First India-Jaipur Edition-26th September 2022

Crucial

ITALY EXPECTED TO ELECT ITS 1ST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER

Cat and Mouse fight between Congress MLAs and party High Command keeps Raj’s political future ‘suspended’!

Gehlot

Rome: Italy on Sunday started voting for general election that could yield the nation’s first female Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni Far-right Brothers of Italy party – led by Meloni – is poised to make significant gains after collapse of 2 govts since the last election, if her party wins, she could also become Italy’s 1st PM.

DEFENCE EXPORTS GREW BY 334% IN LAST 5 YRS: GOVT

New Delhi: Defence exports have grown by 334 per cent in the last five years and India is now exporting to over 75 countries due to collaborative efforts, the govt said on Sunday. PIB said, “The Indian Defence sector, the second largest armed force is at the cusp of revolution.”

Aditi Nagar, Amit Mishra, Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma, Laxman Raghav, Ashvini Yadav and Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: It seems that the politics of Rajasthan, and more specifically of Cong, has come at crossroads. While on one hand CM Ashok Gehlot is gearing to file nomination for the post of Cong Prez and Sachin Pilot is

being considered as high command’s choice as CM, but, Gehlot camp has become angry with Pilot’s name & ‘rebelled’ against supposed nominee of high command.

Even before legislature party meeting on Sunday, MLAs of Gehlot faction gathered at house of Dhariwal and resigned after reaching Joshi’s house. Cabinet minister Pratap Singh

Khachariyawas claimed that 92 MLAs have resigned. “Our only demand is that CM should

not be made out of the people who rebelled. There is displeasure among the legislators as

VICTIM’S LAST RITES

PERFORMED AMID PROTESTS

The father of the girl questions State govt over demolition of resort

Moni Sharma

Hyderabad: Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav’s half centuries put India in cruise mode but Australia then put squeeze in the death overs. India lost Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early but Kohli and Suryakumar’s sensational 104-run stand for 3rd wicket, which came in just 62 balls, almost took game away from Australia.

PUNJAB GOVERNOR APPROVES SEPT 27 ASSEMBLY SESSION

Chandigarh: After days of squabble between Raj Bhavan and the AAP government over holding an assembly session, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit Sunday gave his nod to convene the House on Sept 27. As per order, Governor has summoned a daylong session on Tuesday.

MUKUL ROHATGI DECLINES ATTORNEY GENERAL’S POST

Rishikesh: Mortals remains of Ankita Bhandari was taken to NIT ghat from mortuary in Srinagar, Pauri Garwhal for the last rites on Sunday. During the day, the family of a 19-yearold woman receptionist agreed to conduct her last rites after they received a call from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The family had earlier refused to conduct the last rites until the full post-mortem results were revealed.

The father of the girl has also questioned the Uttarakhand government over the demolition of the resort and asked, “Why was the resort razed when it had evidence?” A massive protest had erupted outside mortuary where Ankita’s father arrived to take her body. Protests have blocked the road with people assembling in protest and even making their own food and staying on. The protesters also block Badrinath-Rishikesh highway demanding action against culprit.

MERA BETA SEEDHA SADHA HAI: EXPELLED

BJP LEADER VINOD DEFENDS SON PULKIT

Expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya and father of the main accused in the Uttarakhand receptionist murder case on Sunday said his son Pulkit Arya is a “seedha sadha balak". The former BJP leader denied all charges against his son and maintained that Pulkit is innocent, “Seedha sadha balak hai. He is only concerned about his work. I want justice for both my son Pulkit and the murdered woman,” Arya said. “He would never indulge in such activities,” he added.

After WhatsApp chats, a phone call recording has come to the fore to add another twist to the murder case of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. Pulkit Arya told Pushp on call, “We left with Ankita in the evening and came back to the resort at 9 pm after visiting Rishikesh. Ankita also came with us and had dinner. But she was not found in her room the next morning, hence we started looking for her.”

New Delhi: Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi has declined central govt’s proposal to be appointed as next Attorney General for India. Rohatgi was to be replacing KK Venugopal. Asked about his decision, Rohatgi said there is no particular reason for declining offer, “thought about it again” and decided not to take up the offer.

2 TERRORISTS

KILLED IN J&K’S

KUPWARA: POLICE

New Delhi: 2 unidentified militants were killed in an encounter near LoC at Tekri Nar in Machil area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara on Sunday.

“Identification of the killed terrorists being ascertained,” a J&K police spokesman said. 2 AK 47, 2 pistols & 4 hand grenades recovered.

Late on Sunday night, Shanti Dhariwal, Dr Mahesh Joshi, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, and Sanyam Lodha met Maken at Hotel Marriott with a 3-point agenda prepared after discussion with all MLAs.

1ST AGENDA: CM should be made out of 102 loyal MLAs.

2ND AGENDA: CM decision should be taken after October 18. 3RD AGENDA:

to why decision was not taken after asking legislators,” PSK said. It is being told that Cong in-

CM should be made after Gehlot's consent. Later, they also went to CMR but talks failed. Late night MLAs returned to their homes.

charge Maken briefed high command & specifically Sonia about whole situation in Raj and after that Sonia directed Maken to speak to MLAs on a one to one basis. Turn to P8

BJP’S ONE-UP AGAINST AAP!

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. “As a tribute to the great freedom fighter, it has been decided that the Chandigarh airport will now be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh,” PM Narendra Modi said.

RETURN OF THE CHEETAHS TO INDIA

“People from all corners of the country have expressed happiness over the return of cheetahs to India. 1.3 crore Indians are elated and filled with pride.” “A task force will monitor Cheetahs, on the basis of which we’ll decide when you can visit them.”

EMPHASIS ON THE VOCAL FOR LOCAL

“On occasion of Bapu’s birth anniv on Oct 2, we have to take a pledge to intensify ‘Vocal for Local’. Through our resolution, we now include local artisans & craftsmen in joy of festivals.”

Dhankhar in Mukan applauds discipline of Bishnoi society

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar, at Dharma Sabha organised during fair of Guru Jambheshwar at Mukan, on Sunday, said that 120 words and 29 rules of Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj are essence of all civilizations of the universe.

Dhankhar said that Mukan gave the message of protection of the environment to the whole world and added that

MODI SPEAKS

IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE: A lot of emphasis has also been given in the National Education Policy to maintain a fixed standard for Sign Language.

INTERNATIONAL MILLET YEAR: Celebrating 2023 as ‘International Millet Year’. I have received many letters in which people have written how they have made millets a part of their daily diet.

TB FREE CAMPAIGN: “Many people are coming forward and are adopting 1 TB patient or the other, taking lead in ensuring a nutritious diet.

DISCOURAGING USE OF PLASTIC ITEMS

“A long human chain ‘Swachh Sagar - Surakshit Sagar’ was formed, in which about 5,000 young friends from NSS collected more than 30 tonnes of plastic in Goa after the Ganesh utsav.”

23 on way to temple die as boat sinks in B’desh

Dhaka: At least 23 people were killed and several dozen more were missing on Sunday after a boat capsized in a river in Bangladesh, police said. “We have recovered 23 bodies. Firefighters and divers are searching for more bodies,” local police official Shafiqul Islam told. The boat was packed with up to 50 Hindu pilgrims, police said.

They were travelling to a centuries-old temple when the vessel sud-

INDIA BEAT AUS BY 6 WICKETS IN THRILLER GAME, WIN SERIES 2-1

People gather to block the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway in protest against killing of a receptionist Ankita Bhandari, at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district on Sunday.

PHOTO BY ANI

ACCUSED PULKIT ARYA TRIED TO MISLEAD ANKITA’S FRIEND, REVEALS CALL RECORD

We have called every employee in the resort to the police station; will take everyone’s statements. We’re running a full background analysis on the resort.

—PR Devi, DIG, SIT in-charge

denly tipped over and sank in the middle of Karotoa river near Boda in northern Bangladesh. Another police officer said up to 25 people were still missing. A boat carrying over 50 people capsize in Karotoa river, in Bangladesh on Sunday.

principles of Guru Jambheshwar should be followed. He unveiled statue of Chaudhary Bhajan Lal, inaugurated beautification work of the park.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, Sudesh Dhankhar, Gajendra Shekhawat, Kailash Choudhary, Arjun Meghwal & Kuldeep Bishnoi at Mukan on Sunday.

Shanti Dhariwal, Ram Lal Jat, Tikaram Jully, Babu Lal Nagar and other Congress MLAs leaving from Dhariwal’s home to Speaker Dr CP Joshi’s residence late on Sunday. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

LEADERS MEET MAKEN WITH THREE-POINT AGENDA BUT THE LATE NIGHT TALKS FAIL

MANN KI BAAT: SUNDAY MARKS 93 EPISODES OF THE SHOW

Chandigarh airport will be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, says Modi

NOT EVEN ONCE...: NADDA HAILS PM MODI BJP nat’l prez JP Nadda on Sunday praised PM Modi for not referring to politics, “not even once”, during his radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’ in last eight years.

AMARINDER SINGH SAYS ‘GRATEFUL TO PM’ Former CM of Punjab and new member of BJP Captain Amarinder Singh thanked Modi for grateful decision to rename Chandigarh Airport after Bhagat Singh.

PENDING DEMAND OF PUNJABIS FULFILLED Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann welcomed the announcement, saying a long pending demand of Punjabis has been fulfilled.

CITY GEARS UP FOR NAVRATRI

FESTIVAL STARTING TODAY

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The nine-day Shardiya Navratri will begin on Monday. The devotees will worship nine incarnations of Goddess Durga for nine days. People will per form Kalash sthapna at their houses on first day of Navratri. At Shi la Mata Temple in Am ber, Ghat sthapana will take place at 6:25 am on Monday. Similarly, on October 1, Chhath Mela will be organized. Aus picious time for Kalash sthapna will be from 6:20 am to 10:19 am. Sim ilarly, Astami will be worshipped on October 3, while Navami will be worshipped on Oct 4. District administra tion of Jodhpur on Sun day inspected Chamun da Mata Temple in Meh rangarh Fort & gave di rections for safe move ment of devotees dur ing the Navratri festi val. DCP (East) Amrita Duhan met office-bear ers of Mehrangarh Mu seum Trust & inquired about arrangements made for devotees.

More than 1,000 youth participated in the Run for Udaipur event

Udaipur: An event Run-for-Udaipur took place in city on Sunday morning. It was organ ised under joint aegis of Pratap Gaurav Ken dra, Municipal Corpo ration & Forest Dept with message of herit age conservation. Many dignitaries including former Union Min Ra

jyavardhan Singh Rathore were present.

During this, Rathore flagged off rally. Stu dents from different col leges and school coach ing centres & more than 70 organizations from city participated in it.

Addressing media, Rathore said, politics which is being run by Cong party in state see Raj going nowhere. Every single person in the Congress party is working for his person al benefit. Congress has forgotten Rajasthan these days.

25-yr-old pregnant woman gang-raped and murdered

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A 25-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly strangulat ed to death by her hus band & his two friends in Nahargarh area, police said on Sunday. Police informed the woman was first gangraped by three men and later strangulated to death.

