First India-Jaipur Edition-1st February 2023

WORLD EYES INDIA’S BUDGET!

MURMU’S 1ST JOINT ADDRESS

Today there’s stable, fearless, decisive govt in country: President

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu said India has a “fearless, decisive govt today” as she addressed parl on 1st day of Budget session on Tuesday. “India is today emerging as a provider of solutions for issues faced by the world. My govt is clear — corruption is biggest enemy of democracy and social justice. Action has been taken to end corruption,” she said. More on P5

MURMU SPEAKS

l India has a govt that respects honest and works to solve problems of poor and empower them permanently

l From surgical strikes to crackdown on terrorism, from LoC to LAC, from abrogation of Article 370 to Triple Talaq, govt has taken decisions for country’s interest

l PM Gati-Shakti National Master Plan made to deal with infra devp challenges

l Govt schemes have helped poor, with Ayushman Bharat & Jan Aushadhi alone providing assistance of `1L cr

MODI TELLS MEDIA

PM says, budget aims to meet hopes and aspirations of common people

India’s global relations with other countries are at their best now.

—Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President

FORMER LAW MIN

SHANTI BHUSHAN DIES AGED 97

Son Prashant says, “END OF AN ERA”

New Delhi: Senior advocate and former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan has passed away aged 97 on Tuesday. Shanti Bhushan represented Raj Narain in a case in Allahabad HC, which resulted in unseating of then PM Indira Gandhi. He also served as the law minister from 1977 to 1979 in Morarji Desai govt. His son, Prashant Bhushan, is a lawyer and an activist. PM Modi, other leaders extended condolences.

ALLAHABAD, GUJARAT HC CHIEF JUSTICES RECOMMENDED BY COLLEGIUM FOR SC

New Delhi: SC Collegium

Tuesday recommended to Centre names of Allahabad

HC CJ Rajesh Bindal and Gujarat HC CJ Aravind Kumar for elevation as apex court judges. While all 6 members of the Collegium, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, were unanimous in recommending the names. The Apex Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges including CJI, is functioning with 27 Judges recently.

SITHA TABLES ECONOMIC SURVEY

India’s economy to grow 6.5% in 2023-24: Economic survey report

The India’s economic growth is forecast to be 6.5 per cent in fiscal 2024, according to the Economic Survey released by the government a day ahead of the Union Budget presentation. The Economic Survey was tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, her fifth since 2019. The Economic Survey was presented after President Droupadi Murmu address to the parliament. More on P5

INDIA TO REMAIN FASTEST-GROWING

LARGE ECONOMY IN 2023 & 2024: IMF

IMF on Tuesday projected India’s growth to be 6.1% in 2023 from 6.8% in 2022, though the country will remain fastest-growing economy in 2023 and 2024. Int’l agency released Jan update of its World Economic Outlook, as per that global growth is projected to fall from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023, rise to 3.1% in 2024.

Recovery of the economy is complete; non-banking and corporate sectors now have healthy balance sheets, hence, we don’t have to speak of pandemic recovery anymore, we have to look ahead to the next phase.

—Dr V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor

CAPTAIN PM MODI SMOOTHLY SAILED THE ECONOMY THROUGH ROCKY WATERS OF COVID: SHAH

PRESIDENT, SONIA EXCHANGE GREETINGS; CONG LEADERS IN SRINAGAR,

GANDHI SITS ALONE

PM Narendra Modi said that amid unstable global economic situation, India’s budget will attempt to meet hopes, aspirations of citizens. Speaking to media ahead of Budget session, PM said with thought of ‘India First, Citizen First’, FinMin Nirmala Sitharaman will take Budget session

Its is a historic occasion due to president Droupadi Murmu’s first joint sitting address of the parl. A matter of pride for women and the tribal community of the country. Our finance minister is a woman too. She will present one more budget before the country.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

forward on Wednesday. In today’s global circumstances, not only

A REASON TO SMILE...

India but the entire world is looking at India’s budget,” PM said.

Adani pulls off $2.5 billion share sale after jump in the final bids

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Gautam

Adani pulled off a closely watched $2.5 billion equity sale for his flagship company, largely thanks to existing shareholders, earning Indian billionaire some reprieve after empire was rocked by fraud allegations by short seller Hindenburg Research.

Offering by Adani Enterprises Ltd. was India’s largest follow-on share sale, and was fully subscribed on final day, aided by a last- minute surge in demand from investors. Interest from retail investors — who Adani was hoping to attract — was notably weak.

Israel PM Netanyahu hands over Haifa Port to Gautam Adani in the Adani Group-led JV on Tuesday.

MOMENTOUS DAY,

AS

Union HM Amit Shah, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Dr Jitendra Singh and others lend ears to President’s address on Tuesday. Shah took to twitter, Captain PM @narendramodi has smoothly navigated economy through the rocky waters of pandemic. #EconomicSurvey2023 P4

14 CHARRED TO DEATH IN MASSIVE FIRE IN JHARKHAND

First India Bureau Dhanbad: At least 14 people, including women and children, were charred to death and several others injured, after a major fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Tuesday, officials said. Blaze erupted at 6 pm on the second floor of Ashirwad Tower in Dhanbad’s Joraphatak area earlier claimed 3 deaths. Death toll on Tuesday late rose to 14, till this report was filed.

Gautam Adani has slipped out of the list of the world’s top 10 richest people, a report stated. Tycoon was earlier positioned fourth on the list. On Tuesday, shares of most of Adani firms were trading in negative territory, falling for 4th day running, amid concerns over USbased short seller Hindenburg report.

CRUCIAL READ

SELF-STYLED GODMAN ASARAM BAPU

JAILED FOR LIFE IN SECOND RAPE CASE

Gandhinagar: A Gujarat court on Tuesday sentenced self-styled godman

Asaram Bapu, who was convicted in a rape case filed by a former woman disciple in 2013, to life imprisonment.

Asaram Bapu, (81) is currently lodged in a Jodhpur jail, where he is serving life sentence in another case of raping a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013. Sessions court judge DK Soni pronounced the ruling after hearing the arguments on the quantum of sentence.

VISAKHAPATNAM TO BE ANDHRA PRADESH’S NEW CAPITAL, SAYS CM JAGAN MOHAN REDDY

Hyderabad: Visakhapatnam will be Andhra Pradesh’s new capital, CM YS

Jagan Mohan Reddy said Tuesday afternoon, indicating plans to develop Amaravati — on banks of Krishna river — as the capital city have been scrapped.

Announcement comes 9 years after State of Telangana was carved out of its territory & given Hyderabad as its capital.

shared a picture with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as he handed over port of Haifa to Adani Groupled JV. Adani, in partnership with Israel’s Gadot Group, had secured rights to buy 100% shares of Haifa Port Company Ltd for a concession period up to 2054 with its winning $1.8 bn bid.

SENGATHIR, 2 MORE RAJ IPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Jaipur: Three IPS officers were transferred on Tuesday. S Sengathir has been posted as ADG Intelligence, Gyanchandra Yadav as SP CM Security, Karan Sharma as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime and Vigilance (PHQ).

l AI Pee Gate: Accused Shankar Mishra gets bail

l PM CARES Fund not ‘public authority’, RTI Act not applicable: Centre to HC

l Man calls up the police and threatens to kill Kejri

l Morbi: Oreva Group MD surrenders in Court

President Droupadi Murmu exchanges greetings with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson and MP Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Sonia sat alone in her designated front row bench in Parl as senior leaders remained stuck in Srinagar due to bad weather after attending BJY.

Meghalaya, Nagaland Assembly polls in one phase on February 27

First India Bureau Kohima/Shillong:

The Election Commission on Tuesday issued statutory notifications for the February 27 Assembly elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Election officials said that with the issuance of the notifications, candidates can submit their nomination papers to the returning officers.

The Chief Election Officer FR Kharkongor had mentioned that there are a total of 3,482 polling stations across the state and 50% of the polling stations will have webcasting facilities while the rest will have video cameras.

120 companies of CAPF will be deployed in the upcoming Assembly Polls and 40 companies are already stationed in the State.

—FR Kharkongor, Chief Election Officer

THE POLLING EVENTS

l Filling of nominations began on January 31

l Submit nomination papers till February 7

l The scrutiny will take place on February 8

l Last date to withdraw names is February 10

l The counting of votes will take place on March 2

FROM THE RAJASTHAN ASSEMBLY GIVE WELL SCRUTINISED REPLIES IN THE HOUSE: SPEAKER CP JOSHI

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi on Tuesday said ministers should ensure that the answers given by them to queries raised by members in the House are well scrutinised. The Speaker gave the ruling after a discrepancy in an answer given by Labour Minister Sukhram Vishnoi was pointed out by BJP MLA from Salumbar.

Joshi said it is expected from the government that the answers to the questions should be presented after proper

scrutiny raised in the House. Vishnoi was answering question raised by BJP legislator from Salumbar Amrit Lal

Meena during the Question Hour. Joshi said answers coming in an irresponsible manner is a matter of concern for House, hurting its sanctity. He also sought action against officers who prepared answer irresponsibly. Discrepancy in reply also caught attention of Joshi. Vishnoi said he will get figure examined to which Speaker and said replies should come to Assembly after proper scrutiny. More on

President Droupadi Murmu with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House on the first day of the Budget Session 2023, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

SAYS ADANI

ISRAELI PM HANDS OVER PORT

GAUTAM ADANI DROPS OFF LIST OF WORLD’S TOP 10 RICHEST PEOPLE

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani

Uproar in Assembly over privilege motion on PIL by Deputy LoP Rathore

Naresh Sharma and Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: The Opposition BJP created uproar in the Assembly on Tuesday against the breach of privilege motion moved by independent legislator Sanyam Lodha against the filing of a PIL in the High Court over the resignation of 81 MLAs.

Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore filed the PIL last month seeking direction to the Legislative Assembly Speaker to decide on the resignations given by MLAs of the ruling Congress party on September 25.

Speaker CP Joshi allowed Sanyam Lodha to speak on the breach of privilege motion after the Zero Hour on Tuesday, a move opposed by Rathore.

Speaker CP Joshi reserves order in ‘privilege motion’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Speaker CP

I was stopped from speaking: Rathore

QUESTION HOUR

SPEAKER COMES IN SUPPORT OF MURARI LAL ON ‘TOURISM’ QUESTION BY OPP

Speaker CP Joshi defended Minister of State for Tourism Murari Lal Meena who was cornered by the Opposition on a question related to RTDC. Leader of opposition Gulab Chand Kataria and Kalicharan Saraf cornered Meena who was not fully updated because he was answering in the House in place of tourism minister Vishvendra Singh. The speaker defended the minister and also explained to him the way to answer the question.

MLA PANA CHAND QUESTIONS OWN GOVT ON BARAN FLOOD ASSISTANCE

C ongress MLA Pana Chand Meghwal cornered his own Government on the issue of assistance to the flood affected in Baran district.

INDRAJ RAISES ERCP ISSUE, SAYS SHEKHAWAT MUST STICK TO HIS WORDS

Irked by the interruption, the Speaker said he was conducting the house as per the rules and Rathore cannot dictate him. An argument between the both continued. "The house is run by the rules and not by your will. You cannot dictate me," Joshi told Rathore.

Joshi has reserved the decision on the breach of privilege motion moved by Sanyam Lodha with him.

Joshi allowed Lodha to speak on the motion and later reserved his decision. He can now either accept or reject the motion.

LoP Rajendra Rathore. —FILE PHOTO

broke out between the speaker and Rathore.

and not by your speaker has two

In September, 81 MLAs submitted their resignations while boycotting the Congress Legislature Party meeting called to decide on Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's successor. Seventy of these 81 MLAs are from Congress. They withdrew the resignations earlier this month.

As Rathore and other members continued the uproar, the speaker asked him to read rule 157 of the procedure and conduct of the business of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

The BJP members also stormed to the well briefly. When Rathore did not adhere to the Speaker, Joshi himself read the rule aloud. However, Rathore continued to oppose.

In case of accepting the motion, the speaker has two options — he can send it to the committee or else can conduct discussion in the house. If there is

discussion in the house, Rajendra Rathore will get a chance to present his point.

Rathore was not allowed to present his side in the house on Tuesday. When the Speaker allowed Lodha to speak, an argument

The Speaker said that he also wants the members of the house to understand the process of breach of privilege motion. The speaker clarified everything under the rules.

First India Bureau Jaipur: On the issue of breach of privilege against him, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore said that it is the second chance after the formation of the state legislative assembly that the breach of privilege motion has come for a member. He said that there was no decision on resignation of the MLAs for 180 days. “I said in the assembly that the matter is under judicial review. It is prohibited to raise any issue in the assembly which is in court. No such motion can be discussed in the

Sanyam Lodha corners both Govt, Opp over price of gravel in State

First India Bureau

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot’s advisor MLA Sanyam Lodha on Tuesday claimed that the Congress party will be at a loss if the prices of the gravel are not reduced. Speaking during the debate on the Governor’s address regarding the prices of gravel, Lodha said that Rs 480 to Rs 650 per tonne is being charged for gravel in Rajasthan.

“Why are such situations being allowed to develop in the state? Is it because the contractor

Guv’s address a ‘bundle of lies’, says MLA Jingar

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Speaking on the Governor’s address, MLA Arjun Lal Jingar said that “the address is a bundle of lies”. He termed government’s policies as “anti-people” and highlighted the misgovernance and corruption. There was uproar in the House on Jingar’s address.

Minister BD Kalla said that the BJP MLA is presenting wrong figures. “Don’t know from where the figures were brought,” said Kalla.

MLA Bihari Lal Vishnoi raised the issue of Lumpy disease and talked about giving wrong injection to cows.

On the first day of the Assembly Session, the Opposition members had tried to disrupt Governor Kalraj Mishra’s customary address by raising the issue of rampant paper leaks in the State government’s recruitment exams. Mishra had to shorten his speech, reading just a few pages, and left the House.

is close to both the political parties?,” Lodha asked. He said that gravel in Maharashtra is Rs 55 a ton, in Gujarat it is Rs 150 a ton, then why are the prices skyrocketing in Rajasthan?

Why are such situations being allowed to develop in the State? Is it because the contractor is close to both the political parties?

—Sanyam Lodha, Independent MLA

Legislative Assembly,” he told reporters. He said that the next hearing in the court in the matter is on February 13. Rathore said that the speaker has tried to show that he is higher than the Constitution.

“There is a clear provision in Rule 161. I was stopped from speaking my point,” he said. On the issue of the resignations of the MLAs, food and civil supplies minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said that legislature and judiciary should respect each other. He also said that chief minister Ashok Gehlot is a moving university.

Disaster management and relief minister Govind Ram Meghwal replied to his question and said that he will take necessary action after taking full information from the MLA. Speaker CP Joshi also questioned the minister on this issue and asked for whom the government has made the rules.

MLA Indraj Gurjar raised the issue of ERCP. He said in the House, “PM Modi had promised about ERCP during his Ajmer meeting. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat should stick to his word.” He said that if the central government announces ERCP, 13 districts will be benefited. Shekhawat recently said that instead of working on every issue related to water, be it Jaljivan Mission or ERCP, the Gehlot government is playing politics.

HIGHLIGHTS

 The post of Deputy Speaker is vacant even though four years have passed and the election year has come. Rao Rajendra Singh was the Dy Speaker in previous BJP rule.

 After heated arguments in the House, Speaker Dr CP Joshi was seen feeding ladoo to Deputy LoP Rajendra Rathore.

 Several MLAs raised the issue of the quality of food served in the canteen of the Assembly. MLAs Anita Bhadel, Deepti Maheshwari, Kalpana Raje and others met Speaker Dr CP Joshi who instructed the authorities concerned.

No ‘cleaning fee’ instructions given to civic bodies: Dhariwal

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Urban Development Minister Shanti

Whether the crop of gravel got damaged or frost got on the gravel, due to which there was a shortage of gravel, he quipped.

MLA Lodha said that goons sitting in number-

less vehicles attack tractor drivers in the state. He said that the situation is such that whether the police come or not on Sanyam Lodha’s call, but the gravel mafia comes first when called.

‘2,427 online fraud, 4,405 cybercrime cases registered’

Officers, employees being trained to handle such cases, says Min Dhariwal

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: BJP MLA

Sandeep Sharma raised the issue of online fraud and cybercrime in the state during the Question Hour in the Assembly on Tuesday. Replying to the question, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal said that 2,427 cases of online fraud have been registered in the State in which 207 people have been arrested and in 253 cases, challan

has been presented, in 1,841 cases FR has been imposed. He said that investigation is going on in 333 cases of online fraud. He said that 4,405 cases of cybercrime have been filed in which 1,474 people were arrested and challans were produced in 1,443

cases and in 2,278 cases FR was imposed. Investigation is going on in 684 cases. Dhariwal replied that the cases of online fraud and cyber thugs are investigated by trained officers. On the criteria of qualification, Dhariwal said that officers and employees are trained.

Dhariwal said in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday that no separate instructions have been issued to the urban bodies regarding the collection of cleaning fee and it is not being recovered from any urban body in Rajasthan. Dhariwal was answering supplementary questions of the legislators in this regard during the Question Hour. He said that under Rajasthan Municipal Act-2009, Mu-

636 cases pending for prosecution from 2019-22

First India Bureau Jaipur: The issue of delay in prosecution sanction of the accused of corruption and embezzlement was raised in the House on Tuesday.

The proposals for prosecution sanction of 636 accused are pending from 2019 to 2022. Of the 2,475 prosecution sanctions, approval was given against only 1,645 accused.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ramlal Sharma raised the issue of pay grade of Police Constable in the House saying that “pay grade of 3600 should be given”.

nicipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Municipalities have the right to make bylaws for solid waste management work in public interest. He said that there is definitely a provision in the Municipality Act for the urban bodies to

collect the cleaning fee in their area. He said that the executive officer of the concerned municipality or the municipal commissioner has the right to impose this fee in his area. But it is not being recovered anywhere in the state. Fines or penalties are definitely being taken for throwing garbage. Earlier, in a written reply to the original question of MLA Sandeep Sharma, Dhariwal said that cleaning fee is not being collected by any municipality in Kota district.

No plan to privatise

RTDC hotels: Meena

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Minister of State for Tourism Murari Lal Meena said in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday that there is no plan to give any hotel operated under the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) to the private sector.

Meena gave this information during the Question Hour replying to the question of MLA Kalicharan Saraf. He informed that under the state budget announcement, six hotel units namely Hotel Gangaur in Jaipur, Hotel Khadim in Ajmer, Hotel Kajri in Udaipur, Hotel Shikhar in Mount Abu, Hotel Forest Lodge in Bharat-

pur and Hotel Tiger Den in Sariska have been renovated by RTDC. He said that the budget announcement was made for seven hotel units, but Behror Midway was not selected based on the decision taken in the Board of Directors meeting. He said that Rs 908.76 lakh has been sanctioned for the renovation of 6 units of RTDC, the work of which is currently in progress.

MLA Arjun Lal Jingar

Speaker Dr CP Joshi and Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore during the assembly session in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Sanyam Lodha had on January 22 submitted a breach of privilege proposal before the Assembly Secretary against Deputy

3 accused caught, 2 shot in legs while trying to escape

Accused snatched weapon from a cop and tried to flee from custody

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Jaiprakash, Sandeep and Rishabh, the miscreants who fired at G-Club, were arrested by the Jaipur Commissionerate Police and brought here late on Monday night. Meanwhile, the miscreants tried to escape near the Kho Nagoriyan police station area but got injured in the firing.

All the three injured miscreants have been shifted to the trauma ward of SMS Hospital, Jaipur. Security has been stepped up with additional force.

According to sources, the CST team of Jaipur Commissionerate was bringing the three miscreants to Jaipur, when they tried to run away by snatching the pistols of the policemen sitting in the jeep. The miscreants fired at police and got injured in their legs in cross firing by the police.

After the arrest of these miscreants, the Jaipur Commissionerate Police will bring gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on remand.

Miscreant Pradeep fractured his leg and is admitted in the ICU. The other two have been shifted to the general ward. In-charge of Trauma Centre, Anurag Dhakad said, “Pradeep’s condition is serious. Bullets from the legs of the other two have been removed.”

Additional Commissioner Ajaypal Lamba said that the miscreants were being brought from UP to Jaipur.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court has asked the Chief Secretary and other officers as to why the chairman of Sawai Madhopur Municipal Council was not suspended even after being arrested and jailed in a bribery case. The court asked why the chairman is working on the post.

A single judge bench of justice Indrajeet Singh has issued notices to the CS, DLB secy, DoP secy, DLB director and others seeking their replies in the matter. Advocates RK Gautam and GS Gautam, on behalf of the petitioner councilor Toofan Singh and others, told the court that municipal council

chairman Vimal Chand Mahawar was caught red-handed in a bribery case. After coming out of jail on bail, Mahavar took over the post of chairman again whereas in the year 2015, the then chairman of the same city council, Kamlesh Kumar was also arrested red-handed and was subsequently suspended by the state govt whereas in the present case of Mahawar, he is not being suspended due to political reasons.

MISCREANT OPENLY CHALLENGE POLICE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I n the firing incident at G Club under Jawahar Circle Police Station, member of notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Rithik Boxer, openly challenged Jaipur Police through a post on social media. The gangster wrote a post on social media and said, ‘Om, if we wanted too, we could have shot someone in the club. let’s start the new war by shooting now’. Following the post, the cyber cell of Jaipur Police Commissionerate is trying to trace out the location of the miscreant. AdCP (Crime) Ajay Pal Lamba informed that Hrithik Boxer is using fake SIM cards and using VPN to hide his original location while sharing posts on social media.

Lawrence gang recruiting youth with no criminal record across Rajasthan

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: Notorius gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is targeting minor boys for his gang these days. The gang is focusing on youths who do not have any criminal record and have a desire for arms and money. The G Club incident is also an incident

where minors played an important role. The Bikaner police is keeping a close eye on activities of such youths. IPS Amit Kumar Bhudaniya is making efforts to get records of such youths in the area. The inputs from Bikaner police helped Jaipur Police to nab the accused in G Club incident.

Kirodi gets support from more leaders for stir over paper leak

First India Bureau

Jaipur: BJP MP Kirori

Lal Meena’s dharna demanding a CBI inquiry into the paper leak cases entered the eighth day on Tuesday. He sat on a dharna outside the Chandra Mahal Garden on Agra Road, Jaipur, and has said that he would end the dharna only if a CBI investigation is done in the paper leak cases. The government, on the other hand, told the assembly that a CBI investigation would not be done. BJP state President Satish Poonia also reached the spot to express solidarity.

Prior to this, Dy LoP Rajendra Rathore, MLA Harish Meena, MLA Pratap S Singhvi also viited the protest site.

POLICE TEAM REACHES DHARNA SITE TO CANCEL KIRODI’S DHARNA, FACES PROTEST Jaipur: A police team reached to remove MP Kirodi Lal Meena from dharna site in front of Highway Chandra Mahal Garden on Jaipur-Agra highway on Tuesday night. The police officers tried to convince him to call off the dharna but Meena remained adamant on continuing the sit in. A heavy deployment of police was made at the site but the police had to return when Meena made it clear that he will not call off the dharna. Meena’s dharna has received support from Satish Poonia, Vasundhara Raje and other BJP leaders.

IN RANTHAMBORE...

Tiger cub dies of cold, forest

lll

After First India raised the issue, the forest dept took a decision and shifted the other two cubs of T-114 to Abheda Biological Park in Kota

BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Dense fog throws life out of gear in parts of Rajasthan

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Dense fog enveloped most parts of Rajasthan on Tuesday morning disrupting normal life and affecting traffic, officials said. The visibility at Jaipur airport was recorded at 50 metres, they said.

Several parts of the state had received showers on Monday.

According to the Meteorological Department, Peepalda in Kota, Mandrayal in Karauli and Kishanganj in Baran district recorded 14 mm rainfall each on Monday night.

Khanpur in Jhalawar received 9 mm rain while Nadbai in Bharatpur received 8 mm rain, they said. The minimum temperature has dropped in Bikaner division due to the rain and hailstorms resulting from an active Western Disturbance, the Met office

Officials of Agriculture Department assessing the damaged crops in the Udaipur district on Tuesday after girdawari was ordered.

CROP SPREAD OVER 1,235 HECT DAMAGED IN UDAIPUR, AGRI DEPT RELEASES REPORT

Udaipur: In the period of last two days, crops spread over 1,235 hectares were destroyed in Udaipur district due to rain and hailstorm accompanied by strong wind. The crops standing in the fields fell down due to torrential rain and hail. These conditions have especially increased the concern of tribal farmers. According to the report prepared by the Agriculture Department, Udaipur regarding crop damage, the wheat crop spread over an area of about 740 hectares has been destroyed. The state government has given approval for Girdavari due to damage to Rabi crop due to frost and cold wave. After which Udaipur Collector Tarachand Meena has said that under Rule 58 of Land Revenue Rules 1957, special Girdawari should be done in Patwar Mandal and revenue villages.

said. Phalodi was the coldest place in the state on Monday night as it recorded a mini -

CGST Superintendent, Inspector in ACB net

Both CGST officials had sought `5,000 bribe to clear the payment of `62,000

Navin Sharma

Jaipur : The Anti-Corruption Bureau on Monday caught CGST superintendent and inspector while taking a bribe of Rs 5,000 in capital city Jaipur.

The accused superintendent Raniwas Sirova and inspector Shailendra Kumar of CGST range-13, Vishwakarma Industrial area, had demanded the bribe from a businessman in lieu of releasing the amount of his garment firm. For the payment of Rs 62,000, they demanded the bribe of Rs 5000. They were also demand-

dept under scanner

Nirmal Tiwari & Lokesh Tatwal

Sawai Madhopur: A cub of Tigress T-114 died due to cold in Ranthambore National Park. According to forest officials, T-114 had recently given birth to triplets and they were last seen playing in Dolada village of Phalodi Range.

The forest officials and doctors did a postmortem of the cub and performed his final rites on Tuesday. The

death of the newly-born cub has once again raised doubts over monitoring of wild cats in the national park. The forest officials are now

facing a challenge to save the life of remaining two cub of T-114. It is also being said that officials are hiding the real reason of the death.

NOT A GOOD START FOR R’BORE IN 2023, 2 TIGERS, A CUB DIE IN JUST ONE MONTH

T he beginning of the New Year is not good for Ranthambore. Earlier this month, tiger T-57 died and now tigress T-114 and one of her cubs have been found dead.Villagers had spotted three cubs aged around two months on Jan 23 in a field near Dolda village of Phalodi range of Sawai Madhopur. There was the movement of tigress T-114 in this area, so it was believed that these three cubs would be of tigress T-114. One of the

three cubs was found dead on Tuesday morning. After the information, the forest dept searched for the tigress and by evening, T-114 was also found dead nearby.

Sariska’s Field Director Seduram Yadav and DCF Sangram Singh say that the carcass of the tigress is 24 to 48 hours old but sources say that some villagers had seen carcass 7-8 days ago. fter the First India raised the issue, the forest dept shifted both the cubs to Abheda.

ing Rs 50,000 for releasing Rs 10 lakh, outstanding amount of CGST input’s service tax.

After verification of the complaint, a trap was laid and the accused was held while taking Rs 5000, ADG ACB Hemant Priyadarshy said. They were arrested under the prevention of corruption act.

mum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius followed by Fatehpur (6.8 degrees).

HC celebrates Jaipur Bench’s foundation day

Kamal Kant

Jaipur: The 47th Foundation Day of Rajasthan High Court’s Jaipur bench was celebrated on Tuesday. The “Bench Day” was celebrated by the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association. A function was organized in the front loan of Rajasthan High Court in which Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal was the chief guest. CJ Mithal and all the judges of the Jaipur bench were felicitated in the programme. On this occasion, the CJ administered the oath to the newly elected 39th Executive Committee of Raj HC Bar Association. Colorful performances were also given by the advocates in the programme.

Relief to V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar in JDA land

First India Bureau

Jaipur: More land will be available in the case related to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar JDA will be able to issue single patta of more land. The UDH dept had issued an order on Nov 18 last year for leaving 10% land for facility area in case of single pattas larger than 1000 sq yard.

According to this order, the Dhankhar family had to leave 337

square yards of land. Now the UDH dept has issued a new order according to which the applicant will be able to buy 5% of the land. Now it will be required to leave only 5% of the land for the facility area. With this, the Dhankhar family will have to leave only 168.5 square yards of land. For remaining 3208.5 square yards, single commercial lease can be issued.

Earlier, the connection of Sikar’s Raju Thehat murder case came to the fore from Bikaner, now there is a connection of Bikaner with Jaipur firing being probed.

Satish Poonia in support of agitating MP Kirodi Meena.

Why corrupt civic body head working on post, Raj HC asks CS & others

CGST inspector Shailendra Kumar (in red jacket) and Superintendent Raniwas Sirova in ACB custody on Tuesday.

Additional Commissioner Ajaypal Lamba briefing the press on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Three accused in police custody, one of the accused is a minor. One of the accused undergoing the treatment at SMS Hospital.

Carcass of the cub of T-114 in Ranthambore on Tuesday.

WHAT’S COOKING IN SITHA’S RASOI?

...WORKING CLASS EXPECTS A HEALTHY KHICHDI

tax regime was brought into practice in 2020-21, as per reports, only 18.75% Indians had opted for this regime while around 60% of the taxpayers chose to opt for the regular tax structure. In order to make the new I-T regime popular, Sitharaman should be concentrating in this sector and include some changes and give more sops to the working class in this regard.

WIDER SCOPE FOR 80C

It is now time to widen the scope of the popular weapon for the working class to “earn” some money. Section 80 C offers people deductions on several fiscal instruments like the LIC, ELSS, PPF etc and thus the number of people availing this facility is growing by the minute. However, the limit of `1.5 lakh in 80C has not changed for years. This is one sphere where the working class would expect Sitharaman to consider. Talking of standard deduction, the working class is also expecting a hike in this sector which is currently pegged at `50,000.

TAX FILING EASE AND FASTER TAX REFUND

IN-DEPTH NEMESIS CATCHES UP WITH DUBIOUS SPIRITUALIST ASARAM BAPU

Nemesis finally caught up with the self-spiritual guru Asaram Bapu who, at one time, had bigwigs dancing to his tune. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a Surat-based woman at his ashram in Gujarat. He was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for raping a teenaged girl from UP’s Shahjehanpur in 2013.

That Asaram was more of a criminal than a holy man was apparent from the way his goons attacked key witnesses, some of whom, including his doctor and cook, were shot dead. Asaram’s men had even tried to track down the 16-year-old victim from her hometown.

WHAT SENIOR CITIZENS EXPECT

It may be noted that there have been no changes in the Income-Tax rates since 2017-2018 and despite the introduction of the new tax regime in 2020-21, most people still go in for the old tax regime. This is one sector, where the working class will expect some relief and a big announcement

ROBIN ROY

The writer is Senior Journalist and former Managing Editor, First India

With around 400 days to go for the Lok Sabha, this is, in all probability, the last full fledged budget by Nirmala Sitharaman before the General elections and as usual the common man who loves to hope against hope is again hoping to get a slice of the moon in their own terms!

The common man who is always on the receiving end as far major expenditure is concerned, hopes that the government will spell something for the working class on the last budget before the big polls

It may be noted that there have been no changes in the Income-Tax rates since 20172018 and despite the introduction of the new tax regime in 2020-21, most people still go in for the old tax regime. This is one sector, where the working class will expect some relief and a big announcement… In this article, we shall discuss the existing scenario and the expectations vis-à-vis.

Senior citizens may also be looking at issues and hoping that Sitharaman may consider their wishes too...

l Those who possess health insurance can currently claim tax deductions up to `50,000 on the premium they pay under Section 80D. However, senior citizens are now eyeing the limit to be pegged at `1 lakh.

l Senior citizens also are expecting the government to increase the basic Income-Tax

RATIONALISE TDS AND PRODUCE MORE BUYERS

By increasing the I-T slab, the working class must be allowed to save money and thus the budget must ensure that people have the capacity to buy in order to contribute to the economy of the nation and keep it moving. GST is a subject that affects one and all indirectly. Thus, the rates of commodities commonly used by the common man should be reduced. The provisions of the Capital Gains and Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) should be rationalised.

TAX VERSUS RELAX

According to the current regime, if one’s taxable income is up to `5 lakh per annum, he

exemption limit to `5 lakh from the current Income-Tax slab of `3 lakh.

l Senior citizens hope that the government would raise the deduction against their medical expenses. Currently, senior citizens can avail of an annual deduction of up to `50,000 on medical expenses.

or she doesn’t come under the tax purview. And in the scenario, where the taxable income goes above ` 5 lakh, 20% rate is applicable. This is a huge matter of concern for those who fall under the tax bracket of ` 10 lakh per annum. Consider this, if the working class intends to go for the new tax regime, it would mean that they give up the deductions available under Section 80 C, exemptions like HRA and others. This will not only increase the taxable income and thus the amount of tax payable too. So, people are expecting a decrease in these tax rates.

CHANGE NEEDED IN NEW I-T REGIME

It may be recalled that the new

In 2022, it took almost two to three months for the tax refunds to actually happen, which had sent taxpayers into a tizzy. The CBDT, however, has been considering and has already proposed a single ITR form for all while ITR-1 and ITR- 4 will remain. This may reduce the processing time of the tax return filings and also assist taxpayers to receive refunds faster.

SOPS FOR THOSE IN WFH SECTOR

Since the pandemic and widely after that, working from home has become a norm in today’s parlance and it is now the new normal. While if someone is on WFH he/she doesn’t need to travel to the workplace it saves a great deal on the travelling for the working class, but when it comes to other expenses like setting up a working station, dedicated wi-fi zone and proper machines to keep people linked with their offices. To maintain this, part of which is monthly expenses like the electricity and the internet cost, for those involved in WFH, they hope to hear about some goodies from the finance minister of the D-day.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

It is shocking that despite his conviction thousands still believe that Asaram is a pious man. It is some of these devotees who were involved in the killings of key witnesses. The unscrupulous guru, like many other spiritualists, exploited the gullible seekers of knowledge and put Hindu religion to shame. Sadly, such dubious gurus will keep popping up.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Three things can not hide for long: the Moon, the Sun and the Truth. Buddha

TOP TWEETS

Amit Shah @AmitShah

#EconomicSurvey2023 reaffirms that a seasoned captain PM @narendramodi has smoothly navigated the economy through the rocky waters of the pandemic. When the world is suffering a slowdown, growth and optimism in all sectors show that India is set to emerge as a global superpower. Office

ECONOMIC SURVEY’S CHEERY

OUTLOOK

The Economic Survey 2022-23 projects a robust image of the economy with the economy seen to be growing at 6.5 per cent in 2023-24 lower than 7 percent growth this fiscal.

The economy is predicted to perform better once the Russia-Ukraine war is over. The war, along with the pandemic, has been the biggest disrupter of the global economy and crippler of supply chains. In its latest report on World Economic Outlook the International Monetary Fund predicted a 6.1 growth in Indian economy in 2023 but said that India will grow at 6.8 percent in 2024. The IMF called India a bright spot and will grow fastest. The worst, Chief Econom-

The Economic Survey 2022-23 projects a robust image of the economy with the economy seen to be growing at 6.5 per cent in 2023-24 lower than 7 percent growth this fiscal

ic Adviser V. Ananth Nageswaran said, is behind us. However, due to recession in major economies could suppress demand and global trade, the Indian economy could also be impacted. Rising dollar and “strong domestic demand amidst high commodity prices will raise India’s total import bill and

contribute to unfavourable developments in the current account balance,” the CEA said. At present the current account deficit (CAD) stands at 4.4 percent. If the CAD widens, the rupee will come under further pressure.

On a brighter side the Economic Survey numbers, about which “the government has become more transparent”, instill hope about the country’s bright future.

Two of the several standout points of the Survey are about increased expenditure on health which was about 2.1 percent of the GDP from 1.6 percent in 2021. Thrust on rural development is the other high point. Together with performance of other sectors they strengthen the hope for a bright future.

The economy is expected to grow at 7 percent (in real terms) for the year ending march 2023, this follows an 8.7 percent growth in the previous financial year.

Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union MoS for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Pankaj Chaudhary and others pose for a group photo during Final Touch meeting of the Union Budget 2023 on Tuesday.

FinMin Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2022-23

New Delhi (ANI): The Rajya Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned for the day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey, 202223 along with Highlights and Statistical Appendix in the House on the first day of the Budget Session of Parliament.

The House of Elders assembled briefly for transaction of govt business followed by President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both the Houses of Parliament together in the Central Hall of Parliament House. Soon after the Rajya Sabha assembled around 1 pm, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar read the obituary references to the passing away of ex-members of the House D Masthan and Sharad Yadav.

Dhankhar also congratulated the Under 19 Women’s cricket team for a spectacular win at the U-19 T20 World Cup. India on Sunday defeated England by seven wickets in T20 World Cup final to become the first women’s Indian cricket team to win a world championship.

A copy of the President address (both in English and Hindi) were later tabled by Secretary General PC Mody showing the Bills

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

FALLING FOR 3 FISCALS

THROUGH 2020-21

New Delhi: The Economic Survey document on Tuesday showed labour markets in India have recovered beyond pre-Covid levels, with unemployment rates falling during the three financial years through 2020-21.

“Labour markets have recovered beyond pre-Covid levels, in both urban and rural areas, with unemployment rates falling from 5.8 per cent in 2018-19 to 4.2 per cent in 2020-21,” it said.

passed by the Houses of Parliament during the Two Hundred and Fiftyeighth Session of the Rajya Sabha and assented to by the President.

Finance Minister later laid on the table, a copy (in English and

IN THE COURTYARD ARMED FORCES CAN TAKE ACTION AGAINST THEIR OFFICERS FOR ADULTEROUS ACTS: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that armed forces can take action against their officers for adulterous acts, as it clarified the landmark 2018 judgement that decriminalised adultery. A five-judge Constitution bench said its 2018 judgement was not concerned with the provisions of the armed forces acts. The top court, on a plea filed by NRI Joseph Shine, in 2018 had struck down Section 497 of the IPC dealing with the offence of adultery, holding it unconstitutional.

CHARGESHEET FILED AGAINST IS MAN FOR CONSPIRING TO RECRUIT YOUTH

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against an accused in a case related to a conspiracy hatched by proscribed Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS, for recruitment of youth for terror activities in India, an official said. The chargesheet against Mohammad Mohsin Ahmad, a resident of Patna in Bihar, was filed in the special NIA court in Patiala House Court here, a spokesperson of the agency said.

GIVE LETTER OF AUTHORITY TO CBI TO ACCESS FOREIGN ACCOUNTS: SC TO NIRAV MODI KIN

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested Mainak Mehta, the brother-in-law of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi who is an accused in the PNB fraud case, to give a “letter of authority” to CBI to access and probe his offshore bank accounts. The top court was hearing a CBI plea, filed through its Director, Banking Securities Fraud Branch, Mumbai, challenging the August 23, 2022 order of the Bombay High Court which had allowed Mehta to travel to Hong Kong and stay there for three months.

VERDICT RESERVED ON RANA AYYUB’S

PLEA AGAINST SUMMONS IN PMLA CASE

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a plea of journalist Rana Ayyub challenging the summons issued by a special court in Ghaziabad in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case. A bench said it will pass orders on the plea. Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached the journalist’s personal bank account in a bank at Navi Mumbai in which around Rs 1 crore was lying.

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR IN MARCH PLEAS ON ELECTORAL BONDS SCHEME

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that it will hear in March a batch of pleas challenging the govt’s Electoral Bond scheme which allows for anonymous funding to political parties. A bench posted the matter for hearing in the third week of March. It also said that two other petitions —one raising the issue of bringing political parties under the RTI Act and other regarding the certification under the FCRA for political funding, are distinct from the case of the electoral bonds and will be heard separately.

SURVEY SUGGESTS

GOVT TO FOLLOW

FISCAL PRUDENCE

New Delhi: Amid expectations of tax relief for middle class in Budget, Economic Survey has suggested that the government should follow the path of fiscal prudence as it will benefit all sections of society by keeping interest rates low. The Survey argued that fiscal discipline will ensure significant fiscal space for policy action in uncertain times.

Hindi) of the Economic Survey, 2022-23 along with Highlights and Statistical Appendix.

The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the

HOUSING & URBAN

AFFAIRS EXPENDITURE

DECLINED IN 2022-23

New Delhi: Capital expenditure on Housing and Urban Affairs declined 32 per cent on a yearly basis in the first eight months of financial year 2022-23, the Economic Survey document showed on Tuesday. During the mentioned period of 2022-23, the capex spending on housing and urban affairs was Rs 11,000 crore as against Rs 17,000 crore same period last year.

Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators in the current financial

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

It’s BJP manifesto for 2024 elections: Oppn

Cryptocurrencies fail the test of being a financial asset

New Delhi: Cryptocurrencies have no intrinsic cashflows to them and the latest collapse of the crypto exchange FTX exposes the vulnerabilities in such investments, the Economic Survey said.

“The recent collapse of the crypto exchange FTX and the ensuing sell-off in the crypto markets have placed a spotlight on the vulnerabilities in the crypto ecosystem,” the survey said. It added crypto assets are “self-referential instruments” and do not strictly pass the test of being a financial asset because it has no intrinsic cashflows. The survey also cited how US regulators have disqualified Bitcoin, Ether and various other crypto assets as securities.

year 2022-23 (AprilMarch) and outlook for the next year.

The Economy Survey may also give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2023-24, to be presented on Wednesday.

New Delhi (PTI): Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the President’s address alleging that the speech was like the “first chapter” of the ruling BJP’s manifesto for 2024 and key issues related to price control, communal harmony and women were “missing”.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said it is the “government’s statement that has come through the President” and there is nothing new in it.

“If the govt is claiming that the country has progressed so much, then why do the poor people of the country continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation,” the Congress president said.

“IT WAS GOOD”, SAYS FAROOQ ABDULLAH

New Delhi: National Conference (NC) MP Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday lauded the President Droupadi Murmu’s address to MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha ahead of the commencement of the Budget Session of the Parliament, hailing it as a “good address”. “It was good. It was a good address,” Abdullah told ANI.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said that while it is “convention” that the President’s address is “written” by the government of India, key issues were absent in her speech.

“As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parlia-

Nitish Kumar not taking decisions on his own, claims Upendra Kushwaha

Itanagar (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that his government’s priority is to uplift the rural economy and the administration is promoting self-help groups (SHGs) through a livelihood mission, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Khandu, on a two-day visit to Kra Daadi district, laid foundation stones for several important projects at Palin and Chambang on Monday.

“If villages are developed, a constituency, district, state and the country will develop,” he said at a public meeting.

Patna (Agencies): Disgruntled JD-U Parliamentary Board President Upendra Kushwaha claimed that Nitish Kumar is not taking decisions on his own. He further said that forming the govt with the help of RJD was not the decision of Nitish Kumar. It was suggested by the leaders who surrounded him.

“When Nitish went with RJD to form govt in Bihar, it was not his own decision. The candidate of Kurhani by-poll was not picked according to the choice of Nitish. He has publicly said that it was not the choice to select the candidate of Kurhani. When Nitish left the RJD and went

with BJP in 2017, it was not his decision as well.

Nitish is taking decisions on the suggestions of leaders who are surrounding him,” Kushwaha said.

“Such a situation is dangerous for the party. It is heading towards

the end. Nitish Kumar is unable to take decisions on his own and doing it on the suggestions of others. Hence, I am appealing to Nitish Ji to start taking decisions at his personal level and save the party,” Kushwaha said.

OP BLUE STAR COMMANDER CLAIMS...

I SEEK MY SHARE IN

JD(U): KUSHWAHA

Patna: JD(U)’s Upendra Kushwaha likened his rebellion to the challenge Nitish Kumar had thrown to Lalu Prasad three decades ago. He maintained that he had “boundless reverence” for Nitish but said the latter was no longer able to exercise his own volition, resulting in JD(U)’s vulnerability.

USE & THROW HABIT OF NITISH: CHIRAG

New Delhi: LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan on Tuesday mocked Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for his claim that he will rather die than realign with the BJP again, saying “use and throw” is part of his work culture and Nitish had made similar remarks in the past.

SPEECH NOT ENOUGH TO SATISFY POOR: MAYAWATI

Lucknow: BSP chief Mayawati on Tuesday said the claims made by President Murmu on behalf of the Centre in her address are not enough to console people who suffer from poverty, inflation and unemployment. Mayawati lamented the absence of atmosphere required for peace, happiness and prosperity because of govt’s internal and economic policies.

ment is written by GoI. Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, passing Women s Reservation Bill? Oh and 2 miserly lines about the North East,” said Brien.

K'taka Congress to exhibit BBC documentary

Mysuru (Agencies): Karnataka Congress stated on Tuesday that it will screen the banned BBC documentary, ‘India: The Modi Question’ in the premises of its office in Mysuru city.

Speaking to reporters, KPCC Spokesperson M Lakshman stated that “BBC has thrown light on the truth. BJP leaders themselves have been beating their chests that Modi had given directions to kill Muslims.”

“Like ‘Kashmir Files’, this documentary should be exhibited all over the country. I request people of the country to watch the documentary. One should watch the documentary and learn about the dark face of PM Modi,” he said.

allowed Bhindranwale to become monster”

New Delhi (ANI): Late PM Indira Gandhi had “allowed” militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to grow into a sort of Frankenstein monster and decided to “finish him off” when he reached the pinnacle, claims Lt Gen (retd) Kuldeep Singh Brar who led the 1984 Operation Bluestar to flush out extremists from the Golden Temple.

In the recent episode of ANI Podcast, the retired 1971 war veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Brar said, “No one wants an operation, but what do you

do? Indira Gandhi allowed him to become Frankenstein. You could see every year what was happening. But when he reached the pinnacle, now finish him off, now destroy him. It’s too late.” He claimed that the thenpolitical leadership had allowed the Bhindranwale cult to flourish.

“They had their own little problem support between Akali and Congress. They allowed this cult of Bhindranwale to continue,” Brar said.

In the episode titled “Never before heard

stories from the man who led Operation Blue Star” Lt Gen Brar recalled the situation of Punjab in the 1980s at a time when he said Bhindranwale was in full

control of the state.

“In the 1980s, let’s say 1982, 83, 84, things were very bad over there. There was no law and order at all. Lot of police were afraid of tak-

ing action against anyone because Bhindranwale had become so powerful. He had become like a Frankenstein. His orders were the last orders,” he said.

Lt Gen Brar said that law and order had completely collapsed in Punjab and the “feeling of Khalistan” was building up.

“In the beginning of 1984, the feeling was very strong that they are going to declare Khalistan. The youth were without jobs. They had motorcycles and scooters and they

roamed around with little pistols and revolvers. There were many gangsters. Law and order had totally broken down. The feeling of Khalistan was slowly building up. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was in full control of the state,” he said. Bhindranwale was the head of the Sikh religious sect Damdami Taksal. He was killed along with his armed followers during Operation Blue Star launched by the Indian Army at the Golden Temple complex.

“Indira

Lt Gen (retd) Kuldeep Singh Brar.

—FILE PHOTO

Upendra Kushwaha (C) addressing media in Patna, on Tuesday.

“Arunachal govt’s priority is to uplift rural economy”

President Droupadi Murmu with LS Speaker Om Birla, PM Narendra Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi proceeds to address joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Dr V Anantha Nageswaran addressing a press conference after tabling the Economic Survey 2023, in New Delhi on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BHARAT JODO YATRA ENDS

Srinagar (PTI): ‘Sheen Jung’, handshake, a warm hug and lending a helping hand to push a car stuck in snow, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a fun time with cute moments in Kashmir, including a stroll on the banks of the Dal Lake here after the culmination of Bharat Jodo Yatra.

After a hectic fivemonth and over 4000-kilometres of the yatra, which the Gandhi scion walked the most part of, he and his sister had fun times in Srinagar which was enveloped by a thick white carpet of snow. The duo had ‘Sheen Jung’ (snowball fight), strolled along the famous Dal Lake on Monday evening, took photo-

graphs of the snow and the lake and greeted people. A less than a minute video titled

‘Snow fights and a walk by the Dal lake with Priyanka’ on Rahul Gandhi’s YouTube channel,

BY ANI

Jammu and Kashmir

(ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi

Vadra visited the Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal on Tuesday.

The official handle of Congress tweeted that the brother-sister duo sought the blessings of the goddess for unity, prosperity and brotherhood in the country.

put out on Tuesday morning, showcased the fun times the Gandhis had after the culmina-

JOSHIMATH ROW

stated, “Shri Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited Kheer Bhawani Temple in Srinagar to seek blessings for unity, brotherhood and harmony in India. Kheer Bhawani Temple holds a special place in the region’s spiritual heritage and serves as a symbol of unity and hope.” The Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concluded on Sunday with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the party office in Srinagar.

tion of the march with an opposition rally earlier in the day amid heavy snowfall.

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) (ANI): Joshimath disaster package announced by the Uttarakhand government is the “best” so far, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC)

Chairman Ajendra

Ajay said on Tuesday.

“The package recommended for the affected people in the meeting held by the High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted at the government level regarding Joshimath is the best disaster package so far. Some want to create hurdles in Char Dham Yatra by resorting to bad propaganda,” he said.

While speaking about the disaster packages, he said, “For the first time, a package of displacement and rehabilitation is being prepared based on the advice and

Jamshedpur (PTI): A daily flight connecting Jamshedpur with Kolkata and Bhubaneswar was launched from this steel city on Tuesday by Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

IndiaOne Air, an Ahmedabad-based regional airline, will start operating a nine-seater Grand Caravan Ex (C208B) single-engine aircraft on the Bhubaneswar-Jamshedpur-Kolkata-Jamshedpur-Bhubaneswar route from Wednesday, Deputy CEO of the company, Prem

Civil Aviation Min Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually inaugurated a flight connecting Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Jamshedpur on Tuesday.

Kumar Garg, said. While the JamshedpurKolkata part of the route will be operated under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN, the Bhubaneswar-Jamshedpur leg will be not. Addressing

CRUCIAL READ

3 DEAD AS MASSIVE FIRE ENGULFS BUILDING IN JHARKHAND’S DHANBAD

New Delhi: At least 3 people died after a massive fire engulfed a residential building in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad on Tuesday. The fire broke out at an apartment in Ashirwad Tower, near Shakti temple in Dhanbad. The fire spread rapidly and the flames were visible from afar. Fire tenders have rushed to the spot to douse the blaze. A fire incident has also been reported from Kolkata’s Topsia. In Kolkata, a fire broke out at a footwear godown. Currently, 12 fire tenders are at the spot to douse the fire. No injuries have been reported as yet.

SMUGGLER HIDES GOLD BISCUITS IN ABDOMEN, HELD

New Delhi: A man was arrested in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district for allegedly hiding gold biscuits, weighing over 900 grams and valued at over Rs 54 lakh, in his body cavity. The accused, Madai Mandal, was hiding eight gold biscuits inside his stomach. The weight of the gold biscuits, which were seized by the BSF, was 932 grams and their estimated market value was Rs 54,78,855.

IPS OFFICER GIVEN ADDL CHARGE AS GUJARAT DGP

Ahmedabad (PTI) Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Vikas Sahay has been appointed in-charge Director General of Police of Gujarat following the retirement of incumbent DGP Ashish Bhatia on Tuesday. A home department order said Sahay, a 1989-batch IPS office of the Gujarat cadre currently serving as the DGP (Training) in Gandhinagar, will hold the additional charge of the state DGP.

YELLOW ALERT FOR 11 TN DISTRICTS, FISHERMEN ASKED NOT TO GO INTO SEA

New Delhi: The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre on January 31, Tuesday issued a ‘Yellow’ alert for 11 districts of Tamil Nadu for the next two days. The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre on Tuesday issued a ‘Yellow’ alert for 11 districts of Tamil Nadu for the next two days. Heavy rains, according to a Met Centre statement, are due to the depression prevailing over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Fishermen are directed not to venture into the sea for the next two days as strong winds are likely to blow.

the inaugural function here, Soren said the discussion he had with Scindia during their meetings about improving air connectivity in the state turned into reality with the launch of the flight in Jamshedpur.

—FILE

suggestions of the disaster-affected people.”

Ajay, who attended the meeting, said that before preparing the package for the Joshimath land subsidence-affected people, a committee of local public representatives was constituted under the chairmanship of Chamoli’s District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana.

“The suggestions of the committee were sent by the district administra-

Shah hails CAPF for winning ‘most-liked tableau’

New Delhi (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Republic Day tableau of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) represented its collective pride and commitment.

Taking to Twitter, Amit Shah said: “Congratulations to the team of CAPFs for winning the first prize in the most-liked tableau competition held among the ministries of the central govt at the Republic Day Parade 2023. The tableau they paraded manifested the collective pride and commitment of the CAPFs.”

The tableau was declared best among central ministries and departments in the popular choice category at this year’s Republic Day parade while the Central Reserve Police Force

Multipoint connections work in Greater Noida nearly completes

First India Bureau

Greater Noida: The work of setting up multipoint connections in Greater Noida is in full swing by Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL). So far, multipoint implementation work in 18 societies has been nearly completed. Airline Karmachari and Mitragan SAS Ltd, Media Village SAS Limited, Purvanchal Royal City, are some of the societies in which the installation of multipoint connections has been done.

(CRPF) was adjudged the best-marching contingent on Monday. The tableau displayed the multidimensional role and valour of CAPF women personnel performing chal-

lenging duties. The CRPF was declared the best marching contingent among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.

“Ministry of Home Affairs CAPFs tableau in Republic Day Parade 2023 declared the Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments in the Popular Choice category. The tableau displayed the multidimensional role and valour of CAPF Women personnel performing challenging duties,” Press Information Bureau (PIB) tweeted following the results declared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Reliance Jio launches 5G services in 34 more cities

Mumbai (Maharashtra)

(ANI): Reliance Jio on Tuesday announced the launch of 5G services across 34 cities spread across 13 states, taking the cumulative tally of the number of cities in the country having access to the company’s True 5G services to 225.

This comes days after Reliance launched its services in six states of the north east namely, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Agartala, Itanagar, Kohima & Dimapur.

“Jio users in these cities will be invited to the Jio Welcome Offer, to experience Unlimit-

ON WHITE RANN OF KUTCH

ed Data at up to 1 Gbps+ speeds, at no additional cost, starting today,” a statement by the company said.

Six cities in Andhra Pradesh, 1 in Bihar, 2 in Chhattisgarh, 2 in Haryana, 1 in Karnataka, 2 in Maharashtra, 2 in Odisha, 2 in Punjab, one in Rajasthan (Ajmer) will receive the 5G services of the company from now on.

tion to the government. In the governance, the HPC has given its inprinciple approval on the suggestions received from the local people’s representatives and the affected,” added Ajay. Immediate relief was provided to the affected people due to the promptness and sensitivity of the Uttarakhand government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, he stressed.

Drunk flyer runs

half-naked on flight; released on bail after arrest

Mumbai (ANI): Mumbai Police have arrested an Italian woman passenger for allegedly creating a ruckus mid-air on a Vistara Airline flight from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai.

The passenger identified as Paola Perruccio was arrested by Sahar police early Monday morning after the flight landed in Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. She was later given bail by a court. As per police, the woman who was reportedly inebriated created a ruckus insisting that she be seated in business class despite being booked in economy. She also took off some of her clothes and walked up and down the aisle in a partially naked state assaulting crew members.

“We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK 256. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the passenger,” a Vistara spokesperson said.

Spectacular ‘Khadi Fashion Show’ mesmerises audience

New Delhi: Taking a step forward towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Khadi for Nation’ and ‘Khadi for Fashion’, an exciting Mega ‘Khadi fashion show’, first ever on saltpan covered white fields at ‘Rann of Kutch’ was organized by Khadi and Village Industries Commission on January 29. This mega event was the first such event of KVIC was first of its kind in the Rann of

Kutch with the aim of popularizing Khadi among the youth in the country and abroad

market, promoting cultural heritage and art, which was organised by the efforts with

CULTURE DISPLAY

KVIC’s ‘Centre of Excellence for Khadi’, to establish new dimensions of Khadi, to fur-

ther promote the excellent design of Khadi garments-apparels, accessories for Khadi fashion promotion, and to promote Khadi as a brand all over the world. Students of NIFT, Gandhinagar, Gujarat made the event more exciting by their way of performing the fashion catwalk in this Khadi fashion event.

On this occasion, Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC informed that for the first time

such an exciting Khadi mega fashion show has been organized by KVIC in ‘Rann of Kutch’, which will become a medium for Brand promotion of ‘Khadi’ and disseminate new designs among Khadi lovers, as well as it would be a source of inspiration in the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill the promises of a developed India, and take forward the vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’.

Artists performing the fashion catwalk in Khadi fashion event.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with his sister and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offers prayers at Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple, Tulmulla Village, in Ganderbal on Tuesday.

Disaster package best so far, says BKTC chief

PHOTO BY ANI

NPCL

officials during a survey of societies.

Dholpur: Two more aides of dacoit Keshav Gurjar held

Satyanarayan Sharma

Dholpur: The Dholpur police arrested noted dacoit Keshav Gurjar and his two aides on Tuesday. The police officials have also recovered two weapons and more than 10 cartridges from their possession.

“Dacoit Keshav Gurjar, his aide Bunty Pandit and Naresh Gurjar have been arrested and are being interrogated. The police had launched a search operation on Sunday night. After about 13 hours, a police encounter took place

police surrounded a vacant house from all sides and arrested both the

with the criminals near the Sohan Baba temple. Keshav Gurjar was shot

in the leg and arrested. While Bunty Pandit and Naresh Gurjar were ar-

Niwai Municipality auctions 16 plots in Shastri Nagar

Ashish Aman

Tonk: The auction of 16 plots in the Shastri Nagar Residential Scheme was organized by the Municipality Niwai on the second day on Tuesday. Giving information, Chairman Dilip Israni said that 15 plots were auctioned on Tuesday at the auction site along with Executive Officer Mahima Dangi, Councilor Parshuram Kumawat Nitin Chhabra, Paras Pahadi, Ram Vilas

Enthusiastic bidders at the auction site on Tuesday.

Balai, and all the councilors of the municipality in Shastri Nagar Housing Scheme. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the bidders regarding the auction. In which 21 bidders

G20: Delegates start arriving in

Jodhpur

for 15 plots got receipts on the spot by giving a security amount of Rs 50,000.

Dilip Israni said that the people should participate in maximum numbers in the scheme.

Cops attacked for arresting gangrape accused in Alwar

Manoj Parmar

SEARCH OPERATION

Alwar: Nearly a dozen policemen were injured after they were attacked by a group of people in Kishangarhbas area of Alwar district on Tuesday. The police officials had gone to arrest miscreants accused of gangrape.

rested on Tuesday near Mund Pura Ka Mala in the Bari Sadar area. Six

teams were formed to nab the accused,” said DSP Manish Sharma.

Two die in separate accidents in Barmer

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Two people died in separate road accidents in the Barmer district. In one incident a driver died during a head-on collision between two trucks due to the dense fog. In another incident, a man died when the tractor hit him from the backside.

According to the information on Tuesday morning one truck was coming to Balotra. Police said that due to the

CONDOLENCE MEET

dense fog visibility was very low and due to this the truck head-on collided with another truck that was going to Gudamalani. Police said that the accident was so severe that the truck was totally damaged and the driver was badly stuck inside the truck. On getting informed police reached the spot and recovered the body. The injured were immediately taken to the hospital. Police identified the deceased as Mota Ram (27).

“As soon as we arrested the accused, nearly 50 locals attacked the policemen and started pelting stones. The cops anyhow entered into houses to save themselves. In the meanwhile, the miscreants also managed to escape from police cus-

Retired army personnel shoots self in Jhunjhunu

Manoj Tak

Jhunjhunu: A retired army personnel shot himself dead in Gudha Gorji town of Jhunjhunu district on Tuesday. Police informed the deceased, Rajendra (49), was mentally unwell for quite some time. The incident took place in Bass of Gumana village. Rajendra shot himself in the head with his licenced pistol and died on the spot.

As soon as we arrested the accused, nearly 50 locals attacked the policemen and started pelting stones. The cops anyhow entered into houses to save themselves. In the meanwhile, the miscreants also managed to escape from police custody. A case has been against 50 to 60 people for hindering government work. —Police official

tody. Nearly a dozen cops sustained minor injuries and a case has been against 50 to

60 people for hindering government work and voluntarily causing hurt,” police said.

Saras raises price of gold milk by `1 in Ajmer

First India Bureau

Ajmer: The Ajmer Dairy has increased the rates of full cream milk by Rs 1. The gold milk will now be priced at Rs. 62 per litre. The rate increase will be applicable on half a litre, litre and six-litre packing of gold milk. Along with this, the purchase price of milk producers has been increased by 20 paise per fat from February 1, due to which the purchase price will increase by

Rs 1.30 at an average of 6.5 fat per litre. “The cattle owners will get an average of Rs. 56.87 in the district on getting 800 kg fat and Rs 5 from Mukhyamantri Dugdh Sambal Yojana,” said Ramchandra Chaudhary.

Rajeev Gaur

Jodhpur: Jodhpur is all set to host the G20 summit. The G-20 Employment Working Group meeting is being held in Jodhpur from February 2 to 4, for which guests have started arriving. Every intersection has been decorated. At Jodhpur airport, folk artists welcomed the guests by playing drums and plates. Labour Ministry

Secretary Aarti Ahuja told reporters at the airport that three themes have been identified. They are -- how financing should be done for social protection, how social protection can be given to the workers of the second economy platform and how we can match skills all over the world and bring common terminology.

Apart from this, there will also be a social event.

CRIC TALKS

Jodhpur may host IPL matches this

The RCA wants to have a few games of RR at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium

First India Bureau

Jodhpur:

year

hlot and his team has gone good work to improve the ground. Recently, matches of Legends League and Ranji Trophy were also held in Jodhpur.

es in Jodhpur. The team will later submit its report to governing council of IPL. RCA President Vaibhav Ge-

Notably, the SMS Stadium serves as a home ground for the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. However, with IPL 2023 to be played on the homeand-away format again, the RCA wants to have a few games at the Barkatullah Stadium.

The

dacoits in Dholpur.

Artistes in traditional attire welcoming the guests in Jodhpur.

Senior journalist Amit Bhatt’s father Arun Bhatt passed away on January 29. A condolence meeting was held on Tuesday at his Nirman Nagar residence. Satish Poonia, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Pawan Arora, Ashok Lahoti, Vasudev Devnani, Jitendra Meena, Rakhi Rathore, Manoj Mudgal and many senior journalists reached to pay condolences and console the family. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

can

CS USHA SHARMA COMPLETES ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

Usha Sharma: The no-nonsense ‘Marathon’ Chief Secretary!

Every day for Usha Sharma is a 'meeting day' and on average, she has chaired eight meetings per day, according to an estimate, she has chaired two and a half thousand meetings in one year!

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: It has been one year on January 31, since senior IAS officer Usha Sharma took over as the Chief Secretary of the State. This one year has been full of accomplishments and in this time frame, the biggest accomplishment has been implementing the e-filing system in State work. Over one decade, while serving the Government of India, she has observed and experienced, firsthand, the benefits of efiling and paperless work. Thus, as soon as she took over the reins of administration in Rajasthan, she decided to enforce this system and for one year, she was completely engrossed in it. She

chaired several meetings with Secretaries and other officers during which, she came across objections too. However, finally, on January 1, 2023, an official order was issued in the entire Secretariat to adopt e-filing.

And now, within one month, almost 80 percent of the work of the Secretariat is being conducted through efiling, although practical problems are being faced in enforcing e-filing at the ministerial level and in the Finance Department. On the other hand, CS has taken it upon herself to get the system instilled in the offices of District Collectors and other important offices.

According to knowledgeable sources, now

Rajasthan has been included in the handful of Indian states where efiling system is in use. Through this initiative,

Usha Sharma has definitely added a golden chapter to the administrative history of the State for which, she will be remembered for a long time.

Sharma has also worked to keep the administration ‘smart and swift’. During the tenure of a few former Chief Secretaries, lacunae, lackadaisical work ethics, and irresponsible behaviour in administrative work were observed. In fact, the Secretaries had started taking CS’s office ‘taken for granted’. To instill discipline, Sharma first ensured that officers reach their designated offices on time, and spend time in their offices. In the first few months, Sharma even had to give a verbal reminder to some senior officers. To lead by example, she reached of-

CM GEHLOT’S ‘CONFIDANTE’... LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Notably, Usha Sharma enjoys the complete trust and faith of CM Ashok Gehlot. CM surprised everyone when he reached Sharma’s chambers in May 17 and also gave a message to the State Bureaucracy on Usha Sharma’s importance. In response, Sharma has been working tire lessly, day and night, to keep CM’s trust in her, intact.

In fact, the Secretaries had started taking CS’s office ‘taken for granted’. To instill discipline, CS Usha Sharma first ensured that officers reach their designated offices on time, and spend time in their offices. In the first few months, Sharma even had to give a verbal reminder to some senior officers. To

According to knowledgeable sources, Rajasthan has been included in the handful of Indian states, where e-filing system is in use. Through this initiative, Usha Sharma has definitely added a golden chapter to the administrative history of the State for which, she will be remembered for a long time.

fice right at 9:30 AM every day!

She also brought forward a new work culture of holding meetings through video conferencing (VC) and due to this, she stays in

regular contact with Secretaries and keeps a constant vigil on their work. Through this monitoring and followup of works of various departments, Sharma has ensured her grip on

CM SANCTIONS `100.99 CRORE TO FORTIFY TRAFFIC MGMT SYSTEM

n According to the proposal, this system will play an important role in taking immediate action against drivers violating traffic rules and drunk driving on State Highways and main roads in State n Besides this, road accidents caused due to over speeding and overloaded vehicles will also be curbed

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) is being strengthened in the State to ease the increasing traffic pressure on the roads and to curb road accidents. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved an additional financial provision of Rs 100.99 crore. According to the proposal, this system will play an important role in taking immediate action against drivers violating traffic rules and drunk driving on state highways and main roads in the state. Besides this, road accidents caused due to over speeding and overloaded vehicles will also be curbed.

`18.40 cr for Centre for Cyber Security

First India Bureau

the State work.

But perhaps what is the most important aspect of Sharma’s unrelenting work commitment is that it has made other officers’ vigil, sincere and swift in

their respective works. Due to these meetings, inter-departmental issues and problems are also being resolved quickly and easily.

In fact, it is Usha Sharma, who has started the system of regular close contact with District Collectors. She holds 2-3 meetings with District Collectors through VC every month and thus, she knows firsthand what work is being done at what pace in the field. Through this, even the Collectors have started being vigilant and serious towards their districts.

Notably, Usha Sharma enjoys the complete trust and faith of CM Ashok Gehlot. CM surprised everyone when he reached Sharma’s chambers in May 17 and also gave a message to the State Bureaucracy on Usha Sharma’s importance. In response, Sharma has been working tirelessly, day and night, to keep CM’s trust in her, intact. Be it the

implementation of budget announcements, or enforcing party manifesto, CS is carrying out her responsibilities with immense commitment.

When Umesh Mishra became DGP, Usha Sharma herself went to PHQ to congratulate him. This sowed the seeds of a new tradition that was immensely praised in bureaucratic and political circles.

Interestingly, in the entire year, she has taken a leave only once. She has attended her office 300 days in 365 days of the past year. She comes to the office on SaturdaySunday and government holidays as well! Every day for Usha Sharma is a ‘meeting day’ and on average, she has chaired eight meetings per day, according to an estimate, she has chaired two and a half thousand meetings in one year! Thus, Usha Sharma has created a record of sorts and it wouldn’t be wrong to term her the ‘Marathon CS’!

IAS Aparna Arora gets addl charge of Edu Dept

First India Bureau

l Various works will be done under ITMS including automatic traffic monitoring and violation detection system, speed violation detection system, red light violation system, various signs, CCTV surveillance system, traffic monitoring centre and e-challan.

l The main objective of ITMS is timely and efficient disposal of challans, controlling serious road accidents and bringing various departments of the state on a single platform with coordination for better functioning.

Recently, the State Govtt opened State Road Safety Institute at HCMRIPA. It is also proposed to constitute Rajasthan Public

Transport Authority under the Road Safety Act.

Jaipur: The State Government is further strengthening cyber security. The Centre for Cyber Security, Counter Terrorism and Anti-Insurgency are being set up in the State with an objective to curb these crimes and to make people aware of them. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved Rs 18.40 crore to set up this Centre and for equipment. Laboratories will be developed at different levels including State, Range/Commissionerate and District under this Centre with the CM’s approval.

The software will be developed in the lab

OF IMMENSE HELP...

Setting up this Centre for Cyber Security, Counter Terrorism and Anti-Insurgency will help in updating about new malware, threats and viruses. Along with this, training will be imparted at the State-level lab for the latest updates about cybercrime.

for the State by contacting government agencies present in various states and countries for cyber security, crime intelligence, research and prevention. State Govt has opened cyber police stations in all Raj districts. Necessary equipment have been provided to these police stations for probing crimes.

Jaipur: On Tuesday, senior IAS officer, Additional Chief Secretary of Education Department PK Goyal retired from service. Goyal was on the fifth senior most official in the bureaucracy of the State. He was handling the command of the Education Department from August-2021.

Meanwhile, the additional charge of his post has been assigned to Aparna Arora, Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayati Raj Department. This is the first time in the history of Raj bureaucracy, when in the middle of the budget session, the leadership of Education Department, has been handed to an officer as an additional charge.

The Budget Session is currently going on

in the Assembly. There are about three and a half lakh teachers and employees and about one crore students in Department. Most of the schemes in budget are related to Education & Medical Depart-

ments. In fact, the Bureaucratic experts stress that the government should have appointed an equivalent IAS officer with full charge on this post immediately.

The preparation of schemes related to education in budget is an important task and Education Minister, Dr BD Kalla & MoS for Education, Zahida Khan have to answer the questions in the House and in absence of a full time official, any sort of confusion can come to the fore.

Raj HC asks CS, JMC to submit an affidavit

FOR A ‘WORLD CLASS’ CITY lll

First India Bureau

In the last hearing, the Court had asked the Municipal Corporation to get the city roads cleaned by machines during the day & at night

Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court has asked the Chief Secretary to present an affidavit informing what action was taken to improve the city’s cleanliness and address the problems of encroachment, traffic, parking and stray animals. The Court also asked the Municipal Corporation that before presenting the affidavit in the Court, it should check

its facts.

amicus curiae Vimal Chaudhary said that there is no proper system of cleanliness in the city.

On the other hand, on behalf of the Municipal Corporation, AAG Anil Mehta said that a sweeper has been appointed at a distance of every one kilometer and cleaning is done by machines also. At the same time, he informed, an inspector has also been appointed in every ward to monitor the

scavengers.

He said that the Municipal Commissioner is also making surprise visits to city areas. AAG also wanted to present an affidavit in Court. On this, the Court first asked to check veracity of facts of affidavit. The Court said that there isn’t enough cleanliness anywhere except Gandhi Nagar. Also, VIPs pass through the area and the common man remains stuck in traffic jam for hours.

Usha Sharma

ACS School Education & Panchayati Raj (Elementary Edu) PK Goyal being felicitated by officers of Edu Dept on his retirement at Shiksha Sankul in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Aparna Arora

Snow is a magical blanket, it hides what's ugly and makes everything beautiful. And for sure fashion shows in the season of crystalline water enhances the fashion. Snowflakes are captivating, and all of us love to stare at, it is right-

There is always someone who is willing to risk frostbite to make a fashion statement in a mini skirt or bare skin. What trend do you fall into? See the best fashion-style looks in the snow below. Snow boots, unlike other types of boots, can come with a lot of fancysounding technology that might be difficult to understand. With that in mind, Marie Claire editors offered their winter boot suggestions with me, and I looked through seemingly limitless possibilities to locate the snow boots that work best for you, no matter what your needs are. So, whether you're looking for a fashionable pair of ankle boots

keep your toes toasty when temps drop into the teens, this list has you covered. When you see turtleneck sweaters on the clothes racks, you know it's getting cold outside. Sure, the thick, woolly turtleneck is a distinct style in its own right, but for everyday wear, companies have modernised the silhouette into socalled tissue turtlenecks, changing the classic into an attractive, skin-skimming garment that can be as stylish as it is utilitarian. Take a look at our recommendations for the coolest turtlenecks to wear this winter.

More than only for warmth, beanie caps are popular as an item that adds a charming touch to the wearer. In terms of fashion, the op-

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

CITY FIRST INTERACTED WITH AKANSHA BAKSHI, ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE IN DUBAI!

DREAMS THE CITY OF

With one of the highest peaks in tourists.

Dubai hosted (no of people) in Dec-Jan with utmost grace, fun and opulence. The emirates had so much to offer and continue a month-long celebration till the end of Jan. If you’re looking for some of the most iconic skyline experiences and views, some great shopping and all the magic of the sand dunes. Akansha Bakshi shared her Dubai experience in an exclusive interview with City First.

ADVENTURES AND EXPERIENCES

Whether it’s the F1 tracks in Abu Dhabi, close access by road and about 1.5 hours from Dubai. Abu Dhabi offers an array of activities and adventures. Like the Warner Brothers Studios, Yas Marina, and Yas Water World. Apart from this also hosting concerts and musicals to entertain all age groups.

Ras-Al-Khema is another emirate opening

LUXURY STAYS

its doors to adventure junkies with one of the longest ziplines in the Middle East, Hatta Activities like Kayaking, Canoeing and many more. While Dubai is the crown jewel, UAE is comprised of seven emirates that offer an ample number of experiences for all age groups. Don’t forget to book your adventures at the Sand Dunes, whether it’s sandboarding, ATVs, Dune Buggy or desert safari, a romantic dinner in the desert skies, photoshoots or just glamping, she shared.

DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL

One of the biggest festivals of the year starts from 15 December to January 29. With over 800 brands across 3500 outlets offering 25-75% off throughout the month. Whether you fancy clothes or luxury brands. This would be the perfect time to scratch those cards and shop. All the malls also have great décor

A great experience starts the minute you arrive at your hotel, and UAE leaves no corner unturned to offer a variety of stays and experiences. If you’re looking to stay close to the water and bask in the beaches and the glory of the yachts at the marina. With various water activities like flyboarding, paragliding, and jet-skiing. The best of the best hotels are located at the Palms. From some of the most world-renowned names like Anantara, Five Palms, Kempinski, W Hotel and the crown of Atlantis at the centre of the crescent. With views stretching from Blue Water Islands to Burj Al Arab, fireworks, beaches and beautiful views.

If your vibe is more the buzz of Downtown and the skyscraper life, then Downtown is your best bet. Armani at the Burj, Taj and Oberoi all located around the iconic Burj Khalifa offer one of the most sought-after views in the world. With the beautiful fountain show, Dubai Mall, Restaurants, and Bars at the Burj. With flights flying in daily from all parts of the world, and visa on arrival to most countries, just the accessibility and convenience make UAE one of the most popular destinations for friends or families. See you where the magic happens. See you in Dubai, the diva shared.

Akansha Bakshi during her Dubai trip

WEDDING BELLS!

The grand wedding ceremony of Vedika, daughter of Namrata and Brajesh Pathak (Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh) with Ayush, son of Shweta and Anil Sharma was solemnized at Janeshwar Mishra Park, Lucknow on Tuesday, January 31. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, IAS Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary to CM of Uttar Pradesh along with various political leaders and dignitaries reached to bless the couple and wished them a happy married life ahead.

DURING THE DAY!

The annual festival and prize distribution ceremony was organised in Government Girls College, Vidyadhar Nagar with cultural glimpses in the chief hospitality of public representative Sitaram Agarwal. They also expressed gratitude to the CM for opening girls' college in this area and encouraged the students to keep striving for the better, while special guest Priyanka Agarwal expressed her cooperation for the upliftment of women. Special guest Sunil Sharma, BS Dhakad, Rachna Dudwal motivated the students. Special guest Dr Anand Mangal Vajpayee proposed funding for the award of the best student every year.

AMALGAMATION OF MUSIC

CITY FIRST

The gathering adorned with spiritual ghazals accompanied by the tune of sitar, the listeners colored in the colors of spring. A similar scene was witnessed at JKK on Tuesday evening. The occasion was the Basant Parv organised by JKK under the curation of Jashn-eAdab Sansthan. The twoday Basant Parv came to an end with the performance of Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan on the second day of the festival.

THE EV REVOLUTION

was a unique amalgamation of ghazal singing with sitar playing. The accompaniment of tabla and dholak during the presentation made the program more special.

CITY FIRST

A huge saffron vehicle rally was taken out in Civil Lines by the Hind Rakshak Seva Sanstha, Jaipur on Saturday. The saffron rally was flagged off by showing the saffron flag from Gujjar Ki Thadi and reached Bal Niwas Garden near Civil Line Metro Station. During the rally, Ranjit Singh Sodala was welcomed at various places by wearing garlands and turbans. With the slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai. More than 5000 people participated in the event.

People looked very excited for the performance of Shujaat Hussain Khan. As soon as he

came on the stage, thunderous applause was heard in Rangayana. This presentation was a

RIFF IN THE CITY!

On the occasion of the first death anniversary of Sunil Todawat, a blood donation camp was organised on Tuesday at Kesar International Academy. Ramjeevan Todawat, Harlal Singh Todawat, Sitara Todawat Bharatesh Todawat, Ramnarayan Todawat, Savita Todawat, Nirmal Todawat etc were present on the occasion. Congress leader Pushpendra Bhardwaj, Rajasthan Jat General Assembly inaugurated the camp in the presence of Gen Secy Madan Chowdhary, Rajveev Chowdhary, Shankar Bajdolia, Ashish Pareva, Sunil Singhania & Dharmsingh Singhania.

A Promo of Rajasthan’s historical Rajasthani film Bahubali produced by Teetri Production was launched on Monday at Arya Samaj Auditorium, Raja park Jaipur. On this occasion, the film’s director Vipin Tiwari, producer Ajay Tiwari,

step ahead of the tag line of Basant Parv, ‘Basanti Rangoon ki Triveni’. The presentation itself

Shujaat Hussain played the sitar melodiously, Krishna Bihari Noor’s ghazal. During this, Shariq Mustafa, Zoheb Ahmed Khan on Tabla and Prateek Kumar on Dholak gave accompaniment. Director General Priyanka Jodhawat said that during the two-day festival, the gaiety of the arrival of Rituraj Basant was visible. This event is like a new beginning in which an attempt was made to bring art forms like literature, singing and playing on one platform.

The ninth edition of the RIFF, an initiative by RIFF Film Club will be held from February

1 to 5. The grand Opening Ceremony of RIFF will be held in Jaipur on February 1 at INOX, Crystal Palm, C-Scheme, Jaipur. This will be followed by film screenings, open forums, workshops for the next four days which be held at Screen 3 - INOX, Crystal Palm, CScheme. A total of 46 films will be screened at the INOX , Crystal Palm from February 1 to February 5. All these shows will be free for the audience on a first come, first served basis.

Indian mining sector, Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta group company, introduced Normet Agitator SmartDrive EV, into its underground mining operations. The company will soon expand its BEV fleet with Normet’s Explosive Charger (CHARMEC MC 605 V SD) and Concrete Sprayer (SPRAYMEC MF 050 VC SD). Hindustan

Zinc is the first company among its peers to join the EV revolution, steadily switching to electric vehicles for its underground operations. The company has set a target of converting all dieselrun 900-odd mining vehicles into batteryoperated ones over the next five years.

The Normet SmartDrive EVs is based on a modular Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) architecture that is designed to optimise energy consumption and performance in underground mining, including tunnelling applications.

Commenting on the induction of the EVs, Arun Misra, CEO, of Hindustan Zinc, said, “Our aim at Hindustan Zinc is to revolutionise underground mining, boost productivity, raise underground safety standards, and provide sustainable operations solutions. Thanks to our unwavering commitment to environmentally sustainable business and net zero emissions, we’ve focused on innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.” During the occasion, Subhasis Mohanty, Managing Director, Normet India, said, “We are pleased to partner with Hindustan Zinc to solidify our ESG commitment, by bringing into reality the first of our fleet of Normet SmartDrive BEVs in HZL underground mines.”

Auditions for

Rajni Vihar Hirapura GVN Senior Sec School in Jaipur, in which Sadbhavna Parivar Foundation President Manoj Pandey, Director Shivkanta Pandey, World Book of Record Choreographer Rohit Sharma, Rajasthan Ghoomar Queen 2022 Seema Sethi, Deepali Sisodia Sonu Kumawat Anchor Rahul Chauhan Editor Naval Kishore Sharma were present.

by

Arya Samaj Sansthan Chairman Ravi Nayyar, Shakun Advertising Director Gokuldas Maheshwar and the entire star cast of the film were present. The film is based on Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence, violence hurts and non-violence heals. It has been produced after three years of hard work with beautiful songs and music.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

The seventh convocation ceremony of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule University, Jaipur took place recently. During which, PhD degrees were awarded to three Padma Shri personalities in a program. State Director General of Police Umesh Mishra was the chief guest. Om Prakash Gandhi, a renowned social worker of Haryana, Padmashree Avni Lekhra and famous thumri singer and sitar player, Padmashree Pandit Shivnath Mishra were awarded PhD at the ceremony.

Rajasthan Ghoomar Queen 2023 season-4 by Sadbhavna Parivar Foundation took place at

CM Yogi Adityanath greets the newlyweds Vedika & Ayush. Also seen is Dy CM Brajesh Pathak

CM Yogi Adityanath with the newlyweds Vedika & Ayush. Also seen are Dy CM Brajesh Pathak and IAS Sanjay Prasad

Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya greets the newlyweds Vedika & Ayush and Dy CM Brajesh Pathak

Governor Anandiben Patel greets the newlyweds Vedika & Ayush. Also seen are Dy CM Brajesh Pathak and Namrata Pathak

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

(L-R) Vijay Golecha, Purva Bhatt, Marcela Baur, Anshu Harsh, Somendra Harsh, Akshaya Goyal, Mamta Saraswat and Sanjay Sardana

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Mesmerizing musical performance by Shujaat Husain Khan

The captivated audience

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

During the occasion