emotional connection with its audience due to the depiction of the harsh reality of life. French auteur Arnaud Desplechin crafts a sprawling, spellbinding portrait of familial dysfunction and reconciliation and togetherness. The story talks about a clan reuniting, uneasily, at Christmas only to learn that their matriarch (Catherine Deneuve) is dying of leukaemia.

KRAMPUS

BAD SANTA

Definitely not an ideal Santa, who loves to spread happiness and good cheer, Willie, a swindler on the other hand dressed up as Santa, and his elf partner Marcus try to rob a mall. Their motive fails when the thief befriends an eight-year-old boy.

THE PRINCESS SWITCH

Remember your favourite High School Musical star, Vanessa Hudgens? If so, am sure you have to calm your horses because, her film debut film of what ultimately becomes a Netflix Christmas trilogy, about a small-town baker who looks exactly like the duchess (also played by Hudgens) of a fictional country called Belgravia. Switching places for a day, the two run into a cheesy Christmas catastrophe.

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Just like the name goes, the movie depicts a happening office Christmas party but with a twist, the bash gets out of control after Clay, the branch manager, throws a party to impress a client and retain his branch and employees from his sister.

Can we talk about some dark Christmas mania? Christmas horror doesn’t come around nearly as often as romantic Christmas entanglements, making Krampus a welcome addition to the holiday movie canon. Based on the scary German Santa who beats children with sticks, Krampus is a big, scary, monster who punishes those who have lost their Christmas spirit.

LAST CHRISTMAS

Just like its name the movie did not make a rightful place in the hearts of its audience.

The Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding romcom from director Paul Feig got some harsh criticism in 2019, but the thing is, the movie has more to offer than critics first assumed. Despite a climax twist ending that still doesn't totally sit right, this is a Christmas film based entirely around George Michael songs. The movie is a great combination of great chemistry between the leads and a completely irrational Eastern European character played by Emma Thompson. C'mon into the rotation, Last Christmas.

HOME ALONE

Oh yes, we can't say no to Home Alone, a notorious kid and his incredible Christmas celebration are worth watching no matter how many times. Home Alone is indeed the Best Christmas Movie of All Time because it covers all the season-specific bases, is replete with jingle bell spirit and effectively embodies the Four Fundamental Principles of Christmas.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

X-MAS CELEBRATIONS

Merry Christmas: Celebs Spread THE X-MAS WISHES

SAYANTANI GHOSH

MITAALI NAG

I would like to be Secret Santa for my mother. And I wish to gift her a new house. I am taking my little one to a Christmas bash happening at a mall, which is being hosted by one of my friends from the industry.

I am going to throw a small Christmas party for my very close friends at my house this year. Besides this, I love getting Christmas gifts for my pet.

The entire concept of Xmas is beautiful, I was in a convent in Kolkata hence Xmas was always special. My belief in Santa was immense and the gifts I got as a kid were special. This year is my first Xmas with my husband so for us it’s gonna be enjoying each other’s company over festivities.

AVINESH REKHI

May you never be too grown up to search the skies and ask the gifts from Santa on Christmas Eve. I wish you the magic of Christmas. Let it fill your hearts and minds with love, joy, peace, and happiness.

DIVYA AGARWAL

Family and friends mean everything to me. So, let’s pause this year, and spend this holiday with those who mean the world to you. When it comes to sharing holiday wishes, I only want the best. Eat, drink, jin -

ASHA NEGI

CITY FIRST

Isha Ambani, daughter of billionaire Mukesh Ambani received a grand welcome as she arrived in Mumbai with her husband Anand Piramal and their newborn twins at Karuna Sindhu (her opulent residence in Worli) from Piramal and Ambani families on Saturday.

The families came together with the biggest smiles on their faces to welcome the newborn twins at their residences.

AAKANKSHA PURI

I adore so many aspects of Christmas, but I think decorating the tree is my favourite. It’s so much fun to dress up for family lunches and dinners.

Everything and the energy around me are so loving and wonderful. Every year, I make sure to up the ante on the holiday cheer since it’s difficult for anyone to resist that festive

Christmas is a season of happiness, dancing, feasting, and celebration; the holidays have here, and lights are twinkling all about. I adore everything about Christmas, from putting up the tree to buying presents for loved ones. What better way to bring the year to a close with love and joy?

APOORVA ARORA

Gifts come and go, what matters are the people who light up our lives all year long. Thank you! feel free to gain that extra pounds this time of the year! Love and light everyone.

This is the first time that the Ambani scion has come to India after the birth of her twins in the US last month.

Isha was seen with one of the twins in her

arms. Karuna Sindhu (Worli residence) was seen beautifully decorated with flowers.

Whereas Isha's mother-in-law Swati Piramal was

entrance

are

RAJEETA KOCHHAR PASSES AWAY

Veteran actress Rajeeta Kochhar, who was a part of several films and TV shows passed away on Saturday. She suffered from paralysis following having a brain stroke in September last year, as per her niece Nupur Kampani talking to leading portal. She even added that Rajeeta gradually improved,

Tunisha Sharma commits Suicide

Actress Tunisha Sharma, who plays the role of Shehzaadi Mariam in Ali Baba DastaanE-Kabul attempts suicide. According to reports, the actress attempted suicide on Saturday, December 24 on the sets of her TV show.

She hung herself to a fan in one of the makeup rooms. She was rushed to the hospital immediately. Currently, her family is present at the hospital.

Tunisha hanged herself in the makeup room of the lead actor Sheezan Khan of her show Ali Baba: Dastaan-EKabul. The report states that Tunisha was looking tense on the sets for the past few days.

Tunisha was reportedly dating the lead ac-

tor

Sheezan Khan. The duo was seen fighting on the sets of the show as well.

Krishna

Ambani

Grandparents

of the show

SUBUHII JOSHII

Late Tunisha Sharma

but on December 20, she had some stomach pain and a shortness of breath.

Late Rajeeta Kochhar

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Christmas celebrations were held at the NOIDA office of Bharat24-vision of New India, a National Hindi News channel during the festive season. Jagdeesh Chandra was also congratulated by Managing Editor Shamsher Singh and Senior Editor Syed Umar for Bharat24 now being available on DD Free Dish (Channel No. 074). The entire team joined in the celebrations wherein Jagdeesh Chandra also felicitated Anchor Shazia for garnering 2.6 million viewership for her popular 5 pm debate show, ‘Public hai sab jaanti hai’!

Jagdeesh Chandra felicitates Shazia as Santa Claus strikes a joyful pose

Jagdeesh Chandra with Shamsher Singh, Syed Umar and the team of Bharat24, (L-R) Amit Baliyan, Niraj Kumar Singh, Raj Kumar Pathak, Ankit Kumar as Santa Claus, Shazia Nazir, Arvind Singh, Amit Ojha, Anu Shridhar, Kshama Tripathi, Pratham Soni, Abhishek Rao and Aarif Khan

seen waiting at the

along with the priests to welcome the couple and their twins. Nita Ambani also arrived at the residence to welcome the family.

Nita

and Mukesh Ambani looked super happy and also clicked with one of the babies. Mukesh Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani and her husband Anand Piramal were

blessed with twins on 19th November, informed the Ambani family through an official release.

family wrote in the statement, "We

delighted to share that the Almighty has blessed our children Isha and Anand with twins on 19th November 2022. Isha and the baby Aadiya and baby boy

are doing well. We seek your blessings and good wishes for Aadiya, Krishna, Isha and Anand in this most important phase of their life."

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal

Isha Ambani spotted with her twins

Grandparents Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani with newly born