First India-Jaipur Edition-27th March 2023

PM MODI LAUDS NARI SHAKTI IN MANN KI BAAT

BIG LEAP IN SKY

ISRO’s LVM3 successfully injects 36 satellites into intended orbits

Sriharikota (PTI):

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s heaviest LVM3 rocket on Sunday successfully placed 36 internet satellites of UK-based OneWeb group company into intended orbits.

The 43.5 metre tall rocket blasted off at a prefixed time of 9 am on Sunday, from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre here. This is the second dedicated mission of NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation.

ISRO had signed an agreement with Network Access Associates Ltd, United Kingdom, a OneWeb Group Company, for the launch of 72 satellites into LowEarth orbits (LEO).

LVM3 ROCKET SUITED FOR GAGANYAAN, IT PERFORMED VERY WELL: ISRO CHIEF

“This rocket (LVM3-M3) also has the S200 motors that are designed with increased margins and features which are suited for Gaganyaan configuration. We are happy that it performed very well in this mission.” ISRO Chairman S Somanath said at the Mission Control Centre.

Narendra Modi

@narendramodi

It reinforces India’s leading role as a global commercial launch service provider in the true spirit of Aatmanirbharta.

INTERNET SERVICES TO GET A BOOST

New Delhi: Bharti Enterprise-backed OneWeb on Sunday completed its constellation of 618 low earth orbit satellites that would allow it to offer broadband internet services from space in every corner of the world.

The vehicle has done extremely well, it went up to the right orbit and placed the spacecraft at the right orbit and with very minimal disturbances to it

—S Somanath, ISRO chairman

BJP will win more than 200 seats in MP Assembly polls, says Nadda

Bhopal (PTI): BJP chief

JP Nadda on Sunday said party would win over 200 out of 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, where elections will held at this year end. He performed a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a new BJP office here. “The warm welcome accorded to me by the spirited BJP cadre shows we are going to more than 200 Assembly seats in MP,” he

MAN WHO THREATENED SALMAN & MOSSEWALA’S FATHER HELD IN JODHPUR

Rajeev Gaur & Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: Police arrested the man who gave death threats to actor Salman Khan and singer Moosewala’s father by email. The Mumbai Police nabbed the accused with help of Luni Police Station team that falls under Jodhpur Police Commissioner (West Zone).

The Luni police station handed over him to Mumbai cops who left for Mumbai with the accused. DCP Gaurav Yadav and Luni police station officer Ishwarchand Pareek said that a death threat via email was registered in Bandra police station, Mumbai. P3

said. A 10-storey modern office complex will come up in Arera Colony area near Kamalapati railway station in place of an old building which was demolished.

SHAH

Bidar: Following removal of four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims in Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lashed out at Congress and said that there is no such provision in the Constitution to provide reservation. P6

RTH ACT: TALKS BETWEEN AGITATING DOCTORS AND RAJ GOVERNMENT FAIL

Vikas Sharma Jaipur: A meeting between govt officials and agitating private doctors demanding withdrawal of the Rajasthan Right to Health Bill that was passed in the State assembly last week was held on Sunday. The officials assured the delegation of doctors to look into the suggestions of the doctors. However, the doctors were adamant in their demand and said the meeting fetched no result as govt is not ready to fulfill the demand. P3

2051 MISCREANTS NABBED ACROSS RAJ

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: In yet another massive crackdown on criminals, Rajasthan police on Sunday rounded up 2051 criminals in Jaipur and Kota ranges and Churu district. In the operation carried out under the supervision of ADGP (Crime) Dinesh MN, nearly 8,000 Policemen were engaged. Jaipur and Kota Range IGs monitored the operations from the control room while the district SPs were in the field, DG Umesh Mishra said. P2

New Delhi: From ‘Elephant Whisperers’ to the first woman minister in Nagaland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out several examples in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, to showcase the role of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ in realising India’s true potential. P7

MUMBAI BEAT DELHI TO LIFT INAUGURAL WPL TITLE

Sikh body tells Amritpal to surrender as hunt is on

First India Bureau Chandigarh: Akal

Takht Jathedar Giani

Harpreet Singh has asked fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh to surrender before police and cooperate with investigation. The Jathedar of Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhs) also questioned police’s competence, wondering why they have not been able to nab the selfstyled Sikh preacher despite having such a big force.

“If Amritpal is out (of police net), then I will ask him to present (before police) and cooperate with (police) investigation,” said the Jathedar.

Singh’s remarks come in the wake of Punjab Police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and elements of ‘Waris Punjab De’, an outfit headed by him. Amritpal Singh has been on the run since March 18, when the police crackdown began.

SIKH HARDLINERS THREATEN INDIAN EMBASSY IN US RADICALS ATTACK, ABUSE DC-BASED INDIAN JOURNALIST

Washington DC: ProKhalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh during their protest on Saturday (local time).

INDIA RAPS ATTACK ON JOURNALIST BY RADICALS IN US

Washington DC: India said,

“We condemn such a grave and unwarranted attack on a senior journalist. Such activities only underscore violent and anti-social tendencies of so-called ‘Khalistani protestors’ and their supporters.”

‘Dis’Qualified MP RaGa:

Congress holds protests across India

New Delhi (PTI): Congress party across India on Sunday held “Sankalp Satyagraha” to protest against disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge lashing out at the ruling BJP and asking why it is pained if fugitives such as Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi are criticised.

In the national capital, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, KC Venugopal, P Chidambaram, Salman Khurshid, Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, Pawan Kumar Bansal and others were among the party’s top brass taking part in the satyagraha at Rajghat.

Washington DC: US-based Indian journalist Lalit Jha was attacked and abused by pro-Khalistan supporters while he was covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian Embassy on Saturday afternoon.

MEA SUMMONS CANADA HIGH COMMISSIONER

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday summoned the High Commissioner of Canada after the security breach at the Indian embassy in Ottawa by proKhalistan supporters. P7

RAHUL GANDHI UPDATES HIS TWITTER BIO

New Delhi: Following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday changed his bio on Twitter where he described himself as a “Dis’Qualified MP”. He also wrote “Dis’Qualified MP” on his official Wayanad Twitter account. He was disqualified from Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after a Gujarat court convicted him in a 2019 defamation case. The disqualification will prevent Gandhi from contesting polls for eight years unless a higher court stays the conviction.

BJP scared of Rahul’s popularity so conspiring: Gehlot

OBC card was played as last weapon even in Gujarat elections, says Gehlot

Ashvini Yadav

New Delhi: Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said that ‘BJP is scared of Rahul Gandhi’s popularity after which conspiracies were hatched against him. He said that PM Modi is accusing Rahul as part of election strategy.

“Modi has played this card as the last weapon

CONGRESS ‘SATYAGRAHA’ IN SUPPORT OF RAHUL GANDHI BEGINS IN RAJASTHAN

Jaipur: The Congress’ Rajasthan unit on Sunday began its day-long “Sankalp Satyagraha” here in support of Rahul Gandhi following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha. The party’s state unit chief Govind Singh Dotasra, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and several other leaders are taking part in the protest at the Collectorate Circle. Similar protests are also being organised in other districts. More on P8

even in Gujarat elections. He is deliberately trying to mislead the OBC class,” Gehlot said in New Delhi where he participated in ‘Satyagraha’.

“Congress has always cared for OBC, SC and ST classes. I myself belong to the OBC category and I am the CM for

a third time,” he said. Gehlot said that Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Yatra got immense response and therefore the BJP is scared of him.

“The way people have gathered here for the party’s Satyagraha gives a message to the nation,” Gehlot said.

Pro-Khalistan supporters protest outside Indian Embassy in Washington DC, USA. —PHOTO BY PTI

Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, P Chidambaram, KC Venugopal & others at Sankalp Satyagraha of Congress in New Delhi, on Sunday.

SLAMS CONG FOR QUOTA TO K’TAKA MUSLIMS

CM Ashok Gehlot during Sankalp Satyagraha at Rajghat in New Delhi on Sunday. Senior Congress leader Selja Kumari is also seen.

OTHER TOP STORIES FROM RAJASTHAN

INDIA WIN 4 GOLD MEDALS AT WORLD BOXING

New Delhi: Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain made it a golden Sunday for India at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the WPL 2023 final, at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

8K cops nab 2,051

in

Jaipur, Kota ranges and Churu dist

Action taken under the supervision of DGP Mishra & ADG (Crime) Dinesh MN

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Rajasthan police on Sunday rounded up 2,051 criminals in Jaipur and Kota ranges & Churu district. Over 8,000 Policemen of Jaipur, Kota ranges and Churu Police launch a massive crackdown on antisocial elements and rounded up 2,051 Criminals. The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Additional Director General (Crime) Dinesh MN. Jaipur and Kota Range IGs monitored the operations from the control room while the district SPs were in the field, DG Umesh Mishra said.

In Jaipur range, 988 criminals were rounded up in Jaipur Rural, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bhiwadi and Dausa. 4 country made revolvers, 2 pistols and 4 live car-

NEWS DIGEST

2 GIRLS FLEE FROM JUVENILE HOME IN BHARATPUR

Bharatpur: Two minor girls ran away from Balika Graha in Bharatpur on late Saturday night. The staff of Balika Graha came to know about their escape on Sunday morning. After this, the superintendent of Balika Graha got the case registered at Saver police station. It is being told that one girl has been caught by the police and the search for the other girl is on. Every evening the girls living in Balika Graha are released to roam around the premises and like every day, everyone was roaming around the campus on Saturday too. But in late evening, both the girls did not go to the room and fled from the girl’s home. Police searching for the remaining girl.

COUPLE DIES MYSTERIOUSLY IN BILADA

Jodhpur: A couple was found dead under mysterious circumstances at their residence in Bilada town of Jodhpur on Sunday. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Narayan Rambhat and his wife Rani Devi.

“The couple used to reside in Padasla Khurd village under the Bilada PS area. The reason behind their death is yet to be ascertained, but it is suspected that the husband killed her wife and then committed suicide. An FSL team collected the samples and bodies will be handed over to family members after the post mortem,” police said.

Action on illegal mining across Raj, 83 arrested

z In Jaipur range, 988 criminals were rounded up in Jaipur Rural, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bhiwadi and Dausa.

z 270 were raided to nab 415 criminals in Alwar. Bhiwadi SP Anil Beniwal informed that 72 teams raided with 500 policemen.

z In Sikar, the police raided dozens of places in the last two days arresting 263 miscreants under various sections.

z In the Kota range operation, 984 criminals were detained in Kota city, Kota rural, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar districts under the Kota range with a team of 3,000 cops.

tridges were recovered.

