First India-Jaipur Edition-2nd February 2023

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

Top TWEETS

Narendra Modi

@narendramodi

This Union Budget 2023 will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers.

I congratulate Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget. The first budget of “Amrit Kaal” will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived.

Amit Shah

@AmitShah

The budget-2023 brought by the Modi government is a budget that lays a strong foundation of Amritkal.

I am sure that this allinclusive and visionary budget will give further impetus to the resolve of the Modi government for a self-reliant India, taking every section along. Congratulations to @narendramodi and @nsitharaman for this.

#AmritKaalBudget

Rahul Gandhi

@RahulGandhi

‘Mitr Kaal’ Budget has: NO vision to create Jobs, NO plan to tackle Mehngai, NO intent to stem Inequality, 1% richest own 40% wealth, 50% poorest pay 64% of GST, 42% youth are unemployed- yet, PM doesn’t Care! This Budget proves Govt has NO roadmap to build India’s future.

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

1ST BUDGET OF ‘AMRIT KAAL’: NATION FIRST, CITIZEN FIRST

Last full Union Budget before 2024 Lok Sabha elections ticks all boxes

Moni Sharma

The “first Budget of Amrit Kaal”, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called her fifth budget in a row on Wednesday. This was the Narendra Modi government’s last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and came ahead of polls in nine states this year. Keeping that in mind, it ticked off as many boxes as it could without derailing government finances and had something for everybody -- from industry to the middle classes, farmers and various social groups that the BJP would like to keep on its side as the countdown for the

The govt has simplified the slabs in the new tax regime. There will be no tax on income on up to `7 lakh a year -- up from `5 lakh.

For the railways, the minister announced an outlay of `2.4 lakh crore — the highest in almost a decade and four times the last year’s budget.

The PAN will be used as a common identifier for all digital systems of

‘

ALL INCLUSIVE’ BUDGET!

First budget of Amrit Kaal....the world has recognised India as a bright star. Economic growth for the current year (2022-23) is estimated at 7 per cent... is the highest among all major economies.

—Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister

MAJOR TAKEWAYS

specified govt agencies.

The KYC process will be simplified and a one-stop update of identity will be established through Digilocker service and Aadhaar.

The government will spend a record `10 lakh crore on longer term capital expenditure.

In another populist measure, the agricultural credit target has

A SPOILSPORT AFTER BUDGET...

now been increased to `20 lakh crore.

Allocation for Prime Minister Awas Yojna increased by 66 per cent to over `79,000 crore.

The government has promised 50 new airports and helipads.

To settle commercial disputes, the government will bring another dispute resolution scheme.

ADANI ENTERPRISES CALLS OFF `20,000 CRORE FPO

The interest of the investors is paramount and hence to insulate them from any potential financial losses, Board has decided not to go ahead with FPO: Adani

First India Bureau Mumbai: On Wednesday, tremendous, ambitious and popular budget was presented by Union Finance Minister, on the same day there was a huge chaos in the stock market. Billionaire Gautam Adani-led group’s firm Adani Enterprises decided to scrap its follow-on public offer (FPO), a day after it was fully subscribed.

`20,000 crore FPO was fully subscribed a day ago as investors pumped funds into the flagship firm. Adani Group said that it has decided not to

proceed with FPO in the interest of its subscribers. “Given the unprecedented situation and the current market volatility the company aims to protect the interest of

Thanking the investors for their support and commitment to the FPO, given the unprecedented market movement, the board of directors of company felt that going ahead with FPO will not be “morally correct”.

—Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani Group

6th FinMin to present Budget 5 times in a row; Sitha’s shortest speech at 87 mins

F inMin Nirmala Sitharaman is 6th minister in independent India to present 5 consecutive budget, joining a select league of legends likes of Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. She wrapped her 2023 speech in under 90 minutes.

The government is targeting 5 MT of Green Hydrogen production by the year 2030. Budget provides for Rs 35,000 crore for priority capital investment towards energy transition and net zero objectives.

The fiscal deficit target of 6.4 per cent will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP.

UNION BUDGET 2023 ‘DISAPPOINTING’ FOR RAJASTHAN, SAYS CM

Gehlot: Centre did not accept the only demand

First India Bureau

CRUCIAL READ

D-STREET CHEERS BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS! SENSEX SURGES 1,200 PTS, NIFTY NEAR 17,900

Mumbai: Indian stock markets reacted positively to the Union Budget for 2023-24 with benchmark indices rising over 1,000 points to breach the 60,000 mark. Barring the Nifty oil and gas index, all other indices traded in the green, National Stock Exchange data showed. Nifty bank, financial services, and private bank rose the most.

BIDEN MAY HOST MODI FOR US VISIT IN JUNE MORBI: OREVA GROUP CHIEF IN 7 DAYS PC

LOSES ASIA’S RICHEST PERSON TITLE, DROPS TO 15 ON WORLD LIST

ADANI

Gautam Adani lost his title as Asia’s richest person on Wednesday. Stock losses saw Adani slip to 15th on the Forbes rich list with an estimated net worth of $76.8 billion.

its investing community by returning the FPO proceeds and withdraws the completed transaction,” Adani Group said. Stating that his group balance sheet is very

healthy with strong cash flows and secure assets, Adani said that decision will not have any impact on their existing operations and future plans.

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday termed the Union Budget disappointing. He said while budget provides additional funds for an irrigation scheme in Karnataka, it has not given national status to East Rajasthan Canal Project.

He claimed Budget allotted `5,300 crore to the Upper Bhadra Irrigation Project in Karnataka keeping the coming elections in mind and accused the Centre

of being “step-motherly” towards Rajasthan.

“If the Union Budget is talked about in the context of Rajasthan, then it was very disappointing. The people of the state are disappointed because the central government did not accept our just demand of giving national status to the ERCP, an important project related to the development of Rajasthan,” Gehlot said.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United States later this year. US President Joe Biden has reportedly extended an invitation to PM Modi for a state visit in June or July. The invitation has been accepted in principle and both sides are presently working on mutually convenient dates for the visit.

Gandhinagar: Oreva Group MD Jaysukh Patel was sent to police custody for 7 days till February 8 by a court on Wednesday in connection with the Morbi bridge collapse case. This comes a day after he surrendered before a Morbi court. Oreva Group signed a 15-year contract for operation and maintenance of bridge.

SHUBMAN GILL STARS WITH UNBEATEN 126 AS IND DEMOLISH NEW ZEALAND TO WIN T20I SERIES

Ahmedabad: India remained unbeaten in 2023 after defeating New Zealand in the decider of the three-match series. Led by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 126, India were able to defeat Mitchell Santner and Co. by a massive margin of 168 runs - the biggest margin for victory from India against the New Zealand.

of giving nat’l status to ERCP

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2023-24 to the President, Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Illustration by: Uttkarsha Shekhar

2023-24

On Wednesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made as many as five personal income tax-related announcements, in what was her fifth consecutive budget speech. No announcement on income tax was made in last year’s budget. This was the last full budget of the Narendra Modi government before next year’s parliamentary elections, slated for April-May 2024

Infusing new energy to India’s growth!

FINANCIAL EMP’MENT

MSMEs

l `9,000 crore

Collateral

l `2 lakh crore

‘PLEASE ALL’ BUDGET! TAX

OTHERS

l Banking Laws to be amended

l KYC process simplified

l Support for digital public infrastructure will continue

l Std deduction to

`52,500 for income slabs to `15.5 lakh to more

l Over 100 Joint Commisioners to dispose small Tax disputes

l New TAX regime to be implemented

Personal tax rebate hiked, slabs cut

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has increased the rebate limit for individual taxpayers from `5 lakh to `7 lakh a year.

“..Currently, those with income up to `5 lakh do not pay any income tax in both old and new tax regimes. I propose to increase the rebate limit to `7 lakh in the new tax regime. Thus, persons in the new tax regime, with income up to `7 lakh will not have to pay any tax,” Ms Sitharaman said while presenting Budget 2023 in parliament today.

She also announced new tax slabs and scrapped the old twin-structure system that was unboxed in 2020, which taxed citizens under 25 per cent without exemptions and 30 per cent with exemptions allowed.

New Tax Regime to be Default Regime: The new

l One stop solution for reconciliation and updation of identity and address of individuals to be established using DigiLocker service and Aadhaar as foundational identity

l Phase-3 of E-Courts project to be launched with an outlay of

w7,000 crore for efficient administration of justice

l Setting up a single

tax regime will now be the default tax regime, but citizens can still avail of benefits under the old tax regime on an opt-out basis.

Rebate Increased: The finance minister has pro-

posed in the Budget to increase the tax rebate. Therefore, the income rebate limit has now been increased to `7 lakh from `5 lakh in the new tax regime.

Faster Processing of

Strong foundation for building developed India, says PM Modi

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the “first budget of Amrit Kaal” and said that it would lay a strong foundation for building a developed India. The Prime Minister said that the budget gives priority to the deprived and will fulfill the dreams of the aspirational society, the farmers and middle class. “The first budget of Amrit Kaal will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived. This budget will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers. I congratulate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing after tabling the Union Budget 2023-24 via video conferencing on Wednesday.

Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget,” PM Narendra Modi said in a televised address.

VISHVAKARMA KAUSHAL SAMMAN

Tax Returns: The average processing time for income tax returns has been reduced from 93 days to 16 days.

Common IT Return Forms: The government

SIMPLIFIED INCOME TAX REGIME FOR PEOPLE

 The collection through personal income tax is estimated at `8.15 lakh crore for fiscal year 2022-23 and are projected to rise by 10.4% next year and reach `9 lakh crore

 The fiscal deficit target of 6.4% will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For the next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP

 A system of ‘Unified Filing Process’ will be set-up to streamline the current process of duplication for multiple departments for ease of business

seeks to roll out next-gen common Income Tax Return forms and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms for taxpayers to help them resolve issues of income tax payments.

The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visionary leadership. It is a budget to empower poor farmers, tribals, Dalits, backward, deprived, economically backward and middle class... Emphasis is on middle class earnings and the well-being of the elderly.

Jagat Prakash Nadda, BJP National President

The Union Budget for the Financial Year 202324 envisages a total outlay of Rs. 45,03,097 Crore. Of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 Crore, which is 13.18 % of the total GoI Budget. The best budget for India’s growth in ‘Amrit Kaal’.

Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister

N

oting that PM Vishvakarma Kaushal Samman will bring a huge change in the lives of ‘Vishvakarmas’, the Prime Minister said that for the first time schemes relating to their support has been incorporated into the budget.

STEPS TAKEN FOR WOMEN

IN RURAL, URBAN EASY: PM

The govt has taken several steps to make the lives of women, in rural and urban areas, easy. Women’s self-help groups will further enhance them. Special savings scheme will be started empowering women in households, said PM Modi. “This year’s Budget infuses new energy to India’s devp trajectory”, he added.

INDIRECT TAXES DIRECT TAXES

l MSME with turnover upto 2cr and 50 lakhs can avail presumptive taxation

l

l Custom Duty reduced from 21% to 13%

l

l Gold Silver Diamonds to get expensive

l TAX RELIEF TO 3.7 LAKHS FOR CUSTOMERS WHOSE CASH RECEIPTS IS 5%

l Lower Taxes on Higher Digital Payments

Key announcements such as setting up the National Financial Information Registry, establishing a Central Data Processing Centre, targeting fiscal deficit to be below 4.5% by 2025-26, etc. are all indicative of the Govt’s commitment towards taking the country to newer heights.

Manish Gupta, ICSI President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Narendra Singh Tomar and others lend ears to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she presents the Union Budget 2023-24 on 2nd day of Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In a relief to taxpayers, the FM proposed to change tax structure in new personal income tax regime

TAXATION

Chief Economic Adviser Venkatramanan Anantha Nageswaran interacts with Finance Secretary TV Somanathan and share a lighter moment after FinMin’s Budget Speech of 2023 at the Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday.

UNION BUDGET 2023-24 PERSPECTIVE

MAPPING PRIORITIES FOR AMRIT KAAL: A ROADMAP TO 3RD LARGEST ECONOMY

This year’s Budget provides an unprecedented impetus to:

Sustainable Future, Green Growth, Green Economy, Green Infrastructure, Green Jobs.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

Unprecedentedallocation to create paperless courts for faster delivery of justice. I thank PM @ Narendramodi ji and FM @ NSitharaman ji for timely announcing critical eCourts Phase-III Project with an outlay of Rs 7000 Cr in Budget for 2023-24.

Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

Under PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality, scale and reach of their products. The package will include financial support, skill training, digital, green techniques, brand promotion, digital payment, social security etc. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nirmala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row

Ever since the very inception of budget in 1860s it has shown a transformation from briefcase to bahi khata, then to tablet for now.

The very first budget of “Amrit Kaal” as enunciated by Finance Minister,was an excellent opportunity for the nation to demonstrate how its tax policy measures align with its growth and investment goals while preventing needless conflicts from arising on its path to becoming the third largest economy by the turn of the decade. Following seven priorities, which complement each other and act as the Saptarishi in guiding us through the ‘Amrit Kaal’ are: inclusive development, infrastructure and investment, reaching the last mile, unleashing the potential,

green growth, youth power, financial sector. The big picture of the Budget is its focus on growth through higher productive capital spending, and simultaneously sticking to fiscal prudence.

Prior to the general elections in 2024, the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled a significant budget that featured significant investments in infrastructure and agricultural sectors as well as redesigned tax brackets that provided significant relief to middle class. The Union Budget 2023-24 can be summarized in the following big takeaways as mentioned:

PUSH FOR GREEN GROWTH- REDUCING

GREEN INFLATION

Green inflation is the acceleration of consumer prices triggered by the increase in the price of products linked to the transition to a carbonfree economy, both those to be discontinued and those to be enhanced. With regard to green product prices, such as commodities used intensively by renewable energies (copper, lithium), price increases are also to be expected given the slow response of production to the increase in demand.

With a budget of Rs 19,700

crores, the recently established National Green Hydrogen Mission would help India shift to a low carbon economy, and establish the nation as a market and technological leader in this emerging industry.

RAISING CAPEX

The amount spent on capital projects has steadily increased over the past three years, rising from Rs 4.39 lakh crore in 2020–21 to Rs 5.4 lakh crore in 2021–22, Rs 7.5 lakh crore in the current fiscal year (202–23), and Rs 10 lakh crore in the following fiscal year. The expected capital expenditure for 2022–2023 is 33% lower than the expenditure for the following year.

NEW TAX REGIME

New Personal Income Tax regime is now the default: The Budget choice that will likely garner the greatest attention is this one. Indians who make a living on a salary anticipated some tax relief. Although it was introduced last year and not many people took use of it, the FM appears to have included it under the so-called new personal income tax structure. The public is likely to support this action since it will provide relief for the salaried class. The

government hopes that this will help to boost the economy by putting more money in the hands of taxpayers. By exempting income up to Rs 7 lakh from tax, Sitharaman has put more money in the hands of many young) entrants to the job market. Now, those earning up to Rs 7 lakh (monthly income of just under Rs 60,000) will not pay any tax. Also, those who have retired – government employees and even private sector – which is an increasing number today, will not have to pay tax if their pension is less than Rs 60,000.

FISCAL PRUDENCE

The fiscal deficit, or the difference between expenditures and revenues, is the figure that matters the most in the budget and is closely monitored by all FIIs and foreign investors. In addition to estimating the budget deficit for 2023–24 at 5.9% (less than 6%; a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the deficit forecast for 2022–23), she noted that the budget has fallen short of the objective this year, which was 6.4% of the GDP. Interest rates are lower when the government borrows less money. This will have a salutary impact on the broader economy as

it suggests that money will be available for private entrepreneurs to borrow.

CONCLUDING REMARK

India Budget 2023 has offered a multi-dimensional view. The 3 Cs which stand out are — capex increase, consumption boost, capital gains tax status quo. Mindful of the fact that there is hardly any space for fiscal expansion, FY24 fiscal deficit is pegged at 5.9 % and expected to see progressive reduction by FY 2026. Budget 2023 also aimed at the economic empowerment of women and job generation for youth. Under PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality, scale and reach of their products. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nirmala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row, no foreshadow of 2024LS polls – or its imperatives for a party working for a third term. If at all, this Budget clearly points to continuity to government’s economic strategy. It is bold, and innovative too with the hope that good economics isn’t necessarily bad politics.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY

THE AUTHORS ARE PERSONAL

S

aptrishis, the seven ascetics extolled by the Vedas, were invoked in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget for Financial Year 2023-24. A constellation is named after them. What do the mythological holy men have to do with the Union Budget? As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities--inclusive development, last mile growth, green

growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector---in the Amrit Kaal.

Inclusive growth carries forward the government’s agenda of ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas’ for the welfare of Divyangjan (physically challenged), financially weaker sections, farmers, O BCs, SCs & STs. The Finance Minister outlined in her Budget speech a wide range of schemes for the benefit of agriculturists.

As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities—inclusive development, last mile growth, green growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector— in the Amrit KaalAlso included for inclusive development are the health and education sectors, both important components requiring focus especially in the context of farmers and weaker sections of the society. Sitharaman announced four schemes for reaching the last mile.

In the case of infrastructure and investment the government announced an increase of 33.4% in capital outlay, increasing the Railways capital outlay by Rs 2.4 lakh cr, creation of a

fund for development of modern infrastructure in Tier 2 and 3 cities and other schemes.

To unleash potential 3 artificial intelligence centres in educational institutes, a national data governance policy, making contract execution for MSMEs less strict, etc. have been planned. Ambitious schemes are on the anvil for other priority sectors. The Budget is a clear roadmap to make India outshine other countries.

PROF ND MATHUR

The writer is Dean, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

SUMANT KAUSHIK

The writer is Assistant Professor, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

UNION BUDGET 2023-24

HEALTH&EDU

The Union Budget 2023 has allocated a whopping `88,956 crore to health expenditure, a `2,350 crore hike of 2.71% from `86,606 crore in FY23. Dwelling on the subject of Pharma Innovation, Government will encourage industry to invest in R&D through centers of excellence. National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents will be set-up for facilitating availability of quality books across the nation

A booster dose for Youth, Women & Sports

150% HIKE in outlay of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

l In a major boost to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the Centre on Wednesday announced a 150-per cent hike in the outlay of its flagship scheme with an allocation of `5,000 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24.

l However, there has been a nine-per cent decrease, with an allocation of `2,132 crore, for the construction of non-residential office buildings, including the Central Vista project, Parliament and Supreme Court, as compared to the revised estimates of `2,344.08 crore in the last fiscal.

KEEPING A KEEN EYE

Union Budget brings cheers to the automobile industry as it will positively give push to sales

The budget has laid special emphasis on the Vehicle Scrappage Policy which will not only boost the sales but will also enable in achieving clean and green environment for overall sustainable development.

Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India CEO & MD

50% RISE

in National Ayush Mission

SKILL DEVP FOR ‘AMRIT PEEDHI’

 Setting Up Of Unity

Malls In State Capitals , For promotion and sale of ODOPs (One District, One Product), GI and handicraft products

 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 will be launched to skill lakhs of youth within the next 3 years

 The scheme will also cover new age courses for Industry 4.0 like coding, AI, robotics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills

30 SKILL

India International Centres will be set up across different states to skill youth for international opportunities

47 LAKH youth to get stipend support in three years through direct benefit transfer under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

To give impetus to the youth and help the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ realise their dreams, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government has formulated the National Education Policy, focused on skilling, adopted economic policies that facilitate job creation at scale and support business opportunities.

157 nursing colleges to be set up

The Centre will recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for 740 EkLavya Schools serving 3.5L tribal students

During the delivery of the Union Budget 2023 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the govt will establish 157 new nursing colleges, while talking about budget allocation in the sector of health and education. “157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-locations with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014,” she added.

The Finance Minister also said, “Facilities in select Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) labs will be made available for research by public and private medical colleges.” She has also made the announcement of a new research scheme for research in the Pharma sector.

FM has given a massive push to millets, the coarse grain already being recom-

EDUCATION MINISTRY GETS `1.12 LAKH CRORE, HIGHEST EVER ALLOCATION

mended by doctors as having the capability of reducing the burden of diabetes in a country. This is the first time that nutrition gets a big push with a special programme called the PM Programme for Restoration Awareness Nourish-

WOMEN & FINANCIAL

Focus on integrating Ayush system in National Health ecosystem had got a boost in the Budget 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The total allocation of budget to Ayush Ministry has increased by 20 percent to `3,647 crores. The budget has also emphasized on promoting evidencebased research in Ayush systems through Ayush research councils.

Budget allocation to centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM) has got 50 percent increase in allocation from `800 cores to `1,200 crores.

WHAT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION

 The ICMR Labs will be made available for research by public and pvt medical college faculty

 Centre will appoint over 38,000 teachers for 700 plus Ekalavya model residential schools serving

3.5 lakh tribal students

 Teachers’ training to be reenvisioned via innovation

As per budget documents, cetre’s allocation for the Ministry of Education for the next financial year is `1,12,898.97 crore. Notably, this is the highest allocation granted to the ministry ever. School Education Department’s outlay stands at `68,804.85 crore, while the Higher Education Department has been allocated `44,094.62 crore.

ment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-Pranam).

The govt also announced an Aspirational Blocks Programme, covering 500 blocks for saturation of essential govt services across multiple domains such as health, nu-

EMPOWERMENT

Marginal rise for WCD Ministry, new savings scheme for women

The budget allocated to the Women and Child Development Ministry, the nodal department of the government for the welfare of women and children, stood at Rs 25,448.75 crore in 2023-24, an increase of Rs 267 crore from Rs 25,172.28 crore allotted in 2022-23. The most significant announcement for women in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech was the proposal for the ‘Mahila Samman Saving Certificate’ with a fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent for two years.

The deposit can be made in the name of a woman or a girl child. The maximum deposit amount has been kept

at ` 2 lakh and the scheme will have a partial withdrawal facility as well.

For the ministry, the largest allocation has been for the Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 (Umbrella ICDS

- Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls) of `20,554.31

AUTONOMOUS BODIES GETS RAISE IN BUDGET

The budget allocation for autonomous bodies is Rs 168 crore, a marginal increase from Rs 162 crore in the earlier budget. These autonomous bodies includeCentral Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and National Commission for Women.

crore. Mission VATSALYA (Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services) has been allotted `1,472 crore and allocation for Mission Shakti (Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women) is `3,143 crore in 2023-24, a dip from `3,184 crore in 2022-23.

trition, education, agriculture, water resources, and skill development.

However, the budget for the National Health Mission has been cut down to Rs 36,785 crore this year from Rs 37,165 crore in 2022-’23.

 District Institutes of Education and Training to be developed as vibrant institutes of excellence

 National digital library to be set up for children

 The government is aiming to test seven crore people for sickle cell disease in tribal belts, and those who test positive will be given a colour-coded card

 All cities and towns will be enabled for 100% mechanical desludging of septic tanks

Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur @Anurag_Office

157 new nursing colleges will be set up in Sahasthan along with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014. A mission will be launched to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 through awareness generation and universal screening of 7 crore people in affected tribal areas.

SPORTS I

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp #AmritKaalBudget paves the way to transform India into a knowledgebased economy.

`700 CRORE PLUS BOOST FOR SPORTS MINISTRY

n a year when the Indian athletes will compete at the Asian Games and prepare for 2024 Paris Olympics, the Sports Ministry has got a fillip with the government allocating Rs 3,397.32 crore, an increase of Rs 723.97 crore, in the Union Budget here on Wednesday.

One of the reasons for the reduced revised allocation

for 2022-23 could be the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which will be held this year.

The ministry’s flagship programme, ‘Khelo India — National Programme for Development of Sports’ continues to be the govt’s priority, with it being allotted Rs 1,045 crore as against the revised allocation of Rs 606 crore during the previous financial year.

Highest-ever allocation of `1,12,899.47 crore for the education sector. Total allocation of `1,16,417.08 crore for the education and skill development sector in #AmritKaalBudget.

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani

Congratulations to PM @narendramodi Ji & FM @nsitharaman Ji for a truly #AmritKaalBudget epitomising inclusive development & reinforcing economic fundamentals. Emphasis given to infra, tech, green energy & other areas will institutionalise India’s growth for a stronger tomorrow.

People watch a live telecast of Union Budget 2023-24 presentation at an electronic showroom, in Kolkata on Wednesday.

PHOTO BY ANI

COURTYARD

KERALA JOURNO KAPPAN TO BE RELEASED TODAY

New Delhi: Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, held on terror charges, will be released today. A Special court in Lucknow signed his release order today -over a month after he got bail in the 2 cases against him. His lawyer said the formalities have all been completed today, “but the release order didn’t reach jail in time. He’ll walk out of jail tomorrow before noon”. Kappan was expected to walk out last evening, but he could not be released since the judge of the Special Court on Prevention of Money Laundering was busy with a bar council election.

SC ASKS WHATSAPP TO PUBLICISE UNDERTAKING

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed WhatsApp to publicise its undertaking given to the Centre in 2021 that it will not limit functionality for users not agreeing to its new privacy policy.A five-judge Constitution bench asked the mobile messaging app to give advertisement in five newspapers to publicise its undertaking given to the government.“We record that the stand taken in the letter (to government) and we record the submission of the senior counsel for WhatsApp that they will abide by the terms of letter…till next hearing.

SC SEEKS CENTRE’S RESPONSE ON CUSTODY MATTERS

New Delhi (PTI): The SC has sought the Centre’s response on the issue of exploring the possibility of entering into mutual agreements with the US in matters related to child custody disputes as such cases are increasing due to Indians residing there. The apex court passed the order while holding a man, who is a resident of the US, guilty of civil contempt for his failure to bring back his child to India on the order of the court in May last year.

China a major challenge to world: US

Multi-layered approach needed to strengthen our defense partnership, and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to India and the world, a senior administration official in Washington told media

Washington (ANI):

The United States and India on Tuesday formally established a high-level initiative on critical and emerging technologies or iCET.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had a ‘fruitful discussion’ with his US counterpart at the White House. In the discussions, there was a laser focus on aligning Washington and New Delhi’s strategic, commercial and scientific approaches specifically in the field of technology. Officials did announce several concrete steps that the initiative will be taking forward from the high-power meeting in Washington.

Sullivan, in an interview with reporters, said that iCET would ‘serve both countries’ deeper strategic interests, according to The

DOVAL DISCUSSES DEFENCE TIES WITH US

Washington Post. iCET has no explicit reference to China, but the

Biden administration sees technology development vis-a-vis China

Assembly polls: PM Modi, Shah, Nadda attend BJP CEC meeting

New Delhi (ANI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting over the upcoming Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly elections.

The meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi was chaired by BJP national president JP Nadda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and all the members of the Central Election Committee were present at the meeting. Voting for As-

Shah to visit WB in Feb to boost party’s morale

New Delhi (ANI):

Aiming to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting the state in February.

Incidentally, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is constantly visiting West Bengal to strengthen its organisation. BJP state presi-

dent Sukanta Majumdar informed ANI that Amit Shah will visit Bengal in February but the date has not been confirmed yet.

“We will finalise the date of the Home Minister’s visit on February 6. Although, there is a possibility that he will visit the state in the second week of February,” he said. The party has also started the Loksabha Pravas Yojana, in view of the Lok Sabha elections.

sembly elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya will be held in a single phase on February 27. The results will be declared on March 2. In Meghalaya, BJP will

fight in all seats alone this time while in Nagaland, the party will contest the polls in alliance with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

as a zero-sum game that the U.S. cannot lose hence iCET could be an important way forward.

“The US-India defence and artificial intelligence dialogue is a multi-layered approach and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to New Delhi and the world,” a senior administration official told reporters.

INDIA MADE JET ENGINES IN US PLAN TO COUNTER CHINA

Washington: The US and India plan to share advanced defense and computing technology, including the potential joint production of General Electric Co. jet engines, as the Biden administration seeks to shift New Delhi away from Russia and counter China. US officials are evaluating a proposal from GE to approve joint production of jet engines for Indian warplanes. Sullivan and Ajit Doval attended an event with executives from American and Indian tech firms and university presidents.

BY ANI

White House National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan during the Round Table on Critical and Emerging Technologies hosted by US-India Business Council, in Washington.

INDIA, US TIES TO TARGET CHINA’S AI, MILITARY EQUIPMENT: WHITE HOUSE

Washington: The White House is launching a partnership with India that President Joe Biden hopes will help the countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washington wants to deploy more Western mobile phone networks in the subcontinent to counter China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to welcome more

Indian computer chip specialists to the US and to encourage companies to collaborate on military equipment like artillery systems. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, are meeting with senior officials from both countries at the White House to launch the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies.

Anti-encroachment drive on in J&K

Srinagar (PTI): Authorities in Kashmir launched a massive anti-encroachment drive here on Tuesday, bulldozing illegal structures to recover over 500 ‘kanals’ of land from influential people including former ministers and kin of an exchief minister. One acre is equal to eight ‘kanals’. The recovered land includes 40 kanals allegedly occupied by the owners of Hotel Nedou’s at MA Road here, officials said after the drive conducted by revenue department in Srinagar and Anantnag districts.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir went into overdrive to retrieve the encroached government land from influential persons.

LANDSLIDE BLOCKS NAT’L HIGHWAY-44

New Delhi: A major landslide occurred near the Rampari area in Banihal town of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. National Highway 44 has been closed for vehicular traffic following a landslide. In a video shared by the deputy commissioner of Ramban,

Air Marshal AP Singh takes charge as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force

New Delhi: India defeated New Zealand to win the T20 series against Kiwis 2-1. Shubman Gill single-handedly destroyed the bowling attack of New Zealand and was undefeated at 126. Gill became only the fifth Indian to hit hundreds across all formats of the game, joining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina. He created history as he surpassed Kohli & Raina to become the youngest Indian to hit a T20I century.

New Delhi: Air Marshal AP Singh, who has more than 5,000 hours of flying experience, assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. He succeeded Air Marshal Sandeep Singh who retired on Tuesday after more than 39 years of service.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, the Air Marshal was

NEW CONTROVERSY

commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on Dec 1984. The officer is a qualified flying instructor & an experimental test pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience.

Pune (PTI): Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Wednesday said no country is willing to share the latest, “state-ofthe-art” technologies and it implies that security of the nation can neither be outsourced nor be dependent on the largesse of others. He was speaking at the foundation day of the Army Institute of Technology in Maharashtra’s Pune city.

“Indira and Rajiv Gandhi killings were accidents”

Dehradun (ANI): The killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Uttarakhand Minister Ganesh Joshi said, stoking a political controversy.

The Minister said that there is a “difference between accident and martyrdom” and what happened with the two former prime ministers is betetr called an “accident”. “If you look at History, there is a dif-

was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels on May 21, 1991.

ference between accident and martyrdom.

Freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad,

Ram Prasad Bismil and others, who accepted capital punishment but did not accept the Brit-

ishers’ demands, were martyrs. If there is some bad incident with someone, that is called an accident,” said Joshi.

Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her 2 Sikh bodyguards in 1984 as a revenge for military operation to flush out extremists from the Golden Temple.

Her son Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister, was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels in 1991 during an election campaigning.

CONG FUMES OVER BJP’S ‘NOT MARTYRDOM’ REMARK FOR GANDHIS, DEMANDS APOLOGY

New Delhi (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Wednesday slammed the BJP’s minister Ganesh Joshi for his remarks on the deaths of former Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, demanding an apology from the latter. “BJP has gone mad, as no one has the right to insult martyrdom, to criticize the sacrifice. BJP should apologize for this statement made by their minister,” Rawat said. Joshi courted a political controversy

calling the killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi “accidents, not martyrdom”. The killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Joshi remained firm over his statement while talking to ANI. “Those who do violence like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, and RSS, cannot understand pain, but we can. We should stand against the ideology which tries to demolish the base of India,” he said.

boulders can be seen on the highway, blocking it. The deputy commissioner of Ramban district has advised people to follow advisories issued by the J&K traffic police. “People are advised to follow J&K Traffic Police advisories,” said Deputy Commissioner, Ramban.

AVALANCHE KILLS TWO FOREIGNERS

Baramulla (ANI): Two foreign nationals were killed in an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg, police said on Wednesday. During the rescue oerations, 19 foreign nationals and 2 local guides have been rescued. Some skiers were trapped in the famous ski resort Gulmarg after an avalanche hit the Afarwat peak in the region, Baramulla Police said and added that three teams comprising twentyone Foreign nationals and two local guides went to Affarwat Gulmarg for skiing on Wednesday.

DELHI MAYOR ELECTION ON MONDAY, WAS STALLED TWICE DUE TO AAP-BJP FIGHT

New Delhi: Leaders of Delhi’s civic body will meet again on February 6 to elect a mayor after two failed attempts last month amid a tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP, has alleged the BJP is trying to capture the Municipal Corporation of Delhi by electing a BJP leader to the mayor’s post, although the AAP won far more seats than the BJP in the recent election to the civic body.

JHARKHAND CM ANNOUNCES `4 LAKH AS EX-GRATIA

Ranchi (PTI): After PM Narendra Modi had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on Wednesday announced Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the Dhanbad fire tragedy.

14 were charred to death after a major fire broke out on the second floor of ‘Ashirwad Tower’, a multi-storied building in the Joraphatak area.

WHATSAPP BANS 36.77 LAKH ACCOUNTS IN 2022

New Delhi: WhatsApp said it banned 36.77 lakh accounts in India in November, marginally lower than the number of accounts it barred in the preceding month

The banned WhatsApp accounts include 13.89 lakh accounts which were barred proactively before being flagged by users. In December, WhatsApp banned 37.16 lakh accounts, including 9.9 lakh accounts which were barred proactively.

MAJOR GEN GIRISH KALIA TAKES CHARGE AS GOC OF ARMY’S VAJR DIVISION

Srinagar (ANI): Major General Girish Kalia assumed charge as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite Vajr Division from Major General Abhijit S Pendharkar, a Defence spokesperson said. Major Gen Girish Kalia was commissioned on 14 December 1991 from IMA, Dehradun into MADRAS Regiment, a spokesperson said. An alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer has attended all-important career courses at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Army War College, Mhow & National Defence College, New Delhi, he said.

Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her two Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Her son Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister,

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets his American counterpart Jake Sullivan.

‘NATION’S SAFETY CANNOT BE OUTSOURCED’

PM Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda and other dignitaries at the BJP Central Election Committee meeting, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NGT notice to Raj govt on ‘Maru Mahotsav 2023’

Plea raised issue of damage to environment by activities during Mahotsav

New Delhi (ANI): The

NGT has called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from various authorities of the State of Rajasthan on a plea raising the issue of apprehended damage to the environment by the proposed activities during ‘Maru Mahotsav’.

The matter has been listed on February 3, 2023, for further consideration.

The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goyal called for an ATR from various authorities and also issued notice to the project proponent - Principal Secretary, Tourism, Rajasthan by email.

The present application has been moved by

Tapeshwar Singh Bhati, a resident of Kota Rajasthan.

The grievance in this application is against apprehended damage to the environment by pro-

DGP announces award on firing and paper leak accused

Shivendra Parmar

History-sheeter shot at in broad daylight, critical

posed activities during ‘Maru Mahotsav 2023’ at Jaisalmer from February 2 to 5, 2023.The bench said, “ To further consider the above issues, we call for a factual and

Kirodi’s dharna on 9th day: More leaders come in support of protest

Mahesh Sharma

Jaipur: BJP Rajya

Sabha MP Dr Kirodi

Lal Meena along with hundreds of youths of the state sat on a dharna for the 9th day in the bitter cold demanding a CBI probe into paper leak cases and 95% reservation for Rajasthan youth in government jobs and other demands.

Bharatpur MP Ran -

jeeta Koli, former MP

Col. Sona Ram, MLA

Ashok Lahoti, MLA

Hamir Singh Bhayal, Srichand Kripalani, Ram Kishore Meena,

Dr Kirodi Lal Meena with Haji Babu Khan, Narendra Rajpurohit & Suman Sharma at the protest site on Wednesday.

Suman Sharma, Mus -

lim Nagauri Samaj

State President Hajibabu Khan, National Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh Naren -

NEWS DIGEST

HC STAYS ORDER TO PLAY MUSIC WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM COPYRIGHT HOLDERS

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has stayed the orders of the Jaipur Police Commissionerate wherein the hotel and marriage garden owners were allowed to play music at weddings and other functions without taking permission from copyright owners for playing songs. The single bench of Justice Sudesh Bansal while hearing the petition filed by music companies stayed the order of the additional police commissioner dated December 7, 2022.

SC REJECTS PLEA OF NAHAR SINGH IN SUCCESSION CASE

New Delhi: The Apex Court has rejected petition of Nahar Singh in case involving the succession dispute of former Maharaja of Jaipur Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh. Nahar Singh went to SC after Raj HC refused to consider petition for setting aside decree. The matter came up for hearing before Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjeev Khanna.

RSLDC BRIBERY:

ACB ARRESTS EX-

GENERAL MANAGER

Jaipur: In the RSLDC bribery case, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested the then-general manager of RSLDC, Ravi Meena. Ravi Meena is accused of taking bribe through broker Amit. ACB ASP Pushpendra Singh arrested Ravi from Kota. The action was taken on the instructions of ACB DG Hemant Priyadarshy.

7 DIE AND 4 INJURED IN 3 SEPARATE ROAD ACCIDENTS IN STATE

Bharatpur/Barmer/Churu: In a horrific road accident on Tuesday night a father and son died after an unknown vehicle collided with their auto-rickshaw on the Jaipur-Mathura bypass. Apart from the father and son, the daughter was severely injured due to a collision of the vehicle. In another accident, three youths were killed after their motorcycle rammed into a tractor in Barmer on Wednesday late evening. Two people were killed in Sujangarh town of Churu on Wednesday after two vehicles collided head-on, police said.

action is taken report in the matter from PCCF Wildlife, Rajasthan, Chairman, State PCB, and District Magistrate, Jaisalmer by February 3, 2023, by e-mail.

Jaipur: DGP Umesh Mishra has announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh on the arrest of absconding accused Bhupendra Saran and Suresh Dhaka in the paper leak case along with Rohit Godara and Hrithik Boxer of Lawrence Bishnoi gang wanted in the G-Club firing case of Jawahar Circle area. They had demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore from G-Club owner Akshay Gurnani. Along with the Jaipur Commissionerate Police, a team of hundreds of policemen from the Raj Police is on the lookout for Rohit Godara and his associates. Godara had also claimed responsibility for the murder of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar.

First India Bureau Jodhpur: Five miscreants shot a historysheeter in the city avenging old enmity. The condition of the historysheeter is said to be critical. The incident took place on Wednesday evening at 4 pm in the Vitarag City Society of the Police Commissionerate. The miscreants fired as many as 3 to 4 rounds. The youth who got shot is Rakesh Manju. Manju is a historysheeter and has an old enmity with the crook Vikram Singh Nandia. In the past also there has been an incident of firing between Rakesh Manju and the opposing group. On getting information about the inci-

Rakesh Manju

RAKESH MANJU’S CONDITION IS CRITICAL: HOSP

MDM Hospital Superintendent Dr Vikas Rajpurohit told that the condition of Manju is critical. City scans and X-rays are being done. After getting the information of the incident, the companions of the young man also reached the hospital. Rakesh Manju has been transfused about 4 units of blood, he has now been shifted to ICU.

dent, Shastri Nagar police station officer Jogendra Singh reached the hospital.

First India Bureau

dra Raj Purohit, Bhupendra Saini, Former IAS Mahendra Singh, Neelam Gurjar and others reached the protest site.

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday said that the construction of religious places should not be done with taxpayers’ money. The HC while hearing a PIL related to the construction of a mosque in Mandor village of Jodhpur district stayed the construction and said that taxpayers’ money should not be used in the construction of religious buildings.

The division bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Rajendra Prakash Soni stayed the

construction of the mosque while hearing the petition filed by Haryali and Prakartik Vikas Sansthan. The petitioner questioned the legality of the construction and said

Rathore takes part in Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign in Ajmer

First India Bureau

Ajmer: Chairman of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Dharmendra Rathore on Wednesday took part in the Haath Se Haath Jodo Campaign of Congress in Ajmer. He reached former MLA Rajkumar Jaipal’s home and participated in the campaign.

“People have shown immense support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan is the only leader who has stopped the BJP govt

Dharmendra Rathore reached Rajkumar Jaipal’s residence & participated in Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign in Ajmer.

from toppling the govt.

The Congress govt has given relief to the general public by announcing various schemes and is working for the welfare of people,” said

Rathore. While addressing the gathering, Rathore also directed Congress workers to prepare for upcoming assembly elections and strengthened the party.

HASSLE FREE EXPERIENCE

that the mosque should have been constructed by Jodhpur Development Authority (JDA). The petition also stated that the mosque is being built on land that has been de-

Man sets house on fire over ‘witchcraft’

First India Bureau

Churu: A young man living in the neighbourhood set on fire a house on suspicion of witchcraft on a woman in Lambor Chhoti village. As per locals, the house was set on fire by throwing petrol and acid. Due to this, the food items of the house including grains, cash and jewellery were also burnt to ashes. The member of the house had gone to another village to attend a marriage. In the house, a mother and three daughters were present.

Jaipur Airport goes ‘silent’ digitally

Kashiram Choudhry

Jaipur: The Jaipur International Airport becomes silent airport from February 1. All important information will now be displayed on dozens of digital screens installed across the airport. The screens are placed at strategic locations outside and inside terminal, in check-in halls, and a security hold area. Passengers will also get instant and

regular updates on their mobile phone through SMS. The airport aims to make the traveling ex-

perience more relaxing for passengers by reducing the noisy atmosphere inside the terminal. Passengers

PETITIONER QUESTIONS LEGALITY

The division bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Rajendra Prakash Soni stayed the construction of the mosque while hearing the petition filed by Haryali and Prakartik Vikas Sansthan. The petitioner questioned the legality of the construction and said that the mosque should have been constructed by Jodhpur Development Authority (JDA).

clared as a forest area and so it cannot be built upon. The court also observed that in their opinion no religious building should be constructed with taxpayers’ money.

First India Bureau

Nagaur: The Station House Officer (SHO) and Head Constable of Kuchaman Police Station in Nagaur were suspended on Wednesday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakhs in a land dispute case.

Sources informed that Kuchaman Police Station SHO Manoj Machra and Head Constable Sohan Lal were suspended by Nagaur SP Ram Murthi Joshi after an inquiry was held into the matter. The SHO had allegedly taken Rs 2.5 lakhs as a bribe for not arresting four people in the property dispute

will get all important and boarding related updated on the digital screens and messages on their respectivenumbers. Technologybased and automated PA systems will also be deployed at the airport to provide important updates to the passengers. In their respective capacities, airline companies will also be updating passengers on all important and travel-related information.

DGP Umesh Mishra

Cops to get promotions for recovering children: DGP

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Constable to assistant sub-inspector level policemen, who recover missing children in the state, will be given a special promotion by nominating them for the promotion cadre course as an incentive. DGP Umesh Mishra has issued detailed orders in this regard.

According to this order, constable, head constable and assistant sub-inspector level police officers who recovered 60 children below the age of 18 years, including 25 children below the age of 14 years, in a period of one year will be eligible for a special promotion.

DGP Mishra informed that the DGP Commendation Roll will be awarded to encourage policemen from constable to ASI level who have recovered 20 children below the age of 18 years including 10 children below the age of 14 years during a period of 1 year.

matter. A confidential inquiry was held and after confirmation, the SHO and Head-Constable was suspended. Notably, the bribe was fixed at Rs 3 lakhs. However, Rs. 50,000 was also paid to a journalist. The matter is being investigated.

Rehearsal on for four-day ‘Maru Mahotsav’ set to commence from today in Jaisalmer.

Taxpayers’ money should not be used for constructing religious places: HC

SHO & head constable suspended for taking

`2.5 lakh bribe

Remember that you will never be able to hit a target that you cannot see. Be very clear what you want in life, only then you can achieve it.

—Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

CM: UNION BUDGET IS ANTI-POOR, MASSES

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will give his reply to Governor Kalraj Mishra’s address in the State Assembly at 4 pm today LEADERS SPEAK ON UNION BUDGET-2023

List of AICC members from Raj likely to be released today

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Expressing displeasure at the Budget, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that reducing the provision for schemes such as the MGNREGA proves it is anti-poor, landless farmers and common people.

“In the budget, only headline-making ‘jumlas’ have been used in the media but in schemes like Mahatma

Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which proved to be a lifeline for poor people in the ‘corona’ period, the Budget provision for 2023-24 by the Centre is 33 per cent

(approximately Rs 30,000 crore),” he said.

Many fake announcements related to agriculture and farmers’ welfare have been made in the Budget but the allocation to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is about 6 per cent (about Rs 7,500 crore) lower than last year, Gehlot alleged.

“...there has been a significant reduction of 15 per cent (approximately Rs 23,000 crore) in urea subsidy as compared to last year,” he said. Gehlot also accused the Centre of neglecting important areas such as education, health, social justice & women and child development. “The whole country has suffered from inflation for the past years -- prices of flour, pulses, oil, soap etc, which are used by the masses on a daily basis, have increased a lot. “In absence of any policy statement regarding reducing inflation, life of the masses will become even more diffi-

Jodhpur all set to host G-20 EWG meeting from today

T

—Dr Mahesh Joshi, PHED Minister

T

—GS Dotasra, State PCC Chief

o measures to control unemployment and inflation have been mentioned in the Union Budget. There is no thought of eradicating poverty, stopping farmers' suicides, there is no announcement for the minorities of Rajasthan State and the country. Jaipur's jewelry industry was expecting a reduction in the import duty on gold and silver, but an increase in it would increase the parallel economy.

T

he Union Budget is disappointing, it has deceived the expectations of farmers, youth, poor and women. No immediate measures have been adopted in the Budget to remove huge problems like inflation and unemployment. Rather, announcements have been made according to the vision from 3 years to 25 years. Due to increased cost of silver and gold, the jewellery industry of the State will be adversely affected.he Union Budget is very disappointing for the common man. All sections of the society have been deceived by the Budget. The expectations of the people of Rajasthan could not be fulfilled. ERCP has not been declared a National Project.Union Budget is misleading & disappointing. Nothing has been clarified on issues of public interest. In last 10 yrs, BJP govt at the Centre didn’t give anything to people. Some industrialists have definitely benefitted.

—Shanti Dhariwal, UDH Minister

T

—Dr Satish Poonia, BJP State President

—Rajendra Rathore, Dy LoP

he progressive Budget presented by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is development oriented. The ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ Budget has taken care of every class and sector. Increasing the exemption in income tax up to Rs. 7 lakhs is indeed a progressive measure. Overall, the Budget will benefit the common man and the country will move forward.

T

would indeed call this Budget a progressive one, paving way for the next 25 years. Govt has focused hugely on infrastructure which will boost the economy. On CII’s recommendation, Govt has announced extension of MSME Guaranteed Scheme, collateral free loan & releasing 95% payment stuck as penalties in contracts.

I

Birla to embark on a day-long tour to Kota on Saturday

First India Bureau

Kota: LS Speaker Om Birla will visit KotaBundi parliamentary constituency on Saturday for a day and lay the foundation stone of the development works via virtual medium.

—Rajeev Arora, Chairman RAJSICOThe Centre is trying to divert common man’s attention from deteriorating economy. The budget has expertise in hiding figures & covering up true facts. Budget will increase the fiscal deficit & the rate of development will be blocked.

— Gaurav Rungta, Chairman (CII), Raj—Dr BD Kalla, Edu Min

T

he Union Budget is progressive and growth oriented. There is something for everyone. The impetus on tourism promotion & augmenting infrastructure in border villages under Vibrant Villages Programme will have a positive impact on sector. Increase in infra outlay by 33% will have a multiplier effect on economy.

—Diya Kumari, MP, RajsamandAbout 65 to 70 names are being mentioned in list. According to sources, work of reconstitution of State Cong Committee is pending for a long time. Earlier, list of state officials was sent to Delhi, but after the arrival of new incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, this list has been reshuffled.

AISHE 2020-21: Raj ranks 1 st in varsity numbers

First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan ranks first in terms of number of Universities. There were 78 Universities in Rajasthan in 2016-17, which increased to 92 in 2020-21. Thus, 14 Universities have increased in Rajasthan in 5 years,

which is about three every year, as per the All India Survey on Higher Education 202021 report released every year by the Department of Education, GoI. UP is in second place with 84 Universities. Gujarat ranks third with 83 Universities. This report is based on the data till

December 31, 2020.

Rajasthan is also in the top ten in the coun-

try in terms of number of Colleges with 3,694 Colleges. According to the district, Jaipur is at the 2nd place in the country with 671 Colleges. Bangalore Urban ranks first with 1,058 Colleges. Similarly, in terms of the number of colleges, Sikar ranks 10th in the whole coun-

—Randhir Vikram Singh, Chairman, FICCI Raj State Counciltry with 308 colleges. According to this report, there were 1,043 Varsities in country in 2019-20, which increased to 1,113 in 202021. Thus, 70 varsities increased in one year. There were 44 Central Universities in country in 2016-17, which increased to 51 in 2020-21.

Jodhpur (PTI): Jodhpur is all set to host the G-20 Employment Working Group meeting from today for which delegates from the guest countries have started arriving in the city.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made, and main intersections and other places have been decorated on different themes. The guests are being received in tradi-

today.

tional Marwari traditions. District administration has also appealed to locals to decorate their homes in a traditional manner, a state government official said. In first G20 Employment Working Group meeting to be held from Feb 2- 4, issues like global skills gap, social security to gig & platform workers and sustainable funding of social security will be discussed. being welcomed in a traditional manner at Jodhpur Airport ahead of G20 EWG meet, which will begin from

Meanwhile, Birla has expressed concern over damage to crops due to rains in Kota and Bundi. On Birla’s directions, his OSD Rajeev Dutta spoke to District Collectors of Kota and Bundi over phone on to inquire about the damage and asked for proper compensation to farmers by surveying crop damage at earliest. Birla will lay the foundation stone of development works worth Rs 8.87 crore in Khairabad, Sultanpur, Etawah & Ladpura Panchayat Samiti areas.

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Hosabale: Creating hearts & brains is work of the Sangh

Aishwary Pradhan

have also been revoked. single bench of Justice Indrajit Singh quashed their dismissal orders. Petitioner Advocate RN Mathur, RK Daga & Akhil Simlot said that govt hasn’t given chance of hearing to petitioners in matter.

Jaipur: “There has been a change in the life of every Swayamsevak of the Sangh. if there is any mistake in life, it is not the fault of the Sangh but of the person. There is curiosity in the society as to what the Sangh has to say on every subject because the Sangh influences the national life of India,” said Dattatreya Hosabale while

Get Girdawari work completed without delay: CS

Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Secretary

Usha Sharma has instructed the officials to get the work of special girdawari completed without delay in view of damage to crops due to cold wave, frost, untimely rain, and hailstorm.

The Chief Secretary was on Wednesday presiding over the meeting organized through VC in relation to crop failure. The Chief Secretary said that frost, cold

wave and hailstorm have ruined the hard work of farmers. She said that it should be ensured that there is a correct assessment of crop damage. The Chief Secretary instructed the officers to send the girdawari report by the end of the week.

CS Usha Sharma chairs a meeting related to crop damage via VC at the State Secretariat in Jaipur on Wednesday. Also seen here are Dinesh Kumar, Kanaram & Vishwa Mohan Sharma.

resentatives into confidence, as well as the farmers should also be

prior notice of special girdawari. The CS asked the Dis-

Keeping in mind the problems of the farmers, this work should be done sympathetically and sensitively so that the losses of the farmers can be compensated.

Usha Sharma, CS

Land records inspector, Tehsildar and Sub-divisional officer. The Chief Secretary also instructed the officers to conduct all crop cutting experiments online through the CCE app.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture Department Dinesh Kumar, Agriculture Commissioner Kanaram and Special Secretary, Revenue Department Vishwa Mohan Sharma were present in the meeting.

Dattatreya Hosabale addresses the gathering at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur.

speaking during the Deendayal Memorial Lecture organised at Birla Auditorium on

‘RSS: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.’ He thanked Dr Mahesh Sharma & his establishment for lecture. Hosabale cited funny instances from lives of Dattopant Thengadi & Mulla Naseeruddin.

“To understand Sangh, one needs heart & only brain can’t serve the purpose. Creating hearts & brains is Sangh’s work. What is life & its goals, know this also,” he said.

Agri Minister Kataria takes stock of PMFBY

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Agriculture

Minister Lal Chand Kataria reviewed the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana & directed insurance firms to settle claim of farmers at earliest. During the meet held at Pant Krishi Bhawan about crop damage by recent rains & hailstorm, he said, “In last 4 years, claims of Rs. 1.72 cr crop insurance policy holders have been approved by Raj govt while an

LC Kataria reviews ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’ at Pant Krishi Bhawan in Jaipur. Also seen is Balwan Poonia,

amount of Rs. 18,470 cr have been distributed as insurance claims. Max claims have been distributed in Hanumangarh District.”

he Budget is based on capacity expansion, green growth, youth power, and financial sector. It is a new and prosperous, powerful budget & Public welfare budget of self-reliant India, which will prove to fulfil the aspirations and hopes of the common man. The Budget has once again proved that Modi government is fulfilling the dreams and hopes of the poor, farmers and youth of the country.his is the Budget of Amrit Kaal after independence. The budget would fulfil youth’s imagination. It helped the middle class people by giving them tax exemption. Welfare of the poor is govt’s priority. The Budget is for the welfare of the farmers.First India Bureau Jaipur: In the election year, the month of February will be important in terms of new appointments in the Congress, which is engaged in improving the organisation. This month, where existing executive body of PCC will be expanded, the work of appointments of District Presidents will also be completed. Congress sources reveal that the work of selection of newly appointed State Congress office bearers is almost complete. The list of AICC members from Raj is ready & word in relevant Congress circles is that the list may be released on Thursday and include all major leaders.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan HC on Wednesday, revoked the suspension of three councillors ofJMC(G). The councillors were suspended along with Mayor Dr Somya in 2021 for misbehaving with the then JMC Commissioner Yagya Mitra Singh Deo. However, Dr Somya was reinstated by HC some time ago & now councillors’ suspension

N

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

CM Ashok Gehlot

Vaani Kapoor, who won hearts for her performance in Abhishek Kapoor’s Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, has signed her next project The actress will now headline Yash Raj Films’ yet untitled gritty crime thriller show, which will be helmed by Mardaani 2 director Gopi Puthran. This multi-season show is a part of YRF’s OTT slate.

“Vaani has been looking for projects where she could deliver a performance to remember. While she continues to give preference to theatricals, she isn’t going to shut herself out of great digital projects. The show is a gritty, edge-of-theseat crime thriller which YRF feels is a brilliant concept, and has plans to mount it at a scale that will surprise people. Gopi was clear that he wanted to cast someone who will be fresh in the OTT landscape. He wanted a solid performer who can hold her own and has always appreciated Vaani’s work in her films,” informs a source close to the development.

ANISTON IN AN INDIAN ATTIRE

ennifer Aniston is a well-known for both her exceptional acting talent and good looks. The actress is now winning the internet with the recently released official trailer of her upcoming project, Murder Mystery 2. The renowned star is reprising her muchloved character Audrey Spitz in the crime comedy, which is set to release on Netflix. To the much surprise of her fans across the globe, especially those of Indian origins, Jennifer is spotted in an exquisite ivory lehenga in the official trailer of Murder Mystery 2, which has been going viral on social media.

The heavily embroidered is created by renowned Indian designer, Manish Malhotra.

SELENA SHUTS DOWN A HATER

Selena Gomez has been quite vocal about her health problems, especially her journey with lupus. However, now and then, internet users find an opportunity to comment, criticize and shame her for the same. Speaking of which, recently, the 30-year-old singer responded to a troll who made fun of her hand tremors in a video.

A few days back, Selena took to TikTok and post-

Anushka soaks in positive energy

ed a video showcasing her skincare regime. Others felt the need to point out that Selena’s hands were shaking. A TikTok user posted a now-deleted video on the platform, saying, “Oh my god, what are you doing?!” as they trolled the actress.Selena took to the comments section and reminded the user by stating “Lol I shake because of my medication for lupus. Also read my disclaimer. I ain’t no pro (laughing emoji)”.

Anushka Sharma, who is quite active on social media, is currently spending time in Rishikesh. On Tuesday evening, the actress took to social media and dropped a peaceful picture from the mountains. She also penned a beautiful quote by Neem Karoli Baba in the caption.

In the picture, Anushka is seen sporting a black t-shirt and matching leggings. Along with it, she wrote, “Can’t you see, it’s all perfect!” - Neem Karoli Baba.”

SAMANTHA’S APOLOGY

amantha Ruth Prabhu has joined forces with Liger actor Vijay Deverakonda for the romantic entertainer, Kushi. While the makers have already completed the initial schedule of the movie in Kashmir, the rest of the shoot was pushed because of the Yashoda actor’s health condition.

Now, the team is all set to resume work on the much- Sharing the happy news, Samantha wrote on Twitter, “#Kushi will resume very soon .. my apol-

ogies to @TheDeverakonda fans @ShivaNirvana @ MythriOfficial.” The film was originally scheduled to release in December 2022, however, it got delayed. Recently, VD confirmed that same saying, “We have finished close to 60 percent of the shoot. We were originally hoping to release the film by December. But now it has been pushed to next year due to a bunch of reasons. We are eyeing February 2023 release as of now.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Poster of the film

Anushka Sharma

Her post...

Selena Gomez

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer in Manish Malhotra’s lehenga

Vaani Kapoor

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

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

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

A PERSPECTIVE ON INTERMITTENT FASTING

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver for investment sake.

You are a child at heart and never let this child die. You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle like anything.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends than the same and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

People love dramatic happenings in life. Psychologically, the majority of us do so many things to satisfy our ego than to get the desired results. Managing body weight is one such area where people want to talk more about losing pounds than really losing them. For this, there are so many types of diets, exercises, supplements, tricks and whatnot. But the urban population has more obese people than the fit ones. Intermittent fasting is one such fad which is being talked about very frequently.

Recently, a number of studies have been conducted to find its efficacy, health benefits and possible harmful effects.

Weight loss experts have started recommending intermittent fasting to cut down body fat resulting in weight loss. They also claim that this lifestyle also reduces incidents of other chronic diseases. Intermittent fasting can be undertaken in many ways. One method is alternate day fasting and eating in which for 12 hours of each day nothing is consumed except water followed by normal meals. This has to continue for many weeks.

Another method is two days of fasting on non-consequent days with a normal diet on the other 5 days.

One another variation is 4-12 hours eating window including fasting of 12 hours. The person can eat anything during that window. One more option is time-restricted eating. In this method, one shouldn’t eat anything for 16 hours continuously but can have normal meals during the residual 8 hours. There is a circadian rhythm of the body when things move in a circular system of activities like sleep and awakening, hormonal up and down swings etc.

Some researchers claim that eating at odd times disrupts circadian rhythm and increases the chances of some chronic diseases. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers.

The purpose of this diet regime is to increase nighttime fasting as is done by a traditional Jain family in India where no food is taken after sunset. This is called chrono-nutrition. Now a question arises about the scientific analysis of intermittent fasting. Generally, after 12 to 36 hours of fasting, liver glycogen stores get depleted resulting in

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good. Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest money in some new venture.

trolled studies are available. prove blood sugar control by increasing insulin seninsulin resistance. A is possible after 8-10 weeks

There is a 14 hours to 10 hours

health beneficial alterations in overall metabolic processes. Intermittent fasting has the potential to reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and to increase blood levels of HDL cholesterol but no long-term controlled studies are available. Theoretically, it should improve blood sugar control (but not in type 1 diabetes) by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing insulin resistance. A weight loss of 3-7 per cent is possible after 8-10 weeks of intermittent fasting. There is a 14 hours to 10 hours pattern of fasting in which one can have normal food for ten hours after 14 hours of total fasting. It has been seen that by this method one can reduce waist circumference, and body and visceral fat resulting in better blood glucose metabolism. As fat loss reduces chronic inflammation, the chances of breast cancer are possibly reduced in women. Incidents of cancer breast in low-body weight women are significantly lower than in obese or comparatively plump women. Studies are underway to examine the impact on longevity and occurrence of Parkinson’s disease where logically intermittent fasting should have beneficial effects. But is fasting the panacea for so many human health problems? Are there no negative effects of staying away from food under pressure? Can

this be a

universal phenomenon or there are individual preferences and adjustments? There is nothing which can be abso-

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful

DR RAMAVTAR SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

India closer to Amrit Kaal BUDGET 2023

cuses on ensuring the efficient allocation of resources, reducing unemployment and poverty levels and changing the tax structures according to the nation’s requirements.

The Budget has aimed to adhere to the traditional economic prescription by Keynes, of spending on infrastructure to create jobs for its expanding workforce until the economy recovers. Building roads, ports, and airports will go a long way toward making India a dependable investment destination, and a 33% increase in capital expenditure to 10 trillion rupees will aid the same. The budget has also reduced social spending even while it has presented a tax bonanza for the middle class by altering slab rates under the new tax regime. Shifting from the past track record, this year a reduced amount of 600 billion rupees has been allotted to rural jobs guarantee scheme. The budget in short can be described as pro-growth due to cuts in Income tax and increase in infrastructure spending. By concentrating on Education, Sustainability & Technology, new efforts are intended to alter many things from agriculture and health care to artificial intelligence.

—CA RAJNEESH SINGHVI, Managing Partner, H.S. Darda & Co.

In the Union Budget, Nirmala announced attractive incentives and rebates in the new income tax regime. The Budget kept its focus on expanding Capex showing that the Modi government’s priorities are building roads, highways and railway lines. It is stated in the Constitution of India in Article 112 that it is necessary to present a budget at the Par-

This year Finance Minister presented her Fifth Budget speech which focuses primarily on developing a technology and innovation-driven, self-sufficient economy that will move India closer to Amrit Kaal, as it moves towards its 100th year post-independence. The budget has also provided some relief to the middle class in terms of tweaks in the new income tax regime which clearly point out that the government wants a shift towards the new regime from the older one. In regards to the budget City First brings to you the perspectives of the lo-

The budget 2023-24 announced by FM Sitharaman today looks promising, though the budget does not directly address inflation as was much anticipated by the public, some key pointers in regard to the export and banking sector would prove to be pivotal for economic growth in the near future. The basic needs of the common man seem yet to be taken into consideration, but priority is given to areas of green growth, youth power, inclusive development highlighting the vision for a much more economically stable India.

—SOUBHAGYA SHARMA, Sub-editor

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the year 2023-24 in the Parliament. The budget was widely awaited and was anticipated to give a push to the Indian economy and help it get back in shape. The FM announced a slew of initiatives to strengthen the infrastructure of the country. From roadways to railways, new bridges, airports and seaports, the government’s aim was to ensure the smooth and efficient transportation of goods and services across the nation.

—RAHUL FAUJDAR, Sub-Editor

It is not different from the last year’s budget, No relief for the common man. The common man is feeling cheated. There was no talk on the issues of the common man like education, health, and employment. New avenues have opened for capitalists like coastal shipping, new airports, the digital economy, etc. In the budget of Amrit Kaal, instead of the common man, nectar is visible for special men.

—MEENAKSHI SETHI ZAIDI, Madad foundation

SITHA’S HAND-WOVEN SAREES...

The maroon colour saree that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore while presenting the Union Budget on Wednesday was Karnataka’s Dharwad region’s handwoven ‘Ilkal’ silk saree with traditional ‘Kasuti’ work. Kasuti is a traditional form of the folk embroidery craft, with a geographical indication (GI) tag, said to be unique to the Dharwad region.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

MEET & GREET FELICITATION!

Sports In Cinema

CITY FIRST

Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel was greeted by Upendra Rai, Chairman, MD, and Editor-in-Chief, Bharat Express News Network, as he reached the former’s residence on Wednesday to invite him to the launching ceremony of the news channel which was organised on Feb 1.

Gaurav Gaur, director of Elite Miss Rajasthan felicitated super model Sheena Parashar for her commendable journey in the fashion industry on Wednesday.

DURING THE DAY!

Allen College Of Design organised Allen Box Cricket League for college girls recently. This league of Box Cricket was organised under the “Amrit Mahotsav of Independence” week and 14 teams participated. 140 children participated in this competition. Each team had to play 3 matches to reach the semi-finals on the basis of points. Isha Sharma’s team Royal Strikers emerged victorious in the final. Momentos were given to all the players of the winning team and the runner-up team.

Rajasthan International Film Festival commenced on Wednesday at the Crystal Palm. This year the theme of RIFF is ‘Sports in Cinema’. During the event chief guest, Sutapa Sikdar inaugurated a poster exhibition which showcased several sports-related films. Renowned actor Late Irrfan Khan was honoured with the Theme award as he was remembered for his best acting.

Irfan’s wife Sutapa said that Irfan has a very close relationship with Jaipur. He also said that the debt of soil can never be repaid. Sutapa also told that when she came to Jaipur for the first

The Anjanshalaka Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of the 9-storey Kirti Stambh of white marble built in thirty-two years commenced on January 27 in Hadecha, Sanchore subdivision of Jalore district. Thousands of people of the Jain community are participating in the Anjanshalaka Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav.

Managing Director Murli Odhrani unfurled the tricolour flag on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day on Thursday at Staywell Group’s Hotel Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya, MI Road. Hotel GM Rahul Gill, Food and Beverage Manager Shaan Siddiqui and staff were present on the occasion. It is noteworthy that in the past, the entire management team of Hotel Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya contributed to the Swachh Bharat Mission by planting saplings in the city for a cleanliness awareness campaign and to save the environment. Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya is a contemporary 52-room hotel located in the heart of the city, Jaipur.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

In the International Conference on Green Energy and Sustainable Environment, Practices organised at Rajasthan University, Chemistry students of Subodh Mahila Mahavidyalaya secured first, second and third positions in the PG-level poster competition on Wednesday. College Principal Dr Renu Joshi and Vice Principal Dr Indu Sharma encouraged and congratulated the student for their impeccable achievement.

time, how Irfan introduced her to the streets, culture and cinema world of Jaipur, which clearly showed how much he loved Jaipur. Various celebrities from the cine world from across the world graced the occasion with their presence. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Students of grade XI and staff of Ryan International School Jagatpura bid official Farewell to the batch 2022 with warmth and wishes. The ceremony was gratified with the revered presence of Dr. Grace Pinto (Managing Director, Ryan Group of Institutions). The award ceremony was followed by the passing of the lit candles which symbolized the spread of enlightenment. The School Head Dr Hema Malhotra bid goodbye to the batch by saying “A great ending leads you to an exhilarating start!”

The Créateurs Design Awards (CDA) were held recently at Shangrila Hotel, Paris. Sanjay Puri Architects from India were declared the winners of the best residential architecture for the design of Mirai House of Arches, a 9000 sq ft house designed in Bhilwara,

CINEMA CAPPUCCINO

CITY FIRST

The maiden edition of ‘Cinema Cappuccino’ took place on Wednesday. Cinema Cappuccino is a film club cum film festival which would hold monthly screenings of independent films with strong artistic merit.

The festival was a brainchild of Jaipur’s Tanmay Singh, who is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Sudhir Mathur, Social Entrepreneur graced the event as the chief guest and presented the awards to the team of the winning film. Director Sandeep Mohan’s new feature film

‘Danny Goes Aum’ had its ‘Indian Premiere during the event and also won three awards.

Sandeep won the award for ‘Best Film’, the best actor award went to Andrew Sloman and Anjali Patil got the award for Best Actress.

Tanmay said that “the festival started

with an aim to promote and support ‘art house cinema’, as currently there is a lack of alternate venues where auteur-based independent films can find the exhibition. The idea is to give people a platform where they can enjoy watching some thought-provoking films and also get to converse & network with the members of these movies.”

A young artist from Jaipur, Pranika Arora expressed her views on the act of charity by creating a mesmerising chart, portraying the significance of donation on Wednesday.

The grand wedding ceremony of Dr Deepak, son of Daya Shankar Rai and Madhuri Devi with Divyanshi, daughter of Brajesh Singh and Suman Lata, took place at Udman by Ferns and Petals on Tuesday, January 31. Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports, CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Sant Prasad Rai, Managing editor ABP news, Rajat Sharma, Editor-In-Chief and Chairman, India TV and Journalist Rubika Liyaquat and various other dignitaries reached to bless the newlyweds and wish them a happy married life ahead.

The grand wedding reception of Vriti Kulshrestha with Wrickie Angrish son of Teena and Rajneesh was celebrated on Tuesday, January 31 at Fairmont, Kukas, Jaipur. Youth icon Rishee Miglani and show director Lokesh Sharma were among the various dignitaries who were present during the wedding ceremony.

Rubika Liyaquat

Anurag Thakur

Manish Sisodia, Sant Prasad Rai and Arvind Kejriwal Rajat Sharma

Harish Rawat

Gorgeous bride Divyanshi with family members

Rajasthan.

Lokesh, Rajiv, newlyweds Wrickie & Vriti, Nupur and Rishee Manmeet

Mamta, Gayatri, Yashika, Wrickie, Vartika, Shreya, Devangna and Harshita

(L-R) Tina, Rajneesh, newlyweds Wrickie & Vriti, Vihaan, Sheena and Vipul

(L-R) Jagdish Arya, Sutapa Sikdar, Somendra Harsh and G K Vyas

N Chandra, KL Jain, Sutapa Sidkar, Anshu Harsh, GK Vyas and Somendra Harsh

Tanmay Singh, Sudhir Mathur, Sandeep Mohan and Andrew Sloman