First India-Mumbai Edition-27th December 2022

Convert the disputed area into Union Territory: Uddhav

With the entire administration being taken over by the central govt, one would expect that the central govt would now act as a custodian, he said

Kartikey Dev Singh

Nagpur: Joining the ongoing session of Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday, former CM Uddhav Thackeray created a political storm when he suggested making the disputed territo

aggressive stand on the issue of border dispute.

Speaking in the House, Uddhav Thackeray said, ‘If there is going to be a resolution, it should be that until Supreme Court gives a decision on this issue, this entire area should remain under Union rule. The repression should stop there. With entire administration being taken over by the central government, one would expect that central government would now act as a custodian.”

Uddhav further added, “Maha -

Claiming graft, Ajit Pawar demands agri minister’s resignation

rashtrians occupied by Karnataka are suffering atrocities. Maharashtra Ekta Samiti is running out of patience. But why don’t we stand with determination. Government of Maharashtra never oppressed the Kannada speaking people of Maharashtra, but the Marathi speaking people of Karnataka and those living in the occupied Maharashtra region were oppressed by the government there. A case was registered against them. There was a case of linguistic atrocities. The screws are getting tightened. Even when this question is in the Supreme Court, the Karna-

GOVT IS SCARED OF ADDRESSING VARIOUS ISSUES: AADITYA THACKERAY

Nagpur: Echoing his father’s remarks on the border dispute and how CM Eknath Shinde left for Delhi in the middle of the ongoing state legislature session, forming minister Aaditya Thackeray criticized the state government on Monday and reiterated his father’s demand of making the disputed regions into Union Territory. “Our demand is that till the decision of the Supreme Court comes, this area should remain under the central administration. Because, that’s what matters. During the last whole week, we as opposition want to raise the issues of Vidarbha, Marathwada, Mumbai, West Maharashtra, North Maharashtra as well as farmers, but we are not allowed to discuss. We are not getting a chance to speak in the assembly and are being misled on many other issues. There is the issue of Karnataka, there is the issue of the governor and there are other issue of Maharashtra. But no one from the government wants to touch all these issues because the government is scared,” Aditya Thackeray said.

taka government’s stand is that it will not give even an inch of space to Maharashtra. Belgaum

Veer Baal Diwas stands for ‘Shaurya’, ‘Sikh balidan’: PM

First India Bureau

has been given the status of a sub-capital. Still our CM doesn’t even raise a brow on this issue.”

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the programme organised to mark the remembrance of the supreme sacrifice by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh-- Sahibzades, and Mata Gujri Ji on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas on Monday said that we need to come out of the narrow perspectives of the past if we want to take our country to reach newer heights of success.

‘The day will help us celebrate the past and would inspire us to build the future & encourage the youth,’ PM Modi said this day will forever remind us of the contribution of 10 Gurus, sacrifices of Sikhs for the pride and glory of the country. P5

Nagpur: Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly - Ajit Pawar - levelled a serious allegation in the House on Monday that Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar has sold land worth Rs 200 crore at throw away prices and demanded the agriculture minister’s resignation. Interestingly, after making the demand in the house, the opposition stood on the steps of Vidhan Bhawan and raised their demand for Sattar’s resignation.

Pawar alleged that Abdul Sattar has stolen 37 acres of land whose market cost is said to be about 200

“Was

crores.

“The government has no right to give property to anyone. Many such different cases have come to the fore. That’s why he should resign. If he does not resign, the government should make him resign”, he said, adding, “The agriculture department is under siege. The officials have said that Dada should not quote us. But our pictures have been put there without asking”, said Ajit Pawar in the Legislative Assembly.

Maha Lokayukta Bill that aims to bring CM, cabinet under its ambit tabled in Assembly

Nagpur: The Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022 which aims to bring the chief minister and the council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman, was tabled in the Assembly on Monday.

As per the draft bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the chief minister.

Such motion shall be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the draft bill

stated.

The draft bill also held Lokayukta shall not inquire into any matter involving any allegation of corruption against the chief minister if it relates to internal security or public order in the state.

“ any such inquiry shall be held in-camera and if the Lokayukta comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry shall not be published or made available to anyone,” it states.

On the appointment of the ombudsman, the draft law states the Lokayukta shall consist of a chairperson who is or

has been the Chief Justice of the High Court, a judge of the Supreme Court, or a judge of the Bombay High Court.

The selection com-

ZELENSKYY SPEAKS WITH PM MODI, THANKS INDIA FOR HUMANITARIAN AID

Opposition in the Assembly and Council and the chief justice of the Bombay High Court or a judge nominated by the CJ.

After Kochhars, CBI arrests Videocon CEO

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The CBI on Monday arrested businessman and promoter of Videocon Group Venugopal Dhoot in a case pertaining to a loan of Rs 3,250 cr from ICICI Bank. The arrest came three days after federal probe agency arrested ICICI Bank’s former MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar in this case. According to sources, Chanda and Deepak Kochhar had close relationship and prior acquaintance with Venugopal Dhoot V (Chairman and MD of Videocon Industries Ltd (VIL) and Promoter of Videocon

BAFFLING BOLLYWOOD DEATHS

Sushant Singh Rajput was murdered: Autopsy staff

Moni Sharma

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his apartment on June 14, 2020, a Cooper Hospital employee, Roopkumar Shah - who was a part of team that conducted the post-mortem in the high-profile case - claimed that the actor did not commit suicide but was murdered. Reportedly, postmortem had stated that cause

of his death was asphyxia due to hanging, and called it a clear suicide.

Shah said, when Sushant passed away, we had received 5 dead bodies for postmortem. Out of those, one was a VIP body. While postmortem process of Sushant, we saw there were several marks on his body and 2 to 3 marks on his neck as well. Postmortem needed to be recorded but authorities were asked to only click pics of the body. Hence, we did that as per their order.

When

—Roopkumar Shah, Autopsy staff

I will not be able to comment on the same as the sisters have not told me about it. But

I maintain that Sushant Singh Rajput’s death was not a simple suicide as there was a conspiracy behind it. And only CBI will be able to unravel the conspiracy behind his death. —Vikas Singh, SSR’s lawyer

SHRADDHA MURDER FORCED BREAKUP WITH TUNISHA: SHEEZAN TELLS COPS

Mumbai: Amid probe of Tunisha’s death case, her ex-boyfriend Sheezan Khan told police that he was ‘so disturbed by the atmosphere in the country’ after the murder of Shraddha Walkar by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala, that he decided to end his relationship with the late actor. The actor reportedly said that he told Tunisha that their relationship was not sustainable due to their different religions and age gap. More on P6

THIS ISSUE IS OF PREVIOUS GOVT: MUNGANTIWAR

BJP leader Sudhil Mungantiwar has reacted to the allegations against Abdul Sattar. He has claimed that the case of Abdul Sattar is of the previous government.

Uddhav Thackeray, head of the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction, was in the role of Dhritarashtra during the previous government,” Mungantiwar questioned.

New Delhi: CM Eknath Shinde visited Delhi on Monday responding to Uddhav Thackeray’s proposal to make the Karnataka-Maharash tra border area a union territory, he said, “The matter of border dispute is in Supreme

Court. Union Home Minister Amit Shah intervened for the first time and tried to maintain law and order in both the states. This topic has been around for 60 years and in such a sit-

uation, there will be no impact on the Supreme Court case. They (MVA govt) closed the charity fund for Mahatma Jyotiba school. We started it. The government stands firmly behind the border residents. We are going to bring a resolution in this regard.”

BORDER ISSUE IN SC FOR 60 YEARS, KARNATAKA’S ACTIONS WONT IMPACT IT: CHIEF MINISTER SHINDE

THE TRIO IN CBI CUSTODY

Group) and Videocon Group of Companies. Chanda Kochhar was also a shareholder in a company in which Dhoot had a substantial shareholding.

Venugopal Dhoot

Chanda & Deepak Kochhar

I first saw the body of Sushant, I quickly informed my seniors that it is not suicide but a murder and even asked them they should work as per the rules. However, my seniors told me to click pictures as soon as possible and give the body to the cops. Hence, we performed the postmortem in the night only.

Tunisha had recently tried to commit suicide a few days before her death, but at that time I saved her and told Tunisha’s mother to take special care of her.

—Sheezan Khan

On the first ever Veer Baal Diwas, PM says India needs to break free from narrow views of past to achieve heights of success

PM Narendra Modi attends ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ programme, at Major Dhyanchand Stadium on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves in presence of Hardeep Singh Puri, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Meenakshi Lekhi and others during ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ programme in New Delhi on Monday.

On one hand, there was terrorism, and spiritualism, and communal mayhem while on the other hand there was liberalism...on one hand there were forces of lakhs whereas on the other hand there was Veer Sahibzaade who did not relent at all.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought India’s support on Monday in implementation of his “peace formula” during a telecon with Modi, who strongly reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. Modi said both sides should revert to dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution to their differences and conveyed India’s support for any peace efforts.

UPROAR IN HOUSES OVER SATTAR ORDER

Opposition stalls proceedings in Assembly and Council; seeks min’s resignation

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Both the Houses of Maharashtra legislature were adjourned for the day on Monday after the opposition stalled the proceedings demanding Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar’s resignation over a land ‘regularization’ order passed by him.

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last week issued a notice to Sattar who had ordered ‘regularization’ of the possession of land reserved for public ‘gairan’ (grazing) in favour of a private person in the face of a civil court order.

In the Assembly, Opposition MLAs trooped into the Well, raised slogans, disrupted proceedings and sought Sattar’s resignation alleging irregularities in ordering the ‘regularization’ of the possession of the said land.

Sattar passed the order in June 2022 when he was the minister of state

Many illegal land allotment cases are coming to the fore since the Shinde-Fadnavis government came to power. The land allotment took place on July 17 just before the rebellion by Eknath Shinde. As per the orders of the Supreme Court, public utility land cannot be given to any person. However, Sattar did it by overruling orders of Washim district court.

for revenue in the previous Uddhav Thackerayled Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ajit Pawar alleged there were irregularities worth Rs150 crore. “The minister misused the post. He should immediately resign. If he doesn’t resign, then he should be sacked,” Pawar said.

The House was adjourned twice over the issue after an uproar from the opposition members.

Finally, at around 2 pm, the House was ad-

—Anil Parab, NCP leader

journed for the day.

In the Legislative Council, Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Eknath Khadse alleged officials of the Agriculture Department were asked to collect Rs15 crore. He showed “coupons” of various amounts and claimed officials were given “targets” to sell these coupons to agriculture stores across the state.

As the Opposition started raising slogans against Sattar, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe adjourned the proceedings for a day.

Maha will fight even for an inch of land, says Fadnavis

Nagpur (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday asserted the state government will fight even for an inch of land, amid the simmering boundary dispute with Karnataka.

Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said the state government will do whatever it can to ensure the Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka get justice.

On Monday, raising the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar asked why did the government not move the resolution on the border row when it was decided in the Business Advisory Committee that a pro-

Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis

posal on it would be moved in the first week of the winter session.

The proposal to move the resolution also did not figure in Monday’s business list, he pointed out.

Pawar said the statements by Karnataka chief minister have “hurt the pride of Maharashtra”.

Responding to it, Deputy CM Fadnavis said the resolution could not be introduced last week as the situa-

tion was not conducive. This was an apparent reference to the suspension of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jayant Patil who was suspended on Thursday for his remark against Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was in Delhi to attend an official function due to which the resolution could not be tabled in the House, Fadnavis said.

He assured the House that a resolution on the border row would be tabled on Monday or Tuesday.

“We will fight even for an inch. The state government will not back down even an inch on the issue,” said Fadnavis.

Opposition, ruling coalition stage protests

First India Bureau

Nagpur: It was a collective call for resignations of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, state minister Abdul Sattar and Governor BS Koshyari by members of the opposition parties on Monday.

Leaders of the Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress (of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance) staged a demonstration in the legislature complex in Nagpur on the day. They demanded the resignation of minister

Abdul Sattar over his order in a land ‘regularization’ matter.

The opposition members also raised slogans against the state govern-

Shiv

ment, calling it the “ED government” and demanded the resignation of CM Eknath Shinde.

On the other side, members of the ruling

MVA bloc stages walkout over Patil suspension

Nagpur (PTI): Members of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Monday staged a walkout from the Assembly after their plea to revoke the suspension of senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Jayant Patil was not heeded to. Raising the issue, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said Patil is

UDDHAV QUESTIONS GOVT’S RESOLVE ON BORDER ROW ISSUE

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Taking an aggressive stand on the border issue with Karnataka, Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned the state government’s lack of action to resolve the dispute.

While addressing the House in Nagpur on Monday, Thackeray said, “The Karnataka government has passed a resolution under which it will not cede an inch of land to Maharashtra. So does it mean we fear too much?

The conditions for

solving this problem are as great today, as they were in the past, but it has not been resolved.”

Thackeray further stated, “Has Maharashtra been deliberately put in the back seat? If I am not mistaken, Karnataka has given Belgaum the status of sub-capital. Marathi speaking people are being oppressed.”

a senior member of the House and urged Speaker Rahul Narwekar to rescind the decision to suspend Patil for the rest of the Winter Session.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde once he returns from Delhi where he

had gone to attend an official function.

“I (Ajit Pawar) and (Chhagan) Bhujbal met the Speaker on Friday to discuss the issue with him. The punishment is strict. I had expressed regret over it. A person inadvertently says something, but he should not be given this big a punishment,” said Pawar.

CM will take right steps on border dispute: Sena MP

The Opposition on Monday demanded a resolution on the issue in the Assembly.

Talking to reporters, the Sena MP said the chief minister had been in jail for taking part in an agitation over the border issue in the past and knows the intensity of the dispute well.

The state government is with the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti and right steps will be taken regarding the issue, he said.

FUN BREAK

Speaker Narwekar throws rule book at MLA Bhaskar Jadhav after he demands more airtime

Renni Abraham

Nagpur: Shiv Sena –Uddhav Balasaheb

Thackeray MLA

Bhaskar Jadhav, who boasts of having bagged outstanding parliamentarian award in the past, is fast acquiring the tag of being the loudest voice of opposition political formations in the state legislature.

During the ongoing Winter Session, the rul-

ing dispensation stands accused of consciously attempting to stifle Jadhav’s voice by denying him adequate legislative airtime.

Speaking with First India on Monday, Jadhav said, “It has become apparent to one and all that I am not being allowed to speak or to be listened to. This is despite the fact that I have never once used unparliamentary lan-

It has become apparent to one and all that I am not being allowed to speak or to be listened to (in the Maharashtra Assembly).

—Bhaskar Jadhav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader

on the border issue.”

guage in the Maharashtra Assembly. Even today, I was able to effectively sound out the ruling dispensation over its apparent acquiescence to Karnataka

the notice of motion under Section 35 that did not permit a wider discussion as per rules of the House.

In response to Jadhav’s protestations in the Lower House, Speaker Rahul Narwekar pointed out to the limited scope under

Reacting to Jadhav’s assertions senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Mahendra Jain said, “He is merely a loudmouth who consistently speaks ill about his political opponents like Union minister Narayan Rane and his family and digresses from the subject being discussed. How can he claim any semblance of propriety in his legislature speeches?”

“Assembly elec-

held in Karnataka

is

Maharashtra.” “Our

The Nagpur city administration has set up a mobile digital theatre for the elected representatives, officials, and employees amid the ongoing

in

Sena faction of CM Eknath Shinde and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised slogans demanding action against a Yuva Sena leader,

without naming him, for supporting a woman who had levelled rape allegations against MP Rahul Shewale (of Shinde faction).

MVA MLAs raise slogans against the Maha govt during their protest at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur on Monday. — PHOTOS BY PTI

BJP MLAs along with Sena’s Eknath Shinde faction MLAs stage a protest against leaders of Yuva Sena on Monday.

Bhaskar Jadhav —FILE

Winter Session of Maharashtra legislature in Nagpur.

NCP’s Jayant Patil was suspended from the House for the rest of the Winter Session on December 22. —FILE PHOTO

Nashik (PTI): Shiv Sena MP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde on Monday said the state government will take the right steps on Maharashtra’s border dispute with Karnataka.

Sena MP Shrikant Shinde —FILE PHOTO

Uddhav Thackeray

—FILE PHOTO

—FILE PHOTO

MAHA BEING DEFAMED AHEAD OF K’TAKA ELECTIONS, SAYS NCP MLA ROHIT PAWAR Nagpur: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar, on Monday, rued the lack of resolution by the Maharashtra Assembly on the issue. While interacting with the media here, Pawar said,

tions are going to be

soon. Therefore, a conspiracy

being hatched to defame

Marathi brothers living

border areas have been repeatedly harassed by the Karnataka government. And yet, the Maharashtra government has not raised any voice against it,” Rohit said. He also criticized the state government for not passing a resolution.

Depute IPS officer to probe Solapur gang rape: HC to DGP

TAKING ACTION

District court acquits two in 2018 murder case

First India Bureau

Solapur: The Bombay High Court has directed the state director general of police (DGP) to appoint a senior IPS officer to carry out investigations into an alleged gang rape case in Solapur district. The order comes after the rape survivor approached the court with her plea to transfer her case, accusing the present investigation team of protecting the accused.

The alleged gang-rape took place on October 31, 2021 in Solapur. Police recorded the victim’s

statement in January 2022 and filed the charge sheet in February 2022.

In her plea submitted on May 09, the woman stated that police sidelined her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and relied on an alibi of the accused while filing the charge sheet.

The HC bench has asked the magistrate

CRUCIAL READ

WOMAN JUMPS TO DEATH FROM 12TH FLOOR APARTMENT, FOUND IN POOL OF BLOOD

Thane: A 49-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the window of her apartment on the 12th floor of a high-rise building in Thane city on Monday. The incident took place at around 11 am in a plush housing complex in Kasarwadavali area of the city, an official said. The victim, Nitu Singhvi, allegedly jumped from the window of her apartment on the 12th floor and was found lying in a pool of blood by the security guard and other residents.

MAN STABBED TO DEATH BY RELATIVE OVER DISPUTE

Mumbai: A 35-year-old labourer was allegedly stabbed to death by a relative over a petty argument in Rathodi village in suburban Malwani area, police said on Monday. The victim had allegedly slapped the accused’s children and an argument ensued between the two. In a fit of rage, the accused grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed him, fleeing afterwards, an official said. “The injured man was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead,” he said.

CONSTRUCTION

SITE THEFT: THREE HELD BY COPS

Thane: Two women and a man have been arrested for allegedly stealing materials from a construction site in Thane, police said on Monday. They allegedly broke into a godown at a construction site in Majiwada at around 7 am on Sunday to steal materials worth Rs20,000. They were caught red-handed by the staff at the site, an official said. An offence under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code was registered against the accused, said Inspector Sanjay Nimbalkar.

COP, BIKER INJURED AS CAR RAMS INTO ‘NAKABANDI’; DRIVER FLEES SPOT

Nagpur: A policeman and a civilian were seriously injured after a car rammed into a ‘nakabandi’ (check post) of the police in Nagpur shortly after midnight on Sunday, an official said. “The police had stopped a civilian motorcyclist for regular checking near the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s zonal office when a speeding car rammed into the barricades put up there. Assistant Police Inspector Gajanan Naik and the motorcyclist suffered grievous injuries in the accident,” he said. Before the police could nab the driver, he escaped from the spot. The condition of API Naik is stable, while that of the civilian is critical.

MOBILE SNATCHING: TEEN HELD FOR MULTIPLE THEFTS

Mumbai: After days of studying the pattern of multiple mobile phone snatchings in south Mumbai, the Byculla police have finally nabbed a 19-year-old suspect they had been looking for the past several days. After a fresh incident of mobile snatching had come to light on December 21, a team under the guidance of Senior Inspector Chimaji Adhav laid a trap and arrested the suspect near Dockyard railway station.

WOMAN LOSES `10L TRYING TO ‘SETTLE’ DAUGHTER

Mumbai: A 65-year-old woman professor was duped of Rs9.89 lakh by a man who promised to marry her daughter and also get her a job with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The woman got acquainted with one Sachin Shinde while she was looking for grooms for daughter on a matrimonial site. From December 2019 to March 2022, Shinde took money from the woman and blocked her number when she confronted him.

READY TO SHIP RED SANDALWOOD WORTH `6 CR SEIZED IN PALGHAR; TWO HELD

Palghar: Police have seized red sandalwood worth Rs6 crore, which was smuggled into Palghar to be shipped from the port in Nhava Sheva. Based on a tip-off, police intercepted a container truck near Kaman check post in the early hours of Sunday and found red sandalwood concealed behind sacks of onions, said Suhas Bavche, zonal DCP. Two persons were arrested in the seizure and an offence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Forest Act was registered, he said.

court not to take any step on the charge sheet filed till further orders and has also directed DGP to conduct an inquiry against the investigating officer (IO) of the Solapur police.

While passing the order on December 21, Bombay HC has observed that it is very unhappy over repeated cases of such nature where the police are al-

legedly involved in protecting the rape accused.

“It clearly appears to us that the investigating officer with a view to protecting both the accused persons from the crime of higher degree has indulged into the said act. It further appears that he is interested in protecting the accused in such an offence of serious nature. The facts as unfurled

SAFETY MEASURES

are not only astonishing but flabbergasting and shake the consciousness of this court,” it said.

“In the circumstances, we hereby direct the Maharashtra director general of police to personally peruse the investigation record and transfer it to a senior officer of the IPS cadre to further investigate the present crime,” court ordered.

Thane (PTI) : A court in Thane district has acquitted two persons accused in a 2018 murder case, giving them the benefit of doubt. Additional Sessions Judge AN Sirsikar, in the order passed on December 19, held the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the two accused - Abhishek Kaliram Joshi (30) and Mogesh Sunil Mhatre (29). A copy of the order was made available on Monday.

The prosecution told the court that accused Mogesh Sunil Mhatre and his cousin Pankaj Mhatre, residents of the Bhiwandi area here, had a domestic dispute for a long time. On March 05, 2018, the two accused allegedly killed Pankaj Mhatre, the prosecution said.

However, defence advocate Vishal

Bhanushali contested the case and opposed all the charges against the accused persons. A total of seven witnesses were examined by the prosecution.

After hearing both sides, the judge said, “All the above witnesses have not supported the prosecution case. They have denied the fact of witnessing the incident. Some of them have denied the presence of the accused on the spot. Therefore, their evidence is not helpful to the prosecution in any way.”

The prosecution has not proved the

Soon, zero sewage discharge system at station

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bandra Kurla Complex highspeed rail station is going to be equipped with zero sewage discharge system. It will be the only underground station in MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. The zero sewage discharge is a strategic wastewater

management system that ensures there will be no discharge of wastewater. It is achieved by treating wastewater by recycling it for industrial purposes.

Speaking on the development, a senior official of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) said, “Station structure will have three floors, in-

The station will have 6 platforms and the length of each platform is approximately 415m (sufficient to accommodate a 16-coach bullet train).

contents of the CCTV footage collected by the investigation officer. Even the script of the CCTV footage is not filed on record, the court observed.

Case against two for duping Thane builder of `31 lakh

First India Bureau

Thane: Police have registered a case against a couple who own a travel company for allegedly duping a female builder of more than Rs31 lakh in Thane district, an official said on Monday.

According to her complaint, she had booked a family tour to the US, with the travel firm in February 2020.

She had made a payment of Rs31,71,972 to the company for the flight, visa, sightseeing and other expenses. The trip was postponed later due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was subsequently decided that only the builder would go on the tour, and she cancelled the bookings of other family members.

The accused agreed for the same and “ar-

Woman had booked a family tour to US, later amended it for only her travel

ranged” for the tour between October 28 and November 11 this year, the official said.

The builder did not receive the flight ticket, hotel booking details and tour itinerary, he said.

She then approached the police with the complaint based on which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against the couple owning the travel company under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

No arrest has been made so far, the police said, adding that they were conducting a probe into the case.

cluding platform, concourse and service floor.

The platform is planned at a depth of about 24m from the ground level.

The whole structure will be built with the help of 1.15 lakh tonnes of steel. Nearly one lakh truck loads of muck need to be dumped out of the city including soil and rocks.

BMC officials spent `35 cr on five-star hotel stays amid COVID-19

claims BJP MLA

cha wrote, claiming that the expenditure was to the tune of Rs 34.6 crore.

Mumbai (PTI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has written to the Maharashtra government alleging that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) spent around Rs35 crore on five-star hotel stays for its officials during the COV-

ID-19 lockdown.

In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha demanded a probe by the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) against civic officials who allegedly spent around Rs35 crore in 2020 and 2021.

Kotecha’s allegations can be seen as another attempt by the BJP to corner the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena. The party has controlled the country’s richest civic body for the last three decades.

“We should not forget that nurses and other medical staff, who were frontline workers during the pandemic, did not re-

ceive their dues and payments on time. Such corrupt practice is drowning the civic body,” the MLA said in the letter.

The Eknath Shindeled government had on October 31 asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct an investigation into the allocation of works by the civic body during the pandemic when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power.

It also takes cognizance of other instances of police not adhering to ‘basic principles of investigation’

Defense advocate contested the case; opposed all charges after witnesses denied presence of accused at murder scene

People undergo a security check at the entrance of the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Monday. With New Year around the corner, number of visitors to tourist spots has increased, despite the threat of the new BF.7 Omicron variant. —PHOTO BY PTI

pandemic,

“Such behaviour throws light on the BMC caring little about lives

of the common people, but keeping its officers in five-star hotels,” Kote-

Kotecha demands probe by ACB against civic officials who allegedly spent the amount in 2020 & 2021

INDIA BEATS BANGLADESH, STAYS IN HUNT TO REACH WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

MAHAN

India pipped Bangladesh by three wickets in an exciting 2nd Test to register a clean sweep in the twomatch series. With this victory, India retained their second spot on the World Test Championship table. But the close shave in the Mirpur game, which could have gone either way till the last moment, reflects that Team India has had an ordinary year. As the New Year beckons, there are serious concerns and challenges that confront India in test cricket.

India’s batting approach in the series with Bangladesh was a far cry from the aggression promised by KL Rahul and the team management. Knocking off the modest target of 145 should have been an easy task for India. It was only a superb stand between Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin that saved India from an embarrassing first-ever loss to Bangladesh in Test cricket. Indian batting in recent tests has often left a lot to be desired. While KL Rahul is going through a horror patch, even Virat Kohli has been far from his best in test cricket despite his recent resurgence in white ball format.

way for Rohit Sharma to become the skipper in all three formats.

But with Rohit remaining injuryprone at 35, the year saw a virtual musical chairs over captaincy.

Kohli’s resignation and Rohit’s injuries have created a situation whereby six players have led the team across formats this year.

Despite the hiccups and headaches, Team India still has a strong chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship final provided they win 3 out of 4 Tests against Australia who are currently the table toppers. If Indian batsmen can start firing at their best and the bowlers can retain the striking ability they have displayed in recent matches, Team India could well make it to the World Test Championship final in June 2023

The disappointing performance of the batting unit and some tactical mistakes raise lots of questions just before the upcoming home series against Australia. While Indian batters need not copy England’s aggressive batting style, known as ‘Bazball’, they can take a leaf out of their book in chasing 145. Just a few days earlier on a tricky Karachi pitch, England had chased down a target of 167 in barely 28.1 overs for the loss of only two wickets. The Indian top-order could surely learn a few valuable lessons instead of looking like rookies against the Bangladesh spinners.

The below par show in Bangladesh reflects clearly that things haven’t exactly gone as per plans in 2022 which has been a bittersweet year for Indian cricket. The year had begun on a promising note as India defeated South Africa in a convincing fashion in their first test at Centurion. But these were followed by two successive losses as the Proteas ran away with the series that India initially seemed set to win.

Defeat in South Africa led to Virat Kohli suddenly resigning as the Test captain, clearing the

WILL SP, BSP BACK BHARAT JODO IN UP

Rohit Sharma’s injury-induced absence highlights one of the biggest headaches for the Indian team in 2022 – the non-availability of several key performers. Perhaps the most notable absence that has hurt India’s chances in a big way is that of ace-pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who has hardly played for Team India since the tour of South Africa in January. The other huge loss has been the injury to Ravindra Jadeja which has affected the team’s morale and its balance.

The growing list of injured players reflects the urgent need for more effective workload management and greater emphasis on fitness regimens.

After the defeat to South Africa in January, the team thrashed Sri Lanka comprehensively in the two-test series in March. But in the only test against England this year, Team India floundered badly and were defeated by the Ben Stokes-led unit by seven wickets.

Despite the mixed bag in terms of results, India’s underrated bowling unit has done rather well. Even in the Bangladesh series, Indian bowlers got 40 wickets in the two tests though

India pipped Bangladesh by three wickets in an exciting 2nd Test to register a clean sweep in the twomatch series. With this victory, India retained their second spot on the World Test Championship table. But the close shave in the Mirpur game, which could have gone either way till the last moment, reflects that Team India has had an ordinary year

their propensity to let the opposition tail wag nearly cost them the second Test. To win in Test cricket, a side needs to take 20 wickets and Indian bowlers struck with regularity throughout the Test series.

This brings us to the ticklish issue of arbitrary selections. Undoubtedly, the worst and most controversial was the dropping of left arm spinner Kuldeep Ya-

SUPERB STAND BETWEEN IYER AND ASHWIN SAVED TEAM INDIA

fter a gap of 9 days the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) will enter Uttar Pradesh on January 3 for a short journey to three districts in the western part of the state. Congress has invited the Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party to join the rally. Om Prakash Rajbhar of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party has also been urged to join the march which is out to spread the message of love and brotherhood to counter the hate being allegedly peddled by the BJP. Will Akhilesh and Mayawati accept the invite and send their representatives to join the march? The SP’s alliance partner the Rashtriya Lok Dal is under-

Congress has invited SP leader Akhilesh and Mayawati of BSP to join the rally. Om Prakash Rajbhar of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party has also been urged to join the march which is out to spread the message of love and brotherhood to counter the hate being allegedly peddled by the BJP

stood to have confirmed its participation.

The BJY will traverse the districts of Baghpat, Shamli and Kairana. Any hint of SP and BSP joining the second-leg of the march will be of extreme

India’s batting approach in the series with Bangladesh was a far cry from the aggression promised by KL Rahul and the team management. Knocking off the modest target of 145 should have been an easy task for India. It was only a superb stand between Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin that saved India from an embarrassing first-ever loss to Bangladesh in Test cricket. Indian batting in recent tests has often left a lot to be desired. While KL Rahul is going through a horror patch, even Virat Kohli has been far from his best in test cricket despite his recent resurgence in white ball format.

dav from the second test against Bangladesh. Despite taking 8 wickets, scoring 40 runs and winning the Man of The Match award in the first test, Yadav was axed to include a trundler like Jayadev Unadkat – a decision that defied all cricketing logic.

Despite the hiccups and headaches, Team India still has a strong chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship

political significance for 2024. So far Mayawati has distanced herself from the SP and the Congress and chances of their coming together seem remote. Towards the end of 2022 the possibility which seems strong is of a three-cornered contest. Those trying to smell the coffee read much into the BSP MP from Jaunpur, Shyam Singh Yadav, joining Rahul Gandhi’s foot march in Delhi for about three hours. On any normal day Mayawati would have called for his explanation. That makes one suspect that a tripartite arrangement between the three main players could be in the offing for 2024. The RLD, it is believed, will readily play tango. That should make the contest somewhat lip-smacking.

final provided they win 3 out of 4 Tests against Australia who are currently the table toppers. If Indian batsmen can start firing at their best and the bowlers can retain the striking ability they have displayed in recent matches, Team India could well make it to the World Test Championship final in June 2023.

down against oppression and tyranny. Celebrated today #VeerBaalDiwas will continue to inspire the future generations of the country with the success story of his bravery.

SPEAK

Winter, summer, happiness, and pain; Giving, appearing, disappearing; Nonpermanent, all of them; Just try to tolerate.

Bhagavad Gita

SPIRITUAL

Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda I bow down to ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ dedicated to the martyrdom of Sahibzade Zorawar Singh ji and Fateh Singh ji of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji. Your patriotism and piety will always inspire every Indian to dedicate everything for the nation and culture.

Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh

On the martyrdom day of Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji, I bow down to their martyrdom. He sacrificed his life, not bowing

TOP TWEETS

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

SIDDHAARTH

The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry

Shah pays tributes to Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzades, Mata Gujri

UTTARAKHAND CM PAYS TRIBUTES TO GURU’S SAHIBZADES

New Delhi (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid tributes to Guru Gobind Singh, his two sons and Mata Gujri on ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.

Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, laid down their lives while defending their faith. Their martyrdom day is observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’.

In a tweet in Hindi, Shah said Guru Gobind Singh’s sons bravely faced enemies at a young age to protect the motherland and religion.

The home minister said their bravery is

RaGa invites Akhilesh, Jayant, Mayawati to participate in BJY

New Delhi (Agencies):

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has invited Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Jayant Singh of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) to participate in the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY), sources said.

A formal letter has been written by the Congress leader but its not clear that whether these leaders have given consent or not, the sources informed.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra will resume from January 3 from Ghaziabad in UP and it is said that Congress wants all like-minded parties to participate in the yatra.

Earlier, many nonCongress leaders and celebrities including actor and politician Kamal Haasan joined the yatra on Saturday.

As the Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Delhi on Saturday, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked BJP and RSS, saying that their policies are to spread hate but the common people want harmony.

“The policies of the BJP and RSS are to spread fear and hatred, we will not allow it. I

TELANGANA MLAs

POACHING CASE

HANDED OVER TO CBI

New Delhi: The Telangana high court on Monday handed over the case relating to the alleged ‘buying’ of four Telangana

Samithi MLAs (TRS) by those who shared links allegedly with the BJP to the CBI. Justice Vijayasen Reddy was hearing a batch of petitions seeking CBI inquiry. The high court’s ruling in effect invalidated the TRS govt-appointed special investigation team, which has been carrying out the probe thus far. The development can be seen as a setback to K Chandrashekar Rao’s government, which has been cornering the Narendra Modi-led BJP at the Centre.

the country’s heritage, remembering which the Modi government is observing ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.

the bravery and sacrifices of the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri and Guru Gobind Singh,” he said.

On the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh’s

birth anniversary on January 9 this year, the prime minister had announced that December 26 will be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.

Dehradun: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday paid tributes to 10th Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons who laid down their lives while defending their faith, saying such great sacrifices laid the “foundation” of India’s independence. The martyrdom day of the 10th Guru’s sons is observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’. At an event at Guru Nanak Academy at Nanakmatta in Udham Singh Nagar district, Dhami said by deciding to celebrate this day as Veer Bal Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid true tribute to the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons — Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh.

BJP says Rahul ‘doing drama’ as he visits Vajpayee’s samadhi

INDIAN YOUTH CONG TO

TAKE MESSAGE OF BJY TO EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY

New Delhi: The Indian Youth Congress will take the message of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by party leader Rahul Gandhi, to every part of the country, it said on Monday. The yatra entered Delhi on Saturday morning with scores of people from Haryana and Delhi joining the march at the Badarpur border amid slogans of “Bharat jodo” (unite India) and “Rahul Gandhi zindabad”. With the beating of drums and playing patriotic songs, the enthusiasm of the yatris was at its peak. Waving Tricolours, thousands of party activists walked behind Gandhi. In a statement on Monday, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) said it held a three-day meeting of its national executive, which concluded with the resolution to “take the message of Bharat Jodo Yatra to every part of the country”.

CONG APPOINTS OBSERVERS FOR POLLS IN 3 N-E STATES

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday appointed observers for upcoming assembly polls in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland early next year, with party MP Mukul Wasnik named senior observer for the three states. The Congress appointed two observers each for the states. “The Congress president has appointed senior observer and observers for ensuing assembly elections 2023 for the respective states, with immediate effect,” the party said in an official communication. Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik has been named senior observer for the elections in the three states.

have opened a shop of love in the hatred market,” he said.

After reaching the Red Fort on Saturday, the yatra has taken a break till January 3, 2023.

During the nine-day break, the containers will

Allies cry foul over CBI reopening case against Lalu

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Monday attacked the Congress and demanded an apology over unsavoury remarks made against former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee by a leader attached to the Congress chief’s office, even as the opposition party distanced itself from the controversy.

“RATTLED

BY BJY’S SUCCESS, BJP TRYING TO DERAIL IT”

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday said that the BJP is so much rattled by the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and that it is desperately trying to derail it and defame Rahul Gandhi. The Congress also cited several instances of BJP’s “fake claims” made with an attempt to defame Gandhi and his Yatra, and demanded that the ruling party should apologise. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that the BJP was sending Intelligence Bureau sleuths to the Bharat Jodo Yatra campsite and was “terrorising” those who met Gandhi during the Yatra.

be repaired and prepared for the harsh winter in the north, according to Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh.

“Also, many yatris will be able to spend time with their families after almost four months. The

IN THE COURTYARD

DELHI HC GRANTS PROTECTION TO UNNAO RAPE SURVIVOR IN FORGERY FIR

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection from “precipitate action” to the 2017 Unnao rape survivor in an FIR registered by the UP police for allegedly forging her date of birth to attract provisions of the POCSO Act in the case in which the now expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar was convicted. Sengar has since been disqualified as an MLA. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued notice on the anticipatory bail plea by the 21-year-old and directed that subject to the petitioner appearing before the trial court when required.

SC ISSUES NOTICE TO ED ON BAIL PLEA OF SUSPENDED IAS POOJA SINGHAL

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate to a plea filed by suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal in a money laundering case seeking interim bail to look after her daughter who is ill. A bench issued notice to the ED and others and sought their replies. “Issue notice returnable in the re-opening miscellaneous week of January, 2023 both in the SLP as well as on the application for interim bail,” the bench said.

journey will resume on January 3,” he had said earlier this week.

The yatra will commence from Ghaziabad on January 3 and then from Sanoli Khurd at the Panipat border on January 6.

Patna (PTI): The ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Bihar on Monday cried foul over reports of a corruption case being reopened against Lalu Prasad, the founding president of the RJD which helms the alliance.

The central agency which is often accused, by parties opposed to the BJP, of having become a political instrument in the hands of the party ruling the Centre, has reopened inquiry into a case against Prasad which it had closed last year.

Former state minister and senior RJD leader Vijay Prakash recalled the “caged parrot” remark of the Supreme Court, made long back while the Congress-led UPA was in power, to allege “misuse” of the agency by the “government at the Centre”.

Gaurav Pandhi, coordinator of Congress chief Kharge’s office and handles social media for him, had put out a tweet alleging that Vajpayee had sided with the British.

He later deleted it as the BJP accused Rahul

Shift KPs to safer Jammu till situation improves:

GNA

Srinagar (ANI): Democratic Azad Party Chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the Kashmiri Pandit employees of the Jammu and Kashmir government should be temporarily shifted to Jammu till the situation improves in Kashmir.

Questioning the safety of the Kashmiri Pandits, he said that life is more important than employment and the government should

transfer Kashmiri Pandits to Jammu. “The Government should transfer Kashmiri Pandit employees to Jammu and transfer them back only when the situation improves,” said Azad.

After Kamal Haasan raising political tempo, will it be Rajinikath next?

Shamsher Singh

New Delhi: Tamil actor Kamal Haasan had formed his own party named Makkal Nidhi Maiyam i.e. MNM and contested 2021 assembly polls in which his party got 2.52% votes. However, this much vote did not have any effect on the election results as the DMK alliance got more than three-fourth of the votes. But the DMK and its allies are worried about the future politics of Kamal Haasan’s party. They felt

that if they become part of any other alliance, the going may get tough for them. Keep in mind that Jayalalithaa’s friend Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran had also formed the par-

ty and got 2.30% votes. Only when the news of Kamal Haasan joining Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra came, along with the Congress, the DMK also heaved a sigh of satisfaction. He joined the

Congress yatra on December 24 in Delhi. That proved on which side he is, ideologically. After this, it is believed that Haasan will not contest the election alone. If he remains in active politics, he will join the DMK-Congress alliance in the state. It is also being said that now the pressure may increase on the second Tamil super star Rajinikanth. BJP wants him to engage in state politics with the saffron party. However, he has kept himself away from active politics.

Mathura Idgah survey: Owaisi finds fault with court order

Hyderabad (Agencies): AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday criticised Mathura court order for a survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex, saying a survey in a civil case should be the last resort.

The Hyderabad MP said that in his opinion, the court is wrong. “I disagree with that order. Legal experts know very well and they have also told me that a survey is

ordered by a court only as a last resort when there are no papers to prove a title or anything,” he said. He said the court used the survey as a first resort while legal experts believe that it should be the last resort. He said the court violated the Places of Worship Act, which is clear that except Babri Masjid, the nature of religious places that stood on Aug 15, 1947 can’t be altered.

“I pay my respects to

Says 10th Guru’s sons bravely faced enemies at a young age to protect religion

Amit Shah @AmitShah

I pay my respects to the bravery and sacrifices of the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri and Guru Gobind Singh.

PM Narendra Modi waves at school students participating in a procession commemorating the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Gandhi of “doing a drama” of paying homage at Vajpayee’s memorial while party leaders use “abusive words” against the former PM.

Rahul on Monday visited ‘samadhi’ of Mahatma and of several former PMs, including Vajpayee whose birth anniversary was on Sunday.

Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial Sadaiv Atal, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Rashtra

PRESIDENT OFFERS PRAYERS AT SRISAILAM TEMPLE

She launched various projects related to development of Srisailam Temple

Kurnool (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday offered prayers at Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district and laid foundation stone for various development works.

Arriving at Sun-

nipenta helipad from Hyderabad, she was received by Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Kottu Satyanarayana, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath, local MLA Shilpa Chakrapani Reddy, and senior officials.

From there, the President reached Srisailam temple by road.

Telangana Governor

Tamilisai Soundararajan and Union Tourism and Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy also reached Srisailam along with the President from Hyderabad.

Andhra Pradesh's Tourism Minister R. K. Roja, other public representatives and senior officials received President Murmu.

Priests and temple officials accorded a tradi-

TUNISHA’S MOTHER ACCUSES SHEEZAN OF CHEATING ON ACTOR

Deceased’s mother accuses Sheezan Khan of cheating on actor

New Delhi (ANI): Tunisha Sharma’s mother Vanita has revealed new details about the actor’s relationship with her co-star Sheezan Khan. Tunisha allegedly committed suicide on the sets of her serial Alibaba –Dastaan-e-Kabul on Saturday. A case of abetment to suicide was registered against Sheezan under Section 306 of the IPC.

In a statement on Monday, Vanita, who had filed a complaint against Sheezan, said, “I want to tell you that Sheezan cheated Tanisha. First, he had a rela-

SHE HAD TRIED SUICIDE EARLIER ALSO, SAYS KHAN

New Delhi: Tunisha Sharma tried to commit suicide even before she actually ended her life on December 24. And her ex-boyfriend and 'Ali Baba: Dastaan-e-Kabul' co-star Sheezan Mohammed Khan had informed her family about it. Sheezan is now in police custody, having been accused by Tunisha's mother of causing her daughter mental trauma and driving her to commit suicide.

tionship with her saying that he will marry her and later broke up with her. He already was involved with another woman in spite of which he got involved

CRUCIAL READ

GRENADES’ CACHE

RECOVERED FROM ASSAM TEA GARDEN

Dibrugarh: A cache of grenades and ammunition were recovered from a tea garden in Assam's Dibrugarh district, a senior police official said on December 26. Two Chinese grenades, two magazines of AK-series rifles, 12 bullets and a pistol silencer were recovered from South Jalan tea estate. Items were spotted by garden workers on Sunday night, Dibrugarh SP Shwetank Mishra. “We have interrogated some people,” Mishra added.

2 AFRICAN CITIZENS HELD FOR DUPING GUJARAT WOMAN

Ahmedabad: Two African nationals were arrested for allegedly duping an elderly woman from Gujarat's Ahmedabad of Rs 34 lakh by befriending her online using fake identities and asking her to pay money to get gifts and foreign currency released from Customs, police said on Monday. Some other gang members involved in the crime are yet to be arrested, he said. According to official, a 63-year-old woman approached Cyber Crime Branch on Dec 23.

with Tunisha and used her for three to four months. He should be punished for that. I have lost my daughter.”

Police allege the reason behind Tunisha

Sharma’s alleged extreme step could be her breakup with Sheezan Khan. Vasai court has sent Sheezan to police custody for four days in connection with death.

TMC BLASTS BJP FOR LINKING TUNISHA’S DEATH TO ‘LOVE JIHAD’ New Delhi: To call the BJP a ‘sick monster’ would be an understatement, Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale said on Monday, as he lambasted the party over claims by some of its leaders that the death of TV actor Tunisha Sharma, who died by suicide on Saturday, was a case of ‘love jihad.’ “The post mortem on the poor woman's body isn't even complete yet let alone her being laid to rest. And the BJP has already begun to user her tragic death for their own hateful political agenda. To call the BJP sick monsters would be an understatement,” tweeted Gokhale.

tional welcome to her.

She had darshan at Ratnagarbha Ganapathi Swamy temple.

The President later performed Rudrabhishekam to Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy and Kumkumarchana to Bramarambika Devi.

She launched various projects related to the development of Srisailam Temple.

Works worth Rs 43

crore were launched under National Mission of Pilgrimage Rejuvenational and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry. She also visited Sri Shivaji Spoorthy Kendram at Srisailam.

Murmu later returned to Hyderabad for five-day winter sojourn.

Earlier, she had arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, in a special aircraft and later left for Srisailam by a helicopter. Tight security arrangements were made at Srisailam for the President's visit.

The temple authorities had suspended darshan for devotees and diverted traffic as part of the arrangements.

Zero visibility in many places after fog engulfs North India

New Delhi (ANI): As biting cold conditions engulfed entire North India, fog and poor visibility remained a severe cause of concern on Monday.

According to the India Meteorological Department, visibility across most of the northern states remained poor with Bhatinda in Punjab and Bikaner in Rajasthan recording "zero visibility". The visibility in the national capital here at just 50 meters. Not only in Bhatinda, visibility remained low throughout Punjab, with Amritsar recording visibility of 25 metres and Ambala 50.

Haryana too recorded low visibility. While places like Ambala and Hissar recorded a low of 25m and 50m respectively, visibility in Chandigarh was 200 metres.

According to IMD data, places like Sri Gan-

ganagar and Churu in Rajasthan also recorded low visibility of 25 and 50 meters, respectively.

Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal also recorded very low visibility on the day with number dipping to 50 metres in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, while North Bengal recorded visibility of 200 meters.

5 foreigners test Covid positive in Bodh Gaya

Patna (ANI): Five foreign nationals, four of them from Thailand and one from Myanmar, have tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Bihar on a pilgrimage, official said on Monday.

According to Dr Ranjan Kumar Singh, medical officer in charge of Gaya district, the foreigners were tested at the international airport here in the weekend as part of a drill that is being followed for those visiting Bodh Gaya to attend the Dalai Lama's discourses scheduled this week.

Altogether 33 foreigners were tested during weekend, out of whom four of them females, have tested positive, said Singh. Their condition is stable.

According to

one

IMD PREDICTS HEAVY TO VERY HEAVY RAINS IN 10 TAMIL NADU DISTS

Kanyakumari: The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in 10 districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday as the deep depressions that have prevailed over Sri Lanka are likely to become a depression over the Kanyakumari sea and adjoining areas. The depression, according to the India Meteorological Department, is likely to move further west-northwestwards and weaken over the southeast Arabian Sea. This depression would lead to heavy to very heavy rains in many regions of south Tamil Nadu and in some places of north Tamil Nadu. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts. Chennai and its suburbs are likely to have partly cloudy conditions in the next 48 hours, and light to moderate rains is likely to occur.

Stay on EIA for the construction projects to

continue: NGT

New Delhi (PTI): Pharmaceuticals firm Hetero on Monday said it has received World Health Organisation Prequalification of medicines programme (WHO PQ) approval for its generic version of COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment candidate ‘Nirmatrelvir.’

MAKES MASKS MANDATORY

Bengaluru:

PREP FOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal has extended the stay on a Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change notification modifying the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conditions for certain construction projects.

According to the notification dated Nov 14, 2018, the Union government delegated the power to ensure compliance with environmental conditions to local bodies.

1,200 workers, 24×7 shifts; Rourkela all set to host

Rourkela (PTI): The Rourkela hockey stadium, India’s biggest with a seating capacity of 21,000, will be inaugurated early January. (Express photo by Sujit Bisoyi)

When Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone for a new hockey stadium at Rourkela on February 16, 2021 — in the middle of a pandemic — and announced that it would be a second venue for the Men’s FIH

Hockey World Cup, many, even within the government, were sceptical about its timely completion. So much so that the International Hockey Federation had to give the state a deadline of November 30 to complete the main structure and lay the turf.

For two years since then, over 1,200 migrant workers — many of them from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal — worked round

the clock in three shifts to construct the stadium. And less than three weeks before the first match, the grand sau-

cer-shaped steel structure, with a seating capacity of around 21,000, stands tall over 16 acres of land.

A total of 20 matches will be played in the new stadium to be named after freedom fighter and tribal icon Birsa Munda.

The Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the structure, the country’s biggest hockey stadium, early in January.

Along with the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, it will host the World Cup from January 13 to 29. A total of 20 matches will be played in the new stadium to

be named after freedom fighter and tribal icon Birsa Munda.

At the stadium site, workers continue to toil round the clock to put things together. Though the stadium work has already been completed and the ground was used for a practice match between junior teams of India and South Korea, large cranes have been deployed to fix the aluminium facades and glass windows.

MANDAVIYA HOLDS MEETING WITH IMA

KARNATAKA

New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday interacted with doctors and representatives from Indian Medical Association (IMA) regarding the COVID-19 situation and preparedness. During the meeting, Mandaviya urged participants to refrain from making speculations.

The Karnataka government on Monday announced that wearing face masks inside theatres, schools and colleges will be mandatory. Fresh guidelines were announced.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health department was concerned over the development of 12 passengers arriving from highrisk countries testing positive for Covid at the Kempe Gowda International Airport Bengaluru, sources confirmed on Monday. According to authorities, a 37-year-old man, who arrived from China, had tested positive for Covid at Bengaluru. The other 11 passengers came from high-risk countries. Four of them have been quarantined in a private hospital and the rest passengers have been kept in home quarantine. All the samples have been sent to genomic sequencing to the National Institute of Virology and results expected by Tuesday.

12 PASSENGERS RETURNING FROM HIGH-RISK COUNTRIES INCLUDING CHINA TEST POSITIVE

Kolkata: Two persons returning from abroad have tested positive for the Coronavirus infection at the Kolkata Aiport, airport sources said on Monday.

sources,

of the positive passengers came from Dubai on Saturday while another came from Kuala Lumpur.

2 COVID POSITIVE CASES DETECTED AT KOLKATA AIRPORT

NIRMACOM GETS PREQUALIFICATION FROM THE WHO

President Droupadi Murmu arrives to offer prayers at Srisailam temple, in Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

A healthcare worker takes swab sample of a passenger for COVID-19 testing at railway station in Jalandhar.

A train runs at slow pace due to low visibility due to a thick fog on a cold winter day, in Gurugram on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

—PHOTO BY ANI

Mumbai: TV actor Tunisha Sharma had lunch with the main accused and co-actor Sheezan Khan before hanging herself, sources said. The First Information Report, or FIR, in a case registered by the police, charging Sheezan Khan for abetment to suicide, revealed that the duo were in a relationship and had broken up 15 days before Tunisha's death.

SHEEZAN KHAN HAD LUNCH WITH TUNISHA ON THE DAY OF SUICIDE

—PHOTO BY ANI

Kolkata (ANI): A court in Kolkata has taken cognisance of a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Manik Bhattacharya and others in connection with the West Bengal teachers recruitment 'scam' money laundering case, the agency said Friday. ED had named six entities including the legislator, his wife Satarupa Bhattacharya, their son Souvik Bhattacharya, Tapas Kumar Mondal (owner of a teacher training centre), firms like Acuere Consultancy.

TEACHERS' SCAM: NAME OF TRINAMOOL PANCHAYAT MEMBER'S SON SURFACES

‘PRACHANDA’ TAKES OATH AS NEPAL PM FOR THIRD TIME!

P ushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” was on Monday sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal for the third time, a day after the former guerrilla leader dramatically walked out of the pre-poll alliance led by the Nepali Congress and joined hands with opposition leader KP Sharma Oli.

Newly appointed Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal poses for a photo as he takes charge of his office, in Kathmandu.

INOX GREEN TO HAVE STAKE IN WIND SERVICE PROVIDER

‘India well placed amid global uncertainties’

New Delhi (PTI): Inox Green Energy Services on Monday said it will acquire a majority stake in an independent wind service provider that operates majorly in South India with a 230+MW fleet. However, the company did not disclose the value of the transaction and the name of the target company. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory and other customary closing conditions and is expected to conclude by the end of January 2023, a company statement said.

New Delhi (PTI): India is well positioned to continue to be the fastest-growing major economy next year, which may mark the lowest global growth since the millennium began barring the pandemic and the global financial crisis, according to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.

In his New Year message to around 9.35 lakh employees of the Tata Group, he said increasing consumption, consumer confidence and investment will support India’s growth story although the global environment has several risk factors, including the energy crisis in Europe, the battle to contain inflation to avoid recession, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

New Delhi (PTI): Power Mech Projects (Power Mech) on Monday said it has bagged three projects, including one from the Adani Group, totalling `1,034.13 crore. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received service order/letters of award (LOA) worth `1,034.13 crore. A service order for execution of retrofitting of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system is from the Adani Group for its thermal power plants located at Mahan (MP), Raigarh and Raipur.

KINETIC GROUP TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC VERSION OF LUNA

“Post-pandemic, India opened up, and we have returned to living our daily lives normally, in a year that saw the nation turn 75 years old. Business momentum has been strong for many of our companies,” he wrote.

In the next year, Chandrasekaran said, “we are likely to see inflation gradually moderate. India is well positioned, and we will continue to be the fastest growing major economy, supported by increas-

Fund mobilisation through equity, debt routes down 20 per cent

New Delhi (PTI): The Kinetic Group will be launching the electric version of its once popular moped Luna, according to a regulatory filing by Kinetic Engineering. The E-Luna will be launched shortly by sister company Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions, the company said on Monday. Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL) has commenced production of chassis and other assemblies for the electric avatar of the Luna, it added. The company has developed all the major subassemblies for E-Luna.

GOLD RISES `121; SILVER ADVANCES

100

BY RUPEES

New Delhi (PTI): Fund mobilisation by companies through equity and debt routes has dropped 20% in 2022 to nearly ` 11 lakh crore, as exuberance dwindled this year due to expensive credit avenues and volatile markets. The first half of 2023 could continue to remain challenging.

The year 2021 was extraordinary for fundraising from the equity and debt routes, while 2022 has seen a slowdown in capital raising owing to elevated volatility provoked by unprecedented inflation globally and the RussiaUkraine war.

SEVERAL RISK FACTORS

z N Chandrasekaran said increasing consumption, consumer confidence and investment will support India’s growth story although the global environment has several risk factors

ing consumption, consumer confidence and investment.”

However, he added, “Slowing global growth

z The global environment has several risk factors, including the energy crisis in Europe, the battle to contain inflation to avoid recession

z Barring the pandemic & the global financial crisis, next year may mark the lowest growth since the millennium began

may act as a drag on output, but our rising share of global manufacturing should provide some buffer/insulation.”

The global environment has several risk factors, including the energy crisis in Europe, the battle to contain inflation to avoid recession, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, he pointed out.

“Barring the pandemic and the global financial crisis, next year may mark the lowest global growth since the millennium began. We will need to keep careful watch on commodity price rises, in particular,” Chandrasekaran said.

Sensex, Nifty jump over 1% after four days of decline

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmarks ended with a jump of over 1% on Monday after four days of losses amid a positive trend in global markets.

The 30-share BSE benchmark rallied 721.13 points or 1.20% to settle at 60,566.42. During the day, it jumped 988.49 points or 1.65% to 60,833.78.

On similar lines, the broader NSE Nifty advanced 207.80 points or 1.17% to end at 18,014.60.

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee appreciated 17 paise to close at 82.65 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, tracking positive domestic equities and the weakening of the American currency in the overseas market.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.79 and touched an intra-day high of 82.63 and a low of 82.83 against the greenback.It finally settled at 82.65, registering a rise of 17 paise over its previous close of 82.82.

PLI scheme for textiles attracts `1,536 crore

New Delhi (PTI): The ` 10,683-crore productionlinked incentive scheme for India’s textiles sector attracted investments of `1,536 crore as approval letters were issued to 56 applicants who met the eligibility criteria, the government said on Monday.

Applications under the PLI Scheme for textiles were received through a web portal from January 1, 2022, to February 28, 2022.

The Centre launched the PLI Scheme with an approved outlay of `10,683 crore to promote the production of MMF apparel, MMF fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles in the country to enable the textiles industry to achieve size and scale and

OTHER STORIES

to become competitive. “Selection Committee chaired by Secretary (Textiles) has selected 64 applicants under the scheme. 56 applicants have completed the mandatory criteria for the formation of a new company and approval letters have been issued to them. Investment to the tune of `1,536 crore has been made so far,” an official statement said.

GODREJ PROPERTIES

New Delhi (PTI): India’s export of agriculture and allied commodities rose 11.97% to $30.21 billion during April-October period of current fiscal year, the agriculture ministry said on Monday. Wheat, basmati rice, raw cotton, castor oil, coffee, and fresh fruits were major commodities exported from India. The overall export of agri and allied commodities rose 20% to $50.24 billion in 2021-22, when compared with $41.86 bn in the previous year.

New Delhi (PTI): Realty firm Godrej Properties has purchased about 62 acres of land in Kurukshetra, Haryana for over `100 crore to develop a plotted residential project and is targeting around `550 crore revenue from this property. In a regulatory filing, the company informed that this project will offer about 1.4 million square feet of plotted residential development. The company did not mention the total deal value.

WEWORK INDIA RAISES `550 CRORE FROM BPEA CREDIT-MANAGED FUND FOR FUTURE GROWTH

New Delhi (PTI): Co-working major WeWork India on Monday said it has raised `550 crore from funds managed by BPEA Credit for future growth and acquisition opportunities as it seeks to tap rising demand for flexible spaces. In 2017, WeWork Global had partnered with Bengaluru-based real estate firm Embassy Group to enter the Indian market. At present, WeWork India has a portfolio of around 70,000 desks spread over 6 million square feet area in 41 centres across B’luru, Mumbai, Gurugram, Noida, Hyderabad, and Pune.

LICHF HIKES LENDING RATE BY 0.35%, HOME LOANS TO COST 8.65%

CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA TO RAISE UP TO `1,500 CR THIS FISCAL

New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rose by `121 to `54,721/10 grams in the national capital on Monday, according to HDFC Securities. Silver also rose by `100 to `69,050/kg.

“Gold price traded steady in the domestic market due to lack of cues from the global market due to holiday season,” said Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst at HDFC Securities. Gold prices are likely to trade sideways due to lack of market participants. However short-term trend is still bullish in gold, Parmar added.

“The first half of 2023 could continue to be challenging, largely driven by global macro developments. If the slowdown/ recession in the US is mild, then we could see a rally in global markets in the second half of next year, which would aid investor sentiment and the Indian markets as well,” said Vishal Chandiramani, Managing Partner Products and COO, TrustPlutus Wealth (India) Pvt Ltd.

Even with a bounce back in markets, it will be more difficult to garner funds over the next few years as compared to earlier, he noted.

From the Sensex pack, State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, ITC, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, UltraTech Cement, NTPC and Tata Motors were the major winners.

IN WORKING LIVES

Mumbai (PTI): Mortgage lender LIC Housing Finance joined peers and hiked its lending rate by 0.35%. The move, which comes a week after an increase by bigger rival HDFC by a similar quantum, entails that the minimum rate of interest will get revised to 8.65% for the best-rated borrower. In a statement, the company said it has increased the LIC Housing Prime Lending Rate (LHPLR), to which the interest rate on its loans is linked, by 0.35%.

New Delhi (PTI): Stateowned Central Bank of India will raise up to `1,500 crore this fiscal by issuing Basel III compliant bonds. The decision was taken at the bank’s board meeting held on Monday. The board of directors considered and approved to raise capital through an issuance of non-convertible redeemable unsecured Basel III compliant tier II bonds for amount up to `1,500 crore, the bank said in a regulatory filing.

INDIAN WORKERS DEMANDING MORE FLEXIBILITY

New Delhi (PTI): A significant percentage of employees are demanding more flexibility in their working lives, and they are prepared to make compromises to get it, as per a report.

According to the ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2022: A Global Workforce View, which surveyed almost 33,000 workers across 17 countries, more than 7 in 10 are seeking more flexibility in how they structure their working time.

In India, 76.07% of employees would prefer having control over their work-

ing hours, the report said, adding that they would take a pay cut to guarantee

the flexibility of working remotely or have the opportunity to alternate between

MAJOR FINDINGS

z In India, 76.07% of employees would prefer having control over their working hours.

z They would take a pay cut to guarantee the flexibility of working remotely or have the opportunity to alternate between home and office.

z 76.38% of employees would look for a new job

home and office. As per the report, around 76.38% of employees in India would

look for a new job if asked to return to work full-time.

“Currently, there is a need for innovative alternative options to the traditional nine-to-five to keep employees satisfied at work.

“Offering more flexibility and control over employees’ work-life is worth considering as they have endured immense pressure during the pandemic and have proved to be important assets through their continuous performance,” Rahul Goyal, MD, South East Asia & India, ADP, said.

POWER MECH GETS ORDERS FROM ADANI GROUP, OTHERS

Nestle, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Technologies and Hindustan Unilever were the laggards.

` GAINS 17 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.65 AGAINST US DOLLAR

PAWAR WILL BE MAHA CM SOON: TAPASE

tics. Ajit Pawar will definitely be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, but that time will be ours and so will the party,” said Tapase.

Latur: Farmers outfit stages protest over demands

First India Bureau

Mumbai: BJP MLA Pravin Pote has stated that if Ajit Pawar had taken oath in the afternoon instead of the morning, he would have been the Chief Minister now. After this, Deepak Kesarkar, the spokesperson of the Shinde group, reacted to it and said that

‘we would be happy if Ajit Pawar joins the Shinde group.’

Pote also said that everyone has seen how Pawar is working in the NCP. Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase has reacted to Kesarkar’s statement.

Tapase has expressed his belief that Pawar will definitely become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

“Kesarkar Ji, you have forgotten that Ajit Pawar, the opposition leader of the NCP, is the lion of the state’s poli-

‘Having Pak friends doesnt mean links with D-gang’

Mumbai: With Shinde faction MP Rahul Shewale being engrossed in a rape accusation, he held a press conference on Sunday and alleged that the woman who had seriously accused him of rape was related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. However, on Monday, rejecting the allegations, the victim woman responded while talking to NCP leader Rupali Thombare in a live conference on social media.

The victim said, “I have seen Dawood Ibrahim’s character only in movies. I have seen Sultan Mirza movie. I have heard the name of Chhota Shakeel in the news. I belong to a generation that knows about these people from movies and the news only.”

“The woman named Farah, whom Rahul

Shewale mentioned, is my friend. He was also talking to her. I can also present the audio clip of the conversation between Shewale and Farah,” added the victim.

The woman continued, “I will show you my passport and visa. I have been living in Dubai for 12 years and run a small business.

Citizens of all countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka live and study there. Even in college, people from different countries be-

come friends with each other. It is very common in Dubai.”

“I also studied in Dubai and do business there. So I have also made friends in Dubai. We also sit and watch cricket matches with Indian and Pakistani friends. So does this mean that I have joined the Dawood gang? Do the citizens of India and Pakistan who sit together at the stadium to watch a cricket match belong to the Dawood gang?”, the woman questioned.

Notably, accusing the woman of having links with the underworld, Rahul Shewale had said, “In Dubai, a person named Raees is working for Dawood.

The woman who accused me has relations with him. I can say with certainty that this woman is with the Dawood gang.”

Commenting on Pote’s statement, Deepak Kesarkar said, “Political leaders have friendship with each other beyond politics. There is respect for each other. We all respect Ajit Pawar as he speaks freely like a family member. I think Pote must have made that statement out of friendship or respect. We will be happy if Pawar comes with all of us. Everyone has seen how he is working in NCP, so why wouldn’t we like such a great leader to come with us.”

Latur (PTI): Activists of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), a farmers' organization, on Monday staged an agitation in Maharashtra's Latur district over various demands, including crop insurance. Activists and leaders of the organization staged a dharna outside the collector's office.

Protestors have demanded that farmers should be paid a protected amount of Rs54,000 per hectare under soybean crop insurance, advocate Vijaykumar Jadhav, an officebearer of the organization said.

Among other demands, farmers have also sought that a lump sum of Rs3,000 per hectare be paid for sugarcane for the year 2022-

MUSLIM GROUP HOLDS PROTEST IN LATUR SEEKING QUOTA

Latur: A Muslim organization held a protest in front of the tehsil office in Latur on Monday seeking reservations for the community. The memorandum of the Muslim Arakashan Samiti said the community was educationally backward and must get a quota in jobs to improve its plight. The community also needs protection and free education, the memorandum presented to the tehsildar said.

23, weighing scale of all sugar factories be made online and relief amount be disbursed to farmers who suffered crop losses due to heavy rains, he said.

An incentive subsidy of up to Rs50,000 is being

distributed to farmers who repay loans regularly and two lists have been declared. The SSS has demanded that a third list also be released immediately and grants are transferred to beneficiaries, Jadhav said.

‘Maha to develop tourism circuit in Nanded’

Nanded (PTI): The state government will develop a tourism circuit in Nanded district by connecting its popular travel destinations, said state Tourism Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Sunday.

Work in this direction will commence in the next three months, he told reporters.

The minister was in Nanded to visit the Takht Sachkhand Sri

“There are popular tourist spots in Nanded,

including temples, gurdwaras and forts. A circuit will be planned to connect these places

that are located within the radius of 100 km. Facilities for tourists will be created,” said Lodha. A committee of local stakeholders will be set up in Nanded and it will meet every month. The Hottal Festival in the district will be celebrated on a grander scale henceforth, he said. The tourism ministry is also planning to form a tourist facilitation centre in Nanded, he added.

Cong leader Balasaheb Thorat injured

Nagpur (PTI):

Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat on Monday sustained a shoulder injury after he had a fall during a morning walk. Talking to PTI, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said Thorat has fractured one of his shoulders and is being shifted to Mumbai for treatment. The former minister's family doctor from Pune will be attending to him in Mumbai, he said. Dr Sanjiv Dhawad from the MLA hostel's primary health centre told that they were informed that Thorat had a fall during his morning walk between 7.30 to 8 am.

"The Congress leader had injured one of his shoulders and sustained bruises on his forehead. We administered first aid and shifted him to Mayo Hospital," Dr Dhawad said.

MVA govt suppressed Disha’s case: Somaiya

First India Bureau

Pune: Former Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha MP Kirit Somaiya on Monday alleged the Disha Salian death case was suppressed by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government under Uddhav Thackeray.

Salian (28), a former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a highrise building in Malad area of Mumbai on June 8, 2020.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his apart-

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to make details of the case public,” Somaiya said. Fadnavis, on December 22, had said in the state Assembly that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to conduct a probe into the death of Salian.

NCP CHIEF PAWAR MEETS PUNE LS MP BAPAT IN HOSPITAL

First India Bureau

Nagpur: Firebrand leader Sanjay Raut had recently claimed that the party had ‘bombs’ against the current ruling dispensation which would be ‘lighted’ soon.

On Monday, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also repeated the statement while taling to media in Nagpur.

Thackeray said, “There are many bombs, there is only the need to light the wicks. However, I think they (govt) should first take a resolution to stop ruining the lives of a few

lakh Marathi people in the border areas. Marathi people from that area have won the elections. There have been agitations. Until the decision of the Supreme

Court comes, we strongly demand that this controversial area should be centralized.”

While speaking on the border issue, Thackeray said, “It has been

ment in Mumbai’s Bandra area on June 14, 2020.

“The Disha Salian death case was suppressed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. I request Deputy

wicks need

Uddhav

75 years since our country got independence.

The people of the border areas have been speaking Marathi for the same time or longer.

They have expressed the opinion that we want to go to Maharashtra through various means including agitation. They have shown this by winning elections through democratic means. A resolution has also been agreed on the same.”

“I’m going to give you a pen drive, containing the film ‘Case for Justice’ made by the Maharashtra government in the

70s. The purpose of that film is clear. It shows how the Marathi language has been used since the 18th century. It also shows that schools were Marathi, and Mahila Mandal and other institutions were also Marathi,” said Thackeray.

Thackeray added, “I request that the film in this pen drive be shown to the members of both the houses. So that the popular members of the new generation will know what this resolution means, why it is being made, why we should stand with the people of the border areas.”

Somaiya also slammed Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claiming the MVA government filed “12 fake FIRs against me but failed to show a single piece of paper about any corruption”.

A

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Self-styled Godman Kalicharan Maharaj has been in the ‘limelight’ for making a controversial statement about Mahatma Gandhi while speaking at the Dharma Sansad in Rajpur. Kalicharan Maharaj was also arrested for the same, however, now he has made yet another controversial statement.

On Monday, Kalicharan Maharaj said that there are 46 crore Muslims in the country. Therefore, a Muslim will become the Prime Minister in the next 10 years.

Kalicharan Maharaj attended the Shaurya Yatra organized at Nandgaon Peeth of

Pune: NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and BJP’s Kirit Somaiya on Monday met Pune Lok Sabha MP Girish Bapat in hospital. Bapat is recuperating in Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in the city for the past few days and Pawar wished him a speedy recovery. After inquiring about the health of Girish Bapat, Kirit Somaiya interacted with the media. Somaiya said, “I and Sharad Pawar met Girish Bapat and inquired about his health. It was good to see the way Pawar was inquiring about Bapat’s health with affection. Pawar has a special place in Maharashtra politics. All politicians should learn from Pawar. We have always respected him.” During the meeting, Pawar wished Bapat good health and expressed his wish to meet in Parliament soon. When asked if the three leaders had any political discussions, Somaiya said, “We chatted a lot. Although our party is different, Pawar came to meet Bapat. This is the true culture of our country and Maharashtra.”

Amravati on behalf of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. While addressing the gathering, Kalicharan Maharaj said, “In the country, 60% of women do not vote. There is a difference between our living conditions and that of Muslims.

There are 140 crore people in the country, out of which 94 crores are Hindus and 46 crores are Muslims. Therefore, in the next 10 years, a Muslim will become the Prime Minister, and women will have to wear the burqa.”

“All our gods and goddesses are fighters, so we worship them. If Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, and Rana Pratapji Maharaj had not fought for us, would we have worshiped them?”, asked Kalicharan Maharaj while stating that killing for the country and religion is not bad.

Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara.

Have ‘bombs’, only their

to be lighted at apt time:

THACKERAY

Uddhav Thackeray —FILE PHOTO

Kalicharan Maharaj

Muslim will become PM in decade’s time, claims Kalicharan

‘Ajit Pawar is lion of politics. He will be CM, but that time will be ours and the party too will be ours’

Mahesh Tapase

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

SHEWALE CASE VICTIM HITS BACK

Rahul Shewale —FILE PHOTO

Kirit Somaiya —FILE PHOTO

Mangal Prabhat Lodha

—FILE PHOTO

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

hat lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough. And I believe that we only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough. And in three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: ‘It goes on’ said by a ravishing beauty Sneha Chaturvedi’s, whose inspiring story is a major

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

whatever. The fact that I used to be a fat chubby teen and I worked so hard to get myself into shape so as to participate in pageants and start my modelling career, speaks volumes about my determination.”

When asked about her journey the beauty said, “I always since my childhood had a passion for modelling but due to a lack of family support, I couldn’t confess it to them. But it was only a few years back during lockdown when my sister and mother saw a few of my pictures and persuaded me to start my career in modelling, that I was finally able to start my career. And it’s only their support and blessings that have kept me going since then.”

The diva strongly believes that hard work teaches us discipline, dedication and determination while sharing her vision and rookie mistakes, she said “If I could go in future, and tell myself one thing about my career it would be becoming a successful top model and the biggest mistake I feel I did was that I undermined myself and felt that I was a little less than others.”

The exquisite beauty further said, “I am immensely grateful to Dr Jagdeesh Chandra and Gaurav Gaur for providing us with this wonderful platform who made me believe that I got the potential to be a supermodel and supported me as well.”

The diva also shared that her rewarding moment was being a finalist in the reputed and well-known pageant Elite Miss Rajasthan which literally changed her life for good.

W

YOU’RE IRRESISTIBLE WHEN YOU BLUSH

I believe that we only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough expressed Ravishing beauty Sneha Chaturvedi while sharing her inspiring journey in a candid conversation with City First!

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Today is a favourable day for business.

Listening to someone’s advice on the professional front will be in your interest. You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. Your lover may finally say yes.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

TWO CONTRASTING ASPECTS OF SLEEP

Sleep is a thing of joy, so blissful and so relaxing. But sleep is not a commodity which you can buy. It is a bliss that nature has provided within yourself. It is a gift which should be preserved for life.

Sleep is also a fascinating biological process that its innumerable users can neither control nor understand. A lion sleeps almost 20 hours a day, many birds sleep while flying, a horse sleeps standing with its knees locked, and seals sleep differently while in water than when on land.

Sleep makes life better to live and vibrant to enjoy just like your mobile performs better after a switch off and restart. The brain rests and recuperates during sleep to function optimally for a longer period of time. Since the brain is a master organ, its optimum function ensures better body performance and organ optimization.

For a body to function at its best capabilities, it should sleep for seven to eight hours a day, mostly during the night at a single stretch. Optimum sleep is not a waste of time and shouldn’t be discouraged because inadequate sleep may lead to early life heart

attack or even death. At this point of time, sleep deprivation has attained a pandemic proportion with people glued to their mobile with sleep-filled eyes. This behaviour is antinature and might be responsible for many cases of sudden deaths. This same behaviour is responsible for so many cases of anxiety, depression and atten tion deficit issues. Be ware of exces sive LED light exposure.

Stress, a sedentary life style and sub sequent obesity have emerged as a dangerous triad affecting the lives of young people who are becoming victims of sleep disorders with a lot of life complications. Two major sleep disorders are being witnessed by medical professionals - insomnia and hypersomnia.

Insomnia is caused by poor sleep induction and then equally poor maintenance of sleep. As a result of this, even the daytime becomes stressful because the concerned person remains apprehensive about night sleep. Sleeping pills, too, become ineffectual and even burdensome in younger people. The pill-induced sleep is not significantly rest ful and there might be a hangover the next morning and a feel ing of low self-esteem. Children and very young adults might have episodes of sleepwalking and

sleeptalking, both are actually signs of sleep deprivation. All these disorders are matters of grave concern.

On the other side of the sleep spectrum, there are people who sleep and sleep. This condition of excessive and uncontrollable

sleep is called hypersomnia. A person may sleep continuously for 48 hours yet doest feel awake and fresh. This type of sleep is not restorative.

Such a person can doze off during driving, talking, walking,

having meals!

This is a really dangerous and highly embarrassing situation. Both these contrasting situations have no tailored treatment and are very complex situations to manage. Nothing works definitely for hypersomnia and for managing insomnia only sleeping pills are prescribed. There are very few competent sleep professionals, and most of the socalled sleep clinics are mere farces with the prime motive of making money. Still, there are some genuine professionals but one has to find them. Management of sleep in many people may require multiple professionals like cognitive behaviour therapists, psychoanalysts, physicians to rule out underlying medical conditions, weight management experts and expert sleep therapists.

India needs lots of such people because of its rapid urbanization but most of the brilliant students know of only 7-8 professions and are wasting their energies there.

At this juncture, only a medical practitioner with extra interest in sleep disorders or a few specialized

You will enjoy good health by remaining regular in your workouts. It will be in your interest to guide a family youngster on the academic front.

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are happy spending whole day at home.

Tensions on the family front may get sorted out. Help your mothers at home today and give them a reason to smile. You are opportunist and this will make you successful.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

You must create an environment of understanding at home. Your regular exercise routine promises to keep you fit and energetic. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate.

LEO

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23 Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

Fortunes are set to rise for those in trade and business. You love to live close to your family. 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. Expected payments are likely to get released soon. You are a very grounded person.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Family will be supportive of your ideas, but only to an extent. You give tough competition to people. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Good health is assured through own efforts. Meeting people you get along with well may make the day enjoyable for you.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Whatever you have in mind, you will manage to implement it at work. You may feel much healthy and energetic today. Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true.

CAPRICORN

DEC

You make sure to make things work your way. 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. You are a God fearing person. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19 This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. You will feel amorous towards your wife. 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

Some family issues may need urgent resolution. Some of you are likely to enjoy an excursion with friends. You will feel financially comfortable.

Your personality will attract many eligible bachelors. Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good for now.

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Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

DR. RAMAVATAR SHARMA

ramawatarf132@gmail.com

Christmas is, indeed, a magical festival that is all about sharing joy and happiness. The cute kids wait for the whole year to receive gifts from their favourite Santa. People across the world love to celebrate this festival in their way. Some like to decorate their house and tree with ornaments, gifts etc. Some people like to dress up in Santa Claus costumes and distribute gifts to children and spread joy all around. City First brings to you glimpses of the enchanting festival shared by our avid readers from all across!

The grand Christmas celebrations at Sudhir Mathur’s place

Sudhir Mathur celebrated the festival specially abled children of UMANG along with children of different NGO’s

Dhairya Sharma

Srishti Khandelwal

Angel

Jayesh Gwalani with other kids at St. Edmunds School, Jaipur

Kuhu and Pihu with Ishu

Aarudra Modi

Aaradhya Singh Bhati

Vivaan Baliyan

Isha Singh and Harshita Sharma

Aarudra Modi with other children of MPS Sanskriti Pre Primary School

Aarvi Kedia

STARTING AND ENDING THE YEAR ON A CREATIVE HIGH: BHUMI RANBIR-ALIA’S COSY EVENING

point about inclusivity through the film’s sensitive messaging.”

Young Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar has delivered some of the most memorable performances by a leading lady in recent years. In 2022, Bhumi has again proven that she is amongst the best actresses in India today with two brilliant performances in Badhaai Do and Govinda Naam Mera!

Talking about her notable year, Bhumi says, “It feels amazing to have started and also ended the year on a creative high. I was fortunate to begin the year with Badhaai Do which gave me so much love and appreciation. It’s a really special film and I’m glad we tried to make a very important

Bhumi, who played the role of a lesbian girl named Sumi in Badhaai Do with utmost sensitivity and brilliance, adds, “I have received so many awards for this film throughout the year which I dedicate to the LGBTQIA+ community in India. Badhaai Do would sit right on the top of my filmography for being a film that also aimed at making a change.”

Bhumi’s performance in Govinda Naam Mera as Gauri Waghmare, a feisty, witty, independent woman who challenges the status quo of gender through her life choices, has received unanimous positivity. She is happy to be ending 2022 on a high and that she has showcased her skill to deliver diverse roles with ease.

Bhumi says, “I’m also happy that I ended 2022 with Govinda Naam Mera doing a role that has earned me a lot of ap preciation. It was a chal lenging role and I’m glad

that I have entertained people.”

She adds, “Badhaai do and Govinda are two diametrically opposite films. So, to win love from both satisfies me because it shows me that I can play both ends of the spec trum as an actor. As a creative person, it is always important to be validated for one’s work and 2022 has been that year for me.”

On the work front, Bhumi will now be seen in films like An ubhav Sinha’s Bheed, Ajay Bahl’s The Lady killer, Su dhir Mishra’s Afwaa, Gauri Khan produced Bhakshak, Mudas sar Aziz’s Mere Husband Ki Biwi and a cou ple of more unan nounced projects that will push the

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt had the most special year in 2022. Hence, it was obvious that the couple will also have a beautiful end of the year too.

The new parents decided to spend their Christmas with the people they love the most, their families.

While Alia and Ranbir had a cosy Christmas eve celebration with Alia’s family, they had a full-fledged Kapoor family dinner on Christmas Day. Just when everyone was swooning over Alia’s gorgeous post-pregnancy glow, the actor shared a series of photos on her Instagram that took everyone’s breath away.

Although all the photos showed how happy Alia’s Christmas was, it was particularly one photo with hubby Ranbir Kapoor that caught everyone’s attention. Taken during their Christ-

ARJUN KAPOOR’S LUCKY CHARM

Arjun Kapoor has a special love for the roles in uniform. The 37-year-old, who will be seen playing a cop in ‘Kuttey’, said, “If playing a cop is my lucky charm, I would be very happy. Playing a policeman in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar gave me a lot of love, invaluable appreciation and of course, some best actor awards! So, if I get the same respect and accolades by playing a cop again in Kuttey, I would happily take that because I’m also a greedy actor who wants to leave a mark in the films that I do.” He added, “For me to play a cop in Kuttey was a fulfilling experience because to be a lawabiding person and to try and operate out of the law was an interesting dichotomy to have to play a corrupt official. It was very exciting to wear the uniform, wear the cap, do the salute, look and feel the part.”

MOUNI ROY GETS BRUTALLY TROLLED

Mouni Roy is one such actor who has made a successful transition from Television to Bollywood. She has made her successful mark in Hindi cinema with her acting chops in films like ‘Brahmas tra’ and ‘Gold’ to name a few. Roy has now collaborated with rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh for the music video ‘Ga tividhi’ and her piping hot avatar has left fans drooling. However, a certain section of people remained unim pressed with her bold look and started trolling her. The actress shares a series of her smoking hot BTS photos from the song on her Insta gram handle flaunting her ample cleavage. Mouni looked drop-dead gorgeous in a bral ette top styled with shimmer trousers. The Naagin actress made some sensuous poses for the camera and looked like every inch of the diva that she is. While her fans loved her sizzling avatar, several netizens started trolling her. Some nasty trolls even alleged that she got her breast implants. One netizen commented, “lgta hai breast implants karvaye hai isley show off kar rehi.”

mas eve celebration, Ranbir and Alia could be seen in a cosy pose as Ranbir hugged his wife from the back.

The photo was clicked as Ranbir was planting a kiss on Alia’s cheek as she flashed a gummy smile. Both of them were dressed casually.

SHARVARI TICKS OFF SKIING FROM HER BUCKET LIST

Sharvari is currently on a holiday in Turkey with her family and she seems to be basking in the Christmas vibe all around Turkey. She is trying different food, and teas and exploring places.

The talented actor also tried her hand at skiing which was a sport she wanted to try for a very long time. Sharvari had pre-planned and booked skiing for Christmas day. She spent half a day learning and practising the sport. Talking about her experience, Sharvari shares “This year for Christmas I finally ticked one thing off my bucket list. I went skiing in Mount Erciyes near Cappadocia in Turkey. I’ve always wanted to learn skiing but never got the chance to before this Christmas. The best part was learning it with my family. After falling down multiple times, we finally got the hang of it. My siblings and I just didn’t want to

solutely loved every minute of the day and I can’t wait to go back and learn the next level of

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Sharvari Wagh

Mouni Roy Anushka

Arjun Kapoor Her post...

Alia Bhatt

Bhumi Pednekar