First India-Jaipur Edition-31st December 2022

PASSING AWAY OF

A TRINITY...

DR. JAGDEESH CHANDRA

Every mother is great and special in a sense but if we try to describe the qualities of Heeraben ‘Hiraba’ Modi, mother of PM Narendra Modi, we would probably have to coin new words as the dictionaries of all the languages may not do justice to the woman who gave birth to a great and visionary leader like Modi and who herself was an icon in the values of simplicity and humility.

“Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gareeyasi” (Mother and motherland are superior to the highest heavens), the hemistich of a Sanskrit shloka from Ramayana has, over eons, been the core value of the Bharatiya culture and ethos, as these words were said by Ram to his brother Laxman. This was truly the teaching that the centenarian Hiraba Modi ji, mother of PM Narendra Modi, also inculcated and planted in a young Narendra, which has, over the decades, now become

a towering tree, under whom the nation can ‘shelter’.

The entire nation is bereaved at the death of Hiraba Modi and we pay tribute to this mother who gave birth to a son like Narendra Modi who has made the country proud. The Motherland too is indebted to her and pays homage to her. Even though her son ‘Narendra’ is at the highest position, guiding the nation as the PM of the World’s largest democracy, she led her life as an epitome of simplicity and humility, indeed a lesson for all of us and a source of highest motivation. It is certainly true that regardless of the highest position that the son might be holding, the Mother will always remain supreme and higher than him and nobody knew, understood and lived this eternal truth more than Narendra Modi as he always lived under the shelter of the blessings of his mother at her feet.

In fact, even though she has been one of the epicenters of

his life, the other being the Motherland, she had only twice shared a political stage with his son – once after the success of Ekta Yatra of 1991 when he unfurled the Tiranga at Lal Chowk in Kashmir and the other when he was sworn in as the CM of Gujarat.

The close bond between the mother and her son was clearly visible even though she continued to stay at Gandhinagar, visiting PM’s official residence at 7 Race Course Road, now 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in Delhi, only once. Hiraba Modi, a woman with a core strength of traditional values supported her son, Narendra Modi in all his endeavours, such as depositing her personal savings in PM-Cares Fund for Covid-19 pandemic.

Hiraba Modi lived past 100, and as PM Narendra Modi said remembering ‘Maa’ after her funeral, “In Maa, I have always felt the trinity, which includes the journey of an ascetic, the symbol of a selfless karma yogi and a life committed to values…”

PM

Hiraba with Narendra Modi when he was sworn in as Gujarat CM in 2001.

Modi with his mother Hiraba Modi in Gandhinagar when she turned 100 on June 18, 2022.

If I look back at my parents’ lives, their honesty and self-respect have been their biggest qualities. Despite struggling with poverty and its accompanying challenges, my parents never left the path of honesty or compromised on their self-respect. They had only one mantra to overcome any challenge - hard work, constant hard work!

M THER

Mother – is not just any other word in the dictionary. It encompasses a whole range of emotions – love, patience, trust, and a lot more. Across the world, irrespective of country or region, children have a special affection for their mothers.

A mother not only gives birth to her children, but also shapes their mind, their personality, and their self-confidence. And while doing so, mothers selflessly sacrifice their own personal needs and aspirations.

Today, I feel extremely happy and fortunate to share that my mother Smt. Heeraba is entering her hundredth year. This is going to be her birth centenary year. If my father had been alive, he too would have celebrated his 100th birthday last week. 2022 is a special year as my mother’s centenary year is starting, and my father would have completed his.

Just last week, my nephew shared a few videos of Mother from Gandhinagar. A few youngsters from the society had come home, my father’s photograph was kept on a chair, there was a kirtan, and Mother was immersed in singing bhajans while playing the manjeera. She is still the same - age may have taken a toll physically, but she is as mentally alert as ever.

Earlier, there was no custom of celebrating birthdays in our family. However, children from the younger generations planted 100 trees to remember my father on his birthday.

I have no doubt that everything good in my life, and all that is good in my character, can be attributed to my parents. Today, as I sit in Delhi, I am filled with memories from the past.

Mother never expected us, children, to leave our studies and assist her with the household chores. She never even asked us for help. However, looking at her work so hard, we considered helping her our foremost duty. I used to really enjoy swimming in the local pond. So, I used to take all the dirty clothes from home and wash them at the pond. The washing of clothes and my play, both used to get done together.

ONLY TAKE FOOD AS MUCH AS YOU CAN EAT, MOTHER SAID

Mother insisted on not wasting a single grain of food. Whenever there was a wedding feast in our neighbourhood, she would remind us to not waste any food. There was a clear rule in the house - only take as much as you can eat. Even today, Mother takes only as much food in the thali as she can eat and doesn’t waste even a morsel.

mother’s image.

A mother’s penance creates a good human being. Her affection fills a child with human values and empathy. A mother is not an individual or a personality, motherhood is a quality. It is often said that the Gods are made according to the nature of their devotees. Similarly, we experience our mothers and their motherhood according to our own nature and mindset.

My Mother was born in Visnagar in Mehsana in Gujarat, which is quite close to my hometown Vadnagar. She did not get her own mother’s affection. At a tender age, she lost my grandmother to the Spanish Flu pandemic. She does not even remember my grandmother’s face or the comfort of her lap. She spent her entire childhood without her mother. She could not throw tantrums at her mother, as we all do. She could not rest in her mother’s lap like we all do. She could not even go to school and learn to read and write. Her childhood was one of poverty and deprivation.

Compared to today, Mother's childhood was extremely difficult. Perhaps, this is what the Almighty had destined for her. Mother also believes that this was God’s will. But losing her mother early in her childhood, the fact that she couldn’t even see her mother’s face, continues to give her pain.

Mother did not have much of a childhood due to these struggles – she was forced to grow beyond her age. She was the eldest child in her family and became the eldest daughter-in-law after marriage. In her childhood, she used to take care of the entire family and manage all the chores. After marriage too, she picked up all these responsibilities. Despite the onerous responsibilities and everyday struggles, Mother held the entire family together with calm and fortitude.

In my Mother’s life story,

In Vadnagar, our family used to stay in a tiny house which did not even have a window, let alone a luxury like a toilet or a bathroom. We used to call this one-room tenement with mud walls and clay tiles for a roof, our home. And all of us - my parents, my siblings and I, stayed in it. My father made a machaan from bamboo sticks and wooden planks to make it easier for Mother to cook food. This structure was our kitchen. Mother used to climb on the machaan to cook, and the entire family would sit on it and eat together.

Usually, scarcity leads to stress. However, my parents never let the anxiety from the daily struggles overwhelm the family atmosphere. Both my parents carefully divided their responsibilities and fulfilled them. Like clockwork, my father used to leave for work at four in the morning. His footsteps would tell the neighbours that it is 4 AM and Damodar Kaka is leaving for work. Another daily ritual was to pray at the local temple before opening

see the penance, sacrifice, and contribution of India’s matrushakti. Whenever I look at Mother and crores of women like her, I find there is

his little tea shop.

Mother was equally punctual. She would also wake up with my father, and finish many chores in the morning itself. From grinding grains to sifting rice and daal, Mother had no help. While working she would hum her favourite bhajans and hymns. She loved a popular bhajan by Narsi Mehta Ji‘Jalkamal chhadi jane bala, swami amaro jagse’. She also liked the lullaby, ‘Shivaji nu halardu’.

Mother never expected us, children, to leave our studies and assist her with the household chores. She never even asked us for help. However, looking at her work so hard, we considered helping her our foremost duty. I used to really enjoy swimming in the local pond. So, I used to take all the

Mother used to wash utensils at a few houses

the

She would also take out time to spin the charkha to supplement our meagre income. She would do everything from peeling cotton to spinning yarn. Even in this back-breaking work, her prime concern was ensuring that the cotton thorns don’t prick us.

Mother avoided depending on others or requesting others to do her work. Monsoons would bring their own troubles for our mud house. However, Mother ensured that we faced minimum discomfort. In the searing heat of June, she would clamber over the roof of our mud house and repair the tiles. However, despite her valiant efforts, our house was too old to withstand the onslaught of the rains.

A creature of habit, she eats on time and chews her food to digest it properly. To read more, scan the barcode or visit www.firstindia.co.in

dirty clothes from home and wash them at the pond. The washing of clothes and my play, both used to get done together.

to help meet

household expenses.

—Narendra Modi

I

nothing that is unachievable for Indian women

On June 18 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a personal blog on his mother Hiraba Modi's 100th birthday

I don’t understand your work in the government, but I just want you to never take a bribe.

—MY MOTHER SAID

MOM NEVER EXPECTED US TO ASSIST HER WITH HOMELY CHORES

NEW YEAR’S EVE!

As the year 2022 comes to an end, nation witnessed a motherly loss as PM Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraba Modi breathed her last on Friday. The year remained replete with tumultous events including Ukraine war, India’s G20 presidency and more.

1940 TO 2022

FOOTBALL LEGEND

PELE DIES AT 82

P ele, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Brazil footballing legend and three-time World Cup winner, died at the age of 82 on Friday early. He was widely considered to be football’s first global superstar. Pele had been treated for colon cancer, following surgery to remove a tumour in Sept 2021.

Following Argentina’s WC triumph, Pele shared a photo of their team lifting the trophy on social media, praising squad leader Lionel Messi, France’s rising star Kylian Mbappe, and surprise semi-finalists Morocco.

GOVT HIKES RATES ON NSC, OTHER SCHEMES FROM JAN 1

SECURITY NEAR RAHUL GANDHI DURING YATRA UPGRADED

GLORIOUS CENTURY RESTS!

The family of PM Narendra Modi expresses gratitude to everyone for their prayers for Hiraba Modi, who passed away at 100 on Friday, say the family sources of the Prime Minister

Moni Sharma

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraba Modi, 100, passed away at UN Mehta Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad on Friday. A glorious century rests at the feet of God, Modi said while informing about her demise.

Modi who reached Gujarat this morning first paid tribute to her at her Raysan residence in Gandhinagar and then carried the bier with the mortal remains to the crematorium for the last rites. “We thank everyone for their prayers in these tough times. It is our humble request to everyone to keep departed soul in their thoughts and continue with their pre-decided schedule and commitments. That would be a befitting tribute to Hiraba,” family sources said.

She was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday due to some health issues. The hospital authorities on Thursday had said that her condition was improving. More on P6

Hrs after cremating mom, grief-struck Modi at work

In Maa I have always felt that trinity, which contains the journey of an ascetic, the symbol of a selfless Karmayogi and a life committed to values. When I met her on her 100th birthday, she said one thing, which is always remembered that is work with intelligence, live life with purity.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Pant injured in horrific accident, cop says, ‘ he is lucky to survive’

First India Bureau

Narsan: Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant was seriously injured in a accident while driving home from Delhi to Roorkee at Narsan, Haridwar. According to police, he was alone in the car when his Mercedes GLE car hit divider railings on the DelhiHaridwar NH at 5.30 am.

New Delhi/Kolkata:

After virtually flagging off Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, PM Modi said that a nationwide campaign is going on to transform the Indian Railway. According to PMO, Modi listed modern trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas Hum Safar and VistaDome coaches and the modernisation of railway stations including New Jalpaiguri, doubling and electrification of Railway lines as examples of this modernization. Modi also highlighted strides made in fields of Railway safety, cleanliness, coordination, capability, punctuality and facilities. He said while 20,000 route km rail lines were electrified in 1st 70 years of Independence, 32,000 route km have been electrified since 2014.

SP Swapn Kishor Singh said that, “Pant sustained injuries on his forehead, a hand and right knee. Car was completely burnt, he is lucky to survive.”

MEMBERSHIP OF MARION BIOTECH SUSPENDED

New

7 FEARED DROWNED AS BOAT CAPSIZES WITH 14 PEOPLE ON BOARD IN BIHAR’S MANER

when 14 labourers were returning to Brahmachari village under Maner police station area after collecting fodder from Saran diara area. Maner station house officer Rajeev Ranjan said rescue workers were scouring the river near Mahavir Tola ghat, where the incident took place.

‘Rebel’ MLAs start withdrawing resignations

by Congress MLAs were not in a position to face the court therefore a plan to withdraw the resignations has been executed.

CBI ARRESTS AO ATTACHED TO SW COMMAND, 6 MORE

The matter pertains to getting clearances for bills without objection

Singh Parmar & Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: The process of withdrawing the resignations submitted by the MLAs on September 25 has started. The 90 MLAs, who had given their resignations on 25 September after a Legislative meeting at the residence of parliamentary affairs minister Shanti Dhariwal, are now writing a one line

letter to Speaker Dr CP Joshi saying, “I am voluntarily withdrawing my resignation.” The MLAs, who were miffed at reports of replacement of Chief Minister, are now writing a letter

following the instructions of Chief Whip Mahesh Joshi.

Meanwhile, Deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore said that those behind the episode of resignation

He said that the MLAs had handed over the resignation letter to the Speaker and it was not necessary to make any inquiry. He said that it was not possible that 91 MLAs were forced to resign.

Rathore said that as per the assembly procedure rule 173, the resignations were needed to be accepted with immediate effect but it was delayed.

Jaipur (FIB): CBI has arrested a 1998-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer Uma Shankar Prasad Kushwaha attached to Army’s South Western Command in Jaipur in a `10 lakh bribery case. The CBI also seized `40 lakh in cash during searches. Ram Roop Meena, an accounts officer posted at IFA office, Vijay Nama, a junior translator, and alleged middleman Rajendra Singh of Jaipur-based Tanushree Services were also arrested. Turn to P4

PM NARENDRA MODI BIDS FINAL GOODBYE TO MOTHER HEERABEN “HIRABA”

PM Narendra Modi carries mortal remains of his mother Hiraba Modi during her funeral procession, in Gandhinagar on Friday. PM Narendra Modi during cremation of his mother Hiraba.

President of India @rashtrapatibhvn Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraba’s hundred years of struggle is a symbol of Indian ideals. Modi imbibed the spirit of ‘#Matradevobhav’ and the values of Hiraba in his life. I pray for the peace of the holy soul. My condolences to the family!

NATION STANDS WITH PM MODI, SAYS SHAH

BUS DRIVER AND CONDUCTOR SAVED RISHABH PANT’S LIFE

WORLD LEADERS OFFER HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES HM Amit Shah expressed grief over demise of Modi’s mother Hiraba. In a series of tweets, Shah said, “The struggles Heera Ba faced to nurture the family is a role model for all. Her sacrificial ascetic life will always be remembered. The entire nation stands with Modi and his family.”

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was saved by the driver and conductor of a Haryana Roadways bus, when he met with an accident early Friday morning.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida was one of the first world leaders to offer condolences to Modi over passing away of his mother, Hiraba. Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also expressed sadness over death of Modi’s mother. Ex-SL PM Rajapaksa, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov and others condoled demise.

The demise of PM Modi’s revered mother Heera ba brings to an end the life of an ascetic. Each and every Swayamsevak of the RSS offers tributes to the departed soul. Mataji remained committed to values and had an unwavering faith in the Almighty despite the extreme difficulties she endured in her life. She led a dutiful and meaningful life.

—Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief

The news of the demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, Hira Ba is extremely sad. At this difficult time, I extend my deepest condolences and love to him and his family.

—Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader

Shivendra

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses the Sikh delegation in presence of Sukhjinder Randhawa and Gurmeet Singh Kooner at CMR on Friday.

With Randhawa at helm, issues in Rajasthan Congress being addressed

Charred remains of Rishabh’s car after it rammed into a divider and caught fire on Delhi-Dehradun NH, in Roorkee on Friday.

Injured Rishabh Pant receives treatment at a hospital.

Delhi: India’s pharma exports body the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) today suspended the membership of Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd after the company failed to reply to the council on the report on children’s death allegedly caused by their cough syrup.

Patna: At least seven people are feared drowned after a country-made boat with 14 people on board capsized in the river near Maner’s Mahavir Tola in rural Patna. Patna SSP Manavjit Singh Dhillon said that seven people went missing following the boat mishap,

DONALD TRUMP’S TAX RETURNS RELEASED

Washington: Democrats in Congress released six years’ worth of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns on Friday, the culmination of a yearslong effort to learn about finances of a onetime business mogul who broke decades of political norms when he refused to voluntarily release info as he sought the White House.

IRKED BY ‘JAI SHRI RAM’ CHANTS, CM

MAMATA REFUSES TO GO ON STAGE

Kolkata: WB CM Mamata Banerjee showed great statesmanship as she praised PM Modi for taking the time to honour his commitment to inaugurate a slew of railway projects. Unruly scenes were witnessed at Howrah station before PM virtually flagged off the new Vande Bharat Express.

Mamata, who was present at venue along with Union minister Ashwini Vaishnav and other leaders of BJP, was greeted by chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ by crowd at the station.

This left Mamata irked and she complained about the crowd’s behaviour to Governor CV Ananda Bose.

First India Bureau

Rahul Gandhi’s security during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The meeting was attended by Anil Chaudhary & others.

New Delhi: The government on

hiked

interest rates on small deposits

including post office term deposits, NSC and senior citizen savings scheme — by up to 1.1 percentage points from January 1, in line with firming interest rates in the economy.

SUU KYI FACES 33-YEAR PRISON AFTER FINAL CLOSED TRIAL

Bangkok: A court in military-ruled Myanmar convicted the country’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi of corruption Friday, sentencing her to seven years in prison in the last of a string of criminal cases against her, a legal official said.

—PHOTOS BY PTI

Jaipur (PTI): Bringing respite to residents from days of teeth-chattering cold, the mercury rose by a few notches in most parts of Rajasthan on Friday.

The minimum temperature in Bikaner and Karauli on Thursday night settled at 7.1 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.

Chittorgarh recorded a low of 9 degrees Cel-

AAP leaders protest over paper leak, submit memorandum

sius, Churu 9.1 degrees Celsius, Bhilwara 9.2 degrees Celsius, Ganganagar 9.3 degrees Celsius, Sangaria (Hanumangarh) 9.5 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer 9.6 degrees Celsius and Sikar 10 degrees Celsius.

In Jaipur, the minimum temperature was 11.9 degrees Celsius.

However, the relief is likely to be short-lived.

The weather department has predicted a

drop in temperatures and dense fog in NorthWest Rajasthan from December 31 onwards.

Despite fluctuating weather conditions, there has been increase in arrival of tourists, said Dr. Mahendra Khadgawat, department of archaeology.

“In 6 days from December 24 to 29, the arrival of more than 2.52 lakh tourists was recorded in Jaipur.”

Traders meet participants from 22 countries in Jaipur

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Under the special program of the Government of India, 34 participants from 22 countries visited various industrial units of Jaipur in the last 4 days and got to know the business module of Rajasthan in detail. They visited handicraft venture of Jaswant Meel, a prominent entrepreneur and patron of AR-

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Leaders and workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday staged a protest outside Jaipur District Collectorate against incidents of paper leak in Rajasthan. The protesters submitted a memorandum to District Collector and demanded a CBI probe into matter.

AAP leaders including Poonam Chand Bhandari, Saurabh Chaudhary, Vinod Modi, and others raised slogans against state govt. “Due to lax law and order situation in state, nearly all papers of all competitive

LAXITY IN LAW

TIA (All Rajasthan Trade and Industry Association) in Jaipur and interacted on entrepreneurship.

Participants are from Algeria, Botswana,

8th train under pilgrimage scheme departs from Jpr

Bhutan, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Malawi, Mali and others participated.

Vijayvargiya takes a dig at Cong at Mahasammelan

First India Bureau

Pali: BJP’s National GS Kailash Vijayvargiya on Friday said that Rajasthan is the only state in the country where maximum number of cases of atrocities and rape on women are reported.

“I call upon all of you to take your public anger towards Cong govt, which has failed to protect women, to polling booths. Throw out Congress govt from power,” Vijayvargiya said while addressing BJP’s Jan Aakrosh Mahasammelan at Agresan Vatika, near Khodiya Balaji here.

Referring to killing of Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur, he said that this happened because of appeasement policy of Cong govt. “Had this incident happened in UP, bulldozers would have gone to house of culprit or car

given electricity only at night,” he said. He said that corruption is rampant in Rajasthan. Police stations and courts have all been sold in the Congress government.

would have overturned,” he said. He said that the Gehlot government of the state has cheated the youth

Lok Adalat seeks reply from JDA by Jan 30

Jaipur: The chairman of permanent Lok Adalat of Jaipur Anup Kumar Saxena and member Deepak Chachan on Friday issued a notice to JDA Secretary and Project Manager, Tata Projects Limited, asking them to reply by January 30 in a case related to dirt and clutter in Dravyavati river.

Omprakash Saini, a

resident of AmarsarShahpura village, submitted an application and told the court that the work of the Dravyavati River Project was given to Tata Projects for cleaning Amanishah drain. Photos have also been presented in the court.

Dead bodies of 2 recovered from Indira Gandhi Canal

First India Bureau

exams have been leaked. Such incidents have shattered hopes of unemployed youth. Coaching institutes & influential people are involved in scams,” said protesters.

Jaipur: Eighth train under Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme was flagged off by Devasthan Min Shakuntala Rawat from Durgapura Railway Station on Friday. The train carrying 1050 senior citizens will reach Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and will return after seven days.

Officials informed that 900 passengers boarded the train from Jaipur. Min Shakuntala

Rawat interacted with passengers and took their feedback. She also assured them of help by giving them her number. Notably, 20,000 senior citizens have been sent on pilgrimage trip.

Hanumangarh: Dead bodies of two people were recovered from Indira Gandhi Canal in Hanumangarh on Friday. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Balram and his brother-in-law Mangturam.

“Both victims were missing from Dec 19. The motorcycle of Balram was spotted near Indira Gandhi Canal in

DRIVER STABBED TO DEATH IN BUNDI; LOCALS JAM KOTA-LALSOT HIGHWAY

Bundi: A driver was allegedly stabbed to death by two miscreants in the Lakheri sub-division of Bundi district on Friday. Police informed the deceased Hari Om Meena, a resident of Kota Khurd, used to drive a milk transporting vehicle. “Miscreants attacked the victim with a blunt weapon as soon as entered an illegal liquor shop and killed him,” police said. “The family members and locals later jammed the Kota-Lalsot Mega Highway and demanded a compensation of Rs 20L. The protesters also demanded that the illegal liquor shop should be removed & miscreants should be arrested,” police said.

Lakhuwali village, following which, their bodies were fished out

and farmers. The kind of development that the people of Rajasthan had expected, has not happened in the state.

bribery charges... 3 private persons -Sunil Kumar of Jindbased Hitech Security Services Private Limited, Prabjinder Singh Brar of Sri Ganganagar-based ESS PEE Traders & Dinesh Kumar Jindal of Bhatindabased DK Enterprises -- were also arrested on bribery charges on Thursday, said a spokesperson.

Jaipur: 2 IAS officers retired on FridayDinesh Kumar Yadav and Chetan Ram Deora - and due to this, the posts of Secretary, Women and Child Development department and Commissioner, Horticulture, have gone vacant. Prior to this, the posts of Principal Secretary Water Resources, Secretary Animal Husbandry, Registrar Cooperatives and

DG- HCM RIPA had gone vacant and are now being handed as additional charge.

It is possible that with the promotion order of Principal Secretary, Secretary and Deputy Secretary the DoP may give regular appointment on the aforementioned vacant posts. Otherwise additional charge of the two posts that fell vacant on Friday may also be handed.

Word in the bureau-

cratic circles is that the charge of Secretary, Women and Child Development can be handed to Principal Secretary Sreya Guha since she does not have a huge work load and secondly because she has served on the post 9additional charge0 for a year, thus she has experience of working on the position.

As far as the post of Commissioner Horticluture is concerned, it could be handed to

Commissioner Agriculture Kana Ram.

Sources reveal that a regular posting is nec-

essary on DG- HCM RIPA and Registrar Cooperatives. The additional charge of DG

HCM Ripa is currently with Principal secretary DoP Hemant Gera. One noteworthy point about Gera is that his own transfer is over due. He has been handling the current assignment since October 2020 and as of today he is the only officer who has played such a long innings. In the past 27 months, almost all ACS, Principal secretaries and Secretaries have been shuffled but Gera has been working in the

of the canal on Friday. The bodies were tied to each other,” police said.

“It was alleged that accused of three private firms entered into a conspiracy and were obtaining all works related to outsourcing of conservancy services for various locations in South Western Command and for extending undue favour in the award of the said works, bypassing the provisions of GeM as well as for payment of bills without objection,” according to a CBI spokesperson said. Companies had allegedly conspired to bribe the IFA officials to get clearances for bills without any objection. Kushwaha, in connivance with Meena, Nama and Singh, was demanding favour.

same place.

On the other hand, the post of Registrar Cooperatives fell vacant after Muktanand Agarwal went on deputation to Delhi and its additional charge, on ad-hoc basis, was given to Meghraj Singh Ratnu who is a promotee IAS of 2010 batch and serving as Director, Fisheries. He was put on APO from the post of Commissioner, Jodhpur Development Authority and it is for the first

time that a junior and promotee IAS officer has been given the important post of Registrar Cooperatives. This system can work on adhoc basis, but stretching it for long is wrong, according to bureaucratic observers. Word is that a regular appointment will be done on this post.

Now, all eye are awaiting a ‘movement’ in DoP if any transfer list is released along with promotion order.

Rajendra Chhabra

Kailash Vijayvargiya addressing Jan Aakrosh Mahasammelan.

Bansur (Alwar): Former minister Dr Rohitash Sharma, expelled from BJP, termed the BJP’s Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Bansur as unsuccessful. He has accused the BJP leaders of Bansur of not voting for the BJP. The former minister said that every section is unhappy and troubled by the Congress rule. “The law and order situation in Bansur has completely broken down. There is no arrangement for fertilizers and seeds for the farmers here. Farmers are blocking the roads and being

JAN AAKROSH YATRA IN BANSUR IS UNSUCCESSFUL: DR ROHITASH

AAP workers protesting outside Jaipur District Collectorate.

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Shakuntala Rawat flagging off train from Durgapura station.

DIRT IN DRAVYAVATI RIVER

FROM FRONT PG

34 participants during visit to industrial units of Jaipur on Friday.

—PHOTO

BY SANTOSH

SHARMA

Raj faces vax shortage as Covid fear resurfaces

Only 8.25L doses of Covaxin available while there is no dose of Covishield

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur : Amid the new danger of Corona in the State, the people want to be vaccinated but there is shortage of the vaccine. According to departmental records, there are 8.25 lakh doses of Covaxin while not a single dose of Covishield is available.

On the instructions of Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena, a letter has been written to the Centre to ensure availability of vaccine of every company. The health department has started door-to-door screening campaign

MAJOR

Campaign

across the state to avoid the danger of any kind of new variant. But the vaccination campaign for the precaution dose is still not able to gain momentum due to lack of sufficient doses.

The Health department has instructed all the CMHOs to increase the vaccination centres as well as the people remaining from the second & precaution dose.

APPROVALS OF CM GEHLOT

CM approves funds of `4 cr for Pannadhay panorama

Jaipur: ‘Mahablidani Pannadhay Panorama’ will be built at Pandoli, the ancestral place of Pannadhay in Chittorgarh district. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given financial approval of Rs 4 crore for the construction of Panorama. With this approval of the CM Gehlot, many works including main panorama building, auditorium, hall, library, entrance gate, statue, umbrella, sculptures, audio-video system, inscriptions and various art works will be done at site designated for panorama.

Through this panorama, Pannadhay’s work and personality will be shown through various mediums, so that the common man will get to know about her unforgettable sacrifice, courage, self-respect and self-devotion.

Meanwhile, CM on Friday released the book ‘Ibarat Ek Mehfil’ written by Mohammad Zaman Arif, former Chairman of Dargah Committee Ajmer, at Chief Minister’s residence.

Approval to a proposal for giving the working and retired teachers of Sanskrit colleges pay scale as per the rules and revised pension benefits has been given by SM Gehlot. Retired and working teachers of Sanskrit colleges have expressed gratitude for this sensitive decision. In the past also, the CM has approved the seventh pay scale and pay band.

CM Gehlot has decided to give 50 percent concession in bus fares of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation to the Scouts and Guides participating in the National Scouts and Guides Jamboree starting from January 4 in Pali. According to the proposal, the roadways will run a special bus service from Pali and Jodhpur.

CM Gehlot has approved the proposal for creation of 200 academic posts in 11 engineering colleges of State. Approval was given for 44 posts in RTU Kota, 43 in MBM Jodhpur, 16 in CTAE Udaipur, 15 each in MLVTE Engineering College Bhilwara, Engineering College Bharatpur and Ajmer, 12 in Engineering College Banswara, 10 each in UCET Bikaner, Engineering College Bikaner, Women’s Engineering College, Ajmer and Jhalawar Engineering Colleges.

Man

Jaipur: BSF DG Pankaj Kumar Singh will retire on Saturday.His tenure is ending on December 31. Earlier, there was speculation about the extension of Singh’s service. The farewell parade will take place in Chhawla camp during which the President’s medal distribution ceremony will also be held. Meanwhile, ACB DG BL Soni is also retiring on Saturday. The farewell ceremony will be held at 2 pm at the ACB Headquarters in which all the officers will be present. Soni will brief the media in the afternoon and give details about the action taken in one year.

PB YASHWANT ON CENTRAL DEPUTATION, DEORA, TOSAVDA IN APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Jaipur: IAS officer Pritam B Yashwant has been made joint secretary in the women and child development ministry. Yashwant, an office of 2003-batch of Rajasthan cadre, is on central deputation. At the same time, The Rajasthan Government has appointed IAS officer Chetan Deora and RAS officer Lekhraj Tosavda as the members of Rajasthan Civil Services Appellate Tribunal after their retirement on December 31. They will be the members for a period of 3 years starting from January 2, 2023.

VACCINATION AT-AGLANCE IN STATE

z So far 11,53,25,433 doses administered in all categories

z 5,59,188 got first dose and 5,46,134 got both doses

z 3,53,496 precaution doses administered

z In the frontline category, 7,06,602 got first dose, 6,90,383 got both doses

z 4,43,323 precaution doses administered to eligible people

Gangster

Sec 144 imposed near Vidhan Sabha, Assembly session from January 23

Jaipur (FIB): Governor Kalraj Misha has called the 8th session of the 15th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Jan 23. Proceedings will start at 11 am. A gazette notification in this regard was published by Mahavir Prasad Sharma, Principal Secy, Raj Legislative Assembly.

Meanwhile, as prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have been imposed near vidhan Sabah, there will be a ban on any kind of demonstration on Janpath from Statue Circle to Vidhana Sabha, around secretariat, in Civil Lines from Railway Crossing to Raj Bhavan Circle, on Hawa Sadak from Raj Bhavan Circle to Ram Nagar.

Theft at Beniwal’s home; jewellery, `1.5L cash stolen

First India Bureau

Jaipur : Burglars stole jewellery, Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, some documents, and even bathroom fittings from the official residence of Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal in Jalupura area in Jaipur, police said on Friday. Beniwal noticed the theft Friday morning and lodged a complaint at Jalupura Police Station, which is barely 30 metres away from his residence.

The national convener of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) posted a series of tweets on the matter.

However, within 24 hours of FIR, Jaipur police have detained three minors in connec-

tion with the theft at Lok Sabha MP Hanuman Beniwal’s residence in Jaipur.

16 I-T dept officers promoted in State

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Commissionerate Special Team on Friday nabbed wanted gangster Vikram alias Laden and his associate. The police team also recovered a pistol and 5 cartridges from their possession.

“A reward of Rs. 25,000 was announced on gangster Vikram. He was earlier associated with Papla gang, but later formed his own gang known as Laden. Based on specific inputs, Vikram and his aide was arrested on Friday in Jaipur.

A country-made gun & a live cartridge has been recovered from their possession. The Haryana and Rajasthan Police was in search of the accused from many days,” said ACP (Crime) Chiranji Lal Meena.

Jaipur : The Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued an order promoting 282 officers of the level of Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Director to the rank of Joint Commissioners. The list includes 16 officers from Rajasthan, including Deputy Director in the Investigation Branch of the department, Sitesh Verma

Other officers include Anita Rinesh, AL Nayak, RK Dui, GD Sharma, Sonia Mahajan, Manish Tiwari, Jai Singh Rao, Girish Parihar, Vimpal Tiwari, Nidhi Nayyar, Prerna Chowdhary, Jagdish, Abhishek Deval, KC Meena and SK Meena. As per the order, the promoted officers have been asked to work on the same posts on which they are currently posted.

EIGHT IFS OFFICERS TO GET PROMOTION GIFT IN NEW YEAR

Jaipur: Eight IFS officers (Indian Forest Service) of 2005 batch will be promoted to the post of CCF (Chief Conservator of Forests) while 5 IFS officers of 2009 batch will be promoted to CF (Conservator of Forests). Khyati Mathur, Chanda Ram Meena, Anoop KR, Roop Narayan Meena, Amar Singh Gothwal, Ramkaran Kherwa, Mahesh Chandra Gupta and Hanumana Ram will become CCF (Chief Conservator of Forests).The IFS of 2009 who will become CF are Harini V, Shashi Shankar, Sunil, T Mohanraj and Balaji Kari. At the same time, 4 officers of 2019 batch - Arun Kumar D, Manas Singh, Maria Shine and P Bala Murugan will become DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forests).

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A 24-year-old man was allegedly beaten and looted for Rs. 4.50 lakh by miscreants in the Jawahar Nagar area on Thursday morning. Police informed the victim, Furfan Qureshi, a resident of Vyas Colony in Shastri Nagar, was looted by the two miscreants.

“Furfan works as a munshi for an advocate. At around 11:15 am, he went to a client’s place in Raja Park to take the remaining fees of Rs 4.5 lakhs. The 2 bike-borne mis-

creants stopped him in Sindhi Colony and attacked him with rods and pipes. The miscreants took the money and fled from the spot after breaking both his legs,” police said. “The victim is presently admitted to SMS Hosp for treatment. The accused have been identified as Naushad Kalya, Rais, Imran, Mohsin and Danish. CCTV footage is being gathered and the matter is being probed,” police official added.

Thieves even took away beds from MP’s house. According to info, many valuable gifts kept in the house are also missing.

for the precaution dose still not able to gain momentum, due to lack of doses in the State. —FILE PHOTO

Hanuman Beniwal @hanumanbeniwal Today, an incident of theft at my official residence in Jalupura, Jaipur came to my notice. As soon as I got information about the incident, I went to the spot and talked to the Home Secretary on the telephone.

First India Bureau

Furfan Qureshi during treatment at SMS hospital on Friday.

beaten by rods, robbed of `4.50 lakh

Laden, aide nabbed by police in Jpr

FREE TRAVEL FOR SCOUTS & GUIDES IN NAT’L JAMBOREE

CM Ashok Gehlot releasing book ‘Ibarat Ek Mehfil’ written by Mohammad Zaman Arif, former Chairman of Dargah Committee Ajmer on Friday. PCC Secy Zia-ur-Rehman Arif is also seen.

BSF DG PANKAJ KUMAR SINGH AND ACB DG BHAGWAN LAL SONI RETIRE TODAY

FROM THE BUREAUCRACY

Leaders condole death of Hiraba Modi

CUTTING ACROSS PARTY LINES, LEADERS RECALL HER SIMPLICITY, HIGH VALUES

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Leaders cutting across the political spectrum on Friday condoled the death of PM Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraben, recalling her simple and compassionate life that was an inspiration for all.

Hiraben, Hiraba to many, passed away at an Ahmedabad hospital on Friday at the age of 100.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were among the host of leaders from the ruling party and others who mourned the death.

BJP National President JP Nadda said her life will always serve as an inspiration. Her affection and commitment to truth gave the country a glorious leadership, he said.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani recalled that the prime minister often spoke about the special bond that he shared with his mother, about her simplicity and her caring persona, and said, these will always be remembered and missed by all.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said a mother’s demise creates a void that is impossible to fill.

“I am deeply pained by the passing away of Hira Ba, mother of

Prime Minister Shri @ narendramodi. The death of a mother leaves such a void in one’s life that is impossible to fill. I express my condolences to the Prime Minister and his entire family in this hour of grief,” Singh said in a tweet.

Paying tributes, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said it was the values which Hiraben imparted to her family through a difficult life

full of struggles that has given the country a leader like Modi.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, “Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows. But her goodness, care, wisdom, and love will always be with you.”

Congress chief Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi said they were deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the PM’s mother.

“... In this difficult

time, I express my deepest condolences and affection to him and his family members,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Smt. Heeraben Modi. My heartfelt condolences to Sri @narendramodi ji on the loss of his beloved mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family in this hour of grief,” Kharge said on Twitter.

Congress general

PM Modi virtually chairs National Ganga Council meeting in Kolkata

Gandhinagar (ANI):

PM Narendra Modi on Friday chaired the second meeting of National Ganga Council (NGC) meeting in Kolkata via video conferencing.

The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and other Union Ministers who are members of the council besides the Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Instead of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav attended it.

The PM attended the meeting virtually after he performed the last rites of his mother Hiraben who passed away early this morning. PM Modi also inaugurated multiple projects of the Indian Railways.

The National Ganga Council has been given the overall responsibility for the superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga and its tributaries. Namami

HOWRAH-NJP VANDE BHARAT: ALL TICKETS SOLD OFF IN HOURS

Kolkata: With sparkling red reclining seats offering an 180-degree rotation, the Executive Class tickets of the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, which was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, were sold out within hours after the bookings opened.

Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’

BENGAL WELCOMES FIRST VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS WITH A ‘BIG SMILE’

Kolkata: People in West Bengal welcomed their first Vande Bharat express on Friday as PM Narendra Modi flagged off the semi-high-speed train that will run between Howrah and New Jalpaiguri. The nation’s seventh Vande Bharat express train between Howrah-New Jalpaiguri (NJP) has been flagged off through video conferencing by the Prime Minister minutes after the last rite of his mother Hiraben Modi. Modi took part in the flag-off from Gujarat as the train left Howrah station in Bengal. The train will cover a distance of around 550km and will take a little more than seven and a half hours to reach its destination, with only three stoppages from Howrah to NJP.

by Central Govt in June 2014 with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore to accomplish the twin objectives

‘Govt to start innovative schemes for redressal of public grievances’

Shimla (ANI): Himchal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday directed the officials of the Information Technology (IT) to strengthen the functioning of the helpline to facilitate the people in the redressal of grievances, a press release from chief ministers office said.

He also stressed starting innovative schemes such as Whatsapp Chatbots and Voice Bots for taking automated feedback from the citizens, read the press release. Later, the CM also vis-

ited the CM’s Helpline office and envisaged keen interest in its functioning.

CM Sukhu visited the multi-storeyed parking near Tutikandi where he directed the officers to ensure the timebound shifting of major

offices which were presently functioning from private buildings.

“Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that all the dead walls must be removed and replaced with spacious windows to ensure proper ventilation of the complex,”it added.

“He said that charging stations for HRTC buses will be established on the top floor of the parking lot. He also directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no private buses were allowed to be parked in the above-mentioned parking lot,” reads the press release.

of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of the river Ganga.

New Delhi: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Friday said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee should start prioritising people’s welfare over her “fragile ego”.

“On the day, PM Modi, despite a personal tragedy, flagged off the Vande Bharat and launched projects worth 7,800 crore in WB, Mamata Banerjee chose not to share the stage with 4 central ministers and LoP. It is time WB CM starts prioritising people’s welfare over her fragile ego...” Malviya tweeted as Banerjee refused to go to the stage and sat beside the other govt officials during an event where PM Modi virtually flagged off the nation’s seventh Vande Bharat Express.

secretary Priyanka Gandhi and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the passing away of a mother is an irreparable loss.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin also sent in his condolences. “Dear Prime Minister @NarendraModi, We all know the emotional bond you had with your beloved mother Hiraba. The grief of losing one’s mother is too hard to bear for anyone. I am deeply saddened and no words can describe how sorry I am for your loss.”

Other chief ministers, including Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann, Gujarat’s Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde, Karnataka’s Basavaraj Bommai, Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma, Goa’s Pramod Sawant and Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath, also sent their condolences at the irreparable loss.

“YOUR MOTHER MEANS OUR MOTHER”: MAMATA BANERJEE TO PM MODI

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday expressed her condolence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that “your mother means our mother”. Speaking at the inauguration of various Railway projects in West Bengal, which PM Modi was attending virtually, Banerjee said, “Respected PM, today is a sad day for you personally and it’s a great loss of your personal life. I pray to God, may God give you strength and bless you so that you can love your mother with your action and activities. I convey my gratitude to you because you were supposed to come to West Bengal but because of the sad demise of your mother you couldn’t come but have joined us virtually.” The Chief Minister also requested PM Modi to cut short the programme and to take rest as he had just come from the cremation of his mother.

BIHAR CM NITISH KUMAR CONDOLES DEATH OF PM MODI’S MOTHER

Patna:

it

an ‘unfortunate thing’. “It’s

BJY: Delhi Police upgrade security around RaGa

New Delhi (ANI): The Delhi Police on Friday held a meeting at the Congress office in the national capital on Friday and assured to upgrade the strength of MP Rahul Gandhi’s security during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The meeting with the police officials was attended by Congress Delhi chief Anil Chaudhary and other representatives of Rahul. As per the Congress, now a special squad of Delhi Police will run around Rahul during the Yatra as a strong cordon will be made around him and no unauthorized person would be able to enter.

The police’s action came after Congress wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah about the ‘poor security arrangements’ during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. It also lodged a complaint against the personnel of the Haryana Police in Sohna.

After the complaint of Congress, Delhi Po-

lice said that now a strong rope security cordon will be made around Rahul Gandhi and his security will be further tightened.

Referring to the huge crowd gathered near Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra on December 24, the party recently released a video accusing the Delhi Police of their shortcomings in the security arrangements.

The party’s organization general secretary KC Venugopal had also written a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah demanding adequate security arrangements.

SHAH’S SOUTHERN SOJOURN

Ghulam Nabi Azad-Congress reconciliation on cards!

New Delhi (ANI): Former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to return to the party as the talks have been initiated between the two, sources said on Friday.

Azad quit the Congress on August 26 and announced his new political outfit ‘Democratic Azad Party’ in October. According to the sources, during the Gujarat and Himachal assembly elections, Azad claimed that only Congress can compete with the BJP. Meanwhile, Azad had said that he is not against the policy of Congress but had issues with its weak system.

After Azad’s statement, Bharat Jodo Yatra’s convenor, Digvijaya Singh openly invited Azad to be a part of the yatra, following which former G23 leaders contacted Azad and advocated his return to Congress besides him joining the Yatra.

Cong and JD(S) are both corrupt, says Shah

Mandya (PTI): Hitting the ground running in poll-bound Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called both the Congress and JD(S) as ‘parivaarvadi’ (dynastic politics) and corrupt and urged the people of Mandya and Old Mysuru region to support the BJP and bring it to power with a majority in the state.

The BJP is considered to be weak in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region, and is focusing on this belt to gain complete major-

ity in 2023 state Assembly elections.

“Enough of JD(S)Congress, CongressJD(S) this time Man-

dya, the Mysuru region should make BJP win with full majority. Congress and JD(S) are both parivaarvadi (dy-

nastic politics) parties, they are corrupt parties,” Shah said while addressing the gathering on this occasion.

and through 16 district level dairies.

There are 15,210 village level cooperative dairies in Karnataka, in which about 26.22 lakh farmers deliver their milk

PM Narendra Modi touches feet of his mother before her cremation; (R) People pay tributes to Hiraba in Gurugram on Friday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed his condolences over the demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother and said that

is

an unfortunate thing. We sent a condolence message when we came to know about it,” said Nitish Kumar on the demise of Heeraben Modi.

PM Modi chairs the NGC meeting, via video conferencing, on Friday. Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat, Union Ministers who are members of NGC, CMs of Uttarakhand, UP, Jharkhand and WB also seen.

WB CM should prioritise people's welfare over her ego: Amit Malviya

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Union HM Amit Shah during a public meeting, in the Mandya, Karnataka on Friday. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai and other dignitaries are also seen. —PHOTO BY ANI

UNION MINISTER SHAH INAUGURATES MEGA DAIRY IN KARNATAKA

Mandya: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Mega Dairy here on Friday. He said the mega dairy inaugurated on Friday at a cost of Rs 260 crore would process 10 lakh liters of milk per day. He said that when 10 lakh liters of milk is processed, prosperity reaches the homes of lakhs of farmers. Shah said that in Karnataka, the cooperative dairy is working very well.

daily

Mumbai Customs destructs seized drugs worth `538 cr in illicit market

toms has effectively used sniffer dogs for detecting cases.

Manufacturing at Noida-based pharma company halted: Mins

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Mumbai Customs, Zone-III on Friday, destroyed drugs weighing 140.57 kgs at the incineration facility of M/s Mumbai Waste Management Limited (MWML) located at Taloja in Navi Mumbai. The drugs seized are valued at Rs 538 Crore in the international illicit market.

Providing details of the seizure, Principal Commissioner, Zone III, Rajesh Sanan stated that the drugs destructed were seized by three commissionerates under Zone III.

Persons carrying banned narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are guilty of the offence under Section 8 of the NDPS Act, 1985 and are liable to punishment under section 21, section 23 and section 29 of NDPS Act 1985, read along with provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

According to Custom officials, drug seizure data at the Mum-

Tunisha Sharma's mother suspects her daughter's death a case of murder

Mumbai (ANI): Deceased TV actor Tunisha Sharma’s mother Vanita Sharma on Friday said that she suspected her daughter was murdered and also added that her accused co-star Sheezan Khan forced her to wear Hijab.

Vanita Sharma, made a series of accusations during a press conference in Mumbai.

“Sheezan took her from the room but did not call the Ambulance. This could also be a murder, how is it possible that she was found in Sheezan’s room and it was Sheezan only who brought her down, but did not call the ambulance or doctors?

Sheezan forced her to wear Hijab as well,” Vanita Sharma said addressing a press conference. Accompanying his sister, Tunisha’s maternal uncle Pawan Sharma also said that they came to know from the Hospital that Tunihsa’s body was brought to them at least 30 mins after she died. Tunisha was allegedly found hanging at a TV serial set on December 24.

Mumbai:

to bring

bai International Airport shows that the drugs smuggling is done predominantly by nationals from countries like Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Drug smuggling is undertaken by concealing the drugs in special false cavities made in baggage. Carriers have been found carrying drugs in ingested form as well.

Mumbai Airport Cus-

Incineration of such seized items which are hazardous to nature if released otherwise are required to be done in incinerators fitted with Standardized Pollution Control Devices.

The contraband items were brought into the country under various forms of disguise, but were proactively seized or confiscated by the Customs Department. Mumbai Customs remains committed to the United Nation Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 to which India is a signatory. The Convention aims also at combating drug trafficking through international co-operation to deter & discourage drug traffickers.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that all the manufacturing activities of the Noida-based pharma company have been stopped in view of the reports of contamination in cough syrup Dok1 Max.

“Following inspection by @CDSCO_INDIA_ INF [Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation] team in view of reports of contamination in cough syrup Dok1 Max, all manufacturing activities of Marion Biotech at NOIDA unit have been stopped yesterday night, while further investigation is ongoing,” Mansukh Mandaviya said in a tweet. Noida-based pharma Marion Biotech has come under a cloud as reports of children dying after consuming cough syrup made here

We await the reports, factory was inspected. We have halted the production of all medicines. It needs to be found why cases came from a single hospital there.

came in from Uzbekistan. The matter is under investigation. The company is waiting for the reports as it needs to be found out why cases came from a single hospital in Uzbekistan.

UP: Chief Secy Mishra gets extension

Ahtesham Siddiqui

New Delhi: Making a sensational claim, Vanita Sharma — mother of the late actress Tunisha — said for the first time that her daughter was under ‘pressure’ to convert to Islam, here on Friday.

Lucknow: The Center has given an extension of one more year to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra. This is the first time in the history of state bureaucracy, that an IAS officer, serving as Chief Secretary, has been given an extension for two consecutive terms. Mishra, the country’s most senior 1984 batch IAS officer, is counted among Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most

Sheezan Khan to

as she clarified her daughter was only ailing from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and no other disease. “She had no other disease but OCD, she was very much conscious about cleanliness,” Vanita Sharma said addressing the media persons in Mumbai, and added that she will not sit quietly until the accused, Sheezan Khan, is punished.

WE WILL ADDRESS MEDIA SOON, SAYS ACCUSED SHEEZAN'S SISTER

Mumbai: Vanita Sharma publicly accused Sheezan Khan of her daughter’s death, the latter’s sister Falaq Naaz said that they will answer the allegations soon.“I will answer the allegations made by Tunisha’s mother in the press conference soon. Right now, our priority is our brother who is under the police’s custody,” Falaq Naaz said adding that their family would come before the media to answer the allegations being made against them.

Speaking to the media, she said that Tunisha was constantly harassed in different ways by her ex-boyfriend Sheezan Khan — currently in custody — and his family, she was forced to do many things against her wishes and was allegedly under duress to embrace Islam.

“They had an undue influence on our innocent, sensitive girl. She had even started addressing Sheezan’s mother as ‘Ammi’, his sister used to take him to a ‘dargah’ and celebrate her birthday,” said Vanita.

She said that Sheezan was allegedly forcing her to accept Islam religion, and she had reportedly started sporting a ‘burqa’.

NATIONAL JUDICIAL DATABASE

3-day VHP meet begins in Indore

Indore (Agencies): The three-day meeting of the Central Management Committee and Board of Trustees of VHPstarted on Friday at the Agrasen Mahasabha Bhawan in Indore. Milind Parande Secretary General VHP said, “In the meeting the subjects of freedom of temples from the govt control, conversion, love jihad, Muslim infiltration, increasing Islamic Jihadi violence will be discussed.

63 lakh cases considered delayed due to non-availability of counsels: CJI

Amaravati (PTI):

Over 63 lakh cases across the country have been considered to be delayed due to nonavailability of counsel and over 14 lakh cases are delayed as they await some kind of document or record, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said on Friday here.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Andhra Pradesh Judicial Academy, Justice Chandrachud said people must get rid of the colonial mindset of referring to

and treating the district courts as subordinate judiciary in hierarchy and in practice. They are not only the backbone of the judiciary but also the first inter-

People must get rid of the colonial mindset of referring to and treating the district courts as subordinate judiciary in hierarchy and in practice.

—D

action with the judicial institution for many.

“Bail, but not jail, is one of the most fundamental rules of the criminal justice system. Yet, in practice the

number of under-trials languishing in prisons in India reflects a paradoxical situation. Deprivation of liberty, even for a single day, is a day too many,” he further said.

“Across the country according to the NJDG (National Judicial Data Grid) data, almost 14 lakh cases have been delayed as some kind of record or document is being awaited which is beyond the control of the court,” he said.

“Similarly, across the country over 63 lakh

cases have been considered to be delayed, as per NJDG data due to non-availability of counsel. We really need the support of the Bar to ensure that our courts are functioning at optimum capacity,” the CJI said.

He, however, said it may be much higher or lesser as more data is yet to be received from all courts. According to him, remedies must be provided by the district judiciary itself as they affect the poorest of the country.

trusted officers. Making a big change in the state’s bureaucracy before the UP assembly elections, replacing IAS Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, a decision was

taken by the central government to make Durga Shankar Mishra, who was posted on deputation, as the Chief Secretary of UP, giving an extension of service

for one year. First India had reported about the possibility of extension of service again to UP Chief Secretary Durga IAS Shankar Mishra.

Man dies as mock drill turns tragic

Pathanamthitta (PTI): A mock drill organised at a river in this central Kerala district to assess the disaster management agencies’ preparedness to deal with floods turned tragic on Wednesday after a volunteer died in an accident while participating in it, police said.

The police said Binu Soman, 34, was seen

drowning while participating in the mock drill at Manimala river near Keezhvaipur. He was rescued and admitted to a private

medical college hospital in Thiruvalla by the officials of NDMA but he died in the while undergoing treatment, they said. Mock drills were held at various places in Pathanamthitta district on Thursday as part of assessing the disaster management team’s preparedness to deal with floods and landslides, officials said.

Y Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India

Mumbai Customs, Zone-III destroyed drugs weighing 140.57 kgs at the incineration facility at Taloja in Navi Mumbai on Friday. DETAILS

—Hasan Harris, Marion Biotech Pharma Company legal head

Vanita Sharma & uncle Pawan Sharma.

‘Pressure on Tunisha to embrace Islam’

I WILL NOT SIT QUIETLY UNTIL SHEEZAN IS PUNISHED: TUNISHA'S MOTHER

Deceased TV actor Tunisha Sharma’s mother- Vanita Sharma – on Friday vowed

accused

justice

In a historic moment, India formally assumed the G20 Presidency, from Indonesia, December 1. On the occasion, PM Modi said that India looks forward to a Presidency of healing, harmony and hope. The 43 Heads of Delegations - the largest ever in G20will be participating in the final New Delhi Summit in September 2023.

MODI’S BJP RETAINS THE POWER IN GUJ

The BJP won a whopping 156 seats of the 182 seats in the Assembly elections of which the counting of votes was done on December 8. Modi’s electoral visits across the state brought a “pro-BJP storm” in Gujarat.

CONGRESS’S BHARAT JODO YATRA BEGINS

Bharat Jodo Yatra, mass movement started on Sept 7 by Congress.

Rahul Gandhi is walking by foot from Kanyakumarito the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, spanning 3,570 kilometres over 150 days.

MURMU: FIRST TRIBAL WOMAN PRESIDENT

MORBI BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN GUJARAT

Over 141 people declared dead after a century-old cable bridge collapsed into Machchhu river in Guj’s Morbi on Oct 30. Reports alleged that the bridge was opened without a fitness certificate. 9 were arrested in connection with collapse including 2 managers, 2 ticket booking clerks of Oreva Group that was managing bridge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi on October 1. The Prime Minister also witnessed demonstrations of the unique use cases of 5G at the event. The event, along with PM Modi and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, was attended by Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Kumar Mangalam Birla.

Showcasing India’s

Thackeray.

Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav passed away on October 10.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) became India’s ninth national party.

Droupadi Murmu became the first tribal woman President of the country on July 25. Coming from the tribal community, Murmu had earlier been the Governor of Jharkhand and a Minister in the Odisha Government.

The Sri Lankan economic crisis started mostly as a fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since about mid-2021, economic conditions started growing difficult for everyday Sri Lankans. Fuel and cooking gas became increasingly expensive and difficult to get as inflation soared. The government clamped import bans.

Leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran saw in 2022 perhaps the most vociferous challenge to their rule since coming to power in 1979. The protests started in September, when Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old, was arrested for not properly covering her hair and died in police custody. Hundreds gathered to condemn her death and Iran’s mistreatment of women. Protests quickly spread across the country as Iranians of all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds joined together.

The UK had a most dramatic 2022, what with losing its beloved Queen and having three Prime Ministers in one year. The drama started with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigning on July 7 after facing a string of scandals. Liz Truss was named the new Conservative leader after a fierce leadership battle in which Indian-origin MP Rishi Sunak came in second.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longestserving British monarch, died on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8. Elizabeth II, who became Queen on the death of her father King George VI on February 6 1952, reigned for 70 years, seven years more than Queen Victoria did.

Pandemics eventually end. Three years after COVID burst onto the scene, the world appears to have turned the corner on the first global pandemic in a century. In September, the head of the World Health Organization declared that the end of the pandemic is “in sight.” However, in December end, a new sub-variant BF.7, which is driving the huge Covid surge in China, came to haunt the world.

Since early May 2022, cases of Monkeypox, now renamed to Mpox by the World Health Organisation (WHO), have been reported from 110 countries. As of December 15, WHO recorded 82,828 confirmed cases of the virus.

After a legal battle, billionaire Elon Musk finally bought Twitter for $44 billion in October. The eccentric business tycoon took control of Twitter on October 28 after firing its top executives, CEO Parag Agarwal, CFO Ned Segal, and head of legal policy, trust and safety, Vijaya Gadde. Musk initiated the acquisition of Twitter, Inc. on April 14, 2022, and concluded it in October.

Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Lusail Stadium, with captain Lionel Messi scoring twice in his last World Cup match.

Insecure over Ukraine’s growing closeness to NATO members, Russia on February 24 launched what it called a “special military operation” to force the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.”

The world population touched 8 billion on November 15, with India being the largest contributor to the milestone, according to the United Nations (UN). India added 177 million to the final score.

US President Joe Biden administration’s National Security Strategy released in October pointed to Beijing’s militarization of the South China Sea, its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its efforts to intimidate

QUEEN ELIZABETH II PASSES AWAY

RAJ POLITICAL CRISIS

On Sept 25, after the decision about CM Gehlot’s candidature for AICC chief post, almost 82 MLAs met Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi and submitted their resignations. The Congress issued show-cause notices to three Gehlot loyalists — Shanti Dhariwal, Mahesh Joshi, and Dharmendra Rathore — for their ‘grave indiscipline,’ as the party scampered to resolve the crisis.

ANIL SHARMA’S WIN, A SHOT IN ARM FOR CONG

Congress’ Anil Sharma defeated BJP’s Ashok Kumar Pincha by a margin of 26,850 votes in Sardarshahar assembly bypoll, with CM Gehlot terming it “people’s seal on his government’s good governance and public welfare schemes.

DEVENDRA JHAJHARIA

BHARAT JODO YATRA IN RAJ

As

JAN AAKROSH YATRA BY BJP

BJP chief JP Nadda launched the ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ in Rajasthan to corner the State Govt, on December 1. Recently, the party had announced to suspend the Yatra in the backdrop of rising cases of Covid-19 However, BJP state president Satish Poonia said there was some confusion regarding the Yatra which has been cleared now and the Jan Aakrosh Sabhas (meetings) will take place as per the schedule.

PAPER LEAKS

l REET: The Rajasthan Government on February 7 announced its decision to cancel the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) level II examination, held on September 26, 2021.

l PATWARI: The Patwari Exam conducted by the RSMSSB was under scruitny after 12 members of a gang were arrested in connection with an alleged paper leak case.

l POLICE CONSTABLE: In May, eight persons were arrested in connection with the Rajasthan Police Constable Recruitment Exam paper leaked case.

l SECOND GRADE TEACHER: The RPSC had to cancel the 2nd-grade teacher competitive examination 2022 for the GK exam as the paper was leaked.

The legendary Devendra Jhajharia on March 21 became the first para athlete to receive the Padma Bhushan award. He is the first Indian Para-Javelin thrower and the first Indian para-athlete to win two gold medals at Paralympics. In August, Jhajharia clinched Silver medal in javelin throw at World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco.

AVANI LEKHARA

VICE PREZ DHANKHAR

CYLINDER BLASTS

UDAIPUR BEHEADING

KARAULI RIOTS

GANGSTER RAJU THEHAT MURDER BHARATPUR PRIEST SELFIMMOLATION

2022 comes to a close, the Bharat Jodo Yatra, dubbed as the “biggest mass contact programme” by the grand old party, remains one of the top political happenings in Rajasthan. The Yatra began on December 4 and successfully culminated on December 19.

Dr Somya took over as Mayor of JMCG once again in November, two days after HC quashed and set aside a State Government order to disqualify her. She was disqualified as Mayor in September 2021.

DR SOMYA SAGA

Avani Lekhara, who won two medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, was recognised as the Para Sports Person of the Year. She won the gold medal in women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 at the Chateauroux World Shooting Para Sport World Cup on 7th June, 2022.

Cricket Stadium in Udaipur.

Kanhaiya Lal a tailor was beheaded inside his shop in Udaipur by two men in broad daylight on June 28 for allegedly posting content in support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

Nearly 42 people were injured after stones were pelted on a religious motorcade procession that was being carried out to mark the Hindu New year ‘Nav Samvatsar’ outside a mosque in the market area.

This year, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who hails from Jhunjhunu, got the honour of becoming the 14th Vice President of India. Dhankhar defeated Opposition candidate Margaret Alva in the polls held on 6 August.

The biggest blast incident that shook the whole Rajasthan took place on 8th December. Five cylinders exploded just before a wedding procession in Bhungra village of Shergarh, Jodhpur. So far, 35 lives have been lost. The groom is still admitted. More than 10 people, including three children, died in another gas cylinder explosion that happended in Kirti Nagar Jodhpur in October.

JODHPUR

In Decemeber, the biggest gang war of Rajasthan took place. Raju Thehat, the biggest gangster of Rajasthan, was shot dead in the middle of a road in Sikar.

Sant Vijay Das committed self-immolation on July 22 in Deeg area of Bharatpur district to stop illegal mining.

BRIEFS

Telecom to attract `1.5 lakh crore investments in 2023

Sensex ends 293 points lower on last trading day of 2022

New Delhi: The Adani Group on Friday said it has acquired 27.26% equity stake in NDTV from Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy -- founders of the news broadcaster.

“RRPR has acquired a 27.26% equity stake in NDTV from Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy by way of inter-se transfer...,” said a regulatory filing from Adani Enterprises.

On Dec 23, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy had announced to sell 27.26% out of their remaining 32.26% shareholding in the NDTV to Adani. —PTI

SKIPPER LIMITED

New Delhi (PTI): From connecting people with 5G services to lowering the cost of operations, the country’s revitalised telecom sector is witnessing the bloom of reforms, and is set to attract more than `1.5 lakh crore investments to build up networks in the new year.

Once the poster boy of India’s growth story, then a debt-laden segment that saw many players withering away and now riding the wave of reforms as well as big-ticket investments, the telecom sector turned a new chapter in 2022.

While the Adani group is yet to unveil its full-fledged plan for the telecom business, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has committed ` 2 lakh crore investment for rolling out a 5G network across the country by December 2023.

New Delhi: Power company Skipper Limited on Friday said it has secured new orders worth `2,570 crore from BSNL. The contract is for the supply and erection of groundbased telecom towers, infrastructure as a service provider for supply, installation of infrastructure items and subsequent O&M. The projects are to be executed under capex and opex model in Rajasthan and Odisha for 5 years, extendable to 5 more years in the uncovered villages. —PTI

CRISIL REVISES INOX WIND’S OUTLOOK TO POSITIVE

“It has been an exciting year because of the launch of 5G, a much-awaited technology for 4-5 years. This is a big step forward. We look forward to a robust rollout of 5G next year because this year is just the beginning.

“We are all working on use cases. We are telling state governments, ministries, startups and innova-

OTHER STORIES

tors to come out with innovative use cases in the Indian context, which will unlock businesses and will also solve some public problems, some challenges,” Telecom Secretary K Rajaraman said.

He also said the government will continue to take measures that will lower the cost of operations for

COAL SECTOR CONSTRUCTS 8 ECO PARKS TO PROMOTE MINE TOURISM, 2 MORE BY MARCH 2023

New Delhi: In a bid to give a fillip to mine tourism, eight eco-parks have been constructed recently in different parts of the country and two more will be completed in the ongoing financial year, the government said on Friday. The said eco-parks are being developed on reclaimed land. In line with the sustainable development and greening initiatives coal/lignite PSUs have planted around 47 lakh saplings on 2300 Ha land from January to November this year. PTI

GOVT HIKES INTEREST

telecom operators, a move that will result in higher margins for the sector, which had been reeling under a debt burden for more than a decade.

Reliance Jio has committed `87,946.93 crore for the spectrum that it has to pay over a period of 20 years, leaving a balance of ` 1.12 lakh crore.

April-November fiscal gap widens to 59 per cent

New Delhi (PTI): The government’s fiscal deficit in end-November touched 59% of the full year Budget Estimate on increased capital expenditure and slow growth in non-tax revenue, according to Finance Ministry data released on Friday.

In actual terms, the fiscal deficit, which is the difference between expenditure and revenue, was `9.78 lakh crore during the April-November period of 2022-23.

In the corresponding period last year, the deficit was 46.2% of the Budget Estimates of 2021-22.

The government has budgeted fiscal deficit to be `16.61 lakh crore or 6.4% of the Gross Domestic Product in the current year ending March 2023. The deficit is funded by market borrowings.

Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty pared all intra-day gains to end the last trading day of the year on a bearish note due to fag-end selling amid early losses in the European markets.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 293.14 points or 0.48% to settle at 60,840.74 on Friday.

During the day, it had risen by 258.8 points or 0.42% to a high of 61,392.68.

The broader NSE Nifty declined 85.70 points or 0.47% to end at 18,105.30.

The BSE barometer closed 2022 with a 4.44% gain or 2,586.92 points while the Nifty ended the year higher by 4.32% or 751.25 points.

Sensex touched its alltime high of 63,583.07 points on December 1 after hitting its 52-week low of 50,921.22 points on June 17.

Sensex jumped 10,502.49

points or 21.99% last year.

From the Sensex pack, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, HDFC, ITC, Nestle, Larsen & Toubro, Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, Power Grid and IndusInd Bank were the major laggards on Friday.

In contrast, Bajaj Finserv, Titan, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Wipro, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tech Mahindra, Reliance Industries and State Bank of India were the major winners.

` GAINS 14 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.73/$; ENDS 2022 WITH 11% FALL

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee gained 14 paise to close at 82.73 (provisional) against the US dollar in the last trading session of 2022, as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels and a rising appetite for riskier assets among investors. The local currency, however, ended the year on a negative note, with a loss of 844 paise or 11.36%, primarily led by a strong dollar against its major crosses overseas. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.77 and touched an intra-day high of 82.70 and a low of 82.82 against the greenback. It finally settled at 82.73, registering a rise of 14 paise over its previous close of 82.87. On December 31, 2021, the rupee settled at 74.29 against the US dollar.

Wheat acreage up 3.59 per cent till December 30; crop prospects bright

New Delhi (PTI): As the sowing of rabi crops almost comes to a close, the total area under wheat has gone up by 3.59% to 325.10 lakh hectare (ha) from over the year-ago period, according to the agriculture ministry data released on Friday.

New Delhi: Inox Wind on Friday said that CRISIL has upgraded its ratings on the long-term and short-term bank facilities and has revised its outlook from stable to positive. CRISIL has upgraded its ratings from Crisil BBB to Crisil BBB+ (long-term rating), Crisil A3+ to Crisil A2 and outlook has been revised from stable to positive in relation to ratings of its banking facilities, Inox Wind Ltd said in a statement. The rationale for upgrading Inox Wind’s outlook reflects CRISIL’s expectation of an improvement in business risk profile to be driven by higher revenue. —PTI

ADB GRANTS $100 MILLION TO SHRIRAM FINANCE

New Delhi: Multilateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned $100 million (about `830 crore) to Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) to provide vehicle loans to women entrepreneurs. The $100 million External Commercial Borrowing is a five-year loan and is under SFL’s Social Finance framework to provide credit towards the purchase of new and used vehicles throughout India, Shriram Finance said in a statement. —PTI

Equity investors turn richer by `16.36 lakh crore in 2022

RATES

ON NSC, POST OFFICE DEPOSITS

New Delhi: The government on Friday hiked the interest rates on small deposits — including post office term deposits, NSC and senior citizen savings scheme -- by up to 1.1 percentage points from January 1, in line with firming interest rates in the economy. However, the interest rates on PPF and the girl child savings scheme Sukanya Samriddhi has not been changed. NSC will yield a 7% interest rate compared to 6.8% at present.

Similarly, the senior citizen savings scheme will give 8% interest against 7.6%. —PTI

COMMERCE MINISTRY SEEKS CUT IN GOLD IMPORT DUTY

New Delhi: The commerce ministry has sought a reduction in the import duty on gold in the forthcoming budget with a view to push exports and manufacturing of the gems and jewellery sector, sources said. In July this year, the centre hiked gold import duty to 15% from 10.75% to check the current account deficit (CAD) and rising import of the yellow metal. The basic customs duty on gold is 12.5%. Along with the agriculture infrastructure development cess of 2.5%, the effective gold customs duty will be 15%. —PTI

Sowing of wheat, the main rabi (winter) crop, had begun from October onwards. Maize, jowar, gram and mustard are other major rabi crops. Harvesting of these crops will begin in March/April next year.

According to the latest data, farmers have sown wheat in more area in 325.10 lakh ha till December 30 of the current rabi season of the 2022-23 crop year (July-June) against 313.81 lakh ha during the same period last year.

The higher area was reported in Uttar Pradesh (3.59 lakh ha), Rajasthan

WHEAT EXPORTS RISE 30% IN APR-NOV

New Delhi (PTI): Wheat exports rose 29.29% to $1.50 billion during April-November this fiscal from $1.17 billion in the same period the previous year, the commerce ministry said on Friday. Though the government banned wheat exports in May, some shipments are allowed to meet the food security needs of the countries that request it. The ministry said that Basmati rice exports too increased by 39.26% to $2.87 billion during April-November 2022, while that of non-basmati rice registered a growth of 5% to $4.2 billion in the same period.

(2.52 lakh ha), Maharashtra (1.89 lakh ha), Gujarat (1.10 lakh ha), Bihar (0.87 lakh ha), MP (0.85 lakh ha), Chhattisgarh (0.66 lakh

ha), West Bengal (0.21 lakh ha), Jammu & Kashmir (0.08 lakh ha), Assam (0.02 lakh ha) and Jharkhand (0.03 lakh ha), it added.

GOLD PRICES MAY TOUCH `60K/10 GM LEVEL IN 2023

New Delhi (FIB): A yellow glow is likely to stand out amid grey geopolitical clouds in 2023, with gold price projected to touch `60,000 per 10 grams in the Indian market as more investors veer towards safehaven assets.

In a year where volatility was more a norm than an exception, gold prices in the international market oscillated from a peak of $2,070 per ounce in March to a low of $1,616 per ounce in November and is steadily recovering since then, according to market experts.

At the beginning of 2022, gold prices were around $1,800 an ounce.

Currently, the yellow

metal price is hovering around $1,803 an ounce on international markets and ` 54,790 per 10 grams on

GOLD RISES `205; SILVER DIPS BY `30

New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rose by `205 to `55,210 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid positive global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had touched `55,005 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver, however, declined by `30 to `69,698 per kg. In the overseas market, gold was trading in green at $1,817.4 per ounce while silver was marginally down at $23.83 per ounce.

commodity stock exchange MCX at a time when the rupee is at near 83-level against the US dollar.

Going forward, a raft of factors, including geopolitical situation, recession concerns, inflation trends and low appetite for crypto assets, are expected to boost gold prices since the yellow metal is always considered as a safe haven in uncertain times.

“Gold in the international market is expected to trade in a range of $1,6702,000 with a positive bias in 2023. On the MCX gold may trade in a range of `48,50060,000,” Kotak Securities Vice President and Head Commodity Research Ravindra V Rao said.

New Delhi (PTI): Dalal Street investors became richer by more than `16.36 lakh crore this year as the equity market scaled new highs despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties and inflation worries.

Analysts attributed better macroeconomic fundamentals, the confidence of retail investors and foreign investors investing again in the domestic equities towards the latter half of 2022 as the key factors that led to the outperformance of the Indian market in comparison to many other stock markets worldwide.

The market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms has zoomed ` 16,36,254.63 crore to ` 2,82,36,466.18 crore till Dec 29 this year.

On December 5, the market capitalisation (m-cap) of BSE-listed firms reached an all-time high of ` 290.46 lakh crore.

In 2022, five months saw Sensex making overall monthly gains while it was a fall in the remaining seven months.

July turned out to be the most rewarding month for equity investors as the BSE benchmark jumped 4,662.32 points in that month.

In 2021, equity investors reaped handsome rewards as their wealth grew nearly `78 lakh crore while Sensex gained 10,502.49 points or 21.99 per cent.

GETS `2,570 CRORE ORDERS FROM BSNL

New Delhi (PTI): Production of eight infrastructure sectors increased by 5.4% in November against a 3.2% growth in the same month last year on a better show by coal, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity segments, according to the official data released on Friday.

Crude oil, natural gas and refinery products, however, recorded negative growth in November this year. The production growth of eight key sectors slowed down to 0.9% in October.

The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors -- coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity -- stood at 8% in April-November this fiscal as against 13.9% during the same period last fiscal.

CORE SECTOR OUTPUT UP 5.4% IN NOV

‘SURVEY ONGOING, TICKETS TO BE DISTRIBUTED ON BASIS OF RESULT’

Congress In-charge Randhawa says ‘preferred’ candidates will get tickets in Assembly polls

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Congress Incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, while speaking to media on Friday, said that his first task is to strengthen the organisation. Tickets will be given in the assembly elections on the basis of survey. Right now we are not distributing tickets to anyone. We will get the survey done and then the ticket will be decided on the basis of its result,” he said, adding, “Those who will have numbers in the survey, only they will be entitled to the tickets.”

Randhawa reached Jaipur Circuit House on Friday after the feedback meeting on Thursday night.

On the ongoing political cold war in Rajasthan, Randhawa has claimed to resolve the

dispute soon. Randhawa said that it is his job to resolve the dispute, not of anyone else. “I am not sitting in five stars but among people. Disputes will also be resolved,” he said.

On the question of no appointments to the posts of the organization for two and a half

years, Randhawa said that in the next two days a list of appointments of block and district heads will be released.

“We are all working in that direction. The vacant posts of the organisation will be filled soon. For two consecutive days, I have been sitting among the lead-

ers and workers and talking to them. No major complaints have been received during the feedback, small things keep going.

Notably, the ACR issue was raised before Randhawa in the Council of Ministers meeting. On this issue, Randhawa said, “I was the

CM orders transfer of third grade teachers, removes ban

Yogesh Sharma & Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: In the marathon feedback meeting of Congress state incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa with the Chief Minister and ministers, an agreement has been reached on the transfer of third grade teachers in the election year in the State.

In the meeting that lasted till late night on Thursday, the ministers gave suggestions on repeating the government, and many times there was an argument among themselves. At the same time, there was a suggestion in the meeting to cut the tickets of 30 per cent ministers.

In the meeting, it has been agreed to remove the ban on transfers of third grade teachers and teachers recruited after the year 2016 will now be transferred. CM Ashok Gehlot has asked Education Minister BD Kalla to transfer after the suggestions of the ministers.

The ministers had different views on the transfers. Most of the ministers, including the Health Minister,

advocated the transfer of third grade teachers. Some ministers including Murarilal Meena, Brijendra Singh Ola were of the opinion that these transfers should not be opened at present. However, most of the ministers were in favor of transfers.

Gehlot told the Education Minister that when there is a consensus, then these transfers should happen. Meanwhile, State Congress in-charge Randhawa suggested not to bring any new policy for third grade teacher transfers and said, “due to this, an atmosphere was created against us in Punjab and the government went. These transfers should happen without waiting

for the policy.”

In the meeting, the ministers were asked the measures to repeat the government. Ministers Udayalal Anjana and Rajendra Yadav suggested cutting tickets for 30 per cent ministers i.e. 10 ministers. These ministers said that tickets should be fixed long in advance on the seats of the defeated candidates. “Indicate those to whom tickets are to be given well before the elections so that they can work. When tickets are cut near the election, there will be loss,” they stressed.

During the feedback meeting of Congress in-charge Randhawa, the matter of paper leak of senior teacher recruitment examination came to the fore.

DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING

In the meeting, Water Supply Minister Mahesh Joshi started praising Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra instead of making suggestions to win the election. On this, Minister Murari Meena interrupted him and said that the Bharat Jodo Yatra has come out with everyone’s cooperation and public support, it is not your contribution alone. Mahesh Joshi also retaliated on this and did not speak much after this altercation. Pratapsingh Khachariawas said in the meeting to give 90 per cent power of the government to the ministers and stressed that through this the government will be easily repeated. “Put the police under the ministers. Unnecessary sabotage should stop in Jaipur JDA region,” he said. During the meeting, Minister Gudha said in his suggestion on government repeat that if he remains among the public then automatically the votes will increase. “Being among the public is the key to win the election. I contested and won elections twice without getting any work done. When I fought on a Congress ticket after getting the work done, I was defeated,” he said.

SUBHASH GARG, UDAILAL AND OTHER MINS SUGGEST ‘POLL WAYS’

Jaipur: Minister Subhash Garg said in the meeting that even though he is from Lok Dal but his soul belongs to Congress.

We will all take the good works of the government among the

people, he said. Minister Murari Lal Meena suggested that farmers should be given electricity without any cuts, whether it is at night or during the day, but continuously, electricity should be given all at once instead of with breaks. Meanwhile, Udailal Anjana and Rajendra Yadav looked

active and Anjana stressed that power can be brought back in Congress’ hands in 2023 only by removing mutual tussle. Some ministers including Lalchand Kataria and Rajendra Yadav supported the view while Ashok Chandna spoke on the rights of ministers and said, “Many times the

minister is crossed, it is not right. Congress is strong in Rajasthan, schemes have an effect on the public.” During the meeting, state incharge Randhawa gave clear indication and said, “It is not necessary that every minister gets ticket again. Therefore improve your working style.”

CREATING NEW DISTRICTS WILL BENEFIT PEOPLE, GOVT:

RANDHAWA

I nterestingly, it seems that Congress In-charge Randhawa is also in favour of creating new districts. His views came forward in the council meeting where he said, “Punjab state would bend in 200 kms, whereas in Rajasthan there are districts that stretch for 200 kilometers. Creating small districts would benefit both political parties and common man.”

Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and under me There were 9 officers. I used to fill everyone’s ACR myself. I never felt that bureaucracy dominates. In Rajasthan I found ministers, MLAs are saying this. And the Government should take appropriate decision about this.”

STATE’S PRIDE

Khemraj Committee submits final report to CM Ashok Gehlot

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Khemraj Committee constituted to study and analyse the demands of various employee organisations has presented its final report to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday. After getting the report examined, appropriate action will be taken keeping the inter-

ests of the employees in mind. The committee had earlier submitted

Delegation of Sikh community calls on Chief Minister Gehlot

its interim report on February 2, 2022, which has been implemented.

Randhawa discusses State issues with Dr Raghu

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A delegation of Sikh community paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday.

On this occasion, the members of the delegation from all over the state thanked the Chief Minister for the public welfare schemes being run by the state government. The members of the delegation also gave their suggestions to the Chief Minister for the upcoming budget of the state. In return, Gehlot assured to give due

place to the suggestions of the delegation in the upcoming budget. Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab

“When we meet one to one, everything is discussed. The decision on this is taken by the high command, because I have always been a loyalist of the Congress high command for 40 years. I do whatever the high command orders. Whatever may have been the incident, our stand is clear every time. We are with the party high command, whatever decision it takes,” he said.

Sukhjinder

Randhawa and Karanpur MLA Gurmeet Singh Kunnar were present on the occasion.

INITIATIVE

Sharma, while discussing Raj issued with Randhawa said, “To solve complicated situations, a clever in-charge is needed. We have got a good in-charge who is also an experienced Congressman.”

Loan fair for Kota street vendors soon

Kota: On the initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Birla, a loan distribution fair is proposed to be organised in Kota next month. Through this, Speaker Birla is trying to provide financial support to street vendors and small entrepreneurs through Swanidhi Yojana and Mudra Yojana so that they can expand their work.

In this contest, Birla on Friday evening made street vendors aware of

got

loan applications prepared from them.

Birla reached out to roadside vendors in these areas. He told them

the Centre has come up with such a scheme in which they will get loans easily at a very nominal rate of interest.

There are many difficulties in the life of Vivek, who earns his livelihood by selling tea in the station market, but his spirit is equally high. He wants to make himself self-sufficient.

For this, with the inspiration of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, he has applied for a loan of Rs 10,000 from Swanidhi Yojana.

Bhanwar S Charan

Swanidhi Yojana in Khai Road, Nayapura Sabzi Mandi, Khedli Phatak and Bajaria area of Bhimganj Mandi and

LS SPEAKER BIRLA’S

CM Ashok Gehlot with Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, GS Dotasra, Tikaram Jully, GR Meghwal, Subhash Garg, Shakuntala Rawat, Mahesh Joshi, Sukhram Vishnoi, Ramesh Meena, Murari Lal Meena, and Bhajanlal Jatav at PCC on Friday.

Singh

CM Ashok Gehlot and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa with Sikh delegation members Hardeep Singh Dibdiba, Vijendra Singh Sidhu, Tejpratap Singh Sandhu and others in Jaipur on Friday.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Senior Rajasthan Congress leader Raghu Sharma met state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh on Friday and gave his feedback regarding Rajasthan. On the discussions about the change of Chief Minister in the state, Raghu Sharma said that no one does all these things on camera.

Congress State in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa meets Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi in Jaipur on Friday.

Speaker Om Birla interacts with a fruit vendor in Kota on Friday.

CONG MARATHON FEEDBACK MEET JOSHI-MURARI SPAT; ‘REPEATING GOVT’

Suggestions were given on not giving tickets to 30 per cent Ministers in the upcoming State assembly elections.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Tikaram Jully meets Priya Singh Meghwal, gold medallist and Rajasthan’s first female bodybuilder, in Jaipur.

CM Gehlot with Committee members Khemraj Choudhary, Akhil Arora, Arti Dogra, Amit Dhaka and others in Jaipur on Friday.

Quench the thirst for style

The cropped cardigan style is really popular right now because it combines a whimsical edge with the comfort of a cardigan. As we bid adieu to 2022, let’s dive into the chic fashion!

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

As we all know, the first few weeks of the season may leave us in a fashion bind because it’s frequently too warm to break out your bulky winter coat yet too chilly to go bareshouldered. The answer is a cropped cardigan. Even the most warm-weatherready slip dress seems a little more wearable in the winter whether you want them to be fitted or a little sloppy.

The cropped cardigan is very different from the cosy knits of our grandma. The little sweater, which grazes the lowest ribs, is a great choice to layer over a miniskirt or bold jeans. When you want to keep things brief,

sweet, and sensual, use this one.

This modernised version of a granny classic is short and stylish, making it the ideal cover-up for days when it’s only a little chilly as spring approaches. This standout piece has the ability to look great worn over a dress to keep it classy or paired with a distressed pair of denim jorts for a unique look.

You’ll see this garment in action on Kendall Jenner on

the Jacquemus catwalk and on Bella Hadid outside the show. Looking closer to home, Khushi Kapoor rocks this look effortlessly as she walks across the city wearing a cropped jacket and corduroy leggings. By taking inspiration from her Instagram-worthy outfit, you can wear yours with sneakers, a baguette bag, and high-waisted denim jeans. This piece continues to make a statement in every closet, whether you choose a fuzzy one in a vivid pink or subdued tones to keep it cool.

Cropped sweaters are adaptable garments that may be dressed up or down with ease.

If you want to show off your midriff, you can dress your attire differently.

For instance, keeping covered and seeming formal enough for the office can be achieved by layering a blouse under a cropped sweater.

Try pairing your cropped sweater with skinny jeans or a midi skirt for more informal settings where you want your stomach to be on display.

FIND A YOGA YOUTUBER

Instead of the usual, pressure-filled

YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING

Booking that one appointment you’ve had on your to-do list for months is one important step toward living a healthier life. You might even find that seeing your doctor is way less intimidating and stressful than you remember it being. If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist or any other routine checkup for financial reasons, try reaching the doctor.

CALL ONE FRIEND YOU DIDN’T SEE ENOUGH OF IN 2022

Connecting

UNIQUE THINGS TO DO TO SET THE TONE FOR 2023

BUY FROM LOCAL VENDORS

While you think of shopping for your new year party, you can consider local vendors. There are probably dozens of small vendors around you who are working hard to make ends meet. All you need to do is go out and shop for your party needs from them. It can be ethnic clothes or traditional food, a touch of local culture can make your new year 2023 exciting. It’s never a bad idea to support someone and help them enjoy the little luxuries of life with an extra income.

TRY OUT A NEW COFFEE SHOP IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Making resolutions like “go outside every morning for a walk” can seem too overwhelming. But if you’re going out to try out a new place and grab a quick cup of coffee, this goal suddenly becomes much more attainable. It can be an inexpensive endeavor, no matter how complex your coffee order is, and you’ll feel great supporting a neighborhood spot that needs your help to stay open.

THINK ABOUT THE STRAYS

New Year also brings low temperatures, especially in the northern part of India. Apart from the people, animals also suffer because of this. The stray animals in India suffer because of complete disregard and also cruelty of some people. You can help them by feeding them or providing them warm covering. The animals do not speak but it does not mean they should be left to suffer in silence. You can also support causes that help stray animals or those animals who are injured or rescued.

DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

We have an embarrassing confession: our New Year’s resolutions for 2023 are nearly identical to the resolutions we made for 2022 (which were remarkably similar to 2021, 2020, and pretty much every year as far as we can remember).

A year ago, we held such

lofty ambitions. We would exercise more, use social media less, rise earlier, read more books, eat healthier, write more, reduce our carbon footprint, learn to meditate….

We started strong. But a few weeks in, as January’s cold morphed into the slushy days of February, our resolve slackened. Twitter reappeared on our

phones and we doomscrolled late into the evening. Our warm beds seemed to grip us tighter when the alarm went off for our morning jogs. We began to hit snooze, once, twice, then three times.

And, well, meditation never had a hope. We had largely failed. Will this stop us from doing the same thing this New

Year’s? Absolutely not. But we have learned to approach our New Year’s resolutions in an entirely different way and we think you should too. Instead of thinking of something huge and grand that intimidates you, try thinking of a smaller, more attainable resolution, one that might even put you on

track to complete a larger goal in the future.

For example, if you want to lower your blood pressure in the new year, start by subscribing to a healthy meal cooking service, where you can choose hearthealthy recipes. That way, you have an exciting new dish to look forward to each week with-

out the stress of creating a health-conscious shopping list and sourcing ingredients on your own. Trust us: Once you place that order, you’ll already start to feel accomplished. Here are a few more resolutions you can try out this year that can help you start small and lead to bigger, lifechanging moments.

being engaged in our work life.

DONATE TO CHILD EDUCATION

Children are the future of the world. Millions of children do not have access to good quality education even today. You can gift someone the most precious thing this new year by donating to an NGO for child education. You can sponsor a child’s education and transform many lives that are connected to them. At the same time, you can take out time and teach underprivileged children. There are many volunteering opportunities available but you can also do it on your own by committing to take one hour from your week. It will surely be a gratifying experience.

MORE

MITALI

Much Awaited Nite Marathon

CITY FIRST

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NBC are jointly organising the most awaited Jaipur by Nite Marathon in association with the Department of Tourism and Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan; Young Indians & Indian Women Network Rajasthan on January 28, 2023 (Saturday) evening from 7 pm onwards. This will be the 5th edition of the Jaipur by Nite Marathon. CII continuing its efforts towards the promotion of night tourism in the pink city, the night marathon will be flagged off from Jawahar Kala Kendra. There will be two categories of run i.e. 10 km which is a timed run and 5 km category for beginners.

The CII- NBC Jaipur by Nite Marathon poster was released by Dr BD Kalla, Minister for Education and Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan and Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary- Tourism, Govt of Rajasthan along with Gaurav Rungta, Chairman, CII Rajasthan; Abhinav

Banthia, Vice Chair man & Nitin Gupta, Senior Director & Head, CII Rajasthan; Rahul Singhi, Chair man- Young Indians Jaipur; Dr Pallavi Mishra, ChairpersonIndian Women Net work Rajasthan and Gaurav Bansal, CoChairman- Young In dians Jaipur. Kalla ap preciated the role played by CII for the development of in dustry in the state and also confirmed his kind presence for the night marathon flag-off ceremony on 28 January 2023.

During the initia tive Rohit Verma, Abhishek Mishra, Kiranjeet, Dr Namit Sharma, Ravi Goen ka & other promi nent marathoners from Jaipur were also present for the Poster re lease ceremo ny, wherein all the maratho ners shared their views for increas ing partici pation of beginners in the marathon.

QUEEN OF INDIA SEASON 2

CITY FIRST

The last audition of National Level Beauty Pageant Queen of India Season 2 being organised by Kalyan & Sons Production House was organised at Hotel Prime Safari, Jaipur on Friday. More than 100 ravishing models walked the ramp and showcased their talents in various rounds. Show director Monu

Verma told that this is the second season of this pageant and this is the last audition of this season. He further informed that models from all over Rajasthan appeared for the auditions. 65 models from the Miss category and 35 models from the Mrs category participated in this audition. In the coming days, a talent round, portfolio shoot, look launch, fitness and motivational session will also be organised as a part of

training and grooming sessions for the models. The grand finale of this pageant will be organised in January.

Neha Gauri, Prem Sharma, Laxmi Narayan and Gaurav Yogi graced the occasion a sthe jury members. Pramod Goyal, Arun Agarwal, Rajkumar Agarwal, Shivsingh Shekhawat and Pawan Bhinda among others were also present as special guests.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

Jaipur Film Market is going to be intellectually enriching during the upcoming 15th edition of the Jaipur International Film Festival from January 6 to 10.

JIFF founder Hanu Roj informed that Jaipur Film Market activities will be organised at AUDI 6, INOX, from 11 am to 5 pm.

Dialogue on ‘Indian Cinema Yesterday, To-

day and Tomorrow’ will be conducted at noon on the first day of the festival, followed by sessions

‘Challenges of Film Making from Women’s and Men’s perspectives, and ‘Film Finance, Production and Distribution, followed by dialogue sessions

‘After Theatre and OTT, Future Technology for Watching Films’ and ‘Web Series wala aaya hai’ will be organised respectively.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra with Mahima Singh Kanwar, Anchor Bharat24-Vision of New India on Friday at New Delhi.

Bollywood Superstars Malaika Arora with her better half Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan were spotted at the Jaipur International Airport on Friday. Mohit Marwah with his wife Antara Motiwala was also seen as the couple were in the Pink City for a private event.

An enchanting musical program, organised by the Jaipur Sangeet Mahavidyalaya was held at Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Sanstha Auditorium on Friday. Ranu Sharma, secretary of the college graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and kicked off the program with a lamp-lighting ceremony. Secretary Ram Sharma informed that guests from Australia and Singapore attended the programme.

A workshop on BLS and CPR was organised at Shalby Hospital under the aegis of Round Table India recently. Each participant who attended the workshop was given a Round Table India key and a special gift hamper. Amit Jain of Round table India said that the workshop was organised for gym trainers, owners and fitness enthusiasts.

After completing its successful journey following 7 locations across the nation, the grand finale of the biggest Design exhibition in India, BRDS Design Exhibition 2022 reached its final destination Ahmedabad at Shree Shakti Convention Centre recently. Following the delightful exhibitions in the cities of Jaipur, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai, Ahmedabad saw the grandeur of creativity and innovation.

Akshay Kumar, son of Mahesh Chandra Chejara and Radha Devi, a resident of Murlipura Jaipur, secured 16th rank in Electronics and Communication Engineering across the country in the recently released engineering service results from UPSC. Akshay is currently working in BSNL as JTO in Maharashtra. Since the results were out, there has been an influx of congratulatory people.

Vedanta International School celebrated their annual function recently. The theme was Karmatma, relating to the acts of generosity and a free positive soul. The main attraction of the program was the 3-D display that won the hearts of teachers, students, parents and all the guests present. Various cultural performances were also showcased. Students engaged in dance, music and theatre. The program concluded with a felicitation ceremony and a vote of thanks by the dignitaries.

SPOTTED!

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Priyadarshan

Sonali Bendre

Philippa Frisby

Dr BD Kalla with Gaurav Rungta, Abhinav Banthia, Nitin Gupta, Rahul Singhi and Gaurav Bansal with others

Monu Verma with the participants of Queen of India Season 2

Varun Dhawan

Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor Mohit Marwah with his wife Antara Motiwala

Diva flaunting her western attire during the auditions

—PHOTOS