First India-Jaipur Edition-10th March 2023

MANISH SISODIA

ARRESTED BY ED DAY BEFORE HIS BAIL HEARING

New Delhi: In a major setback to the AAP, the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday arrested senior party leader Manish Sisodia on money laundering charges in connection with its probe into the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. P5

& MUMBAI

2 NEW MINS JOIN DELHI CABINET, NEW DY CM UNLIKELY

New Delhi: AAP leader Atishi is now Delhi govt’s minister for education and her party colleague Saurabh Bharadwaj holds charge of health dept. The two legislators took oath as ministers on Thursday. Delhi is unlikely to get a new Deputy Chief Minister at this point, a charge earlier held by Sisodia. P5

Cricket diplomacy takes centrestage as PM Modi, Albanese attend first day of India-Australia 4th Test

APERFECT PITCH!

 75 long years of friendship through cricket with PM Modi, says Aussie PM

Moni Sharma

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese were greeted with loud cheering and applause as they took a lap of honour at a stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Thursday before watching a cricket match together. The 2 PMs waved at the crowds as they took a round of the Narendra Modi stadium in a “chariot” fashioned out of a golf cart, before the match.

PM Modi and Albanese handed over Test caps to their respective team captains, Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith, and shook hands with the teams. They also met players from both sides and stood along side them when the national anthems of India and Australia were sung.

INDIA IS LEADING SERIES BY 2-1

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India is leading series by 2-1. A win in the final Test will ensure the team qualifies for the final of the ICC World Test Championship, where they will be facing Australia in London from June 7 onwards.

CRUCIAL READ TOP COURT DISMISSES PLEA TO OVERRULE A 2020 VERDICT

New Delhi: A petition under Article 32 of the Constitution cannot be maintained to challenge a binding judgment of the apex court, the Supreme Court has said while dismissing a plea seeking to overrule a 2020 verdict delivered by a fivejudge constitution bench pertaining to the land acquisition Act.

IN TN, AIADMK, BJP HAIL ALLIANCE ‘PARTNERSHIP

Chennai: AIADMK in TN has announced it would continue its alliance with BJP for 2024 LS polls, amid much tension with the ally. The declaration, however, came with a rider. “AIADMK will head NDA in TN, BJP, others should come under us,” said D Jayakumar.

 “Memorable morning in Ahmedabad!” PM Modi shares his magical moments

Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

On the field, Australia and India are competing to be the best in the world. Off the field, we are co-operating to build a better world.

—Anthony Albanese, Australian PM

Rajnath Singh

@rajnathsingh

SELFIES, CHAI, CHARCHA - MODI, ANTHONY’S DAY AT STADIUM

Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese, Prime Ministers of both the nations shared some light moments with the respective and opponent teams during the match. What apparently became the biggest talking point was a selfie snap of the duo. Australian PM clicked a selfie with PM Modi in the stands and also shared it on his Twitter handle. It was a chai par charcha for them while the PMs watched the match.

K KAVITHA TO BE QUESTIONED TOMORROW IN LIQUOR CASE

New Delhi: K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, will be questioned on Saturday in Delhi liquor policy case. Enforcement Directorate accepted her request to postpone the questioning, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday. P5

WITH INDIA PROMISING’

New Delhi: Calling India and US partnership most consequential, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed her optimism on India and US relationship. Raimondo, who is on a visit to India, will participate in CEO Forum today.

SATISH KAUSHIK: APRIL 1956 TO MARCH 2023

The actor-director fell ill at Delhi farmhouse, dies of heart attack

‘Creative Genius’ no more

New Delhi/Mumbai: Actordirector Satish Kaushik was at a farmhouse in Delhi’s Bijwasan last night when he started feeling unwell and was rushed to a hospital in Gurugram. Preliminary examination suggests that he died of a heart attack and breathed his last before he reached the hospital, police sources said. Nothing suspicious has emerged in the investigation into the 66-year-old actor’s death, sources in Delhi South West police said. Kaushik ar-

PM MODI AND HM

PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday mourned demise of noted actor-director Satish Kaushik who passed away following a heart attack, and extended condolences to his family and admirers. Calling Satish Kaushik a creative genius, PM Modi said he won hearts by his wonderful acting and direction.

goal for Maharashtra

9 PCs in 9 States, BJP will reply to the Oppn’s letter

Spoke to the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia, Mr @ RichardMarlesMP. India & Australia share a comprehensive strategic partnership and the call today was an opportunity to reiterate our commitment towards further strengthening of our defence cooperation.

Anurag Thakur

@ianuragthakur

What an incredible moment for cricket fans in & & around the world! PM @ narendramodi with PM @ AlboMP at Narendra Modi stadium, celebrating 75 years of friendship through cricket in #Ahmedabad #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023! A game to remember!

SANJIVANI SCAM

Maha

proposes `5,47,450 crore budget with huge fiscal and revenue deficits

First India Bureau Mumbai: Maharashtra

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state’s finance minister, on Thursday, presented the state budget which is also Shinde-led govt’s first budget for 2023-24. Budget is based on principle of ‘Panchamrut’, focusing farmers, women, youth, employment and environment.

Not justified to snatch the “rights of martyrs’ children” for relatives: Gehlot

CM Ashok Gehlot termed the demand inappropriate in view of families of other soliders who were killed in line of duty

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Amid the ongoing protest by the widows of the jawans killed in the 2019 Pulwama attack, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said that it is not justified to give job to “any other relative” by snatching the “rights

of the children of the martyr” while alleging that the BJP is using them for its “narrow political interest”. Gehlot asked if it is appropriate to give job to “any other relative” of the killed soldier by “trampling upon the rights of the children of the martyr”.

The dependents of the martyrs of Pulwama have already been helped according to the rules of this package. There is perhaps no such package in any other State for the families of the martyrs.

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 50% concession in State buses and 1% discount on stamp duty for women

 Over 700 Apla Dawakhana dispensaries to be started, free treatment will be given

 `5 lakh insurance scheme for the traditional fishermen with Centre’s assistance

 Mahatma Jan Arogya Sch allocation raised to `5 lakh

 State farmers to now get `12,000/year cash benefits

‘Sensitive’ CM gets ‘aggressive’, vows justice for victims

CM Ashok Gehlot has taken to Twitter after Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat filed a complaint before a Delhi court accusing CM of defaming him with remarks on Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam. Tweeting victims’ videos, Gehlot wrote that entire fabric of dishonesty of scam is being told by the victims. Govt will send everyone involved in this scam to jail. Gehlot also wrote, “In the name of profit and relief, the game of fraud in Sanjivani is coming to fore. Both investors and agents are facing difficulties.”

First India Bureau New Delhi: Stung by a letter from Opposition parties to PM Modi alleging misuse of probe agencies against rivals, BJP has decided to strike back through a series of press conferences in 9 States. The meets have been organised in home states of Oppn leaders who wrote to PM Modi on Sunday, like Delhi, Punjab, J&K, Maharashtra, WB and Kerala. Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari held first PC in New Delhi on Thursday.

All the corrupt people of the country have united and Arvind Kejriwal is one of them. Together, the nine leaders wrote a letter to PM. Among them are some who once objected to a photo with Lalu Yadav and today they are hugging his son Tejashwi Yadav.

BJP MP

—Manoj Tiwari,

OPS Study: Team from Ktaka to visit Raj on March 25

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A team from Karnataka comprising 3 officers will visit Rajasthan to learn about the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The committee is expected to reach here on March 25. It is the first BJP-ruled state that appears to be willing to implement OPS. An official source said following the employees’ demand, the Karnataka govt has set up a committee led by ACS to study OPS. More on P8

‘Panchamrut’

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Maha Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Marathi Language Minister Deepak Kesarkar during Budget Session of State Assembly, in Mumbai on Thursday.

PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Australian captain Steve Smith before the 4th Test match between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

PM Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese share lighter moment during the India vs Australia 4th Test match.

PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese with (L) BCCI President Roger Binny, CM Bhupendra Patel, Governor Acharya Devvrat and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah watching the match.

PROTESTS

RESIDENCE

PULWAMA WIDOWS PUT GRASS IN THEIR MOUTHS, SEEK JUSTICE

Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: The protests by the Pulwama widows intensified on Thursday as they sought justice from the Ashok Gehlot-led government by putting grass in their mouths. The widows urged the Chief Minister to meet them and accept their demands.

They marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday where they were stopped by the police.

BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena, who accompanied the protesting widows at the spot, alleged that the widows of the soldiers killed in action were insulted by the state government.

“They have been sitting here for 10 days. They cannot meet the Chief Minister who is sitting in the Bunglow

on the taxpayers’ money. They want to meet the Chief Minister. We don’t want the movement to be violent which is why they have urged the Chief Minister to meet with green grass in their mouths,” Meena said. A widow Sundari Gurjar fainted after a scuffle with the police during the march towards the Chief Minister’s residence.

Drop in power demand due to Holi, 600L units saved

BK Agnihotri new Dir, Finance at RVUNL; DC

Jain at RUVNL

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The pleasant weather has brought relief to the power companies. Power consumption was about 600 lakh units less on Holi. On March 1, 3,010 lakh units of electricity were provided, and on March 7, 2,362 lakh units were supplied.

On March 8, 2,329 lakh units of electricity was supplied. Power consumption decreased in many areas due to rain. However, officials said that the demand would increase and be between 2500-2600 lakh units.

Meanwhile, BK Agnihotri has been appointed Director, Finance at RVUNL while DC Jain as Director, Finance at RUVNL.

Interestingly, Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) had granted permission to RUVNL to extend the power purchase agreements (PPA) with six wind projects for five years.

5,150 visitors purchase tickets on the first day

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Those visited the City Park in Jaipur post 9 am on Thursday had to pay Rs 20 as an entry fee. The Housing Board has decided to impose an entry fee for the park’s upkeep, keeping in mind the increasing footfall and its pop-

Domestic demand likely to increase this summer, RUVNL begins work

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Power demand is likely to shoot up this summer. Apart from farmers and industry, there would be an increase in domestic demand. Officials are engaged in preparations after a report from the central agency regarding increased power demand. Rajasthan Urja Vikas

Nigam Limited has started preparations for next year and has sought demand estimates from all three discoms. Month-wise report of power production has been sought from Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam. Based on the report, the meeting of the Energy Assessment Committee will be held soon.

GOVT AMENDS LAND POLICY TO BUILD MARTYRS’ MEMORIALS

Jaipur: The municipal bodies will be able to allot land for the construction of memorials of martyred army jawans in Rajasthan. The State Government amended the land allotment policy, following which, the Urban Development and Housing Department issued an order to this effect. The concerned municipal bodies will be able to allot land of 500 meters. A digitally signed order was issued after approval from the state cabinet in this regard. Notably, the Army Welfare Department has sent a proposal to Urban Development & Housing Department and a decision was taken on the same by the cabinet. According to the orders, the local body will give land to the District Army Welfare Officer and then the land will be allotted at the birthplace of the martyred jawan.

Mishra

Governor Kalraj Mishra meets a delegation of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. The delegation was led by Director General of Harishchandra Mathur Institute of Public Administration, Hemant Kumar Gera, which included Indian Ambassador to South Sudan (Juba) Vishnu Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry of External Affairs Madan Lal Raigar, Deputy High Commissioner to Australia Sunit Mehta and Regional Passport Officer of Jaipur Neetu Meharda Bhagotia. After visiting the Raj Bhavan, the IFS officers also

Mines Dept extends amnesty scheme till Sept 30

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: The Department of Mines has extended the amnesty scheme till Sept 30, 2023. Following the budget announcement, the benefit of this scheme will also be given to the outstanding mining lease holders, quarry license holders and royalty contractors till March 31, 2022.

Additional Chief Secretary (Mines) Dr Subodh Agarwal informed that the department has started implementing

the announcements of the budget 2023-24 by preparing an action plan.

“Orders have been is-

sued to increase the scope and duration of the departmental amnesty scheme. Along

50% concession for scribes in RTDC hotels: D Rathore

First India Bureau Ajmer: Chairman of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Minister of State Dharmendra Rathore said on Thursday that the State Government is determined for the development of Ajmer. Rathore was talking to journalists in “Meet the Press Club” programme at Ajaymeru Press Club.

He also announced 50 per cent concession on the bill of accommodation in RTDC hotels. He said that journalists will get this

concession at RTDC hotel on showing their identity cards at the reception.

Rathore said, “The facility of Ajmer City Darshan tourist bus will be made available to domestic and foreign tourists in Ajmer.

Chief Minister Gehlot has done the best corona management which has been praised worldwide. The Congress government has provided relief to the common people by giving a cylinder for Rs 500.”

`20 entry fee, welcome decision

ularity in the country and abroad. Tourists visiting the park have welcomed the decision.

However, those visiting the park between 6 am to 9 am will be spared of the entry fee. Even the parking would be free. Children up to 12 years of age have also been exempted from being charged the entry fee.

Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora said that the entry fee will be charged keeping

in view the maintenance of City Park and maintaining world-class facilities for the visitors. For people’s convenience, cashless payment can be done by scanning the QR code at the ticket window. Besides, people can pre-book the tickets as well through the City Park RHB mobile application. Arora said that people can also get their annual pass made for just Rs 999. “They can get a form for this from the ticket counter or fill

it up online using the app. Parking rates for two-wheelers and fourwheelers have been fixed. For two-wheelers (maximum 3 hours) Rs 20 rupees and for four- wheelers (maximum 3 hours) Rs 50 would be charged. Besides, people will have to pay for pre-wedding shoots in the park,” he said. Pre-wedding shoots would be Rs 10,000 per day, shooting of films or sops would be Rs 50,000 per day.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST NEGLIGENT ENGINEERS: PHED

Jaipur: Additional Chief Secretary (PHED) Dr Subodh Agarwal on Thursday reviewed the works and projects of the Public Health Engineering Department and gave necessary directions to the officials. During the meeting, Dr Subodh Agarwal directed the officials to issue notices to engineers concerned for negligence in duty. “The engineers who remain negligent in taking action against illegal water connections and illegal boosters will be given a notice. The engineers of districts which reported less than 30 per cent progress under JJM will be chargesheeted,” informed a source. —Naresh Sharma

with the interest waiver, relief of a maximum of 90 per cent and a minimum of 40 per cent

has been given in the principal amount according to different slabs,” Agarwal said.

NEWS DIGEST

HARYANA MURDER: OWAISI GIVES `1.5L

EACH TO FAMILIES OF JUNAID, NASIR

Jaipur: In an update on the brutal day-light murder of Junaid and Nasir, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has come forward to help the families of the victims. Financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh each was given to the families of both the deceased. AIMIM convenor and Bharatpur in-charge have declared to bear the entire expenses of Junaid’s daughter’s marriage. The office representatives of AIMIM Rajasthan visited Ghatmika on Thursday. Nasir and Junaid, both residents of Ghatmeeka village in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, were allegedly abducted by cow vigilantes and their bodies were found inside a burnt car in Loharu in Bhiwani in Haryana.

GATE, JAIPuR

BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena, along with the widows of martyrs, tries to pass through police barricades outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Jaipur on Thursday. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

ACS (Mines) Dr Subodh Agarwal holds review meet with officials including Avichal Chaturvedi, Gopal Singh, RK Meena, Dinesh

met Chief Secretary Usha Sharma at the State Secretariat on Thursday.

Dharmendra Rathore offers water to Upen Yadav, helping him break the fast at SMS Hospital in Jaipur on Thursday. Rathore also assures to discuss demands with CM Ashok Gehlot.

RAINS LASH PARTS OF RAJASTHAN

CS instructs officials to assess crop damages

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Secretary Usha Sharma on Thursday took stock of the damage caused by rain and hailstorm in the state for the last two days from all the Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors through video conference at the secretariat and a feedback about the loss suffered. She instructed the officials to get a special survey

Tigress T-134 from Ranthambore TR shifted to Sariska

Nirmal Tiwari

done within a week to assess the damage and send the report to the disaster management so that the government can provide quick relief to affected farmers. Sharma said that the state government is very sensitive about the loss caused to the farmers. She directed the District Collectors to personally send the officers concerned to the field for a special survey and geo tagging.

Jaipur: Tigress T-134 from Ranthambore was released on Thursday night in the Tehla area of Sariska forest in Alwar. The tigress will be now identified as ST-30 in Sariska. With this, the number of tigers has increased to 28 in Sariska. There are 14 tigresses, 8 tigers and 6 cubs. Earlier, questions were raised on shifting Tigress ST-29.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Light to moderate rain and thundershowers occurred in parts of eastern Rajasthan in the last 24 hours, the Met officials

informed on Thursday. Till 8.30 am on Thursday, 25 mm rain was recorded in Mt Abu, 14 mm in Baran’s Kishanganj, 10 mm in Jaipur, 10 mm in Abu Road, 9 mm in Jhalawar, and 7.3 mm at

Jaipur airport, said the official. He further added that 6 mm rainfall in Kota’s Sangod, 6 mm in Jhalawar’s Jhalrapatan, 6 mm in Bundi’s Patan, 6 mm at Sarada in Udaipur, 5 mm in

6 bike-ridden die in 3 separate road mishaps across Rajasthan

First India Bureau

Jhunjhunu: A pickup collided in an accident between Seshu stand and the Kulhariyon Ki Dhani area in the Bissau region of Jhunjhunu on Thursday. The two bike-ridden youths died on the spot.

According to police, Mangal Chand Ghawal and Gulab Lohar were on their way to the village from Bissau on their bike. On the way, between Seshu Bus Stand and Kulhari Ki Dhani, there was a collision with a pickup coming from Jhunjhunu road. The collision was so severe that both died on the spot.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Jat was injured when another bike running behind the pickup also went out of control. The bodies of both deceased were handed over to relatives after getting the post-mortem.

2 RELATIVES DIE AS BIKE RAMS INTO TRUCK

Sikar: A speeding truck rammed over a bike coming from the front in the Dantaramgarh area of the district. Two people riding the bike died on the spot in the accident. The accident was so horrific that both the bike riders fell several feet away due to the collision with the truck. The driver fled leaving the truck behind after the accident. On receiving information about the incident, Dantaramgarh police reached the spot and both bodies were kept in Dantaramgarh CHC through an ambulance. The deceased have been identified as Sunil Dhaulasari and Richpal Badhal, the police said.

BIKE COLLIDES WITH CAR, 2 YOUTH DIE ON SPOT

Bharatpur: Two bike-ridden youths collided with a car in an accident near Dhormai Depot in the Udyog Nagar area of the city. The two youths died on the spot, while the car driver fled from the accident location after the collision. On receiving the information, the Udyog Nagar police station reached the spot and handed over the dead bodies to the relatives after conducting a post-mortem at the district RBM hospital mortuary. As per the relatives, Indrajit and his partner Vishnu were coming from the village when a car coming from the front near Dhormai depot hit their bike harshly, severely injuring the two.

Raj Min distances self from

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Minister Vishvendra Singh disagrees with the rhetoric of his son Anirudh Singh. Anirudh Singh had tweeted on Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Gandhi insulted the country.

Talking on the issue, Vishvendra Singh said,

YOU READ IT IN FIRST INDIA ON MARCH 09, 2023.

“Such statements should not be linked to me. I neither agree nor have any connection

Pindwara,and 5 mm in Kota’s Ladpura was also recorded.

Many other places recorded rainfall ranging from 1 mm to four mm, the Met official added. —with PTI inputs

First India Bureau

Hanumangarh: Acting on the instructions of the ACB HQs, the Hanumangarh unit held Kaushalya Patwari for accepting a bribe of Rs 2,000 from the complainant. Kaushalya Patwari is posted at Lakhuwali, Joravarpura, gram panchayat Mainawali.

Sachin Pilot on 2-day tour of Tonk, Karauli from today

Jaipur (FIB):Sachin Pilot will be on KarauliTonk tour for two days on March 10 and 11. He will reach Nayagaon in Mandrayal at 1.30 pm on Friday where he will pay homage to the late mother of Minister Ramesh Meena. After reaching Tonk at 5 pm, he will take part in the local program of Ward 59 and will attend local program at Nawabpura on March 11.

son’s tweet

Vishvendra Singh’s son Anirudh has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while accusing him of speaking against the country on foreign soil.

Additional DG of ACB Hemant Priyadarshy informed that a complaint was received that Kaushalya is demanding a bribe of Rs 2,000. On this, the complaint was verified by Ravindra S Shekhawat, Dy SP of ACB Hanumangarh unit, on Thursday. And Kaushlya was caught red-handed for accepting the bribe.

CCF RN Meena, DFO DP Jagawat and Dr Deendayal Meena arrived from Sariska with the staff. Tigers and tigresses brought from Ranthambore are ST 1, ST 2, ST 3, ST 4, ST 5, ST 6, ST 9, ST 10, ST 16 and ST 29, ST

30. Some of them have died but their numbers are increasing in Sariska. A few days ago, 2 cubs were spotted. T-134 will be released into Tehla after keeping it in enclosure for a few days.

RBSE class 12th exam starts, CM Gehlot extends wishes to students

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The RBSE class 12th board examination started on Thursday with the Psychology exam conducted on first day. The exams will continue till 12th April, in which over 10.31 lakh students will appear.

CM Ashok Gehlot en-

couraged the candidates by tweeting and said, “Best wishes to all the students going to sit for the 12th examination. The state govt is ready for proper management of the examination. Dear students, give the examination with focus, alertness and positive thinking.”

Ashok Gehlot @ashokgehlot51

Education, initiation, good luck! Best wishes to all the students who are going to appear for the 12th class examination from Rajasthan Secondary Board today. The state govt is ready for proper management of the examination. Dear students, best wishes for a bright future.

with these statements. The tweets may have his personal views.”

On Wednesday, Min

“He has gone bonkers. Who insults one’s own country in another country. Or perhaps he considers Italy his homeland,” he tweeted.

First India Blue book semi-final berth

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In a quarterfinal match of the ongoing Press Premier League-2023, First India blue booked the semifinal berth by defeating Siyasi Bharat by 6 wickets at Soni stadium on Thursday. First India Blue opted to field after winning the toss and restricted Siyasi Bharat on a low score of 126.

For First India Blue, Devendra Singh bowled a brilliant spell and

reaching into semi-finals of PPL-2023 at

took 4 wickets. With quick-fire batting of Bharat Dixit (41) and

Gajraj Singh Bhati (36), the Blues chased down the target in 15.4 overs.

RAIN STOPS QF OF FIRST INDIA RED VS MAHANAGAR TIMES, MATCH RESUMES TODAY

Jaipur: In another quarterfinal match of First India Red & Mahanagar Times the rain affected the play at KL Saini Stadium on Thursday. The Mahanagar Times, scored 22 runs at the loss of one wicket in 2.5 overs but the match had to be stopped in the middle due to heavy rain. The game will resume on Friday.

The Blues are now focused to steal the show in semi finals.

CS Usha Sharma during the review meeting on Thursday. Aparna Arora, PC Kishan, and Vishwamohan Sharma are also seen.

Locals gathered on accident spot after the incident on Thursday. The people of the village told that both were very close friends.

First India Blue’s Mahipal Singh, Vinod Sharma, Kartikey Singh, Garvit Narang, Bharat Dixit, Pawan Bagra, Devendra Singh, Mukesh Bagra, Nirmal Tiwari, CP Sharma, Vikas Sharma, and Rahul Faujdar with happy faces after

Soni Stadium, Hathoj on Thursday.

Light rain in Jaipur city turned the weather pleasant for tourists and locals. Two visitors enjoying the mesmerising view of Albert Hall on Thursday. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Lady patwari in ACB net for taking bribe of `2K in H’garh

Forest officials tranquilising T-134 before shifting it to Sariska on Thursday.

VIABLE RESOLUTIONS UKRAINE CATACLYSM

IN-DEPTH OMINOUS CLOUDS LOOM OVER KCR AND KAVITHA’S ELECTORAL DREAM

Delhi’s liquor policy investigation has reached the doorstep of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) with the Enforcement Directorate summoning his daughter K Kavitha for interrogation. Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is already in Tihar jail in connection with the scam. His attempts to seek bail have failed.

It is visible that disappointment against NATO policies on Ukraine is growing in Europe as the war drags on. Many EU leaders are advocating shunning ties with US and Britain and moving closer to Moscow because of geographical contiguity.

Even US appears concerned about the growing costs and the risks to its economy posed by prolonged conflict which are now outweighing the benefits. Sooner than later, the war is likely to end in the favour of the Russians

After a little over one year of war, Russia controls 125 thousand square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. Yes, one fifth of Ukraine is under Russia’s control. With Donbas almost entirely destroyed, Zelenskyy confirmed in an interview that 20% of our territory is under the control of the occupiers.

With the help of Wagner Group, Russia has come closer to surrounding the city of Bakhmut, considered to be strongest fortress in Donbas Region. In my analysis, the only option for Ukraine now is to make a planned and fighting withdrawal and select another line for battle in depth areas.

The only thing lying in the favour of Ukraine is the nature of urban warfare where the defender holds the capability to fight for prolonged years with minimal resources compared to the wherewithal of the attacker.

During the first half of the last year into this war, questions of timelines and successes were often put aside under intense pressure to arm Ukraine to fight. All most all NATO states, in unison, shared the common concern of enabling Ukraine to defend itself against the Russian onslaught.

However, today, thoughts

USING CRICKET TO CEMENT TIES

are turning towards the longterm prospects of the battle, and a gradual realisation is seeping into many EU partners. Unfortunately, divergent interests among the western coalition will become more pronounced with the passage of time. While eastern Europe may be willing to sustain the war for several more years, Western European states may be wary of extending the conflict for economic costs and a second winter.

So, in my opinion, the possible resolutions that may settle the warring factions could be just four as any negotiated peace looks a long way off with countries selling weapons wish the pot to continue boiling in their own interest.

INVADER SUCCEEDS

If Russia pulls off a massive breakthrough in the East before Ukraine re - stabilizes with western support in a few weeks, or if counteroffensive by the defender fails against unmatched superiority of Russia, a ceasefire may be promulgated to retain what has been occupied and captured. However, seeing the speed of operations, it may not be feasible unless fresh mobilisation is ordered and may be China decides to move in to support its ally.

QUANTUM LEAP

BY UKRAINE

Should Ukraine manage to assemble adequate numbers of western tanks and combat vehicles it hopes to use after the spring season eases, to smash through Russia’s de-

After several failed attempts at cricket diplomacy with Pakistan, India and Australia launched a diplomatic effort at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad where the final

Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy began on Thursday. After distributing caps to their respective captains Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese watched the proceedings on field while probably discussing ways to strengthen their mutual ties. The Prime Minister later tweeted, “Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @ Albo MP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test

After a little over one year of war, Russia controls 125 thousand square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. Yes, one fifth of Ukraine is under Russia’s control. With Donbas almost entirely destroyed, Zelenskyy confirmed in an interview that 20% of our territory is under the control of the occupiers

fensive lines and recapture important cities of Donbask and may be, cut through the land linkage of Crimea from Russian mainland, it shall force the aggressor to come to negotiating table to avoid a prolonged war and strengthen its economy. The worry is that this option is purely optimistic and may take many more months of conflict before Moscow allows a dramatic change in its war strategy.

SHATTERED AND DEBILITATED WEST

Putin anticipates he can involve NATO in a long drawn conflict that will wear them out militarily and economically. The cracks are visible in EU unity over Sanctions against Russia within one year. Can the Europe witness another winter without energy is the major question. To top it all, what if Biden

After several failed attempts at cricket diplomacy with Pakistan, India and Australia launched a diplomatic effort at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad

match. I am sure it will be an exciting game.” Anthony tweeted about celebrating 75 years of friendship with India. Level of India’s friendship with Australia is already high. The two countries signed an Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement in 2022. Both are members of QUAD to counter China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea and are close stra-

looses election in 2024? Support to Ukraine may just take a back seat in US policy. As it is, continued European war, in my thinking, is not a favourable issue in presidential elections.

NEW LEADERSHIP

Wars are unpredictable. It is often seen that failure to achieve pre meditated victory often asks for change in leadership. Ukraine may soon reach there if west’s support in supplying war equipment dilutes or fails, or the country under Zelenskyy does not achieve a break through against the attacker.

As for Russia, the same may not be true. Though, Putin is probably in the weakest position he has ever faced, but still his grip on the Kremlin and the countrymen remains rather strong. Suppose, as a wild thought, if Putin were to be ousted, it is hard to believe that his successor would change the policy on Ukraine. It is visible that disappointment against NATO policies on Ukraine is growing in Europe as the war drags on. Many EU leaders are advocating shunning ties with US & Britain and moving closer to Moscow because of geographical contiguity. Even US appears concerned about the growing costs and the risks to its economy posed by prolonged conflict which are now outweighing the benefits. Sooner than later, the war is likely to end in the favour of the Russians.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

tegic partners. Albanese’s visit to INS Vikrant is proof. Both the countries are keen on cooperating in the field of renewable energy. For India, Australia is important as it backs its candidature in the UN Security Council. India is Australia’s ninth largest trading partner. During his current visit the Australian Prime Minister, so also India, will seek to strengthen ties.

In Anthony Albanese’s case the cricket diplomacy can only further cement their friendship. It is unlike India’s diplomatic overtures to Pakistan which could not agree on peaceful relations. So much so, cricketing ties between two neighbours lie broken as Pakistan cannot eschew violence against India.

The ED’s move to Telangana does not augur well for KCR, his daughter and their national aspirations. As has been the fate of several opposition leaders Kavitha’s arrest can’t be ruled out. With Telangana elections due later this year her arrest will not only be a setback for BRS but will also give the BJP, which is desperate to grab power in the southern state, an upper hand.

The BJP which is in power in Karnataka is expecting another electoral victory this year. A win in Telangana will make it easier for the party to further expand its footprints in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

He who walks in the eightfold noble path with unswerving determination is sure to reach Nirvana. Buddha

TOP TWEETS

Sh Satish Kaushik was an acclaimed actor & director who scripted some of the most memorable cinematic works of our time. He tickled fans with humour & his art will live on through his filmography. My condolences on his demise to his family & well wishers.

COL ANUPAM JAITLY (R)

The writer is defence expert, motivational speaker and corporate trainer

READ Crucial

KARNATAKA BRIBE: BJP MLA APPEARS BEFORE LOKAYUKTA

Modi tallest leader of India, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam CM says any party entering northeastern states will have to support PM

Atishi, Bharadwaj take oath as Delhi Ministers

Bengaluru: Karnataka Lokayukta police are contemplating to challenge the granting of bail to BJP MLA Virupakshappa Madal in the Supreme Court in the alleged bribe for tender scam, sources stated on Thursday. The sources also revealed that the investigating officers have held meetings with the Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil in this regard has already begun the preparations. The matter is coming before the Karnataka High Court on March 17.

MINING: CBI COURT ORDERS DETAILS

FROM TO 4 NATIONS

Bengaluru: A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here has ordered the issuance of letters of request to authorities in Switzerland, Singapore, Isle of Man and UAE to furnish details of mining baron and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy’s money trail in connection with the multi-crore illegal mining case. In the order passed on March 4, special judge for CBI cases Chandrakala had ruled this.

MORBI: OREVA YET TO PAY 1st INSTALLMENT TO VICTIMS & KIN

Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that all parties contesting polls in the northeast must understand that they will have to eventually support the BJP.

Talking to reporters here, Sarma also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the “tallest leader” of the country, and everyone favours him in the region.

Asked about the JD(U) and NCP extending support to the NDPP-BJP in Nagaland, he said, “All parties before entering northeast to contest polls must understand that water will flow into the ocean. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the tallest leader, everyone favours him,” the NorthEast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor added.

Sarma, however, declined comment when asked if the Nagaland development signaled JD(U) supremo and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s return to BJP-led NDA.

“I have not researched much on him. But with Nitish Kumar, you can’t guarantee anything,” the BJP leader quipped.

Ahmedabad: Oreva

Group is yet to release the first installment of compensation to victims of the Morbi Bridge suspension bridge collapse, the Gujarat High Court, which has initiated a suo motu case in the tragedy, was told on Thursday. A suspension bridge over the Machchhu River collapsed on October 30, killing 135 people, including 35 children. As Oreva Group Director Jaysukh Patel’s counsel told the court that as he is in jail.

“CHECK ILLEGAL EXTRACTION OF GROUNDWATER”

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal NGT has sought a factual report from a panel on alleged illegal extraction of groundwater by Mitsui Kingzoku Components India Pvt Ltd in the industrial town of Bawal in Rewari District of Haryana. The NGT was hearing a petition claiming the project proponent (PP) was violating the conditions of the Central Ground Water Authority’s (CGWA’s) no objection certificate (NOC).

CONRAD SANGMA’S PARTY MLA THOMAS SANGMA

ELECTED UNOPPOSED AS MEGHALAYA SPEAKER

Shillong: Thomas A Sangma of National People’s Party-led MDA coalition was on Thursday elected as the speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly. The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 government, which was sworn in this week, has the support of 45 MLAs — of which 26 are from the NPP, 11 of the UDP and two members each of the BJP, the HSPDP and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), besides two Independent legislators. Thomas Sangma, a former Rajya Sabha member and NPP leader, was elected unopposed as three opposition parties – the Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Voice of the People’s Party — did not field any candidate.

Yogi Adityanath govt to begin prisoners’ trial in virtual mode

Lucknow (ANI): To ensure the speedy settling of court cases, the Yogi government is preparing to begin trial through video conferencing of such prisoners in jails, who have not appeared before the court for more than a year.

A proposal in this regard has been presented by the Department of Prison Administration and Reforms before the Chief Secretary. After the approval of the CM on this proposal, it will be implemented.

It is notable that there are many such prisoners in the jails of the state, who are not being summoned for an appearance by the court due to transfer, or conviction. Therefore, the department has recommended running their trials through video conferencing.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath performs aarti at Holi celebration, in Gorakhpur.

YOGI CONSECRATES

MAA KALI, GANESH, KALBHAIRAV IDOLS

Gorakhpur: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday morning consecrated the idols of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kalbhairav in the newly constructed Shrikali Mata Temple on the Gorakhnath Temple premises, as per an official release. The rituals were held in a devotional atmosphere, following which a large number of people had the ‘prasada’ at ‘Bhandara’ held on the occasion.

New Delhi (ANI):AAP MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were sworn in as Delhi Ministers on Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Auditorium at Raj Niwas, Delhi. Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena administered the oath to new ministers.

“In terms of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj have been appointed as Ministers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi,” read the official statement from the General Administration Department.

This comes after President Droupadi Murmu Tuesday accepted the resignations of former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Minister Satyendar Jain, both currently lodged in Tihar jail.

President Murmu on Tuesday appointed Atishi and Bharadwaj as ministers in the Delhi cabinet on the advice of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, with effect from the date they are sworn in, stated Ministry of Home Affairs.

Kejriwal had forwarded the names to

Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj during their oath-taking ceremony as Delhi Ministers, in New Delhi, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

JAILED MANISH SISODIA NOW ARRESTED BY ED IN DELHI LIQUOR POLICY CASE

New Delhi: The ED has arrested Manish Sisodia in connection with the alleged money laundering probe into Delhi govt’s now-scrapped liquor policy, a day before a CBI court is likely to hear his bail plea in the case. Reacting to it, CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Manish was first arrested by the CBI. CBI did not find any evidence, no money was found in the raid. There is a bail hearing on. Manish would have been released tomorrow. So today ED arrested him. They have only one aim – to keep Manish inside at all costs. By creating new fake cases everyday. The public is watching.”

SISODIA, JAIN WILL TAKE OVER AS MINISTERS AFTER RELEASE: ATISHI

New Delhi: Jailed Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain will take charge of the education and health departments once they are out, newly appointed minister Atishi said. “Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia have delivered historical work since Independence as the health and education ministers. The way Lord Ram went into exile and his brother, Bharat, handled the kingdom, we will work like that,” Atishi said. “When they come back from jail, they will take charge of their ministries,” she added. “We want cooperation from the L-G’s office. We want him to let work happen. Wo rokte rahe, hum kaam karte rahe (He kept stopping us but we kept working).”

the Lieutenant Governor for their appointment to the Cabinet.

Atishi represents the

Kavitha praises Sonia, invites 18 parties to join 1-day hunger strike

New Delhi: A day ahead of hunger strike to demand for the introduction of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, BRS leader K Kavitha on Thursday praised Sonia Gandhi for pushing the bill during the UPA tenure.

Kavitha has invited 18 political parties, including Congress to join the one-day hunger strike to press the demand. “I salute Madam Sonia Gandhi for having backed the Women’s reservation Bill despite leading a coalition govt at Centre,” she said.

Kavitha said she has spoken to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal to send a representative to the protest.

The BRS leader, who is pushing for women reservation bill, has to appear before the ED in Delhi excise policy case.

STRENGTHENING TIES

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha addresses a press conference, in New Delhi on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

SUMMONS FROM ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE WERE MODI’S

SUMMONS, SAYS KT RAMA RAO

Hyderabad: BRS leader KT Rama Rao on Thursday launched a scathing attack on PM Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of crony capitalism and “misusing” agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate to harass opposition leaders. Rao, who alleged that the central agencies have become puppets in the hands of the Modi government, claimed that several BRS leaders have been targeted by the Centre.

The summons issued by the ED to his sister and BRS MLC K Kavitha in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy are “not ED summons but Modi summons”, he said.

Birla to lead IPD to 146th IPU Assembly in Bahrain

New Delhi (ANI): Lok

Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead an Indian Parliamentary delegation (IPD) to the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to be held in Manama, Bahrain from March 11-15.

According to an official statement, Birla will meet IPU president Duarte Pacheco on March 10 and discuss matters of mutual interest. Later in the evening, Birla will interact with members of the

Indian community in Manama. On March 11, the Indian Parliamentary delegation will participate in the Asia Pacific Group meeting of the IPU. Later, Birla will lead members of the Indian delegation at the opening ceremony to be held in the Plenary Hall under the patronage of the King of Bahrain.

During its stay in Manama, the Indian Parliamentary delegation will also attend the General Debate of the 146th As-

sembly of the IPU on March 12. Birla will address the Assembly on

the topic: “Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fight

against intolerance”.

In addition, Birla will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several countries. Among other dignitaries, Birla will meet the Presiding Officers of the Parliaments of the G20 countries and personally invite them to the P20 Summit to be held in New Delhi later this year. Birla will also visit the 200-year-old Shrinathji (Shri Krishna) Hindu Temple in Manama. The Indian Parlia-

mentary Delegation left for Manama from Delhi on Thursday.

The Delegation consists of Lok Sabha MPs Bhatruhari Mahtab, Poonamben Maadam, Vishnu Dayal Ram, Heena Vijaykumar Gavit, Rakhsha Nikhil Khadse, Diya Kumari and Aparajita Sarangi and Rajya Sabha MPs Tiruchi Siva, Sasmit Patra, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh.

18 OPPN PARTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN HUNGER STRIKE TODAY

New Delhi: BRS MLC and Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha on Thursday said that a hunger strike will be held in the national capital on Friday and that 18 political parties have said that they will participate in the protest launched to seek introduction of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the current session of Parliament. She said that she will face ED as she has not done anything wrong.

CONGRESS NO LONGER A NAT’L PARTY: KAVITHA’S “TEAM PLAYER” ADVICE

New Delhi: The Congress must be a “team player” and join forces with regional powers if it wants to defeat the BJP, BRS leader K Kavitha said on Thursday. The legislator, who is the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister and BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao, told reporters in Delhi that the Congress is no longer a national party and wondered when it will “shed its arrogance and face reality”.

Kalkaji constituency and has been a key member of Sisodia’s education team.

HM to dedicate development works to Ahmedabad

New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will e-inaugurate various development works of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority on Friday morning. Shah will inaugurate the development works through video conferencing around 10.30 am on Friday. The Lok Sabha member from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, Amit Shah will dedicate the development works of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) to the city that are estimated to be worth more than Rs 150 crore.

ECI team in K’taka to review poll preparations

Bengaluru: A team of Election Commission officials led by CEC Rajiv Kumar on Thursday arrived in the city to assess the readiness for assembly elections in the state. The team comprising election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel is on a three-day visit to Karnataka, where assembly elections are due by May. After reaching the state capital, the team held a meeting today at the Vikasa Soudha with the

CEC Rajiv Kumar with ECs Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goyal arrive in Karnataka.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka Manoj Kumar Meena and other officers. It will interact with the representatives of various political parties to seek their suggestions.

Led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Indian Parliamentary Delegation left for Manama on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma perform ‘abhishek’ at Mahabhairav temple, in Tezpur, on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

29L to push Gir-Tharparkar breed cows fail to take off

Transplantation was done in 150 cows but only 31 got pregnant and the scheme failed

EXCLUSIVE

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Lakhs of rupees are being spent on projects in the name of cattle promotion in the state but the results are not seen. One such scam has surfaced in a case related to increasing the number of cows of Gir and Tharparkar breeds wherein around Rs 29 lakh were spent in the name of producing 150 advanced breed cows using embryo transplant technique.

This was allegedly done with the connivance of an organisation and the officers of the Gopalan department. However, permission was not taken from the Finance department for the project and the Gopalan department director Lal Singh approved the payment of Rs 13 lakh 69,000 on July 29, 2022, his last working day. However, trans-

plantation was done in 150 cows but only 31 got

Govt submits Pink City vision in court

HC issues notice to follow new timings

pregnant and the scheme failed.

In 2018, the then-BJP government laid a foundation for the promotion of the cow dynasty. Under the National Agriculture Development Scheme, efforts were made for the promotion of cattle in the Raftaar scheme. Under this, it was decided to adopt in vivo fertilization and embryo transfer techniques to augment Gir and Tharparkar breed cows. For this, the Gopalan department issued a work order to National Dairy Development Board Dairy Services, New Delhi on August 31, 2018. As per the work order, embryo implantation was to be done in 150 cows in the second financial year. Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala Gujarat, run by National Dairy Development Board, was entrusted with this work. The organization has received a payment of Rs 28 lakh

Women should realise their power: CS Usha Sharma during RCAT prog

Tripti Gautam

Jaipur: The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Advanced Technology (RCAT) organised a program on International Women’s Day at Jaipur Information Center Auditorium on Thursday.

The chief guest of the program was Chief Secretary Usha Sharma.

MoU was also signed between ARCET and Banasthali Vidyapeeth to provide training to

the students and teachers of Banasthali in the field of advanced technology to help students who want to work in the

field of advanced technology. In her address, CS Usha Sharma said that women should realize their power and im-

portance. “Remarkable works have been done in the fields of education, health, security, and IT in Rajasthan,”.

81,000 from Gopalan department for preparing 150 embryos, transplanting, & freezing them.

According to the rules of the state government, officers or employees cannot take decisions like financial payments on the last working day. Despite this, Singh gave the approval to pay the amount to Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala on July 29, 2022, without taking approval from the Finance department for the project. The Chief Accounts Officer of the department, Dhan Singh Meena, had objected to this but Singh bypassed it.

On August 25, 2021, the file for payment of 13.69 lakhs to Sabarmati Gaushala was moved. Meena wrote on September 29, 2021, the organization was not selected from a competent level. Rule 32 of RTPP Rules 2013 was violated by the order dated September 4, 2013.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Following the orders of the Rajasthan High Court, the state government has submitted the ten-year vision plan of Pink City in the court.

The plan was submitted by Chief Secretary Usha Sharma wherein information has been given about the plan regarding cleanliness, parking, traffic, encroachment, and stray animals. It has been informed in the vision plan that the sanitation system of the city has been segregated into different categories to improve the cleanliness system by conducting a wardwise survey.

Under this, door-todoor garbage will be collected and transported to designated areas. Also, apart from this, sudden inspection will be done from time to time to know the cleanliness conditions. And care charges will also be collected from those who spread the garbage.

as summer approaches

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: The timings will change in courts across the state including Rajasthan High Court due to the ingress of summer. A notification was issued by the High Court in this regard.

The summer work schedule will be from April 10 to July 2, 2023. The timing of judicial work in the High Court is from 8 am to 1 pm.

The court offices will be functional from 7:30 am to 1 pm, while in the subordinate courts, the time will be from 8 am to 12:30 pm. Similarly, the office timings will be from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: There has been a significant surge in the practice of celebrating festivals by consuming alcohol in Rajasthan in recent years. The festival of colours ‘Holi’ is one such occasion when people indulge in excessive alcohol consumption.

This year, the sale of liquor during Holi and Dhulandi crossed Rs. 100 crores in Rajasthan.

According to the report by the excise department, the liquor

2-day ‘Rajasthan Millets Conclave’ to start in Jaipur from March 13

Gwalior (PTI): Union

Minister Jyotiraditya

Scindia on Thursday said a new wildlife corridor will form between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after three tigers are released in Madhav National Park (MNP) in MP’s Shivpuri district. “3 tigers will be released on March 10 at MNP where the deafen-

ing roar of the big cats fell silent 27 years ago,” he said. Madhya Pradesh

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Scindia & state forest minister

Vijay Shah will release a tiger captured on the premises of an institute in Bhopal & 2 tigresses into enclosures in a bid to revive the big cat population in MNP.

‘DOTASRA’ KO

GUSSA KYU AYA?

First India Bureau Jaipur: Under the International Year of Millets, ‘Rajasthan Millets Conclave 2023’ will be organized on March 13 and 14 at the Institute of Agricultural Management, Durgapura, Jaipur.

The International Year of Millets is being celebrated by the United

Nations General Assembly. In this, the common people will be made aware of the nutritional

Cabinet panel to assess needs of private varsities

First India Bureau

importance of Millets like Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Kodo, Kutki, and Sava. Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Horticulture Dinesh Kumar said.

“In the event, Millet’s producers, agricultural businessmen, startups, FPOs, voluntary organizations, agricultural scientists and agricultural officers will take part.

traders purchased liquor of Rs. 113 crores from godown on March

4, 5 and 6. Out of this total amount, 46 per cent of the stock, worth Rs. 52.50 crores, comprised beer alone. While the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) was Rs. 58.34 crores.

Rs. 111 crores liquor sold on New Year Figures suggest that on the eve of New Year on December 31, 2022, nearly Rs. 111 crores of liquor were consumed in Rajasthan. Liquor traders have stocked liquor for December 30 and 31.

Dinesh MN declares reward on 3 criminals

First India Bureau Jaipur: To bring the criminals to book and eliminate crime, the police headquarters has announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for 3 absconding criminals.

All these three criminals are wanted in a case by the Galta Gate police station in the state capi-

tal. The Rajasthan Police has been looking for them for which this cash reward was announced by the ADG Crime Dinesh MN.

BOOSTING AIR CONNECTIVITY

NEW ROSTER TO COME INTO EFFECT FROM MARCH 13

Jodhpur : There have been changes in the High Court roster. Three benches were constituted with a separate bench to hear criminal cases, while two benches were constituted for civil case hearings. Meanwhile, 11 single benches will also perform the hearing. In total, there will be 7 courts for civil cases and 4 single benches for hearing criminal cases. The new roster will come into effect from March 13, 2023.

Man accused of defrauding people held

New Delhi (PTI): A 22-year-old man was arrested from Rajasthan for allegedly duping people by claiming to have on sale fake Indian currency notes through an Instagram account, police said on Thursday.

Mularam, a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan, defrauded people on the pretext of selling them “good quality” counterfeit banknotes of Rs 100 and Rs 500 denomination, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Prashant Gautam said that the accused created an Instagram ID ‘@ fake__currency_indian’ and uploaded videos of him dispatching what seemed to be high quality fake Indian currency notes through Amazon parcels.The accused lured people through these videos and assured them he would provide double the amount of fake Indian currency for their money. He also started taking orders on WhatsApp, he said.

VAT on jet fuel reduced to 2%

Kashiram Choudhary

P

olitical gossip around the recently conducted Jat Mahakumbh has gained momentum and everyone is wondering why was ‘Dotasra’ angry in Jat Mahakumbh? PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra did not like a one thing said by Ranveer Pahalwan. The former MLA had commented on Anandpal encounter which annoyed

PCC Chief after which the PCC Chief immediately told the organizers, “Discussion should be on the issues of the interest and strength of the society, not on those things which are against the interest of the society.”

Dotasra had even started to leave the program.

However, after Ranveer Pehelwan, Yudhveer Singh made controversial remarks. Meanwhile, the organiser is happy with the success of the event. —FIB

Jaipur: The state govt has issued an order and constituted a cabinet committee to assess the need for new private universities in different districts of the state and submit its recommendations. The committee will be headed by Education Minister Dr BD Kalla while Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Tikaram Jully will be a member of the committee, MoS for Higher Education Rajendra Singh Yadav will be the convenor of the committee.

Jaipur: Following the budget announcement of CM Ashok Gehlot, air connectivity is likely to be increased from Jaipur International Airport. The VAT duty on aviation turbine fuel has been reduced, which as a result, is likely to increase air connectivity from Jaipur. The VAT duty on turbine fuel has been brought down from 26 percent to 2 percent.

Sources informed that nearly half-a-dozen new flights can be start-

VAT duty on turbine fuel has been brought down from 26 percent.

ed from the upcoming summer schedule that will be applicable from March 26. “As of now, airlines have to pay 26% VAT on fuel. The VAT will now be only 2%

from April 1. Commercial airlines will benefit from such a low VAT and airlines will be encouraged to start new flights to different cities from here,” source said.

Gopalan department director Lal Singh

Chief Secretary Usha Sharma addressing the gathering during RCAT programme on Thursday.

Over ` 100 crore: Record sale of liquor reported during Holi

‘New wildlife corridor between MP and Raj’

Nature reaches out to our soul and which is why we feel a deep rooted happiness when we commune with nature.

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

INT’L RAJASTHANI CONCLAVE TO BE HELD IN SEPT IN JAIPUR

CM Gehlot has also approved the proposal of an additional budget provision of `5 crore for this mega event to be held under the aegis of Industries Dept and the Rajasthan Foundation

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to organise the International Rajasthani Conclave from September 23-24 in Jaipur.

Gehlot has also approved the proposal of an additional budget provision of Rs 5 crore for this mega event to be held under the aegis of the Industries Department and the Rajasthan Foundation.

The CM had announced the organisation of the International Rajasthani Conclave in the budget for the year 2023-24. The ‘Pravasi Samman’ Award announced in NRR policy will also be inaugurated in this conclave. In last 3 years, Rajasthan Foundation’s role has been crucial in strengthening the relationship with Pravasi Rajasthanis. The Foundation has been regularly organising variousevents to connect the migrant Rajasthanis with their motherland, the release said.

CM PRAISES BANSWARA BOY ON TWITTER FOR DRAWING HIS SKETCH

Arjun Shukla, a resident of Thikaria of Banswara district in Rajasthan, has made a sketch of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has shared this information on Twitter saying, ‘Arjun Shukla, a resident of Thikaria of Banswara, has drawn my sketch. This child’s talent has touched my heart. I hope to meet this talented boy soon.’

Political appts

for various

posts

Cong Prez Kharge praises Gehlot govt

30,000 STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM THE ‘CM ANUPRATI COACHING YOJANA’

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to increase the number of beneficiaries from 15,000 to 30,000 under the ‘Chief Minister Anuprati Coaching Yojana’. Gehlot has approved a financial provision of Rs 56.40 crore for this scheme. With this decision of the CM, students belonging to economically weaker sections of the society, will get opportunities to acquire quality coaching free of cost for various professional courses as well as for the preparation of competitive exams. Owing to the success of the scheme, the number of beneficiaries was increased from 10,000 to 15,000 in year 2022-23 budget, which has been increased to 30,000 in 2023-24 budget.

ABOUT THE TWO DAY MEGA EVENT CM APPROVES `35 CRORE FOR ROADS IN SIKAR

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Political appointments will once again begin in Rajasthan. Sources informed that nomination will be done for the post of Chairman and members in many Boards, Corporations and Commissions soon.

Kharge has praised the welfare schemes of the Congress government in Rajasthan. Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted and said that no one should sleep hungry is the only principle of the Cong government in Rajasthan.

“Under the Indira Rasoi Yojana, 9.3 cr people were provided nutritious food

under scheme from 2020. No one should sleep hungry and with this aim, food is being provided for Rs. 8. Indira Rasois will now be opened in rural areas also,” tweeted Kharge.

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE TO HANDLE ISSUES OF RAJASTHAN CONGRESS

50% DISCOUNT ON KHADI ATTIRES FROM OCTOBER 2 TO JANUARY 30

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to give a 50 percent special discount on Khadi clothes produced in the State on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. This exemption will be applicable from October 2, 2023 to 30 January 2024. Notably, in the State Budget of 2023-24, Gehlot had announced a 50% discount on Khadi on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Apart from increasing the use of Khadi in the State, a 50% discount on Khadi clothes will also encourage Khadi institutions.

z According to a government release, the two-day conclave will feature interesting sessions on Rajasthani pride, literature, business, tradition, music, art, culture, social welfare, enterprise, food and entertainment, among others.

z It will include a special session on entrepre neurship and investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs from across the world will participate in it.

Govt to table Advocates Protection

Bill in Assembly session on March 15

Dr Rituraj Sharma and Kamal Kant

Jaipur: The ongoing agitation of the advocates for the ‘Advocates Protection Act’ is likely to end. The Committee constituted by State Govt held talks with the officials of Bar Association in the Secretariat in Jaipur on Thursday.

Law Minister Shanti Dhariwal presided over the meeting through video conferencing.

PHED Minister Dr Mahesh Joshi, Food Minister Pratap S Khachariyawas & department officers, office bearers of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, Jaipur, Bar Association , Jaipur and the District Advo-

Members of the Committee constituted by State Govt held talks with officials of Bar Association at the Conference Hall of the Secretariat in Jaipur on Thursday. Shanti Dhariwal presided over the meeting by VC. Dr Mahesh Joshi, Pratap S Khachariyawas along with officials of various departments attended the meeting.

cates Bar Association, Jaipur were present in the meeting. The representatives from Jodhpur joined through VC.

HC NOTICES TO BAR ASSN OVER ADVs’ PROTEST

Jaipur: The issue of ongoing strike of advocates has now reached Raj HC. A special division bench of HC comprising acting CJ MM Srivastava and Justice Vijay Vishnoi issued notices to all Bar Associations of Rajasthan and sought affidavits from concerned Presidents and Secretaries till March 21. The court observed that as to why strike is taking place & why action shouldn’t be initiated. The matter will now be heard on March 21. Protesting lawyers have announced to gather at State Assembly on March 13 for execution of Advocates Protection Act.

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved Rs 35.43 crore for the work of strengthening and widening the road on 27 km stretch of Thoi via Bhudoli road in Neem Ka Thana and Shrimadhopur area of Sikar district. In the previous budget, CM Ashok Gehlot had announced a total of 99 repair three major each district for which an Rs 3133.76 cr has been approved.

PM Modi, Shah, Nadda to embark on a tour to Raj in days to come

Aishwary Pradhan

Recently, a meeting between PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Congress leader Pukhraj Parashar took place wherein, detailed discussions were held regarding political appointments.

It is also expected that a detailed list will be released soon and leaders will be given political appointments. Notably, till yet, nearly 10,000 workers have been given political appointments. Political appointments will also be given on the post of Chairman of various UITs and such important posts.

Jaipur: Amid the ravelling condition in Rajasthan Congress, a major development occurred on Thursday, when it was decided that now Mallikarjun Kharge will handle all issues related to Rajasthan as the Gandhi family has completely handed over the authority to Kharge in this regard. Now, Kharge has to decide about Raj Congress & he will have the responsibility of putting an end to disputes and thus, an important meeting regarding Rajasthan can be called in Delhi in next few days. In fact, Kharge held a conversation with Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa during Raipur session & it seems that the Gandhi family doesn’t want to get involved in Raj controversies. It is noteworthy that Kharge knows Raj politics very well. As an observer, Kharge had come to Jaipur at the time of the September 25 incident. He has an idea about all the camps of Rajasthan Congress and their politics and uniting Rajasthan Congress before elections is a mammoth challenge for him.

Govt denotifies 539.782 ha land of Ramgarh Reserve

K’taka team to visit Raj to study OPS execution

First India Bureau

Kota: Another hurdle in the construction of Kota’s Green Field Airport has been done away with. After the approval of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Wild Life Board, the State Govt has denotified the land falling in the Ramgarh Tiger Reserve area of the airport. After instructions of LS Speaker Om Bir-

la, the officials got in touch with Central and State agencies.

After the decision taken in the meeting, with the approval of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Wildlife Board, the state government issued an order on Thursday to exclude this 539.782 hectares of land from buffer zone. Now, demand note for conversion of forest land will also be issued.

Jaipur: BJP govt has formed a committee to study the Old Pension Scheme. This committee will visit Rajasthan on March 25. CM Basavaraj Bommai has formed the committee, which will be headed by ACS. It will study to reintroduce OPS for personnel joining service after 2006. The committee will visit 5 states including Rajasthan.

HOW

THE CHAIR OF DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER HAS BECOME A ‘PUNISHMENT POSTING’ FOR BABUS!

Rajendra Chhabra

DoP can send her to Kota through a single order. But it could be that DoP may have thought of something else.

Notably, the state government’s views on the post of DC has changed over the past few years and in the current system, the chair holds no importance. It could also be that the additional charge of this post could be given to a junior Collector much like how a junior Collector

posted in BharatpurAlok Ranjan - was given the charge of DC last year whereas Tonk, which falls under the division, was reeling under arson. It was then that Ranjan had gone to Tonk while carrying out the role of DC. Similarly, the additional charge of Jodhpur DC was handed to Jodhpur Collector Himanshu Gupta.

The current situation is that junior IAS are being handed the responsibilities of DC. Current

DC of Ajmer and Jodhpur - 2005 batch IAS Bhanwar Lal Mehra and KC Meena - became Secretary merely an year back. There was a time when either the Principal Secretary or a Senior Secretary would be given the charge. 1991

batch IAS Ramkhilari Meena had retired from the post of Ajmer DC while RP Jain was made DC of Jaipur division in 2010, with two years still to go in his retirement.

There was a time when in the state bureaucracy, the post of

DC was considered to be important and honourable assignment. Till the year 2010, more than a dozen IAS served as Commissioners of three divisions, for example DC Sagar and Sudershan Sethi. This is also an interesting fact that Umrao Salodia served as Jaipur DC thrice in his carer i.e. in 1995, 2002 and 2011, and an IAS officer of the 1985 batch , Madhukar Gupta served as Divisional Commissioner in four divisions.

But today the situation is such that the posting on the DC’s chair is considered to be a punishment posting and no senior IAS wants to be DC. In most of the cases, junior IAS are posted on this position and having served once, the IAS try all they can to not serve on the post again.

However, at present, only Vikas S Bhale is one official who has held the reins of DC offices in Udaipur, Bharat-

pur and Jaipur. Now a days, the post has ‘informally’ been reserved for promotee IAS from RAS. Promotee IAS Deepak Nandi, served from the post of Kota DC in November and now DCs (promotee IAS) of Alwar, Jodhpur and Bharatpur will retire next year. At present, senior IAS of 2003 batch Niraj K Pawan is serving as Bikaner DC, but he has been sent there for a different reason altogether.

THE ‘DIVISIONAL’ CONUNDRUM!

Jaipur: Cong President Mallikarjun

to begin again in State PCC

“The committee will first visit Raj where it will meet CS Usha Sharma, Finance Secy Akhil Arora & CS to CM Gehlot, Kuldeep Ranka.” After Raj, the panel will visit Chhattisgarh, Punjab, HP & Jharkhand. The committee has to submit its report to Karnataka govt by April 30,” said an official source.

Jaipur: With Assembly polls scheduled in Raj later this year, tours of senior BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, will be organised in State in days to come under LS Pravas Yojana. Sources informed that the dates of their schedule will be finalised soon. PM Modi is likely to hold 50 to 55 rallies while Shah and Nadda are likely to hold rallies in 80 LS constituencies each. The maximum number of rallies will take place in Raj, K’taka, MP & Chhattisgarh. BJP State InCharge Arun Singh will hold meets & chalk out a detailed plan for same.

HIS POWER TO CREATE MAGIC!

With designers regaining their mojo, offering new takes on historical symbols, and flipping the fashion show idea on its head, Milan affirmed its notto-be-missed position. The best looks of Milan Fashion Week have echoed the magic of after seasons of flamboyance and statement-

laden maximalism and have returned fashion to expediency with clothes you can wear. During the fashion week, some extraordinary Indian influencers and designers were part of Milan Fashion Week this year, and making India proud, Lokesh Sharma, an Indian choreographer has entered this league. In one of its kind of fashion moments after a long Indian choreographer-directed show at Milan Fashion Week 2023. He is known for doing international shows such as Arab Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz fashion week Doha and India Fashion Week Lon-

don to name a few along with many Indian shows and beauty pageants.

When asked about his experience, the talented choreographer mentioned, “The fashion shows and requirements over there are quite different from the Indian ones. The shows are less dramatic and focused more on the product display at hand. The shows are high fashion with a model pool and have different varieties as well.

Directing movement for this kind of international show is huge for me and I am glad I am here!

In the process, I also got to learn a lot about how to deal

with different people who are coming from different communities and representing different languages, cultures and thoughts. It was indeed one of its kind experience for me and I am certainly looking forward to coming again and Experiencing this again.”

Lokesh’s shows reflect his constant pursuit of magnificence and perfection. The shows he directed were for Francesca Liberatore for the Main Calendar. Along with this he also directed shows for Michael Cinco Dubai and Rocky Star from India, and MM Milano from Milan.

Show Director Lokesh Sharma

Designer Francesca Liberatore

Designer Michael Cinco

Designer Rocky Star

YOUR DAY

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

Yoga would help in raising energy levels. Some of you are going experience emotional fulfillment. Place emphasis on domestic affairs to enhance the domestic tranquility and harmony. Associating yourself with humanitarian group on social front would benefit you.

Gemini

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

A sound monetary position would enable you to keep pace with changing times. Avoid raising controversial issues at home. Successful implementation of new ideas and projects would add to your prestige on the professional front. It is a wonderful day to build new connections.

Leo

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Chances of being misled by competitors in business are high, so remain alert. You may get a chance to pursue old hobby. Health tips from an expert will enable you to get closer to your fitness goals. Your generous behavior would enable to enjoy some lovely moments with family.

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

Your hard work and dedication are likely to be noticed by seniors.

Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment.

A promising day overall as you stay in limelight without any efforts. Harsh words may create a rift in your romantic relationship; be careful.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members. You will remain much in demand on social front. You need to stand by romantic partner during testing times to make the relationship stronger. Seek opinion of expert before opting for a health supplement.

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

Avoid being indulgent in your spending to balance budget. Continue to put in efforts at work and you will see promising opportunities coming your way. Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property.

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

It is good day to confess your love as stars appear favourable for positive reply. Your sole dependency on friends may fail to bring any respite from loneliness today.A sound financial health of businessmen would enable to give monetary benefits to employees.

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit. Investment antiques and jewellery would bring handsome financial gains. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you. Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front are likely to get lucky today.

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

Senior management will be appreciative of your creative inputs on professional front. Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal. An impromptu invitation to a function from an unexpected friend is likely to be received. Your bold initiatives on romantic front bring back passion.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Rewards and recognition will come your way for your involvement in a social endeavour. It’s a very good day to take calculated risks in financial matters. Those suffering from chronic ailments may find remarkable improvement in their health with home remedies.

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

Develop a good adaptability to handle pressurized situation on professional front. Paying special attention to plan your career would give immense joy. You are likely to get clearance or approval for your construction plans. You find things moving in the way you want them.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Don’t give a firm commitment in financial matters before considering the viability of the project. You succeed in completing an important project. Disagreements on the family front are foreseen. Be careful about the legal apprehensions in the property you are planning to buy.

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

It has long been a type of spiritual practice to visit new places, whether they are man-made or natural. Travel not only renews and revitalizes our feeling of wonder, but it also fosters a stronger sense of self-care and connectedness to the land, other people, and oneself. Some well-known spiritual locations have been

built according to certain belief systems, and some are simply recognized as such based on energy and vibration.

That being said, many locations continue to hold great religious significance for some groups and have a long history. However, like with so many communities with stronger spiritual ties, the majority of spiritually significant locations accept those of all faiths who are courteous and dedicated to learning more. You’ll be able to establish stronger ties with the environment, other people, and yourself by visiting one of these top six spiritual locations on the planet!

CAPE REINGA, NEW ZEALAND

The northernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island is where Cape Reinga, often referred to as Te Rerenga Wairua, is located.

Cape Reinga is revered by the Maori people and known as the “leaping place of the spirits” because they think that the souls of recently departed Maori use the cape as a gateway to the afterlife. The setting at Cape Reinga is stunning and magical. The Tasman Sea joins the Pacific Ocean as waves crash over cliffs, and miles of unobstructed scenery may be seen. The Maori ask that you do not eat at Cape Reinga and that you keep the area untouched since it is a holy location.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN

A world-renowned hiking trail in Spain, the Camino de Santiago was originally used as a route for pilgrims to reach the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where (it’s rumored) Saint James is buried.Millions of Christians thought that by traveling the path and arriving in Santiago de Compostela, they might avoid purgatory after death. This belief caused the route to becoming extremely wellknown, during the Middle Ages.

VARANASI, INDIA

Varanasi, the oldest city in the country and the “Spiritual Heart of India,” is a riot of color and mayhem that is situated directly on the banks of the Ganga River. Many people, including Buddhists and Hindus, travel to this historic city to pray on their daily basis. It is thought that this is where Buddhism is claimed to have its roots. In Varanasi, cows are allowed to roam freely, remains are publicly burnt in the river, and you will be forced to face your beliefs about life and death.

BOROBUDUR, INDONESIA

Borobudur, a two-million-stone block structure on the Indonesian island of Java that depicts a perfect world in the form of a mandala, was constructed against a backdrop of a luxuriant forest. The building is really a pyramid of stairs that believers climb around anticlockwise, with the center of the pyramid standing in for Nirvana. As you make the symbolic trip up the stairs at Borobudur, you’ll be overcome by the special spirit of the place. The views are also rather nice!

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat, the biggest spiritual complex in the world and a historical collection of temples established in the 12th century, was initially created as a Hindu temple to house King Suryavarman II’s ashes. The building eventually underwent a transformation into a Buddhist temple and served as a gathering place for monks. The entire Angkor Wat complex is vibrant and thought-provoking, and it is one of humanity’s most incredible architectural achievements. People from various walks of life have been visiting the location for years in order to feel a stronger spirituality, healing, and vitality.

TEMPLE CIRCUIT, JAPAN

The Japanese island of Shikoku, which translates to “Four Provinces,” is circled by a 1,200-kilometer route known as the Temple Circuit. Temples 1 through 23 stand for awakening, temples 24 through 39 for austerity and discipline, temples 40 through 65 for achieving enlightenment, and temples 66 through 88 for attaining Nirvana, according to the beliefs of pilgrims who believe that traveling through these four provinces and visiting all 88 official Buddhist temples on the circuit is a path to enlightenment. Every year, around 10,000 pilgrims go by tour bus or on foot to the circuit and the temples. Although it was once a Buddhist project, now the circuit is finished for both spiritual and touristic purposes.

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

SELENA celebrates International Women’s Day

Selena took to her Instagram space on Thursday and shared a throwback picture from her childhood, featuring her much younger self. Along with the adorable picture, the Rare singer penned down a heartfelt caption addressing her past self. She advised her younger version to not be afraid to ask for help.

Continuing the caption further, she added that on this International Women’s Day, she wants everyone to be gentle to themselves.

Rumoured lovebirds

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new rumoured couple in town. And now, the duo was spotted hugging and (maybe) kissing, leading to further speculations. If a report by TMZ is to be believed, Kendall and Bad Bunny were photographed together on March 7, at Sushi Part, West Hollywood, California. The duo went out for a meal along with a bunch of other friends. The rumoured lovebirds were seen walking along the balcony of the restaurant. They were also spotted exiting the restaurant together.

As per the media portal, as Bad Bunny accompa-

nied Kendall to her car waiting below, they shared a hug. Her hands were reportedly wrapped around his neck, and while their lips were not visible in the frame, their body language reportedly suggested that Kendall and Bad Bunny kissed.

SHILPA IN AN Ashdeen sari set

Whether controversial or cool, red is famous for continuously gaining momentum. Thankfully, there is no need to feel non-trendy as this twopiece set won't ever land you at the tail end of an impressive style. Having chanced upon the designer's Spring 2023 collection, Shilpa looked vibrant in a hand-embroidered sari and a peplum-style jacket. Her short-sleeved Flapper Rose jacket featured a V-neck and colourful roses gorgeously made by artisans from the designer's atelier. Statement excelled when Chandani Mehta teamed it with a scalloped border Vintage Rose sari. When the mood of royalty was epitomised with accessories from Minerali and Radhika Agrawal

Jewels, Shilpa looked like a stunner. Her footwear was chosen from Fizzy Goblet. Nothing is a true statement to an ethnic look as juttis and a potli bag. Though a very old tradition, these accessories are for keeps and regular use. Since Kohl and lipstick are ingrained in our makeup routine, opt for a nude lip colour, eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencil. Shilpa's hair was styled into a semi-straight and soft wave look.

VINTAGE VIBES

Janhvi Kapoor, the popular actress has already carved a niche for herself in the industry with some powerful performances. The beautiful actress is now winning the internet with her classic look from a recent photoshoot. In the monochrome pictures posted on her official Instagram handle, Janhvi Kapoor is seen exuding major vintage vibes in her desi look. The Bawaal actress looks drop-dead-gorgeous in a floral printed saree, which she paired with an off-shoulder blouse. Janhvi Kapoor completed her look with dark, kohled eyes, a messy bun hairdo which is adorned with jasmine flowers, and a statement chocker.

Janhvi Kapoor's latest photoshoot is now receiving major love from her family members, film industry colleagues, fans, and followers. "I knew this was Manisha the second I saw it," wrote Janhvi's cous-

Crush Update

ashmika Mandanna is one of the most popular actresses and is known as the National Crush of India. Lately, there have been rumours doing rounds that Indian Cricketer Shubman Gill has a huge crush on Rashmika Mandanna. A media page on Instagram shared a collage pic of Rashmika Mandanna and Shubman Gill with the caption, "Crush update." The post went viral and several netizens took to the comments section and reacted. Later, the 23-year-old Indian batsman took to the comment section of the post, saying “Which media interaction was this that I myself don’t know anything about."

Shubman Gill's comment has set the internet on fire. The young cricketer cleared his stance and put an end to the gossipmongers. While several fans supported Shubman and bashed the media page for spreading fake rumours, a few users also commented, 'Vijay Devarakonda searching for Shubman’s location."

Her post...

Kendall Jenner

Selena Gomez Rashmika Mandanna

Shubman Gill’s comment

Her post...

Her post...

Janhvi Kapoor

Priyanka Chopra

AWARDED!

BIRTHDAY BASH!

MATTER OF HUNAR

CITY FIRST

Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)

Sapta Shakti Command organised an exhibition “HER HUNAR” by the Army Wives entrepreneurs at Peelwa Garden on Sunday.

The event was inaugurated by Shakunthala Raju, Regional President AWWA Sapta Shakti Command at 1100 hr with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

“HER HUNAR” exhibition cum sale was an initiative by AWWA to showcase the entrepreneur skills of Army Wives to the civil fraternity, engage with other

business minds & benefit from the mutual exchange to grow exponentially.

18 Army Wives entrepreneurs participated with their wideranging product. The event was supported by the Community of Dreamers, a group of entrepreneurs who also placed their stalls to add glitter to the event. Townsend Kitchen reflected the true spirit of its association with the Armed forces by offering free of cost of space for exhibition.

Dr Vijay Singh Peelwa the owner of Townsend Kitchen is the son of a World War -II veteran of Jaipur State Forces Lt Colonel Gulab Singh.

Promoting Women Power

CITY FIRST

The Women Mentor Forum (WMF) and ARCH College of Design & Business jointly honoured 25 real-life woman leaders from across the sectors at the Women Mentoring Summit 2023, organised from March 3 to 5. Initiated by Archana Surana, Founder, of ARCH College of Design & Business, the three-day event was aimed to recognize women’s leadership and achievements and to foster a culture

GREETINGS!

of mentorship. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Art, and Culture, Rajasthan rewarded 25 achievers with Change-maker Leadership Award 2023 for doing excellence in their fields. The Changemaker Leadership Award recipients include Smita Mankad in

Social Innovation, Elsa Marie D’Silva in Néw Technologies and Education, Dr Pooja Mukul in Healthcare and Wellness, Dr Shipra Mathur in Media and Journalism, Rashmi Tiwari in Human Rights, Shatabdi Avasthi in Sports, Stuti Jalan in Art and Alpana Tiwari in Business Innovation.

CITY FIRST

Sheena Parashar, supermod el celebrated her birthday with much fervour and enthusiasm at Hotel Lalit, on Wednesday, March 8. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the birthday girl on the occasion and wished her huge success.

Various who’s who of the city including Gaurav Gaur, director of Elite Miss Rajasthan along with various supermodels includ ing Akanksha Bhalla, Astha Khandel wal, Shweta Raje and friends and fam ily reached to greet the beauty.

On the occasion, the diva said, “I am overwhelmed by the love and blessings bestowed upon me. I want to express my gratitude to Jagdeesh Chandra sir for making my birthday so memora ble. I am blessed to celebrate my spe cial day with Gaurav Gaur and my EMR fam, truly a great day it was.”

DURING THE DAY!

HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur marked International Women’s Day with a oneof-its-kind campaign called ‘Colours of Empowerment’ on Wednesday at the Triton Mall. As a part of this campaign, the hospital organised a unique ramp walk for men in stilettos, to showcase what it is like to be in a woman’s shoes and understand the challenges they often face. It was also a celebration of women’s achievements, as participants walked the ramp together in solidarity to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Nimbarka Vedic Sanskrit Samiti Bhilwara (Rajasthan) organised state level Sanskrit Vangmaya Award distribution and felicitation ceremony at Central University, Jaipur on Saturday in the context of promotion and upgradation of the Sanskrit language. The chief guest of the function were Dr Krishan Kant Pathak, Chief Government Secretary, Finance and Dr Ark Nath Choudhary, former Vice-Chancellor of Somnath University.

Members engrossed in the festivity of Holi rocked on the drums and DJ tunes at ‘Holi Fiesta’, a grand Holi party organised by Club Exclusive’s founder Piyush Deepika Naulakha for the members on the poolside at the Maple Leaf recently. The party was attended by 70 top-power couples in the city. The entire decoration was done with colourful flowers and the theme of the party was the white theme. All the members enthusiastically participated in a couple of games. Party Program Director Gaurav Ankita Bothra, party organisers Prateek and Swati, Executives Abhishek Chitra Khurana and Puneet Megha Dewan were also present on the occasion. —CITY FIRST

GRAND POLO!

JRPC Polo Season is being organised by Jaipur Riding & Polo Club from March 7 to 26 with the vision to promote the young and upcoming players of Rajasthan both Men and Women. The press conference of the match took place at Hyat residency, Jaipur on Monday, followed by an inauural match of the International Ladies Tourament on Women’s Day at Jaipur Riding & Polo Club. During the match Ireland won the match by 3 goals while the second match, which took place on Thursday was bagged by Czech Republic Team over UK team.

Shri Gaur Purnima festival started at Shri Shri Krishna Balram Temple located in Jagatpura on Saturday.

The divine Mahaabhishek of the Lord was performed by the Vice President of the temple Anantashesh Das with Panchgavya, juice of various fruits and holy water from 108 urns. At the end of the festival, flowers were showered on the Lord during the palanquin festival and the devotees participated in the festival.

The grand wedding ceremony of Priya, daughter of Gayatri Devi and Avdesh Kumar Sharma and Kapil, son of Sunita Devi and Bhagwan Sahay Sharma took place on Thursday, February 23 at KK Paradise Garden, Agra Road, Jaipur. Wishes poured in from friends and family.

Jagdeesh Chandra visited the channel office of Bharat24-Vision of New India at NOIDA on Thursday. After the editorial review, he also awarded the Top performing Anchors who garnered major traction on the popular Social Media handles of Bharat24. Pooja Yadav and Ayushi Shekhawat were awarded for the highest views on Bharat24 Social Media platforms.

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Pooja Yadav for crossing the 54.39 lakhs viewership on Bharat24 YouTube & Facebook platforms, also seen are Syed Umar, Amit Baliyan, Arvind Sharma, Aditi Nagar, Amit Mishra, Amit Ojha, Shashikesh Ranjan and Anu Shridhar.

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Ayushi Shekhawat for crossing the 48.04 lakhs viewership on Bharat24 YouTube & Facebook platforms, also seen are Syed Umar, Aditi Nagar, Amit Mishra, Amit Ojha, Anu Shridhar and Shashikesh Ranjan.

Governor Kalraj Mishra was greeted by JD Maheshwari and Gokul Maheshwari, as they reached Raj Bhawan to seek blessing on the occasion of Dulhandi on Tuesday.

Piyush, Akesh, Dipika, Payal, Swati, Prateek

(Standing) Raja, Chetan, Varun, Neha, Ankit, Ravi, Ekta, Neha, Vinay, Reecha, Charu, Megha, Ankita, Chitra, Ravi, Gaurav, Prateek, (Sitting) Riya Shagun, Priya, Puneet, Piyush, Dipika, Abhishek & Swati Dipika Piyush Naulakha

Shakunthala Raju, Shivani Bakshi, Anisha Lamba and Gulrukh Sultana

Jagdeesh Chandra greets Sheena Parashar. Also seen are (R-L) Muskan Moolchandi, Shreya Chalana, Divya Mamnani, Akriti, Priya Agrawal, Shweta Raje, Astha khandelwal, Tripti Arora, Akanksha Bhalla, Vinnie Soni, Rishika, Kalpana and Khushi

Jagdeesh Chandra greets Sheena Parashar

Sheena Parashar and Gaurav Gaur

(L-R) Roopa Barua, Harinder Garcha, Kuldeep Singh Garcha and Katy Hayward during the press conference

(R-L) Archana Surana, Manira Alva, Gayatri Rathore and Neelofar Singh

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO