The past one year has witnessed a visibly aggressive Chinese posture in the Indo-Pacific, wherein Chinese clashed with Indian troops on Sino Indian border (and controversial construction of bases in Islands in South China Sea. Apart from this China’s potential invasion of Taiwan remains a burning issue
The war in Ukraine and USChina tensions pose the most significant risks to the global economy and political stability in 2023 and beyond. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has rapidly inflated energy and food prices, leading to cost issues for businesses and soaring living costs for consumers in 2022 and amid all this the world is getting divided on lines of cold war era once again with US and West on one side and Russia - China axis on the other. Improving economy and growing international stature can put India in driver’s seat and its multialignment approach to geopolitics is likely be validated in 2023. India is today in the midst of a major geopolitical repositioning, trying to pursue a national interests-based policy whereby continuing good relations with its most dependable ally Russia and at the same time build stronger strategic ties the United States and its allies in the region, especially Japan.
GEO- POLITICAL SCENARIO AND MAJOR CHALLENGES - 2023
Russia-Ukraine war. A yearlong Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the world’s food and energy security, and is pushing the global economy towards a recession. The nuclear rhetoric from Russian leaders has caused global anxiety. Another major concern is triggering of arms race and revival of cold war
era. The war has rapidly inflated energy and food prices, leading to cost issues for businesses and soaring living costs for consumers in 2022. With de-escalation unlikely in near future the situation is going to be more explosive resulting in political turmoil.
Chinese Aggressive Posture The past one year has witnessed a visibly aggressive Chinese posture in the Indo-Pacific, wherein Chinese clashed with Indian troops on Sino Indian border (Galwan and Tawang) and controversial construction of bases in Islands in South China Sea. Apart from this China’s potential invasion of Taiwan remains a burning issue that keeps the two largest economies, the US and China at loggerheads and both are continuously engaged in diminishing each other’s political and economic influence over the other countries. A possible fallout of this may be reorientation of supply chain management and restructuring of the global economy which may further widen the political and economic divide.
Resurgence of Taliban in Afghanistan. The new Taliban regime in Afghanistan post US withdrawal remains a major challenge for peace and stability in the region. The influence and control of Pakistan and its Army over Taliban still remains a point of speculation and consideration. India reopened its operations in the Indian embassy in Kabul and began the process of re-engaging by sending humanitarian aid in the form of food grains, vaccines, and essential medicines. While signalling a long-term commit-
ongress can draw consolation from its three bye-election victories, mainly Kasba Peth in Maharashtra and Sagardighi in West Bengal, while analysing the sobering message from its rout in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. For the record, the party retained the Erode (East) seat in Tamil Nadu. On the contrary, the BJP has every reason to rejoice over its triumph in the three north-eastern state which are now well in its control. With both Meghalaya and Nagaland being predominantly Christian states the BJP’s wins prove that it is no longer a political pariah in these states because of its strong Hinduism pitch. The
India’s strategy to have enhanced cooperation with the US and allies (the QUAD) to make Indo Pacific secure and peaceful and countering Chinese influence will have to be consolidated further and at the same time India will have to work out its strategic response to stand up to the bully with firmness
ment to development of Afghanistan, India has to draw redlines on the Menace of Extremism and Rights of Minorities and Women.
Indo - Pak Relationship. Since February 2021, the borders with Pakistan have been remarkably quiet with a notable reduction in cross-border firings. However, the cease-fire has not led to normalisation or a thaw in other areas of the India-Pakistan relationship. Both the countries continue to rake up issues for domestic consumption and the status quo is likely to continue new civilian government and top Army hierarchy change their stance after the general elections are held this year.
INDIA’S ROLE AND PERSPECTIVE
India’s strategy to have enhanced cooperation with the US and allies (the QUAD) to make Indo Pacific secure and peaceful and countering Chinese influence will have to be consolidated further and at the same time India will have to work out its strategic response to stand up to the
The hard lesson which the Congress must learn from its defeats in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to be the
BJP also has no trouble sitting alongside beef eaters in these states as there is no restriction on cow slaughter. Some would call it a politically expedient approach to take firm control of power but does it matter really? The hard lesson which the
bully with firmness. More clashes and competing interests with India are likely, which will have to be resolved through enhancing trade and commerce leverage and use Russian influence during mutual negotiations.
India’s continued friendship and cooperation with Russia despite the US and the west blaming Russia for Ukraine war and India buying oil from Russia in spite of economic sanctions has irked them. India’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has picked up momentum with an eye to balance China’s inroads across Eurasia.
Playing host to world leaders at the G-20 summit in September will validate India’s rising importance and brokering substantive consensus on pressing global concerns will certainly demonstrate its international influence. India is determined to steer the forum clear of divisive geopolitical issues like the RussiaUkraine war and instead concentrate on more inclusive manner on the collective concerns of climate change.
India has proven resilient, managing the pandemic, internal protests, climate-induced disasters and economic shocks and emerged as growing nation with potential economy. The continued path of economic growth, improved infrastructure, seeking more FDI, reliance on hi tech growth, self-sufficiency in energy and defence sectors and a clean, stable political environment are few domestic agendas that will pave way for facing the new geo political challenges in future.
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL
Congress must learn from its defeats in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to be the most powerful leader in the country. Under Modi’s leadership, dislodging BJP from power in 2024 seems impossible. The defeat of the Left-Congress alliance in Tripura holds key to future alliances. The Congress leadership should be as wary about some of the regional parties as regional parties are about the Congress. It has to prove it is more trustworthy than the BJP. As for Trinamool Congress, the party was all sound and fury before and during the election but ended in a whimper. The party may have spoilt the show for the Congress and Left.
In a statement at a conference in New Delhi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Russia, India, China troika was still functioning. The troika concretised after a meeting between the foreign ministers of the three countries in February 2022. Observers viewed it as an arrangement to contain America. It also saw the emergence of a bipolar world which would no longer tolerate bullying by the US. Troika’s surprising part is the sitting together of India and China despite their deep difference with Russia playing the balancing role. Russia, India and China are also part of BRICS, along with Brazil and South Africa. There is a growing unease over China’s growing military and economic might. Although their enunciated policy makes no mention of China being in its crosshairs, Quad members---Australia, US, India and Japan ---came together only to counter its increasing influence. For India it is running with the hare and hunting with the hound to play safe.
The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice.
Bhagavad GitaAmit Shah @AmitShah
Dynastic and corrupt politics of the Congress-JD(S) are to be uprooted to fulfil lord Basavanna’s dream. People gathered in large numbers at a rally in Bidar to pledge to re-elect BJP with a two-thirds majority in Karnataka.
Was happy to speak with the Defence Minister of Israel, Major General Yoav Gallant. India attaches tremendous importance to its relations with Israel. Looking forward to work closely with him towards strengthening the defence cooperation between both the countries.
Dr Jagdeesh Chandra
Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
most powerful leader in the country
New Delhi: Ex-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi due to bronchitis. In a statement, the hospital said the 76-year-old is stable. She was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, a spokesperson said. P6
Mumbai: The Sensex jumped nearly 900 points and the Nifty rallied over 272 points on Friday, bouncing back from the previous day’s fall, following a positive trend in global equities and fresh foreign fund inflows. The BSE Sensex rallied 899.62 points or
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Major General Yoav Gallant and is understood to have discussed key projects relating to co-development of military hardware. P6
New Delhi (PTI): PM Narendra Modi on Friday said “out-of-the-box thinking” and “longterm vision” can take tourism to new heights, and added that villages in far-flung areas of India have now come up on the map of tourism.
Addressing a postbudget webinar on ‘Developing Tourism in Mission Mode’, he also pitched for devolving applications which will have information in multiple languages of India and those listed in the United Nations besides multilingual sig-
20 ADDL JUDGES TO BE ELEVATED AS PERMANENT JUDGES
New Delhi: The Centre on Friday notified the elevation of 20 additional judges to permanent Judges in various High Courts, Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted on Friday. P6
QUAD CALLS FOR
JUST AND LASTING
PEACE IN UKRAINE
New Delhi: The foreign ministers of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) on Friday called for lasting peace in Ukraine and concurred without naming Russia that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is “inadmissible”. P7
UZBEK KIDS’ DEATHS: 3
STAFFERS OF PHARMA
FIRM HELD IN NOIDA
Noida: The local police on Friday nabbed 3 people for manufacture and sale of duplicate medicines linked with the pharmaceutical firm that manufacrtured cough syrup whose use allegedly led to death some children in Uzbekistan last year. P7
NIA ATTACHES PAK
TERRORIST BASIT
AHMAD’S PROPERTY
New Delhi: Continuing its strong action against terrorists operating from Pakistan soil, the NIA has attached the property of Pakistan-based listed terrorist Basit Ahmad Reshi in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baramulla district. P7
The prime minister elaborated on how this year’s Union Budget would help the tourism sector and create many economic opportunities for the youth.
“This webinar today is for transformation of the tourism sector, and when all stakeholders come together, we reach desired results and within stipulated time frame,” he said.
nages at tourist sites. He said the India of today is moving forward with a “new work culture”. He expressed delight at the appreciation shown towards this
year’s budget by the people of India, and said had it been an old world culture, no one would have thought of such post-budget webinars.
Union Home Minister lashes out at Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for objectionable slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Bidar (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lashed out at Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for objectionable slogans against PM Narendra Modi, and said that their prayers would not be heard as the people of the country are praying for his long life.
“Congress is not left with any source of winning. The level of Congress is falling day by day under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. These people are raising slogans ‘Modi teri kabar khudegi’ and AAP says ‘Modi Tu Mar Ja’. God will not listen to you because 130 crore people are praying for PM Modi’s long life,” Shah said here.
Naming Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar and former state CM Siddaramaiah, Shah said that the leaders would not succeed no matter how much they “abuse” the Prime Minister.
He also spoke about the results of the three Northeastern states — Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya and said that the party has been wiped off from the region.
Bidar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday offered prayers at Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara in Karnataka’s Bidar during his day-long visit to the state. Shah will flag off BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp Rath Yatra’ and also address a public meeting in Bidar on Friday. His visit to Karnataka is crucial as Assembly Elections to the 224 seats in the state are likely to be held in May.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CONCLAVE
`87,000 crore worth MoU signed, 8400 people will get employment
Energy Sectoral Portal launched
Vikas Sharma
Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot said on Friday that today global warming and climate change is a matter of concern for the world. “The world is serious about environmental protection. This has increased the importance of renewable
energy sources. Due to investment-friendly policies of State govt, Rajasthan is at the first place in India in the renewable energy sector. Investors are coming forward to set up wind power, hybrid plants and green hydrogen projects along with solar power in the State. P10
New Delhi: EAM S Jaishankar on Friday likened PM Narendra Modi to a cricket captain saying he gave his bowlers freedom while expecting them to take wickets. He said Modi’s knack of taking tough decisions was also on display when India decided to announce the lockdown after the outbreak of Covid. P7
Washington: US State Dept spokesperson
“To give new heights to tourism in India, we will have to think out of the box and work with a long-term planning,” the PM said.
Ned Price said, “India has the ability we have seen from PM Modi to speak with tremendous moral clarity. When Modi said last year “this is not an era of war”, the world listened as they should because when PM Modi and his country said something to that effect.
New Delhi: Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur while criticising former Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his statement regarding Pegasus, said that Pegasus existed in Gandhi’s heart and mind and it had become his habit to defame India in foreign lands using the foreign media, agencies and friends.
In his speech at Cambridge, Congress leader stirs row with claims that several politicians had Pegasus on their phones Cambridge (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack at the Centre during a lecture at Cambridge University, alleging that an attack has been unleashed on the Indian democracy while also claiming that Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to snoop into his phone. Rahul claimed that he had been warned by the intelligence officers to be “careful” while speaking on phone as his calls were being recorded. He further said that constraints were being put on the Parliament, press and the Judiciary in the country.
Kolkata: In a blow to hopes of a grand Opposition alliance against the BJP at the Centre, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has vowed to go it alone in next year’s Lok Sabha polls. After the ruling TMC lost the Sagardighi bypoll in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, to the Congress, Mamata said the result exposed the “unholy alliance” of BJP, Congress and the CPI(M).
EXCISE
MOVES
New Delhi: Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia, presently in CBI remand, moved a regular bail petition in a trial court on Friday. He was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD. According to the lawyer concerned, hearing on the bail plea will be held on Saturday.
PAWAN
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday extended till March 17 the interim bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case related to alleged objectionable remarks he made against PM Narendra Modi.
Bengaluru (ANI): The anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta on Friday raided the residence of BJP MLA Maadal Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Maadal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash. The search was still on. Earlier on Thursday, Karnataka Lokayukta officers caught Virupakshappa’s son taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. According to Lokayukta officails, more than Rs 1.7 crore in cash was found at Prashanth Madal’s office on Thursday. P6
The Lokayukta officials counting the seized cash.
MLA STEPS DOWN AS KSDL CHIEF AFTER RAID
Bengaluru: BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa on Friday resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited hours after the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the house of his son Prashant Madal.
New Delhi: In the Hijab row, the Supreme Court on Friday assured the petitioner that it will constitute a bench and hear the plea, seeking to allow female students to appear in the examination wearing Hijab in Karnataka.
Conrad Sangma is likely to take oath as the Meghalaya CM on March 7. NPP MLA Prestone Tynsong said that the oath-taking would likely to place on March 7.
The second BJP-led govt is likely to assume office in Tripura on March 8, outgoing CM Manik Saha said on Friday, after submitting his resignation letter to Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya. P7
Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has urged the Election Commission of India (EC) to derecognise the TMC as a national party.
Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma & Aishwary Pradhan
Jaipur: In a new initiative, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Dr CP Joshi has started asking the starred questions of absent MLAs during the Question Hour. He has started taking up the starred questions and asked other MLAs to take up questions of absent MLAs of both the ruling party and the Opposition on Friday. Joshi also asked supplementary questions to the ministers.
Dr Joshi also provided an opportunity to the MLAs who came after the question number was announced during the Question Hour in the House to ask questions later. With this new initiative of the Speaker, answers to all the questions from the list of starred questions were presented in the House.
On Friday, when many MLAs remained absent during the Question Hour, the
SMOOTH PLYING OF E-RICKSHAWS IN AJMER ASSURED
Jaipur (PTI): Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Transport Brijendra Ola on Friday assured the House that effective steps would be taken for smooth plying of e-rickshaws in the Ajmer city. Ola was replying to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani during Zero Hour in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday. The minister said that on receipt of applications for e-rickshaws in the Ajmer city, registration and licenses are made according to rules. In Ajmer city, 1,672 passenger e-rickshaws and 153 heavy vehicle e-carts are registered.
Speaker himself had to ask questions and also asked other MLAs to ask questions.
On behalf of BJP
MLA Kailash Chand Meghwal, Joshi asked a question related to the vacant posts of patwaris in Shahpura assembly constituency. He also asked question on behalf of Ved Solanki about reservation for Divyangs in nongovernment areas.
MLAs Ramniwas Gawriya and Hakam Ali also did not come to the House during the Question Hour. Shafia Zubair asked questions on behalf of Ramnivas Gawriya.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Cabinet Minister Mining and GauPalan, Pramod Bhaya on Friday assured to recommend relaxation in the rule of giving funds to institutions from the MLA Fund.
He said that there is a rule that a maximum amount of Rs 10 lakh can be given to gaushalas at one go from the
First India Bureau
Jaipur: During the debate on medical demands on Friday, BJP
MLA Abhinesh Mehrishi accused Dr Sudhir Bhandari, former principal of SMS Medical College, of gross negligence in his treatment. There was a lot of uproar in the House after the CM was mentioned in this matter.
“I was admitted in RUHS due to Covid-19. I am narrating the incident of what Dr Bhandari did to me.
One day suddenly in the morning Dr Bhandari came to me with the
MLA fund. He said that rules should be relaxed for the strengthening and development of gaushalas. Bhaya said that on the basis of the feedback, relaxation has been given earlier in the procedures of giving funds to institutions for grant and maintenance by the state government from the MLA fund and Gaushalas have also got its benefit.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena said that Rajasthan has become a model state in the country in the field of health.
He said that through the Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme, the state government has expanded health facilities in the state in such a way that the common man has been freed from the worry of expensive treatment forever. The minister was replying to the debate for grants of the medical and health department in the Vidhan Sabha on Friday. After debate, the House unanimously passed the demands for grants.
The minister highlighted the achievement of the state government during the reply..
He said that all nursing colleges announced will start from this session. The minister also spoke about Narpat Singh and said that those who are ill will get their cards made by the
collector. He said that no one complained that treatment was not done.
“The government is getting the treatment done with 2200 crores. Our government is responsible for the treatment of common and poor people,” he said. The health minister said that no discrimination was made in appointing doctors.
“Where there was a shortage, doctors have been appointed,” he said.
He said that doctors have been appointed in health centers where there was not a single doctor and they will not be transferred before 2 years.
The minister said that action against CMHO and Block
team. My family members were also called. I asked him what happened. Dr Bhandari stood at a distance and told me to keep calm. I got four injections. Some medicines were also given,” he said.
“When I asked for the report, I was shocked to see it. There was a patient named Abhishek.
I called up Dr Bhandari.
I said that I am the MLA of the opposition, so maybe the Chief Minister would have asked to kill me,” he alleged. Cong MLAs, however, demanded removal of the comment made against CM Gehlot.
There will be no Assembly meeting on Saturday and the proceedings of the House will be held directly on March 13. On March 17, CM Gehlot will answer on the Finance and Appropriation Bill. Assembly proceedings will continue till March 20. The House almost remained empty during the Question Hour on Friday as many MLAs from both the parties did not attend. Many ministers also remained absent during the Question Hour. The BAC meeting was held in the Speaker’s chamber.
First India Bureau Jaipur: BJP State president Dr Satish Poonia expressed concern over the increasing cases of student suicides. He moved an adjournment motion under Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly, in which he said that the maximum number of suicides are being committed by students in Kota. The state government should make serious efforts for innovation to stop this and
boost their morale.
He said that 10,000 youths commit suicide, of which 2,442 are students. In Kota division alone, 55 children have committed suicide and in 2022, 16
First India Bureau
Jaipur: In the last two years, 27 prisoners escaped, breaking the security of jails equipped with hi-tech and state-of-the-art resources. Although the government caught 25 of these prisoners and put them back in jail, but two prisoners are still absconding, Jail Minister Minister Ti-
karam Jully told the House on Friday. BJP MLA Kalich-
aran Saraf asked a question about the security of the state’s jails during the Question Hour Jully said that in our 4-year rule, there have been only 8 incidents of escape of prisoners from jails, during BJP tenure there were 11 incidents. Action was taken against the officers and employees who were found guilty.
children have committed suicide.
“There is this tension between the kids due to coaching. I think that children from all over the country come, but the way the children of Rajasthan and that Kota division in Rajasthan have committed suicide one after the other. The state government should take it seriously,” he said.
There should be a good counseling system for the students, some responsibility should be fixed on them.
INVISIBLE POWER RUNNING STATE HEALTH DEPT: LAHOTI
Jaipur: BJP MLA Ashok Lahoti raised questions on the shortcomings of the state’s health system. Lahoti said, “What is the invisible power in the health department that sits there on a chair and gives instructions to all the officers of Rajasthan. Who are such people who sit in the health building and direct the officers of Rajasthan.” The MLA said that at the time of the covid pandemic, black fungus injections worth Rs 220 crores were bought in Rajasthan but if the figure of procurement in all the states is accessed, then things will become clear.
CMHO on carelessness.
Meena said that the Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme is proving to be a boon for the common people. In this, the amount of insurance has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh in the budget of 2023-24. He said that due to the effective implementation of the scheme, treatment of serious diseases is being done easily. “Now treatment has been allowed in hospitals outside the state as well. At present, about 1 crore 38 lakh families of the state are linked to the Chiranjeevi Yojana and 90 percent of the state’s population has been covered by insurance,” he said.
‘IF NOT CENTRE, STATE GOVT WILL OPEN 8K ANGANWADIS’
VARIOUS BILLS TO BE PASSED IN ASSEMBLY ON MARCH 17
R evenue Minister Ramlal Jat said in the Assembly on Friday that it has happened for the first time in the state that most of the posts of Patwari are filled. He said that Patwari recruitment has been announced by the CM in this budget as well. After this the remaining posts will also be filled soon.
Jat said that only 10 to 12 per cent posts of Patwaris are vacant in the state. He was responding to a question of MLA Kailash Chand Meghwal, who was absent, and his question was raised by Speaker Dr CP Joshi.
ONLY 10-12% PATWARI POSTS VACANT IN STATE: RAMLAL JAT HONORARIUM OF HOME GUARDS TO BE PAID IN 2 MONTHS: GUDHA W omen and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh said in the State Assembly on Friday that in the budget announcement 2023-24, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has taken a sensitive decision to open 8,000 new Anganwadi centres and 2,000 mini Anganwadi centers. She said that despite writing letters several times, due to the Central Government not granting permission to open new Anganwadi centers, now the State Government has decided to open these centres.
Minister of State for Home Defence and Civil Security Rajendra Singh Gudha assured in the Assembly on Friday that the outstanding honorarium of 72 Home Guard volunteers appointed in June 2021 at the check posts set up in Dungarpur district to prevent child labour migration is Rs 34.72 lakh and payment will be made within two months. He informed that the process of approval from the Finance Department has been started by the department for payment of arrears.
First India Bureau
Jaipur: Food and Civil Supplies Min Pratap Singh Khachariyawas on Friday asked why the BJP was having stomach ache on the birthday celebration of former CM Vasundhara Raje. He also advised that BJP should do politics keeping Vasundhara satisfied. “When the supporters
of Vasundhara Raje announced the birthday celebration, Yuva morcha also announced a demonstration on the same day. They could have done it the next day,” he said.
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s budget suggestions will be discussed in the Assembly on March 17. On the same day, the Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill will be passed after debate. On this day the CM can make many big announcements. In the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), the work of the Assembly has been decided till March 20. The BAC has made some changes, earlier the proceedings of the Assembly were to go on tomorrow on Saturday and the grant demands of tribal area development were to be discussed.
First India Bureau Jaipur: Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Tikaram Jully said in the Assembly on Friday that the disabled are being benefited by the State Government
through various welfare schemes. He said that 4 per cent reservation is being given to the disabled in government services in the State.
Apart from this, in addition to the pension amount, an assistance
of Rs. 1,000 per month is also being given to the specially abled people who are dependent on others for doing their daily work. He was responding to a question of MLA Ved Prakash Solanki.
‘BJP having stomach ache over Raje’s b’day celebration’
Min Bhaya assures relaxation in granting ‘gaushala funds’Minister Parsadi Lal Meena speaks during Assembly session.
Hapreet Singh
Hanumangarh: The ACB arrested Subhash Saharan Regional Deputy Director Agriculture Marketing Department Hanumangarh for taking a bribe of Rs one lakh on Friday. ACB
ADG Hemant Priyadarshy (Additional Charge Director General) said that a complaint was given to ACB’s Hanumangarh unit by complainant that Saharan in lieu of sending the letter to the District Industry Centre Hanumangarh after reporting on the exemption received from the Agriculture Marketing Dept demanded Rs 2 lakh bribe amount.
After verifying the
complaint, a trap was laid and Subhash Saharan was arrested for taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant.
Under the direction of IG ACB Sawai Singh Godara, the accused was being interrogated and searches were conducted at his premises.
Kota: Jhalawar ACB team while taking action in Kota’s Bapawar on Friday caught Babulal Gurjar (Forest Guard) and Jagdish Prasad Gochar (Cattle Guard) taking a bribe of Rs 5000. According to officials, the complaint said that Gurjar and Gochar demanded Rs 6,000 monthly in lieu of allowing tractor’s movement around Parvan river. After verifying the complaint, ACB Jhalawar unit, laid a trap and arrested them red-handed while taking the bribe.
Abhishek Shrivastava
Jaipur: A team Jaipur Development Authority suddenly reached Sardar Patel Marg to take possession of a land located there. The team led by JDC Ravi Jain took possession of about 3000 square yards of land. Some members of Gadia Luhar families and others living there reached the spot following the action.
During this, JDA also removed the mesh on a part of the land. The land on the other side of the mesh was being used as a parking lot by
First India Bureau
Jaipur : A case of mass cheating surfaced during the examination of UGC NET examination at Nitin Public Senior Secondary School in Jaipur on Friday. The students alleged that the first shift paper of UGC NET of Geography subject was held on Friday, during which, the students went inside the examination hall with mobile phones and solved the paper with the help of the internet.
“Students were allowed to carry mobiles inside the examination hall. There was no teacher in the examination hall and students were cheating in groups. The paper should be cancelled,” said the students. “One of the students also recorded the video of the examination hall where students were doing mass cheating. Following the ruckus, the school management fled from the spot and police officials from Bajaj Nagar Police Station reached the spot,” added a source.
JDA SEALS
Jaipur: The enforcement wing of Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Friday sealed a three-storey illegal building in the Rampura area in Sanganer. Officials informed that four plots were reconstituted illegally and construction was done on zero setbacks on the 600 square yards plot. “The plot is situated in Narayan Vihar – C scheme on Rampura Road. Construction of the basement and two stories were done while the third floor was about to be constructed. The enforcement wing sealed the building and stopped the construction,” said a JDA official.
a hotel. JDA also got the buses removed from there.
Soon after, representatives of the erstwhile royal family reached the spot and protested and also showed their papers. They said that the decree of the land
Kota: The special team of ACB Kota arrested from Jaipur Excise Inspector Virendra Singh, who was absconding for three months in the case of illegal recovery of money. The court sent the accused in judicial custody. DSP
Dharamveer Singh, in-charge of ACB Kota, said that Singh was posted in Ramganjmandi and had additional charge of Kota Rural, including Kota South and North. On May 25, 2019, a surprise inspection was done by ACB team and Rs 55,900 recovered from him. Later, it was found that the excise inspector was coming to Kota with the amount illegally recovered from liquor shops and a case was registered.
Udaipur (ANI): Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) on Friday removed illegal portions of a farmhouse belonging to suspended Additional SP Ajmer Divya Mittal.
“The permission was given for the construction of a farmhouse but a hotel was being run on the land. Additional con-
struction was made without permission,”
Nitendra Pal Singh, Secretary UIT told reporters. “60% of the total construction was found to be illegally made. And on the basis of which the removal action was taken,” Singh added. ASP Mittal was arrested by the Rajasthan
ACB on January 16 for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 2 cr. It was alleged that ASP Mittal demanded a bribe from a suspected drug dealer and even got a broker to threaten him with a case under Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 if he refused to comply.
First India Bureau
which is being used for parking is in their favour. Zone Deputy Commissioner Anju Verma asked them to come to the JDA on the next working day to present their side. JDA Property board was also installed on the spot.
First India Bureau Jaipur: The State government on Friday issued clarification regarding residential use of farm houses. The residential use will be 10 percent of the coverage area or 500 sq meter, whichever is less. The UDH order in this regard clarifies about the land use of the mixed plot. The entire plot can be used for single commercial use. A maximum of 50 percent will be used for commercial purposes.
Bharatpur: People holding a sit-in demonstration at the cemetery of Ghatmika village in Bharatpur after the killing of Nasir and Junaid ended the stir after CM Ashok Gehlot announced the immediate arrest of the accused and financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
However, the relatives of Nasir and Junaid were
not in the dharna. Villagers sat on dharna on the evening of Feb 17. Three days later, they reached
the Idgah for protest. The protesters demanded financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh, a govt job and ar-
rest of Monu Manesar.
On Thursday, when CM Gehlot reached Ghatmika village and assured financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to Nasir and Junaid’s children and family members and arrest of the accused as soon as possible, the protest was called off.
Meanwhile, internet service resumed in Kaman, Kaithwara, Pahari and Gopalgarh after three days.
Our dream is to make Delhi the centre of education for the whole world
Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal on Friday attended an Excellence in Education Award event where he felicitated a number of students of Delhi and said his dream is to make Delhi a centre of education for the whole world.
Speaking at the event, CM Kejriwal said, “A few days ago I met a woman on a flight who said that last year she also received the Excellence Award from a school. She was proud of it and I also felt good. We have been giving this award teachers of children since 2015. Now people consider this award as a big medal.”
“When I was giving awards to the students, I saw confidence and hap-
A few days ago I met a woman on a flight who said that last year she also received the Excellence Award from a school. She was proud of it and I also felt good. We have been giving this award teachers of children since 2015. Now people consider this award as a big medal.
—Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister
piness on their faces. Students who didn’t receive the award this year I wish in coming years they will also receive the award,” he added.
In the last seven-eight years, the education gap between private and government schools has ended. Excellence Award is the confluence of both education systems. Now there is no discrimination between government and private
schools, Kejriwal added.
He added, “There are around 1800 Municipal Corporation of Delhi schools. Their conditions are also not good but we will start trying to fix them soon.”
Our dream is to make Delhi the centre of education for the whole world. To improve education quality in the national capital the teachers and principals of both private and government schools have
HC DISMISSES PETITION FILED BY UP GOVT SEEKING BAIL CANCELLATION OF AZAM KHAN
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by the Uttar Pradesh Government seeking bail cancellation of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. The High Court told the UP government to go to a lower court to file a petition in this matter. The hearing of the case was done under a single bench of Justice DK Singh. Uttar Pradesh Government had filed an application in the High court for cancellation of bail granted in 13 cases to Azam Khan.
SC RESERVES ORDER ON BAIL PLEA OF KOREGAON ACCUSED
GIVE REP. BEFORE EC ON PLEA ABOUT CRIMINAL HISTORY: SC
worked hard. The results so far are good and we will definitely succeed, the CM said.
Earlier on February 28, Delhi Deputy Minister Manish Sisodia resigned from the cabinet.
The development comes after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia was arrested on February 26, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
New Delhi: The AAP will be conducting 2,500 nukkad sabhas across Delhi to reach out to people and inform them about BJP’s “authoritarianism”, following the arrest of its senior leader and former minister Manish Sisodia by the CBI. On Thursday, an organisational meeting was chaired by Delhi state convenor Gopal Rai and the state unit decided to organise mohalla sabhas and nukkad sabhas to reach out to the residents and inform them “about the misuse of central agencies by the Modi government”, the AAP said. Rai said that a volunteer meeting will be held in all 70 assembly constituencies in Delhi on March 3 to “expose” the BJP.
Madal is untraceable and has applied for a pre-arrest bail, sources said
Bengaluru: A Karna-
taka BJP MLA has been named as the main accused after an eye-popping mountain of cash worth over 8 crore was found in searches at his home and office and his bureaucrat son was caught accepting a bribe, officials said on Friday, in a huge embarrassment for the party trying to woo voters for elections later this year. The anti-corruption wing of the Lokayukta - the state's ombuds-
New Delhi (PTI): Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has termed as “untrue” Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement that the parliamentary IT committee has given a “thumbs up” to the revised draft of the data protection bill, and said the bill has not been formally sent to the panel.
Karti Chidambaram’s party colleague Shashi Tharoor called for widespread consultation on the bill.
man - dug out 6 crore in cash at the home of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa and 1.75 crore from his office after his son Prashanth Madal was caught tak-
ing a bribe on Thursday. According to sources, the MLA is untraceable and has applied for a pre-arrest bail. The search went on till late in the night.
LOKAYUKTA IS INDEPENDENT, CULPRITS MUST BE PUNISHED: CM BOMMAI Bengaluru (ANI): Reacting to raid conducted by the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta at the house of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa’s son Prashant Madal, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai on Friday said that Lokayukta is independent, and let free and fair investigation happen. “The reason behind restarting Lokayukta is to curb corruption in the state. In the Congress regime, many such cases were found but later it was closed. The anti-corruption wing Lokayukta is independent and lets free and fair investigation happen. There has to be an action against those who are guity,” CM Bommai said. “Our motive is to punish culprits, all details are with Lokayukta, whose money was that, where it comes from, everything must come out,” he added. “Earlier (during Congress regime) Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) closed many corruption cases and stopped investigations. Let everything be investigated and the truth come out, we will investigate all those cases,” he added.
Vaishnaw on Thursday said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has given a “thumbs up” for the revised draft of the data protection law.
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Major General Yoav Gallant and is understood to have discussed key projects relating to co-development of military hardware. In a tweet, Singh said India attaches “tremendous importance” to its relations with Israel.
“Was happy to speak with the Defence Minister of Israel, Major General Yoav Gallant. India
attaches tremendous importance to its relations with Israel,” Singh said. “Looking forward to work closely with him towards
strengthening the defence cooperation between both the countries,” he said. Netanyahu is expected to visit India this year.
New Delhi: Another letter by incarcerated alleged conman, Sukesh Chandrashekhar has now surfaced, which is addressed to the media and social media pages, making fresh allegations against Delhi CMr Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. Chandrashekhar, who is lodged in the national capital’s Mandoli jail, has alleged in his five-page letter that Sisosdia’s arrest by CBI is just a starting and that he has “looted commissions” in every department that he was heading as being a Deputy Chief Minister.
Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital, condition stable
New Delhi: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi due to bronchitis. In a statement, the hospital said that the 76-year-old is stable.
Gandhi was admitted to the hospital yesterday, a hospital spokesperson said.
New Delhi: The SC on Friday reserved an order on the bail pleas of Bhima Koregaon case accused Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, lodged in jail since August 2018. Gonsalves and Ferreira had approached the SC against an order by which the Bombay High Court denied them default bail, even as the same benefit was granted to another co-accused, Sudha Bharadwaj.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the petitioner to give representation before Election Commission with his plea seeking the candidate's criminal antecedents, assets and liabilities and educational qualifications. With this direction, a bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud disposed of the plea filed by doctor Adwaita Gahlot Kapur and Advocate Sanjana Gahlot.
NOT COMPLETELY OPPOSED TO RSS ROUTE MARCHES: TAMIL NADU GOVT TELLS SC
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu govt on Friday told the Supreme Court that they are not totally against the RSS route march but can’t permit it in sensitive locations. RSS on Friday also assured the Supreme Court that it is not going to hold any route march on March 5 in Tamil Nadu as the organisation has decided to postpone the rally. Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for RSS, told the Supreme Court the organisation is not going to do anything till March 11 or March 12.
EXAMINE ABNORMAL PREGNANCY OF 27
WEEKS: HC TO AIIMS
New Delhi: The Delhi HC on Friday directed the AIIMS to constitute a medical board to examine the woman who has sought permission to terminate 27 weeks of pregnancy. The woman has said that the foetus is suffering from cardiac abnormality. Justice Prathiba M Singh said, "considering the nature of abnormality let a medical board be constituted by the AIIMS."
DS Rana, Chairman, Trust Society, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said Mrs Gandhi has been admitted to the hospital under the supervision of Arup Basu, senior consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, and his team, "on account of fever".
The bulletin said, "Sonia Gandhi is under observation and undergoing investigations. Her condition is stable."
This is the second time she has been admitted to a hospital this year. In January, Sonia Gandhi had been admitted to a Delhi Hospital for treatment of a viral respiratory infection.
20 JUDGES ELEVATED AS PERMANENT JUDGES IN 4 HIGH COURTS
New Delhi: The Centre Govt on Friday notified the elevation of 20 additional judges to permanent Judges in various High Courts. Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday tweeted in this regard and wished them best wishes. “As per relevant provisions under the Constitution, the following Additional Judges are appointed as Permanent Judges of respective HCs.”, he tweeted.
DENYING ADMISSION UNDER EWS CATEGORY FRUSTRATES RIGHT TO EDUCATION: DELHI HC
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court said that the denial of admission by a school under the EWS/DG category even after allotment of school by the Directorate of Education (DOE), frustrates the noble objective of the Right to Education Act, 2009. “It violates the fundamental rights of children belonging to the EWS/DG category, as enshrined under Article 21-A of the Constitution, as also undermining the object of the RTE Act, 2009”, said the Delhi High Court.
SC REJECTS MALLYA’S PLEA AGAINST BID TO DECLARE HIM FUGITIVE
New Delhi: The SC Friday dismissed a plea by beleaguered Vijay Mallya challenging the proceedings in a Mumbai court to declare him a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his properties. The apex court dismissed the petition for non-prosecution after the counsel representing Mallya submitted that he was not getting any instructions from the petitioner in the matter.
JUSTICE AMIT SHARMA OF DELHI HC AS PERMANENT JUDGE
New Delhi: In an addition to the list of Delhi HC permanent judges, the Centre has issued a notification for the appt of Justice Amit Sharma, who was earlier practicing as an Additional Judge. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday took to Twitter to post the list of additional judges, who have been appointed as permanent judges in the high courts of Allahabad, Bombay, Delhi and Madras.
Bhopal (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Seventh International Dharma Dhamma Conference, organised by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Sanchi University of BuddhistIndic Studies, in Madhya Pradesh’s capital Bhopal on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the President has said that the great banyan tree of Indian spirituality has its roots in India and its branches
and vines are spread all over the world.
“For scholars, there are different schools of philosophy. But the mystics of the world speak the same language. When realised souls decided to become compassionate teachers or gurus, their traditions came into existence. Many such traditions originated in India and have been flourishing across the world,” she said.
“The concept of
Dharma-Dhamma has been the basic voice of Indian consciousness.
In our tradition it is said, ‘Dharyate anen iti dharmah’ – that which supports is dharma.
The entire humanity rests on the foundation stone of religion. Progress of individuals and society with the spirit of friendship, compassion and nonviolence as well as free from attachment and hatred, has been the main message of Eastern humanism. Personal conduct and social order based on morality
is the practical form of Eastern humanism. It has been considered the duty of every person to preserve and strengthen such a system based on morality,” the President said. She added that Eastern humanism looked at the universe as a moral stage and not as a material battle-ground. In the building and sustaining of this moral order, every individual has to be action-oriented and not rely on fate.
‘Data protection bill not formally sent to IT panel’
New Delhi: The foreign ministers of Quad countries today reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment for a free and open Indo-Pacific and said it strongly supports the rule of law, sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes, in comments seen as an oblique message to China.
After External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi and Australia’s Penny Wong met, it was announced that a Quad working group on counter-terrorism would be established to explore measures to counter new and emerging forms of terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism.
The ministers vowed to work closely to align and complement Quad’s agenda with Japan’s presidency of the G7, India’s presidency of the G20 and the United States’ APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) “host year” in 2023.
Following the meet-
CRUCIAL READ
AIIMS TO PAIR WITH DELHI GOVT HOSPS TO ENSURE REFERRAL OF PATIENTS
New Delhi: With the aim of strengthening quality healthcare in the national capital, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena chaired a meeting with various stakeholders on Friday to evolve a formal system for referral of patients between the premiere AIIMS and other government hospitals in the city. According to the LG office, the objective behind the move is to optimally utilize the vacant beds in govt hospitals where critical but stable patients from AIIMS.
Kerala: A major fire that broke out at Kochi-based Brahmapuram waste treatment plant a day ago continues to burn despite efforts by the city’s Fire and Rescue Services to douse the blaze, officials said.A total of 16 pumping units and six JCBs have been deployed to bring the fire under control, the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said. “The fire started last evening and we tried to douse the fire yesterday itself.”
Tripura: The second BJP-led govt is likely to assume office in Tripura on March 8, outgoing Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Friday after submitting his resignation letter to Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya in the Raj Bhavan here. Saha while talking to the media said that the new BJP government is likely to assume office on March 8 when the Chief Minister and other ministers take oath. Newly elected members of BJP would meet here soon to finalise the necessary formalities, he said.
BJP NATIONAL GENERAL SECY BANSAL RETURNS TO UP TO GIVE BOOST TO BJP
Lucknow: After staying away from Uttar Pradesh for seven months, BJP national general secretary Sunil Bansal is back in Lucknow to take stock of the party’s preparedness for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Bansal has sought a detailed feedback from BJP leaders for seats in state which the party lost in the 2019 general elections. State leaders have been asked to step up work in the key assembly segments at the earliest.
New Delhi: The Central govt has appointed Rashmi Shukla, an IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre as the Director General (DG) of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Shukla has been an accused in a phone tapping case.She was accused of tapping the phones of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and NCP leader Eknath Khadse among others. A complaint had been registered in the matter, however the Eknath Shinde government rejected the demands to prosecute her.
ing, the four ministers attended a session at the Raisina Dialogue and spoke largely about the convergence of interests of the Quad member nations.
“For us the future is so much in the IndoPacific. Our engagement throughout the region, both through
the Quad and in other ways, is as comprehensive and as deep as any time I can remember,” Blinken said.
While Blinken and Ms Wong were in India to attend the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, Mr Hayashi came to Delhi to participate in the Quad meeting.
New Delhi (ANI): US Secy of State Antony Blinken on Friday arrived at Taj Palace to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meet on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue. A panel discussion on “The Quad Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon,” is going to be held today where Quad Foreign Ministers will be participating at the event from 9:10-9:50 am, which will be moderated by the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Samir Saran. The meeting will be chaired by EAM, S Jaishankar, and will see the participation of Foreign Ministers of Australia, Penny Wong & Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
Noida (ANI): The Noida Police on Friday arrested three people for manufacture and sale of duplicate medicines who are linked with the pharmaceutical firm that manufacrtured cough syrup whose use is alleged to have led to death some children in Uzbekistan last year.
The accused have been identified as Atul Rawat, Tuhin Bhattacharya and Mool Singh and were arrested from Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd. The case had been registered at Gautam Buddha Nagar Phase-3 Police Station under various sections of Drugs and Cosmetics
Act 1940. A probe had been launched last year launched an inquiry into the Noida-based drugs manufacturer after deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan had alleged that 18 children had died after consuming medicines manufac-
tured by the company.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation had conducted an inpsection following reports from Uzbekistan and all manufacturing activities of Marion Biotech at Noida unit were stopped till the completion of inquiry.
China: In a move to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, Quad members (Australia, India, Japan and the US) on Friday committed to supporting Pacific Island countries. “We are committed to supporting Pacific Island countries in line with the objectives of the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,
guided by Pacific priorities of climate change, resilient infrastructure and maritime security,” read Quad leaders joint statement. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong today attended the Quad Foreign Ministers Meet, in Delhi on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue.
Ram Temple at Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary
Apurva Chandra on Thursday reached Ayodhya on Thursday to take stock of the ongoing construction work of Ram temple there. He inspected the Ram temple construction site and discussed about the entire work with the site engineers.
Speaking to ANI, Apurva Chandra said, “Earlier no one was sure where the Ram temple would be made. Police were standing here earlier but today a temple is being made here. Everyone is waiting for this temple.”
New Delhi (ANI): Continuing its strong action against terrorists operating from Pakistan soil, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached the property of Pakistanbased listed terrorist Basit Ahmad Reshi in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Reshi’s agriculture land measuring 9.25 Marlas has been attached under the provi-
New Delhi: RJD MP Manoj Jha on Friday said that phone tapping is happening and no one can deny this fact. While speaking to ANI, RJD leader Manoj Jha said “Pegasus or no Pegasus phone tapping is happening”.
RJD leader further stated that BJP leaders fear talking to him over the phone. ” Many of my friends in BJP say to me let’s talk on signal not on a phone call as calls are getting tapped so this reality has to be accepted” he said.
sions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the NIA said in a statement. A resident
of Baramulla, Reshi is a ‘listed terrorist’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and
has been operating from Pakistan after his exfiltration to Pakistan. He has been found funding terror activities and acts in the valley, the NIA said on Friday. This action closely follows the attachment of the Srinagar-based property of Mushtaq Zargar alias Latram, the founder and Chief Commander of AlUmar Mujahideen, on Thursday.
NET PRACTICE
New Delhi (ANI): EAM
S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted three big issues that the Quad and the World needs to address, “resilient supply chain, digital challenge and connectivity,” at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting held on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2023. “Three big issues that Quad and the world needs to address and I think Quad can address and can make a difference. First, more reliable and resilient supply chain, second digital challenge of trust and transparency and third connectivity. I expect these to be a greater part of our agenda,” said Jaishankar. He also said that new things came out during Quad deliberations.
Ahtesham Siddiqui
Lucknow: The central government has accepted the resignation of the famous IAS Vidya Bhushan of Uttar Pradesh. The UP government had sent a proposal to the central government regarding the resignation of IAS Vidya Bhushan. Notably, IPS Alankrita Singh, wife of IAS Vidya Bhushan, is already under suspension, for going abroad without permission.
UP government has already accepted the resignation of IAS Vidya Bhushan and the proposal was sent to the Center. IAS Vidya Bhushan, of the 2008 batch, is originally from Bihar and has served as the DM of Amethi, Pratapgarh, Etawah.
IAS Vidya Bhushan, being MD PVVNL in Varanasi, had sent his resignation to the appointment department. He could not get VRS, so he submitted his resignation on medical basis.
Before the resignation of IAS Vidya Bhushan, the government had also approved VRS of IAS Juthika Patankar, IAS Renuka Kumar and IAS Vikas Gothalwal. Notably, in the Uttar Pradesh
bureaucracy Bhushan is considered a good and hardworking officer. He has claimed that his wife IPS Alankrita Singh had gone on foreign study leave, but she was suspended as her leave application was not accepted, due to which IAS Vidya Bhushan was also reportedly sad!
New Delhi (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a cricket team captain and said he gave his bowlers a certain amount of freedom while expecting them to take wickets.
Jaishankar said Modi’s knack of taking tough decisions was also on display when India decided to announce the lockdown after the outbreak of Covid, step
up production of vaccines, roll out an inoculation programme and help countries in need of vaccines.
“With Captain Modi, there is a lot of net practice. The net practice starts at 6 o’clock in the morning and goes on till fairly late,” Jaishankar said during an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former England cricketer Kevin Pieterson. He
said Captain Modi also gave a certain latitude to his colleagues and trusted them to deal with a particular situation. “If
you have a particular bowler you have trust in or you have seen perform, you would give them the latitude, you
throw the ball to them at the right moment. You trust them to deal with that particular situation,” he said.
“In that sense, Captain Modi does give his bowlers a certain amount of freedom. He expects you to take that wicket, if he gives you the chance to do it,” Jaishankar said.
He also recalled watching the prime minister take tough decisions when the Covid pandemic broke out
three years back.
“All of us, if we look back for the past three years, the decision to lockdown was a very very tough decision. But, it had to be taken at that point of time. If we now look back, what would have happened if we had not taken that decision,” Jaishankar said. He recalled how he had worked closely with Blair to ensure supply of raw materials for production of AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccines.
Nirmal Tiwari
Jaipur: On World Wildlife Day, a new conservation reserve was announced by state government on Friday. The forest department issued a notification in this regard and announced that the new conservation reserve will come up at Ramgarh Kunji Sunwas in Baran district. Officials informed that this will be the 22nd conservation reserve in Rajasthan. The reserve will be spread over 3808.84 forest area. On February 27, the forest department had notified Jhalana and Amagarh as 21st conservation reserves.
Although Rajasthan has three national parks, four tiger reserves, two Ramsar sites, National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, the introduction of Asiatic Lion and the African Cheetah could change the fate of the state.
Shergarh Sanctuary and Mukundra Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan are considered suitable for cheetahs. A fresh proposal is being prepared
NEWS DIGEST
MLA BALJEET YADAV HOLDS PROTEST RUN OVER UNEMPLOYEMENT IN UDAIPUR
at the Rajasthan Forest Department’s level regarding this.
According to wildlife experts, Mukundra’s enclosure can be a better option for African cheetahs as it can be used as a breeding centre as well.
On the other hand, Dholpur-Karauli and
Kumbhalgarh can be developed as new tiger reserves. Apart from tiger, panther, Great Indian Bustard, Indian wolf, gharial, river dolphin, some species of turtles, pangolin, vulture are in danger. Although there has been some increase in the number of vultures, it is not enough.
Nagaur: The oldest panther at Nahargarh Biological Park passed away on Friday. The 19-year-old panther, Bakshi, was suffering from agerelated ailments and was undergoing treatment under the supervision of senior veterinary doctor Dr Arvind Mathur. Officials informed the ailing panther breathed last on Friday evening while DFO Kapil Chandrawal and DCF Raghuveer Meena also condoled the death of the panther. Several big cats have died in Nahargarh Biological Park. On July 10, the lone white tiger Chinu died during treatment, while the panther that created panic in a village near Achrol also died during treatment. In last 33 months, 11 big cats have died in Nahargarh Biological Park.
Barmer: Finally the state govt had cleared the way for the state's first bajra (millet) research centre. In a recent meeting of the state cabinet, the Rajasthan govt had given green nod to the allotment of 40 hectares of land for the project at Gudamalani block inBarmer district. However, the project was to be set up two years ago but it was stuck between the state and Centre govt. The union govt had sanctioned the project two years ago but it remained in papers as the state govt did not allot the land for the project. On Tuesday during the cabinet meeting, the state govt allotted 40 hectares of land to project.
According to the official data, Rajasthan shares 42 percent of the country’s total bajra production. The country’s average bajra sowing
A millets village was set-up in Jodhpur during G-20 meetings.
Jaipur: The two-day 'Rajasthan Millets Conclave' will start from March 13 in the state capital Jaipur. Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Dinesh Kumar said in a statement that the year 2023 has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly to be celebrated as the International Millets Year, under which the Rajasthan Millets Conclave will be organised by the Agriculture Marketing Department on March 13 and 14, 2023 at the State Institute of Agricultural Management, Durgapura, Jaipur. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be the chief guest of the event, he said. The secretary said that more than 100 stalls of 'Millets Start Up' and Agro processing will be set up at the conclave. Kashiram Choudhary
area is around 9.8 million hectare and the production is 9.4 million tonne, against which Raj produces 3.75 (42%) million tonne bajra. India’s only bajra research cen-
tre is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. But states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, UP and MP are hardly getting any benefit from the centre.
Udaipur: Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav held a protest run in Gogunda assembly constituency of Udaipur on Friday. Yadav wore black clothes and protested against the state government and said that despite 75 years of independence, poor people and farmers are deprived of basic facilities. He demanded to give reservations to youths of Rajasthan in government jobs, reduce corruption and unemployment and separate jobs for TSP area among other things.
Pali: The HC stayed the suspension of Municipal Council Chairperson Rekha Bhati until March 8. High Court Judge Pushpendra Bhati gave a stay order. On Feb 14, the govt issued an order regarding her suspension in the case of contractor Hanuman Singh’s suicide. The order came from Hridesh Sharma, Director and Special Secy, LSG Department. However, on Feb 17, the Department appointed Netal Mewada as chairperson for the next 60 days. But after the stay order, Bhati will take charge again.
Aishwary Pradhan
Vikas Sharma
Bharatpur: A 16-year-old minor girl was allegedly strangulated to death by her brother in Kaman town of Bharatpur, police said. Police informed the accused, Alisher Khan, had been arrested. “Alisher argued with her sister on February 17. Following the argument, Alisher strangulated and killed her sister. He then threw her body at a farmland located in Karmuka village,” police said. “The girl’s body was recovered from the farmland next day. An FSL team & dog squad were called to investigate.” added police.
81-YR-OLD WOMAN DIES AFTER ‘SANTHARA’ FOR 65 DAYS, HER HUSBAND HAD DIED AFTER 18 DAYS
Barmer: An 81-years-old woman died here in Balotra town of Barmer on Friday after voluntarily fasting for around 65 days. Earlier her husband died after fasting for 18 days. Locals said that she was following a religious ritual called ‘Santhara’. According to the locals in the Jain community ‘Santhara’, is a religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. Whenever anybody takes Santhara he is glorified, lauded and honoured at community meetings by the religious leaders.
Jaipur: An interesting incident has occurred with the senior leader from Rajasthan which is one of the most talked about topic in the state’s political circles. In fact, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi received a call from Amit Shah’s office recently, which is the biggest discussion of the political corridors. recently, Dr Joshi’s phone rang and when the call was answered, it was learnt that the call had been made from Home Minister Amit Shah’s office.
However, that is when the reality of the development came into light. Shah wanted to talk to BJP MP from Chittorgarh CP Joshi, however, perhaps owing to some misunderstanding, Shah’s office accidentally rang Assembly Speaker CP Joshi. Interestingly, Speaker Joshi showed intelligence while anwering the call and told the caller, “Brother, see once, do you want to talk to me or Chittorgarh MP CP Joshi?” And after that the staff accepted the mistake and disconnected the call immediately!
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Sahitya Utsav will be organised at Janana Bagh in Jodhpur from March 25 to 27. Art and Culture Minister Dr BD Kalla on Friday launched the logo for the literature festival in Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK).
While addressing a press conference in JKK, Dr BD Kalla said that the main purpose of organising the Rajasthan Literature Festival is to make the younger generation aware of the rich literary tradition of the State. There will be 13 sessions in the programme.
Jaipur: The medical and health department has finally issued the posting orders of 1,763 medical officers. The candidates were eagerly waiting for the orders and shortly before the festival of Holi, they got the good news from the department.
The department finalized the posting process last night and the candidates got update on their mobile phones regarding the posting. Barring two candidates due to litigation matters, the orders were given to all other candidates. The posting was given through online process and as per their otion and the eligibility.
New Delhi(PTI): The National Green Tribunal has directed Rajasthan’s ACS, Mines and Geology, to look into alleged illegal mining of gypsum near the IndoPakistan border in Bikaner district and take remedial action.
The NGT was hearing a matter it had initiated on its own after taking cognisance of a media report about alleged illegal mining and issued a notice to the Rajasthan
state pollution control board (PCB).
A bench of Chairperson Justice AK Goel noted the board’s response according to which though mining was prohibited within one km of the border, it was found that illegal mining by an individual owner of land took place within 250 metres of the frontier to the extent of 172.5 tonnes of gypsum for which a penalty of Rs 2.96 lakh was collected.
First India Bureau
Jaipur: People from Ravana Rajput Community on Friday staged a protest at VT ground in the Mansarovar area and raised their various demands. Convenor of Shri Akhil Ravana Rajput Sewa Sansthan Ranjit Singh Sodala said that Ravana Rajput is a backward caste of OBC and its representa-
tion in governance is almost negligible. “Several govts came
and went since independence, but Ravana Rajput was always ne-
Rajendra Chhabra
Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot chaired an important meeting of Secretaries of various departments for the quick and effective implementation of budget announcements. During the meeting, CM expressed worry about the performance of Udaipur’s Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML). Directions were given to Mining
Department officials to take some major steps to better the situation in RSMML.
CM Gehlot’s worry for RSMML is obvious as in reality, RSMML is going through a bad phase. RSMML is one of the premier public sector enterprises of the government of Rajasthan, engaged in the mining and marketing of precious minerals in the state. Among all the Corporations of the State Government, the
RSMML, based in Udaipur, is the biggest ‘breadwinner.’ Till a few years back, it was earning a profit of more than Rs 4,00 crore per year but now, it has been limited to half of that amount, about Rs 2,00 crore. There can be several reasons for this prevailing situation, but a major reason for it is the lackadaisical attitude of DoP and its non-seriousness when it came to the
Managing Directors of the RSMML. There was a time when senior IAS offic-
ers were given the reins as MD and several bureaucrats played long innings like Anil Vaish
(6 years), PK Deb (5 years), Rajat Mishra (3 years) and Ajitabh Sharma (2 years). But today the situation is completely reversed.
During the tenure of the current government, the RSMML has seen no less than eight MDs. In fact, for several months, Director Mines & Divisional Commissioner were given additional charges to make ends meet! As of today, this situation prevails. Regular MD Karan
possible to fulfil reasonable demands of the community,” said Ranjit Singh Sodala.
glected. Due to lack of representation in administration, it is not
“CM Gehlot has also betrayed our community. No representation was given to Ravana Rajput community in various commissions and boards formed by the government,” Sodala said. Thousands of people gathered in Jaipur to protest against the govt.
Singh has gone on training to Mussoorie and Director Mines, Sandesh Nayak, has been given the additional charge. As such Karan Singh didn’t want to handle the responsibility of this post and had appealed to the DoP for his transfer.
As a result of frequent changes at the level of MD and appointing junior and inexperienced IAS as MD, the RSMML has suffered immensely. New
works and schemes are not being implemented and shortfalls can be seen in major and important decisions.
According to sources, RSMML’s interests have been kept on the back burner in recent tenders & MoUs with private firms for Limestone mining in Jaisalmer, Rock Phosphate in Udaipur, & Lignite in Nagaur. All this is happening due to weak, temporary, & inexperienced MDs.
‘Mining’ MDs out of RSMML, leave the premier corp in pit!
CM MEETS SECRETARIESAgitators of Ravana Rajput community at VT Road on Friday.
Laxman Raghav
Bikaner: A woman and her daughter were burnt alive in Chandasar village of the Gajner area on Thursday late night after the hut they were sleeping in caught fire. The woman’s husband also sustained burn injuries in the mishap. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Mamta and Khushi.
“Mamta’s husband Revantram also sustained burn injuries and was admitted to PBM Hospital for treatment. The woman’s family members have alleged that Mamta and
her daughter were murdered in a planned manner by her husband and in-laws,” police said.
Following the incident, senior police officials reached the spot and the matter is being investigated from every
angle. On the other hand, Mamta’s father Isrram, a resident of Lunkaransar, said that his daughter and granddaughter were burnt to death by Revantram, father-in-law Ramlal and mother-in-law Geeta in a consensus.
Shubham Jain
Ajmer: The world-famous International Holi Festival will be celebrated in Pushkar from March 4 to 7. A four-day programme has been prepared by the RTDC for this. Rajasthan Tourism Board President Dharmendra Singh Rathore, in a meeting with the officials at the district collectorate, issued guidelines for the Holi festival, in which na-
tional level artistes will perform.
Eminent talents will participate in this festival like Sur Bhajan singer Vidyasa will perform on March 4, Anu-
radha Podwal on March 5, Hariharan on March 6 and Amit Trivedi on March 7. A presentation will be made along with lighting a lamp at all the ghats of Pushkar and a Maha Aarti will also be organized. Tourists from India and abroad will participate in the festival. Programmes will be held at different places and the fair ground. Chief Minister of the state Ashok Gehlot and his cabinet has been invited.
Nagaur: The LDC of senior secondary school (Bassi) Nagaur, who set himself ablaze after not being relieved by the principal, succumbed to burn injuries on Friday during treatment in JLN Hospital of Ajmer. Police officials informed that LDC Ramsukh Meghwal was transferred to government school in Pilwa after being promoted to Additional Administrative Officer. “The principal Seema Chandel and staff members Dhannaram Mali, Mahaveer Nahar were not relieving him. After being harassed, Ramshukh poured petrol in the school premises on Thursday and set himself ablaze,” police said. —Narpat Joya
Naresh Sharma
Jaipur: An election related presentation was held at Chief Minister’s residence on Friday wherein an election management company gave a presentation. The late night presentation has been going on for the past two days ago in which state’s electoral equation and future planning is being focussed upon and various equations of victory were also discussed. The presentation was
on various issues including caste equation. CM Gehlot will soon come in election mode and thus a strategy was made for the promotion of govt schemes. Gehlot will tour the state with the theme of changing “customs”.
Jaipur (PTI): AusHeritage, Australia’s network of cultural heritage management organisations, and PDCOR Limited, a joint venture company promoted by the Rajasthan government and the IL&FS Group, signed an agreement on Friday for collaboration in the area of heritage.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the sidelines of a workshop with AusHeritage for preparing the Jaipur special area heritage plan. The
workshop is organised by the JDA, JMC Heritage, Jaipur Smart City Limited, and facilitated by PDCOR Limited. The MoU was signed
by the Chairman of AusHeritage, Vinod Daniel, and CEO of PDCOR, Dileep Kumar Chingapurath in presence of other officials.
Vikas Sharma
Jaipur: The State Government is committed to get the equipment required for renewable energy plants manufactured in Rajasthan itself so that along with environmental protection, employment can also be created at the local level,” Gehlot said while addressing the Renewable Energy Conclave organized under the joint aegis of RRECL, Rajasthan State Electricity Broadcasting Corporation Limited and Economic Times in Jaipur on Friday.
He said that Rajasthan has immense potential in the renewable energy sector. “The country’s largest solar park is located in Bhadla (Jodhpur). The state government is committed to promote renewable energy sources. Rajasthan’s contribution will be maximum in achieving national goals in this area. Due to Rajasthan’s excellent performance in renewable energy, the National Energy Conservation Award has been given in the year 2022 and RRECL has been awarded at the national level by the Ministry of Renewable Energy,” he said.
MoS for Energy
Bhanwar Singh Bhati said that the state’s infrastructure is best for renewable energy projects. CS Usha Sharma Chairman of RIICO, Kuldeep Ranka also addressed the mega event.
Tanuj Lata
The country’s largest solar park is located in Bhadla (Jodhpur). The state government is committed to promote renewable energy sources. Rajasthan’s contribution will be maximum in achieving national goals in this area. Ashok Gehlot, CM
Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will interact with SMS Alumni during the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of SMS Medical College today. The main event will be held at 11 am in the College building’s Academic Block and CM Ashok Gehlot has been invited as the Chief Guest of the programme. NMC Chairman Dr Suresh Sharma, ILBS Director Dr Shiv Sarin along with eminent personalities of medical field from all over nation will attend the event. SMS Medical College Principal Dr Rajeev Bagrahatta is engaged in finalising the preparations.
Sujangarh: Former CM Vasundhar Raje will address a mass gathering at Juliyasar after offering prayers at Salasar Balaji temple in Churu district today to mark her birthday, which falls on March 8. Raje camp has claimed that more than one lakh people will attend rally for which all preparations have been completed. Hoardings and posters with Raje’s pics have been placed
in area. Temple priest Mangi Lal said that Raje will first offer special prayers at Balaji temple, ‘Savamani’ will also be offered to Balaji. Raje reached Salasar on Friday.
Ramcharan Bohra, Yunus Khan, Ashok Parnami received her.
Jaipur: BJP State InCharge Arun Singh will take part in birthday celebrations of Former CM Vasundhara Raje in Salasar today. Before leaving for Salasar, Singh will also take part in BJYM protest. Singh will reach Jaipur Airport at 8 am today.
Aishwary Pradhan
Jaipur: The BJP has changed the venue of its protest to be held today from near Assembly to Civil Lines as there will be no Assembly session.
BJYM State President Himanshu Sharma said, “State Govt is scared of our agitation due to which the Assembly won’t be held today but our protest will be more fierce now,” he said. He said that the protest will be remem-
First India Bureau
Jaipur: Officials of Honda Cars India Limited called on CM Ashok Gehlot at CMR on Friday. These included Takuya Sumura, CEO, Honda Cars, Praveen Paranjpe, Director, Hidenori Ashikawa, Chief Financial Officer,
Shinya Miyamoto, Director and Piyush Mittal, V- P.
The officials of Honda Cars expressed satisfaction over State govt’s policies and expressed their desire to invest more and produce more in the State. It is noteworthy that the Honda Cars plant in Rajasthan
City Park to have a dense look using ‘Miyawaki’
About 3k trees of 35 species being planted on 8,000 sq ft of land
Shivendra Parmar
Jaipur: Due to RHB
Commissioner Pawan Arora’s unique thinking, ‘oxygen pockets’ are now being made with Japanese technology in City Park, which has made a special identity in the country & the world. About 3,000 trees of 35 species are being planted on 8,000 square feet of land in the park.
Under the aegis of RHB, on Friday, Young Indians (YI) President Rahul Singhi, CoChairman Gaurav Bansal, Project (Plantation) President Mohit Jaju, VP Singh (Co-Chairman) planted saplings using Japanese technology.
“Due to its natural beauty, City Park has become popular in the country in a very short span of time.
Thousands of people as well as the tourists
visit the park everyday. Miyawaki’ technique is being used to give the City Park a dense and natural look. Two years ago, the Rotary Club had planted saplings in an area of 4,000 square feet, which has now
become very dense. Through this technique, the plants of common species become thick within a period of two-three years & the plantation looks like a forest,” Arora said while describing the method.
is located at Tapukara in Alwar district. The officials of the company told Gehlot that works related to education, health, environmental protection and road safety are being carried out across the state by Honda Cars under Corporate Social Responsibility.
The State’s infrastructure is best for renewable energy projects. Rajasthan ranks second in the country in the installation of solar rooftop plants.
Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra while addressing the inauguration of Shankara Global Hackathon-2023 and Youth Festival at Shankara Group of Institutions in Kukas, said that the growing trend among youth towards startups and MSME sector is an auspicious sign for the whole country. He expressed confidence that the youth can start a new industrial revolution in the country by joining entrepreneurship.
He said that the work
bered in history. “Yuva Morcha is not going to back down. Now with more strength, a large number of Yuva Morcha workers will start mov-
ing from BJP HQs to CMR,” he said. “It will also show how youth are ready to uproot the Congress from power in the coming assembly polls,” he said.
done under Startup India in the country has yielded good results. Emphasizing on creating an environment that encourages entrepreneurship in edu institutions, he said that varsities have been directed to offer courses in accordance with the New Education Policy.
Om Birla flags off the Kota-Asarwa Express in Kota on Friday. Guv Kalraj Mishra during the Youth Fest in Kukas.
Jaipur: Out of 200 successful IPS in Civil Services Examination-2021, Rajasthan cadre has got 6 new IPS and with this, out of total 222 IPS Rajasthan cadre, now 200 IPS will be included in civil list. Cadres were allotted to 200 newly selected IPS after completion of formalities by UPSC. Out of these, 6 new officers have been allotted Raj cadre. New IPS that will serve in Raj are Pankaj Yadav (Haryana), Vishal Jangid (Raj), Aditya Aakde (MP) & AS Rathore (Raj) & Usha Yadav (Haryana) & Vinay Kumar DH (K’taka.) Rathore and Jangid are the ones who are of Raj origin and have got Rajasthan cadre only. After recently released notification now there are 222 total posts of Rajasthan Cadre IPS.
Bhanwar S Charan
Kota: L S Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the new train flagging off the Kota-Asarwa Express from Kota to Ahmedabad on Friday. He said that after completion of redevelopment work, passengers will get best rail facilities at Kota and Dakaniya stations.
Birla said that people of Gujarat and Rajasthan share a deep connect and this train will prove to be beneficial for both the states. Union Industries Minister Narayan Rane will today participate in the fair organised jointly by SSI Association, Kota Laghu Udyog Bharti Kota unit & Ministry of MSME, GoI, Om Birla added.
Jaipur (PTI): The State Empowered Committee (SEC) on Friday, discussed a project for providing customised package of benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) to pave way to attract investments up to Rs 11,993.48 crore in the state.
The SEC’s 40th meeting chaired by CS Usha Sharma was held on
Friday, an official statement said. The projects come from a variety of industries including
manufacturing, cement, chemicals, textile, automobiles and hospitality sectors. It is
expected that these projects will create 8,815 new jobs in the state.
The cases recommended by SEC will now be placed before the Board of Investment headed by CM Ashok Gehlot for final approval, the statement said. Veenu Gupta, ACS (Industries), said, “Recommendations made at 40th SEC meet also offer sustainable devp in State.”
CS LAUNCHES ‘CM EXCELS AWARD’
Jaipur: Chief Secretary Usha Sharma launched the Chief Minister’s Public Service Excellence Award (CM EXCELS) Award on Friday at the Secretariat for encouraging innovations and achievements made by the officers and employees of the State in implementing the policies and welfare schemes of the State. The award will be given every year on Civil Services Day, April 21.
First India Bureau Dr Rituraj Sharmais amazing what a single person can achieve with ambition, dedication and perseverance.
Officials of Honda Cars call upon CM, express desire to invest in Raj
method: AroraDeputy Commissioner of RHB JP Budhaliya welcomes Mohit Jaju at City Park in Mansarovar area in Jaipur on Friday. Owing to RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora’s unique initiative, oxygen pockets are now being developed using Japanese technology in City Park. President of Young Indians Rahul Singhi along with Gaurav Bansal, Mohit Jaju, Vikram Pratap Singh plant saplings using the ‘Miyawaki’ technique at the City Park in Mansarovar in Jaipur on Friday.
City First brings to you glimpses from the dazzling pre-party of Jaipur Couture Show 2023 held at EL Dordo, Raja Park on Thursday!
KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in
Adazzling curtain raiser of Rajasthan’s biggest and most prominent fashion festival ‘Jaipur Couture Show 2023, season
11’ curated by Gaurav Gaur, Director Elite Miss Rajasthan took place at EL Dorado, Raja Park on Thursday was a cosy bash with a select set. The event also marked the celebration of a funfilled Pre-Holi celebration.
Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the chief guest and congratulated Gaurav Gaur for his great endeavour. He said “This is the 11th chapter of Jaipur Couture Show 2023 and with each passing year, the magnanimity of the fashion show is expanding as the platform to showcase brilliant beauty and talent. We are happy to see the enthusiasm in the participating girls.”
While addressing the media, Gaurav Gaur said “We
are getting into the zone of celebration and festivities. So keeping that in mind, this night set the mood for the day. So yes, it will surely be a regular affair for events that demand bespoke experiences.”
He further said “The three-day fashion festival is going to be held at The Palace on March 12, 13 and 14. The event will bring together a medley of fashion designers showcasing their vivacious and latest collections.”
Various who’s who of the city including Usha Punia, Designer Himmat Singh, JD Maheshwari, Ace designers Wow Fashion by Itisha Jain, Kadambh by Krishna Singh Jaddo & Craft Council of Weavers and Artisans by Deepak Sankit and supermodels like Akanksha Bhalla, Rutvi Tiwari, Shweta Raje, Sheena Parashar, Rishika and Khushi Vijay among others were present during the bash.
City First brings to you some more glimpses from the astonishing trophy launch and celebration of the upcoming 14th season of The Fashion Connect held at Dyore, Jaipur on Wednesday. Wishes poured in for Brand Ambassador Rishee Miglani for another succesful year of Fashion Connect. Various who’s who of the city including Show Director Lokesh Sharma, Dr Sandeep Bakshi, JNU Vice Chancellor; Film Distributor Raj Bansal, Sudhir Kasliwal, famous designer Wrickie Angrish, Vriti, Nitika Panjwani, Ishita Gupta and Aishwarya among others were present on the occasion. Fashion Connect Season 14, presented by First India News, is scheduled to take place on March 19, 2023 in Dubai.
Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Dr Rituraj Sharma of the First India Family as he reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of birthday on Friday, March 3, as his birthday was on February 27.
Week-long cultural fest ‘Faagotsav’ concluded with Phoolon ki Holi at Jaipur’s Govind Devji temple on Friday. The shower of flowers and the love of Lord Krishna accompanied by traditional songs made it a memorable occasion forever. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA
CITY FIRST
Jagdeesh Chandra launched the poster of Faagotsav by the Hema Welfare Foundation at his residence on Friday. The event will be organised will be held at Shyoji Godha ki Nasiya, Jaipur on Sunday, March 5. Mamta Singh, Pooja Kushwah, Hemlata Chouhan, Jyoti Bhagwani and Neha Rathore were present on the occasion.
Kajal Soni, a final semester student of Interior Design at Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur, was awarded the ‘Most Emerging Interior Designer of the Year 2023, Rajasthan’ at the Architecture and Interior Design Conference held at Taj West End Hotel, Bangalore on March 1.
CA Anil Kumar Yadav of the Central Indian Regional Council (CIRC) was elected as the President of Cicasa recently. Jaipur Branch President CA Vishnu Aggarwal and Secretary CA Ankur Kumar Gupta informed that in the recently held elections for the year 2023-24 of the Central Indian Regional Council of the Indian CA Institute, the world’s second-largest accounting body, CA Anil Kumar Yadav of Jaipur has been nominated as Central India CA Students Association (Cicasa) has been elected President.
Jayshree Periwal International School, Mahapura organised its 12th PYP Annual Function and Prize Distribution ceremony on the school premises. The annual function was a celebration of the school’s achievements and accomplishments throughout the year.
The theme for this year’s function was ‘The Jungle Book’ which was reflected in every aspect of the event, from the decorations to the performances. The programme started with ‘JPites in Symphony’, a rendition of the or-
chestra mesmerizing the audience with their euphonious concert
followed by the Annual Report, highlighting the achievements of
the JPites. After the prize distribution, the Chairperson, Dr Jayshree Periwal said that apart from their excellent academic performance, JPites have also excelled in co-curricular activities.
Musical skits and cultural performances on the theme ‘Jungle Book’ enthralled the guests. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in
Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)
Sapta Shakti Command will organise an exhibition by the Army Wives entrepreneurs between 5 to 8 March at Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Bathinda and Hisar to commemorate International Women’s Day 2023. In Jaipur, the exhibition is being held at Peelwa Garden on March 5. The exhibition cum sale is an initiative by AWWA named’ Her Hunar’ which reflects the talent of Army wives.
The exhibition of the hidden treasure was organised by Riccha and Saloni in Hotel Diggi Palace on March 1 and March 2. Several eminent designers from across the country showcased their hidden treasures and enthralled the audience.
A two-day ‘Judges Clinic’ and seminar was organised by the Indigenous Society of India at the Rajasthan Polo Club in Jaipur. The clinic was conducted by an international judge, Zara Pawley from the UK. During the program, Zara Pawley explained to the participants about the specifi c qualities of horses that need to be evaluated during judging and on what basis. IHSI Vice President, of Administration, Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, IHSI Overseas Executive Director, Francesca Kelly and IHSI Vice President, Veterinary Medicine, Dr Gulvinder Chaudhary were present on the occasion.
Apex University organised a three-day National Level Intercollegiate Fest “TechnoAgaz - 2023” at the Apex Campus, Mansarovar on Friday. The main attraction of the event was magician Abhishek Acharya, who made a lot of headlines from the popular TV show ‘India’s Got Talent’, a software engineer by profession and an alumnus of Apex Institute, Jaipur, who left everyone in awe of his magic.
CITY FIRST
Rajasthani Bahubali film is a special package of untouched tribal culture and the unseen beauty of the state. The movie is directed by director Vipin Tiwari. It is special because it teaches the youth to make non-violence their weapon instead of adopting the path of violence. This thing is very much needed in today’s time because there is no patience among the youth. They lose their temper on very small things and then choose the wrong path which leads them into the
world of crime. This is also an example of those misguided youths who consider criminals as their role models and try to adopt the wrong ways to get justice. In today’s time when there is a glut of films full of violence and obscenity, OTT is full of such content which cannot be watched while sitting with the family. At such times, this messagefilled film is like a breath of fresh air.
CAST PERFORMANCE
Amitabh Tiwari played the lead role in the film. He carries the weight put on his shoulders very gracefully. One is a folk singer
and one is a lover, where he is innocent, while the other one is a rough n tough role. His hard work for this role is visible on the screen. This is Vani’s first film as Mangli. She has not shown any weakness in her debut
role, be it the emotional part or the colour of the bubbly tribal beauty. Shivraj played the role of Mangal’s elder brother Dangal. He has done full justice to his role, especially in emotional scenes. In the role of
Kali Bai, Vijayalakshmi has shown strong character. Khaman turned Deepak Meena aka Panya Sepat has done wonders as the vicious Baba. Whether it is a baba treating people stuck in superstition or a tantrik conspiring, Deep-
ak has left a mark everywhere. Shravan Sagar has a cameo in the movie. He played a strong part in the movie in the form of Maharana Pratap and Jhala Mann. The rest of the cast has also done good justice to their roles.
DIRECTION
Director Vipin Tiwari has maintained control over the film. The beginning is a bit slow, but after the interval, the movie keeps you hooked in such a way that it doesn’t even give you a chance to think. At some places, the pace slows down a bit, and then the song inserted there compensates for it. The hard work done by the director on the actors and on the scene is visible in every frame of the film. In this movie, the direction has been very different from his previous films. Vipin Tiwari has done good research even on small scenes which are reflected on the screen.