Similarly, 984 criminals were detained in

Kota city, Kota rural, Bundi, Baran & Jhalawar under Kota range. 4

pistols, live cartridges, and narcotics substances were also recovered.

DAUGHTERS FACE FATHERS’ WRATH

Father slits throat of 2-yr-old after family discord in Udaipur

First India Bureau

Udaipur: A killing of a two-year-old baby with a knife by his father has been reported in the city. Due to family discord, the accused father Mahendra Meghwal killed his younger two-year-old daughter, Kajal.

After the murder, the baby was tied to a towel and thrown into the pond. The villagers gathered at the spot on the cries and screams of his wife. On information, po-

MAN KILLS INFANT DAUGHTER AFTER QUARREL WITH WIFE IN JHUNJHUNU

Jhunjhunu: A man was arrested for allegedly killing his 15 month old daughter by throwing her against a wall after a dispute with his wife in Jhunjhunu on Sunday, police said. The incident occurred in Nawalgarh police station area, they said, the deceased has been identified as Kailash Meghwal, a resident of Girdhar Pura. Meghwal, an electrician by profession, had a fight with his wife Kavita and, in a fit of rage, he threw his daughter Ojasvi against the wall, causing her death, police said. The accused has been arrested and body was handed over to family members, they said.

lice reached the spot. Seeing the police, the accused Meghwal tried to run away but the police chased and nabbed him.

Minor on her way to school raped by neighbour in Jpr

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A case of raping a minor schoolgirl by a neighbour youth has come to light in the Galta Gate area of the city. The accused neighbour used to chase and molest the minor on her way to school. The accused raped the minor by taking her hostage in the room after finding her alone. The victim’s father has lodged a report under the POCSO Act. The police are investigating the case. As per the report filed by her father, his 16-year-old daughter was being chased and teased by a

youth on her way to school. On March 12, the daughter went missing. On searching, the accused was found to have raped the minor daughter at neighbour’s house. On asking the minor daughter, she told that the accused neighbour had raped her many times in past by threatening her. The police have started the probe by filing the report.

The police have kept the dead body in the mortuary of Gogunda Hospital. Police registered the case and started probe.

z Keshoraipatan police started a special campaign in which Circle Police arrested 85 miscreants in a single day.

First India Bureau Jaipur/Nagaur: A team of officers and cops from District Police, DST, QRT and RAC, on the instructions of DGP Umesh Mishra, ADG (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumaria and IG (Ajmer Range) Rupinder Singh took action against illegal mining and transportation at 110 places in Nagaur district from 4:00 am to 12:00 am on Saturday. In action, 60 cases were registered and 63 accused were arrested. Along with this, a total of 64 vehicles including 51 tractor trolleys and 13 trucks & dumpers have been seized & 229 tonnes of illegal stones and 431 tonnes of illegal gravel have been recovered. In a joint action on illegal mining by Jhunjhunu police 50 teams were formed in nine police station areas. As many as 19 cases registered during the action.

RLP, BJP stages demo in Baytu over removal of SHO

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Removal of a station house officer in Barmer triggered tension at Baytu town in the district. Opposing the decision of removal, two opposition parties BJP and RLP called a day bandh and demanded to withdraw the decision. However there was mixed reaction to the bandh as people supporting Congress had avoided the call.

Notably, on Saturday IG Jodhpur range had sent the Baytu SHO Omprakash Choudhary to police line and deputed

DAY 2: RAJASTHAN SAHITYA UTSAV

closed the market in Baytu for two hours and protested against the transfer of SHO Choudhary on Sunday.

Baldev Choudhary at Baytu. This created political clash among BJP, RLP and Congress. After staging the dharna, a memorandum demanding cancellation of removal was given to sub-divisional officer.

Relevance of Gandhi-Nehru philosophy discussed

Ex-CJ of Allahabad

HC Mathur also talked on role of Nehru & Gandhi

Rajeev Gaur

Jodhpur: Various sessions were held on the second day of Rajasthan Literature Festival 2023 on Sunday. In the first session, a lec-

ture was held on the theme of everlasting relevance of Gandhi

and Nehru philosophy. Justice Govind Mathur, former Chief Justice

of Allahabad High Court, delivered a lecture on this.

In conversation with First India, Mathur described Gandhi as the soul of the country and said that Nehru, a disciple of Gandhiji, was also a visionary. Justice Govind Mathur said that Mahatma Gandhi gave the message of harmony through ‘Vaishnav Jan

They claimed that since the Choudhary took charge, there were panic among the smugglers. SHO did not hesitate in taking action against ruling party leaders, due to which he got political punishment.

Tonk: Action against illegal gravel mining resulted in the arrest of five accused and the confiscation of 12 tractor-trolley filled with illegal gravel and one bike used in the racket in Tonk on Sunday. The joint action was taken by various police stations of Tonk district. The information was shared by SP Rajarshi Raj Verma. An attack on a police team was reported near Sureni village. The police reached the spot on information to stop

There were 16 people arrested, 85 tonnes of gravel, 80 tonnes of stone, and 20 vehicles seized. In a similar campaign in Dholpur, three accused were arrested

for illegal stone mining and 3 trucks were seized from spot. Sarmathura police station led by station in-charge Devendra Sharma took action on Chandravali turn.

3 into custody in Bharatpur over paper leak case

Bharatpur (FIB): Three people were taken into custody in Bharatpur on Sunday for their alleged role in Security Guard recruitment paper leak case. Police informed the incident took place in the Sewar PS area.

“The accused were talking out the paper leak in the bus and were later taken into custody by Sewar Police. The local police then informed the ATS for further investigation. The youths are being questioned and more revelations are expected soon,” police said.

Two labourers killed, four hurt at mining site in Pali

Pali: Two labourers were killed while four others were injured in Pali on Sunday in two separate mining incidents. The labourers were injured after they were trapped under the debris of the stone quarry. Police informed the incident took place at a stone mining site in Balelav area under Sadar Police Station area.

“Nearly 7 to 8 labourers were working at the mining site on Sunday morning when a large stone fell on them. In the mishap, Ankit, a resident of Jhunjhunu dis-

trict and Sardar, a resident of Sikar, sustained injuries and died. Bablu was also injured in the mishap and was taken to Bangur hospital in Pali for treatment,” police said. “The other mishap took place in the Denda where one labourer was injured, who is undergoing treatment,” police added.

To Tene Kahiye Je Peer Parai Jaane Re’, ‘Ishwar Allah Tero Naam’. Apart from litterateurs and poets, school children were also present in the event. Besides, teachers, intellectuals, Vice-Chairman of Mela Authority Ramesh Borana and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s OSD Farooq Afridi were also present on the occasion.

First India Bureau

Justice Govind Mathur addressing the gathering in RLF on Sunday.

Jai Yadav, SP Bundi giving strict warning to the anti-social elements and hardcore criminals to stop crime after the massive raids in Kota and Jaipur ranges on Sunday.

Police team with the seized tractor-trolley in Nagaur on Sunday.

Police taking information from the injured in Hospital on Sunday.

Over 270 places were raided to nab criminals in Alwar and 415 accused were held on Sunday.

SP Jhalawar Richa Tomar leading early morning raids against miscreants resulting in detention of 226 offenders on Sunday.

A delegation of the advocates met Dy LoP Rajendra Rathore on Sunday and thanked him for the recently passed Raj Advocates Protection Bill, 2023. Advocate AK Jain, Vivek Sharma, Gajraj Singh, Rajkumar Sharma, Rajendra Singh, Shanker Gurjar, Pawan Sharma, Narendra Mahrauli, Mahaveer Chaudhary,Anil chaturvedi, Adarsh Goyal and other were present on the occasion.

Sarv Samaj and traders

MASSIVE

Continue talks with doctors: CM to officials

He also instructed officials to maintain law & order in the doctors’ rally today

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot again held a meeting on Sunday over the Right to Health protests. He returned from New Delhi, where he attended the Congress’ Satyagraha, and held a highlevel meeting at CMR. A similar meeting was held on Saturday also.

Gehlot instructed to contin

ue talks with the agitating doctors and also took the feedback of the doctors’ protest. He said that dialogue should be maintained with the protesting doctors and instructed for detailed discussion with medical leaders regarding the points of the Right to Health Bill. In the meeting, Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena, CS Usha Sharma, DGP Umesh Mishra, ACS (Finance) Akhil Arora, Principal Medical Education Secretary T Ravikant, Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava & other top

officials were present. Assuring the doctors of the provisions, Gehlot said that the government will reimburse the amount spent in treatment to the hospital. “There will be no unnecessary administrative interference in hospital management and internal system. The state government is fully sensitive, responsive to your questions and is ready for dialogue on every point. Therefore, it is requested to end the strike by showing humanity for public service and protection of patients’ lives,” he said.

Deadlock continues, talks remain inclusive

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: A meeting between Rajasthan government officials and agitating private doctors demanding the withdrawal of the Rajasthan Right to Health Bill that was passed in the state assembly last week was held on Sunday.

The officials assured the delegation of ten doctors to look into the suggestions of the doctors.

However, the doctors adamant about their demand said that the meeting fetched no result as the government was not ready to fulfill the demand.

Javrimal Bishnoi suicide: Family alleges murder by CBI officers

First India Bureau

Bikaner: The case of suicide of Javrimal Bishnoi, Joint Director, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took a new turn on Sunday after Bishnoi’s family members alleged murder. “No normal person can jump from the window from which Bishnoi is said to have jumped,” they said.

Meanwhile, people heckled the CBI officers who reached the hospital. Javarimal was a resident of Khajuwala in Bikaner. Bishnoi, who was caught taking a bribe of Rs 5 lakh on Friday, jumped from the multi-storey building of DGFT in Rajkot, Gujarat on Saturday. Javarimal died in the hospital.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

Stones pelted at Hindu rally in Jaipur, police arrests 12

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Some people reportedly from a minority community pelted stones at the Hindu Ranbheri bike rally in Tala village of Jamvaramgarh on the occasion of Hindu New Year in Jaipur. Even the police deployed for the security of the rally could not do anything immediately but later more than 12 youths were arrested.

Jaipur Rural SP Rajeev Pachar said that

People of a community pelting stones on the Hindu Ranbheri bike rally at Tala village of Jamvaramgarh on Sunday.

additional force has been deployed in the area and there is peace.

The rally started from Khel Maidan Chandwaji on Sunday.

3 R’bore tigresses to be shifted to Ramgarh, Mukundra and Sariska

First India Bureau

Bundi: Preparations are on for shifting of three tigresses from Ranthambore to Ramgarh Vishdhari, Mukundra and Sariska. The forest administration is making preparations for shifting T 133 and two other tigresses. Permission has been taken from the National Tiger Conservation Authority in this regard. At pre-

A pair of tigers which was to come from Indore to Nahargarh for tiger safari has given a miss. The pair was sent to Jamnagar in Gujarat, where Anant Ambani’s dream project of the world’s largest zoo is underway. More than 10 elephants have been sent from Amber to Jamnagar. Work related to tiger safari will be completed in Nahargarh by the end of April. Now, the forest dept is planning to bring a pair of tigers from other places.

sent, there is a pair of tiger and tigress in Mukundra. Ramgarh Vishdhari also has a pair and there

is a possibility of two cubs there. The three tigresses will go from Ranthambore to nontourism areas.

THREAT TO SALMAN KHAN

Mumbai cops nab one from Jodhpur

Rajeev Gaur &

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: Police arrested the accused who gave death threats to film actor Salman Khan and Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father by email.

The Mumbai Police arrested the accused with the help of Luni Police Station team that falls under the Jodhpur Police Commissioner (West Zone). The Luni police station has

ACCUSED HAD THREATENED SALMAN

KHAN AND MOOSE WALA’S FATHER

T

handed over the accused to Mumbai police. Mumbai Police has left for Mumbai with the accused. Police Commissionerate (West) DCP Gaurav Yadav and Luni police

station officer Ishwarchand Pareek said that a death threat via email was registered in Bandra police station, Mumbai. In this case, the Mumbai Police were looking for the ac-

Usha Sharma, Akhil Arora, T Ravikant & other officials discussing the Right to Health issue in a meeting with a delegation of 10 doctors in Jaipur on Sunday.

further strengthening rights of the people to their health. After the meeting, Dr Ashok Sharda said that the demand for the withdrawal of the bill continues.

Doctors performing Sundarkand Path in Jaipur on Sunday.

1 dead, 1 hurt on Sodala Elevated road

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: A young man riding a bike died while another got seriously injured in an accident at Sodala Elevated road in Jaipur late on Saturday. The injured has been admitted to SMS Hospital.

Police said that the deceased Subham

Bansal, 26, was a resident of Tonk, and the injured Vineet Soni is also from Tonk. He is an MR in Jaipur. They were returning home after dinner when their bike hit a divider on the elevated road. Police sent both of them to the SMS hospital where doctors declared Subhash brought dead.

edical services were affected due to the strike of the private doctors against the right to the health bill. The private hospitals are closed and patients with emergencies are facing trouble in treatment.The patients in government hospitals are also not being properly attended due to the load of the private hospitals on the government hospitals.At the same time, private hospitals are taking money for treating patients in emergency. Patients say it is a kind of loot.Meanwhile, a joint action committee of the medical college teachers association held a meeting today and decided that OPD in govt hospitals attached to the medical colleges will be closed for two hours on March 27 and 28. Doctors held a ‘Sundarkand ka path’ in JMA auditorium.The deceased Shubham Bansal was a driver in Jaipur. On information, the police reached the spot and sent the two to the SMS hospital, where doctors declared Subhash dead. Subhash’s family has reached Jaipur and the body will be handed over to the relatives after the post-mortem.

cused, and Mumbai police had come to Jodhpur on Sunday.

he accused was caught on September 12, 2022, by the Sardarpura police station with illegal weapons near Nehru Park. The police had received information through an informer that a young man was trying to sell illegal weapons near Nehru Park. During the search, two country-made pistols were found in his jeans. He was arrested after registering a case under the Arms Act. It is being told that the accused had threatened Salman Khan and Moosewala’s father. The Mumbai Police have taken the accused with them for interrogation.Police with the assistance of the Luni police station team arrested the accused Dhakad Ram Vishnoi (21), a resident of Siyago-ki-Dhani, Rohicha Kalan, Luni.

Significantly, in search of this accused, the Punjab Police team had also come to Luni police station on March 24. The accused had also threatened to kill late singer Siddhu Moose Wala’s father by sending an email.

ROW OVER ‘RIGHT TO HEALTH’ CONTINUES,

A warning board has also been placed at Sodala Elevated road.

Deceased Javrimal Bishnoi

PAIR OF TIGERS MEANT FOR NAHARGARH SENT TO GUJ ZOO

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

I think you are confused about RTH providing free treatment to the poor. These laws are only for better treatment of poor and needy. This will not affect the present system and autonomy of the hospitals.

BJP’S BIG ‘PASMANDA’ PUSH AND ELECTORAL MATHS AROUND IT

Caste census has not been done in India for years. According to an estimate, 15 percent of the total population of India are Muslims, out of which about 85 percent are Pasmanda Muslims. According to the latest figures of the National Family Health Survey, about 45 percent of Muslims get the benefit of OBC.

Pasmanda includes people who are socially, educationally and economically backward and forms the majority of the Muslim community in the country. The term Pasmanda is used by Muslim associations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other parts of India to describe themselves as historically and socially oppressed Muslim communities by caste.

IN-DEPTH

NITIN GADKARI’S PLAINSPEAK ON MAINTENANCE OF INDIAN ROADS

‘Pasmanda’ is a Persian word meaning ‘those who are left behind,’ it is believed to be a category of Muslims belonging to Shudra (backward) and Ati-Shudra (Dalit) castes. Till 1998, Pasmanda Muslims were just a group, mainly active in Bihar. All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj Sangathan believes that ‘Pasmanda’ are in every religion

MOHD FAHAD

In order to make inroads among the Muslim voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-ruled government has come up with several schemes. Highlighting the backwardness among Pasmanda Muslims, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered on reaching out to the most deprived sections of the society through his various welfare schemes.

The PM said, “We should provide facilities to our tribes in more than 200 districts and more than 22,000 villages. We have Pasmanda Muslims among our minorities, especially Muslims, how should we benefit them..this government is thinking. Because Even after so many years of independence, they are still far behind.”

In July last year, at the BJP National Executive meeting, PM Modi talked about Pasmanda Muslims. After this, he has been stressing about the backwardness of Pasmanda in the Delhi session of the National Executive, where a ‘Sneh Yatra’ was announced in order to woo the Pasmanda Muslims.

Pasmanda community leader Danish Ansari, who hails from Ballia, is also a

KARNATAKA SCRAPS QUOTA FOR MUSLIMS

minister in the Yogi Adityanath government of BJPruled Uttar Pradesh.

Whopping 85% of total

Muslim population

Muslims in India are broadly categorised into three social groups – Ashraf, the “noble” or upper caste, Aljaf, backward caste Muslims; and Arzal, lower caste or Dalit Muslims. While Ashraf are considered the traditionally dominant group comprising Sheikh, Syed, Turk (Mughal) Pathan clans, Aljaf and Arzal are collectively known as Pasmanda, a Persian word for “ones left behind.”

Pasmanda is a term for Other Backward Class (OBC) Muslims comprising economically and socially backward members of society. According to Pasmanda leaders and rights activists, out of the total Muslim population in the country, around 85 per cent are backward or Pasmanda Muslims.

‘Only 60 Pasmanda Muslims reached Lok Sabha’

The community has often raised concerns over the lack of representation in political leadership positions despite being the numerical majority. They claim that out of the roughly 400 Muslims elected to the first 14 Lok Sabhas, only 60 were Pasmanda Muslims.

Demands of Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj?

All India Pasmanda Muslim

Reservation politics is being played out in Karnataka before the state assembly elections with the clear intent of pleasing the two dominant communities---the Lingayats and the Vokkaligas. The 4% quota for OBC Muslims has been scrapped and their share has been equally divided between the two Hindu sects. Of the two, Lingayats are more powerful. With the extra two percent each the Vokkaligas will get 6 percent reservation and the Lingayats 7 percent. Muslims have been placed in the “larger pool” of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai justified the deci-

Mahaj is an organization of Pasmanda Muslims from all over the country. As soon as it heard the news of BJP’s Sneh Yatra, the organisation wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi and demanded that Scheduled Caste status should be given to about a dozen castes in Pasmanda Muslims, who currently come under OBC. This demand is not new. But amidst the news of BJP making inroads among Pasmanda Muslims, it has once again raised this demand afresh.

Mahaj claims that if the government really wants to do good to the Pasmanda Muslims, then their old demand should be accepted.

If experts are to be believed, without accepting this demand, it is a bit difficult for the Pasmanda Muslims to go with the BJP. This demand is standing as a rift between BJP and Pasmanda Muslims.

Who are Pasmanda Muslims?

‘Pasmanda’ is a Persian word meaning ‘those who are left behind,’ it is believed to be a category of Muslims belonging to Shudra (backward) and Ati-Shudra (Dalit) castes.

Till 1998, Pasmanda Muslims were just a group, mainly active in Bihar.

For this reason, All India

Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj Sangathan believes that ‘Pasmanda’ are in every religion and in the same way they are also in Muslims.

Union Home Minister

Amit Shah, who is campaigning in K’taka, blamed quota for Muslims on Cong & its “policy of appeasement.”He said that there’s no provision for quota for religious minorities in Constitution

sion to shift Muslims to the EWS category by stating that Dr BR Ambedkar had said that reservations were for castes and not religion. Muslims are upset with the decision and Maulana Mahmood Madani, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind has condemned it. Madani called the

The backward, dalit and tribal Muslim communities are now uniting under the identity of Pasmanda. Among them Kunjare (Rayan), Julahe (Ansari), Dhunia (Mansuri), Butcher (Qureshi), Fakir (Alvi), Hairdresser (Salmani), Scavenger (Halalkhor), Gwala (Ghosi), Washerman (Hawari), Blacksmith-Carpenter (Saifi), Manihar (Siddique), Darji (Idrisi), Vangujjar, etc.

Pasmandas seek answers from ‘secular’ parties

The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of using Muslims as mere vote banks while the community strengthened these parties for over seven decades with their blind support.

Pasmandas, or ones left behind, have asked the so-called ‘secular’ political parties to spell out their plans for Other Backward Classes and Dalit Muslims. Activists fighting for the Pasmanda bloc have for long insisted that caste cuts across religions, and that non-Ashraf (well-heeled) Muslims also face caste discrimination just like backward and Dalit Hindus. Opposition parties have so far remained mum on the matter.

Can’t address Muslims without Pasmandas

While the politics is making sure that the ‘Muslim question’ cannot be addressed without talking to Pasmandas, which comprise majority of Indian Muslims, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP trying its best to win Muslim voters in its favour, it is left to be seen to what extent it succeeds in garnering their support.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

decision to abolish quota for backward Muslim sub-castes “as harmful to nation’s comprehensive development policy” & was against PM Modi’s assertions to uplift the Pasmanda Muslims. He said he will move court to seek justice. The 4 % quota for “socially & educationally backward” Muslims was started by HD Deve Gowda govt in 1994.

Union Home Minister

Amit Shah, who is campaigning in Karnataka, blamed the quota for Muslims on Congress and its “policy of appeasement.” He said that there’s no provision for quota for religious minorities in the Constitution.

The scrapping of quota will help the BJP gain votes more than its continuation.

Aroad cave-in here, another somewhere else leading to repair over and over again does not happen due to poor load bearing capacity of the construction alone. It also happens because the road construction quality gets compromised because of a nexus between contractors, babus and politicians. As a result roads in several states of India can be found to be in pitiable conditions and authorities remain unconcerned. The easy way out for authorities is to relay the top layer which generally wears off during monsoon with regular repair fetching them monetary benefits.

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari hit the nail on its head when he said, “Somewhere people with vested interest are behind frequent maintenance of roads. Some officers, contractors and politicians have interest in this. They create a cartel and every year they get a budget for maintenance.” This cartel, he said, is not interested in finding a permanent solution to the problem which is “more on the non-NH stretches”.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind.

Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEETS

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Progress of Odisha remains a top priority for the #ModiGovt.Thank PM @ narendramodi ji and @nitin_gadkari ji for fulfilling a much-awaited demand of Odisha and sanctioning `169.27 crore for the construction of a 9 km-long bypass to Nabarangpur town on NH-26.

The writer is senior journalist, and alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia

Duragraha not Satyagraha: BJP lashes out at Congress

Congress holds nationwide protests against Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification

New Delhi (Agencies):

The BJP slammed Congress and called its 'Satyagraha' as 'Duragraha' on Sunday. The Congress is staging 'Sankalp Satyagraha' at the Rajghat against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament.

BJP leader R.P. Singh said, "It is clear from this what kind of Satyagraha the Congress is doing. The murderer of Sikhs (Jagdish Tytler) has joined this Satyagraha. Congress cannot survive without Tytler. The party invites him to every event."

Singh said that this is not Satyagraha, but an attempt is being made to reinstate Jagdish Tytler, who is accused of killing Sikhs. In February this year, Tytler was elected a member of the Congress Committee."

Poonawalla hit out at Congress and said the Satyagraha was a 'Duragraha' against the OBCs & Courts. Poonawalla said, "Today's so-called Satyagraha showed their Duragraha for court and for the constitution because it was a court that convicted Rahul Gandhi...It is a Duragraha against the OBC samaj to support such a statement.

IT IS DAMAGING TO OUR INDIAN DEMOCRACY: SHASHI THAROOR

Thiruvananthapuram

(ANI): Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday wondered whether it was good for the democracy of this country when a principal opposition leader is not allowed to raise his voice in Parliament. “Is this good for our country”? Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said. “Let us forget party politics. This is damaging to India. It is not damaging to Rahul Gandhi,” he said. On being asked about ongoing Sankalp Satyagraha, he said, “This (Satyagraha) is not just about congress party or Rahul Gandhi, this is about Indian democracy”.

KHARGE SLAMS BJP, ASKS WHY IS GOVT PAINED IF FUGITIVES CRITICISED

New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday slammed the BJP over its charge that Rahul Gandhi insulted OBCs with his remark for which he has been convicted in a criminal defamation case, and said why is the ruling party pained if fugitives such as Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi are criticised. Addressing a gathering at “Sankalp Satyagraha” of the Congress right outside Rajghat, Kharge also thanked all Opposition parties for standing with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress to save democracy.

RAHUL GANDHI DISQUALIFIED ONLY TO SUPPRESS HIS VOICE: KHARGE

New Delhi (ANI): Attacking the BJP-led centre over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabah MP, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the former MP was “sued for defamation only to suppress his voice.” Talking to ANI, Kharge said, “The whole Congress party is standing with Rahul Gandhi. BJP and Modi government is not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak,” he added. He further said that the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi only means that the government does not want to let Rahul Gandhi speak.

‘MARTYR PM’S SON CAN NEVER INSULT COUNTRY’

New Delhi (PTI): Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said a martyred prime minister’s son who walked thousands of kilometres for national unity can never insult

Bilkis Bano’s rapist shares stage with Guj’s BJP MP, MLA

New Delhi (Agencies):

One of the 11 men who gangraped Bilkis Bano during the 2002 Gujarat riots and were released prematurely, was seen sharing stage with a BJP MP at a government programme in Gujarat yesterday. The release of the men has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the case will be heard on Monday.

The group water supply scheme event took place on in Karmadi Village of Dahod district on March 25.

Shailesh Chimanlal

Bhatt was seen on stage with Dahod MP Jasvant

Sinh Bhabhor and Lim-

Reservations provided to Muslims not as per Constitution, says HM

‘THIS WILL PUT IN MORE STEEL IN GRAND OLD PARTY’

New Delhi (Agencies):

Former finance minister and senior Cong leader P Chidambaram said his party’s leader Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from Lok Sabha would strengthen the Congress party, helping its prospects in next year’s general election. Describing the political landscape as an “undeclared emergency”, Chidambaram said the ruling BJP has made the Congress its “prime target” wishing its elimination in order to more easily manage the regional parties.

CONG MLAs TO HOLD 24-HR PROTEST IN TN

Chennai (Agencies): Tamil Nadu Congress legislators will hold a sit-in protest in the Assembly on Monday to condemn the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament. The protest will continue for 24 hours and end on Tuesday. Congress party will also move a special resolution in the Assembly to protest the “murder of democracy”. This was announced by the Congress legislative party leader, Selvaperithungai on Sunday while interacting with mediapersons.

UP CM YOGI MOCKS CONG’ SANKALP SATYAGRAHA

Bidar (ANI): Following the removal of four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims in Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lashed out at Congress and said that there is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion.

In a cabinet meeting, the Karnataka government scrapped the four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims and distributed it to two dominant communities, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas.

It also decided to move OBC Muslims to the 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.

Shah inaugurated the ‘Garota Shaheed Smarak’ and a memorial of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. He also hoisted a 103-ft high national flag in Karnataka.

While addressing a public meeting, Shah in poll-bound Karnataka,

the country. She alleged that Rahul Gandhi was disqualified for questioning the prime minister on industrialist Gautam Adani and people will give a befitting reply to those behind the action.

Lucknow (ANI): UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and scoffed at the party’s ‘Sankalp Satyagraha’ against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as an MP. “One who walks on the path of untruth cannot talk about Satyagraha,” CM Yogi said adding that the inspiration was given by Bapu to follow the path of Satyagraha, those who weaken democracy cannot do Satyagraha.

IN THE COURTYARD

JUSTICE DIWAKER SWORN IN ALLD HC CHIEF JUSTICE

kheda MLA Sailesh Bhabhor and posing for photos at the event. The two leaders were not available for comment.

The 11 convicts were released on Independence Day last year, triggering a flood of outrage across the country.

They were convicted in 2008 for gangraping Bilkis Bano and killing 7 members of her family. Her 3-year-old daughter was among those killed. Seven other relatives, who she says were also killed, were declared “missing”.

Prayagraj (PTI): Justice Pritinker Diwaker was sworn in as the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court on Sunday. He was administered the oath of office by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel in the courtroom of the chief justice. During the ceremony, all the judges of the court, including the Lucknow bench, and most of the lawyers were present. The governor was given a guard of honour in the court compound on her arrival. In a notification dated March 24, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Diwaker as the chief justice of the Allahabad HC with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

Hyderabad (Agencies): Former MP of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) D Srinivas on Sunday rejoined the Congress, nearly nine years after he had quit the party. The senior leader along with his son Dharampuri Sanjay joined the party in the presence of Telanga-

UMESH PAL MURDER: MAFIA AHMED TO BE PRODUCED IN MP MLA COURT ON MARCH 28

New Delhi (ANI): Rummaging Gangster Atique Ahmed will be produced in Prayagraj’s MP MLA court at 11 am on March 28, an order copy said. Umesh Pal and one of his armed security escorts were shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24 while he was returning home from court. On March 17, after completing the hearing in the court, the decision was reserved. The order was issued by Judge DC Shukla of MP MLA Court on March 23 to produce Atique Ahmed for a hearing. Umesh was also a key witness in the murder of former BSP leader Raju Pal and had an old rivalry with Mafia Don Atiq Ahmad.

DELHI COURT GRANTS BAIL TO POCSO ACCUSED LANGUISHING IN JAIL

New Delhi (ANI): The Dwarka District Court has granted bail to an accused in custody for about five years in a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was charged under Section 5(l) r/w 6 of the POCSO Act which is punishable with rigorous life imprisonment. The Additional Sessions Judge Pooja Talwar on Friday while considering the bail plea said, “Keeping in mind the facts that all the material witnesses have already been examined and the accused is in custody for about 5 years, accused Kanhaiya Lal is hereby released on bail.

India’s highways infrastructure to match US: Min

OTHER PROJECTS COMING SOON

Ranchi (PTI): India’s highways infrastructure will match that of the US by 2024 for which work in time bound ‘mission mode’ is on including construction of green expressways and rail over bridges, Union Road Transport and

Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. He said cabinet nod to ‘Bharatmala 2’ is like-

ly soon and once obtained it will meet the requirements of a robust infrastructure in

S

everal other projects included Rs 22,000 crore Varanasi-Ranchi-Howrah 620 km access-controlled green expressway and Rs 6,300 crore RanchiSambalpur greenfield economic corridor for 230 km. Apart from these Varanasi-Chordaha (Jharkhand-Bihar border) 6-lane 262 km economic corridor being built on completion will provide excellent hassle free connectivity to Kolkata, Assam, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh from Jharkhand, he added. Other projects, the minister said include the Rs 5,000 crore Ranchi Ring Road and added that the detailed project report for this 194 km highway will be completed in May 2023.

the country.

“I am confident that India’s highways will be on par with that of

the US by 2024. Work in a time bound mission mode is on to build a robust infrastructure in-

Home

Amit Shah waves to the crowd during the public meeting for the upcoming MP Assembly elections, in Chhindwara. Congress Government due to its polarisation politics provided reservation to the minority. BJP scrapped that reservation and provided reservations to Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities.

Shah said, “Reservations provided to the minority was not as per Constitution. There is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion.” Attacking Congress’ polarised politics, Shah said that in the greed of the vote bank, Congress never

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

commemorated the martyrs of independence & ‘Hyderabad mukti’.

“Due to Congress’ politics of polarisation, in the greed for the vote bank, they never commemorated the people who sacrificed themselves for independence and ‘Hyderabad mukti’”, said Shah.

Senior Telangana leader returns to Cong

A. Revanth Reddy and other leaders.Srinivas reached Gandhi Bhavan, the state headquarters of the Congress party, in a wheel-chair.

Srinivas with party leaders

na Congress in-charge Manikrao Thakare, state Congress chief

The former Rajya Sabha member Srinivas was re-inducted into the party in the presence of many senior leaders.

Bigger question is whether democracy will survive: Yadav

cluding a network of green expressways across the length and breadth of India,” Gadkari told PTI in an interview.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister said in this year railway over bridges are being constructed at a cost of Rs 16,000 crore which will be increased to Rs 50,000 crore in five years.

Gadkari also said “93% work on Kailash Mansarovar project has been completed.”

Lucknow (ANI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the bigger question facing the country is whether democracy will survive or not.

"The biggest question is whether democracy will survive or not. BJP is not a party, it is an organization," he said. Akhilesh welcomed the Congress' "Sanklap Satyagraha" to protest against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha.

"I want to congratulate the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi for the satyagraha," the former UP chief minister said.

The Congress is holding Sankalp Satyagraha at Raj Ghat. Priyanka Gandhi arrived at Raj Ghat for the protest on Sunday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party general secretary KC Venugopal and several other party leaders also joined the protest.

SP chief however reminded that what happened with Rahul Gandhi had also happened with Azam Khan and his son as well.

"If the educated people of our country start accepting lies as truth then what will happen to the democracy of the country," Akhilesh wondered.

Sailesh Chimanlal Bhatt was seen on stage with MP Jasvant Sinh.

Minister

Congress supporters during the party’s ‘Satyagraha’ against disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha, at Rajghat in New Delhi on Sunday. —PHOTO BY PTI

PM Modi talks about importance of organ donation in Mann Ki Baat

‘NORTHEAST INDIA NOW KNOWN FOR ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT’

India summons envoy and seeks explanation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 26) addressed the nation in the 99th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ Opening the 99th edition of his monthly radio programme PM Modi compared the episode’s mark with cricket’s ‘nervous nineties’. He said that the mark of 99 is generally considered a difficult milestone to cross. However, it becomes a source of inspiration when it is about Indians and their ‘Mann Ki Baat.’

In the 99th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ PM

Modi talked about the impact and power of organ donation that changes the course of lives for several people.

“With the technological advancement in the Medical Science, organ donation has become a powerful medium of giving life to someone,” said PM Modi. “After

death, when a person’s body is given for organ donation it may change the life of nearly 8-9 people,” added PM. PM Modi further said that it is really satisfying to know that the awareness about organ donation has increased in the country recently and the cases of organ

1,890 new Covid cases in 24 hours

New Delhi: India logged 1,890 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 149 days, while the active cases increased to 9,433, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The country had recorded 2,208 cases in a single day on October 28 last year. The death count has increased to 5,30,831 with seven deaths.

While two deaths each were reported by Maharashtra and Gujarat in a span of 24 hours, three were reconciled by Kerala, the data up-

CRUCIAL READ

Bhopal: A missionary school in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district was sealed after liquor and condoms were found in the principal’s room during a surprise inspection. The inspection was conducted by the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights on Saturday. The SCPCR team found beds, liquor and condoms and also egg trays and gas cylinders. “I saw there was a gas cylinder and other objectionable stuff, including liquor bottles. Police are investigating the whole matter,” Nivedita Sharma, a member of the SCPCR inspection team said, adding that she had brought the matter to the notice of the District Collector.

Hyderabad: In what could be a suicide pact, four members of a software engineer’s family, including 2 kids, were found dead in their flat. Police suspect that children’s ill-health might have forced the couple to resort to the extreme step. The victims are believed to have consumed poison to end their lives. Police said that G Satish, 39, his wife G Veda, 35, and their children, G Nishiket, 9, and G Nihal, 5, were found dead in their Park Royal Apartment flat at Kandiguda.

New Delhi A man was arrested in Delhi on Sunday for allegedly duping over 50 women on the pretext of providing them with a tour package to Vaishno Devi. The matter came to light in February. Madhur Kumar (36), from Haryana’s Panipat, became part of several Facebook groups formed by devotees and posted captivating messages to lure people with his fake tour packages, the police said. He targeted victims in festive seasons, especially during Navratri, police said.

dated at 8 am stated.

The daily positivity was recorded at 1.56 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.29 per cent. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,04,147) The active cases now comprises 0.02 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.79%, the ministry said.

donation have increased to 15,000 as of 2022 from a mere 5,000 in 2013. During the radio show, PM also talked to the families of people whose bodies were donated for organ donation. The donors saved the lives of several people and were touted as ‘saviours’ even after their death.

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi said that earlier the Northeast region was known as for blockades and violence, but now it is known for its developmental strides and all-round development. Modi was responding to Home Minister Amit Shah where he informed that “PM Modi led Government has once again decided to decrease the disturbed areas in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur under the AFSPA”. Shah added that this decision has been taken on account of significant improvement in the security situation in North-East India.

New Delhi (Agencies): The centre has summoned the Canadian High Commissioner over Khalistan protests outside the Indian missions and consulates over the last few days over.

“The High Commissioner of Canada was summoned to convey our strong concern about the actions of separatist and extremist elements against our diplomatic Mission and Consulates in Canada this week,” the Ministry for External Affairs said. “The Government of India sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of our diplomatic Mission and Consulates,” it further said.

AMRITPAL’S 10 AIDES

SENT TO JAIL OVER CLASH WITH POLICE

Chandigarh (PTI): The Ajnala court in Punjab on Saturday sent 10 associates of Waris Punjab De, headed by fugitive radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, to judicial custody till April 6 in connection with a case related to the clash between Khalistan supporters and the police. Another accused, Sukhpreet Singh, was remanded to four-day police custody, an official said.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR HARBOURING AMRITPAL SINGH

Chandigarh (PTI): The Punjab Police has arrested a woman from Patiala for allegedly sheltering fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his aide. As per police, Amritpal and his aide Papalpreet Singh had allegedly stayed at the residence of Balbir Kaur in Patiala’s Hargobind Nagar on March 19. Kaur allegedly sheltered Amritpal and Papalpreet for five to six hours.

Police take Atiq to Prayagraj amid tight security

New Delhi (Agencies):

Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday came to the Sabarmati central jail in Ahmedabad on Sunday and took gangsterturned-politician Atiq Ahmed to Prayagraj amid tight security. Atiq Ahmed will be produced before a court on March 28 when it passes an order in a

Jail, in Ahmedabad, Sunday.

Oppn set to 'grill' BJP govt during Assembly session, says Goa LoP

Kathmandu: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended three employees of the air traffic controller department for "carelessness", as per CAAN spokesperson Jagannath Niroula on Sunday.

On Friday, an Airbus A-320 aircraft of the Nepal Airlines coming to Kathmandu from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and an Air India plane coming to Kathmandu from New Delhi almost collided. The Air India aircraft was descending from 19,000 ft while the Nepal Airlines aircraft was flying at an altitude of 15,000 ft at the same location, Niroula said.

The 2 aircraft were in proximity, the Nepal Airlines aircraft descended to 7,000 ft, the spokesperson said.

Panaji: Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Yuri Alemao said on Sunday that the Opposition MLAs are all “set to grill” the BJP government during the Budget Session, beginning from March 27, on issues concerning the state. Congress leader Alemao said that facts and figures detailing “the crores of rupees spent

IN THE VALLEY

on self-glorification events and advertisement’s by the BJP government will come to light in the upcoming Assembly session”.

“This session will expose the true face of the failed BJP government. It will be proved that the rattled BJP government is curtailing the session instead of curtailing wasteful expenditure,” Alemao added.

I KNOW, THEY WANT TO KILL ME: AHMED

New Delhi: Soon after stepping out of the Sabarmati central jail, gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed expressed fear that he might be murdered. When some reporters asked him when he was being taken to a police van, the former MP said, “Mujhe inka programme maloom hai…Hatya karna chahte hain (I know their programme…They want to murder me).”

kidnapping case in which he is an accused.

Atiq has been accused

of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault on a real estate busi-

nessman, Mohit Jaiswal, while in jail. Ahmed was shifted from Sabarmati central jail as per the Supreme Court’s order. Atiq and his family are in the news after their names cropped up in the recent murder of lawyer Umesh Pal, a prime witness in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case.

AM CM congratulates ISRO for launch of largest rocket LVM3

Amaravati (ANI):

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team for the successful launch of India’s largest rocket LVM3 carrying 36 satellites. It was OneWeb’s second venture propelling India’s capability in global space technology.

“The success of LVM3-M3/Oneweb India 2 Mission stands as a milestone in Indian space history”, the Chief Minister said. He also wished ISRO all success in future endeavours.

The ISRO launched India’s largest LVM3 rocket carrying 36 satellites from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on Sunday morning. LVM3 was launched

World’s highest railway bridge to be operational soon

Srinagar (ANI): World’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir is soon to get operational for rail traffic.

The much-awaited world’s highest railway bridge spans the Chenab River at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) above the river, which is 35 meters taller than Paris’ Eiffel Tower. The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of J&K is 1,178 feet above the riverbed,

forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal.

It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (US-

BRL), a dream project worth Rs 35000 crore.

The bridge has passed all the mandatory tests. However, the

Chenab railway bridge is near completion at present as the incumbent regime laid a special focus on the project worth Rs 1400 crore.

The people will get the bridge after two decades of waiting since the project was approved in 2003 but was delayed shortly due to fears of stability and safety.

In 2008, the contract for constructing one of the highest railway bridges was awarded by the then government.

2 MORE TESTS TO BE CONDUCTED SOON FOR STABILITY & SAFETY

The construction of the bridge was started again, after it missed several deadlines. To make the bridge ready for commissioning, all the mandatory tests have been conducted successfully. The tests that have been conducted to check the stability and safety of the world’s highest bridge include high-velocity winds test, extreme temperatures test, earthquake-prone test and hydrological impacts due to water level increase. The Union Minister of Railway, Communications and Electronic and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that two more tests are to be conducted tomorrow, which include running a motor trolley and bolero customised rail operation on the bridge.

The success of LVM3-M3/Oneweb India

2 Mission stands as a milestone in Indian space history.

—YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh

from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at around 9 AM. “LVM3 standing 43.5 metres tall and weighing 643 tonnes lifted off from the second launch pad rocket port carrying OneWeb’s final instalment of 36 Gen1 satellites”, said the officials. Reportedly, the LVM3 is a three-

stage rocket with the first stage fired with liquid fuel, the two strap-on motors powered by solid fuel, the second by liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.“

One Web also mentioned the importance of collaboration between the UK and Indian space industries.

Man held for duping women devotees

New Delhi (Agencies):

A man who duped 50 to 60 women devotees on the pretext of providing them a tour package to Vaishno Devi has been held by the Delhi Police.

The accused Madhur Kumar used to target women devotees during Navratri and other festivals. Rohit Meena, DCP of Shahdara district, said that the accused used to spread captivating message on social media to dupe women devotees. The official said that they

got a complaint in this respect from one Anamika Sharma. She told the police that she got a message on a Facebook group about a tour package to ‘Mata Vaishnao Devi’.

ANTI-INDIA PROTESTS IN CANADA

The PM also said that he is looking forward to ideas for 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat

Air India, Nepal Airlines planes almost collided, 3 suspended

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 99th edition of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday.

Pro-Khalistan protest in Canada. —FILE

Jailed-mafia Atiq Ahmed outside Sabarmati Central

The accused Madhur Kumar used to target women devotees during Navratri & other festivals.

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

BJP labels everyone who opposes it as ‘anti-national,’ says Dotasra

l Cong has launched a day-long satyagraha in all states & district HQs to protest against Gandhi’s conviction in a 2019 defamation case and his subsequent disqualification from LS l “The sin has been committed and its outcome will be dangerous,” says PSK

Rahul Gandhi was raising the issue of corruption done in connivance between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (industrialist Gautam) Adani and to suppress his voice, a decision was taken in haste to terminate his Lok Sabha membership.

—GS Dotasra, State PCC Chief

MEGHWAL TARGETS CONGRESS, SAYS RAHUL GANDHI CONSIDERS HIMSELF ABOVE LAW

HONEY BEES ATTACK LEADERS DURING ‘SANKALP SATYAGRAHA’ IN BIKANER

Jaipur: The Congress on Sunday began its day-long “Sankalp Satyagraha” in support of Rahul Gandhi following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

Similar protests were organised in other districts of Rajasthan including Dausa, Tonk, Bharatpur, Alwar, Dungarpur, Churu, Kota, Jhalawar, Phalodi, Karauli, Pali Jalore, Dholpur under the leadership of various Congress leaders.

The Congress has launched a day-long Satyagraha in all states and district headquarters to protest against Gandhi’s conviction in a 2019 defamation case and his subsequent dis-

CM, Randhawa, Dotasra to chair division wise meetings from March 28

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Congress will take the movement against the central government against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from LS at divisional, district and block level.

After the Satyagrah a held on Sunday, the PCC has made a plan of visit of senior leaders to divisional level from March 28.

sions. Later, similar movements will be run at the district and block levels.

Dotasara informed that ‘Satyagraha’ will be held at divisional HQs level from March 28 wherein, CM Gehlot, Randhawa and he will be participating and interacting with the party workers and masses.

Bikaner: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal targeted the Congress and Rahul Gandhi and said that they consider themselves above the law. “Rahul Gandhi feels ‘my way is highway’ and he is constantly speaking against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has insulted OBCs as well,” he said. Meghwal said that Rahul Gandhi should apologise this time as well as he did last time on the statement “chowkidar chor hai.” He went on to say that he believed it was a conspiracy by some Congressmen. —Laxman Raghav

qualification from the Lok Sabha.

Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after a court in Gujarat’s Surat convicted him in the defamation case. The disqualification will prevent Gandhi (52), a four-time MP, from contesting elections for eight years unless a higher court stays the conviction.

Calling Gandhi’s disqualification “murder of democracy”, Dotasra said, “We are holding this satyagraha against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha.

The Pradesh Congress Committee chief added that the BJP labels anyone who raises their voice against it as “anti-nationals” and claimed that it distorts

CM should issue a white paper on land allotted to Adani: Rathore

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: BJP leader & Dy LoP Rajendra Rathore on Sunday, demanded that CM Ashok Gehlot should issue a white paper on land allotted to Adani group in the state. He also asked the government to stop the Right to Health Bill and hold discussions with the protesting doctors.

“Rahul Gandhi is speaking on Adani, I demand the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to tell

how much land has been issued to Adani in his tenure for various projects. The CM should issue white paper on land allotted and relaxation given to the Adani group,” Rathore said at a press conference at

the party office here.

He said that the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has no moral right to talk about Adani as the maximum land on concessional rates given to any industrial group is that of Adani.

Bikaner: A swarm of bees attacked the Congressmen holding ‘Satyagraha’ at Gandhi Park against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. The Congressmen led by Energy Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati saved themselves and rushed out of the park soon after the bees attacked them. Bhati along with his supporters reached the Park at around 11 am. Shortly after he began his address, they were attacked by the honey bees. The leaders protected themselves with clothes and rushed out of the park.

their public image through social media.

“Rahul Gandhi is someone whose grandmother and father sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation,” he said.

Mentioning that Gandhi had made it clear that he was not going to be afraid, Dotasra said, “The Congress will expose the scam of Adani and the PM. We

are ready for this from Parliament to the roads.”

Khachariyawas said Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha in a planned manner. “This was a sin. The sin has been committed and its outcome will be dangerous,” he said.

Former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal said the prime minister maintained silence on the

Ensuring officers’ liability at all levels must: Mehrishi

Sr RAS Gaurav Bajad was elected the Prez of All India Federation of State Civil/ Administrative Service Assn on Sunday

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former CAG Rajiv Mehrishi while virtually addressing the 16th convention of All India Federation of State Civil/Administrative Service Officers, organised by the RAS Council on Sunday, said ensuring accountability of officers at every level of administration is the biggest requirement of good governance. He said it is very important to have uniformity in the standards of accountability at the

OFFERING CONDOLENCES

national level.

In his address, Mehrishi highlighted various aspects including challenges of administration, future requirements for good governance etc. Proper training is must at lowest level of administration so that uniformity can be established in decisions, policies& its results, he said. IAS Dharmendra Bhatnagar also spoke during the event. Jiban Chakraborty, Shivdular Singh & Gaurav Bajad were among those who attended the event.

Adani issue but action was taken against Gandhi, who has been constantly raising the voice of the people of India.

“Satyagraha is the power that had forced the British to bow down. The Modi government will also have to bow down,” she said.

During the protest, Dotasra also announced that he & Congress’ Rajasthan incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa will visit all divisions & meet party workers and masses. They will then cover all districts and blocks.

On Tuesday, they will visit the Udaipur division, followed by Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions on Wednesday and Kota and Bharatpur on Saturday.

CM Ashok Gehlot, Congress Raj in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa & PCC Chief GS Dotasra will visit divi -

The first such meeting will be held in Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions, in Udaipur on March 29, in Kota and Ajmer on March 31 and in Jaipur and Bharatpur on April 1.

Ashok Gehlot is creator of modern Raj: Dr Raghu Sharma

First India Bureau

Kekri: AICC Gujarat in-charge, Dr Raghu Sharma, who visited Kekri for the first time after it was declared a district, was accorded a grand welcome during a District Festival held at Patel Maidan, where in thousands of people gathered. In a conversation with First India, Sharma expressed gratitude to CM Ashok Gehlot on behalf of the

people of the area. He said that the CM is the creator of modern Rajasthan. “It takes guts to make 19 districts in one stroke. The govt has opened new avenues for devp in area. Gehlot deserves thanks for this,” he said. “Due to distance from dist HQs, Govt Hospital was given District Hospital’s status. Kekri will prove to be a ‘model district’ in terms of development,” Dr Raghu added.

Centre should increase quota under EWS to

14%:

Dr BD Kalla

Subhash Jain

Dungarpur: Brahmin community has once again raised the demand for tickets in assembly and Lok Sabha elections to Brahmin leaders in proportion to their population. They also demanded nomination in boards and corporations on priority.

The party leaders were addressing the 7th Vipra Mahakumbh organised by Vipra Foundation in Dungarpur’s Sagwara which was also attended by Education Minister Dr BD Kalla.

Kalla said that the Centre should increase the reservation under

EWS to 14%.Kalla also laid stress on establishing a Vipra bank and increasing employment opportunities for the Brahmin youths. Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh

spoke above the party lines. He said that the candidates of Vipra society should top in the exams for higher services. He said that insult to the Brahmins will not be tolerated.

Silicosis wings will be set up in Jodhpur and Ajmer

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Silicosis wings will be established in Jodhpur’s KN Chest Hospital & Jawaharlal

Nehru Hospital in Ajmer costing around Rs 27 crore. CM Gehlot has approved the proposal in this regard.

The wing at JLN Hospital, Ajmer will be built at a cost of Rs 10.45 cr and medical equipment worth Rs 3.21 cr will be purchased.

Whereas, at KN Chest hospital in Jodhpur,

16 NEW POSTS IN JODH DEVP AUTHORITY

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the creation of 16 new posts in Jodhpur Development Authority for strengthening the cadre of Planning Branch. In these new posts, there will be 2 posts of Senior Town Planner, 2 of Deputy Town Planner, 6 of Assistant Town Planner and 6 of Town Planning Assistant.

construction work will be done at a cost of Rs 10 cr and equipment worth Rs 3.37 crore will be purchased.

Dinesh Tiwari

GS Dotasra, Dr Mahesh Joshi, Pratap S Khachariyawas, Shakuntala Rawat, BL Jatav, Mahendra Chaudhary, Amin Kagzi, Jyoti Khandelwal, Munesh Gurjar, Ganga Devi, Rukshmani Kumari, Dr Archana Sharma and others during the day-long ‘Sankalp Satyagraha’ at the Collectorate Circle in Jaipur on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore during the Cong’s ‘Sankalp Satyagraha’ in Ajmer on Sunday. Also seen here is Naseem Akhtar and others. —PHOTO BY ANAND SHARMA

CM Ashok Gehlot SS Randhawa GS Dotasra

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra offers floral tributes to late Rajendra Garg, brother of MoS Dr Subhash Garg at the latter’s residence in Bharatpur on Sunday.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra consoles Devendra Pathak, Chief Revenue Officer of A1 TV news channel on the demise of latter’s father at his residence in Bharatpur on Sunday.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra with Dr Subhash Garg and District Collector of Bharatpur, Alok Ranjan at the Minister’s residence to condole the demise of his brother, late Rajendra Garg during his visit to Bharatpur on Sunday. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Rajendra Rathore addresses a press conference at BJP Headquarters in Jaipur on Sunday. Also seen here are Bhajan Lal Sharma & Sushil Katara.

BJP’s new State President Chandra Prakash Joshi will assume charge today

Thousands of people attended 7th Vipra Mahakumbh organised by Vipra Foundation in Sagwara, Dungarpur on Sunday.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ADD SPARKLE!

The outstanding Fashion Connect presented by First India and Bharat24- Vision of New India was held at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai on March 19. City First highlights some glimpses of highly acclaimed designer Wrickie Angrish’s collection showcased at the grand show!

KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, the crowned jewel of Dubai, hosted one of India’s premier single-day fashion events called Fashion Connect, season 14, Presented by First India News and Bharat24-Vision of New India on Sunday, March 19. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the evening and appreciated the designer, Wrickie Angrish for his esoteric collection. His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum was present as the Chief Guest and Yakoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor in His Highness Office attended the show as the special guest.

Designer Wrickie Angrish took everyone on a ride to the glittery world with evening cocktail colours black infused with metallic silver and gold vibes.

While describing his gorgeous collection, the talented designer said, “My couture collection ‘ANGRISH spring Summer 2023’ collection is a lot about keeping the edginess, rawness, styled with

the glitters and zippers, inspired from the rock n roll life of the 70s. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s have a look at characters and elements of ANGRISH.”

“ANGRISH showcased mix line up starting with pret-line & evening cocktails” he added. ANGRISH was started in 2010 as a clothing trading house and has seen several transitions

during this whole decade, from 2016 launching the private label design house, to a major add-on transition in 2019 towards environmentally sustainable clothing, by using fabrics, designs and aesthetics which are more sustainable, street influential and environmentally friendly and mostly naturally printed and produced.

Dari, Kristine and Oleksa showcasing designer collection

Clockwise: Sophia, Irena, Irena, Amin and Claudia

Designer Wrickie Angrish with Claudia and Irena showcasing the exquisite collection —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Passionate about investing in the lives of children, 46 years old Saraswathi Padmanabhan, a trained Montessori teacher and Counsellor is giving motherly love to the children of the migrant labourer community in Bengaluru through her dream home ‘Diya Ghar’. Saraswathi says, “It’s always fascinating for me to connect with these children. Wherever I worked I tried to find opportunities where I could work and support children.”

True to its name ‘Diya Ghar’ is today emerging as a ‘lighthouse’ into the gloomy lives of thousands of deprived children. The organisation is changing these kids’ lives by providing them day care services, the foundational Montessori or preschool education, with two wholesome meals a day and safe transport from their settlements to school and back.

Saraswathi and her team are running 3 preschools and Day Care centres serving 135 children until March 2020 and also set up Community Centers in 2020. Over 1000+ children mostly 2-6 years old in 22 Centers attend classes every day and receive nutrition,

DIYA GHAR FILLING COLOURS TO THE SHADOWY LIVES

felt scared of sending their children to Diya Ghar. So it was extremely hard to convince them. But there were mothers who wanted to send their children to school as they went to construction sites and there these children struggled and were neglected a lot. So initially a few migrant parents came along with their children to school and gradually they started to build confidence in us.”

FACEOFTHEDAY

child care and medical care. So far, over 400 little ones have “graduated” from Diya Ghar and joined elementary schools in Bangalore or back in their villages. After preschool, Diya Ghar also recommends and helps to enroll children in any affordable private or government school where the organisation also supports up to 60% or some amount of the school fee if any migrant parent can’t give the full fee.

Growing up in Chennai, Saraswathi used to visit children’s homes on her birthdays with her parents. Her parents and grandparents used to support these children, which had a lasting impact on her.

Talking about the idea that originated to start such an organisation, Saraswathi candidly replied to me, and said, “My first job was in Mumbai and as part of a volunteer group, I used to take care of street children there. Later, I moved to California and did my MBA there and started working as an auditor. Again, I used to volunteer there, but this time I worked with the prisoners’ children. For job purposes eventually, I moved back to Bengaluru with my husband who's one of the trustees in Diya Ghar. I

studied counselling and started working with an NGO for a year. After my son’s birth, I started teaching counselling so I could give time to my child also. There was a migrant labourers community behind my husband’s office. On weekends, my husband and I used to visit and distribute clothes,

her experience and deep understanding of child development, she initially opened the Montessori preschool in 2016 with merely five kids of labour workers.

Saraswathi further said, “Primarily it was tough to manage and run the organisation along with my own three young children. For my organization, I rented a place close to my home and initially started just for half a day.

First six months I was the only teacher and the lady who was taking care of my children helped me at my centre also. Almost for a year, we gave homecooked breakfast and lunch to these migrant children. I only brought these migrant children from the community and dropped them back. Later, we hired teachers and trained them. And then I started a full-day program.”

During the pandemic Covid-19 time the preschools were closed so Diya Ghar centres were started inside the communities. The organization also trained community mentors to teach the children within these communities.

With 97 team members, the organization’s goal is now to expand and serve 5000 children every day with quality food, medical care, and education. Diya Ghar partners with many NGOs and various IT Companies like Mphasis and Oracle. These NGOs run bridge programs with Diya Ghar for the communities. IT Companies also volunteer and do activities like card making and pot painting with children. Azim Premji Foundation, Titan, Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor Charity, and many other renowned brands support the cause.

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

and books to the young children and spend quality time there. After the birth of my two daughters, I continued to teach counselling part-time.”

As Saraswathi’s three children were very young and going to the Montessori school, she did 6 months of Montessori training and eventually, with

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good for now. Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest money in some new venture.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

When I asked Saraswathi how she makes the parents agreeable especially for pursuing education as it becomes a tendency for them to lead an easygoing life and earn their livelihood through begging, she said, “These migrant families come from North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Orissa. Earlier there were trust issues and these families

In the end, Saraswathi mused, “The need is huge. These children are vulnerable and the migrant community has unfortunately been unseen. But so many people are supportive and generous. They are open to supporting and sponsoring the child or their education. We need more reinforcement from society and people should recognize the need around.”

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver or any precious metal for investment sake. You are a child at heart and never let this child die. You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful one day. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. Today is a favourable day for business. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth.

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going. Health remains perfect.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate. You must create an environment of understanding at home. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. Promotion can be expected even if other are not.

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true. You will feel less burdened today.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends than the same and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You need help on academic front and you should not shy away from asking. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them.

ANUBHA JAIN Journalist Writer

Kids during the Mid Day Meal

Kids while enjoying the art class

Oracle employees with kids of Diya Ghar

Saraswathi with kids and teachers of Preschool on the Graduation day

Saraswathi playing with a migrant kid

Kids of Diya Ghar during the class

Kids of Diya Ghar

AJAY’S BHOLAA AVATAR!

The Mass Maharaja, Ajay Devgn shared insights about his upcoming movie Bholaa in the press conference organised Pink City Mall

Charismatic Beauty!

Actor-filmmaker Ajay Devgn’s action thriller Bholaa is getting ready for its worldwide release on March 30. The much-awaited movie is inspired from the Tamil hit “Kaithi” which was directed by Lokesh Kangaraj and featured Karthi in the lead role but with “Bholaa”, Ajay Devgn

is set to turn this into a franchise that will be completely different from Lokesh’s version. In a chit-chat session with City First, the actor shared that he enjoys the process of work and cannot

choose between acting or directing because it is all one. “I prepared myself more as a director and when a director prepares for a film he prepares for all the actors. In that process, the director prepared

LOVE IS IN THE AIR?

arry Styles and Emily Ratajkowski are raising eyebrows after the duo was spotted kissing on the streets of Tokyo, Japan. Harry and his exflame Olivia Wilde

FOREVER BESTIES

Kareena Kapoor Khan, the popular Bollywood actress has always been extremely close to her girl gang. Kareena Kapoor Khan, however, is highly active on her official Instagram handle and entertains her fans and followers with glimpses of her personal life, very often. On Saturday night, Kareena dropped some selfies on her Insta handle with her girls’ gang, as they had a fun night. The celebrated actress took to her official Instagram handle on Saturday night and shared a couple of lovely pictures with her besties Malai-

ka Arora, Amrita Arora,

separated in November last year after dating for two years. On the other hand, Emily filed for divorce from ex-husband Sebastian BearMcClard in September. And now, Harry and Emily have become the talk of the town after pictures of them having an intimate moment were obtained by the Daily Mail.

In the pictures shared by the media portal, Emily could be reportedly seen donning a black and pink jacket

the actor well. Direction is just like a mirror when you have to keep an eye on every process and check whether everyone is going well or not.” The Mass Maharaja also shared that the film is inspired by the South Indian film “Kaithi” and not its remake, the Hindi story of this film, its characters and its plot are all new. The role of a police officer in Karthi was played by actor Sushil Kumar but Tabu is doing that role in Bholaa. Talking about the film being given the tag of an only action movie, Ajay Devgn said that no action film can work unless there is emotion in its story. It is also a completely emotional film.

with a long black skirt, while the As it Was singer was seen rocking an all-black look with his hair pulled back.

The portal also reported that the rumoured lovebirds were seen dancing together. It also noted that neither Harry nor Emily Rata jkowski appeared con cerned or worried about people spotting them sharing the intimate mother.

Saturday night

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have shared a glimpse into their lives as new parents. This weekend Priyanka took the ‘gram and posted a new video on her feed. In the video, one could see her enjoying her Saturday night with Nick. A few hours ago, Priyanka posted a new video on In stagram. In the video, the Citadel actress and Nick can be seen sitting together at a restaurant, just about to have their food. However, the new par ents are visibly tired, sleepy, and low on energy, as opposed to the loud and happening ambience of the eatery. Both Priyanka and Nick could be seen staring at the camera, while the latter pretends to have fun by throwing his hands into the air, which makes PeeCee laugh. Sharing the video, Chopra captioned the post, “When mom and dad try to do Saturday night”.

Deepika Padukone, the celebrated Bollywood star has created a massive stir on the internet with her stunning debut at the Oscar awards. The actress took to her social media handle to share some monochromatic pictures from the day and we just can’t take our eyes off her.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Deepika Padukone shared a few pictures from that day and it’s just stunning.

Sharing a monochromatic picture, the actress shared her whole look and wrote, “Keeping it classic.” She was seen donning an

saree from Sabyasachi. It had rusted gold embroidery on the borders, and the actress paired it with a fullsleeved black blouse with a cutout at the back. As soon as she shared the pictures, fans flooded the comment section with heart and fire emojis.

BETTER FUTURE

ooks like Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West is all set to follow in the former’s footsteps and launch not one, not two, but four businesses! The motherand-daughter duo are planning something big for at least two of these businesses, one of which includes a skincare line. Apart from the skincare line, there are also talks of a toy line and advertising. The fourth trademark is much broader and describes, “entertainment in the nature of providing information in means of a global computer network in the fields of entertainment and pop culture.” According to the portal, the most thought-out and planned trademark, for now, is the skincare line which will reportedly deal in developing “non-medicated skin preparations.

Wedding rumours!

The renowned star Parineeti Chopra is currently busy focusing on her career. The actress who was last seen in Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai is recently all over the news after being spotted with AAP MP Raghav Chadha at a restaurant in Mumbai, not once, but twice. On Wednesday, they were spotted going out for dinner twinning in white. According to a source, the families of Raghav and Parineeti are involved.

Since the two know each other for a long time, have common inter-

ests and everything worked out in their favour, the families initiated discussions on marriage. They went for dinner after the talks of marriage were in the air. The source also revealed that a formal announcement and a roka ceremony will soon take place. But when the ceremony takes place, it will be intimate with close family members only.

Kim Kardashian

Parineeti Chopra

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Priyanka Chopra

Emily Ratajkowski Her post...

Her post...

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Her post...

Poster of the film...

Ajay Devgn

Deepika Padukone

Jaipur Riding & Polo Club organised two Low Goal Tournaments for the youngsters, to promote them and create a strong story base of players in the State. The second and final tournament was the “Chief Minister’s Cup” from March 20 to 26. The matches were played by six teams in Round Robin Format. During the final match, APC V/s Cavallo Polo Barn competed against

GREETINGS!

THE GRAND POLO CUP!

each other. Cavallo Polo Barn beat APC by 5 goals.

Vishal Singh scored a double Hat-rick leading his team to victory. Ashok Chandana, Minister for

Sports and Youth Affairs Rajasthan graced the occasion as the chief guest whereas Rajiv Arora, RAJSICO Chairman, National

Treasurer & In-charge West Zone AIPC was present as the Guest of Honor. The Match was well attended with a wonderful audience.

Col. Kuldeep Singh Garcha said “Our Motto is encourage young polo talent for a global platform. We are training the young players and proving them

UNIQUE SIGHT OF FASHION A

CITY FIRST unique bridal and jewellery show titled ‘Shaadiyan’ was organised in collaboration with Rajasthan Tourism, Women and Child Department, Amrita Haat, SARAS and PHED on the evening of Rajasthan Day, at Hotel Clarks Amer on Sunday.

with opportunities to showcase their talent and create skilled polo players representing India at International Levels.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

residence in Bharatpur on Sunday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

International Toastmasters USA declared Unmit Mittal as the winner of Rajasthan’s Best Speaker 2023 held at SKIT University in Jaipur recently. Public speakers from all cities of Rajasthan participated in this competition. Many public speakers from Rajasthan demonstrated their speaking skills in this competition. Unmit Mittal performed the best in this competition and was honored with the award.

Various dignitaries including PK Goyal, former Additional Chief Secretary; RAS Sanchita Bishnoi, Urban Development Department Joint Secretary; Satish Jain, PhD Joint Additional Chief Engineer and Sanchit Mathur from Shaadiyan inaugurated the show.

Organised to promote Rajasthani culture, fashion and heritage, designers showcased their collections in four fashion rounds during the show. In which the main attraction of the show was the designer wear of Satyam Sarees in the grand open-

DURING THE DAY!

ing. In which workmanship and fabric were displayed on sarees from different regions across the country. In the second collection, Mohit Dhingra presented his men’s collection. In the third round, Ravindra Singh Shekhawat from Sarpech Jodhpur presented Rajputi Bandh Gala. Sanchit Mathur from ‘Shaadiyan’ said that through this program organized in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, we want to create a platform in Rajasthan where the bride and groom can do all the preparations under one roof for all the necessary needs related to marriage.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

FICCI LADIES ORGANISATION curated a grand event titled Flo Gala, Essaying the fables of handloom and women at ‘Hotel Marriot’ on Saturday. The event included showcasing the talented designers from Jaipur. The fashion show was followed by a conversation with Parineeti Chopra on handlooms and women’s empowerment. Parineeti shared that “Handloom carries culture and heritage of thousands of years and what better gift to be given to your own city by embracing it designers”. During the occasion, Mudrika informed that the statue placed at Jaipur International Airport as a tribute to women’s empowerment will be in-

augurated by CM Ashok Gehlot. Along with this, he also announced to set up of a skill centre soon for empowerment at the grassroots level in collaboration with the Rajasthan Housing Board. After this, in the program for 2023-24, incoming chairperson Neha Dadha was invited on stage for the change of guard ceremony. Chairpersons 23-24 were welcomed and the ceremony was moderated by Founder Chairperson Flow Jaipur Neeta Buchra. Boochra praised Mudrika for her successful year.

MLA Kalicharan Saraf inaugurated CC roads at Vasundhara Colony on Sunday. Local Councillor and Chairman Ramesh Saini shared that the street from Tonk Road to Big Bazaar in Vasundhara Colony was broken for a long time, it is being renovated by Municipal Corporation Greater with councillor quota, which was duly inaugurated by Saraf. The local people and the office bearers of the development committee warmly welcomed Saraf by garlanding him and wearing a turban.

A talk show was organised under the joint aegis of Fusion Group and Gathjod Films & Entertainment on the theme of Royalty and the Growth of the Fashion Industry in Rajasthan at Takshila Business School on Saturday. Organisers Yogesh Mishra and Nimisha Mishra shared that the show is being organised in association with Gathjod Films, in which film distributor Raj Bansal, Miss Rajasthan and Miss Grand India Simran Sharma, celebrity astrologer and filmmaker Mahavir Kumar Soni, Bollywood designer as speakers. Rohit Kamra, Miss Rajasthan Runnerup 2019 and Miss Intercontinental India 2021 Mithali Kaur spoke on the rapid growth and importance of this industry.

Seminar on Bank Audit was organised by the Jaipur Branch of CA Institute of India and the Board of Studies of ICAI on Saturday at Totuka Bhavan.

Jaipur Branch Chairman CA

Vishnu Aggarwal and Secretary CA Ankur Kumar Gupta said that Regional Council Member CA Anil Kumar Yadav graced the event as the chief guest. During the seminar, he explained the nuances of bank audits to the CA students in detail. CA Lokesh Kasat was the convenor of the program.

Culinary Art India 2023, the muchawaited culinary event of the year, continued to captivate attendees with its mouth-watering displays on the fourth day of the event at AAHAR International 2023 Pragati Maidan. This year’s edition of the event has brought together some of the best culinary talents from across the country, showcasing their skills and innovative recipes. The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) in association with ITPO and Hospitality First organised the 15th edition of Culinary Art India 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, integrated with the exhibition area of AAHAR International 2023. The event, which runs until March 18th, features over 500 chefs showcasing their culinary excellence under 17 categories, marking the largest participation in the event’s history.

Natural actor Nani is on a promotional spree for his Pan-India film Dasara releases on March 30. After an activityfilled tour in Ahmedabad, the superstar travelled to the Pink City and was welcomed by Jaipur with a thunderous response, speaking volumes for the kind of anticipation surrounding his film ‘Dasara’up north! Apart from visiting the monumental Hawa Mahal and exploring the city, the actor got a local taste of Jaipur’s signature paan. Written and directed by Srikanth Odela ‘Dasara’ takes audiences through the socio-economic condition, political ambition and power struggle of the Singareni collieries.

An amalgamation of rich heritage!

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Bharatpur collector Alok Ranjan at the latter’s

Jagdeesh Chandra is in conversation with Alok Ranjan as Ravi Katara looks on. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Minister Ashok Chandna, Rajiv Arora, Col KS Garcha with Vishal, Yashvi, Shivangi, Balbir, Mukesh, Shubham, Lokendra, Sanjula, Yash and Harinder

Minister Ashok Chandna, Rajiv Arora, Col KS Garcha with others during the match

Dr Shivangi Singh

Yogesh Mishra, Mukesh Mishra, Arshad Hussain, Tarushee, Mahavir, Mittali, Raj Bansal, Simra, Rohit, Nimisha and Paridhi

Dr Rimmi Shekhawat, Aishwina, Sweta Kejriwal, Vinnie Kakkar and Alicia

Sangeeta Gheru, Monika Swami, Zara Sheikh, Shubhi Dhaneta & Chiranshi Mathur

Jayshree Pediwal, Mudrika Dhoka, Pareeniti Chopra, Preeti Saboo, Archana Suran with models showcasing designer collection

Sanchit Mathur with Sanchita Bishnoi

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Suhani Khunteta and Tarushree Rai