“The victim was found hanging in her room four days ago and it was assumed as a suicide. However, the post-mortem re port revealed that she was gang-raped and later murdered,” po lice said.

TWO MINOR GIRLS RAPED IN JAIPUR, RS 4 LAKH EXTORTED FROM ONE VICTIM

Jaipur: Two rape cases with minors have come to fore in Jaipur. In one case 10-year-old minor girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour in Murlipura area, police said on Sunday. An FIR has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and the matter is being investigated. In another case, a minor girl was raped after befriending her in Jhotwara area of the city. The accused raped the minor by making her drink an intoxicated cold drink in a hotel. After this, the accused extorted Rs 4 lakh by blackmailing her with obscene videos made in a state of unconsciousness. The victim’s father has lodged a report at Kardhani police station.

“Accused husband, and his two friends gang-raped victim and later killed her. They hanged her in a naked condition and fled away from the crime scene,” police added.

“The three accused have been taken into custody and are being interrogated by po lice, they are yet to confess,” said a police official.

MARRIED WOMAN RAPED FOR OVER 10 YEARS

Jaipur: A case of rape of a married woman has come to light in the city. The accused is an acquaintance who came home and took advantage of her husband’s absence and raped the woman. The accused threatened to make obscene video made on his mobile viral and is been raping her for the last 10 years.

Unemployed protest against Lumpy & support pay scale hike of police personnel

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Taking note of the continuous death of cows in the state, unem ployed have opened a new front against state government. On Sun day, unemployed youth of Rajasthan Berozgar Ekikrath Mahasangh demonstrated to de clare lumpy disease a

national calamity and increase the constable grade pay. During this, a large number of youths gathered at Ra

vana Gate under leader ship of president Upen Yadav. After this, the rally was taken out to kanta intersection.

Upen Yadav said that lakhs of cows have died due to lumpy, but it has not been declared a na tional pandemic so far. That is why unem ployed are demanding that the disease be de clared a national epi demic.

Upen said that thou sands of police consta bles in Raj serve gener al public for 365 days. But neither are they being given allowance by govt nor are they having provision to get leave.

A case has been registered in this regard at Kardhani police station on Saturday night. SHO Banwari Lal Meena is investi gating the matter. According to the police, a 33-year-old woman resident of Kalwar Road has lodged a report. For the last 10 years, a familiar to accused has been rap ing her, and lackmailing of porn videos.

Heritage walk on World Tourism Day on Tuesday

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A heritage walk will be organised on World Tourism Day on Tuesday. There will be free entry for tour ists visiting monu ments. Folk artistes, with special perfor mances at monuments, will regale tourists.

Kota: The centenary annual convention of Kota Employees Cooperative Society Ltd 108R was organised on Sunday. During the programme, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ap preciated the 100-year journey of the commit tee and said that now the Board of Directors

should proceed by making an action plan for the next hundred years with the goal of taking the committee to a new height.

First India Bureau

Sawai Madhopur: A father and his son died in Dhangarwada vil lage here on Sunday af ter being bitten by a venomous snake. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Fauji Jatav (28) and his son Yogesh (8).

Fauji, his wife and his son were sleeping in the fields to keep a check on crops. “Yogesh suddenly shouted after being bitten by the snake. His mother, Nir ma, immediately threw the snake which inci dentally fell on Fauji’s feet. He too was bitten by snake,” police said.

Naveen Joshi

Bhilwara: Police ar rested 3 miscreants in volved in kidnapping of gutkha trader and de manded ransom of Rs 5 crore. The police recov ered Hyundai i20 car, a pistol and live cartridg es as well as magazines used in the kidnapping

from the arrested mis creants. The matter was disclosed by ASP Chan chal Mishra through a press conference.

Lalit Kriplani , son of gutkha trader Ramesh Kripalani from Shastri Nagar here, was kidnapped on Saturday.

After two hours, po lice freed kidnapped

the applicant’s account. Apart from this, the committee should plan to give loans to help the deprived become selfreliant.

Addressing the pro gramme organised in the UIT auditorium, Birla said that consider ing the needs of the pre sent and future, the committee should also include online facilities in its functioning. The Board of Directors should develop such a

method that within a day of the application, the loan amount is in

Birla said that the functioning of the com mittee reflects the gold en movement of the co operative movement. “Its success has been significantly contribut ed by the Board of Di rectors, who are not only honest but also en sure transparency and accountability in the

operations. That is why no money from commit tee has been lost in last hundred years and this is an example for other institutions,” he said.

Birla said that the co operative movement has played an impor tant role in bringing about positive socioeconomic changes in many countries. “There was a time people were in clutches of money lenders, but cooperative movement created op portunities,” he said.

youth Lalit from a car from Kotdi town by cre ating a blockade.

Upendra Singh Shek hawat, Deputy Director of Tourism Department gave information about the walk.

The walk will start from Maharaja School of Art located in the Walled City and pass through Kishanpole Bazar, Sandho path, Pandit Shivdin path, Manihar path, Natani yon path, Pandit Shiv din ka rasta, Maniha ron ka rasta and will culminate at Chaura Rasta.

Police arrested 3 mis creants on spot while 2 miscreants managed to escape, whose search was on. Police are con tinuously raiding in search of absconding miscreants. Three ar rested miscreants were brought from Kotdi to Bhilwara Kotwali po lice station on Sunday.

Jaipur (PTI): ‘Project Cheetah’ is likely to give a fillip to tourism in Ra jasthan in the long run, thanks to the state’s proximity to Kuno-Pal pur National Park, en try point of which is just 100 kilometers away from Sawai Madhopur.

Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, the new home of African cheetahs in India, is basking in its new-found global fame after eight cheetahs airlifted from Namibia were released in wildlife sanctuary re

cently with fanfare.

Experts feel that chee tahs are a new attrac tion in the country and if their translocation is successful, it will devel op a new circuit in the region surrounding Ranthambore Tiger Re serve in Rajasthan.

First India Bureau

They demanded to increase grade pay of police constable to Rs 3,600

Upen Yadav and members of Rajasthan Berozgar Ekikrath Mahasangh demonstrating at Ravana Gate on Sunday.

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore flags off Run-for-Udaipur rally.

Every single person in Cong working for own benefit, says Rathore

‘Project Cheetah will boost Raj tourism also’

O the occasion of the establishment of and extended their best wishes to the people of the state for their good health and happiness and to to Mother Shakti. The CM called upon the people of the state to take a pledge to promote girl child education and respect women.

GUV AND CM EXTEND WISHES ON NAVRATRI

With Durga Puja festival just around the corner, the idol of goddess Durga is being given final touches at Ghat Gate. (Inset) Preparation at Shila Devi temple, Amer for Navratri. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Bhanwar S Charan

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attends Centenary event of Kota Employees Co-operative Society on Sunday.

GADKARI: UPADHYAY STRESSED ON GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR BETTER NATION

Upadhyay’s anniv celebration was done under BJP’s ongoing Seva Pakhwada

First India Bureau

Jaipur : Union Road Transport and High ways Minister Nitin Gadkari during his vis it to Jaipur on Sunday addressed the pro gramme on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who laid the foundation of Jana Sangh. This day is very special for the BJP. BJP has fixed booth level tours of leaders under ‘Booth

Kamal Utsav’ to ensure that Upadhyay’s vision is implemented.

At Dhankya, Jaipur, the national memorial site of Pandit Deenday al Upadhyay, tributes were paid to the leader.

Raje urges youth to work for welfare of people

BJP is celebrating Seva Pakhwada till October 2 and Upadhyay’s anni versary celebrations were done under this.

While releasing the book Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Me

morial, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Upadhyayji spoke on different subjects. “He talked about strength ening the nation with good governance. He told us how to present

He (Pt Deendayal Upadhyay) talked about strengthening the nation with good governance. He told us how to present our side even when one is in the opposition. He wished India to be come the world’s su per economy.

—Nitin Gadkari, Union Min Road and Transport

our side even when one is in the opposition. He wished India to become the world’s super econ omy.” Gadkari said that he used to go to Jana Sangh programmes with his mother.

Need to imbibe his thinking in modern perspective: Governor

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra while ad dressing the ‘National Chetna Utsav’ interna tional seminar organ ized by Deendayal Upad hyay Gorakhpur Uni versity on the 106th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upad hyay, on Sunday, said that there is a need to imbibe the thinking of Pandit Deendayal Upad hyay in modern per spective. He said that his philosophy talks about nation and values asso ciated with it and by fol lowing it, India will be come Vishwaguru.

The Governor said that the initiative of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vi kas’ endorsed by the

Central govt is basically an extension of the con cept of Antyodaya of Pt. Deendayal ji. “Keeping the welfare of the un derprivileged and poor people paramount, the principle of Antyodaya is very meaningful for making policies and tak ing the benefits to the last person,” he said.

“He believed that edu cation is future of the

CM approves `25 cr funds for women SHGs

First India Bureau

Jaipur : Chief Minis ter Ashok Gehlot has approved an additional budget provision of Rs 25 crore for the estab lishment of ‘Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi’ for the financial management of the self-help groups. CM Gehlot started ‘Ma hila Nidhi’ on the occa sion of Women’s Equality Day on Aug 26 for social and econom ic progress.

First India Bureau

Jhalawar: Former CM Vasundhara Raje on Sunday virtually took part in the Kamalotsav, organized as part of Seva Pakhwada in Hous ing Board, Jhalawar.

While addressing peo

ple, Raje said that we should take inspiration from the life of Pt. Deen dayal Upadhyay and aim to serve the last person.

She also presented a three-month action plan before the workers and asked them to promote vocal for local in State.

Through the fund, the women of the selfhelp group will be able to easily get access to loans for their daily needs and self-employ ment and income-gen erating activities.

‘Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi’ has been

BKN: Under-construction bridge collapses, 7 labourers injured

First India Bureau

Bikaner: Seven labour ers were injured after an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bi kaner’s Rampura Basti area on Sunday, police informed. “The injured were identified as Suraj Vishwakarma, Satyajit, Rajkumar, Prahlad, Surendra, Prakash and Kamlesh, all residents of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. One of them is critically injured and admitted to PBM Hospi tal,” police said. “A part of the shuttering col

Debris of the bridge that was being constructed near Lalgarh railway station in Bikaner’s Rampura Basti.

lapsed and fell on the labourers, injuring seven people. After the incident, the labourers were rushed to hospital and given first aid. The bridge is being con structed by RSRDC,” informed Nayashahr’s SHO Vedpal.

At present, 2.70 lakh self-help groups have been formed in 33 districts of the State.

formed through Ra jasthan Rural Liveli hood Development Council (Rajeevika).

In the budget 2022-23, Gehlot had announced to assist Rs 50 crore for the establishment of the fund in the next two years. This financial sanction has been given

Stray dog bites Mayor’s son in South Kota

Kota (FIB): Street dog menace is increasing in Kota. The recent victim was South Kota Mayor Rajiv Agarwal’s son, Yash Aggarwal. Yash was returning to his house on a bike on Sun day morning, when a street dog attacked him at the Kathunipole in tersection. The dog bit him on his leg but he managed to free himself and sped away. Two days ago, in the Mahavir Na gar area, a woman coun cillor was also attacked by a street dog, and she suffered leg injury.

in pursuance of the said declaration.

Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 40,000 will be deposited in the bank account of the group members within 48 hours of its applica tion and loans above Rs 40,000 within a time limit of 15 days.

FUNDS OF `183 CR SANCTIONED FOR ANAS RIVER BRIDGES, ANICUTS

Jaipur: The Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a budget of Rs 182.56 crore for the construction in Banswara. The anicuts and bridge over Anas river at Garadiya will be developed with this fund. With this ap proval of CM Gehlot, irrigation facilities will be expanded in the area, giving relief to the farming activities. Also, the construction of the bridge will facilitate the movement of the villagers. The Chief Minister has given this approval for construction of Garadiya anicut at a cost of Rs 152.56 crore and new construction of Mahudi bridge coming under submergence area at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

REORGANIZATION OF POSTS, 11 NEW POSTS CREATED IN SKILL DEPARTMENT

Jaipur: The Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal for reorganization of posts and creation of 11 new posts in Skill Planning and Entrepreneurship Department. These include 3 new posts of Joint Director, 6 Deputy Director and 2 new posts of Assistant Director. With this decision of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the officers of the department will get proper opportunities for promotion. Along with this, registration of unem ployed candidates in employment offices, operation of Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana and organization of employment fairs will be done easily.

FROLICKING

Dhankhar with Union Mins in BKN

lll

The arrival of Rameshwar Dudi in the special plane with VP Jagdeep Dhankar and 3 other Union Ministers has fuelled political discussions

Ministers has fuelled po litical discussions. Local BJP leaders were a bit uneasy see ing Dudi with the VicePresident. However, the

two have old family and political ties. Dudi ac companied Dhankar from Bikaner as well. The Union Mins were also with him. At Naal Airbase in Bikaner, Dhankhar was wel comed by Indian Air Force officers and BJP officials. BJP Prez Akh ilesh Pratap Singh, Lunkaransar MLA Su mit Godara, former president Satyaprakash Acharya, senior leader Mohan Surana and oth ers were present.

country and every boy and girl must get educa tion,” he said.

Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan Shukla talked about Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s contribu tion in the social, politi cal field. The Vice-Chan cellor of the University, Prof Rajesh Singh, edu cationists and dignitar ies were also present on the occasion.

WANTED MAN HELD AT JAIPUR INT’L AIRPORT

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A passenger was stopped at Jaipur International Airport on Sunday morning fol lowing a look-out circu lar issued against them. The immigration offi cials stopped the pas senger from leaving In dia as police case was registered against him.

“The passenger was about to board an Air Arabia Spice for Shar jah when he was stopped by immigration offi cials. A look-out circu lar was issued against both of them owing to police cases against them. The passenger is being interrogated,” in formed a source .

Rajasthan HC issues notice over allotment of pasture land in Jpr

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has issued notices to the Secy of Revenue, Jaipur Collec tor, SDM and Sambhar Tehsildar in a case in volving the allotment of pasture land to a social institution in Jaipur.

The division bench of Justice Prakash Gupta and Justice Anoop Dand issued notices to the govt and sought a reply in the matter while hear ing a PIL filed by one Ravi Kumawat.

The court has asked why the allotment of pasture land has been done despite the order of the Supreme Court. Ad vocate Poonam Chand Bhandari informed the court that the apex court in its judgement had de

cided that allotment of pasture land cannot be done for any other pur pose. However, despite this, the state govt is sued a notification on 25 April 2011, giving the collector the right to al lot pasture land.

It has been stated in the petition that due to the depletion of pasture land, the ecological bal ance will be disturbed which will lead to the deaths of animals. As per the law, pasture land cannot be allotted for any purpose.

Rajasthan Guv Kalraj Mishra addressing the gathering on Sunday. Gorakhpur MP and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan Shukla is also ssen.

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: Vice-Presi dent Jagdeep Dhankhar reached Bikaner on Sun day. Congress leader and former LoP Rameshwar Lal Dudi also accompa nied him from New Del hi. Union Minister Ga jendra Singh, Union Ministers of State Ar junram Meghwal and Kailash Chaudhary also accompanied him.

The arrival of Dudi in the special plane with Dhankar and 3 Union

V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives in Bikaner on Sunday. Gajendra S Shekhawat, Kailash Choudhary, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rameshwar Dudi and others are also seen.

Delhi-based wildlife photographer MANISH SHARMA captured this beautiful pair of leopards, engaged in cheerful play at the Jhalana Leopard Safari on Sunday. The number of leopards has touched nearly 50 in Jhalana.

Vasundhara Raje virtually listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with Late Pt Deendayal Upadhyay’s niece Meena Kaushal on Sunday.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launching the booklet on Deendayal Upadhyay at Jaipur’s Dhankya on Sunday. Rajendra Rathore, Satish Poonia, Onkar Singh Lakhawat and others are also seen.

—FILE PHOTO

SKILLS & STRATEGY OF MARKETING PREMIER BRANDS

OPPOSITION SHOW OF UNITY HAS TOO MANY CHALLENGES TO SURMOUNT

There is no science involved to realize that all the above skills that need to sky rocket the sales of a premier brand are acquirable and adaptable. The popular military saying of “The more you sweat in Peace…. The less you bleed in War” is equally applicable here. The Brand CEOs must realize on training their teams before they are introduced to a new arena with a new product

COL ANUPAM JAITLY (RETD)

As a Corporate training expert and a strategist, I was called upon by many premium brands to establish and iden tify the choke points that pre vented the brand from being accepted far and wide by the customers. During the pro cess of my thorough audit of the entire marketing chain, I was surprised to realize that while the company had in vested a fortune in not only making a top-class product, it had also incorporated AI in selecting a colour scheme, logo and the SM platforms for promoting it. Needless to mention the swanky show room in an upmarket place.

During this analytical jour ney I observed that while near ly all organizations blamed the failure of their brand on almost everything from Grih, Nakshatra, the Gods, the un predictable markets and er ratic behavioural pattern of the customers, they failed in providing quality training to their sales executive.

As a subject expert, I thought it is time to share my insights for the benefit of all affected corporate houses. We have to remember that state of the art technology in manufacturing a product and

NO PERMISSION; NOW PERMITTED

its public display at a costly high-end market may not be the end all and be all of the marketing. A customer may be drawn to show room but closing of deal may illude us.

Therefore, the people in volved in the chain of mar keting have to concur that ‘Closing a deal is a battle of Mind’. The analytic time that customers spend processing information about brand de serves close management scrutiny. In a nutshell, it de termines how much atten tion is devoted by customers to the brand. This playing field, like any other, has boundaries, barriers and rules. An understanding of how the game is played will allows building a competitive advantage in the market.

Only if we remember that the most important part of the product is the sales team and how they look, behave and are perceived by the buyers. It is a good idea to recall that custom ers need to buy your sales ex ecutive before they are willing to buy your product or service.

So, are there any set of skills that are needed in sales of a premier product? The short answer is YES and ob viously. In my opinion the skill set needs three specific attributes which are firstly, customer facing sales skills, secondly, core sales skills and finally the soft skills. If a cor porate is willing to establish a kinship in the three skill sets the product will for sure cast a niche in the market.

During this analytical journey I observed that while nearly all organizations blamed the failure of their brand on almost everything from Grih, Nakshatra, the Gods, the unpredictable markets and erratic behavioural pattern of the customers, they failed in providing quality training to their sales executive

While the customer facing skills include Storytelling, Problem-solving, Customer en gagement and Presentation skills the traits needed by the team in core selling are Prod uct knowledge, Negotiations, Customer success manage ment and the art of deal clos ing. Before undertaking launch of any premier product, it is desired to prepare sales teams with the above skills.

Now comes in the third and the most important as pect of the strategic selling of premium product and that is the soft skills. The top most is Active Listening which means the ability to hear and understand what the client says. When active listening is practised, speaker has plenty of time to share his/her thoughts and we get clues to

respond to the specific points a client wishes to know.

It is followed by Empathy and that is the ability to relate emotionally to another indi vidual. Empathic sales profes sionals can place themselves in the client’s position and develop personalised solu tions from their point of ref erence to solve unique issues.

Next in line of soft skills are a combination of two, as I would recommend, and these are Communication and Self-Motivation. A sea soned sales professional should communicate clearly with others both verbally and in writing. Choosing the most effective words and phrases for the conversation remains the key to wooing a customer.

On the other hand, every executive must be self-moti vated and diligent. This ca reer does present both ups and downs, but a sales profes sional should maintain a steady forward motion, work ing as hard after a big sale as they do after losing a client.

There is no science involved to realize that all the above skills that need to sky rocket the sales of a premier brand are acquirable and adaptable. The popular military saying of “The more you sweat in Peace…. The less you bleed in War” is equally applicable here. The Brand CEOs must realize on training their teams before they are introduced to a new arena with a new product.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Puro hit has relented after a week of wrangling over whether he could ask for de tails of the agenda which Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had decided for the proposed Assembly ses sion. Aam Aadmi Party ques tioned the governor’s powers to know the business of the House and pointed out that as per rules seeking governor’s nod was a mere formality. At this Purohit hit back and asked Mann to read the Con stitution. Mann had convened the Assembly session for a trust vote but the legal advice sought by the governor said that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha rules had no particular provi sion for summoning the House only for confidence mo tion. The controversy arose

Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit has relented after a week of wrangling over whether he could ask for details of the agenda which CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had decided for the proposed Assembly session. AAP questioned the governor’s powers to know the business of the House and pointed out that as per rules seeking governor’s nod was a mere formality

after the governor withdrew his permission for the session after allowing it earlier. What prompted Purohit’s change of heart is not yet clear. The wrangling once again brought the role of governors in opposition-ruled states. For

mer West Bengal governor had a running feud with Mamata Banerjee, Kerala governor’s regular spat with the state gov ernment has been much writ ten about. The Bengal and Kerala government’s tried to undermine the governor’s powers to appoint vice-chan cellors of state universities. The issue that gained greater attention was the alleged role of governors as agents of the BJP instead of acting as friend and guide of a government. There’s nothing new about the tussle between state gov ernments and governors. Consequently, the governors have themselves tailored their roles in accordance with the requirements of respec tive Central governments. The strait-jacket definition laid down in the Constitution has been variously interpret ed leading to friction.

Opposition unity ef forts took a step for ward with a pro posed mega show of strength at the Indi an Lok Dal’s Devi Lal Samman rally in Haryana. Ironically, led by Om Prakash Chautala, the INLD is fighting for its own sur vival having just one legislator in the state Assembly. Neverthe less, several top opposition lead ers including Nitish Kumar, Sharad Pawar, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sitaram Yechury, Tejashj wi Yadav attended the rally. Om Prakash Chautala is said to have sent invitations to Mamata Ba nerjee, K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Chandrababu Naidu. The only notable absentee was the Congress but with Nitish Ku mar and Lalu Prasad Yadav ex pected to call on Sonia Gandhi, who is caught up with her par ty’s first presidential election in decades, it may join forces.

In what could be the founda tion-laying event for a loosely cohesive third front, it assumes some political significance be fore the 2024 Lok Sabha elec tions. However, managing the disparate groups and their po litical ideologies will be a chal lenge for Nitish Kumar.

Conquer anger with non-anger. Conquer badness with goodness. Conquer meanness with generosity. Conquer dishonesty with truth. Buddha

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Amit Shah @AmitShah

Shubho Mahalaya! Greetings to all Bengali sisters and brothers on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill everyone’s life with good health, happiness and prosperity.

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The writer is Defence expert, Motivational Speaker & Corporate Trainer

OPPOSITION NEEDS TO UNITE TO DEFEAT BJP IN 2024, SAYS NITISH

At INLD rally, Oppn leaders call for forming anti-BJP front with Cong for 2024 polls

Fatehabad (Agencies):

Several senior Opposition leaders, including NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, CPI(M) Sitaram Yechury, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, gathered at Fatehabad, Haryana, on Sunday for the INLD’s major rally.

The event commemorates the 109th birthday of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, but it is also considered to be an attempt by Indian National Lok Dal chief to unite the Opposition against the BJP.

Recalling his time spent with political veteran Devi Lal, Nitish Kumar said, “I can never forget those days when I was young and Devi Lal guided and inspired me.”

Nitish Kumar urged the Opposition parties to unite, saying, “If all these parties come together, they (BJP) will not be able to win at all in the 2024 Lok Sabha

elections.” He went on to say that he talked at length with Sharad Pawarand asked the Congress to join them.

together,” he said.

JDU leader KC Tyagi said the Bihar CM has come from Patna to fight the Sultanate of Delhi at a time when eight former Congress CMs have joined the BJP. Kumar, he claims, has no fear of the ED, income tax, or other government agencies.

“I would like to seek blessings of Om Prakash Chautala and urge him that he should do get more Opposition parties

Nadda slams Kerala CM over lawlessness, corruption in State

Kottayam (Agencies): BJP national president JP Nadda on Sunday hit out at the CPI(M) government in Kerala for the alleged rise in fringe elements and rampant corruption in the state, claiming that the heat of the “gold scam” has even reached CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s office.

Nadda is on a twoday visit to Kerala from Sunday as he continues with his travel to different regions of the country as part of the party’s organisational programmes and political outreach.

Addressing BJP workers, Nadda said, “The present CPI(M) government in the state is trying to create a situation where the government will be in a debt trap; debt almost doubled now.

Even the CM’s office is not out of the frame of corruption. The heat of the gold scam has even reached the CM’s office.”

The smuggling case came to light in July 2020 after 30 kgs of gold, hidden in a package camouflaged as a diplomatic consignment addressed to the UAE consulate in Kerala, was seized by the customs department.

New Delhi: The BJP will hold a meeting of state in-charges on Sep 27. BJP national general secretary (Organization) BL Santosh will preside over this meeting. BJP chief Nadda might also attend the meeting. Before this meeting, all the in-charges are also visiting the respective states under their charge. For strengthening the party in states, meetings are being held and the central leadership are visiting different states.

Cong has a soft corner for terrorists: Anurag Thakur

Bihar deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena also attended the rally being held in a show of Opposition unity.

Fatehabad (PTI): Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there is no fight between Hindus and Muslims and accused the BJP of trying to create disturbances. At the INLD rally, Nitish Kumar said, “My only wish is that we all need to come together at the national level… We need to bring together more parties,” he said. The rally, organised to mark former deputy prime minister Devi Lal’s birth anniversary, was also attended by NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiromani Akaki Dal’s Sukhbir Singh Badal, among others. “I’ll urge all parties, including Congress, to get together and then they (BJP) will lose badly,” Nitish said.

BHARAT JODO YATRA

New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister Anurag Thakur strongly reacted to Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s statement comparing RSS with PFI, and said that the Congress is in this condition today because of Singh’s “Badbolapan” (or impudence).

Thakur on Sunday targeted Digvijay Singh and said, “If someone calls terrorist Osama as “Osama Ji” when strict action is taken against the terrorists, then it can be understood that it is being done for the vote bank.” Taking a jibe at the Congress and Gandhi family, He further said “During the UPA, the govt used to run not from 7 Race Course Road but from 10 Janpath.”

Claiming to strengthen the security of the country, Anurag Thakur said, “The government has been working continuously and rapidly to strengthen both internal and external security and development. Continuous action is being taken against infiltrators and terrorists.”

Rahul Gandhi resumes Yatra on 18th day in Thrissur in Kerala

Thrissur (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday resumed the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Thiroor in the district accompanied by hundreds of party workers holding banners and placards against the high cooking gas prices in the country.

The morning session of the 150-day-long yatra covered a distance of around 11 kilometres before concluding at Wadakkanchery.

Senior leaders including, K Muraleedharan, KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, Leader of Opposition, VD Satheesan and MPs among others joined Gandhi in his walk.

The Congress workers were carrying placards in the shape of LPG cylinders highlighting steep cooking gas prices in the country.

Earlier on Saturday, the Congress had resumed its Bharat Jodo Yatra, after a day's break, from Perambra junction in the Thrissur district of Kerala.

THAROOR TO FILE NOMINATION FOR THE POST OF CONGRESS PREZ ON SEP 30 New Delhi (ANI): Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will file a nomination for the post of party President on September 30, according to the sources. Tharoor had said that he will be approaching delegates from various states as he has taken 5 sets of nomination papers, for which he'll need 50 delegates as proposers for his candidature. This will be the first time in 25 years that Congress will see a non-Gandhi chief after Sonia Gandhi defeated Jitendra Prasad in 1998. The last time the party had a non-Gandhi chief was in 1996 when Sitaram Kesri defeated Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot.Shashi Tharoor

RAHUL PAYS HIS LAST RESPECTS TO ARYADAN MUHAMMED

Thrissur (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi went to Nilambpur in Mallapuram on Sunday to pay his last respects to senior party leader

Aryadan Muhammed (87) who passed away earlier on Sunday. Rahul Gandhi said that his death is a great loss to the party as he was a pillar of the Congress party. “He was a pillar of the Congress party... it is a tragedy for us,” Gandhi said. Muhammed, who was an eight-time MLA and represented the Nilambur constituency, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode and died in the morning. The veteran leader had entered politics as a member of the Congress party in 1952 and remained the part of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee till 1958.

ONSET OF FESTIVE SEASON

New Delhi (ANI): Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Sunday slammed Congress MP Digvijay Singh for comparing RSS with the PFI organisation and said that he should be “ashamed” for doing so. “Digvijay Singh has always supported those who are terrorists, who were the supporters of the terrorists of Batla House. Today, his condition is such that he has not been able to come to the power in Madhya Pradesh even after 20 years. He is comparing it with RSS whose patriotism is unquestionable,” he said.

CRUCIAL READ

CADET’S DEATH: 6 IAF OFFICERS BOOKED IN MURDER CASE

Bengaluru: Six Indian Air Force officials were booked for murder after suspicious death of a trainee cadet. The deceased youth, identified as 27-year-old Ankit Kumar Jha, was training at the AFTC in Jalahalli campus for one and half years, according to police. He had allegedly committed suicide by hanging after being discharged from service following a court of inquiry.

UP: GUESTS WEDDING ASKED TO SHOW AADHAAR CARDS

New Delhi: In a bizarre incident, guests at a wedding in UP’s Amroha were asked to show their Aadhaar cards before dinner. The incident took place in Hasanpur where two sisters were getting married at the same venue. Their family began panicking when they saw a huge turnout of guests, many of whom strangers, and then they asked the guests to show their Aadhaar cards.

SR IAS OFFICER RAJENDRA KUMAR APPOINTED ESIC DIRECTOR GENERAL

New Delhi: Senior bureaucrat Rajendra Kumar has been appointed the director general of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Sunday. Kumar, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, is currently an additional secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

HOUSE ATTACHED FOR SHELTERING MILITANTS IN J&K

New Delhi: A house in Bandipora was attached by J&K Police on Sunday over wilfully providing shelter to militants. The police said, “The residential house of one person, namely Bashir Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Sattar Mir of Wanpora Gurez at present Watrina Bandipora, was attached after obtaining legal sanction from the competent authorities.”

GHULAM NABI AZAD TO UPDATE ON HIS OWN PARTY TODAY

Jammu: Weeks after leaving the Congress and announcing the formation of his own party, former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said he would be holding a press conference on Monday. While he has announced key details about his party, the suspense on the name of the party lingers.

Mamata Banerjee begins Durga Puja festivities

Kolkata (Agencies): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began the Durga Puja festivities on Mahalaya by debuting as a singer in her latest album of special songs, titled ‘Utsaver Gaan’, released on Sunday.

She has not just sung a song ‘Dhak dumadum’, along with singerturned-politician Indranil Sen and Aditi Munshi, but has also written the lyrics of all the songs and composed the

music of the album.

The album comprises of eight Puja-special songs sung by the likes of Jit Ganguly, Sriradha and Monomoy, besides her Trinamool Congress party MLAs Babul Supriyo and Indranil.

Meanwhile Supriyo released a separate Puja-special album ‘Jai Ma Durga’, dedicating it to Banerjee on Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the 10-day festival.

Album apart, Banerjee, otherwise also have been busy since Thursday as this year’s festival got a soft launch

three days before Mahalaya with the chief minister inaugurating three Durga Pujas in north Kolkata - Tala Park Prattoy, Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town and FD Block Durga Puja in Salt Lake. From Mahalaya, September 25, the chief minister - who has been flooded with invitations from several hundred puja organisers - will go on a puja inauguration spree over the next week.

JP Nadda with Kerala BJP President K Surendran, party

MP Prakash Javadekar and others pays tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, on Sunday. —PHOTO BY PTI

BJP STATE IN-CHARGES MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY

BJP OFFICE IN NE

Mamata Banerjee lights lamp during the inauguration of a Puja pandal for upcoming Durga Puja festival, in Kolkata on Sunday.

This year, the festival is more special as it was been inscribed on Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

(From L) Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar, OP Chautala, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav at a rally on 109th birth anniversary of former deputy PM Devi Lal, in Fatehabad, on Sunday.

‘BJP WANTS TO CREATE RIFT BETWEEN HINDUS AND MUSLIMS’

BJP ALLIES HAVE LEFT IT: TEJASHWI

DIGVIJAY SINGH SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR COMPARING PFI WITH RSS: SUSHIL MODI

New Delhi (ANI): VHP Chief Alok Kumar on Sunday said Congress leader Digvijay Singh is known for making wild remarks and it is unacceptable to make such statements against the RSS and VHP, which have both originated in India and are flag-bearers of India's Sanatan Dharma. VHP Chief Alok Kumar criticised Congress leader Digvijay Singh's statement and said that the Sangh works for the country's progress.

VHP CHIEF SLAMS DIGVIJAY SINGH'S REMARKS AGAINST RSS, VHP

Anurag Thakur

Sushil Kumar Modi

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Deependra Singh Hooda.

‘India really matters more in current polarised world’

New York (PTI): India matters more in the current polarised world and is perceived widely as the voice of the global South, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said, asserting that New Delhi always speaks for many developing nations and highlights their pressing problems at international forums.

Jaishankar wrapped up the New York leg of his visit to the US as he addressed the high-level UN General Assembly session on Saturday, concluding a hectic week of whirlwind diplomatic engagements during which he met over 100 of his counterparts from around the world and held several bilateral and multilateral meetings.

“There’s no question this UNGA reflects the state of the world, which is particularly polarised at this moment.”

What the state of the world actually reveals in a way is that India matters more. We are a bridge, we are a voice,

RUSSIAN MINISTER BACKS INDIA FOR UNSC PERMANENT SEAT

There is no justification for terrorism: EAM

United Nations (PTI): In a strong message on terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that no rhetoric, however, sanctimonious, can ever cover-up blood stains and asserted that nations who defend proclaimed terrorists in the United Nations neither advance their own interests nor their reputation, a signal to China and Pakistan.

In his address to the high-level UN General Assembly session here, Jaishankar said those who politicise the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes even to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril. “Having borne the brunt of cross border terrorism for decades, India firmly advocates a ‘zero- tolerance’ approach. In our view, there is no justification for any act of terrorism,” he said.

India is a stirring place in space: ISRO

Chennai (PTI): The world is looking at India as an inspirational place with what the country has achieved in the space sector in the last 60 years, chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation S Somanath said on Sunday.

Somanath said he was witnessing a great transformation in the sector by bringing in startups, incubating them in space technology and bringing great

applications to develop rockets and satellites.

“The whole world is looking at India as an inspirational place and it is wonderful to see what is happening in

India, especially in the space sector, with the startup eco system,” he said at the 18th convocation of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology at Kat-

Prez Murmu on 3-day visit to K’taka

New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu will visit Karnataka from September 26 to 28 to attend a host of programmes, according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.

This will be her first visit to any state as the President of India, it said.

She will inaugurate the Dasara festival at Chamundi Hills in Mys-

uru on Monday.

On the same day, the president will attend a felicitation function, ‘Poura Sanmana’, organised by the Hubli-

Dharwad Municipal Corporation in Hubli, the statement said.

She will also inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology in Dharwad, it added.

The president will inaugurate the Integrated Cryogenic Engines Manufacturing Facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

tankulathur near here.

Somanath, who also received the honorary degree of Doctorate of Science (honoris causa) in recognition of his contribution to the field of science, said, “We always believed (others) but others never believed we can do such things — building rockets and satellites in this country ourselves — besides having a large percentage of our own contribution (of satellites) to build them.”

‘19 people held for vandalizing properties’

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) (ANI): Nineteen persons who vandalised properties during the protest against the NIA’s raids on houses of the PFI leaders are arrested and sent to remand, informed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police C Sylendrababu on Sunday.

“Nineteen persons who vandalised properties are arrested and sent to remand. Few from specific organizations hurled petrol bombs on a few organization functionaries’ residences and cars,” Tamil Nadu DGP told ANI.“Those who involve in criminal acts which disturb public peace will be booked under the National Security Act,” warned Tamil Nadu

RELIGIOUS RITUALS!

3 PETROL BOMBS THROWN AT HOUSE OF RSS MEMBER IN TAMIL NADU

Madurai (ANI): As many as three petrol bombs were hurled into the house of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. The incident was captured in the CCTV footage which as per the timestamp took place around 7:38 pm on Saturday at Mel Anuppanadi housing board area in Madurai at the residence of MS Krishnan.

The CCTV footage shows bike-borne men were seen approaching the house and hurling petrol bombs before the duo sped away.

Police are probing the incident. “Three petrol bombs were thrown at RSS

DGP. “Criminal cases have been registered on this and investigations to nab the anti-social elements are going on.

member house and we are investigating in this regard. No one was injured and damaged in the accident,” Shanmugam Madurai South’s Assistant Commissioner said. In this regard, RSS member Krishnan and BJP Madurai district president Suseendran filed a petition to the Keerathurai police. After receiving his petitions, the police assured to arrest the accused soon.

Special teams have been formed to nab them. So far, 250 suspects have been investigated on this matter,” he added.

UP Govt transfers IAS, PCS officers

Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday transferred four IAS and four PCS officers. The UP government has appointed Ravindra Kumar as Special Secretary in the Excise Department, while IAS Pawan Kumar will take over the responsibility of Special Secretary in the Public Works Department.

UP IAS Surendra Singh gets new posting

Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: Commissioner of Meerut and CEO of Greater Noida Authority IAS Surendra Singh has been sent to the AGMUT cadre for three years by the centre government. IAS Surendra Singh, a 2005 batch officer, has been the collector of 10 districts in

Uttar Pradesh. The bureaucrat came into the limelight after he did

exemplary work in the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As District Magistrate of Varanasi, he was praised by the state government as well as by the union government. Later, Surendra Singh became special secretary to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, followed by other

Rakhi Sawant responds to Hema Malini on poll jibe

Hema Malini recently took a jibe at Kangana Ranaut, where she dragged in Rakhi Sawant.

Now, Rakhi has responded to Hema’s statement

New Delhi (ANI): Responding to actorturned-politician Hema Malini’s statement the previous day that even Rakhi Sawant can become (a poll candidate), Sawant said apparently in a mock serious way that she would contest the 2024 elections and thanked the Lok Sabha MP from Mathura for saying this.

Rakhi Sawant thanked Hema Malini and PM Narendra Modi for this.

“I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for putting

of this. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of contesting the election as Hema Malini Ji has already announced,” Rakhi Sawant said. She also said that if PM Modi can become PM by making tea, she too can become the Chief Minister.

serve it. When our Prime Minister can become the PM by making tea, then why can’t I be a CM after working in Bollywood? Definitely, I will and I need the best wishes of you all,” Sawant said.

important postings.

Sources in the bureaucracy believe that his transfer to the AGMUT cadre is a planned decision of the government. IAS officer Surendra Singh is likely to be given a bigger responsibility in Delhi or some north-eastern state. An order was issued by DoPT in this regard.

Similarly, IAS Dhirendra Singh Sachan has been sent to Health Welfare and Family Welfare Department as special secretary and IAS Ashutosh Kumar Dwivedi has now been given the responsibility of Special Secretary in the Public Works Department. Likewise, IAS Amit Kumar Prasad has been transferred to ACS, department of Khadi, village industries and MSME.

Kejri promises ‘equal work, equal pay’ in Guj

the great responsibility on my shoulders and considering me worthy

“As far as I am concerned, I have been serving society from childhood itself. I was born to serve the country only and I want to

The Bollywood actor, however, said it would be a “surprise” against whom she would be contesting. “So, I will be contesting the 2024 elections, but against whom it will be a surprise,” Sawant said.

Ahmedabad (Agencies): Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Celebration nationwide convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday promised to make contractual staff everlasting and implement ‘equal work, equal pay’ if his social gathering is voted to energy in Gujarat.

Addressing a city corridor with outsourced and contractual staff, Kejriwal additionally stated his social gathering will finish the contract system if voted to energy so that cash comes instantly into the checking account of the workers with out middlemen taking away something. Meeting polls are prone to be held in December in Gujarat, the place the BJP has been ruling for 27 years.

“WILL FIGHT ELECTIONS IN 2024...”

we are a viewpoint, a channel,” Jaishankar told a group of Indian reporters here as he

highlighted some of the big takeaways of his week-long visit to the UN and the city.

He headed to Washington DC on Sunday for the second leg of his US visit.

Jaishankar says it’s not usual that many countries referred to India at UNGA

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a meeting with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in USA. —PHOTO BY PTI

United Nations: During the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly, the Russian Finance Minister expressed his support for India, becoming a permanent member of the Security Council. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov said, “We see prospective of making Security Council more democratic via representation of countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin

America. India and Brazil, in particular, are key international actors and should be counted for permanent membership in council”. The US also has shown explicit support for India’s membership recently. US President Joe Biden during his address to the UN general assembly categorically said America supports India’s bid. In addition to this, there’s a growing chorus among G4 countries (Germany, Japan, Brazil, and India) to become permanent members of the UNSC and for representation of African countries.

One-day state-wide strike by PFI leaders in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

In a video Rakhi Sawant reacts to Hema Malini’s remarks.

‘Pindi daani’

gather to perform rituals for their ancestors on the last day of ‘Pitra Paksha Mela’, on Gaya on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

ISRO chief S Somanath

President Droupadi Murmu

TECHNOLOGY

IAS Surendra Singh

PROTEST

AGMUT CADRE

Weakening rupee to further fuel inflation

New Delhi (PTI): The Indian rupee sliding to a historic low of 81.09 to a dollar will make import of crude oil and other commodities expensive further fueling inflation which for the past several months has remained above the Reserve Bank’s upper tolerance level of 6%.

CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD

 The pressure on the domestic currency, which is mainly due to repeated hikes in interest rate by the US Fed, is likely to continue with rise in trade deficit and gradual withdrawal of funds by institutional investors

be passed on to consumers. However, the only silver lining is India’s oilseed sector exports...The rupee depreciation will boost export realisation and support export,” he said.

Imports of vegetable oils stood at $1.89 billion in August 2022, up 41.55% over the same month last year.

New Delhi: After infusing more than `51,000 crore last month, foreign investors have slowed down the pace of equity buying in India in September so far, as they invested a little over `8,600 crore, on sharp depreciation in rupee. Going forward, FPIs are unlikely to buy aggressively amid rising dollar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said. According to the data, FPIs have bought equity to the tune of `8,638 crore during Sept 1-23.

—PTI

MFs ADD 70 LAKH INVESTOR ACCOUNTS IN 5 MONTHS OF FY23

The pressure on the domestic currency, which is mainly due to repeated hikes in interest rate by the US Fed, is likely to continue with rise in trade deficit and gradual withdrawal of funds by institutional investors.

The Reserve Bank, which is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy later this week, is expected to in-

crease the repo-rate or the short-term lending rates by 50 basis points in a bid to tame inflationary pressure.

For a nation that is 85% dependent on imports to

meet its oil needs and 50% for gas requirements, a weakening rupee has a bearing on domestic price of fuel. “A depreciating INR will partly counteract

Economic activity of India still below pre-pandemic level: ADB

New Delhi (PTI): With economic activity still to reach pre-pandemic levels, the RBI may slow down the pace of rate hikes until next year to quell soaring inflation while supporting growth, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in its latest report.

The multilateral funding agency has raised the inflation forecast for the current fiscal year ending in March 2023 to 6.7% from its earlier projection of 5.8%.

For the next fiscal year too, the forecast has been revised upwards to 5.8% from 5% earlier.

Inflation will remain elevated this year and the next, ADB said in an update to its flagship Asian

Development Outlook (ADO) 2022 report.

“This Update forecasts the inflation rate averaging 6.7% in FY2022 (fiscal ending in March 2023) before moderating to 5.8% in FY2023 (ending in March 2024), just below the central bank target range of 2 –6%,” it said.

Both forecasts are high-

IND’S INFLATION FORECAST RAISED

 The agency has raised the inflation forecast for the current fiscal to 6.7% from its earlier projection of 5.8%.

For the next fiscal year too, the forecast has been revised upwards to 5.8% from 5%

er than ADO 2022’s projections.

Even though supply pressures are expected to ease in the current fiscal year, upward pressure on inflation could continue because of demand-side pressures caused by increasing economic activity, according to the ADB report.

the benefit of lower commodity prices on inflation,” said Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA.

Solvent Extractors’ Association of India Executive

Co-op sec happy with Centre’s decisions: FM

Pune (PTI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said representatives of the local cooperative sector were “extremely happy” with various steps taken by the Centre for their benefit.

She said, “I had a meeting with representatives of different cooperative institutions such as banks and sugar (mills) and they are extremely happy and there were claps after claps for various steps being taken such as relief to be given to them, taxation concession that was extended, waiving of the long pending arrears of one of the cooperatives. They all were appreciated.”

‘FTA talks in final phase with deadline in sight’

New Delhi: With increase in digital access and growing awareness about mutual funds, asset management companies (AMCs) have added close to 70 lakh investor accounts in the first five months of the current fiscal, bringing the total to 13.65 cr. This came following an addition of 3.17 cr investor accounts in 2021-22 and 81 lakh accounts. The sharp increase in MF folio count implies that a lot of new investors are coming into the capital markets and are embracing MFs as their preferred vehicle for investing.

—PTI

393 INFRA PROJECTS

London (PTI): The free trade agreement (FTA) talks between India and the UK are now in their final phase and despite some outstanding issues to be resolved, there is optimism on both sides that the Diwali deadline for a draft will be met, according to the Lord Mayor of London.

“It was a really good time to be in India with the FTA negotiations entering into their final phase,” Vincent Keaveny, the 693rd Lord Mayor said.

“PM Modi has made it clear that he wants to sign the FTA by Diwali. There are some outstanding is-

LORD MAYOR OF LONDON IN INDIA

 Vincent Keaveny has just returned from a four-day visit to India following meetings with leading Indian businesses and investors and finance chiefs at the Reserve Bank of India and SEBI

RBI interest rate decision, global trends to drive mkt

New Delhi: As many as 393 infrastructure projects, each entailing an investment of `150 crore or more, have been hit by cost overruns of more than `4.65 lakh crore, as per a report. “Total original cost of implementation of the 1526 projects was `21,26,460.93 crore and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be `25,91,823.45 crore, which reflects overall cost overruns of `4,65,362.52 crore,” the ministry’s latest report said.

New Delhi (PTI): The domestic stock market may face volatility amid the monthly derivatives expiry scheduled this week, while investors would mainly await the outcome of RBI’s interest rate decision on Friday, said analysts.

Global market movement would also continue to drive sentiment amid a bearish trend recently following rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and other central banks.

The RBI may take cues from its global counterparts to raise interest rate for the fourth time in a row

to control inflation.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said for the week ahead, investors will keenly watch the outcome of the RBI monetary policy on September 30.

“We expect the market direction will be led by global developments and FIIs’ action,” Nair added.

 Lord Mayor’s visit was aimed at strengthening IndiaUK financial services links, building strong and sustainable two-way capital flows

 His visit comes amid reports that Modi may be planning a visit to the UK to sign the FTA around Diwali

sues to be resolved but I think there’s a lot of optimism on both sides that we will get that done. Whatever the content of the agreement, it will be a real positive for the relationship between India and the UK across the board in the coming years,” he said.

His visit comes amid reports that Modi may be planning a visit to the UK to sign the FTA around Diwali, which falls on October 24.

Asked about the prospect, the Lord Mayor expressed optimism: “It is a tight deadline but there is optimism.

WITH COMFORTABLE COAL STOCKS

 The RBI, which is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy later this week, is expected to increase the repo-rate or the shortterm lending rates by 50 bps

Director B V Mehta said the cost of imported edible oils will go up. The country imports about 13 million tonnes of edible oils every year. “Ultimately, this will

As per the SBI report, no central bank can prevent currency depreciation currently and RBI may allow the rupee to depreciate for a limited period. Foreign currency assets of RBI have declined by $75 billion since Ukraine War, in order to protect the rupee, it said and added that this has led to reduced import cover of nine months, which is at the lower end.

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA SET FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT RATE HIKE TO QUELL INFLATION

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may take cues from its global counterparts, including the US Federal Reserve, to raise interest rate for the fourth time in a row on Friday to tame stubborn inflation. The RBI Governor-headed Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled to start its three-day deliberations on Wednesday. The decision of the rate-setting panel would be announced on Friday (September 30). The US Fed delivered third consecutive rate hike after it raised the rates by 75 bps to take the target range to 3 - 3.25%. The central banks of the UK and the EU have also gone for rate hikes to tame inflation.

—PTI

NATURAL GAS PRICE TO RISE TO RECORD LEVEL THIS WEEK

New Delhi: The combined market valuation of seven of the 10 most valued firms eroded by `1,34,139.14 crore last week, with Reliance Industries taking the biggest hit. Barring Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finance and ITC, others in the top-10 club suffered erosion in their market valuation. The valuation of Reliance tumbled by `40,558.31 crore to reach `16,50,307.10 crore. But despite that it retained its top spot in the of the most valued LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME Delhi: An engineering has announce a production linked incentive (PLI) for the industry to boost domestic manufacturing, exports and job creation. In a communication to the commerce ministry, Ludhianabased Hand Tools Association said that the sector provides employment to 7.25 workers for every `1-crore sale per year on an average as compared to the job creation ratio of 4.75 in bicycle industry and 5-6 in textiles. Exports of hand tools industry is about `3,200 crore annually. —PTI

New Delhi: Prices of natural gas, which is used to generate electricity, make fertiliser and is converted into CNG to run automobiles, is likely to rise to record levels at the rate review scheduled this week, sources said. The government-dictated price for natural gas produced in the country is to be revised on October 1. After factoring in the spike in energy prices witnessed in recent months, the rate paid for gas produced from old fields such as of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is likely to rise to $9 per million British thermal units from current $6.1. —PTI

PIRAMAL GROUP AND ZURICH INSURANCE MULL JOINT BID FOR RELIANCE GENERAL INSURANCE

New Delhi: Piramal Group and Zurich Insurance plan to form a joint venture for taking over Reliance General Insurance, a subsidiary of debt-ridden Reliance Capital undergoing a resolution process. Both Piramal and Zurich, which had submitted separate non-binding bids for the general insurance business of Reliance Capital in August, may hold 50% each in the proposed special purpose vehicle (SPV), sources said.

Piramal had valued Reliance Capital’s general insurance business at `3,600 crore, while Zurich had quoted `3,700 crore for the same. As per the actuarial valuation, sources said, Reliance General Insurance is valued at `9,450 crore.

NO POWER CRISIS THIS FESTIVE SEASON

New Delhi (PTI): India is unlikely to see a repeat of the 2021 energy crisis this festive season as coal-fired power stations across the country have comfortable levels of the fuel stock to meet electricity demand of the world’s fastest expanding major economy.

Learning lessons from the October 2021 energy crisis, when power stations were put on outage alert, due to coal stocks falling to the lowest level in years, the ministries of coal and power as well as railways this year have worked out a plan to ensure adequate fuel

stocks at electricity generating units, officials said.

With coal used to produce almost 70% of electricity, officials are confident that the 2021 crisis will not be repeated this

LESSON LEARNT FROM PAST

 Learning lessons from the October 2021 energy crisis, the ministries of coal and power as well as railways this year have worked out a plan to ensure adequate fuel stocks at electricity generating units

festive season that kicks in a week’s time. Electricity demand in India has soared with a rebound in industrial activity after easing of pandemic-related curbs.

And the increased light-

ning needs during the festive season is likely to send the demand shooting.

Acc to a coal ministry official, the coal stocks at power plants are at “comfortable” level as of now.

FPIs PUMP IN 8,600 CRORE RUPEES IN SEPTEMBER SO FAR

GEHLOT THROWS HINT OF STEPPING DOWN AS CM

Rajeev Gaur

Jaisalmer: Chief Min ister Ashok Gehlot, who was on a visit to Jais almer on Sunday amid the political stir in the state, said that the new generation should also get a chance.

On the question of the national president, Gehlot said that no post is necessary for him. “I have been doing politics for 50 years and serving on constitutional posts for 40 years. It is in my mind that the new gen eration should get a chance. Congress lead ers Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have be lieved in me. It is my duty to do politics by accepting what they say,” he told the media.

Regarding the assem bly elections in Ra jasthan, Gehlot said that, “I have already told Sonia Gandhi in August that the next election in Rajasthan is important for the Congress. If Con gress wins in Rajasthan, it will start winning in all the states. I have al ready told Sonia Gandhi that the next elections should be fought under her leadership so that the chances of winning will increase. Whether it is me or someone else, the face who can make the party win should be chosen.”

He visited and prayed at the Tanot Mata tem ple located on the IndoPakistan international border. On reaching Tanot, the Chief Minis ter was received by the

Ashok Gehlot is not a class monitor that he is replaced by anyone just like that. What if BJP sabotaged it? The CM should be made from among the 102 MLAs who helped in saving the government. Whatever name the high command de cides, we will accept it.

—Pratap S Khachariyawas, Cabinet minister

district administration and Border Security Force officials and the BSF gave a guard of honour. Gehlot also paid homage to the brave martyrs by pay ing floral tributes at the Vijay Stambh. PCC President Go vind Singh Dotasra and Minister Pratap

Singh Khachariyawas also accompanied Ge hlot. After the darshan, Gehlot had food in BSF campus. Gehlot also met Congress leaders and also met the local people, during which many people also gave memorandums to Ge hlot regarding various demands.

Garg reminds high command of BJP-led ‘Govt toppling’ bid

Jaipur: Minister of State Dr Subhash

Garg on Sunday told the party high com mand that they should remember that two years ago, in collabo ration with BJP, there was a conspiracy to topple the Gehlot gov ernment in Ra jasthan. Then 102 MLAs and allies to gether saved the gov ernment, he said this in Bharatpur.

Garg said that the decision of the high command will be ac cepted by all. But the high command should

keep in mind the ex pectations of the peo ple of Rajasthan and the MLAs.

“CM Ashok Gehlot will contest for the post of National President in the interest of Con gress. He has received instructions from the Congress high com mand,” he said.

“We cooperated to

When the high com mand has sent observers, then what is the point of meeting at Dhariwal’s residence. He (Sub hash Garg) is not a Congressman and has no right to speak in the internal matters of the party.

—Giriraj Singh Malinga, Congress MLA

form the Govt. Allies should be asked. How can the government survive in the future? We should also think about it,” he added.

PILOT CAMP REMAINS TIGHT-LIPPED

A mid the political slugfest on Sunday for the post of Chief Minister, the Sachin Pilot camp remained tight-lipped. Pro-Pilot MLAs met him at his residence and also went to the Chief Minister’s resident for the Congress Legislature Party meeting. The MLAs waited there for the meeting but returned when it was cancelled. Pilot left the CMR after message came to meet the high command in New Delhi, MLAs Ramnivas Gavadia, Ved Prakash Solanki, Mukesh Bhakar, Rakesh Pareek, Indraj Gurjar and others camped at Pilot’s residence. On Saturday morning, he met Sheo MLA Ameen Khan and Dhod MLA Parasram Mordia--both considered to be of the Gehlot camp. Pilot also met Congress MLAs in Rajasthan Assembly on Friday. —Ziauddin Khan

State BJP takes potshot at Cong crisis; confirms victory in 2023 elections

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Reacting to the dramatic turn of events in the Congress, the BJP leaders took a jibe and said that the BJP was sure to come to power in the state.

“Trends start coming… Jai BJP-Sure BJP~ #2023” Satish Poonia, BJP state president tweeted.

“Badebandi ki sarkaar, ek baar phir badebandi mein jane to tayar,” tweeted Gajen dra Singh Shekhawat, Union minister and MP From Jodhpur.

Deputy Leader of Op position Rajendra

Rathore said that the internal conflict in Con gress is endless. “After July 2020, now once again A and B teams of Kauravas are face to face. The conflict is at its peak in the magic of the jaadugar. Whosoev er becomes the CM, it will be the defeat of the feelings and faith of 7 crore people of the state,” Rathore said.

“Meetings of Comgress MLAs are go ing on separately. The political hypocrisy of resignations is going on separately. Where will they take Rajasthan, now God save Ra jasthan” Poonia said.

Pro-Gehlot MLAs mint strategy at Shanti Dhariwal’s residence

Tensions resurface among Gehlot and Pilot camps in State

Laxman Raghav & Ashvini Yadav

Jaipur: MLAs consid ered close to Chief Min ister Gehlot met under the leadership of Cabi net Minister Shanti Dha riwal. This meeting was seen as an attempt to put pressure on the party high command to pick a Gehlot loyalist as his suc cessor in case he is ele vated to the post of the Congress national presi dent and required to quit as the CM in line with Rahul Gandhi’s ‘one-par ty, one-position’ policy.

The meeting is also seen as an attempt to thwart the possibility of senior party leader Sachin Pilot being made the next CM.

Some participants said Gehlot’s successor should be someone who was instrumental in sav ing the government dur ing the political crisis in 2020 and not someone who was involved in top pling it, a veiled refer ence to Pilot.

“If the decision is not taken keeping the MLAs’ sentiments in mind, the government will be in danger,” independent legislator and advisor to

GUDHA, BAIRWA & OTHERS SKIP MEET

BSP turncoat MLAs associated with G-6, including Minister Rajendra Gudha, distanced themselves from the meeting of pro-Gehlot MLAs at Shanti Dha riwal’s house. Gudha returned from the gate of Dhari wal’s bungalow. Gudha said that 101 MLAs are needed for majority, without this the Government would have been in minority. “Less than 101 MLAs were present in the meeting, so I did not go,” he said. MLAs Wajib Ali, Khiladi Lal Bairwa and Girraj Singh Malinga also accompanied Gudha and did not attend the meeting.

the CM, Sanyam Lodha, who participated in the meeting, said.

Another leader Go vind Ram Meghwal said Gehlot can shoulder both roles, that of the CM as well as the party’s national president. “We want CM Gehlot to re main. Sanyam Lodha is a seasoned person, what ever he has said, he has said it after thinking,”

he said.

Minister Mahendra jeet Singh Malviya said, “Gehlot should remain the CM.” Minister of Minority Affairs De partment Saleh Moham mad congratulated Ge hlot in advance for con tinuing as the CM. The supporters MLAs of Sachin Pilot also negoti ated the next strategy at his residence.

Mamta Bhupesh, Ramlal Jat, Dharmendra Rathore and Cong MLAs camp inside Dhariwal’s residence.

Sonia directs Maken to stay in Rajasthan and resolve crisis

From P1…

Late on Sunday night, KC Venugopal clarified that he did not talk to Gehlot and expressed hope that the problem would be resolved soon.

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi has in structed Ajay Maken to return to Delhi only af ter getting the resolu tion passed by talking to each of the MLAs, but the MLAs of the Gehlot camp denied any opin ion and said that they had sent their proposal and expressed their

faith in Gehlot.

There was also a dis cussion in the media that Venugopal spoke to Ashok Gehlot on the phone at the behest of Sonia and Rahul and took full details, in which Gehlot said that the situation was not in his control. Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi, who is said to be very upset with the developments in Rajasthan Congress, has reportedly called Ajay Maken, Mallikar jun Kharge, Ashok Ge hlot and Sachin Pilot to Delhi. It is also being

said that Sonia Gandhi may meet the legislative delegation. However, late in the night, Ajay Maken clarified that he would not go to Delhi, but would talk to each and every MLA as per the instructions of So nia Gandhi. Maken also said that he will go to Delhi only after getting the resolution passed that Sonia Gandhi is given the right to choose the leader of legislative party.

Earlier, Chief Minis ter Ashok Gehlot reached the hotel to

CONG HIGH COMMAND WARNS REBELS

T he Congress high command is extremely seri ous about the alleged rebellion of its MLAs of Rajasthan. A source attached to the high command gave a blunt warning and said, “High command will not tolerate indiscipline in Rajasthan. Action will be taken only after the report of observers from Jaipur, against those who perpetrate indiscipline or rebel, but all these things will be decided after the observers return to Delhi.”

meet state in-charge Ajay Maken and Observ er Mallikarjun Kharge. After a short meeting, all three reached the CM House. But the meeting was canceled due to nonavailability of several

MLAs. However, Sachin Pilot, his supporters MLA and some other MLAs had reached the CM House for the meet ing of the legislature party. Dr. Raghu Shar ma, Divya Maderna,

Rita Singh, Hemaram Chaudhary, Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Har ish Meena, Rajendra Gudha, Suresh Modi, Khiladi Lal Bairwa, Gir raj Singh Malinga, Bra jendra Ola reached CMR.

“I also met Maken and Kharge and ap prised them of the situ ation and then, on their behest, I went to Dhari wal’s resience to bring Dhariwal and Dotasara to the hotel, but the MLAs present at Dhari wal’s house did not let them go,” Khachariya

was said.

Interestingly, in the meeting at Minister Shanti Dhariwal’s house, the MLAs of Ge hlot faction decide to meet Speaker Dr. CP Joshi and made a strat egy to submit their res ignations. Several MLAs of the Gehlot faction advised to boycott the legislature party meet ing. More than 92 MLAs were present in this meeting.

It is being told that on Sunday morning, 5 MLAs had gathered at Minister Dhariwal’s house, whom Dhariwal told that Ajay Maken has informed of high com mand’s one-line proposal which states that the right to choose the new Chief Minister would be handed to the high com mand. This did not go down well with the MLAs, and the MLAs started gathering at Dha riwal’s residence, whose number increased to 92 by the evening, includ ing independent MLAs. They stressed that ‘op portunity should be giv en only to MLAs who are loyal to the party.’

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Govind Singh Dotasra and others visit Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer on Sunday.

Bhupender Yadav takes jibe at Bharat Jodo Yatra by tweeting photos of Rahul Gandhi, Gehlot, and Pilot together with a caption ‘Please, join them first’.

A bus arrives outside the residence of Minister Shanti Dhariwal where a meeting of Congress MLAs was held.

‘Had asked leadership to pick winning face’

Says new generation should get chance

First India Bureau

Shanti Dhariwal, Pratap S Khachariyawas and others discuss party affair outside the former’s residence. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

glance at beauty and glamour was witnessed in the second auditions of the fashion extravaganza of Elite Miss Rajasthan at the Pratishtha Banquet, Jaipur on Sunday. During the auditions, girls from different parts of Rajasthan registered in the auditions. Along with this, in the talent round, participants showcased their talents including dancing, singing, public speaking, beatboxing and much more on the stage. Around 1550 girls registered themselves from all over the state.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the event as the chief guest and motivated the participants with his encouraging words.

Patron JD Maheshwari, Director Gaurav Gaur, Nakul Vijayvargiya, PN Doody, Anil Bhattar, Yashil Pandey and Ajit Soni were also present on the occasion.

Supermodel Aditi Hyundai, Charvi Tanya Dutta, Akanksha Bhalla and Elite Miss Rajasthan 2021 Aastha Khandelwal were present as judges to test the talent of all the girls who appeared for the auditions.

While addressing the media, director Gaurav Gaur shared that before Jaipur, the auditions of this season were organised in Jodhpur, Udaipur, followed by Jaipur and now the last audition round of this season will be held in Kota on October 2. The show will further announce the top 30 contestants on October 10, while the finale will be grandly held on October 16 in Jaipur.

THE SECOND AUDITIONS OF THE FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA OF ELITE MISS RAJASTHAN WAS HELD AT THE PRATISHTHA BANQUET, JAIPUR ON SUNDAY

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The stunning participants at the Jaipur auditions of Elite Miss Rajasthan

Jagdeesh Chandra walks the ramp. seen are Akanksha Bhalla and Astha Khandelwal with others walks ramp with parents Hemant Kumar

BHAKTI

The nine-day Navratri festival takes place in the month of Ashvin. This year devotees will witness the auspicious Navratri festival from today, September 26 to October 5. ‘Nav’ means nine and ‘Ratri’ means night. It frequently concludes with Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami observed on the tenth day of Navratri. In some regions of India, Dussehra is celebrated as the festival’s main event, essentially extending its duration from nine to ten days. Additionally, because Navratri is based on the lunar calendar, it might sometimes last eight days, with Dussehra falling on the ninth day.

There are four related holidays known as Navratri that take place throughout the year. Nevertheless, the early-autumn festival known as Sharad Navratri is the most essential. It starts on the same day as Durga Puja, a 10-day celebration honouring the Goddess Durga’s victory that is especially cherished in some eastern states.

In varied ways, Navratri is observed throughout India’s many regions. While some people use this time for dancing and feasting, while many use it for religious thoughts. Keeping a strict vegetarian diet and avoiding alcohol and specific spices are some fasting habits. Dances are performed, particularly the Garba in Gujarat. The nine nights of the festival are typically devoted to various facets of the divine feminine energy or shakti. The first third of the festival often concentrates on features of the Goddess

dess Lakshmi, and the last third on the Goddess Sarasvati, however, the pattern varies significantly by location. Offerings and ceremonies are frequently performed in honour of the Goddesses and all of their incarnations. Kanya Puja, which occurs on the eighth or ninth day, is one wellknown ceremony. Nine young girls are costumed as each of the nine goddess facets honoured during Navratri in this rite.

The celebration is also known as the Durga Puja, especially in Bengal and Assam. The puja or ceremonial, days are commemorated with public performances, recitations, dramas and fairs in addition to home celebrations.

In some areas, the festival of Navratri is considered to be of ten days which includes Dussehra. Dussehra is a time to rejoice in the triumphs of good over evil, whether it is during the entire festival or only on the tenth day.

FASTING DURING NAVRATRI

Fasting is a fairly popular practice among Hindus according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees practise fasting to show their devotion and love towards Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. They think that fasting satisfies their desires and demonstrates their adoration for the Gods and Goddesses. Hindus celebrate the nine glorious incarnations of the goddess Durga, also known as NavaDurga, during the festival

of Navratri. Most commonly, fruits, kuttu aata, sabudana, samak rice, dairy items, and sendha namak can be consumed during the festival. The two food items that are prohibited from the diet are onions and cloves of garlic.

STORY BEHIND NAVRATRI

Hindus commemorate the goddess Durga’s victory over the devil Mahishasura during the festival of Navratri. Lord Brahma, had granted Mahishasura the gift of immortality, ensuring that he would never perish. The only individual who would be able to beat Mahishasura would be a woman, hence this gift did have one restriction.

Mahishasura was pleased with the bargain because he didn’t believe women could kill him.

No god was able to stop Mahishasura and his warriors as they became stronger and began assaulting people on Earth. The three most powerful Hindu Gods, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, ultimately chose to unite in order to defeat Mahishasura and created Goddess Durga, a formidable woman. Before fighting Mahishasura, the Gods gave Goddess Durga a variety of weapons. The demon battled Durga for ten days and it was challenging since he constantly changed his appearance to trick the Goddess. But when he at last transformed into a

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

On the 99th Birth anniversary of Dev Anand, City First cajoles you to dreamland with Tere Mere Sapne, a medical drama which brings to the fore the relationship of marriage and partnership with Mumtaz and Hema Malini, tuned to perfection in the hands of Vijay Anand.

Dev Anand…

FOREVER!

sonal peace, hobbies, friends and more and realizes at one time that the top of the ladder is lonely and precarious and one can’t climb down wilfully, nobody will let you.

VijayAnand, the despairing alcoholic doctor who cannot cope with reality anymore and one who finally once again finds meaning is a character who stays with you.

Jaise Radha ne mala japi … croons the beautiful schoolteacher Mumtaz to show her refusal of marriage to the young idealistic doctor Dev Anand is actually a ‘yes’!

Tere Mere Sapne is a movie which is still relevant in India as the few young and idealistic doctors who complete their studies with dreams of serving the nation and the Hippocratic Oath ringing in their ears and hearts finally give up ideals and seva to shake hands with the system.

Tere Mere Sapne is for every young couple who comes to the city even today from small towns and fights to belong, where belongingness may mean putting aside family values and vows taken and given. Sometimes they walk together on this path and sometimes a chasm develops leaving one behind… as do Dev Anand and Mumtaz.

Tere Mere Sapne is for every young aspiring celebrity like Hema Malini’s character who climbs higher and higher leaving behind floors strewn with per-

Each character of Tere Mere Sapne are all too human and you cannot but feel for them and feel like them. The shades of grey abound but for me, it was the marriage – a marriage based on trust, love and strength – of Dev and Mumtaz which forms the pillar of the idealism and then its loss for the young doctor, which makes this movie worth a watch. Mumtaz is a strong woman, an equal partner to her husband supporting him when he needs her most but also standing strong and showing him the right path as he flounders.

Dev Anand woos you with his idealism and then with his broken-hearted despair. As he flounders and fumbles, we sway with him, wanting to support him and understand him.

Haan maine kasam li among the sunflowers is pure romance and the chemistry between the two is vibrant. Jeevan ki bagiya mehkegi is poignant with dreams. The other songs frankly did not make much of an impact on me and these are the two songs I remember till date.

ANITA HADA

Late Dev Anand

FLIGHT OF A NEW FUTURE IN FASHION

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

Fairmont Jaipur, the crowned jew el of the pink city, hosted one of In dia’s premier single-day fashion events called Fashion Connect.

Fashion Connect set the bar high with the completion of its very successful previous seasons. Fashion Con nect Season 12, present ed by First India News and Bharat 24- Vision of New India, the show was appreciated by eve ryone present.

With the huge re sponse and netizens go ing gaga over the exem

plary lineup and digital readiness, the show scored an amazing win over the fashion indus try. Fashion designer Manish Malhotra showcased his exqui site collection at this year’s Fashion Connect event. The showcase included 80 garments

The fifth day of Kabaddi League Season 2 witnessed an extraordinary match and won the hearts of Kabaddi lovers

CITY FIRST

Organised by At lanture Sports, KEI Real Kabaddi League Season 2 is being cele brated as a fes tival by the Kabaddi Lovers. On the fifth day too, the audience en joyed a live performance of a musical stage show during the match. The fifth day of the league saw 4 exciting matches in which the first match was between Chambal Pi rates and Shekhawati Kings in which a thrill ing and powerful game was seen between both

donned by 50 models.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion with his presence and wel comed everyone to Pink City. While addressing the audience, he said, "It is indeed a privilege to have amid us Fashion designer Manish Mal hotra. This is the first

time in Rajasthan, that a legend like him show cased his ravishing col lection. Along with our endeavour to showcase the beauty and talent of charismatic models and fashion enthusi asts, with Season 12 of Fashion Connect, we also strive to empower

the young generation, especially women by transforming them into stronger individu als who are aware of their credentials." He further congratulated Rishee Miglani, Brand Ambassador and Youth Icon along with Show Director Lokesh Shar

ma for putting up the grand show.

Manoj Jagyasi, Chief Business Officer and strategic analyst of Bharat 24- Vision of New India, was also present on the occasion with his beautiful wife, Kinjal Jagyasi.

Manish Malhotra

paid immense grati tude to everyone on the occasion and felici tated the pillars of support behind the successful show on the occasion. The magical evening witnessed a decorated guest list of lovers of art, craft, fashion and opulence.

CITY FIRST

T he 2-day Indi an Heritage Hotels Associ ation’s 9th An nual Convention was organised recently at the Alila Fort in Bis hangarh and was themed on ‘Reincar nation of IHHA to Conserve and Protect Indian Heritage’. Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Yu vraj Sambhaji Raje said,” Indian Herit age Hotels Associa tion (IHHA) is a role model for other states owing to its work in the conservation and restoration of forts and Havelis in Ra jasthan. A fort feder ation has also been formed in Maha rashtra to preserve the heritage and his tory of the state. On the occasion, Ravi Shankar, IAS, Gov ernment of Uttara khand, highlighted the key initiatives taken in the State to promote tourism. These include railway connectivity, heli copter connectivity and air ambulances. He also threw light on the investment opportunities in terms of the devel opment of 5-star ho tels, pilgrimage cir cuits etc. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

teams. Chambal beat Shekhawati by 1 point.

The final score of the match was Chambal 31 Shekhawati 30.

The man in the match was Harsh. Chambal Pirates put 13 raids and Shekhawati Kings 09 raids, Chambal and Shekhawati got 13

DURING THE DAY

MAGIC MUSICBOL

tackle points each. Chambal Pirates got 04 all-out points and Shek hawati Kings got 02 allout points in the match. At the same time, both teams got a total of 07 extra points. The second match of the day, was between Jodhana Warriors and

Mewar Monks, both the teams were seen trying to outdo each other from the very begin ning. Jodhana Warriors beat Mewar Monks by 06 points. Dinesh was the man of the match. The final score of the match was Jodhana 60 - Mewar Monks at 54.

CITY FIRST

After popular al bums like ‘Babu Chail Chhabee la’, ‘Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya’ etc, ac tress Sophie Choudry pro moted her latest song ‘Gori Hai’ at Salon Sizzlin Scizzors on Saturday, So phie. During this Sophie shared that her recent song is very popular among the youth of the country, in just three weeks from its launch, the music video has been viewed by 17 million peo ple on YouTube. The orig inal song ‘Gori Hai Kalai yan’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Prada is still people’s favourite. After listen ing to the famous song, I felt that this new song should connect with the youth of today. Looking at the grandeur of this song, I did not tinker with it.

Promoting Rajasthani Films

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Regional cinema directors, pro ducers and peo ple from the dif ferent regional film in dustry gathered on one platform to discuss the current scenario of re gional cinemas across the country in a talk show organised by the Rajasthan Film Festival (RFF) 2022 at Hotel The Palace on Sat urday. Film actors Sanjay Mishra, Tusshar Kapoor, ac tress Mahima Chaud hary, film critic Komal Nahta were also pre

sent on the occasion. On the second day grand award ceremony was organised at Maan Palace, in this, versa tile talents of Ra jasthani cinema as well as other re gional cinema across the country was hon ored. Renowned actor Sanjay Mishra was hon

ored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Awards Night was hosted by personalities like Tusshar Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhary and Komal Nahta, where awards from all categories were pre sented in two sub-cate gories (Rajasthani and other regional cinema).

September 21 saw some of the most im minent names in Jaipur gather under the starry sky for the bar takeover in the city’s hotspot, Diona, Jaipur. Situated in the heart of Jaipur, Diona, covers are serving luxury with multiple indoor and outdoor venues. The place drips with lux ury and glamour with a beautiful pool deck, a special mem bers-only lounge and its mesmerizing ar chitecture that transports you to the surreal landscapes of Greece. Diona in vited Youth Icon Rishee Miglani and Fashion Influencer Deviya Singh to make Wednesday of city more happen ing.

CITY FIRST

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

FELICITATION!

Subh business icon awards-2022 was organised by Subh Weddings Magazine recently. Dia Mirza Rekhi graced the event as the celebrity guest. During the event, actor-model Aadi Khan was awarded the title of ‘fashion influencer’. Aadi Khan has been the face of many prestigious brands and is currently working on a few acting projects. He is an emerging name in the modelling industry representing Jaipur.

Rajasthan gyms and fitness association organised an informative free seminar at Hotel Mystic Falls, Gopalpura on Sunday. The seminar poured outstanding knowledge about bodybuilding for Athletes. Fitness experts Amit Jangid, Vinay Poonia, Sudipta Shaha and Samridhi practically taught styles and techniques in posing. RGFA president Ashish Dixit and Giriraj Saini along with RGFA members were present on the occasion.

Rambagh Gau Seva Samiti, Jodhpur made Ayurvedic laddus for the cows suffering from lumpi disease in Devata and Jhalmilia Gaushala. Committee chairman Mahendra Parihar, Manoj Dhoot, Madhusudan Maheshwari, vice-president Manish Kumar Bafna and the entire team participated in the program.

A Bootcamp named Fit and Fabulous was organised on Friday at ITC Rajputana by Coach AJ. The participants enjoyed playing fitness challenges and fun workout games.

An outreach program titled NIDAAN was organised by the Gender Study & Women’s Cell (GSWC) at St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur, along with the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) under the aegis of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) cell, a flagship program of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India on Sunday.

Writer Nishant Bhardwaj, proved a milestone for Rajasthani films and now his upcoming thriller Atta Sata will release on Stage App soon. The film meets National and International standards in every respect. At the same time, it easily manages to bring a serious subject to the screen in an entertaining way. Along with the high level of direction in the film, the strong story of Charan Singh Pathik and Uma is the special strength of the film. The acting of all the actors is great. Rajan Puri Visha Parashar Altaf Khan and Hem Lata performed well.

During the match

Sophie Choudry

During the lamp lighting ceremony

Deviya and Sonal

Rishee, Deviya and Shaina

Namokar Jain BY BY

Jagdeesh Chandra with Manish Malhotra. Also seen are Rishee Miglani, Lokesh Sharma and supermodels

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Manoj Jagyasi, Rishee Miglani, Lokesh Sharma, Anita Hada, Kavita Chauhan and Sonal Sharma

Supermodel walks the ramp showcasing Manish Malhotra’s collection

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Sanjay Mishra, Tusshar Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhary and Komal Nahta with others