First India-Mumbai Edition-30th March 2023

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pay their last respects to BJP Lok Sabha MP Girish Bapat, who passed away at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital at the age of 72, in Pune on Wednesday. P2

READ Crucial

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. P6

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.

RUSSIA’S DEAL WITH INDIA TO INCREASE OIL SUPPLIES

Moscow:

SC CLEARS `5K

CRORE FROM SEBISAHARA FUND TO REPAY DEPOSITORS

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. P5

‘

CONFIDENT’ BJP TO PLAY NE FORMULA IN K’TAKA!

Karnataka elections on May 10

Moni Sharma

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.

Rahul ready with plea to challenge his conviction

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

K’TAKA HAS 17,000 VOTERS WHO ARE OLDER THAN STATE

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

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

EC ‘NOT IN A HURRY’ FOR THE WAYANAD SEAT BY-ELECTION

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.

DEMOCRACY IS A SPIRIT: PM

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 the 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”.

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.

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.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) i.e. Thackeray group publicly expressed its displeasure recently because of Rahul Gandhi’s statement wherein he said ‘I am not Savarkar who would apologise’. Uddhav Thackeray had taken the name of Rahul Gandhi in a public meeting and boldly said, “We will not tolerate the insult of freedom fighter Savarkar.”

After Uddhav Thackeray’s stand, in the op-

position meeting in Delhi, NCP President Sharad Pawar tried to mediate between the Thackeray faction and the Congress. After that talks have taken

CHEETAHS BORN ON INDIAN SOIL IN OVER 70 YEARS

place between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). Thackeray faction leader and MP Sanjay Raut has said that we are satisfied with this issue.

Welcome to 4 adorable cubs!

This comes three days after Sasha, one of the

First India Bureau Sheopur: One of the Namibian cheetahs, Siyaya, has given birth to four cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The development comes three days after one of the cheetahs, Sasha, died due to a kidney ailment. Sasha,

news.

along with seven other big cats, was translocated to KNP from the African country. 7 other cheetahs are

doing well. Among these seven, three males and a female were released in the park’s open forest area and

Raut

I DISCUSSED SAVARKAR ISSUE WITH RAHUL GANDHI SAYS SHIV SENA (UBT) MP RAUT

“Two days ago, we objected to Rahul Gandhi’s statement on Savarkar. After that, we remained absent from the opposition meeting called by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday. The objection raised by us has been considered. I have discussed the issue of Savarkar with Rahul Gandhi. This topic is over for us now. Our differences are no more. After that, we attended the meeting of the opposition called today (March 29),” said Sanjay Raut.

NO MORE TALK ON THIS ISSUE, OUR DIFFERENCES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED: RAUT

Questioned that if Rahul Gandhi makes a statement on Savarkar in future, what will the Thackeray faction do, Raut said, “We don’t want to talk more about this issue. Our differences have been resolved. If Rahul Gandhi raises the same issue again, we will take a decision. But we believe that Rahul Gandhi will not raise Savarkar’s issue.”

HC acquits all accused in deadly 2008 Jaipur blasts

Kamal Kant Vyas

ji, with your inspiration and successful efforts, Cheetah has 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.

they are “totally healthy, active and hunting in a normal manner”, PCCF-Wildlife JS Chauhan said.

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.

SENIOR BJP MP GIRISH BAPAT PASSES AWAY

We have discussed and resolved our issue. If repeated, we will decide on future stance:

RAHUL’S COMMENT ON SAVARKAR

A cheetah named Siyaya, gave birth to

cubs, on

Narendra Modi @narendramodi Wonderful

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv 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.

PM Narendra Modi delivers his remarks at the 2nd Summit for Democracy, via VC, in Delhi on Wednesday. Also seen here are South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and others.

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.

JAI SHRI RAM! HAPPY RAM

NAVAMI

‘White paper on lost investments in a week’

First India Bureau

BJP MP Girish Bapat passes away after prolonged illness

5-time MLA from Kasba Peth constituency in Pune, he was also elected to Lok Sabha in 2019

Notably, this comes five months after Samant first announced the paper in November.

That the time, he had announced that it would be out in a month.

The Shinde government had come under pressure from the Opposition after Vedanta Foxconn and the Tata Airbus project opted to shift to Gujarat.

After all this time, Samant has reportedly told the media that the “report is being printed”.

Notably, the paper could have been tabled at either of the two sessions of the state legislature, which occurred in the interim.

Samant attributed the delay to the fact that the state had sought responses from the firms involved. He had also said a three-member committee headed by a retired judge would be set up to look into why big-ticket projects had left Maharashtra. The committee was to have submitted its report in 60 days.

Pune (PTI): BJP Lok Sabha member from Pune and former state minister Girish Bapat passed away at a hospital here on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

The 72-year-old BJP leader, ailing for the last one-and-a-half years, was admitted to the ICU of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in critical condition and was on life support.

“Today is a sad day.

Senior BJP leader and MP Girish Bapat left us today. For the last one and half years, he was undergoing treatment,” said Jagdish Mulik, BJP city unit president said on Wednesday afternoon, adding that Bapat’s last rites would be performed at Vaikunth crematorium in the evening.

Bapat had served as the MLA from Kasba Peth constituency in Pune five times. He was elected to Lok Sabha in 2019.

Bapat’s last public appearance was on February 26 when he cast vote for the Kasba Peth Assembly bypoll sitting in a wheelchair with his nasal cannula on.

The Opposition then accused the BJP of playing with Bapat’s health.

DEATH

Condoling Bapat’s death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a humble and hardworking leader who served society diligently and worked extensively for the development of Maharashtra and was passionate about the growth of Pune.

No respite for farmers as onion prices fall on glut

First India Bureau Navi Mumbai: As many as 180 onion-laden trucks lined up outside the Vashi Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) did nothing to mitigate concerns among the state’s growers of shoddy returns.

The onion prices that reached around Rs12 to Rs14 per kg in the wholesale market dropped to Rs8 to Rs10 per kg on Tuesday.

UNSEASONAL RAIN HIT 19K FARMERS IN PALGHAR

Uday Samant, seen here with CM Shinde. —FILE PHOTO

Despite his ill health, Bapat had addressed BJP workers briefly at Kesariwada.

CRUCIAL READ

MAN ASSAULTED AND ROBBED ON HOWRAH MAIL IN MUMBAI BY VENDORS

Thane: A 25-year-old passenger travelling on Howrah Mail was attacked with a stone and robbed of cash by three persons including two vendors in Mumbai, GRP officials said on Wednesday. “A vendor selling earphones accused a passenger sitting next to the victim of stealing money. When the victim tried to defend the passenger, two more vendors appeared on the scene and attacked him with a stone and robbed Rs2,500 cash he was carrying,” a Government Railway Police (GRP) official said.

DRIVER SEEKS BAIL IN MUM JOGGER HIT AND RUN CASE

Mumbai: THE 23-YEAR-

OLD man arrested for allegedly running over a 58-year-old woman at Worli Sea Face last week approached the sessions court for bail on Tuesday, stating that the spot of the incident was a blind spot with a sharp turn and the jogger was running in the wrong direction. The metropolitan magistrate in Dadar rejected the bail plea of Sumer Merchant, stating that photographs of the spot submitted by the police show that there is no such blind spot. Merchant then approached the sessions court, which directed the police to file a reply.

NMMC HOLDS PROGRAMMES ON WORLD TB DAY

Navi Mumbai: To observe World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s health department organized various events such as seminars, rallies, workshops, and street plays to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB). The theme for this year’s event is “Yes!, We Can End TB”, with the aim of educating the public about the disease, which continues to be an epidemic in many parts of the world. Tuberculosis claims the lives of approximately 1.5 million people worldwide, including in numerous developing nations.

BURGLAR HELD FROM PALGHAR; STOLEN JEWELLERY AND CASH RECOVERED

Thane: A 46-year-old criminal with at least 40 cases lodged against him was arrested from Nalasopara in Palghar district in connection with the burglary of cash and gold jewellery worth more than Rs23 lakh, police said on Wednesday.

The accused and his accomplices had broken into a locked house in Kashmira locality on March 23/24 night and decamped with jewellery and cash totalling Rs23.10 lakh, a senior police officer said. The accused was nabbed after being identified by CCTV footage. Police recovered the stolen jewellery and cash from him.

Narendra Modi (@ narendramodi) His passing away is saddening. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti

An all-inclusive, generous leadership is lost. While fighting the illness, Bapat worked towards giving energy to his party, and as an MLA, MP, and minister, he always took a lead to address the issues of the common people. He had friendships across the party lines and had a great people connect.

The senior BJP leader enjoyed a good rapport with Opposition leaders as well and was looked upon as a mentor by many politicians from Pune district.

“In his long political career of four decades, Bapat always took an all-inclusive stand. The news of his demise is extremely saddening,” NCP chief Sharad Pawar tweeted.

After winning the Kasba Peth bypoll, Congress candidate Ravindra Dhangekar visited Bapat’s residence to seek his blessings.

Born on September 03, 1950, in Talegaon

Dabhade in Pune district, Bapat worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh in his initial years.

During the Emergency, he was lodged in Nashik jail for 19 months. He became a corporator of PMC in 1983 and after 12 years he was elected as MLA from the Kasba Peth constituency. He served as the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection, Food and Drugs Administration, and Parliamentary Affairs in the then state government headed by Devendra Fadnavis.

Pune city last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Bapat at his home. —FILE PHOTO

Tributes pour in: ‘It’s like losing a father figure’

Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Bapat’s demise is a big loss for the party.

Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra cabinet minister Chandrakant Patil said Bapat was like a guru and a father figure.

“It is like losing a father figure. His friendship across the party lines and contacts with people and party workers were unparalleled. He was dedicated to the party and its growth. His demise is a huge loss to the party,” Patil said.

Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said Pune district has lost a leader who believed in taking everyone along.

“In Bapat’s death, a cultured face of poli-

tics has been lost,” he said in a statement.

BJP Rajya Sabha member and former Union minister Prakash Javadekar, who hails from Pune, said Maharashtra has lost an honest party worker in Bapat.

“Bapat and I were together since our school days and today I am saddened after our companionship of 58 years ended today,” he said.

Javadekar said Bapat rose through the ranks in public life. He had served as the head of the standing committee in Pune municipal corporation (PMC) and went on to become an MLA and an MP.

“He always highlighted issues concerning Pune,” he said.

The good arrival has brought down its prices in both wholesale and retail markets. “The annual season for new onion has already begun and the largest wholesale market for potatoes arrived last week,” a trader said.

At present, the large onions are commanding a price of Rs9-11 per kg. However, the smaller ones are available at a lower price of around Rs7-9 per kg.

There has been a glut in the market this year, leading to shoddy prices for farmers.

Earlier this month, irate farmers had shut down an onion auction at the Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market

Palghar (PTI): As many as 18,869 farmers have lost their crops and agricultural produce due to unseasonal rains between March 01 and 19 in Palghar district, as per an official release. Due to the spell, winds, and dew, crops and agricultural produce across 3,502.83 hectares of land were destroyed. The destruction is more than 33% of the agricultural and horticultural produce, the release said. An assistance of Rs7,87,36,125 has been sought from the government for the farmers affected by the unseasonal rains and other calamities, it said.

Committee (APMC), Asia’s largest onion market, after per-kg price of onion came down to Rs2-4. This had prompted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assure farmers that National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) has purchased 18,743 quintals of the key pantry staple from the market, and would likely purchase more.

Onion prices that reached around Rs12-14 per kg have dropped to Rs8-10 per kg . —FILE PHOTO

TROUBLE BREWING

Stored water down to 37% from 97% in Mumbai’s seven reservoirs

Aurangabad (PTI): The process to effect a change of government in Maharashtra started on the instructions of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant has claimed.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-NCPCongress government in Maharashtra collapsed in June 2022 with the rebellion of Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who then formed the new government with BJP’s Fadnavis as deputy chief minister.

“We (Shiv Sena leaders of the Shinde camp) and Devendra ji had meetings. (Current Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde and I held 100150 meetings in two years (to bring down the Thackeray government),” Sawant told reporters in Osmanabad on Tuesday.

“On (now Deputy CM) Devendra Fadnavis’s orders, Shiv Sena and BJP came together in Osmanabad Zilla Parishad....It started from there,” Sawant said.

“Seeds of betrayal” were already there in the minds of the MLAs of the Shinde group, said Ambadas Danve

Reacting to Sawant’s statement, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve said it made clear that the “seeds of betrayal” were already there in the minds of the MLAs of the Shinde group.

The reasons given for the rebellion such as Thackeray not meeting party MLAs regularly or Sena ministers and MLAs not getting funds were hollow excuses, said Danve, a Thackeray loyalist.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The metropolis could be in for a dry and thirsty summer, despite having seen excessive rainfall--which continued well into October--last monsoon season.

At the end of October, the dams had 97% water storage. Now, stored water in the seven reservoirs that supply water to Mumbai is down to 37% of the total capacity, less than the 40% from this time last year.

Udhrav Vaitrana, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Madhya Vaitrana, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi supply Mumbai with 3,800 MLD (million litres a day) of water. The current stored water will have to last

Last year's excessive rainfall saw the Modak Sagar overflowing in July. —FILE PHOTO

MEANWHILE Udhrav Vaitrana, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Madhya Vaitrana, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi provide Mumbai 3,800 MLD water

Mumbaikars for four months, including two months of summer.

Already, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced a 15% water cut across Mumbai for 30 days beginning March 31 to fix a hole in a crucial supply tunnel. With the mercury rising, more cuts could soon follow, especially if the current odd spells of rainfall affect the onset of the monsoon.

IN

During his visit to

PM CONDOLES

—Eknath Shinde, CM

3 September 1950— 29 March 2023

Mumbai: A government white paper on the key projects that “left the state”--including the Vedanta Foxconn one, Tata’s Airbus unit and the bulk drug park--will be released within seven to eight days, state Industries Minister Uday Samant has said.

Queer tribal student leader at TISS alleges discrimination

Claims, was not allowed at event over ‘inappropriate’ outfit; professor says will look into it

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The students’ union president of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has alleged discrimination after they were turned away from a lecture on March 25 for wearing “inappropriate attire”.

Pratik Permey, who identifies as trans, took to Twitter to voice their discomfiture.

“I was invited to the Ambedkar Memorial Lecture as a representative of the students’ union, to welcome the guests and do some formalities. When I reached the venue, around 6 pm I showed up in my usual outfit of

I really felt violated and humiliated. My right and my freedom were curbed. Apart from being an indigenous tribal person, I am also queer. (The incident made me feel that) my queerness was not allowed to represent or rather I was not allowed to because of my queerness.

a blouse and a skirt,” they said.

The event was an hour late to begin, and about five minutes before it started, a professor and a few members of the organizing com-

mittee asked them to leave and come back after changing into something more appropriate. They told me, “for an event like this, you cannot wear something

Man gets seven-year RI for 2018 rape of minor girl

First India Bureau

Waiting for kin to lodge abetment complaint: Cops

were curbed. I was not allowed to represent,” the student leader said, adding, “Apart from being an indigenous tribal person, I am also queer. (The incident made me feel that) my queerness was not allowed to represent or rather I was not allowed to because of my queerness.”

A professor responded saying that TISS is known for its inclusive nature and that authorities would look into any incidents of alleged discrimination.

Thane: A special court in the state has convicted a 20-year-old man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act for raping a 14-year-old girl in 2018 and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for seven years. Judge V V Virkar, of a special court on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs6,000 on the convict.

Thane (PTI): A man

who was arrested a year ago for his alleged involvement in a lynching case in the state’s Thane district has been granted bail on the ground that the chargesheet has been filed and he has no criminal antecedents.

Additional Sessions

Judge PM Gupta, in his order of Tuesday, granting bail to the accused Altaf Badshah directed that he should be released after furnishing a bond of Rs50,000.

On March 15 last year, a group of people severely beat a boy in the Bhiwandi area accusing him of theft. The boy died of the injuries

sustained during the beating.

The court noted that the accused has no criminal antecedents and that a co-accused in the case has already been granted bail.

Since the investigation is complete and the chargesheet has been filed, his further custody is not required, said the judge.

like that,” Permey, said, adding that it was not okay for the institute to curb what students wear.

“I really felt violated and humiliated. My right and my freedom

TISS is perhaps the only institution in the country with a genderneutral hostel. TISS is known for its inclusive nature with all supportive mechanisms in place for students of all genders and identities to co-exist, the professor said.

Permey has also expressed incredulity that such an incident occurred on the TISS campus.

The incident occurred in Navi Mumbai on July 19, 2018, when the accused lured the girl, a student of class 9, out of her house under some pretext and raped her, the prosecution told the court.

A case was registered at Vashi police station under POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code.

"The prosecution has proved the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt for which he needs to be convicted and sentenced," the judge noted in the order.

First India Bureau Mumbai: Police have begun the process to register an FIR (First Information Report) in an abetment case in the alleged suicide of Darshan Solanki, at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, officials said on Wednesday. However, they are still waiting for Solanki’s family to lodge a formal police complaint against his hostel mate who was named in his “suicide note”.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into Solanki’s death on Monday said a note, mentioning the name of an engineering student who lived on the same floor of the hostel, was recovered on March 03 from the room of the deceased.

Police are analysing the handwriting in the alleged suicide note by comparing it with Solanki’s handwriting,

Solanki’s family has previously expressed suspicions of foul play. FILE PHOTO

the official said. “Police are seeking answer papers or some other documents submitted by the deceased in his handwriting to IIT Bombay,” he added. Solanki, a first-year student of the B Tech (Chemical) course, allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the seventh floor of a hostel building located on the campus on February 12. His family had claimed he faced discrimination at the IITB for belonging to a Scheduled Caste community and suspected foul play in his death.

Tolls on Mumbai-Pune Expressway to rise 18% from Sat

First India Bureau Mumbai: The roughly 1.5 lakh vehicles that traverse the country’s first access-controlled road will now have to shell out more for the privilege, with tolls on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway rising 18% from April 01.

According to a senior official of the Maharashtra State Road De-

velopment Corporation (MSRDC), the toll increases by 6% annually but it is implemented cumulatively at 18% after every three years, in keeping with a government notification from August 09, 2004.

The toll will not be revised in 2026, meaning the new rates will remain in place until 2030, the official added. About 95km long, the

Toll increases by 6 percent annually, it is implemented cumulatively at 18% after every three years

six-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway was fully operationalized in 2002. Toll is collected at five toll plazas.

Illegal river sand dredging makes rail bridge unsafe; Case filed against two

First India Bureau

Palghar: The illegal dredging of sand from the Vaitarna river is threatening the safety of the rail bridge between Vaitarna and Safale stations, in Palghar district, police said on Wednesday. Vaitarna and Saphale railway stations lie next to Virar on the western line of the Mumbai suburban network.

A criminal offence was registered against two persons recently at Mandvi police station under section 151 of

the Railways Act (Damage to or destruction of certain railway properties), various sections of the Indian Penal Code, and the Environment Protection Act for illegal sand mining.

“During the inspection of the bridge on

Bodyguard of former minister found dead

First india Bureau

Thane: On Wednesday morning, a police constable who had previously served as a bodyguard for a former state minister was discovered dead on railway tracks in Taloja, Thane district. Officials believe that the constable may have taken his own life.

Monday, police found a suction pump was pulling out sand from the Vaitarna river. The pump was found mounted on a boat in the vicinity. The sand was being collected

and heaped at the site,” he said.

Police destroyed the suction pump and the boat. No arrest has been made so far in the case, a police officer said.

The Government Railway Police have identified the deceased constable as Vaibhav Kadam, who was a bodyguard of ex-minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) lead-

er Jitendra Awhad, said an official. Kadam was also one of the accused in a case where a man named Anant Karmuse claimed he was assaulted at Awhad's Thane home due to a Facebook post. According to an official, Kadam is believed to have hurled himself in front of a fast-moving train and perished.

NGT recalls Mumbai Coastal Road construction noise pollution orders

The tribunal had ruled that noise levels in residential areas must not exceed 55dB during the day and 45dB at night

First India Bureau Mumbai: Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), the execution partner of the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) project, has filed a plea, leading to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recalling its orders regarding the project’s construction.

According to the Noise Pollution Rules, the tribunal ruled in August that the maximum allowed noise lev-

el in residential areas during the day should be 55 dB and during the night it should be 45 dB.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been instructed by the tribunal to bring the noise pollution within permissible limits within three weeks. Failure to do so will result in the tribunal taking action against the defaulting agency. Prior to the tribunal’s ruling, AVP Partners’ counsels Ativ

Patel and Siddhant Buxy, representing HCC, argued that any

adverse ruling against their client would be a violation of natural

justice as they were not given a chance to be heard.

A Joint Technical Committee (JTC) had recommended on December 20, 2011 that around 35.60 km of the coastal road be constructed, involving a cost of around Rs5,303 crore. The project is supposed to provide benefits like easy access to basic services and various products, access to improved health and education

facilities, strengthening of the economy by easy transportation of various materials of daily use, etc.

The proposed connectivity project in Mumbai is expected to reduce commuting time by 70% and fuel consumption by 34%, while also reducing carbon footprint. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) was allowed by the Supreme Court to proceed with the pro-

ject, which was halted by a Bombay High Court order. However, contractor HCC has expressed concern that the Board may take coercive action against it in the future. The National Green Tribunal’s Pune bench noted that the prescribed noise levels cannot be maintained due to the construction activity, but also acknowledged that higher noise levels already existed due to traffic and sea waves.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

—Pratik Permey, Student leader, TISS

are the main two of the five toll plazas. —FILE PHOTO

Man granted bail one year after his arrest in Thane lynching case

Sand dredging —FILE PHOTO

During an inspection, cops found a suction pump mounted on a boat pulling sand out from the riverbed

Altaf is accused of beating a boy to death in the Bhiwandi on March last year on suspicion of theft

INDIA’S BOOM IS A DANGEROUS MYTH

BHUTAN ARGUES FOR CHINA AS STAKE-HOLDER IN DOKLAM DISPUTE

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

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.

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

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. 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.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

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.

TOP TWEETS

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

KARNATAKA

BREAKING A JINX IN

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!

400057.

ASHOKA MODY

The writer is a visiting Professor of International Economic Policy at Princeton University, previously worked for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund

UPROAR IN BOTH HOUSES

Parl adjourned amid ruckus by Oppn

Oppositions demanded JPC to probe Adani issue, & raised slogans in support of their demand

BUDGET SESSION

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.

GUESTS OF HONOUR

Ukraine conflict taught us to be self-reliant: Singh

TMC MP s TO PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT IN PARLIAMENT

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.

IN THE COURTYARD

SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS ROCK UTTARAKHAND CRICKET, COACH BOOKED

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.

SEBI-SAHARA FUND: SC ALLOWS PLEA SC SEEKS ANDHRA GOVT’S RESPONSE

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.

GENDER-NEUTRAL LAWS ON MARRIAGE: SC REFUSES TO ENTERTAIN PLEA

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.

RAHUL

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

ESSENTIAL STEPS

Hcountry 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.

Kharge slams PM over his corruption jibe at Oppn

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.

‘CONGRESS MUST ACT AS ‘ELDER BROTHER’ FOR OPPN PARTIES’

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.

GANDHI VICTIM OF CONGRESS CONSPIRACY?

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.

RaGa has been disqualified because of his arrogance: Vaishnaw

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.

Opposition MPs wearing black attires stage a protest in the Lok Sabha demanding a JPC inquiry into the Adani Group issue during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks at the agreement signing ceremony and launch of the 7th round of the Commercial Coal Mine Auction organised by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

‘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

Rajya Sabha LoP, Mallikarjun Kharge holds a like-minded Opposition Party leaders meeting at his chamber in parliament to discuss the strategy for the floor of the House, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Rahul Gandhi

LS SENDS FOREST AMENDMENT BILL TO SELECT PANEL

New Delhi (ANI): National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday said that terrorism in all of its forms and its financing are amongst the most serious threats to international peace and security. He made the remarks at the 18th meeting of the Secretaries of Security Council of SCO member states, underlining that any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation, is unjustifiable.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai today exuded confidence in winning the state Assembly polls slated to take place on May 10 and said that the BJP is an “ever-ready party” which is prepared for the elections.

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

“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,

non-use of force or threat of its use in international relations,

KARNATAKA CHIEF MINISTER ON STATE ASSEMBLY POLLS

Congress is Strong, will win, says Kharge on K’taka Election

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.

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.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrives at the Parliament House, in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

UP CM Yogi Adityanath at a Janata Darshan in Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur (ANI):

“Rahul Gandhi will return to Kolar and begin his Satyameva Jayate Rally. We had requested him to begin the

UP govt clears promotion of 10 IAS officers

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: Apex DPC has approved the promotion of 10 IAS officers of the 1990 batch from Principal Secretary to Upper Chief Secretary in the country’s biggest bureaucracy, Uttar Pradesh.

In this meeting held at Lok Bhavan under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Durga Shankar

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

New Delhi: Mara ThyutliaPy (MTP), or Mara youth organization, which has its headquarters in the Siaha district of southern Mizoram, has decided to permanently close the border between Mizoram and Myanmar on March 29. The decision was made shortly after 3 people were murdered in Myanmar.

and Personnel Dr Devesh Chaturvedi from the UP Government were present. After the approval of the Apex Committee, the file has

ASSAM GOVT SPENT RS 1 CR FROM TIGER CONSERVATION

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.

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

been sent to the Chief Minister for approval.

Post approval from CMO, the order will be issued in this regard. After promotion, all these

BSP

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.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday instructed the officials to deal strictly with those mistreating the weak, helpless, and poor citizens and ensure that no person has to suffer injustice.

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

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

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-

FACING TROUBLE FROM WITHIN AND OUTSIDE

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.

MPs of the

party

told

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.

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.

Bengaluru (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.

Ensure no one suffer injustice: Yogi to officials

Centre’s ‘discrimination’

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav and BSP MP from Ambedkar Nagar Ritesh Pandey.

BJP will return to power: Bommai

COMMODITIES

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

GOLD FALLS `110 PER 10 GM; SILVER

JUMPS `350 PER KG

‘ RBI EXPECTED TO DELIVER 25 BPS HIKE NEXT WEEK’

New Delhi: Gold prices fell by `110 to `58,740 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The yellow metal had closed at `58,850 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver, however, jumped by `350 to `70,100 per kg. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `58,740 per 10 grams, down `110 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. —PTI

MAKEMYTRIP PLANS TO GROW FRANCHISE

BASE BY OVER 50%

Mumbai (PTI): The Reserve Bank may go for a final 25 basis points increase in the current rate hike cycle next week and a reduction would come in only by the end of third quarter of FY24, economists at Axis Bank said on Wednesday.

As per reports, RBI officials met economists on Tuesday, and the latter have suggested the central bank to go for a 25 basis points hike in key rates.

The RBI has been hiking rates with an eye to tame inflation, which mostly remained beyond the upper tolerance limit of 6%.

“I am leaning towards a further and final 0.25 percentage point hike in rates,” Chief Economist at Axis Bank Saugata Bhattacharya said, adding that the hike will tame the stubbornly high core inflation.

He also said the slow-

down in growth visible in anecdotal evidence at present, coupled with some cool down in inflation, should prompt the sixmember Monetary Policy Committee to cut rates by the end of the third quarter of FY24.

He also noted that it is too early to change the “withdrawal of accommodation” stance of the RBI and that some tweaks can

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z RBI officials met economists on Tuesday, and the latter have suggested the central bank to go for a 25 bps hike

z Since May 2022, the RBI has hiked rates by 250 basis points, hurting borrowers z The Reserve Bank has been hiking rates with an eye to tame inflation

India to start coal export by 2025-26: Coal

Minister Joshi

New Delhi (PTI): Asserting that India has adequate coal reserves, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said the country will start exporting the dry fuel by 2025-26.

be expected in the way it is communicated at the next review on April 6. The RBI will shift the stance to “neutral” in June review.

Bhattacharya said there is anecdotal evidence pointing to signs of slowdown in growth, which makes him peg the FY24 real GDP growth estimate at 6%, much below the RBI's own estimate of 6.4%.

He said the evidence in-

cludes working capital cycles getting elongated, nonbank lenders not being able to pass on rate hikes to their borrowers for fear of losing business, low-cost automobile sales getting impacted largely because of higher compliance costs pushing up prices of end goods, and, low and midlevel housing projects witnessing sluggish sales and enquiries.

From a net importer of coal, India is moving towards becoming a net exporter of non-coking coal, Joshi said. The minister also assured of an uninterrupted supply of coal in the approaching summer season — when the peak demand is expected to be 229 GW during April.

Domestic demand for coal is estimated to reach 1,087 million tonnes in the ongoing financial year. The industry meets some parts of its requirements through imports.

India's cumulative total estimated coal reserve as of April 1, 2022, was 3.61 lakh million tonnes (MT).

On a question related to

GOVT LAUNCHES 7TH ROUND OF COAL MINE AUCTIONS

New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched the seventh round of auctions for commercial mining of coal blocks, putting 106 mines under the hammer. Of the total mines offered under the seventh round, 61 blocks are partially explored and 45 mines are fully explored. As many as 95 noncoking coal mines, 10 lignite mines and one coking coal mine are being offered in the latest round of auction.

imports, he said India’s imports of substitutable coal were 90 MT, which will be stopped by 2025-26 when the country will start exporting the dry fuel.

New Delhi: Online travel services provider, MakeMyTrip on Wednesday said it plans to grow its franchise base by over 50% this year to expand its reach in smaller cities and towns across India. The company is seeking to tap into the opportunities provided by the government’s initiative to increase the number of airports in India by adding 80 airports over the next three years, taking the number to 220 by 2025, MakeMyTrip (MMT) said in a statement. —PTI

ONGC TO START OIL

PRODUCTION FROM KG BLOCK IN MAY

No charge on normal UPI payment: NPCI

Maruti Suzuki India sells over 25 lakh units

New Delhi (PTI): Automaker Maruti Suzuki

Sensex rallies 346 pts, Nifty near 17,100 on firm global markets

New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s delayed Krishna Godavari basin KG-D5 project is likely to start crude oil production in May this year and gas output a year later, a senior official said. ONGC was originally to start gas production from Cluster-II fields in block KG-DWN-98/2 (KGD5) in June 2019 and the first oil was to flow in March 2020. The company blamed contracting and supply chains issues due to the pandemic for shifting the start of oil production first to November 2021, then to third quarter of 2022 and now to May 2023. —PTI

ZEEL SETTLES

DISPUTES WITH INDUSIND BANK

New Delhi (PTI): National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Wednesday said there is no charge for the bank account to bank account-based UPI payments or normal UPI payments.

However, interchange charges are only applicable for the prepaid payment instruments (PPI) merchant transactions and there is no charge to customers, NPCI clarified.

NPCI has permitted the PPI wallets to be part of interoperable UPI ecosystem and levied 1.1% charge on unified payment interface (UPI) transactions above `2,000 while using PPI.

“The interchange charges introduced are only applicable for the PPI mer-

TOP TALKING POINTS

z National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said there is no charge for the bank account to bank account-based UPI payments or normal UPI payments

z Interchange charges are only applicable for the prepaid payment instruments (PPI) merchant transactions

chant transactions and there is no charge to customers, and it is further clarified that there are no charges for the bank account to bank accountbased UPI payments (i.E. Normal UPI payments),” it said.

ACROSS SECTORS

New Delhi: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd on Wednesday said it has entered into an agreement with IndusInd Bank Ltd to settle all disputes and claims between the two parties. On February 24, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal stayed the insolvency proceedings that was initiated against Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) on a petition filed by IndusInd Bank before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).—PTI

India Ltd on Wednesday said it has crossed the 25 lakh units milestone of cumulative exports. The company, which started exports with shipments to Bangladesh and Nepal in 1986-87, said it currently exports to nearly 100 countries, including markets in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The 2.5 millionth landmark vehicle is a Maruti Suzuki Baleno, shipped from Gujarat's Mundra Port to Latin America, the company said in a statement.

Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark Sensex rose by 346 points while Nifty closed near the 17,100 level on Wednesday amid fresh foreign fund inflows and firm trends in global markets. Buying in services, realty, commodities and auto stocks also added to the positive momentum.

The 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 346.37 points or 0.60% to finish at 57,960.09. During the day, it jumped 510.48 points or 0.88% to 58,124.20. The broader NSE Nifty climbed 129 points or 0.76% to end at 17,080.70.

INDIA’S MERCHANDISE IMPORTS TO CROSS $700 BILLION IN FY23

New Delhi (PTI): India’s merchandise imports are estimated to grow by about 16% to $710 billion in this fiscal due to a jump in inbound shipments of crude oil, coal, diamonds, chemicals and electronics, a report by economic think tank GTRI said on Wednesday. It also said that the Indian economy will be moderately impacted by weak global demand and recession in large economies.

Six product categories - petroleum, crude oil; coal, coke; diamond, precious metals; chemicals, pharma, rubber, plastics; electronics; and machinery - account for 82% of India's total merchandise imports.

Average increments to drop to 9.1% in 2023

Mumbai (PTI): Average increments are likely to drop to 9.1% this year in almost all sectors following inflation, higher interest rates and a slowdown in the economy, according to a study.

The average increment in 2022 was 9.4%, Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2023 stated on Wednesday. The study found that in 2023 increments are expected to be lower across almost all sectors, compared to 2022 actual increments.

While the Life Sciences sector is expected to witness the highest increments in

2023, the IT sector will likely witness a major drop in increments as compared to last year, the study said.

Additionally, attrition in India reached 19.7% in 2022, up from 19.4% in 2021, it stated.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z Average increments are likely to drop to 9.1% this year in almost all sectors following inflation, higher interest rates

z The average increment in 2022 was 9.4%

z Attrition in India reached 19.7% in 2022, up from 19.4% in 2021

Among the Sensex firms, HCL Technologies, Tata Motors, Hindustan Unilever, NTPC, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra were the major gainers. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank and Asian Paints were the laggards.

` FALLS 15 PAISE TO 82.31 AGAINST US $

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee declined 15 paise to close at 82.31 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday amid a rise in crude prices and a firm greenback in the overseas market. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the domestic unit opened sharply lower at 82.26 and touched an intra-day high of 82.23 and a low of 82.37 against the greenback. It finally ended at 82.31 (provisional), registering a fall of 15 paise over its previous close of 82.16.

OTHER STORIES

NCLAT UPHOLDS `1,337.76 CR FINE ON GOOGLE, MAKE SOME MODIFICATIONS IN CCI ORDER

New Delhi: The NCLAT on Wednesday upheld the orders of the fair trade regulator CCI imposing a penalty of `1,337.76 crore on tech major Google in the Android mobile devices case, with some modifications. A two-member bench of the NCLAT has directed Google to implement the direction and deposit the amount in 30 days. “We upheld this penalty… The appellant (google) is allowed to deposit the penalty” after adjusting 10% of the amount already deposited as per its previous order of January 4 within a period of 30 days, it said. —PTI

HONDA SETS UP DEDICATED UNIT FOR E-2WS IN K’TAKA

New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India on Wednesday said it is setting up a separate unit at its Narsapura plant in Karnataka to roll out electric two-wheelers with the first two models expected to hit the market in the next fiscal itself. The company aims to touch 10 lakh electric vehicles production capacity annually by 2030. “Electric mobility is growing in India and our aim is to build the country’s best EV business structure,” HMSI MD, President and CEO said. —PTI

TATA POWER SOLAR SYSTEMS BAGS 300

MW PROJECT

New Delhi: Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd has bagged a 300 MW project worth `1,755 crore from state-owned NLC Ltd. The company will also do the operation and maintenance of the project for 3 years after the commercial operation declaration. The 300 MW Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) based project located at Barsingar in Bikaner is expected to generate more than 750 million units renewable energy and reduce 6 lakh tonne of CO2 annually. —PTI

TATA POWER PROPOSES NEW 400 KV TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR FOR MUMBAI

Mumbai: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies has proposed setting up of a high voltage 400 KV line corridor for Mumbai, to the state government and the state regulatory authority. This new transmission corridor of 400 KV will help meet the city’s growing electricity demand and enhance electricity distribution to as high as 15,000MW in future. —FIB

The Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2023 study is based on a survey in January 2023.

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

HC grants interim protection to AAP leader in SC/ST Act case

Division bench of Justices SB

Shukre and Miling Sathaye also stayed investigation into the case for four weeks

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection from any coercive action to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Executive member and its Mumbai unit president Preeti Sharma Menon and another party worker in connection with a case filed against them under the stringent SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

A division bench of Justices SB Shukre and Miling Sathaye also stayed investigation into the case for four weeks.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Menon and her party colleague Manu Pillai seeking to quash the FIR (first information report) registered against them.

The FIR was lodged on March 16, 2023, at the

Malegaon case: 31st witness turns ‘hostile’

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A witness who is related to an absconding accused on Wednesday became the 31st prosecution witness to turn hostile in the 2008 Malegaon blast trial, in which BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur, is one of the key accused. The witness, in his statement to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), had allegedly said that this absconding accused had met Pragya Thakur on multiple occasions.

Crucially, he had allegedly also told the investigative agency that he had seen the abscond-

ing accused riding a motorcycle which purportedly belonged to Thakur. The probe agency had claimed that this motorbike was found at the blast site.

However, during his deposition on Wednesday, the witness told the court that these statements were not true. Following which, the court declared him as hostile.

Earlier, during a deposition two days ago, a retired IPS officer denied that he had accorded sanction to prosecute the accused in the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to bolster the theory of “saffron terrorism” being behind such attacks.

Andheri police station in suburban Mumbai on a complaint of AAP member Sanjay Kamble.

According to the complainant, who joined the AAP last year, on February 24 when the party's national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was in Mumbai along with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, he (Kamble) raised an is-

Asking

Mumbai (PTI): A magistrate's court here on Wednesday imposed a cost of Rs 1,000 on Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut for seeking adjournment in a defamation complaint filed against him by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.

The matter was listed for cross-examination of Medha Somaiya by Raut's lawyer.

But the lawyer sought adjournment for the day, stating that the defence was not ready for cross-examination.

Metropolitan Magistrate (Sewree court) PI Mokashi allowed adjournment, but imposed a cost of Rs1,000 on the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader. The next hearing will be on April 10.

Somaiya moved the court claiming that Raut made baseless allegations that she and her husband were involved in a Rs100 Cr scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets in Mira Bhayander area.

Active nCoV tally tops 2.5K with 483 additions, 3 deaths

ble spoke at the meeting, Menon is alleged to have said that his "mentality was low", while Pillai assaulted him. Kamble was allegedly not allowed to leave the party office, where a lot of sloganeering took place.

First India Bureau Mumbai: The state on Wednesday witnessed 483 new cases of COVID-19, taking the overall tally to 81,42,992, the health department said.

sue of mismanagement at a meeting.

At that time Pillai allegedly made casteist comments, he said.

Following this, Kamble asked Menon to take action against her party colleague, as per the complaint.

Later, on March 10, another meeting was held at AAP's Andheri office to discuss some organisational issues.

However, when Kam-

Based on the complaint, Menon and Pillai were booked under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 500 (defamation), 504 (intentional insult) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Menon, in her plea, has denied all the charges and claimed the FIR was lodged under the influence of rival political parties.

Three patients succumbed to the infection in the state--for the second consecutive day-pushing up the toll to 1,48,441, said the department in a bulletin.

On Tuesday, Maharashtra had reported 450 COVID-19 cases and three fatalities.

According to the bulletin, 11,628 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking their cumulative count to 8,66,07,675.

The Mumbai administrative circle reported the highest 268 cases, followed by 130 in the Pune circle, 24 in Kolhapur, 22 in Nashik, 12 in Nagpur, nine each in Latur, Akola and Aurangabad circles, said

CM honoured with DLitt from DY Patil deemed University

First India Bureau

Thane: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been awarded D.Litt by DY Patil deemed University in Navi Mumbai for his contribution to the political and social fields.

The chancellor of Dr DY Patil University also awarded the D.Litt. to Vijay Darda-the chairman of the editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and veteran parliamentarian--at the 17th convocation ceremony held on Tuesday in the presence of governor Ramesh Bais and others.

Darda, who received the honour for his contribution to the fields of social service and media, said it was a very prestigious, respected and inspiring award.

“This award is very special for me as it is given by an educational institution like DY Patil, which is one

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde —FILE PHOTO

Vijay Darda, Chairman of the editorial board of Lokmat Media Group, also received the honour

of the most reputed and internationally acclaimed universities. What makes the degree very significant for me is that it is conferred on me for my service to socie -

REITERATED DEMANDS

ty,” he said.

Darda said this degree was a tribute to the ideals and teachings of his father and Lokmat Media Group founder Jawaharlal Darda.

“I have carried forward his teachings through my work towards social development while discharging my responsibilities as a journalist, parliamentarian, educationist, author, thinker, social worker and philanthropist,” he said.

Of the 2,506 active COVID-19 cases, the highest (731) are in Mumbai districts followed by 637 in Pune and 455 in Thane.

the department.

An administrative circle consists of multiple districts.

Of the eight circles, Kolhapur reported two deaths and the Mumbai circle one fatality.

According to the bulletin, Mumbai city witnessed 139 COVID-19 cases, but zero fatalities, taking the overall tally to 11,55,801, while the death toll remained unchanged at 19,747.

The financial capital

of the county has reported more than 100 cases for the fourth time in the last few days.

The number of recoveries rose to 79,92,045 after 317 patients recuperated from the viral infection during the day. State’s active caseload crossed the 2,500-mark (2,506) from 2,343 a day ago, said the department.

As per the bulletin, recovery rate stood at 98.15%, while the case fatality rate was 1.82%.

BJP’s Savarkar Yatra to begin Apr 02 in Aurangabad

Aurangabad (PTI):

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Gaurav Yatra’ in support of late Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar in Aurangabad district will start from April 02, the party’s local leadership announced on Wednesday.

This came a day after the BJP announced that Savarkar Gaurav Yatras would be taken out in each district to honour Savarkar's contribution to the country and to counter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism against him.

The Savarkar Gaurav Yatra in Aurangabad will commence on April 02 from Nirala Bazar where the statue of Savarkar is located, said BJP's city president Shirish Boralkar. The Yatra will go on in one constituency for two days, he said.

In a press meet, BJP leader and state Co-operative Minister Atul Save said, “For the past few days, leaders of op-

position parties are using insulting words against Savarkar. The people of Maharashtra cannot tolerate this for long. Therefore, BJP has decided to take out Savarkar Gaurav Yatra in every constituency,” he said.

The first rally of Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders is also scheduled in Aurangabad on April 02 on Marathwada Sanskrutik Mandal ground. Former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Congress state unit president Nana Patole will address the rally here.

Modi govt scared of JPC probe into Adani issue, alleges Congress

Addressing the press in Mumbai, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused Centre of showing special favour to the Adani group

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Congress has reiterated its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani issue and alleged that the Modi government was scared of this inquiry.

“The Congress has demanded that the Adani scam be investigated by a JPC. But the Modi government is scared of it. Why is the Modi government afraid of a JPC inquiry into the Adani scam?” Congress spokesperson Pawan

Khera asked, addressing a press conference here on Wednesday.

“Who has invested Rs 20,000 crore in Adani Group of industries?

This investment involves a citizen of China. Who is that person?

Rahul Gandhi had raised this issue so that the people of the country should be informed about it,” he said.

Khera accused the Modi government of showing special favour to the Adani group.

“Adani was given a loan from the SBI (State Bank of India). Prime

Minister Narendra Modi pressured the Sri Lankan government to

award power sector contracts in that country to him. Modi lobbied

for Adani to get the power supply contract in Bangladesh. LIC

(Life Insurance Corporation) investors were forced to invest their money in Adani’s firm,” the Congress leader claimed. He said by questioning the relationship between Adani and Modi, Rahul Gandhi put the central government on edge.

A large part of Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech was expunged.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s question on Adani was also removed from the proceedings of Parliament, Khera said.

The Congress has

been persistent in its attack on the government weeks after Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses after US short seller Hindenburg Research alleged in a report that the Adani group was “engaged in a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud”, and used offshore shell companies to inflate stock prices. The group has denied all Hindenburg allegations, calling them “malicious”, “baseless” and a “calculated attack on India”.

AICC Media, Publicity dept chairman and Spokesperson Pawan Khera (C) along with MPCC chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe (L) and AICC Spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra address the press in Mumbai on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

6 people were killed and more than 100 injured on Sept 29, 2008, when an explosive device went off near a mosque in Malegaon.

—FILE PHOTO

Min Save made the announcement. —FILE PHOTO

Attempt the Impossible!

er give up 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

“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 9

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

YOUR DAY

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

DECODING KEY Reasons For A LONGER LIFE SPAN

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 ef fects of ageing. To live a long er and healthier life, you need to take care of your body. Eat ing 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 im portant contributors to a long human life span. Nutrientdense foods, fruits, and vege tables are laden with impor tant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

They maintain the shape and structure of the cell. This intact damage free cell struc ture prevents the cell from

Apart from lifestyle changes,genes play a very important role in determining longevity. Studies reveal that 25% of

pathways have been associated with deter mining longevi ty in human beings. Many genes related to the human life span are identi fied. They are being studied for important clues and treat ment options to delay ageing and help with neurodegener ative diseases.

Social relationships also play a very important role in determining the human life span and longevity. Research repeatedly shows that peo ple with healthy, warm, positive relationship atti tudes enjoy longer life spans

Environmental factors help in determining longev ity 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 lon gevity 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 someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

DR. GAAYATHRI PALLAUH MBBS

Down the memory lane DINNER DATE

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.

The Iconic Poo

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."

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.”

Rakul’s Wednesday WORKOUT

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.

Hal Myung Soo CUTEST REACTION

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 al bum 'ME' on the 31st. At midnight on March 29th, Jisoo's solo album title song 'FLOWER' music video teaser video was released, raising ex pectations for his comeback. The vid eo of about 21 sec onds 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.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Hailey Bieber Jisoo Parineeti Chopra

Priyanka Chopra

Her post...

Rakul Preet Singh

Sunny Kaushal on the Devar - Bhabhi Bond

pecting that but that was sweet.”

He shared, “Sometimes when we are all sitting together, Katrina and I are just engaged in conversation with each other and other family members just keep waiting for our conversation to end so they too can talk. But we love talking, and we have a lot of topics that are so similar between us that we love talking about them.”

SANDEEPA BEGINS PREP FOR HER NEXT

of which are kept under wraps right now. A source reveals, “Sandeepa has arrived in Delhi on Monday, 27th March and will begin shooting for the show from 1st April. Currently, she’s preparing for the role with script reading sessions, fittings and trials etc.”

In addition to being an actor, Sandeepa is also a trained dancer. Having to lead the international musical West Side Story, Sandeepa Dhar was the only Indian artist in the show.

Sunny shared that Katrina surprised him with something really special on his birthday two years ago. The actor said, “I love sneakers so on my birthday two years ago, she got a really big sneaker-shaped cake, my favourite sneakers. I wasn’t ex -

Allu Arjun completes 20 years

Allu Arjun has been acclaimed as a pan-Indian sensation af ter Pushpa's phenomenal success. The actor recently thanked the film commu nity and his fans on so cial media for supporting him for all this years as he completes 20 years in the entertain ment business.

The actor who made his debut in the year 2003 with the film “Gangotri”, posted the following “Today, I complete 20 years in the

"Game Changer" receives praises

Ram Charan's birthday celebrations have become a viral phenomenon. The Global Star who made India proud with his astute humility, grace and charm in Hollywood, carried himself with the same humble attitude for his key ap pearances in India post oscars.

From a leading conclave in New Delhi where he awed the audiences with his sweet statements, to his viral birthday images where he is seen taking care of his wife, Upasana and also requesting all media pre sent to have their dinner. His best gift to his fans on his birthday was the much-awaited title announcement and poster of RC 15 which is now helmed as "Game Changer." The poster has got a thumbsup from netizens and fans alike!

"The most expected project of #GlobalStarRamcharan has finally received a title on the occasion of his birthday; #GameChanger is all things dynamic & high-octance just like #Ramcharan, the announcement has created a tremendous buzz amongst the audience #HBDGlobalStarRamCharan" Shubham Sahu @ivShubham_IN. “After delivering some of the biggest&most iconic blockbusters #GlobalStarRamcharan an nounces the title&reveals the new look of his 15th film on his bday, #GameChanger his look has amped up the hype amongst the audience as he looks ultra dapper #Ramcharan #HBDGlobalStarRam Charan” Sushil K Kashyap, @Sush ilKashyap01. “On the special day of #GlobalStarRamCharan’s bday, he gifted his fans with the title announcement & first look of his upcoming project #Ga meChanger #Ramcharan” @AAPved.

film industry. I am extremely blessed and have been showered with love. I am grateful to all my people from the industry. I am what I am because of the love of the audience, admirers, and fans... Gratitude forever.” Allu Arjun’s post has been received with much love from fans and his colleagues from the industry. Among the many wishes pouring in all from all corners of the film fraternity, the biggest wish came from none other than megastar Chiranjeevi.

Sunny had welcomed Katrina to the family with an adorable post on insta while referring to her as "Parjai Ji", which means sister-inlaw in Punjabi. Katrina and Sunny’s photos together are also proof that they share an unbreakable bond. On the work front, Sunny recently delivered a terrific performance in Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga. Sunny starred opposite Yami Gautam in the same.

GREETINGS!

A New Storm To Hit Akshara's life?

The longest-running show on Indian television is Yeh

Rishta Kya Kehlata

Hai, produced by Rajan Shahi! The show explores varied emotions and relationships. Harshad Chopda and Pranali

Rathod essay the role of Abhimanyu and Akshara are fondly addressed as AbhiRa by their ardent fans. Harshad Chopda who essays the role of Abhimanyu in Star Plus

Show Yeh Rishta Kya

Kehlata Hai opined

about the new twist that awaits to enter his life, " The show has reached a crucial yet interesting turn, it will be intriguing to watch the drama that unfolds. Akshara has to make the decision to reach out to Abhimanyu for help but medically. Akshara can go to any extent for her son."

Not So Royal Sara!

Sara Ali Khan is all set to play a distressed woman who is returning to her home, a princely estate to find her missing father in Gaslight. The actor herself is sort of a princess — her father

Saif Ali Khan is the tenth Nawab of Patau-

But the Kedarnath actress does not associate herself with royals despite her lineage. In a recent interview, she spoke about having a nor-

mal upbringing in Mumbai and living a simple life away from royalty.

The actor said, “I find it ridiculous when people think that. I don’t associate myself as a royal.” Sharing how she is very much a Mumbai girl, she added, “I’ve lived in Juhu in Mumbai most of my life with my mother. I go to Bandra to meet my dad. I holiday in Himachal Pradesh and Kedarnath and Jammu and Kashmir. Like seriously, I don’t know what royal means.”

Sunny Kaushal

Katrina Kaif

Sandeepa Dhar

Her story...

Allu Arjun

Ram Charan

Sara Ali Khan

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Mitali Dusad of the First India family as she reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of her birthday on Wednesday.

Harshad Chopda and Pranali Rathod