First India-Jaipur Edition-12th April 2023

JAGDISH TYTLER SUMMONED BY CBI IN 1984 SIKH RIOTS CASE

New Delhi: The CBI on Tuesday summoned Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for recording his voice sample in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in the city’s Pul Bangash area, officials said, adding, agency has found fresh evidence.

READ Crucial

RAHUL VISITS WAYANAD WITH PRIYANKA AFTER DISQUALIFICATION

IMF CUTS INDIA’S FY ’23-24 GROWTH FORECAST TO 5.9%

New Delhi: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday lowered India’s economic growth projection for current financial year to 5.9% from its earlier estimate of 6.1%. As per IMF’s World Economic Outlook, Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.8% in financial year ended March 2023.

‘BJP WILL WIN OVER 300 LS SEATS’

THEY WANT TO KILL ME: ATIQ ON BEING TAKEN TO UP JAIL AGAIN

New Delhi: Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed has once again claimed threat to his life as he is being taken from Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati jail to Prayagraj by a team of UP Police personnel. Meanwhile, his convoy halted at Bharatpur due to some tech glitch in car. P3,6

KARNATAKA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

EK BAAR PHIR MODI SARKAR, CLAIMS ‘CONFIDENT’ SHAH

We will win 12 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in northeastern state, says HM

Shah will visit Bharatpur on April 15 to make poll strategy for Rajasthan

Kalpetta: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that BJP can take away his position as a member of Parl, but it can’t stop him from representing the people of Wayanad.

Accompanied by his sister Priyanka, Rahul made 1st visit to his constituency since he was disqualified as Lok Sabha MP last month. P5,7

LAND-FOR-JOBS CASE: ED GRILLS BIHAR DY CM

TEJASHWI FOR 8 HOURS

New Delhi: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and was questioned for over eight hours in connection with the money laundering case linked to alleged Railways’ land-for-jobs scam.

DAY AFTER SKYMET’S

WARNING, IMD PREDICTS

NORMAL SW MONSOON

New Delhi: In a relief for the agriculture sector, India is expected to get normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season despite the evolving El Nino conditions, the India meteorological department said on Tuesday. This comes just a day after Skymet Weather, predicted “below-normal” monsoon rains in the country.

Moni Sharma

Dibrugarh: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that the BJP will win more than 300 Lok Sabha seats across the country in next year’s general elections and return to power for the third consecutive term with PM Narendra Modi at the helm.

Addressing a rally in Dibrugarh, where he laid the foundation stone for a BJP office, Amit Shah exuded confidence that the party will win 12 out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the northeastern state. Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, he said, “Northeast was once considered a fortress of Congress but despite Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, party failed to perform well in the recent assembly elections in three states in the region.” “The more they badmouth Modi, more BJP will grow,” he said on “kabr kudegi” remark. P5

Delhi-Srinagar NH to boost tourism ‘four fold’: Gadkari

New Delhi (FIB): The Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar highway will contribute to a four-fold rise in the footfall of tourists in Kashmir, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. Gadkari, who inspected the Banihal-Qazigund tunnel and other projects in the union territory, said

that upon their completion the travel time between from Delhi to Srinagar will be just 8 hours. During the day, Sitaram Pasi-Marog Tunnel (NT-1) on Ramban-Banihal road in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir was also inaugurated by Gadkari.

Rahul insulted India from foreign soil. If he continues defaming country and the govt by peddling lies, Cong will be white-washed from the entire country after being shown the door in the Northeast. —Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

PM MODI WILL ATTEND A MEGA DANCE EVENT IN GUWAHATI ON APRIL 14: SHAH

“E arlier, Assam was known for ‘andolan’ (agitation) and ‘aatankwad’ (terrorism) but now there is peace and people are dancing to the beats of Bihu music,” Amit Shah said, while referring to a mega event which will be held in Guwahati on April 14 in which over 11,000 dancers will perform in the presence of PM Narendra Modi.

Modi to virtually flag-off Raj’s first Vande Bharat train today

First India Bureau New Delhi/Jaipur: PM Narendra Modi will flag off Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express, via VC, on Wednesday. The programme will take place on platform number one of Jaipur Junction. The inaugural Vande Bharat Express in Rajasthan will ply between Jaipur and Delhi Cantt. railway stations. The regular service of train will start from April 13. It will operate between Ajmer and Delhi Cantt, with stops at Jaipur, Alwar and Gurgaon. More on P2

COOK TO OPEN APPLE’S INDIA STORES, SEEKS MEET WITH PM MODI: SOURCES

A pple Inc CEO Tim Cook has scheduled a trip to open iPhone maker’s 1st stores in India next week, underscoring company’s ambitions for country as a growth market and manufacturing base. Apple said it’ll open a store in Mumbai on April 18 and in Delhi on April 20. In between inaugurals, Apple has sought meeting for Cook with PM Narendra Modi, said source.

MAJOR DECISIONS AWAITED!

MEETINGS OF GEHLOT CABINET AND COUNCIL OF MINS TO BE HELD

TODAY

Post meeting, CM

JP Nadda plans big to make BJP battle ready

 52 fresh candidates including 189 names in BJP’s 1st list for K’taka, Bommai to field from Shiggaon, BSY’s son from Shikarpura

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The ruling BJP on Tuesday evening announced its first list of 189 candidates for the Karnataka assembly polls.

Before the announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached BJP national president JP Nadda’s Delhi residence to discuss the same. Bommai will contest from Shiggaon constituency, his current seat. BY Vijayendra, the son of former Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, will contest from Shikaripura seat, the same constituency where his father had won seven times since 1983.

‘A second list will come soon’, CM Basavaraj Bommai said. P5

Mumbai cops detain Rajasthan teen boy

First India Bureau Mumbai: A day after the Mumbai Police control room received a call threatening to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan, the cops have nabbed the caller.

The caller identified himself as Roki Bhai from Jodhpur.

The cops have detained a 16-year-old Rajasthan boy from Thane district. They caught the caller after receiving technical help, through which

EASHWARAPPA RETIRES, WRITES TO PREZ NADDA

S enior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa announced his retirement from active electoral politics on Tuesday. In a letter to party president JP Nadda, Eshwarappa has opted out of the Karnataka Assembly election. “I wish to voluntarily retire from electoral politics. Hence, it is my request not to consider my name for any constituency for the Assembly elections this time,” he wrote.

No bar to RSS march, SC junks TN govt’s plea

The caller who made the threat call is a minor. There is no seriousness in this call. Further investigation is underway.

—Mumbai Police

they tracked the call to a number based in Shahapur in Thane dist.

As Pilot sits on fast, Gehlot releases video

First India Bureau

First India Bureau New Delhi: The SC on Tuesday rejected the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the Madras High Court order allowing route marches by RSS in State. The Madras HC had on February 10 allowed route marches despite the state refusing permission citing threat of attack on the marches from the banned Muslim organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).

...of vision 2030 to make Rajasthan top state by 2030

Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: The meeting of Gehlot cabinet will be held on Tuesday at 11.30 am in CMR. Along with this, there will be a meeting of the Council of Ministers from 12.15

Ashok Gehlot will conduct a press conference in CMR at 1 pm today Chief

pm onwards, in which, mainly the program of relief camps starting from April 24 and the entire format will be approved. Also, the role and responsibility of the ministers can be fixed in this. Along with this, decisions are possible regarding other policy points and it is possible to discuss in the meeting about convening the assembly session for a few days and the possible bills to

be tabled in it. In Tuesday’s meeting of the Gehlot cabinet, the program of inflation relief camps to be held from April 24 to June 30 will be approved. The state government will organize camps from urban wards to villages. In the state, from April 24 to June 30, inflation relief camps will be organized along with the ‘PSKS/PGKS’ campaign. Turn to P7

New Delhi: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday sat here on a fast, piling pressure on his own party by targeting the Ashok Gehlot govt in Rajasthan for ‘inaction’ in alleged cases of corruption when the BJP ran the state. As Pilot began his daylong fast, CM Ashok Gehlot released a video portraying his vision to take the state to the top by 2030.

Despite a warning issued to him by the Congress, Pilot, a former

This struggle against corruption will continue.

—Sachin Pilot, Congress leader

deputy CM of Rajasthan, began his daylong fast at the Shaheed Smarak here on Tuesday, demanding action in cases of alleged cor-

ruption related to the previous BJP government in the state led by Vasundhara Raje. He sat alone on the dais for over 5 hours. P3

Sachin Pilot sits on a hunger strike at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah being felicitated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Bhabesh Kalita and other supporters during a public meeting, at Mancotta Sports Ground, in Dibrugarh on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

KS Eshwarappa

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and State Congress in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will hold meeting with Sachin Pilot in Delhi today

SALMAN KHAN DEATH THREAT

Nitin Gadkari, Dr Jitendra Singh, VK Singh & Manoj Sinha inaugurate Sitaram Pasi-Marog Tunnel on Ramban-Banihal road, on Tuesday.

Congress will not succeed in misleading people: Rathore

CP Joshi, Rajendra Rathore, Arun Chaturvedi, Raghav Sharma and other office bearers will take out candle march against Jaipur bomb blast case today

Aishwary Prdhan and Sanjay Prajapat

Churu: Terming populist schemes of the Ashok Gehlot government as an attempt to garner votes by spending public money, Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore on Tuesday said that the Congress will not succeed in misleading the people.

“Congress wants to make votes by distributing freebies by spending the public money but this is a misunderstanding of the party. Congress will not be able to make people fool,” he said.

He said that there has been open corruption during the tenure of the Congress government and the BJP is determined to end the misrule of the Congress.

Rathore, while speak-

AAP to take out Tiranga yatra in Rajasthan today: Mishra

ing at the Jan Aakrosh rally of BJP in Churu, also attacked Congress leader Sachin Pilot who observed a day-long fast today at Shaheed Smarak demanding action against the corruption of the former BJP govt. Rathore called Pilot the villain of tug of war.

“We are addressing Jan Aakrosh meeting here while on the other hand, the villain of tug of war is sitting on a dharna at the martyr’s memorial in Jaipur,” he said. Rathore said that Pilot was the deputy CM in the government for 19 months but he did

PM Modi likely to visit Pokhran on May 25th

First India Bureau

Jaisalmer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Jaisalmer’s Pokhran, where nuclear tests were conducted, on May 25 or 26. The visit is being planned in view of the 25th anniversary of nuclear tests.

Shah to meet party workers in Bharatpur on April 15

First India Bureau

CHANDRASHEKHAR DISCUSSED ELECTION

STRATEGY & PREPS TO WELCOME SHAH

not utter a single word.

“He should have spoken against the corruption of the Congress govt,” he said.

BJP State President CP Joshi said that the party has given him the responsibility and he will fulfill it with a true heart.

Divya Maderna’s car attacked with stones, sticks in Jodhpur

First India Bureau

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Aam Aadmi

Party is hopeful of a good show in the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan.

The party’s state election in-charge Vinay Mishra said that the party’s new politics will be visible in the state and the public will be supporting the party.

On alliance with Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal’s RLP, Mishra said that the decision about the alliance is taken by the party high command.

Meanwhile, the party will take out Tiranga yatra at the divisional headquarters level in the state today.

In Jaipur, Tiranga yatra will be taken out from Chhoti Chaupar to Chandpole in Jaipur. It will be led by Jaipur District President Kamal Bhargava.

Jodhpur: Supporters of Osian (Jodhpur) MLA Divya Maderna and former Pali MP Badri Ram Jakhar clashed with each other during the cooperative society elections being conducted in Jodhpur’s rural area. The matter escalated, people pelted stones at Maderna’s car and broke the glass with sticks.

Supporters of Jakhar alleged that Maderna was not allowing Speaker candidate Manish Khadav to meet his

family because of which the two groups began to fight. However, the president was also elected from the Maderna group.

20-pt programme dist committees constituted

First India Bureau

Jaipur: District-level committees of 20-point programmes have been constituted for 19 districts in Rajasthan.

The committees were formed for Ajmer, Alwar, Tonk, Ganganagar, Sikar, Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Nagaur, Karauli, Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh, Dungarpur, Churu, Chittorgarh, Bundi, Bikaner, Banswara, and Alwar district. The committees will be headed

by the minister incharge. The committees will hold at least one meeting every month to hold discussions on goals and achievements.

Joint secretary Sushil Kulhari issued orders after high-level approval.

Maderna’s supporters alleged that the PA of Jakhar broke the glass of the MLA’s car after which her supporters became furious.

Nuclear tests were conducted on 11th and 13th May 1998 in the presence of the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Earlier, Narendra Modi had come to Pokaran in 2013. BJP is doing preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit.

Bharatpur: With elections round the corner in Rajasthan, the Bharatiya Janata Party is in action now.

After the reshuffle in the organization, now top BJP leaders will come to Rajasthan to strengthen the grassroots workers. Union

FELICITATING ARTISTS!

BJP organization General Secretary Chandrashekhar discussed election-related issues and preparations to welcome Amit Shah were discussed. In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP suffered a crushing defeat in Bharatpur with 19 assembly seats. BJP won only one seat. The BJP high command has given Amit Shah the responsibility of strengthening the Bharatpur division.

Home Minister Amit Shah will reach Bharatpur on April 15 and hold a meeting with the office bearers and key workers of Bharatpur division.

BJP organization General Secretary Chandrashekhar held a meeting of BJP workers in Bharatpur on Tuesday.

Governor Kalraj Mishra felicitated artists from different parts of the country and art professors and students of Baroda University at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. Padma Shri Rajendra Tiku from Jammu and Kashmir, Veer Manushree, Himmat Shah from Gujarat, GR Irana from Karnataka and Arun Kumar, Jagannath Panda from Odisha, Manjunath Kamath from Mangaluru, Pooja Irana from New Delhi were felicitated.

3 state officials to ramp up vigil to curb sand mining from Chambal

Gwalior(PTI): Government officials of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Monday met in Morena district and decided to step up vigil to check illegal mining of sand from the Chambal river that traverses through the three states, an official said. At the meeting, MP’s Mineral Department Principal Secretary Nikunj Srivastava said “checkpoints are very important to stop illegal sand mining from the Chambal sanctuary (lo-

REDUCING TRAVEL TIME

—Image for representational purpose only

cated along the river)”.

Morena Collector Ankit Asthana informed that 17 temporary police checkpoints and four

Vande Bharat to flag off from Jaipur today

Kashiram Choudhary

lll

The train will run only six days a week. The train will have a total of 16 coaches, including 12 AC Chaircar, 2 AC Executive Chaircar, and 2 Driving Cars

Jaipur: The Vande Bharat train will be inaugurated today at 11 am from Jaipur Junction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually show the green flag from New Delhi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, GM Vijay Sharma of NorthWest Railway, and other public representatives will travel in the train. Common people will be able to travel by

Captain Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway said, “From April 13, train

JDA razes encroachment worth `30 cr from govt land

Abhishek Shrivastava

20977 Ajmer-Delhi Cantt Vande Bharat Superfast Express will leave Ajmer at 6:20 am and reach Delhi Cantt at 11:35 am. It will stop at Jaipur, Alwar and Gurugram. The train will stop for five minutes in Jaipur and two minutes each in Ajmer and Gurgaon. The train will start from Ajmer and reach Jaipur at 7.50 am and reach Alwar at 9.35. It will reach Gurgaon (Gurugram) at 11.15 and Delhi Cantt at 11.35.”

special roadblocks have been set up in the district to curb illegal sand mining from the river and its transportation.

Jaipur: The enforcement wing of Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Tuesday razed encroachments from government land at three places in Jaipur. “The government land is valued at a market price of Rs 30 crores. The encroacher had taken possession of the land earmarked for the JDA scheme ‘Kalpana Nagar’ in village Harghyanpura.

On Tuesday, the JDA

action took action at five places, of which, two were related to illegal construction and three were connected to encroachment,” said Chief Controller of Enforcement Raghuveer Saini.

ACB traps deputy chief engineer of Giral lignite plant in Barmer

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Anti-corruption bureau team on Tuesday caught the deputy chief engineer of Giral lignite power plant in Barmer while accepting a bribe of rupees 35 thousand. Durgsingh Rajpurohit, additional SP at ACB confirmed the report. The accused was identified as Ashok Parekh.

According to the information the bribe was demanded from a pri-

Accused Ashok Parekh

vate firm that was providing human resource for the plant. It is said that the firm had deployed around six people at the plant. Since past one year

plant management is not making the payment. It is alleged that deputy chief engineer Ashok Parekh was demanding a bribe of rupees six thousand thousand per person from the firm. After this firm approached the ACB.

After verification of the complaint on Tuesday late evening ACB team raided Ashok Parekh’s residence in Barmer and caught him while accepting a bribe of Rs 35 thousand, officials said.

Chandrashekhar with Mukesh Dhadich, Manoj Rajoria, Ranjeeta Koli, Bhajan Lal Sharma discussing election-related issues and preparations to welcome Amit Shah in Bharatpur on Tuesday.

Thousands gathered in protest against the misrule, corruption and anti-people policies of the Congress govt in Churu. (Inset) CP Joshi and Rajendra Rathore at the Jan Aakrosh rally in Churu on Tuesday.

Police thrashing the supporters of Badri Ram Jakhar for pelting stones at Divya Maderna’s car in Bhopalgarh of Jodhpur on Tuesday.

Vinay Mishra

PROTEST AGAINST CORRUPTION

Despite Cong’s warning, Pilot observes five-hour long fast

AICC Raj In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will reach Jaipur today

Aditi Nagar, Yogesh

Sharma & Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Asserting that the Congress has been fighting against the issue of corruption, party leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday demanded investigation from his own government in cases of alleged corruption related to the previous BJP government in the state. Pilot made these remarks as he ended his day-long fast on Tuesday around 4 pm at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur, calling for action by the incumbent Ashok Gehlot government against alleged corruption during the previous BJP rule under former CM Vasundhara Raje. Talking to the media persons, Pilot said, “I am protesting against the corruption that took place under the Vasundhara Raje government. I have been raising this issue for quite a long. This is the same issue, which Rahul Gandhi voiced

both inside and outside Parliament. This is the same issue for which Congress and other Opposition parties came together”. The Congress MLA said that the Congress party has ‘zero tolerance’ on issue of Corruption. “I wrote to CM Gehlot more than a year back. I told him that we had together highlighted corruption under BJP tenure, now when only 6-7 months are remaining for polls, we should probe allegations,” Pilot said.

Vinay Mishra@vinaymishra_aap

The most corrupt and useless government is the Congress government of Rajasthan. So corrupt that a very educated young leader of this very government, SachinPilot ji is observing fast against corruption today. One needs to think how his own government compelled him to observe Anshan. Now, Rajasthan needs an alternative.

Raj cops to pay double fine, face dept probe for flouting traffic rules

Jaipur (PTI): Now policemen not following traffic rules in Rajasthan will have to pay double fine and departmental action will be taken against them in a strict move to curb such violations, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The directions in this regard were issued by Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) VK Singh on the instruction of Director General of Police Umesh Mishra.

Singh said those police officials who do not wear helmets and sit with more than two passengers on a two-

Pilot observes fast, BJP says ‘last nail in Gehlot govt coffin’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Senior Congress leader & former Dy CM, Sachin Pilot, sat on a daylong fast at Shaheed Samarak in Jaipur on Tuesday, calling for action by the incumbent Ashok Gehlot govt against alleged corruption during the previous BJP rule under former CM Vasundhara Raje. Before launching his fast on Tuesday, Pilot, a former Union minister, paid floral tributes to social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

Woman commits suicide along with son in Jhalawar

Arif Mansoori

Speaking on the ongoing daylong fast by Pilot, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore said “Sachin Pilot has thrown an open challenge to his party high command. His daylong fast will be the last nail in the coffin of Congress govt. Congress has lost its hold across country.”

“The boycott of the CLP meeting on September 25 by the Gehlot faction had jolted the high command. And now, they are facing a renewed challenge in the form of this daylong fast by Pilot,” he added.

Pilot’s allegations are fabricated: Rajyavardhan

Dimple Sharma

Jaipur: The Opposition BJP on Tuesday slammed Congress leader Sachin Pilot who sat on a fast accusing his own government in Rajasthan of “inaction” over corruption during the BJP’s term and claimed the allegations were “fabricated”.

“Pilot is demanding action on fabricated allegations. He should have demanded a CBI inquiry into the paper leak case in the state,” BJP national spokesperson Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told reporters at a press conference. He said that such “imaginary” issues cannot confuse the people of Rajasthan.

PILOT SHOULD LEAVE

CONGRESS & JOIN RLP:

HANUMAN BENIWAL

Jaipur: RLP leader & Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal commented on hunger strike of former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and said that he should have understood the situation timely, “Sachin Pilot should have acted on time and left Congress. He should even announce his exit from the Congress party. Sachin Pilot repeatedly talks about being a congressman and remaining a congressman, but who is asking Sachin Pilot in Congress? I do not think that Congress will expel Pilot, rather Pilot should launch a campaign to drive away Congress & BJP from Raj. If we come together, the picture will be set in state. ”

Jaipur: CBI arrests MES Jr Engineer for taking bribe of `10k

First India Bureau

‘Why didn’t Pilot challenge HC’s decision in SC?’

Raj HC had rejected Congress leader RS Kaswan’s PIL in the alleged scam

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot is accusing the Ashok Gehlot government of not taking action in the scams of the previous Vasundhara Raje government, but advocate AK Jain has made an interesting disclosure.

He said that the Rajasthan High Court had given a clean chit to the then CM Vasundhara Raje on the alleged Mining Scam of Rs 45,000 crore in 2015. He said that the High Court had rejected a petition filed by Congress leader Ram

PILOT MUST PRESENT FACTS IN RAJE CASE, IT IS ABSOLUTELY WRONG TO FAST: BISHNOI

Jaipur: Reacting to Pilot’s fast, Minister Sukhram Bishnoi said that investigation has been completed in the matter on which the Pilot was fasting. “If he feels that something is lacking, he must present the facts. It is absolutely wrong to fast like this,” he said.

‘PILOT RAISING VOICE AGAINST PREVIOUS BJP GOVT NOT AGAINST CURRENT REGIME’

Raipur (ANI): Chhattisgarh Cong leader TS Singh

Deo has come out in support of Pilot who on Tuesday began a day-long fast stating “I think Sachin Pilot is aware that during polls, he would be answerable for corruption in Vasundhara Raje’s govt & that charges would be probed. Thus, Pilot is revolting against Gehlot govt and is raising his voice so that an inquiry is launched against Raje.”

POSTERS OF CONGRESS PARTY MISSING FROM SACHIN PILOT’S FASTING SITE

Jaipur: Posters at the site where Sachin Pilot observed fast did not have the symbol of Congress nor any picture of the party’s leader. Instead, there was a huge picture of Mahatma Gandhi on the poster. There were two small pictures of Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotibaphule to pay tributes to, while there was a huge poster with Vasundhara Sarkar written on it.

Man posing as police officer held by Jaipur cops

Satyanarayan Sharma

Advocate AK Jain

Singh Kaswan in connection with the alleged scam. Pilot was the PCC chief during that period of time. Now the question is being raised why did not Pilot raise this issue and why did not he appeal against the decision of the High Court in the Supreme Court.

PILOT DARE NOT TO CHALLENGE THE BJP LEADERSHIP: SARAF

Jaipur: BJP MLA and former minister Kali Charan Saraf attacked Congress leader Sachin Pilot over his hunger strike and said that Sachin Pilot should either apologise or prove that the money of alleged illegal mining in the previous BJP government has reached the top leadership of BJP. “Sachin Pilot, who slept for four and a half years, has dared to challenged the honest BJP top leadership. Whether it is the Mathur Commission or the Supreme Court in the carpet case, everyone has given a clean chit to the Vasundhara government. Then what is the protest for,” said Kali Charan Saraf.

Police van carrying Atiq, resumes journey after facing technical glitch

wheeler, not wear seat belts while driving a four-wheeler, jump red light, drink and drive and violate other traffic rules as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act will have to pay double the normal fine.

He further added that the departmental action will also be initiated against such policemen.

Jhalawar: A 24-yearold woman allegedly committed suicide along with her threeyear-old son in Raipur tehsil of Jhalawar district by jumping into a well. Cops informed the deceased has been identified as Rekha Bai & her son Kartik. “The woman’s father had filed a plaint stating Rekha Bai’s husband Ramvilas Dangi used to beat & harass her daughter which forced her to end her life. The bodies were fished out of the well and taken to Raipur hospital. An FIR has been filed & matter is being probed,”the police added.

Jaipur: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Junior Engineer (E&M)-1 working in the office of Garrison Engineer, Military Engineer Services (MES) Jaipur while taking a bribe of Rs 10,000. A case was registered against Junior Engineer-1 and Manager (HR) of a private company based in Noida (UP).

There was also an allegation of demanding salary for continuing his services on contract basis. The complainant (a contract employee)

of a Noida based private company was working as Electrician Helper in Military Engineering Services (MES), Jaipur.

The Junior Engineer (E&M)-1, Military Engineering Services (MES), in conspiracy with the Manager (Human Resource) demanded Rs 26,000. He was to get Rs 16,000 in the first instalment.

Searches were conducted at five places, including Jaipur, Sriganganagar, Ghaziabad and Noida and documents and Rs 3,00,000 was recovered.

The accused will be produced in the court.

PANDEMIC STRIKES AGAIN

Jaipur: A fake police officer has been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly threatening people and extorting money from them. DCP (North) Rashi Dogra Dudi informed that a team was formed after complaints of fake police official taking money from people came to us. The case has been registered under Sanjay Circle Police Station. “The accused has been identified as Kaluram, a resident of Sri Ganganagar dist. The accused posed as SI and then threatened people to extort money. The accused is being probed,” added Dudi.

Police convoy carrying Atiq at the Bichiwada Police Station, Dungarpur.

First India Bureau

Dungarpur: The convoy of Uttar Pradesh police carrying gangster

said. Atiq was kept in the lock up of the police station for nearly 1 hour on Tuesday evening before the convoy left for its destination. He said that due to some mechanical problem in one vehicle, the convoy was stopped. Later, police van carrying Atiq was taken to police station where tight security arrangements were in place.

Amid Covid surge, Rajasthan ramps up testing, other facilities

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: With Covid cases rising, the State’s Health Department is on an alert. Now the focus is on increasing sampling and their genome sequencing across the state. Control rooms are being activated in the state and at the district level.

Post Covid, the concern of the people who are suffering from long

l Persistent bouts of Pneumonia

l Blurred vision

l Frequent fever

l Loss of memory

l Untimely periods

l Frequent urination

l Diarrhoea

l Palpitation

l Patients suffering from cold, fever and cough have gone up. Most of these patients when tested, their report comes negative but Xray and CT scan shows Pneumonia.

Covid side effects has started increasing again. The reason is the sudden increase in Covid-19 cases in the state.

Active Covid cases in February end were less than 10, but have increased to over 800 now. In the last four days,

about 100 to 200 cases are being reported daily. Even the death toll is rising. Doctors, however, said that the Covid

patients this time are not showing serious symptoms but are facing problems for a long time.

Administration on an ‘alert mode’ after 60% of people fall ill in a Barmer village

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: Administrative & health authorities went into an alert mode after more than 60% of population of a village in Barmer district fell ill. Situation is that almost every house has three to four patients. At many houses, the entire family is admitted in hospital ei-

ther at Barmer or in Jodhpur. On getting informed authorities swung into action and

special teams were sent to the village for the health screening. At Tirsingadi village around 90 % are suffering from dengue and malaria and other viral diseases. prima facie it looks like some infectious viral disease but medical report will reveal the actual cause, said Dr CS Gajraj, CMHO in Barmer.

Sachin Pilot observes fast while staging protest at the Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur on Tuesday. Suchitra Arya, Vidhyadhar Choudhary, SL Meena, KC Vishnoi, Samarjeet Bhati, Manish Yadav, Gopal Singh Idwa, Shobha Solanki, Mahendra Ralawata, Prashant Sehdev, Surghyan Ghoshalya, Umardaraj and others were also present on the occasion. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

l Blood clotting l Effect on heart

POLL TIME: MILKING REGIONAL SENTIMENT?

Incidentally, most milk producers come from the old Mysuru region, which is dominated by the Vokkaligas, where the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress have bastions of sorts. It is the central Karnataka, where the Lingayats are strong and dominant and it is here that the Saffron might have widespread presence and foothold

NANDINI VERSUS AMUL

Anything can become a serious issue in Indian politics and especially when a state is going to the polls, regionalism and sentiments of the locals can be whipped up to create hype and hoopla over any topic and politicise the same. And in today’s scenario, with a topping of news masala and dramatics… it can easily become a major issue... setting aside topics like development, inflation, employment index, exports etc.

If you thought Amul “very rightly” had coined its tagline which says Amul – The Taste of India, sample this… That milking the local sentiments over other brands to claim and counterclaim that local brands are being threatened is something to sit up and take note of to see how milk can be too hot to handle during the run-up to a crucial Assembly election.

On April 5, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) had announced that it was entering the Karnataka market and this sparked a row ASAP in the southern state. Many politicians and people of Bengaluru slammed this attempt and backed “their” Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) brand Nandini. ‘Save Nandini’ and ‘Go Back Amul’ began to trend on social media and the milk war spilled into both the business and political arenas.

CONGRESS GOES

HAMMER AND TONGS

The Congress accused the BJP of “killing” Karnataka’s dairy brand. With the state heading for Assembly elections on May 10, the entry of Amul into Karnataka may create political ripples on the polls, political pundits feel.

Congress leaders like former CM Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and JD(S) HD Kumar-

The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels’ Association (BBHA) is an umbrella which represents about 24,000 small and big hotels in the city and is standing strongly behind Nandini. These hotels consume around 4 lakh litres of milk and 50,000 litres of curd which is provided by Nandini on a daily basis. These hotels also purchase butter, ghee, paneer, kova and also cheese from KMF. The BBHA has stated that they will buy only Nandini products and support the state’s farmers and milk suppliers. Brand Nandini, currently, supplies over 70% milk to Bengaluru, which is approximately 33 lakh litres a day. Nandini milk priced at Rs 39 per litre is one of the lowest in the country. Amul, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 54 and upwards per litre. For now, however, Amul will be sold online and on e-commerce websites only in Karnataka.

TURNOVERS IN 2021-22

AMUL `61,000 CR

NANDINI `20,000 CR

WHAT BOMMAI SAID...

While there’s strong resentment and opposition from the farmer community and hotel association, the chief minister, Basavaraj Bommai, accused Congress and the JD(S) of politicising the entry of dairy giant Amul. “We have absolute clarity with regard to Amul. Nandini is a national brand. It’s not restricted to Karnataka. We have popularised Nandini as a brand in other states as well,” he said. BJP spokesperson MG Mahesh said that the two opposition parties are indulging in petty politics. “Congress’s set is so cheap that they are ready to accept the product of China but not India. We want to make Nandini, a Karnataka-based brand, a global brand. The government is not here to support any brand, this is just the petty politics of Congress & JD(S), if something happens to the farmers, Congress and JD(S) will be responsible,” he said.

aswamy took to social media to express their views. Kumarswamy had alleged, “One nation, one Amul, one milk, one Gujarat seems to be the official stand of the Central government.”

DK Shivakumar had told news agency ANI, “We already have Nandini, which is a better brand than Amul. We don’t need any Amul - our water, our milk, and our soil is strong.”

Not ready to take the Congress blame, the BJP also hit back, stating that the Opposition was trying to regionalise and politicise the milk issue.

Also, on Sunday, Karnataka’s Cooperation Minister ST Somashekar joined the bandwagon and told newsmen that if there was a slugfest, Nandini would beat Amul due to its lower pricing and the Gujarat milk brand was not a threat to KMF.

MILKY WAY TO IMPACT POLLS?

In today’s era, issues especially when it comes closer to the regional issues and the locals are involved in it and are major stakeholders even in the form of consumers, matters can escalate and become major political issues and thus may have either direct or indirect impact on polls.

Kannadigas identify themselves with the Nandini brand, which is local and homegrown and something they are proud of. The KMF was founded way back in 1974 and it has successfully grown to become the second largest milk producer in the country, after the great success story of Amul which has been churned out time and again. Also, late star Puneeth Rajkumar was signed on as brand ambassador for Nandini and it may be added here without charging a fee for it.

Incidentally, most milk producers come from the old Mysuru region, which is dominated by the Vokkaligas, where the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress have bastions of sorts.

It is the central Karnataka, where the Lingayats are strong and dominant and it is here that the Saffron might have widespread presence and foothold. Thus, the BJP is trying to do its best to ensure that the voters don’t get jittery over this.

Former CM Siddaramaiah has been unrelenting in his social media posts ever since Union Cooperative Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke about the possibility of merging the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) with Amul. This, in apparent

Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Amongst thousands of persons, hardly one strives for perfection; and amongst those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows me in truth.

terms, has not gone down well with the Opposition in Karnataka. Kannadigas reportedly look at this to be an attempt to dilute their identity and hence there’s been extreme backlash against the entry of Amul.

THE KMF’S DEMAND

Recently, a KMF director, Anand Kumar told The Indian Express, “We are far behind in marketing and promoting the Nandini brand despite having better quality of milk than Amul. Which is why #SaveNandini is important. Although the usage of Amul milk is just 10 per cent, their advertising is 90 per cent, which is a big concern for Karnataka’s dairy farmers. We need to implement a robust advertising campaign to enhance the brand value of Nandini and create awareness among people.”

Kumar added, “Like Amul, dairy farmers should also be given a free hand in fixing the prices of Nandini products. Their dependency on the government for subsidies is what has led us to this situation. Let the government give us Rs 5-10 extra per litre on milk. In the coming days, we will bring this issue up in the governing body meeting and call for a protest against Amul depending on the situation.”

The KMF is also planning to write to the National Dairy Development Board and the Centre to urge them to look into the issue.

KMF’S DIMENSION

There are 24 lakh milk suppliers, 14 unions and 14,000 milk producers’ co-operative societies in Karnataka under KMF. Altogether, 8.4 million litres of milk is procured daily from at least 22,000 villages and payments of around Rs 17 crore are made to milk suppliers on a daily basis.

The Amul network, however, is much bigger and has a much higher turnover compared to that of KMF given the fact that Amul has a pan Indian footprint and is available also abroad.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

bravery remains a source of strength for the generations to come.

Bhagavad Gita

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

Prime Minister Modi urges youth to visit border villages

Programme was launched by HM Amit Shah in Arunachal on Monday

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged the youth of the country to visit border villages as part of the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ (VVP). Responding to a tweet from Amrit Mahotsav’s handle, PM Modi said, “Must have been a

memorable experience.

I would urge others, particularly the youth of India, to visit border villages. It would acquaint our youth with different cultures and give them an opportunity to experience the hospitality of those living there.” Notably, as a part of initiative, a group of Odisha youth is on a visit to Kibithoo and Tuting villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Twitter handle

of Amrit Mahotsav had said, “#VibrantVillagesProgram is a great way to embrace cultural & traditional exchanges, celebrate the diversity of our remote border villages and bring them into the national mainstream. As part of this initiative, youth from Odisha is on a visit to Kibithoo & Tuting villages.”

Former MP Rahul Gandhi gets rousing welcome in Wayanad

Wayanad (Agencies):

Thousands of people lined up on both sides of roads here on Tuesday afternoon to welcome their former MP Rahul Gandhi, who is on his first visit to the city following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha last month after being convicted in a 2019 criminal defamation case.

Some local residents claimed that this was the biggest crowd Wayanad had ever witnessed, even more than the crowd that had turned up to greet Rahul Gandhi when he came to file his nomination from this hilly district for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

In 2019, Rahul Gandhi had won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat by defeating P.P. Suneer of the CPI by a staggering margin of over four lakh votes.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi landed at Kannur and from there they flew to Kalpetta in Wayanad on a chopper.

After the top state Congress leaders received him at the helipad, all of them got into an open vehicle that moved forward with great difficulty with the crowd jostling to get a glimpse of the Congress leader.

I WON’T STOP WORKING FOR WAYANAD: RAHUL

Wayanad (PTI): Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the BJP taking away his MP “tag” will not stop him from representing the people of Wayanad or intimidate him from raising questions. Gandhi was speaking at a public meeting in the border district of Wayanad in Kerala where he arrived for the first time after his disqualification as an MP.

RaGa ‘ATTACKED’ FOR RAISING QUESTIONS: PGV

Wayanad (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi at public meeting of UDF workers here made a scathing attack against the Centre and charged that her brother Rahul Gandhi was “mercilessly attacked” by the whole BJP dispensation, and the Prime Minister himself found it appropriate to malign him just because he asks questions.

SONIA’S CONSTITUTION TALKS ARE ILLUSORY STATEMENT: KIREN RIJIJU

New Delhi (PTI): Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday dubbed as an “illusory statement of the highest improbity” the remarks of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on democracy and independence of institutions.

Rijiju’s jibe came after the former Congress president accused the Narendra Modi govt of “misusing every power”. Gandhi said her party will take its message directly to people and join hands with all like-minded parties to defend the Constitution. In an Op-Ed in “The Hindu”, Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Modi and his govt of “systematically dismantling” the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

FOR OPPN UNITY, WON’T OPPOSE JPC PROBE AGAINST ADANI: PAWAR

Mumbai (PTI): NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said although his outfit does not agree with the demand of anti-BJP parties for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations against the Adani group, it will not go against their stand for the sake of Opposition unity. The former Union minister had earlier said the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have a majority if a joint House panel is formed given its numerical strength in Parliament and this would lead to doubts on the outcome of such a probe. “The opinion of our friendly parties (on JPC) is different from ours, but we want to maintain our unity. I gave my opinion (on futility of JPC probe), but if our colleagues (Opposition parties) feel that JPC is a must then we will not oppose it. “We don’t agree with them (Opposition parties), but for the sake of Opposition unity, we will not insist on this (that there should be no JPC),” said Pawar in an interview with Marathi news channel.

Narendra Modi @narendramodi

Must have been a memorable experience.

I would urge others, particularly the youth of India, to visit border villages. It would acquaint our youth with different cultures and give them an opportunity to experience the hospitality of those living there.

EC decision over parties on decline as per rules: Min

Bulandshahr (PTI): Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said the Election Commission acted as per rules in denying the national and the state party status to those who were not getting support of the people and were “continuously on decline”.

On Monday, the EC stripped the national party status of Trinamool Congress, NCP and the CPI, and recognised AAP as a national party. It also revoked the state party status of RLD.

“Those who did not get votes, who did not get acceptance by the public and had continuously been on the decline, on them the Election Commission has given its decision as per the rules,” Thakur said.

Kibithoo (PTI): The Narendra Modi govt is committed to the security and development of border areas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. He said after a meeting with Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein and others here along the border with China.

“This morning at Kibithoo, had an engaging discussion with CM @PemaKhanduBJP, Dy. CM @ChownaMeinBJP, BJP President @BiyuramWahgeBJP, Minister Bamang Felix, MP @TapirGao and MLA Smt. Dasanglu Pul. Modi govt is resolved for the security and development of our border areas,” Shah tweeted.

TODAY'S INDIA NOT OF 1962, BUT OF MODI AND SHAH, SAYS ARUNACHAL CM KHANDU

Kibithoo (PTI): In an obvious message to China, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has said today’s India is not what it was in 1962 but a country that belongs to PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In the presence of Shah, Khandu also said it was perhaps for the first time that a Union home minister came to a place located so close to

China border. Shah was here on Monday to launch the Modi govt’s ambitious “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) to ensure all-round development of the villages located along the northern border. China had, on Monday, objected to Shah’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. “It is not an India of 1962. Today, it is Narendra Modi’s India, it is Amit Shah’s India,” Khandu said.

Finally, BJP releases 1st list of 189 candidates for K’taka polls

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday evening announced first list of 189 candidates for Karnataka polls. Before the announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached BJP chief JP Nadda’s residence to discuss the same.

BJP’s Karnataka incharge Arun Singh said 52 of the 189 candidates are new faces and eight women. Thirty-two of the candidates belong to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 30 Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 16 Scheduled Tribes (STs). The candidates have been selected to bring in “a new generation leadership and fresh ideas” while maintaining balance with the elder leaders, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is Karnataka poll-in-charge of the party, he said.

Announcing the names at a press conference here, BJP's Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh said 52 of the 189 candidates are new faces and eight women. Thirty-two of the candidates belong to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 30 Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 16 Scheduled Tribes (STs).

To take on the Congress big guns, the BJP fielded two state ministers — R Ashoka against state Congress chief DK Shivakumar in Kanakapura and V Somanna against former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Varuna. Ashoka and Somanna will also contest from one more seat each, the BJP announced.

CJI WARNS LAWYER WHO WANTED AN EARLY HEARING

New Delhi: “Don’t mess around with my authority,” an angry CJI DY Chandrachud Tuesday warned a lawyer when he mentioned a case for early hearing before a bench presided over by him. The CJI, who rarely loses his cool, got irked when the lawyer first sought an early hearing of his case and, after being told that it will be listed on April 17, asked for liberty to mention it before another bench.

NEW BILL ON DATA PROTECTION LIKELY IN MONSOON SESSION

New Delhi: The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it will table the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament in July. A five-judge Constitution bench fixed the matter for hearing in August. Attorney General R Venkatramani, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the new Bill on personal data protection is ready and will be introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Anurag Thakur

Meanwhile, former CM Jagadish Shettar said that he was hurt by the decision, adding that it was not “acceptable” to him.

Glad to see BJP’s list of candidates for Karnataka Assembly elections. Following PM @NarendraModi Ji’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, every section of society, including marginalised, women & youth has been given opportunity. Best wishes!

—Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister and the party’s co-incharge for Karnataka elections

Muslims in India are doing much better, says Sitharaman on negative Western ‘perception’

Washington (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday claimed that Muslims in India are doing much better than those in Pakistan, in a strong rebuttal of negative ‘Western perception’ of India.

Responding to Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) President Adam S Posen’s query about Muslim minorities in India being subjected to violence, Si-

tharaman

has the second-largest Muslim population in

and that popu-

is only growing in

If

is a

SC NOTICE TO TAMIL NADU & BIHAR ON YOUTUBER’S PLEA

perception, or if there’s in reality, their lives are difficult or made difficult with the support of the state, which is what is implied in most of these write-ups, I would ask, will this happen in India in the sense, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947?” As per reports, the condition of minorities in Pakistan has spawned global concern, with their numbers declining by the day.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from Tamil Nadu and Bihar on a plea filed by a YouTuber, arrested for allegedly circulating fake videos of migrant labourers being attacked in Tamil Nadu, seeking clubbing of the FIRs lodged against him. A bench issued the notice to the Centre, the Tamil Nadu and the Bihar governments, and sought their replies within a week on the plea filed by Manish Kashyap.

PRAYERS IN MUGHAL MOSQUE: HC SEEKS ASI, GoI’S STAND

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the stand of the Centre and Archeological Survey of India on a plea by the managing committee of the Delhi Waqf Board seeking expeditious disposal of its pending petition against the stopping of offering of prayers in the Mughal mosque in city’s Mehrauli area. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notice on an application on Tuesday.

A group of youth from Odisha is on a visit to Kibithoo and Tuting villages in Arunachal Pradesh. This photo was tweeted from Twitter handle of Amrit Mahotsav.

“Govt’s top priority is security, development of border areas”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during discussion with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, State Deputy CM Chowna Mein, BJP State Chief Biyuram Wahge, State Minister Bamang Felix, party MP Tapir Gao and party MLA Dasanglu Pul, at Kibithoo, in Anjaw on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wave to supporters during a roadshow, in Wayanad on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

PM Modi and JP Nadda at BJP CEC meet, in New Delhi on Sunday.

said, “India

the world,

lation

numbers.

there

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at an event in n Washington DC on Monday. India Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu also seen.

Amit Shah poses at the Walong War Memorial, in Walong.

India to put across concerns of Global South at G20: EAM

Kampala (PTI): India

would like to use its G20 presidency to get the influential forum focussed on its mandate of global growth and development, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Tuesday.

Addressing members of the Parliamentary Forum on Indian Affairs in Uganda, he said India’s G20 presidency is different in the sense that no other chair has made an effort to consult all the countries from the Global South.

India will make efforts to include concerns of the Global South in the G20 framework under its presidency of the influential bloc. India assumed the Presidency of the G20 for one year from December 1 last year. The G20 Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 this

year. The G20 meetings are being held across 56 cities, covering all 28 states and 8 Union Territories of India.

Jaishankar said India would like to use the G20 presidency to get the forum focussed on

‘INDIA WILL USE G20 NARRATIVE TO WORLD’

Our ex-servicemen are national assets, says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi (Agencies):

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh presided over the 31st meeting of Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) in New Delhi on Tuesday, April 11.

Ahmed fears for his life, moves back to Prayagraj

preciated the fact that the Centre and States/ UTs have always worked together for the welfare of soldiers.

its mandate which is global growth and development and issues important for Uganda.

“Issues of green growth, debt, Sustainable Development Goals, digital delivery. We would like the G20 to

focus on all these issues,” he said.

“We went through this exhaustive exercise in the month of January and naturally Uganda was a participant as well”, the External Affairs Minister said.

EAM DISCUSSES COOPERATION IN DEFENCE WITH UGANDA PREZ

Kampala (PTI): Exter-

nal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and discussed possible cooperation in the areas of trade, infrastructure, energy and defence. Jaishankar, who arrived in Uganda on Monday, met Museveni at his farm in Rwakitura and conveyed to him the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Privileged to call on President @Kaguta-

Museveni of Uganda at his farm in Rwakitura.

Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @naren-

BCCI plans massive upgrade of stadiums ahead of ODI WC

New Delhi (Agencies):

The BCCI is planning a massive renovation with an estimated cost of over Rs 500 crore of at least five major stadiums in India ahead of the ODI World Cup in October-November. The game has attracted huge money over the past 10 years, making BCCI, the richest board in the world, richer.

However, the stoic fan, who has made the game what it has become, is often deprived of basic facilities at most venues around the country. During the India-Australia Test series in February-March, fans had vented their ire over the lack of clean toilets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. It is not surprising that Delhi is among the five venues which underwent a gap assessment from the BCCI.

PROJECTED COST OF RENOVATION IS IN CRORES

New Delhi (Agencies):

As per the list accessed by PTI, the other venues are Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mohali and Mumbai

The Wankhede in Mumbai had undergone renovation before the India-Australia match last month after a fan complained of poor sanitary conditions. It will cost Rs 100 crore to revamp the Delhi stadium, Rs 117.17 crore for Hyderabad, Rs 127.47 crore for the iconic Eden Gardens at Kolkata, Rs 79.46 crore for the ageing PCA stadium in Mohali and Rs 78.82 crore for Wankhede. The costs increase drastically if roof work is involved.

dramodi. Appreciated his guidance on furthering our traditional and longstanding ties,” he tweeted

IHC expresses concern over NCERT books

Aligarh (UP): The Indian History Congress (IHC) has expressed its deep concern over the recent move of the CBSE to bring changes in history textbooks and syllabus.

In a statement issued on Monday, Indian History Congress president Kesavan Veluthat and secretary professor Nadeem Ali Rezavi said that all those scholars who value “rational scientific knowledge” have found this approach as flawed and unacceptable. The decision to completely omit the narrative of the Mughal dynasty would deprive the modern generation of knowledge of an era which gave India political unity, it said.

on Monday. “Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, infrastructure, energy, defence, health, digital and agricultural domains. Congratulated Uganda on assuming the chairship of the NAM and affirmed our strong coordination at multilateral forums including the United Nations,” he said. Jaishankar also launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ of Varanasi during his visit to Uganda.

New Delhi (PTI): India’s G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said India will use the G20 narrative to push its digital transformation story to the rest of the world with an objective of transforming the lives of people in the Global South. Addressing the 8th National Leadership Conclave held by All India Management Association (AIMA) here, he highlighted that globally there are 4 billion people who are without a digital identity and two and a half billion people do not even have a bank account. There are 133 countries in the world which do not have digital fast payments, he said. He said India has been able to transform the lives of citizens and become a more productively efficient economy because of digitisation.

Chhattisgarh: 2 bodies found days after clash

New Delhi (Agencies):

Two bodies with head injuries were found on Tuesday near Korwai village in Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district where communal clashes had erupted over the weekend during which a man was killed. The Korwai village is 6-7 km from Biranpur where the clashes were reported.

The bodies have been identified as those of Rahim Umad Mohamed, 55, and Idul Mohamed Rahim, 35. Both are residents of Biranpur, where the clashes took place.

“It’s a case of murder. The minority community was cautioned not to leave the village but the father-son duo did not listen to us,” said Bemetara collector Padum Singh Alma.

`10 LAKH AID, GOVT JOB TO FAMILY OF MAN KILLED, SAYS CM

Chhattisgarh (PTI): The Chhattisgarh government will provide a job to a family member of the 22-year-old man killed in last week’s communal violence in the Bemetara district while a high-level inquiry has been ordered by CM Bhupesh Baghel into the incident. The family of the deceased, Bhuneshwar Sahu, will also be given financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, officials said. The government job and financial aid were announced by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghe.

The KSB is the apex body of the Central Government and States/Union Territories (UTs) entrusted with the responsibility of the welfare and resettlement of the ExServicemen (ESM). Ways to reach out to the ESM fraternity through policy measures to further ensure their welfare and resettlement were discussed during the meeting.

Singh termed the exservicemen as national assets and urged States/ UTs to devise new ways to utilise their rich and practical experience for the benefit of the nation. He stated that there is reservation in jobs for ex-servicemen in several states, which needs to be completely followed and monitored. The minister ap-

“There are differences between states or political parties on many issues. All this is part of a democracy. But, when it comes to the welfare of our soldiers & veterans, everyone comes on the same page. There is always social and political consensus for our soldiers.

Just as the Armed Forces protect the whole nation equally, it is our national and collective responsibility to ensure that our soldiers lead a dignified life when they retire & return back to society,” he said.

“In the last 3 years, financial assistance of about Rs 800 crore has been provided to around 3.16 lakh beneficiaries under various welfare schemes of KSB. About Rs 240 crore were distributed to one lakh beneficiaries in the last financial year,” he said.

UP police take gangster Atiq Ahmed from Sabarmati Central Jail for Prayagraj in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday reached the Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat to bring mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed to Prayagraj in connection with the Umesh Pal murder case.

Umesh, who was a key witness in the 2005 killing of then Bahujan Samaj Party legislator Raju Pal, was shot dead outside his home in Prayagraj in February this year.

Based on a complaint lodged by his wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered against Ahmad, his brother Ashraf, his wife Shaista Parveen, his two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others.

Atiq Ahmed, however, said that it is not right and alleged that they want to kill him.

Earlier last month, Atiq Ahmed was brought to Prayagraj from Sabarmati Jail by road for a hearing in a kidnapping case. An MP/MLA court had held him and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

Amritpal’s aide Papalpreet brought to jail

Dibrugarh (ANI): A day after being arrested by Punjab Police, Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of fugitive Khalistan leader and ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh was brought to Assam’s Dibrugarh Central Jail on Tuesday.

Briefing the media on the capture of Amritpal’s close aide, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill said Papalpreet was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA). The arrest was made under the National Security Act. Apart from being an associate of Amritpal, he was also wanted in six cases,” Gill said.

Dharmendra Pradhan unveils digital version of Employability Skills Curriculum for students

New Delhi (Agencies): The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the digital version of the Employability Skills curriculum for students enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

The Future Skills Forum - is an initiative of the Future Right Skills

Network a collaborative effort by QUEST Alliance, Accenture, Cisco,

and J.P. Morgan. Over 2.5 million learners across the skills ecosys-

CRUCIAL READ

TWO LASHKAR TERRORIST HELD IN BARAMULLA

Srinagar: Two terrorist associates linked with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested in the Pattan area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, and a 2-kg IED was recovered from them along with other arms and ammunition, said police on Tuesday. The two have been identified as Farooq Ahmad Parra, a resident of Par Mohalla Pattan, and Saima Bashir, a resident of Chinkipora, Sopore.

115 SHOPS GUTTED IN FIRE AT MARKET IN BODH GAYA

Bodh Gaya: A major fire broke out at a vegetable market in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya on Tuesday morning turning 115 shops of the market into ashes, officials said. The intensity of the fire was such that in no time it engulfed dozens of shops, leaving no time for locals to control it. Locals who are present at the spot claimed that a couple of LPG cylinders also exploded after which fire engulfed the whole area.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT DURING COLLEGE FEST:

DCW SEEKS REPORT FROM COPS BY APRIL 18

New Delhi Following the reports of alleged sexual harassment of girls during college fests, Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal on Tuesday asked the police, Delhi University and the colleges concerned to submit an Action Taken Report by April 18. In the latest incident on March 28, some outsiders entered the Indraprastha College For Women and allegedly harassed the girls.

IPL BETTING RACKET BUSTED IN HYD, 10 BOOKIES HELD

INDUSTRY BODY IN ANDAMANS CALLS FOR 12-HR STRIKE

tem can be job ready by accessing the digital lessons, said Pradhan.

Speaking about transformative power of skill in boosting employability, shaping India’s future and preparing a 21st century workforce, the minister said that the next quarter of the century when India will be completing its 100 years of independence, it will be the largest economy.

Hyderabad: Cyberabad police busted an online IPL cricket betting racket and arrested 10 bookies. The arrests were made during a raid on a house in Bachupally on Monday during the IPL match between RCB and Lucknow SuperGiants. Police said 10 bookies were arrested and cash of Rs 60.39 lakh was seized. The bookies were booked under sections 3 and 4 of TS Gaming Act.

Port Blair: An industry body in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has called for a 12-hour strike on Wednesday against “harmful policies, lack of infrastructure and gross negligence by the administration” which is “adversely affecting” the economic growth of the archipelago. Only emergency services will be kept out of the purview of the bandh from 6 am to 6 pm, the industry body said.

26 LAKH LITRES OF LIQUOR SEIZED IN 2022-23; 29,701 ACCUSED ARRESTED IN UP

Lucknow: The statewide crusade in UP against illicit liquor under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath has brought the desired results. The team comprising the Excise Department, Police and the district administration has so far successfully seized 26.68 lakh litres of illicit liquor, arresting 29,701 accused. 2,10,465 raids were conducted & 27,491 cases were registered and 7.52 lakh litres of illicit liquor was seized.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister General Odongo Jeje and other dignitaries during his visit, on Tuesday. —PHOTOS BY ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the President of Uganda, Yoweri K Museveni at his farm in Rwakitura on Monday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the 31st Kendriya Sainik Board meeting, at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also seen.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lights a lamp at the Future Skills Forum in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Gehlot airs ‘Raj vision 2030’

Step 2 of vision: Thousands of inflation relief camps to be organised in the State from April 24

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday released a video portraying his vision to take the State to the top by 2030, amid Congress leader Sachin Pilot’s day-long fast demanding action against previous BJP government in the State led by Vasundhara Raje.

“I have decided that I have to make Rajasthan the top state by 2030. To realise this dream, the last four budgets and this year’s ‘Bachat, Rahat and Badhat’ budget, I have made schemes no other state has,” the chief minister was heard saying in the video.

In his video, Gehlot was heard speaking about various schemes of his government, in-

cluding the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme, subsidised LPG cylinders and ac -

TO BE GIVEN IN 2 YEARS

`1K-cr protected cultivation grant for 60K farmers

First India Bureau

cident insurance of Rs 10 lakh among others.

The chief minister said Rajasthan is not

able to progress due to the rising inflation and the schemes of the state government are aimed

at providing relief to the people. He said a lot of work has to be done to make ‘Mission 2030’

Gandhis’ ‘sibling love’ re-emerges alongside Wayanad roadshow

successful.

“The first step towards the mission was this year’s ‘Bachat, Rahat and Badhat’ Budget. Today, I am taking the next step. From April 24, thousands of inflation relief camps will be organised in the entire state so that people get the benefits of the state government schemes,” Gehlot said.

He urged people to get themselves registered at the camps and avail the benefits of the schemes.

Gehlot and his former deputy Pilot have been at loggerheads since 2020 when the latter had revolted against Gehlot’s leadership, which led to a monthlong political crisis that ended after assurance by the party leadership to look into the issues.

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: It is a known fact that the Gandhi siblings — Rahul and Priyanka — share an amazing bonding and have a matching wavelength! Such picture has been seen on many occasions between Rahul and Priyanka.

Recently, when Rahul went to appear in Surat court, then his sister Priyanka also reached Surat court. Similarly, when the Surat court sentenced Rahul to two years, then Priyanka had tears in her eyes.

On Tuesday too, the same love of brother and sister was seen in Rahul’s visit to Wayanad. Priyanka also participated in Rahul’s Wayanad roadshow. According to the sourc-

‘Keshavrai Temple to become religious centre’

Om Birla offers prayers, discusses redevelopment

First India Bureau

Kota/Bundi: Lok Sab-

es, no matter how much diversity and difference there is in the political working style of brother and sister, emotionally there is a wonderful bonding between the two.

IPL BETTING

Udaipur

Dist YC

chief along with six bookies held in Jhunjhunu

Jaipur: To promote the protected cultivation in state, 60 thousand farmers will get grant of rupees one thousand crore in next two years. The amount will be given for green house, shade net house, low tunnel and plastic mulching.

ha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday offered prayers at Keshavrai Temple in Bundi’s Keshoraipatan on the third day of his visit to KotaBundi parliamentary constituency.

CM

Gehlot approved the proposal for the grant. With the approval farmers will get strength. In the first phase in financial year 2023-24, a grant of Rs 501 crore will be given to 30 thousand farmers. For this Rs 444.43 crore will be borne from the Farmers Welfare Fund while rest 56 crore rupees will be borne from the National Horticulture Mission or National Agricultural Development Scheme.

In the next financial year 2024-25 more 30,000 farmers will get the benefit of the scheme and the grant of Rs 500 crore will be given to them. 25 percent ad-

Rajendra Chhabra

CM OKAYS 123 NEW POSTS OF STENOGRAPHERS

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the 123 new posts of stenographers in Rajasthan Secretariat Private Cadre. The CM has also given approval to send applications to the Department of Personnel for direct recruitment on 164 posts of stenographers. These include 41 vacant posts including 123 new posts. With this decision of the Chief Minister, smooth execution of government work will take place in the State Secretariat.

ditional subsidy will also be given to the farmers of notified tribal areas and all small/marginal farmers, announced stated.

After offering prayers, Birla held discussions with the officials regarding the redevelopment work to be carried out in the temple under the Swadesh Darshan

FROM

PG 1

Other pending cases including amendment in service rules may be considered while exemption payable to industries under customized package may also be approved.

On the other hand, it is also discussed that the report of Ramlubhaya Committee can be considered as an informal discussion regarding formation of some more districts is also possible.

After the recent crop failure, there was a special Girdawari done and this point can also be discussed. The Transfer policy can also be discussed in cabinet and the approval of policy may also be given by

scheme of the Union Ministry of Culture.

“It is our endeavor to give this place a grand appearance. This will serve as a religious centre in the area and will encourage spiritual

the cabinet. It is also the intention of the MLas and public representatives that once again exemption should be given for transfers for some time. This can also be considered.

Meanwhile, in the cabinet meeting, approval is also possible for starting Indira Rasoi Yojana in rural areas from June 1. For this, buildings and places have been identified in the rural areas of most of the districts.

It is also possible to discuss convening the assembly session for a few days. If there is a session, then the bills to be kept in it will be considered in the meeting.

tourism,” he said. In the first phase, there will be development works at a cost of Rs 70 crore, which will ensure smooth traffic and better facilities to the people.

BIRLA IN MNIT CONVOCATION TODAY

Jaipur: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will participate in the joint convocation of Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) and IIT, Kota in Jaipur on Wednesday as a chief guest. 1,452 students will be awarded degrees, including 727 bachelor’s degrees, 582 master’s degrees and 146 doctoral certificates. A total of 37 students will also be awarded gold medals.

Lawyers meet Dhariwal, seek more rooms for Family Court

First India Bureau Jaipur: Advocates met Law Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Tuesday for the construction of the family court building and more seating arrangements for the judges.

Patron of Family Court, advocate Poonamchand Bhandari, Chairman DS Shekhawat, Bhupendra Singh Rao, Vishal Sharma met Dhariwal. Bhandari and Shekhawat said that there are five courts in the Family Court and there is no seating arrangement for two judg-

es. They demanded that the Family Court should be given three rooms built on the first floor from the Women’s Commission because the Commission has 35 rooms and six rooms on

the first floor are vacant. They said that officer Kamal Singh Yadav was not ready to give the rooms and had misled Rehana Khan, the chairperson of the Women’s Commission.

Jhunjhunu: Seven bookies, including a Youth Congress district president, weres arrested in Jhunjhunu on Monday night while placing bets on the IPL match. The police also recovered a register detailing lakhs of transaction of bets, twenty mobile phones, WiFi Dongles, and two laptops from their possession.

“The bookies were placing bets on a match between Lucknow and Bangalore on Saturday night at a house located opposite to power house in RIICO. The police team raided the house and arrested seven bookies,” police said.

“The accused are identified as Mukesh Kumar, Pankaj Sindhi, Ashok Sindhi, Pramod Bhardwaj, Arvind Singh Rathore, Himanshu Chaudhary and Rajendra Singh. One of the accused, Himanshu Chaudhary, is the District President of Youth Congress in Udaipur,” police added.

‘APO-whip’: A talking point in Rajasthan bureaucracy!

Jaipur: The Indian Administrative Services (IAS) is considered the topmost services amongst all India services. IAS has its own honour and thus when the name of an IAS pops up in something, then the entire bureaucracy gets ‘chit-chatting’ about it.

If some IAS is put on APO while waiting for a new posting, it is considered a normal devel-

opment. But if an IAS, while serving on a post, is put on APO, then it is considered a serious development and is considered a ‘punishment’.

Generally, such cases are few and far between.

In the current government, 5 IAS have been put on APO and the recent example is of Anuprerna Singh Kuntal. This 2010 batch senior IAS, currently serving as Commissioner, Child Rights, was put on APO from her post

on April 5. Now that after 32 years of service she is set to retire next year, being put on APO at the fag-end of her career is not good for her.

Similarly, 2014 batch young IAS Bhanwar Lal has been put on APO twice, in merely nine years of his serviceone as SDM Chittorgarh in 2016 and then as CEO of Banswara Zila Parishad in 2019. Both the times he was ‘punished’ for shortfall in work. Bhanwarlal is

currently serving as Sirohi Collector. 2007 batch IAS Inder Singh, who has served

as Baran Collector, was put on APO in December 2020. When the Collector’s PA was arrested

in a graft case by ACB, the state government immediately put Singh on APO, who was later suspended, arrested by ACB and put behind bars.

Incidentally, a fairly efficient and result oriented 2010 batch officer IAS Meghraj Singh Ratnoo was put on APO on October 10, 2020 by the government while he was serving as Commissioner of Jodhpur Development Authority. Currently, Ratnoo is

serving as Director Fisheries and holds the additional charge of Registrar, Cooperatives.

It is an interesting coincidence that a young IAS of 2017 batch — Avdhesh Meena — has also been put on APO on October 19, 2022 from the post of Commissioner, Jodhpur Development Authority. Although Avdhesh stayed on the chair for merely three months, yet he courted controversies. After

keeping him on APO for four months, he was ‘reinstated’ as Commissioner, Disabilities on February 24, 2023.

Interestingly, among these officials, Anuprerna Kuntal wants to meet the senior officials and learn about why she has been put on APO. What ever the reason behind it, as of now, she is the only IAS in the government who is on APO and no one knows how long she will remain so!

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during the State Budget Session in Jaipur. Also seen are Sanyam Lodha, Lokesh Sharma, Shashikant Sharma, Harimohan Sharma and others. —FILE PHOTO

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visits Keshavrai Temple in Bundi on Tuesday. He also discussed the redevlopment plan with officials.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chandrakanta Meghwal take a boat ride in Chambal River in Keshoraipatan on Tuesday.

Minister Shanti Dhariwal Poonamchand Bhandari, Chairman DS Shekhawat, Bhupendra Singh Rao, Vishal Sharma in Jaipur.

Manoj Tak

Rahul Gandhi along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wave to the supporters as they arrive for a roadshow in Wayanad on Tuesday.

The fastest learner is the person who is not afraid to ask questions, even the most basic ones, on the journey to self improvement.

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

Yediyurappa is the biggest asset and also the biggest liability in Karnataka election: Dr Chandra

DrJagdeeshChandra,CEOandEditorin-ChiefofBharat24-VisionofNew IndiaandFirstIndia;CMDFirstIndia

News , giving detailed views and indepth analysis of the political scenario prevailing in Karnataka, ahead of the Assembly polls, stresses that while there are groups in BJP, its high command is looking to cut majority of the tickets to bring about the second generation of politicians, how local satraps in other States are keeping a keen eye on the outcome of these elections and how the high command has tactfully ‘handled’ the Yediyurappa factor. Excerpts... (Part-II)

 Will the BJP follow the Gujarat pattern of ticket distribution in Karnataka also and cut tickets of most of its current legislators?

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: That is the requirement. From what I have read and understood about Karnataka, leadership in both parties are in a perpetual struggle amongst themselves and there is a need for new leadership, new honesty, new credibility etc. That is the need of the hour. Take for example, had I been in BJP, I would have struck down everything in one swift movement, just like how Narendra Modi and Amit Shah do. How much do these leaders are actually able to use that ‘sword’, remains to be seen. Once the candidates are declared will it be known to what extent the Gujarat formula has been put into use in Karnataka? Only time will tell but yes, there is a requirement.

 One development that we have seen is the sudden rush of BJP leaders and workers that are heading to Congress and JDS. What is the reason for this and do you think it is a ray of hope for Congress?

See, during elections, it so happens that those who know that the party will not give them a ticket, or that they may lose the election under the current situation and another party may prove beneficial to them, or that there are internal differences between leaders within the party, this movement is also part of the same issues, nothing new. Normally people leave other parties and join BJP, but the exact opposite has happened in Karnataka. People have jumped parties because they might be hoping of securing their victory in other party. What is interesting is that one individual who joined Congress

from BJP played a significant role in making Mallikarjun Kharge lose the election in 2019. But this movement of leaders is a normal practice at time of elections.

 How do you see or evaluate the performance of BJP’s Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh? His performance or role is important. He is a silent performer. In fact, he was present when JDS leaders joined BJP. He makes all the strategies and is trusted by Amit Shah. He is working in the organisation for the past 6-7 years. He is in-charge of Karnataka and Rajasthan. In totality, he is a silent worker, and silent performer and has his own important role in Karnataka.

slapped a person who went to his home and engaged in a verbal fight. So yes, fights are there, which happen in every party and here too.

 Are the local satraps in other States keeping an eye on the result of the Karnataka elections? Yes that is there. See the psychological impact of individuals is there. Some people wait for their time in political life and wait to come in Modi-Shah’s notice.

These leaders think that since these two leaders are extremely strong, so there is a perception that if the BJP loses Karnataka election, then they will become weak. But that is not going to happen. Narendra Modi will remain the way he is, even if he gets two seats or two hundred. But that is what people think of and it is their state of mind that if the BJP leadership becomes weak, they will become important for the party. But I really don’t think that with winning or losing Karnataka, the importance of local satraps will increase. Modi and Shah work in their own way and do not get pressurised by anyone. So it is nothing but a state of mind of these satraps, let it continue.

 Do you think there are more squabbles in BJP over ticket distribution than in Congress?

Yes, it could be. And there are reasons for it too. As of now, more groups or camps are working within the BJP at the moment. There is immense tension among few leaders regarding Yediyurappa and at times he is pitched against Bommai also. So yes comparatively there are more feuds in BJP. Moreover, some people also feel that it is a party that will win; by and large even people know that BJP will form a government, so the major fight is for the ticket. In fact, Yediyurappa

 Has the ‘Plan 156’ of Modi-Shah led to 80-year-old Yediyurappa becoming a necessity for BJP?

See, there are both issues. Plan 156 is at its own place and hope is what keeps the world working. For the past twenty or 25 years, Karnataka has had hung assemblies, generally, and it does not happen that a complete majority government is formed, but party does attempt to get a complete majority. Moreover, Modi-Shah are charismatic individuals and create miracles too. Moreover, JP Nadda has also joined them and this team is miraculous. This team feels that it

can bring 150-156 seats and it has done miracle in Gujarat also. So it is nothing new for them and they can do anything. Meanwhile, it is their dream, it is their imagination and have a conviction to this concept. As far as Yediyurappa is concerned, he is the biggest asset for BJP and he is also the biggest liability for the party. In other words, Yediyurappa is a bone in BJP’s throat and the party does not know how to handle him. He is removed in the name of corruption and is brought back and then removed yet again and no knows what will happen in future. It is to get away from this issue that Amit Shah has been asking to cut tickets, so that next time no one else becomes a Yediyurappa. So if they cut 75% tickets, there wont be any Yediyurappa, no Kumaraswamy and it would just be the central leadership. So as of now it is their compulsion and in a way it is part of

life too. Just to cite their compulsion, recently an airport inauguration happened at Shivamogga for which PM Modi had come and it is Yediyurappa’s constituency. During the program, PM acknowledged him twice, in an affectionate manner and gave him the honour too. That was a rare moment because it is seldom seen that Narendra Modi would greet someone in that simple or humbling manner. This moment in itself shows the compulsion too. Then after the program, Modi held Yediyurappa’s hand and walked with him for quite a distance. Such scenes are scant in Modi’s life and this could be his love and honour towards Yediyurappa and it also shows a glimpse of BJP’s compulsion also. Similarly, when Amit Shah came here, he went to Yediyurappa’s home, perhaps it was his birthday.

When Shah reached, Yediyurappa and his son reached the gate of their

home to welcome Shah and offered to garland Shah. However, Shah stopped Yediyurappa before he could garland him and obviously, the Karnataka leader was taken aback. Shah then signaled him to hand over the garland to his son and then he accepted the garland and even kept his hand on Yediyurappa’s son and a message was thus sent by mere actions of Amit Shah. So yes, there is a compulsion, but how long it will stay like this, only the almighty knows.

 Yediyurappa is being balanced in Karnataka. So will Vasundhara Raje also be balanced in a similar manner in Rajasthan?

It might just be so. After all she is in BJP and not in Congress. See, there is no negative thought regarding Raje in the BJP high command’s mind. The point is just this that the party has to bring forth a second generation young leadership. Hence at times they bring forth Gajendra Singh and at times CP Joshi is put at helm and Om Birla is made the Lok Sabha speaker. I don’t think there is any negative feeling for Vasundhara Raje in the high command’s mind. She is a senior party leader and she has been given due regard and honour. Last time, in a public function, PM Modi had asked her to

walk in front. But now, time, age and other factors are also there that need to be considered and at times one needs to reach an accord or settlement in politics. So there is nothing negative regarding Vasundhara in BJP leadership’s mind, it is just that she is not fitting properly in the policy made by the high command for the post of CM, otherwise her regard in the party and her honour is definitely there as she can be included in union cabinet or become Governor or take a position in the party, those doors are open. The manner in which an accord, of sorts, has been reached in Yediyurappa’s case, a new hope has arisen in Raje supporters as madam’s image and political stature is much better than Yediyurappa in many aspects, like she is not old like Yediyurappa and is not infamous like him either, she is not controversial either.

Apart from this madam believes in horoscope and if her stars are favourable, then she will get the call. So if an absolute majority government is formed in Karnataka, then the leadership will be motivated since it will prove that their policy is correct and if it is not so and they feel that there could be a risk to the possibilities of 2024 polls, then they want to kill all chances of losing the election. if they feel if without Raje, the next general elections would be difficult in Rajasthan, then they would ask her to come at helm. Decisions are taken in larger perspective. In Karnataka’s context and background, Raje supporters in Rajasthan may get excited, but they should wait till May 13.

 Often it has been seen that when PM goes to non-BJP ruled States, the CMs of these states do not receive him. What is the reason behind that?

That is unfortunate and is a violation of protocol. It is violation of the federal system of democracy too. You could be against the party or the person and could be miffed with them, but you can not keep the Constitution aside. Look at KCR. PM Modi has been to Hyderabad 5 or 6 times, KCR has never received the Prime Minister. Similarly, Mamata Banerjee also is moody and at times she would receive the PM and at times she won’t. Ashok Gehlot definitely goes to receive PM and different CMs have different approach to the subject, but overall it is unfortunate. There should be some amendment in the Constitution and it should be made mandatory.

 Has the BJP high command controlled the Yediyurappa factor by making him the Chairman of the ticket distribution committee and giving ticket to his son?

The high command hopes so. He has been made chairman and a message has been given that the election will be fought in his leadership and guidance. The high command has made CM and Yediyurappa stand together to give a message in the masses. In turn Yediyurappa too seems to have had a change of heart and he has said that he will not rest till BJP gets absolute majority in Karnataka. Then he repented leaving BJP and forming his own new party and termed it an unpardonable mistake. Thirdly he has said that his son will replace him. On the other hand, when Siddaramaiah and Bommai were asked of any internal squabble, they said that all the leaders are one and termed themselves to be part of the same coin.

During the show #JConKarnatakaElection trended top All-India on Twitter

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra during

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra with (L) Shashikant Sharma, Pooja Yadav, Amit Mishra, Poornima Mishra, Aditi Nagar, Shrishti Khatri, Akanksha Bhalla and Astha Khandelwal during The JC Show at the Taj West End in Bengaluru.

This season, lavender has unquestionably been all the rage and is rapidly sweeping the globe. Let’s dive into this regal world of lavender fashion with City First

Those who often engage with you may learn a lot about you and your mood from your style. Your attitude, the atmosphere you want to create and the energy around you may all be influenced by the colours you wear. The lavender hue is no exception to the rule that every colour has a particular connotation for every style. According to colour experts, lavender is a feminine hue that exudes an air of luxury and elegance. Like the flower, it is renowned for being both a highly peaceful and nurtur-

Moreover, the hue is linked to the crown chakra, the energy centre linked to a greater purpose and spiritual inter connectedness.

When worn properly, this hue is stunning and exudes a cosy yet strong spirit. Because many identify lavender with the charming French

province, the hue is seen as being so elegant. Some of the world’s most exquisite and fragrant flowers are said to grow in this region. Because of its undeniable capacity to awaken the senses and excite the palate, lavender is really a common ingredient in aromas, perfumes, and even culinary products. So, wearing this hue on your body will cause others to connect you with all of these things.

When used in conjunction with strong hues, it can serve as a neutral. When worn, this colour continually exudes the same feeling and offers you a wide range of complementary hues. It displays an unparalleled level of sophistication and elegance. Numerous shades, such as pastels and brighter blues, as well as brighter reds, oranges, and pinks go well with lavender. If you want to incorporate lavender into your appearance more subtly, Check out for ruffle A line dresses with white scandals and funky sunglasses. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s add a few pieces of this exquisite colour to your wardrobe and join the trend.

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

7 COOLING HERBS TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST THIS SUMMER

COOLING HERBS: BENEFITS AND USES

INDIAN REDWOOD

Summer heat calls for the body to drink more fluids to compensate for the water lost through sweating. Therefore, it is important to drink 2 to 3 litres of water every day. While considering other options to hydrate yourself, people mostly prefer store-bought drinks full of sugar and artificial dyes. Now, you can consider herbs as an option for cooling down on a hot day. Most herbal traditions classify herbs as either heating, cooling, or neutral. So, if the heat's got you down, focus on herbs that are known for their cooling properties. Here is a list of herbs that will help you beat the heat.

COOLING ACTION OF HERBS

There is a difference between something cool to the touch or taste buds and something that cools the body down. The action the herb has on the body is known as "virya" in Ayurveda. Achieving cooling by cool temperature only remains for a while. Once it interacts with the body temperature and the digestive fire acts on it, that cooling temperature is gone. While the sensation of cold foods, like ice cream, may provide temporary psychological relief, it does not do anything to lower your overall body temperature. On the other hand, cooling herbs act on your body's tissues, not just your taste buds.

MINT

Mint is well-known for its cooling sensation, and it's often used in lip balms, cough syrups, and even alcoholic drinks. A few varieties of mint include spearmint, peppermint, and pennyroyal. Drink it as a tea for instant relief.

Also known as Pathimugam is known for its ability to purify the blood, treat ulcers, lower cholesterol, and fight obesity. Just chop the bark of the tree into small pieces, boil it in water for less than five minutes, and wait until it turns a light pink hue. After straining and cooling, you can enjoy this drink with your meals or any time of the day to reduce the heating element in the body.

PARSLEY

Another summer drink to promote the gut biome and heart health is parsley water. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, is known to uplift mood and calm the mind. Put a handful of chopped parsley leaves in a pitcher of water and gently press down the leaves with a wooden spoon. Leave it on for 30 minutes before drinking to allow the nutrients to be properly absorbed.

LAVENDER

This popular aromatherapy ingredient is commonly used in cosmetics and soaps. Human studies indicate that lavender may be beneficial for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and migraine. Diffuse it; apply it topically; and add it to baths, cosmetics, and beverages.

BASIL

Basil (tulsi) water known for its detoxifying properties is the go-to morning drink. Turns out, soaking not only makes nuts and herbs that much more nutrient-rich, but can also turn a glass of water into a healthy drink.

FACEOFTHEDAY

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

Coriander or cilantro may have antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. It is also shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar in rats, though more studies including humans are needed. Dhanyak hima (coriander and barley-infused drink) is a drink made by crushing, mixing, and soaking coriander seeds and barley overnight. The infused water can be then had either first thing in the morning or throughout the day to reduce burning sensations and indigestion.

Source: https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/sip-coffee-shed-pounds-a-brew-tiful-wayto-reduce-obesity-and-type-2-diabetes-risk-211008-1.htm

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is another powerhouse herb that makes a cooling treat. A study showed that lemongrass had beneficial effects on skin inflammation in human trials. Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy scent and distinct flavour in Asian cuisine. You can add it to soups, curries, and sauces; use it in aromatherapy; or make it into a tea.

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Things move positively on the academic front and encourage you to give your best. Good man management will help you in completing a project or assignment in time. Travelling with your near and dear ones to the countryside will prove immensely fulfilling.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Your professionalism is likely to be praised at work. Someone’s unexpected arrival at home threatens to upset your personal plans. Seeing new places, meeting new people is in store for some. There is nothing that can go wrong today, except things involving property.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Switching to healthy foods will be the key to remain fit. A family issue may need to be deliberated upon, so that it does not disturb domestic harmony. An out of town invitation will tempt to undertake the journey. Spirituality may bring a special meaning to your life.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Those in the financial sector can hope to start making profits. You may think up ways of improving your health. A major renovation work may be undertaken at home. A journey is likely to take you down the memory lane. Travel stars look bright for overseas travel.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Change of diet will improve health. A difference of opinion may pit you against a family elder. Those compelled to travel are likely to find interesting company. You are set to enjoy the exclusive company of people of eminence. You may experience something unexpected.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You are likely to experience a positive phase in your existence. Those in tourism and hospitality sectors will find new opportunities knocking at their door. You may take the initiative of organising a family gathering, just to meet your near and dear ones.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Time is favourable as your real estate investments start giving handsome returns. An official trip is likely to keep you tied up. Your help and support to a youngster will help boost his or her self-confidence. Those trying to achieve their professional targets will succeed.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

A trip with friends will be both enjoyable and therapeutic. Family life will remain stable and provide you a firm foundation from where to venture forth. This is the best time for launching your ideas at work. Money multiplies through excellent financial planning.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

SOHINI DUTTA, Influencer

Meeting someone new is likely to enlarge your social circle. Something you had wanted for the home may be gifted to you. Your ideas will work on the professional front and speed up the progress. Your financial condition is not bad, but you do possess the potential to earn much more.

Businesspersons are likely to do good business today and earn well. The day proves excellent for you, both personally and professionally. Appease someone in the family to have your way.You may have to put your foot down against a trip you are reluctant to go on.

You will be able to get the study stream you desire on the academic front. Going is likely to get better on the professional front. Purchasing a new car or an expensive appliance is indicated. Children can keep you entertained. The day is favourable to get a project underway.

Some additional perks can be expected by those in the private sector. An enjoyable outing is on the cards for some. Family life will cruise along smoothly and give you time for rest and recoup. A promotion or a prestigious appointment is in store for those in a government job.

DR JAYASHREE GOPINATH cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CORIANDER

‘ANANYA IS SINGLE’

Chunky Panday’s daughter Ananya Panday has been hitting headlines lately for her rumoured romance with Aditya Roy Kapur. It all started after the duo was seen spending time with each other at Kriti Sanon’s Diwali party in 2022. Since then, they have been making joint appearances in the city. Recently, Ananya was seen attending the special screening of Gumraah to support Aditya. However, her mom Bhavana Pandey has revealed that she is single currently. In a recent interview, Bhavana reacted to the ongoing dating reports of Ananya and Aditya. The alleged love birds recently walked the ramp together for Manish Malhotra and made heads turn with their electrifying chemistry. It only added extra fuel to the relationship rumours. But Bhavana, who will soon be seen in the third season of the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, said that Ananya is single.

ANUSHKA'S SUPPORT A

ctress Anushka Sharma, who is quite active on social media, was seen reaching Bengaluru on Monday. She was clicked at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to cheer for her husband Virat Kohli's IPL team. Anushka and Virat are one of the most loved couples in town and they never fail to shell out major couple goals. Every time Virat plays a match, Anushka makes sure to be there to support him. On Monday, Virat's team Royal Challengers Bangalore played against the Lucknow Super Giants. Several pictures of Anushka from the stadium have stormed the Internet and her fans can't stop gushing. In the pictures, the ac-

NATIONAL PETS DAY

On Tuesday, National Pets Day was celebrated by many all around the world. Keerthy Suresh is the owner of Shiz Tzu named Nyke. On

FEMALE LEAD?

After completing Shankar’s Game Changer, Ram Charan will be starting the shoot of his next directed by Buchi Babu. As per the latest reports, Janhvi Kapoor has been considered for the female lead. The film is tentatively referred to as “Ram Charan 16”. Janhvi, who has been busy with back-to-back projects in Hindi cinema, is finally debuting in the South with NTR30 opposite Jr NTR and new reports suggest, she has been approached to play the female lead in RC 16. After the global success of RRR, Ram Charan’s stardom has undergone a great spike and all his project announcements are being met with great enthusiasm on social media. The Buchi Babu directorial film is said to be a village-based film that is mounted as an outand-out entertainer. This announcement is special as the film marks Ram Charan’s first collab with A R Rahman.

BAD SKIN DAY!

Tamannaah

Bhatia is one of the most beautiful actresses in the South film industry. Now, the actress shared a glimpse of her unfiltered face and showed off her bad skin day with a gentle reminder to young girls.

Tamannaah Bhatia took to Instagram and shared a video as she flaunted her ‘bad skin day’ with no filter. The actress further said in the

love yourself these days. And I have chosen to love myself just the way I am. That doesn’t take away from who I am, how I’m, and how I’m feeling. So I’m just going to go to work and have a busy day. Sending you everyone lots of love. An especially young girl, who looks at their skin and goes yuck, why is it happening to me? It happens to everyone.”

the occasion of National Pet Day, let's take a look at an adorable video of Keerthy Suresh with her fur ball Nyke.

Keerthy Suresh joined the viral trend of Tum Tum's song on Instagram with her pet dog Nyke. She made her dog sit on

Bollywood DEBUT

ady superstar Nayanthara

ment of her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan starrer comed twins took some time off to focus on parenting. Fans are excited to see her back in action with Jawaan. Nayanthara was in Mumbai in the first week of March to shoot some important scenes of this much-anticipated film. While the shoot for the film is almost complete, Nayanthara bai today shooting for a song. Nayanthara and Shah Rukh Khan were spotted at Bandra cording to reports, both Nayanthara and SRK shot for Jawan’s song at reographed by Farah Khan. Several fan pages of the actors also tures on

Ananya Panday

Keerthy Suresh

Tamannaah Bhatia

Nayanthara

Janhvi Kapoor

Anushka Sharma

Glamorous concepts of photos

ACITY FIRST camera is that frame of mind that you need to make fine pictures of a very wonderful subject, Shaad Akhtar brings a series of conceptual photoshoots that will highlight the creative perspective of photography.

What is the theme of your photoshoot?

Describe the vision behind the concept. The theme can showcase models as mythical creatures or characters from fantasy stories, such as unicorns, nymphs or mermaids or the latest high-fashion

trends or more glamorous looks, using a range of different lighting techniques. It also showcases different time periods or historical eras, which can be showcased using period

costumes, hair, makeup and props to create an immersive experience. This theme can be also used as Avant-garde or experimental concepts with unique or bizarre clothing,

JKK ESTABLISHMENT DAY CONCLUDED

CITY FIRST

The three-day establishment day celebration of JKK was concluded with much enthusiasm on Monday. During the closing ceremony, Art and Culture Minister Dr BD Kalla and Priyanka Jodhawat, Additional Director General of the Center were also present during Mand Gayan and Kathak Fusion’s presentation held at Rangayan. While congratulating on the completion of 30 years of Foundation Day, Dr Kalla said that

GRAND OPENING!

The grand inauguration of Raas Event Planning Services took place at Holiday Inn, Jaipur on Sunday. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion and congratulated the directors on the new venture. He along with Simranjeet Singh, Executive Director of Raas Weddings

RURAL AWARENESS!

A one-day workshop on rural journalism was organised at the Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication (HJU) at academic campus of HJU, Khasa Kothi on Tuesday. More than 40 rural journalists from the Jaipur division participated in this workshop. Harveer Singh, senior journalist and editor-in-chief of Rural Voice, was the keynote speaker at the workshop. VC of the University Prof. (Dr.) Sudhi Rajeev presided over the function. Harveer Singh said that in terms of information, villages were earlier backward, but now information technology has bridged this gap.

JKK has been dedicated to art and artists since its inception. The centre has made its mark across the country. In future, it will emerge as a major cultural centre in the world. The evening was followed by the magical musical night,

GAME OF ELEGANCE & IMAGINATION

in which Pt. Satosh

Joshi decorated the stage with Mand singing presentation in Rangayan. In his melodious voice, he introduced the colourful culture and love of Rajasthan through Rajasthani songs. This was followed by a Kathak performance by Pandit Narendra Krishna Gangani from Mumbai and his disciples. On the song ‘Gang Jatadhari Shiv Ramat Raas Shankar Har’, Bhairavi Joshi and Mehak Gangani enacted the scene of Shiva Parvati Sangam in ‘Shiv Parvati Raas Tandav’.

DURING THE DAY!

makeup, and hair concepts which challenge traditional beauty standards or explore new innovations.

Have you worked as an art director during a shoot?

Surely, every person in the shoot has put

up their opinion for the art and creativity collectively, as the makeup artist has some different views and the model has a different perspective about the shoot, so we consumed everyone’s role in it along with mine.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Integrated Holistic Health Summit!

CITY FIRST

The Integrated Holistic Health Summit of Civil-20 (C-20), one of the official engagement groups of the G-20 was inaugurated by Manoharlal Khattar, CM, Haryana at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO, addressed the delegates virtually. Former Health Ministers from Argentina, Rwanda, and Malawi were also present at the Summit. World-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Mata Amritan-

andamayi (Amma) are the Chair of C20. The ‘CHOPAL’ project of Mindroot Foundation, a Jaipur-based nonprofit organisation working in the field of mental health, was selected at this international health summit. Dr DS Poonia, founder of Mindroot Foundation attended the event with his team. Various dignitaries including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH; Ranjit Singh, Haryana’s Minister for Energy; Krishan Pal Gurjar, Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries; and Rajesh Nagar, MLA.

CITY FIRST

The magnificent polo match titled Jaipur Prema Bissa Memorial Junior Polo Cup, organised by Rajputana Riding and Polo Club witnessed the grand polo match at RRPC Dera Ashwa on Tuesday. The momentous match ushered with a vision to promote the young and upcoming players of Rajasthan both Men and Women. The royal match was

played between the teams Himgiri and Spice Court Polo Team. During the first match, Junior Polo players played the match. Aryan Singh, Vandit Agarwal and Yashvi played from team Himgiri. Both teams played well and ended the match with the same score. The second match was played between team RRPC and team Dera Ashwa where, Team RRPC beat Team Dera Ashwa by 3 goals with a final score of 4 over 1.

Jaipur-based Initiative for Mental Wellness, Driveway Devi, has been making a concerted effort to mitigate four barriers to Mental Health and has already engaged in Live Social Media dialogues with iconic artists and creators such as Nandita Das, Shobhaa De. On Monday a Live Interaction with Actor and Writer Kalki was organised. A similar Intercation session with many more influential individuals will take place in the coming weeks including the likes of Actor-Musician Monica Dogra, Influencer Parul Kakad, and Artist Smruthi Gargi Eswar.

All India Central Excise Inspector Association Rajasthan Circle held its General Body elections and the results were announced on Tuesday. Santosh Kumari Tiwari has been elected as the President, Deshraj Meena as the Vice President, Narendra Kumar as the General Secretary, Devesh Kumar Sharma as the Joint Secretary Rajasthan, Devendra Gurjar as the Joint Secretary Alwar, and Shravan Kumar as the Treasurer. The Chief Election Officer for these elections was SS Jhanjaria, and he was assisted by Election Officers Sitaram Meena and Brijendra Kumar.

The second edition of Healthy 21 Days Running Challenge will start on June 5 and registration for the same started on Tuesday. Healthy 21 Days Running Challenge, which requires participants to run at least 2 kilometres daily for 21 days. The founder of the WE Runner Club, Rao Sandeep Yadav, has been encouraging people to participate, stating that the “Body is God... worship it.”

The first Convocation of JECRC Foundation took place on Monday, the ceremony started with lamp lighting by the Chief Guest Dr BV Ramana Reddy (Director of National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra), Guest of Honor OP Agrawal (Chairperson JECRC Honorable), Prof VK Chandna (Principal JECRC), Manish Jain (Deputy Director Outreach), Dr. Shruti Kalra (Convener Convocation and deputy director research initiative and Program Co-ordinators of Civil, CSE, EE, ECE, IT, and ME). A batch of 1041 students got graduated.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Pandit Raj Kumar Sharma, founder of Sadguru Ashram and worshiper of Maa Baglamukhi during a courtesy visit at the former’s residence on Tuesday. Shravan Sharma and Sudhanshu Mathur were also present on the occasion.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Jawed Siddiqui as he reached the former’s residence during a courtesy meet on Tuesday.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Rishikesh Rajoriya of the First India family as he reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday, April 11.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Anchor Preeti Saxena during a courtesy visit on Monday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

launched a premium range of corporate and wedding gifts.

Harpreet Singh Bagga, Director Rising Events & Promotions Pvt Ltd, Manmohan Singh Bagga, Director Rising Events & Promotions Pvt Ltd and Prashant Tulsiyan, Owner of SAP Gems & Jewellery were also present. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Khushi Vijayvargiya and Priya Agarwal

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Shravan Sharma, Pt Raj Kumar Sharma and Sudhanshu Mathur

Jagdeesh Chandra with Jawed Siddiqui

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rishikesh Rajoriya

Jagdeesh Chandra with Preeti Saxena

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Harpreet Singh, Vipul Mehta, Prashant Tulsiyan, Manmohan Singh, Vishal Khurana, Hridal Jain and Rohan Jha

(R-L) KC Malu, Priya Jodhawat, Dr BD Kalla and Shehla Khan with others

A still from mesmerizing musical show

Dr BD Kalla and Priyanka Jodhawat during the art exhibition

Dr BD Kalla, Priyanka Jodhawat and Shehla Khan

Dr Narendra Jangid, Dr Sudheer Tanwar and Dr DS Poonia