First India-Jaipur Edition-5th March 2023

W

While fans of the game are ready for the 5 team and 3-week WPL extravaganza, there is still a fair way to go for the tournament to get the same kind of eyeballs as the IPL. It is up to the players and the stakeholders to make this event count and make it bigger with each year giving solid footing to the WPL’s official hashtag -#YehTohBasShuruatHai (this is just the beginning)!

SIDDHAARTH MAHAN

The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry

ith the onset of summer, the mercury is all set to rise further with the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL). As the glorious era for T20 women’s cricket got underway in Mumbai on Saturday, it was thrilling to note that the first match between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil stadium not only drew excited crowds but all tickets were sold out much before the commencement of extravagant ceremonies. Quite appropriate that the league comes forth just when Indian Women’s cricket commences its 50th anniversary to help make it become a household rage like the men’s game in the country!

Remember, the league starts just a few days after Indian Women’s team lost to Australia in a tense T20 World Cup semifinal where luck deserted the Indian girls and they lost by a meagre margin of 5 runs. Indian Captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, had played a magnificent knock but got run out as her bat got stuck in the pitch as she grounded it while taking a second run. Her bizarre run out sparked a mini collapse and Indian Girls lost the opportunity to enter the finals and capture their first

ever ICC Championship.

The loss hurts yet it gives Indian Women’s cricket a chance to look deeper for solutions to its problems. One of them is the depth of talent available and it is hoped that this issue may get resolved satisfactorily with the WPL giving more opportunities to younger girls to come up the ranks. While cricket has become a career opportunity for young boys growing up in smaller Indian cities, it is still a distant dream for girls since financial constraints still restrict them to take cricket as a career. But now with WPL, young girls can start dreaming of playing for the country and parents can surely ease the curbs as the returns are quite lucrative.

Moreover, if men’s IPL changed the character of aggression in cricket, we can expect a similar big bang from women cricketers too. The likes of Surya Kumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, and Ben Stokes gave belligerence a new name and batsmen now play incredible shots defying gravity, swing and power. So, it may not be wrong to expect similar surprises in WIPL in coming years to take your breath away and make it a major spectator sport of magnetic attraction. Fielding too could improve in leaps and bounds due to the nature of the contest, an area where Indian Women’s cricket needs a definite improvement since it was a major reason for India’s semi-final exit.

But while it is understood that competition among the best could raise standards of femi-

As the glorious era for T20 women’s cricket got underway in Mumbai on Saturday, it was thrilling to note that the first match between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil stadium not only drew excited crowds but all tickets were sold out much before the commencement of extravagant ceremonies

nine players across the board, it may also lead to an increase in injuries and fatigue of the prominent players who have an immense workload on account of representing their nations. However, for the greater good of Women’s cricket, it may be a small cost to pay but if fitness standards and workloads are not managed judiciously, fans may see an unintentional dip in the intensity of players at international level.

The benefits of having a T20 league are evident to all, whether it’s the IPL or the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). When Harmanpreet smashed her hun-

dred against Australia to take India to the 2017 ODI World Cup final, it changed the game in India. But few remember that her brilliant innings came only after her highly successful stint in the WBBL. WPL is likely to be a women’s counterpart to the money-spinning IPL and India’s recent glory at the inaugural U19 T20 World Cup is sure to give a big boost to Indian eves and more teens can be expected to take to the game in a big way.

The WPL riches have come in just a few months after the BCCI announced pay parity for its contracted women cricketers, ensuring same match fees for men

The benefits of having a T20 league are evident to all, whether it’s the IPL or the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). When Harmanpreet smashed her hundred against Australia to take India to the 2017 ODI World Cup final, it changed the game in India. But few remember that her brilliant innings came only after her highly successful stint in the WBBL. WPL is likely to be a women’s counterpart to the money-spinning IPL and India’s recent glory at the inaugural U19 T20 World Cup is sure to give a big boost to Indian eves and more teens can be expected to take to the game in a big way.

NEW ERA OF BIG BUCKS BEGINS FOR WOMEN’S CRICKET IN INDIAand women cricketers. With the massive investment for women’s cricket by Viacom 18 and others, the women cricketers are bound to enjoy a hefty purse.

While fans of the game are ready for the 5 team and 3-week WPL extravaganza, there is still a fair way to go for the tournament to get the same kind of eyeballs as the IPL. It is up to the players and the stakeholders to make this event count and make it bigger with each year giving solid footing to the WPL’s official hashtag -#YehTohBasShuruatHai (this is just the beginning)!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Jagat Prakash

Nadda @JPNadda

Best wishes to all of you on ‘National Security Day’. On this occasion, I congratulate the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces dedicated to the protection of the motherland and bow down to the brave martyrs. Let us all together take a pledge to be vigilant citizens for the external and internal security of the nation.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur SPIRITUAL SPEAK Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Bible TOP TWEETS

BENEFITS OF HAVING A T20 LEAGUE ARE EVIDENT TO GAMES

PM MODI, SHINZO

ABE FATHERS OF QUAD: FORMER AUSTRALIAN PM

New Delhi: Calling PM Modi, Japan’s late former PM Shinzo Abe “fathers” of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, Australia’s ex-PM Tony Abbott, on Saturday said that Quad is almost a unique product and “world should be immensely grateful to both of them.” P8

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI

Kolkata: WB Congress spokesperson Kaustav Bagchi was granted bail by a court in Kolkata on Saturday evening, hours after being arrested for his alleged comments against CM Mamata Banerjee.

Instead of March 8, Vasundhara Raje celebrated her 70th birthday a little early in Salasar

Raje’s power ‘full’ devotion!

BJP government will be formed in the State: Raje We will make Salasar Balaji temple grand, says ex-CM Raje

Laxman Raghav and Tanuj Lata

Salasar (Churu):

Former Chief Minis-

ter Vasundhara Raje on Saturday announced that the BJP govt will be formed in the state and “we will make the Salasar Balaji temple grand”.

“Everyone should decide from here that we will let Lotus bloom in the Assembly elections to be held at the end of the year,” she said. Addressing a public gathering after offering prayers at Salasar Balaji with her son and MP Dushyant Singh, Raje attacked Cong govt in Rajasthan alleging that corruption has become rampant under its rule, power tussle between CM Gehlot and Sachin Pilot has

state back-

READ Crucial

CENTRAL GOVT ISSUES

ADVISORY AS FLU

CASES RISE IN INDIA

New Delhi: As India grapple with persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever, Centre on Saturday issued an advisory, it suggests a list of dos and don’ts for people to protect themselves.

TN POLICE BOOK

BJP LEADER, 2 JOURNALISTS

Chennai: BJP leader from UP and 2 scribes, including an unnamed editor of Dainik Bhaskar, have been booked by TN Police for “false, baseless” reports about attacks on workers.

SHEEZAN GRANTED

BAIL IN TUNISHA SUICIDE CASE

Mumbai: Sheezan Khan, who was arrested for allegedly abetting suicide of his co-star Tunisha, was granted bail on Saturday. Maha court granted bail on bond of ` 1L and asked to submit his passport.

Show of strength: 55 MLAs, 10 MPs, 1 lakh people join Raje’s birthday bash

As a soldier of the organisation, I am moving forward under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi and under the leadership of JP Nadda ji. The lamp of faith of Balaji and the blessings of the people, which has been lit, is not going to be extinguished by any storm.

—Vasundhara Raje

Former Chief Minister

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

l The number of people who reached the meeting was gauged from fact that there was a jam for 5-5 kms around Salasar

l The meeting, organised at an individual level by Raje, was attended by several BJP leaders including Ashok Parnami, Rajpal Singh, Yunus Khan l She highlighted the achievements of her previous government and called on the people to bring the party to power in the next election

CONCEPT OF ‘SEVA’ OLDER

THAN CSR: RSS CHIEF BHAGWAT

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the concept of “Seva” or service in Indian culture is much older than the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility.

BJYM protests over paper leaks in State

This protest is just a trailer, the film is yet to be released, says Poonia Aishwary Pradhan and Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: BJP State president Satish Poonia on Saturday attacked the Gehlot-led Cong govt in Rajasthan over a string of paper leaks in recent months, calling it a betrayal of State’s youths. BJP leaders do politics of struggle and have cornered govt over eve-

INCREDIBLE INDIA!

Bill Gates meets PM Modi, praises India for remarkable progress in crucial fields

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met PM Narendra Modi on late Friday, where he praised India for making “remarkable progress” in crucial fields like health, development & climate change, and noted “incredibly innovative work” being done in country over past few years.

Talking about meeting in his official blog, Gates Notes, billionaire philanthropist said: “Country is showing what’s possible when we invest in innovation, at a time when the world has so many challenges, it is inspiring to visit dynamic and creative place like India.”

Wonderful: Gates hails India

COVID JABS SAVED MILLIONS Gates praised India for its “amazing ability to manufacture lots of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines” and said they saved “millions of lives during the Covid-19 pandemic”. PM Modi believes that CoWIN is a model for the world, and I agree,” he added.

INNOVATIVE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Gates also admired Centre’s Gati Shakti, which digitally connects 16 ministries so they can “integrate their plans for infrastructure projects & accelerate work of Indian scientists, engineers”.

EXCELLENT INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY Gates said that this was an “excellent opportunity to highlight how innovations developed in India can benefit the world, and to help other countries adopt them.

Rajasthan needs a ‘double-engine’ government of the BJP and the party’s workers should make all efforts to ensure its victory in the assembly elections.

—Satish Poonia, BJP State President

ry issue, said Satish Poonia as he addressed BJP workers and leaders at a protest organised by BJYM against paper leaks. “This protest is just a trailer, film is yet to be released.” P5

ARUN SINGH ASKS

YOUTH TO THROW CONGRESS OUT

Australian PM Anthony Albanese will visit India from March 8-11 to lock India-Australia ECTA deal and hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to catalyse the IndiaAustralia relationship, said MEA. This marks Albanese's first visit to India as PM. He will arrive in Ahmedabad on March 8, on the day of Holi, and also visit Mumbai on March 9 before heading to New Delhi on March 10-11. He will also call on President Droupadi Murmu.

PM MODI’S COMMENDABLE EFFORTS Gates commended PM Modi’s efforts to eliminate “deadly and debilitating diseases” like tuberculosis, visceral leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis. “PM told me about a fascinating movement taking shape in India: Communities are ‘adopting’ TB patients to make sure they get the nutrition and care they need,” he wrote.

VISIT TO PUSA AGRICULTURE CENTRE Gates also wrote about his visit to India Council of Agricultural Research in Pusa, “where I learned about efforts to help farmers adapt to a warmer climate. “Millets are very nutritious — a super food, as PM put it—and are also water-efficient, heat tolerant. I even got to taste millet khichdi, a type of porridge.”

SANJIVANI CREDIT SOCIETY SCAM

Union minister Shekhawat sues Gehlot for defamation

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Political enmity between Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and CM Ashok Gehlot has come to fore

these days. Shekhawat went to Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Saturday to present a defamation case against CM Gehlot. “Now the character assassination has reached its peak. For

No one’s name is involved in the scam, neither mine nor my family.

While during the recent Jodhpur tour, CM Gehlot gave a statement about me and my family. I am very upset about this.

—Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Union Jal

Shakti

Minister

last almost 3 years, statements are being made against me by CM in Assembly, while giving bytes to media, while walking on road, while giving speeches in rallies. He also added my late mother’s name to it. I am very upset about this. They are hurling mud at me just to get political mileage,” he said.

S

tate BP in-charge Arun Singh called upon State’s youth to throw Congress out of power in next assembly polls. Addressing a protest organised by BJYM, Singh said incidents of paper leak did not happen once or twice but 16 times during the Gehlot regime.

Sisodia says

mental

torture, CBI custody extended by 2 days

First India Bureau New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday extended by two days the CBI custody of former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the agency on Sunday in connection with the alleged irregularities in the city government’s Excise Policy 2021-22.

Special judge MK Nagpal directed the agency to produce AAP leader before court on Monday. The CBI had sought 3 more days of custody of Sisodia after producing him before the court on expiry of his 3-day remand granted earlier. Sisodia’s lawyer said inefficiency of the agency in the probe.

Shekhawat filing case against me will bring scam into national focus: Gehlot

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said he will welcome the move of Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to file a defamation case against him in connection with Sanjivani cooperative society scam, saying this will bring matter into nat’l focus.

Gehlot has accused the Union minister of being involved in the scam,

which he said has “looted the lifetime deposits of more than one lakh victims amounting to more than `900 crore”.

“I will welcome it (defamation case). This would expedite the case and help victims who have lost money to the scam,” the chief minister told reporters when asked

about Shekhawat’s plan to file the defamation case against him in New Delhi. He said PM Modi and Shah should take note of the scam. The senior Congress leader added

that his government has written to the ED to probe the matter but in vain. He said the right to confiscate property is with the ED and SOG of State police cannot seize the property of accused.

This man (Shekhawat) should be ashamed of himself. Being a Union minister, he should have called the victims and helped them get justice. Rajasthan government is ready to cooperate in the investigation of the case.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief

Minister

Manish Sisodia being produced at the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Saturday.

NO PURPOSE WOULD BE SERVED KEEPING ME IN CUSTODY, SAYS SISODIA

Manish Sisodia told the court the agency had mentally harassed him by asking “the same questions” for several hours every day. Sisodia in his bail petition in a trial court stated that no fruitful purpose would be served keeping him in custody as all the recoveries have already been made.

40-YEAR-OLD MAN IMMOLATES SELF OUTSIDE KARDHANI POLICE STN, DIES

Jaipur: 40-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by pouring petrol in Kardhani Police Station on Thursday night, police said. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Vikas Sharma, a resident of Hardatpura. “The victim had a property dispute with his distant family members. He reached ACP office on Thursday evening with a court stay order. The ACP then referred the matter to concerned SHO. The SHO then asked the chowki incharge to bound both the parties,” police said.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates calls on PM Narendra Modi on Friday.

AUSTRALIAN PM TO VISIT INDIA FROM MARCH 8-11, HOLD TALKS WITH PREZ MURMU, PM MODI

WB CONGRESS SPOKESPERSON BAGCHI GRANTED BAIL

pushe

wards. More on P12

(From Top) Vasundhara Raje addresses her supporters at Salasar on Saturday. Also seen here are Kalicharan Saraf, Ashok Parnami, Kailash Meghwal, Ramcharan Bohra, Pratap Singh Singhvi, Dushyant Singh, Srichand Kriplani, Mangilal Pujari and others. Raje offers ‘Aarti’ to her supporters at Salasar Balaji Dham. Also seen here is Ramcharan Bohra, Mangilal Pujari and others. Raje makes a wish by tying coconut in presence of her son Dushyant Singh, Mangilal Pujari and others.

Satish Poonia and BJYM members protest at the Civil Lines Railway crossing on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

STUDENTS SOAK IN HOLI HUES

Deputation tenure of IAS Tina extended

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Centre on Saturday extended the central deputation of 2007 batch IAS of Rajasthan cadre Tina Soni by 2 years.

Earlier the deputation period was to be completed on March 6, 2023, but now Tina can remain on deputation at the Center till March 6, 2025.

The Union Cabinet approved the recommendation of the Central Fertiliser Department after which the Centre sent a letter to the CS and DOP.

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria reached Jaipur on Saturday to celebrate Holi. He reached Jaipur from Guwahati by SpiceJet flight. State Protocol Officer Naresh Vijay along with police and administrative officials received him at the Jaipur airport. He stayed for the night in Jaipur and will be in Udaipur on Sunday. Kataria will go back to Guwahati after celebrating Holi. —PHOTO BY MUKESH

Rain brings respite from rising heat in parts of Raj

First India Bureau

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH

DEMANDS QUASHING OF CASE

On fast unto death, Upen quits water

Jaipur to get another park, work to begin in 2 months

Abhishek Shrivastava

First India Bureau

Jaipur: President of Rajasthan Berozgar

Ekikrit Mahasangh

Upen Yadav is sitting on fast unto death demanding suspension of SHO and taking back of case filed against him during a protest in Ajmer last month. Upen Yadav was observing fast for the last 23 days and has now even left drinking water.

Notably, Yadav and other students were protesting outside RPSC

headquarters in Ajmer during which police resorted to lathi-charge and dispersed the agitating crowd. Upen Yadav alleged that the police misbehaved with him and arrested him and one other person.

“The SHO lathicharged the protestors and we will not tolerate it. We will fight till my last breath. I have the support of youths, people, and leaders from across the state,” said Upen Yadav.

Jaipur: After City Park at Mansarovar and Central Park at Rambagh Complex, now another big park is going to be gifted to the people of the State capital. The need for a big park has been felt for a long time for this large area including Pratap Nagar Sanganer, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Saligrampura of the capital.

The Jaipur Development Authority will start the work of developing a huge park in 54.83 acres in the next two months. It was decided to develop this park in the meeting of the Project Working Committee chaired by JDA Commissioner Ravi Jain recently. Later, UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal has also approved this decision.

The area adjacent to Ring Road and Mahal Road is developing rapidly. Due to this, the project of JDA Park has been approved on such a large land. —Ravi Jain, Commissioner, JDA

KEEPING THE LEGACY OF DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

First India Blue enter quater-final of PPL

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The ongoing Press Premier League 2023 is leaving no stone unturned to give cricketing fans a thriller of matches. In its third match of this edition, First India Blue defeated A1 Panthers by 8 wickets to top the group and become the first team to enter into the quarterfinals. First India Blue played their third match of the tournament on Saturday.

The three times champion Blue looked to not only win the match, but made sure that the target is achieved in a set number of overs to shoot high up in the run rate. However, the match was pushed by half an hour due to light rain, but later resumed as the rain eased off.

Focusing on the same, the batters Garvit Narang (59) & Gajraj Singh (47) made sure that First India Blue stays at the top and made a partner-

Jaipur: There is news of relief in the state amidst increasing mercury. Due to drizzling since early Saturday morning, the weather cooled down. Due to the movement of clouds and drizzle at other places including JLN Marg, Jagatpura, Tonk Road, Sitapura, the atmosphere remained cool in Jaipur. Holi festival is near and the change of weather is giving re-

Affiliation to six new ayurvedic colleges in Raj

First India Bureau Jaipur: Six new ayurvedic colleges will soon be opened in Rajasthan. The National Commission For Indian System Of Medicine have given affiliation to six ayurveda colleges which will be opened in Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Kota, Kekri and Sikar. Officials informed that a total of 360 students will be able to get admission in government colleges. Every college will have sixty seats and admission to these colleges will be given from the upcoming session. The affiliation was given following the efforts of Minister Dr Subash Garg.

lief to the people. For the last about 5 days, the heat had started troubling the people, due to which there is relief at the moment.

With the slight cooling in the atmosphere, there are full chances of getting relief to the common man from the showers.

Raj tiger infiltrates Cheetah territory in Madhya Pradesh

Jaipur: Ranthambore Tiger T-136 ‘Mohan’ has become a headache for the forest authorities for having movement in two States.

Mohan’s movement around Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where Cheetahs have been shifted from South Africa, has alarmed the forest officials in MP.

The tiger moved from Ranthambore and reached Morena in Madhya Pradesh where he made his territory.

Mohan reached Morena from Dholpur on October 20 and returned to Dholpur on November 4.

The movement of Mohan was captured on November 4 in Babu Maharaj ki Khoh in Van Vihar range. The move-

ment of the tiger was found in Morena again on November 16. The distance between Van Vihar range of Dholpur and Morena in Madhya Pradesh is nearly 27 km while Kuno national park in MP is at a distance of 103 km from Dholpur. For the last two days, the tiger has been moving around Kuno, where 20 Cheetah have been shifted from South Africa which has alarmed the forest officials there.

Preparations reviewed as Jat Mahakumbh begins today

First India Bureau

ship of 100 runs. It was raining fours and sixes at the KL Saini Stadium in Jaipur and the former champions clinched the victory and chased the target of 147 in mere 12.3 overs. For Blue’s, Pawan Bagra and Devendra Singh grabbed 2 wickets each while Gajraj and Vinod Sharma settled with 1 wicket each. The Blue’s now look to conquer the quarter-finals and are all set to hit the stadium again.

Jaipur: The Jat Mahakumbh will be held on Sunday at Vidyadhar Nagar. Jat Mahasabha chief Rajaram Meel reviewed the preparations on Saturday.

Mahakumbh’s media in-charge Shishram

Kateva said that PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra, BJP State President Satish Poonia, and Rakesh Tikait will address the gathering Yudhveer Singh, Vijay Poo-

nia, Suresh Choudhary, Ranveer Pehlwan and all MPs, Ministers, MLAs, and public representatives from the community will participate

in the Mahakumbh. There will be a brainstorming on empowering the Jat community and establishing social solidarity.

Different schools, colleges, and coaching centres of the Pink City soak into the spirit of Holi. Students along with their teachers were seen enjoying to the hilt before Holi holidays at Riddhi Siddhi Chauraha and Gandhi Nagar areas in Jaipur on Saturday.

KIRADOO

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipurites enjoy rainy day amid soaring mercury, on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Jat Mahasabha chief Rajaram Meel interacts with media in Vidyadhar Nagar on Saturday.

Recently constructed City Park by RHB. —FILE PHOTO

Rajasthan Berozgar Ekikrit Mahasangh president Upen Yadav being put under observation in Jaipur.

Tiger T-136 Mohan

First India Blue’s Mahipal Singh, Mahesh Sharma, Vinod Kumar Sharma, Garvit Narang, Bharat Dixit, Gajraj Singh Bhati, Pawan Bagra, Devendra Singh, Mukesh Bagra, Nirmal Tiwari, CP Sharma, Indraraj Gurjar and Rahul Faujdar after registering a thumping win in their third game of PPL-2023 at KL Saini Stadium on Saturday.

PROPOSAL TO BE DISCUSSED IN JDA MEET

KIRADOO

ASSAM GUV KATARIA IN RAJ TO CELEBRATE HOLI

BJYM PROTEST FACES COPS AND WATER CANNONS ON WAY TO CMR

l21 MLAs, 6 MPs, and more than 20,000 protestors participated

l Bharatiya

Janata Yuva Morcha held protest against paper leaks

Aishwary Pradhan & Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: After the address outside the party office, BJP leaders and BJYM workers marched towards the Civil Lines railway crossing to gherao the Chief Minister’s Residence but the police stopped them near the Civil Lines Gate. There was a scuffle between the BJP workers and the police. During this, the police had to use water cannons to control the crowd. After this the police detained all the leaders including Satish Poonia and Rajendra Rathore. Deputy LoP Rajendra Rathore and Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Ti-

wari also addressed the protest organised by BJYM against paper leaks in State.

BJYM Prez Himanshu Sharma said Cong govt was scared of Assembly gherao and adjourned it a day before.

“But we have been raising our voice on issues like paper leak, unemployment, and will continue to do so,” he said.

Cong govt is scared of Assembly gherao by Yuva Morcha & adjourned it a day before. But we have been raising our voice on issues like paper leak, deteriorating law & order and will continue to do so in near future.

—Himanshu Sharma, BJYM President

MNREGA: 25 extra work days for those completing 100 days

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Families who have completed 100 days of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme will get additional 25 days of employment in the state.

For this, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a proposal and made a budget provision of Rs 675 crore.After completing 100 days in the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme, families will get additional 25 days of employment under the Chief Minister’s Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Along with this, in -

GRANT UNDER MASS MARRIAGE SCHEME HIKED FROM `18,000 TO `25,000

The state government has increased grant amount from Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000 to encourage mass marriage conventions. Rs 25,000 will be given per couple under the mass marriage scheme from April 1, 2023. In this, the bride will get a grant of Rs 21,000 and the organization will get Rs 4,000. At present, a total of Rs 18000 is being given, which includes Rs 15,000 for the bride and Rs 3,000 to the organisation.

CM Gehlot also gave consent for an additional assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the organizers for participation of families of different communities, castes and religions to promote mass marriages and stop dowry system.

stead of 100 days, employment for 200 days will be available to the Kathodi and Sahariya communities and specially abled people.

It is noteworthy that an announcement in this regard has been made by the Chief Minister in the budget year 2023-24.

RPSC paper leak:

`5,000 reward on Sher Singh

First India Bureau

Jaipur: After the name of Sher Singh Meena surfaced in RPSC paper leak case in state, 10 teams of Rajasthan Police have been formed to arrest him. However, police haven’t got any clue about his whereabouts. Udaipur SP Vikas Sharma has announced a reward of Rs 5,000 on Meena.

Anil alias Sher S Meena is said to be a resident of Chomu & is employed as Principal in Swaroopganj Abu Road. Cops believe that after his arrest, they will find about paper leak source & how did candidates managed to solve it in a bus.

`20 ENTRY FEE AT CITY PARK, MORNING WALKERS EXEMPT

Parking fee and fine for damaging sculptures etc. will also be levied

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Visitors will have to pay entry and vehicle parking fees from March 9 for better maintenance of City Park at Mansarovar in Jaipur. Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora said that 25 to 30 thousand visitors are visiting the City Park daily. “For better management of the park, an entry fee of Rs 20

Widows of Pulwama martyrs meet Governor, seek ‘euthanasia’

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: Accusing the State Govt of not fulfilling the promises made to them, the wives of three CRPF personnel who got martyred in Pulwama terror attack have sought permission from Governor Kalraj Mishra for ending their lives, BJP’s RS MP Kirodi Meena said.

Meena has been staging a ‘dharna’ for last few days with martyrs’ families. Meena along with widows of martyrs went to Raj Bhavan to hand over the memo. They also moved to CMR following which, the police stopped them.

Dr Meena alleged that cops pushed the women wherein, Manju Jat, widow of Rohitashav Lamba got injured and was admitted to the hospital. The BJP

leader said that instead of fulfilling the legitimate demands of the

families of the martyrs, the state government is doing dictatorship.

will be charged from March 9. Morning walkers and children below 12 years of age from 6 am to 9 am will be exempt. Regular

Pre-wedding shoots can be done at Rs 10,000 per day and film or TV serial shooting can also be done at Rs 50,000 per day in the City Park.

—Pawan Arora, RHB Commissioner

day,” he said.

fixed at Rs 20 for two wheeler (maximum 3 hours) and Rs 50 for four wheeler (maximum 3 hours). Similarly, pre-wedding shoots can be done at Rs 10,000 per day and film or TV serial shooting can also be done at Rs 50,000 per

“For sitting on or damaging sculptures, electrical equipment, trees and plants, a fine of Rs 1,000 and Rs 50 for each time for spreading plastic bottles, polythene or dirt or plucking flowers will be levied,” he said.

Police use water cannons to disperse BJYM protestors including Dr Satish Poonia marching towards the CMR in Civil Lines area in Jaipur on Saturday. Cops detained several protestors including Satish Poonia and Rajendra Rathore. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Cops use lathis to stop Dr Satish Poonia and the BJYM protestors from marching ahead to Chief Minister’s Residence in Civil Lines in Jaipur on Saturday. Some members alleged injuries.

Governor Kalraj Mishra being handed over the memorandum by widows of Pulwama martyrs including Manju Jat, Madhubala, Sundari Devi and Renu Singh, who have sought permission for ‘IchhaMrityu’ or euthanasia in the presence of Dr Kirodi Lal Meena at the Raj Bhavan in Jaipur on Saturday.

Dr Kirodi Lal Meena consoles Manju Jat who is being treated at the SMS Hospital after getting hurt during clash with cops on Saturday.

Dr Kirodi Lal Meena interacts with Arun Singh during his protest with the families of martyrs at ShaheedSmarak in Jaipur.

Infra development needs to move in top gear: Modi

PM says now we have to improve our speed and move in top gear

First India Bureau

New Delhi: “Infrastructure development is the driving force of the country’s economy,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday while expressing confidence that India will emerge as a developed nation by 2047 by following this very path. “Now we have to improve our speed and move in top gear,” he said.

Noting that PM Gati Shakti Master Plan is a critical tool that integrates economic and infrastructural planning with development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Gati Shakti National Master Plan is going to change the face of India’s infrastructure and its multimodal logistics.”

Infrastructure has a significant role to play in the sustainable development of any country along with development while keeping the needs of the future in mind.

Prime Minister Modi made the observation during a Post Budget Webinar on ‘Infrastructure and Investment: Improving logistic efficiency with PM Gatishakti National Master Plan’.

Addressing the gathering, he expressed happiness that hun-

IN THE COURTYARD

GUTKA BAN: SC ISSUES NOTICE ON TN GOVT’S PLEA

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought a response to a plea challenging an order of the Madras High Court quashing a May 2018 notification prohibiting the sale, manufacture and transport of gutkha and other tobacco-based products. A bench issued notice to Food Safety Commissioner, Jayavilas Tobacco Traders and others on a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government.

SC ACQUITS WB MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING

WIFE 40 YEARS AGO

New Delhi: The Supreme Court judgment acquitting a West Bengal native of the charge of killing his wife 40 years ago has once again shone a spotlight on the need for compensating a victim of wrongful prosecution for priceless years lost behind bars. The top court on Friday acquitted Nikhil Chandra Mondal, who was booked for allegedly killing his wife four decades ago.

SUPREME COURT SEEKS CENTRE’S RESPONSE ON REPORTED DEATHS OF TIGERS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to inform it about reported deaths of tigers in the country. A bench of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna sought the information after taking note of newspaper reports about tiger deaths. The apex court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Anupam Tripathi in 2017 seeking to save endangered tigers whose numbers are dwindling across the country. “Though the petitioner is not present, respondents will ascertain about reported deaths of the tigers in India. List the matter after three weeks,” the bench said.

DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST RaGa: NEXT HEARING ON APRIL 1

Thane: A court in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi town deferred till April 1 the hearing of a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his request for permanent exemption from appearing.

Advocate Narayan Iyer, Gandhi’s counsel, said the application for permanent exemption has been placed before First Class Judicial Magistrate LC Wadikar.

Rajesh Kunte, an RSS functionary had filed the case against Rahul Gandhi.

STOP CONSTRUCTION IN BIRD SANCTUARY’S BUFFER ZONE: NGT

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has restrained the Jannayak Chandrashekhar University in Ballia from carrying out further construction within the ecologically sensitive zone area of Jai Prakash Narayan (Surha Tal) Bird Sanctuary. A bench said the report of a panel constituted earlier “established” that the administrative, academic, library and commercial buildings were being constructed within the ecologically sensitive zone area.

dreds of stakeholders took part in the webinar along with more than 700 CEOs and MDs by recognising its importance. He said that this year’s Budget will give new energy to infrastructure.

“Infrastructure has a significant role to play

in the sustainable development of any country along with development while keeping the needs of the future in mind”, the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that those who have knowledge of history related to infrastructure are well-versed with this fact. He cited the construction of Uttarapath by Chandragupta Maurya which was carried forward by Ashoka and later upgraded by Sher Shah Suri.

PAL MURDER

UMESH

House of 3rd person linked to Atiq Ahmed razed in UP

Prayagraj (PTI): Authorities demolished the house of a criminal allegedly linked to gangsterturned-politician Atiq Ahmed amid heavy police deployment, the third such demolition in three days. Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) officials arrived at the house of Mashookuddin, who has dozens of cases registered against him, in Puramufti area with bulldozers and other heavy-duty earth movers and began pulling down the structure.

Ex-Aus PM Tony Abbott interacts with JP Nadda

New Delhi (ANI): For-

mer Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott met and interacted with BJP national president JP Nadda under the ‘Know BJP’ campaign at the party’s headquarters in the national capital on Saturday.

Tony Abbott is an Australian politician from the Liberal Party of Australia. He has served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives (1994-2019). He was the Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015. He also held the position of Leader of the Opposition from 2009-2013.

Earlier in the day, Vijay Chauthawala inCharge, Foreign Affairs Dept, BJP told ANI that this event is in continuation of BJP President Nadda Ji’s “Know BJP” initiative to give an authentic perspective of

the BJP to overseas audience. The initiative was launched last year in April on the Foundation Day of the party by the BJP chief.

Through the ‘Know BJP’ initiative it tries to strengthen its bilateral relations with various countries as well as inform the world about its ideology and functioning. Earlier on January 27, Nadda interacted with students of Delhi University under the

OPPN IS

FANNING

Davangere (PTI): Del-

hi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday appealed to the people of poll-bound Karnataka to give his Aam Aadmi Party a chance to give a corruption-free government for five years.

He also promised to give free electricity, quality education in government schools and good healthcare for the state’s people.

Addressing his maiden election public meeting in Karnataka, the AAP supremo said the party has zero tolerance for corruption as a minister and an MLA in party-ruled Punjab were jailed.

Odisha CM lays emphasis on values of edu

Bhubaneswar: Odisha

CM Naveen Patnaik Saturday said education should be linked with emotional and spiritual needs of students. Inaugurating Utkal Gourav School at Berunapadi in Keonjhar through video conferencing, he said modern education provides knowledge to students for understanding world and use it for sustaining seamless growth.

Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann arrive in Hubbali, on Saturday.

KEJRIWAL, MANN TO SOUND POLL BUGLE IN MP ON MAR 14

Bhopal (PTI): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will sound poll bugle for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections on March 14 at a rally in Bhopal to be addressed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, a party functionary said on Saturday.

DELHI MAYOR BEING ‘REMOTE-CONTROLLED’

BY AAP LEADERS: BJP

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Saturday alleged that Delhi mayor Shelly Oberoi sits like a “dummy” in municipal meetings and, instead of exercising her own wisdom for civic governance, is being “remote-controlled” by AAP leaders for decision-making. BJP leader Kamaljeet Sehrawat said on Saturday.

COMMUNAL SENTIMENTS:

PUNJAB CM MANN

Chandigarh (PTI): CM Bhagwant Mann on Saturday slammed Opposition parties in Punjab, alleging they were trying to fan communal sentiments to get political benefits, and asserted that no one will be allowed to disturb state’s “hard earned” peace. His remarks come in the backdrop of Opposition parties targeting his govt over the last month ajnala incident in which self-styled Sikh preacher and Khalistani sympathiser amritpal Singh and his supporters, carrying swords and guns, clashed with police for the release of one of his aide. Mann said he had information of every moment as his govt is keeping a strict vigil over “everything” unfolding in the state.

will always protect our migrant brothers,” Stalin speaks to Nitish Kumar

Chennai (ANI): Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Saturday in a telephone call with Nitish Kumar reassured him about the safety of migrant workers, amid reports of alleged attacks on people from Bihar that officials have dismissed as fake.

Chief minister Stalin said that those indulging in rumour-mongering were acting against the country and its integrity, according to a

statement released by the chief minister’s office. “Tamil Nadu Government and the people will always stand to protect our migrant

brothers,” Stalin told the Bihar chief minister, according to the statement.

“I have spoken to the honourable chief minister and my brother Nitish Kumar on phone and assured him that all the workers are our workers and they are helping the development of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, I assured that none of these issues will impact them” the Tamil Nadu chief minister said.

New York (ANI): India

on Friday (local time) slammed Pakistan on the issue of religious freedom of minorities at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Using its right to reply, India’s representative Seema Pujani slammed her Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar saying, “No religious minority can freely live or practice its religion in Pakistan today. The Ahmadiya community continues to be persecuted

by the state for simply practising their faith.”

Responding to the statement delivered by Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, Pujani said, “Pakistan’s representative has once again chosen to misuse this august forum for its malicious propaganda against India.”

She also shed light on the issue of enforced disappearances.

“In the last decade, Pakistan’s own commission of inquiry on

enforced disappearances has received 8463 complaints. The Baloch

people have borne the brunt of this cruel policy. Students, doctors,

“Pakistan’s representative has once again chosen to misuse this august forum for its malicious propaganda against India.”

—Seema Pujani , India’s representative at UN

engineers, teachers and community leaders are regularly disappeared

by the state, never to return back,” said Pujani. She also highlighted the plight of Christians in Pakistan and how they are mistreated.

“Equally worse is the treatment of the Christian community. It is frequently targeted through draconian blasphemy laws. State institutions officially reserve sanitation jobs for Christians,” she said.

She also raised concern over a “predatory state and an apathetic

“Know BJP” initiative at the party headquarters in the national capital.

He introduced the students to BJP’s ideology, principles, mission, and work culture. Nadda discussed BJP’s work culture with the students and said that the BJP governments at the Centre and in the States are dedicated to the empowerment and welfare of all sections of the society, particularly villagers.

K’taka: Cong leaders protest demanding arrest of BJP MLA

Bengaluru (ANI): Several Congress leaders, led by former CM Siddaramaiah, were detained by the police during a protest march against the Karnataka govt on Saturday.

The protesters demanded arrest of BJP MLA Madal Virupaksha, whose son was caught taking bribe by state’s Lokayukta. The anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the residence of the MLA’s son, Prashant Madal, during which they recovered Rs 6 crore cash.

Now the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembky, Siddaramaiah hit out at Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai saying that the latter’s claim that his government was ‘corruption-free’ was nothing but a ‘lie’.

The CM lied to the people when he said his government is corruption-free. Why was so much money recovered from the MLA’s son then?

—Siddarammaiah, Congress leader

“The CM lied to the people when he said his government is corruption-free. Why was so much money recovered from the MLA’s son then?” he said.

On Thursday, Karnataka Lokayukta officers caught Virupaksha’s son, a chief accountant at BWSSB allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh from a contractor.

judiciary,” regarding the conversion of underage minority girls.

“Underage girls from the community are converted to Islam abetted by a predatory state and an apathetic judiciary. Hindu and Sikh communities face similar issues of frequent attack on their places of worship and forced conversion of their underage girls. The state’s crackdown on those who wish to raise their voice against any of these heinous

policies is also incomparable. A bill which proposes a five-year jail term for anyone who scandalizes or ridicules the military or the judiciary is currently on the table in Pakistan’s parliament,” said Pujani.

The Indian diplomat also slammed Pakistan for supporting terrorism, saying, that Pakistan’s “security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar for decades”.

“No minority can freely live or practice its religion in Pakistan today”

INDIA SAYS AT UNHRC

In 1st K’taka poll rally, Kejriwal urges people to give AAP a chance for corruption-free govt

“We

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

JP Nadda gives “Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery” a book on PM Modi to former Australian PM Tony Abbott, in New Delhi on Saturday.

Siddaramaiah, Randeep Surjewala with other state leaders during a protest against the Karnataka govt, in Bengaluru, on Saturday.

President presents Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023

Water and sanitation hold a special place in the life of every citizen: Murmu

First India Bureau

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu presented the Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023 and graced the launch of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain -2023 in New Delhi on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that water and sanitation hold a special place in the life of every citizen. But these issues af-

fect women the most, as generally it is the responsibility of women to arrange drinking water for their home. In villages, they had to walk long distances to get drinking water. She said that arranging for drinking water not only took a lot of their time but also put their safety and health at risk. Usually, school/college going girls were also engaged in arranging

water along with their elders, which hindered their studies. To overcome these problems, the

APP FRAUD CASE

Government of India has taken special measures.

The President said it is providing clean

drinking water and sanitation facilities through initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission

ED RAIDS 14 LOCATIONS, SEIZES DIAMONDS, GOLD WORTH `10 CR

New Delhi (Agencies):

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said raids were recently conducted in 14 locations in connection to the Power Bank app fraud case and seized gold, diamonds and other valuables worth Rs 10 crore.

The searches held in premises belonging to Sagar Diamond Limited, a BSE listed company, RHC Global Exports Ltd, their director Vaibhav Dipak Shah and associates in Surat SEZ, Ahmedabad & Mumbai.

Besides the gold and diamonds, the ED also seized Rs 25 lakh in cash, digital devices, documents related to bogus import and export.

The ED launched the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on the basis of an FIR by Delhi Police against the fraud.

“Thousands of com-

mon people have been cheated through this app managed by Chinese nationals in connivance with their associates in India which includes Vaibhav Dipak Shah and Sagar Diamond Ltd,” an official said.

The official said that during the search operation it was learnt that proceeds of crime generated from the fraud was routed and possessed by Sagar Diamond Ltd and others.

“A number of manufacturing units of the entities at Surat SEZ

CRUCIAL READ

BODY, BELIEVED TO BE OF MAN KIDNAPPED 6 MONTHS BACK, EXHUMED IN MORIGAON

Morigaon: A body, believed to be that of a man kidnapped from Guwahati six months ago, was exhumed on Saturday in Assam’s Morigaon district, police said. Biswajit Hazarika was kidnapped in October last year, and the kidnappers demanded Rs 40 lakh from his family. However, they did not come to take the money, and Hazarika remained missing, a police officer said. Last month, six people were arrested in the kidnap case and they told the police where the body was disposed in Morigaon’s Nellie area, he said.

TAMIL NADU COAST OIL LEAK CONTAINED

Nagapattinam: A leak in pipeline of a refinery that caused oil spill in Nagore Pattinacherry coast here has been contained and steps are on to ensure a lasting solution to the issue, an official said on Saturday. However, the unrelenting fishers from the village, who noticed the oil spill on Friday, continued their agitation for the second day today demanding the authorities to remove underwater crude oil pipeline.

TEACHER DIES OF CARDIAC ARREST IN CLASSROOM

Amaravati: A school teacher succumbed on Saturday while teaching children. The incident took place at a govt primary school in Vakavari Palem village of Vetapalem mandal in the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh. As per locals, P. Veera Babu (45) died sitting in the chair while taking a class. As the teacher suddenly turned motionless, the children alerted other teachers in the school.

MAN WANTED IN ATTEMPT TO MURDER AND RIOT CASES ARRESTED IN DELHI

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has arrested a 32-year-old notorious robber who was on the run in an attempt to murder and riot cases, police said on Saturday. The accused was identified as Robin alias Sunny, a resident of Khera Khurd, Delhi and he was wanted in cases of attempted murder and riots registered in Mukherjee Nagar police station. Police said that specific inputs were received that a wanted criminal would come near SurajMal Stadium, Nangloi, Delhi following which a police team was formed to nab him.

were found involved in exorbitant overvaluation of import, export of diamond, gem stones and other precious metals and siphoning of funds abroad in the garb of bogus imports,” the official said.

The ED said that during the search, stock to the tune of thousands of crores shown in the books of account was found to be highly overvalued and having actual value of Rs 10 crore synthetic ruby of insignificant value was shown as precious gem.

ED RAIDS WEST BENGAL-BASED CHIT FUND FIRMS IN PMLA CASE

New Delhi (PTI): The ED on Friday said it seized Rs 1.27 crore in cash after it raided two West Bengal-based companies as part of a money laundering probe against them linked to alleged chit fund fraud in which investors were duped of more than Rs 790 crore. The raids were launched on March 1 at 15 premises in Kolkata, Siliguri and Howrah in WB apart from Agra in UP. The companies that faced the action were identified by the ED as Pincon Group and Tower Infotech Ltd. The money laundering case of the federal agency, filed under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, against the two companies stems from FIRs filed by the West Bengal Police for alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 156 crore (Tower Infotech) and Rs 638 crore (Pincon Group), the agency said.

NIA ATTACHES 5 PROPERTIES OF CRIMINALS IN DELHI AND HARYANA

New Delhi (ANI): The NIA has attached five properties owned by members of the organised crime syndicates in Delhi and Haryana. Four of the total properties attached are in Haryana and one in Delhi. NIA said these attachments and seizures have been done in the wake of the recent searches conducted at 76 locations linked with gangsters and their associates in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi/ NCR in February this year.

and Swachh Bharat Mission. She was happy to note that today more than 11.3 crore households are getting potable water from the tap. She said that the women, who earlier used to spend time fetching water, are now utilizing that time in other productive works. Clean tap water has also shown significant improvement in the health of infants who used to fall prey to water-borne diseases like diarrhea and dysentery due to polluted water.

Stressing on the need of water conservation and water management, the President said that it is a wellknown fact that in our country, water resources are limited and its distribution is also uneven. About 18 percent of the world's population resides in India, but only 4 percent of the world's water resources are available here. Moreover, most of this water is received in the form of rain, which drains into rivers and seas. That's why water

Jaishankar holds meets with Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Armenia

conservation and its management is a very important topic for us.

She said today we are more dependent on institutional means for water supply than traditional means. But along with using modern techniques for sustainable water supply, revival of the traditional methods of water management and water-harvesting is the need of the hour. All stakeholders should work together for water conservation and its management.

“Attempts are being made to defame India”

Bhubaneswar: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju , in Bhubaneswar, on March 4 said calibrated attempts were being made to tell the World that Indian judicial was under attack and Indian democracy was in distress.

“I find that there are calibrated attempts being made from inside and outside the country.

New Delhi (ANI):

EAM S Jaishankar on Saturday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Sri Lanka and Armenia who were here to attend Raisina Dialogue.

Jaishankar met Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry and held discussions on investment, trade and development partnerships as well as on facilitating Colombo's economic recovery.

“Nice to catch up FM @ alisabrypc of Sri Lanka. Thank him for his #RaisinaDialogue2023

Union Min Thakur launches Yuva Utsav across India from IIT Ropar

Ropal: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur launched pan India the Yuva Utsava-India@2047 on Saturday from IIT Ropar in Punjab. On the occasion, Thakur also launched the Dashboard of Yuva Utsava.

Yuva Utsava was simultaneously hosted at several locations in the country. In the first phase by March 31, Yuva Utsava will be held in 150 Districts across

the country to celebrate the youth power.

Speaking on the occasion, Thakur spoke about the sacrifices of

our freedom fighters and urged the youth to make them proud. “We are the biggest YuvaShakti in the world and

we must strive to achieve our immense potential.” Further, he also urged the students to pick one social cause each that was close to their hearts and work to find the solutions to these issues. “Youth are the builders of tomorrow”, he added. Thakur also spoke on the importance of millets and the possibility these held for increasing the income of farmers while also allowing us to save water and replenish the soils.

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE

participation. We took stock of our cooperation that is focused on facilitating Sri Lanka's economic recovery. Discussions covered investment, trade and development partnerships. Also raised recent issues relating to our fishermen,” Jaishankar tweeted on Saturday.

Jaishankar also reviewed bilateral and multilateral partnerships with Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

I have never even a single person of India who says that he will not abide by Indian laws or I have never come across anybody in the country that he will say that he would not follow the court Order,” said Rijiju while addressing, ‘Nyaya-Yajna,’ the first conference of Central government counsel of Eastern States of India.

Regional problems need regional solutions: Kumar

New Delhi: Navy chief R Hari Kumar on Saturday stressed that contemporary challenges in maritime domain could be best addressed by “issue-based convergences” among like-minded countries, while highlighting the advantages of “regional solutions to regional problems”.

Citing India’s experience, he said working in smaller groups and regional frameworks is helpful in building trust, interoperability and overall outcome.

He was speaking at

Navy chief R Hari Kumar with General Angus J Campbell.

Raisina Dialogue alongside Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino, UK’s chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ben Key and Chief of Staff of Japan’s defence ministry Gen Koji Yamazaki.

Mumbai Indians crush Gujarat Giants by 143 runs

Rahul Faujdar

Mumbai: The Mumbai Indians overhauled Gujarat Giants in the first match of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.

Chasing the victory target of 208, the Gujarat team fell short by a massive 143 runs. The Gujarat women got all out at a palrty 64 runs.

Earlier, top knocks from skipper Harman-

preet Kaur, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr and a quickfire stand between Kaur and Kerr helped Mumbai Indians reach a massive 207/5 in their 20 overs.

Put to bat first by Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians started well with Hayley Matthews smashing Mansi Joshi for a four and six in the second over.

It was an extravaganza when the Women’s Premier League’s inaugural edition went off

to a flying start at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.

The event that was witnessed by a galaxy of celebrities. Bollywood

stars Kiara Advani, Kriti Sanon, and singersongwriter AP Dhillon added glamour the tournament’s first match by performing some of his chart-topping songs live on stage.

Mandira Bedi hosted the opening ceremony, but after welcoming cricket fans from all over the world to the WPL, attention turned to Bollywood sensation Kiara Advani.

The trophy of the inaugural season was un-

veiled in presence of captains of all five teams, Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians), Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals), Beth Mooney (Gujarat Giants) and Alyssa Healy (UP Warriorz).

BCCI chief Roger Binny, Vice-Prez Rajeev Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah, Treasurer Ashish Shelar and IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal were also present.

MI’s Amelia Kerr and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the match.

President Murmu at launch of ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain -2023’ in New Delhi on Saturday.

Jaishankar with Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

The RHC Global Exports Ltd and seized diamonds.

Union Youth Affairs and Sports and I&B Minister Anurag Thakur during the launch of Yuva Utsav at IIT Ropar, on Saturday.

business BRIEFS

‘NOD TO CHATGPT POWERED APP POST ASSURANCE’

San Francisco: Apple has approved an email-app update after initially scrutinizing whether a feature in the software that uses language tools powered by artificial intelligence could generate inappropriate content for children, The Wall Street Journal said. The app, BlueMail, was approved following assurances from its developer that it features content moderation, according to Ben Volach, co-founder of the app-maker, Blix. —ANI

BAJAJ FINANCE REVISES FD RATES UP TO 35 BPS

FIVE WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY INVEST YOUR ANNUAL BONUS

Appraisal season is here. It’s time to fill out the appraisal form and sit down with your manager to have “the talk.” Everyone hopes to get that yearly bonus and salary increment they have worked hard all year for

Pune: The CRISIL AAA/ STABLE and [ICRA]

AAA(Stable) rated NBFC, Bajaj Finance has once again revised its FD rates by up to 35 bps. The revised FD rates are applicable for all new deposits and renewals with effect from March 04, 2023. After the hike, FD customers (senior citizens) will have the opportunity to earn returns of 8.20% p.a. for investments between Rs15,000 to Rs5 crore, for a tenure of 44 months. —ANI

MOU s FOR GIVING ACCESS TO BETTER FUNDING SIGNED

With career growth, responsibilities grow. Ideally, one should ensure that their wealth grows in line with their future goals. Performance appraisals are usually accompanied by bonus payouts and salary hikes. One might be inclined to splurge and buy that car or the new mobile phone but if they can be judicious with their spending they can plan better for much bigger financial goals in future.

BREAK THE RULE

amount can come from yearly bonuses, past investments maturing, gift from family and relatives, etc. In such a case, one must opt for the reverse 50/30/20 where 50% of additional income is saved, 20% is spent on lifestyle choices, and the remaining 30%, is allocated towards needs. It will help increase the savings component of income and allow compounding to work its magic.

Here are five ways to use you annual bonus effectively to enjoy benefits in future :

PAY OFF LOANS

reduce the interest burden considerably.

SIPs

ADD TO YOUR

New Delhi: National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) said it signed over 50 memorandum of understanding with various entities during its first finance conclave. The industry body in the statement said these MoUs between various real estate developers and funding entities would enable India to build a USD 5-trillion developed economy. The first NAREDCO finance conclave happened on Friday. The total estimated value committed on the MoUs is estimated at over USD 15 billion in which NAREDCO would play the key role of a facilitator. —ANI

SURGEONS, FOREIGN EXPERTS ATTEND 20TH ANNUAL CONF

A common rule of thumb while saving is to use the 50/30/20 approach. 50% of the salary is used for essentials and non-descretionary spending like rent, grocery, electricity. 30% on wants and luxuries like clothes and eating out, and the remaining 20% is set aside for investment. This traditional approach should ideally be tweaked when one gets a lumpsum amount. This

If you have high-interest debt looming over your head, bonus money can be a way to prepay or possibly pay off the debt entirely. Credit card debt or personal loans are typically high interest debt and should be paif off first. Interest rates have been going up off late which has increased monthly EMIs significantly. Frequent prepayment of loans every year can help

FROM ADANI POWER IN 2021-22

Gandhinagar (PTI): The Gujarat government purchased electricity worth Rs8,160 crore from Adani Power Ltd between 2021 and 2022 at tariff rates revised upwards from Rs2.83 to Rs8.83 per unit, the state Legislative Assembly was informed on Saturday.

per unit, he said. The state government revised upwards the unit rates under its power purchase agreement from the company because of a rise in the cost of imported coal, he said.

Paying down debt and building an emergency fund are great first steps and the next best step is to consider investing for retirement. SIPs are the easiest way to invest, it promotes regular investments and maintains investment discipline. One can add a one-time boost to these investments using that bonus. The purchase of additional units to increase their initial investment amount is also available, and there are always new funds one can explore depending on their risk profile.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

The extra income can also be utilized to upskill yourself. Is there a job skill that you have always wanted to learn? Using your bonus amoun to learn that skill could be a great way to improve your earning potential at your current job and

THE DEAL IN 2007

also prepare you for a better job in future. You could also use that bonus amount to learn some personal skills that can be a great source of satisfaction, too. Learning a new musical instrument or a new foreign language can all be great ways to make your life more fulfilling.

TREAT YOURSELF

Financial prudence is essential but one should not deny themselves occasional treats. Proper planning ensures that spending on something fun or luxurious does not derail future plans. One can set up a fund to start saving for

goals like a vacation, and excess can be invested.

Annual bonuses are a treat and they should be used mindfully so that it improves your future, reduces your financial stress and also help you enjoy occasional luxuries in life.

We hope the performance review goes well for you and you get that well-deserved treat. However, if things do not work out well and one has to look for opportunities elsewhere, here is a guide to help manage finances in tough times.

Tavaga is everything you need to start saving for your goals, stay on track, and achieve them in time.

BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND

If you do not have an emergency fund or were hit from some unexpected expenses this year then you should use your bonus money to ensure you’re covered. Financial surprises like a job loss, natural disaster or unexpected renovation can strike anyone, anytime. One should ideally build a fund worth 3-6 months worth of expenses to prepares for such emergencies. This corpus should be invested in highly liquid instruments like bank savings account, short term FDs or liquid funds so that they are accessible all the time. This can give you a back up and more importantly a peace of mind during such rainy days.

Mumbai: The Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI) is hosting its 20th annual conference from March 1-4, 2023, at the Hotel J W Marriott, Sahar in Mumbai, with around 500 doctors in attendance from across India. The conference, organized by Dr Abhay Agrawal (Organising Chairman) and Dr Manish Motwani (Organising Secretary) is also being attended by 25 International specialists from around the world. —ANI

Responding to a starred question by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Hemant Ahir, state Energy Minister Kanu Desai said that in 2021-22, the government purchased 11,596 million units of electricity from the company for Rs8,160 crore. The charge was revised upwards month-onmonth in the range of Rs2.83-Rs8.83 per unit, he said.

In 2007, the state government had signed an agreement to purchase power from Adani Power Ltd for 25 years at levelized tariff rates of Rs2.89 and Rs2.35

Since the project was coal-based, the said power company was not producing energy in full capacity because of “unscheduled increase in the price of coal sourced from Indonesia after 2011”, Desai said.

z In 2007, the state government had signed an agreement to purchase power from Adani Power Ltd for 25 years

z At a levelized tariff rate of `2.89 and `2.35 per unit

z The state govt revised upwards the unit rates

No

deals were finalized during visit: Foxconn

First India Bureau

Taipei: Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn confirmed on Saturday that its chairman had visited India, but denied it had "entered into any binding, definitive agreements" after reports saying it was planning new investments in the country. Also known by its official name, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Foxconn is world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and a principal assembler of Apple iPhones. Both companies are seeking to diversify away from China, where much of their manufacturing is based. Foxconn said that no deals had been finalized during chairman and CEO Young Liu's visit to India from February 27 to March 04.

Investors’ summit deals will create 6 lakh plus jobs: Andhra CM

Vishakhapatnam (PTI): Andhra Pradesh has garnered investment pledges worth Rs13.05 lakh crore with a potential to create over six lakh jobs during the two-day Global Investors Summit (GIS), Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Saturday.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, he said 352 agreements were signed in 20 sectors, out of which the energy sector stood out through 40 deals and pledges worth Rs8.84 lakh crore with a job creation potential of 1.9 lakh, he said.

"In the IT & ITES sector, 56 MoUs were signed, amounting to Rs25,587 crore of investments and will generate employment for 1,04,442 people. In the tourism sector, 117 agreements have been inked for an investment to the tune of Rs22,096 crore, that will create employment for

CM REDDY SAYS

z Renewable energy sector was one of the sectors which drew significant investments

z These investments would take renewable energy generation a long way

30,787 people,” said Reddy. Further, he pointed out that renewable energy sector was one of the sectors which drew significant investments and these would take renewable energy generation a long way.

‘Gujarat government purchased electricity worth `8,160 crore’

SPREADING THE WORD: MINISTERS ALSO TARGETED THE PREVIOUS BJP GOVERNMENT OVER VARIOUS SCHEMES

Congress mins laud Gehlot govt’s welfare schemes

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Congress minister and leaders held press conferences in various districts on Saturday to discuss and popularise welfare schemes implemented by CM Ashok Gehlot. The ministers targeted schemes implemented by the BJP government in Rajasthan.

Health Minister

Prasadi Lal Meena on Saturday held a press conference in Jaipur District Collectorate premises and targeted the BJP government over various issues. “The fertilizers were found in police stations during the BJP rule. The farmers had to face lathis for getting fertilizers and seeds.

The Central government has increased the rates of diesel, petrol and cooking gas. The Modi government also decreased the fund of MNREGA, while the state government extended the MNREGA scheme from rural to urban areas,” said Prasadi Lal Meena.

Revenue Minister

Ramlal Jat on Saturday held a press conference in Udaipur circuit house and said that this year’s budget will provide relief and growth to the people of Rajasthan. “This is due to the financial management of the government that the growth rate is 11.04 per cent. Each family has been

Khatu Shyamji fair concludes, Rawat undertakes padyatra

Ramesh Sharma

Sikar: The 10-day Khatu Shyamji fair in Sikar concluded on Saturday. More than 50 lakh Shyam devotees attended the fair. The district administration made good arrangements for the devotees. Besides, bhandara was also organised and there was a facility for free consultation with doctors.

On the 16 kilometer road from Ringas to Khatu Shyam ji, about 250 bhandaras were set up. 364 medical personnel were also deployed by the district admin-

Couple on bike crushed under truck, dies

First India Bureau

Sri Ganganagar: A couple riding a bike was crushed to death by a truck in Padampur, Sri Ganganagar. The incident happened near Padampur Sriganganagar road near CC Head. The two died on the spot. On getting information, the Padampur police station reached the spot and bodies of the two have been kept in the mortuary. The deceased were residents of Jaloki village of Padampur.

istration and 4000 police personnel were deployed. 1200 home guards, 2500 scouts were there round-theclock. This time, a good number of devotees turned up at the fair

Meanwhile, Industry minister Shakutala

Rawat on Saturday undertook a padyatra from Toran dwar to Khatushyamji temple in Sikar on successful completion of the fair.

MLA Yadav reaches Jodhpur, takes on CM

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Baljeet Yadav, an independent MLA from Behror, who has been running in all 200 assembly constituencies of Rajasthan wearing black clothes for his 14-point demands, expressing his displeasure against the state govt, reached Jodhpur on Saturday.

He started the race in all the three assembly constituencies.

Yadav said that CM

Ashok Gehlot had promised that 90 per-

cent youths from the state would be given appointment. Besides, he said that all big fishes would be punished in the paper leak case, employment opportunities will be provided but nothing was done.

REVIEWING SCHEMES

Union UDH Secy reviews centrally sponsored schemes

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Manoj Joshi on Saturday reviewed the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in the state. He held discussion about schemes including Atal Renovation and Urban Transformation Mission (AMRUT), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Smart City Mission, Deendayal Antyodaya YojanaNational Urban Liveli-

EMPHASIS ON MUNICIPAL BONDS

given Chiranjeevi health insurance of Rs 25 lakh and accident insurance of Rs 10 lakh,” said Minister Ramlal Jat. RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore held a press conference in Bharatpur Collectorate premises on Saturday. While addressing the media persons,

Dharmendra Rathore said that the 2023-24 budget was a historical budget for Rajasthan.

“There are 15 chief ministerial candidates in the BJP, but the Congress government will repeat under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the upcoming election,” said Dharmendra Rathore.

Drunk man beats wife to death in Rajsamand

First India Bureau Rajsamand: A drunk man beat up his wife to death in the Deogarh police station area of Rajsamand district. The couple was married for a year. Station officer Dilip

Singh said that Asha Devi, a resident of Sangawas, was beaten to death by her husband, Pyarelal Prajapat in an inebriated condition. The family of deceased reported the matter and got a case registered.

Minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya on Saturday visited Ajmer and said that the Rajasthan government brings schemes keeping in mind the needs of the general public and their implementation is also being done at a fast pace.

Minister Mamta Bhupesh was on a one-day

visit to Jhunjhunu on Saturday. The minister discussed the progress of budget announcements in detail and said that the BJP shows that it is united, but it is divided within the organisation. “There is factionalism within the BJP. During the Jan Aakrosh Yatra, the BJP leaders made allega-

tions against its leaders and the matter even reached the courts,” said Mamta Bhupesh Minister Shakuntala Rawat on Saturday held a press conference in Khatu Shyam Ji town of Sikar district and shared the efforts being done to implement the schemes announced in the budget session.

PHED Minister Dr Mahesh Joshi was on a visit to Bhilwara on Saturday. While addressing a press conference in Bhilwara, Dr Mahesh Joshi attacked Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and said that the union minister has given wrong statements regarding ERCP and he should take retirement from politics.

Woman, neighbour killed by 2 men

Lunaram Darji

Jalore: A woman and her neighbour was brutally murdered by two men in Ramseen area of Jalore district on Friday.

Police informed the deceased has been identified as Indra Kanwar and neighbour Hari

Singh, both residents of Modran village. “The woman was killed by her two brother-in-laws.

The accused has been identified as Pahad Singh and Dungar Singh. When neighbour Hari Singh intervened, he too was killed,” police said. “The accused has been taken into custody and the reason behind the murder is being investigated,” police added.

hood Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission with the state government officials.

During the review of the schemes, Joshi said that the urban bodies in the state have

a lot of work to do.

“There is capacity to work but there is a lack of revenue. All the urban bodies will have to pay more attention to collecting urban development tax,” he said.

Dr. Subhash Garg addressing press conference in Jodhpur on Saturday. Ramlal Jat addressing press conference in Udaipur on Saturday.

Dharmendra Rathore fecilitated in Bharatpur on Saturday. Shakuntala Rawat held a press conference in Sikar on Saturday.

Prasadi Meena & Prakash Rajpurohit during press conference in Jaipur.

More than 50 lakh Shyam devotees attended the Lakkhi fair held at Khatu Shyam ji in Sikar in 10 days.

Baljeet Yadav reached Jodhpur on Saturday.

2ND FRONT

CM: CENTRE SHOULD BRING ‘RIGHT TO SOCIAL SECURITY BILL’ FOR MASSES

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL BY TRIDIB

RAMAN

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

WHY BJP HIGH COMMAND HAS SO MUCH FAITH IN YEDIYURAPPA?

Prashant Kumar, former BJP MLA and son of KSDL Board Chairman Madal Virupakshappa, was caught by the Lokayukta while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh during election time in Karnataka. So the opposition parties of the state again started making noise that ‘this is a government which takes 40 per cent commission.’ But the truth is that this whole incident is believed to be the culmination of a mutual tussle between Yediyurappa and the Chief Minister of the State, Basavaraj Bommai. Even though initially Bommai was seen as Yeddiyurappa’s man, however in the recent past, there were reports of a tussle between the two leaders. It is said that Bommai did not expand his cabinet only because he did not want to make Yeddiyurappa’s son a minister. Madal is also a trusted person in the

CONFUSION OF CONGRESS

Yeddiyurappa faction. But the BJP high command does not want to take the risk of angering Yeddiyurappa, who is said to have influence over 100 of the state’s 224 assembly seats. Yeddiyurappa also has a significant impact on more than 500 Lingayat Maths in the state. The state’s 17 per cent Lingayat votes prove to be decisive in elections here. When PM Modi reached Shivamogga in Karnataka last week, it was his 5th visit to Karnataka this year, where Modi also addressed a big rally. Yeddiyurappa was also seen with the PM at the inauguration of the Shivamogga airport before the rally. Moreover, Modi showered praises on the 80-year-old Yeddiyurappa and wished him a healthy life, which shows that BJP High Command has firm faith that only Yeddiyurappa can reverse their electoral streak in Karnataka.

The Congress may have rekindled a new wave of hope in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in these by-elections, but the talk of the town is about the party’s resounding defeat in the Northeast. The party expected that after Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the party would perform brilliantly in the three recent assembly elections in the Northeast, but its opposite happened. Anyway, the big leaders of the party including the Gandhi family did not take the elections in the Northeast seriously and did not even bother to campaign there. As a result, in Meghalaya, where the Congress won 18 out of 60 seats in the 2018 elections, this time, it came down to 5. Even after alliance with the Left in Tripura, it could win only 2 seats while in Nagaland the Congress party got swept away. Now the party leaders are saying that from now on the Congress is going to put its full strength in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, where it is confident of forming the government. The party has left Rajasthan to Gehlot and is sure of making a comeback in Chhattisgarh.

BJP’S MAHARASHTRA CONCERN!

Even as the BJP basks in celebration of its victory in two northeastern states and is set to be part of the Conrad Sangma govt in Meghalaya, the party’s performance in recent bypolls has been worrying. Especially in Maharashtra’s Kasbapeth by-election, it had to face defeat after 27 years, and that too at a time when assembly polls are to be held next year. This is a Brahmin-dominated seat where Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis had thrown all his might, yet the seat was wrested from BJP’s hands by MVA alliance. In struggle to prove Shinde’s Shiv Sena as real, BJP’s ground in Maharashtra has started to rupture a bit. Even though the ‘arrow & bow’ symbol has been snatched from Uddhav’s group & handed over to Shinde, Uddhav still proves to be the real shooter.

WILL NOOSE TIGHTEN AROUND SISODIA?

In the coming days, the investigating agencies may tighten the noose around former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia. Sources say that the investigating agencies have found some strong evidence against Sisodia in the espionage case. The CBI has started preparing its latest charge sheet regarding this. In favour of Manish Sisodia, the way ‘I love you Manish Sisodia’ campaign is being sponsored among the children of government schools in Delhi, parties like BJP and Congress have attacked AAP, and said that ‘ The AAP government is playing with the feelings of innocent school children.’ CBI sources also claim that ‘Sisodia’s men are threatening the witnesses and showing them fear of the Punjab Police.’ Some leaders are also raising questions that ‘why the mastermind of the liquor scam and the manager of the party fund has been spared as this AAP leader is one who may have the most information about the matter.’

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot while addressing the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of SMS Medical College, has raised the issue of “right to social security” in nation. “Centre should bring “Right to Social Security” bill in the House on the lines of Food Security Act so that the needy people

BJP’s FOCUS ON ‘LOST’ SEATS IN 2019 LS POLLS

BJP has no equal in castes handling. Till now saffron strategists have proved to be the uncrowned king of social engineering, but when this saffron caravan reaches western UP, it commits a big mistake there. To win the Khatauli by-election, Jayant Chowdhary had bet on his late grandfather Chowdhary Charan Singh’s ‘Majag’ (Muslim, Jat and Gujjar) formula and bagged this seat. Jats and Gujjar castes may have worked together in BJP’s favour in recently concluded district panchayat elections in UP, but when it came to become president of district panchayat, in this saffron period, Jats won the battle. Nearly 80 Jats were made president in 90% of districts and Jats were also given prominence in those districts which were Gujjar dominated areas. It is said that there is a lot of anger in Gujjar community over it. On the other hand, BJP’s focus is on those 14 seats in UP which it lost in 2019 LS elections. The BJP has formed a team under the leadership of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, which is engaged in grass-root investigation as to why BJP had to face defeat here in 2019 polls. This team is working especially hard on seats of Bijnor, Saharanpur and Nagina. Out of this Bijnor’s seat was won by Maluk Nagar of BSP and it is being said about him that he is in constant touch with BJP. BJP is still trying to woo Jayant Chaudhary, but he knows that ‘how does saffron party deal with smaller parties’ as what better example can be given than Lok Janshakti Party?

...AND FINALLY ADANI’S BAILOUT FORMULA

A recent picture of a lady officer from a major city in UP is going viral on social media these days, in which she is seen on a flight in an expensive ‘Burberry’ shirt and jacket and in her hands is an expensive ‘Rolex Rose Gold’ watch. Apparently, the initial price of this watch is above Rs 40 lakh.

The trusted people of the ruling Central government are involved in getting Gautam Adani out of his current crisis. Ever since the report of the American research firm ‘Hindenburg’ came out on January 24, the crisis of the Adani Group has been increasing continuously. A very reliable source related to the government claims that ‘Gautam Adani has been advised to sell some of his big companies and pay the money to the government and creditors immediately. This process should start at least from March itself. ‘ The same source claims that in this episode, Adani can sell two of his cement companies ACC and Ambuja Cement to Kumar Mangalam Birla and reduce his liabilities with the amount received from this deal. Sources are sure that even Kumar Mangalam Birla will not face any financial problem in buying these two companies, because the reputation of these two companies is such that any bank will be happy to give loan in their name.

CM Ashok Gehlot will visit Delhi today to attend an award ceremony at Hotel Taj. He will then reach Mumbai. On March 6, he will attend an event in Pune & will fly to Jodhpur

can get the right to social security,” he said.

“We are bringing the Right to Health Bill, but some private sector doctors are opposing it. They should not oppose. You guys also explain to them.” Everyone is proud of SMS, because

it has reached here after completing the journey of 75 years,” Gehlot said while praising the doctors for Covid management. Health Min Parsadi Lal Meena said that work that has been done in medical field in last 4 years, hasn’t been

done in any other state of the country.

SMS Medical College

Principal Dr Rajeev Bagarhatta said that this Medical College, which was started with two rooms and a hostel, has attained a different status today. “We will

achieve the goal that our seniors had seen. Many new departments have also been added in 75 years. With the help of our alumni, we are getting work done on infrastructure worth 7.50 cr,” he added.

RUHS V-C Dr Sudhir Bhandari said, “I thank the CM that he has given such a gift to the institute which is improving the skills further.”

First India Bureau

Kota: Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane, while speaking at inaugural ceremony of MSME Fair cum Exhibition, organised jointly by Small Scale Industry Association, & MSME, at Dusshera Ground in Kota, urged youth to work hard to establish industry & turn into reality PM Modi’s vision of India being the 3rd biggest global economy by 2030. At least 400 stalls of various MSME

products and Startup units were displayed in the fair. Union Min Rane appreciated entrepreneurs and industrial skills of Marwari people of Rajasthan saying Marwari people share only 1% of India’s population but their contribution to economy is 24%. Om Birla in his address, termed MSMEs the engine of economic growth. MSME can play a vital role in improving the lives of the people and generating employment for them, he said.

Jaipur (PTI): If Union Minister GS Shekhawat is innocent, then he should come forward to help the people get their money back in Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam, CM Ashok Gehlot’s aide Lokesh Sharma said while reacting to reports that Shekhawat has filed a criminal defamation case against Gehlot in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court after he alleged latter’s involvement in Sanjivani Credit Co-op Society scam. “It is a matter of surprise, Union Min Mr GS Shekhawat, whose crime, has been proved in SOG probe, is similar to accused arrested in Sanjeevani scam ... has filed a defamation case against State CM,” he tweeted.

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Saturday highlighted the achievements of the Ashok Gehlot led Congress government during his Kota visit. He said that due to the anti-government policies of Modi government, inflation is skyrocketing and it is the Rajasthan government which has worked to provide relief to the common man from high inflation by announc-

ing measures like LPG cylinder for Rs 500 to the poor, increase in Chiranjeevi health insurance from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Dhariwal claimed that Rajasthan’s economic growth rate has reached 11.04 % due to Gehlot’s management and CM has made a provision of Rs 19,000 cr in budget to fight inflation. He also talked about the works of the government for Kota including Chambal River Front Phase II.

State is burning & CM is sleeping peacefully: Raje

Laxman Raghav and Tanuj Lata

Salasar: Former CM Vasundhara Raje while addressing a public gathering after offering prayers at Salasar Balaji temple in Churu to mark her birthday celebrations on Saturday, said that the State is burning & Chief Minister is sleeping peacefully, adding that today is also National Security Day. “For 4 and a half years, we have faced such a government, where no one is safe. Neither women, nor Dalits, nor commoners. On one hand, the nation try is celebrating ‘Amrit Kaal’ under the efficient leadership of Modi ji & on the other hand, due to anarchy, injustice and unemployment in Raj, people are drinking tears of blood,” she said. Raje’s public meeting was organised

to mark her birthday, which falls on March 8.

As Holi, also known as Dhulandi will be celebrated in Rajasthan that day, Raje decided to hold a ‘show of strength’ on Saturday. Her aide, however, debunked the theory saying that its a religious event organised annually on her b’day.

The meeting, organised at an individual level by Raje, was attend-

ed by several BJP leaders including Ashok Parnami, Rajpal Singh and Yunus Khan. Hitting out at Gehlot govt over corruption and illegal mining, Raje claimed a CAG audit has pointed out illegal mining in state. She also highlighted feats of her previous govt and called on the people to bring party to power in 2023 also. “As a soldier of the

While one group of BJP is gathering in Salasar, others are gathering at Civil Lines. BJP is on fire and there are infighting going on.

—Shanti Dhariwal, UDH Minister

eters around Salasar.

organization, I am moving forward under PM Modi’s guidance and under leadership of Nadda ji. The lamp of faith of Balaji and peoples’ blessings, which has been lit, is not going to be extinguished by any storm,” she said.

The number of people who reached the meeting can be gauged from the fact that there was a jam for 5-5 kilom-

“Out of 33 lakh patients in Chiranjeevi scheme, 100 patients didn’t get full claim and even Rs 12,000 wasn’t spent on a single patient. Due to paper leaks, youths are demanding justice from govt & it is not catching the master mind, she said. She remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and thanked her supporters for standing by her through thick & thin. Hanuman Chalisa was recited collectively at the end of her speech.

The festivals are enjoyable, not just because of the culture and traditions associated with them, but more because we celebrate them with our family and friends. —Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

‘Raj govt provided relief to masses from inflation’

‘If Shekhawat isn’t guilty, he should help Sanjivani victims’

Birla: MSME crucial in improving peoples’ lives

Shanti Dhariwal addresses peoples’ concerns during the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign in ward number 28 at Nadipaar area of Kota city on Saturday. Also seen here is Amit Dhariwal.

CM Ashok Gehlot felicitates the alumni of SMS Medical College for their outstanding contribution to the field of health during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of SMS Medical College in Jaipur.

CM Ashok Gehlot inaugurates the SMS Anthem, Platinum Jubilee Souvenir and special ticket and cover issued by Indian Postal Department to mark the Platinum Jubilee of SMS College in Jaipur on Saturday. Also seen here are Parsadi Lal Meena, Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Dr Rajeev Bagarhatta, Dr Ashok Gupta, Dr SM Sharma and T Ravikant. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Raje offers prayers at the Salasar Balaji Temple as a part of her birthday celebrations at Salasar town in Churu district on Saturday. Temple priests including Mahavir Pujari, Mangilal Pujari, Yashodanandan Pujari are also seen.

Vasundhara Raje participates in the ‘Faagotsav’ being organised at Salasar on Saturday. Also seen here is Arun Singh.

Om Birla and Narayan Rane listen to an exhibitor as he informs about his start up during the MSME Fair being organised at the Dussehra Ground in Kota on Saturday.

Fashion escapism!

A criss-cross dress is a must-have in your closet since it is seductive, glamorous, a little flirtatious, and a little feminine. Let’s dive into this magnificent fashion world of Crisscross with City First!

Criss-cross dresses have always been a party staple, but with the over-the-top look of 2023, these dazzling gowns have once again become popular. Bring out the sexiness this summer since

ting go of your inhibitions. Fancy crisscross details can instantly transform any costume into a show-stopper, whether it be in sensuous numbers or sexy blacks. To embrace this season’s gorgeous criss-cross dress style with oomph and panache, one may recognise a number of fashionable recommendations.

Wear a ribbed dress to celebrate the holidays in elegance and comfort. A ribbed dress might get monotonous, but criss-cross

on transparent heels with your maxi crisscross dress to allow your stunning garment to steal the show.

If one wants to go for a retro look, choose a striped or polka criss-cross design, add vintage sunglasses, and accessorise with a blingy headband.

To avoid looking extra, don’t overdo the accessories; the criss-cross pattern is the best way to make a fashion statement and will help you look like the talk of the town. A crisscross dress is

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Are you looking for an unforgettable vacation? Look no further than Thailand! With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities and stunning adventures.

Thailand is the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience. The country is an urban metropolis of the contemporary day that you can begin exploring from above by climbing to the top of one of the many skyscrapers. Use this deal to obtain a free drink at the top of one of the highest structures, which belongs to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Of course, there are even more places to see in Thailand. Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the city’s most well-known royal palace to learn more about Thailand’s cultural and historical legacy as you continue your exploration of the area. Indian passport holders can take advantage of the Visa on Arrival program to make their trip even easier.

Thailand’s tourism business is a major one, so the country has first-rate tourist facilities. Thailand is still so big, though, that there are still some locations where you might feel like the only visitor there. Everybody can benefit from it, without a doubt.

WHY THAILAND SHOULD BE

Cafes, Lounges and RestauSome of the most beautiful cafes, lounges, restaurants, bars and clubs around the coast of Thailand.

Some of the most beautiful and serene beaches with gorgeous landscapes.

Thailand is one of the most cultural countries to visit with Temples and Budha stat-

Adventures & Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Zip-lining, there’s something for everyone.

Roadtrips: Some of the most beautiful landscapes, God’s green earth set amongst the best roads to drive around.

Sail Boats: Hire a private sail and go around the coast of Krabi to Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island.

■ Visa on Arrival: The best part for Indian passport holders.

■ Pocket Friendly: Thailand is so reasonable on the pocket it’s a great escape for impromptu plans.

■ Nightlife: Full of life in the night with bars, Clubs and mu-

MUST ON THE BUCKET LIST OF TRAVELLERS?

sic that will keep you grooving all night long.

■ Festivals & Events: Thailand is a host of many vibrant festivals like the Songkran Water Festival and the Loy Krathong Festival. Enjoy the best of Thai culture at these festivals.

■ Shopping: From markets to modern shopping malls there are plenty of options to explore. Get a real taste of Thailand as you visit different stores throughout the country.

■ Accommodation: Whether you want luxury resorts or affordable accommodation, Thailand has it all! With lots of great hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs available it’s easy to find a place that suits your budget and style.

■ Night Markets: Explore the streets of Thailand through its night markets, offering great food, unique souvenirs and street performances.

■ Nature: From lush rainforests to tropical islands, Thailand’s nature is breathtakingly beautiful. Go trekking, explore caves or simply relax on the beach for a truly unforgettable experience.

■ Relaxation: With world-class spas and wellness retreats, Thailand offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind from all the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy some yoga classes or take part in meditation sessions

for an even more calming escape.

■ Health & Wellness: Take advantage of Thailand’s traditional therapies and learn about their ancient healing practices, from herbal medicine to Thai massage. With so many health retreats and healing centres, Thailand is the perfect place for a wellness getaway.

■ Cuisine: One of Thailand’s most beloved features is its delicious cuisine. Sample some of the country’s unique dishes, from street food to traditional dishes such as Pad Thai or Massaman Curry. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

■ Transport: Getting around in Thailand is easy and affordable with plenty of public transportation options available, such as buses, tuk-tuks and ferries. Private rides are also easily bookable online or through apps.

■ Safety & Security: Thailand is generally a safe destination but it’s important to take precautions. Keep your passport and valuable items safe and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

■ People: From the locals to travellers, Thailand is full of friendly people who are always willing to help out and share their stories. Make sure you interact with them as much as possible – it’ll make your stay even more enjoyable!

■ Wildlife: Spot rare animals like

wild elephants, gibbons or sea turtles while exploring Thai jungles or tropical islands. You’ll also have a chance to swim with whale sharks in some parts of the country!

■ Climate & Weather: With its warm climate all year round, Thailand is an ideal destination for those looking for a sunny escape. The best time to visit is during the dry season between December and April, although you can find plenty of things to do in other months as well.

■ Adventure & Sports: From Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Surfing, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Kayaking, Zip-lining and more –there’s something for everyone! Let your adventurous side out and explore all that Thailand has to offer.

■ Culture: With its unique culture and fascinating history, Thailand is a great destination for those looking to learn about the local way of life and customs. Make sure to visit some of the country’s many temples or participate in traditional ceremonies such as blessing or ancestor worship rituals.

■ Overall, Thailand is an amazing destination with something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or culture – it’s a great place to explore. So what are you waiting for - plan your next trip to Thailand today! cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

AKANSHA BAKSHI

Akansha Bakshi

DENIM ON DENIM

Deepika Padu-

kone is one of the most loved and stylish actresses in Bollywood. The Piku star recently grabbed all the limelight as she revealed that she will be one of the presenters at the Oscars this year.

Indeed, it is a matter of pride. On Saturday the star was snapped at the Mumbai airport slaying in her casual yet funky attire and to add on was her killer smile. In the video, we can see Deepika Padu-

WOMEN’S PREMIERE LEAGUE 2023

Kiara Advani and Kriti Sanon are two of the most successful actresses in Bollywood currently. Both these divas will be performing at the opening ceremony of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premiere League 2023. A video of AP Dhillon, Kiara Advani, and Kriti Sanon has been going viral on social media. It is from their rehearsals for their performance at the opening cer-

emony of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premiere League 2023. In the video, we can see Kriti looking cool in blue coloured denim shorts that she paired with a black sports bra and layered with an oversized denim

shirt with open front but tons. Kiara, on the other hand, looked funky in a Pink coloured shiny track that she paired with a white tank top and completed her look with silver knee-high boots. AP Dhillon too can be seen with the divas chatting with them.

Dating Rumours A

diti Rao Hydari and Siddharth’s rumoured relationship often catch the headlines. Since last year, there have been rumours that the duo are dating and are clicked together on many occasions.

And recently, with Aditi’s recent dance reel with Siddharth, they have added much-needed fuel to their relationship rumours.

Now, the actress reacted to the relationship rumours and she doesn’t feel the need to pay attention.

Reacting to the relationship rumours with Siddharth, Aditi Rao Hydari, in an interview said, “Since I’m working I am

not looking at that. Peo ple will talk and you can’t stop them from talking. They will do what they find in teresting and I am doing what I find interesting, which is going to set. I think it’s ok. And the thing is as long as I have amazing work to do and working with di rectors I love, and as long as people accept me and watch me, I am re ally happy.”

kone exiting from the Mumbai airport gate looking stylish as ever. She chose to wear an oversized white tee and layered it with a light blue denim jacket that had a splash pattern on it. The actress paired her jacket and tee with similar light blue coloured straight fit denim with folded ends. Deepika completed her look with white sports shoes, open hair, sunglasses, a yellow-coloured sling bag and her beautiful smile.

Manushi’s Telugu debut

Varun Tej’s next is a TeluguHindi bilingual action-drama and is inspired by India’s Air Force. The film is tentatively titled ‘VT13 and has created quite a good buzz among the audiences. Now, the makers announced that the female lead of the film is Bollywood actress Manushi Chhillar. The makers of the film took to Twitter and shared a video to welcome Manushi Chhillar on board. The actress will mark her debut in Telugu with this film. She will be seen portraying the role of a radar officer. Manushi Chhillar represented India in 2017 for Miss Universe and won first prize. She made her debut in Hindi cinema with the Akshay Kumar starrer, which didn’t perform well at the box office.

Citadel India

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is one of the busiest actresses in the South. She has quite an in teresting lineup and Russo Brother’s Citadel is one of them. The actress is playing the female lead in the Indian adaptation of the series, directed by Raj and DK. Now, the directors spill the beans about Samantha’s role in the film.

Recently, in an inter view, Raj, and DK opened up about Samantha’s role in Citadel. The director said, “We have started shooting with Samantha and Varun (Dhawan). It’s a really strong, author-backed role. The idea is to use Samantha’s abilities and challenge her more, to open up a few more aspects of her acting.”

Deepika Padukone

Still from the rehearsal

Manushi Chillar

Kiara Advani

Aditi Rao Hydari

Raj and DK’s tweet...

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

GRAND RECEPTION!

The grand wedding reception of Mayank, son of Shobha Chauhan and Rajesh Chauhan with Rizvika, daughter of Chandrakanta and Shrawan Arya took place at Harivan Garden on Friday, March 3. Governor Kalraj Mishra graced the function and blessed the newlyweds. Jagdeesh Chandra along with various other dignitaries including former CM Vasundhara Raje, MLA Satish Poonia, Ajay Pal Singh, IAS Kuldeep Ranka, MLA Vasudev Devnani, MLA Shobha Chauhan and Retired IAS Lalit K Panwar also attended the function and wished the couple a happy married life ahead. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

HOLI MILAN SAMAROH!

Hemant Sharma, TV9 News Director hosted a Holi Milan Samaroh to commemorate Rangbhari Ekadashi at his residence in Delhi. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to greet Hemant Sharma and his family and wished them a happy and joyous festival. On the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, a rite of honouring Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati is performed. On this day, Lord Shiva is said to have brought Mother Pravati to Kashi for the first time, and all warmly welcomed her with gulal and abir.

DURING THE DAY!

Youth and Sports Minister Ashok Chandna felicitated the students selected in laboratory assistant recruitment 2018 and 2022 at an event organised by Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, Jaipur which was held at Hotel Grand Safari. The students were also welcomed and felicitated by Aarambh Tutors Adda Shikshan Sansthan. Addressing the ceremony, Ashok Chandna while praising this innovation of digital education done by the director of the institution, Anvita Redu, said that in the last 4 years, the Rajasthan government has given more than 3 lakh jobs to provide government jobs and employment opportunities to the youth and more than 1 lakh in the coming financial year 2023-2024.

POSTER LAUNCH!

Shakunthala Raju, Regional President AWWA Sapta Shakti Command launched the poster of Her Hunar exhibition which will be organised by Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Sapta Shakti Command from March 5 to March 8 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.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Drishya Bharti Sanstha, under the two-day Indian folk theatre presentation, Shri Krishna Leela based on the Azadi Ka Amrit Utsav and Braj culture was staged at Ravindra Manch on Saturday. Several eminent theatre artists enthralled the audience with their spectacular performances.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Under the leadership of Union President Rituraj Sharma, the High Court Employees Union celebrated holi with Registrar General Chandra Prakash Shrimali. On the occasion, Registrar Administration Suresh Bansal, Registrar Vigilance Ajay Chaudhary, Registrar Rits Anil Kaushik, Registrar CPC Balkrishna Goyal, Registrar Judicial Manoj Soni and Registrar Classification Jagat Singh were also greeted with flowers. Union Vice President Chandra Prakash Chhajeda, Secretary Ajay Sharma, Narendra Mathur, Vivek Bhatt, Dheeraj Saxena, Sanjay Kannaujia, Sangeeta Singhal, Seema Arora were present on the occasion.

PROUD MOMENT!

Jagdeesh Chandra and Upendra Singh Shekhawat (Deputy Director, Department of Tourism) congratulated Santosh Sharma, Chief Photographer, First India on achieving the first position at a photography competition organised during Sambhar Festival from February 17-19. While Gourav Dadhich (Amateur Naturalist) and Yogesh Sekvani (Amateur Naturalist) received second and third positions during the competition. The grand competition was judged and curated by Sudhir Kasliwal, Indrajit Bose and Anchit Natha. Jaipur district administration and the state tourism department organised this festival together, to promote tourism in the state. The three-day festival featured exciting programs, such as full moon events, kite flying, camel riding, parasailing, ATV riding, birdwatching, motorcycle rally and a grand-level photography competition.

Phag Festival by Sahu Mahila Seva Sangathan, Jaipur was celebrated at Sahu Paradise, Janta Colony on Saturday. The visitors who appeared as Radha and Krishna in the Phag festival were welcomed. Archana Sharma (State Minister of Social Welfare Board, Government of Rajasthan) graced the event as the special guest. Complete arrangements were made under the leadership of Sita Arya (Patron), Kalavati Patel (President) and Sita Dilliwal (General Secretary) in which about 650 people participated.

Holi Aur Nari Ka Sarokar, a live talk show was organised at the Royal Jaipur Restaurant on Saturday. Women from different fields of the city including Dr Simantini Chaturvedi, Dr Priyanka Jain, Poonam Sharma, Pandit Minakshi Joshi and Aacharya Himani Jolly gathered to celebrate Holi and Women’s Day. They discussed various day-to-day issues faced by women.

In the series of Net Theat program, young tabla artist Hrithik Vyas on Saturday spread such magic with his fingers on the tabla that it ignited excitement in audiences who woke up with applause. Net Theat’s Rajendra Sharma Raju informed that artist Hrithik Vyas started his program by playing tabla in Taal-Teen Taal. After that, he presented Peshkar, Gharano Ke Kayeed, Raila, Tukda, Gat Farmaishi Gat, Tripalli in Drut Laya, etc. During the show, Hrithik won the applause of the people by playing Chakradhar Gat as requested. Hrithik Vyas took his initial lessons in tabla from his father and guru and is a well-known tabla player, Dinesh Vyas. He got a musical environment from his childhood.

FICCI Ladies organistation, Jaipur hosted a unique event which focused on networking recently. Chairperson Mudrika Dhoka shared “We are in a world where a woman is working hand in hand with men in fact have superseded them. With this networking event, we are celebrating women empowerment, and giving an open platform to connect with each other for their growth and progress”. FICCI FLO promoted some wonderful products made by women from the grassroots, The Rajiveeka govt. Dept. and SK foundation had exhibited its products like organic gulal, weaved organic yoga mats, various hand-stitched products.

Kalraj Mishra with Jagdeesh Chandra

Kalraj Mishra and Jagdeesh Chandra with newlyweds Mayank & Rizvika, Rajesh Chauhan, Shobha Chauhan, Sarvan Arya, Vinod Nehra, Kiran Kumar Parihar, Basant Parihar and Jawahar Mal Parihar

Jagdeesh Chandra with Ajay Pal Singh

Vasudev Devnani Lalit K Panwar, Subeer Kumar and Jawahar Mal Parihar

IAS Kuldeep Ranka

Vasundhara Raje with newlyweds Mayank & Rizvika, Shobha Chauhan, Rajesh Chauhan, Sarvan Arya, Dinesh Chauhan and Pusaram Dangi Satish Poonia

—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Jagdeesh Chandra with Veena and Hemant Sharma and Ishaanee Sharma

Jagdeesh Chandra with Hemant Sharma Jagdeesh Chandra with Ishaanee Sharma, Hemant Sharma and Veena Sharma

Jagdeesh Chandra with Santosh Sharma

Upendra Singh Shekhawat felicitating Santosh Sharma

The award winning photograph

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO