First India-Jaipur Edition-5th April 2023

Ashok Gehlot said he has tested positive for Covid on Tuesday. ‘I will continue working from my residence for next few days. All of you should take care, follow Covid protocols,” he tweeted. Gehlot had met Rahul and other leaders in Surat on Monday.

CM GEHLOT, EX-CM RAJE TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

MASSIVE AVALANCHE HITS NATHU LA IN SIKKIM

Crucial

READ

ELON MUSK REPLACES

TWITTER’S BIRD LOGO WITH ‘DOGE’ MEME

Washington: Twitter CEO

Elon Musk has changed the iconic blue bird logo - which has served as a home button on the web version, with “doge” meme of Dogecoin cryptocurrency.

WORLD BANK: INDIA, ONE OF THE FASTESTGROWING ECONOMIES

New Delhi: World Bank, on Tuesday, cut India’s GDP growth to 6.3% in FY24 and projected the Current Account Deficit at 5.2%. Report noted that India was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

VARANASI-BOUND

INDIGO FLIGHT MAKES

EMERGENCY LANDING

Hyderabad: A Varanasibound IndiGo flight from Bengaluru made an emergency landing at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport early on Tuesday morning after it developed a technical glitch.

4 DIE AFTER INHALING

POISONOUS GAS IN SEPTIC TANK IN HRY

Chandigarh: Four people, including two migrant labourers, died on Tuesday after inhaling toxic gas while laying pipes in a septic tank in Bahadurgarh in the Haryana’s Jhajjar district.

First India Bureau

New Delhi: BJP president JP Nadda on Tuesday asked the party’s social media teams to follow the organisation’s values and refrain from indulging in lowering the standard of political discourse, “irrespective of what narrative the Opposition chooses”. Nadda was addressing a workshop organised by the party for its state social media teams. He said the party not

Jaipur: Former CM Vasundhara Raje tested positive on Tuesday for Covid. Raje in a tweet said she has isolated herself since testing positive. “My report has come positive in Covid test. Those who came in contact with me should get themselves tested, take precautions,” Raje advised.

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

TRAPPED IN AN ICY GRAVE!

Child among 7 die, over 20 rescued, scores trapped

First India Bureau Gangtok: At least seven people, including a child, were killed after an avalanche hit Sikkim’s Nathula area on Tuesday. The avalanche occurred near 15th milestone on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg on NH 310. The avalanche had trapped five to six vehicles along with 20-30 tourists who were on their way to Nathula,

AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED FOR JAMMU & KASHMIR’S KUPWARA IN NEXT 24 HOURS

M inutes after a massive avalanche in Sikkim killed at least seven tourists, the J&K Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche warning in the Kupwara district in the next 24 hours. According to the authorities, the avalanche is likely to have a “low danger level”

according to defence sources. The road was opened for traffic at 7 pm by BRO as the snow was cleared. Some 350 people in 80 vehicles, stranded on road be-

cause of snow, were being brought back to Gangtok, officials said.

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang said, ‘My heart goes out to the bereaved family and friends in this hour of grief.’

Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

—Narendra Modi, PM

Amit Shah @AmitShah My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic avalanche in Sikkim. We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

A

‘PRODUCTIVE’ ROYAL MEET!

PM Modi holds talks with Bhutan King Jigme; focus on bilateral ties

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral engagement in a number of areas, including economic collaboration. It is reported that King Wangchuck & Modi discussed measures to strengthen their bilateral ties during their conversation.

King also paid a visit to Rajghat to honour Mahatma Gandhi.

The King began his two-day visit to India on Monday amid some concerns in Delhi over China’s attempts to expand influence over Thimphu. It is learnt that talks between PM Modi and King Wangchuck were focused on ways to expand bilateral ties. At media briefing, Kwatra said the visit of Bhutanese King to India provided an opportunity to sketch a roadmap to further expand cooperation in diverse areas.

The Bhutan King`s visit comes at invitation of Prez Droupadi Murmu.

Balancing RTH Act

call off strike with consensus on demands

AGREEMENT ON 8 POINTS

1 Private multi-specialty hosps with less than 50 beds excluded from RTH

I DEEPLY VALUE OUR CLOSE FRIENDSHIP: PM

PM Modi said, ‘Pleased to receive His Majesty King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights’.

MENTALLY-ILL MAN HACKS DAUGHTERS TO DEATH; INJURES WIFE; ARRESTED

Narpat Joya

The meeting between PM Modi and the Bhutan King covered entire gamut of bilateral ties including issues of respective national interest.

—Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary

Jaipur: Private doctors in Rajasthan on Tuesday ended their 17-day strike over the RTH Act after State govt agreed to their 8 key demands including keeping unaided private hospitals outside the ambit of the law. The decision was taken after a meeting with Chief Secretary Usha Sharma. The doctors’ bodies said that the two sides reached consensus during talks with the state government agreeing to keep private hospitals that have not availed land at subsidised rates or other benefits from it outside the ambit of the proposed law.

Gehlot hopes doctors will make RTH Act a success in Rajasthan

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed satisfaction that the doctor fraternity agreed to the proposals put forth by the state government regarding Right to Health Act. With this, Rajasthan has now become the first state in the country to implement the Right to Health.

Gehlot hoped that all doctors will immediately join their duty and that private and government hospitals will make the Right to

All the people of the state have extended their cooperation to the state government in the favour of the Bill. Now the docs agreeing to this important Bill, is a good sign.

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

Health, schemes such as the CM Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana and RGHS successful. P3

Donald Trump under arrest ahead of historic court appearance in NY

2 All private hospitals established without any facilities from govt and building on subsidized rates will also be kept out of RTH

3 These hospitals will come under the ambit of RTH. Pvt Medical College and Hospital built on PPP mode, hospitals established after taking land from the govt free of cost or at concessional rates, hospitals run by trusts

4 Consider to regularise hosps built at diff places of Raj on basis of Kota model

5 Police and other cases registered during the movement will be withdrawn

6 Single window system for licences and other approvals for hospitals

7 Fire NOC will be renewed every 5 years

8 Other changes will be made after consultation with 2 representatives of IMA

India rejects China’s attempt to rename the disputed places

only has “the largest but also the most talented” volunteer network to take message of devp, carried out under the leadership of PM Modi, to the public.

Nagaur: A mentally unstable man allegedly hacked his two daughters to death with an axe and injured his wife and daughter-in-law when they tried to intervene in Nagaur district, police said on Tuesday. The accused, Manaram (57), a resident of Parbatsar, has been taken into custody and is being interrogated, they said. Manaram killed his daughters Meera (26) and Rekha (20) with an axe on Monday. The injured have been hospitalised, police said. P7

ARRAIGNMENT IN HUSH MONEY CASE ‘Seems so SURREAL’, Donald Trump tweets before surrendering

First India Bureau New York: Former United States president Donald Trump surrendered before the Manhattan grand jury in New York as he faces extraordinary criminal charges that threaten to derail his Republican leader’s 2024 presiden-

Donald Trump

tial campaign.

With this, Donald Trump has become the first former US president to face criminal charges. The sealed indictment purportedly

COURT APPEARANCE OF TRUMP ‘NOT A FOCUS’ FOR BIDEN

President Joe Biden was paying little attention Tuesday to the arraignment of his predecessor Donald Trump in New York on criminal charges, the White House said.

charges the 76-year old with more than 30 counts of corporate fraud, the most serious of which is allegedly paying ‘hush money’ to porn actress Stormy

Daniels. Hundreds of Donald Trump supporters and antiTrump protesters on Tuesday swarmed the streets around the courthouse.

Guwahati (FIB): India rejected China renaming 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that the state has “been” and will “always be” an integral part of India. China on Monday has released a set of new names for 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its efforts to reemphasize its claim over State. “We have seen such reports. We reject this outright,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

President Droupadi Murmu welcomes the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Vikas Sharma

After 17 days, docs

Rescue operations underway at Nathula on JNM Road in East Sikkim after an avalanche on Tuesday. PHOTO BY ANI

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAMS

‘Refrain from lowering standard of pol discourse’

Youth shot at by couple in Sanganer area

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A 22-year-old youth sustained grievous bullet injuries after being shot by a couple in the Sanganer area on Saturday night. Police informed the victim has been identified as Mohan Gurjar, a resident of Dudu.

“The accused fired gunshots at the victim and fled from the spot.

Mohan sustained bullet injuries in his jaw and was rushed to Bagra Hospital in Madrampura. Owing to critical condition, he was referred to SMS Hospital,” police said.

“An FIR for an attempt to murder and Arms Act has been filed against the accused and the matter is being investigated,” police added.

CP Joshi, Rathore lead protest against State Govt in Bhilwara

POONIA MEETS DHANKHAR IN NEW DELHI

Social Justice Dept bags SKOCH Award for various schemes

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Department of Social Justice was on Tuesday conferred with the SKOCH Award for the effective implementation of the Palanhar Scheme, Scholarship and Kanyadaan Scheme. The department secured one gold award for Palanhar Scheme and two silver SKOCH Awards for Scholarship and Kanyadaan Scheme.

The programme was held in New Delhi during which Department Secretary Dr Samit Sharma and Director Hari Mohan Meena were also present.

The department also got three orders of merit certificates. The award was handed over to Minister Tikaram Jully by the officials. Earlier, Rajasthan acquired third position in the country in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2022. The State was at the 15th position in 2021.

The State under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot earned the distinction for its responsive, transparent, and accountable governance model.

Rajasthan won 20 awards, including eight Gold and 12 Silver. The state performed very well in 23 categories.

Naveen Joshi

Bhilwara: The BJP protested against the policies of the State Govern-

ment on Tuesday. The Collectorate was gheraoed under the leadership of BJP State President CP Joshi and Leader of the Opposition Rajendra Rathore. During this, everyone tried to forcefully enter the collectorate and the police used mild force and

water cannon on them. All the MLAs and thousands of workers of the district participated in the rally. A tight police guard was deployed at the collectorate since morning. A ruckus was created by shouting slogans against the government.

RUSU General Secy office inaugurated

Bharat Dixit

Jaipur: A cultural programme was held at Rajasthan University on Tuesday during the inauguration of the office of the General Secretary of Rajasthan University Student Union (RUSU), Arvind Jajra.

JMCG Mayor Dr Somya, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Chandrashekar, ABVP leader Arjun Tiwari, RU Vice-Chancellor Rajiv Jain and other leaders were also present during the inauguration ceremony. Punjabi singer Parvish Verma gave his performance during the cultural event and en-

Chandrashekhar,

thralled the audience.

Parmish Verma gave his performance for 25 minutes, during which, a large number of students were present.

Water harvesting structures in govt buildings in 17 dists soon

Govt likely to bring Bill for groundwater conservation

Jaipur (PTI): The Rajasthan government is working on a bill for the constitution of a “Groundwater Conservation and Management Authority” for the proper use of groundwater and the convenience of industrial units.

Addressing the Jan Aakrosh meeting, CP Joshi slammed the Congress government. “Congress government has not been able to fulfill any of its promises. Even now the Gehlot government has piled up announcements in the budget. But it is not

Rains lash parts of Raj, lightning kills 2 in Bikaner

Jaipur (PTI): Two brothers were killed after being struck by lightning in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district as light to moderate rainfall lashed several parts of the state in the last 24 hours, a MeT department spokesperson said.

The victims, Atmaram (19) and Tejaram (20) were working in a field in Gadhwala village when they were struck by lightning on Monday.

According to the MeT department, Jhunjhunu’s Udaipurwati received 21 mm rain, Paota in Jaipur 17 mm, Nagaur’s Parbatsar 15 mm, Ladnun 13 mm, Makrana 13 mm, Degana, Jaipur’s Biratnagar and Jamwaramgarh 11 mm each.

A drop in the maximum and minimum temperature has been recorded in most areas of the state as the temperatures were recorded below normal, the spokesperson said.

known when this announcement will benefit the public,” he said. Joshi also raised issue of increasing crime in the State. After the Aakrosh Sabha, a memorandum was submitted to the Collector in the name of the Governor.

Minister Tikaram Jully, Dr Samit Sharma and Hari Mohan Meena receive SKOCH Award certificates in New Delhi on Tuesday.

POSTER, VEHICLE RALLIES HELD

Youth Cong to send postcards to Modi

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: The youth congress on Tuesday started a poster and postcard campaign in the PCC office. The youth congress workers will be sending lakhs of post-cards to PM Narendra Modi seeking answers to three questions. Youth congress leaders informed that the postcard campaign will be started from the assembly constituencies and about 3000 to 4000 postcards will be sent from each assembly constituency. Prominent youth leaders in-

EX-IAS UJJWAL GETS ADVISOR POST FOR ONE YEAR IN JDA

cluding in charge Mohammad Shahid, Abhimanyu Poonia, Sudhendra Mood, Rakesh Meena, and Rahul Khan were present during the launching of the campaign. The PM will be questioned about how Adani became the 8th richest person in the world.

Meanwhile, a Vehicle rally was also organised in the city over the disqualificaition of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha. Congress workers in large numbers took part in the rally that was flagged off from Sanganer.

MINES MEET

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Water harvesting structures will be made in Government buildings on the basis of feasibility in rural areas of 17 districts covered under Atal Bhujal Yojana.

Along with this, innovations will be promoted for ground water conservation and recharge.

The decisions were taken in a review meeting of Atal Ground Water Scheme chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health

Engineering and Ground Water, Dr Subodh Agarwal.

“Rain water harvesting and conservation structures will be built in government buildings in rural areas of 17 districts which are covered under Atal Bhujal Yojana,” he said.

The ACS asked all the departments to use the incentive amount received under the Atal Bhujal Yojana on the work of innovation in the field of water conservation and groundwater.

MICRO IRRIGATION

The move assumes significance in the light of the fact that more than 72 per cent of the water blocks in the desert state have come under the “over-exploited” category due to excessive water extraction and a limited recharge of groundwater. The situation of depleting groundwater level has also raised concerns for farmers. According to farmers, the government should shift its focus to addressing irrigation water problems, frame irrigation schemes and effectively implement projects such as the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

Jaipur: Retired IAS Ujjwal Rathore has been appointed as advisor in the Jaipur Development Authority for a period of one year. Rathore retired from the post of JDA Secretary on March 31 and will now be given a salary of fifty thousand rupees per month.

US GOVT TO RETURN DECADES-OLD FIVE IDOLS TO RAJ

Jaipur: The efforts of the Director of Archeology Dr Mahendra Singh Khadgawat has paid off as the US government has approved to return five idols. The idols were stolen between 1965 and 1968 from the Thaneshwar Mahadev area of Udaipur. One idol will be returned to Rajasthan soon. The remaining four idols will be brought to Rajasthan after some time following the judicial process.

Raj to speed up exploration work of precious minerals: Subodh Agarwal

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: ACS Mines, Petroleum and PHED Subodh Agarwal said that along with exploration and mining work of traditional minerals, exploration and mining work of gold, precious and semi-precious stones, uranium, rare earth elements, potash will be done in the state. Agrawal was addressing a virtual session of officers of Mining and Geology Wing regarding the exploration, mining techniques in mineral sector,

ACS Subodh Agarwal and other officials during the meeting.

including Rajasthan. Agarwal said that instructions have been given to speed up the exploration of precious minerals, including

Instructions given for exploration of minerals, including Emerald, Ruby, Corundum, Garnet, Amethyst

Emerald, Ruby, Corundum, Garnet, Amethyst.

He said that in view of potential of these minerals in Bhilwara, Tonk, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur,

Dausa, Tonk, etc., the exploration work will be expanded. He said that Rajasthan is a state with abundant and rare mineral resources.

CP Joshi, Rajendra Rathore submit memorandum to Collector Ashish Modi in Bhilwara on Tuesday.

Police use water cannon against BJP protesters as they try to enter Collectorate building in Bhilwara on Tuesday.

Dr Somya, Arjun Tiwari, Rajiv Jain and others during the inauguration of RU General Secretary office.

Crowd gets uncontrollable, breaks chairs during singer Parmish Verma’s performance. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

BJP State Chief Joshi slammed Cong Govt during the Jan Akrosh meeting

ACS Subodh Agarwal, Shikhar Agarwal, Naveen Jain, Suraj Bhan Singh, Vinod Chaudhary and other officials of various departments hold review meeting on Tuesday.

Congress workers carry out vehicle march at Sanganer Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Victim Mohan Gurjar

RIGHT TO HEALTHY RAJ

AS DOCS GET OLIVE BRANCH AFTER 17 DAYS

The end of doctor’s agitation can be seen as moral victory for CM Gehlot as he did not bow down and amicable resolution reached

CM Gehlot getting tremendous public support over RTH may help Cong to seal victory in Assembly elections scheduled in Dec ’23

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Before the consensus was reached between the government and the doctors on Tuesday, the doctors held a massive rally from starting from Residents Hostel Ground SMS Medical College via Gokhale Hostel Road via Tonk Road, Maharani College Tiraha, Ashok Marg, Rajput Sabha Bhavan, Panch Batti, MI Road, SMS Medical College via Ajmeri Gate, New Gate, and the Albert Hall.

Teams of doctors from Haryana, Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh also came to join the protest against the Right to Health Act.

Medical Education department principal secretary T Ravikanth and the representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), United Private Clinics' & Hospitals' Association of Rajasthan (UPCHAR) and Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Society (PHNS)

‘RAJ BECAME FIRST STATE WITH RTH’

Kota: Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena on Tuesday said in Kota that there has been an agreement between the government and the doctors to implement the agreements. “Rajasthan is such a state in the whole country where the Right to Health Bill is passed. As soon as the approval of the Governor is received, we will make rules and implement them in the entire state,” he said.

—Bhanwar S Charan

Jairam Ramesh @Jairam_Ramesh Rajasthan’s Chiranjeevi

health insurance scheme has been a model to rest of country. Now it becomes 1st state to make a legally enforceable Right to Health a reality! This is a direct result of #BharatJodoYatra where it was discussed by @RahulGandhi & @ ashokgehlot51

discussed and agreed on various points. "An agreement with the government has been made. Private hospitals that have not taken subsidy from the government have been exempted from the new law. We have converted our rally into a 'Vijay Rally'," said Dr Vijay Kapoor, Secretary of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Society (PHNHS).

RUCKUS BREAKS OUT IN GBM AT JMA

Jaipur: The doctors’ bodies were divided over withdrawal of the strike. There was fierce argument between the two groups in the GBM held at the JMA on Tuesday. Many doctors left the meeting and came out. The owners of hospitals operated on PPP mode opposed the agreement. The owners of hospitals taking land from the government at a concessional rate also expressed displeasure.

—Ziauddin Khan

GEHLOT’S SUPER OFFICIALS: The team players behind ‘Right To Health’ victory!

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur : The hardwork and deliberations of senior bureaucrats, over the past fifteen days, have finally paid dividends as the doctors, agitating against the RTH, have finally come to an agreement with the government and the agitation has ended. Under the leadership of Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, the team of ACS (Finance)

Akhil Arora, Principal Secretary to CM Kuldeep Ranka, Principal

Secretary Medical Education T. Ravikanth, Secretary Finance Naresh Thakral, displayed immense tact, will and commitment to bring to fruition CM Ashok Gehlot’s dream.

The night of April 3 proved to be decisive when T. Ravikanth held a meeting with doctors from 10 PM onwards and both the parties came to an agreement at 2 AM. Thereafter, Ravikanth took all the doctors to CS Usha Sharma’s residence and woke her up. Thereaf-

ter, yet another round of discussion occurred in presence of CS and at 4:30 AM, one dozen doctors signed on an agreement while T. Ravikanth signed as representative of the government. Everyone took a

Now 2nd judge withdraws from hearing plea of Min Shekhawat

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: In the petition filed for quashing FIR against Union Minister Gajendra S Shekhawat in the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam, the hearing did not taken place in the HC even on Tuesday.

The petition on item no. 181 was listed in court of HC Justice Praveer Bhatnagar who made an exception while refusing

to hear petition.AAG

Anil Joshi and Special Counsel Siddharth Luthra kept the side on behalf of the govt. Supreme Court advocates M Jethmalani & Dhirendra Daspa presented on behalf of Shekhawat.

SUSPENDED AdSP DIVYA MITTAL SENT IN JUDICIAL CUSTODY FOR 14 DAYS

Ajmer: Suspended AdSP Divya Mittal was produced before an NDPS Court on Tuesday and sent on 14 days of judicial custody. Divya Mittal was taken on police remand for three days, which ended on Tuesday. Special Public Prosector Rajendra Rathore informed that a bail application has been filed by the counsel of Divya Mittal and the same will be taken up for hearing on April 5.

—Shubham Jain

sigh of relief and finally, early morning Chief Minister was informed about the agreement.

One doctor, who was spearheading the agitation, had not reached in the night, but he too signed on the dotted

line in the morning.

In reality, this team of senior bureaucrats had been working to solve the issue since March 20. During this time, CS Usha Sharma chaired important marathon meetings at least

Boy ends life after losing money in online gaming

First India Bureau Jodhpur: A 15-year-old minor boy allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a water tank in Jodhpur after losing money in online money. Police informed deceased has been identified as Yogesh, a class 9 student.

“The boy used to play online gambling game rummy and had reportedly lost `40K. Yogesh

even stole `28K to repay the borrowed money. He left home on March 31 but did not return. Later, a missing person report was filed in Luni,” police said. “On Monday morning, his body was recovered from a water tank built in a nearby temple. It is believed that Yogesh took the extreme step after losing money in the game and the matter is being probed,” police added.

8-10 times in her chambers in the Secretariat. Once she called doctors as well for discussion.

Along with T. Ravikanth, Akhil Arora too held meetings with the agitating doctors. While Arora played the role of

chief strategist, Kuldeep Ranka played the role of an effective advisor and CM’s communique. CS Usha Sharma gave direction to the efforts while ensuring optimum coordination.

Moreover, T. Ravikanth and Naresh Thakral played the role of field worker. These officers gathered at CM’s residence at night as well and informed CM Ashok Gehlot of the progress while receiving directions from CM. Couple of times, these briefings took place af-

ter CM returned from his state wide tour, late in the night. A junior officer also needs to be named here. He is PS of Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena — Bachnesh Agrawal (RAS). He played a vital role in gathering important information and to gather records. Thus, CM Gehlot can be proud of the fact that this team has successfully navigated the tricky deliberations and ensured that the people of the state get the benefit of the RTH Bill.

Team reaches Karauli, Dholpur to prepare report for 5th tiger reserve

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur : Rajasthan is going to get its fifth tiger reserve in near future. The forest department has taken another step in this direction.

A committee of high officials of the Department has reached Dholpur and Karauli to study and spot the proposed Tiger Reserve. The committee will visit the proposed Tiger

Reserve for three days and will submit a report by April 6.

An official announcement will be made regarding the Tiger Re-

serve only after getting permission from NTCA. CCF of Ranthambore

Tiger Project Seduram Yadav, CCF of Chambal Gharial Sanctuary Anil Yadav, CF of Karauli Ramanand Bhakar, CF of Dholpur Kishore Gupta, CF Bundi Suresh Mishra, CF, Bharatpur, and retired ACF and NTCA representative Daulat Singh Shaktawat will visit the proposed Tiger Reserve.

Before calling off the strike, the doctors took out the huge protest rally in the city leading to traffic snarls on Tuesday. View captured at the Ramniwas Bagh.

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Usha Sharma Akhil Arora Kuldeep Ranka T. Ravikanth Naresh Thakral

RAM NAVAMI PROCESSIONS MARRED BY VIOLENCE, ARSON ACROSS STATES

HOWRAH CLASHES, SAGARDIGHI A PRECURSOR TO PANCHAYAT POLLS?

In West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat, incidents of stone peltings were reported to have triggered communal tension around the Ram Navami celebrations. Both police and the public were injured in the clashes

For the Trinamool, this sort of a bypoll result being announced just before the high-profile panchayat polls is reason enough to worry Nabanna as minorities still form the core support base of TMC.

Congress’ Adhir Chowdhury claimed that Sagardighi’s outcome proved the disenchantment of Muslims with CM Mamata Banerjee and that she was not invincible

Jagat Prakash

ROBIN ROY

When we deliberate on the recent clashes in West Bengal over Ramnavami, we need to discuss at length on the recent Sagardighi bypoll this year and the forthcoming blockbuster Panchayat polls. The Sagardighi bypoll was necessitated following the death of the sitting Trinamool MLA, Subrata Saha, who had won the seat by defeating his BJP rival by 50,206 votes in 2021.

However, in 2023 the Sagardighi poll results astounded one and all and even the hardcore political analysts were stunned. In a political surprise, Congress candidate Bairon Biswas, backed by the Left, had won the Sagardighi Assembly bypoll in 2023 by a margin of 22,986 votes on Thursday, defeating Trinamool’s Debasish Banerjee in a constituency that has around 65 per cent minority population and whose support contributed to the ruling party’s stellar performance in the 2021 Assembly elections!

While Bairon became the “Lord of Polls”, his win also ensured Congress’ representation in the Bengal Assembly, as the party had failed to win a seat in the 2021 assembly polls… and mind you, the bypoll result has relegated the BJP to a distant third. Though this episode was mentioned in national media, the poll mechanics behind this new script was not quite elaborated in the national media.

For the Trinamool, this sort of a bypoll result being announced just before the highprofile panchayat polls is reason enough to worry Nabanna as

14 INJURED AND OVER 20 ARRESTED AFTER RAM NAVAMI CLASH IN BIHAR

Over 20 people were arrested after a clash broke out in Nalanda district of Bihar between two groups following a Ram Navami procession on March 31, a police official said on Saturday. 14 people were injured in the incident, according to doctors at a Nalanda hospital. The clash broke out on the 10th day of Ram Navami celebrations near Gagan Diwan under the Laheri Police Station area in Biharsharif, which is the district headquarters of Nalanda. Some in the crowd pelted stones and set around half a dozen vehicles ablaze. Meanwhile, Bihar government has extended the suspension of internet services till April 4 in the Nalanda district following violence during Ram Navami festivities, an official said.

minorities still form the core support base of TMC. Congress’ Adhir Chowdhury claimed that Sagardighi’s outcome proved the disenchantment of Muslims with Mamata and that she was not invincible.

And now with the Ramnavami clashes in Howrah, the ruling TMC has stepped up its outreach towards the Muslim understandably following the Sagardighi bypoll outcome. And as it happens in Indian politics, soon after the clashes both parties traded several charges over the violence. While the TMC blamed the BJP for provocation to serve its political agenda, the BJP accused the state government of “selective (anti-Hindu) bias” in handling the intense situation.

“They (BJP leaders) have hired goons from outside the

MEANWHILE, CLASHES ALSO SEEN IN GUJARAT AND MAHARASHTRA...

Similarly, in Gujarat’s Vadodara, people allegedly pelted stones during a procession in the Fatehpura area on Ram Navami. At least 22 people have been caught in connection with the incident. This was the second such violent incident on the same day. Before this, a stone-pelting incident occurred during a procession in the Kumbharwada area of Vadodara. Whereas, in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, 56 people were arrested in connection with reported clashes over music being played outside a mosque while Namaz was going on, the police said. The police officials also arrested over 20 persons in connection to a clash that broke out between two communities in Mumbai’s Malad area.

state to orchestrate communal riots. Nobody has stopped their processions, but they do not have the right to march with swords and bulldozers. How did they get the audacity to do this in Howrah?” Mamata said, adding that routes had been changed “to particularly target and attack one community”.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal administration is also a worried lot following the clashes. Howrah had seen similar clashes on Ramnavami last year. However, a day before the festival, the CM had warned that any type of communal incitement in the name of ‘Ramnavami’ would not be tolerated.

Following the Sagardighi episode, TMC is wary of the fact that minority votes may be slipping away from its grip. In the past, during so many elections,

though it was seen that the TMC had gained seats in all minority areas where traditionally the CPI(M) and Congress were strong, a slip in the minority vote will certainly hit the TMC fortunes.

Following the loss in the minority-dominated Sagardighi bypoll – a seat TMC had held for years – Mamata has immediately shuffled the key Muslim leadership in the party and announced a separate development board for minorities. For the ruling party, the most concerning takeaway from the byelection was the fall in its vote share from 50.95 per cent in the 2021 Assembly polls to 34.94 per cent. That the vote share plummeted in an Assembly seat with almost 63 per cent of Muslims indicates that a major chunk of the minority community’s votes

went against it.

Following last year’s violence, the CPI(M) had held a peace rally in Howrah, but while local TMC leaders had visited, the senior leadership stayed away. Meanwhile, both the CPI(M) and BJP have accused the ruling party of bias after the West Bengal BJP chief, Sukanta Majumdar, was stopped from meeting victims of Shibpur violence in Howrah on Sunday. “The CM is working not for all but for only people of one religion,” he said.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said, “Either the violence was an intelligence failure, or the TMC and BJP are in this together to communally polarise society… But we will fight it and will not allow communal politics in Bengal.”

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of lives in the avalanche that struck the Nathula Pass region of Sikkim. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May they find the strength to overcome this tragedy.

I pray for a speedy recovery for those who were injured.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

‘Shri Ramcharitmanas’ composed by great poet Tulsidas ji is a mirror of Hindu faith in Lord Shri Ram and an invaluable treasure of Indian culture. It is the need of the day that this beautiful story of Ram should be heard somewhere in the public language Hindi and Shri Dheeraj Bhatnagar’s efforts in this direction are commendable.

Nadda @JPNadda SPIRITUAL SPEAK

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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

PM Narendra Modi calls for integrated response to disasters

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underlined the need for an integrated response to disasters, saying disaster in one region can have a big impact on a completely different region in a closely connected world. In his video address at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2023, he noted that 40 countries have become part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in a few years.

The conference has become an important platform for advanced and developing economies, large and small countries, and the global north and global south to come together on one platform, he said.

Modi said infrastructure is not merely about returns but also about reach and resilience. Infrastructure should leave none behind and should serve people, including in times of crisis, he added, stressing on having a holistic view of infrastructure.

‘CONGRESS FILES’ EPISODE 3

‘Koyle ki dalali mein haath kaala’

New Delhi (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released the third episode of ‘Congress Files’, attacking the UPA government over the alleged coal scam worth Rs 1,86,000.

In the video, BJP came down hard on the Congress, alleging discrepancies in the allocation of coal mines during the UPA tenure. The official Twitter handle of the BJP posted the video titled, ‘Koyle ki dalali mein haath kaala’, tagging it with the message, “Watch in the third episode of Congress Files, The story of blackened ‘hand’ in coal brokerage”.

“You all must have heard the proverb ‘Koyle ki dalali mein haath kaala’. But it’s not just a proverb, it is also the truth. In the 2012 coal scam, it was not just the hands but also the face of the then UPA government that got blackened,” the BJP stated in the video.

The party alleged that coal , which is an important natural instrument in the economy, became a victim of corruption.

Himachal: BJP stages walkout in Assembly

Shimla (PTI): The Himachal Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Tuesday as Opposition BJP raised slogans and staged a walkout after the speaker refused to allow a discussion on the alleged removal of outsourced employees in government departments. The BJP has claimed that many outsourced employees in various govt departments have been removed, but the govt has denied it. Only those whose contract expires have been removed, officials said.

As soon as the House assembled, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania said a notice for adjournment motion has been received from some BJP members demanding a debate on the issue.

K’taka polls: BJP candidates’ list likely on April 8

Social and digital infrastructure is as important as transport infrastructure, he said.

Recent disasters are a reminder of the scale of challenges facing the world, he said while noting the incidents of heat wave which had hit India and Europe, cyclones and also recent earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. The CDRI arose from a global vision that in a closely connected world the impact of disasters will not just be local, the Prime Minister said.

KASHI

TAMIL SANGAMAM INSPIRED ME TO STRENGTHEN NATION’S UNITY, SAYS MODI

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replied to people from Tamil Nadu who wrote to him sharing their experiences of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam held in Varanasi in November last year, and said the event has inspired him to intensify efforts to further strengthen the nation’s unity. The prime minister had last November inaugurated the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ — a month-long programme in Varanasi — whose objective was to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Enthused by hundreds of letters written to him by people from Tamil Nadu sharing their experiences at the Sangamam at Varanasi, Modi has written to them and described them as flagbearers of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.Modi has written about his happiness to note that people got an opportunity to learn about Kashi’s culture and its people from close quarters through this programme. The PM said the manner in which the beauty of Tamil language and the rich culture of Tamil Nadu was celebrated in Kashi was wonderful.

You all must have heard the proverb ‘Koyle ki dalali mein haath kaala’. But it’s not just a proverb, it is also the truth. In the 2012 coal scam, it was not just the hands but also the face of the then UPA government that got blackened.

“When Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister for the second time, he made many promises, However, during his tenure, instead of his promises, it was the corruption on his watch that made the headlines,” the BJP added in the video.

BJP claimed further that the “coal scam” resulted in a loss of Rs

—Bharatiya Janata Party

1,86,000 crore to the national exchequer.

“During 2004-2009, about 100 companies were allocated coal mines without any auction violating the rules. This scam resulted in a loss of around Rs 1,86,000 for the country. The CAG had also pointed out the wrong allocation of coal mines,” the BJP stated.

Bengaluru (ANI):

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said the BJP’s Parliamentary Board would finalise and release the list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state on April 8. The Chief Minister said that the selection of the candidates has been done based on winnability.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 10 and

MY STATEMENT WAS DISTORTED, CLAIMS SIDDARAMAIAH

New Delhi: Clarifying on his supposed declaration of being the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate in Karnataka polls, ex-CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he was only an ‘aspirant’ for the post. Siddaramaiah claimed his statement was distorted as it will be the state’s time-honoured democratic system which will elect the next chief minister.

FIGHT AGAINST TERROR

the counting of votes will be done on May 13.

“The selection of candidates had been done based on reality and winnability. The state-committee meeting will be held for two days starting today, and after the meeting, the list of candidates will be sent to the high command. The same will be vetted on April 8 and released on the same day,” he said.

AHEAD OF K’TAKA POLLS, EX-CONG

MLA JOINS BJP

Bengaluru: Ex-Congress MLA Nandihalli Halappa and a noted ophthalmologist Dr Appaji Gowda, who is aspiring for a ticket to contest the upcoming election from Kanakapura against Congress state chief DK Shivakumar, joined the BJP on Tuesday. BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel welcomed them in the party fold.

26/11 Mumbai attacks terrorists should be brought to justice: Israel Speaker

Mumbai (PTI): Isra-

el’s Knesset (parliament) Speaker Amir Ohana on Tuesday said the perpetrators who sent terrorists for 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai should be brought to justice.

Talking to media at Nariman House, a Chabad House that witnessed a terror attack in November 2008, Ohana said terror does not differentiate between religion and race.

“We have yet to conclude this (26/11) terror event because we are still waiting for those who sent the terrorists to be brought to justice…the perpetrators,” Ohana said with-

out naming Pakistan.

During the attack at Nariman House in south Mumbai, Pakistani terrorists killed rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka Holtzberg besides four visitors. The twoyear-old son of the

rabbi, baby Moshe, survived after being rescued by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuel.

“Everyone who took part in this terrible terror attack should be brought to justice.

This is a major part of counter-terrorism.

First, we need to prevent (the attack), but once we don’t succeed to prevent, everyone needs to be brought to justice,” Ohana said.

Ten terrorists from Pakistan launched terror attacks on Mumbai on November 26, 2008, that lasted for four days, killing 166 people and injuring more than 300. Nine of the ten terrorists were also killed. Ohana also said Jews have been living in India for centuries but they never experienced hatred, or anti-semitism, which is very unique. Ohana said as the speaker of the Knesset, he chose India as a country to visit.

Karnataka CM Bommai addresses media on Tuesday.

The BJP has alleged discrepancies in coal mines allocation in UPA rule

Ruling party alleges that coal became a victim of corruption

PM Narendra Modi virtually addresses International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, in New Delhi on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Israel’s Knesset (parliament) Speaker Amir Ohana. —FILE PHOTO

ALLEGES BJP IS BEHIND RAM NAVAMI VIOLENCE IN HOOGHLY & HOWRAH

Rioters will not go scot-free, says Mamata

STRICT ACTION AGAINST INCITERS OF

RAM NAVAMI VIOLENCE: BENGAL GUV

New Delhi (Agencies): West Bengal Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday said strict action will be taken against the wrongdoers involved in the Ram Navami violence. “We will never allow forces of darkness to take society to ransom. We will take strict action against wrongdoers. People have a right to peacefully living, that right will be established at any cost,” the WB governor said. The Centre and the state government will work together to root out mobocracy and there will be “solid action” on the part of law enforcement agencies, he said.

HOME MINISTRY SEEKS REPORT OVER VIOLENCE

THAKUR HITS OUT AT DIDI, NITISH OVER VIOLENCE

NIA inspects train coaches at Kannur after fire incident

Kannur (ANI): National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday inspected the train coaches of Alappuzha-Kannur executive train stopped at Kannur Railway station after the recent train fire incident in Kozhikode district.

Digha (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of organising violence during Ram Navami processions and asserted that she would not let any rioter go scot-free and warned that strict action would be taken against “dangabaaz” (rioters).

Addressing a rally in Purba Medinipur district, Banerjee also took a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah without naming him and pointed out that BJP had said if it comes to power in Bihar, it would hang rioters “upside down” and

wondered why such action was not being taken against “their ‘goondas’”.

Clashes were reported in Hooghly and Howrah districts during Ram Navami processions over the last few days.

“The BJP is behind the violence in Hooghly and Howrah. They had brought in hired ‘goondas’ from other states to unleash violence in Bengal, which is not in our culture. They are defaming the Hindu religion by pitting one community against another. But rioters have no religion, they are just political goons. I ap-

77% prisoners in jails ‘undertrials’: India Justice Report

peal to everyone to maintain calm,” she said.

Taking a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, without naming him, she said, “The BJP said if the party comes to power in Bihar, it would hang rioters upside down. Then why are they not doing that to their `goondas’ who are fomenting trouble in Bengal? Charity begins at home.”

Shah had made the remark during a recent public rally in the Nawada district of Bihar, which has also witnessed communal clashes during Ram Navami.

Newly married groom, his bro die after wedding gift explodes

MAN SEEN CARRYING WEAPON AT RAM

NAVAMI RALLY IN HOWRAH ARRESTED

Bihar (ANI): West Bengal Police have arrested a 19-yearold for allegedly brandishing a weapon during a Ram Navami procession in Howrah. The accused identified as Sumit Shaw, who was seen in a video that is now viral on social media was arrested from Bihar’s Munger last night, Howrah police said today. According to police, the accused is a resident of Salkia in Howrah and had been absconding since the incident. “I can only say that West Bengal police arrested one person. Now after court permission, they will take on transit the arrested man,” said Munger Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalareddy. The police official said that the accused would first be taken to the Sadar Hospital for a medical examination. Meanwhile, Kunal Ghosh, State General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress said that the violence was a plot of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) to create unrest in West Bengal.

New Delhi (Agencies): The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Bengal government over the spate of violence and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. This comes after the BJP’s Bengal chief, Sukanta, wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah about the “recent violence perpetrated on the Ram Bhaktas, general Hindu people and our leaders and workers during Ram Navami processions”.

New Delhi (PTI): Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on WB CM Mamata Banerjee and her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar over incidents of violence on Ram Navami, accusing them of indulging in “appeasement politics” for minority votes. Such kind of vote bank politics creates problems and poses many challenges before the country, the Information & Broadcasting minister said.

ONE CAN’T EVEN TAKE OUT RELIGIOUS PROCESSIONS IN PEACE, SAYS THAKUR

New Delhi (ANI): At a time when PM Narendra Modi has been urging world peace, saying it is not an era of war, two Opposition-ruled states are suffering violence and chaos during festivities, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday, hitting out at the Bihar and Bengal governments. “Two countries in the world are involved in a military conflict currently. But that’s a different issue. In our country, it’s only in Bihar and Bengal where the situation has worsened to such levels that one can’t take out a religious procession in peace,” the minister said.

The NIA team arrived in Kozhikode’s Elathur and went to Kannur to inspect the coaches. Bogie numbers D1 and D2, inside which the incident happened, of Alappuzha - Kannur executive train halted at Kannur railway station were inspected.

After the incident, the two bogies were sealed by the police. A team of two officers inspected the train. A team from Railway Protection Force also accompanied the NIA team for the inspection.

Easwara Rao, Inspector General of Railway Protection Force said, “This is an unfortunate incident. We are reviewing the security gaps. We need to install CCTVs in coaches and smaller railway stations.”

Indian Army apprehends an armed ULFA (1) cadre

Sayan Chatterjee

New Delhi (ANI): Only

22 per cent of the prison population are convicts while 77 per cent are ‘undertrials’ or people awaiting the completion of investigation or trial, the latest data published in the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022 has revealed.

The report found that the number of undertrials is the highest it’s been since 2010, having nearly doubled from 2.4 lakh in 2010 to 4.3 lakh in 2021: an increase of 78 per cent.

“With the exception of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Madhya Pradesh, the undertrial population of all states and Union Territories (UTs) exceeds 60 per cent,” the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022 added.

‘NO STATE MET ALL 3 QUOTAS FOR SC, ST, OBC’

New Delhi (ANI): None of the states have been able to meet all 3 quotas for SC, ST and OBC positions in Judiciary at the subordinate/district court level, the 2022 India Justice Report informed. The report added that only 13% of subordinate court judges are women. The report mentioned that Karnataka remains the only state to consistently meet its quota for SC, ST and OBC positions, both among police officers and the constabulary. However, it pointed out that in the Judiciary, at the Subordinate/District Court level, no state met all three quotas.

K’TAKA TOPS, UTs IN PROVIDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE, 4 SOUTHERN STATES IN BEST FIVE

New Delhi(PTI): Karnataka tops the list of states and Union Territories in providing access to justice and three other southern states figure among the best five, according to the India Justice Report 2022. The IJR, which was released here on Tuesday, said except for Delhi and Chandigarh, no state or union territory spends more than one per cent of its total annual expenditure on judiciary where the vacancy of judges in high courts stands at 30 per cent. The IJR, an initiative of the Tata Trusts was launched in 2019.

Kawardha (PTI): A newly married man and his elder brother were killed and four others injured after a home theatre music system they had received as wedding gift exploded in their house in Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district, police on Tuesday said adding that prima facie it seems an explosive was planted in the electronic device.

The incident took place in Chamari village when the groom was trying to switch on the music system, the police said. The impact of the explosion led to the collapse of walls and roof of the room where the music system was kept, as per police.

New Delhi: Indian Army, in a joint operation with Assam Police, apprehended one cadre and a linkman of the ULFA(I) outfit this week. Spear Corps Warriors operated on a spe-

Delhi LG reviews progress of work in situ rehabilitation project and Vaishnavi park

New Delhi (ANI):

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday reviewed the progress of work on the ambitious in situ rehabilitation project at Jailorwala Bagh and the adjoining world-class nursery Vaishnavi being developed by DDA in North Delhi.

In line with the “Jahan Jhuggi Wahin

Makaan” scheme of DDA, the Jailorwala Bagh in situ rehabilitation project is replete

with all modern amenities. During the onsite inspection of works undertaken till now, LG Saxena was informed that about 95% works on the total 1,675 flats meant for rehabilitation of slum dwellers, had been completed and remaining works will be completed by May 30, 2023 & will be ready for allotment by June 2023.

Reconstruction of famous Ghanta Ghar in full swing in the Valley

Srinagar (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken the initiative to reconstruct the historic Ganta Ghar as part of plans to mould Srinagar into a smart city.

Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Athar Amin Khan, said the renovation is on in full swing and is being done with latest technology.

“The work of renovation is going on in full swing to make this Ganta Ghar beautiful. It is being renovated with the latest technology. Once renovated, the

Ganta Ghar will get new time clocks, new roof decoration, new technology display for important updates and new technology of information where people can see all this informa-

tion,” he said.

Locals appreciated the initiative saying it will attract tourists and boost the economy in the Lal Chowk area.

“Ghanta Ghar is the main attraction for

tourists and locals in main Srinagar city. Its reconstruction will enhance tourist inflow, which, in turn, will boost the economy in the Lal chowk area,” said a local.

Earlier, on March 31, the Ministry of Urban Development launched the Smart City Mission, wherein 100 cities were selected for renewal and retrofitting to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, provide a decent quality of life to their citizens, and apply smart solutions to improve services and infrastructure.

cific input about the movement of a suspected cadre with a weapon in Phaltutola area under PS Joypur in the Dibrugarh District of Assam.

The apprehended cadre has been identified as Yasin Khan, age 31, a resident of village

Jagun, Naharkatia in Assam, and a link-man named Bintu Sharma, age 33. One 7.62 mm pistol with four live rounds was also recovered from them. Both the apprehended persons confessed to having links with the ULFA (I) outfit.

CRUCIAL READ

TARIQ MANSOOR RESIGNS AS AMU

VICE-CHANCELLOR

Aligarh (ANI): A day after getting nominated as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Tariq Mansoor resigned from the post on Tuesday. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammad Gulrez will officiate as the Vice-Chancellor till another Vice-Chancellor is appointed, as per a notification issued by AMU Registrar Mohammad Imran.

MAN STABBED AND ROBBED AFTER HE REFUSES TO STEAL

New Delhi (ANI): A man was stabbed and robbed by three men after he refused to help them in stealing a scooty near Bahadurgarh road on Monday, said police. The victim has been identified as Sameer. The accused were identified as Ishaan, Aamaan and Anas and both parties know each other, said the police. The accused asked the victim to help them steal a scooty but when he refused, they started threatening him.

NEARLY 14 LAKH APPLICATIONS FOR CUETUG, MAXIMUM FOR DELHI

UNIVERSITY

New Delhi (PTI): Nearly 14 lakh applications have been received for the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) this year, registering a 41% increase from the debut edition last year, as per UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar. CUET-UG remains the second largest entrance exam in the country in terms of applicants. The maximum number of applications for CUET-UG have been received for Delhi University, followed by Banaras Hindu University and Allahabad University.

GAMBLING RACKET BUSTED IN DELHI, 12 ARRESTED

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi

police busted a gambling syndicate in Geeta Colony and arrested 12 persons.

Police also seized over Rs 20,000 cash, 10 mobiles and other gambling materials from the arrested accused. Based on a tip-off that a person identified as Sunny was running a ‘Satta’ operation in Geeta Colony, police conducted a raid on April 1 and nabbed 12 from the site, DCP Shahdara Rohit Meena said.

POLICE SEIZES 20K YABA TABLETS

WORTH `40 LAKH

Karimganj Assam (ANI): Police seized 20,000 Yaba tablets worth `40 lakh in Assam’s Karimganj district along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Police also apprehended two persons. Gitartha Dev Sarma, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Karimganj district said that, based on inputs, a police team of Karimganj district on Monday night launched an operation at a house in the Pirerchowk Chandsrikona area.

BENGAL CM

West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Sukanta Majumdar and party members sit as they were blocked by police forces at Dankuni on their way to visit the Ram Navami unrest and meet the affected families, in Hooghly on Tuesday. —PHOTOS BY ANI

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena

Renovation work of the Ghanta Ghar is underway ahead of the G20 meeting, at Lal Chowk, in Srinagar on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Mentally unstable man kills 2 daughters, injures others

Angry Manaram killed his daughters with an axe on Monday. He also attacked his wife & daughter-in-law

Narpat Joya

Nagaur: A mentally unstable man allegedly hacked his two daughters to death with an axe and injured his wife and daughter-in-law when they tried to intervene in Nagaur district, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, Manaram (57), a resident of Parbatsar, has been taken into custody and

4 members of Godara gang held, illegal weapons seized

is being interrogated, they said.

Manaram killed his daughters Meera (26) and Rekha (20) with an axe on Monday. He also attacked his wife and daughter-in-law when they tried to save Meera and Rekha, said Superintendent of Police, Nagaur, Ramamurthy Joshi. The injured have been hospitalised, he said. A case has been

Shiva, a Hadauti language poet and teacher, stabbed to death

Jhalawar: Shivcharan Sen Shiva, a famous poet of Hadauti language, was stabbed to death by unknown miscreants while returning from school on Tuesday.

registered against Manaram under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the basis of a complaint lodged by his son. The accused has been taken into custody and is being interrogated, he added. A preliminary investigation found Manaram is mentally unstable, Makrana Circle Officer Raviraj Singh said.

range

Mathrani

Mukesh

Barmer/Jodhpur:

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: Four members of the notorious Rohit Godara gang were arrested in Bikaner on Tuesday and illegal weapons were also seized. Police informed the miscreants have been identified as Gajendra Singh, Virendra Singh, Bhanwar Singh and Trilok Chand. “The four miscreants were with Rohit Godara during the crime. Two countrymade pistols, two magazines, 50 live cartridges and a Bolero jeep were also seized from their possession.

Beechwal SHO Mahendra Dutt Sharma, Nayashahar SHO Vedpal Sheoran, Kotwali SHO Sanjay Singh and Gangashahar SHO

Navneet formed a team along with the team of DST and collectively took action to nab the accused,” police said.

Following the directions of DGP Umesh Mishra, a total of 1771 miscreants were arrested in the Jodhpur range on Tuesday. “As part of the campaign, 298 teams of 1150 police officials raided 1082 places during which 1771 accused wanted in different cases were arrested. Those arrested include 80 standing warranties, 580 warranties and 126 others accused.

Under operation ‘Vajraghat-2.0’, Barmer

Superintendent of Police Richa Tomar said that the lecturer of Hindi in the Government Higher Secondary School, Girdharpura, had left for home around 1 pm, when unknown miscreants attacked Sen, about three km away from the school.Tomar and Additional SP Chinrajilal Meena reached the spot where the incident took place. Police is investigating the case. ASP Meena said that the lecturer was returning home on a bike when he was attacked. —Arif Mansoori

First India Bureau Chittorgarh : On Tuesday, the special unit of ACB took action and arrested two men identified as Ram Singh Gurjar, a trainee Sub Inspector in Tewali police station in Chittorgarh district and Devendra Kumar Bareth, Patwari of Patwar Mandal Samvata in Chittorgarh tehsil while accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 from the complainant.

According to officials, the complainant had approached the ACB and complained that a bribe of Rs 10,000 was demanded by the

PATWARI, BROKER HELD WITH `12K BRIBE

Nagaur: ACB Nagaur unit arrested Patwari and a broker red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 12,000 from the complainant on Tuesday.

Patwari Kuldeep Vishnoi works in Dhingsara, tehsil Khinvsar. The ACB Nagaur unit received a complaint that Vishnoi was harassing him by demanding a bribe of Rs 16,000 in lieu of seeking compensation for crop failure.

Under the direction of Police Inspector Naresh Chauhan of the ACB Nagaur unit, the team laid a trap and Vishnoi’s broker, Suresh Ram was arrested. —Yunus Gesawat

accused in lieu of helping in the case registered against her husband. On this, a bid to verify the complaint was initiated and after verification, a trap was

laid wherein Ram Singh Gurjar and Devendra Kumar Bareth were arrested red-handed while accepting the bribe.

“A case has been registered under the Pre-

vention of Corruption Act and further investigation in the matter is being conducted,” said an official. The accused were being questioned for further probe.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajasthan is emerging as the leading state in the country in the conservation of camels with the efforts of the state government. For the conservation and promotion of the state animal, the state government is running the “Camel Conservation Scheme” in the state. Under the scheme, an amount of five thousand rupees is transferred directly to

police on Tuesday claimed to nab 348 accused within 25 hours. Police also seized 18 suspicious vehicles, 71.5 kilograms doda post, and one pistol. Under Operation ‘Vajraghat-2.0’, 82 teams were formed which raided 412 locations.

Digant Anand, superintendent of police in Barmer confirmed the report. Earlier on last Tuesday under operation ‘Vajraghat’, Barmer police nabbed 48 and also seized 12 vehicles and recovered 1200 litres of illegal diesel.

the camel herders in their account.

Till now, more than 17,000 online applications have been received under the scheme, which is aimed at conserving the ani-

ACHIEVING TARGET

mal and encouraging camel breeding. For physical verification of the beneficiaries, senior officials of the dept go on the spot and check the tags and numbers of camels.

AVNNL benefitted farmers by issuing 43,821 agricultural connections: Nirwan

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: The Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited has benefitted farmers by issuing 43,821 agricultural connections in the financial year 2022-23 under the leadership of Managing Director NS Nirwan. During this period, Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam has benefited the farmers by issuing maximum 7464 agriculture connections in Bhilwara Circle.

Ajmer Discom has set a target of issuing 12,000 agriculture connections in the month of April.

“Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam is committed to issue agricultur-

al connections to farmers and provide uninterrupted power supply,” said Nirwan. He informed that during this financial year, Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam has issued

1914 agricultural connection in Ajmer City Circle, 2429 in Ajmer District Circle, 7464 in Bhilwara Circle, 2898 in Nagaur Circle, 5014 in Jhunjhunu Circle, 4627 in Sikar Circle.

A mature person never reacts in anger, truly it is like a wind that blows out the light of the mind.

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

` 736 CR INTEREST SUBSIDY APPROVED FOR FARMERS

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial proposal of Rs 736 crore for interest-free crop loans to the farmers of state.

According to a statement, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a grant of Rs 560 crore for farmers under interest-free crop loan subsidy scheme and Rs 176 crore under compensatory interest subsidy scheme.

According to the statement, a five percent interest subsidy will be given to the farmers who repay the longterm agriculture cooperative loan on time. Gehlot has approved the grant proposal. He has also allowed permission to give subsidy on housing loans to the farmers who have built houses on their farms.

Under this, the farmers who have repaid their long-term agricultural cooperative loans on time from April 1, 2014 will get a five percent interest subsidy every year from the state government.

CM’s events for next 3-days put on hold

First India Bureau

Jaipur: With two big leaders of the State, CM Ashok Gehlot and former CM Vasundhara Raje , testing positive for Covid on Tuesday, there is worry among the leaders and general public who came in contact with them recently.

“I myself have been infected with mild symptoms of Covid. As per the advice of the doctors, I will continue working from my residence for the next few days. All of you should take care and follow Covid protocols,” Gehlot tweeted. Gehlot

5% interest subsidy to farmers who repay long-term agri loan on time

Jaipur: State government will provide 35,000 quintals of high quality seeds free of cost to more than 1.25 lakh farmers of state at a cost of Rs 15 crore. With this, about 5.89L quintal seeds will be produced and farmers will get support. CM Gehlot has approved the proposal related to seed distribution and production. Seeds of wheat, barley, gram, jowar, soyabean, groundnut etc will be made available under the scheme. An amount of Rs 15 crore will be borne from the Farmers’ Welfare Fund.

had met Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in Surat on Monday.

Raje tweeted saying, “Those who came in contact with me should get themselves tested & take precautions.” Hertreatment has started under senior doctors’ supervision. With this news, leaders in BJP’s state office to central office are worried as Raje participated in state events on Sunday. Arun Singh, CP Joshi, & Rajendra Rathore had met her.

Yogesh Sharma

date to pay short-term crop loans for Kharif-2022 extended

Last

—Representational Image

Jaipur: Students will not have to go to other schools to study the subject of their interest after class 10th. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given approval to open new faculties in 41 schools of the State. With this, students studying in these schools will get opportunities to choose their favourite subjects. With the approval of CM Ashok Gehlot, the education sector will expand. Under Samagra Shiksha, new faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science will be opened in schools approved in Project Approval Board (PAB).

Jaipur: The State govt is naming schools after the freedom fighters who played an important role in India’s independence. CM Gehlot has approved the proposal related to naming one school each in Rajsamand and Churu districts. In this, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nathdwara of Rajsamand district is named after freedom fighter Late Narendra Pal Chowdhary. Along with this, Government Higher Secondary School, Sardarshahar of Gram Panchayat Phoga Bharthari of Churu district has been named after freedom fighter Late Gopal Singh Rajvi.

Jaipur: The number of doctors will increase in Jaipur-based Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS). For this, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal for creation of 132 new posts.

Jaipur: Congress leadership recently toured all 7 divisions of Raj. During this, it was revealed in feedback that parties of secular ideology can harm Cong’s vote bank. Major parties like RLP, BSP, AAP, BTP, CPM & AIMIM are among them. Congress has received input that votes of secular ideology will be scattered from these parties, hence there is a need to formulate a strategy.

CM Gehlot, in-charge

Sukhjinder Singh

Randhawa & State President GS Dotasra have also taken inputs during their divisional vis-

its on how to deal with vote-cutting parties. No matter how much the anti-BJP parties talk about unity at national level, but reality is that secular-minded parties caused huge damage to Cong in polls. Gujarat & North East are great ex-

amples. Right now in K’taka also Congress has to fight with BJP & JDS.Waqf Board Chairman Khanu Khan Budhwali said that AIMIM is BJP’s B party. RLP, BTP and BSP are the third major political force in Rajasthan.

‘Won’t tolerate remarks about govt by leaders’

First India Bureau

A total of 132 new posts will be created, including 22 posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and Senior Resident and 44 posts of Junior Resident. It is notable that the Chief Minister had announced in this regard in the budget of 2023-24. This approval will play an important role in realizing the concept of Nirogi Rajasthan in the state.

Dhariwal: Rajasthan govt schemes saviour for people hit by inflation

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: Urban Development and Housing Minister Shanti Dhariwal during the Padyatra in the area across the river under the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign on Tuesday said that the schemes of the Rajasthan government are providing relief from the inflation caused by the anti-people policies of the Central government.

“Besides relief in electricity, the government has implemented new schemes to provide relief to the people from inflation,” the UDH Minister said.

Dhariwal visited ward number 50 of Kota

along with PCC member Amit Dhariwal and met people there. They were accorded a warm welcome by the residents. Dhariwal claimed that the Gehlot government would come back to power in the state.

Besides relief in electricity, the government has implemented new schemes to provide relief to the people from inflation.

—Shanti Dhariwal, UDH Min

Jaipur: About factionalism and rhetoric going on in Rajasthan Congress, State Congress incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa said that remarks about the govt will not be tolerated as some leaders are making remarks continuously. Talking to media, Randhawa said that he will call

Joshi holds public hearing in Rajsamand

First India Bureau Rajsamand: Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi on Tuesday, held a public hearing at a private hotel in Rajsamand. Dr Joshi, who was on a five-day tour to his assembly constituency, also inaugurated the dining hall of the new cottage of Shri Nathji Temple. He also inspected the newly-constructed Govt Girls Senior Secondary School and later left for Jaipur. A large number of workers including Manish Rathi, Shyamlal Gujar, Vinod Bohra, LN Gujar, Hari Singh & other leaders were present.

leaders who make remarks and talk to them. “Even after that, if they do not resist from making statements, then action will be taken

against such leaders,” he said. In fact, there was fierce rhetoric between cabinet ministers Ramlal Jat and Hemaram Choudhary. Apart from this, many other leaders also made reamarks. When asked aboutSachin Pilot’s absence from events, Randhawa said that there must be some reason though there is no information on this.

COURTESY MEET

RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore & his wife, Hansa Kanwar call upon VicePresident Jagdeep Dhankhar & his wife Sudesh Dhankhar at their residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. Rathore and his wife Hansa Kanwar also congratulated Dr Sudesh Dhankhar on being awarded the PhD degree in Economics on the topic, ‘Sustainable Development in Jhunjhunu District in Rajasthan & Assessment of Ground Water Resources & Sustainability of Irrigated Agriculture.’

Tributes pour in for Shanti Prasad Jain in condolence meet

Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: Senior journalist & Group Deputy Editor & Vice President (Editorial) in Rajasthan Patrika, Bhuwanesh Jain’s father Shanti Prasad Jain, 86, passed away on Sunday. The condolence meet was held on Tuesday, which was attended by various dignitaries at his residence, Aradhana Bhawan,’ in Shyam Nagar. Shanti Prasad Jain had retired from the post of Additional Director from DIPR. Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO and Editor-inChief of First India and Channel Head of First India, Gulab Kothari,

Editor-in-Chief of Rajasthan Patrika, MLA Vasudev Devnani, Deputy LoP Dr Satish Poonia, CM’s OSD Lokesh Sharma, Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Kuldeep Ranka,

Ashok Parnami, Mahendra Bhardwaj and many journalists and other dignitaries were present.

Shanti Prasad Jain was counted among the main stamp collectors

of the country. Jain was born on June 10, 1936 in Tijara. He is considered to have played an important role in setting up information centres in several cities of the State.

1.25L FARMERS TO GET FREE SEEDS CM APPROVES NEW FACULTIES IN 41 SCHOOLS

2 SCHOOLS NAMED AFTER FREEDOM FIGHTERS

After CM Gehlot’s approval, 132 new posts to be created in RUHS

Congress to chalk out strategy to tackle vote-cutting parties

After contracting Corona, CM, Raje warn others of caution

CM Ashok Gehlot, Sukhjinder Randhawa, GS Dotasra, Dr BD Kalla, GR Meghwal, BS Bhati, Lokesh Sharma & others during Cong’s divisional level conference in Bikaner. —FILE PHOTO

Shanti Dhariwal, Amit Dhariwal & others during the Padyatra under the Cong’s ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign’ in Chungi Naka at Nadi Paar area in Kota on Tuesday.

Vasudev Devnani greets Gulab Kothari during the condolence meet at Bhuwanesh Jain’s residence in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Rajkumari Jain pays tributes to late Shanti Prasad Jain during the condolence meet at latter’s residence, ‘Aradhana Bhawan’ in Jaipur on Tuesday. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

WRITER OF HER OWN STORY!

The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is a wise, and beautiful soul, Shreya Chalana, proved it right. The diva is a 23-year-old Sri Ganganagar native who works as a fashion model and designer

while also pursuing her passion for being a fashion influencer. While describing her personality, the diva replied, “I believe that my commitment and passion for modelling drive me to work in this industry. If I could predict the future, I would be able to say that my career is on track. If you truly desire something, you will work hard to achieve it, so never stop manifesting. It challenges you to learn new things and provides fresh experiences in life.”

How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you, Shreya believes that she is her own best inspiration. When

asked about her comfort zone, she said, “I’ve always loved the fashion and modelling industries, but I used to be a really shy, introverted person who was afraid of public speaking and other things. In order to get beyond my comfort zone, I pushed myself to study new things.”

While describing her journey, the ravishing beauty said, “When I first started college, I tried out for my college fashion show. That was the pivotal moment in my life that forever altered me. Following that, it was Gaurav Sir and Elite Miss Rajasthan who provided me with a platform to realize my

lifelong desire. So never stop trying, and never stop believing in yourself.”

When asked about her biggest mistake and most memorable moments in life, the talented beauty said, “The biggest mistake I made early in my career was being affected by people who were demotivating me, but as I learned more, it didn’t affect me as much.” “For me, the most memorable and rewarding moment was when people began to praise me and were influenced and motivated, giving them a reason and spark to begin following their passion,” she added.

An empowered woman is creative by nature and majestic beyond measure. One such attractive soul is Shreya Chalana, who believes that confidence is the true expression of grace. Here are some excerpts from the tete-a-tete

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

FACEOFTHEDAY

Help in Suffering! 43 YEARS OF

CITY FIRST

Imagine Jaipur decades ago, much smaller than today but teeming with animals on the streets.

This was the situation which greeted an eccentric English lady, Crystal ‘Mishy’ Rogers when she came here from Delhi. Not only were there thousands of animals on the streets but many of them were suffering terribly. Mishy was later to recall seeing a collapsed tonga pony having its eyes pecked by crows.

Recognising that Jaipur people are compassionate Mishy set about helping them to address this burden of unnecessary suffering.

In short order, she had enlisted the help of prominent citizens, formed a charitable trust, Help in Suffering (HIS) and persuaded H. H. Gayatri Devi the late Rajmata of Jaipur to allow a simple veterinary clinic and hospital on land she owned in Maharani Farm.

From these beginnings 43 years ago

Help in Suffering has grown into a large modern veterinary and animal welfare hub. The charity con-

tinues to rescue thousands of suffering animals every year (6018 last year alone), as it has since Mishy’s earliest efforts.

A fleet of ambulances is out on the city’s streets throughout the day responding to compassionate calls for help from Jaipurites. Rescued animals are brought to our hospital where a team of 7 veterinary surgeons and 45 compounders give the very best treatment they can. With international support, the facilities and treatments available improve all the time.

Help in Suffering, under the compassionate leadership of Mrs Timmie Kumar, recognised however that there was more to do for animal welfare than rescuing suffering animals. The region’s working camels were in need of veterinary care so HIS established mobile veterinary clinics for camels, and later built a dedicated clinic for camels at Bassi. These now give veterinary treatments to hundreds of working camels each month (over 800 in February) and importantly encourage camel owners anddrivers to adopt humane practices. Street dogs were a major welfare problem. The JMC used to poison them with strychnine, and dog

gramme using WHO guidelines to address the challenges of street dogs and public health.

By sterilising and vaccinating large numbers of street dogs the HIS ABC Programme has reduced the street dog population by about half. Human dog bite cases have fallen dramatically; human rabies has been controlled and the health and welfare of street dogs have improved.

The successes of the ABC Programme

have been recognised nationally and internationally.

As our 43rd Founder’s Day approaches, HIS has reason to be proud of the compassionate service it has given in five decades to the animals and people of Jaipur, but recognising there is more to be done and HIS hopes with the continuing support and kindness of Jaipurites to continue to improve and expand its work for the animals and people of Jaipur.

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Some family issues may need urgent resolution, so don’t neglect them. Some of you are likely to enjoy an excursion with friends.You will feel financially comfortable. Your personality will attract many eligible bachelors. Spend time talking with likeminded people.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

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

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Pending paperwork concerning a property will be completed. Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Admit your faults in relationship. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Today is a favourable day for business.Listening to someone’s advice on the professional front will be in your interest. You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Whatever you have in mind, you will manage to implement it at work. You are likely to feel much healthy and energetic today. . You want to have your own

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

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

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Tensions on the family front may get sorted out. Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today and give them a reason to smile. You are opportunist and this will make you successful one day.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

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

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Fortunes are set to rise for those in trade and business. You love to live close to your family. You are a child at heart and never let this child die. You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Expected payments are likely to get released soon.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You must create an environment of understanding at home. Your regular exercise routine promises to keep you fit and energetic. You will succeed in any sort of examination. You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate.

assured through own efforts. Meeting people you get along with well is likely to make the day enjoyable for you.

ROSHNI, Model

HIS OPD Clinic

Dr Jitendra treating a camel at their Camel Rescue Center

Dr Sanjay during surgery

Staff treating a dog with skin disease

Staff treating a dog at the OPD

PRIYANKA'S PRIORITIES

Priyanka

Chopra is one of the popular Indian actresses who established herself as one of the most talented stars in the global cinema platform, with years of hard work and dedication. At a recent press conference, while talking about many things, she revealed ‘one thing’ that is non-negotiable for her, and that is not working with people she doesn’t like anymore. Talking about this, she shared, “I have to look up to the people I’m working with or surrounded with. I must admire them, and their work. This is something I have been

doing for a long time.” She also added that she wants to be excited about going to work and become inspired. She also takes notes when she meets people she is going to work with, so this stands to be nonnegotiable for her.

Priyanka also talked at length about the upcoming show Citadel. The highly anticipated series will release on Amazon Prime Video on 28 April. The spy series is produced by the Russo Brothers and stars PC and Game of Thrones star Richard Madden.

Throwback picture

Khushi Kapoor is all set to make her debut with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies. The star kid who has not stepped into the glam world yet enjoys a massive fan following already and fans love it when she posts her pictures on social media. Khushi often makes sure to share her late mother Sridevi’s

pictures on her Instagram and on Tuesday she shared a lovely throwback picture of her mom and dad.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Khushi Kapoor has shared a picture of her lovely parents. In the picture, we can see the late actress Sridevi and her husband Boney Kapoor posing together. Sridevi looked beautiful as always in a black coloured hoodie. She left her hair open and adjusted her glasses on her head. Boney on the other hand wore a grey coloured hoodie and paired it with a cap. Both of them can be seen hugging each other and faced the camera with a smile.

CUTE MEMORY

Alia Bhatt has enjoyed a massive fan following since she stepped into BTown with her debut film Student of the Year. We give the netizens another reason to go gaga over Alia with an unseen picture where the actress looks really cute.

Sharing the photo on Twitter, Soni Razdan wrote “This one is from Seychelles when the girls were small and we were shooting ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ there. Search for ‘water’ in your camera roll and quote tweet the pic #water #family #shootlife #whenwewereyoung @ aliaa08@MaheshNBhatt #shaheenbhatt” The photo shows a little Alia looking like a cute button in a balloon frock. Dad Mahesh Bhatt is holding her hands from behind, while mommy Soni Razdan stands

JISOO’S TRACK FLOWER

he title song ‘FLOWER’ topped the iTunes Top Song Chart in 63 countries, including the US, and reached the top of the Worldwide Chart. On Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, she entered the 6th place, the highest ranking for a Kpop female solo artist, and maintains the top spot

on major music charts in Korea. The album is also expected to break new records. Jisoo's first solo album ‘ME’ sold more than 870,000 copies on the day of its release, and has now surpassed 990,000 copies. Since she recorded more than 1.31 million copies of pre-orders early on and gave a green light to becoming the first K-pop female solo artist to achieve a 'Million Seller', attention is focused on her new history to be written by Jisoo. Jisoo’s first solo album 'ME', released on the 31st of last month, became the first K-pop female solo singer to exceed 1 million copies sold in the first week of release based on the Hanteo Chart.

Viral Statement

amantha Ruth Prabhu was in the headlines this morning for reportedly reacting to Naga Chaitanya dating Sobhita Dhulipala. The Yashoda actress was reportedly quoted saying, “I am not bothered as to who is in a relationship with whom. Those who do not know the value of love will be left in tears irrespective of the number of people they date. At least that girl should be happy. If he changes his behaviour and looks after the girl without hurting her, it will be

However, Samantha reacted to the alleged viral statement and wrote on Twitter, "I never said this!!" Naga Chaitanya ber 2021. They took to their respective social

Opinion on mother’s style

next to them with sister Shaheen Bhatt in black shorts and a tee.

areena Kapoor Khan opened up about her style and spoke about the style of the boys in her life, Jehangi Ali Khan, Taimur Ali Khan, and Saif Ali Khan. When Kareena Kapoor Khan was talking about her style, we asked her that do her sons Jehangir Ali Khan and Taimur Ali Khan have an opinion on their mother’s style. To this, the actress replied, “No they are too small. I mean he doesn’t even know! Not at all, not yet!” When asked that does she

spend enough time on her style? She replied, “Ya I mean like we are very casual. Like how Saif is! Saif is the kind that he has been wearing one pair of track pants for the last 5 years. He won’t buy another pair till I tell him. So he is like ‘You do your thing and I am very happy.’” Bebo further added, “Saif is the most stylish man. Sometimes I tell him that ‘Saif you have worn this t-shirt and there are like 5 holes in it…he is like so? it’s fine!’ But I think he is the most stylish man ever. And he doesn’t really need to try too hard for that.” Kareena is all set to be seen in The Crew with Kriti Sanon, Tabu, and Diljit Dosanjh. The film was announced recently and the fans are already excited to watch the talented actors together. She also has Hansal Mehta’s next and Sujoy Ghosh’s Devotion of Suspect X with Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma in the pipeline.

Alia Bhatt

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Khushi Kapoor

Her post...

Priyanka Chopra Jisoo

The 20th Annual Art Exhibition of the Department of Fine Arts, IIS University (deemed to be) Abhivyakti Ek Prayas, will begin on April 6 at 5 pm at the Art Galleries of JKK. The inauguration will be done by Chief Guest Art and Culture Minister Dr BD Kalla.

Eminent senior artist Vidyasagar Upadhyay of the city will also be present on this occasion. In this art exhibition, which will continue until April 9, in the Chaturdik, Sudarshan, Sukriti, and Surekh Art Galleries of Jawahar Kala Kendra, the students of BFA and MFA Department of Visual Arts will be able to see the creativity and artworks of various dimensions of art. In this exhibition, students of all genres, like paintings, sculptures, applied arts, print making photography will display their art work.

VISION BEYOND LENS!

CITY FIRST

The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera, and to give life to non-living photographs, City First interacted with art directotor Shaad Akhtar, who shares insights about his series of conceptual photoshoots that will highlight the creative perspective of photography.

What is the theme of your photoshoot? Describe the vi sion behind the concept.

The theme of my photoshoot was to create a different view in the viewers about conceptual or high fashion photoshoots by do ing something totally different from casual shoots and leav ing a remarkable portrait behind. Here it is based on the abstract, sym bolic, and creative.

Have you worked as an art director during a shoot?

Surely, every person in the shoot has put up their opinion for the art and creativity collective ly, as the makeup artist has some different views and the model has a

different perspective about the shoot, so we consumed everyone’s role in it along with mine. Explain the biggest obstacle you have faced while capturing the conceptual photoshoot so far. How did you overcome it?

Of course, there have been many obstacles as per the concept, but I think making the model feel confident in themselves and keeping them motivated with patience, satisfying the re-

quirements of shoots, and ex plaining the makeup that will suit the themes is the biggest factor that we have to focus on while shooting.

What is your view of sustain able fashion?

As per my thoughts, it’s impor tant to have sustainable growth in the fashion sector...and as time goes on I have to capture the audience’s thoughts, needs and expectations so it’s quite im portant to have a consistent mindset with proper working conditions. We have to de velop as per the audience’s requirements and expecta tions, and in order to do so, I have to come up with ideas that are different from those of the

Hippocratic Oath Ceremony held at JNU

CITY FIRST

Jaipur students of INIFD were an integral part of the StarStudded DIOR Runway Show in Mumbai on Thursday. Celebs Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Rekha, Karishma Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Anoushka Shankar, Freida Pinto, Athiya Shetty, Mira Rajput Kapoor, Natasha Poonawalla, Poorna Jagannathan, Khushi Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, Diana Penty, Karlie Kloss, Simone Ashley, Cara Delevingne, Yara Shahidi, Satheene Sednaoui and many more walked the ramp. The show was widely covered by the National and International Media.

The Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center of JNU organised the Hippocratic Oath ceremony at JNU Medical College on Tuesday. During this program, the intern medical practitioners of the 2018 batch took an oath to uphold ethical values. On this occasion, JNU

Chancellor Dr Sandeep Bakshi, in his address as the chief guest, said that in the medical field, professional ethics should be followed with commitment because we have to not only treat the patient but also health with psychological therapy. He said that the identity of the doctor should be revered as that of a

life-saving angel. In the Hippocratic Oath ceremony, all the interns and the organisers of the ceremony took the oath. JNU Medical Institute always makes its students determined to do disciplined hard work, due to which the parents of the students studying here feel proud of themselves.

Dr Bakshi said that

BY MUKESH KIRADOO

‘Hole in one’ by Pratap Singh in the Golf Federation of India GFI Golf Tour held at Rambagh Golf Club on on Sunday. During the match, he used 8 Iron, Callaway 3 ball on a Par 3 , 160 yardstick.

The Bollywood movie Chhipkali is releasing nationwide on April 14. This movie is based on famous writer Vinod Ghosla’s book Chhayajapan and Kaushik Kar’s book Tik Tikir Daak which was first made into a play and is now made into a movie. Chhipkali, the lizard in this story is used not only as a metaphor but also as a character that physically coexists. National award-winning famous Bollywood actor Yashpal Sharma will be seen in a unique character role, his strong acting and dialogues make it seem that this film is made something different from other films. Apart from Yashpal Sharma, the film also stars Yogesh Bhardwaj and Tannishtha Biswas in lead roles.

today we have the latest technology in the medical field for disease diagnosis, but for therapy and care, there is a great need for doctors to maintain an understanding and sharing of relationships with the patient. Specialist doctors and key officials of JNU Hospital were present in this swearing-in ceremony. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The 11th edition of India’s BIGGEST fight night by Ayesha and Krishna Shroff took place recently. Ayesha and Krishna Shroff have once again outdone themselves in the 11th edition of the biggest fight night of the year. Matrix Fight Night had the entire country rooting for their favorite fighters. Expressing gratitude Ayesha Shroff says, “This feels amazing. The craze and buzz that Matrix Fight Night has created is incredible! This entire night of fights surely kept me at the edge of my seat… The adrenaline rush was real! I’m so happy to witnessed the immense growth of our promotion. We already can’t wait for the next edition. Krishna Shroff excitedly added, “From the first day of fight week, I knew this was about to be one of our most successful shows till date. The entire nation joined us for the biggest night of fights India has seen. The fighters definitely gave their all, but so did the viewers.”

SLATE TO SCREEN!

CITY FIRST

Ashraya, a not-forprofit, helped Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Rajasthan’s Jaipur become India’s first digital school in the true sense.

Students now do not need to carry textbooks and heavy bags when they go to study, thanks to digital education using tablets that are distributed by Ashtraya.

The Delhi 6 Food Festival at Holiday Inn made a sputter on the first day of its opening on Saturday. This festival will run till April 9. The capital city of Delhi is a foodie’s paradise, with everything from street food to international cuisine. Hotel Holiday Inn Delhi is organising a nine-day Delhi 6 Food Festival, which will run from April 1 to April 9, so that the people of the Pink City can also enjoy Delhi’s famous delicious and spicy dishes and street food.

Teaching and learning now happen using tablets that are provided to students and teachers.

Under the digitization of classrooms, tablets have

been provided to 350 students and 25 teachers by Ashraya under the One Tablet Per Child (OTPC) and Digital Learning Ecosystem programs.

Vidya Bharti’s Adarsh Vidya Mandir, which is located in Ambabari, Jaipur, has become India’s first school where all students have access to tablets. These students, who are studying between sixth and twelfth grade, can access the entire syllabus on their tablets, allowing teachers to teach students without any requirement for textbooks

and blackboards. Special training has been given on how to carry out digital teaching and learning. Students can approach teachers whenever they come across any query and get it solved immediately, which is a distinctive and special feature of the “no bag, no textbook” exercise.

Satish Jha, chairman of Ashraya, said efforts are being made to redefine education in India through the ‘slate to screen’ journey as tablets replace textbooks.

“Our aim is to ensure every child in India gets

a world-class education, irrespective of his or her financial background. Technical knowledge is as important as school education, as it has become the voice of the world nowadays. Digital education through tablets will facilitate students getting state-of-theart education, making them ready for the future,” Jha said. With the partnership with Thimble.io, Ashraya is offering STEM Robotics & AI (Artificial Intelligence) programme that is certified by the US curriculum.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Mukesh Bagra, of the First India family, as he reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Mukesh Bagra

Varsha and Mansha

Komal and Mansha

Dr Sandeep Bakshi during the event

Satish Jha distributes Tablets to the students