First India-Mumbai Edition-14th March 2023

INDIA STANDS TALL ON THE WORLD STAGE

India creates history by winning 2 awards at Oscars 2023; Song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from film RRR wins ‘Best Original Song’ award, becoming the first ever Indian song to win in the category.

‘The Elephant Whisperers’ bags award for the ‘Best Documentary Short Film’

MONI SHARMA

Academy Awards 2023

was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. ‘Naatu Naatu’ from SS Rajamouli’s RRR has won the Oscar in the Best Song category by beating the other nominees in the category which included Applause (Tell It Like a Woman), Hold My Hand (Top Gun Maverick), Lift Me Up (Black Pather Wakanda Forever), and This is a Life (Everything Everywhere All at Once). With this, the film became the first song from any Indian production to win the award. It is the second Indian song to win this prestigious award, after Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire won one in 2009 in the same category.

95th

Another Indian entry in the Academy Awards ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ also won an Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category. This 41 minutes short documentary movie of filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga, explores the bond between Raghu, an orphaned baby elephant, and his caretakers.

The Naatu Naatu craze has been taking over the Oscars this year. At the very start of the ceremony, the audience saw a spoof performance when Jimmy Kimmel was driven off stage by dancers performing the Naatu Naatu hookstep.

At the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, the audience also witnessed an energetic performance of the song. The performance also received a standing ovation from the audience. RRR garnered several US awards, made it to the BAFTA 2023 longlist in the Film Not in the English Language category, won the Golden Globes in the Best Original Song category, and also bagged the Best Song at the 28th edition of the Critics Choice Awards, along with Best Foreign Language Film, among others.

It is the first time that 3 India-made productions earned Oscar nominations and we brought home 2 awards with huge pride!

EXCEPTIONAL!

INDIA GETTING 2 OSCARS WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YEARS: MODI

PM Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the entire team of song Naatu Naatu for its Oscar win. He said, The popularity of ‘Naatu Naatu’ is global. It will be a song that will be remembered for years to come, adding, Congratulations to the entire team of ‘The Elephant Whisperers’. Their work wonderfully highlights the importance of sustainable development and living in harmony with nature.

(R) MM Keeravaani and Chandrabose accept the award for best original song for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” at the 95th Academy Awards 2023 in Los Angeles on Sunday.

(L) Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga pose with the award for best documentary short film for “The Elephant Whisperer” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Full report on 95th Academy Awards, Inside Jacket and City First P12-13

‘EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE’ SWEEPS OFF AWARDS OSCARS 2023

IN-DEPTH INDIA’S DAY OF TRIUMPH ON THE GLITTERING NITE OF OSCARS 2023

It was India’s day today. On the field, Team India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy and qualified for the World Test Championship where they will face Australia again. Bigger honours came in the form of the prestigious Oscar awards. On the gala night Natu Natu, the iconic chartbuster from the Telugu hit RRR, brought glory to India. It was not an unexpected but the joy was greater given the list of tough challengers like “Tell it Like a Woman” and “This is a Life” from Everything, Everywhere All at Once, “Hold My Hand” (Top Gun) and “Lift Me Up” (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever).

The Academy Awards in 2023 were a less scandalous affair than last year – although host

Jimmy Kimmel never let us forget “the slap”, with so many jokes it was verging on a deadhorse-beating situation.

In fact it was a relatively wholesome ceremony, defined by great sweeps for films All Quiet On The Western Front and Everything Everywhere

All At Once. Perhaps the only

“shock” was Angela Bassett losing Best Supporting Actress to Jamie Lee Curtis, and thereby being denied the chance to “do the thing”. Here, we summarise the most important moments from the 2023 Oscars.

ALL THE LOOKS OF THE CHAMPAGNE CARPET

chett, Ana de Armas), Armani Privé (Nicole Kidman), Dior Haute Couture (Michelle Yeoh), Valentino (Florence Pugh), Prada (Catherine Martin), Atelier Versace (Lady Gaga), floated across the carpet with all the feel of Paris fashion week.

KEEPING THE SCORE

There was a sore lack of good music throughout this year’s ceremony. The orchestra this year was invisible, other than a few short shots of them leading into commercial breaks and during the Best Original Score announcement. They appeared to be in a conference room somewhere backstage; just because one can pipe in a remote orchestra fairly easily doesn’t mean one should.

The Academy Awards in 2023 were a less scandalous affair than last year – although host Jimmy Kimmel never let us forget “the slap”, with so many jokes it was verging on a deadhorse-beating situation

BRENDAN FRASER, BEST ACTOR IN LEADING ROLE

MICHELLE YEOH, BEST LEADING ROLE ACTRESS

Everything Everywhere All at Once became the biggest winner at the 95th Academy Awards – surprising, but also not so surprising. Cast mainly by Asian actors and actresses, this strangely (sometimes even disturbingly) funny but also moving comedy won most of the major awards, including Best Leading Actress and Best Director.

CELEBRITY LEGACY

AT THE OSCARS

Elephant Whisperers, which bagged an Oscar in Best Documentary Short Film category, also made country proud. Based on life of a family bringing up orphaned elephant calves, it is an emotional depiction of living in harmony with nature and focuses on sustainable development. One must not gloss over the graceful presence of Deepika Padukone at the big stage.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law. Buddha

What its win does suggest (along with the success of Top Gun: Maverick), is that audiences are craving nostalgic cinema that plays well on the big screen. And this will excite the kinds of mega-corporations that produce indie cinema these days – they can simply recycle and combine material from their VHS collection

The Oscars 2023 red-car pet fashions will spur a rush of ac tivity as the haute couture and design er looks are rapidly reproduced for the knockoff market.

The pillars of Euro pean Haute Couture were well repre sented. The ma jor players such as Louis Vuitton (Cate Blan

With his Oscar win for Best Actor for The Whale, Brendan Fraser simply proves something most of us have known all along – he’s a great performer. If anyone had any doubts, they simply needed to watch performances across his career, from Encino Man to Gods and Monsters to his comical cameo as himself in Dickie Roberts:

The choice of winners for the acting categories at the 2023 Oscars speaks to a respect for building celebrity legacy – all are actors over 50 years of age and on their first-ever nominations. Despite the backlash copped in the year of the nepo-baby, Jamie Lee Curtis used her speech to thank her dedicated fanbase who have championed her work in action and horror

TOP TWEETS

A landmark day for Indian cinema, as the ‘Naatu Naatu’ song creates history by winning the Oscar Award. Congratulations to Team RRR. Congratulations to @EarthSpectrum and @guneetm on their Oscar win for the short film ‘The Elephant Whisperers’. The award underlines the potential of the Indian film industry and will inspire young film makers.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

ARABIA SEES RELIGIOUS CHANGES

SAUDI

S

audi Arabia where Islam’s holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina, are located has angered Muslims for introducing new rules for the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan. The new rules which have upset Muslims prohibit use of loudspeakers, broadcast of prayers on media and hosting of iftar meals in mosques. Some of these practices are followed by Muslims in India despite several attempts to ban the use of loudspeakers. Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is keen to take Saudi Arabia on a new trajectory of softer Islam. The move is being interpreted as MBS’ attempt to “push Islam out of public life”. There are other rules which

Saudi Arabia where Islam’s holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina, are located has angered Muslims for introducing new rules for the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan

some devout find upsetting. One of the new rules provide that prayers should not be prolonged and the congregation should stick to some supplications. Volumes of loudspeakers will be kept low barring those at Mecca and Medina. The other important rule concerns financial donations. The rule has banned collection of financial donations for

feeding people. The Imam will be responsible for permitting a worshipper to stay in the mosque. The fundamental changes have made MBS an unpopular leader among followers of Islam. That he has overseen a crackdown on prominent clerics also has been decried. As the monarch envisions a modern and reformed Saudi Arabia, changes are aimed at restructuring religion in a highly religious, Wahaabi society. The changes do not seem irreversible but are cause of disquiet because the country was once known for its tough religious police and a sharia-trained judiciary. The changes have been possible because MBS may not be unreasonably committed to Wahabi teachings.

Congratulations for winning the Academy Award for #BestOriginalSong at #Oscars95! A proud moment for India as #RRR creates history by becoming the first Indian production to bag an #AcademyAwards in the ‘best song’ category!

Best Actor Brendan Fraser

Best Actress Michelle Yeoh Best S Actress Jamie Lee Curtis

Best S Actor Ke Huy Quan

BJP raises martyrs’ widows issue, Dhariwal cites various govt schemes

Dhariwal’s

relation with

in House

QUESTION HOUR

RECRUITMENT IN GOVT HOSPITALS WILL BE DONE ON ALL SANCTIONED POSTS: PARSADI

Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma and Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti

Dhariwal informed the Assembly about the assistance provided to family members of the martyrs, including a provision of Rs 50 lakh to wife, Rs 5 lakh to parents and reserved jobs for the children, but an unrelenting opposition continued to protest, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House.

There has been an uproar in Assembly over the statement of Dhariwal that all the war widows have been given their rights but a strange thing is happening in this case. “The woman’s brother-in-law is already married and has two children. The woman went to him under natta.

Now she says give a job to her brother-in-law, what a strange drama?

In this matter, BJP is working to bake political breads, but such demands will not be accepted.

The BJP is instigating these widows,” he said. As the Opposition MLAs trooped into the Well, Speaker Dr CP Joshi said that their behaviour is unfortunate and alleged that they are against women and tribals. A discussion on women and child development and tribal area development was scheduled but could not be taken up due to the din.

The opposition MLAs raised the issue of the alleged misbehaviour of police with the wives of slain soldiers and MP Kirodi Lal Meena.

The Speaker informed the House that the government will reply on the issue. Parliamentary Affair Minister Shanti Dhariwal narrated the sequence of the incidents from February 28 when the widows started the protest. He said Rajasthan is providing the best package to family members of the martyrs. “Relief under the package has been provided which includes provisions such as Rs 50 lakh to wife, Rs 5 lakh to parents and reserved jobs for the children,” he said.

Honorarium of Anganwadi workers raised by 45%, says WCD Min Bhupesh

Jaipur: Women and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh on Monday said that the state govt has increased the honorarium of Anganwadi workers by 45 percent while giving them financial support. She said that women have been empowered by joining the ‘I Am Shakti’ scheme of the state government and are making important contributions in the progress of the state by setting up industries, taking computer education and skill training.

Bhupesh was replying to the debate on the demand for grant of the

STATE

Minister of State for Tribal Area Development Arjun Singh Bamania on Monday said that the state government is committed for the welfare of the tribal area. The government has implemented several schemes and development programs for the upliftment of this class.

Bamnia was replying to the debate on the demand for grant of the Tribal Regional Development Department in the Vidhan Sabha on Monday. After discussion, the House unanimously passed the demands for grant of Rs 283 billion 56 crore 38 lakh 15 thousand of the Tribal Area Development Department. The Minister said that in the field of

WCD Dept in the Vidhan Sabha. After discussion, the House passed the demands for grants of Rs 26 billion 49 crore 73 lakh 40 thousand. She said that with the aim of all-round empowerment of women, Indira Mahila Shakti Yojana was launched with an amount of one thousand crore rupees. Under this, loans worth Rs 93 crore 48 lakh have been given to 1,694 women.

MEENA AND HIS SUPPORTERS HAD MISBEHAVED WITH POLICE, ALLEGES DHARIWAL IN THE HOUSE

Dhariwal also informed the House that following the protest by Kirodi Meena, his supporters, and the BJP, three cases have been lodged. The minister alleged that Meena and his supporters had misbehaved with the police personnel. His remarks triggered an uproar by the BJP MLAs who entered the Well twice, while the Minister was speaking. "Whatever you are doing is for political mileage, but the entire country knows that Rajasthan is providing the best package

to the martyrs' families," said Dhariwal. He said that Meena is a seasoned politician and knows about rules and law. "Attempt to disturb law and order isn't expected from him," the minister said. He said that jobs will be provided in accordance with the rules. "I urge the Opposition not to fuel the fi re to take political mileage on the issue. War widows across the state gathered and urged the CM not to agree with the demands raised by the three protesting women," he said.

Rathore, Saraf, Ramlal corner Govt over martyrs’ widows

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Deputy leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore asked why the chief minister was not speaking to the three widows who were protesting “next door”. “It is unfortunate that families of those who gave their lives for their country are manhandled by police. “They are demanding what was assured by the government representatives. The CM can meet war widows who came from across the state but not those who are protesting next door. I do not want to politicise the issue but the way the MP was injured and war widows were treated is unfortunate,” said Rathore.

Kalicharan Saraf said that widow Manju Jat was so beaten up

that she could not even speak “How many policemen were hospitalised? Why was Kirodi Lal Meena referred again in SMS hospital. Bharatpur MP Ranjeeta Koli wanted to meet a widow but she was assaulted, who is responsible for that?,” Saraf said. MLA Ramlal Sharma said that when he had reached Samod

police station, there was no convoy with them and Dr Kirodi was ready to go in a police vehicle to meet the widows. Ministers Shakuntala Rawat and Pratap Singh Khachariyawas accepted the demand for job but Chief Minister is just upset as widows sat outside Sachin Pilot’s house and met him.

BJP MLA Chandrakanta Meghwal raised the matter related to recruitment on vacant posts in government hospitals and salary of contract workers. The MLA said that even after the orders and approval of the government, about 30 percent posts are vacant in Bundi. Also, the salaries of the contract workers are not being paid on time. In reply, Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena placed before the House the details of recruitment and vacant posts against the sanctioned posts in government hospitals of Bundi district. The Health Minister assured to complete the recruitment on vacant posts in all the districts of the state soon. In a reply to another question, Parsadi Lal Meena, who is also the Excise Minister, said in the Assembly on Monday that there are 39 composite liquor shops operating in Sadulshahar assembly constituency of Sri Ganganagar, if any other liquor shops are operating illegally in this area, action will be taken as per rules. Meena was replying to supplementary questions asked by the members in this regard during the Question Hour. He said that 142 complaints were received for sale of illegal liquor in this area, in which challans were presented in 98 and the remaining cases are under process.

VETERINARY CENTERS WILL OPEN IN PHASED MANNER, SAYS MIN LALCHAND KATARIA

M LA Jagdish Chandra asked questions related to the free livestock checkup scheme, new livestock health centers and departmental recruitment in Bamanwas assembly constituency. In response, Livestock Minister Lalchand Kataria said that from the year 2020-21 to February 2023, 2,68,543 livestock have been treated free of cost in the Bamanwas assembly constituency. He informed that a total of 49 veterinary institutions are approved in the assembly constituency. While 58 personnel are working on 129 sanctioned departmental posts and 71 posts are vacant.

PROCESS OF CHANGE IN THE LAW IS GOING ON: UDAI LAL ANJANA

BJP MLA from Sanganer Ashok Lahoty raised a question related to the office bearers engaged under registered societies in private schools of the city, to which Cooperation Minister Udai Lal Anjana replied that private schools are not bound to give information under the existing law. Although the government is now going to change this law, the process of which is going on.

‘CONNECTION GIVEN AS PER PROVISION OF AGRI POLICY-2017’

MoS for Energy Bhanwar Singh Bhati said on Monday that 51 villages of Chittorgarh district are included under the tribal subplan area and as per the provision of Agricultural Connection Policy-2017, connections were given to all agricultural applicants including SCs and STs on priority immediately. Speaker Joshi said that after holding a meeting with the tribal dept, the Energy dept should give priority.

DHARMANARAYAN JOSHI, GANESH GHOGHRA RAISE TRIBAL’S VOICE IN HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS

education, 410 ashram hostels and 46 residential schools are being run by the department, in which about 40,000 students are being provided free accommodation, food and education. Free accommodation and food facilities are being provided to 500 students and 700 boys and girls in 6 multipurpose hostels by running 9 college hostels in the scheduled area.

The issue of tribals was raised in the Assembly on Monday. MLA Ganesh Ghoghra separate 6 percent reservation in government sector in tribal belt. He also demanded caste census of tribals. “The religion code of tribals should be separate, tribals are independent,’ he said. MLA Rajkumar Roat also raised the demands of Tribal Regional Development Department. Former Speaker Kailash Meghwal said that the demand for Bhilistan is not right and it is important to address the issues raised. MLA Dharmanarayan Joshi spoke on the plight of tribals of Mewar region. “It’s been 45 years for the tribal department. Our Mewar is a tribal area. How many IAS and RAS are from out area? Model villages should be built,” he said.

PRESS PREMIER LEAGUE-2023

Jaipur: Speaker Dr CP Joshi inaugurated the video wall in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Monday. A 6x9 feet video wall has been installed in the eastern lodge on the first floor of the Vidhansabha. Principal Secretary of Vidhan Sabha Mahavir Prasad Sharma said that on this big screen, senior officers of the state will be able to observe the proceedings of the Vidhan Sabha. On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Lal Chand Kataria, PHED Minister Dr Mahesh Joshi, Deputy Chief Whip Mahendra Choudhary, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, MLA Kalicharan Saraf and MLA Ashok Lahoty were present along with officials of the Assembly.

Dainik Bhaskar wins PPL title for 6th time

Dharmendra Rathore, Dr Somya attend programme

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In the Press Premier League-2023 organized by Pink City Press Club, Dainik Bhaskar’s team won the title for the 6th time by defeating Sach Bedhadak team in final.

PHED Minister Mahesh Joshi, RTDC Chairman Dharmendra

Radhore, Mayor Dr Somya, Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora were

the chief guests at the closing ceremony of the league. Sach Bedhadak’s team set a target of 149

runs in 20 overs for the Dainik Bhaskar team. The Dainik Bhaskar team achieved the target

in 19.3 overs and won the title. Satish Kumawat took four wickets and made 36 runs.

Speaker Dr CP Joshi reprimanded Ashok Lahoty who was showing a video through mobile. “It seems from your behaviour that BJP is anti-women and anti-tribal,” said Joshi. BJP MLA Kailash Meghwal could not speak in the House on Monday. Speaker called Meghwal’s name to speak. Meghwal stood up and asked Rajendra Rathore in a gesture whether to speak or not. Dy LoP Rathore made Meghwal sit down and Indicated Ashok Lahoty to speak. Lahoti then started showing video in his tab. With this ruckus started in the assembly.

During the protest of the opposition in the well of the house, BJP MLA Ramlal Sharma reached towards minister Tikaram Jully and sat with him. He was seen discussing with him. Deputy LoP Rajendra Rathore called Ramlal by pointing but even after this MLA Ramlal kept sitting near the minister.

The Women and Child Development Minister informed that the number of children in the age group of 3 to 6 years who are being given pre-school education at Anganwadi centers has increased from 10 lakh in the year 2018 to more than 17 lakh at present.

SC issues notice after accused’s petition in Jaipur bizman suicide

Manmohan Soni had shot self in November, 2022 in Jaipur.

Manmohan Soni, a resident of Swarnkar Colony, made a video before shooting himself. In the case of abetment to suicide, the case was registered on behalf of the family members. On

basis of this, a case was registered against former Rajasthan police officer Ramesh Chandra Tiwari and others. The matter reached the Supreme Court

when the accused did not get bail from the Rajasthan High Court. A division bench headed by Justice V Rama Subramaniam issued the notice.

First India Bureau

Rajendra Rathore in the House on Monday.

Mamta Bhupesh, WCD Minister

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal speaking in the House on Monday. scheme

Assistance of `50 lakh to wife, `5 lakh to parents and reserved jobs for children, informs Minister Dhariwal

remark on martyr’s widow’s

her brother-in-law creates ruckus

SPEAKER JOSHI LAUNCHES DIGITAL WALL, OFFICERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS

Team Dainik Bhaskar pose for victory after winning the trophy on Monday. Dharmendra

Mahesh Joshi, Pawan Arora,

GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED FOR THE WELFARE OF THE TRIBAL AREA: BAMANIA

INFRA AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH: CM

CM said that there is a need to increase production capacity of millets & pay attention to agri research

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Rajasthan Millet Conclave 2023 is being organized in Jaipur under the International Millet Year wherein Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was the chief guest of the conclave on Monday. Gehlot, in his address at the conclave, stressed the need for continuous new research in the agriculture sector. He honored the farmers, as well as inaugurated the exhibition related to millet products.

CM Gehlot, while talking to the media after the Rajasthan Millet Conclave, advocated bringing a social security law in the country.

Gehlot said, “We are giving pensions to 1 crore people in different categories. In Rajasthan, pension is being given to the elderly, widow, disabled, and other categories. Every family in the country should get social security. The central government should bring the law of the Right to Social Security. This is our religion as well as duty. That’s why

Nokha MLA booked after male nurse dies

CM

GEHLOT LAUNCHES RAJKISAN SUVIDHA

APP

I have raised my voice in the state assembly also that everyone should get an equal pension. We are giving 12 thousand crores as pension whereas the center is giving only 300 crores.”

At the function, CM said that once upon a time we had to beg from America for wheat, but today we have become self-sufficient in wheat due to the green revolution and the construction of dams.

RAJASTHAN PHARMACY COUNCIL HIKE REGISTRATION FEE FROM `1K TO `2K

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Pharmacy Council has increased the registration fee from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000. For renewal, a fee of Rs 300 will have to be paid instead of Rs 250 in the past. Moreover, for NOC from the state from those employed abroad a fee of Rs 2000 will be levied. Despite this upward revision in the charges, Fees Registrar Naveen Sanghi claimed to have the lowest fees in the country. At present, the highest registration fee is Rs 5000 in Gujarat. There are 72,000 Pharmacists registered in Rajasthan State Pharmacy Council.

JALDHARA PROJECT TO RESTART SOON; UNDERGROUND PARKING AT JANPATH

Jaipur: Jaldhara project on JLN road will restart at the end of this month. JDA commissioner Ravi Jain inspected the ongoing renovation works at the project site. Work is going on at a cost of about Rs one crore. Various civil and electrical works are being carried out at present. The project was developed by JDA in the year 2010 in the drain near OTS. It was damaged due to heavy rains in the year 2020. Meanwhile, looking at the pressure of vehicles on Janpath, a two-level underground parking will be developed by JDA. The parking lot will have a capacity of 500 four-wheelers. It will be constructed in Central park or some other place near Ambedkar circle. A meeting in this regard was held by JDC Ravi Jain in which Rs 50 crore was approved for the project.CM Ashok Gehlot had announced to develop the parking in the budget.

BJP

Cong leader hits car driver, Shekhawat targets CM

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday targeted CM Gehlot by sharing a video of Congress party’s Alwar district president Balbir Chhillar for allegedly thrashing a car driver.

The Union Minister tweeted, “This is Balbir Chhillar, Alwar District Chief of Congress! His goon-like behavior in front of the police is telling why the glory of the uniform has decreased in Rajasthan and why criminals are not afraid of the police!” However, after the video went viral, Balbir Chillar said that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol.Chhillar’s car was hit from behind by another car near Katori Wala Tibara late on Sunday evening.After this, Chillar lost his temper. He first informed the police about the incident.

PROTECTING PARTY



The harsh decisions were taken after Meena was detained for trying to visit the martyrs’ widows, who were removed from the protest site

C

hief Minister launched Rajkisan Suvidha App. In this app, the farmers can apply for the schemes and know the status. Besides this, Shri Gehlot also released a booklet related to the success stories of Rajasthan Agro-processing, Agribusiness and Agri Export Promotion Policy-2019. Meanwhile, a short film ‘Samriddh Kisan-Kushhal Kisan’ was shown.

Millets importance came to light in the research done during the corona period. The CM has made all possible efforts for allround development of farmers and to promote agriculture.

Laxman Raghav

Bikaner: In the matter of the death of a nursing worker in an accident with Nokha MLA’s car, an FIR has been lodged against MLA Bihari Lal at Sadar police station. The case has been filed under section 279 and 304A of IPC.

Reacting to First India News, MLA Bihari Lal said, “I am with the family of the deceased in a difficult time but it is a surprise that an FIR has been lodged against me. The driver was driving my car and immediately after

the accident I sent the driver and the vehicle to the police station,” he said. After the FIR against the MLA, the settlement was done and the jam was removed.

Dr Kirodi likely to be shifted in Delhi hospital

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena is likely to be shifted to Delhi from SMS hospital. On the request of the MP and his family, the hospital administration called a meeting of the medical board headed by the hospital superintendent Dr. Achal Sharma. Due to

the MLC case, the opinion of the medical jurist is also being taken. According to the sources, if the MPs and their relatives give a request for shifting in writing then Meena can be sent to Delhi.

Meanwhile, in an interesting development, independent MLA Omprakash Hudla reached the hospital to meet

Medical Health Secy reviews measles, rubella vax campaign

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Government Secretary Medical and Health Dr Prithvi reviewed the Measles-Rubella campaign conducted under the regular vaccination programme in the state at Swasthya Bhavan on Monday and gave necessary guidelines. Under this campaign, catch-up rounds are being conducted to identify and vaccinate children up to the age of five years who have not

been vaccinated. Dr Prithvi said that the target of eradication of measles-rubella disease has been set by the Union Health Min-

leaders need permission to stage protests

Jaipur (Agency): The BJP leaders in Rajasthan will now not be allowed to stage protests without the organisation’s permission, as per party officials. A decision to this effect was taken in a closeddoor meeting of BJP leaders on Sunday after party factions came out in the open during the martyrs’ widows protest being led by Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena. “If anyone stages a protest on their

own, the party will not stand by them,” said a senior leader seeking anonymity.

The harsh decisions

were taken after Meena was detained for trying to visit the martyrs’ widows, who were removed from the protest

site by the police. The party leaders came out openly against the alleged insult to Pulwama martyrs’ widows and MPs. The protestors were seen divided into two groups, who were raising slogans against BJP state president Satish Poonia and Meena. Stones were pelted and vehicles were damaged. However, BJP leaders claimed that anti-social elements from outside the party had indulged in such hooliganism.

istry by December 2023 and to achieve this, a special campaign of measles-rubella vaccination is being conducted in the state.

Meena. During this, Hudla requested a picture in the ICU but Meena denied while referring to the protocol. After this, Hudla took a picture with the hospital superintendent and left for the assembly. Tourism minister Vishvendra Singh also met Meena and took feedback about his health from doctors.

Drunk youths abuse & attack police in Jaipur

Jaipur: Stopping the youths from drinking liquor inside the car turned into a costly affair for the police. After a verbal spat, the angry youths attacked the police force. They abused and shoved the policemen and attacked them with sticks. The Pratap Nagar police station set up blockades across the city to nab the carborne assailants, but they could not be traced. The police reg-

istered a case of obstruction in official work and started searching for the attackers. The police station head constable Kishan Singh has lodged a report against the youths for obstruction in administrative work.

Forest dept employees bag 6 medals in All India Forest Meet

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: The Forest department of Rajasthan won another medal in the All India Forest Meet in Panchkula.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Suresh Gupta won Silver Medal in Senior Veteran Category in a squash competition.

The department has so far won a total of 6 Medals including 2 Golds. PCCF HoFF Dr. DN Pandey has praised the performance of the

Forest Department in the sports meet. On the other hand,

DCF (IFS) Mahendra

Sharma won the fourth medal in the national forest meet. He created history by winning medals in all four events.

Sharma (55) won a Bronze medal in a 10,000-meter race walk in the Senior Veteran category. He has won two gold and two bronze medals in the ongoing meet.

PCCF Hoff Dr.DN Pandey himself was present in the stadium during the events.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Rajasthan Millets Conclave-2023 with Murari Lal Meena, Lal Chand Kataria, Mahadev Singh Khandela, Usha Sharma at State Institute Agriculture Management (SIAM), Durgapura in Jaipur on Monday.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot checking various products at the Rajasthan Millets Conclave-2023 at State Institute Agriculture Management (SIAM), Durgapura in Jaipur on Monday.

—Lal Chand Kataria, Agriculture minister

First India Bureau

PULWAMA MARTYRS’ WIDOWS PROTEST

Vishvendra Singh taking feedback about Dr Kirodi Meena’s health at SMS Hospital in Jaipur on Monday.

Suresh Gupta won Silver Medal in a squash competition.

Dr Prithvi reviewed the Measles-Rubella campaign conducted at Swasthya Bhavan in Jaipur on Monday.

Fellow workers of deceased sitting on dharna on Monday morning in Bikaner after Hasan died hit by MLA’s car. RELIEF ASSURED

Satish Poonia addressed the protestors in Jaipur on March 11.

RAJASTHAN MILLETS CONCLAVE-2023

DELHI EXCISE CASE

PM MODI HOLDS MEETING WITH TOP MINISTERS TO DISCUSS STRATEGY

MIN GIRIRAJ SINGH DEMANDS SEDITION

CASE AGAINST RaGa

New Delhi (Agencies): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a meeting with his top ministers to formulate the government’s strategy ahead of the second part of the Budget session.

Later in the day, the parliamentary proceedings were stalled following uproarious scenes in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under attack” remarks in the UK, with senior BJP ministers seeking an apology over the comments and the Congress countering it with its JPC demand on the Adani issue.

While in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister and Deputy Leader of the House Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi led the government’s charge against Gandhi, Union minister Piyush Goyal in Rajya Sabha demanded that Gandhi’s statements be condemned by the Upper House.

Earlier in the day, a meeting of Congress MPs under the chairmanship of party presi-

16 PARTIES TAKE PART IN OPPOSITION

LEADERS’ MEET CHAIRED BY KHARGE

New Delhi (ANI): Sixteen parties participated in the Opposition party leaders’ meeting chaired by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on Monday to decide the strategy for Budget session.Indian National Congress; Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK), Janata Dal (U); Aam Admi

dent Mallikarjun Kharge took place at the party’s Parliamentary Party (CPP) office in Parliament to chalk out the strategy. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and

SUVENDU ADHIKARI FILES PETITION IN CALCUTTA HIGH COURT AGAINST SPEAKER’S DECISION

Party; Communist Party of India (Marxist); Kerala Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal; Nationalist Congress Party; Communist Party of India; Indian Union Muslim League; Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray); Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Revolutionary Socialist Party; Rashtriya Janata Dal; Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the NC.

West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury are present in the meeting.

The Lok Sabha Sabha and Rajya Sabha members of the Congress also participated in the

IN THE COURTYARD U’khand Budget session: Cong stages dharna

Kolkata: The Opposition leader in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that he has filed a petition before Calcutta High Court challenging the Assembly speaker’s decision rejecting his plea to disqualify BJP legislator Mukul Roy under the anti-defection law. “I filed the petition before the high court today. Our lawyers mentioned the matter before the court of the Chief Justice,” Adhikari said outside the HC on Monday.

HC NOT HAPPY OVER USE OF WORSHIP PLACES BY PRIESTS

New Delhi: In an order passed recently, the Delhi High Court has expressed concern over conversion of public places of worship into private tenements after which rights are sought to be claimed over the property by priests, pandits, imams, caretakers and their families in an illegal and unauthorised manner.

SC JUNKS PLEA FOR CBI CLOSURE REPORT IN YADAVS’ DA CASE

New Delhi: The apex court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking a copy of CBI report on closure of its enquiry into allegations of disproportionate assets against former UP CMs Mulayam Yadav and his son Akhilesh. The CBI had said in 2019 that since “no prima facie evidence” of commission of a cognisable offence was found.

Chamoli (ANI): The budget session of the Uttarakhand assembly has begun in Bhararisain, Uttarakhand. Before the assembly proceedings, the Congress MLAs staged a sit-in protest outside the Vidhan Sabha. Congress MLAs demanded that a CBI inquiry should be initiated into alleged irregularities in several recruitment examinations in the state. Congress MLAs were seen sitting on the steps of the assembly premises holding placards demanding CM Dhami solve the issue of unemployment in the state.

New Delh (PTI): The Congress on Monday posed fresh questions about Vinod Adani’s alleged network of shell companies engaged in “opaque” financial transactions, and claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi got his “drumbeaters” to get Parliament adjourned so that the demand for JPC into the Adani issue is not raised. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Adani Group has repeatedly brushed aside questions about Vinod Adani, elder brother of conglomerate’s chairperson Gautam Adani, claiming that he is uninvolved with group management and

Congress Parliamentary Party meeting to decide the strategy for Budget session.

The second leg of Budget session resumed after a monthlong recess. The recess

decision-making, but fresh disclosures show this to be a “laughable deception”.

The Opposition has been persistent in its attack on the government, weeks after Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of US-based short seller Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions.

was for enabling the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to examine the demands for grants and make reports relating to their ministries or departments.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday urged for a sedition case to be filed against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly insulting the Parliament during his recent visit to the United Kingdom.“Rahul Gandhi in London said that MPs were not allowed to speak in Parliament. This is an insult to Lok Sabha. The Speaker should take action against him on this statement,” he said.“A sedition case should be registered against him for insulting our democracy,” the minister said.

KHARGE HITS BACK AT MODI GOVT OVER RaGa’S DEMOCRACY

REMARKS IN UK

New Delhi (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hit back at the govt for raising Rahul Gandhi’s democracy remarks in Parliament and demanding apology from him, saying those “crushing” democracy are talking of saving it. Kharge, who took out a protest march from Parliament House complex to Vijay Chowk along with other Opposition MPs, including those of the BRS, Left parties and AAP, charged there was no rule of law and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was running the country like a “dictator”. The protest march was taken out after the BJP launched an offensive against Gandhi.

BJP Working Prez Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi Oppn Leader Ramvir Bidhuri others protest, in New Delhi on Monday.

BJP demands CM Kejriwal’s resignation

New Delhi: Delhi

BJP, under its Working President Virendra Sachdeva, on Monday observed a ‘maun vrat’ (silent sitin) opposite Rajghat demanding resignation of CM Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged involvement in liquor policy scam.

During the sit-in, a film was also played on the LED screen “exposing” the alleged lies and false promises of the Kejriwal government.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, MP Dr Harshvardhan and Ramesh Bidhuri, MLAs Om Prakash Sharma and Abhay Verma, State General Secretaries Kuljit Singh Chahal and Harsh Malhotra, co-incharge of Jammu and Kashmir Ashish Sood, Co-incharge of Assam Pawan Sharma, former State President Vijay Goel, National Spokesperson Sardar RP Singh, State Vice President and others were present.

Tripura CM Saha calls on PM Modi

New Delhi (ANI): Newly sworn-in Tripura CM Manik Saha on Monday called on PM Narendra Modi here and presented him with a portrait of historic Ujjayanta Palace. Saha said that the PM has assured full support for the development of Tripura. “Glad to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji in New Delhi. Hon’ble Prime Minister conveyed warm regards to brothers and sisters of Tripura and also assured for full support in development of State. Grateful to him for his blessings, warm wishes and continued guidance,” Saha said in a social media post.

Tripura CM Manik Saha with PM Modi, in New Delhi on Monday.

SHAH MEETS MEGHALAYA, NAGALAND CMs

New Delhi: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Monday. Shah congratulated them for taking over the charge for another term and hoped the new govt will be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the

BIHAR POLITICS

people of their states. “Met Meghalaya CM @SangmaConrad Ji. Wished him all the best in taking office for the second time. May the new government be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji,” Shah tweeted.

I WILL WORK HARD TO MAKE MODI PM AGAIN: YEDIYURAPPA

Bengaluru: Ex-Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa on Monday, said that the party will work hard to win maximum seats in upcoming state assembly polls and Lok Sabha polls next year to ensure that Narendra Modi becomes PM again. He said, “PM Modi has confidence in me and I have confidence in him. For making sure that Modi Ji becomes PM again, we will work hard towards winning maximum seats in Karnataka assembly elections and also Lok Sabha elections.”

AAP MEMBERS AREN’T AFRAID OF JAIL: CHADHA

New Delhi (ANI): Attacking the BJP over the alleged “misuse” of central agencies, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Monday said that party members are not afraid of going to jail, as they have emerged out of a movement. Ragahv Chadha said, “We have the capability to raise our issues by ourselves. And we are not alone, all the citizens of this country are with us.”

ED REMAND OF H’BAD BIZMAN PILLAI EXTENDED

New Delhi (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday extended the ED remand of Hyderabad businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai till March 16, in the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case. Special Judge Vikas Dhull on Monday allowed ED application for further extensions of the remand of Arun Ramchandra Pillai. ED further informed the court that it has again issued summons to Hyderabad-based chartered accountant Butchibabu Gorantla to confront him.

K’taka BJP MLA sparks row with ‘Azaan’ remarks

Bengaluru (Agencies): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KS Eshwarappa landed in a soup after he made controversial remark while speaking about Azaan and said that if loudspeakers are used for prayers, it suggests that “Allah is deaf”. He also said that Azaan gives him a headache.

Senior BJP leader and former minister KS Eshwarappa was addressing a public gathering when Azaan went out from a mosque nearby. “Wherever I go, this (Azaan) gives me a headache,” Eshwarappa said.

Is action on Lalu family a blessing in disguise for Nitish Kumar?

New Delhi: The investigation of Central agencies against Lalu Prasad’s family in Bihar has intensified as the noose of two agencies — the CBI and ED — is tightening around the family. In this case, along with Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi, his son and Deputy CM of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav is also on target. Apart from these, the names of four daughters of Lalu

Prasad are also involved in one way or the other.

CBI has interrogated

Lalu and Rabri and Tejashwi Yadav has been summoned twice.

On one pretext or the other, he has been avoiding being present. But soon he will be produced before the CBI and after that the ED will also interrogate him.

CBI had earlier conducted raids in the alleged scam of recruitment in Railways and now ED has raided

Tejashwi and his sisters. This whole matter is progressing like the liquor scam of Delhi. It cannot be denied that

both the agencies arrested some people in this case. Former MLA Bhola Yadav, who was earlier a personal aide

of Lalu Prasad, has been arrested by the CBI in this case. It is not known how much political benefit BJP will get from such aggressive action of central agencies, but Nitish Kumar, who became Chief Minister with the help of RJD, has got a big relief.

After CBI inquiry and ED raids, demand to make Tejashwi the CM has come to a standstill as RJD leaders are on backfoot. They are not putting pressure on

Nitish to make Tejashwi the CM. Although Tejashwi has already said that he is in no hurry and will become the CM when he has to, but first he has to defeat the BJP. But his party leaders were pressing that instead of waiting till the 2025 assembly polls, Tejashwi should be made the CM now. Nitish is also relieved because if RJD leaders pressurize him, he will get a strong excuse to walk out of the alliance.

“CHANGE SCRIPT & DIALOGUE WRITER”: TEJASHWI YADAV TO BJP AFTER RAIDS

Patna: Days after raids on his and his family members’ houses in multiple states in connection with the landfor-jobs case, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on Monday again rubbished the allegations, and taunted PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. In a dig at the Prime Minister’s ‘entire political science’ degree, and Shah’s ‘understand the chronology’ remark, Tejashwi Yadav said they (Yadav family) are real socialists, not “fake entire political science

people”, and offered a chronology of events leading to the raids. He also questioned what happened to sensational, headline-making claims of recovering thousands of crores in money and properties during earlier raids.

Sharat K Verma

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with his Deputy Tejashwi. —FILE PHOTO

first day of second phase of the Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday.

CONG: PM GOT ‘DRUMBEATERS’ TO GET PARL ADJOURNED TO AVOID JPC ON ADANI ISSUE

Centre approves `1,816 crore to 5 states as disaster relief

New Delhi (ANI): The Central govt on Monday approved Rs 1,816.162 crore of additional central assistance to Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Meghalaya and Nagaland as they faced natural disasters like floods, landslides and cloudburst in 2022.

A high-level committee, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, took the decision showing the resolve of the Central govt under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi to help the people of the five States who faced these natural disasters, said a Ministry statement.

Additional central assistance will be provided to these states under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Of the total Central assistance of Rs 1,816.162 crore, Rs 520.466 crore

“Pakistan covering up its failures with propaganda”

HIGH-LEVEL MEET CHAIRED BY SHAH TAKES DECISION

New Delhi: Of the total Central assistance of Rs 1,816.162 crore, Rs 520.466 crore has been approved to Assam, Rs 239.31 crore to Himachal Pradesh, Rs 941.04 crore to Karnataka, Rs 47.326 crore to Meghalaya and Rs 68.02 crore to Nagaland. Additional central assistance will be provided to these states under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). A high-level committee, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, took this decision on Monday.

New Delhi (PTI): There is no let-up in Pakistansponsored cross-border terrorism and Islamabad is yet to show sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a report on Monday.

In its annual report for 2022, the MEA said that Pakistan continues to engage in “hostile and fabricated propaganda” to vilify India and to divert attention from its domestic political and economic failures.

MEA’S ANNUAL REPORT STATES INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT WITH CHINA ‘COMPLEX’

has been approved to Assam, Rs 239.31 crore to Himachal Pradesh, Rs 941.04 crore to Karnataka, Rs 47.326 crore to Meghalaya and Rs 68.02 crore to Nagaland. This additional assis-

ISIS Kerala module case: NIA conducts raids in J&K’s Srinagar

New Delhi (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted searches in J&K’s Srinagar in the ISIS Kerala module case and seized several digital devices.

The raids were conducted at one Uzair Azhar Bhat’s house in Srinagar’s Karfali Mohalla. Bhat is suspected to have been part of the conspiracy. In 2021, NIA said, it had started investigations into Mohammed Ameen alias Abu Yahya, a resident of Kerala’s Mallapuram.

The NIA said Yahya had been running various ISIS propaganda channels on different social media platforms, such as Telegram, Hoop, and Instagram. Through these channels, he was propagating violent Jihadi ideologies of ISIS and was radicalizing and

—Representational photo

COPS ATTACH HOUSE OF MAN INVOLVED IN MILITANT ACTIVITIES

Srinagar: State investigation unit of the J&K Police on Monday attached the house of a man involved in militant activities in Anantnag district. Sources said the house of Mohammad Ishaq Malik, son of Mohammad Saifullah Malik, and a resident of Dhanwetehpora Kokernag in Anantnag district, was attached under section 25 of UAPA for his involvement in militant activities.

recruiting new members to this ISIS module. He and his associates had even identified certain individuals for targeted killings. They had also made plans to undertake Hijrah to Jammu and Kashmir for engaging in terrorist acts and had raised funds from various sources for this trip.

tance is over and above the funds released by the Centre to the States in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), already placed at the disposal of the States, said the statement.

During the financial year 2022-23, the central government has released Rs 15,770.40 crore to 25 states in their SDRF and Rs 502.744 crore to four states from NDRF.

The central govern-

ment had deputed InterMinisterial Central Teams (IMCTs) to these states, immediately after the calamities, without waiting for the receipt of the Memorandum from them.

It said India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and its consistent position has been that issues, if any, should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

At the same time, it said the onus is on Pakistan to create such a condu-

New Delhi: India’s engagement with China is “complex” and Chinese attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC in eastern Ladakh starting from April-May 2020 seriously disturbed the peace and tranquility in border areas, MEA said on Monday. “India’s engagement with China is complex. The two sides have agreed that pending the final settlement of the boundary question, maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas is an essential basis for the overall development of the bilateral relationship,” the MEA’s annual report said.

cive environment.

“Pakistan continues to engage in hostile and fabricated propaganda to vilify India, and to divert attention from its domestic political and econom-

ic failures,” it said.

“India has completely rejected all actions and statements by Pakistan on matters which are completely internal to India,” the MEA said.

Move ahead with change for better mindset: Prez

New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said civil servants should move ahead with the mindset of “change for better” as on many occasions it has been seen that there is a tendency to maintain the status quo.

Murmu congratulated the state civil services officers attending the 124th Induction Training Programme at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), who called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, on their promotion and induc-

tion into the Indian Administrative Services.

The president said almost all the officers have served in the state governments in different capacities for more than 20 years during which they must have faced several challenges and taken tough decisions.

“The president said on many occasions it is seen that there is a tendency to maintain the status quo. Either it is simple inertia or it is the indifference towards emerging problems of people arising out of the ever-changing scenario around us.

Civil servants should move ahead with the mindset of ‘change for

better’,” according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kaushik death: After cops’ summons, Malu’s wife wants IO to be changed

New Delhi (ANI): After being summoned by Delhi Police in connection with death of actor Satish Kaushik, businessman Vikas Malu’s second wife has said that she won’t cooperate in the investigation, until the investigating inspector with “suspicious role” is changed.

Vikas Malu’s second wife, who levelled serious allegations against her husband has been summoned by the Delhi Police to record her statement in connec-

tion on Monday.

“Whereas the above mentioned complaint filed by you on 11.03.2023, is being enquired by the undersigned. There are rea-

DELHI COP ACCUSED OF DESTROYING EVIDENCE

New Delhi: In an update in the mysterious death case of Satish Kaushik, the wife of Vikas Malu has lodged a fresh complaint against Delhi Police Inspector Vijay Singh, alleging that he had once tried to hush up her sexual assault case by allegedly destroying all the evidence.

sonable ground to examine you to ascertain facts and circumstances in relation to the enquiry of the above mentioned complaint. Therefore, you are re-

ARE CONG’S ALLIES UP IN ARMS AGAINST THEIR ‘BIG BROTHER’ ON EMERGENCY?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: It is surprising that the close allies of the Congress party are talking about the Emergency these days. On the one hand BJP leaders and people sitting on constitutional posts are targeting the Congress by remembering the Emergency and on the other hand the allies are also remembering it. Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar while attack-

ing Rahul Gandhi at an event in Meerut on March 11 said that the microphone is still not switched off in Parliament. Notably, the microphone in Parliament used to be closed during emergency and the then opposition was not allowed to speak. Meanwhile, at least two old allies of the government recalled the Emergency and indirectly targeted the Congress.

Congress’s closest ally and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Sta-

lin raised the issue of Emergency without any context. He said in a program that his father Karunanidhi had opposed the Emergency.

At that time Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had asked him to support Emergency but he did not support. Stalin told that the result of not lis-

tening to Indira Gandhi was that the DMK government headed by his father was toppled. Similarly, RJD leader Lalu Prasad, another close ally of Congress, opposed the action of the central government agencies, saying that he had faced the Emergency and still did not back down. His party and other parties included in the UPA are also opposing the action of the central agencies by terming it as an undeclared emergency.

quested to join the enquiry before the undersigned on 13.03.23 at 11 am, at your home or any other place convenient to you,” the Delhi Police stated in the notice.

NIGERIAN NATIONAL HELD IN DELHI FOR SUPPLYING DRUGS

New Delhi: A 29-yearold Nigerian national was arrested for supplying drugs in Delhi-NCR, the Delhi police said in a statement on Monday.

The police said 1,050 grams of Methaqualone drugs was seized from the accused, identified as Oluebube Damain. Damain came to India from Nigeria on a three-month visa in 2019 and after expiry of visa, he continued to live illegally in the country, police said.

Murmu urged the officers to work with the spirit of “Nation First

and People First”. “She said that as IAS officers, they should adhere to the principles of integrity, transparency, commitment and promptness,” the statement read.

The president said the country needs civil servants who are innovative, proactive and polite, professional, progressive, energetic, transparent, tech-enabled and constructive. “Administrative leaders embodying these leadership styles and values will be better placed to serve the nation and citizens,” the statement read.

Boys’ death by dogs: Mother inconsolable

New Delhi: Though the police has registered a murder case in connection with death of two minor brothers in city’s Vasant Kunj area, the 30-year-old inconsolable mother of the two said her children were innocent, why them?

Anand (7) and Aditya (5) had passed away, within a span of two days, after they were bitten by stray dogs near their residence near a forest area.

The boys’ mother, Sushma works at a parlour and is family’s sole

CRUCIAL READ

breadwinner. She had shifted in a basti at Ruchi Vihar near Vasant Vihar area with three sons in last July.

“Aditya was a kindergarten student while Anand was in Class II. Now I am left with only one son, Ansh (9),” said Sushma, adding that she doesn’t live with her husband.

“My children as usual had gone to play outside and they were near the house when all this happened. It has never happened before. Why now and with me,” she said.

TOURIST ASSAULT CASE: GOA CM SAWANT ORDERS TO SUSPEND POLICE OFFICER

Panaji: Goa CM Pramod Sawant on Monday said that the police officer who failed to mention section 307 of IPC in the FIR and arrest accused persons on the incident day, in connection with the tourist attack case, will be suspended by Monday evening. Goa Police on Sunday arrested three persons for allegedly attacking tourists with a knife in Anjuna-North Goa.

JALANDHAR LS BYPOLL: CONG TO FIELD EX-MP SANTOKH CHAUDHARY’S WIFE

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday announced the nomination of former Jalandhar MP Santokh Chaudhary’s wife Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary as the party candidate from the Lok Sabha seat that fell vacant after her husband’s death. Santokh Chaudhary died on January 14 due to cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab’s Phillaur, following which the Yatra taken out by the opposition party was halted for 24 hours.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Parliament House on the first day of the 2nd half of Budget session, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

State civil services officers attending the 124th Induction Training Programme at LBSNAA called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Congress chief Kharge with Tamil Nadu CM Stalin. —FILE PHOTO

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

Dr Raghu, Kekri people seek dist tag; meet CM

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former Medical Minister and Kekri MLA Dr Raghu Sharma on Monday handed over a demand letter with 1.81 lakh signatures to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Chief Minister's residence for making Kekri a district. All the Congress workers who went from Kekri to Jaipur reached the CMR with Dr Raghu Sharma. CM Gehlot said that he will propose to make Kekri a district before the Ramlubhaya Committee. Congress state in-

charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra, PCC member Sagar Sharma, and Congress office bearers and citizens of Kekri assembly constituency were present.

Mins Ramesh, Parsadi, Kalla in the committee

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Panchayati

Raj minister Ramesh Meena has been made the new convener of the committee constituted to consider various aspects related to the activities of 5 departments transferred for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions.

The committee was earlier headed by the then Panchayati Raj minister and deputy CM Sachin Pilot and former minister late Master Bhanwar Lal Megh-

wal was the member. Along with them, former ministers Raghu Sharma and Govind Singh Dotasra were also the members of the committee. Now in the revised order issued by secretary Jitendra Upadhyay after approval from high level, ministers BD Kalla and Parsadi Lal Meena have been included in the committee. Two other members of the committee, ministers Lal Chand Kataria and Mamta Bhupesh, will continue to be the members of the committee.

One more accused held from Jaipur

First India Bureau

Udaipur: The police has arrested one more accused in the senior teacher recruitment paper leak case. The arrested man is the accomplice of absconding teacher Anil alias Sher Singh Meena, who sold paper to master mind Bhupendra Saran for Rs 40 lakh. The police produced him in a court where the magistrate remanded him to police remand for 7 days for interrogation.

Additional SP Mahendra Parikh, who is investigating the case, said that Ramgopal (34) was arrested from Jaipur at 9 pm on Sunday. He is a property dealer and a business partner of Sher Singh.

Ramgopal knew every information related

to the paper leak. He also used to support Sher Singh and used to look after his entire business and accounts.

It is suspected that he has been involved in other paper leak cases.

Meanwhile, an anticipatory bail application has been filed for the main accused Suresh Dhaka. Hearing on the petition will be held on Tuesday.

Dr. Raghu Sharma speaking in the presence of CM Ashok Gehlot, SS Randhawa and GS Dotasra at CMR on Monday.

Sagar Sharma felicitating CM Ashok Gehlot at CMR in Jaipur on Monday.

PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

Accused Ramgopal in police custody on Monday.

Progress of girl students helps in building new India: Governor

Governor also expresses happiness over increasing number of girl students in education

Bhanwar S Charan

Kota: Appreciating girl students performing well in academics, Governor Kalraj Mishra on Monday said it is a good sign that when women take the lead and play their role, positivity resides in society and country and no one can stop the progress there.

Speaking at the sixth convocation ceremony of the agriculture university in Kota, the governor said the progress of girl students is a good sign in the direction of building a new India.

In the ceremony, 23 students were awarded gold medals in which, 14 were girl students.

“In almost all the universities where I am going for the convocation ceremony, the number of gold medalists is very high among girl students. In some

cases, it is even 8590%,” he said.

He also stressed promoting cow-based agriculture and organic farming. The governor said that chemical farming has caused a lot of damage to the fertility of the soil.

Apart from this, there is a need to promote cow-based agri-

culture and organic farming in the state.

“With this, along with quality food and healthy life, protection of soil and environment will also be ensured,” he said adding that due to the efforts of India, the discussion on coarse grains has started in the whole world.

BARMER: NARCOTICS BUREAU IN ACTION

Fake drug racket busted, two arrested

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: A team of the central bureau of narcotics on Monday cracked down on a fake drug racket in the bordering Barmer district. Besides seizing huge quantities of fake drugs, the team also arrested two accused in the case.

Officials close to the development said that the raid was conducted following an input and further said that the team is now trying to crack more details of the racket.

GUV LAUDS DEV WORK IN KOTA, PRAISES CITY FOR PRESERVING INDIAN CULTURE

Kota: Governor Kalraj Mishra appreciated the development works in Kota, the hometown of State Urban Development and Self-Government Minister Shanti Dhariwal. The Governor was in Kota for the convocation ceremony at the Agricultural University on Monday. Mishra mentioned Oxygen and Chambal River Front, the major development projects of Kota, and expressed hope that Kota would make a place on the map of world tourism. The Governor, who visited and saw many development works, said, “It is a pleasant feeling that Kota is preserving the traditions of Indian culture.” —Bhanwar S Charan

Telangana HM visits Ajmer

Sharif Dargah

First India Bureau

Ajmer: Telangana

The team produced both accused before the court from where they were sent to judicial custody.

According to the information, the team of Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Delhi has taken major action against illegal drug trafficking Barmer.

Two accused, identified as Ganga Ram and Kanti Lal, who were involved in the fake drug racket were arrested. After the raid, the team thoroughly interrogated both the accused.

The team seized 40 cartoons of drugs and spurious medicines from Barmer city. The team also arrested two accused and also seized two bikes and a car. Officials who refused to come on record said that the CNB team had received a tip-off and a complaint that a large number of intoxicat-

ing and spurious medicines are being sold openly in Barmer. Following this, the team initially gathered information and on Monday raided a house at Uttarlai Road in Barmer. The team had seized a consignment of 40 cartoons of different narcotics and spurious medicines.

Couple dies in bike crash, kids injured

AJMER: TWO KILLED, 3 INJURED AFTER CAR OVERTURNS ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY

There has been a change in the weather of Rajasthan. Many districts including Jaipur, Rajsamand, Alwar, Hanumangarh remained cloudy on Monday morning. The minimum temperature in many cities remained above 20 degrees Celsius. Meteorological Center Jaipur has expressed the possibility of Western Disturbance on Tuesday as well with possibility of rain and thunderstorm in Ajmer, Kota and Jaipur divisions.

—PHOTO

BY SANTOSH SHARMA

5 held for posting derogatory social media content on CM

First India Bureau Jaipur: Police have arrested five persons including a Youtuber for posting derogatory remarks for CM Ashok Gehlot on the social media. The cases in this regard were lodged in Sodala in Jaipur, Nangal Rajawatan in Dausa and Chauth Ka Barwada police station

of Sawai Madhopur district. The accused are being questioned by the police. The content was shared and downloaded many times. The police received complaints on social media also and took action after the CMO also got active in the matter. Accused are alleged to be supporters of Kirodi Lal Meena.

State Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali arrived in the city on Monday on a one-day visit. He prayed for the progress of Telangana State by attending the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti dargah. After paying obeisance, he reached the Collectorate & discussed upcoming Telangana House in the Kotra area of Ajmer with the District Collector Anshdeep and ADA Commissioner. Telangana Home Minister, said that a lot of progress has been achieved by the state in the last eight years.

First India Bureau Sawai Madhopur: A speeding Bolero rammed over a bike killing a couple and injuring their children near Dubbi Banas on the Lalsot-Kota Mega Highway. Two children on the bike were severely injured. Police reached the spot, and the deceased husband and wife and their injured children were

taken to the Sawai Madhopur District Hospital. Regarding the incident, the police said that deceased Vinod Harijan and his wife Anita were on their way to Bagdi to attend a wedding ceremony with their two children. Meanwhile, the Bolero jeep coming from the front near Dubbi Banas hit the bike, killing the husband and wife on the spot.

Dalit youth lynched in Hanumangarh

First India Bureau Hanumangarh /Bhadra: A case of lynching of a Dalit youth has come to light in the Malkheda village of the region.

The deceased is identified as Kuldeep Meghwal. According to the police, the body of Kuldeep Meghwal, a resident of Malkheda village, was found naked in the field. Several injury marks were found on the body of the deceased. In this regard, the uncle of the deceased has filed a

Ajmer: A speedy Brezza car overturned on the National Highway near Bandanwada village of Bhinay region in the district. In the accident, two people travelling in the car died on the spot, and 3 were severely injured who were taken to a hospital. As soon as the information was received, the Bhinay police reached the spot and took the bodies of the dead and kept them in the Bhinay mortuary. The car driver was coming from Ajmer towards Bhilwara. Both the deceased are said to be from the Chittorgarh district along with other injured residents of Bhilwara. At present, the bodies are in the mortuary and their relatives were informed.

JUDICIAL OFFICER INJURED AFTER BUS HITS HIS CAR, BUS DRIVER ARRESTED

Jodhpur: A passenger bus rammed into the car of a judicial officer on Circuit House Road in the city. The judicial officer injured his shoulder, while the car was badly damaged. The police seized the bus & arrested the driver. As per the police, judicial officer Anant Bhandari reached Jodhpur from Jaipur and was entering the circuit house. Meanwhile, the bus passing by hit the car. The judicial magistrate suffered a shoulder injury in the accident. The bus was seized and further action is being taken. Many officers belonging to the Department of Justice reached the Circuit House and took an update about the health of Judicial Magistrate Anant Bhandari.

case against three people for killing Kuldeep.

According to the police, the murderer is a father and his two sons and the matter is being told of as a love affair. At present, Bhirani police have kept the dead body in the mortuary of Bhadra Hospital and the relatives of the deceased were informed. The police are in search of the absconding accused.

Benefits of 7th pay scale to work charge workers in Raj

First India Bureau Jaipur: Gehlot government has taken a major decision to give promotions & benefits of the seventh pay scale to work charge workers. This action will have to be done

date of promotion to the date of retirement. Then it is possible to fix pensions on an actual basis from the date of retirement.

Pension will be fixed on the basis of orders issued by the Finance Department from time to time in this regard. For the work charge employees who will be in service on 1 April 2023, the promotion process will be done according to subordinate service rules. After the upgra-

dation of this work charge personnel, the previous designation will be automatically terminated.

The work charge personnel who were drawing higher pay scales or were in a pay scale higher than that mentioned in the promotion channel, their salary will be protected. The pay fixation on next promotion is less than the earlier protected pay, even then the salary will be protected.

It was said in the PIL that the width of two roads was reduced to protect the house of former MLA Prahlad Gunjal’s wife.

HC cancels land conversion in Kota

The court also directed the government to remove the encroachment in 3 months

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajasthan high court has canceled the change of land use and decrease in the width of two major roads in Kota and directed the government to fix the width of the road according to the master plan.

The court also directed the government to remove the encroachment in 3 months.

The orders were given by the division bench of acting Chief Justice MM Srivastava and Justice Anil Upman on a PIL of Anil Suwalka filed through advocates Vimal Chaudhary and

AS PER LAND USE CHANGE RULES

Yogesh Tailor. The width was reduced by the state-level land use change committee.

DUSKY WEATHER

The probe is on & the police are in search for the accused.

Relatives and a team of police at the hospital.

Governor Kalraj Mishra during the sixth convocation ceremony organised at UIT Auditorium of Agriculture University, in Kota on Monday.

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

2ND FRONT

NOT MODI BUT ADANI DECIDING WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN COUNTRY: RANDHAWA

Cong's State In-Charge says

Sharma and Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: Rajasthan Congress in-charge

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa while addressing the party workers during the Congress march 'Chalo Raj Bhavan' against the Centre and Gautam Adani. on Monday said that when the British came, they had brought the East India Company to do business. “Modi has brought a man like Adani by making him East India Company. East India Company looted the country for 200 years, occupied the whole country. The country is moving towards slavery again. Not Modi but Adani is deciding what will happen in the country,” he said. Rajasthan ministers, party MLAs and workers participated in stir near the Civil Lines Gate.

“First throw out Modi, if Modi goes out then Adani will automatically end. First kill BJP, Adani will end automatically,” Randhawa said PM Modi says what Congress has done.

Interrupting the sloganeering, he says, “When you say Zindabad, it is then that the mind of the leaders gets spoiled

BJP slams Cong Chief Randhawa for ‘finish PM Modi’ remark

First India Bureau Jaipur: During the Congress protest in Jaipur, Randhawa said that Modi has to be finished, a statement that invited sharp reaction from BJP. BJP State President Satish Poonia condemned the remark and demanded an apology from Randhawa.

The statement of Congress State in-charge

Sukhjinder Randhawa is unfortunate. It matches Rahul Gandhi’s antinational views.

RAIDS LIKELY TO BE CONDUCTED IN RAJ, ALLEGE MINISTERS DURING THE MARCH M inister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said that the Central Government is conducting raids by ED, Income Tax and CBI to cover Adani's scam, and there is preparation for raids in Rajasthan as well to pressurise the ministers. Minister Tikaram Jully said that all those institutions that are the economic base of the country, the Centre has mortgaged all of them to big houses like Adani. Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya said that the way Adani has misused the public money, Rahul Gandhi had demanded to set up a parliamentary committee for investigation, but the intention of the Modi government is not clear, that's why the parliamentary committee was not formed.

“Congress has liberated the country and the country was given to a dishonest person like Modi,” he said. Randhawa also lashed out at factionalism and selfish leaders

We have to work for Congress. Do not work for any person. We are an institution, Congress does not run in the name of anyone, someone runs in the name of Congress.

—Sukhjinder S Randhawa, Congress Raj in-charge

in the Congress. He said if the worker is alive then the Congress is alive. Randhawa told the MLAs to get into election mode and go directly to people.

Taking a jibe at the

Kejri supports war widows, endorses their demands

Ziauddin Khan and Dinesh Tiwari

Jaipur: Delhi CM

Arvind Kejriwal Kejriwal while addressing a gathering during AAP’s Tiranga Yatra from Sanganeri Gate to Ajmeri Gate to sound its election bugle in Raj for upcoming assembly polls, targeted State govt over misbehaviour with war widows & martyrs’ widows. He said that he was very sad about what happened to widows. He also said that in Delhi, they give Rs 1 crore to families of martyrs.

“Someone from the martyrs’ families must get a job. There is nothing wrong in this,” he said, while talking to

the media outside the Jaipur airport. Kejri said that AAP will contest on all seats and that’s why Congress & BJP are scared. “If you want filth, drama, corruption & politics then vote for BJP & Congress as AAP leaders do not know it,” Kejriwal said. Punjab CM Mann

said that God has sent a broom to clean Congress & BJP. “ Raj peopleare ready as they have a third option now. Congress & BJP used to abuse Kejri. We will work to change fate of your children. Double corruption is happening due to double engine. This must stop,” he said.

Congress leaders, Randhawa said, “I have to say with regret that whoever comes to me, he doesn't say how to take the Congress forward but what post to give him. Brother, first

Shekhawat’s defamation suit against CM heard

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Hearing on the defamation case filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against CM Ashok Gehlot was conducted by a court in Delhi on Monday.

The court of chief metropolitan magistrate Harjeet Singh recorded the statement of a witness. The next hearing in the case will be held on March 15.

Singh had filed the case against Gehlot for his statement against him regarding Sanjeevani cooperative society scam.

“There is irreparable damage caused to his (Shekhawat’s) reputation,” the complaint claimed.

FULFILLING PEOPLES’ DEMANDS

make Congress. I need workers. No quota system will work,” he said.

“Punjab in-charge Harish Chaudhary is sitting here, the way we brought current in Punjab in 2017, we have to

bring the same current. Chaudhary and I have been working together and went to each Congressman's house. The 10-year rule of the Akalis ended,” Congress’ Raj in-charge said.

“The statement of Congress State incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa is unfortunate. It matches Rahul Gandhi’s anti-national views. With this statement not only did he harm the country and has hurt the PM’s dignity but has also insulted martyrs,” he said.

BJP leader Om Prakash Mathur said the country will not tolerate such language for its most popular leader. He said that the statement will work to end the existence of the Congress party.

Deputy LoP Rajendra Rathore hit back at Randhawa saying that Congress is scared of PM Modi’s increasing popularity in the world.

“Randhawa made indecent remarks against the PM. This is an insult to 140 crore countrymen,” he said.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

—Satish Poonia, BJP State Prez Country will not tolerate such language for its most popular leader. Randhawa’s remark will work to end the existence of the Congress party.

—Om Prakash Mathur, Senior BJP Leader

said that the Congress has no work except making absurd commentary on Modi. He said that after Punjab, it’s Rajasthan’s turn to face defeat in elections.

Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari termed the statement as ‘nonsense” and against democracy. He said that the statement shows the lowest level.

“What was said for Pulwama martyrs is not an insult to the martyrs but to the whole country. Rajasthan is a state of heroes, saying such things is an insult to the whole nation,” Tiwari said.

Gehlot Saheb’s biggest responsibility is to bring back Cong in Raj: Randhawa

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Rajasthan Congress in-charge

Sukhjinder Singh

Randhawa said that CM Gehlot brought the best budget. “Be it for medical development or electricity, Gehlot has brought good relief plan for common people and farmers. Gehlot Saheb has old experience, became CM three times, he became President at a young age. Having been the General Secretary of the organisation at the national level, his biggest responsibility is to bring back the Congress in Rajasthan,” he told the media after the Rajasthan Congress organisational meeting

RHB’s State level workshop on Vastu today

Prof of Astrological Sciences and Jyotishacharya Satish Sharma & others will train technical engineers & officers

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: The Commissioner of the Rajasthan Housing Board, Pawan Arora has prepared an action plan to take care of ‘Vastu Shastra’ in the residential and commercial constructions to be made by the Board after knowing the intention of the

common people. In this side, a state level workshop related to Vastu Shastra will be organised at the Board’s Headquarters ‘Awas Bhawan’ today.

In the workshop, Indian Council of Astrological Sciences Professor, Architect and Jyotishacharya Satish Sharma and other ex-

RHB has always constructed buildings keeping in mind the sentiments of the common people and the changing times and demands. In today’s era, the priority of common people is to buy ‘Vastu’ based buildings, but often the rules of ‘Vastu Shastra’ are not applicable in the buildings being built on a large scale. This important workshop will be organised to resolve this problem.

—Pawan Arora, RHB Commissioner

perts will impart training related to Vastu to technical engineers and officers of the RHB.

Arora said that all officers of the level of Divisional Secretary, Chief Estate Manager, Chief Engineer, Technical Advisor, Additional Chief City Planner, Additional Chief Engineer, Deputy Housing Commissioner, Technical Assistant and Residential Engineer will be present in the workshop.

organised at PCC office on Monday.

Informing about the meeting, PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra said

that “It was decided in the meeting that we will take the State government’s schemes door- todoor. Exam papers have

leaked in many states, but only in Rajasthan do we have a law to stop paper leak. It is not there in any other state.”

Various delegations meet CM, hail his public welfare schemes

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Delegations of various societies and State organisations including representatives & members of Waterworks Employees’ Union & Janata Jal Yojana Workers Union & others expressed their gratitude to CM for his budget announcement and public welfare schemes saying that every class has been taken care of in budget. CM listened to their issues sensitively and in-

structed for quick redressal. Representatives of Rajasthan Chartered

Yogesh

To grow up to your potential, challenge your comfort zone, but to achieve more than your potential, break out of your comfort zone.

Congress has liberated the country and the country was given to a dishonest person like Modi,

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Dr BD Kalla, Tikaram Jully, Dr Krishna Poonia, Dr Archana Sharma, Mumtaz Masih during Cong’s march ‘Chalo Raj Bhavan’ at Civil Lines Gate in Jaipur on Monday. Also seen here are Dharmendra Rathore, Govind Ram Meghwal, Harish Chaudhary and others.

Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann during the AAP's 'Tiranga Rally' at Ajmeri Gate in Jaipur on Monday. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa during the Congress’ organisational meeting at PCC offi ce in Jaipur on Monday. Also seen here are Govind Singh Dotasra, Rameshwar Dudi, Dheeraj Gurjar, Shashikant Sharma and others.

C hief Minister Ashok Gehlot held a meeting with the State InCharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra.Various issues pertaining to the party and government were discussed in the meeting. The meeting lasted for one hour at the Chief Minister’s Residence. It is expected that a list of political appointments will come out in the next few days.

CM GEHLOT, RANDHAWA & DOTASRA’S HOUR-LONG MEET AT CMR

A NIGHT FULL OF GLAMOUR!

City First brings to you glimpses from the dazzling pre-party of the Jaipur Couture Show 2023 held at ‘The Palace’, Bhakrota on Sunday!

Adazzling pre-party and First Event

Glimpse program of Rajasthan’s biggest and most prominent fashion festival

‘Jaipur Couture

Show 2023, season 11’ presented by First India and Bharat24, Vision of New India and curated by Gaurav Gaur, Director Elite Miss Rajasthan took place at ‘The Palace’, Bhakrota on Sunday was a cosy bash with a select set. During the occasion, a glimpse of the exclusive designer collections of 26 fashion designers from across the country was showcased. Show patron JD Maheshwari along with show’s founder Gaurav Gaur, directors Ajit Soni, PN Doody, Ankur Jain, Ronnie Sharma, and Nakul Vijay were present. While addressing the media, Gaurav Gaur said “We are getting into the zone of celebration and festivities. So keeping that in mind, this night set the mood for the day. So yes, it will surely be a regular affair for events that demand bespoke experiences.” He further said “The event will bring together a medley of fashion designers showcasing their vivacious and latest collections. The event will see glimpses of nine TV and Film stars as showstoppers on the stage.

On the second day of the event, Bollywood actress Mugdha Godse, Zoya Afroz, Liza Malik, Bollywood actor Anirudh Dave, Bigg Boss fame television celebrity Tina Dutta, television actress Soni Singh, Akash Chaudhary will be present on the ramp as showstoppers for well-known designers. On the third day of the program, actress Chitrangada Singh and TV actress Tania Chatterjee will participate as showstoppers in the

closing program of the show.” Anoop Chowdhary, Shivayu, Neerja, Krishna Singh, Craft Council of Artisans and Weavers, House of Skull Baba, Ankit Bagra, Daksha, Seema Kalavadia, Heena Balani, Hashtag Blunt, Ruchi Pathak, Khushi Chauhan, Sarte, Bannadi, Mukesh

Dubey, Itisha Jain, Saisha Rajput, Vipin Agarwal, Nazim Ali, Rekha Bhimsariya, Kingshuk, Prashant Mazumdar, Fuchsia will showcase their best designs on stage.” Various who’s who of the city including Supermodels, Elite Miss Rajasthan Winners and Influencers were present during the bash.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Sheena, Gaurav Gaur and Soni

Akanksha Bhalla

(L-R) Khushi, Yashvini, Harshita, Varunavi, Shweta, Sheena, Soni and Disha

Anticlockwise: Radhika, Harshita, Krishna and Yashvini

"An irresistibly catchy chorus, electrifying beats and killer dance moves to match have made this song a global sensation. It plays during a pivotal scene in 'RRR', a movie about the friendship between real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. In addition to being sung in Telugu and illustrating the film's anti-colonialist themes, it's also a total banger!"

She added, "It's earned millions of views on Youtube and Tik Tok. Has audiences dancing in movie theatres all around the world and is also the first song ever from Indian production to be nominated for an Oscar. Do you know Naatu? Because if you don't you're about to.

From the film RRR this is Naatu Naatu."

—DEEPIKA PADUKONE

Oscars 2023

LET’S ‘NAATU NAATU’

SRK wrote, "Big hug to @ guneetm & @EarthSpectrum for Elephant Whisperers. And @mmkeeravaani #ChandraBose ji @ssrajamouli @AlwaysRamCharan @tarak9999 thank u for showing us all, the way to do it. Both Oscars truly inspirational!!"

The Oscars, the greatest and most prestigious awards show in the world, presented prizes in 24 categories, including best film, best actress, original screenplay, cinematography, production design, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, and others. In the same episode, India celebrated two big wins at the Oscars marking the historic win of 'RRR' and 'The Elephant Whisperers', which has been etched in golden letters in the history of Indian cinema. The iconic dance song from SS Rajamouli's big-budget film "RRR," "Naatu Naatu," won Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards, beating heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, giving India a significant representation at the Oscars.

India and 'Everything Eve-

rywhere All At Once' both shone at the 95th Academy Awards, where 'Best Original Song' went to RRR's Naatu Naatu, and 'Best Documentary Short film category' went to The Elephant Whisperers. The documentary, which tells the story of a couple who care for an injured baby elephant after it gets separated from its herd, is the first Indian production to win in this category. However, India's big win remained Naatu Naatu (a Telugu word which means raw or rustic), a thumping song that has got people around the world grooving to its beats.

In January, the single made history by winning a Golden Globe for best original music, a first for India. It also received the Critics' Choice award for best single the same month. Not only this, Indian diva, Deepika Padukone attended as a presenter and looked stunning in black Louis Vuitton and She introduced the live performance of Naatu Naatu, which featured Lauren Gottlieb dancing and singing alongside Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. After Persis Khambatta and Priyanka Chopra, Deepika is the third Indian to present at the Oscars and captivated viewers with her appearance. She graced the red car-

pet of the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles wearing a custom Louis Vuitton black gown with a dramatic Cartier neckpiece. The diva was dressed in an off-the-shoulder black Louis Vuitton gown, styled with old Hollywood glam, a sleek hairdo and statement-making diamond jewels. The queen also showed off her new tattoo -82 degree E (inspired by her beauty brand) on the neck, she styled her gown with the stunning jewels.

Alia Bhatt, who is also a part of the film, gave a shout out to the team through her Insta story. She also wished The Elephant Whisperers' team as she wrote, 'uff what a visual! Historic! Congratulations @guneetmonga and the whole team'.

Vicky Kaushal took to his Insta story and wrote, 'Getting ready for Shoot. Put on the Oscars in the van and see the most magical smiles!!! Congratulations @guneetmonga and team #TheElephantWhisperers #Oscars95'.

Global star Priyanka Chopra, who has supported RRR and this song from the start, shared a video of the special performance on Instagram. The actress along with Anjula Acharia hosted the South Asian Excellence PreOscars Celebration on Thursday on the Paramount Studio lot invited South Asian industry changemakers and recognised Oscar nominees of South Asian descent. Everything Everywhere All At Once won five of its eleven Oscar nominations, and Team RRR, which included director SS Rajamouli, actors Ram Charan, and Jr. NTR, attended the ceremony.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

City First highlights the glorious victory of Indian Movie RRR and the documentary The Elephant Whisperer, at the Oscars 2023!

Glimpse from the LIVE performance of Naatu Naatu

STARRY NIGHTS IN THE CITY

DESERT SOUL WITH Hussain Brothers

CITY FIRST

Proud Moment!

CITY FIRST

The Ekadashi Foundation, operated in Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, has been awarded third place in the Indira Mahila Shakti Protsahan and Samman Award in the institutional category at the district level by the state government. The felicitation ceremony was organised under the International Women’s Day program week by the Department of Women and Child Development. Dr Rajesh Dogiwal, Deputy Director, Women’s Empowerment Department, honoured Eka-

dashi Foundation’s founder Vibhuti Singh with the Indira Mahila Shakti Protsahan and Samman Award for her remarkable contribution to the field of development and upliftment of women and girls. While receiving the award, the founder of Ekadashi Foundation, Vibhuti Singh thanked the Rajasthan Government and the Women’s Empowerment Department. Ekadashi Foundation has been working for the upliftment of education, health, and employment of women and girls for the last 4 years.

DURING THE DAY!

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Yash Kalra at his residence on Monday, as the former was presented with a book called ‘Omana, The Complete Woman’. The book is written by Yash Kalra and every chapter of the book has stories of women who took life head-on, challenged their limits and evolved rather than getting succumbed to selfpity and the blame game when they were tested by time.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Rajasthan Forum’s initiative Desert Soul series was organised with Eminent gazal singers

Ustad

Ahmed Hussain and Ustad Mohammed Hussain (Recipients of Padmashri). Rajasthan Forum member & wellknown artist Dr. Saleha Ghazi did the conversation.

While sharing their experience with the audience the Hussain brothers, who won the hearts of people with their singing, shared that from childhood till fifty-five years, they have lived only for music. Never worked thinking that our art will be awarded with any award.

They shared that their father was their teacher. Our Father always said that “adopt my knowledge, not my

tone”. The Hussain brothers said that an artist is never perfect, he remains a disciple throughout his life.

Talking about western music, the brothers shared that after listening to Indian music, the head starts dancing

while the feet start dancing on western music. An artist should perform his art with all his soul.

The evening ended with the vote of thanks by Deependra Rana, General Manager, ITC Rajputana. In the end,

Chairman of Rajasthan Forum, Padma Bhushan Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt & Rajasthan Forum Member Ikraam Rajasthani presented the memento. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

A musical night organised by Geet Sanstha took place at Kalaneri on Monday, the program was inaugurated by renowned music gurus Rajeev Bhatt, Hemant Bhatt, and Romila Bhatt. On this occasion, Seema Raj, Vijay Sharma, Arun Joshi and Amit Raj made the audience emotional by reciting their songs. Rajeev Bhatt, Anupama Sharma, Haridev Dadhich, Mauli Srivastava, Majaj Jaipuri and Hemant Bhatt. Dr Meenakshi Srivastava, Atul Gupta and Nitin Saraswat presented the love interest of Radha and Krishna. The program was conducted by Dr Deepak Srivastava.

In memory of Banwari Yadav, the third-day state-level boxing competition started on Saturday at Bhatia Bhawan, Raja Park. The competition was organised by Society for Struggling Sports Men and R Boxing Academy. It was inaugurated by former Medical Minister Raghu Sharma, Chief Coach of State Sports Council Virendra Punia, State President of Yadav Mahasabha Mahendra Yadav and former MP Karan Singh Yadav. During this, Narendra Kumar Nirvan, Vice President of the Boxing Association of India and Secretary of Rajasthan Boxing Association and Nathu Lal Nirvan, Secretary of Jaipur District Boxing Association also guided the youth. National-level medalist boxers from various districts and clubs of the state participated in the competition.

Photo shoots of all semi-finalists of Rajasthan Ghoomar Queen 2023 season-4 were done by Sadbhavna Parivar Foundation at various locations in Jaipur. All the participants participated enthusiastically in the photoshoot. Show director Rohit Sharma told that the semi-final event will be held in Jaipur on 19 March 2023.

Vosa Green Team won the title of “Vosa Sports Carnival2023” Champion at the two-day sports carnival organised by Vidyashram Old Students Association (Vosa) on Sunday at Vidyashram Sports Ground. Finals of various competitions like Cricket, Football, etc were played during the carnival. The Vosa Green team won the title and become the overall champions. At the end of the ceremony, a trophy was awarded to the winning team and all the participants were honoured by IG Police IPS Sharat Kaviraj, an alumnus of Vidyashram in the prize distribution ceremony.

Dronacharya International School on Sikar Road is taking steps to educate students, which will help students to prepare themselves for advance for IIT, JEE, NEET. In the same episode, a special training program was also organised for the teachers associated with the institute, in which special tips were also given, Director of the institute, Shravan Bohra told that for NEET, JEE, IIT, children have to leave home and go far away.

Pre-booking of Bhavini Bhargava’s upcoming book on poetry, called ‘Unheard’ has started. She will also be receiving an award at First India, Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023, in Dubai. This book is a compilation of the emotions and feelings that remain unspoken and subsequently unheard’. The author writes her unfiltered and in-depth thoughts as she experiences different seasons of life, Bhavini is daughter, of renowned dermatologist Dr Puneet Bhargava and ace gynaecologist Dr Seema Bhargava.

The Electrical Engineering Department of SKIT, Management & Gramothan, Jaipur organised a Five-Day Faculty Development Programme on ‘Smart Grid Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Future’ (SGETSF-2023) from 13-17 March. The Chief Guest of the Inaugural Ceremony was Deepak Consul DGM, PGCIL New Delhi. The Head of Electrical Engineering Dr Sarfaraz Nawaz gave a brief introduction to SKIT. Dr Jyoti Shukla (Asst. Prof EE Dept, SKIT) briefed about the FDP. The Chief Guest Deepak Consul gave a brief introduction to the Smart grid and its importance in the current scenario.

Jaipur-based film production house Nirjeet Entertainments organised a short film festival ‘Khamma Ghani Jaipur Film Festival’ from March 3 to 5 at Bhavan’s Suruchi Kendra, Jaipur. The first season of this film festival was presented by Somranjan Foundation, a Udaipur-based NGO in collaboration with Bhavan’s Suruchi Kendra, the cultural centre of Vidyashram School. The film festival was inaugurated by Pratima Sharma, Principal of BVB Vidyashram School, Jaipur.

In the inaugural ceremony Nidhi Bhatia, Principal of Dolphins High School, Dr Bela Malik, Director of Somranjan Foundation, Vikas Malik, Advisor of Somranjan Foundation, Senior faculty and Author Akshini were present as the guests along with the organizers Naveen Sharma & Maulshree, Vice Principal and other teachers of BVB Vidyashram School, Jaipur.

guest and congratulated Gaurav Gaur for his great endeavour. He said “This is the 11th chapter of Jaipur Couture Show 2023 and with each passing year, the magnanimity of the fashion show is expanding as the platform to showcase brilliant beauty and talent. We are happy to see the enthusiasm in the participating girls.” Renowned fashion designers from across the city showcased their collections on the second day of the show. Actress Tina Dutta walked the ramp as the showstoppers for the label Shivayu by Shivani and Aayush Soni. Show Patron JD Maheshwari along with the show’s founder Gaurav Gaur, directors Ajit Soni, PN Doody, Ankur Jain, Ronnie Sharma and Nakul Vijay were present.

Jagdeesh Chandra walks the ramp with (L-R) Aarzoo, Karishma, Sheena, Shrishti, Sneha, Soni, Juhi, Rewati, Rishika and Shivangi

Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience

Gorgeous divas Tina Dutta and Akanksha Bhalla showcasing desinger collection

Dr Saleha Ghazi with Ustad Ahmed Hussain and Ustad Mohammed Hussain

Padmashri Munna Master & Padmashri Ram Kishore Chhipa Ikraam Rajasķthani & Padmashri Shakir Ali

Dr Madhu Bhatt Tailang and Nand Bhardwaj

Kuldeep Singh Chandela and Sanjay Kaushik

Deependra Rana and Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt

During the felicitation ceremony

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO