First India-Jaipur Edition-18th January 2023

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BJP’S MISSION 2024

‘CHIEF’ NADDA HERE TO STAY…

Modi,

ister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Home Minister Amit Shah. In fact, once Defence Minister Rajnath Singh moved the proposal to extend Nadda’s tenure till June 2024, the party leaders agreed on it immediately.

In fact, Nadda’s second innings has largely been a reward for merit and loyalty! Nadda has got an extension for little over a year and this underlines the fact that the BJP will contest 2024 general elections under Nadda’s anchorship. In 2023, the Assembly elections of 9 States will also be held during his tenure and highlighting BJP’s good performance.

be held during his tenure and highAs per knowledgeable sources, this

As per knowledgeable sources, this year, elections are likely to be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir as well. Amit Shah said on Tuesday, “We performed well under JP Nadda in elections in several States and strengthened our organisation across India, including northeast. The party has emerged as a force to reckon with in Telangana and Bengal under his leadership.”

The praise coming from the ‘Modern Chanakya’ of Indian politics and a mastermind strategist Amit Shah, speaks volumes about Nadda and his capabilities. Therefore, there is an atmosphere of happiness in the party and the Sangh Parivar due to Nadda’s extension.

in the party and the Sangh Parivar

Notably, during THE JC SHOW, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra had also given hints that JP Nadda’s tenure will be extended till the next Lok Sabha elections.

Notably, during THE JC SHOW, given hints that JP Nadda’s tenure will Sabha elections.

According to insiders, specially during the last one year, Nadda has further gained the trust and confidence of Narendra Modi and now is being consulted on certain key issues and policy decisions related to governance also. Inspite of a recent defeat in his home state Himachal, Nadda’s elevation or extension gives a clear message that he continues to enjoy the basic faith and confidence of the Prime Minister in Nadda’s organisational talent and capabilities.

endra confidence of the Prime Minister talent and capabilities.

First India family congratulates and conveys its best wishes to JP Nadda on his new challenge of 9 Assembly polls and 1 Parliamentary election.

lates and conveys its best wish-

JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA

CAN BHARAT JODO YATRA BRING OPPN PARTIES TOGETHER?

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

The 150-day Bharat Jodo Yatra which began on September 7, 2022, will culminate in Srinagar on January 30, 2023… on the Martyr’s Day to mark the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi… by then, the Bharat Jodo Yatra, however, would have traversed the length of the country from the Kanyakumari to the Himalayas.

With a motive to fight against communalism, unemployment, hatred, inflation, and political centralisation, the Bharat Jodo Yatra has definitely pumped in the much-needed zeal into the Congress cadre. It has been seen in several visuals across the country how much response the yatra received especially from the youth.

Key Highlights

l The 150-day long Bharat Jodo Yatra began on September 7, 2022

l It will culminate in Srinagar on Jan 30, 2023 on the Martyr’s Day

l Yatra will cover length of nation from Kanyakumari to Himalayas

l It has definitely pumped in the much-needed zeal into Congress

l Yatra has a motive to fight against communalism, hatred...

l ...unemployment, inflation and political centralisation

Yatra to boost Cong? However, the million-dollar question is that will this Himalayan task undertaken by the Gandhi scion be able to translate the same into electoral success for the Grand Old Party? A question, one and all have been asking. It may be remembered that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the high-octane Gujarat assembly election was held, but notwithstanding the political frenzy, the party campaigned in “its way” while Rahul remained with the yatra. However, the outcome is there for all to witness.

Even as Congressmen say in unison that Bharat Jodo Yatra’s purpose was not political, but then the glaring question would be what purpose the yatra would ultimately serve… in the bigger perspective for the party in the coming years, especially keeping the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in mind and not to forget that in two states where its party is ruling will be going to the polls in 2023.

Whether the combined Opposition Front or strength or call it what you want… likes it or not, even today after this fall and the current electoral status, the Congress is still the largest Opposition party across the length and breadth of the country as far as statistics is concerned.

It may be recalled that the Congress, in the 2019 Lok Sabha, won a mere 52 seats, but the party stood second in a whopping 196 seats and bagged around 19.5 per cent of the total votes polled.

Cong still a factor

It is still a fact that despite the advent of several regional parties, the Grand Old Party still stands as the main Opposition in 12 states in the country currently and they are…. Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Goa, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana, Kerala, Assam, Karnataka and Punjab. Which is no mean feat.

Apart from this, the Congress is in direct headon political contest with

the Saffron Might in states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh.

All said and done, despite the din…hustle and bustle of the Opposition parties and their sudden emergence in a state or two, no other party has such a presence despite the relentless erosion of their votebank.

Hence all these efforts by the Bihar chief minister or at times KCR and even Mamata Banerjee’s meeting with Sharad Pawar will be difficult to translate into any kind of electoral challenge without the presence of the Congress in the third front at least for now. For a collective fight from the Opposition camp (if that is at all going to happen) the Congress presence is required given the “ground reality.”

What’s the reality? So long we have spoken about the Congress’ huge footprint across the country as a major Opposition political force, now let’s

analyse the party frame by frame on its weaknesses and find out through our arguments whether the Congress has that bargaining capability given the current scenario keeping the electoral decay in mind.

The Grand Old Party has seen a steady decline in its electoral fortunes since the Nineties. We need to assess how the party gradually lost its grip over the grassroots organisations. The party had become completely centralised and all decisions were coming ONLY from the top.

In a bid to make the party more and more centralised, the orgnaisation thereby weakened and this led to factionalism and heartburn and mass desertions. Even as Mallikarjun Kharge was chosen as the party president, the high command status and the Gandhi family’s “presence” is undenying as far as top decisions are concerned.

One more important issue the Grand Old Party has to take into account is that elections to the Congress Working Committee

INDIA’S RICH-POOR GAP GETS WIDER

ndia is a country of the rich whose wealth keeps growing like Jack’s beanstalk. Others keep wallowing in poverty. Oxfam’s “India Story” in its ‘Survival of the Richest’ reveals the shocking truth of income inequality in the country. The report said that 5 percent of Indians own more than 60 percent of the wealth. On the other hand, the bottom 50 percent of the population possesses merely 3 percent of the wealth. Simultaneously, the number of billionaires in India went up from 102 in 2020 to 166 in 2022. Total wealth of the 100 richest, which adds up to Rs 54.12 lakh crore, is enough to fund

the Union Budget for 18 months.

Despite the wide gap the government has been shy of telling the super rich to part with only a fragment of their wealth for the betterment of the hungry poor whose number has

jumped from 190 million in 2018 to 350 million in 2022.

“The widespread hunger is resulting in 65 percent of the deaths among children under the age of 5 in 2022,” Oxfam’s CEO in India said citing the Union government’s submission in the

Supreme Court. The pandemic and the Union government’s blatant pro-rich tax policy is to be blamed for the chasm. The reduction in corporate tax from 30 percent to 22 percent with new companies paying

India is a country of the rich whose wealth keeps growing like Jack’s beanstalk. Others keep wallowing in poverty. Oxfam’s “India Story” in its ‘Survival of the Richest’ reveals the shocking truth of income inequality in the country

only 15 percent tax led to heavy revenue loss. To cover the loss the Central government imposed GST on several goods and hiked prices of diesel and petrol. Today, India has 228.9 million poor, the world’s highest.

AAP’S BABY STEPS

AAP may be sitting on the seventh heaven following the recent MCD verdict and its presence in 2 states, but take a look at how it performed in the Lok Sabha… Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP won just 1 seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha and was placed at the third position in most constituencies.

TMC ON STRONGER GROUND

The TMC, however, is in a better status as far as the AAP is concerned. Mamata Banerjee’s All-India Trinamool Congress won 22 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha as a rejuvenated BJP wrested 18 in West Bengal and that is a matter of concern for TMC as it had won 34 Lok Sabha seats in 2014. TRS meanwhile, won 9 out of 17 in comparison to 11 in 2014. Thus, as far as seats and poll-arithmetic are concerned, if the Opposition stalwarts plan to wage a battle against the Saffron Might at all and decide to keep the Congress out of the meeting, it is in all likely not going to work. Also, one important factor is that Arvind Kejriwal has till now shown his cards and has not been present at any mega show put up collectively by the Opposition supremos. That is another factor that is good enough to wreck the Opposition ship. But all said and done, will the Congress get its act together and rejuvenate itself in about a year’s time to collectively convince the Opposition camp to prepare for the Maha Yudh?

have not been held since 1988. And what has worked even worse for the party was Congress committees and party offices started having people through selection instead of election.

Complete centralisation of the Grand Old Party finally pulled the plug on the grassroots organisations, which actually translate the support of people into votes.

Unhappiness among the ranks has led to widespread factions and that ate up the unity of the party from the base and the party’s fortunes collapsed like nine pins. Even in the states where the party is in power, it is not unknown to one and all about intraparty factionalism and reported dissatisfaction. The G-23 group of senior leaders, who demanded organisational reform and an inclusive and collective decision-making system… have to an extent further divided the party.

Though the Yatra is not aimed at political reformation, it is a welcome move to see that the Congress has invited 21 “like-minded” political parties to join

the concluding event of the yatra in Srinagar. The Trinamool Congress, Janata Dal, United, Telugu Desam Party, CPI(M), Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Samajwadi Party and BSP are among those who have been invited. And mind you, even here the AAP has not been invited. However, even this move does not seem to be doing enough to amalgamate the Opposition force in the right earnest.

Meanwhile, as I discussed above, with some degree of success, each Opposition party has created a buffer zone around itself, thinking and dreaming of taking up the mantle of leading the Opposition front. It is to be seen how the Bharat Rashtra Samiti rally organised by Telangana Chief Minister KCR in Khammam on January 18 really shapes up at forming a non-BJP, non-Congress, national alternative. The BRS rally is likely to be attended by leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? Buddha

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani Team India comprising of reps from Government of India, State Governments, Industry Captains and members of civil society got together ahead of @Davos engagements to discuss and deliberate on positioning as a global investment hub. #wef23 #IndiaAtDavos2023

TOP TWEETS

by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur.

Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur Delighted to witness such love pouring for hockey! There is something about a team sport especially hockey that can truly unite a nation. The past few days have brought nothing short of a flurry of feelings from the drama of last-minute…

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

PAKISTAN PM’S

‘SHARIF’ MOVE!

Abu Dhabi/ New Delhi: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has called for “serious and sincere talks” with PM Narendra Modi on “burning points like Kashmir.” In an interview, Sharif said that Pakistan has learned its lesson after 3 wars with India and stressed that now it wants peace with its neighbour. He said, “Wars have only brought more misery, poverty, and unemployment to the people. India is our neighbour country. Let’s be very blunt, even if we are not neighbours by choice we are there for ever. He said both countries have engineers, doctors, and skilled labourers.

“We want to utilise these assets for prosperity and to bring peace to the region so that both nations can grow.”

My message to the Indian leadership and PM Modi is that let’s sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources.

Pakistan does not want to waste resources on bombs and ammunition. We are nuclear powers, armed to the teeth, and if God forbids, a war breaks out, who will live to tell what happened?

Iied about divorce, remarried another woman’

Mumbai (FIB): Alishah Parkar, son of Haseena Parkar and Dawood Ibrahim’s nephew, has made sensational claims before NIA stating that the fugitive underworld gangster has remarried a Pakistani Pathan

Maizabin. In a chargesheet filed by NIA in terror funding case, the agency said Alishah detailed the family tree of Dawood in his statement in which he claimed that gangster has relocated himself to another location in Pakistan’s Karachi.

India in Nov, 2022 lashed out at Pak for raking up issue of Kashmir at the UN debate

THE KASHMIR TALKS...

P rime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also brought up the subject of Kashmir and said “Pakistan wants peace but what is happening in Kashmir should be stopped.”

POLITICAL INSTABILITY...

P ak is also going through a political instability with ousted PM Imran Khan saying President Dr Arif Alvi will soon ask PM Shehbaz Sharif to obtain a vote of confidence. Dr Alvi belongs to Khan’s PTI and the federal coalition is surviving on a very thin majority.

TERRORIST

Nadda unanimously elected BJP Chief till June 2024

First India Bureau

New Delhi: BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda will continue to head the party till June next year, the party’s senior strategist Amit Shah announced on the second day of its national executive meet on Tuesday. The term of Nadda — who took over the party’s top post from Shah in 2020 - was scheduled to end soon.

BJP leaders agree that Nadda enjoys the confidence of PM Modi and his good performance has enabled the party to decide on an extension. Shah today underscored that the BJP won many state elections under Nadda’s leadership. He also lauded Nadda’s work during the pandemic, saying he connected the party organisation with the service of people.

Besides, caste equations are also in favour of Nadda. More on P6

Passenger opens emergency door of IndiGo; DGCA orders probe

First India Bureau

New Delhi: A passenger on board a Tiruchirapalli-bound IndiGo flight opened the emergency door, triggering panic among the co-passengers. As the incident came into the light, the DGCA ordered a probe into the matter. The incident took place on Dec 10, 2022 when a passen-

KANJHAWALA CASE: MURDER CHARGE

AGAINST 6 ACCUSED

New Delhi: Delhi Police pressed murder charges against 6 accused in Kanjhwala hit-and-drag case on Tuesday. The accused were remanded to 14-day JC on January 9. 1 was granted bail by Delhi’s Rohini Court on Tuesday.

INDIAN ARMY TROOPS

READY FOR HELPING IN JOSHIMATH CRISIS

Joshimath: The Indian Army troops deployed in highaltitude mountains near the China Borders in U’khand say that they are ready for both special missions as well as for relief, rescue ops in Joshimath which has been affected by land subsidence.

ger accidently opened emergency exit doors of 6E 7339 from Chennai to Tiruchirapalli during the boarding process.

CONGRESS CLAIMS

TEJASVI OPENED

400 DAYS LEFT TO POLLS, USE THEM TO SERVE PEOPLE, SAYS PM MODI

A ddressing the two-day BJP National Executive meeting on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi urged BJP workers to dedicate themselves to working

people from all sections of society in the run up to the 2024 LS elections. PM Modi laid special emphasis on the 18 to 25 year olds and asked his party to spread awareness among them about India’s transition from misgovernance to good governance under the BJP rule. Modi also stressed on connecting more with villages, especially in border areas.

I am confident that under the leadership of PM Modi and JP Nadda, the BJP will win the 2024 LS elections by an even bigger majority. Modi will return to lead the country as the PM.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

Heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and all the respected members of the National Executive. Together we all have to form the BJP government in LS elections with more than two-thirds majority under leadership of Modi. Our resolve is to help poor. Jai Hind, Jai BJP.

—JP Nadda, BJP National President

Terror plot busted in Delhi ahead of R-Day

Info about involvement of 8 people: Police

New Delhi: Delhi Police is hunting for four terror suspects, besides the two who were arrested last week from the Jahangirpuri area in the national capital, sources said on Tuesday. The terror suspects received weapons from Pakistan through the

CM stresses on performance, delivery to repeat govt in ’23

Name

CM Gehlot

Ex-gratia aid of `4,029 crore to the farmers for the damage of crops

Proposal passed for ‘Right to Social Security’ Act, letter written to Central Government

Naresh Sharma and Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday gave a blunt message in the Chintan Shivir as he stressed on performance, delivery and taking the schemes to masses. Gehlot gave the instructions with a view to repeat the government. For this, Gehlot gave the task to all the ministers as the report card of the ministers is also coming out in the two-day Chitan Shivir.

In such a situation, political circles are abuzz with questions as to will there be cabinet reshuffle-expansion on

the basis of performance or will there be a change in the faces of the cabinet after the budget? Interestingly,

signs of cabinet reshuffle-expansion were observed from the meeting conducted on Tuesday. The Cabinet has

GEHLOT GOVT TO PRESENT BUDGET ON FEBRUARY 8

The Gehlot govt’s budget will be presented on February 8.

CM Ashok Gehlot will present the last budget of the government in the Budget session of Vidhan Sabha starting from January 23.

First India had given signals 2 days in advance about the budget being presented on February 8.

passed a resolution urging the Centre to make a law in Parliament to give social security to people in the country. Turn to P4

drop-dead method and were in contact with their handlers on the other side of the border through a social media application, according to Delhi Police Special Cell. The weapons recovered from the terrorists were found at an unknown location in Uttarakhand which is now being verified.

IPS PK Singh is Deputy NSA

Jaipur: Retired IPS Pankaj Kumar Singh has got a big responsibility in the Centre as the Modi government appointed him as the deputy NSA. A Rajasthan cadre IPS, Singh has retired from the post of BSF DG recently. Ajit Doval is the present National Security Advisor.

PM Narendra Modi exchanges greetings with JP Nadda during the second day of BJP National Executive Meeting on Tuesday.

for

Party will contest the Lok Sabha polls in 9 States under JP Nadda, says Amit Shah

‘Dawood

woman while still being married to his first wife

Shivendra Parmar

First India Bureau

EMERGENCY DOOR Congress on Tuesday targeted Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, amid reports that passenger, who accidentally opened emergency exit of an IndiGo plane after boarding at Chennai airport last month was the BJP Yuva Morcha chief. It has also questioned as to why the govt hid incident so long. Neither Surya or his office have reacted to the allegations so far.

UK HOME SECY OKAYS

EXTRADITION OF ARMS

DEALER BHANDARI

London: British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has ordered the extradition of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, an accused middleman and consultant in arms deals, to India where is set to face charges of tax evasion and money laundering.

Srinagar: The two terrorists, who were killed in a gunfight with the security forces on Tuesday outside district court in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, have been identified. “Both killed terrorists are identified as Arbaaz Mir & Shahid Sheikh of Pulwama linked with the proscribed terror outfit LeT.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who owes non-agriculture tax of `21,960 on her one hectare land in Adwadi village of Sinnar taluka in Nashik district, has promised to pay the tax by Wednesday, Sinnar Tehsildar said on Tuesday.

HINDU TEMPLE VANDALISED IN AUSTRALIA, 2ND IN A WEEK

Melbourne: “Khalistani supporters” have allegedly vandalised a Hindu temple in Australia with anti-India graffiti, a media report said on Tuesday, in the second attack on a temple in Victoria state within a week.

2 LASHKAR TERRORISTS KILLED IN GUNFIGHT IN BUDGAM

Moni Sharma

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz wants honest talks with PM Narendra Modi

Shehbaz stresses, Pakistan has learnt its lessons and wants to live in peace with India

INDIA WELCOMES GLOBAL

TAG FOR LeT LEADER ABDUL MAKKI I ndia on Tuesday welcomed the listing of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki by United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, saying threats from terrorist organisations in the region remain high. The UNSC listed Pakistanbased Makki as a global terrorist on Monday. Makki is also brother-in-law of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed. P8

—Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister

GEHLOT GOVERNMENT’S TWO-DAY CHINTAN SHIVIR

‘big sharks’ in paper leak and will act against them too, says

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses media in presence of Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Mamta Bhupesh, Shashikant Sharma, Lokesh Sharma and others during Chintan Shivir in Jaipur on Tuesday.

PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

TEMPLE FALLS AS IT GETS HIT BY JCB, WOMAN DIES

Another critically injured woman referred to Jaipur

Karauli : Two women got buried under the debris after a temple collapsed after being hit by a JCB in Sapotra town of Karauli on Tuesday. The people on the spot took the women to a hospital from where they were referred to Jaipur after they became critical. One of them died on the way to Jaipur.

According to information, a drain is being constructed by the PWD department in Sapotra town. Due to negligence, the Shiv temple collapsed after collision with the JCB. At that time Kanti Devi (48), Seema (28) and son Kan-

ji Lal inside the temple. People removed the debris and took them to Sapotra Hospital. The Civil Defence team also reached the spot and

Bagru MLA Ganga Devi stages dharna against her own govt

started the rescue operation. Both the women were referred to Jaipur in a critical condition.

Seema died on the way.

Collector Ankit Kumar

Mother-son drown, family alleges murder

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: A 24-years-old woman and her 3-yearsold son died by drowning here in Barmer. Incident took place under the Gida police station area in Barmer. However, the incident happened on late Sunday night but as nobody was in the house, it came to light only after family members arrived on Monday. On getting informed police reached at the spot and recovered the bodies. On the other, deceased family members have lodged a case of dowry killing.

Police had lodged the case and initiated investigation in the case.

Cold wave continues, relief expected from Jan 19 in Raj

Singh and SP Narayan Togas also reached the spot and inquired about the incident and instructed officials to take necessary action.

Jaipur (PTI): Cold conditions continue to grip most parts of Rajasthan with Fatehpur in Sikar district recording a night temperature of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature has increased by one to two degrees in most parts of the state except the Shekhawati region in the last 24 hours, the Met office said.

The minimum temperature in Churu was minus 2.7 degrees Cel-

Big matches of BCCI to be played in Jodhpur soon: Vaibhav Gehlot

was a cricketer of Indian team, was honoured at the stadium.

sius, Alwar minus 0.5 degrees, Sikar 0.5 degrees, Pilani 1.2 degrees, Bhilwara 1.5 de-

grees, Sangaria in Hanumangarh 1.6 degrees. The night temperature was recorded at 2.8 degrees Celsius in Ganganagar, 3 degrees in Bikaner and 5.2 degrees in Jaipur. Two western disturbances are likely to lead to an increase in the minimum temperature in the coming days. The Met department officials has predicted a relief from the severe cold wave from Thursday.

: The indefinite dharna by Bagru MLA Ganga Devi outside the Bisalpur drinking water project pumping station at Diggi Road has turned into a fast unto death. The MLA Ganga Devi has been on an indefinite sit-in strike for two days outside the Bisalpur drinking water project pumping station at Diggi Road, along with hundreds of workers and farmers.

Badri Narayan Bagra sat on fast-unto-death from Tuesday afternoon which is the second day of the indefinite strike.

BN Bagra said that

We have been sitting on an indefinite dharna for two days to demand Bisalpur water to be supplied to the Bagru Vidhansabha.

Devi, MLA Bagru

they are trying to communicate their demands peacefully on dharna through Gandhian ideology. As per him from Tuesday he is sitting on fast unto death, demanding the lease of land to the farmers in lieu of Bisalpur water to Bagru Assembly Constituency and the unacquired land in Ring Road.

Jodhpur: Due to the continuous efforts of Rajasthan Cricket Association President Vaibhav Gehlot, a four-day Ranji Trophy match between Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan started on Tuesday at Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur. Ranji Trophy match is being played in this stadium after 32 years.

Vaibhav Gehlot got an introduction of the play-

ers of both the teams and wished them for the match. Chhattisgarh won the toss and decided

Man kidnapped by friends in Pratap Nagar for

Jaipur: A 25-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped by four men in the Pratap Nagar area for a ransom of Rs 2 lakhs, police said. Police informed the victim Vishnu Meena is a resident of Ashok Vihar Colony in Jagatpura.

“On January 15, one of his friends called him to his room for a party on the occasion of his birthday. The four accused, who happened to be his friends, thrashed and kidnapped him. The

accused have been identified as Akhilesh Meena, Manoj Meena, Nehru Meena and Shaitan Meena,” police said. “The accused demanded Rs 2 lakhs for his safe release but victim’s brother gave them Rs 50,000, following which, the accused left him near Pratap Nagar on Monday morning and fled away,” police added.

BATTLING BAD RITUALS

to bowl. Ravi Vishnoi also played from Rajasthan. Fast bowler Pradeep Sundaram, who

RCA President Gehlot said that it is a historic moment when, after 32 years, the domestic level matches have started in Jodhpur. “The hard work of all the people has been involved in this work, the government released the budget and JDA got the stadium ready. This stadium got ready after the RCA team cooperated fully,”.

‘Govt working on priority for people’

From P1

CM Gehlot said that the resolution passed in the cabinet meeting will be sent to the Central Government.

Responding to former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot’s remark that action should be taken against the “big sharks” behind paper leaks in Rajasthan, CM Gehlot on Tuesday said his government’s actions in those cases were aimed at the kingpins. He said the leader should point out names of “big sharks” and ac-

Sonu’s child marriage annulled after 17 yrs

Jodhpur. After about 17 years, in the midst of the celebration of Makar Sankranti festival with the sky covered with kites, the bond of child marriage also broke of child bride Sonu. At the innocent age of just 4 years, the child bride Sonu, who was chained in the shackles of child marriage, pleaded for annulment of child marriage in the court after get-

ting the strength from Saarthi Trust’s Managing Trustee and Rehabilitation Psychologist

Family Court) Bilara gave a strong message to the society by annulling Sonu’s child marriage 17 years ago.

The 21-year-old child bride Sonu, daughter of a daily wage laborer resident of Pithawas village of Bilara tehsil of the jodhpur district, was married about 17 years ago to a youth resident of Luni tehsil under the pressure of the community. Sonu’s age at the time of child marriage was only about 4 years.

SAARTHI TRUST’s STRENGTH KNOCK THE COURT DOORS Sonu suffered the agony of child marriage for about 17 years. Meanwhile, she got the information about the campaign of abolishing of child marriages of world top ten activist Saarthi Trust’s managing trustee and rehabilitation psychologist Dr. Kriti Bharti. After getting the strength from Dr. Kriti Bharti, Sonu filed a case for annulment of child marriage in the family court, Jodhpur. During this, Sonu’s family members and Dr. Kriti also had to face many threats.

tion would be taken them also. Gehlot was talking to the media after attending the second day of the Chintan Shivir organised at the Harish Chandra Mathur- Rajasthan Institute of Public Administration (HCM-RIPA) on Tuesday.

He said that the two days Chintan shivir was fruitful during which several suggestions came. On the performance of ministers, he said that the ministers are confident and have a grip over their departments. “They

Sports council panel formed by Raj Government

Jaipur (FIB): The state government has constituted a standing committee under the chairmanship of Krishna Poonia in Rajasthan Sports Council. The chairman of the committee will be Satveer Choudhary and the financial advisor of the Youth Affairs and Sports dept will be the treasurer.

Jaipur resident Mohammad Iqbal and Shahpura, Bhilwara residents have been made members of Standing Committee.

have the confidence to work. CM alone cannot work,” he said.

Gehlot said that the state government is

working on priority for the upliftment of every section through transparent, accountable and responsive good governance.

He said that timely and effective implementation of all the schemes of the state government should be ensured so that the common man gets all the benefits. He directed the officers to take strict action against the personnel who are unnecessarily delaying in resolving the works related to the general public.

Ten demoiselle cranes die

Jaisalmer (FIB): Ten demoiselle cranes were found dead on Kojeri Nadi banks in Jaisalmer’s Lathi. Bird lover, Radheshyam Vishnoi, reached spot and informed Lathi Forest dept about this incident. Prima facie it

seems that the demoiselle cranes died of food poisoning but real cause will be known after a probe.

First India Bureau

Dr Kriti Bharti. On which Judge Pukhraj Gehlot of ADJ Court (Additional Charge

Dr Kriti Bharti with child bride Sonu.

`2L ransom

First India Bureau

Rajeev Gaur

First India Bureau

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during Chintan Shivir at HCMRIPA on Tuesday.

RCA prez Vaibhav Gehlot and officials felicitating former Indian pacer and ace Ranji bowler Pradeep Sundaram in Jodhpur on Tuesday.

A tractor on the spot, got lifted as the debris of the temple fell on its trolley. After the accident, people got involved in relief work on Tuesday.

People trying to get relief by burning bonfire as temperature drops to as low as 8°C in Jaipur on Tuesday evening near Moti Dungri temple . —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Discrimination is increasing during drain construction. On Monday too, there was a protest against digging a drain adjacent to the temple, after which the work of digging the drain was stopped due to the protest.

—Brijlal Dikolia, BJP District President

CLOUDY SKIES AHEAD

First India Bureau

Jaipur

Ganga Devi, supporters sitting on an indefinite strike on Tuesday.

—Ganga

RANJI MATCH IN JODHPUR AFTER 32 YEARS

Deceased mother-son duo.

COURTESY MEET

BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena meets Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at latter’s residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. Kirodi said that Dhankhar’s thoughts are very inspiring which gives consciousness and energy.

SOG AdSP Divya sent to 3-day police remand

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: Special Operation Group (SOG) Additional Superintendent of Police (AdSP) Divya Mittal, who was arrested by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday on charges of demanding a bribe of Rs 2 crore from a pharmaceutical manufacturer, was produced before an ACB court in Ajmer on Tuesday and sent on threeday police remand.

The ACB had demanded a police remand of four days, but

the court gave three days of police remand for interrogation. The ACB will now investigate the role of terminated constable in the bribe case. Defence counsel Pritam Singh Soni argued that two cases related to banned

medicines have been registered in Ramganj while one case is registered in Alwar Gate Police Station and both cases were investigated by SOG AdSP Divya Mittal. The drug mafia has conspired against her to remove her from

the investigation.

The AdSP and middleman have been accused of demanding a bribe from a pharmaceutical manufacturer after threatening to falsely implicate them in a drug seizure case that she was probing.

Jaipur: The Right to Health Bill will be tabled in the upcoming assembly session for which the health department has started preparations. A highlevel meeting will be held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Medical Education Secretary T Ravikant at Health Directorate.

All medical organisations have been called for the meeting, where more than 30 senior doctors will give their suggestions.

A committee has also been formed on the directions of assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi, and its first meeting will be held on January 23 in the assembly.

State Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena will chairman the committee.

Jaipur: A man has lodged a complaint against a school and one of its teachers at Jaisinghpura Khor police station on Monday over beating up his 8-year-old son and damaging his eye. The boy has been undergoing treatment at SMS Hospital for the past one month. Victim Ali Fazal was beaten up by the madam for not doing his homework. He is being treated at Chark Bhawan of SMS Hospital but his eyesight is decreasing.

Fazal’s mother Alveena said that his son has undergone 12 stitches in his eye.

“He is at home, but has to undergo another surgery in February,” she said.

SHO Satyapal said

that Mohammad Naved’s son studies in Little Diamond Academy in Jaisingh Nagar. According to the complaint, teacher Ayesha severely thrashed the child for not doing his homework. This damaged his eyes.

The incident happened on November 3. Fazal’s eye has been operated twice but there is not much improvement.

The family has already spent somewhere between Rs 50,000 to 70,000.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Terminated RPS officer Kailash Chandra Bohra was granted bail by Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday. The former RPS officer, accused of demanding sexual favours from a complainant, was behind bars from March 2021.

The single bench of Justice Pankaj Bhandari had reserved the order on January 13 after hearing arguments in the bail petition. Advocate VR Bajwa argued the case for Kailash Chandra Bohra, following which, the court granted bail to the accused.

Bohra has been granted bail nearly after two years.

First India Bureau

Hanumangarh: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday denied any factionalism in the State unit and said that everyone in the party is working together to again form the government in 2023.

Pilot was addressing a Kisan Sammelan in Hanumangarh district.

On the issue of paper leaks, Pilot said that it hurts the candidates who face hardship and challenges while preparing for competitive exams.

“I am happy that the government took ac-

tion and tried to catch all the people who were guilty. But at the same time, it is also a bitter truth that the mind is getting hurt due to paper leaks one after the other. We will have to make concrete arrangements,” he said.

He said that the trend of changing government in Rajasthan after every five years needs to be ended. He urged the people to support the Congress so that it can retain power in the assembly elections due later this year.

Alwar: The Alwar Police have arrested a member of a gang involved in looting ATMs in different States of the country, police said. Police informed the mastermind of the gang is a former head constable of Delhi Police.

“ATM loot gang member Vinod Kumar alias Chillar was arrested from SDM circle in Alwar on January 15. During interrogation, he revealed that the gang is operated by Asloop Khan, a former head constable posted in Crime Branch of Delhi Police. The gang

has looted ATMs in as many as 12 states,” said Alwar Vihar SHO Jahir Abbas.

“The main leaders of the gang are Asloop and Saddam. During stay in jail in Haryana, Asloop came in contact with other miscreants of the gang,” added SHO Jahir Abbas.

Jaipur (ANI): Leading telecommunications services provider Bharti Airtel on Tuesday announced the launch of its 5G services in Jaipur, Udaipur and Kota. The company has also deployed the ultrafast 5G services at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) venue which will see famous writers from across the world and will start on Thursday.

Airtel 5G Plus services will be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the roll-

out. Customers with the fifth-generation mobile system (5G)-enabled devices will enjoy high-speed Airtel 5G Plus network at no extra cost until the rollout is more widespread.

In the Pink City, Airtel 5G services will be

available at Jaipur CScheme, Civil Lines, Bani Park, Vaishali Nagar, Mansarover, Jawahar Nagar, Old city (Walled City), Jothwara, Murlipura, Nirman Nagar and Pratap Nagar.

In Udaipur, residents in Old City area, Fatehsagar Lake, Hiran Magri, Goverdhan Vilas, Madri Industrial Area, Sukher, Badgaon, Bedla and Transport Nagar will have access to Airtel 5G services.

Chawani area, Gumanpura and other areas in Kota have also got the access to 5G services of Airtel now.

Bharat Dixit

Bharatpur: The AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested a Village Development Officer (VDO) and a broker in Bharatpur while accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000. The VDO had demanded the bribe to make the NREGA job card of the complainant’s brother.

“The VDO, Ashiq Khan, was posted at Pahadi Ki Bhauri Panchayat Samiti of Bharat-

pur district. The complainant, Ramesh, has requested Ashiq Khan to issue the NREGA job card of his brother and upload it online. The VDO had already taken a bribe of Rs. 4000 as first installment on Jan 14,” police said.

Jaipur: Nearly 8,000 employees of both the municipal corporations of the city have announced to go on strike beginning from Wednesday. This strike has become a challenge for the Municipal Corporations, which are preparing for Swachh Survekshan-2023. The employees had been agitating for a long time over the recruitment of 4,500 sanitation workers and demanded priority be given to the employees engaged on

muster roll before 2018 in recruitment.

The workers will go to the wards and after marking their attendance, they will demonstrate and chalk out a

strategy for protest further. The administration, however, said that there is no pending demand of the sanitation workers related to the municipal corporation.

Jaipur Int’l Airport ranked 9th by Cirium

lll

Other than the Jaipur International Airport, none from India has been featured in the list of top 10 ‘Medium Airports’ category

Jaipur: Despite a challenging operational environment, Jaipur International Airport has been featured among the 10 best-performing medium airports globally in 2022.

In its “On-time Performance Review 2022”, aviation analytics company Cirium featured Jaipur airport as the ninth best airport globally in 2022 in terms of on-time arrivals and de-

partures. Other than Jaipur, no Indian airport has been featured in the top 10 in the ‘Medium Airports’ category.

On-time arrival performance (when a passenger flight/aircraft arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of the

scheduled arrival time) and on-time departure performance (when a passenger flight/aircraft departs the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled departure time) was used to rank medium airports globally. In the ranking chart, Cirium found that On-Time Departure percentage at Jaipur airport was 86.17 per cent. Total Flights 37,506 departed from Jaipur airport in 2022 on about 35 routes.

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: The JDA’s Project Working Committee meeting was held on Tuesday in which various works worth Rs 182 crore were approved.

Approval was given for the renovation of main road from Chatrapura to VIT at Rs 3.19 crore. Rs 6.77 crore for development works in Anandalok scheme and Rs 3.50 crore for road widening and strengthening from

Charanwas to Nainath Temple in Zone-13, Rs 2.69 crore for renovation of road from Kanota to Nayla in Zone-8, Rs 3.94 crore for construction of missing link sector roads, Rs 5.96 crore for compound wall, gate, road and approach road for satellite bus terminal on Ajmer road.

Meena said that if the power of youth unites, it will not take long for ERCP to become a national project.

“90 per cent of the stu-

dents are from farmer families only. The dream of doubling the income of the farmer would come true only when there is enough water for agriculture,” he said.

Satyanarayan Sharma

Kapil Sharma

Ravi Katara

Ashish Aman

Dausa: Ramniwas Meena, State President of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project Kisan Sangharsh Samiti while inaugurating the student union office on Tuesday asked the youth to unite for the cause of ERCP.

Ramniwas Meena and youth farmer leader Ravindra Meena inaugurated the student union office at Pandit Naval Kishore Sharma PG College.

Vikas Sharma

Kashiram Choudhary

Sachin Pilot addresses Kisan Sammelan in Hanumangarh.

8-year-old Fazal is suffering from vision loss post incident.

after being beaten by teacher

gets

2-day BJP National Executive Meeting concludes in Delhi

New Delhi (ANI): The two-day National Executive meeting of the BJP concluded in the national capital on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, JP Nadda’s term as the national president of BJP was extended till June 2024, on the second day of the national executive meeting. Addressing a press conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “I am confident that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (JP) Nadda-ji, the BJP will win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by an even bigger majority. Modi-ji will return to lead the country as the Prime Minister.”

According to sources,

BJP MEET PASSES RESOLUTION PRAISING PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

MODI TO INAUGURATE 2ND PHASE OF ‘SAANSAD KHEL MAHAKUMBH’ TODAY

PM Modi asked party workers to sketch more events like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in future for strong cultural national unity, sources said.

Laying emphasis on programs that bind the nation in one thread, PM Modi asked party workers, to insist on organizing more programmes like the KashiTamil Sangam, so that all the states share their culture, civilization and heritage with each other and the country unites culturally in the one thread of unity.

RaGa’S TAKE ON COUSIN

“My ideology doesn’t match with Varun’s”

Hoshiarpur (ANI): Responding to a question whether his estranged cousin and BJP MP Varun Gandhi could join the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that it can be problematic because their ideologies don’t match.

“Varun Gandhi is in the BJP and if he walks here, it might be a problem for him,” Rahul Gandhi said at a presser here on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi said he cannot accept Varun Gandhi’s ideology. “My family has an ideology, Varun adopted another and I can’t accept the ideology he adopted. I cannot go to the RSS office, I’ll have to be beheaded before that,” the Congress leader said.

A video of the Congress leader’s press conference was posted on Twitter.

SEE EYE

the proposal for Naddda’s extension was mooted by Union De-

IN THE COURTYARD

IDENTIFICATION OF MINORITIES: THE SC’S DISPLEASURE OVER 6 STATES AND UTs

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over six states and Union Territories (UTs), including J&K, not yet giving their comments to the Centre on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level. “We fail to appreciate why these states should not respond. We give last opportunity to Centre to obtain their responses failing which we will presume that they have nothing to say,” said a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul, AS Oka and JB Pardiwala.

TAJ CASE: SUPREME COURT ALLOWS INCREASE IN AIR TRAFFIC IN AGRA

New Delhi: In a relief to the Airports Authority of India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its order and allowed AAI to increase the airport traffic in the Agra airfield and construct a new terminal in Agra. A bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul passed the direction while hearing an application moved by the Airports Authority of India. AAI has moved an application through advocate Ashwarya Sinha.

HC SETS ASIDE GIC’S ORDER DIRECTING IT TO GIVE INFO ABOUT JUDICIAL OFFICERS

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday set aside the state information commission’s order directing the court administration to provide information about the transfer, action on complaints and reason for termination of certain judicial officers. The court of Justice Biren Vaishnav set aside the order of the GIC dated June 23, 2014, directing the public information officer of the high court to provide the information to the applicant within 15 days from the receipt of the order.

EXPEDITE APPT TO VACANT THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR POSTS: HC TO DELHI GOVT

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted a final opportunity of four weeks to the AAP government to expedite process of filling vacant posts of public prosecutors in courts, observing that the huge backlog of cases in the criminal justice system can be remedied only if these vacancies are filled up at the earliest. A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma sought a status report from the government.

WE DON’T BELIEVE IN UNNECESSARILY KEEPING PEOPLE BEHIND BARS, SAYS SC

New Delhi: “We don’t believe in unnecessarily keeping people behind the bars,” the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday while hearing the pleas filed by the Delhi Police against the bail granted to three student activists in a case of the 2020 North East Delhi riots. A bench headed by Justice SK Kaul said spending hours hearing the bail petitions in the case was a “complete wastage” of time of the Delhi High Court. Bench comprising Justices AS Oka and JB Pardiwala, was hearing the pleas.

fence Minister Rajnath Singh and was agreed upon unanimously by

the members of the National Executive. Earlier on Monday,

The attendees also discussed a nine-point political resolution, moved by Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, sources added.

Kejriwal lashes out at Delhi LG VK Saxena

New Delhi (PTI): On Tuesday, CM Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at Lt Governor VK Saxena over the ongoing tussle between the AAP government and the LG office over sending government school teachers to Finland for training.

“We have the money of the people of Delhi who pay taxes. It is on taxpayers’ money that the elected government of Delhi is sending teachers for training to Finland. Who is L-G to stop them,” Kejriwal asked.

“It seems like ‘Begani Shaadi Mein Abdullah Deewana’ (a person who takes too much interest in the affairs of others). Why is the L-G

sitting on our head? The L-G is saying get the training done in the country itself... Why get it done here,” he said.

Kejriwal said that in a bid to motivate them and increase their efficiency, 30 teachers need

BJP DUBS KEJRIWAL ‘EGOISTIC’ AFTER HIS TIRADE AGAINST LG New Delhi: After Arvind Kejriwal launched a tirade against Lt Governor VK Saxena, the BJP dubbed the AAP chief an “extreme egoistic leader” who believed that winning an election had given him the “right to misinterpret and override Constitutional provisions”. BJP said that it was shocking that a party that did not have a single MP in Lok Sabha was dreaming of forming a government at the Centre.

to go to Finland for training.

“This has been decided by the elected Chief Minister and the Education Minister. But strangely, all the files have go to the L-G for approval,” he said.

There was speculation about Varun Gandhi joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and eventually, the Congress as he has been taking stands on people-centric issues through his tweets, newspaper pieces, besides public and Parliament speeches—many of them not in line with the BJP’s official position.

I HAVE HUGE RESPECT FOR SIKH

the Sikh community and added India would not be India had it not been for their contribution. His remarks came in the backdrop of opposition parties in Punjab targeting the Congress and seeking Gandhi’s apology over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Gandhi told a press conference here on the sidelines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

This has caused discomfiture and embarrassment to the central government, also giving ammunition to the opposition to sharpen its attacks on the BJP.

COURTESY MEET

On its part, the BJP has sought to dismiss these remarks by saying that Varun, a threetime MP, is “fond of giving personal opinions on a daily basis.”

BJP retains Chd Mayor’s post by defeating AAP

Chandigarh: The BJP on Tuesday retained the top post in the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh by defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by a single vote.

BJP’s Anup Gupta got 15 votes, while AAP candidate Jasbir Singh managed 14 votes in the Mayoral polls.

It was a close fight after the Congress, which has six members, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with a lone member abstained from voting. After both the BJP and the AAP got 14 votes apiece, Chandigarh’s BJP MP Kirron Kher, being an ex-officio member of the House, cast the decisive vote in favour of the saffron party.

JITENDRA SINGH SAYS

“Our govt enabling environment for working women”

The MoS Spells Out Special Women-Centric Measures taken by the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions in the last 8 and half years for welfare of women officers and staff

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here on Tuesday that the Governance reforms introduced by PM Narendra Modi provide enabling environment for working women.

Briefing about several measures undertaken by the Ministry of Personnel, which is the nodal Ministry for personnel

management, Dr Singh said that DoPT has taken concerted efforts to increase the representation of women in Central Govt jobs and to provide them a balance between professional and family life.

He cited the example of Child Care Leave and said that in continuation of grant of 730 days CCL, some new measures have also been taken and those are like an

employee on Child Care Leave may be permitted to leave headquarters with the prior approval of appropriate compe-

travel provided clearances from appropriate competent authorities are taken in advance.

Moreover, minimum period for Child Care Leave reduced from mandatory 15 days to 5 days and the limit of 22 years in case of disabled child for the purpose of a government servant availing Child Care Leave under the provisions of Rule 43-C of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 has been removed, he added.

tent authority, the Leave Travel Concession may be availed, while an employee is on CCL and can also proceed on foreign

been granted for child care with effect from 01st July, 2022, which will increase by 25% on increase of DA by 50%.

He said that Special Allowance @ Rs.3000/p.m. to Women employees with Disability has

He said that Special Leave provision made connected to inquiry of sexual harassment, as leave up to a period of 90 days can be availed by an aggrieved female Government Servant, which will be granted during the pendency of the inquiry and the leave granted to the aggrieved female Government Servant under this rule shall not be debited against the leave account.

Rahul Gandhi with party MP Jothimani and others during Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Hoshiarpur, on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

CAN’T

TO EYE WITH RSS: RaGa Hoshiarpur: Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday issued a strong statement against the saffron brigade led by the Sangh Parivar as he made it clear that nothing can ever force him to see eye to eye with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and that he prefers to be “beheaded” than step into an RSS office.

“MEDIA NO LONGER A WATCHDOG” Hoshiarpur: Lashing out at the “structure of media”, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that “hatred is being spread in the media”, while also alleging that it is playing the role of “distraction instead of a watchdog”. Gandhi called for an “independent media and institutions” citing his party’s philosophy.

COMMUNITY: RAHUL GANDHI IN PUNJAB Hoshiarpur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he has huge respect for

MoS

Dr Jitendra Singh addressing media in New Delhi, on Tuesday.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Legislative Assembly.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath presents book “Sanatan Dharma” written by Annie Besant and Bhagwan Das to President Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

PM Narendra Modi being greeted by BJP National President JP Nadda as he arrives for the second day of BJP’s National Executive Meet, at NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi, on Tuesday. (R) BJP leaders during the second day of BJP National Executive Meeting, in New Delhi on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

“WE DON’T BELIEVE IN SLOGANEERING BUT IN ACTIONS”

New Delhi: Union Education Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday that the BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi never believes in mere sloganeering, but in “taking actions and bringing results” with the spirit of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikaas’.

New Delhi: The BJP’s national executive meet on Tuesday passed a socio-economic resolution praising PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming India into the fifth largest economy from a ‘Fragile Five’ economy. The resolution underlined that now the country is moving towards politics and governance of saturation, suggesting that the government’s progarmmes are fulfilling the requirements of the people, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday virtually inaugurate the second phase of the ‘Saansad Khel Mahakumbh’ being organised in Uttar Pradesh’ Basti district, his office said. The ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ is a novel initiative that provides opportunity and platform to the youth of Basti and neighbouring areas to showcase their sporting talent and motivates them to take sport as a career option, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN MAKKI CASE

New Delhi (ANI): India's relentless efforts to list Pakistan-based terrorists have paid off as (LeT) deputy chief Abdul Rehman Makki has finally been listed as a ‘global terrorist’.

India had made listings of Pakistan-based terrorists a top priority of its United Nations tenure during 2021-22, according to the sources. Five names were submitted by India for designation under 1267 in 2022: Abdul Rehman Makki (LeT), Abdul Rauf Asghar (JeM), Sajid Mir (LeT), Shahid Mahmood (LeT), and Talha Saeed (LeT).

Each of these five names was initially

placed on technical hold by one member state while all other 14 members of the Council agreed to their listing.

Makki's case was submitted on June 1, 2022, by India with the US joining as a co-designating state. One member state placed a technical hold on 16 June 2022 and after the six-month period again renewed its hold in mid-December, according to the sources.

Even though the successful listing comes just after India left the Council, this was a culmination of long-standing and persistent efforts made over the last several months, along with partner countries.

in

“The

China’s

In sinking Joshimath, chorus of ‘NTPC go back’ grows louder

Joshimath (PTI): Amid evacuations and demolitions in sinking Joshimath, several residents and activists are calling for the National Thermal Power Corporation to shut down its activities in the region, alleging that one of its projects contributed to subsidence in the area. From the numerous small and big shops in the main markets to the residential properties, vehicles, and billboards, posters with the slogan “NTPC go back” have come up.

Locals allege the digging of a 12-km tunnel for the 520 MW Tapovan Vishnugarh hydroelectric project exacerbated the subsidence in the area.

(PTI):

U’KHAND GOVT SAT IDLE: CONG LEADER

Gopeshwar (PTI): Congress leader Pradeep Tamta on Tuesday blamed the state government’s working style for the Joshimath crisis and accused the BJP-led dispensation of sitting idle despite being aware of the imminent danger. He said the government was still not as active as it should be in taking steps to save Joshimath.

New Delhi: It is a time of great pride in India’s diplomacy, said former Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla as the UN Security Council designated Abdul Rehman Makki, the brother-in-law of 26/11 mastermind and LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, as a global terrorist. “It’s a time of great pride in our diplomacy and we

India-Russia joint venture produces first batch of AK-203 rifles in Amethi

New Delhi (Agencies):

have achieved what has been the endeavour of our leadership which is to book those who have been complicit and involved in acts of terrorism,” Shringla told ANI.

foreign policy’s most important goals,” he said. Akbaruddin further said that India’s quest for

for its

terror ists would continue.

“This is a good success of Indian diplomacy,” the former representative at the UN said.

Indian military’s much awaited quest for modern assault rifles is finally coming to an end. India and Russia have begun the joint production of AK 203 rifles at a factory in Amethi.

“With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service in India’s defence and law enforcement agencies,” Sergey Chemezov, general director of Russia’s defence conglomerate Rostec said in a statement.

More than six lakh rifles are to be manufactured in India as part of a joint venture — IndoRussia Rifles Private Limited — established between the Indian Ord-

nance Factory Board (OFB), Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport, (both subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation).

While OFB has a 50.5 per cent stake in the joint venture, Kalashnikov has 42 per cent and Rosoboronexport 7.5 per cent.

According to the roadmap, an initial lot of 70,000 rifles are to be Made in India with lesser indigenous content. The first batch will consist of 5,000 rifles that are supposed to have only 5 per cent indigenous components.

Lucknow (PTI): This wedding had all the essentials like ‘Band, Baja, Baraat’, lavish food cooked in ‘desi ghee’ and guests dancing to filmy songs, but the bride and groom who took the ‘pheras’ were dogs named Tommy and Jelly. The marriage was held on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has rejected VRS of 1989 batch senior IAS officer Suresh Chandra. He is Additional Chief Secretary Labour and Head of Employment Department.

Chandra applied for voluntary retirement from the government in November 2022, but his file was sent back.

Chandra has been elected to the post of Vice-President in the State Public Service Tribunal. That's why he wanted to take VRS and

take over the responsibility of the Tribunal, but the govt believes that he can take over this responsibility after January 31, after he retires.

The Uttar Pradesh government has a total of 10 IAS officers of

OM BIRLA IN KENYA

WHY

WERE STEPS NOT TAKEN: DIDI

Kolkata (PTI): Describing the situation in calamity-hit Joshimath as “very dangerous”, WB CM Mamata Banerjee said the residents of the tiny hill town in Uttarakhand were not responsible for the disaster and the Centre must take steps on a war-footing to protect people.

Bengaluru: A twowheeler rider dragged a 71-year-old man on road for almost a kilometre on Magadi Road on Tuesday. The victim, Muttappa, has been admitted to the hospital. The incident took place when Muttappa, a native of Bijapur district, was driving a Boleno car on Magadi Road. Sahil (25), the accused who is a resident of Nayandahalli in Bengaluru, suddenly his rammed his twowheeler into the car from behind, the police said.

1989 batch, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's ACS Shashi Prakash Goyal, ACS Appointment and Personnel Devesh Chaturvedi, ACS Minority Monika S Garg, ACS Ayush Anuradha

Shukla, ACS Finance Prashant Trivedi, ACS Manoj Singh, ACS Amit Mohan Prasad, ACS Suresh Chandra, ACS Sanjay R Bhusreddy, ACS Anil Kumar. Many of these senior IAS officers will retire in 2023.

“Will safeguard global south’s concerns in G20”

Nairobi (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Kenya and Tanzania, met Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of Kenya on Monday.

Speaking on this occasion, Birla said that India and Kenya have historically close relations and both countries have fought against colonialism. India and Kenya share a

common perspective in the fight against terrorism, mentioned Birla. He urged for collective

efforts to eliminate terrorism for peace and development. Mentioning about India and

Kenya’s cooperation at the UN, Birla called for closer cooperation between the two countries in global fora. Referring to India’s G20 Presidency, Birla emphasized the priorities of India’s G20 stint and assured that India will make efforts to include concerns of the Global South in the G20 framework.

Birla said that India has already taken the initiative of the International Solar Alliance

and working with the objective of harnessing energy from renewable sources. The dignitaries also discussed expanding trade, economic and cultural relations between the two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact.

Birla also called on his Kenyan counterpart, Moses Masika Wetangula E.G.H. Speaker, National Assembly of Kenya.

India had made listings of Pakistanbased terrorists a top priority of its United Nations tenure during 2021-22

Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki. —FILE PHOTO

‘IT’S A TIME OF GREAT PRIDE IN OUR DIPLOMACY’, SAYS SHRINGLA

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Deputy President of Kenya Rigathy Gachagua during his visit, in Kenya. —PHOTO BY PTI

Hyderabad: India’s former representative at the UN, Syed Akbaruddin has said the news about Abdul Rehman Makki being designated as a global terrorist by the UN sanctions committee depicts a growing understanding globally that China cannot thwart India and that China’s stranglehold over India's pursuit of justice is now

vain.

news depicts a growing understanding globally that China cannot thwart India.

stranglehold over India's pursuit of justice against those who attacked our people is now in vain,” Akbaruddin said on UN listing Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist. “Countering terrorism is one of Indian

justice

people against Pakistan-based

“CHINA CANNOT THWART INDIA...”: SYED AKBARUDDIN

Joshimath

Joshimath is a town on the edge. It’s the very precipice for thousands of people, despairing as the lives they have always known slip away just as their mountain town sinks a little more each day and cracks on their homes get dangerously wider. Families are segregated, and pets and cattle remain unattended as people move out to safety. Many small businesses have shut shop or are in the process of doing so. The future looms dark and uncertain.

Locals protest against NTPC project in Joshimath on Tuesday.

Two-wheeler rider rams into car, drags driver

Dogs’ wedding performed with all rituals in Aligarh

Delhi: Network18 Media & Investments Ltd on Tuesday reported a 97% decline in its consolidated net profit to `8.82 crore for the third quarter that ended on December 31, 2022, due to a jump in operating cost and a decline in advertisement revenue. The company had posted a net profit of `306.94 crore during the October-December period a year ago. However, its consolidated revenue from operations was up 11.64% to `1,850.49 crore as against `1,657.43 crore.

RETURNS LAVA INTERNATIONAL’S DRAFT IPO PAPERS

New Delhi: Capital markets regulator Sebi has returned the draft IPO papers of Lava International and asked the homegrown mobile maker to file documents again with certain updates. The move might delay the company’s initial public offering (IPO). Lava International had filed draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in September 2021 to raise funds through an initial sharesale. —PTI

New Delhi: Gold price fell `130 to `56,680 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had closed at `56,810 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also declined `232 to `69,793 per kilogram.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `56,680 per 10 grams, down `130 per 10 grams,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities on Tuesday. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading in red at $1,911 per ounce and $24.03 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

New Delhi: Reliance Jio has expanded its 5G services to 16 more cities, taking its total coverage to 134 cities. Jio 5G service, under the name Jio True 5G, are now available in Kakinada, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Silchar (Assam), Davanagere, Shivamogga, Bidar, Hospet, Gadag-Betageri (Karnataka), Malappuram, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kannur (Kerala), Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu), Nizamabad, Khammam (Telangana), and Bareilly (UP). —FIB

‘

India may pause rate hikes in February’

New Delhi (Agencies):

The Reserve Bank of India may pause its rate hike cycle as early as the next monetary policy decision in February, according to Ankita Pathak, an economist at DSP Investment Managers Pvt.

With India’s headline inflation for the October-December period falling below the RBI’s estimate, the central bank could reevaluate its strategy amid an ongoing global growth slowdown, Pathak told Bloomberg Television.

India’s retail inflation cooled for a third straight month in December, as higher borrowing costs dampened demand and eased pressure on the RBI to raise interest rates next month.

To rein in prices, the central bank has delivered five straight increases in FY23 to take the benchmark rate to 6.25% — the highest in four years.

Pathak said growth is a major area of concern for 2023, as issues surrounding

TOP TALKING POINTS



According to Ankita Pathak, an economist at DSP Investment Managers Pvt, The Reserve Bank of India may pause its rate hike cycle as early as the next monetary policy decision in February

high inflation and hawkish monetary policies recede.

India’s gross domestic product will grow 7% in the fiscal year ending in March, according to the first official estimate released by the Statistics Ministry. That’s higher

Sensex surges 563 pts as RIL, HDFC twins shine

Mumbai (PTI): The Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 1% higher on Tuesday amid buying in index majors Reliance Industries and HDFC twins.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex rallied 562.75 points or 0.94% to settle at 60,655.72. During the day, it jumped 611.51 points or 1% to 60,704.48. The broader NSE Nifty climbed 158.45 points to end at 18,053.30.

From the Sensex pack, Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies, HDFC Bank, HDFC, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Tata Consultancy Services and

`

NTPC were the prominent gainers. State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Wipro, Tata Steel and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards.

Elsewhere in Asia, equity markets in Tokyo settled in the green, while Seoul, Shanghai & Hong Kong ended lower.

FALLS 19 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 81.77/DOLLAR

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee settled 19 paise lower at 81.77 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, tracking a rebound in the greenback overseas and firm crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 81.79 against the greenback, then lost ground and fell to an intra-day low of 81.89. The domestic currency finally settled at 81.77, down 19 paise. The rupee had settled at 81.58 against the US dollar.

PwC SURVEY

 With India’s headline inflation for the Oct-Dec period falling below the RBI’s estimate, the central bank could reevaluate its strategy



India’s retail inflation cooled for a third straight month in December, as higher borrowing costs dampened demand

than the RBI’s forecast of 6.8percent.

Pathak expects India to continue on a path of fiscal consolidation and focus more on capital expenditure in the FY24 budget, which is likely to be presented on February 1.

Partner with India to make world healthier place, says Mandaviya

Davos (PTI): Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday invited global leaders to partner with India to make the world a healthier place and said the government is institutionalising medical tourism. This will create an enabling framework for providing health services to the world at large, the minister said. He invited all the stakeholders to look at India as a land of opportunities and take advantage of the same by partnering with India.

“This endeavour would lead towards making India and the world a healthier place,” he said. “We are working towards augmenting health infrastructure and have initiated multiple schemes to strengthen health systems and improve health service delivery with focus on quality, accessibility & affordability of healthcare.”

Analysts expect FM to cut FY24 deficit to 6%

Mumbai (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will keep on the path of fiscal consolidation and opt for narrowing the FY24 fiscal deficit to as low as 5.8% in the upcoming Budget, analysts said.

The government may go for a fiscal deficit number which will be far lower than the 6.4% of GDP budgeted for FY23, they said, pegging the Budget figure for the next fiscal in the range of 5.8 – 6%.

Given the fact that this will be the last full Budget of the present government, there may be a temptation to make it into an expansionist one. In the two years following the pandemic, the fiscal deficit —

one of the key parameters while assessing macroeconomic stability which also influences inflation — went up till 9.3%.

India will have to continue on this journey of fiscal consolidation and it does not have the luxury of pausing for the next few years, the analysts made it clear.

“The government’s promised fiscal consolidation path will require a herculean effort over the next few years. Think of it like a long-distance cyclist that needs to keep pedalling hard to reach the finish line; if it were to suddenly stop, it risks falling over,” HSBC India’s chief economist Pranjul said.

Govt cuts windfall tax on crude oil, export of diesel

New Delhi (PTI): The government has reduced the windfall profit tax levied on domestically-produced crude oil as well as on the export of diesel and ATF, in line with softening international oil prices, according to an official order.

The levy on crude oil produced by companies such as Oil and Natural

Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been cut to ` 1,900 per tonne from ` 2,100 per tonne, the order dated January 16, said.

Crude oil pumped out of the ground and from below the seabed is refined and converted into fuel like petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The government has also reduced

‘US taking steps to facilitate issuance of biz visas in India’

New Delhi (PTI): The US said there has been significant progress in issuance of business visas in India, and America is taking several steps like increasing the number of staff to further facilitate the process.

Arun Venkataraman, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, also said that “incredible” progress has been made for issuance of visas for students here. At the business side, “we have also made significant progress by issuing more H1B and L visas in 2022 than we did even in 2019 before the pandemic, that is a signifi-

cant improvement. We are in the process of ramping up our staff... Is there more work to do? Yes, there is more work to do and we are committed to doing that.

“We are doubling the number of direct hires, we have to facilitate the issuance of visas here at the embassy and we are also working to bring on diplomatic spouses to also work in the process.

the tax on export of diesel to `5 per litre, from `6.5 and the same on overseas ship-

OTHER STORIES

ments of ATF to `3.5 a litre, from `4.5 a litre.

The new tax rates are effective from January 17.

Windfall profit tax on domestically-produced crude oil is the second lowest since the new levy was introduced in July 2022.

The tax had fallen to `1,700 per tonne in the second fortnight of Dec 2022.

GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION TO HELP INDIA MEET NET-ZERO TARGETS: EXPERTS

New Delhi: The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a “significant step” towards achieving the country’s net-zero targets and will help in reducing input costs of clean energy source, besides generating lakhs of job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, experts say. The Union Cabinet on January 4 approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and a clean source of energy. The objective of the Mission is also development of a production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030. —PTI

ASSAM

BY 2025: STUDY

73% CEOs expect economic growth to decline

Davos (PTI): In the most pessimistic outlook in more than a decade, a global survey of CEOs showed 73% of them expecting the global economic growth to decline over the next 12 months.

PwC said this is a significant departure from the optimistic outlook of 2021 and 2022 when more than two-thirds thought economic growth would improve.

This is the most pessimistic CEOs have been regarding global economic growth since PwC began asking this question 12 years ago.

The survey further showed that nearly 40% of CEOs do not believe their organisations would be

economically viable in 10 years if they do not transform. Inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopo-

MAJOR FINDINGS

The survey further showed that nearly 40% of CEOs do not believe their organisations would be economically viable in 10 years if they do not transform

Inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical conflict ranked as the top global threats

litical conflict ranked as the top global threats while cyber and health risks fell from a year ago.

Washington: Assam is likely to achieve 100% electric three-wheeler sales by 2025, making it the first Indian state to reach the milestone, according to a study carried out by a top US university. “At the current pace, Assam will likely achieve 100% electric three-wheeler sales by 2025, being among the first states to achieve this. Total 3W sales in Assam have grown while recovering from the pandemic,” the University of California Davis said in its study. —PTI

New Delhi: Sugar mills have entered into contracts to export 55 lakh tonne of sweetener so far in current marketing year ending September and out of that, 18 lakh tonne have been shipped already, according to ISMA. The government has allowed sugar mills to export 60 lakh tonne of sugar till May in the 2022-23 marketing year. In the previous marketing year, the mills had exported around 112 lakh tonne, an all-time high. —PTI

SEBI PROPOSES BLOCKING OF FUNDS FACILITY FOR TRADING IN SECONDARY MARKET

New Delhi: Sebi on Tuesday proposed to introduce a blocking of funds facility for trading in secondary markets, a move aimed at safeguarding investors’ money from misuse and default by stock brokers. In its consultation paper, Sebi said the proposed introduction of a blocking of funds facility for trading in secondary markets would allow investors to trade in secondary markets based on blocked funds in one’s bank account, thereby eliminating the need to transfer funds to stock broker. Also, the facility would provide client level settlement visibility (both pay-in and pay-out) to clearing corporations (CC) by direct settlement of funds and securities between client or investor and CC. —PTI

SEBI

GOLD PRICES FALL BY `130; SILVER ALSO DECLINE `232

RELIANCE JIO TRUE

5G LAUNCHED IN 16 MORE CITIES

New

CM EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER MINS’ PERFORMANCE

Instead of Department Secys, this time, the Ministers are briefing on their department’s works, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the performance of ministers in fulfilling announcements made in budgets during the past four years and the Congress’ election manifesto.

Speaking to reporters on the second day of a ‘Chintan Shivir’ during which Gehlot is reviewing their performances, the Chief Minister said the Ministers had briefed him about the works done by their departments.

“Most of the ministers have delivered a good performance. The work done is overall satisfactory,” he said.

He said such an initiative was also taken

Relief

two others in Single Lease case

India Bureau

First

Jaipur: In JDA’s famous single lease case, there has been relief from HC to retired IAS GS Sandhu & to Retd RAS Nishkam Diwakar, OM Saini. Appeal of State govt & all three was accepted in HC.

On Jan 4, Justice Farzand Ali, after listening to debate, had kept the decision secure. Government and all three had challenged the order of ACB Court-04 in the High Court.

during his previous government to assess its performance.

Usually department secretaries give a briefing during such assessments. This time, however, the ministers are

CHINTAN

SHIVIR

DAY-2

Such an initiative was also taken during our previous government to assess dept performance, the Chief Minister adds

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Department of Information and Public Relations was very prompt in informing the media every minute about the presentations made in all the sessions of the two-day Chintan Shivir which ended on Tuesday.

Timely updates of each presentation in the sessions were provided to print, electronic and digital media on WhatsApp by the news section of the department. There was a lot of discussion in the media about this positive initiative.

Depts brief about their feats in Chintan Shivir

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Ministers of various departments gave a presentation about progress of department works in Chintan Shivir.

l UDH Dept in its presentation said that the department issued around 6 lakh lease deeds in Prashasan Shehron ke Sang campaign.

l RHB has provided around 14,000 houses on affordable rate with 50% rebate.

l So far, 980 Indira Rasois have been set up with the pledge of ‘No One Sleeps Hungry’ in which 9.28 crore food plates have been served.

ment works are being done in gram panchayats with a cost of Rs 3,156 crore.

l The Revenue Department said that around 7 lakh cases have been resolved.

l Disaster Mgmt Dept informed that ex-gratia of Rs 4,029 crore has been given to farmers for crop damages.

l CM Gehlot said that programmes like Hawa Mahal Mahotsav should be organised in every district of Rajasthan.

briefing on their department’s works, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said.

The two-day ‘shivir’ started on Monday. On the first day of the Shivir, various schemes,

programmes, budget and public announcements and implementation of important decisions and future plans of 14 departments, including Medical & Health were discussed.

Most of the ministers have delivered a good performance. The work done is overall satisfactory.

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

Create awareness about police’s good work via social media: DGP

Jaipur: DGP Umesh Mishra on Tuesday, inaugurated the two-day training workshop on social media in Police Headquarters. While addressing the gathering, DGP Umesh Mishra said that social media has a special significance in the present scenario. He also stressed the need to make people aware of the positive works being done by the Ra-

jasthan Police through social media. ADG (Technical Services) Sunil Dutt and other senior police officers were also present.

“Fact-checking of fake news should be

CYBER SECURITY TRAINING TO COPS

done immediately and broadcast of such fake news should be stopped immediately. Attempts should be made to stop the spread of misinformation. Rajasthan Police has a good presence

‘Will take RaGa’s message to everyone’

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: PCC President GS Dotasra held a meeting of the newly appointed block Congress Presidents and held a detailed discussion on the outline of ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo Abhiyan’, which will continue for 2 months from Jan 26.

He also discussed with them the upcoming programmes of Raj PCC.

CAMPAIGN

on social media with 7.41 lakh followers on Twitter,” said DGP.

DGP Mishra also emphasised upon the use of social media to maintain communal harmony in society.

Similarly, through more than 150 graphics by the social media cell of the department, the information about the achievements of the State government, welfare schemes and implementation of the budget announcements was conveyed to the general public.

l More than 4 lakh job cards have been issued in Indira Gandhi Shehari Rozgar Guarantee Yojana.

l Rural Development Dept in its presentation said 3 lakh SelfHelp Groups under Rajeevika are formed and road develop-

l The Art, Literature, Culture and Archaeology Dept said that works of around Rs 38 crore have been done on the conservation of the historical and cultural heritage of state.

l Dept of Science & Technology should increase its science activities, said CM.

l Dept of Minority Affairs & Waqf said Rs 100 cr fund is formed for minority devp.

OFFERING CONDOLENCES

Dotasra told reporters that the aim of the campaign is to take Rahul Gandhi’s message to every household. He

District admn to acquire land to expand Northern Ring Road

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In order to reduce traffic in Jaipur city, a decision has been taken by district administration to acquire land, under which a 45-kmlong road from village Bagrana in Jaipur tehsil to Chaump village in Amer will be constructed for 101 to 145.10 km of Northern Ring Road.

District Collector Prakash Rajpurohit said that six villages of Jaipur tehsil, 14 villages of Amer tehsil & 14

The proposal of Section 3 (A) of the Act has been sent by Competent Authority Addl District Collector II to NHA on January 13, which will soon be published in the Gazette of India. Objections will be invited after publication in two local newspapers. Any person, who is interested in the said land, may object to use within 21 days from the date of publication.

—Prakash Rajpurohit, District Collector

villages of Jamwa Ramgarh have been included in list of affected villages by NHA in project construction. Cash will be payable at DLC rate prevailing on date of publication of Section 3(A) of Land

Compensation Act. Addl Dist Collector Amrita Chaudhary has been authorised by Ministry of Road Transport as competent authority for construction of project vide Gazette dated Dec 5, 2022.

said that stickers of Bharat Jodo will be put on every house and pamphlets of govt’s flagship schemes will be distributed. About 4,000-5,000 people in each constituency will promote schemes.

He informed that district level programme will begin from Jan 20 from Hanumangarh & Sri Ganganagar where, CM Gehlot & in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa will also participate.

Poonia may continue as State BJP chief

First India Bureau

New Delhi: BJP Rajasthan State President Satish Poonia gave a presentation on ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ undertaken by BJP’s Raj unit in all 200 assembly constituencies at BJP National Executive meeting in the presence of PM Narendra Modi & BJP National President JP Nadda. Poonia attended the two-day meet held on January 16 and

17, where he targeted the Congress government’s anti-people policies.’ In his presidential address, Nadda mentioned about the JAY in Raj. Poonia will

leave for Rajasthan by road today and reach Jaipur after attending various programmes in Alwar.

In what could be termed as a cascading effect of extension of JP Nadda’s tenure, according to sources, BJP State Prezs won’t be changed in election states! In such a situation, there is increased hope for Satish Poonia in Raj as his term can now be extended for one year!

NADDA MAY VISIT JAIPUR ON JAN 23

BJP National President JP Nadda may visit Jaipur on January 23 to feel the BJP’s pulse. BJP State Working Committee meeting is being organised in Jaipur on January 22 & 23. Nadda’s address is to be held on the second day of the meeting on January 23. Nadda will present the strategy and plan made in National Working Committee meeting in Delhi and is also scheduled to hold an important meeting of the BJP core committee.

Will not compromise on quality, people have faith in Housing Board, asserts Pawan Arora

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora while reviewing the construction work of houses being constructed in sectors 3, 8, 26 and 28 of Pratap Nagar besides sector 7 of Indira Gandhi Nagar under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Awas Yojana in a meeting held at divisional HQs on Tuesday, said that the houses being built under the Yojana should be completed

time. He

The people have the faith that RHB will provide them quality housing. So, do not compromise on quality of the project at any level. Also delay or negligence at the level of the contractor or officials would not be tolerated at any cost.

—Pawan Arora, RHB Commissioner

He said that the masses have the faith that the RHB will pro-

vide them quality housing. He also instructed not to compromise on quality at any level. He was shown progress via power- point presentation & he issued necessary guidelines to officers.

Under the Mukhyamantri Jan Awas Yojana, a total of 3,358 flats of different categories are being constructed in different sectors of Pratap Nagar and 732 in Sector 7 of Indira Gandhi Nagar.

Naresh Sharma and Dr Rituraj Sharma

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reviews progress of various departments on the second day of Chintan Shivir being held at OTS in Jaipur on Tuesday. Also seen here are Shanti Dhariwal, Dr BD Kalla, Hemaram Choudhary, Parsadi Lal Meena, Usha Sharma, Kuldeep Ranka, Akhil Arora, Kunji Lal Meena, PK Goyal and other Ministers & concerned officials.

DIPR’s prompt move to provide Chintan Shivir’s info to media

to Sandhu,

within the stipulated

said that delay or negligence at the

level of the contractor or officials would not be tolerated at any cost.

Pawan Arora chairs a review meeting to take note of the progress of houses being built under the ‘MukhyaMantriJanAwasYojana’ at Board’s HQs on Tuesday. Also seen here are KC Meena, Sanjay Sharma, Anil Mathur, Sanjay Poonia, Amit Agrawal and others.

GS Dotasra chairs a meeting of newly appointed Block Presidents of Congress at PCC Office in Jaipur on Tuesday.

HATH SE HATH JODO

Shivendra Parmar

In presence of DGP Umesh Mishra, an MoU was signed between Sardar Patel University, Jodhpur & Rajasthan Police on Tuesday at Police HQs. Under this MoU, Rajasthan Police personnel will be given online and offline training for nine months regarding cyber security. The MoU was signed by V-C Dr Alok Tripathi & ADG of Police Sunil Dutt.

CM Ashok Gehlot condoles the demise of Chhotu Khan ‘Nirmal,’ the father of the Chairman of State Minorities Commission and MLA, Rafeek Khan during his visit to the latter’s residence in Jaipur on Tuesday. The CM also condoled the bereaved family & prayed to the Almighty to provide them strength to bear this huge loss. Also seen here is Praveen Chand Chhabra.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

tomized, versatile, and natureinspired designs to this jewellery store to ensure they align with the needs of the contemporary woman.

Shree Nandita Jewels is a Jaipur-based jewellery store that specializes in offering an extensive range of the finest handcrafted jewellery.

At Shree Nandita Jewels (www.nanditashekhawat. com), one can get fine handcrafted jewellery from their excellent in-house craftsmen that stand testimony to India’s rich heritage and culture while matching the latest jewellery trends worldwide. Every piece of jewellery find in their physical and online store has been crafted with a lot of love and care to blend traditional values with contemporary vibes. Whether one needs a royal wedding necklace, a unique piece of statement jewellery for their Sangeet ceremony, or bespoke jewellery for a special occasion, one can get them all here and even more.

When asked about their brand, the talented designer said, “You can browse our extensive range of magnificent jewellery in diamond, gold, and platinum that sport precious and semi-precious gemstones to make you stand apart in the crowd. From polki and meenakari to kundan meena partash work, our pieces exude unmatched grace and charm to become heirloom items and signature pieces in your jewellery box. If you need a customized piece of jewellery, we welcome you to talk to our in-house team of jewellery artists, designers, and jewellery professionals, who’ll help bring your imagination to life by creating magnificent wearable pieces that you’ll cherish forever!”

She further said, “Our job doesn’t end at creating and delivering high-end jewels depicting innovative and intricate designs complemented by an excellent finish. We make sure to back it up with our excellent customer service to ensure you have a remarkable shopping experience and continue to be our patrons. We’re fully committed to achieving excellence in all facets of jewellery craftsmanship, design, and service to wow every single customer of ours. And perhaps it’s our unwavering commitment that has helped us become a leading name in the jewellery industry, which is trusted by celebrities and the common people alike.”

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

Nandita Shekhawat with Ranveer Singh

Nandita Shekhawat with Shah Rukh Khan

Nandita Shekhawat with Karisma Kapoor during a ceremony

SHABRI PRASAD SINGH cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Recently over dinner with my family I dined at Azula Kitchen and Bar, located in the heart of Delhi at New Friends Colony. Azula stood out to us with its fabulous neo-contemporary decor and the Pan-Asian food menu with Latin influences. In every family, everyone has different dietary preferences and sometimes it can be challenging to find a place that caters to everyone. However, at Azula, the menu has been carefully curated to serve everyone’s plate. My sister is allergic to gluten and also found an array of options to choose from on the menu. The ambience of the restaurant stood tall yet comfortable whether it is a cosy dinner for 2 or a party

FACEOFTHEDAY

AZULA WAY INTO

of 10. The vibe blends perfectly for all. The decor too is a visual treat - clean, stylish, and tres chic! This revolution I talk about is fine dining for a sensory experience almost like chemical gastronomy which is also easy on the pocket. Having said that, one would still get the feel of an urban chic lounge like the Cipriani’s of the world. As I entered and sat down, whimsical blue and sweet mellow lights captured my gaze and I swirled in my element of being in the mood to eat a good meal and relax with fond music. For our first course, we chose the Sichuan Cucumber Rose Salad; the cucumber was heavenly marinated in soy sauce, thinly sliced and carefully rolled. Its in triguing fresh taste in my mouth made me want more.

The delectable sushi platter came in a boat fash ioned from wood and held an assort

HEART

ment of 24 delicious Sushi consisting of Avocado and Asparagus Maki, Azula Miduri, Black Salmon and more. We dug right in

prawns were succulently brimming with flavour and the smoked noodles were a piquant addition to the palate. My mother also ordered

YOUR DAY

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Happiness in the domestic sphere will only come with a changed mind set. Some of you are likely to become a part of an overseas official trip. Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment. Harsh words may create a rift in your romantic relationship.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Gifting something to your beloved is likely to make the day memorable.

Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property. Those awaiting results are assured of succeeding with flying colours.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Your intuition will save you from a tricky spot today.

Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. You will manage to achieve your aim through travel. This is a great time on the academic front, when you manage to render your best. Live a healthy lifestyle.

CAPRICORN

sweet, fresh guava juice with a kick of green chil lies; satis faction for one’s soul. To sweeten the deal the Chef sent over a

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members, normalizing ties. Despite your misgivings, you retain good health. You will do much to bring peace and harmony at home. You will remain much in demand on social front.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Despite hectic schedule you will manage to find time for family. Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal. Your bold initiatives on romantic front bring back passion and spark in romantic relationship.Overall health remains fine.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Avoid raising controversial issues at home to maintain harmony. Successful implementation of new ideas and projects would add to your prestige on the professional front. It is a wonderful day to build new connections. Your relationship requires you to

fectly sweetened, fluffy and the invigorating orange glaze married the flavours together marvellously. Azula is a sensory experience, from its stylish interiors to its charismatic staff and service. The ingredients used are fresh and mindfully sourced, giving every dish a belonging of its own. This is what makes Azula an asset to the city’s restaurant scene.

Dining at Azula is nothing short of an experience, a 360-degree turn for one’s senses - an affair of taste to remember!

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

PISCES

FEB 20 - MARCH 20

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder. Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front are likely to get lucky today, as partner responds positively. You will feel better today.

Following a health diet will be a good idea. Luck favours you today on the professional front. Focussing on health now will help you in keeping physically fit. Clarity of mind and retentive power will help you forge ahead on the academic front.

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

CITY FIRST

The Jaipur Literature Festival is all set to run from January 19 to 23 celebrating the power of literature, art and culture with a focus on Indian languages. The Festival will feature sessions on 21 Indian and 14 International languages in its sixteenth edition.

The literary extravaganza will host a session featuring author Alka Saraogi and novelist and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tokri men Digant, Anamika. In conversation with renowned journalist Nishtha Gautam.

Another will feature eminent Sanskrit scholar and Director of the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi, Oscar Pujol, in conversation with the Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski, and author, Indian diplomat, Abhay K, for a session titled ‘Global Hindi’.

The Festival will host a session featuring the International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, along with the translator of her novel Daisy Rockwell, in conversation with Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar recipient Tanuj Solanki.

Under the book launch section, the Festival will be showcasing writer, Festival Co-Director and Co-founder of the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, Namita Gokhale and translators Pushpesh Pant and Prabhat Ranjan in conversation with publisher Aditi Maheshwari-Goyal. This event will also be graced by the MD of Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, Sanjoy K. Roy; celebrated author, historian and Festival CoDirector & Co-founder William Dalrymple and Managing Director of Vani Prakashan Group and Chairman of Vani Foundation, Arun Maheshwari.

Following the launch, a panel discussion will take place titled ‘First Edition: Jaipurnama’-focusing on the vibrant Hindi translation of Gokhale’s evocative novel with an insider’s view on the Jaipur Literature Festival - Jaipur Journals.

The Festival will

also explore some of the intrinsic sessions showcasing various dialects of the Hindi language namely Rajasthani and Bhojpuri.

Touching this vast repertoire of literature and culture in Rajasthan, a session will feature eminent Rajasthani writer Chandra Prakash Deval in conversation with author Malchand Tiwari.

At the literary extravaganza, poetdiplomat Abhay K. will present the range and sophistication of Bihari literature in this first comprehensive anthology of writing from eleven languages of the region.

A session will feature iconic poet, lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Shabana Azmi in conversation with literary Jalil.

Dhanak, a collection of poems by poet and lyricist Jan Nisar Akhtar (Javed Akhtar’s father), selected by Azmi and translated from Urdu by Sumantra Ghoshal and Daaera, a collection of poems by Kaifi Azmi (Shabana Azmi’s father), selected by Javed Akhtar and translated from Urdu by Mir Ali Hussain.

Followed by a session which will concentrate on Khalid Jawed's landmark Urdu classic translated by Baran Farooqi in English as The Paradise of Food, winner of the 2022 JCB Prize for Literature. A session featuring award-winning investigative journalist Vidya Krishnan in conversation with the vascular surgeon Ambarish Satwik about her recent book Phantom Plague: How Tuberculosis Shaped our History, which examines the development of different cures both folk and modern and how the disease and the attempts to curb its spread have mingled with issues of racism, greed and politics along with many interesting sessions.

A TREASURE TROVE INDIAN LANGUAGES OF

THE THEME FOR THE FESTIVAL DECOR:

will by a session

Jawed's Urdu clas-

Shashi Tharoor with a fan

Javed Akhtar

Sanjoy K Roy addressing the audience

ART OF RESTORATION

CITY FIRST

The Art of Restoration” Book

Cover was launched at AutoExpo 2023 by Siam President Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd. along with SIAM DG Rajesh Menon and Cartist Founder, Himanshu Jangid. The book, The Art of Restoration, will be launched on 18 April 2023 on World Heritage Day.

The book is a part of the Cartist project “The Art of Restoration”, a six-month project which documents the process of car restoration on two iconic cars, the Ambassador 1959 Mark II and Cadillac 1954 fleetwood sixty special.

It would be a guide for the upcoming generation to pursue the hobby of restoring classic cars and to empower them with the knowledge of tools, processes and technical know-how. It will cover planning, body panel, mechani-

CITY FIRST

BEAUTY OF RAGA MALA!

Sanatan Satvik

Samvad program organised by Jaipur’s more than six-decade-old Sangeet Kala Niketan took place on Tuesday when Grammy award winner Padma Bhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt along with his son and disciple Tantri Samrat Pt. Salil Bhatt, together threaded a garland of 52 unique ragas of Indian classical music. In this unique gathering of music

decorated at Hotel ITC Rajputana, Pt. Vishwa Mohan played a total of 52 ragas one after the other, combining his imagination and many classical ragas of Indian classical music.

Vishwa Mohan gave a unique musical blessing to Salil on his 52nd birthday by gifting this raga mala. Vishwa Mohan shared that this program of playing 52 ragas in the sequence was the first presentation of music on any stage, which has established

This book will provide a complete guide to car enthusiasts who want to restore their cars in their own garages or to understand the process of restoration. It is an effort to share my knowledge with the next generation on how they can preserve the heritage of Indian Automobiles. The book will also feature cars restored by us in the past and automobile art by contemporary artists across India. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

GRAND OPENING!

riors and the iconically trimmed exteriors won the hearts of millions across the country.

CM Ashok Gehlot felicitated the Vaish Gaurav Award to Nirmala Rawat at the International Vaish Federation held at Birla Auditorium on Sunday for her fruitful impact and dedication in the field of social work.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Jaipur Students Union Office was inaugurated at the campus of Government College, Jaipur. The media in charge of the ceremony, Dr Anshu Sharma shared that the Chief Guest, Dr Archana Sharma, President of the State Social Welfare Board, inaugurated the program. Alumni Association President Manish Yadav and State Coordinator Surendra Singh were special guests. The coordination of the program was done by Dr Snigdha Sharma, Student’s Union Coordinator. SU President Amardeep Singh Chauhan, Vice President Rahul Meena etc were present.

Jag Shivgovind Nayla launched his soulful song Jai Shri Ram recently. During the launch, Member of All India Caste Conservation Institute, Senior Union Prachar Ramprasad, Small Industries Bharti Chief Prakash, Regional Harmony Chief Tulsi Narayan, Organisation Minister Chandrashekhar, Organisation Minister of Hindu Jagran Manch Murali, Regional Village Development Chief Rajveer etc launched the poster of the song. After this, the song was launched on the YouTube channel RJ14WALIY. Dr Somya Mayor, Nagar Nigam Greater councillor Girraj Sharma and others were present on this occasion.

A training workshop was organised for the first time in Jaipur by a new company GROWAPLAN of Jaipur on Tuesday, this company has been formed by two entrepreneurs of Jaipur, Vijay Singh Shekhawat and Swapnil Jain. Vijay Singh Shekhawat has 25 years of experience and Swapnil Jain has 10 years of experience. The work of GROWAPLAN company provides consultancy for branding and marketing of different companies, it does growth planning of its clients by analyzing data of their companies. In this coffee workshop, training has been provided by Vikram Khurana, who is the World Barista Championship Winner. Certificates were given to all after completing this course.

Goonj 2022 festival was organised by LBS P.G. College, Raja Park, Jaipur, on Tuesday. During the event, Abhinav Bhandari stood first in the debate competition on the topic of India needs a uniform civil code. He was awarded the first prize by Prof Dr Vijay Kumar Jha and Principal of the College Dr Mudit Gupta. Dr Ullas Tyagi, Dr Ruchi Goyal, Dr Namita Bohra were also present.

The newly appointed judges Justice Ganesh Ram Meena, Anil Kumar Upman, Bhuvan Goyal and Ashutosh Kumar were welcomed by presenting a multi-coloured bouquet under the leadership of Union President Rituraj Sharma on Tuesday. Ajay Sharma Secretary, Chandra Prakash Chhajeda Vice President, Narendra Mathur, Badrinarayan Sharma Joint Registrar, etc were present on this occasion.

itself as a record. Earlier, Pt. Salil Bhatt, along with Khadtal player Kutla Khan and Tabla player Pt. Himanshu Mahant, played Raag Jog, Pa-

hadi Dhun and “Ram Bhajan Payo Ji Main Ramratan Dhan Payo” at the venue of the ceremony with Sur, Laya and Taal. Liven up the scene.

DURING THE DAY!

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Vinod Aggarwal, Rajesh Menon and Himanshu Jangid During the expo

Himanshu Mahant, Pt Vishawa Mohan Bhatt, Salil Bhatt and Kulta Khan

Sudhir Mathur, Padma Shri Munna Master and Gopal Sharma with others

Rishi Mattu and Apra Kuchhal

Swapnil Jain, Dusyant and Vikram Khurana with others

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Malviya Nagar MLA Kalicharan Saraf presented 1500 warm blankets to Sawai Mansingh Hospital to the Superintendent of SMS for the patients at a cost of Rs 27 lakh provided from the MLA’s fund on Tuesday. Hospital Superintendent Dr Achal Sharma shared that it is an innovative initiative of Regional MLA Saraf, these 1500 blankets will be distributed to the patients admitted to the hospital, which will give them relief in winter.

A two-day National Cross-Fence “Shreyan” will be organized on January 20 and 21, 2023 at Birla Auditorium. Governor Kalraj Mishra will be the chief guest of this conference. CA Prakash Sharma, Director and Center Council Member informed that the conference will have speakers from Jaipur and outside Jaipur and a special session was also organised. Around 3500 CAs will participate in this conference.

President CA Kuldeep Gupta and Jaipur Branch Secretary CA Ruchi Gupta said that CA Sanjay Agarwal (MD, AU Small Bank) and CA Deepti Bahul, founder of Car Dekho and Shark Tank India frame Amit Jain will discuss TOP etc. The cultural programme will also be organised at EP in which Bollywood singer Bhoomi Trivedi will perform.

Patotsav was organised at Shri Siddheshwar Hanuman Temple located at Suez Farm in Jaipur on Tuesday. During the occasion, food was offered to a large number of sages, saints, Mahatma and Mahant priests. Along with this, the idols of Ram Sita along with lord Hanuman, Mahadev and Radha Krishna were anointed with medicines in the temple. Devotees and local people of the temple enjoyed the bhajan kirtan. Kirtan including Sunderkand was also organised in the temple. During this Jyotishacharya Mahant Shri Awadhesh Das Maharaj gave information about the religious works while giving information about the event. Ramayana events and other religious events are also being organised regularly in this temple.

An exhibition of paintings by Indian painter Alpana Gupta, who is practising art while living in New York, USA, is going to be organised from January 20 to 22 at the Kalaneri Art Gallery premises.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO