First India-Jaipur Edition-11th March 2023

JNU LIVELY REFLECTION OF INDIA’S CULTURAL UNITY: MURMU

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a relatively young institution and it presents a lively reflection of the cultural unity of India, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday.

INDIA’S 1st H3N2 DEATHS, 1 EACH IN HARYANA, K’TAKA

New Delhi: Two persons have died of influenza caused by the H3N2 virus, the government said today. One person has died in Haryana and the other in Karnataka. Around 90 cases of the H3N2 virus have been reported in the country. Eight cases of the H1N1 virus have also been detected.

POST BUDGET WEBINAR

INDIA HANDLED COVID-19 SUCCESSFULLY: VP DHANKHAR

New Delhi: India’s handling of COVID-19 was an example on how to utilise resources to roll out vaccines for a large population and successfully, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Friday.

This budget will give momentum to women-led development: PM

India can move forward only by raising levels of respect for women and sense of equality: Modi

In his Post Budget Webinar on “Economic Empowerment of Women”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that This year’s budget

Crucial

READ

BSF SHOOTS DOWN ANOTHER PAK DRONE NEAR INT’L BORDER

will give a new momentum to the efforts of women-led development. He said that the results of efforts for women empowerment are visible and we are feeling a revolutionary change in the social life of the country. It was the 11th in the series of 12 Post Budget Webinars organized by the govern-

ment to seek ideas and suggestions for effectively implementing the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2023. The PM underlined the Nari Shakti’s strengths of determination, will power, imagination, ability to work for goals and extreme hard work as reflection of ‘Matru Shakti’.

MODI RAISES ISSUE OF TEMPLE ATTACKS WITH AUSTRALIAN PM ANTHONY ALBANESE

SESSION OF NAT’L PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

New Delhi (PTI): PM Narendra Modi on Friday raised with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese the issue of recent attacks on temples in Australia even as the two leaders focused on concluding an ambitious trade pact by this year and bolster security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific during their first summit talks.

MANISH SISODIA SENT TO ED CUSTODY FOR 7 DAYS

Gurdaspur: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday shot down another Pakistani drone near International Border here in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district which was used from across the border to supply arms and ammunition.

3rd INTRUDER HELD

NEAR PAK BORDER IN PUNJAB IN 2 DAYS

New Delhi: The BSF has arrested third Pakistani national near border in Punjab. A resident of the Khyber district in Pakistan, the intruder was arrested in the Ferozpur Sector of Punjab on the intervening night of March 9-10.

BJP MP DEMANDS

TERMINATION OF RaGa’S LS MEMBERSHIP

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday appeared before the Lok Sabha Privilege Committee and demanded the termination of the Lok Sabha membership of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, sources said.

OYO FOUNDER’S DAD FALLS TO DEATH FROM HIGH-RISE

New Delhi: Oyo Rooms founder Ritesh Agarwal’s father Ramesh Agarwal died after falling from a high-rise in Gurugram on Friday. The police received information that a person had fallen from the 20th floor of DLF’s The Crest Society.

New Delhi (PTI): A city court on Friday sent former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, arrested in a money laundering case related to the excise policy, to the Enforcement Directorate’s custody till March 17.

Special judge MK Nagpal allowed the anti-money laundering probe agency to interrogate Sisodia in custody. The ED had sought Sisodia’s custody for 10 days. Earlier the court heard arguments of the ED and Sisodia’s lawyers on his custody.

There was heavy security presence within and outside the Rouse Avenue Courts.

The ED lawyer alleged Sisodia made false statements about the ‘scam’ and that it wanted to unearth the modus operandi of the perpetrators and confront him with the other accused.

The ED arrested Sisodia on Thursday in the Tihar jail, where he was lodged in connection with a case being probed by the CBI pertaining to alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy.

LAND FOR JOBS ‘SCAM’: ED SEARCHES LALU PRASAD YADAV’S FAMILY, RJD LEADERS

New Delhi/Patna (PTI): The ED on Friday conducted searches in multiple cities of Bihar and other locations, including premises of former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav’s three daughters and RJD leaders, in connection with a money laundering investigation into the land for jobs ‘scam’ case. The searches are covering the premises linked to Prasad’s daughters Ragini Yadav, Chanda Yadav and Hema Yadav and former RJD MLA Abu Dojana in Patna, Phulwari Sharif, Delhi-NCR, Ranchi and Mumbai, officials said. About two dozen locations are being searched along with an escort of central security forces. A house linked to Prasad’s son and Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in south Delhi is also being covered, the officials said.

GENEROUS GEHLOT CM APPROVES PROPOSAL TO HIKE AMOUNT OF AID GIVEN TO KIDS UNDER PALANHAR YOJANA

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to increase the amount of assistance given to children under Palanhar Yojana. More than 6.5 lakh children of the

state will be benefited by this sensitive decision of CM Gehlot.

As per the proposal, the monthly assistance of Rs 500 for children in

the age group of 0 to 6 years has been increased to Rs 750 and the monthly assistance of Rs 1000 for children in the age group of 6 to 18 years has been increased to Rs 1500. This increase in assistance amount will be effective from July 1, 2023. Its implementation will put an additional financial burden of about Rs 411 crore on the state government. This proposal has been approved in connection with the

announcement made by the Chief Minister in the Budget 2023-24.

It is worth mentioning that under the Palanhar Yojana run by the state government, orphan children up to 18 years of age, destitute or remarried widowed mother, divorced/abandoned mother etc are given monthly financial assistance by the state government for economic, social and educational development.

New Delhi (PTI): PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the third session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) on Friday in which stakeholders shared know-how and experiences as well as discuss the latest developments and trends in disaster risk reduction. The main theme of the session is ‘Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate’.

WINDOW TO THE WORLD

GERMANY: 8 DEAD, SEVERAL INJURED IN JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES HALL SHOOTING

Hamburg (Agencies): A shooting at a Jehovah’s Witnesses hall in the German city of Hamburg killed eight people, apparently including the perpetrator, police said on Friday. An unspecified number of other people were wounded, some of them seriously.

CHINESE PREZ XI JINPING GETS RARE 3rd 5-YR TERM ARREST WARRANT AGAINST IMRAN KHAN SUSPENDED

Beijing (PTI): China’s Parliament on Friday unanimously confirmed an unprecedented third five-year term for Xi Jinping as President and head of the military, paving the way for him to stay in power for life.

Islamabad (PTI): A court in Pakistan on Friday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrant issued against ousted PM Imran Khan in a case of hate speech against state institutions after his PTI party filed a petition.

NOBEL LAUREATES AND ECONOMISTS

ENDORSE BANGA FOR WORLD BANK CHIEF

Washington (PTI): A coalition of 55 academics, economists, including three Nobel laureates, have endorsed the nomination of Indian-American Ajay Banga as the next President of the World Bank, describing him as the right person to lead the international financial institution as a “force multiplier” at a critical moment for the world economy.

Kavitha on hunger strike a day ahead of appearance before ED

New Delhi (PTI): A day ahead of her appearance before the ED in the excise scam case, BRS leader K Kavitha on Friday observed a hunger strike seeking passage of the Women’s Reservation

NYT spreading lies about India: Anurag Thakur

New Delhi: Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday accused The New York Times of “spreading lies” about India, describing an opinion piece published in it on the freedom of press in Kashmir as “mischievous and fictitious”.

“NYT’s so-called opinion piece on freedom of press in Kashmir is mischievous and fictitious, published with a sole motive to spread a propaganda about India and its democratic institutions and values,” he tweeted.

Bill in the second part of the Budget session of Parliament starting March 13. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury inaugurated the six-hour strike programme at Jantar Mantar. P5

PULWAMA WIDOWS

REMOVED FROM

PROTEST SITE; KIRODI

MEENA ADMITTED TO SMS HOSP

Jaipur: The police early Friday removed the widows of 3 CRPF jawans killed in 2019 Pulwama terror attack from protest site outside former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot’s residence here and shifted them to hospitals near their respective residential areas. BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena, who was on his way to Chomu town to meet one of the widows, was stopped by police mid-way. He alleged he was manhandled and detained by them. Meena was admitted to a government hospital in Govindgarh and later referred to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for further tests and treatment. “The police tried to kill me, but I was saved by the blessings of the widows of martyrs, the youth, the unemployed and the poor. I am hurt. I have been referred to SMS Hospital in Jaipur from Govindgarh hospital,” Meena said. More on P3

AAP leader and former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia being brought to Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi, on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

ED says Sisodia made false statements about ‘scam’ and it wants to unearth modus operandi of perpetrators and confront him with other accused

Over 6.5 lakh Raj children to be benefited by this sensitive decision of CM Gehlot

Will fight for ‘Protection Act’ in Assembly and streets: Poonia

Lawyers decide to postpone March 13 gherao of Assembly, continue work boycott

Kamal Kant

Jaipur: BJP State president Dr Satish Poonia on Friday met the protesting lawyers in Jaipur and demanded that the State Government should implement the Advocates Protection Act.

While addressing the protesting advocates, Dr Poonia said that the BJP will raise the demand for the Advocates Protection Act in the Assembly and on the streets as well.

“In a democracy, when anything is said with unity and firmness, the government also must accept it. As a member of the bar association Jaipur and worker of the party, I assure you that we will provide full support to the advocate’s fraternity,” Poonia said.

Meanwhile, the lawyers have decided to continue the boycott of judicial work. However, a decision was taken on

Friday to postpone the gherao of the State Assembly, which was scheduled for March 13. A meeting was or-

Don’t politicise issue of martyrs’ widows, hear them: Pilot in Tonk

Manoj Sharma & Manoj Jain

Tonk/Karauli: Former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot on Friday said that no one should do politics on the issue of martyrs’ widows. Pilot said this while interacting with the media in Tonk.

“It is a tradition to welcome anyone who comes to Rajasthan, but we request them to come to Rajasthan and talk about development, talk about integration. 2023 is an election year, so we have to work twice as hard to reach the people,” he said.

Earlier, Pilot reached Nayagaon in Mandrail on Friday afternoon and paid tribute to Kesar Devi, mother of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ramesh Meena, by

offering flowers on her painting and expressed his condolences to the minister. While going to Mandrayal, Congress workers welcomed Pilot by garlanding him at various places.

ganised by the Sangharsh Samiti and the Bar Association in which the office bearers decided to stall the

Medical tuition fee waiver

for reserved category students in Govt colleges

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Medical Education Department has given a big relief to the Government Medical College students. After the approval of the cabinet, the Medical Education Department has issued orders to waive off the tuition fees of medical students. Notably, the Medical Education Department had sent the proposal to the cabinet. After getting the approval, the medical education department has waived off the tuition fees of students belonging to MBC, OBC, SC, ST categories.

gherao of the State Assembly but continue to boycott the work. Lawyers have been protesting since February 20.

Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: The Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage clamped down on illegal construction of influential businessman. The Civil Line Zone of the corporation issued final notice on illegal construction without leaving setback on K-7, Malviya Marg, C-Scheme.

Earlier on March 2, notice was issued by the corporation but illegal builder Jai Suroliya did not give any reply to the notice. On Friday again the final notice was issued by the corporation with instructions to reply to the notice in 3 days. Notably, a posh club is being built through the illegal construction. Will the illegal construction be demolished or will action against illegal construction stop due to some big recommendation?

FARMERS IN DISTRESS

Nahargarh-Jaigarh ropeway project hangs in balance

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: The meeting of Executive Committee (EC) of the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) was held on Friday. During the meeting, it has been proposed to terminate the contract done for building ropeway between Nahargarh and Jaigarh.

The JDA had given the contract to Damodar Ropeway Limit-

ed in 2005, but the firm could not complete the work owing to clearance from forest department. Similarly, issue of building flyover at OTS intersection could not finalised during the meeting. Sources informed that the flyover project is yet to recieve nod from senior government officials. The meeting was chaired by JDA Commissioner Ravi Jain.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

A woman farmer sits beside her farm of wheat and onion, damaged due to untimely rain, at Muhana in Jaipur on Friday.

Working

to improve road network: Jatav

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: PWD Minister Bhajanlal Jatav on Friday chaired the tenth meeting of the Rajasthan State Road Development Fund Management Board (RSRDFM) and the first meeting of the newly formed board in the secretariat.

While addressing the gathering, the minister said that the department is working to

Raj first State to verify 28K pensioners via face app

strengthen the road system by taking suggestions from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“The department is leading the whole country in identifying black spots in Rajasthan and repairing them. As per the instructions of the CM, the department is working to secure and improve the road network in the state,” said Bhajanlal Jatav.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan has emerged as the first state in the country to have carried out annual verification of 27,954 pensioners by using the recently launched face recognition system (RAJSSP) app.

According to officials of social justice and empowerment department, over 94 lakh pensioners will benefit from this app.

eficiaries of social security schemes and aim at making processes simpler and hassle free. Promising a transparent system coming up with doorstep availability of our schemes, we have launched this app, said Samit Sharma, secretary, social justice and empowerment department, Rajasthan.

APP USES AADHAR

Over 94 lakh pensioners will benefit from this application.

Army extends registration for Agniveer scheme

First India Bureau

“We want to give benefits of digital services to pensioners and ben-

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BORSE, BERLIN



PoW got advance booking of 250 cabins for the next season; global travel agents promised to bring big tourist groups to Rajasthan

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: First in London, then in Spain and now in Berlin. Rajasthan tourism has created a buzz.

The magic of the title of the safest state, the rich heritage and the tradition of considering the guest as God is going on all over the world.

RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore, Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary, Tourism, and RTDC MD VP Singh reached Fitoor Mart in

The face app was launched on February 23 this year and by March 9, the department had made annual verification of 27,954 pensioners which is a record in it-

New FY likely to be golden year for Raj tourism

Director Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Director Shikha Saxena and Consultant GM Pradeep Bohra of Palace on Wheels interacted with travel agents and tour operators from around the world.

should be expected that the new financial year will prove to be the golden year of Rajasthan for tourism.

these pensioners were required to undergo an “Annual Verification” every year either by presenting themselves personally or by the help of E-Mitra or Point of Service. Tourism Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore interacts with visitors at travel fair ‘ITB’ in Berlin, Germany on Friday.

Spain. Now, it’s the turn of the International Travel Borse ie ‘ITB’ in

Berlin, Germany.

Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore, Joint

Palace on Wheels got advance booking of 250 cabins for the next season and during the roadshow, world’s renowned travel agents and tour operators showed interest in visiting Rajasthan and promised to bring big tourist groups. It

In fact, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made a provision of Rs 1.5 thousand crores in the Tourism Development Fund, after which Minister Vishvendra Singh and Tourism Corporation Chairman Dharmendra Rathore prepared a brilliant and effective strategy for aggressive marketing.

Jaipur: The online applications were invited from the eligible candidates under the Agniveer Recruitment. The process of application on these was to end on 15 Mar 2023. Now the last date of online registration has been extended till 20 Mar 2023 on www. joinindianarmy.nic.in. Candidates can register themselves using their Aadhaar cards or class 10 certificates.

WELFARE Health, Social Justice Depts get SKOCH award

❍ ORGAN TRANSPLANT,

Jaipur: The Directorate of Medical Education was on Friday conferred with the SKOCH Gold Award in the health sector for organ transplantation. The award was given for the setting up of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO). Principal Secretary (Medical Education) T Ravikant

informed that in 2019, SOTTO was established in SMS Medical College and so far, 95 kidneys, 45 livers, 27 hearts, one pancreas, fourteen corneas and two heart valves have been transplanted in the state through organ donation of 51 brain dead persons. Social Justice and Empowerment Department was also given the award on Friday.

State BJP president Dr Satish Poonia addresses lawyers over Advocates’ Protection Act in Jaipur on Friday.

Sachin Pilot pays floral tribute to Kesar Devi, mother of Minister Ramesh Meena, in Nayagaon village, Karauli on Friday.

First India Bureau

REPORT REACHES AMIT SHAH, BJP TO PROTEST OUTSIDE STATE OFFICE TODAY

State govt giving all facilities to widows as per norms: Jasol

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Aishwary Pradhan, Vikas

Sharma and Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: The report about BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena’s alleged detention and misbehaviour by police reached Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday.

State BJP in-charge

Arun Singh had taken complete feedback from state leaders and sent full update of the matter to the Centre.

As soon as the news of Kirodi Lal Meena’s arrest spread, his supporters started taking it to the streets. In protest, the Jaipur-Agra National Highway and the Lalsot-Dausa Highway were blocked.

Meena went to SEZ police station, where the supporters of the three widows were initially kept. The police action against the widows happened around 3 am when Meena had gone to his residence. He alleged he was man-

handled and detained by the police.

“Why is the govt so afraid of 3 women warriors that the police picked them up overnight. Don’t know where they have been taken? The women are only pleading to meet Gehlot ji. Why is the CM so nervous to hear them? CM has been locked in seven wired system like Saddam Hussain.” Meena said.

Satish Poonia, Om Mathur, Rajendra Rathore and Arun Chaturvedi met Meena at the SMS hospital.

Rathore and Chaturvedi

said BJP leaders will hold a meeting to further discuss the strategy and big sit in will be done at BJP HQs on Saturday. Poonia said that the CM should have taken the initiative to

talk to martyrs’ widows. SMS Hospital Superintendent Dr Achal Sharma said that CT Scan of Dr Kirodi was normal and a medical board of 7 doctors have also been formed.

MP from Jaipur Rural Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore held a press conference and said that the Congress always insulted the Army. “Rahul Gandhi insulted the country’s Army every time,” he said. Bhartiya Janata Party State President Dr Satish Poonia said that the martyrs widows are fighting for their rights and it is unfortunate that their families are being harassed by the police in Jaipur. “Government should show big heart and meet the

The widows have been protesting since February 28 and launched an indefinite hunger strike six days ago, demanding a change in rules so that their relatives and not just children can get government jobs on compassionate grounds. Their other demands include construction of roads and installation of statues of the martyrs in their villages. On Thursday, CM Ashok Gehlot responded to the demands, asking on Twitter whether it would be "appropriate" to give jobs to other relatives of the martyred jawans instead of their children. "What will happen to the children of the martyr when they grow up? Is it appropriate to trample upon their rights?" he asked.

widows and hear them,” he said. MP Diya Kumari said the public servants are being treated like criminals in the state, which is highly condemnable “His privilege as an MP is also being violated. If the state government does not come to its senses, then the public will teach a lesson this time,” she said. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also criticised the alleged detention of Kirodi Lal Meena and said that the government is acting like a dictator.

Jodhpur: State Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee Chairman Manvendra Singh Jasol on Friday broke his silence over the developments going on for the past several days regarding the case of Pulwama martyrs widows and termed it as a politically motivated incident.

Talking to the media at Circuit House in Jodhpur, Jasol said that according to the rules of the department, there is a provision to give jobs to martyrs widows and their sons and daughters. “But here one protesting widow is demanding a job for her brother-in-law, which is not possible according to the rules. One widow is demanding installation of a third statue of her martyr husband. In the past, two idols have

already been installed and in view of the public interest this demand is also not appropriate,” he said. Jasol said that if the widow wants to get a compensatory job for her brother-in-law, then she should contact the Central Govt for that. “Ministry of Home Affairs can give jobs to any family member. For that a demand can be made to the Central Govt through MPs also,” he said.

The behavior of the govt with Dr Kirodi Lal Meena, who is agitating for the demands of the Pulwa ma martyrs’ widows is highly con demnable. This undemocratic at tempt by the Cong govt to suppress the voice by showing fear of lathi will not be tolerated.

—Vasundhara Raje, Former CM

(1) BJP MP Kirodi Meena being detained by Samod Police on Friday.

(2) Rajendra Rathore, Arun Cahturvedi, Om Mathur at the SMS Hospital in Jaipur on Friday. (3) Pulwama martyr’s widow Sundari Gurjar was admitted to Nagar Hospital in Bharatpur on Friday.

MP Kirodi Meena’s supporters blocked Jaipur-Agra National Highway, Lalsot-Dausa Highway, and Mathura-Kota mega highway.

Manvendra Singh Jasol during the press conference on Friday.

WIDOWS SEEK JOBS FOR RELATIVE, MORE IDOLS

POONIA, GAJENDRA SINGH, DIYA KUMARI, RAJYAVARDHAN CORNER GEHLOT GOVT

l Kirodi Lal Meena gets injured, falls ill as Samod Police tries to

him

INDIA’S STRATEGIC BALANCING ACT TO COUNTER CHINESE GROWING INFLUENCE

The Quad opens Indian opportunities in the field of information sharing, defence ties, and it has the potential to boost its pharmaceutical prowess in the post-pandemic world.

IN-DEPTH

KAPIL SIBAL AND HIS INITIATIVE TO SAVE DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

The joint communique of Quad Foreign Ministers Meet, in Delhi early this month clearly remains guided by Pacific priorities of climate change, resilient infrastructure and maritime security. The quad members also reaffirmed consistent and unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue colloquially known as the QUAD came into being first when the four nations, the US, India, Japan, and Australia met for the first time in 2007 on the side-lines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Though the Quad came into being in 2007 but its revival can be attributed to the events in the period between 2012-2020 where each Quad member experienced Chinese aggression. China jeopardized security by refusing to respect internationally accepted maritime rules, challenging rules-based orders, claiming lands and islands, building artificial islands, and becoming a threat to peace in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad alliance had its roots in the fact that all four nations are democratic nations with common maritime interests for trade and commerce in the region. The alliance now holds regular meetings, semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills of all the member countries. The alliance also offer financial help to nations with debt in the IndoPacific region and are committed to their overall development.

Interests of the US. The Indo-Pacific spans two oceans and several continents, making it important to U.S. maritime interests. Almost 40 percent of Global trade is routed through here and has its origin or exit in the region. Recognising that peace and security in the maritime domain underpins the development and

CBI TURNS THE HEAT ON A MINING BARON

prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, the US finds working closely with its strategic treaty allies Australia and Japan and growing important strategic partner India as natural for secure Indo - Pacific. The Chinese assertions to challenge the US led regional status quo, tensions over their trade imbalance, its pursuit of regional interests in South China Sea and keeping the Taiwan under constant threat of aggression binds US to initiate actions to contain China and its growing clout in the region.

Japan’s interests. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a strong believer in the Quad’s power to ensure a “free and open IndoPacific.” Japan depends heavily on open sea lanes for its trade with the world and has been pioneer in supporting investment in manufacturing, trade, and infrastructure development across the region. Japan has been always wary of Chinese military build-up and assertion of its sovereignty in the South China Sea, as well as provocations toward Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Japan has its focus on to offer alternative sources of assistance in field of electronics and infrastructure to overcome Chinese dominance and conditionalities put in trade for the countries of Indo Pacific.

Australia’s Interests. Over a decade or so there has been sort of “freeze of relations” between Australia and China, mainly because Australia has been actively challenging Chinese coercive behavior and actions that threaten the existing world order. Australian demand for an independent inquiry into origins of COVID -19 has further dipped the bilateral relations. Australia is economically vulnerable to Chinese aggression as China has been

Gali Janardhana Reddy, who is facing charges of illegal iron ore mining in the Bellary region of Karnataka, has been an important part of the BJP since 1999 when he and his two brothers campaigned for Sushma Swaraj against Indira Gandhi. Swaraj distanced herself from Reddy after they faced charges of illegal mining. His ties with the BJP, however, continued to grow strong. It was due to his efforts that the BJP emerged as the largest single party with 110 seats in 2008. BS Yediyurappa inducted Reddy as minister for tourism and infrastructure and as the minister in-charge of Bellary district. In 2011 he was found guilty

Through the Quad, India can counterbalance China’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region, including its BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) where Chinese are trying to encircle India by building port facilities in its neighbourhood. The Quad opens Indian opportunities in the field of information sharing, defence ties

its major trading partner and has huge number of Chinese students studying and tourists visiting Australia. From an Australian perspective, in the post-COVID world, the need to reconstruct supply chains and preserve the rules-based international order is high; the ties between the Quad nations must continue to strengthen. India’s Interest. The lingering border issue which saw fierce clashes at Doklam and Galwan in Ladakh region and later the incursions in Tawang in Arunachal in last three years have just been part of Chinese aggressive gestures against India. India has stood its ground by an giving an equally blunt reply and strengthening its ties further with the QUAD countries. India’s growing friendship with the QUAD and its increased activities in South China Sea has not augured well with China. Through the Quad, India can counterbalance China’s growing presence in the IndoPacific region, including its BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) where Chinese are trying to encircle India by building port facilities in its neighbourhood.

The rule of mining mafia which Reddy ran in Bellary was dubiously called the “Republic of Bellary”, which didn’t allow any interference from any govt machinery. Despite his notoriety as a mining baron, he remains a popular figure in politics

of illegal mining and defrauding the government by Karnataka’s then Lokayukta, Justice Santosh Hegde. He was subsequently arrested by the CBI but he continued to maintain close ties with the BJP. In 2022, Reddy formed his

However, the Quad getting reduced to an anti-China grouping has some inherent dangers for India as it triggers the possibility of reactivating tensions with China on different fronts, and it will undermine India’s involvement in other organisations like BRICS and SCO where both India and China are important members. India’s involvement in the Quad could also risk alienating two important Indian allies, Iran, and Myanmar being targets of other three members. The China Version. China criticises the Quad as it sees it as a mechanism to contain its global rise and accuses the group of being dedicated to undermining its interests.

The regular Joint Exercises by all four navies of the quad, U.S. President Joe Biden’s virtual Quad meeting of all Heads of Quad states on COVID-19 vaccines, climate change, and technological innovation and supply-chain resilience has further irked Chinese and its relations with each of the Quad members have become more tense during the pandemic and continues so even in post Pandemic period. The Chinese have also been critical of outcome of the recent quad Foreign Ministers meet and will be keenly observing the Jul 2023 summit of the Quad Heads of Sates.

Current Status. The joint communique of Quad Foreign Ministers Meet, in Delhi early this month clearly remains guided by Pacific priorities of climate change, resilient infrastructure and maritime security. The quad members also reaffirmed consistent and unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity. The Quad leaders also focussed on deepening engagement with regional partners, including through information-sharing, capacity-building and technical assistance. “ The world may be focused on the Ukraine crisis, the message from the Quad summit to be held in Sydney in Jul 2023 is likely to be loud and clear the Indo-Pacific continues to be the focal point of global attention and the Quad remains committed supporting development of Pacific Island countries and will continue to fight Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

own political party named Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha after resigning from the BJP. The present case which Reddy is facing in a CBI court relates to the illegal iron ore mining to the tune of 7 to 8 million metric tonnes during 2009-2010 for which he spent time in jail. He is suspected to have parked substantial part of his earnings in several countries.

The rule of mining mafia which Reddy ran in Bellary was dubiously called the “Republic of Bellary”, which did not allow any interference from any government machinery. Despite his notoriety as a mining baron, Reddy remains a popular figure in politics. This time, however, the CBI seems to have turned the heat on him.

Senior advocate and former Congress party leader has launched a platform ‘Insaaf ke Sipahi’ to bring together people to fight what he describes as “misuse of institutions” by the present government. The platform also aims to fight injustices by creating a people’s movement against the BJP which is believed to be threatening democratic institutions. Sibal is an independent member of the Rajya Sabha who feels that “injustice is being done to citizens, democratic institutions, Opposition parties, journalists, teachers and businesses”.

So far his initiative has won support from leaders of different political parties, but its transformation into a people’s movement is yet to happen, presumably because it is still in a nascent stage. For his platform’s proposed public meeting at Jantar Mantar on March 11 Sibal has issued an open invitation to everyone, although lawyers will be in the lead.

Sibal’s objective is “not to criticise Modi, but to reform him”. How he plans to go about his positive agenda is not yet known.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

If you don’t fight for what you want, Don’t cry for what you lost. Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEETS

Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh

Greetings and warm wishes to all CISF personnel and their families on their Raising Fay. The CISF is known for its professionalism and competence. The force makes tremendous contribution towards securing India’s strategic installations.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Greetings to all the personnel of @ CISFHQrs on their 54th #RaisingDay. CISF is known for its professionalism and commitment. The nation is proud of them for their unwavering commitment in securing India’s critical infrastructure.

COL RAJESH BHUKAR

The author is a Post Graduate in International Studies, Alumni of Defense Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Combat, Mhow

BJP must make stand clear on Women’s Reservation Bill: Cong

The Congress’ assertion came on a day when BRS leader held a hunger strike in New Delhi on Friday

New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday asked the BJP to make its stand clear on the Women’s Reservation Bill and demanded that it be tabled in Lok Sabha in the upcoming second part of the Budget Session of Parliament.

The Congress’ assertion came on a day BRS leader K Kavitha was observing a hunger strike seeking passage of the long-pending bill in the second part of the Budget session starting March 13.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “The landmark Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2010, ENTIRELY due to the efforts of the Congress leadership.” “But it could not find support in Lok Sabha. The Bill has not lapsed. It is alive and pending. What has stopped it from being revived?” he said.

Cong leader Alka Lamba said when bill was passed in RS, Congress did not have a majority in the LS & it was a coalition government.

COURTYARD in the DELHI HC ORDERS

EFI TO EXPAND POOL OF ASIAD PROBABLES

Chennai: Coming down heavily on the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), the High Court of Delhi recently expressed serious concerns over the functioning of the NSF. The court also ordered the federation to expand the pool of probables selected to attend coaching camps and participate in the FEI competitions in their bid to qualify for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled in China. The order came as a big relief for those wishing to be a part of the camp and qualifying tournaments to acquire minimum eligibility requirement (MER) especially the petitioners — Chirag Khandal, 19 (Eventing), Shashank Singh Kataria, 18 (Eventing) and Yash Nensee, 22 (Show Jumping). “After examining the conduct of the EFI throughout the present proceedings, this Court is of the prima facie opinion that EFI succeeded in their vicious approach to eliminate the best candidates by acting in a completely capricious and arbitrary manner while discharging its responsibilities,” the court opined.

BJP protests against AAP, police detain protestors

New Delhi (ANI): BJP workers protest against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Friday in Delhi ahead of the bail plea hearing of former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case. They also put up posters naming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Former minister Satyendar Jain, who is currently in Tihar Jail in a money laundering case.

Manish Sisodia was brought to Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court in connection with alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped liquor policy.

The Enforcement Directorate has also moved the court seeking Sisodia’s custody for 10 days.

WASN’T CONSULTED: JAIRAM RAMESH ON VICE PREZ’S PERSONAL STAFF ROW

CONGRESS PROMISES TO EXTEND GOVT BENEFITS TO FARMERS IN TELANGANA

New Delhi (PTI): Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said as chairperson of a parliamentary committee, he was not consulted at all over the recent appointments of personal attached with committees under the ambit of the Rajya Secretariat.

BJP MP Dubey seeks Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha membership

New Delhi PTI: The Congress on Friday promised to extend government benefits to tenant farmers in Telangana, besides setting up land tribunals in the state. Speaking to reporters near Karimnagar, AICC General Secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said about 15 lakh tenant farmers in the state are not getting government benefits like crop insurance. “Congress says that all government programmes be implemented for tenant farmers also,” he told the media. Ramesh, who listed out five principles for the benefit of farmers, said land tribunals would be set up in all 33 districts of the state. Congress would also undertake land survey in the state in two years if it comes to power.

U’khand seeks `2000 crore rehabilitation package

Dehradun (ANI): The Uttarakhand government has sought an economic package of Rs 2000 crore from Central Government for subsidence-affected areas in Joshimath & rehabilitation of the affected people, said Secretary to CM R Meenakshi Sundaram.

NEXT IS KEJRIWAL: JAILED CONMAN CHANDRASHEKHAR

New Delhi (ANI): Reacting to Delhi’s former minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest, jailed businessman Sukesh Chandrashekhar on Friday said that the next arrest will be of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. “Truth has prevailed, and next will be Arvind Kejriwal,” Sukesh said. He was presented before a Delhi court in a money laundering case today.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL WILL MEET SAME FATE AS MANISH SISODIA: BJP’S MANOJ TIWARI

New Delhi (ANI): Reacting to Delhi former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari asserted that Delhi Chief Minister would also meet the same fate. “I can clearly foresee that in future, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would meet the same fate as jailed ministers Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. You can cheat a human being, but you can’t cheat God. The way Delhi’s treasury has been looted, I don’t think any criminal or corrupt person will be able to escape,” Manoj Tiwari said.

Shah virtually inaugurates

development

projects worth `154 crore in Ahmedabad

New Delhi (PTI): BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday sought termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership from Lok Sabha while deposing before a parliamentary panel over his privilege notice against the Congress leader.

Following Gandhi’s speech in the first part of the Budget Session, in which he commented on the Hindenburg-Adani issue, Dubey moved the privilege notice against him on February 7. Presenting his case before Lok Sabha’s privilege committee chaired by BJP MP Sunil Singh, Dubey said despite Gan-

dhi’s remarks expunged by Lok Sabha Speaker, they are still available on his and Congress official YouTube channels.

“Not only one but three types of privilege apply to him, and he is habitual offender and therefore his membership should be terminated,” a source quoting Dubey said. Dubey also presented documents and reports to substantiate his point that all allegations made by Gandhi are baseless.

He cited expulsion of Subramanian Swamy 1976 from Rajya Sabha to buttress his demand for Gandhi’s termination.

Sundaram said, “The state government has sought an economic package of Rs 2,000 crore from the Center for the treatment of Joshimath disaster-affected area and rehabilitation of the affected people.”

“The state government has prepared the blueprint of the package on the basis of the assessment of the damage done at its level,” added Secretary Sundaram.

FOR MAKING AVAILABLE EFFICIENT SERVICES

Ahmedabad (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday virtually inaugurated various development projects worth Rs 154 crore in Ahmedabad city in his home state Gujarat. Shah also addressed a function jointly organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation & the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. “My (Lok Sabha) constituency of Gandhinagar was already developed before I became

an MP from there. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says

that we have to do our best in every sector,” the minister said.

BJP plans massive 45 rallies for PM Modi in Lok Sabha seats lost in 2019

New Delhi (ANI): The BJP is set to launch a special campaign to strengthen the 160 Lok Sabha seats the party had lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and under this strategy, the party is planning to organise over 45 rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these constituencies.

India global example of using technology: VP

New Delhi (Agencies): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that India is a global example where “we have used technology for making available efficient services to the people”.

“Technology enables accessibility and reduces out of pocket expenditure for citizens,” he said at the second International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) 2023 here.

Union Health Minis-

ter Mansukh Mandaviya was also present on the occasion. The international symposium

was organised by Department of Health Research, Health Ministry in collaboration

with World Health Organization (WHO) and Centre for Global Development.

EAM Jaishankar calls on Australian PM Albanese

New Delhi (Agencies): The government has also taken several initiatives to ease the burden on the poor and downtrodden section. With the world largest, transparent and accountable program of Ayushman Bharat being launched by this government, it is catering to the citizens welfare and simultaneously generating jobs and enterprise”, said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

New Delhi (PTI): Ex-

ternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discussed key aspects of

PM MODI TO VISIT KARNATAKA ON MARCH 12

Karnataka (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Karnataka on March 12 where he will dedicate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth around Rs 16,000 crores, a release from the Prime Minister’s Office said. “At around 12 noon, Prime Minister will also dedicate and lay the foundation stone of key road projects in Mandya.

10% reservation for Ex-Agniveers in BSFJobs: Govt

New Delhi PTI: In a fillip to the ambitious Agnipath scheme, the Union home ministry has announced 10 per cent reservation for former Agniveers in vacancies in the Border Security Force with relaxations in the upper age-limit.

The announcement was made through a notification after amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015, and it will come into effect from March 9. “Ten per cent of the vacancies shall be reserved for ex-Agniveers,” the notification said.

the fast deepening India-Australia ties. Jaishankar met Albanese ahead of the visiting leader’s summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ministry said while the upper age limit would be relaxable to up to five years for candidates of the first batch of ex-Agniveers, the limit would be relaxable to up to three years for candidates of other batches.

Former Agniveers will also be exempted from physical efficiency test, the notification said.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha addresses a gathering during a one-day hunger strike demanding the introduction of the Women’s Reservation Bill at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Friday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

BJP leaders and workers raise slogans during a protest against the Delhi Govt, near AAP headquarters in New Delhi, on Friday.

BJP supporters wearing masks of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain are seen jailed during a demonstrative protest by party supporters against the AAP, in New Delhi on Friday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi BJP MP Nishikant Dubey (R).

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls on Australian PM Anthony Albanese, in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates development projects of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation & Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority via video conf, in New Delhi on Friday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda being received by party members on his arrival, at HAL Airport, in Bengaluru on Thursday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar addressing at the inauguration of International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment 2023, in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

‘MANY INITIATIVES TO EASE BURDEN’

—PHOTO BY ANI

US REAFFIRMS “INDIA IS A GLOBAL STRATEGIC PARTNER”

Washington (ANI):

The US on Thursday (local time) reiterated that India is a global strategic partner of America.

In a US State Department press briefing, spokesperson Ned Price said, “our message to India and about India is consistent. India is a global strategic partner of US,” while replying on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recent visit to India and his audience with PM Narendra Modi.

“Secy did have an audience with PM when he was in Delhi for G20,” said Price.

Blinken was in India to take part in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Raisina Dialogue. “The engagements we’ve had with our Indian partners at the ministerial level, at the leader level, at all levels, have been in furtherance of deepening the already extensive ties between our two countries,” said US State Department spokesperson.

He said that the US want to deepen global strategic partnership

with India. “There are various ways in which our two societies are intertwined. So every time we have an opportunity to meet with our Indian counterparts, it is an effort to deepen what is that already quite extensive global strategic partnership,” said Price.

India-US bilateral relations have developed into a “global strategic partnership”, based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues.

Regular exchange of

CRUCIAL READ

Secy did have an audience with PM when he was in Delhi for G20. I’m not in a position to detail what was exchanged between them.

—Ned Price, Spokesperson, US State Department

high-level political visits has provided sustained momentum to bilateral cooperation, while the wide-ranging and ever-expanding dialogue architecture has established a long-term

‘YOUR TERRORISTS’ VS ‘MY TERRORISTS’: INDIA AT UNITED NATIONS

PUNJAB

BUDGET 2023

AAP GOVT PRESENTS

`1,96,462 crore

framework for India-US engagement. Today, the India-U.S. bilateral cooperation is broad-based and multisectoral, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, high-technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and applications, clean energy, environment, agriculture and health. Vibrant people-topeople interaction and support across the political spectrum in both countries nurture our bilateral relationship.

United Nations: India has said that the tendency to categorise terrorism on the basis of motivations behind terrorist acts is “dangerous” and asserted that all kinds of terror attacks, whether motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Sikh, anti-Buddhist or anti-Hindu prejudices, are condemnable. Underlining that there cannot be good or bad terrorists, India said such an approach “will only take us back to the pre-9/11 era of labelling terrorists as ‘Your Terrorists’ and ‘My Terrorists’ & erase collective gains the international community has made over the last 2 decades.

INDIA-PAK: TO RESOLVE DISPUTE, WE SUPPORT CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE, SAYS US

Washington: The United States supports a constructive dialogue and meaningful conversation between India and Pakistan, the Biden administration said reiterating that it’s for New Delhi and Islamabad to decide on the nature of that dialogue. The US is ready to play its role if they agree, it added. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, in response to a question, refused any meditating role for the US for talks between India and Pakistan. “Because these are decisions for the countries themselves,” Price said.

Budget with focus on education, health and agriculture sectors

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh

Cheema presented a ` 1.96-lakh-crore state budget for 2023-24 in the assembly here on Friday with a focus on agriculture, education and health segments.

Speaking in the Assembly, Harpal Cheema said education, health, and agriculture are among the priority sectors for the government.

Total budget size

has been increased by 26 per cent to `1,96,462 crore for 2023-24 over the previous year, the

state finance minister said. It is the first full budget of the AAP government.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET

z On the health sector, the minister said 10.50 lakh people have been treated in ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ in the state so far.

z Cheema said 26,797 jobs have been given so far by the Bhagwant Mann government.

z Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Punjab to be `6.98 crore for FY23/24.

z A total of `13,888 crore has been allocated for agriculture and allied sector, up by 20 per cent.

z For Sports, Cheema proposed an allocation of `258 crore which is 55% more than FY 2022-23, he claimed.

z For Education, Cheema proposed an outlay of `17,072 crore for school and higher education,

which is 12% higher than the previous year. `20 crore have been allocated for latest training of school principals in the budget.

z A budgetary provision of `4,781 crore has been allocated for health and family welfare in FY 2023-24 which is 11% higher than the previous year 2022-23(RE).

LS speaker to attend Assembly of Inter-Parl Union

INDIAN-AMERICAN

VEDANT PATEL TO BE INTERIM SPOKESMAN OF US STATE DEPT

Washington (ANI): Indian American Vedant Patel will be serving as the interim spokesperson of the US State Department, as Ned Price is going to step down this month. According to the announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Patel will take over the position of interim spokesperson. Price will continue to work directly for Antony Blinken at State Department.

DELHI POLICE SPECIAL CELL BUSTS

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTIC DRUG CARTEL

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Police Special Cell busted an International Narcotic Drug cartel in Delhi on Friday, as informed by the officials. “14.5 kg Methaqualone and one car used in transporting drugs were recovered from Delhi and Noida,” said the officials in a statement. Reportedly, the cartel members used to store drugs at a house in a posh colony in Greater Noida.

SEVERAL INJURED AS PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE IN MANIPUR

Guwahati (Agencies): Several people, including policemen, were injured after a protest rally against some parts of the state being declared as protected areas turned violent. Security forces had to use force to combat the mob in Kangpokpi district. A video showed some protesters throwing stones at the security forces. According to police sources, since section 144 of CrPC was in place, the police stopped the protesters.

WOMAN KILLS HUSBAND, TRIES TO BURN BODY; ELECTRIFIES DOOR TO STOP POLICE

Jamshedpur (Agencies): A woman killed her husband and tried to burn his body inside their house in Old Subhash Colony in Jharkhand`s Jamshedpur. The accused locked herself inside and electrified the door to prevent the police from breaking in. The incident took place on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Amarnath Singh, who was associated with the transport and real estate business.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway was an important connectivity project that will contribute to Karnataka’s growth trajectory.

The expressway is set for inauguration soon.

PM Modi tagged a tweet by Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari who said the construction of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, which encircles a portion of NH-275, includes four rail overbridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges, and 89 underpasses and overpasses.

“An important connectivity project which will contribute to Karnataka’s growth trajectory,” PM Modi said of the project.

Manama [Bahrain]

(ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Bahrain’s capital Manama on Friday with a Parliamentary delegation to attend the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The Lok Sabha Speaker received a warm welcome from the Deputy Chairman and Members of the Bahrain Parliament Shura Jamal Fakhro.

“Arrived in Bahrain to a warm welcome by H.E. Mr. Jamal Fakhro, Deputy Chairman &

Members of @ShuraBahrain. In #IPU146, will speak on “Promoting peaceful co-existence & inclusive societies: Fight against intolerance”. Will also hold

several bilaterals with counterparts,” Birla said in a tweet.

Lok Sabha Speaker will lead an Indian Parliamentary delegation (IPD) to the 146th Assem-

3 IAS officers of 2014 batch still waiting to become collector

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: 3 IAS officers of 2014 batch have not been able to become collectors till now whereas their batchmates are posted in the districts as collectors in which the names of IAS Kritika Sharma, IAS Mridul Chaudhary, and IAS Akshay Tripathi are prominent.

IAS Kritika, currently serving as Additional Commissioner Industries posted in Kanpur, returned to UP on

marriage ground after staying in West Bengal cadre for 8 years.

IAS Mridul Chowdhary, serving as Project Administrator, Greater Sharda Development Authority is posted in Lucknow. IAS Akshay Tripathi, Special Secretary

UP IT & Electronic, is posted in Lucknow. Out of 20 IAS officers, 15 have become DM while 2 officials have gone on interstate deputation to Kashmir. Now, government is thinking of making these 3 Collectors.

bly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to be held in Manama, Bahrain from March 11-15.

As per 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.

440 new cases, active infections rise to 3,294

New Delhi (PTI): India recorded 440 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 3,294, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death count stands at 5,30,779 with one death reported by Rajasthan, one by Karnataka and one fatality reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,89,512).

The national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.80 per cent, the ministry said. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,55,439, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19%.

These tournaments will give rise to more superstars: Thakur

First India Bureau

MADHYA PRADESH

WOMEN

COPS BULLDOZE HOME OF RAPE-ACCUSED

Bhopal (Agencies): A group of women cops bulldozed the home of a rape accused in Madhya Pradesh, the latest in the series of bulldozer justice as witnessed in BJP-ruled states. The officer who led the team said it was a heinous crime and the cops did a “good job”, adding that such actions deserve such a punishment. A minor was gang-raped in Damoh, nearly 250 km from capital Bhopal.

New Delhi: “Hai dum to Badhao kadam is the tagline of the Khelo India Dus ka Dum event and it is another major step we have taken to empower women through sports,” mentioned Thakur.

“SAI’s endeavour to organize Women’s Leagues across 14 sports all over the country since many months has given oppor-

tunity to 20,000 strong women athletes to get the exposure and empowerment they need. I am also happy to state that these leagues have found profound success,” the Union Minister added.

Citing examples of elite athletes like Mary Kom and PV Sindhu, Thakur said, “From Mary Kom to Lovlina to Nikhat and PV Sindhu

to Saina Nehwal, these girls have given their all to bring glory to India time and again. Now tournaments like these will give rise to more such superstars. We are doing everything to provide the best of tournaments and playfields, now it’s time for all the women to show their mettle.”

Also present at the

the

event on Friday morning were Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Sandip Pradhan as well as other dignitaries from the Union Sports Ministry and SAI. The opening ceremony was also attended at the JLN Stadium by almost 2000 women athletes, comprising Khelo India Dus ka Dum participants as well as campers.

B’luru-Mysuru Expressway will contribute to K’taka’s growth, says PM Modi

IAS Mridul Chaudhary IAS Kritika Sharma IAS Akshay Tripathi

grand launch of

Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur with Women's World Boxing Champion Nikhat Zareen, and others at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships inaugural event in New Delhi on Friday.

VALUE OF AYURVEDA INCREASED ACROSS WORLD: GUV MISHRA

Guv awards degrees to 942 students while 6 students were honoured with gold medals

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: The sixth convocation ceremony of Dr. Sarvepalli

Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, under the chairmanship of Governor and Chancellor Kalraj Mishra, took place on Friday in the newly constructed Sushrut Auditorium of the University. Degrees were awarded to 942 students while 6 students were honoured with gold medals.

Mishra inaugurated the convocation ceremony by lighting the lamp. AYUSH Minis-

ter Dr. Subhash Garg and former ViceChancellor of the University Prof. Banwarilal Gaur were the special guests of the function.

APPROVALS FROM CMO

CM Gehlot okays `1,691 crore for construction of Dewas-III and IV dams

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial proposal of Rs 1691 crore for the construction of Dewas-III and IV dams to ensure additional drinking water supply in Udaipur city.

Through these dams, 1 thousand million cubic feet of water will be diverted every year for the supply of drinking water in Udaipur city. In Udaipur city, more than 6 lakh people will be benefitted by the availability of additional 3.43 crore liters of drinking water from these dams. It is noteworthy that Gehlot had announced the construction of Dewas-III and IV dams in Udaipur in the budget 2023-24. This approval has been given in compliance with the said budget announcement.

`55L

Meghwal emphasises on development of language

Vimal Gaur

CONSOLIDATED REMUNERATION FOR RETIRED PERSONNEL TO BE INCREASED

CM Gehlot has approved the proposal to increase the rates of monthly consolidated remuneration to retired personnel on re-employment in service. According to the above proposal, the consolidated remuneration amount is fixed in multiples of 100 by adding the amount of 50 percent of the first cell of the pay level of the pay matrix of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules-2017 and the existing 38 percent dearness allowance on it. With this decision of the Chief Minister, the re-employed retired personnel will be able to get an enhanced monthly consolidated remuneration amount.

FOR MODERNISATION OF KHADI BODIES

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial proposal of Rs 55 lakh for the modernization of Khadi institutions/committees. Desktop computers, multifunction printers, and UPS will be made available to 50 Khadi institutions and committees with the said amount.In order to increase the use of Khadi in the state as well as to encourage Khadi institutions, Gehlot had announced in the budget of 2023-24 to modernize 50 Khadi institutions/committees of the state, so that they can engage in good marketing of their products. This approval has been given in compliance of the said budget announcement.

Mishra also inaugurated the newly constructed Sushrut Auditorium and read the preamble and basic duties of the Constitution. He honored

6 AYUSH graduate and postgraduate students with the ‘Chancellor’s Gold Medal’ and the toppers of Ayurveda faculty with a gold medal

awarded by Dabur India Limited, besides giving certificates to 12 AYUSH graduate and postgraduate students of the second and third rank.

Munna Khohri murder accused opens fire at police, held in Alwar

First India Bureau Alwar: The police have succeeded in arresting the main accused in the Sanjay alias Munna murder case in Khohri village of Behror. On the information from the informer, when the police went to arrest the miscreant, he opened fire on the police. In retaliation, the police shot his leg and injured him. The police admitted the accused to the hospital where he was discharged after treatment.

The police is interrogating the arrested accused. As per the police, the accused Ajay Yadav is a resident of Khohri, Behror. On March 8, a

woman Santosh Devi got the case registered at the police station. As per her report, her only son Sanjay alias Munna Khohri was her sole caretaker of her. Ajay Yadav of the village had personal enmity with her son and has also threatened to kill him.

On March 7, during the Holi program in the village temple, at 8.30 pm, Ajay Khohri, Sunil alias Sethia and Sandeep alias Bachchiya came and open fired bullets at her son’s head.

HOLI MILAN OF SPEAKER

Ajmer: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday took part in the inaugural ceremony of the two-day national seminar of the Central University of Rajasthan in Bandarsindri of Ajmer district. The seminar was organised on the topic “Higher Education through Indian Language Medium: Challenges and Prospects”. The seminar was presided over by the ViceChancellor of Central University, Professor Anand Bhalerao. Meghwal, who was the Chief Guest of the inaugural ceremony, said that the seven basic elements of the nation are population, sovereignty, army, flag, currency, and lan-

Agri Mandi Secy in ACB net for taking `25K in Bundi

Narendra Kumar Saini

Navin Sharma & Mayank Jain

Bundi: The ACB on Friday arrested the Secretary of Keshoraipatan Krishi Upaj Mandi while accepting a bribe of Rs. 25,000. Police informed that Narendra Kumar Saini, Secretary of Keshoraipatan Krishi Upaj Mandi was arrested with the bribe. “The accused demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant to issue a licence to buy goods from the Krishi Upaj Mandi. The complaint was verified and a trap was laid. On Friday, Narendra Kumar was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 25,000,” police said. “The accused is being interrogated and searches are conducted at his premises,” police added.

JIAL SURPASS PRE-COVID TRAFFIC

Air passenger traffic surged by 55% as compared to Feb 2022 at Jpr airport

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur : Being the 11th busiest airports in the country, Jaipur International Airport (JIAL) has recorded nearly 4.7 lakh passenger movements in February 2023. Exhibiting significant growth, the airport witnessed a fruitful month with nearly 35446 international passengers, and around 435370 lakh domestic passengers.

In February 2023, the airport played host to approximately 470816 lakh passengers, which

is 55% higher than the number in February 2022 movement and 5 percent higher than numbers in February 2019. The numbers clearly indicate that the airport has gone ahead

Cong appoints 11 Block Committee Presidents

First India Bureau

DUBAI SEALS TOP SPOT AS INT’L DESTINATION

D ubai, Sharjah and Muscat held the spot as the top three international destinations from Jaipur. Whereas Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi continue to retain their position as the top three domestic destinations.

of the pre-covid passenger traffic.

Out of the overall passenger movement in Feb 2023, the airport witnessed 92% domestic passenger traffic and the rest 8% were

international travelers. With an average footfall of 15548 passengers across average 64 flights per day, the airport is hopeful to be consistent and gain the growth momentum steadily.

Jaipur: The round of organizational appointments continues in Rajasthan Congress as on Friday, 11 Block Congress Committee presidents were appointed.

PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra congratulated the newly appointed office bearers and tweeted, “Shivshankar Sharma has been made the Rajgarh Raini block president of Alwar’s RajgarhLaxmangarh. Similarly, Ravindra Motsara from Bhadra town of Hanumangarh, Rajeshwari Devi from Bhadra Rural, Imtiaz Hussain

guage. “For the development of the country, it is necessary to develop the Indian language. If the nation

does not have its language, then we will be called incomplete,” said Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

TWO ARRESTED FOR ONLINE BETTING IN BARMER, `2 CRORE TRACED IN ACCOUNT

Barmer: Balotra police in Barmer late on Thursday night arrested two accused for running an online betting racket. Accused were providing online links to bet on cricket matches. Police also traced an online credit balance of Rs 2.33 crores. It is the second such incident in a week. Last week police detained two accused for betting and also found transactions of rupees 4.99 lakhs. Digant Aanand, superintendent of police in Barmer confirmed the report. SP said that following an input Balotra police have raided a public location where one accused, identified as Mohanlal Prajapat, a resident of Kitnod in Balotra, was found while operating an online betting racket. Police said that the accused was providing an online betting link to bet on cricket matches. Police said that the accused however attempted to escape but they chased him and arrested him. Some mobile phones were also recovered from him. During the interrogation, the accused informed the police about another accused Harish Mali, who is also operating the online betting racket. Later police also arrested Mali.

TWO HELD FOR STEALING JEWELS FROM MUSEUM

Kota: Two members of an interstate gang were arrested for allegedly stealing antiques and jewellery from a museum here, police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Achin Jatav (24) and Prabhat Panchal (27), both residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district, were nabbed from Delhi, they said. Some of the antiques, stolen from the Rao Madho Singh Museum in Kota Garh Palace, have been recovered from their possession, police said.

BHUPENDRA DAK INSPECTS UDAIPUR CENTRAL JAIL

Udaipur: Director General (Jail) Bhupendra Dak on Friday reached Udaipur and inspected the Udaipur Central Jail. During his visit, he interacted with the prisoners and took feedback on cleanliness, food, and other arrangements in the jail. “Mobiles are found inside, that’s why checking is done frequently. To prevent this, we have recently purchased high-quality security equipment including mobile detectors and scanners,” said Bhupendra Dak.

from Jhalarapatan, Puri Lal Dangi from Pidawa, Keshuram Meghwal from Phalodi-Baap in Jodhpur district, Ilamiddin Mehar from Phalodi, Sur SagarHousing Board- Paramsukh Purohit, Sursagar-Trilok Mehra, Ajit Parakh from Ramganjmandi B and Sharafat Meu from Ramganjmandi A of Kota have been made the block president.”

Governor Kalraj Mishra, Dr. Subhash Garg & Prof. Banwarilal Gaur releasing books during convocation ceremony in Jodhpur. Governor Kalraj Mishra inaugurating the newly constructed Sushrut Auditorium in Jodhpur on Friday.

Arjun Ram Meghwal enjoy a scrumptious meal with the local people during his visit to Ajmer on Friday.

Arjun Meghwal being felicitated by Anand Bhalerao at the Central University of Rajasthan in Ajmer on Friday.

Sanjay alias Munna

If you want to grow, you must learn to accept the challenges with a positive mindset. Every challenge helps to unlock a new part of our potential. —Dr

COMMITTEE FOR NEW DISTRICTS GETS EXTENSION FOR SIX MONTHS

Leaders were hoping for formation of new districts in March only

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday approved the proposal to extend the term of the high level committee constituted to give suggestions to the State government regarding new district formation in State for the next six months. With this, area leaders and people will have to wait to see their dreams and hopes of getting new districts and divisions fulfilled.

Delegations demanding new districts are continuously meeting CM Gehlot and State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra. The demand for creation of 3 divisions and about 10 new districts is under serious discussion. Proposals have come to the Ramlubhaya Committee for the demand of making districts from 60 places. The committee is soon going to submit its report to govt. The Committee’s tenure to end on March 13. There is indication of Sikar being declared a division. PCC Chief GS Dotasra indicated this at the Shekhawati Festival on Friday. “We have hope from March 17, we will keep a strong demand,” he said. If

Sikar, Barmer, Chittor or Banswara expecting the divisional status

PSK miffed over work of free ration kit scheme being given to CONFED

THE CRITERIA FOR MAKING A DISTRICT

z For the formation of the district, the distance from the present district headquarter should be minimum 50 kms.

z Having a population of about 10L including surrounding areas, tehsils etc.

z Involvement of at least 3 to 4 tehsil and subdivision headquarters.

z Economic resources are available to meet future administrative needs.

z It is necessary to have arrangements for the buildings of district level offices including Collectorate, SP Office, Dist Court, Govt College and other offices.

z Proper arrangement of road, water, electricity, medical, education and rail

Dr Raghu launches ‘Signature campaign’ to declare Kekri as dist

M Imran Tak

Kekri (Ajmer): Congress leader and Kekri MLA Dr Raghu Sharma on Friday launched a ‘Signature campaign’ to press his demand for declaring Kekri as a district. He launched the ‘Signature campaign’ in Kekri Nagar Palika and said that if Kakri be-

this happens, it will be a big achievement of Dotasra’s tenure. Former Minister Dr Raghu Sharma raised his voice during a press confer-

comes a district, then new dimensions of development will be established here automatically.

“The people of Kekri constituency should put their political inclinations aside and become a part of this campaign so that the future of Kekri can be improved. I did everything to make

ence at Kekri. A delegation led by Minister Sukhram Bishnoi and Pukhraj Parashar met CM Gehlot for demand of making Sanchore a

Man arrested for posting morphed photo of Sonia

Laxman Raghav

Pratapgarh: The

Pratapgarh Police have arrested a man for allegedly posting an edited photo of Former National President of Congress Sonia Gandhi on social media and making objectionable comments. Police informed the accused has been identified as Bipin Kumar Singh Shandilya, a resident of Lakhisarai in Bihar. “The accused has been living in Delhi for a long time. On March 3, 2023, an FIR was filed by one Lata Sharma stating that Bipin Kumar posted an edited photo of Sonia

LOKESH: MOCKING CM, A SIGN OF BJP’S MENTAL BANKRUPTCY

Kekri a developed place. In my both tenures, I have brought Kekri to the forefront of development. People should participate in this campaign actively so that whenever an opportunity arises of forming adistrict district, Kekrifirmly stands in the front row,” said Dr Raghu Sharma.

district. A delegation met CM Gehlot under the leadership of AICC Secretary Kuldeep Indora regarding Anupgarh as well.

transport in the area.

z Being in the border area, there should be no objection from the Army or any agency or Union Ministry.

z There should be no border dispute with the neighboring states and there should be no dispute at the political level.

z No new district has been created in Rajasthan for the last 14 years. States smaller in area than Raj but with more dists

z 52 dists in MP

z 36 dists in Maharashtra

z 75 dists in UP

z 38 dists in Tamil Nadu

z 33 in Rajasthan

SUKHRAM BISHNOI MEETS CM OVER DEMAND TO MAKE SANCHORE A DIST

Jalore: Minister of State Sukhram Bishnoi held a press conference on Friday at Sanchore after meeting Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur on Thursday. The Minister said in the meeting with CM, along with Pukhraj Parashar he kept the demand of providing Sanchore with a status of a district. On this, CM Gehlot has given a positive assurance. Minister Bishnoi said that if Sanchore gets the status of a district, it will be a memorable moment for the generations to come. In the meeting with the Chief Minister, he also demanded compensation to the farmers for crop damage due to unseasonal rains. —Lunaram Darji

CONTENDERS AWAITING ‘DISTRICT TAG’

Names of Kotputli, Balotra, Phalodi, Didwana or Kuchaman, Beawar, Bhiwadi are at forefront. Sambhar Lake, Shahpura, Kotputli, Dudu, Viratnagar, Neem ka Thana, Fatehpur, Shekhawati, Shri Madhopur, Khandela, Udaipurwati, Behror, Khairthal, Bhiwani, Neemrana, Balotra and Gudamalani, Pokaran, Beawar, Kekri, Madanganj Kishangarh, Phalodi, Didwana, Kuchaman City, Makrana, Merta City, Sujangarh, Ratangarh, Jaswantgarh, Ladnun, Anupgarh, Suratgarh, Gharsana, Sri Vijaynagar, Nohar, Bhadra, Nokha etc also included in demand for districts.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The biggest free ration kit distribution scheme announced in the State Budget has been mired in controversy even before it started. The government has taken away the work of this scheme from the Food Department and given it to the Rajasthan State Cooperative Consumer Federation Limited (CONFED).

Food Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas has expressed displeasure over this. In such a situation, there are chances of a tussle in this matter even at the departmental level.

partment is given to someone else. Then what is the need of this department? It needs to be closed. I will talk to the Chief Minister,” he said.

“I believe that the Food Department can do the job of ration kit scheme very well. We are distributing wheat through POS machines. Confed is working without tender nomination. While we work with tender under the RTPP Act,” he added.

Gandhi on Twitter and made objectionable comments,” police said.

“Based on technical inputs, the accused was arrested from Delhi and is being interrogated.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused is habitual of making objectionable comments about people,” police added.

Jaipur: The controversy over cartoon of CM Gehlot has deepened in Raj. In a tweet made on BJP’s official Twitter handle of BJP, a cartoon of CM Gehlot was tweeted wherein, caricature is shown to be painted with blood. BJP wrote ‘Jungle Raj in Rajasthan’as comment. Now, CM Gehlot’s OSD Lokesh Sharma has hit back at BJP & tweeted saying, “It is a sign of BJP’s mental bankruptcy. It is highly shameful & condemnable to show CM’s picture in a ridiculous manner. It is unfair to criticize baselessly for politics. The post of CM has its own dignity, but those who call themselves party with difference are stringing it.”

Jaipur (PTI): RSS

Chief Mohan Bhagwat will on April 7 attend the inauguration ceremony of third Rashtriya Seva Sangam organised by the Rashtriya Seva Bharti (RSB).

Pannalal Bhansali, President of RSB, an RSS-affiliate, said that the 3rd Rashtriya Seva Sangam will be organised from April 7-9 at Keshav Vidyapeeth, Jamdoli, Jaipur, adding that RSS’ Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will be present at the inauguration ceremony of the 3-day conference.

Bhansali said about 5,000 delegates from more than 1,000 organi-

‘HAATH SE HAATH JODO’ CAMPAIGN

sations from across the nation, along with industrialists, saints and dignitaries from sports and art world will participate in the event.

The aim of this conference conducted every five years is to establish a harmonious, selfreliant society & a prosperous India by establishing synergy between voluntary orgs related to RSB,

Kota: Dhariwal addresses peoples’ concerns

Gul Mohammad

Kota: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal is on Kota tour and is undertaking the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign in Kota North Assembly Constituency. On Friday, Dhariwal met the common people by participating in the ‘Padyatra’ being taken out under the campaign and issued instructions to solve their problems after knowing the problems of the common

man. State in-charge of the campaign, RC Khutia, in-charge Satyendra Bhardwaj also participated in the ‘padyatra’ and also interacted with the general public in the area. Shanti Dhariwal appreciated the campaign’s objective with promptness on the ground. The in-charge claimed that this campaign would play an important role in repeating the Congress government in Rajasthan.

The ‘Padyatra’ under the leadership of Minister Shanti Dhariwal reached Ward No. 31 of Kota North Corporation on Friday.

As usual, the UDH Minister reached every house and talked about the welfare schemes of the State government and after listening to the problems of the residents, immediately instructed the concerned officials of various departments to resolve them on the spot.

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: A Holi Milan ceremony was held at the residence of DGP Umesh Mishra on Friday. A number of serving and retired police officers and administrative officers attended the gala event. Umesh Mishra attended everyone with utmost decency and his initiative was being praised in the

“The work of my de-

“The work of planning has been taken over from my department. There are many officers who did this without asking me, then they will face the consequences,” he said. CONFED should first monitor the work it has been doing. The work of planning is initially assigned to the Food Department, and then is shifted to CONFED. It would be enough for CONFED if it accomplishes the tasks at hand. There are several complaints against it.

entire police department. Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, Himachal Pradesh

DGP Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary to CM Kuldeep Ranka, former CS Rajeev Swaroop, DG Janga Srinivas, DG UR Sahoo, Sandeep Verma, Sreya Guha, Dinesh MN, Rahul Kotoki, Amrit Kalash, Sachin Mittal, Kunwar Rashtradeep, Sunil Dutt,

Samit Sharma, BL Soni, Sudhir Choudhary, Prashakha Mathur, Vikas Kumar, and others attended the event.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO and Editorin-Chief Bharat24Vision of New India and First India, and CMD First India News, also participated and extended best wishes to DGP Umesh Mishra.

Dr Raghu Sharma launches the ‘Signature Campaign’ to press his demand to declare Kekri as a district at Kekri Municipality on Friday. Also seen here is Sagar Sharma and others.

—Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Food & Civil Supplies Minister

Pratap S Khachariyawas inaugurates various development works under the ‘Jansevak Aapke Dwar’ campaign in Ward No. 31 in Civil Lines area of Jaipur on Friday.

Bipin Kumar Singh Shandilya

Mishra & ADG Dinesh MN.

Burgundy provides a classic, opulentlooking alternative to brights and pastels throughout the spring and summer. Let’s dive into the world of Burgundy fashion with City First!

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The word “Burgundy” is derived from the wine of the same name, which has a deep shade of red. Devil Red is another name for burgundy. Elegant, classic, and refined describe this colour. Moreover, the hue is frequently used to denote wealth and authority. When it comes to colour combinations, colours like grey and burgundy go well brilliantly. Burgundy also gives lighter hues like teal, gold, and yellow an intriguing Your burgundy dress is appropriate for both a formal occasion and a party hour. With the correct accessories, you can dress it up for just about any event. There is no right or wrong way to do it. But there are some amazing combinations you can try with your burgundy outfits. It’s colour adaptability is unquestionably one of the reasons it is so well-liked and has long been in fashion. You don’t need to choose any brightly coloured shoes to complete your look because burgundy is a strong, dramatic hue on its own. Instead, look through your closet for any wedges, sandals, or high heels with a neutral or gold tone. They are a nice way to accessories your garment without going overboard. Bring your belongings in a compact, opaque bag. Avoid carrying a bulky purse or handbag around all day by keeping your wallet, phone, and other essentials in a stylish clutch. Black clutches add a sophisticated touch without overpowering the rest of your Burgundy and soft pink work well together to create a romantic image. This tint pairs beautifully with colours like blue or almond for everyday attire. The outcome? An elegant and classy appearance.

YOUR DAY

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

Something you have implemented at work is likely to profit the company and get you noticed. You are likely to celebrate the achievement of a family youngster in a grand way. Shifting into your very own house may soon become a reality. Luck will be in your favour.

Gemini

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Driving down with lover to a happening place is indicated today. A vacation you only dreamed about is likely to become a reality soon . Healthy eating will help prevent digestive ailments. Money will be no constraint in buying what you like. You will feel happy today.

Leo

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Wrong decisions may prove heavy on your finances. A family youngster may become a pillar of strength for you. Chance of going on a vacation with family is indicated and will be lots of fun. Your balanced approach will help resolve a property matter amicably.

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

You are likely to find the day most auspicious. Your knowledge about your line of work will be roundly appreciated and get you the thumbs up from higher ups. Friends may get together to give you a surprise Business travel may leave time for romance.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

Your stars favour a bright beautiful day . A setback you have recently experienced can make you come out stronger. Tax advisor will be a big help in saving taxes, so don’t hesitate to contact one.It is difficult for the relationship of friends turned lovers to fall apart, so relax.

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

Keep on doing whatever you are doing to remain healthy. Some of you will have to curb your splurging ways. Family life will cruise along smoothly with much love and bonhomie. Chance of moving to a new location on transfer is likely for some.

TITANIC, STILL A MYSTRY!

NANDINI RAMOLA DAS, Influencer

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

Try what you may, making your mark in a totally different field will be difficult. Some of you will fight an infection successfully. Helpful nature of a relative is likely to ease your job. Some of you may undertake an overseas journey. Good returns are foreseen from a rented property.

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Good earning opportunities come to you. Help from co-workers in a time consuming task will be forthcoming on the work front. Support of family will encourage you to take up a challenge. Socially, your presence will be much looked forward to.

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

Money coming from various streams will keep you in an elated state of mind. A new fitness regime that you have adopted promises to keep you in the pink of health. Getting an old furniture upholstered may be at the top of the mind of some homemakers.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will derive great benefit from an exercise routine that you keenly follow. Extra workload is foreseen at work, but nothing that you cannot handle within office hours. Taking the family on a trip seems impossible today due to your professional commitments.

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

Previous investments are likely to give you good returns. Some of you may decide to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and visit the very same exotic destination that they had been to.No amount of excuses will dispel lover’s suspicions about your tendency to stray the path.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Visiting a mall or watching a movie with family is likely to be the highlight of the day for some. You may enjoy travelling to a tourist destination recommended by your friends. Reignite the flickering romance in your life by spending more time together.

Atimeless story of love and loss, 'The great Titanic' has kept many mysteries saved in its rudder. The legendary Titanic was the pride and joy of the White Star Line and at the time, the largest moving object ever built, the giant deck was considered unsinkable. But the greatest question was not that 'how could the Titanic have sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic just four days into its maiden voyage but there are thirteen mysteries, which are still unsolved.

Was it really Titanic?

The iconic story revolves around a seventeen-year-old aristocrat who falls in love with a kind but poor artist at the luxurious Deck which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15 1912 after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City, United States.

From 2, 224 passengers and staff crew 1, 500 people died in the tragedy. But the question arises that the ship that sank was the Titanic. Because many sources claim that the ship was actually identical R.M.S. Olympic. As the story goes, the Olympics had been damaged in an accident the

year before, but to score a bigger insurance payoff, the ships’ common owners passed off the Olympics as the Titanic and then deliberately sank it. Apart from this, there are many holes in this Titanic theory, serial numbers found on parts of the ship that didn’t sink support it. Did a fire seal the ship’s fate? Another interesting fact about the mysterious ship is that a recent documentary offers credible evidence that the Titanic had been damaged by a coal fire, which had been raging for three weeks before the ship even set sail. The damage would have weakened the hull of the ship, thus hastening the ship’s

speeding was to burn coal as quickly as possible to control the coal fire mentioned above. What caused the ship to break into two pieces?

Oceanographer Robert Ballard's report discovered that 'The Unsinkable Ship' broke into two pieces because of design

after hitting an iceberg on April 14, but some sources revealed that the Titanic was torpedoed by a German U-boat. It is believed that three years later in 1915, a German U-boat did sink a passenger ship, the Lusitania. However, torpedo theorists may be confusing the Titanic with the Lusitania. It’s also pos-

the dangerously icy conditions, which may have been relayed as a non-urgent matter. Later, the Californian crew reportedly ignored the Titanic’s distress signals, although they claimed they were not aware of those signals because their radio operator had gone off duty.

The third ship

The Californian may not have been the only ship that ignored the Titanic’s distress signals. A Norwegian ship, the Samson, may have been nearby as well. Some believe that Samson was closer to the Titanic than the Californian but ignored her distress signals to avoid prosecution for illegal seal-hunting.

Did J.P. Morgan plan

The Titanic took the place of the damaged Olympic blame financier J.P. Morgan, who was one of the owners of the company that owned both ships. Morgan was one of the wealthiest people on the planet at the time, and he wielded considerable power. In addition, he was a last-minute noshow on the Titanic’s sole voyage. Why did Morgan and his entire family not

“No matter what caused the Titanic to sink, such a massive loss of life could probably have been avoided if the ship had carried sufficient lifeboats for its passengers and crew,” notes History.com. So then why did the uber-luxury liner have only 20 lifeboats, the legal minimum?

City First brings to you some unsolved mysteries from Titanic that may never be solved!

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

tain was Titanic about

THE FIGHTER IS BACK

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is back on the set of her upcoming Telugu romantic film Kushi. On Women's Day, March 8, the actress resumed the shoot of the film in Hyderabad and received a huge surprise from the team. Vijay Deverakonda, director Shiva Nirvana and the team welcomed her back with a cake and also celebrated Women's Day. The team of Kushi put up a huge

banner to welcome Samantha back on sets, wish her on Women's Day, and also celebrate for completing 13 years in the film industry. The director and makers shared a few pics of Samantha from the sets and she is all smiles. In the pics, she is seen cutting the cake with Vijay Deverakonda and Kushi team beside her. Sharing the pics, director Shiva Nirvana wrote, "The Fighter @Samanthaprabhu2 is back to #Kushi sets."

DNo Hard Feeling’s Trailer

BIGGEST BEAUTY REGRET

Courteney Cox opened up about her experience with getting facial fillers and injectables, like never before.

The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. actress appeared in a recent episode of the Gloss Angeles podcast for a conversation on =her history with getting beauty fillers.

Courteney admitted that getting too many beauty fillers at a young age is her biggest beauty regret. Read on to know more. In a clip shared on the podcast’s Instagram page, Courteney can be seen telling Johnson and Christensen that thinking that she was getting older when she was actually younger was a ‘bummer’. She called the process a ‘domino effect’, explaining that since one does not realize that

Jennifer Lawrence starrer No Hard Feelings’ trailer is now out. Apart from starring in the edgy comedy, the actress has also produced the movie directed by Gene Stupnitsky, who had also directed Good Boys and co-written Bad Teacher. In the film, Lawrence will be seen playing the role of Maddie, who is so des-

perate to save her childhood home that she agrees to date a shy 19-year-old boy. This is after Maddie discovers a unique job listing wherein two rich helicopter parents (played by Laura Benanti, Matthew Broderick) are on the lookout for someone who will date their introverted son Percy (played by Andrew Feldman) before he

leaves for college. In exchange, Maddie gets to keep a car so that she can keep her Uber employment going, and she will be able to save her childhood home after her mother’s death.

Ranbir Kapoor is currently enjoying rave reviews for his recently released film, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. In an interview, Ranbir revealed if Alia was better as a mommy or his wife. The actor said that she was amazing in both but he said that she was a better mother. He also revealed that he has become a burping specialist for Raha. He

PURPOSE OF THE FILM

ani Mukerji is one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Bollywood. Rani Mukerji and producer Nikkhil Advani talked to Karan Johar about Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, and during the conversation, Rani said that she has taken

inspiration from her mother Krishna Mukherjee, and put that into her role of Mrs Chatterjee. “I saw it as someone so connected to her roots,” she said.

Karan Johar, who has watched the movie, agreed with Rani. “I saw that,” he said.

Further, Rani talked about the purpose of the film and how it's bigger than just box office success because the aim is to create awareness

about stories like these. “The purpose of this film is bigger than a box office success because it needs to create awareness around the stories which happen day in and out for parents outside the country,” said Rani Mukerji.

has mastered the technique of making his daughter burp after feeds. Ranbir said, "A lot of people probably don’t know this, especially those who don’t have kids, that burping is a big thing when a baby is born, especially in the first few months. Every time the baby feeds, you have to burp the baby at least two times. And there is a technique to it, and I have really mastered that

Deepika Padukone

Courteney Cox

Rani Mukerji

Alia Bhatt

Jennifer Lawrence

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN STYLE

CITY FIRST

The ‘Glamour gala’, event was organised by Zari to celebrate the women of Jaipur on International Women’s Day on Friday at Zari, Jaipur. During the event, an insightful session by Dr Aditi Govtrikar on ‘Body Language & Poise to be carried in different attires’ was also organised.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the guest of honour along with Rajiv Arora, Chairman, Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Ltd. and Roli Agarwal, Principal Commissioner, Income Tax. Shashi Palawat and Shashi Kedia were also present during the event.

Dr Aditi Govitrikar, former Mrs World spoke about various techniques that could help women improve their personality and posture to carry themselves in a better way in their day-today lives.

Preet Palawat, CEO Zari said that Zari has always embraced Womenhood and empowered craftswomen and nothing better than celebrating our special day with some fun learning together.

Brinda Palawat, CEO Zari, said that such sessions make us feel more confident and connect with our inner style which will enhance our overall personality and persona. The event was curated by Megha Gupta, founder FBS.

BY SANTOSH SHARMA

GREETINGS!

WEDDING BELLS!

The grand wedding ceremony of Pooja, daughter of Santosh Devi and Ghashyam Saini with Mahesh, son of Kailashi Devi and Heeralal Saini took place on Thursday, March 9 at Radhe Rani Marriage Garden, Jaipur. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

PHAGOTSAV!

DURING THE DAY!

Jagdeesh Chandra celebrated the auspicious festival of Holi with the team of Bharat 24-Vision of New India on Friday in Delhi.

BIRTHDAY BASH!

Xavier Vocational Institute (XIV) in collaboration with ISREAC/ Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Cell and Gender Study & Women Cell, SXCJ organised International Women’s Day #EmbraceEquity on Friday in the college auditorium.

The auspicious Phagotsav was organised by Mahesh Joshi, PHED, Cabinet Minister Govt. of Rajasthan, social worker Sanjay Badaya and Harinarayan Badaya at the Satsang Bhavan of Govind Dev Ji Temple. Dr BD Kalla, Education Minister, MLA Ganga Devi and various other dignitaries graced the event with their presence. Devotees of Govind played Holi with flowers and gulal on the well-known fag bhajans of famous bhajan saint Chitra-Vichitra Maharaj.

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

‘Pick A Book Jaipur’ celebrated Holi at the Veda along with an enriching and enlightening session by Nirmala Sewani, a spiritual guru who spoke about the occult sciences, Vastu, voice vibration and aura reading. She kept the visitors glued to the session with her vast subject knowledge and humour. During the show, Phoolon ki Holi was also celebrated with Akshaya Goyal (City President), Anshu Harsh (Regional Operations Head), and Ritu Sharma, the new LT under the chairmanship.

Sheena Parashar, supermodel celebrated her birthday with much fervour and enthusiasm at Calista Farm, Jaipur on Thursday, March 9. 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 and Akanksha Bhalla reached to greet the beauty.

India’s leading automobile company Tata Motors, following the stupendous response at Auto Expo 2023, launched its new league of #DARK products on Friday. Building on its successful range of SUVs, the new line-up includes the new and updated versions of India’s No. 1 SUVNexon, the company’s premium SUV-Harrier and the company’s flagship SUV-Safari.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Santosh Sharma of First India Family, as he reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of his birthday on Friday, March 10.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Veena Nawlakha, Shikha Mehra, Vidhi Sacheti, Jyoti Golecha, Preet Palawat, Ankit Palawat, Saloni Pabuwal, Khushboo Mehta and Namrata Bardiya

Ankit Palawat, Shashi Palawat, Garima Bardiya, Brinda Palawat, Aditi, Preet Palawat, Mahima Bardiya and Arun Palawat Aditi Govtrikar

Jagdeesh Chandra with Shalini and Parul Beel

Jagdeesh Chandra with Richa Jalan, Anugya Maharwal, Shalini Shilpa Modi, Sneha Soni, Sonal Khandelwal, Harshika Haldiya, Megha Akar, Shivangi Derewala, Megha Gupta, Shweta Tatiwala and Arun Palawat Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience. Also seen are Preet Palawat, Aditi and Arun Palawat

Shashi Palawat, Preet Palawat, Rajiv Arora, Brinda Palawat and Arun Palawat

Brindra Palawat, Roli Agarwal and Rajiv Arora

Jagdeesh Chandra with Ravi, Rakesh, Ghanshyam, Satosh, Lalchand Saini, Lokesh, Kushal, Rahul and Raju

Newlyweds Pooja and Mahesh

Priya, Shreya, Soni, Sheena, Shweta, Monika, Deepali, Deepti, Khushi, Kalpana and Divya

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sheena Parashar Gaurav Gaur, Sheena Parashar and Akanksha Bhalla

BD Kalla, Shiv Kumari, Naina Badaya and Sanjay Badaya Kavya Joshi, Mahesh Joshi and Divya Joshi Koshal Joshi Maharaj Chitra Vichitra

Dr Nirmala Sewani in conversation with Ankita Somani Narendra Singh, Nirmala Sewani and Mohan Singh Tada Sudhir Mathur, Dr Nirmala Sewani, Kamla Poddar and Ankita Somani

Deepak Sharma, Nayan Goel, Ravindra Jain, Nitin Mandelia and Susheel Bajpai

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO