First India-Jaipur Edition-4th February 2023

JAIPUR l SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023

SAXENA APPROVES SISODIA’S FOREIGN TRIP CONG SUSPENDS PATIALA MP PRENEET

New Delhi: The Congress’ disciplinary committee on Friday suspended party’s Lok Sabha MP from Patiala in Punjab, Preneet Kaur, and asked her to explain within three days why she should not be expelled for anti-party activities.

New Delhi: Amidst an ongoing tussle between the Delhi govt and Lt Governor VK Saxena over approving teachers’ educational trip to Finland, the latter on Friday approved Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s foreign trip to the US.

PARL’S BOTH HOUSES ADJOURNED AMID OPPOSITION’S PROTESTS

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The stalemate continued in both Houses of Parliament on Friday with the Opposition demanding probe into the Hindenburg-Adani issue. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till Monday due to protests by Opposition demanding a probe into the fraud-allegationtriggered rout in Adani Group company stocks.

The Congress-led Opposition, which claimed that “a significant volume of public money through SBI and LIC is locked in the Adani Group”, demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) or CJIdesignated committee probe into the allegations of fraud and manipulation against billionaire Gautam Adani’s companies that have triggered an unprecedented stock crash.

Crucial

READ

PUNJAB: BSF SHOOTS DOWN PAKISTANI DRONE, SEIZES DRUGS

PM MODI

MOST POPULAR GLOBAL LEADER

Amritsar: BSF shot down a Pakistani drone near Indo-Pak border which intruded in Amritsar sector in intervening night of Feb 2 and 3. The drone was recovered on Friday morning along with a packet of contraband, officials said.

JAISH MODULE BUSTED IN J&K, SIX TERRORISTS NABBED

Srinagar: Security forces on Friday busted a module of the Jaish-e-Mohammad in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district by arresting six overground workers and recovering a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

BBC DOCUMENTARY ROW: SC SEEKS GoI REPORT IN 3 WEEKS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and sought its response to a plea seeking direction to restrain the Central govt from censoring the BBC documentary relating to the 2002 Gujarat Riots. A bench asked the Central government to file its response within three weeks and posted it for hearing in April. The bench refused to pass interim order on the plea saying it cannot pass any interim order without hearing the government.

16 OPPN PARTIES MEET IN PARLIAMENT TO STEP UP ATTACK ON GOVERNMENT

New Delhi: At least 16 Opposition parties met on Friday morning to coordinate their strategy in Parliament and decided to step up their attack on the government, demanding an immediate discussion on the issue of Adani stock rout. The meeting came a day after they unitedly led the charge against the govt over the issue and stalled both Houses of Parliament on Thursday.

“BIGGEST CORRUPTION OF THE CENTURY”: OPPN SLAMS GOVT OVER ADANI ROW

New Delhi: The Opposition MPs continued to question the govt on the Adani row as both Houses were adjourned soon after the session began on Friday. The Opposition parties have been demanding the constitution of a JPC on the issue of Hindunberg’s report against the Adani Group dubbing it a “scam”.

“GOVT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ADANI ISSUE”, SAYS JOSHI

New Delhi: Amid continued disruptions in both Houses of Parliament over Hindenburg’s allegations against Adani group, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday that the government has nothing to do with the matter.

Sitharaman briefs BJP MPs on Union Budget

New Delhi (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday arrived in the Parliament to brief the Members of Parliaments (MPs) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the Union Budget 2023-24 presented in the Parliament earlier this week. All Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the party were told to be present in the meeting, being held ahead of Friday’s Parliament Session. Visuals from Parliament said Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju, Dharmendra Pradhan, V Muraleedharan and BJP MPs Sukanta Majumdar and Sushil Modi were seen arriving for the meeting.

BUDGET INCREASED BY 4 TIMES FOR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, SAYS JP NADDA IN TRIPURA

Gomati (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party

IN THE COURTYARD

5 NAMES RECOMMENDED BY COLLEGIUM FOR SC

JUDGES TO BE CLEARED SOON: CENTRE TO SC

New Delhi: The Centre on Friday assured the Supreme Court that the Collegium’s recommendation for the appointment of five judges in the apex court will be cleared soon. Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench that warrant of appointments of these five names is expected to be issued soon. The bench expressed displeasure over the delay by the Centre in clearing recommendations for transfer

A

ccording to a latest survey by Morning Consult, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most popular global leader, leaving behind other popular leaders like Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, etc. from 22 countries. The survey was conducted between January 26 to 31. Modi topped with a popularity approval rating of 78%. He was then followed by Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador with an approval rating of 68%. Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese ranked third with a rating of 58% in popularity.

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister, India

López Obrador President, Mexico

78% 68% 58%

Anthony Albanese Prime Minister, Australia

OPPN

DOES NOT WANT TO LET HOUSE FUNCTION: MEGHWAL

New Delhi: Lashing out at the Opposition over the repeated stalling of the Houses, MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday said the parties do not want to let the Parliament function.

MARKET TURMOIL ‘STORM IN TEA CUP’: FINANCE SECRETARY

New Delhi: The stock market turmoil created by rout in Adani group shares is a “storm in a tea cup” from a macroeconomic point of view, finance secretary TV Somanathan said on Friday.

Crackdown against child weddings; 1,793 held in Assam

Guwahati (ANI): In a crackdown against people involved in child marriages in the state, Assam Police on Friday said that as many as 1,793 people have been apprehended so far in the state.

(BJP) National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday said that the budget has been increased by four times for the tribal communities adding that for the past 70 years, no one cared for the tribals. The BJP national president was addressing the Vijay Sankalpa Jansabha at Amarpur in the Gomati district. More on P5

While talking to ANI, Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) (L&O) and spokesperson of Assam police said, “Till Friday morning, 1,793 persons have been arrested by police across the state.” “Out of these, 131 persons have been arrested in Biswanath. The arrested persons’ figure might be increased. Operations are still on,” Prasanta Kumar Kumar Bhuyan added. P5

52% 50%

Giorgia Meloni Prime Minister, Italy

Luiz Inácio

Lula da Silva President, Brazil 40%

Joe Biden President, US

Threat call received to blow up Ram Temple in Ayodhya: UP Police

Ayodhya (ANI): A threat call was received at Ram Lalla Sadan in Ayodhya to blow up the Ram Janmabhoomi where the construction of Ram temple is underway.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Madhuban Singh said that a man named Manoj Kumar received a call from an unidentified caller from Delhi, threatning that there would be a blast at

the Ram Janmabhoomi.

“Manoj Kumar who is residing at Ram Lalla Sadan in Ayodhya got a call at around 5 am on Thursday where a person from Delhi said that by 10 am there’d be a blast at Ram Janmabhoomi. Teams are formed to arrest the person. The man would be arrested soon and action would be taken against him,” the SP said.

CM MEETS MINISTERS, MLAs AT CMR

OTHER TOP STORIES

BJP WINS 4 OUT OF 5 SEATS IN UP’S MLC ELECTIONS Lucknow: The BJP won 4 out of 5 seats in UP’s Legislative Council. The SP suffered a defeat. The BJP won Gorakhpur-Faizabad block graduate, Kanpur block graduate, BareillyMoradabad block graduate, Allahabad-Jhansi block teacher and Kanpur block.

CALICUT-BOUND AI FLIGHT LANDS IN ABU DHABI AFTER FLAMES

New Delhi: A Calicutbound Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi landed back at Abu Dhabi airport after flames were detected in one of the engines soon after take-off, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Friday.

Gehlot seeks top-3 priorities to be included in Budget

 Ministers, MLAs raise demand of forming new districts

 Some MLAs also seek removal of Collectors and SPs in their respective areas

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Ahead of presenting the State Budget on February 10, CM Ashok Gehlot met ministers and MLAs at his residence here on Friday. The public representatives put forward demands for their areas

to be included in the Budget while some MLAs also complained against the local administration and police officials. Discussions were also held about formation of new districts.

The CM asked top-3 priorities from each MLA to be included in the Budget. The CM will give gifts to every MLA by rising above the party line. Although some MLAs have given a long list to the CM but now they will have to trim it to top-3 priorities. Ministers Parsadi Lal

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. —FILE PHOTO

Meena, Mahesh Joshi, Rajendra Yadav, Subhash Garg and MLAs Joginder Awana, Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Rita Choudhary, Mahadev

Khandela and Rajendra Pareek met CM. Deputy Chief Whip Mahendra Choudhary also met CM.

Some MLAs complained and sought removal of

SPs and Collectors in their respective areas.

Tijara MLA Sandeep Yadav complained about Bhiwadi SP.

Minister Rajendra Yadav raised issue of making Kotputli a district. He even threatened to leave the Congress. Mahadev Khandela asked not to keep his assembly constituency in another district. Sandeep Yadav advocated for making Bhiwadi a district. Ministers and MLAs also pitched in to make new districts as this has become a big issue.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves after addressing BJP members on Union Budget 2023-24, at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Source: Morning Consult

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MARU MAHOTSAV KICKS OFF IN JAISALMER

Jaisalmer MLA Ruparam Dhandev and District Collector

Tina Dabi formally inaugurated the event on Friday at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium in Jaisalmer. Public representatives, officials, domestic and foreign tourists and others were present during the festival.

Satyaveer S Tanwar

Jaisalmer: As the world famous Maru Mahotsav 2023 started, Jaisalmer MLA Ruparam Dhandev and District Collector Tina Dabi formally inaugurated the event on Friday at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium in Jaisalmer. City Council Chairman Harivallabh Kalla, State Women's Commission member Anjana Meghwal, Additional District Collector Gopallal Swarnakar, along with public representatives, officials, domestic and foreign tourists and others were present during the festival.

Various competitions were organized at the stadium. The most liked was the competition of Miss Moomal and Mr Desert. 51 participants from different districts participated in the Mr Desert competition, in which Ganpat Singh won the title of Mr Desert-2023. On

DIGEST News

LOVERS END LIFE ON RAILWAY TRACKS IN ALWAR

Alwar: A couple, likely to be in a relationship, allegedly committed suicide by jumping before a moving train near Digawara Railway Station in Rajgarh town of Alwar district on Thursday late night, police said. Police informed the man and the girl left their respective houses after 12 am and reached Dihawada railway station and then jumped in front of a speeding train. “At around 2am, the GRP got information that a couple had died after being hit by a moving train,” police said.

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING MINOR

Pratapgarh: A special POCSO court here has sentenced a 20-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl. Assistant district government counsel Devesh Chandra

Tripathi on Friday said a case was registered at Kunda police station by a person stating that on May 28, 2019, his 15-year-old daughter was raped by Brijesh Sahu. Sahu had also given death threat to the girl’s family members if they informed the police about the incident.

the other hand, 26 contestants participated in the Miss Moomal contest. Miss Garima Vijay got the title of Miss Mumal-2023. Besides, Mrs Jaisalmer contest, which was organized for the first time at the festival, was also popular. Of the seven women participants, Mrs Taruna Ujjwal of Unjalan village in Jaisalmer won

the title.

The Moomal-Mahendra tableau competition based on the immortal love story of the two was also the centre of attraction. In this competition, the tableau of Airforce School won first prize, St Paul's was at second and third was Mahatma Gandhi Government English Medium School, Jaisalmer.

I’m dependent on God, Raje in video; Lodha reacts

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A video post of Vasundhara Raje’s old speech is in the discussion. Raje posted the video on Facebook on Friday. In the speech, Raje is seen saying, “Sometimes people joke that Raje always says she is dependent on God. I say that yes I am dependent on God. Whatever work has been done so far, it has been done on the basis of God. God has always given open-

heartedly. The love of the people of Rajasthan is our capital. Some keep hand on head, some on cheek. That’s why it is important that we keep working hard. Someone asks me why do you do this, other government does not do it at all. I tell people that give at least 5-10 years to any government to get work done. We leave the whole house decorated and Congress comes and enjoys it. Congress cuts the ribbon for the

CISF completes 23 yrs at Jaipur Airport

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: The deployment of CISF at Jaipur airport completed 23 years on Friday and the induction day was celebrated at Jaipur airport. On February 3, 2000, for the first time in the country, CISF was assigned security at Jaipur airport after the Kandahar plane hijacking. Since then, no untoward incident has hap-

pened at Jaipur airport in the last 23 years. The Chief Guest of the program was Anand Kumar, Principal Secretary, Home Department. The program started with the hoisting of the flag.

works we have done.” Reacting to Raje’s video, CM Gehlot’s ad-

visor Sanyam Lodha tweeted, “You have only done the work of

Satish Poonia interacts with Rajasthani migrants in Chennai

confusing the innocent people of Rajasthan by wearing caste-based costumes. Your statement is beyond reality. I openly challenge the debate on the work of your government from 2013 to 2018 and the current Gehlot government from 2018 to 2023. You fix the time and place and tell.”

Meanwhile, Raje met BJP leaders Mahendra Yadav, Ajay Singh Kilak, Pratap Singh Singhvi, and Jaipur Divisional Commissioner.

Rathore, CM’s OSD face off over nursing colleges in State

First India Bureau Jaipur: Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore and CM’s OSD Lokesh Sharma have come face to face on social media again. Rathore accused CM Gehlot of making hollow claims of opening nursing colleges while the Central government also has 60% contribution in this. “Unfortunately, the state

government is not recruiting anyone for the appointment of faculty in colleges,” he tweeted. Reacting this, Loke-

sh Sharma said, “You have been the health minister yourself. It does not suit you to make unrestrained allegations like this. Please correct your information. The Government of India has no contribution in government nursing colleges being built in the state. All these are being opened from the state funds,” Sharma tweeted.

Kirori distributes yellow rice for PM Modi’s visit to Dausa

First India Bureau

Dausa: Rajya Sabha

MP Dr Kirori Lal Meena on Friday distributed yellow rice in Lalsot area of Dausa district and invited people to the upcoming rally of PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on February 12. “With the grace of Papalaj Mata, the distribution of yellow rice has been started from the Lalsot

area. Farmers, youths, and people of all communities should attend the rally on February 12. This program is not of any party, it is a government program and it also has the inauguration program of the Delhi-Mumbai Highway. This highway will connect this region and will be the longest express highway in the country which will lead to the industrial develop -

ment of our region. The economic condition of the farmers

will also improve. In such a situation, more and more people

SATISH POONIA ON 2-DAY TOUR OF EASTERN RAJASTHAN

should reach the Meena High Court on February 12,” said Dr Ki -

tate BJP President Satish Poonia will be on a tour to eastern Rajasthan today ahead of the scheduled rally of PM Narendra Modi. Poonia is slated to visit Dausa, Karauli, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and nearby districts.rori Lal Meena. Meanwhile, Satish Poonia will address the District Working Committee meeting in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli. He will attend the student union inauguration ceremony at Maharani Shri Jaya Government Post Graduate College in Bharatpur on February 5 and address the BJP District Working Committee meeting in Dausa and Mahwa.

Aishwary Pradhan

Chennai: State BJP President Satish Poonia interacted with Rajasthani migrants in Chennai on Friday in Tamil Nadu. During his interaction, he called Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and urged him to boost train service between Chennai

and Jodhpur. Poonia also met Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai at the BJP office.

Various competitions were organized at the stadium. Competition of Miss Moomal and Mr Desert was also organised in which Garima Vijay got the title of Miss Mumal-2023. The turban tying competition also regaled the audience. Both locals and foreigners participated in this. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Vasundhara Raje listening to Dattatreya Hosabale’s speech at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Rajendra Rathore Lokesh Sharma

Kirodi Lal Meena appealed to the people to distribute yellow rice for PM Modi’s visit at Meena High Court on February 12.

GEHLOT COUNTERS KHATTAR ON OPS, ADVISES HIM TO REPLICATE

Khattar had allegedly said that Rajasthan has withdrawn the announcement of the Old Pension Scheme in State

CM seeks report on Ramdev’s comment

First India Bureau

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday wrote a letter to Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar about the latter’s comment on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Gehlot said that it was learned through the media that while giving a statement on the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, Khattar said that Rajasthan has withdrawn the announcement of the Old Pension Scheme.

Dear Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, It was learned through the media that while giving a statement on the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, you said that Rajasthan has withdrawn the announcement of the Old Pension Scheme. I want to tell you that someone has given you wrong information @mlkhattar

“I want to inform you that you have been given wrong information by someone due to which you have made a statement which is not factual. OPS has been implemented in Staec from

April 1, 2022 and 621 employees who retired after coming into service after 2004 have been given the benefit of OPS and in future also all the personnel will be given the benefit of OPS,” he said.

Early detection can help in curing cancer, says

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Friday called for creating awareness among the masses about the initial symptoms of cancer. He has said that cancer is a serious disease but it is not incurable. He called for determined efforts for a cancer-free society.

Mishra was addressing at the launch of ‘Cancer Jaanch Aapke Dwar’ campaign by Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital. He said

that if cancer is detected at an early stage, then 100 percent cure can be achieved.

President of Bhagwan Mahaveer Hospital

Navratan Kothari and Vice-Chancellor Anila Kothari explained in detail about the initiative of ‘Cancer Jaanch Aapke Dwar’ campaign.

Miscreants open fire on police in Rajsamand

First India Bureau Jaipur: In the matter of controversial statement about Muslim community made by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev in Barmer, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asked for a factual report. Ramdev has commented on the minority community during an event at a temple in Barmer on Thursday. The objection is being raised continuously on the social media to his statement. The Home department asked for factual report from the police and the administration after the intervention of the CMO. CM Gehlot remains sensitive about religious matters.

Earlier, Yoga guru Ramdev has given a controversial statement, comparing Hindu-Muslim and Christianity, Swami. Ramdev said that Muslims turned up as terrorists or criminals but they definitely offer Namaj. They understand the meaning of Islam is only to offer Namaz and this is what they are taught. On Thursday Swami Ramdev was in Barmer to attend a religious event.

First India Bureau Rajsamand: A cross firing incident took place in Kelwa Police Station area of Rajsamand district on Friday when police tried to arrest two history-sheeters in land dispute case. Rajsamand ASP Shiv Lal

Bairwa said that history-sheeter Deepak Menaria and Kishan Menaria of Sukher police station kidnapped Kishan Lal Rebari from Udaipur and demanded 1 bigha land or about Rs 35 lakh. The accused abducted Kishan Lal and took him to the border of Rajsamand district. While returning back to Udaipur, the police team chased the accused and did barricading outside Kelwa police station. The police team stopped the car, following which, the miscreants opened fire on the police. Later, the accused were nabbed by the police. Notably, the matter relates to a land dispute.

NEET aspirant from WB dies after falling from 6th floor in Kota

Deceased lost his balance and fell from the balcony, suspects police

First India Bureau

Kota: A 20-year-old NEET aspirant from West Bengal died after falling from the sixth floor of his hostel building in the Jawahar Nagar area here, police said on Friday.

It is suspected that Ishanshu Bhattacharya lost his balance and fell on the aluminium railing of a balcony which couldn’t take his weight and broke, Circle Officer Amar Singh said.

He fell from the sixth

Minister Gudha, others booked for abducting man, taking blank cheque

First India Bureau

Jaipur : An FIR has been registered against MoS for Sainik Welfare and Panchayati Raj Rajendra Gudha and others for allegedly abducting a man and taking a blank bank cheque from him, police said on Friday. The complainant Durga Singh is a ward panchayat member from Kakrana of Sikar district.

Acting Circle Officer of Neem Ka Thana,

Babu Lal said Singh, a resident of Modi Bagh of Neem police station, lodged a complaint against minister Rajendra Gudha, his personal assistant Krishna Ku-

mar and Vimla Kanwar and others on Thursday under various sections of the IPC. He said the incident took place on January 27. Holding CM Ashok Gehlot responsible for the case, Gudha said that the case would not have been filed without the permission of the CM. “My wife had already warned me to not mess with the CM as the children are small and the CM will send me to jail,” Gudha said.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The budget of JMCG is being finalized. The budget will be around Rs one thousand crore. It will be placed in the Finance Committee meeting on Feb 6 under the chairmanship of committee chairman and former mayor Sheel Dhabhai before being presented in the GBM.

The corporation has also reshuffled the meetings of the general body on February 9.

There will be a break in the assembly session from 3 to 9 February. In such a situation, the corporation administration hopes that all the MLAs and MPs will give permission for the meeting.

floor of the building and died on the spot, the officer said, adding that he was declared brought dead by a hospital. Bhattacharya, a resident of Dhupguri in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district came to Kota in August last year and was preparing for medical entrance exam NEET.

The circle officer said, Bhattacharya along with three of his hostel mates was talking in the balcony on the building’s sixth floor.

ACB files challan on Sanjay Jain over MLAs horsetrading GUDHA’s ‘MUFFLER THROW’ DISCUSSED WITH GEHLOT IN CMR

Jaipur: The behaviour of Minister of State Rajendra Gudha in the House was discussed before CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday at CMR. Gudha was throwing muffler and papers during CM’s speech. Gudha threw the muffler of BSP turncoat MLAs at CM advisor Ramkesh Meena. Dr Mahesh Joshi raised the issue and asked Gudha’s fellow MLAs to teach him. The MLAs asked Joshi to explain to Gudha himself. The information has also reached Speaker Dr CP Joshi.

Ransom sought on name of Lawrence aide Hrithik

Kapil Sharma

Hanumangarh : A police complaint has been filed against an unknown miscreant in Hanumangarh for allegedly threatening a local trader and demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakhs. Police informed the miscreant posed as Hrithik Boxer, a member of notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and threatened of dire consequences if money is not paid.

“The victim has been identified as Parul Go-

REVISITING

yal. She received a WhatsApp call on January 25, wherein the accused posed as Hrithik Boxer and demanded ransom of Rs 50 to Rs. 60 lakh. The miscreant threatened to kill her

DEVP PLAN

Jpr commissionerate issues lookout notice to detain Hrithik Boxer

and her family members if the money is not paid. The accused also sent the photographs of those murdered by Lawrence Bishnoi gang in the past,” police official said.

JDA to review zonal plans to provide relief

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: In a major relief to house owners, the Building Map Committee of JDA has decided to review all the zonal plans. Following this decision, many houses that faced the threat of demolition because of being close to main roads will get relief.

Notably, during the previous BJP government, the JDA had in 2018 finalised 17 Zonal Development Plans for

3,000 square kilometre area in the district. This was followed by a major High Court order delivered on January

12, 2017 in the Gulab Kothari episode maintaining that no registration, land transfer and land use conversion

FLAWS IN ZONAL DEVP PLAN

z Zonal Development Plan was made as a mere road network plan.

z Land not identified for public facilities like parks, schools, hospitals, community centres, bus stands, etc.

z Instead of micro-level

can be undertaken without the implementation of these Zonal Development Plans. However, it has now

planning, only the land use was shown in the masterplan.

z Wide roads were proposed close to one another.

z Roads were proposed ignoring the settlement and other changes.

come to fore that JDA rushed into preparing these development plans and ignored several vital points and regulations.

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Jaipur Police Commissionerate has issued lookout notices at all airports on the apprehension of Hrithik Boxer, wanted in Jaipur’s G-Club firing case, fleeing abroad. Police is hopeful that the boxer is still in the country. Additional Commissioner of Police Ajay Pal Lamba said that 25 youths who

followed Hrithik Boxer and Rohit Godara on social media and liked their posts have been arrested for disturbing the peace and a juvenile has been detained. The criminal records of all the arrested youths are also being scrutinized. DCP East Rajeev Pachar said that the arrested accused include students, teachers, shopkeepers and labourers.

Kamal Kant

Jaipur : In the famous case related to horsetrading of MLAs to topple the State government, the ACB has filed a chargesheet against accused Sanjay Jain, resident of Lunkaransar in Bikaner, who acted as a mediator in luring the MLAs with money. Investigation officer SP Yogesh Dadhich has kept the investigation pending against Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, considered accused in the case by the ACB. In ACB Court-01, Judge Upendra Sharma accepted the challan and given March 1 date for the cognizance debate.

On behalf of the ACB, the court was also told that an application had been submitted in the subordinate court for taking the voice sample of Sanjay Jain and GS Shekhawat, which was rejected by the court. The ACB also told the court that in the case, on July 13, 2020, the mobile phone of Sanjay Jain was taken under surveillance.

Ranthambore DFO put on APO after Min Choudhary writes to CM Gehlot

Katiyar put on APO amid T-114’s death

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur : DFO Sangram

Singh Katiyar has been put on APO on the recommendation of Minister Hemaram Choudhary. On January 30, Chaudhary wrote a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot mentioning that Katiyar was negligent in discharging his duties and was indifferent towards providing proper facilities

to tourists in Ranthambore. He demanded that the DFO be put on APO with immediate effect.

Chaudhary mentioned about the death of tigress T-114 but did

not clarify the negligence on part of Katiyar. However, in Ranthambore, it is being said that the minister wrote a letter under the pressure of a special lobby.

Ashok Gehlot@ashokgehlot51

Ishanshu Bhattacharya (L) fell from the 6th floor of the hostel (R).

Rajendra Gudha

Minister Hemaram Choudhary DFO Sangram Singh Katiyar

Guv Mishra with Navratna Kothari and DGP Umesh Mishra on Friday. Sunita Gehlot, VC Surana and other dignitaries were also present.

Guv Mishra at BMCH

CM Ashok Gehlot ML Khattar

GOLD PRICE, ALL-TIME HIGH! WHAT SHOULD INVESTORS DO?

of the yellow metal.

PERFORMANCE OF GOLD DURING PERIODS OF HIGH INFLATION

Safe Haven Asset: Demand for gold rises during geopolitical uncertainties, pandemics, and crises as physical gold which is a high-value asset, can be easily transported, and also liquidity is such that it can be easily converted into cash in any part of the world.

Demand and Supply Factor: Continuous supply of gold is difficult as extracting gold from mines is a multiyear exercise involving a lot of effort, but demand for gold can shift in no time depending upon the economic conditions and thus fluctuate.

IN-DEPTH PAKISTAN’S DOUBLE JEOPARDY: BLAST IN MOSQUE AND IMF’S NO FOR NOW

Pakistan, which is battling economic woes, the recent events have come as double jeopardy. First a suicide bomb attacker killed 100 people in an attack on a mosque.

Gold prices touched all-time highs at Rs 59,500 per 10gm. Since the beginning of 2022, gold prices have gone up by ~20%. Gold was the best-performing asset class last year beating other asset classes like equities and debt by a huge margin.

REASONS WHY GOLD

PRICES SOARED

US dollar rates hit a 9-month low, causing the price of gold to rally in the domestic and international markets.

Budget 2023 increased import duty on silver from 7.5% to 10% bringing it to par with gold. The 5% agriculture and infrastructure cess make the total duty payable at 15%.

Overall imported jewelry in all precious metals and article made of gold and silver now attract an import duty of 25% as against 20% previously.

Capital gains tax has been exempt from the conversion of physical gold into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), boosting the financialization of gold.

WHAT HAS ONE MISSED BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF GOLD IN THE PORTFOLIO?

Gold as an asset class is considered to be a haven. This is because of its inverse relationship with that of other asset classes such as equity. When equity markets are under stress, gold prices tend to

go up as investors seek to shift their investments to gold. Historically gold returns have averaged around 9% for Indian investors. In the last 5 years, gold prices have almost doubled delivering CAGR returns of 14.5% compared to the Nifty 50 which has gone up by 63% in the same period. A peculiar thing about gold is that it can lie low for long periods and then compensate through spectacular results. The sharp rally seen particularly post covid is a case in point. However, over longer periods, the high returns have more than often compensated for occasional sub-par ones.

PHYSICAL GOLD

V/S ETF V/S SGB

Gold is a go-to investment in India and is considered very auspicious. The government has introduced alternatives to physical gold in the form of Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds. One can opt for which form they choose to invest in based on their needs, Physical gold is freely available in India and can be liquidated easily in return for cash. It is however taxed as capital gains depending on the holding period and it can be difficult to store as it has a high risk of being stolen.

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are mutual funds that invest in gold bullion and track gold’s domestic prices. They are backed by gold with a purity of 99.5%. Gold ETFs are in dematerialized format and are an alternative to physical gold. One unit of Gold ETF is equivalent to one gram of gold and is listed on exchanges like NSE and BSE.

iswa-Bharati University (VBU), a public Central university which was set up by Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan, but now of rightist leaning, showed its fangs to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen over a land dispute. The university’s vice-chancellor has accused Sen of occupying a portion of its land which, Sen claims, was purchased by his father from the market and not from the university. Attacking Sen, university’s vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty also said that he was not awarded a Nobel in economics.

“Nobel Prizes are awarded in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Peace… Amartya Sen did not

Gold is a go-to investment in India and is considered very auspicious. The government has introduced alternatives to physical gold in the form of Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds. One can opt for which form they choose to invest in based on their needs

WHY IS GOLD A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Diversification tool: The idea behind diversification is to reduce the correlation between financial instruments and products held in a portfolio. Gold has a negative correlation with equities and fixed-income instruments and tends to perform well in a low-interest environment. In the year 2008, which witnessed the global financial crisis, gold shined while stocks crashed. Hedge against inflation and protection against deflation: During periods of extreme inflation, gold prices have risen and the stock markets have crashed. With high inflation, the local currency loses its purchasing power but gold tends to hold its value and rise against the domestic currency. During the episodes of decreasing prices, that is deflation, people tend to hold liquid cash as well as gold, soaring the price

Nobel laureate Sen said that the VC was accusing him of occupying land purchased by his father that could be verified from land records & that he was paying khajna & Panchayat taxes for the land every year

get the Nobel Prize as the award is not awarded in Economics… So if Sen, who is a famous person, claims he has received a Nobel prize it is not correct,” Chakraborty said. Technically Chakraborty is right but the Sveriges Riksbank Prize is always referred to as the Nobel

HOW MUCH GOLD SHOULD AN INVESTOR HAVE IN HIS/HER PORTFOLIO?

Now that it’s clear why gold should be a part of the investment portfolio, the next important step is the percentage of allocation. It should be noted that there is no specific ratio or perfect method to calculate the allocation of gold in one’s portfolio. However, historical evidence suggests that along with the percentage of allocation, the reason for allocation is equally important.

If one invests in gold to achieve portfolio diversification, then historically it has been seen that a 10%20% allocation does reduce the average returns slightly, but it significantly reduces the standard deviation. A greater allocation (more than 20%) towards gold reduces the average return substantially but unlike the above situation, the allocation fails to reduce the standard deviation.

CONCLUSION

If one already holds gold in the physical form or through SBGs and ETFs it is best to reach out to a registered financial advisor who can help balance the portfolio to match the risk profile and financial goals of the holder. It is important to have a diversified portfolio that matches investor needs. Thus gold will and should remain a necessary part of an investor’s portfolio.

While it is true that historical perspectives are used many times in the above article, they should only be used as guidance to invest in the future.

Prize in economics.

Sen said that the VC was accusing him of occupying land purchased by his father that could be verified from land records and that he was paying khajna and Panchayat taxes for the land every year. The Nobel laureate, now 80, described the attack on him as a “crude attempt at harassment or worse”. Coming to Sen’s defence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally handed over the official land deed to Sen to help him take on the VBU VC.

In an indirect reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sen said, “there are certain people in Delhi who don’t like me due to disagreement of opinion”. Whatever be the reason, the VC has kicked up an unsavoury row.

Second, the International Monetary Fund has rejected Pakistan’s revised Circular Debt Management Plan. With not enough cash inflow, the country is facing problems in paying its creditors and suppliers, hence circular debt and it desperately needs a bailout package for its survival. The IMF is asking Pakistan to halve its subsidy to power consumers to half from the present 675 billion Pakistani rupees by raising tariffs more than what the government has done. With its circular debt estimated to be in the vicinity of 2,113 Pakistani rupees in the current Fiscal.

The mosque attack shows that the snake which Pakistan’s establishment has been feeding to use against India, has bitten its master. Patronising terrorists, especially of the Talibani and ISIS variety, is self-destructive. But a bigoted Pakistan is unwilling to learn.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

If

Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.

Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEETS

NO, AMARTYA SEN WON’T DO THAT

LOP KHARGE GIVES SUSPENSION NOTICE

The notice has been given amid

New Delhi: Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha (LoP), Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday gave a notice for suspension of business under rule 267 to discuss the issue of investment by LIC, public sector banks and financial institutions in companies losing market value.

Opposition gave the Suspension of Business Notice for both Houses of the Parliament, demanding a discussion on the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group.

Among the leaders, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva gave suspension of business notice under rule 267 to discuss "The adverse impact of the business activities of Adani group on India economically and morally," he said.

Congress MP

an increasing likelihood of proceedings of both Houses getting disrupted over Adani issue

MY RULING HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY DISREGARDED: RS CHAIRMAN DHANKHAR

New Delhi: Dismissing the suspension of business notices of 15 members on Adani row, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Friday that his ruling has been continuously disregarded, and that the notices of several members were identical and did not fulfill the requirements under rule 267. “The parliamentary democracy survives on ruling of the chair and once the ruling has been given it can’t be questioned as there are codified rules for it,” said Dhankhar. “My ruling has been continuously disregarded,” he added Leader of opposition in the RS, Mallikarjun Kharge along with 14 other members gave a notice for suspension of business under rule 267 to discuss the issue of investment by LIC, public sector banks and financial institutions in companies losing market value.

KERALA BUDGET: CONG ATTACKS PINARAYI

fraud in investment by LIC, SBI, Public Sector Banks and Other Financial Institutions losing market value."

BUDGET SESSION

Pramod Tiwari also gave the Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss "the issue of

In a tweet posted on Friday morning, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh saidthat "Floor leaders of Opposition parties will be meeting in the chamber of LoP Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament to coordinate

IN THE COURTYARD

“NOBODY TAKING ACTION” DESPITE ORDERS

PASSED: SUPREME COURT ON HATE SPEECH

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday lamented that nobody was taking action against hate speeches despite its orders, and observed that the top court will be left “embarrassed again and again” if it is asked to give further directions to curb such statements. The court’s strong observations were made when a plea seeking to prohibit an event scheduled to be held on February 5 by the Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha in Mumbai was mentioned for an urgent hearing.

AAP’S CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS HER PLEA FROM SC FOR TIME-BOUND POLLS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Aam Aadmi Party’s mayoral candidate Shelly Oberoi to withdraw her plea demanding the mayor post election be conducted in a time-bound manner. Oberoi withdrew her plea after a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the MCD election is slated to be held on February 6. The Delhi mayor election was stalled on January 24 as the House was adjourned indefinitely by the LG-appointed presiding officer following a ruckus by some councillors. The AAP has been accusing the BJP of running away from holding the election for the post of Mayor.

DELAY IN TRANSFER OF JUDGES IN HC MAY

LEAD TO ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its concern on the issue of keeping the list of the transfers of judges of the high courts pending with the Centre and warned that delay in transfers might lead to administrative actions which may not be palatable. A bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that the transfer is a serious issue. The court also said that it will not let third parties to clear names in this and warned that it doesn’t make the court take a difficult stand.

SINGAPORE CJ SUNDARESH SHARES

BENCH WITH CJI CHANDRACHUD IN

New Delhi: Chief Justice of Singapore Sundaresh

VIJAYAN GOVT OVER ‘TAX TERRORISM’

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of Opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly VD Satheesan lashed out at the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the State Budget announcement. Speaking to mediapersons, Satheesan said, “Imposing numerous taxes, the government is trying to introduce tax terrorism in the state. We are already facing a debt situation and the government is now imposing more taxes on the common man. These tax hikes have been in effect for the last 6 years. A new burden of Rs 4,000 crore in taxation is being put on the people.” The Congress leader said after the flood and pandemic situation the financial health of people became very vulnerable.

strategy. Only an independent investigation will save LIC, SBI & other institutions

Ramcharitmanas row: FIR against SP's Maurya, eight others

Gwalior: A case has been registered here against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya and eight others for hurting religious sentiments and disturbing social harmony over his contoversial remarks against Ramcharitmanas.

Acting on a complaint of Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha office bearer Praveen Chaudhary, the case was registered at Gwalior Crime Branch police station yesterday.

As per FIR, a copy of which is with ANI, Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha office bearer Chaudhary submitted a written complaint demanding legal action against the said persons. The case was registered under IPC sections 153A and 295 at Gwalior Crime Branch police station.

SC

Menon on Friday sat on the Supreme Court of India bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud. Justice Menon, who has been serving as the fourth chief justice of Singapore since 2012, is in India to take part in a function to be held on Saturday to mark the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the SC. Justice Menon is the chief guest at the function. The Singapore chief justice will deliver a lecture on the “Role of judiciary in a changing world” at the event which will feature a welcome address by Justice SK Kaul and an address by the CJI as well.

CENTRE ELEVATES JUDICIAL OFFICER

SHARMA AS JUDGE OF MANIPUR HC

New Delhi: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday notified the elevation of a Judicial Officer Aribam Guneshwar Sharma as Judge of the Manipur High Court. The SC Collegium recently in its meeting held on January 10 approved the proposal for the elevation of Aribam Guneshwar Sharma as judge of the High Court of Manipur. Before being elevated as the judge of Manipur HC, Sharma was the District & Sessions Judge, having jurisdiction over revenue districts of Imphal West.

forced by PM (Prime Minister) to invest in Adani Group."

Other leaders of the

Rajya Sabha who gave the notice were MP Amee Yajnik, MP Neeraj Dangi and MP Kumar Ketkar. From Lok Sabha, MP Nama Nageshwar Rao also gave the Suspension of Business Notice. The notice has been given amid an increasing likelihood of proceedings of both Houses getting disrupted over the US-based firm Hindenburg’s allegations against Adani group, for the second day in a row.

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses the party supporters during Vijay Sankalp Rally, at Amarpur, in Gomati on Friday.

Agartala (PTI): Mocking at the CPI(M) and the Congress for contesting the Tripura Assembly elections jointly, BJP national president J P Nadda on Friday claimed that they have come together not for the state’s development but to save their existence.

For the first time in the northeastern state, the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which ran the government in Tripura for 25 years till 2018, and the Congress entered into a seat-sharing deal to contest the poll for the

CM SAHA’S DOOR-TODOOR CAMPAIGN

Tripura: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha held a door-to-door campaign in the state capital Agartala, ahead of the Assembly elections which is scheduled to be held on February 16. The BJP is looking to retain power in the state and win another term in the northeastern state.

60-member assembly.

The CPI(M) will contest in 43 seats while Left Front constituents Forward Block, RSP and CPI will fight in one constituency each.

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: It has been more than two weeks since BJP’s national president JP Nadda got extension in tenure but so far there is no indication that there is going to be any change in the party organisation. He has not even indicated the inclusion of any new member in his team or the removal of anyone. Not only this, there is no clarity regarding the state presidents as well. There was no possibility of much upheaval regarding the central organization, but there was talk of change in

many states. But now instead of change, the discussion has started that like Nadda, the tenure of state presidents can also be extended till the next election?

This question is being raised because the executive meeting is going on in the states and the old presidents are handling everything. In Bihar, the state executive meeting has been held in Darbhanga, in which the proposal has been accepted on the instructions of the central leadership of the party that BJP will never align with Nitish Kumar’s party. There was

no official discussion about the organization in this meeting also. But according to the leaders who participated, it was being discussed quietly whether the State President Sanjay Jaiswal can also get extension of work? His tenure has come to an end and there has been talk of replacing him for a long time. But now its discussion has stopped.

Similarly, in Jharkhand, the state executive meeting was held at Deoghar, where the byelections to be held on

Lokayukta complaint filed against Vadra, Siddaramaiah

‘GOVT DOESN’T

WANT DISCUSSION ON ISSUES IT FEELS WOULD EMBARRASS IT’

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi dispensation has been “stalling” the Opposition’s demand for discussions on every issue which it feels would embarrass it, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor alleged Friday, slamming the government for “not allowing” discussion in Parliament on Adani Group stock rout. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Friday due to protests by opposition members demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee into the fraud-allegation-triggered rout in Adani Group company stocks. The Thiruvananthapuram MP said Parliament is a place to discuss issues facing the nation so that people can see “the concerns of the MPs and what the MPs are focussing on”. “Sadly, however, our government doesn’t see the merit of it,” Tharoor said.

Siddaramaiah and Robert Vadra Bengaluru: A complaint had been lodged in Karnataka Lokayukta against Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi‘s son-inlaw Robert Vadra in connection with illegally taking over of Rs 9,600 crore worth 1,100 acres of land in and around Bengaluru. Sources in Lokayukta, on Friday, confirmed that the investigation has been taken up. Bengaluru BJP unit president N.R. Ramesh has filed 120 separate complaints in this regard. The scandal had taken place during the tenure of Siddaramaiah headed Congress government. 10 separate complaints, 3,728 pages of documents, 62 hours of video footage have been submitted.

‘Centre working to fill judges’ vacancies fast’

New Delhi: The Law and Justice Minister

Kiren Rijiju on Friday informed the Parliament that the Central government is committed to filling up of vacancies expeditiously in a time-bound manner.

He stated that the pendency of cases in courts is not only due to a shortage of judges in High Courts but also due to various other factors like an increase in the number of states and central legislations, accumulation of first appeals, continuation of ordinary civil jurisdiction in some of the High Courts, appeals against orders of quasi-judicial forums going to High Courts, the number of revisions/appeals, (vii) indiscriminate use of writ jurisdiction, lack of adequate arrangement to monitor, tracking and bunching of cases for hearing, vacation period of Courts, assigning work of administrative nature to

‘NO PROPOSAL TO USE RVM IN ELECTION’

New Delhi: There is no proposal to use the remote electronic voting machine (RVM) in the “upcoming election” in the country and it is also not proposed for the use of NonResident Indian (NRI) voters, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. Several assembly polls are due this year, while the Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2024.

the Judges, etc.

He also informed the Parliament that while filling up vacancies in the High Courts is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process that requires con-

sultation and approval from various constitutional authorities, vacancies keep arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of Judges.

Rijiju informed, “To increase the judge strength of HC, the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the concerned HC, as well as the State Government, is required since the Chief Justice of that HC is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the court and State Government has to provide for infrastructural facilities, salaries of Judges etc.”

one seat in the state and further elections were discussed. There was also discussion about running a campaign against the state government, but there was

no idea about the organizational changes, if any. There too ran a murmur that whether Deepak Prakash would continue as the president? His term has also ended. But considering his closeness with Nadda, it is being said that he may get extension.

State president Adesh Gupta resigned after the BJP lost the municipal elections held in the capital Delhi in December. Virendra Sachdeva was made acting president in his place. Now he is seen working

as full time president and is busy preparing for the next election.

Due to this, the leaders of Delhi Pradesh, who were in the race for the post of president, are disappointed and are trying to find out whether Virendra Sachdeva will be made the president or a new president will be appointed.

In Rajasthan, there was talk of replacement of State President Satish Punia and Madhya Pradesh President VD Sharma, but now it is being said that both of them may also get an extension till the next Lok Sabha elections.

With Nadda’s extension, state chiefs also get a breather?

Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju

Opposition MPs attend the meeting led by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House amid row over Adani stocks during the ongoing budget session, at LoP’s parliament office, in New Delhi on Friday.

‘CPI(M), Congress contesting jointly to save their existence’

CRACKDOWN TO CONTINUE IN COMING DAYS, SAYS ASSAM CM

Guwahati (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday informed that the crackdown against child marriages in the state would continue in the coming days.

The CM further informed that the Director General of Police (DGP) shall share the details of the crackdown with the press on Friday evening.

"Till 8 am, around 1800 people have been arrested in relation to child marriages in the state. This crackdown will continue for the next three to four days. The DGP will share the details of the crackdown with the press in the evening.

Right now, even I do not have the details," the chief minister said while talking to the media.

"By evening, a clear picture shall emerge of the number of arrests as well as the action taken by us against them. The arrests made district-wise shall also be shared by the DGP in the evening," he added.

The chief minister

also talked about the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers who took part in the 74th Republic Day celebrations. He said, "The NCC and NSS cadets take part in the Republic Day Parade. Only the selected students get a chance to take part in this parade. This time,

INDIA REPORTS 99 NEW COVID-19 CASES IN 24 HOURS; ACTIVE CASES NOW 1,764

New Delhi: India has reported 99 new covid-19 cases and zero deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data showed on Friday. Active cases have increased to 1,764 while total number of covid cases have reached 4.47 crore. The country reported 530,741 covid related deaths since the onset of the pandemic. Karnataka reported 133 active cases, while Kerala has 1198 active cases.

SPEEDING CAR HITS BIKE, DRAGS IT FOR 4KM

New Delhi: Two men had a narrow escape after the bike they were riding on was hit by a speeding car and dragged for about 4 km in Gurugram. The incident happened in the Sector 62 area when the duo was returning home on their bike. The duo told police that the driver was drunk when he rammed into their bike from behind.

Yogi Adityanath govt transfers 11 IPS officers in Uttar Pradesh

SPIRIT OF ZERO TOLERANCE, SAYS SARMA

the Assam NCC and NSS contingent went for the parade. I even met the NCC students who were under one month of training in Delhi. I met them today once again. A lot of hard work is needed to reach this position. I met everyone and extended my greetings."

"It would be great if NCC was made compul-

Delhi LG Saxena approves Dy CM Sisodia’s foreign trip

AIRTEL 5G NOW LIVE IN 4 CITIES OF KERALA

Trivandrum: Bharti Airtel on Friday launched its 5G services in Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. The company mentioned that its 5G services are already live in Kochi. Airtel 5G Plus services will be available in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the roll-out.

BSF JAWANS FOIL SMUGGLING

North 24 Parganas (West Bengal): Officials of the Border Security Force apprehended one Bangladeshi woman red-handed with 10 bottles of Phensedyl and other cosmetic items, officials said on Friday. According to the BSF, the smuggler was trying to smuggle these goods from India to Bangladesh. The apprehended smuggler has been identified as Reshma Sheikh, a resident of District Jashore, Bangladesh.

New Delhi (ANI): Amidst an ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena over approving teachers’ educational trip to Finland, the latter on Friday approved Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s foreign trip to the US.

As per a press note issued, “Delhi LG, VK Saxena has approved a foreign tour by Deputy CM, Manish Sisodia, his Secretary and Secretary (Education).”

Sisodia sent a proposal to the LG, seeking approval for his foreign tour as he wanted to attend an event, organized by the TESOL Education Convention in Portland city, Oregon, US.

sory. We still do not have the infrastructure big enough for people from the army, navy and air force to come and train and instruct people," he added.

On the introduction of NCC in border schools, the he said, "We have been asked to introduce NCC in all border area schools and colleges by PM Narendra Modi.

Guwahati (ANI): The Chief Minister said he has asked the Assam police to act against the menace with a “spirit of zero tolerance”. The crackdown began early in the morning and it will continue over the next few days. Police are investigating more than 4,000 cases of child marriage registered across Assam in less than a fortnight, the CM said. The Assam cabinet has decided to charge men who marry girls below 14 years of age under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences or POCSO Act, while the men who have married teen girls in the 14-18 years age group will be charged under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The CM also said that the “war” against child marriage will be “secular” and no single community will be targeted. “Those who facilitate such marriages, like clerics and priests, will also face action,” he said.

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called upon people in the state to work to come forward to help the government in its resolution to make the state drug-free by the year 2025.

Dhami on Thursday inaugurated de-addiction workshop 'Mission Drugs Free Devbhoomi' organised in the district jail of Dehradun.

"De-addiction is a very important subject. It is our resolution that by 2025 not even a single person of Devbhoomi should be addicted to drugs," Dhami said.

The Chief Minister said that the campaign of government has to be made a grand campaign and in this process, the contribution of every resident of the state is important.

“For the accomplishment of this resolution, along with the government, society, youth, NGOs, celebrities, successful people and various social-educational institutions will have to come forward and work together. This campaign of the government has to be made a grand campaign,” he said.

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow : The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh transferred 11 IPS officers on Friday in which Jaunpur SP Ajay Sahni, who was promoted from SP to DIG, has been removed and sent to Saharanpur as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

On the other hand, after the Vikas Dubey scandal, IPS Anantdev has been made the new DIG of Railway Prayagraj. IPS Ajaypal Sharma has been made SP Jaunpur. Meanwhile, IPS Kamlesh Dixit has been made SP Rules and Manual, IPS Shivhari Meena has been made SP Cyber Crime Lucknow and an honest IPS Pawan Kumar has been made SP Anti Narcotics Task Force Lucknow.

Moreover, IPS Rohan

It is believed that after the Global Investors Summit, IAS officers will also be transferred

Pramod Botre has been appointed as SP Women and Child Protection Organisation, IPS Dinesh Tripathi as SP 112 Headquarters Lucknow, IPS Vineet Jaiswal as Deputy Commissioner of Police Lucknow, IPS Suniti as SP Administration Headquarters and IPS Jai Prakash Singh as SP Security Headquarters Lucknow.

It is believed that after the Global Investors Summit, IAS officers will also be transferred in the state.

Houses in J&K’s Doda develop cracks

Doda: Nineteen families were evacuated after their homes developed cracks at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, officials said on Friday.

The authorities also declared unsafe a mosque and a religious school for girls at Nai Basti village in Thathri, 35 kilometres from Doda town along the Kishtwar-Batote National Highway. A few structures in the village started devel-

oping cracks a couple of days ago but the situation was exacerbated by a landslide with the

number of buildings damaged reaching 21. "We have shifted 19 affected families to a

DGCA seeks report as IndiGo flies

Patna-bound passenger to Udaipur

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry after a passenger who was supposed to take an Indigo flight to Patna instead boarded another flight of the airline and landed at Udaipur - about 1400km away from his destination. The incident was reported on January 30 (Monday), and the pas-

SUSPENSE PREVAILS ON SIDHU’S RELEASE

senger was sent to his destination next day.

A senior DGCA official said that the passenger, identified as Afsar Hussain, booked a ticket for Patna via In-

When will Sidhu be released now?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was the president of Punjab Pradesh Congress, was to be released from jail on January 26. But just before that it got lacer ated and he could not be released. His release was so sure that he was also invited by Con gress and Rahul Gandhi to join the Bharat Jodo Yatra in

Jammu and Kashmir.

Positioning of leaders in favor and opposition

Now, even if he is released in the first week of April, he might not join AAP so easily. Therefore, he will remain in Congress or go with BJP.

had also started in the State Congress. But he was not released. Now it is being said that he may come out of jail in the first week of April. Significantly, Sidhu surrendered on May 20, 2022 and went to jail after being sentenced for one year by the Su-

preme Court. Thus his sentence is coming to an end on 19th May 2023 and on that day he will anyway be released from jail. But then his release will not be the subject of any political maneuver. If he is released in the first week of April, then it

will be considered from a political point of view. It is being said that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab is also eyeing Sidhu. Earlier also there was talk of Sidhu joining AAP which knows well that at least one Lok Sabha seat is confirmed when Sidhu joins the party. For this reason, BJP’s eyes are also on him. By not releasing Sidhu from jail on January 26, the Punjab government has distanced him from AAP.

digo flight 6E-214 and reached Delhi airport on January 30 to board the scheduled flight. But he mistakenly boarded Udaipur-bound flight 6E-319 of Indigo. The passenger realised the mistake only after landing at Udaipur Airport. After which he informed officials at Udaipur Airport, who then alerted the airline about the matter.

HIGHWAY-26 BLOCKED AFTER LANDSLIDE IN HP

Lahaul & Spiti (ANI): Himachal Pradesh police blocked Tandi-Killar State Highway-26 after a landslide, informed officials. According to officers of the Tindi police station, the landslide struck 5km ahead of Tindi, towards Pangi. As many as 53 stranded passengers were rescued, said officials.

safer location after their houses were rendered unsafe. We are observing the situation

and taking steps as per need to ensure their safety," Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Thathri) Athar Amin Zargar told PTI.

The deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police visited the spot and assured all help to the affected families, he said. Zargar, however, refused to compare the situation to that in Joshimath -- that is facing a major challenge due to land subsidence.

Four hospitalised as vehicles of Akhilesh’s convoy collide

Lucknow: Six people were injured, four of them seriously, when seven vehicles of the convoy of Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav collided among themselves in the adjoining Hardoi district on Friday.

However, Akhilesh Yadav escaped unhurt in the incident, police said. The police said the

accident occurred under the Mallawan police station area. 7 vehicles, including 2 Fortuners running closely collided with each other.

Special Cell arrests 2 members of Lawrence’s gang in encounter

New Delhi (ANI): In an encounter, two members of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang were arrested by the Special Cell of the Northern Range of Delhi Police on Friday near Rohini Sector 28-29.

During the encounter, two rounds were fired from both ends, by gang members and the Delhi Police Special Cell but no one was harmed, said the police.

Identified as Jatin and Sandeep, both the accused were arrested after the police put up

the barricade to block their way. While Sandeep hails from Jhajjar, Haryana, the co-accused Jatin is from Baba Haridas Nagar, New Delhi.

Further investigations are underway into

the matter.

Recently, Punjab Police’s Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on Friday arrested a key operative of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered a 30 calibre Chinamade pistol along with six live cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

The arrested accused was identified as Rajveer Singh alias Ravi Rajgarh, a resident of Rajgarh village in Khanna district.

Over 2,000 people have been arrested in a massive crackdown so far

Family members wail as Assam Police arrests two persons involved in child marriage during a massive crackdown across the state, at Hatigaon, in Guwahati on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Delhi LG VK Saxena and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

Uttarakhand will be drug free by year 2025, says CM Dhami

BID ON BORDER; 1 BANGLADESHI WOMAN HELD

Cracks have been developed in a house as Doda experiences gradual sinking, on Friday —PHOTO BY ANI

Vehicle damaged after collision.

Two members of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang in custody.

IPS Anantdev SP Ajay Sahni

business BRIEFS

PAKISTAN’S FOREX EXCHANGE RESERVES HIT 10-YEAR LOW

‘Budget FY24 focuses on inclusive growth’

New Delhi (PTI): NITI

India's services sector growth eases slightly in January

Karachi: Pakistan’s central bank said on Friday that its foreign exchange reserves have dropped by 16.1% to $3.09 billion at the end of the last fiscal week, the lowest in nearly 10 years. Financial analysts said that the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan would cover just around three weeks of imports. It said that presently foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.65 billion, taking total liquid reserves in the country to $8.74 billion. —PTI

AMUL HIKES MILK PRICES BY `2 PER LITRE EXCEPT IN GUJ

Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer on Friday described the Budget 2023-24 as 'very comprehensive and balanced' which will promote growth with inclusion.

He also observed that the Budget continues all the reforms and other social welfare programmes undertaken by the government over the past few years.

Iyer further said the Budget has something for all, from the bottom, right up to industry to trade.

"This is a Budget which focuses on growth, with inclusion. It's very balanced, it carries on from all the reforms and other social welfare programmes which the government has undertaken over the past few years," he said.

Iyer noted that the Budget focuses on infrastructure investment, social sector, and also on reaching out to the poor and marginalised section of society.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

 NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer described the Budget 2023-24 which was released on February 1, as ‘very comprehensive and balanced’ which will promote growth with inclusion

Anand: The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets its dairy products under the brand name ‘Amul’, on Friday increased the prices of milk by `2 per litre for all markets except Gujarat. Jayen Mehta, MD of the Anand-headquartered federation, said the hike in milk prices is not applicable to Gujarat. With the increase in prices, one litre pouch of Amul Taaza milk will now cost `54, while Amul Gold will be sold at `66/litre. —PTI

SBI THIRD QTR NET PROFIT JUMPS 62%

TO `15,477 CRORE

According to Iyer, the huge focus on infrastructure and capex in the Budget will also incentivise states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised

OTHER STORIES

the capital expenditure by 33% to Rs 10 lakh crore for infrastructure development and announced a lower fiscal deficit target of 5.9% for 2023-24, while retaining it at 6.4% for current financial year.

Replying to a question on the Modi government's Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), Iyer said ABP is under the Aspira-

INDIA NOT ENGAGED WITH TAIWAN FOR 5G SERVICES ROLLOUT, SAYS MoS FOR COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

New Delhi: India is not engaged with Taiwan for any help related to the 5G services rollout, Parliament was informed on Friday. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said Taiwanese companies are participating in various programmes launched by the government to boost the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor ecosystem in India. “India is not engaged with Taiwan for any help in the areas related to roll out of 5G services,” she added. —PTI

GOVT SETS UP TASK FORCE TO PROMOTE SSP FERTILIZER

INDIA IMPORTS 152.7 LAKH TON FERTILISERS

TILL DEC THIS FISCAL

 He also observed that the Budget continues all the reforms and other social welfare programmes undertaken by the government

 He noted that the Budget focuses on infrastructure investment, social sector & also on reaching out to poor

tional Districts Programme.

" The budget of ABP is being worked out but basically the idea is that state governments converge funds from the existing resources and focus on datadriven delivery and tight monitoring," he said.

The NITI Aayog CEO said that all states have agreed to implement ABP.

India's forex kitty jumps $3.03 bn to $576.76 bn

Mumbai (PTI): India's forex reserves increased by $3.034 billion to $576.76 billion as of January 27, making it the third consecutive week of a jump in the kitty.

The overall reserves had risen by $1.727 billion to $573.727 billion in the previous reporting week.

New Delhi (PTI): The Indian services sector growth rate moderated in January as output and sales rose at softer rates, while subdued level of confidence among service providers towards future outlook appeared to have stymied job creation, a monthly survey said on Friday.

The seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index fell from 58.5 in December to 57.2 in January. Despite easing from December, the latest figure remained above its longrun average (53.5) and the upturn was associated with favourable demand conditions and ongoing increase in new work.

For the 18th straight month, the headline figure was above the neutral 50 threshold. In Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) parlance, a print above 50 means expansion while a score below 50 denotes contraction.

The survey further said the rise in total new business was centred on the domestic market, as international orders decreased.

On the price front, there were slower increase in both input costs and output charges.

Growth projection in Budget conservative, says DEA secretary

New Delhi (PTI): Economic affairs secretary Ajay Seth has said that the Budget has taken conservative estimate of nominal GDP growth of 10.5% with some scope for upside for the next fiscal beginning April 1.

"We feel that that is a conservative number with some scope for an upside, but not very significant upside. For example, in the current financial year we assumed 11% and the actual are 15% plus. So that kind of thing we don't expect next year. However, with 10.5% we don't see any downside from that number," he said. With regard to real GDP, Seth said, somewhere upward of 6.5% perhaps may be the number to make assumptions for the next year.

The Economic Survey

FOR GOODS EXPORTS US emerges as India’s top destination: Govt

PROJECTED GDP GROWTH

 In her fifth straight Budget, FM Nirmala Sitharaman has projected a nominal GDP growth of 10.5% the next financial year

 The Economic Survey 2022-23 released earlier this week too projected India’s economy to grow at slower pace at 6.5% in the fiscal year starting April

2022-23 released earlier this week too projected India's economy to grow at slower pace at 6.5% in the fiscal year starting April but will remain the fastest growing major economy in the world as it fared better in dealing with the extraordinary set of challenges the globe has faced.

Wheat prices fall over 10% in 7 days: Government

New Delhi (PTI): The government on Friday said wheat prices have fallen more than 10% in the past one week following its decision to sell the grain in open market to check rising prices.

Mumbai: Country’s largest lender State Bank of India on Friday reported a 62% growth in its net profit at `15,477 crore during the quarter ended December 2022. On a standalone basis, the lender’s net post-tax profit grew to `14,205 crore during the October-December 2022 period, which was up from `8,432 crore in the yearago period. The public sector lender’s total income grew to `98,084 crore from `78,351 crore in the year-ago period, while the operating expenses were up at `24,317 crore from `20,839 crore. —PTI

GOLD TUMBLES `681;

SILVER PLUMMETS

BY `2,045 PER KG

New Delhi: The government has set up a task force under the aegis of Fertiliser Association of India to find out ways to improve the quality of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertiliser and promote its use as an alternative to Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP). In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, MoS for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwant Khuba said the consumption of SSP has increased in the country from 44.88 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 56.81 lakh tonnes in 2021-22. The govt is promoting the combination of SSP and urea in the ratio of 3:1 in order to encourage its use. —PTI

New Delhi: India imported 152.7 lakh tonne of fertiliser, including urea and P&K, till December of the current fiscal, Parliament was informed on Friday.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwant Khuba said: “The country imported 62.44 lakh tonne of urea and 90.26 lakh tonne of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers during April-December period of the current fiscal”. Among P&K fertilisers, the country imported 53.18 lakh tonne of Di-ammonium phosphate, 16.22 lakh tonne of Muriate of Potash and 20.86 lakh tonne of NPK soil nutrients till December. PTI

SAYS MoS COMMUNICATIONS

New Delhi: Gold price tumbled `681 to `57,929 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid a decline in rates of precious metal globally, according to the HDFC Securities. The yellow metal had ended `58,610 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also plummeted `2,045 to `70,335/kg. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were traded in red at $1,913 per ounce and $23.38 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

For the week ended January 27, the foreign currency assets increased by $2.66 billion to $509.018 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by the RBI.

The gold reserves continued to rise, increasing by $316 million to $44.027 bn.

The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by $46 million to $18.478 billion, the apex bank said.

New Delhi (PTI): The US has emerged as India's top destination for merchandise exports during AprilDecember this fiscal at $59.7 billion, Parliament was informed on Friday.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government has taken a series of measures to promote the country's exports.

The steps include an extension of existing foreign trade policy till March 31;

BSNL expected to clock net profit in FY27

New Delhi (PTI): Stateowned telco BSNL is expected to turn around, generating net profit in fiscal year 2026-27, with the implementation of the approved revival measures, Parliament was informed on Friday.

Losses of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) were pegged at `3,589 crore in April-September 2022-23 as it clocked an income of ` 9,366 crore and incurred total expenditure of `12,956 crore, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

LOSS SECTOR

TILL NOW

 Losses of BSNL were pegged at `3,589 crore in April-September 2022-23 as it clocked an income of `9,366 crore and incurred total expenditure of `12,956 crore

 In 2021-22, losses stood at `6,982 crore, against income of `19,052 cr and expenses of `26,034 crore

revival package,” Chauhan said.

The Cabinet had approved a revival package for both BSNL and MTNL in 2019.

Further, the Union Cabinet on July 2022 cleared a ` 1.64 lakh crore revival package for BSNL.

an extension of interest equalisation (subsidy) scheme on pre and postshipment rupee export credit till March 31 next year; and a roll-out of Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme.

According to the data provided by the minister in his reply, the US was followed by UAE ($23.31 billion); Netherlands ($14.1 billion); China ($11 billion); Singapore and Bangladesh (about $9 billion each).

State-run Food Corporation of India has so far sold 9.2 lakh tonnes of wheat to bulk users at an average rate of ` 2,474 per quintal on the first two-days of eauction held this week.

"The e-auction has already left an impact of a fall in market prices of wheat by more than 10% in the past one week," the Food Ministry said in a statement.

The "prices are set to fall further", it added.

Markets jump over 1% on buying in banking stocks

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmarks rallied over 1% on Friday due to heavy buying in banking and financial counters amid mixed trend in the global markets.

In 2021-22, losses stood at ` 6,982 crore, against income of ` 19,052 crore and expenses of `26,034 crore.

“BSNL is expected to generate net profit in financial year 2026-27 with the implementation of the

The revival measures focus on infusing fresh capital for upgrading BSNL services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing its balance sheet, augmenting its fibre network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Limited (BBNL) with BSNL.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex zoomed 909.64 points or 1.52% to settle at 60,841.88. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 243.65 points or 1.38% to end at 17,854.05.

From the Sensex pack, Titan, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, HDFC, SBI, M&M & IndusInd Bank were among the major winners.

RUPEE GAINS 34 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 81.86 AGAINST US DOLLAR New Delhi (PTI): The rupee appreciated by 34 paise to close at 81.86 (provisional) against the US currency on Friday. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.15 against the American currency and finally settled at 81.86 against the greenback, registering a gain of 34 paise.

NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO FACE GLOBAL CHALLENGES: SHEKHAWAT

Shekhawat was addressing a press briefing held in connection with the G20 meeting

Rajeev Gaur

Jodhpur: Union Jal

Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday said that the G20 meetings being held in Jodhpur will prove to be an important step towards making a better and developed world. He said that the problems, challenges, and opportunities of the developing countries of the world are similar.

“In such a situation, it is necessary that we all work together, so that global challenges can be faced,” he said in a press briefing held on Friday in connection with the G20 meeting. He said that the Employment Group meeting of G20 is being held in Jodhpur for three days.

He said that there are a total of 43 delegates in the G20 meetings. Representatives of 20 countries, representatives of

G20 delegates participate in heritage walk in Jodh

Jodhpur (PTI): Delegates participating in the ongoing G20 Employment Working Group meeting here participated in a heritage walk here visiting the streets and architectural marvels of the city. The heritage walk started from Ghantaghar and passed through Toorji ka Jhalra — a stepwell made in 1740. The three-

day meeting of the G20 Employment Working Group began Thursday. Delegates from 19 nations, the European Union, nine guest countries and as many regional and international organisations will take part in the meeting The G20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.

`9,532 cr to redevelop stations in Raj: Rail Min

Kashiram Choudhary Jaipur: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav during an interaction with the media through videoconference said that from 2009 to 2014, Rajasthan used to get Rs 682 crore allocation but this time an amount of Rs 9,532 crore has been given to the State. He said that the amount is 14 times more than what was given during the UPA regime.

Covid pandemic affected the employment and social security situation around the globe with many countries seeing significant increases in unemployment due to economic downturn. It is necessary that we all work together, so that global challenges can be faced.

nine guest countries and representatives of 14 organisations are participating in it. The last meeting of G20 will be held in Indore. Shekhawat said that

Randhawa finalises dist Cong chiefs, list to be released soon

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The names of the district Congress presidents have been finalised by the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress and its list is expected anytime. Party’s state incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has approved it. The remaining 88 block Congress presidents will also be announced and political appointments will be done this month. According to party sources, around 30 district presidents will be announced. There will be two presidents in Jaipur city. An MLA is being made the district president in Jaipur Rural.

The announcement got delayed as Randhawa was busy with Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Due to this, his meeting with State Congress President Govind Dotasra could not be held. Recently, Randhawa came to Rajasthan and had a discussion with Dotasra and CM Ashok Gehlot.

The party has appointed 312 block presidents out of 400.

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Congress will organise a statewide protest outside the offices of SBI and LIC on February 6. State In-Charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has asked all Congress leaders to participate in the protest. Notably, for the first time, any in charge of Congress has taken strict action against the leaders for attending party meetings. Also, action has been initiated against senior party leaders. Sources informed that Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa himself called the leaders and asked why they did not come to attend the meeting. Randhawa recently got angry after Congress leaders did not attend meetings of the Haath Se Haath Jodo Campaign.

—Yogesh Sharma

meaningful solutions to the complex and farreaching challenges facing the global labour market can be found only through cooperation and collaboration.

“Work will be done keeping heritage in mind. Design of Jodhpur station will be changed. Most of the meter gauge has been replaced in Rajasthan. Electrification of 3934 km is completed and 1841 km is left.

Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Udaipur, Kota Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Abu Road, Chittorgarh and other stations will be redeveloped,” he said.

POLITICAL CORRIDORS

‘VANDE

CRORE APPROVED FOR PROJECT’

Jaipur: Addressing a press conference, North Western Railway General Manager Vijay Sharma said that a fund of Rs 30 crore has been approved for Vande Bharat from Jaipur. “Maintenance centres are being made in Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur. NWR got a budget allocation of Rs 8,199 crore this year, which is 20 times more than last year. Rs 1,335 crore is for new line, Rs 416 crore for overbridge and Rs 707 crore will be provided for passenger facilities. Money will be spent on redevelopment of Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur stations. In the NWR, electrification has been done in 3,531 km and the rest of the work would be completed by 2024. A total of 1,024 kilometre electrification has been done in Jaipur, 1,404 kilometre in Bikaner and 320 kilometre in Jodhpur.

Kirodi, Kanakmal may find place in Modi cabinet

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Two leaders from Rajasthan are expected to find place in PM Modi’s cabinet. The names of Dr Kirodi Lal Meena and Kanakmal Katara are doing rounds for the cabinet berth.

Popularity of Rajya

Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena after several protests can become the basis for his inclusion in the Cabinet. But if Meena does not get a place, he may get some other big role. PM Modi is coming to Meena’s area Dausa on February 12 and the PM may give some indication from his expression

CM OK’s new posts in Govt rest houses

First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a total of 105 new posts, including 15 posts each of chef and service supervisor, 22 posts of assistant chef, 14 posts of assistant cook and 39 posts of head waiter, in govt rest houses in State. He has also approved the minimum qualification required for these posts.

there. Anyway in view of the 2023 elections, a tribal leader’s stature is likely to increase. Ahead of crucial assembly elections in 2023, the buzz of a Union Cabinet reshuffle has gained ground in recent days. Assembly elections are scheduled in a total of nine states in 2023, including in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.

3-day

First India Bureau

Jaipur: PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra’s strength and stature will increase with the notice of State In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa to the party leaders who missed the party meeting led by Randhawa and Dotasra. Dotasra kept discipline paramount but senior leaders were not following his decisions. Efforts are on to give this message that no one is greater than the party. Notice to big leaders for not attending party meetings has created stir. What a state in-charge means, Randhawa has conveyed to the leaders. More such decisions can be seen in the coming days. Few days back, some leaders had skipped a meeting called by State in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Taking serious note of this, Randhawa had said that a clarification will be sought from the leaders who were absent from the meeting.

AMID

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former Deputy Sachin Pilot neither saw each other nor met after the Governor’s address. The CM met all the ministers and MLAs of the Congress who congratulated him but Sachin Pilot did not meet him inside the House. Even the Opposition MLAs also met the CM. Interestingly, Congress is running the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign.

Kota fest begins at Ummed Stadium

Kota: The three-day Kota Festival began in Kota on Friday. The festival, being held in Maharao Ummed Singh Stadium, witnessed the performance of artists on Bam Dhol Rasiya of Bharatpur, Chakri of Hadauti and Sahariya dance Bahrupiya Kala on Friday. The festival is being

ARORA HAILS BOARD PERSONNEL

jointly organised by District Administration, Urban Development Trust, Municipal

RHB’s 75th project registered in RERA

lll

“75 projects have been registered with RERA so far. Soon figures will touch 100 and RHB will be the largest RERA registered organisation in the country.”

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) Commissioner Pawan Arora on Friday encouraged the Board’s personnel by congratulating the team on registering the 75th project with RERA (Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority).

The RHB Commissioner congratulated all the officers and employees for this achievement in the meeting organised on Friday at

Jpr Discom: No penalty on dues if amount till Dec paid in lump sum

the Board’s headquarters. He said that the branch was formed to ensure compliance of

RERA in all the projects being run by the division and the division is following 100 percent

RERA norms.

“75 projects of the circle have been registered with RERA so far and soon this figure will touch 100. RHB will become the largest RERA registered organisation in the country after 100 projects are registered in RERA. Under the leadership of LSG Minister Shanti Dhariwal and RERA Chairman NC Goyal, compliance of RERA is being ensured in all the projects of the Board,” Arora said.

Corporation Kota (North and South) and Tourism Department. Various others adven-

turous activities were also held during the first day of the threeday festival.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Jaipur Discom on Friday implemented the Amnesty scheme to recover electricity dues. Under the scheme, 100 per cent interest and penalty waiver will be given if the outstanding amount is deposited in lump sum till December 31, 2022. The scheme has been implemented till March 31, 2023 for regular and disconnected connections of agriculture category and till June 30, 2023 for other categories. Discom MD Ajit Kumar Saxena said that amnesty scheme has been implemented for all categories of consumers. He said that consumers of regular and disconnected agriculture connections of agriculture category can deposit the outstanding amount till December 31, 2022 without interest and penalty in lump sum or in maximum 6 bimonthly installments. Other consumers will be given 100 per cent waiver of late payment fee and interest if the entire principal amount is deposited in one go.

Dhariwal reviews PSKS drive to simplify lease process

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Friday reviewed the Prashasan Shehron Ke Sang Campaign. In the meeting, JDA, Urban Development Department, LSG, and top officers of town planning department were present. The issue of issuing more leases, simplifying the lease process, determining the width of the link roads, and various points including mixed land use were discussed.

Pattas will be available near populated land in cities and will get lease of agricultural land located nearby. For this the applicant will not have to do separate 90 A. The concerned body will give lease assuming self

motivation 90A.

“After that it was agreed upon that lease will be available for agricultural land located near populated land. If agricultural land has been used for non-agriculture up to a specified date, then the lease of that land will be given. Soon an order will be issued in this regard,” he said. May 2, 2012 will be kept cut off date in the case for giving lease for patta for earlier settlement.

Union Minister GS Shekhawat with Mattu JP Singh and Rupesh Thakur at G20 press conference in Jodhpur on Friday.

G20 delegates take heritage walk after the meeting of the Employment Working Group in Jodhpur on Friday.

RHB Chief Pawan Arora during a meeting with officials on Friday.

—Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Jal Shakti Minister

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses a press conference at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday.

RANDHAWA SENDS NOTICES TO LEADERS WHO FAILED TO ATTEND PARTY MEETING

Dr Kirodi Lal Meena Kanakmal Katara

FROM

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

Snow falls, Rahul rises, Yatra ends, but with no major hope for 2024: Dr Chandra

Revealing the behind the scenes details of the recently culminated Bharat Jodo Yatra undertaken by Congress and Rahul Gandhi, CEO and Editor-inChief, Bharat24-Vision of New India and First India; CMD, First India News, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra lays bare how Rahul Gandhi dared odds, at personal and public level, to undertake the massive Yatra, how he struck a rapport with the locals of the regions from where the Yatra passed and how he has emerged as the ‘numero uno’ leader in the grand old party, thereby, re-establishing himself as the top most leader in his own party… (Part-I)

z How successful do you think Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ has been and secondly, what has been public’s mood and response to the Yatra?

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra:

As far as Congress’ internal politics is concerned, the Yatra has been a super hit Rahul Gandhi show, which has completely restored and re-established his authority and power as the ‘number one man’ in the Grand old party, which is confined only to two States - Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and has only figure of 52 in house of 543. Despite the success of the Yatra, the Congress party has failed to establish Rahul as the mass leader of the Opposition parties. And as far as BJP and other regional parties are concerned, this Yatra was only a point of concern, a point of caution, and nothing less or more. There was no collateral damage. That is what the reality is. The reason for this is that in front of Narendra Modi, everyone is too small and the Yatra was taken out a bit too late. So, we can say that the Yatra was good and successful, but in front of Modi, it is not towering. And if someone was to ask me to sum it up in one line, I would say ‘Snow falls, Rahul rises, Yatra ends, but with no major hope for 2024’.

z Who do you think gave this idea to Rahul to take out the Yatra and do you think it was a re- branding exercise for the Gandhi Scion?

Of course. See, I have seen for several years now that Rahul loves to read books. He travels a lot and thus, he takes idea from books, and he got this idea through books that any where in the world, when the party has to be brought back to its feet, it has to go back to the masses and for that, one has to get to the road. And then he must have seen Indira Gandhi, who came to the roads to come back to power. Basically, he is influenced by the ‘Dandi March’ and has seen many marches. Moreover, Rahul’s idea was endorsed by Sonia in the party’s Chintan Shivir in Udaipur and she said that the party will take

out a Yatra. So, when it was decided that a ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ would be taken out, Rahul gave the responsibility to Digvijaya Singh, because he himself has taken out a Yatra for Narmada River that spanned over 3,300 kilometres across 191 days. Therefore, Rahul gave him the responsibility to make the Yatra a reality and then there were other leaders too like KC Venugopal and others. So, basic idea for the Yatra was Rahul’s thinking and the party’s mandate.

z It is believed that such Yatras are a way to come back to power in independent India. How do you visualise this Yatra in that background? Also, is it true that Rahul Gandhi had thought of leaving the Yatra only a few days after it was started?

See, it was Chandrashekhar, who later became Prime Minister, he undertook the longest Yatra of 4200 kilometres and walked for about 190 days. After that LK Advani’s Rath Yatra happened, post which, Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi undertook a Yatra for 46 days from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, which is still discussed across the nation. And after these, there were a couple major Yatras too like BJP’s Golden Jubilee celebration of Independence wherein, people walked 15,000 kilometres. The leaders in the South like Jaganmohan Reddy and several from Andhra like Chandrababu Naidu have taken out Yatras. So the history of Yatras is quite old. Chandrashekhar has undertaken a Yatra longer than Rahul’s, but this Yatra had a certain media hype, and hence, we are discussing it today. Secondly, you said that he thought of leaving the Yatra midway. I have heard that soon after its start, Rahul did have second thoughts on the Yatra since he used to get tired everyday. Actu-

ally, he underwent a knee surgery sometime ago and walking on treadmill is different than walking on the road. He used to walk 6-7 kilometres everyday on treadmill and long back I had heard that he could run 40 kilometres. Thus, he must have thought walking 20 kilometres a day won’t be much of a task. When he walked for 4-5- days, he found that it will be difficult for him and thought of quitting the Yatra. However, the next day he received a letter in Kerala asking him not to leave the Yatra and stressing that he wasn’t walking for his career, but for the people of the nation. So, he continued the Yatra. But yes, it did cross his mind at a point in time to leave the Yatra. As such, he is a moody person. Nearly a decade ago, he walked to Amarnath with a few leaders. In fact, someone told me that even in those make shift sleeping quarters, a treadmill had been installed for Rahul to run. So yes, he did have this thought of quitting the Yatra, but then the letter came and later, he has come across as the leader within the Congress.

z What was the ideological concept and narrative of this Bharat JodoYatra?

The ideological concept of the Yatra was clearly defined. Firstly, it was undertaken to bring forth the ideological fight between two opposing parties before the public. Their ideology is of secular India and taking everyone along. Secondly, he attacked BJP and RSS that they indulge in politics based on religion, caste, language and other issues. So, they highlighted this ideology. Secondly, this

was also a branding project. Third, was to highlight the economic situation of the nation and to know the people of the nation and he also picked up the political issues before the masses. Hence, basically the ideological issue was of BJP versus RSS and secondly, was to learn first hand about the problems of the common man.

z Do you think this Yatra has enabled a ‘rebirth’ of Rahul Gandhi?

Of course, one can say that, at least for the time being. And in fact during the Yatra, it came into his mind also which is evident from his reply to a journalist wherein he said that Rahul Gandhi is dead, Take him out of

your mind, he is not alive anymore, there is a new Rahul Gandhi. So, he himself is accepting that. But what exactly is this new Rahul Gandhi, only time will tell us. Will it be the same indecisive and inaccessible Rahul Gandhi, or will it be a decisive, accessible and a serious thinker Rahul Gandhi.

z But perhaps an even more important question with regards to this Yatra is how satisfied is Rahul Gandhi with this Yatra? Also, when will the second phase of the Yatra start? He is extremely satisfied with the Yatra. It appeared from his address in Srinagar that he is patting himself on the

back that he has done a good work. And even the people’s response to the Yatra was stupendous. So, overall he seems satisfied with the Yatra, but then again, it has been three days since the Yatra ended and now he has gone missing. It may be that he is recovering after undertaking the Yatra, but he should mark his presence or go out and meet someone or say something related to the nation. Secondly, it is being said that the second phase will be started from October 2. The route and the people involved etc basically the nitty- gritty of the second phase have not been decided as yet and will be decided in the days to come and it seems that the Yatra will commence soon.

z The Yatra had covered 13 states. Which State, according to you, has given its most support to the Yatra?

Support was moderate in all states, everywhere 4-5,000 individuals joined the Yatra. It was different, it wasn’t like a mass movement. The Bharat Jodo Yatra received positive response in Kerala, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Now, you asked where did the Yatra receive the best response, so obviously, where there are Congress governments, there resource mobilisation, resource management and man management is more. So in that context, Rajasthan was the best where 10 or 20,000 people would walk in the Yatra which even included Ashok Gehlot. Since a popular CM was walking with Rahul Gandhi, so the Yatra’s response was great. Interestingly, when the Yatra was being planned in New Delhi, Kamal

Nath claimed that it will be his region where the best Yatra would be taken out since he is a good organiser, and the atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh is such that he feels that Congress is gaining its foothold in the State. Ashok Gehlot was also there when this discussion was being conducted so he said, ‘No, I accept this challenge, it will be Rajasthan’. So, Rajasthan leg of the Yatra was the biggest with much fanfare and support of the people. The Rajasthan leg was extremely successful and Rahul was internally happy with it, thus, we can conclude that it was Rajasthan which topped the Yatra in terms of popularity, resource mobilisation, organisational capacity and all these factors.

z Rahul Gandhi’s address in Srinagar, on the culmination of the first phase of the Yatra, was discussed a lot.

In our culture, it is said that at times, Goddess Saraswati sits on one’s tongue (meaning what one says is powerful and sweet to listen to). That day this happened with Rahul and he said several emotional things which impressed the people. Basically, he raked the issue, in his terms of violence versus non-violence, which is hate versus peace and love. He said a few things before those 5-odd thousand people assembled there and though there could have been more people, but owing to snowfall not many came out of their houses. So, he said a few things like he has seen bloodshed from up-close and others have not seen it so they do not understand that maintaining peace and not hating any-

one is important. He said that when he was in school, he was called by the Principal and he went to the Principal’s room and was informed that his grandmother Indira Gandhi had been shot and that he should go home. On the way home he picked Priyanka from her school and when he reached home he saw blood on his grandmother’s body. Second, he said that during his father Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, he received a phone call from his friend who told him about the incident and Rahul replied that he knew since he had already received a call. He said that he fears these late night calls and that since he is in Srinagar today and a soldier’s family gets a call that he has been martyred. So he, in an unclear manner, said that he wants to break away this bloodbath and bring peace. Through these statements, he won the hearts of people. But another thing that he said wrongly in his address was when he said that outsiders rule Kashmir and that Kashmiris have never ruled their own state. Who are these outsiders? After abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir is now fully included in India. If someone from other state is going there as tourist and spending money to develop tourism and infrastructure, so your comment means you want to stop them. So, sometimes what happens is that in one go, he makes responsible and irresponsible comments. However, overall, his address was good.

During the show #JCOnRahulYatra trended top All-India on Twitter

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra in conversation with Poornima Mishra, Aditi Nagar, Amrita Garg, Pooja Yadav, Mahima Kanwar during The JC Show.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra during The JC Show.

LIFE WON’T SPARKLE UNLESS YOU DO!

The attraction of sequins is simple: they’re eye-catching, dazzling and brilliant, cherry on the top is that they make you appear like a talking n walking disco ball. City First brings to you the significance of sequins in the fashion world

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Sequins from the disco era are once again in style. As 2022 is already over, what’s a better way to bid goodbye to the old and welcome the new than with a stunning, eye-catching sequin dress? You may get the appearance you’re trying for, whether it’s sexy, charming, trendy, or

fancy, by coordinating your sequin dress with fashionable shoes and accessories, regardless of whether you plan to wear it for holidays, special events, or hell, whenever you’d like. Many individuals hesitate to wear sequins out of concern that it would be too much, but when done correctly, you can dress it up or bring it down and accomplish the appearance and style you were going for.

Putting on sequins no matter if you’re wearing a sequin top, skirt, or even a long dress, accessories will dress up that style and assist you to reach your goals. Start with your favourite piece, whether it’s the sequin jacket or the flirty little cocktail dress, and then gradually add other items to complete the look. There is

such a thing as too much of a good thing, therefore adding too much “bling” or piling on too many accessories can ruin your appearance and pack on the pounds, making you look larger, especially in pictures.

For a more “relaxed” appearance for an evening happy hour or function, consider adding a fitting leather jacket to your sequin cocktail dress. In addition to toughening up the appearance and giving it a cool edge, a leather jacket may also tame down a sequin dress so that it can be worn casually. A pair of dramatic drop earrings will spice up and finish the style, giving you a more opulent appearance.

DR MRIDUL BHASIN Writer and Social Activist

inshuk Gupta seems to be the newest signature in English and Hindi creative writing who has pushed open a new door in talking about the almost taboo LGBT domain. The final year student of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Medical College, Kinshuk excels as a student as he does as a writer too. He is an award-winning writer and still in his early twenties, is the Associate Editor at Usawa Literary Review, and poetry editor at Jaggery Lit. His bilingual writing as a poet, translator, fiction writer and freelance journalist has rave and surprising reviews. His published collection of stories titled, Satrangi: Dil Hai Ki Chor Darwaza has widely positive reviews as included in the book. It shows that he is not only noticed but appreciated for his daring and style. The recent launch of the book during the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur elicited many questions from the youth who attended the launch of his book and he answered them with candid verve. The Anchor was no other than the publisher of Vani Prakashan, Aditi Maheshwari. She admits that

mosexuality and gender dysphoria as psychosexual disorders. While going through the rigorous regimen of MBBS he got to understand that doctors were mostly homophobic and their approach to the LGBT community was mostly hostile. The sexual duality of men and women is understood in scientific terms in medical science but the twilight zone of homosexuality is never explained even in the medical curriculum. The writer hopes that with the law legitimizing homosexuality, perceptions and inclusion will come about slowly. Kinshuk Gupta agrees with Hoshang Merchant who says – Women and gay people have a common enemy and that is ‘the Macho Man.’

Traversing through the maze of the subject, he began talking to male-female gay students, doctors, writers and other professionals. He got a surprising response to his articles and stories in English newspapers and Hindi magazines. He began sorting out facts from myths and found out that alternate sexuality is being denied at different levels in our society. Even doctors and counsellors refused to deal with the subject objectively and scien-

OPENING A NEW DOOR IN WRITING: KINSHUK GUPTA

FACEOFTHEDAY

work will be much appreciated. You may get a chance to pursue old hobby. Health tips from an expert will enable you to get closer to your fitness goals. Your generous behavior would enable to enjoy some lovely moments with family.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Family will be most supportive, when it really matters for you. Some of you may add to your list of properties by booking a new one. It is good day to confess your love as stars appear favourable for positive reply. A long drive is likely to help you get over mental tiredness.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members, normalizing ties. Despite your misgivings, you retain good health. You will do much to bring peace and harmony at home. You will remain much in demand on social front. Some of you can get romantically involved.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Despite hectic schedule you will manage to find time for family. Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal. Your bold initiatives on romantic front bring back passion and spark in romantic relationship.Overall health remains fine.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Avoid raising controversial issues at home to maintain harmony. Successful implementation of new ideas and projects would add to your prestige on the professional front. It is a wonderful day to build new connections. Your relationship requires you to be tactful.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

Happiness in the domestic sphere will only come with a changed mind set. Some of you are likely to become a part of an overseas official trip. Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment. Harsh words may create a rift in your romantic relationship.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Following a health diet will be a good idea. Luck favours you today on the professional front.

Focussing on health now will help you in keeping physically fit. Clarity of mind and retentive power will help you forge ahead on the academic front.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder. Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front are likely to get lucky today, as partner responds positively. Overall a good day.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

A friend or colleague may motivate you to take up a healthy activity. Parents may appear more than happy with what you deliver. Plans for overseas travel are likely to materialise. You are likely to get clearance or approval for your construction plans. Health remains satisfactory.

Your intuition will save you from a tricky spot today. Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. You will manage to achieve your aim through travel. This is a great time on the academic front, when you mange to render your best.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Your efforts on the professional front will be recognised. Opting for some healthy choices will ensure you remain in perfect health. You will feel much happy and contented on the family front. Today you will enjoy the trust of senior management.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Gifting something to your beloved is likely to make the day memorable. Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property. Those awaiting results are assured of succeeding with flying colours.

KHUSHBU BIJAPARI, Model

Kinshuk in a session with Aditi Maheshwari, the publisher Vaani Prakashan

Royal Avatars P

riyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas recently celebrated her first birthday. Soon after turning one, the lovely couple decided to finally reveal their munchkin’s face. Priyanka made her first public appearance with Malti Marie as they were seen attending the Hollywood Walk of Fame to support

FALSE rumours

Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor is always in the news for her South debut, which is most awaited. And every now and then, rumours of the actress being roped into Tamil or Telugu films always make it to the headlines. Well, now again, it was reported that Janhvi has been roped in to play the female lead in the Tamil film Paiyaa 2 opposite Karthi. However, looks like, once again, it’s just a rumour.

Janhvi Kapoor’s father Boney Kapoor took to Twitter and clarified that she is not part of any Tamil film. The producer further urged everyone to not spread false rumours. Boney tweeted,

Style Queen

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are one of the most loved couples in Bollywood. Well, talking about their fashion sense, both husband and wife often grab all the eyeballs for their unique style and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they take inspiration from each other. The actress was spotted at Mumbai airport and looked stunning in a trenchcoat which might be somewhere inspired by her hubby’s trenchcoat. She wore a brown coloured co-ord set. The co-ord set consists of a sweater top and loose tracks. The actress tied her hair in a bun, wore black sunglasses, and completed her look with white shoes. She wore a checks trenchcoat which looked quite similar to one of Ranveer Singh’s trenchcoats that he chose to wear for his airport look. Ranveer was with his wife Deepika at the airport then and looked dapper in a similar trenchcoat which reportedly cost Rs. 3 Lakh.

idharth Malhotra and Kiara

Advani, who impressed the audience with their magical chemistry in Shershaah, are all set to take their relationship to next level. As per the reports, the duo will be tying the knot on February 6 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. According bodyguard Yaseen will look after the harth and Kiara’s wedding. Some of the big names including Karan poor, Mira Rajput and many more are likely to arrive on February 3 in Jaisalmer. ‘The wedding is slated to tel. It is going to be a lavish event with high security. As has become the norm with big Bollywood weddings, Sid-Kiara’s shaadi will have ty managing the

UNSEEN CHILDHOOD PIC

hraddha Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor have been in all our hearts since the first look of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar came out. The trailer looks so happening that fans cannot wait to watch the movie. Reddit.com has shared an unseen picture of Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor from their childhood days. In the picture which appears to be a little blurry, we can see the Brahmastra star looking cute while he appears to be in the middle of eating some thing. Shraddha, on the other hand, is a cute bald baby and we have to say that her smile was that infectious even during her childhood. This picture is a visual treat for all their fans ahead of the release of their film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.

LOVE

Vanessa Hudgens reportedly got engaged to MLB player Cole Tucker. If recent reports by TMZ are to be believed, the MLB star proposed to Hudgens at the end of 2022. They made their relationship Instagramofficial the following Valentine’s Day.

“It’s you, it’s me, it’s us. @cotuck,” the 34-year-old star captioned a photo that showed her smooching the shortstop. On the other hand, Tucker also shared a post on his Instagram space, with the sweet and simple caption, “Happy V day (red heart emoji) @va nessahudgens.”

Kiara Advani Spotted...

Deepika Padukone

Janhvi Kapoor

Vanessa Hudgens

Priyanka Chopra

AI visuals

GIFT OF LIFE!

CITY FIRST

Under the aegis of Veterinary University, Indian Red Cross Society and Mohan Foundation Jaipur, an organ donation and body donation awareness program was organised in the Veterinary Auditorium on Friday. The visitors were welcomed by Dr AP Singh, Dean, Veterinary College. Secretary of Red Cross Society Vijay Khatri said that organ donation is a great donation. Consent of the donor’s family is necessary for organ donation and then they can donate their organs.

Dr Tanveer Malwat said that organ donation or body donation is a noble work. A person who has a limited life has given life to someone in the absence of an organ, that is why organ donation should be a great donation. Profes-

DECOR INDIA IN THE PINK CITY

sor of the Department of Anatomy, Sardar Patel Medical College Explained the importance of body donation, Dr Garima Khatri said that in our Puranas, Maharishi Dadhichi is the first name among those who donate body, he had given his body to make Sahatra. In 1948, the body donation law was made and under the law, the medical college started getting bodies. Almost 10 Medical students need a body to study organs by dissection.

Dr Ashok Dangi gave a vote of thanks and Anil Pahuja, Dr Hemant Dadhichi and Dr Nandlal Ding Shekhawat were among the visitors. The programme was conducted by Dr Manisha Mehta, along with the poster and slogan competition on organ donation whereas Dr Pratishtha Sharma was appointed from Veterinary College. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ROYAL GOLF CUP!

The 3rd edition of the CII AU Bank Golf Invitational Cup will be held on February 5 at the Rambagh Golf Club. As many as 120 people including bureaucrats, sports persons etc will participate. Celebrities such as former cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Madan Lal, renowned woman golfer, Tvesa Malik and renowned sports writer, Amrit Mathur will also be participating in the event. This was informed by Chairman, CII Rajasthan State Council, Gaurav Rungta at a Press Conference on Friday. He informed that the tournament will be played in Single Query and Modified Table format. This Cup is an initiative to bring together sports and corporates and to push for a healthier and fit lifestyle.

FCITY FIRST ilm actress Tina Ahuja, daughter of film actor Govinda, inaugurated the 5-day Decor India show by cutting the ribbon at JECC in Sanganer on Friday. On this occasion, actress Tina Ahuja shared that in the Decor India show, many types of things are available under one roof. I got a chance to inaugurate here for the first time. I felt very happy. I love coming to Jaipur.

Gokul Maheshwari of MD Shagun Group shared that the 5-day Decor India show was inaugurated by film leader Tina Ahuja. It is 24 years of the Decor India show, and there are many traders who come here and launch projects, in this, everything from home construction to 7 decorations is available under one roof. It will run till

SEEK YE WISDOM

CITY FIRST

February 7 is included. Anil Maheshwari said that 250 styles (shops) have been set up in which many types of goods are available. JD

Maheshwari shared that people have faith in the Decor India show and by coming here one can get a lot of things under one roof.

MUKESH KIRADOO

DURING THE DAY!

The reception ceremony of Ajay Gurjar with Shivani was solemnized in Bhiwadi on Friday. Sachin Pilot, former Dy CM reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them togetherness. Ajay Gurjar is the nephew of Ravindra Bhadana, Congress leader, Udaipurwati.

Under the 23rdanniversary celebration of Shri Sankatmochan

Hanuman Temple located at Shree Cement Limited, the unbroken Ramcharitmanas recitation of Akhand Ramcharitmanas along with Dev Pooja and recitation of various sources took place on Friday, in which company’s joint chairman Arvind Khicha performed Saptnik worship. After Purnahuti, Manufacturing Cluster Head-East Manoj Kumar Srivastava performed Saptnik Puja, in which Puja was duly performed by Pt Laksh-

minarayan and other pandits who came from Pushkar. On this occasion, the officers and employees of various departments of Shree Cement including the company’s Sanjay Mehta, RN Dani, Manoranjan Kumar, Shikhar Chaturvedi and JS Gattani participated with their families. The temple was beautifully

decorated as part of the annual festival. Shri Sankatmochan Hanumanji will be anointed and beautifully decorated on Saturday as part of the annual festi-

val program. After that, there will be special worship and a full offering. At 4 pm in the huge procession from Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple

MLA Kalicharan Saraf inaugurated the main CC road of Indra Nagar of Ward 129 by Jaipur Development Authority recently. Local councillor Mahesh Saini said that the main road of Indra Nagar was broken for a long time, CC road has been constructed with the efforts of Saraf, which was duly inaugurated by cutting the ribbon. The local people warmly welcomed Saraf by garlanding him and wearing a turban.

Shri Nityananda Trayodashi was celebrated on Friday at Shri Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir, Jaipur. Nityananda Trayodashi is the appearance day of Nityananda Prabhu. 108 bhogs were offered to the deity and Mahabhisheka of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga was performed. The devotees chanted the Hare Krishna mahamantra and received the blessings of Sri Nityananda.

premises, there will be attractive tableaux based on Navagrahas and along with this the deity of Shri Sankatmochan Hanumanji Maharaj riding on the divine chariot will be the centre of the main attraction. After the procession, Sandhya Aarti and Shayan Aarti will be performed at 11 pm.

During this, like every year, the surrounding villagers, public representatives and dignitaries will participate in the procession. On the occasion of the Shree Cement temple

anniversary, the entire temple complex has been grandly decorated, which has become the centre of attraction for the people. During the annual festival, the morning procession will be taken out from the temple at 6.10 am on Sunday and Uttara Puja and Visarjan will be done at 10.15 am. Renowned singer and musician ‘Pritam Chakraborty’ will give a mesmerizing presentation of his melodious songs in the cultural program from 8 pm onwards.s

—PHOTO BY MANOJ TAK

Tina Ahuja with Gokul Maheshwari, Akhil Maheshwari, Praveen Mishra and Ravi Jain during the lamp lighting ceremony

Tina Ahuja

During the event

Arvind Khicha and Dr Nirmala Khicha offering prayers at temple

Dr Tanveer Malawat, Dr Garima Khatri, Dr AP Singh and Vijay Khatri during the lamp lighting ceremony