Bhutan has left India worried with the statement by Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on China having a stake in resolving the Doklam dispute. Much against New Delhi’s line of thinking, Tshering told a Belgian newspaper that China has equal say like India and Bhutan in the Doklam issue.
The tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China saw a military standoff between India and China about six years ago. Subsequently, there were reports of Chinese build-up on its side of the Doklam border. New Delhi sees China’s attempt to complicate the issue of border violation by its army. New Delhi believes that China has illegally occupied the high-altitude plateau and disputes Bhutan’s territorial claims over the plateau.
The writer is a visiting Professor of International Economic Policy at Princeton University, previously worked for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
Indian elites are giddy about their country’s economic prospects, and that optimism is mirrored abroad. The International Monetary Fund forecasts that India’s GDP will increase by 6.1% this year and 6.8% next year, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Other international commentators have offered even more effusive forecasts, declaring the arrival of an Indian decade or even an Indian century.
That is what all economically successful countries since the Industrial Revolution have done. India’s broken state has repeatedly avoided confronting its long-term challenges, and now, instead of overcoming fundamental development deficits, officials are seeking silver bullets. Stoking hype about an imminent Indian century will merely perpetuate the deficits, helping neither India nor the rest of the world
In fact, India is barreling down a perilous path. All the cheerleading is based on a disingenuous numbers game. More so than other economies, India’s yo-yoed in the three calendar years from 2020 to 2022, falling sharply twice with the emergence of COVID-19 and then bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. Its annualized growth rate over these three years was a feeble 3.5%, about the same as in the year immediately preceding the COVID crisis.
All forecasts of higher fu-
ture growth rates are extrapolating from the latest pandemic rebound. Yet, even with pandemic-related constraints largely in the rearview mirror, the economy slowed in the second half of 2022, and that weakness has persisted this year. Describing India as a booming economy is wishful thinking clothed in bad economics.
Worse, the hype is masking a problem that has grown over the 75 years since independence: anemic job creation. Over the next decade, India will need 200 million more jobs, on net, to employ those who are of working age and seeking work. But this challenge is virtually insurmountable, considering that the economy failed to add any net new jobs over the past decade, when 7-9 million additional jobseekers were entering the market each year.
This demographic pressure often boils over, fueling protests and episodic violence. In 2019, 12.5 million people applied for 35,000 job openings in the Indian railways: a job promised for every 357 people who sought one. In January 2022, the railway authorities announced that they were not ready to make the job offers. The applicants went on a rampage, burning
Indian elites, official forecasters, and international media have piled into the narrative that India’s economy is booming and positioning the country to become the great success story of the twenty-first century. But looking past the illusion created by headline GDP numbers, nothing could be further from the truth
train cars and vandalizing railway stations. With urban jobs scarce, tens of millions of workers returned during the pandemic to eking out meager livelihoods in agriculture, and there many have remained. India’s already distressed agriculture sector now employs 45% of the country’s workforce. Farming families suffer from stubbornly high underemployment, with many members sharing limited work on plots rendered steadily smaller through generational subdivision. The epi-
demic of farmer suicides persists. To those anxiously seeking support from rural employment-guarantee programs, the government unconscionably delays wage payments, triggering recurrent protests.
India’s heroic run with startup unicorns is also fading. The sector’s recent boom relied on cheap funding and a surge of online purchases by a small number of customers during the pandemic. But most startups have dim prospects for achieving profitability in the foreseeable future. Purchases by the small customer base have slowed, and funds are drying up – even for firms like edtech giant Byju.
Looking past the illusion created by India’s rebound from its COVID depths, the country’s economic prognosis appears bleak. As the demand for jobs continues to grow, the economy will struggle evermore to supply decent, honorable employment. Rather than indulge in wishful thinking and gimmicky industrial incentives, policymakers should aim to power economic development through investments in human capital and by bringing more women into the workforce.
SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE
Tshering said, “There are three of us. There is no big or small or small country, there are three equal countries, each counting for a third.” India is opposed to China’s footprints reaching Doklam, which lies close to the Siliguri corridor and would bring it closer to India.
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
The death of Pune MP and senior BJP leader Girish Bapat is an irreparable loss to the BJP. Bapatji remained devoted to the interests of the country and organization till his last breath. The entire organization stands with his family on this sad occasion. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!
Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda
The Election Commission has announced Karnataka Assembly election dates. In a single-phase election the state will go to poll on May 10 and the results will be out on May 13. The announcement of the poll comes a few days after Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai scrapped the 4 percent quota for poor Muslims and distributed it equally between the Lingayat and Vokkaligga communities.
Muslims have been brought in the Economically Weaker Section category where they will be sharing the 10 percent reservation meant for EWS.
For a party facing serious charges of corruption, this was the best way of ensuring the bigger support in the polls rather than the minori-
EC has announced Karnataka Assembly election dates. In a single-phase election State will go to poll on May 10 and the results will be out on May 13. The announcement of the poll comes a few days after CM Basavaraj Bommai scrapped the 4% quota for poor Muslims and distributed it equally between the Lingayat and Vokkaligga communities
ty community which has been rendered electorally inconsequential by the BJP. Significantly, Asaduddin Owaisi of the MIM pointed out that while “BJP’s Muslim hatred is well-known. But Congress and JDS (Janata Dal-Secular) are also silent. What is their stand?” The reason is not too difficult to figure out. Both the JD-S and Congress are also dependent on the votes of Lingayats and the Vokkaliggas. The Congress particularly can’t risk losing the support of the two dominant
communities, especially Vokkaliggas, as it desperately needs to win these elections to increase the number of states in its belt. .
For the JD-S, which is already a fringe party, these polls are about its political future. These elections are crucial for Chief Minister Bommai, who has to break a jinx as per which a ruling party in Karnataka has not returned to power since 1985.
A defeat here could damage BJP’s prospects in neighbouring states.
The news of the demise of senior BJP leader and Pune MP Girish Bapat ji is extremely sad. Your entire life was devoted to public service and organization. In this hour of grief, the BJP family is with the bereaved family members. May God give the departed soul a place at his feet. Om Shanti!
New Delhi: SC on Wednesday took serious exception to hate speeches saying these will end moment politics and religions are separated and politicians stop using religion in politics. Justices KM Joseph, BV Nagarathna termed hate speeches a ‘vicious circle’.
BJP’S FACE FOR FOUR DECADES, GIRISH BAPAT PASSES AWAY
Pune: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Pune’s MP Girish Bapat passed away on Wednesday at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. He was admitted to ICU, was on life support treatment. BJP’s city chief, Jagdish Mulik, informed about the Bapat’s demise.
NAT’L ANTHEM CASE: HC REFUSES TO GRANT RELIEF TO MAMATA
Mumbai: The Bombay HC on Wednesday refused to grant any relief to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in a complaint seeking action against her for allegedly disrespecting the national anthem at an event here in 2022. P7
SECURITY FOR JUDGE
WHO SENTENCED ATIQ
TO LIFE INCREASED
Prayagraj: According to top officers in the UP Police, the local police have provided adequate security to the judge, security around the premises of the MP-MLA court in Prayagraj, which convicted Atiq & two others, has also been tightened.
WITHDRAW REMARKS
AGAINST JUDGES: 300
LAWYERS ASK RIJIJU
New Delhi: Criticising Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments that a few retired judges are “part of an anti-India gang”, over 300 lawyers in country in an open letter on Wednesday demanded that min should withdraw the comments.
Moscow: Russia’s largest oil producer Rosneft and India’s top refiner Indian Oil Corp have signed a term agreement to substantially increase oil supplies and diversify oil grades delivered to India, Rosneft said on Wednesday. The deal was signed during a working trip to India by Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin.
New Delhi: The Karnataka Assembly election is scheduled to be held on May 10 and the results will be announced on May 13, said the Election Commission of India on Wednesday. The election will be held for all 224 assembly constituencies. The election Model Code of conduct will be implemented from Wednesday. The Congress party announced its first list of 124 candidates on March 25. Siddaramaiah said this would be his last election and after this, he will stay away from electoral politics. Attributing BJP success in North East and charisma of Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah had recently said that “Modi magic” would work everywhere in India and predicted it would in Karnataka as well.
The party’s top legal advisors will file a petition before the Surat sessions court in a day or two New Delhi (FIB): A petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction and sentencing by a trial court in Surat in a defamation case is ready and is likely to be filed very soon, sources said on Wednesday.
The party’s top legal advisors are working on the review petition which will be filed before the Surat sessions court in a day or two, they added. Gandhi was convicted and was given a two-year sentence in the 2019 defamation case over his remarks
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and others arrive at Parliament House complex, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
on Modi surname, following which he was disqualified as MP of Lok Sabha.
Kumar addresses a press conference regarding announcement of the schedule for the Karnataka Assembly elections, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel are also seen here.
Karnataka has 12.15 lakh voters who are 80-plus, including 16,976 centenarian voters. Also, there are 5.55 lakh persons with disabilities registered with the Election Commission.
—Rajiv Kumar, CEC
Karnataka has the highestever number of voters above the age of 100. The poll body had earlier introduced facility to Vote-fromHome (VFH) for 80+ & those with disabilities. CEC said secrecy will be maintained and entire process will be videographed.
Amritpal posts video amid news of his surrender
New Delhi (FIB): A video of fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh surfaced on social media on Wednesday in which he slammed Punjab Police for arresting Sikh youths during a crackdown against him. He said if the state govt had the intention of making an arrest, police could have come to his house and he would have given up. Meanwhile, Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh has returned to Punjab and plans to surrender at the Golden Temple, sources said on Wednesday. CHEETAHS
EC said there was no hurry to declare byelection to Wayanad LS seat. CEC Rajiv Kumar said poll panel has taken decisions on vacancies that have occurred till Feb, adding, trial court in Surat has given Rahul Gandhi 30 days to seek a judicial remedy the matter.
Doctors protesting against the RTH Act, in Bikaner on Wednesday.
Vikas Sharma
Jaipur: Medical services were affected in parts of Rajasthan on Wednesday after government doctors and faculty members in medical colleges went on a one-day strike in solidarity with pvt doctors agitating against
RTH Act. In a setback to private doctors, resident doctors returned to work from complete boycott understanding pain of patients after talks with Principal Medical Education Secretary T Ravikant. But later, protesting resident doctors refused any such move. P5
New Delhi: The SC on Wednesday allowed a plea by the Centre seeking allocation of `5,000 crore out of `24,000 crore deposited by the Sahara group with market regulator Sebi to repay dues of depositors of Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies. P6
Idea of elected leaders was common in ancient India, it’s indeed mother of democracy: PM Modi
First India Bureau
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India is indeed a mother of democracy where the guiding philosophy is that of “sabka sath, sabka vikas”. He was virtually addressing the leader-level plenary session on Summit of Democracy hosted by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. PM Modi said the idea of elected leaders was a common feature in ancient India long before
India, despite the many global challenges, is
fastest growing major economy today. This is the best advertisement for democracy in the world. This shows that democracy can deliver.
—Narendra Modi, PM
the rest of world. He said that there are many historical references to republic states in ancient India, where the rulers were not hereditary, adding that the nation is indeed “mother of democracy”.
First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot visited Ahmedabad and addessed a press conference here on Wednesday. Addressing the media, Gehlot claimed that the BJP government has been shocked by the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra and from the same day, the conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi was being hatched. “Rahul Gandhi had raised Adani’s issue well. The number one Leader of Opposition had asked questions to PM as to whom does the Rs 20,000 crore of shell
CM
No one knows in which direction the country is going. This should be the biggest concern for the countrymen. Democracy is being murdered.
—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister
companies belong? This question of Rahul Gandhi is also not being answered. Why is the op-
position’s continuous demand for JPC is not being accepted,” Gehlot questioned. Turn to P10
Kamal Kant
news.
well.
made a happy return to India. MP has become Cheetah State. Today, we all residents of MP are happy with the arrival of four new cubs in Cheetah family in KNP.
Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday acquitted all the accused in the 2008 serial Jaipur blast case which claimed 71 lives and left over 180 injured. The accused were given capital punishment by a trial court which was challenged in the High Court.
The division bench of justices Pankaj Bhandari and Sameer Jain pronounced judgement on Wednesday.
Jaipur was rocked by a series of blasts on May
13, 2008 when bombs went off one after another at Manak Chawk Khanda, Chandpole Gate, Badi Chaupad, Chhoti Chaupad, Tripolia Gate, Johri Bazar and Sanganeri Gate. The explosions in the evening left 71 people dead, 185 injured. P9
Jaipur: Food and civil supplies minister Pratap
S Khachariyawas has come out openly against the State government’s decision to carve Jaipur north and Jaipur south districts from Jaipur.
He said that Jaipur North and Jaipur South would be strange names and he and the people of Jaipur do not like it.
The minister said that Jaipur has its own heritage and public sentiments are attached to it. He said that Jaipur should be kept as one, not divided into two.
“I am the son of Jaipur. I am MLA and Minister from Jaipur.
All the MLAs of Jaipur including me want
Dimple Sharma
Jaipur: The Education department has issued a notification for admission under the Right to Education Act. As per the notification, the online applications can be made for admission from March 29 to April 10. After receiving applications, the lottery will be taken out on April 12. Five schools can be chosen by the candidates according to their preference for admission.
Notably, for the first time in Raj, admission will be done under RTE Act on 25% seats from pre-primary class to first class in pvt schools.
Jaipur to remain one. It should not be made north & south,” he said.
We don’t want a division of Jaipur. All Jaipur residents have the same feeling. The CM has also
Aishwary Pradhan
said that Jaipur will remain the capital, he added. On protest against the inclusion of Bagru and surrounding areas in Dudu district, Khachariawas said that public
sentiments should be considered. He said that Bagru MLA Ganga Devi is right if she is opposing the inclusion of her area in Dudu.
Kashiram Choudhary
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation has taken a big initiative by experimentally planting 600 cladodes of thornless cactus in the premises of its seed processing plant at Bikaner. The thornless cactus is a valuable source of fodder in arid and semi-arid areas. Sushma Arora, Administrator and MD of RCDF, had visited Gujarat recently. During this, she urged the Chairman of National Dairy Development
First India Bureau
Jaipur : A city-based businessman was duped of Rs 85 lakhs on the pretext of giving him the franchise of a renowned fitness and café brand. Police informed the victim has filed an FIR in Jawahar Circle Police Station against a person named Neeraj Singhal, who hails from Gurugram.
“The accused lured the victim by giving him the franchise of a gym, bar, club, and café. He took Rs. 85 lakhs from the victim, but did not give him the franchise of the said brand. The accused even pretended to be the friend of actor Sonu Sood and promised that the gym will be inaugurated by the actor. However, none of the promises was fulfilled. An FIR has been filed and the matter is being investigated,” police said.
Board Meenesh Shah that there is acute shortage of fodder in arid and semi-arid areas of State.
Providing fodder for livestock in these areas is extremely challenging. That’s why thornless cactus should be made available to Rajasthan free of cost for testing. On this, 600 clad-
odes were sent by NDDB and planted in Bikaner. If the test of planted thornless cactus is successful then it will be be widely generated across the state. There is ability of cactus to produce large quantities of nutritious green fodder and most of the land is arid and semi-arid in State.
Opposing Jaipur’s division into two districts (North & South) the Malviya Nagar MLA Kalicharan Saraf wrote to CM Ashok Gehlot. The division of the state capital was announced under the formation of 19 new districts. In his letter, Saraf said that keeping in mind the public sentiment, cultural and religious heritage of Jaipur city, it should not be divided into two districts.
Jaipur (FIB): The JMC (Heritage) razed an encroachment from a premium land in Sikar house area. The civic body razed the encroachment, following which, the encroachers protested against the action.
The encroachers had constructed a boundary wall on the government land. Later, MLA Amin Kagzi reprimanded the officials and subsequently action was taken to remove the encroachment. However, the encroachers protested and said that they had documents related to the property and there was court stay on the said land.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Advocate Poonam Chand Bhandari, DS Shekhawat and Bhupendra Singh Rao on Wednesday met Principal Secretary (Finance) Akhil Arora and requested for allocation of budget for the construction of the Family Court building.
The advocates apprised the officials that there is no facility for sitting in the court premises and parties appearing in the cases face problems during the court proceedings.
After hearing the advocates, Principal Secretary Akhil Arora directed the Finance Secretary to allot the budget after the budget session and assured them necessary action will be taken in this regard very soon. The advocates hope for funds.
Jaipur: After the announcement of new districts in the state, it has also become an ideological question for the state BJP organization whether to increase the number of district offices or not.
The Gehlot government has announced 19 new districts. According to this, BJP is in a dilemma whether to expand the organization according to the new districts or not. Not only this, the biggest problem is that the work of BJP offices is going on in 33 districts. In this, 15 district offices are ready. BJP State Vice President Sardar Ajaypal Singh is handling the entire work.
BJP’s newly appointed state president CP Joshi is scheduled to stay in Jaipur on the last two days of this week i.e.
BJP OFFICES READY IN THESE 15 DISTRICTS
BJP Offices are ready in Dholpur, Alwar, Sikar, Nagaur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Sir Ganganagar, Bharatpur and Jaisalmer. In Bharatpur and Jaisalmer, national president JP Nadda can inaugurate the new offices. The work of setting up offices in Tonk, Bundi, Pali and Dungarpur is also going on at a fast pace.
Saturday and Sunday. There will be a meeting of state office bearers and it is possible that the election strategy will be prepared according to the new districts.
Light rain lashed national capital on Wednesday
Kashiram Choudhary
Jaipur: Several flights were diverted to Jaipur
International Airport on Wednesday evening due to due to bad weather. Flights scheduled to land in Delhi was diverted to Jaipur due to bad weather conditions.
Nine flights, including three international flights, were diverted to Jaipur. IndiGo Kathmandu to Delhi, Dhaka to Delhi and Go First international flight
The event also witnessed the launchpad for the Uterus Transplant Program in State
First India Bureaau
Jaipur: Around 40 University Gold Medals were presented during the convocation of NIMS University, Jaipur, held at Rajeshwari Auditorium inside the university campus
on Wednesday. Two special Chancellor’s Gold Awards were presented to K Nirmal Kumar and
Anu Gauba for their outstanding work and contribution to their respective fields.
The event also witnessed the launchpad for the Uterus Transplant Program, initiat-
ing its journey of becoming the first medical college in India to offer uterus transplant services. Chairman & Chancellor Prof. Dr Balvir Tomar presided over the event with Miloslav Ludvík, CEO of University Hospital Motol, as the chief guest along with Pavel Budinský, Jana Nováková, Dr Ashok Gupta, Dr Manish Sharma, Hana Elišáková, Lenka Teska Arnoštová, Dr Sanjiv Sharma, Dr US Agraw-
al and others. Registrar Sandeep Tripathi also shared the dais. Dr Tomar spoke about the new phase of life of the students and wished to see them fly high with the wings that NIMS, Jaipur has provided them. The University also conferred the Doctor of Literature degree to Miloslav Ludvík, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees to Krishna Bhati, Puneet Dua, Rajiv Vijay, Rakesh Kumar Bahl, and Vikas Garg.
from Phuket to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur.
Apart from this, 6 domestic flights diverted to Jaipur. and reached Jaipur Five flights of Indigo, two more of Go First and one flight
each of SpiceJet and Vistara were diverted to Jaipur. Earlier, the IMD predicted a spell of rain starting Wednesday night under influence of fresh western disturbance.
Satyanarayan Sharma
Jaipur: The Jaipur Police Commissionerate through their Operation ‘Clean Sweep’, have registered 442 FIRs and arrested 838 drug peddlers in a campaign against drug peddling in the past year. The officials claimed the campaign began in 2019 and has effectively curbed the menace of drug peddling in the state capital.
Additional Commissioner Kailash Vishnoi informed that a special team has been formed for this operation and the team only look after cases related to drug peddling. According to officials, drug dealers used to openly sell drugs outside educational institutions in the city, but after
this operation, such activities have been reduced in Jaipur.
Along with Jaipur, the campaign is being run in other parts of Rajasthan and action is being taken against the menace of drug peddling. Illegal narcotics drugs like cannabis, opium, LSD, Brown Sugar, tramadol and aprazol have been seized in the recent past during a crackdown on drug peddling. New measures are also being adopted to curb drug peddling.
Jaipur: Amid the protest by the doctors, the State Government on Wednesday started the process of recruitment of junior residents in medical colleges. On the very first day on Wednesday, 486 applications were received for Junior Resident. The Medical College Administration has also started the recruitment process.
155 appointments have been given in SMS Medical College, 54 in Kota Medical College, 50 in Ajmer Medical College, 79 in Jodhpur Medical College, 99 in Udaipur Medical College. Along with this, other alternative arrangements are also being started in the colleges so that the medical arrangements do not get disturbed.
Along with this, preparations have been started to take action against the residents who do not return to work. On Wednesday, efforts to pacify them continued, but now the medical college administration can also take strict action against them in the next one or two days.
A health department official said in the even-
Four arrested for spying for Pak’s ISI in Barmer dist
Mukesh Mathrani
Barmer: State special branch of Rajasthan has arrested four people from bordering Barmer district who were allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. All the four are arrested from different parts in the district. Official sources close to the development confirmed the report. It is also informed that one among the four accused many times visited Pakistan and shared important information. All the four were taken to Jaipur for joint interrogation, officials said. It was informed that some people were on the radar of intelligence agencies over their suspicious activities. Officials of security agencies had suspected that the accused were spying for Pakistan.
Doctors are part of our family and are the strength of our government. The government started big health schemes, you can understand how important doctors are for those. I talked to the CM too. He even asked me to talk about this matter. Everyone is worried to break the deadlock.
—Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Food Minister
ing that there was no significant impact of the boycott because the OPDs were handled through alternative arrangements.
There was not much impact of the boycott in Sawai Man Singh (SMS) hospitals, the largest state-run hospitals in Rajasthan. Services remained unaf -
For proper treatment facilities, when our govt started the Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana, even then the medical institutions had a lot of questions. We simplified it. Today it is known as Chiranjeevi. The State Govt should find a suitable solution keeping in mind the public interest.
—Vasundhara Raje, Former Chief Minister
fected in Dausa, the hometown of state Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena. Taking a tough stand, the state government warned of disciplinary action against the government doctors for going on leave without approval. As a result, some of the doctors
returned to work after boycotting work for two hours in Alwar, Bharatpur, Udaipur and Dungarpur.
“We are trying our best that no patient returns without consulting the doctor. Nursing staff is cooperating with us,” Rajeev Bagarhatta, principal of SMS medical college, said.
Bhilwara (FIB): A youth was beaten to death for eve-teasing and molesting a girl by her brother in the RK Colony area of the city.
The girl’s brother along with his bike-ridden friends attacked and killed Kanhaiyalal Kumawat when he was walking on the road late Tuesday night.
Empty beds are seen as medical services are hit at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. Condition was similar in other hospitals also.
ANOTHER PIL FILED IN RAJ HIGH COURT AGAINST PROTESTING DOCS OVER HEALTH ACT
Jaipur: Advocate Balram Jakhar, through advocate Prem Chand Devanda, has filed another PIL in the Raj High Court against the 10-day strike by private doctors and health workers against the Right to Health Bill. Chief Secretary, Health Secretary GoI, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, President of Indian Medical Association and others have been made parties in the petition. It has been said in the petition that due to the participation of resident doctors of government hospitals in the strike, the medical system has come to a standstill. Sick persons are not getting treatment due to the obstinate attitude of the doctors. —Kamal Kant
First India Bureau Jaipur/Bundi: Bundi Collector Dr Ravindra Goswami is being praised amid protests against the Right to Health Act. Goswami, an MBBS doctor and IAS officer of 2016 batch, was in the role of a doctor at the district hospital of Bundi during the boycott of work by government doctors. His video is being circulated widely on
DOCTORS TO TAKE OUT RALLY FROM JAIPUR TO SIKAR ON MARCH 31
Jaipur: Now doctors have changed their way of agitation and decided to take out a rally from Jaipur to Sikar on March 31. About 200 doctors will take out a torch and an awareness march in 50 vehicles crossing through villages and hamlets on the way. They will tell people about the disadvantages of the RTH Bill. From Sikar, the torch will go ahead in Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur and other districts.
social media. Social media users are saluting his spirit of human service. CM Ashok Gehlot has also praised him. CM tweeted, “Rajasthan is becoming ‘Chiranjeevi’ with such service and dedication. Dr. Ravindra Goswami, this spirit of yours is commendable.” This tweet of CM has been retweeted more than 1000 times and reactions are coming on it continuously.
SHRC SEEKS FACTUAL REPORT FROM STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS
Jaipur: Taking cognisance of the ongoing strike by doctors regarding the Right to Health Act, State Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice Gopal Krishna Vyas has issued notice to Principal Secretary Medical Health Dept and Registrar Rajasthan Medical Council. Instructions have been given to submit a factual report in the case till the next hearing. Instructions have also been given to inform about the action against the striking doctors.
Jaipur: With the arrest of five people, the Karni Vihar Thana on Wednesday claimed to have busted a fake degree racket. Police informed the accused are involved in creating fabricated documents of various education colleges and universities.
“The accused have been identified as Ashok Vijay, Kailash Sisodiya, Ajay Bhardwaj, Pramod Singh, LC Nagar. The prime accused, Ashok Vijay, has been involved in mak-
ing fake degrees for the last 15 years. More than 4,000 fake degrees, mark sheets, certificates of diplomas, migration, 64 pieces, stamps, holograms, and two numbering machines were recovered from their possession,” police said.
“During interrogation from Bhupendra Saran, prime accused in the second-grade paper leak, it was revealed that Ashok Vijay and his gang were involved in making fake educational documents,” police added.
The accused used cricket bats and stick to thrash the alleged molester. After the murder, the police swung into action and took four accused into custody, while the interrogation is on. As per the police, Kanhaiyalal Kumawat, who was walking near the RK Colony area was attacked by unknown bike-borne youths with bats and sticks. The injured youth died in the attack. The police have registered a case of murder and detained four youths.
Naresh Sharma
Jaipur: The world’s third and India’s second largest cricket stadium is going to be constructed in Jaipur for which MoU will be signed on Thursday between Rajasthan Cricket Association and Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc.
As per the RCA decision, the stadium will be named as “Anil Agarwal International Cricket
Stadium, Jaipur” after signing the MoU. Anil Agarwal, Chairman Vedanta Group had announced support
for the project of the International Cricket Stadium being constructed by the Rajasthan Cricket Association during
the Invest Rajasthan summit last year.
In the MoU signing ceremony to be organized on Rajasthan Day at RCA Academy, assembly speaker Dr CP Joshi, RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot, chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited and Director Vedanta Limited Priya Agarwal, CEO Hindustan Zinc Limited Arun Mishra and others will be present.
Girl’s brother kills youth in Bhilwara over eve-teasing
New Delhi (ANI):
Both Houses of the Parliament were adjourned within minutes of their commencement on Wednesday at 11 am to meet again later in the day.
Like-minded Opposition Party leaders held a meeting in the chamber of the Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge before the commencement of the Houses.
TMC MPs staged a protest against the Centre at the Ambedkar statue in the Parliament seeking PM Narendra Modi’s reply on the Adani row among other issues.
Congress has been demanding the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee over the Adani Group issue and has also been leading the charge of the protest against Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as MP from Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, Congress and Opposition parties are contemplating moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla next week on the ground that opposition members are not being allowed to speak, the sources said.
New Delhi (Agencies): The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was sent to a select committee, amid strong protest from the Opposition, especially senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who heads the Standing Committee on Science, Technology, Environment and Forest. He called it “yet another subversion of Parliament”, accusing the government of deliberately bypassing the parliamentary panel on the subject. In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav moved a motion to nominate the members to the joint select committee instituted to look at the Bill.
New Delhi (ANI): Trinamool Congress MPs will stage a protest at Ambedkar Statue in the Parliament at 10 am on Wednesday which coincides with a two-day dharna by the party’s supremo Mamata Banerjee who will protest against the Centre in Kolkata. The TMC MPs will hold the protest over the issue of ‘Save Democracy, Federalism and Parliament’ while Mamata will protest for allegedly not disbursing funds for West Bengal and the Centre’s “anti-people policies”. She will protest at the Ambedkar Statue in the capital city of Kolkata at 12 pm. In a major development, the TMC backed Rahul Gandhi and Congress over his disqualification and joined the Congress meeting on March 27 in the Parliament building.
New Delhi: A former office bearer of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) and coach of an national-level women cricketer has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a purported audio recording of him having an obscene phone call with a minor girl student at the academy went viral. The coach, Narendra Shah, was posted as the co-convenor of the women’s cricket in Uttarakhand until Saturday. He also runs a cricket academy in Dehradun, and is the secretary of the Chamoli district cricket association.
New Delhi: The SC issued notice to the Andhra Pradesh government and Sakshi Media Group on an appeal by the publishers of Eenadu daily, questioning a government order to provide allowance to village and ward volunteers to purchase the newspaper, which the appellants say is owned by CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court allowed a plea by the Central government seeking Rs 5,000 crore allocation out of Rs 24,000 crore, which was deposited by Sahara group with the SEBI, to pay back to the depositors. A bench, passed the direction on the application filed by the government in a PIL by Pinak Mani Mohanty.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking direction to the Centre to make gender and religion-neutral laws on uniform marriage age, divorce, maintenance and alimony. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud noted the Centre’s submission saying that they are not inclined to entertain this plea. The Centre has submitted that the government does support uniform laws but such an intervention can only be through legislation.
New Delhi: Soon after the proceedings started at 11 am, the Upper House resumed following the first break earlier in the day. The House had already been suspended till 2 PM. In the midst of opposition protests in the Lower House during the current Budget Session of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha was called to adjourn earlier today. It will reconvene on April 3 at 11 am. Within the Parliament, the opposition Lawmakers shouted for a JPC investigation into the Adani-Hindunberg situation. Earlier in the day, just after convening at 11 am, LS was adjourned till its next session.
New Delhi: The energy crisis faced during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has drawn the world's attention towards the importance of becoming self-reliant in energy needs, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. He said no matter how big and developed a nation is, if it is not selfreliant for energy needs, then there will be hurdles to its development.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony and launch of the 7th round of commercial coal mine auction in New Delhi, Singh said India is among the world's fastest-growing economies and has become the fifth largest economy in the world.
In the future, due to urbanisation and industrialisation, Singh said more houses, schools, colleges, hospitals etc will be needed for the people. "Due to the government's farsighted policies, the
country has also attracted the attention of foreign companies, and we have emerged as a favourite investment destination of foreign companies," he said. And it going to lead to an unprecedented consumption of energy in the country in future. In view of these needs, the government has placed the energy sector at its highest position, Singh said.
New Delhi (PTI): Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his corruption jibe at the Opposition, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused him of running a “bhrashtachari bhagao abhiyan” (make the corrupt flee campaign) and said he must stop his image makeover by posing as an anti-corruption crusader.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating an extension of the BJP headquarters, Modi linked the coming together of opposition parties against the BJP to his government’s campaign against corruption and said “anti-India” forces
are attacking constitutional institutions the strong foundation of a rising India to stall the country’s growth.
Congress president Kharge said Modi must look within, and asked why the BJP government in Karnataka was accused of taking 40 per cent commission.
DO NOT WANT TO PLAY THE ROLE OF
BIG BROTHER TO ANY PARTY: KHURSHID
Srinagar (PTI): Amid unity efforts in the opposition ranks, Congress leader Salman Khurshid Wednesday said the party does not want to play the role of a “big brother” to any party and called for a collective fight against the “big challenge.” Addressing a press conference at Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee head office here, Khurshid said it is for the collective leadership of the opposition parties to decide who will get what responsibility. “We do not want to play the role of a big brother to anyone,” Khurshid said.
Srinagar (PTI): PDP president Mehbooba Mufti asked Congress to act like an “elder brother” and create space for opposition parties in their fight for democracy. “Congress will have to behave like an elder brother. It should not choke space, it should create space for other opposition parties, which have been its alliance partners in the past, to save the democracy in the country,” Mufti said. She also said the current struggle was not only about disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the LS but for the very survival of democracy in the country.
New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi stating that he was disqualified as MP from Lok Sabha because of his “arrogance” while also alleging that the Congress leader considers it his “birthright” to rule the country since he is born in a certain family.
Vaishnaw said, “Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified because of his arrogance. He
thinks it is his birthright to rule this country and that is causing all this cognitive dissonance in his mind.”
Earlier today, addressing a press conference here, the Union Minister alleged that Rahul does the politics of entitlement & asked if he is above the law.
“When the court gave the decision over the insult of the OBC community, Rahul Gandhi today says that the court is wrong. Rahul Gandhi
thinks that ruling this country is his birthright. He does the politics of entitlement. He thinks that it becomes
his birthright to rule the country since he is born into a certain family. He considers himself above the Constitu-
tion, court and Parliament,” Vaishnaw said.
“He considers himself above the country’s institutions. Rahul Gan-
dhi thinks no court can give a judgement against him... He thinks that the provision in the Constitution for dis-
qualification should not be applied to him because he is in politics with a feeling of entitlement,” he added.
Further lashing out at the opposition which is attempting to show unity against the Centre on the Adani issue, the Minister said that all the “corrupt” have come together on a single stage.
“All the corrupt people have come together on a single stage. Their only objective is to derail and disturb the gov-
ernment and the new energy in the country. Those people should remember how the country was looted during the UPA government and conspiracy was hatched to weaken the institutions,” he said.
“When agencies take action against those who are deeply rooted in corruption, they attack the agencies. When courts pronounce order, questions are being raised on the judicial system,” he added.
‘WHY DIDN’T ANY LAWYERS INTERVENE?’President Droupadi Murmu exchanges greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP MP Hema Malini during a breakfast hosted for the Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, in New Delhi on Wednesday. BOTH HOUSES TO MEET AGAIN ON APRIL 3
Bengaluru (ANI):
“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and its financing are amongst the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation, is unjustifiable,” Doval said during his opening remarks at the Shanghai Group Meeting. Doval, in his remarks also called upon the member states to have mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with the top officials as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) level NSA meeting starts, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI
member states.
“The Charter calls upon member states to
have mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of states,
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the Karnataka Assembly polls today.
Chief Election Commissioner said that the polling will take place on May 10 and the counting of votes will be done on May 13.
Speaking to the reporters after the announcement of dates, Bommai said that the party will return to power on the basis of the work it has done for the public.
“The ECI has declared the election dates. Election Commission has announced the dates. Polls will take place on 10th May & results will be announced on 13th
KARNATAKA CHIEF MINISTER ON STATE ASSEMBLY POLLS
Congress is Strong, will win, says Kharge on K’taka Election
Resolve to throw out the 40 per cent commission govt, says Congress Bengaluru (Agencies): The Congress said that it is ready to face elections and resolve to throw out the “anti-people 40% commission government”.
Randeep Surjewala, General Secretary In-charge of Karnataka, said the Congress will form the government with the blessings of people.“As Karnataka goes to polls on 10th May, 2023, Congress resolves to usher in a New Era of Peace-ProgressProsperity and rebuild Brand Karnataka, Restore Kannadiga Pride, with Congress Guarantees at the centre of a welfare driven Government,” he said.
May. BJP is an everready party with strong organisation and we are prepared for the polls. The double-engine government has done a good job in terms of in-
frastructure and others. People cutting across all sections have shown a great deal of support. I am sure that on May 13, BJP will get an absolute majority,” he said.
New Delhi: Soon after the schedule for the Karnataka Assembly polls was announced, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will win the polls and the high command with the opinion of victorious candidates will decide the chief ministerial face.
CVoter survey predicts clear majority for Congress
New Delhi: ABPCVoter opinion poll or survey, released on Wednesday, 29 March, has predicted a clear win for the Congress party. As per poll, Congress will win 115 to 127 seats, BJP will get 68 to 80 seats, and the Janata Dal (Secular) will get 23 to 35 seats.
non-use of force or threat of its use in international relations,
and seeking no unilateral military superiority in areas,” he added.
The NSA thanked the top delegates for accepting his invitation to the meeting and said the participation of officials will not only enrich the discussions but also prepare the ground for a successful summit in a few months’ time. Regarding connectivity, he said that it remains a key priority for India.
“We stand ready to cooperate on investing
RaGa to start K’taka campaign
from site of 2019 remark on PM
in and building connectivity in the region.
Expanding connectivity is also important to ensure that such initiatives are constituted,” he said. Doval also underlined that India’s foreign policy is based on these very principles and reflects “our commitment in every possible manner”. He also highlighted the issue of Chabahar port during the meeting.
“India is committed to fulfilling its obligations in the under the
International NorthSouth Transport Corridor and the inclusion of the Port within the framework of INSTC,” Doval stated. India became a member of SCO in June’17, but our relations with SCO countries go back several centuries, he added. India became a full member of SCO on June 2017, while the SCO was established in 2001. India currently holds its Presidency and is holding a series of events.
Ensure no one suffer injustice: Yogi to officials
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrives at the Parliament House, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI
Bengaluru: Congress’s Rahul Gandhi will begin his Karnataka campaign next month for the state elections. In what is seen as a mark of defiance, the April 5 rally will be held in Kolar -the place where Gandhi made the comment on PM Narendra Modi’s surname that led to his two-year jail term.
UP govt clears promotion of 10 IAS officers
IAS Anita Singh IAS Nitin Gokarn IAS Rajneesh Gupta IAS Archana Agarwal
Mishra, Central Fertilizer Secretary IAS Arun Singhal from the Central Government and Additional Chief Secretary Appointment
CRUCIAL READ
BJP KERALA CHIEF SUED FOR ALLEGED REMARKS AGAINST LEFT WOMEN LEADERS
Thiruvananthapuram: A case has been registered by the police against Kerala BJP President, K Surendran, in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks against women CPI(M) leaders. The case was registered against him on the complaint by CPI(M) leader and former MP C S Sujatha. An FIR under relevant sections has been registered.
MIZORAM: YOUTH ORGANIZATION TO SEAL BORDER
Guwahati: The Assam government spent Rs 1.1 crore from a tiger conservation fund to pay for food, tents, carpets, and other things during ex-President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Kaziranga National Park last year. The information was revealed in response to an RTI query.
and Personnel Dr Devesh Chaturvedi from the UP Government were present. After the approval of the Apex Committee, the file has
been sent to the Chief Minister for approval.
Post approval from CMO, the order will be issued in this regard. After promotion, all these
10 IAS officers will get a pay scale equal to the Chief Secretary rank. At present, there are 14 ACS in UP. There are rank officers, out of which 4 are retiring this year. In place of these, promoted IAS officers will be posted. ACS rank officers retiring in 2023 include IAS Sanjeev Kumar Mittal, IAS Navneet Kumar Sagar, IAS Dr Prashant Trivedi and IAS Sanjay Bhoosreddy.
election yatra from here. Where he had made this statement, and which the BJP condemned his statement, he will begin his mega rally from here,” said state party chief DK Shivakumar.
At a rally in the runup to the 2019 elections, Gandhi had said, “How come all thieves have the common surname Modi” in an apparent dig at the PM with a reference to fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi.
During the Janata Darshan organised in Gorakhpur, the CM said, “Strictest legal action should be taken against the ones illegally encroaching land. The government is determined not to let injustice happen to
anyone and bring prosperity to everyone’s life”.
On the occasion, Yogi addressed the issues of about 700 people and assured them that there would be no injustice to anyone during his tenure.
Referring to everyone’s letters to the concerned authorities, along with giving instructions for quick and satisfactory disposal, the CM assured the people that the government was determined to solve the problems of every complainant.
Mamata on two-day dharna to protest Centre’s ‘discrimination’
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the two-day sit-in that she started here on Wednesday to protest the BJP-led Union government’s alleged discriminatory attitude against the state was on behalf of her party, Trinamool Congress, and not on part of the state government. Stating
FACING TROUBLE FROM WITHIN AND OUTSIDE Promoted by Sunder Builders
that she is doing a “double duty” (as West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo), Banerjee showed a copy of the Constitution at the pro-
test site and said that the demonstration is also to “save India, save democracy”. “People were asking me whether I am demonstrating on behalf of the state government or the Trinamool Congress. I would like to tell them that I have two responsibilities. I am the CM of West Bengal and also the TMC chairperson.
WHAT ARE BSP LEADERS WORRIED ABOUT?
Mahesh Sharma
Patna: As the Lok Sabha elections are coming closer, the restlessness of the Bahujan Samaj Party leaders is increasing. They do not understand what their party will do and what they should do.
In fact, the problems of BSP leaders, especially the MPs of the party, have increased since the time of assembly election results.
The party became completely inactive in the assembly elections.
As a result, the party lost all but one seat it
had won earlier. BSP won 17 MLAs in 2017 but in 2022, only one of its candidates won.
That’s why the MPs are worried that if the BSP and its leader Mayawati remain inactive in the Lok Sabha as well, then what will happen to them?
They fear that in a direct fight between the BJP and the SP alliance, the BSP will be wiped out in the Lok Sabha as well as in the Vidhansabha.
Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav and BSP MP from Ambedkar Nagar Ritesh Pandey.
MPs of the party are preparing to change the party. staying with the BSP. That’s why they are looking towards BJP or
Samajwadi Party. Recently, BSP MP from Ambedkar Nagar Ritesh Pandey had met Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav.
He was earlier the leader of BSP in the Lok Sabha but a few days back Mayawati removed him from the post of leader. It is being said that he may join the Samajwadi Party.
His father Rakesh Pandey has already joined Samajwadi Party. Many MPs of BSP are anxious to save the Lok Sabha seat.
Dr Ahtesham SiddiquiBJP will return to power: Bommai
Shubham Jain
Ajmer: Congress’ divisional level office bearers and workers conference will be held on March 31 at Jawahar School, Ajmer. Many leaders including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, State Congress incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra will participate in the programme, said RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore on Wednesday while addressing a press conference. He inspected the preparations for the event.
On the question of the arrival of Sachin Pilot, Rathore said that it is a divisionallevel programme, in
First India Bureau Jodhpur: Congress national spokesperson Alok Sharma on Wednesday said that the Prime Minister is strangling democracy to save his industrialist friend Gautam Adani. He said that all efforts are being made to divert public attention from the Adani issue.
Mukesh Mathrani
Barmer: Twenty migrant workers from Rajasthan have been stuck in the South African country Congo. Out of total 20 workers, 19 are from Barmer while one is from Ajmer. Victim’s family members alleged that their employers in Congo had confiscated their passports and mobile phones and assaulted them brutally.
which all the office bearers and public representatives including the candidates contesting under the Congress banner have been invited. Tonk district comes under the Ajmer division, so all the office bearers in-
Narayan Meghwal
Udaipur: A young man died by suicide by hanging himself from a shoelace in police custody at the Parsad police station in the district. The police removed the dead body from the noose and brought it to the CHC in Parsad, where the doctors declared him dead.
The deceased Arjun Lal Meena (28), a resident of Baroda Jhallara, eloped a few days ago with a woman. While searching upon the report of the victim’s rel-
atives, the police arrested the girl and detained the youth. He was brought to the police station for questioning. Where in police custody, the young man committed suicide by hanging himself from a peg made in the barrack with a shoelace.
cluding Sachin Pilot will attend.
Rathore said that CM Gehlot, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and Govind Singh Dotasra will discuss the strategy of fighting against the Centre at the conference on March 31
“Rahul Gandhi’s membership from Lok Sabha was terminated just to avoid answering questions asked in Lok Sabha by Gandhi. He was about to make revelations against the govt,” he said while in-
teracting with reporters in Jodhpur.
Sharma said the Congress party will expose the real face of BJP by going among the public.
“Congress is not afraid of the Modi govt. Rather, we will fight stronger. In the coming time, the public will definitely answer for their actions,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the basis of the family member’s plea, MP from Nagaur in Rajasthan and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party chief Hanuman Beniwal on Wednesday approached the external affairs ministry to ensure early help to them. In the letter Beniwal wrote to the union external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, he mentioned the details
of the victims and the company where they are working. He requested the ministry to direct the Indian embassy in South Africa to
Mukesh Mathrani
Barmer: Three more policemen were removed and sent to the police line from Baytu police station over alleged collusion with the drug smugglers. A day earlier a deputy superintendent of police and one constable were suspended with similar charges. In the latest development, the driver of the suspended DSP, one head constable and one constable was removed from the Baytu police station area. Digant Anand, superintendent of police in
First India Bureau
Ajmer: Income Tax teams carried out raids on Wednesday at a total of 18 locations of three businessmen of Ajmer district on complaints of tax evasion.
The dept sleuths raided the premises belonging to two businessmen based in Ajmer and one in Kekri town.
The IT department teams reached Ajmer at 5 am in private vehicles from different districts of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Bharatpur and Ajmer
divisions as tourists. Armed policemen were present during raids on the iron trader and granite businessman’s firm, farm house, bungalow, quarry and shops.
Principal Director of Income Tax Sudhanshu
Shekhar Jha, Additional Director Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Meena, and Assistant Director Akshay Kabra were present during the raids.
Agarwal said that due to coordinated efforts, Rajasthan has become the leading state in the country in mineral exploration.
Nirmal Tiwari
Jaipur: Jaisalmer is going to develop as a cement hub on the world map as a result of planned mineral exploration and auction of mineral blocks in the state.
Along with the exploration and exploitation of petroleum and natural gas, Jaisalmer is moving ahead in the cement sector, an official said. New deposits of ura-
PROGRESS
nium, rare earth elements, limestone, lignite, iron ore, copper, zinc, garnet, etc. are being discovered in the
state, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Subodh Agarwal said.
Addressing the 57th meeting of the state ge-
ological programming board, Agrawal emphasized adopting the latest technology of exploration and mining and called upon the young officers to come forward with new thinking and determination. He said that in the year 2023-24, work will be done through 31 different projects for the search of mineral limestone, ferrous metal, decorative stone, industrial and other minerals.
Barmer, issued the removal order.
However, the order of removal of three policemen reads that all the trio have been removed on the administrative ground. Those removed are head constable Chainaram Poonia, Constable Roop
Kishore and driver Dharma Ram. Jaggu Ram, deputy superintendent of police at Baytu circle in Barmer district, was suspended on Monday late at night after his alleged involvement in a drug smuggling racket came into light.
Bhanwar S Charan
Kota: Gangster-turnedpolitician Atiq Ahmed was brought to the Anantapur Police station in Kota by a team of Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday morning. Ahmed was on Tuesday convicted by an MPMLA court in Prayagraj and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in the abduction case of now-deceased Umesh Pal. Atiq Ahmed was taken to Prayagraj from Ahmedabad for a court hearing under tight security. On Tuesday
night, he was again taken to Ahmedabad during which he was stopped in Kota on Wednesday morning. The police convoy stopped for 50 minutes at Anantpura Police Station and later left.
ensure the earliest help to them.
All the workers were working there in a supermarket on a commission basis, he added.
Vinod Tiwari
Dholpur: Behror
MLA Baljeet Yadav held a protest run in Dholpur on Wednesday evening. Yadav wore black clothes and protested against the state govt in the Rajakhera, Badi and Baseri areas of Dholpur. He said that despite years of independence, poor people and farmers are deprived of basic facilities. He raised his 14 pointdemand and said that the government claims to save democracy, but it is not fulfilling the demands of unemployed youths. While addressing the rally, he demanded to give 100 percent reservations to youths of Rajasthan in govt jobs.
Baljeet Yadav wore black clothes during protest run in Dholpur on Wednesday.
First India Bureau
Bikaner: Police recovered a cache of fake notes and arrested an accused with fake notes worth lakhs on Monday. Five other accused have also been named in the case, and efforts are on to nab them.
According to the police, Sahil Ali, a resident of Ward No. 34 of Lunkaransar town, has been arrested with fake notes worth more than Rs 20 lakh. The police received information
Accused Sahil Ali in police custody in Bikaner.
from the informer that on Monday Sahil received a large consignment of fake currency from his other accomplices. And he is further
planning to dispense this amount through hawala in Delhi. On this information, a special police team was formed from CO Office. The spot accused Sahil was raided and arrested was made recovering fake currency worth Rs 20 lakh from him. Other accused Pradeep Saraswat, Ram Niwas Godara, Ramavatar Saraswat, Sonu alias Sandeep Kayalsar and Rahul Saraswat have been named in the fake currency racket.
Kamal Kant
Jaipur : The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday acquitted four men who were given the death sentence by a lower court for the 2008 serial Jaipur blasts that killed 71 people and slammed the investigating agencies over their "shoddy investigation".
It also affirmed the acquittal of a fifth accused by the trial court.
Jaipur was rocked by a series of blasts on May 13, 2008 when bombs went off one after another at Manak Chawk Khanda, Chandpole Gate, Badi Chaupad, Chhoti Chaupar, Tripolia Gate, Johri Bazar and Sanganeri Gate. The explosions in the
evening left 71 people dead and 185 injured.
According to advocate SS Ali, the counsel for the accused, the HC lambasted the investigating agencies for doing a shoddy investigation. The court also directed the DGP of Rajasthan to take ac -
Justice MM Shrivastava addressing as Justice VS Dave, Justice
PC Jain & Justice Akil Kureshi look on at Raj School of Law for Women, Jaipur on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA
First India Bureau
Jaipur: Rajasthan Education Trust organised 1st Justice SC Agrawal Memorial Lecture on the theme
“Three Judgements
Which Changed the Way we look at our Constitution” with collaboration with Rajasthan school of Law for Women at Rajasthan School of Law for Women on Wednesday.
The keynote Speaker was Justice Akil Kureshi, Former Chief Justice of Rajasthan, and was presided over by Justice MM Shrivastava, Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Akil Khureshi shared Three Judgments namely
Landmark Judgment
Keshvananda Bharti, NM Thomas Case, and ADM Jabalpur case which enlighten the students as to how How descending judgment in a case appeal to the building spirit of the younger generation and teach them how to not make the same mistake in the future.
The lecture was attended by many retired High Court Judges, President Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, Senior Advocates, Additional Advocate Generals, student and faculty members of various colleges.
Dr. Vartika Arora Principal Rajasthan School of Law for Women expressed vote of thanks.
tion against the officers involved in the investigation.
Ali said the court found the entire theory presented by the AntiTerrorist Squad (ATS), which investigated the case, wrong. He said the high court issued directions to the chief
PELLETS USED IN BOMBS DID NOT MATCH FSL REPORT
T he pellets which the agency said that the accused had purchased from a shop outside Jama Masjid in Delhi to plant in the bomb did not match with the pellets found in the dead bodies. The pellets did not match in the FSL report. The court said allegations against them are not proven, said Ali.
secretary to monitor the case.
"The ATS failed to prove the travel plan of the accused that they had travelled from Delhi to Jaipur in a bus on May 13, had lunch at a restaurant, purchased cycles, planted bombs and returned the same
The court said that allegations against them are not proven. The ATS has failed to establish its theory that the ATS did not try to reach the real culprits.
—SS Ali, Advocate
day to Delhi in Shatabdi express. The ATS could not produce bus tickets," the counsel said. Ali said frame numbers of cycles mentioned in bills produced by ATS didn’t match with cycles seized after blasts, bills were tampered with. —With Agency Inputs
Jaipur (FIB): Vacant fair price shops will be merged in the state. The decision was taken to enhance the practicality of the shops. The food and civil supplies department has issued
guidelines in this regard. The shops having less than 100 ration cards will be merged with other shops. If the matter of any vacant fair price shops is subjudice, then it will not
be merged. At present, there is a provision of allocation of shops on 2,000 units and 500 ration cards. District Collector’s permission will have to be taken before merger.
Rajeev Gaur
Jodhpur: The Jodhpur Development Authority on Wednesday passed a record budget of Rs 1,753 crore for the development of the city. Officials informed that it is the biggest ever budget, which also includes Rs. 100 crores for the Smart City project. The meeting was held in the new building of
the Jodhpur Development Authority which was presided over by Divisional Commissioner Kailash Chand Meena. Mayor of Jodhpur Municipal Corporation (North) Kunti Parihar, Commissioner of Jodhpur Development Authority Navneet Kumar, Secretary Jainarayan Meena and other officials of JDA were also present in meeting.
We must plan for a beautiful perfect healthy life but a sensible person also prepares for the hiccups along the way.
—Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India
Shivendra Parmar
Udaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Wednesday that such is the time that noone would ever let the post of the sarpanch go through their hands, let alone the position of MLA-MPs.
“But at such a time, Rahul Gandhi did not become PM, even when former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh urged him to come to the mantle, due to old age. Rahul’s mother Sonia Gandhi also did not yearn for this post, while all the leaders wanted to make her PM,” Gehlot was addressing the divisional level conference of Congress at Gandhi Ground in Udaipur on Wednesday.
The conference is being considered as begul for the preparation before the assembly elections to be held this year. Gehlot further said, “ministers had resigned as soon as allegations were levelled against them in the
Congress rule. Be it our Railway Minister, Law Minister, their resignations were taken. Leave aside the talk of resignation on being accused in BJP, they are raiding our houses. They didn’t leave even me. BJP people came to rule by talking about Hindus. Are we not Hindus? Why do they remember them elections? Why don’t they talk about tribal, backward and untouchables. I am the only MLA of my caste in the assembly. Became CM three times, because I am getting love of 36 community.”
Targeting the RSS and the BJP, Gehlot questioned whether they have even got a cut on their finger in the fight for freedom.
“What wrong did Rahul ji ask Modi ji? He only asked about PM’s relationship with Adani ji called? For what should Rahul apologise? What did he say wrong? Why wouldn’t Modi ji reply?,” Gehlot questioned.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Minister Ashok Gehlot has ap proved the pro posal to increase the state’s share of honorarium by 15 per cent for workers employed in Anganwadi centres and child care
homes of the Integrated Child Development will be increased by 15 per cent. Presently, the honorarium to these personnel is being paid by the Central and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40. The 15 per cent increase will be borne by the state government. The increase will put an extra financial burden of Rs. 70 crores on the state government.
First India Bureau
Jaipur: BJP state president and Chittorgarh MP CP Joshi participated in the Parliamentarian dialogue organised by the President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were present on the occasion.
Apart from them, Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari, Sikar MP Sumedhanand Saraswati, Alwar MP Balak Nath, Ajmer MP Bhagirath Chaudhary, Rajya Sabha member Ra-
jendra Gehlot also attended the programme.
On the other hand, Joshi will hold a marathon meeting of the state BJP on April 2 at the state BJP headquarters here.
He will hold meetings of the office bearers. Joshi will also hold dialogues with the team of Morchas. He will also take feedback of party’s programmes.
Rahul didn’t...
Abhishek Shrivastava
Jaipur: Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Wednesday decided to allot lands to various departments to develop public facilities.
Nearly two dozen proposals in this regard were discussed and a decision was taken accordingly in the meeting of JDA’s Land and Property Disposal Committee meeting.
On the other hand, the JDA has decided to start the incomplete works of civil line ROB from April 15.
The remaining work will be completed at a
cost of about Rs 40 crore. The previous firm had left the work in the middle following which the JDA reissued the tender.
The decision was taken in the executive committee meeting of JDA chaired by commissioner Ravi Jain.
The executive committee also gave approval to borrow Rs 900
crore from NCR planning board for the expansion of Jaipur Metro route.
The total project cost is around Rs 1200 crore. For remaining Rs 300 crore and for reimbursement of interest on borrowing from NCRPB, the JDA has sent a proposal to the state government. The JDA has also proposed the government to not take one percent commission on the borrowing of Rs 300 crore.
The state government gives guarantee on borrowing from a financial institution on 1 percent commission.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan Day will be celebrated with full enthusiasm across the state on Thursday.
Governor Kalraj Mishra has congratulated and greeted the people of the state on Rajasthan Day. In his greeting message, Mishra said that Rajasthan is the land of bravehearts and hardworking people.
The state level function will be held at the State Institute of Agriculture Management (SIAM) auditorium in Jaipur at 12 noon. Along with this, programs will be organized at all district headquarters and
block headquarters as part of Rajasthan Day celebrations. On the initiative of CM Ashok Gehlot, this time the Rajasthan Day will be cele-
brated as a beneficiary festival. In this program, CM Gehlot will interact with the beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of State Government.
L ok Sabha Speaker Om Birla greeted the people of the State on the eve of the Rajasthan foundation day. “Wishing everyone a very happy Rajasthan Foundation Day. Rajasthan has an important place in whole India for preserving its glorious history, rich culture and heritage,” he said. “From historical times to modern era, whenever there was any crisis, the heroes and heroines here have made the sacrifice to protect the pride of motherland. Even today, the brave sons and daughters of Rajasthan are making important contributions,” he said.
The senior Congress leader further said, “’Rahul Gandhi had asked only 4 questions to the PM. It has never happened till today that an answer is not given. Pandit Nehru also answered when allegations were levelled. But they don’t even want to let Adani ji’s name come up. Rahul Gandhi said the same thing in London which he had said many times in India. He didn’t say a single thing to mislead the countrymen. Unnecessary apology was demanded off him but he was not allowed to speak in the House. Work is being done to destroy the country’s constitution.”
Commissioner Pawan Arora lauds
Board employees for achievement
First India Bureau Jaipur: In the latest report of the country’s famous ‘Skoch State of Governance - 2022’, due to the revival and strengthening of the Rajasthan Housing Board, it maintained its lead for the second year as well, gathering the first place in the country.
Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora lauded the employees of the Board for this historic achievement. “There was a time when the Board did not even have the money to pay salaries to the personnel,
whereas in the last 4 years, the Board was revived and strengthened, due to which its turnover has reached 8,500 crores and the financial condition is improving day by day and the Board is getting stronger day by day,” he said.
The Commissioner said that the Skoch team appreciated the out-ofthe-box work being done by the RHB and also
termed it as an example for the whole country. He informed that the Board has set up coaching hubs, city parks, chauptiys, housing for teachers and watchmen, All India Services, State Services, Constitutional Club, MLA Housing Scheme, setting up open gyms in parks and by amending the Act, 1 lakh square meters land and worth Rs 15 crore free from encroachment were highly appreciated in the Scotch report.
Due to excellent flagship and public welfare schemes, the state has also made a jump from 15th place to third place in the country. In the report, the state government has also been praised for better performance in health, social justice-social security and other sectors.
First India Bureau
Jaipur: The representatives and office bearers of Raj Aangan Society, located in Sector 24 of Pratap Nagar, on Wednesday urged Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) Commissioner Pawan Arora to cancel the Sky Park scheme (multistorey flats scheme) located
in the society and take that land for commercial and community use.
The Housing Commissioner sympathetically listened to their demand and assured to resolve the issue with positive thinking. After a meeting, Arora said that RHB will consider it and take a decision soon.
Jaipur: Under the “Training Programme for Overseas Professionals on Formal Solutions to Informal Settlements” being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and “Human Management Settlement Institute (HSMI) New Delhi under the ITEC course scheme, a delegation of 25 international representatives from 19 countries visited the Housing Board on Wednesday and studied RHB’s ambitious plans at RHB headquarters.
Arora gave a detailed introduction of Jaipur’s City Park, MLA Flats,
Affordable Housing Project (Mukhya Mantri Jan Awas Yojana) and many other projects through a power point presenta-
tion. The delegation will also visit City Park, MLA Housing Project and Affordable Housing Project on Thursday.
JDA to allot land to various depts to develop public facilitiesPresident Droupadi Murmu meets PM Modi, MPs Sumedhanand Saraswati, Rajendra Gehlot, CP Joshi, Balak Nath, Bhagirath Chaudhary, Arjun Meghwal, Diya Kumari and others at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday. State BJP president CP Joshi pays courtesy visit to Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his office on Wednesday. RHB Chief Pawan Arora LS SPEAKER BIRLA EXTENDS WISHES ON RAJASTHAN DAY On the eve of Rajasthan Day, sand artist Ajay Rawat wished a happy Rajasthan Day by making sand art in the sand dunes of Pushkar on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANAND SHARMA Panel to borrow ` 900 cr from NCR planning board for the expansion of Jaipur Metro route
and keep going, believes stunning diva Aakriti Sanwelya from Jaipur who is also one of the finalists of the Elite Miss Rajasthan Season 9.
Everyone experience failure at some point in their life, even the most successful people.
“I am a 20-year-old girl who hails from Jaipur. I am a model by profession and also an International karate champion. I am a human who loves to try new things in life and with my journey I want to motivate people,” the beauty informed.
While speaking on her experience of being nothing to everything she stated,
modeling after watching an advertisement for a beauty pageant. I auditioned for Elite Miss Rajasthan and got selected as one of the top 30 finalists at the first attempt and it is all because of my mother’s support.
The diva talked about the challenges she faced during the journey and how she is still determined to be on the top. Speaking on the same she conveyed, “People think that my life is easy but it’s not true. I had to fight for everything in my life because coming from an orthodox society it was really difficult for me to enter this field. My father never supported me and initially, I had to fight for myself. During the adventure, many people tried demotivating me by saying I don’t fit the criteria of being a model but I never gave up, I’m still fighting for many things in my life but I am sure I’ll be on the top someday.”
Talking about her achievements she informed, “I have won Gargi Award from Rajasthan Government in studies. Apart from that I am also a 5 times International Karate Medallist, I was also a finalist of Elite Miss Rajasthan Season 9.”
“I am fighting for many things in my life but I am sure I’ll be on the top someday,” stated gorgeous Aakriti Sanwelya who is also one of the finalists of Elite Miss Rajasthan Season 9MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO
Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva
ARIES
MAR 21 - APR 20
You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. Your lover may finally say yes to get married to you.
TAURUS
APR 21 - MAY 20
Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good for now. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest money in some new venture. Your personality will attract many eligible bachelors.
GEMINI
MAY 21 - JUNE 21
You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate. You must create an environment of understanding at home. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. Promotion can be expected even if other are not.
CANCER
JUNE 22 - JULY 23
Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You need help on academic front and you should not shy away from asking. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them.
LEO
JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.
VIRGO
AUG 24 - SEP 23
being destroyed. This helps in delaying ageing.
Physical exercise is mandatory There is much evidence linking exercise and decreased incidence of heart diseases and stroke-related illnesses. So physical exercise is a very important way to prevent sudden deaths thereby increasing your life span.
The average life expectancy continues to increase year after year.
In the United States, the life expectancy is 81.5 years of age. This is a good benchmark to be working towards to live a longer and healthier life.
A healthy body is a key to a healthy life. A healthy body helps to prevent diseases and obesity and can delay the effects of ageing. To live a longer and healthier life, you need to take care of your body. Eating healthy and exercising are the basics of a longer and healthier life.
What Plays a Major Role in Human Longevity?
Low calorie, nutrient-dense balanced diet is one of the important contributors to a long human life span. Nutrientdense foods, fruits, and vegetables are laden with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They maintain the shape and structure of the cell. This intact damage free cell structure prevents the cell from
Apart from lifestyle changes,genes play a very important role in determining longevity. Studies re-
pathways have been associated with determining longevity in human beings. Many genes related to the human life span are identified. They are being studied for important clues and treatment options to delay ageing and help with neurodegenerative diseases. Social relationships also play a very important role in determining the human life span and longevity. Research repeatedly shows that people with healthy, warm, positive relationship attitudes enjoy longer life spans Environmental factors help in determining longevity by interacting with genes and modifying them.
What to Do and What Not to Do For A Longer Life Span?
Intake of a balanced diet with enough protein, carbs and fats, fibre, and antioxidants. Yoga and meditation have been proven to improve longevity in people by increasing the
Best day to buy gold and silver or any precious metal for investment sake. You are a child at heart and never let this child die.
You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle like anything.
LIBRA
SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22
You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going. Health remains perfect .
SCORPIO
OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22
Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true. You will feel happy today.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22
You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are making sure to spend some quality time together amid all the drama in their lives. The husband-and-wife duo was spotted going out for dinner recently on Monday night, March 27, in Beverly Hills. More on this below. According to Just Jared, Justin and Hailey were photographed by the paparazzi as they stepped out of Wally’s restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday night. Both of them were seen dressed in comfortable yet stylish casuals for their lowkey date. The 29-year-old Peaches singer was seen donning a blue denim jacket over a black tee shirt. He paired it with a pair of blue denim pants and a cream-coloured beanie. On the other hand, Hailey opted for a black, red, and tan windbreaker jacket.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is one of the most loved actresses in town, recently spoke about the idea of a spin-off featuring her character Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor starrer K3G was released 22 years back and the character of Poo went on to become iconic. Recently, Bebo said that she is 'not open' to the idea of Poo's
said, Poo was truly an iconic character. Some characters need to remain untouched and loved for what it was. I don’t think it can be touched, I don’t think it should be and nobody can play the character of Poo."
akul Preet Singh has always been keen on her workout sessions and the actress regularly shares her routine on social media. The actress was seen busy with her Wednesday morning routine, where she posted a short clip from her intense gym session on her Instagram account. This short clip is a new challenge as per the hashtag in her account
asking fans and followers to complete a series of simple steps, choreographed to the beats of the song playing in the background. The actress has been busy in different industries for the last year. She will be seen in a string of films in the coming months in different languages. Chhatriwali will be her immediate next Hindi release, a film that revolves around a woman’s attempts at eradicating societal taboos related to sex education is sure to be one of the strongest performances of her career as per reports.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are one of the most loved couples in Bollywood. Well, talking to Dax Shepherd on his podcast Armchair Expert the actress recalled how she was approached by Nick in 2016 while she was still in a complicated relationship. Priyanka Chopra revealed that she initially did not want to indulge with Nick Jonas during their initial communication as she was 35
years old and the American singer was just 25. Priyanka Chopra said, “His brother (Kevin Jonas) loved Quantico. I'm really glad because he told Nick, pointing me at a billboard, ‘You should call her.’ He (Nick) had a few people being like ‘Call her’, so he just DMed me and I was like ‘Why don’t you just text me?’ because my social team will just read these messages. He was like ‘Ya, ya, ya, you just want to give me your number.”s
According to YG Entertainment on March 29, Jisoo recently finished recording the web entertainment 'Hal Myungsoo' hosted by Park Myung Soo. 'Hal Myung Soo' is content that contains the process of experiencing various experiences by Park Myung Soo. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK's Jisoo started full-fledged promotion ahead of the release of his first solo album 'ME' on the 31st. At midnight on March 29th, Jisoo's solo album title song 'FLOWER' music video teaser video was released, raising expectations for his comeback. The video of about 21 seconds contains sensuous visual beauty and part of the sound source, which is receiving an explosive
response. Solo artist Jisoo is overwhelmed with her existence. Jisoo boasted a strong attraction with various auras such as unknown loneliness, elegant atmosphere, and captivating charisma, drawing admiration for a long time. The appearance of perfectly digesting the colourful outfits is also a point that raised fans' expectations.
Parineeti
Chopra has been in the news for the past couple of days for her alleged romance with AAP leader Raghav Chadha.
Well, the Kesari actress was spotted at the Mumbai airport last night. Scroll down to check out her reaction when asked about this news. In the video, we can see Parineeti Chopra arriving at the Mumbai air-
port late at night. She was wearing a black blazer over black pants and a white tee. She completed her look with yellow shades and black footwear. The moment paparazzi spotted her, they walked towards her and asked her, “Mam suno na, wo news aa raha hai wo confirm hai kya? Any idea?
Thoda sa kuch comment kar do.” Hearing this the actress started smiling but refrained from saying anything. Paparazzi event went on to say ‘blushing blushing mam’ to which she smiled harder.
ajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board organised a Khadi fashion show on Wednesday at Jawahar Kala Kendra’s intermediate open-air stage with the aim of making Khadi popular among the common people. The innovations made in Rajasthan’s traditional Khadi were showcased by male-female models by catwalk on the ramp and the specialities of Khadi prepared in different districts of Rajasthan were displayed to the attendees through a fashion show.
During this fashion show led by world-renowned fashion designer Himmat Singh Panwar, Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board’s Consultant and Facilitator; Shakuntala Rawat, Industry Minister; Brijkishore Sharma, Chairman of Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board; Rajiv Arora, Chairman Raj Small Industries Corporation; Pankaj Mehta, Vice Chairman of Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board; Veenu Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries); Brajesh Kumar Chandolia RAS, Secretary Khadi Board along with others were present.
The Secretary of Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board
Brajesh Kumar Chandolia said that this fashion show was organised by the board in order to present the traditional dress of Rajasthan’s Khadi in an international form, in which mainly Khadi costumes from
BY MUKESH KIRADOO
different regions of Rajasthan were displayed. In this fashion show held in two sequences,
more than 40 male-female models wearing casual, office wear, and party wear dresses de-
signed by designer Himmat Singh, who walked the ramp and showcased designer apparel made from fabrics like Jaisalmer’s Pattu, Merino Woolen Khadi, Organic Khadi Poly Vastra etc. The women’s sequence of the fashion show was inaugurated by social entrepreneur Apara Kuchhal, while educationist Jayshree Periwal ramp walked as the showstopper for the sequence.
Bollywood singer Ravindra Upadhyay was the show opener for the special personalities sequence, while World fame supermodel and actor Rajeev Singh shared the stage with designer Himmat Singh Panwar as a showstopper.
Ajay Data; Founder Shweta Mehta Modi; Celebrity Influencers Marcella Baur and Akanksha Bakshi along with models of Miss Rajasthan, pageant walked the ramp and showcased the Khadi collection.
Jaipur Polo Season 2023 RPC Cup (Out of the Hat) was organised at RPC Ground on Wednesday with the vision to promote the young players of Rajasthan. During the match, team Jaipur Polo conquered the match by 5 and 1/2 points over team Cavalier, who bagged 4 points during the match.
The second day of the Jawahar Children’s Literature Festival was organised by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Children’s Literature Academy, Rajasthan at Rangayan Auditorium of JKK on Wednesday. This first honour and award ceremony of the academy was organised grandly. Academy President Ikram Rajasthani, Chief Guest Ramesh Borana, Vice President, Rajasthan State Fair Authority, Ramesh Tailang, senior child litterateur, Mumbai, Farooq Afridi senior Litterateur and Chief Minister’s OSD, Mukesh Bhardwaj and other guests lit the lamp at the beginning of the program. The program started with the charming and melodious voice of Divya Drishti student of Rajasthan Blind Higher Secondary School.
A shared birthday ‘Utsav’ was celebrated by ‘Helping Hands Group’ at Poornima University (PU) for about 400 children living in the city’s orphanage and more than 100 senior citizens of the old age home recently. In this program, many fun and cultural activities were organised for these people and cakes were cut together as a ‘Shared Birthday’. Here children and elders danced together to many songs and also sang songs. Everyone had a lot of fun together here. This program received the support of many organisations in Jaipur, on whose behalf other types of cooperation including venue, food, gifts, and decoration were provided.
On the occasion of Chaitra Navratri, Ashtami was celebrated at the Amer Shila Mata Temple on Wednesday where girls were worshipped and fed as part of the celebration.
Organised by Arjuna Natya Sanstha, Jaipur, play Gai was staged in the main auditorium of Ravindra Manch, play written by Rajesh Kumar, play Gai, directed by Vijay Kumar Banjara, a young artist of Jaipur city, it is a fiery play sarcasm on Brahminism and casteism. Which was greatly appreciated by the audience, casteism was fiercely attacked through humor and sarcasm in the drama. Young director Vijay Kumar Banjara, organised the drama in such a way that the audience keeps watching the events happening in the drama. Which forces them to think that casteism is one of the major problems of this country which is a big hindrance in the development of this country. Played the lead role Prakash Praveen Sohit Shekhawat stage arrangement Deepak Musafir, Yashvardhan Charan Pradeep Pareek on Dholak and codirected by Yusuf George.
