First India-Jaipur Edition- 7 May 2023

READ Crucial

SONIA GANDHI IN HER FIRST KARNATAKA ELECTION RALLY

70 YEARS

King Charles III finally met his date with destiny after a lifetime as heir to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II who died in September 2022, as he was officially crowned king in the first coronation in Britain since 1953.

$5 BILLION

An estimate cost of “The Crown”, worn by King Charles which contains the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. Known as “The Great Star of Africa” the diamond was mined in South Africa back in 1905.

‘GOD SAVE THE KING’

Charles III crowned King of United Kingdom

King Charles III on Saturday was crowned the King and his wife Camilla Queen of United Kingdom at Westminster Abbey following their anointment, in a lavish coronation ceremony built on ancient traditions. The Archbishop of Canterbury crowned the King, placing the 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown on monarch’s head as he sat upon a 14th century throne. King had taken the solemn oath to govern the people of UK with “justice and mercy” and to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. The event was graced by Dr Jill Biden, the First Lady of USA, HE Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, Brazil’s President HE Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and others. Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak delivered reading from Epistle to Colossians, from New Testament of the Bible.

RAKSHA MANTRI'S BOOSTER DOSE TO ARMY IN RAJOURI...

Keep up your spirits!

Moni Sharma

Hubbali: Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, tore into the BJP in her first poll rally in Karnataka, and urged people to vote for the Congress in election.

She said neither Karnataka nor country can progress without ending atmosphere of BJP’s loot and hatred. P5

WANTED KHALISTAN COMMANDO FORCE CHIEF GUNNED DOWN

Lahore: Designated terrorist and Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Johar Town of Lahore in Pakistan, according to intelligence sources. His gunman was injured in the shootout.

POLICE SEIZES DRUGS

WORTH `85 CRORE, HELDS 6 TRAFFICKERS

New Delhi: In 2 operations, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell on Saturday arrested six people, including a woman, and seized drugs worth over `85 cr. Police seized 101.62 kg of opium, 2 kg of heroin, and money from the hawala network worth `7.5 lakh.

INDIGO FLYER TRIES TO OPEN EMERGENCY EXIT AT GOA AIRPORT

Panaji: A man on a GoaChandigarh IndiGo flight was detained at Dabolim Airport after he allegedly tried to open the aircraft’s emergency door Thursday.

Police said on Saturday, the flyer tampered with the wing cover flap and pulled the door’s control handle.

7K SOLDIERS

Bells pealed in celebration at churches across the land, before liveried soldiers on foot and horseback staged a 7000-strong military parade stretching through the streets of the capital during the ceremony.

Rajouri: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district to review the security situation amid the ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Kandi forest area.

On his visit to the Army Base Camp in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, the Defence Minister reviewed the operational capabilities and security situation along the border. Appreciating the valour of Army troops, Singh said, “Keep your spirits up, you will definitely get success.” He was accompanied by J&K L-G Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Northern Army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi and others. More on P6

Rajnath Singh interacts with soldiers in presence of Manoj Sinha at Base Camp in Rajouri on Saturday.

ARMY GROUNDS ALH

DHRUV CHOPPER FLEET

AFTER J&K CRASH

Two days after a chopper hard landing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar killed a technician and injured two pilots, the Indian Army has grounded its fleet of indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv’ as per procedure, sources said.

J&K: 2 TERRORISTS, 2 MILITANTS KILLED IN SEPARATE ENCOUNTERS

(From Top) Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowd in presence of Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their coronation ceremony, in London on Saturday. British PM Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty during coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in London. VP Jagdeep Dhankhar along with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar and Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswamy in London.

Congress has track record of 85% commission: Modi

PM Modi assures unparalleled momentum of growth in BJP rule

First India Bureau Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a poll rally in Karnataka’s Badami, said Congress has a track record of 85 per cent commission, in response to Congress’s 40% commission charge at the Basavaraj Bommai-led government.

India salutes their devotion towards protecting our motherland.

—Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

PM MODI FULFILLED DREAMS OF LORD RAM DEVOTEES, SAYS AMIT SHAH IN BELAGAVI

Baramulla: Two terrorists were killed after an encounter broke out between security forces in Kunzer area of J&K’s Baramulla district on Saturday, Jammu & Kashmir Police said. During the day, 2 militants were also killed in encounters in Rajouri and Baramulla.

“Even farmers have been victims of the ‘85% Commission Policy’ of the Congress. The shameful and unfortunate aspects like the Urea Scam are attributed to Congress, whereas the BJP is working tirelessly day and night for the welfare of farmers,” PM Modi said. More on P5

EC should ban poll campaign of PM Modi: CM

CM Gehlot slams BJP for threatening to kill Kharge

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: The issue related to threatening to kill Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and his family has increased the political teperature not only in Karnataka, but also in Rajasthan. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed the BJP for threatening to kill

Kharge. Gehlot addressed a press conference at CMR on Saturday and said that the law is being flouted in the country. “In the matter of threatening Kharge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not talk about conducting any inquiry. At the same time, Home Minister Amit Shah is not able to condemn this matter. The Election Commission is keeping silent. MLA Madan Dilawar wishes for his death. I

have been doing politics for 50 years. I have never seen such language. Congress cannot even have

such a language. This is the language of BJP. Election Commission should ban the election

I am sending two letters to the PM tonight itself. Marwar Junction to Kamli Ghat railway line should be broad gauge. Come to Rajasthan and make some big announcement only then his visit will be meaningful. We have also written many letters regarding ERCP.

campaign of PM Modi. No one can campaign on religious grounds.” CM said. More on P8

Addressing an election rally in Belagavi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Modi fulfilled dreams of Lord Ram devotees by constructing Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “BJP has worked for farmers here. Congress insulted Savarkar. But BJP developed Marathas and respected them. Modi fulfilled dreams of Lord Ram devotees by constructing Ayodhya”.

Manipur: 4 shot dead, tax assistant killed

First India Bureau

54 DIE IN MANIPUR, IMPHAL PEACEFUL

Imphal: Four people were shot dead in Manipur’s Churachandpur when security forces were carrying out evacuation of Meiteis in the area. Meanwhile, the IRS Association said a tax assistant identified as Letminthang Haokip had been killed in Imphal. “No cause or ideology can justify the killing of an innocent public servant on duty,” police said. More on P6

The death toll in the Manipur carnage increased to 54, officials said even as unofficial sources put the figure at several scores. Life returned to a wary normalcy in Imphal Valley on Saturday as shops and markets reopened and cars started plying on the roads.

PM Narendra Modi waves to supporters as he holds a roadshow for the Karnataka Assembly elections, in Bengaluru on Saturday.

CM Ashok Gehlot speaks to media as Govind Singh Dotasra looks on at the CMR on Saturday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

King Charles III

BJP PREPS IN FULL SWING OVER PM MODI’S VISIT

PM Modi will offer prayers at Lord Shrinathji Temple and later lay the foundation stone & inaugurate various developmental works at the Damodarlal Stadium in Nathdwara

Ashish Choudhary

Rajsamand: A meeting of senior BJP leaders was held in Rajsamand on Saturday ahead of the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 10. State BJP President CP Joshi took a meeting of party leaders at the Rajsamand district BJP office and gave them responsibilities for the PM’s visit.

In this meeting, MP Diya Kumari, Divisional In-Charge Hemraj Meena, Rajsamand MLA Deepti Maheshwari and other BJP leaders, office bearers and workers were also present. As per the schedule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will offer prayers at Lord Shri Nath Ji Temple and later lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various developments at the Damodarlal Stadium in Nathdwara. From Nathdwara, the PM will leave for Abu Road

where he is scheduled to address a huge public meeting and then visit Brahma Kumaris. During his visit, PM Modi will deliver a message to voters in Karnataka, which votes on the same day. The BJP will also begin aggressive campaigning for the Ra-

jasthan assembly elections on May 10, starting from Sirohi. Rajasthan is going to polls later this year and the BJP’s focus currently is on strengthening its hold on the already strong seats in the area, with the weaker seats to follow.

Chandrashekhar instructs leaders to add new voters for upcoming elections

Bhawani S Hada

Bundi: BJP State InCharge Chandrashekhar on Saturday took part in the three-day workshop of BJP in Bundi. The workshop was held as part of Bharatiya Janata Party’s booth empowerment campaign, Pradesh Vistarak Baithak, and Booth Vijay Sankalp. Besides State in-charge Chandrashekhar, Bundi MLA Ashok Dogra, Vidyayak Chandrakanta Meghwal, Madan Dilawar, and other BJP leaders were during the con-

cluding session of the three-day workshop. Under the Booth Empowerment Campaign, all youths have been given the opportunity to do all the work of the

4 new leopard safaris to start soon in Raj

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: Following the announcement of new conservation reserves in Rajasthan, the state govt will soon start four new leopard Safari in Rajasthan. On May 22, on the occasion of World Biodiversity Day, the Forest Dept is going to start safari in Jaisamand and Jhunjhunu.

Additional Chief Secretary of Forest & Envi-

ronment Dept Shekhar

Agarwal informed that with the formation of a new leopard reserve, the conservation of wildlife in Rajasthan will also get a boost. “Apart from this, the Forest Dept is also working fast on the plan to start two more safaris. If everything goes according to plan, the safari can be started in Mansa Mata and Khetri Bansial on June 5,” said Agarwal.

organization in detail so that new voters can be added. The BJP leaders asked workers to get in touch with all the voters by the assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

BAN ON BAJRANG DAL IS POOR MINDSET OF CONG: CP JOSHI

Jaipur: Speaking on the controversy over the proposed ban on Bajrang Dal in the Congress party’s manifesto for Karnataka, State BJP President CP Joshi on Saturday said that the idea of a ban on Bajrang Bal is a poor mindset of the Congress party.

“The Congress is doing politics of appeasement. Congress leaders may claim a united Congress party, but in Rajasthan Congress, the phones of its leaders are being tapped,” said Joshi. On the issue of Congress leader Sachin Pilot joining the BJP, Joshi said that at present there is no such thing, but if the matter comes up, we will think and decide.

Diya Kumari inspects several locations in Nathdwara

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari inspected various locations, including the venue of the proposed visit and rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, along with party officials and senior district officers.

PM Narendra Modi’s rally will be held at Damodar Stadium in Lalbagh. During the inspection, the officers discussed and deliberated on various matters such as the venue, helipad, parking, and traffic, among others.

On this occasion, MLA from Kumbhalgarh, Surendra Singh Rathore; District Collector, Neelabh Saxena; District Police Superin-

tendent, Sudhir Joshi and police and administrative officials, including the representatives of the public, were present.

BJP kicks off office-bearers meeting ahead of PMs visit

Ashok Kumawat

Sirohi: A meeting of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders was held in Abu Road of Sirohi district ahead of the scheduled visit of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 10. The meeting was held at the Gyandeep Bhawan of Brahmakumari in Abu Road where BJP State General Secretary Bhajanlal Sharma, Dis-

trict In Charge Madan Rathore, District President Narayan Purohit, and others were also present. State General Secretary Bhajan Lal Sharma while addressing the partymen said

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: The state’s first Vande Bharat train, started 24 days ago by the North-Western Railway, is not able to live up to the expectations.

The Vande Bharat train running between Ajmer to Delhi Cantt is not very popular among passengers. Train schedule and higher fares could be the reasons behind this.The expectations with which the railway administration started it are not being fulfilled.

The train pressure on the Jaipur-Delhi route

is very high. In such a situation, making changes in the schedule of this train is a big challenge. The train was earlier to be run between Jaipur to New Delhi from April 12. But before the operation, due to political pressure, it was operated from Ajmer.

Healthy milk products must reach people: Arora

lll

RCDF MD

Sushma Arora said that highquality & healthy milk products should be made available to the consumers

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Sushma Arora, Administrator and Managing Director of Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation, during a seminar organized in association with the Rajasthan Chapter of the Indian Dairy Association and Federation of Industrial Health and Safety at Hotel Clarks Amer, said that health protection is the right of

the consumers and they must get it. Chief guest Arora said that high-

quality and healthy milk products should be made available to the

consumers so that there is no compromise with their health and safety.

Keynote speaker NK Jain, National Advisor of the Federation, discussed in detail the health safety in the dairy industry. Federation Chairman AK Singh, Indian Dairy Association Vice-Prez AK Khosla and Indian Dairy Association North Zone Chairman SS Mann also spoke on the occasion.

that no responsibility is small or big and work should be done with full devotion and honesty.

“Lakhs of people will come to see and hear the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the

public meeting. All BJP office bearers and workers should decide their own responsibility and work together to make the rally successful,” said State General Secretary Bhajan Lal.

Election in Karnataka is against PFI & Congress: Satish Poonia

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Deputy Leader of Opposition and Former State BJP President Satish Poonia on Saturday addressed an election rally in Bengaluru and said that this election of Karnataka is against PFI and Congress.

“This is an election to support Bajrang Bali. The devotees of Bajrang Bali should decide that the government of Hindutva and nationalism will run in Karnataka. This election of Karnataka is the election of India’s identity. The

20 RSRTC electric buses to connect Jaipur & Delhi

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation i.e. Rajasthan Roadways will increase transport facilities between Jaipur and Delhi. Under this, Roadways will run new electric buses between Jaipur and Delhi. The National Highway for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) is currently running a few ebuses on the Jaipur-Delhi route. Apart from this, some private companies have also started operating electric buses on the route. Raj Roadways has started the process of inducting new electric buses in roadways considering NHEV. This will start with 20 buses. About two years ago, the then Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas had announced the inclusion of electric buses in the transport fleet. Earlier there was a plan to buy buses in Raj Roadways but later this idea was discarded.

people here are telling that the BJP government will be formed in Karnataka. Then in 2023, the BJP will form a government in Ra-

jasthan and then in 2024, Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time,” said Satish Poonia.

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Saturday said, “I raised my voice against corruption. Maybe many people didn’t like it, but I don’t care. I will continue to fight against corruption.” Pilot further said, “We have to raise our voice against corruption because it is eating us like a termite.”

Pilot was in Barmer to attend the inauguration event of a hostel building, which was donated by veteran Con-

gress leader Hemaram Choudhary, who is also forest and environment minister in the Gehlot cabinet, in memory of his son. After attending the inauguration event, Pilot addressed the public meeting organized at Adarsh Stadium in Barmer.

Addressing the event Pilot also raised the issues like paper leak and reservation. Raising the paper leak issue, Pilot said that the kids of farmers and labourers used to work hard for their future but paper leak incidents ruined their dreams.

Diya Kumari inspected various locations including the venue of the proposed visit and rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nathdwara on Saturday. Surendra Singh Rathore, Neelabh Saxena, Sudhir Joshi and other administrative officials were also present.

Chandrashekhar at the three-day workshop of BJP’s booth empowerment campaign in Bundi.

Sushma Arora with other officials at a seminar organized in association with the Rajasthan State Chapter & FIHS at Hotel Clarks Amer on Saturday.

Satish Poonia & Arjun Ram Meghwal addressed the meeting organized for the campaign of BJP candidate S R Vishwanath from Yelahanka assembly constituency of Bengaluru.

Sachin Pilot along with Brijendra Ola, Rajendra Gudha, Murari Lal Meena, Harish Choudhary, P Ruparam Meghwal, Harish Meena & others in Barmer on Saturday.

CP Joshi addressing BJP workers at he Rajsamand district BJP office on Saturday. Diya Kumari, Hemraj Meena, Deepti Maheshwari and other BJP leaders, office bearers were also present.

Vande Bharat fails to live up to expectations

Sandeep Singh Choudhary joined Bengaluru Congress office as AICC Observer.

Will continue to fight against corruption, says Sachin Pilot

GOVERNOR UNVEILS BATTLE TANK ‘T-55’ IN UDAIPUR

Guv pays tribute to Maharana Pratap, Bhagat Singh & others

Maharana Pratap first freedom fighter, says Governor Mishra

Ravi Sharma

Udaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Saturday unveiled the battle tank ‘T-55’ at Pratap Memorial site in Udaipur.

Before unveiling the statue, which is gifted by the Indian Army, the Governor also offered flowers on the statue of Maharana Pratap. In his address, Kalraj Mishra recalled the sacrifice of Maharana Pratap and said that he considers Pratap as the first freedom fighter.

Police raid illegal call centre in Jaipur, arrest 12 for online betting

Mayor Munesh inspects city eateries, hospitals

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Pratap Nagar Police on Friday evening raided an illegal online gaming application call centre and arrested 12 people who were placing bets. Police informed based on a specific information, an illegal betting racket running in the guise of a call centre was raided in Sector-26 in Pratap Nagar.

“Maharana Pratap never compromised and he lived his life by protecting his self-respect by eating grass bread in adverse circumstances. Not only this, Pratap fought

Akbar’s large army with his might. The inspiration to sacrifice everything for the motherland comes from Maharana Pratap only,” said Governor Kalraj Mishra.

The governor also honoured the families of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru in the programme. Present on the occasion, Udaipur royal Lakshyaraj Singh

Jaipur Police solves `20 lakh loot case, arrests 4 accused

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: The Jaipur Police Commissionerate have arrested four members of an interstate gang for their alleged involvement in loot of Rs 20 lakh from a hawala trader. Police informed the accused have been identified as Kasim Jafri (36), Kamran Khan (42), Nadim Baig (41) and Majar Sheikh (44).

“Eight miscreants posed as policemen and looted Rs 20 lakh from the agent of a hawala trader three days ago under the Kotwali Po-

lice Station area. Out of the eight accused, four have been arrested and efforts are being done to nab the remaining four. Eleven lakh rupees and a motorcycle has been

recovered from the possession of the accused. The accused are being interrogated and the remaining four miscreants will be nabbed soon,” police said.

First India Bureau

STORY

OF ‘T-55’ THAT MADE PAK ACCEPT DEFEAT IN 1971 WAR

Jaipur: The T-55 tank is a symbol of valour and glorious saga of the Indian Army in battle. The Russian-made T-55 tank was used in the 1971 war against the Pakistan Army. Then Pakistan had to face a crushing defeat. Tank T-55 had become a cause of panic for Pakistani soldiers. Pakistani soldiers used to tremble after hearing its roar on the border. This tank joined the army in the year 1968 and served till 2011.

Mewar also addressed the audience and said that the Maharana Pratap Memorial Committee feels proud while honoring the families of the martyrs.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Heritage) Munesh Gurjar on Saturday did a sudden inspection of hotels and restaurants in Jaipur. The Mayor inspected a Town Coffee café in the C-Scheme area and

found that food items being delivered to people did not have the necessary manufacturing date and some of them had passed the expiration dates.

Mayor Munesh Gurjar also inspected Hotel Rajputana Sheraton and MGF Mall located near Jaipur Railway

Station and checked the firefighting systems and NOC of hotels and malls. The mayor also stopped for half an hour to enter the Town Coffee café. After the inspection, the mayor gave directions to the concerned officials to take action against the hotel and restaurant.

GARBAGE AT GOVIND DEVJI TEMPLE AREA

JMCH to submit answers on May 25

First India Bureau Jaipur: While hearing the plea filed regarding filth and untidiness at the Govind Devji Temple area in the city, the Presiding Officers Anup Kumar Saxena and Deepak Chachan in the permanent Lok Adalat of the district gave the last chance to the Heritage Municipal Corporation to present their answer in the upcoming hearing of 25 May. The court has asked to submit the answer without fail.

On behalf of the Municipal Corporation, advocate Babita Shar-

Haj flights to start operation from May 21

GO AIR CANCELS FLIGHTS TILL MAY 12

ma sought time from the court to reply. In the case, advocate Chandrashekhar Dadhich presented the reply in the court on behalf of Manas Goswami of Govind Devji, which the court took on record.

According to the case, Rameshwar, a resident of Chomu, had filed a

PICTURES OF GARBAGE WERE SUBMITTED BY COMPLAINANT

complaint in the court against the Commissioner and others through Municipal Corporation Heritage, under Section-22 (b) of the Legal Services Authority Act-1987, that at Govind Devji temple, lakhs of people nationwide and abroad seek blessings and darshanathã.

Jaipur : There are heaps of filth and garbage witnessed everywhere near the temple area alongside a gathering of stray animals. Photographs of heaps of garbage and filth have also been presented before the court. It is necessary and relevant in the public interest to keep the arrangements for cleanliness and parking traffic in the area.

Two-year experience relief for promotion in govt jobs likely

Jaipur: Flights for Haj will start operating from Jaipur after a gap of three years. Haj pilgrims will have to take flight from Terminal-1 of the Jaipur Airport.

Air India’s 27 flights will be operated from May 21 to June 6. According to Jaipur Airport Authority, the flight will run only once in the first week, but from the next week i.e. May 28, the number of flights will be two on a day. The flights, on its

VACANT CHAIRMAN’S SEAT HALTS WORK IN RERA!

T he chair of the Chairman of the Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is lying vacant for the past twenty days. After NC Goel retired on April 19, the State Government has not made any appointment, nor has the additional charge been given to any official. Although Kunji Lal Meena - Principal Secretay of UDH - has sent a file to the CMO suggesting senior RERA member Shailendra Agrawal’s name and his own name to

return journey, will operate from July 3 to 24.

According to the schedule, from May 21 to 27, one flight will take off every day at 11 am. It will directly reach Madina at

Jaipur: Go Air flights from Jaipur International Airport have been cancelled till May 12. Officials informed that earlier flights were cancelled till 5. Later, it was increased till May 9 and now the flights have been cancelled till May 12. Notably, three flights are operational from Jaipur Airport.

1.55 pm. From May 28 to June 6, two flights will leave from Jaipur every day. The first flight will leave at 9:35 am, while the second flight will leave at 11 am.

The airport administration has decided to operate flights from Terminal-1 keeping in view the security and other necessary arrangements related to Haj.

Jaipur: After reviving the old pension scheme, the Gehlot Government is going to take another significant decision for the state employees that will pave the way for the promotion of lakhs of employees.

The State Government is going to give an exemption of two years in experience for promotion in the state government service.

“Online betting was done through the online gaming app Sky Exchange. After downloading the app, a user ID and password was given to the users. Points were added through money and then bets were placed on games like Cricket, Ludo, Casino, Teen Patti and other online games. Money was being cheated by making the youth addicted through the application,” said DCP (East) Gyanchand Yadav. SC

Fixed service period or experience years are required for promotion to different posts in government departments. Now the state government is going to give two years relaxation in experience in these services.

CM Ashok Gehlot has made a budget announcement to fill vacant posts in departments and to execute this announcement; the department of personnel has prepared a proposal of relation of two years in experience.

The Government is likely to get it approved through cabinet circulation. About one and a half to two lakh employees would be benefited by this decision.

take on the charge. However, the file is pending as of today.

The post of RERA Chairman is a selection post and interested candidates are invited to apply. The most suitable candidate is selected by a committee formed in the chairmanship of Chief Justice of High Court. The applications are invited via notice or advertisement. Although the applications should have been invited even before the officer retired from

the position, but in the present case, no action has been taken till now. In the Centre, an additional secretary or a technocrat is eligible for the post for a tenure of five years of untill the age of 65 years.

According to sources, the appointment of new chairman will not be done. A senior IAS will retire on June 30 and word is that the government is looking to make this bureaucrat the new RERA Chairman. So it is obvious that till then RERA’s work will be at standstill.

—Rajendra Chhabra

THERE’S SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON IN RCA!

What is happening in Rajasthan Cricket Association? The angry senior official returned the match pass after which the official bought tickets worth about Rs 5 lakh. Actually being a senior official, there was more demand from him but RCA neither extended the passes nor helped in buying tickets.

The ticket distributing officer refused to give ticket to this officer for money, and then with the help of other colleagues, the ‘aggrieved’ officer bought tickets worth Rs 5 lakh. In the meantime, in anger, he also returned the passes received from RCA. After all, to whom should he tell his pain?

—Naresh Sharma

issues notice to MLA Johari’s son

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued notice to Deepak Meena, son of Rajgarh MLA Johari Lal Meena, for his alleged involvement in a gang rape case.

A Special leave petition (SLP) has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Deepak Meena by the Rajasthan High Court.

A division bench headed by Justice S Ravindra Bhatt has issued a notice to Rajasthan Government

and other accused in the matter. The matter will now be heard on May 15.

In January, Deepak Meena alias Dilip Meena was arrested in connection with a gang rape case of a minor. The case was registered in March 2022 at Mandawar Police Station and relevant sections of the POCSO Act were invoked.

Dr Rituraj Sharma

JMCH Mayor Munesh Gurjar inspects a hospital on Saturday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Four accused in custody; efforts on to nab four others.

Governor Kalraj Mishra, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and Retired Lieutenant General JS Nain during the tank unveiling ceremony at Pratap Memorial site in Udaipur on Saturday.

It is easy to question the gains of Article 370 and undermine the definite changes that have taken place in just 3 years.

Nevertheless, we should remember that three years, in a nation’s history is too small a period to overcome such mammoth problems. Insurgencies last for centuries and need a careful, sensitive and a caring approach to resolve it

Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda

In early 21st century, armed insurgency and public resistance resurfaced in Kashmir Valley. May be, in response to the failed strategy and policies of both, the central and the state govts. Hostilities included mass engagement in “quasi-brutality” that involved organized pressure groups by locals to trouble, call forth, frustrate and provoke the defence forces to increase the cost on the exchequer beyond acceptable standards. Well, this new trend in the valley was far more threatening than the armed insurgency itself.

On August 5, 2019, in a historic and significant move, the govt pre-empted and check mated the violence of miscreants and the misguided locals by revoking the autonomy provisions that granted a special status to the state. It was on this very day that the state was bifurcated into two Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Abrogation of article 370 and 35A gave rise to the hopes of India that this political re-engineering would end long standing insurgency and will ensure peace in the valley.

It’s now been over three and a half years since the decision of withdrawing the special status of the state was enforced. But have things really changed in the region? Has Kashmir really responded to the pivotal changes? As a keen student who has fought insurgency and terrorism thrice in J&K and in NE states, I critically examine the situation in the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

Of course, it is needless to mention that abrogation of article 370 anticipated three major

It was joyous to be among the people of Sedam in Karnataka. Our doubleengine government has initiated and implemented a slew of developmental schemes that have positively impacted the lives of the people and led Karnataka towards unprecedented growth.

advantages for the subjects of the erstwhile state. Firstly, better homogeneity within Indian Population as it allowed people of Kashmir to join hands with the rest of India. Kashmiris were at par with rest of Indian citizens and therefore, could apply for govt jobs and scholarships in the educational institutions. Secondly, the nation comes under one flag and no distinction remains as J&K subjects now become eligible for all central schemes of welfare, education and medical treatment. Thirdly, the economic derailment the state had witnessed during four decades of terrorism was to end to pave way for development as the private sector was expected to pitch in to provide thousands of job opportunities in new industrial set up.

It was presumed that when private investors begin to open industries in the region, 40% of jobless youth will find employment and would shun insurgency. Also, the investments would boost up the low land prices and the local populace would benefit in times to come.

As a military strategist, I considered that abrogation of article 370 and 35A had no major fall outs or noticeable disadvantages. Though, the local leaders considered it to be a fascist and undemocratic action and feared that it may further worsen the situation in the Valley. Somehow, deprivation of landline, mobile and net connectivity over hundreds of occasions coupled with the curbs introduced on the media did show trends of little reversal in the situation.

I would not prefer to acknowledge the statements of either party, supporting or opposing the abrogation of 370 but shall maintain that partial success has been achieved and more will be witnessed as the time passes by and the next generation sees the opportunities before them. Statements like Kashmir’s earlier status was respon-

On August 5, 2019, in a historic and significant move, the govt preempted and check mated the violence of miscreants and the misguided locals by revoking the autonomy provisions that granted a special status to the state. It was on this very day that the state was bifurcated into two Union territories of J&K and Ladakh

in end 22, only 34 properties were purchased by non-Kashmiris and that too in the areas of Reasi, Udhampur, and Ganderbal districts only.

It is easy to question the gains of Article 370 and undermine the definite changes that have taken place in just 3 years. Nevertheless, we should remember that three years, in a nation’s history is too small a period to overcome such mammoth problems. Insurgencies last for centuries and need a careful, sensitive and a caring approach to resolve it. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

LIFE IN KASHMIR AFTER ARTICLE 370 ABROGATION

What a gripping performance!

Congratulations to #TOPSchemeAthlete Bindyarani Devi on clinching the silver medal in the 55kg category at the Asian Weightlifting Championships. India is proud of your achievement. All the best and keep going!

Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.

within Indian Population as it allowed people of Kashmir to join hands with the rest of India. Kashmiris were at par with rest of Indian citizens and therefore, could apply for govt jobs and scholarships in the

The nation comes under one flag and no distinction remains as J&K subjects now become eligible for all central schemes of welfare, educa-

The economic derailment the state had witnessed during four decades of terrorism was to end to pave way for development as the private sector was expected to thousands of job opportunities in new industrial

People are fighting K’taka polls on behalf of BJP, says PM Modi

Badami (PTI): PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said the overwhelming response he received in Bengaluru during the roadshow made him believe that it is the people who are contesting the 2023 assembly elections in Karnataka on behalf of the BJP. He also said the “never-seen-before love and affection he saw in Bengaluru was unparalleled”.

“This morning, I went to have a ‘Darshan’ (opportunity to see) of ‘Janata Janardhan’ (public God) in Bengaluru. People gave me ‘never-seen-before’ love and affection,” Modi said at a public meeting in Bagalkote district of poll-bound Karnataka.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said the Congress party has a “track record of 85 per cent commission, they can never work to serve the people”.

People stood in every nook and corner of the road all along the 25 kilometres from where his convoy passed during the Bengaluru roadshow, the PM said.

Yogi Adityanath

Koppa (PTI): UP CM

Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accused the Congress of attempting to ‘make a mockery’ of Hindu faith by proposing to ban Bajrang Dal, which the majority community will not tolerate and accept. He alleged that those who do not like Ek Bharat, Sreshtha Bharat’ are backing the anti-national’ organisations like PFI. He said in a public meeting here in Chikkamagaluru district, that he came from the land of Rama in Uttar Pradesh to the land of Hanuman (Karnataka).

Plot to kill Kharge, alleges Cong; BJP denies charge

Bengaluru (Agencies): An assassination plot has been hatched to “wipe out” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, his wife and his entire family by a BJP candidate, the party general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged on Saturday in a sensational charge that was denied by the ruling party.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.

K’TAKA CM ANNOUNCES PROBE INTO AUDIO CLIP OF ‘PLOT’ TO KILL KHARGE

Hubballi (Agencies): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said investigation will be conducted into the genuineness of an audio about the alleged plot to kill Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and his family members. He told reporters here that the audio will be examined. However, a case will be filed and a probe launched, he said. The audio came in public domain on Friday.

PM

VOWS MOMENTUM FOR GROWTH OF GREATER BENGALURU

Bengaluru (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pledged an unparalleled momentum to the growth of the city along with making Karnataka number one state in the country. The prime minister said that the BJP was seeking the blessings of the people of Bengaluru based on its track record as well as a promise to build further on the gains achieved so far.

“It is our endeavour to make Karnataka the Number 1 state and also add unparalleled momentum to Bengaluru’s growth trajectory,” he added.

What I saw in Bengaluru, I say with confidence that this election is neither Modi contesting, nor BJP leaders or our candidates, it is the election the people of Karnataka are fighting on behalf of the BJP. I see the total control of the election in the hands of people.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

PRIME MINISTER HOLDS 26-KM MASSIVE ROAD SHOW IN BENGALURU

Bengaluru (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a 26 km long roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. The 26-km mega roadshow was held between 10:00 am and 1.30 pm from Brigade Millennium of JP Nagara to Maramma Circle in Malleshwaram in Bengaluru Central. PM Modi was joined by several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. The roadshow saw enthusiastic crowds lining up the streets, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the BJP.

Amit Shah hits out at Congress

Belagavi (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at Congress while highlighting the achievements of the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that the double-engine government in Karnataka has worked for the benefit of the people.

The final leg of campaigning for the May 10 Assembly elections have intensified in the State. Addressing an election rally in Belagavi, Amit Shah said PM Modi fulfilled the dreams of Lord Ram devotees by constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“BJP has worked for the farmers here. We have given several benefits to the farmers. Congress insulted Savarkar. But BJP developed the Marathas and respected them...

PM Modi fulfilled the dreams of Lord Ram devotees by constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya”.

Shah said that the Congress party insulted Lord Bajrang Bali. Congress faced a major backlash from Hindu organisations after it announced a ban on Bajrang Dal in its manifesto for the Karnataka assembly elections.

Shah said that no one has trust in Rahul Gandhi’s guarantees, adding they (Congress) were defeated in states like Tripura, Assam, and Nagaland.

JAGADISH SHETTAR COMMITTED POLITICAL BLUNDER BY JOINING CONGRESS: KAGERI

Sirsi (PTI): Former BJP leader Jagadish Shettar has committed a “political blunder” by joining its rival Congress and should have rather fought as an independent candidate since that gave him a better chance of winning in the May 10 Assembly polls, senior ruling party leader and Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hedge Kageri has said. In an interview to PTI, Kageri said, there could have been some impact had Shettar not joined the Congress. “By joining the Congress, it became negative,” the senior BJP leader said. Shettar, also a former chief minister, defected to the Congress over denial of a ticket to contest from Hubli-Dharwad Central assembly segment, from where he has been winning since 1994. Kageri said Shettar is one of his closest friends. When he had come to submit the resignation letter, he tried to convince Shettar for two hours, but in vain. “I was really upset that day,” he added.

GRAND OLD PARTY’S PLUS POINT

The Congress leader played an audio recording at a news conference days ahead of next week’s election, in which Manikanta Rathod, the BJP candidate from Chittapur constituency in Kalaburagi district, is allegedly heard saying in Kannada that he will “wipe out Kharge, his wife and children”.

“Intimidated by the

all-round blessings of Kannadigas being showered on the Congress party and facing a complete rout in the ensuing Karnataka elec-

SONIA GANDHI HITS OUT AT BJP IN POLL-BOUND K’TAKA’S HUBALLI DIST

Hubbali (PTI): In a scathing attack on the BJP, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said Karnataka and by extension India cannot make progress without getting rid of the ruling party. Making her maiden entry into the 2023 Karnataka Assembly poll battle, Sonia also said the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by her son Rahul Gandhi was against those spreading hatred. “This was the reason that lakhs of people joined Rahul Gandhi’s 4,000 km march,” Gandhi said in her first public rally in poll-bound Karnataka, which votes on May 10. Earlier, Sonia Gandhi on Saturday arrived in poll-bound Karnataka’s Hubbali to campaign for the party. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and several senior party leaders received her here. Sonia Gandhi also fought from Ballari in the state in her debut election in which she was also in the fray from Amethi.

tion, the BJP leaders are now hatching a plot to murder Sri Mallikarjun Kharge as also his family members,” Surjewala alleged.

ROWDY-SHEETER SHOT DEAD WHILE CAMPAIGNING

Vijayapura (Agencies): A rowdy-sheeter was shot dead while he was campaigning in this district on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Hyder Ali Nadaf, was shot dead while he was campaigning for the Congress in the city. According to police, the killers had come in a car and escaped from the spot after shooting him when he was campaigning. Nadaf’s wife Nishat is a member of Vijayapura City Corporation. She had won the election as an independent candidate. The police have rushed to the spot and taken up the investigation. Further details are awaited.

DK among top 4 Cong candidates whose assets ballooned: Report

New Delhi (Agencies):

Of the 189 MLAs who are re-contesting the May 10 Karnataka Assembly polls, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar has clocked the highest increase in assets in the last five years, revealed the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) report on Saturday.

As per the ADR report, four of the Congress MLAs re-contesting the Assembly elections this year have recorded massive increase in their assets in the last five years.

Shivkumar, who is currently an MLA from Kanakapura Assembly constituency, has declared maximum increase in assets with a rise of Rs 573.78 crore. He had declared assets

Karnataka Congress Chief DK Shivakumar addressing a public meeting, at Kunigal, in Tumakuru on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

CONG WILL WIN 141 SEATS, WILL ABIDE BY PARTY’S DECISION ON CM ISSUE: DK

New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar Saturday exuded confidence that his party would win at least 141 seats in the May 10 assembly polls and asserted that he would abide by whatever the party decides on the issue of chief ministership. In an interview with PTI, he lashed out at the BJP for raising issues such as the Uniform Civil Code and National Register of Citizens in its manifesto for the assembly polls, saying it shows their “bankruptcy” of ideas and vision for the state.

to the tune of 1, 413.80 crores in 2023 as compared to Rs 840.01 crore

in 2018. His assets in the last five years increased by 68 per cent.

Why K’taka Cong candidates don’t need big leaders for their campaign?

Mahesh Sharma

Bengaluru: As the campaigning for assembly elections in Karnataka is progressing, the process of senior leaders of Congress and BJP reaching the state is getting faster. On one hand where there is a demand for big leaders in BJP, on the other hand, the need of big leaders of Congress is not being felt.

The Congress candidates contesting elec-

tions in Karnataka are satisfied with their campaign or they want to organize rallies and roadshows of state leaders. It is being told that except for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, there is no demand for any other national leader. In fact, all the big leaders of the Congress believe that if the Congress is winning in Karnataka, therefore their role should also be visible in it. That’s why they are

CONTRAST BETWEEN BJP & CONGRESS

forcefully reaching out for publicity. Congress candidates in Karnataka are demanding all the three big leaders of the state. National President Mal-

likarjun Kharge, State President DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are in high demand.

These three leaders represent three big vote

banks – Dalits, Vokkaligas and OBCs. Their faces are well known and it is also believed that if the Congress government is formed in the state, only one of these three will become the Chief Minister. It is also being told that some Congress leaders in northern and coastal Karnataka want to campaign with Jagadish Shettar as well. They believe that this may give some advantage to the Lingayat vote.

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar with party’s senior leaders Randeep Surjewala and Siddaramaiah during an election rally in Mysuru on late Friday evening. —PHOTO BY ANI

PM says the “never-seen-before love & affection he saw in Bengaluru was unparalleled”

A supporter dressed as Lord Hanuman during PM’s roadshow.

PM Narendra Modi waves while being showered with flower petals by supporters during a roadshow, in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Cong tried to ‘make mockery’ of Hindu faith:

Union HM Amit Shah during a public meeting ahead of Karnataka Assembly Elections, on Saturday.

54 DEAD IN VIOLENCE, MANIPUR LIMPING BACK TO NORMALCY

Security has been bolstered in the violence-hit state by flying in more army troops

Imphal (PTI): The death toll in the ethnic violence which has engulfed Manipur increased to 54, officials said, as life returned to a wary normalcy in Imphal Valley on Saturday with shops and markets reopening and cars plying on the roads.

However, unofficially sources placed the death toll at over a hundred and the number of injured at nearly 200.

Union Law Minister

Kiren Rijuju added his voice to the appeals for calm in the northeastern state as well as a dialogue between ethnic communities

“Many lives have been lost and there is damage to property.

Whether Meiteis or Kukis both belong to the same state and need to live together.. ... Society can progress only when there is peace,” Rijiju said and called for a dialogue, on the sidelines of an event in Delhi.

Security presence which has been bolstered in Manipur by flying in more army troops and central police forces, was clearly visible at all major roads and areas as a PTI team toured the state.

Nearly 500 people were seen camping at Imphal airport trying to make getaway by air out of the strife torn state.

New Delhi (ANI): Union law minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that the Centre is taking all possible steps to control the violence in Manipur and bring the state back to normalcy. The law minister urged the people of Manipur to maintain peace. While talking to reporters, Rijiju said, “Unfortunately there is violence happening in Manipur. The centre and Home Minister steps are taking steps to end the violence. Home Minister is continuously monitoring the situation in Manipur.” He said he had received several phone calls from Chief Ministers and other leaders regarding the Manipur violence.

Imphal: In view of the violence that ripped through Manipur, CM N Biren Singh held an all-party meet which was attended by Congress, NPF, NPP, CPI (M), AAP and Shiv Sena. After the meeting CM tweeted, “In light of the prevailing situation in Manipur, held a meeting with the representatives of ‘Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)’ to highlight the crucial role of civil society organisations in bringing peace in the state at this hour”. Manipur has seen violence as clash broke out during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March called by the ATSUM in the Torbung area of Churachandpur to protest the demand of Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, in Manipur.

Odisha

New Delhi (PTI): India

on Friday wrapped up

‘Operation Kaveri’, launched to rescue its nationals stranded in crisis-hit Sudan, with the transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force making its final flight to bring 47 passengers home.

India launched Operation Kaveri on April 24 to evacuate its nationals from Sudan, which has witnessed deadly fighting between the country’s army and a paramilitary group.

With the arrival of the Indian Air Force C130 flight on Friday, 3,862 people have been moved out of Sudan through Operation Kaveri, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.

Prez Murmu continues her speech in darkness

IROM SHARMILA WANTS MANIPUR’S WOMEN TO BRING PEACE TO STATE

Bhubaneswar (Agencies): In a major embarrassment to the organisers of President Droupadi Murmu’s programme at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Odisha’s Baripada, auditorium plunged into darkness after a power failure even as the President continued her speech in darkness on Saturday.

President Droupadi Murmu interacts with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) members, in Mayurbhanj, on Saturday.

Kolkata (PTI): Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu on Saturday appealed to Manipur’s women, irrespective of their ethnic identity to bring peace to the strife-torn state. She also requested PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to visit her home state “to understand the problem” and “address them”. Irom Sharmila also known as the ‘Iron lady’ told PTI in a telephonic interview, “Manipur is burning and I am deeply saddened seeing the sufferings of our people.I appeal to all, Meteis and tribals, to unite and end violence.”

NEET-UG POSTPONED IN VIOLENCE-HIT STATE, FRESH DATE SOON

New Delhi (PTI): Medical entrance exam NEET-UG scheduled on May 7 has been postponed in Manipur in view of the law-and-order situation there, the National Testing Agency announced Saturday. The exam date for candidates whose test centre was in Manipur will be announced soon. “NEET (UG)-2023 exam postponed for the candidates who were allotted examination centres in Manipur and their exam will be held at a later date,” a senior NTA official said.

The President, who was on a three-day visit to her home district Mayurbhanj, was delivering the 12th convocation address at the auditorium of the university when power supply suddenly snapped for nine minutes from 11.56 a.m. to 12.05 p.m.

The security of the President was also compromised as neither the guards nor the supporting staff were visible.

Rajouri encounter:

L-G Sinha pays tribute to martyrs

Srinagar: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the brave army personnel who made supreme sacrifice in the ongoing operations against terrorists in Kandi forest, Rajouri, officials said. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. Grateful nation will always be indebted to their unparalleled valour,” Sinha said,

ELECTRICAL STAFF SUSPENDED; 3-MEMBER COMMITTEE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE MATTER

Bhubaneswar: Regretting the incident, University Vice-Chancellor Santosh Tripathy said, “We had repaired our generator, but somehow it did not work. We will inquire into the matter.” The V-C later suspended an electrical staff of the institute and formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a probe into the power failure during the President’s address. “We will take action against those found guilty after a proper investigation,” said Suresh Dalasi, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central division.

But, Murmu continued her speech using a dim light on the podium

even as the audience kept wondering in the pitch dark auditorium.

IN BRIEF

CBI ARRESTS HEALTH MINISTRY UNDER SECRETARY ON BRIBERY CHARGES

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested an Under Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for allegedly seeking a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh in exchange for issuing a Statement of Need to a medical professional. Officials said that the MoHFW Under Secretary, identified as Sonu Kumar, had been approached for a Statement of Need by the complainant’s friend’s son, who is a doctor and a resident of the US. The document is generally issued by the Health Ministry to Indian doctors to enable them to pursue higher medical studies in the US. The complainant also attached a printout of the certificate which was sent by the Under Secretary through e-mail.

SCORPION BITES

WOMAN ONBOARD AIR INDIA FLIGHT

KKR CAPTAIN’S WIFE HARASSED IN DELHI, 1 HELD

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted 192 people, mostly women, children, and elderly, from the strife-hit country of Sudan in a 24-hour mission. As per Defence Ministry, the mission involved a C-17 Globemaster aircraft taking off from Hindan and landing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, before flying non-stop to Sudan and back to India. Most of the passengers on the flight were NRIs, foreign nationals, or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) holders. They could not be transported to Jeddah and needed to be flown directly to India on a non-stop flight using a heavy jet. While in flight, the crew faced an unexpected emergency when one of the passengers lost consciousness, prompting the administration of oxygen.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has asked the Collectors of 18 coastal and adjoining districts to be prepared for any eventuality in view of the forecast of a cyclonic storm. A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over southeast Bay of Bengal today. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region on Sunday. It is likely to intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday, the weather office said.

Thereafter, it is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm while moving nearly northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal, it said.

New Delhi: The police is yet to interrogate WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in connection with the two FIRs registered against him on April 21, pertaining to allegations, including violations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. As per sources, the police are yet to summon Singh, despite the FIRs filed 14 days ago.

“We have recorded the statements of seven wrestlers and Singh will be served summons soon,” said a source.

One of the FIRs against him was filed under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), while the other was filed under section 10 of the POCSO Act.

New Delhi: In a rare incident, a woman passenger was bitten by a scorpion onboard an Air India flight from Nagpur to Mumbai last month. On landing at the airport, the passenger was attended by a doctor, subsequently treated at a hospital and discharged, the airline said in a statement on Saturday.

Air India said there was an “extremely rare and unfortunate incident involving a scorpion biting a passenger onboard our flight AI 630 on April 23, 2023”.

Upon receiving information of the incident, Air India’s engineering team carried out a thorough inspection of the aircraft. The passenger was immediately givem medical treatment.

New Delhi: The Delhi Police have arrested a youth in connection with a case, involving stalking and harassment, registered by the wife of KKR captain, Nitish Rana, said an official on Saturday. The case, lodged at the Kirti Nagar Police Station, pertains to an incident where two youths attempted to follow the cricketer’s wife during her journey to Model Town. The incident occurred on May 4. After the incident, Saachi Marwah, wife of Nitish Rana also expressed her dismay at the lack of assistance from the Delhi Police. According to Saachi, the perpetrators began stalking her car on a two-wheeler while she was returning home from work.

LUDHIANA GAS LEAK: NGT ORDERS `20L COMPENSATION FOR KIN OF 11 DECEASED

New Delhi: Observing that the State is under the obligation to ensure compliance of environmental norms for the safety of citizens, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Ludhiana district magistrate to give Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the 11 people who died allegedly after inhaling toxic gas in the Punjab city. The victims died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas in the city’s thickly populated Giaspura locality last week, with high levels of hydrogen sulphide detected in the air and authorities suspecting that it emanated from a sewer. The city administration had announced Rs 2 lakh compensation each for family of deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those who were taken ill.

Will Oppn leaders meet in Champaran or Rajgir?

Kolkata (Agencies):

The leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has written to Railways

Minister Ashwini

Vaishnaw accusing CM

Mamata Banerjee of misusing railway services during her recent trip to Malda and Murshidabad for attending an administrative review meeting and a political rally. Although the letter is dated May 4, Adhikari shared it in the public domain on Saturday. In the letter,

Adhikari alleged that the CM, while travelling on May 3 in Saraighat Express from Howrah, forced extended stoppages of train at three stations to serve her own political agenda.

Sharat K Verma

Patna: It has not been talked about yet that if the meeting of Opposition parties is held in Bihar then where will it be held? Usually such meetings take place in the capital. So, till now leaders have been meeting only in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata or Delhi. That’s why it is naturally believed in Bihar that if there is a meeting of Opposition, it will be held in Patna. Apart

from Patna, two more places are being discussed, where Nitish Kumar can hold a meeting of Opposition parties.

The first place is Champaran. Opposition parties may meet in East or West Champaran. Champaran has both religious and historical importance. Maharishi Valmiki’s ashram in West Champaran is where the Ramayana was composed and where Sita found shelter. In this way it is the

creation land of Ramayana, the refuge of Sita and the birthplace of Luv-Kush. Similarly,

there is a place in East Champaran from where Mahatma Gandhi started the Satyagraha

against the British. The drawback of both these places is that there is no direct air service, no airstrip and no good accommodation facilities.

Despite this, almost every political campaign of Nitish Kumar starts from Champaran.

The second place is Rajgir, which is very much liked by the Chief Minister. Instead of Patna, the conference of opposition parties can also be held in Rajgir. This place also has

a lot of historical importance. This is Bodhgaya, where Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment. Its special thing is that it is very close to Patna. Secondly, there is the facility of air flight. There is an international airport and good accommodation facilities. So, Nitish Kumar has to decide which of these places he chooses if he wants to give a political message from the meeting of Opposition parties.

Opposition parties are yet to decide on their meet in Bihar.

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik address media in New Delhi on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Security personnel on alert following violence in Manipur and burnt vehicles in Imphal.

INDIAN AIR FORCE AIRLIFTS 192 FROM SUDAN IN 24-HOUR-LONG ‘NON-STOP OPERATION’

MANIPUR CHIEF MINISTER BIREN SINGH CHAIRS ALL-PARTY MEETING AS DEATH TOLL JUMPS TO 54

17 IAF flights, 5 Navy ships bring 3,862 Indians back from Sudan

dists told to be ready amid cyclone forecast

WFI president yet to be grilled by police

Didi misusing railway services: Suvendu

Suvendu Adhikari.

AWESOME ‘MAUSAM’!

Thunderstorm, lightning, dark clouds and rains were witnessed in several districts of Rajasthan on Saturday, due to active western disturbances in Northern India, the changing weather moods were captured by our SeniorPhotojournalistSantoshSharma, the weather gave a big relief to the people from the heat in the Capital City. The IMD states that from today, the weather will become completely dry in State. There is possibility that the day temperature will go up to 40°Celsius or above at some places in Rajasthan next week.

CM Gehlot to strengthen sports infrastructure with `270 cr

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister

Ashok Gehlot has approved an additional budget proposal of `270 crore to strengthen the infrastructure for sports in the state. With this amount, sports stadiums, sports complexes, sports academies, and multipurpose indoor halls will be constructed in various districts. Also, players will get better sports facilities and training to perform excellently in national and international competitions by improving their sports talent.

Jaipur’s Chaugan Stadium will be renovated at a cost of `12 crore. `7 crore will be spent for sports complex in Bharatpur, `8.68 crore for all-weather swimming pool in Jodhpur, `8 crore for sports complex at Amrit Lal Stadium,

`7.96 CRORE TO MAKE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING IN JODHPUR

Jaipur: New building of Sumer Public Library equipped with modern facilities will be constructed in Jodhpur at a cost of ` 7.96 crore. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given financial approval for the construction works. CM Gehlot has also approved ` 2.09 crore for the office of the garden superintendent, housing and nursery building of the Public Works Department. With this approval, books and documents will be preserved in the library and students will get a better environment for research and study.

sports stadium & sports hostel in Shahbad and Baran for `10 crore, wrestling academy and

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL OF `40 CR GETS

NOD TO STRENGTHEN DIRECT CANALS

Jaipur: The state government will strengthen the direct canals & distributaries emerging from the Indira Gandhi Main Canal at a cost of `40 crore. CM Ashok Gehlot has approved the financial proposal for this. Under the scheme, improvement works will be done in the canals and distributaries coming out from canal tower 1254 to 1458.5 in the Jaisalmer district. In the financial year 2023-24, various works worth `8 crore will be done. The state government has decided to provide funds for canal development to ensure water reaches the last mile in the canal-irrigated areas and ensure its proper usage.

`16.80 CR FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 5 NEW HOSTELS FOR SC BOYS & GIRLS

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given approval to open 5 new hostels for scheduled caste students in the state in Dausa, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Tonk. The

CM has also approved the creation of 5 posts of Hostel Superintendent Grade-II for the operation of all the hostels. The CM has given approval of `16.80 crores for the construction of hostels for Scheduled Caste boys and girls in the state & `8.38 crore for expansion of basic facilities in 299 hostels of Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Vimukt Ghumantu, Semi-Ghumantu, Mirasi and Bhishti communities.

sports stadium will be constructed at Sardarpura (Nathdwara) in Rajsamand at a cost of

3 men die of noxious fumes while cleaning septic tank

Jaipur (PTI): Three men, all in their 20s, died of inhaling toxic fumes in Pali district while cleaning a septic tank , police said Saturday. The victims were identified as Vishal Valmiki, 28, Karan Valmiki, 22, and Bharat Valmiki, 20, they said.

Kotwali Police Station SHO Ravindra Singh said the three men had gone down a septic tank of a marriage garden Friday night to clean it and fainted.

A fourth man who went down the tank to rescue his colleagues,

—REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

came up immediately after feeling suffocated, he said. The SHO said the three men were somehow taken out and rushed to the district hospital where they were declared dead.

Earlier this week on Monday, two sanitation workers were asphyxiated when they were cleaning a septic tank at a private school in Minjur in the Tiruvallur district.

`26.02 crore. State-of-theart facilities like Astroturf, floodlights, pavilion, sitting chair etc. will

First India Bureau

MTR to be new home to African Cheetahs soon

`

462

CRORE

FOR CONCRETE SKINS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN TWO DISTRICTS

Jaipur: Concrete skins will be constructed in Sriganganagar & Hanumangarh districts on 1.32 lakh hectare command area, in which `462 crore will be spent in 3 years. CM Ashok Gehlot has given financial approval for these works. `112 crore will be spent in the financial year 2023-24. The work of water streams and underground drains will be done soon. It will also save water & fields will get more water. An announcement was made by the CM in the latest budget regarding the repair work of Bhakra Irrigation Project.

be made at Vidyadhar Stadium. Also, many construction & development works will be done.

Dungarpur: A 13-yearold minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by two men in the Bicchiwara area of Dungarpur district, police said. As per police information, the incident took place on May 3 while the victim was returning home on a motorcycle with her two relatives. “While on their way, seven miscreants stopped them and started beating the two relatives of the victim. The accused took the victim to nearby jungles where she was gang-raped by two men,” police said. “Following the FIR, the medical examination of the girl was conducted and it has been confirmed that the victim was gang-raped. The victim was left in her village after the incident. The matter is being investigated and the accused will be arrested soon,” police added.

First India Bureau

Kota: The Mukundra

Tiger Reserve in Kota will soon become home to Cheetahs. Following the death of Cheetahs in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, a proposal has been kept to shift Cheetahs to Rajasthan. For this, the Forest Department has started preparations, but the officials are yet to make an official statement regarding the same as the department has not received a nod

from the union government yet. A team from Africa and Wildlife experts from Dehradun have already found an adequate place for Cheetahs. If the union government approves the shifting of Cheetahs in Rajasthan, leopards will be sighted in Rajasthan after 83 years. Notably, cheetahs have been brought to India from South Africa for 2 consecutive times. Now, it will be for the third time that Cheetahs will be brought to India.

CHILDREN’S NUTRITIONAL FOOD & SANITARY NAPKINS SCAM

Police arrest 15 including 8 govt teachers

First India Bureau

Pratapgarh: As many as 15 accused, including eight government teachers, have been arrested so far by the district police in the scam of nutritional food distributed to children under mid-day meals and sanitary napkins being given to rural women to protect them from diseases occurring during menstruation. Police said that in the case, in connivance with the government employees of the department, Aripit Labana and Vikram Labana (resi-

dents of Tanda police station), Dhamotar, Sunil Labana, and Ajay Labana (residents of Akhepur police station Kotwali, Rahul Labana (resident of Karamdi Kheda police

station, Rathanjana and the buyer of these goods were accused of embezzlement.

Jagdish Bhai alias Kanha (resident of Surat) and Aseem Sharma

(resident of District Meerut UP) have been arrested.

Apart from these, 8 government teachers Bherulal Meena, Baram Singh, Dinesh Kunar

Verma, Baram Singh, Kantilal, Uday Singh Garasia, Prabhakar Pandya, Kamla Shankar Meena, Ganesh Lal, are accused of embezzlement and have also been arrested.

According to police on May 1, the district police took major action against the organised gang involved in the embezzlement of nutrition, sanitary napkins, milk powder, and embezzlement under various schemes being run by the state government. The embezzled nutritional food and sanitary napkins were recovered.

13-year-old gang-raped by two men in Dungarpur

Accused in the police custody.

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

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

IS ARORA NOT GETTING SUPPORT FROM DELHI POLICE?

A fter all, why is Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora not getting support? Arora himself has told his ‘heart’ to the Ministry of Home Affairs. that , apparently, he is not getting cooperation from Delhi Police and officials consider him like an outsider. Sanjay is a 1988 batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. According to sources, Sanjay Arora has a desire to join CBI. Actually CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal’s 2 years tenure is being completed and in the coming days the posts of chiefs of many para military forces are also getting vacant. In such a situation, there is a strong possibility of

Sanjay Arora getting any of these posts. Sanjay Arora was brought on deputation in UT cadre and now Arora wants to get original cadre Tamil Nadu only because Tamil Nadu CM has sent some names to Home Ministry for DG and Sanjay Arora’s name is also being mentioned in these names. But on the other hand, an important meeting of G-20 countries is proposed in Delhi in September. Sanjay Arora was involved in every preparation meeting related to the security of the meeting. In such a situation, before the G-20 conference, the Home Ministry is in a dilemma regarding Arora’s transfer.

WILL BAJRANG BALI HELP BJP TO BRING BACK THE ‘LOTUS GOVT’ IN K’TAKA?

I n the Karnataka elections, as the election dates are getting closer, the ideological bankruptcy of the ruling party is also getting exposed. When the Congress talked about banning Bajrang Dal and PFI, organizations that spread hatred and venom, the BJP campaign leader made it a big election issue by linking it to Bajrang Bali. He also talked about the recently released propaganda film ‘Kerala Express’ but even this did not seem to increase the election fever. Now the Congress is raising the issue of Goa, the neighboring state of Karnataka, that ‘when Manohar Parrikar was in power there, they had banned the entry of ‘Shri Ram Sena’, which advocates Hindu rights in the state, into Goa, and the same ban continues unabated during the BJP government there. Congress is asking, ‘Is this a ban imposed on Shri Ram?’ In an interview given to a channel, Sareshwala said that ‘Once upon a time, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal used to rule in Ahmedabad. VHP’s annual jalsa was held here, and more than 5 lakh Hindus used to participate in it. When Praveen Togadia used to reach Ahmedabad airport, a convoy of 200 vehicles used to accompany him. Modi came and ended their terror. Why is the saffron star making the same Bajrang Dal an election issue today? This is the biggest question.’

CONFUSED KEJRIWAL’s GOVT TRIES TO SCORE GOAL WITH JEE-MAINS TOPPER!

A stik Narayan, a Delhi government school student who surprised everyone by scoring 100 percentile in JEE-Mains in his very first attempt, became an opportunity for the AAP government in Delhi to ‘substantiate their claim that the Government schools have been rejuvenated.’ Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who is on the target of the opposition these days for his 45 crore government residence, wanted to seize this opportunity. So, he told his team that he would like to present Astik an inspiring biography of Babasaheb Ambedkar. His team got to work and a book was unanimously chosen – Ambedkar: A Life, which was written by Shashi Tharoor, who is now a big leader of Congress. When this book was brought to Kejriwal’s notice, he hesitated a bit, he was indecisive that ‘by giving a biography written by a Congress leader, a political meaning should not be drawn from it. So this book was replaced in a haste with an alternative. The book was examined and the book Kejriwal presented to Astik at a function organized in his office was ‘Becoming Baba Saheb Ambedkar’ written by Akash Singh Rathore.

BHUPESH BAGHEL CONFIDENT OF HIS COMEBACK

C hhattisgarh’s Congress CM Bhupesh Baghel seems quite confident about his comeback in the coming assembly elections. Anyway, the main opposition party of the state BJP is still not visible in its colors there.

BJP’s strong leader in the state and former CM Dr. Raman Singh is not seen as active in the politics of the state due to his health reasons. BJP’s hopes have dimmed here after another prominent leader of Chhattisgarh, Nand Kumar Sai, who is considered very close to PM Modi, left BJP and joined Congress in recent days. The BJP top has also conducted several opinion polls in the state on its behalf, and in all these surveys, the popularity of Baghel has grown exponentially. In fact, with the public welfare policies and schemes launched one after the other by the Baghel govt, a new class of voters has been created, who want to give one more chance to Bhupesh Baghel as CM. On the other hand, TS Singh Deo, who is considered a staunch opponent of Baghel in the Congress, is still said to be in constant touch with the BJP, but the local unit of the BJP is not very enthusiastic about him.

Local BJP workers are not liking Singhdeo’s royal lifestyle. Since Singh Deo belongs to a royal family, his style of doing politics is also a bit different. He doesn’t fit into grassroots politics that much. So, at present, in Chhattisgarh it is being felt that the magic of Congress is being created in voters’ minds.

CONGRESS’ COUNTER-ATTACK IN KARNATAKA ELECTIONS

T he rounds of allegations and counter-allegations are on between BJP vs Congress in Karnataka elections. Central leader Smriti Irani is now campaigning for the Karnata- ka elections. When she went to Amethi, she shouted that ‘when Priyanka Gandhi gone to Amethi for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she was seen offering Namaz in a street there.’ After this statement of Smriti, there was a ruckus and social media started talking about this. The investigation of the matter started. Then

it was concluded that this picture was of a dargah, where Priyanka is praying with her hands raised. After this, Congress’s ‘E-Sena’ also became active. They also searched and found such photographs of BJP leaders where their hands were also raised in prayer. Pictures of many BJP leaders praying and reciting Kalma in some dargah have come to the fore and in these pictures veteran leaders of BJP like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda are included. In another picture, Modi and Smriti Irani are seen offering chadar on a tomb.

CM Gehlot makes record by touring half of Raj in 2 weeks

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: The Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has created a record of sorts and has visited almost half of Rajasthan in two weeks. CM Gehlot is conducting marathon tour of 14 districts in 14 days. He has visited 11 districts so far including Jaipur, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Sikar, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand and Ajmer. Now, on Sunday, the Chief Minister will be on Dholpur, Dausa and Karauli tour.

Gehlot has been constantly inspecting inflation relief camps.

Meanwhile, he has also visited Karnataka for election campaigning. CM Gehlot is feeling the pulse of the people from the inflation

CM ASHOK GEHLOT SCHEDULED TO VISIT DHOLPUR, KARAULI AND DAUSA TODAY

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be visiting Dholpur, Karauli and Dausa district on Sunday. As per the schedule, the CM will leave from Jaipur at 11am and reach Dholpur at 12pm. Later, he will reach Mandrayal od Karauli at 3pm. At 5pm, he will reach Geejgarh in Dausa and inspect Mehangai Rahat Camp. At 6pm, he will leave for Jaipur from Dausa.

relief camp and is observing the ground reality by going directly to the public. And

through this, Chief Minister Gehlot has come in full election ‘color’.

inflation relief camps

First India Bureau

From P1…

“Politics is being done on religion. PM Modi invoked in the name of Bajrang Bali in Karnataka, that will not work,” Gehlot said.

The Chief Minister said that Sonia Gandhi is a respectable woman of the country, for whom everyone has a lot of respect. “She herself never became PM. Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister. But today it is said that she is an agent of Pakistan and China. At what level have the elections come today? The situation of the country is becoming serious. But we will do our duty. If we have to do a mass movement, we will do so,” he said.

Gehlot claimed that

the condition of the country is getting worse.

“Wrestler daughters are sitting on dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and demanding justice. But the cases were not registered on their behalf. The SC had to intervene in this matter. Whereas in Rajasthan, FIR is compulsory. If a police officer does not do so, action is taken against him,” Gehlot said.

HATH SE HATH JODO

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Rajasthan

Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra condemned the death threats given to Cong President Mallikarjun Kharge and his family by BJP’s Chittapur candidate in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Manikant Rathore. Talking to reporters at PCC, Dotasra said, “It is known from the audio tapes of the candidate in the K’taka Assembly elections that BJP, which is upset with the possible defeat in Karnataka Assembly elections, is doing low-level politics and by fielding such a candidate. The Bharatiya Janata Party has destroyed the democracy of the country.”

Dotasra said that there is an atmosphere

of anarchy in the country under BJP rule.

“Ethnic strife is going on in Mizoram, people’s houses are being burnt, but PM and the Home Minister are busy campaigning for the K’taka elections,” he said. He also reacted on the PM’s proposed visit to the state and said, “PM had visited Rajasthan earlier also, but would have kept silence on the demands of Rajasthan but this time he should announce ERCP.”

Jaipur : The report card of MLAs is being prepared from inflation relief camp as monitoring is being done at the Chief Minister’s level. Every day information is being taken from the MLAs about which camp the MLA himself visited.

The legislators are sending pictures of the camps in his area. However, there are still a dozen MLAs completely inactive in the camp and these Congress MLAs were not seen in the camp of their assembly constituency. Although these MLAs are often seen on tour to other districts. A complete report of their ‘distance’ is also being prepared and this report of CM will also be very decisive in ticket distribution.

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Saturday took part in the Haath Se Haath Campaign in Kota and heard public grievances. While speaking to media persons, Shanti Dhariwal said that the aim of the govt is that no one should remain untouched by the benefits of welfare schemes of government.

“The govt set a target of issuing 10 lakh land deeds, out of which, 8 lakh land deeds have al-

BIRLA SPEAKS AT KANSUA DHAM

First India Bureau

Kota: On the instructions of Speaker Birla, an action plan will be prepared for Charchauma Temple and Abli Meeni Mahal. The campus will be developed keeping the historical and cultural form of Karneshwar Mahadev, the Tapobhoomi of Maharishi Kanva in Kansua. The Archaeological Survey of India will also prepare an action plan for Chaumeshwar Mahadev Temple at Charchauma and the palace of Abli Meeni at Dara.

Birla also inspected the Kansua Dham along with the officials of the

dept on Saturday. He inspected the temple along with Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi, former MLA Hiralal Nagar and officials of the ASI. Karneshwar Mahadev Temple symbolises In-

dia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This temple was built by King Shivgan in the 8th century. According to the inscription, in the hermitage of Maharshi Kanva, Shakuntala, the

Birla also expressed concern over the condition of the tank built on the temple premises. “Kund should be cleaned so that the people living here have access to clean water,” he said. Birla also instructed officials to develop Batuk Bhairav temple built in the premises. He said that a comprehensive development work should be done in the temple so that the devotees do not face any problem.

wife of King Dushyant of Hastinapur, raised son Bharat, after whom the country was later named Bharat. Considering the historical importance of this temple, Birla has started efforts

ready been distributed.

“The sensitivity of the govt and the campaign for the public shows the commitment of govt’s responsibility towards people of state,” said UDH Min Dhariwal.

“The feedback received by the public under the Hath se Hath Jodo campaign is that people have made up their mind to bring the Congress govt back in power,” added Dhariwal. The minister took part in a padayatra in Ward No. 11 and met people on Saturday.

Kota: LS Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the first ever synthetic track of Kota division on Sunday. The inaugural ceremony will be organised in Shri Nath Puram Sports Complex. Notably, with the efforts of Birla, the Union Sports Ministry had issued approval for the construction of a synthetic track at a cost of Rs 7.5 crores under the Khelo India scheme.

to restore its lost glory.

Birla asked the officials to give a heritage look to the temple while maintaining its historical character. “A huge flag should be installed on top of temple,” he said.

‘Develop it with keeping historical form intact’

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla doing ‘Jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva at Karneshwar Mahadev temple in Kansua on Saturday.

‘CLEAN THE KUND, DEVELOP BATUK BHAIRAV TEMPLE’ BIRLA TO INAUGURATE SYNTHETIC TRACK TODAY

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has come in full election ‘color’ and apart from touring Rajasthan, he also visited K’taka

CM Ashok Gehlot during his Ajmer visit on Friday, where his supporters gifted him a collage saying ‘Rajasthan me raunak choguni’. RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore is also seen.

Shanti Dhariwal meets, interacts with people

Sonia Gandhi is respectable woman of country: Gehlot

BJP has destroyed democracy of our country: GS Dotasra

Report cards of MLAs being made in

CM Ashok Gehlot, GS Dotasra at CMR in Jaipur on Saturday.

Shanti Dhariwal and Amit Dhariwal during the Padayatra of Hath Se Hath Jodo campaign in Suman Nagar of Kota on Saturday. Govind Singh Dotasra during press conference on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Dublin Square at Phoenix Market City Mall in Kurla on Friday!

International Institute of Fashion Design INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai, a leading design institute, organised a fashion event called ‘Eleganza Annual Fashion Runway 2023’ at Dublin Square at Phoenix Market City Mall in Kurla on Friday. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Jagdeesh Chandra, along with Shri Anil Khosla, the CEO of INIFD, who served as the chief guest. In addition, the Managing Editor of Entertainment First Indianews group and Consulting Editor of Bharat24, Ashish Tiwari, was also invited to partake in the event. The entire evening was orchestrated by the creative minds of Ritika Singh (Director of INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai) and Raghvendra Singh Baghel (Director of INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai). Also, Ashok Daryani (Director of INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai) and Ria Daryani (Director of INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai) were present for the show. The stunning Kareema Khan, who won the title of Miss Teen World India 2022, also made a sensational appearance in an off-shoulder and long-slit sequin dress.

The fashion spectacle saw the participation of a staggering 120 students, who showcased their creatively designed apparel. Actress Aarushi Nishank (Show Opener), Actor Manish Raisinghan, and Actress Ruhi Chaturvedi emerged as the showstoppers of the event, exuding glamour and charm. The collections that were showcased represented diverse cultures and ethnicities. The captivating collections, Ethnos, Lagom, Down Town Drill, Tinge of Suits, SeaMaid Soiree, Colour Blush, Artisanal Odyssey, Down to Earth, and Millennium Pop, left the audience in awe.

During an interview with the organiser and Director INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai Ritika Singh, she revealed that the primary objective of this fashion exhibition is to enable a sizable number of students, around 400–500, to participate and enhance their knowledge and skills before they depart. Furthermore, Ritika expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Jagdish Chandra for gracing the occasion with his distinguished presence.

Kareema Khan, the Miss Teen World India 2022, also thanked Jagdeesh Chandra for the invitation and conveyed her pride and gratitude for being present on this momentous evening. INIFD Ghatkopar Mumbai presents Eleganza Annual Fashion Runway 2023 displayed the latest trends and designs of the fashion industry, and it garnered immense acclaim and admiration from all quarters.

City First highlights the glimpses from the magnificence fashion event, ‘Eleganza’, which was meticulously orchestrated by, INIFD Ghatkopar in

ROKHSHAN ADAJANIA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Arushi Nishank, Palak Jain, Mahima Belwakar, Naomi and Priyasha during the mega fashion show

Jagdeesh Chandra with the memento. Also seen is Ritika Singh

YOUR DAY

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

You will succeed in putting your stagnant love life back on the track. Professionals will be able to give their best in a new situation. Financially, this day may prove lucky for you, so go ask for the raise that is keeping you on tenterhooks. Don’t take any chances with your health today.

Gemini

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

A change of job is likely to give you better salary and perks. This is the time when you enjoy yourself with a new group of friends or colleagues. Those in business will soon get a chance to make profits. A new deal is likely to come through and give you a taste of success.

Leo JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Those looking for buying a house can get a good bargain. Appreciation is in store for some homemakers. A professional victory is yours if you play your cards well today. Those in business will be able to maintain good earning. You are likely to enjoy good health.

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

Your professionalism in handling problem areas will be appreciated. You will find family life more than fulfilling. A senior is likely to put in a good word for you to the higher ups. Financially, you will be able to consolidate your position. Exercise care in matters of health. Lover may become your strength.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

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

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

You may get busy organising something on the social front. You may need to put your ideas into action, if you want to prove yourself. A party may be thrown in your honour at work. Your good performance is likely to be noticed by higher ups. Health-wise a good day is foreseen.

WAAH JAIPUR!

WEAVING LOVE

City First in an exclusive interview with the Founder and Creative Head of one of India’s most loved clothing brands- BUNAAI!

ing beautiful renditions of clothing that mesmerized women across age groups, that ended in the curation of my baby brand- BUNAAI. From a team of just three people back in 2016, we have hundreds of proud members now, and we've truly come a long way.”

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

On the social front, the day finds you in your element. Something special awaits you on the romantic front today your strategy to promote yourself on the professional front will bear fruits. You may need to speed up things on the academic front to remain ahead.

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Those in love with the adventures are likely to chase the excitement very soon. Your own happiness is in your hands today. This is a favourable day for completing pending jobs. Financially, no problems are foreseen. It is best to avoid outside food.

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

Good luck promises to brighten your day. Some positive changes can be expected on the home front. New avenues for earning open up as you get more determined. Fitness through extra efforts is assured for the deskbound.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Remaining on the good side of those who matter on the academic front will help you achieve much. Good tidings of your well wishers will keep you going on the professional front. A family elder may look up to you for guidance.

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

Your reputation is likely to boost your image on the social front. This is an excellent day to spend time with family. Good planning will see you complete a task at work in record time. Monetary front grows strong for some. You enjoy excellent health. Those seeking love are likely to get lucky.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Praise and honour are likely to greet you in something that you have managed to achieve. You will be a pillar of strength to a friend or associate.

A good day at work is foreseen as you make your mark in front of those who matter.

Bringing your childhood dream to life feels like a great achievement, doesn’t it?

Pari Choudhary, Founder and Creative Head of BUNAAI, one of India’s most loved clothing brands, had one such dream since she was a teenager, which she brought to life at the age of just 23 years. Talking about her brand, Pari said, “I have been extremely passionate about fashion and loved creat-

Pari’s vision for BUNAAI was simple- the modern Indian woman needed a brand that kept her connected to her roots and enabled her to express herself authentically while also not burning a hole in her pocket, and that is exactly what she gave them. She mentioned “I wanted to create something that was not only stylish and modern but also reflected the rich and diverse heritage of India.”

“Hailing from Jaipur, Bunaai was conceived with an aspiration to create responsible, stylish, and affordable clothing

E-Commerce Tech Women Entrepreneur Award and Bunaai has ranked 28th in Inc42's List of India's Fastest Growing D2C Brands. We have also had a lot of fun in the past collaborating with Bollywood actors, influencers and celebrities and have been fea-

tured in various fashion publications.”

While the competition in the fashion industry can be tough, Pari believes in focusing on the brand’s unique selling points and staying true to their values. “I believe if you do good work, know your audience well and listen to their needs and desires, you can really do wonders,” she said, talking about how BUNAAI is still topping the list, with a lot of competition in the same industry.

On being asked about what she would like to say to the young talent who are aiming to start their businesses in the similar field, Pari said, “Don't be afraid to take risks and be innovative, and always stay true to yourself and your brand.”

“It's also important to build a strong network of mentors, collaborators, and supporters who can offer guidance and sup-

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

NEHAL NAYAR cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Pari Choudhary

SUHANI, Model

DATING a woman

Emily Ratajkowski has revealed that she would be open to dating a woman. The supermodel revealed that she would “love” to date a woman and is “Waiting for the right one to come along.” Emily shares a son with her ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. The model spoke about being single for the first time in her life. She opened up about her personal life amid the link-up rumours with singer Harry Styles. Emily Ratajkowski spoke about her love life and wanting to date a woman with HommeGirls creative director Jenn Brill. On Instagram, she said, “I would love to. Waiting for the right one to come along.” She continued, “I’ve always been someone who’s more attracted to vibe than specifics of physicality so sometimes it’ll just randomly hit me and I’ll be like whoa I’m attracted to this person!”

Is Hailey Pregnant?

Well, is this the reason why Hailey and the Peaches singer were missing from the public eye by not attending this year’s Met Gala? The couple, who have been in the limelight ever since the start of this year, made the audience put their relationship on trial. By questioning if they are still in love or planning to fall apart. And maybe to seal the damage, the only thing that could be fixed between the two would be starting a new chapter of their lives, as this year has not been good for Hailey, which she even expressed on her Instagram post, making a statement on how her mental health has been affected by ongoing hate and dispute. As per rumours, Hailey and Justin Bieber are expecting and can be titled "soon-to-be" parents. Hailey and Justin Bieber are supposedly celebrating their pregnancy in the Bahamas right now aboard a yacht near Bakers Bay, according to a TikTok user.

FEELING NERVOUS!

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s wedding was one of the most dreamy and beautiful celebrity marriages fans got to

jor events in the year, globally one of the first events that will come to your mind is the MET Gala. You

What’s the theme? what’s everyone going to wear?’ So in terms of attention and focus and excitement, I can see the energy on the street.

15 Degrees

amid a snow-capped location. She jumped into the cold water at minus 15 degrees Celsius and embraced the chilling weather. Despite the freezing weather, she is seen flaunting a huge smile as she rushed inside the cabin to change after a dip in the pool. Sharing the video, Rakul wrote in the caption, “Cryo in -15 (degree Celsius) anyone?” A few months ago, Rakul also visited Northern Lights in Finland and shared a few pics. She was all smiles and excited to witness the northern lights in snow-clad Finland.

SUMMER BLUES

New wax FIGURE

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam has honoured Barbadian singer Rihanna with her new wax figure. The mommy-to-be made a fashionably late appearance at the 2023 Met Gala as she made a dramatic entrance with A$AP. The 35-year-old wore a white Valentino gown with a cape made of embroidered white flowers and a long train while flaunting her baby bump. Taking to their official Instagram handle, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam revealed the new figure of RiRi, dressed in a purple bodysuit, thigh-high boots and a stunning floral cape that was inspired by the mogul’s 2020 Savage X Fenty Fashion Show. Along with the picture, the caption read, ‘Madame Tussauds proudly welcomes Rihanna’s wax figure to our attraction. Her beautiful outfit is based on her floral look for the Savage X Fenty show in 2020! Visit now and meet the stylish queen of pop in Amsterdam.”

Emily Ratajkowski

Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber

Alia Bhatt

Rakul Preet Singh Rihanna

Katrina Kaif Her post...

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

Some more glimpses from the magnificence ‘Eleganza Annual Fashion Runway 2023’ organised by International Institute of Fashion Design INIFD, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Dublin Square at Phoenix Market City Mall in Kurla, Mumbai on Friday

LAB OF THE FUTURE

CONGRATULATIONS!

PROUD MOMENT!

CITY FIRST

The Future Lab, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), launched a cuttingedge space science laboratory. Students and teachers from 30 different schools of Jaipur participated in this festival.

The inauguration ceremony started with the lamp lighting ceremony where the chief guest, Dr TP Sasikumar was invited. Guest of Honor Haniry Skupnevich was also present. The students got an opportunity to see various models, satellites and rockets of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in this laboratory. They also got to experience in AR VR and Reality. In the Lab of the Future, students can learn about 3D printing, aero modeling, satellite designing and more. The Space Science

Laboratory is the first of its kind which provides an opportunity to the students to learn and experience various aspects of Space Science. Students can learn about rocket science, satel-

lite communications, and remote sensing.

They can work on space projects and develop their skills in robotics, programming and electronics.

“This is an exciting time for our students and the school community,” said co-founder Saurabh Kaushal.

“Our partnership with ISRO has provided us with a unique opportunity to educate and inspire about the wonders of space science.

We are proud to have Dr. TP Sasikumar as our chief guest, and we look forward to thanking our partner and Thank you for the support of the sponsors.”

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra launched the poster of Vishal Raktdaan, a huge blood donation camp at his residence on Saturday. The event is being organised for patients suffering from Thalassemia, which will be held on Maharana Pratap Jayanti, May 21 by Pehchan Sanstha. This organisation has been working on surplus food in the entire Jaipur for the last 7 years. Also seen are Kuldeep Singh, Jai Prakash Sharma, Mahipal Singh, Puneet Ajmera, Abhishek Pareek, Manoj Jain and Kaushal Bhardwaj.

Shubh Karan Arha, RAS (R), aged 104 years, possesses a remarkable recollection of the coronation ceremony of Charles III that transpired at Westminster Abbey, which he keenly watched on TV on Saturday. With a lucid mind and a sharp memory, he vividly recounts the grandiose events that marked the ascension of George 5, Edward 8 (a moment forever enshrined in history when Baldwin, the then Prime Minister, declared that “the die has been cast”) George 6, and Elizabeth 2 in 1953.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Malaviya National Institute of Technology celebrated it’s Diamond Jubilee year on Saturday. The Batch of 1990-94

Himadri Bhatnagar has been elected as the new National Director of India for the world’s biggest male beauty contest Mister Supranational. Himadri from Jaipur is an interior designer, yoga instructor as well as a finalist of Mrs Universe. Now Himandri is looking for new participants for this pageant in India whose registration commenced on May 4. Registrations will be open till May 12. —CITY FIRST

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Palak Jain, Parineeta Bakshi, Karemma Khan and Kashish Goswami

Actress Ruhi Chaturvedi being felicitated by Raghvendra Singh (Director INIFD, Ghatkopar, Mumbai) Ashok Daryani (Director INIFD, Ghatkopar, Mumbai) with Shril Anil Khosla (CEO INIFD)

Manish Raisinghan

From Left Ritika Singh, Ashok Daryani, Raghvendra Singh and Aman Verma

Ruhi Chaturvedi being felicitated by Ritika Singh (Director INIFD, Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Parineeta Bakshi, Karemma Khan and Kashish Goswami

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Kuldeep Singh, Jai Prakash Sharma, Mahipal Singh, Puneet Ajmera, Abhishek Pareek, Manoj Jain & Kaushal Bhardwaj Jagdeesh Chandra with Priyanka and Prateek

Shubh Karan Arha

Britain’s Prince William Kisses his father King Charles III Britain’s King Charles III during the ceremony of the coronation

Raghav, Shashi Haniry, Dr Shashi Kumar, Arpit Dugar and Sachin

Sachin, Shashi Haniry and Raghav

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO