First India-Jaipur Edition-18th February 2023

INDIAN-AMERICAN NEAL MOHAN IS NEW CEO OF YOUTUBE

California: Neal Mohan, an Indian-American who is all set to become the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YouTube has said that he is excited to continue this “awesome and important mission” and looking forward to a new future.

I-T

IPL 2023 SEASON SET TO BEGIN FROM MARCH 31

Mumbai: Indian Premier League 2023 is set to begin on March 31 with a clash between Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Gujarat Titans. The T20 cricket extravaganza will be played across 12 venues with the Narendra Modi Stadium hosting the opener on March 31.

DEPT ON BBC

“IRREGULARITIES IN TAX PAYMENTS”

 After 3 days, I-T Dept finished survey at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Thursday

 The I-T officials recorded only those staffers’ statements whose role was crucial

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has claimed it has uncovered irregularities in the accounting books of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) following a threeday survey - an operation widely criticised as retribution for an unflattering documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Income Tax Department said on Friday that the nearly three-day “survey” at the BBC’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai broadly looked into a mismatch between the income and profits of the broadcaster’s group entities and their scale of operations in India.

New Delhi (ANI): Terming BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “propaganda video” and a “disgraceful piece of shoddy journalism,” British MP Bob Blackman has said that it should never have been released and that it didn’t look at the “all-important fact” that India’s Supreme Court investigated the claims against Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 riots.

THE CBDT ISSUES STATEMENT

New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a statement without naming the media organisation and said that I-T teams unearthed crucial evidences by way of statement of employees, digital proof and documents. The CBDT statement says:

OTHER TOP STORIES

CONG CHIEF WHIP JOSHI RESIGNS, CHAUDHARY MAY BE NEW WHIP

Jaipur: Congress Chief Whip in the Rajasthan Assembly Mahesh Joshi has resigned from the post. According to an official spokesperson, Joshi had submitted his resignation from the post before Budget session commencement. Turn to P8

TONK CIVIC BODY HEAD IN ACB NET BIG RELIEF TO GS SHEKHAWAT

Jaipur: The Tonk Municipal commissioner a junior clerk and a sanitation worker were held by ACB taking Rs 1 lakh bribe on Friday. ACB sleuths said that Commissioner of Tonk Municipal Council, Anita Khichar, junior clerk Mohammad Salim and sanitation worker Om Dev Nagar were held with the bribe money. P3

Jaipur: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat got a major relief from the district court of Jaipur on Friday in the matter of conspiracy to topple the Gehlot government in Rajasthan. The court upheld the decision of the subordinate court which had refused to allow the ACB to take Shekhawat’s voice sample. P8

5 BIG ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BBC

1 “The survey revealed that despite substantial consumption of content in various Indian languages, the income/profits shown by various group entities is not commensurate with the scale of operations in India.”

2 “During the survey, the dept gathered several evidences pertaining to operation of the organisation, which indicate that tax has not been paid on certain remittances, which have not been disclosed as income in India by the foreign entities of the group.”

3 “... Services of seconded employees have been utilised for which reimbursement has been made by the Indian entity to the foreign entity concerned. Such remittance was also liable to be subject to withholding tax, which has not been done... Survey has thrown up several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation.”

CHETAN SHARMA RESIGNS AS CHIEF SELECTOR

New Delhi: Former India pace bowler Chetan Sharma has resigned from the post of chairman of the senior cricketers’ selection committee following a sting operation by a news channel, where he allegedly revealed confidential information.

2ND TEST: AUS 263 ALL OUT, IND 21/0

New Delhi (ANI): Lord Rami Ranger, a prominent member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament on Friday said the BBC documentary on PM Narendra Modi is “unfortunate, ill-timed and ill-informed” based on a handful of people who have narratives to show him in a bad light. Lord Rami Ranger also slammed George Soros over his remarks on Hindenburg-Adani row.

 Several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation found.

 I-T teams unearthed crucial evidences by way of

Shinde faction recognised as real Shiv Sena

New Delhi: In a setback for Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, the EC on Friday ordered that the Eknath Shinde camp of Shiv Sena will retain the official name and party’s ‘bow and arrow’ symbol. The EC ruled that the Thackeray-led Sena will retain the interim party name Shiv Sena UBT and poll symbol flaming torch.

statement of employees, digital proof and documents.

 Income, profits shown by various group entities not commensurate with scale of operations in India.

4 “Survey operation has resulted in unearthing of crucial evidences by way of statement of employees, digital evidences and documents which will be further examined in due course. It is pertinent to state that statements of only those employees were recorded whose role was crucial including those connected to, primarily, finance, content development and other production related functions.”

5 “Even though the department exercised due care to record statements of only key personnel, it was observed that dilatory tactics were employed including in the context of producing documents/agreements sought.”

New Delhi (PTI): India dismissed Australia for 263 on the opening day of the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy on Friday. In reply, India were 21 for no loss when stumps were called on the opening day of the second Test of the Border

Adani: SC’s ‘no’ to GoI’s sealed cover suggestion

First India Bureau

New Delhi: A “sealed” submission by the Central govt on a panel to strengthen regulatory measures and protect investors following the Adani stock collapse was turned down by the Supreme Court on Friday, which said it wanted “full transparency” in the matter. The court had last week asked for suggestions on the formation of a panel of experts, including a judge, to examine the fallout of the fraud allegations against the Adani Group, which have wiped out crores in investor wealth and triggered fierce attacks on the govt by the Opposition.

Bommai’s surplus budget is jumla budget for Congress

Bengaluru: Karnataka

CM Basavaraj Bommai presented his second and last budget of the ruling BJP government on Friday at the state legislature ahead of assembly polls in the state.

Bommai presented a revenue surplus budget, with the outlay crossing Rs 3 lakh crore mark. However, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Karnataka Congress incharge, ridiculed CM Bommai as ‘Liar in Chief’ and dubbed it as

SENSITIVE CHIEF MINISTER’S HEALING TOUCH

a ‘Jumla’ budget. CM Bommai proposed a revenue surplus of Rs 402 crore and broke the deficit budgets for the last two consecutive years.

CONGRESS LEADERS

WEAR FLOWERS BEHIND THEIR EARS

Bengaluru: In a peculiar protest against the ruling BJP in Karnataka, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders came to the state Assembly wearing flowers behind their ears, alleging that the BJP government has cheated people and made them fools.

GEORGE SOROS SAYS TURMOIL AT ADANI MAY WEAKEN MODI GOVT

New Delhi: Philanthropist George Soros believes the turmoil at Gautam Adani’s business empire may weaken PM Narendra Modi’s hold on the govt. Soros, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Thursday, said Modi would “have to answer questions” from foreign investors and Parliament.

BJP LASHES OUT AT GEORGE SOROS CONG DOWNPLAYS SOROS’ REMARKS

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a frontal attack on billionaire investor George Soros, accusing him of not only targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also the Indian democratic system. P5

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday said whether the Adani issue sparks a democratic revival in the country depends entirely on the grand old party and other Opposition parties, and it has nothing to do with billionaire investor George Soros. P5

Nominated members can’t vote in MCD: SC

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday said the nominated members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) cannot vote in the mayoral election.

A bench directed that the election of the Delhi mayor shall be conducted at the first MCD meet and once elected, the mayor shall preside over the deputy mayor’s election.

The top court’s order came on a plea moved by the ruling AAP mayoral candidate, Shelly Oberoi, seeking an ear-

ly conduct of the election. The apex court had, on February 8, sought the responses of the lieutenant governor’s (LG) office, MCD’s pro-tem presiding officer Satya Sharma and others on Oberoi’s plea.

KATARIA HOSTS GALAXY OF LEADERS

CM Gehlot announces

CM to meet victims’ familes today

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot will meet the relatives of the two youths who were burnt alive in Luharu of Haryana, as a consensus was reached between Zahida Khan and family of the deceased. A financial aid of Rs 20 lakh each to the deceased relatives will also be provided and one

`

20L

each for 2 men burnt alive in Haryana

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

dependent each, of both the deceased, will get a govt job.

Addtionally, announcement of free education of dependent chil-

4 charred to death as tanker collides with trailer in Ajmer

Shubham Jain and Mukesh

dren up to 12th standard has also been made. CM Gehlot has strongly condemned the incident and said, “The killing of two people resident of Ghatmika of Bharatpur in Haryana is condemnable. Rajasthan and Haryana police are taking action in coordination. One accused has been detained and search is on for the remaining accused. I have directed Rajasthan Police to take strict action.”

Ajmer: Four people were charred to death while four others were injured after a gas tanker collided headon with a trailer in Ajmer on Thursday night. Police informed the incident occurred near Rani Bagh Resort on National Highway – 8 in Ajmer. P3

CM EXPRESS GRIEF; CONDOLES DEATHS

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the Ajmer incident and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.

UK MP BLACKMAN SLAMS BBC DOCUMENTARY ON PM MODI

LORD RAMI RANGER SLAMS BBC DOCUMENTARY ON MODI

Media personnel outside the BBC office during Income Tax Department’s survey operation, conducted as part of a tax evasion investigation, at KG Marg in New Delhi. —PHOTO BY PTI

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Speaker Dr CP Joshi, Gulab Chand Kataria, Vasundhara Raje, Ramlal Jat, PP Choudhary, Sumedhanand Saraswati, Rajendra Rathod, Mamata Bhupesh and Ravindra Pareek at the dinner party hosted by Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Mahal Palace on Friday. Kataria has been recently appointed as the Assam Governor. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Gavaskar Trophy here on Friday.

RATHORE RECITES HANUMAN CHALISA IN HOUSE, WCD MINISTER HAILS LORD RAM

Devasthan Minister Rawat compares CM Ashok Gehlot with God, House turn uproarious as oppn reacts

QUESTION HOUR

RAMLAL JAT: STATE

TO HAVE 1,035 NEW PATWAR MANDALS

Revenue Min Ramlal Jat informed that the State govt has announced creation of 1,035 new patwar mandals. This would end the shortage of patwar mandals in gram panchayats in Phalodi assembly constituency. At present 66 patwar mandals are there in Phalodi.

MLA SARAF RAISES ISSUE OF THEFT IN JAIPUR TEMPLES

Kalicharan Saraf raised the issue of theft in temples in Jaipur. He said that thieves are not caught despite giving footage. He raised the matter of theft in Jain temples and demanded security arrangements around the temple and asked to form a team under an IPS.

PM AWAS YOJANA: 3,751 APPLICANTS TO BE INCLUDED IN KOTA’S RAMGANJ MANDI: MEENA

Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma and Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: Echo of Hanuman Chalisa was heard in the assembly on Friday during the debate on Sanwaliyaji and Nathdwara Temple Amendment Bill. There was a heated argument between the WCD minister Mamta Bhupesh and the former minister Rajendra Rathore regarding definition of Hinduism.

When Dy LoP Rajendra Rathore accused the Congress of questioning the faith of Ram, WCD Minister Bhupesh raised slogans of Jai Siyaram in the House.

Deputy LoP Rathore and Revenue Minister

Ramlal Jat recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

Amid the furore, Minister Bhupesh said to Rajendra Rathore, “At

LAHOTY ON TRAFFIC, DEVNANI ON RATION, SURYAKANTA VYAS ON ANGANVADIs, MLAs TRIES TO CORNER GOVT

MLA Ashok Lahoty raised the issue of traffic jams in Sanganer and demanded arrangement of traffic police and signals to address this. MLA Vasudev Devnani raised the issue of honorarium to the ration dealer. He said that Pratap Singh Khachariyawas had given assurance but nothing happened. He said that 13 ministers and 80 MLAs are in favour of this and demanded action. MLA Suryakanta Vyas raised the issue of buildingless Anganwadi Centres in the state. The MLA said that the minister gave only figures which do not make any sense. A total of 92 Anganwadi centres are in Sursagar, 19 are running in school. The minister said that the MLA’s concern is justified, but it is difficult to get land in urban areas.

jendra Rathore recited some lines of Hanuman Chalisa. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Ramlal Jat also stood up and started reciting Hanuman Chalisa.

Meanwhile, BD Kalla had an argument with BJP MLAs regarding the definition of religion and Hindu and Min Bhupesh raised slogans of Jai Siyaram.

HIGHLIGHTS

l State Assembly on Friday passed the Nathdwara Temple (Amendment) Bill and Sanwalia Seth Temple (Amendment) Bill through a voice vote.

l During the debate on the bills, there was a heated argument between CM Advisor Sanyam Lodha and BJP MLA Ashok Lahoty.

Rural Development Minister Ramesh Chand Meena said that the remaining 3,751 applicants will be included in Kota’s Ramganj Mandi under the PM Awas Yojana after an approval for re-survey is received from the Central govt. Meena said that if any beneficiary wanted to get a plot on a far-off land, instead of taking a plot received under the scheme, then he would be given land there. A letter has been written to the Union Rural Devp Minister.

DAILY WAGER IN CHHABRA PAID TILL DECEMBER: BHUPESH

`10CR WORK OKAYED FOR TOURISM DEVP IN BUNDI: BD KALLA

least speak on both the bills of Sanvaliyaji and Nathdwara temple, both are very important bills. It is expected from a learned person like you that at least speak on this. You have forgotten that point.” Rathore said, “I go to visit Sanwalia Seth every year. I also go to Nath-

BUDGET SESSION

learned person comment on her

Governor Mishra pays homage to martyrs

First India Bureau

New Delhi : Governor Kalraj Mishra paid tribute to the martyred soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Friday. After visiting the war memorial, the Governor said that our brave soldiers are not only the security guards of this country, but they are also a symbol of the nation’s security, integrity and unity. Our soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the protection of Mother India, showing indomitable courage, he added.

Describing the Samar Smarak as magnificent, Mishra said that coming here awakens reverence for the soldiers, who laid

down their lives to protect the country in adverse circumstances and inspires patriotism.

dwara. I am not an atheist like you.” Expressing objection to being called atheist, Mamta Bhupesh demanded that Rathore’s comment on her (being an atheist) should be deleted and questioned on what basis was she called an atheist. She said, “I have come with Mehandipur

Balaji’s tilak applied on my forehead, how did you call me an atheist?”

Later, the Chairman asked to expunge Rathore’s remarks from the House proceedings.

However, Rajendra Rathore quipped at Mamta Bhupesh and said that he apologizes for calling her an atheist. “Recite Hanuman Chalisa and I will agree.” After this, Ra-

During the debate on the bills, there was a tussle over the definition of the words Hindu and religion. BD Kalla questioned the opposition leaders to put forward the definition of Hindu. BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani said that one who has faith in Janmabhoomi Karmabhoomi is a Hindu, Hindu is a lifestyle. Minister BD Kalla countered this aspect and said that this definition is wrong.

l Kota (South) MLA Sandeep Sharma raised the demand to declare police commissionerate in Kota to prevent the increasing crimes in city.

l MLA Deepti Maheshwari raised the issue of scholarships for students of economically backward classes. She asked the question from the answer given by the minister.

l Proceedings of the House has been adjourned till 11 am on February 28, 2023.

Baljeet Yadav holds protest run in Lohawat

Umesh

Jodhpur: Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav held a protest run in Lohawat on Friday. Yadav protested against the state govt and demanded to

give reservations to youths of Rajasthan in govt jobs, connect canals for providing irrigation waters to farmers, and reduce unemployment among other things. He started his

protest from Nadeshwar Mahadev Temple in Lohawat town and ended at Manohar Chauraha in Jodhpur.

MLA Yadav was welcomed by youths in Lohawat. While speaking

CS Usha Sharma reviews Gandhi Darshan Museum’s construction

First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Secretary Usha Sharma visited the Jaipur Development Authority’s under-construction project ‘Gandhi Darshan Museum’ and reviewed the progress of the project.

Other officials accompanying her were Kumar Prashant, State

Guest and President, Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi, with Principal Govt SecyUDH Kunji Lal Meena,

IN JDA PWC MEETING...

to media persons, he said that the selection rate of the youth of Rajasthan is zero in 22 states of the country and due to this, unemployment is increasing in Rajasthan.

W omen and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh said that daily wagers have been paid till the month of December in Chhabra assembly constituency and assured that as soon as the Central pay amount for JFM is received, the outstanding payment will also be made.

Art and Culture Min BD Kalla said on behalf of the Tourism Min that works worth Rs 10 crore and 48 lakh have been approved for the tourism development in Bundi. He said that the work of the first phase has been done and the work of the second phase will start this month.

PENDING SCHOLARSHIP IN NAGAUR TO BE PAID SOON, INFORMS TIKARAM JULLY

Social Justice and Empowerment Min Tikaram Jully said that all the pending applications for scholarship in Nagaur district have been rectified and will soon be paid. He said that a total of 11,575 applications for scholarship were received, out of which 10,889 have been paid scholarships. Only 460 applications were pending on account of having defects. He said pending payments will be made soon.

JDC Ravi Jain and JDA officials. During the visit, Chief Secretary Rajasthan Usha Sharma said that efforts should be made to satisfy the aspirations of the common man and fulfil the priorities of the state government. She said that the work of the ‘Gandhi Darshan Museum’ should be completed soon.

Development works of `175 crore approved

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur : The meeting of Public Works Committee (PWC) was held in Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Friday. A total of Rs. 175 crores were approved in the PWC meeting. In the meeting, administrative and financial approval of Rs 103.60 crore was issued for the upgradation work of existing

`19.8 CR FOR SMS

Institute of Cardiovascular Science, IPD Tower and Neuro Science Ward. Financial approval was also given for various other projects in the city.

JDA Secretary Ujjwal Rathore, Director Engineering-I, IV, Director Planning, Director Finance, concerned Deputy Commissioners, Additional Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer were present in the meeting.

WCD Minister Bhupesh objected to Rathore and said that she’s not atheist, she had applied tilak of Mehandipur Balaji on forehead.

Dy LoP Rajendra Rathore reciting Hanuman Chalisa in the Assembly on Friday, which led to lighter moment in the House.

Between the quarrel of Dy LoP Rathore and Min Mamta Bhupesh, Edu Min BD Kalla said that he can recite Hanuman Chalisa too, if needed.

Guv Kalraj Mishra laying wreath at Samar Smarak in New Delhi.

Usha Sharma

Suspects detained, CM assures strict action

BHIWANI MURDERS: Five cases of cattle smuggling were registered against victim Junaid at different police stations, police said

Shivendra Parmar & Ravi Katara

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Police has detained one of the named accused in connection with the death of two Muslim men from the state whose charred bodies were found in a car in Haryana after they were allegedly abducted by cow vigilantes, police said on Friday.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemned the incident and said police have been directed to take strict action in the matter. On behalf of the state government, Minister of State for Education Zahida Khan had reached Ghatmeeka village to meet the family members.

“It is a heinous crime and an unfortunate incident. Our Chief Minister is sensitive and had alerted the police last night, because of which one has been detained,” said Khan in Bharatpur.

She said that it has been decided to provide a contractual job to the family member, Rs 15 lakh by the government, Rs 5 lakh from the MLA (Zahida Khan), Rs 50,000 by the panchayat samiti Pradhan. The minister said that the children will be sent to a residential school for studies and the families will be given benefits under the Indira housing scheme.

She added that a delegation will meet the CM on Saturday.

“One of the named accused has been detained along with half a dozen others are being interrogated. Those named in the FIR are associated with the Bajrang Dal but whether they were involved in the crime or not is yet to be ascertained,” Inspector General of Police, Bharatpur range, Gaurav Srivastava said.

LAST RITUALS OF VICITMS PERFORMED: DGP MISHRA

The last rites of the deceased were done Friday evening after the government declared a relief package of Rs 20.5 lakh each. The police are also searching for a Bajrang Dal leader and his associates in the case. “Last rites of both the deceased have been done and one accused has been detained who will be arrested,” Rajasthan DGP Umesh Mishra said. The families had earlier refused to perform the last rites.

Tonk Municipal Commissioner, two others held with `1L bribe

Navin Sharma

Jaipur: The Commissioner of Tonk Municipal Council, a junior clerk and a sanitation worker were held by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh on Friday.

“The complainant stated that Commissioner Anita Khichar was demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh for passing the bills for photography, videography, stage programmes and other works done during the Banas Festival in Tonk. The complaint was verified and a trap was laid on Friday. The accused were caught redhanded with Rs 1 lakh and have been detained,” police said.

15 dists in Raj drought-hit, Govt notifies

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The State Government has issued a notification declaring 7,834 villages in 15 districts as draught-stricken. On the basis of Kharif crop 2022 (Samvat 2079) regular/special Girdawari reports received from District Collectors, notification has been issued for the villages of these districts to provide relief to the farmers in case of crop failure due to floods. Disaster Management, Assistance and Civil Defence Dept notified.

ACB ARRESTS RSRTC CHIEF MANAGER’S MIDDLEMAN WITH `8,500 BRIBE

The ACB on Friday arrested a middleman while accepting a bribe of Rs 8,500 on behalf of Chief Manager of RSRTC bus depot. The accused, identified as Badrilal, was taking bribe on behalf of Chief Manager of Bhilwara Bus Depot, Paramveer Singh Ranawat. “The complainant stated that accused demanded Rs 8,500 monthly bribe to take his bus service and not to conduct surprise inspection of the bus. A trap was laid on Friday and Badri Lal was arrested with Rs 8,500 bribe. The role of bus depot Chief Manager is also being investigated,” police said.

2-DAY WORKSHOP BY ACB, CBI ON DA CASES CONCLUDES

The two-day training workshop on the investigation of the disproportionate asset (DA) cases concluded on Friday. The workshop, jointly organised by ACB and CBI, was held at Intelligence Academy in Jaipur wherein the officials have been imparted training on how to investigate cases related to DA. ADG of ACB Hemant Priyadarshi said that the workshop will be helpful for officials to do effective probe in DA cases. “The officials will be able to prepare a roadmap on how properties of corrupt officials can be attached in DA case,” ADG said.

Four charred to death, four hurt as tanker, truck collide in Ajmer

Shubham Jain & Mukesh

Ajmer: Four people were charred to death while four others were injured after a gas tanker collided headon with a trailer in Ajmer on Thursday night. Police informed the incident occurred near Rani Bagh Resort on National Highway – 8 in Ajmer.

“The collision was so strong that a series of explosions took place and fire engulfed within a 500-meter radius of the incident spot. Three of them

CM EXPRESS GRIEF, CONDOLES DEATH

ACCUSED MONU RELEASES VIDEO, CLAIMS ‘INNOCENCE’

One of the key accused in the case is Mohit Yadav alias Monu Manesar, the Gurugram district president of Bajrang Dal and a member of a self-proclaimed cow protection team. He was earlier named in an attempt to murder case registered at Pataudi police station in G’gram on Feb 7. While on the run, Manu Manesar released a video message claiming his innocence in the latest case. “My colleagues and I have no role but Raj Police registered a case against me others. I don’t even know the deceased,” he said.

ZAHIDA ATTENDS LAST RITES, `20L EACH, GOVT JOB TO KIN

Kaman MLA and State Minister Zahida Khan on Friday met the family members of the two Muslim youths from Bharatpur who were burned alive in Haryana. A panchayat was held in the presence of Zahida Khan, following which, the family members agreed to perform the last rites of the two victims. Khan also announced to give Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. Along with this, the State Government also announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the families of the deceased and a government job.

CULPRITS WOULDN’T BE SPARED: KHACHARIYAWAS

Taking a dig at BJP-ruled States of UP, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh over the law and order issue, Minister PS Khachariyawas Friday said Rajasthan police is on its toes to nab the culprits and vowed a strict action a day after two charred skeletons were found inside a burnt car in Haryana. State Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas reached Bharatpur after speaking to the media earlier about the incident. He earlier said Rajasthan’s law and order situation is better than UP, Haryana and MP.

POLITICAL SLUGFEST BEGINS OVER BHARATPUR KILLINGS

Awar of words between Congress and BJP has started in connection with Bharatpur killings. Congress MLA Wajib Ali said that the Mewat area is already infamous for such incidents. “Rakbar and Pehlu Khan case of mob lynching took place in the past. Now, the so-called goons of Bajrang Dal have carried out such an incident,” he said. On the other hand, BJP leader Ramlal Sharma has called for a fair investigation. Meanwhile, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi said that the murders were done by people of Hindu Rashtra.

BAJRANG DAL BEING DRAGGED UNNECESSARILY, SAYS VHP

Union Joint General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Surendra Jain on Friday said that the names of Bajrang Dal members are unnecessarily being dragged in the case. Terming the incident as unfortunate, Jain said, “two cow smugglers are missing from Bharatpur, on whom several cases of smuggling are already going on. Of them, the brother of one cow smuggler has suspected names of Bajrang Dal.” Police should not hold anyone responsible only on the basis of suspicion, he added.

Fuel tanker catches fire after accident on NH8, Ajmer.

died on the spot, while the fourth succumbed to burn injuries in hospital,” police said.

“Driver of the HP Gas tanker has been identified as Loom Singh (38). Two trucks and

C

hief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the death of those killed in Ajmer incident and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. He prayed to give strength to the bereaved family members.

a few other vehicles passing through the highway also caught fire in the mishap. The four injured after presently undergoing treatment in the hospital,” police added.

Minister Zahida Khan met the families of the deceased and also attended the Panchayat in Bharatpur on Friday.

Locals and family members take part in the funeral procession of both the victims in Bharatpur on Friday.

Commissioner Anita Khichar demanded bribe for clearing bills.

Indo-American Relations Warming Up: Russian and Chinese Angle

IN-DEPTH

BIG SETBACK FOR DELHI L-G OVER ELECTIONS FOR THE MAYOR

In a shot in the arm for the Aam Aadmi Party in its fight against the BJP and Delhi Lieutenant Governor, the Supreme Court has ruled that Aldermen are not entitled to vote in the MCD mayoral election. The BJP councillors were repeatedly stalling the mayor’s election demanding that nominated members should be allowed to vote.

The recently released National Security Strategy by Biden administration emphasises India’s centrality in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy. It states India is world’s largest democracy and a major defence partner of the United States and the US will work with India both bilaterally and multilaterally, to support commonly shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. not only needs India in the Indo-Pacific, but would also like India to play a larger role in South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Indo-Pacific Quad (Australia, India, Japan, United States) the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) and I2-U2 (India, Israel, UAE, United States) are all created by the US initiative to develop strong, resilient, and mutually reinforcing relationships to ensure world order for peace and development.

India has to stand up to China without being belligerent charting its own course even as it draws close to US, Europe & Australia.

For the United States, the Indian imperative to stand up to China continues to present an opportunity for deepening cooperation.

The US & India have a common cause in their tensions with China, as well as a “natural partnership” on technology investments

The year 2022 has been a remarkable and historic year for the India-US relationship, and 2023 is expected to be more momentous year for the ties between the world’s largest and oldest democracies that will determine the future of technology and innovation.

The tangible outcomes like resolution of some old market access issues, the first-ever maintenance of a US Naval Ship in India, the Quad focus

PAKISTAN GOING DOWN AND DOWN

on STEM, signing of an Investment Incentive Agreement, the launch of Technology Innovation Hubs as a collaboration of the respective science agencies, record level of trade and investments have cemented the Indo US ties.

India’s close defence cooperation and strategic ties with Russia, stand on Ukraine war, abstention on U.N. votes condemning Russia and refusal to stop buying Russian oil and military equipment are definitely irritants for warming Indo US ties. However, India has unequivocally condemned the violence and called for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India also sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Despite all this, India still remains at the heart of the U.S. approach to its peer competition with China. The United States may not like India’s ties with Russia, but it seems willing to accept them as the necessary price for keeping India onboard in dealing with a rising China.

Russia has been a historically dependent ally and biggest supplier of defence equipment and trading partner with India. However, the Americans may be aiming to help India in case of possible military aggression from China by their support in meeting India’s defence needs and this will accelerate India’s transition away from weapons and defence systems manufactured in the Russia. Another issue is India’s historical preference for a multipolar world order and strategic autonomy which has kept it out of falling in any ‘Camp’. The United States is beginning to accept,

The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2023 in the National Assembly to mop up PKR 170 billion in taxes by June this year to meet International Monetary Fund’s tough conditions for the release of $1.1 billion of the $7billion loan package. One demand of the IMF was to end all subsidies on petroleum products which Pakistan did by hiking petrol price by PKR 24 per litre and that of diesel by PKR 17.2 per litre. As a consequence, petrol is now being sold in Pakistan at a record high of PKR 272.89 per litre and diesel at Rs 280 a litre. With its foreign ex-

China is like an urgent threat but a necessary partner for India. Despite clashes on LAC, bilateral trade is up and India has been reluctant to have any direct confrontation with China. Constant security threats from China & Pakistan imply that it would take time for India to diversify its defence imports

India’s preference for multipolarity and its close relationship with Russia. While complete detachment from Russia is impossible, India has certainly prioritised those of its strategic interests that require closer cooperation with the Western countries.

China is like an urgent threat but a necessary partner for India. Despite clashes on LAC the bilateral trade is up and India has been reluctant to have any direct confrontation with China. Constant security threats from China and Pakistan imply that it would take time for India to diversify its defence imports and also increase indigenous production of arms. Rather Indo- US proximity discomforts China and it will definitely put every kind of pressure on India to keep out of American influence. Russia who is biggest exporter of defence equipment to India may be a possible Chinese card to seek normalisation of

Pakistan’s economic crisis is perhaps the worst in its history. And most of it is due to the army establishment supporting terrorism and the ineptness of successive civilian governments

change reserves at less than $3 billion, it can meet only three weeks of imports. Experts predict that Pakistan defaulting on loan repayment seems inevitable even as the price hike will aggravate inflation which is at an all-time high of 25 percent. Moving the Finance Bill,

India-China relations as this not only benefits global and Asian security but keeps the US domination under control.

India has to stand up to China without being belligerent charting its own course even as it draws close to the United States, Europe and Australia. For the United States, the Indian imperative to stand up to China continues to present an opportunity for deepening cooperation. The United States and India have a common cause in their tensions with China, as well as a “natural partnership” on technology investments. In assuming the presidencies of both the G-20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), India is set to host leaders from across the globe in 2023. As India prepares for general elections in 2024, it may be increasingly sensitive to global perceptions of how it handles possible shocks - external or internalranging from escalation on its borders to incidents of communal violence.

China with a tag of regional hegemon and a strong ally of Pakistan has emerged as the most important perceived threat to Indian interests in South Asia. Russia remains India’s most dependable partner for its defence and energy needs. But the possibility of Russia playing junior partner of China at the end of Ukraine war to counter NATO and US threat leaves India with little options but to respond warmly to US initiatives to rope in India as not only security partner of first resort but to be the premier partner in India’s extraordinary growth story.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar criticised the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party led by Imran Khan for “increasing the country’s debts significantly”. Its gross public debt has increased over 1500 percent. Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to bring down the country’s debt to PKR 20 trillion but left a higher debt burden of PKR 44.3 trillion.

Pakistan’s economic crisis is perhaps the worst in its history. And most of it is due to the army establishment supporting terrorism and the ineptness of successive civilian governments. The IMF is in no hurry. It will watch Pakistan’s fiscal performance before releasing the loan tranche due from last year.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed the hope that the LG and the BJP will now “toe the constitutional line”. Kejriwal has been accusing the LG of putting hurdles in the functioning of a democratically elected government. He also accused the Central government of using “dishonest tactics”.

The mayoral elections have been stalled since December last year. The AAP won 134 of the 250 wards. The BJP won 104. The BJP initially announced that it will put up a candidate for the mayoral poll but later dropped the idea. Three meetings to elect a mayor were adjourned amid ruckus over voting rights of members nominated by the LG.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps, and whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues. BhagavadGita

TOP TWEETS

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

This further adds to India’s efforts to become #Aatmanirbhar in #Urja. PM @narendramodi ji’s vision is catalysing new possibilities in Odisha and eastern India.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

The 12 cheetahs arriving from South Africa, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji to restore our ecological balance, have begun their journey to India. Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft will get them home tomorrow. Get ready to welcome them.

Chandra

COL RAJESH BHUKAR

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

Foreign forces are trying to destroy our democracy: Irani

BJP slams billionaire George Soros for comments on PM Modi over Adani issue

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Friday launched a frontal attack on billionaire investor George Soros, accusing him of not only targeting PM Narendra Modi & the Indian democratic system. This war is being mounted against India and what stands between the war and India’s interests is Modi, Union minister Smriti said. She alleged that Soros wants to destroy Indian democracy and wanted some “hand-picked” people to run the government. We have defeated foreign powers earlier too and will do so again.

“Soros wants a government that is pliable to his needs for making his nefarious plans successful. He has declared funding of over one billion dollars particularly to ‘target’ leaders like PM Modi, which is significant,” she said.

Cong accuses BJP govt of harming small businesses

The conspiracy to damage PM Modi’s image has been going on for the last several years. India has defeated foreign powers in the past and will defeat them in the future as well. —Smriti Irani, Union Minister

BY ANI

BBC tax raids put India’s press freedom in spotlight

New Delhi (Agencies):

‘INDIAN PARLIAMENT ATTACKED’: IRANI LASHES OUT AT BILLIONAIRE SOROS

New Delhi: Hitting back at George Soros over his comments, Union Minister Smriti Irani said the man who broke the Bank of England and a man, who is designated as an economic war criminal, has now expressed his desire to attack our parliament. She also said that the attack by Soros came at a time when India has risen to become the 5th largest economy in the world, and when India has received gratitude from global leaders.

CONGRESS SLAMS GEORGE SOROS OVER ‘DEMOCRATIC REVIVAL’ REMARK

New Delhi: Hitting out at billionaire investor George Soros over his comment that the turmoil in Gautam Adani’s business empire may bring about a “democratic revival in India”, Congress invoked the party’s Nehruvian legacy to state that the people like him “cannot determine our electoral outcomes”.

CONGRESS MP RAJNI PATIL DEMANDS JPC PROBE INTO ADANI ISSUE

New Delhi: Making a fresh attack on the Central government over the Hindenburg-Adani controversy, Congress MP Rajni Patil demanded the formation of a Joint parliamentary committee (JPC) so that the truth could be revealed. “Whatever speech they give but when it comes to Adani they don’t utter a word. How Adani became the second richest person in the world by capturing the wealth of India,” Patil said.

10 sensitive installation in 6 states declared out of bound for public: Union Home Ministry

New Delhi: Ten sensitive installations in six states and one Union territory have been declared out of bounds for the general public, with the Centre saying any information with respect to certain activities carried out at these premises may be useful to India’s enemies.

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday accused the Modi government of benefitting its crony capitalist friends and harming the medium and small businesses which provide employment opportunities to 12 crore people.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed it as “Cease of doing small business under Modi Government”.

Congress General Secretary, Communications, Jairam Ramesh also accused the government of harming the MSME sector in order to benefit its crony capitalist friends.

“In order to benefit his crony capitalist friends more, the Modi government has harmed the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) which provides employment to 12 crore people of the country,” he charged.

SC TO CONSIDER EARLY HEARING

ON ARTICLE 370

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court Friday said it will take a decision on early listing of petitions challenging the Centre’s decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 which had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Raju Ramchandran, appearing for one of the parties, that the pleas needed an urgent hearing. “All right. I will take a call on it,” the bench said.

Invoking the Official

Secrets Act, the Union Home Ministry said in a notification that the sensitive installations are situated in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

“The central government is satisfied that the information with respect to certain ac-

MEGHALAYA POLLS 2023

Congress slams NPP over ‘poor’ healthcare system

Shillong: The Congress in Meghalaya alleged that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has failed to protect women and children, “with the state faring poorly on the infant and maternal mortality rate indexes”.

In a press meet in the poll-bound state, AICC media coordinator Bobbeeta Sharma said that the NPP had in 2018 election manifesto promised to empower women in Meghalaya but “data tells us another story”.

“The fifth round of the National Family & Health Survey (NFHS-5 2019-20) has exposed the

AICC media coordinator Bobbeeta Sharma

condition of the healthcare system in the state. Only 26% of all children under the age of 12 months have received any immunisation,” she stated.

‘PROMISE TO EMPOWER WOMEN’

Asserting that her party was sensitive to the needs of women of Meghalaya, Sharma said efforts will be made to find them all a meaningful source of income, if the Congress comes to power. “We understand that the needs of women change across age groups. We will work with women for their empowerment,” she said. Sharma stated that the Congress is committed to providing free health care for all citizens and entrepreneurship training for women. Sharma stated that the Congress is committed to providing free health care for all citizens and entrepreneurship training for women.

tivities carried on in the places specified... shall be useful to an enemy. And, whereas, the government considers it expedient that special precautions shall be taken to prevent access of unauthorised persons to such places. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Bihar have 2 such installations each.

Just weeks after the BBC aired a documentary examining Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in deadly 2002 sectarian riots, tax inspectors descended on the broadcaster’s offices.

Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP says the two are not connected, but rights groups say the BBC raids this week show the parlous state of press freedom in the world’s biggest democracy.

News outlets that publish unfavourable reporting find themselves targeted with legal action, while journalists critical of the government are harassed and even imprisoned.

The three-day lockdown of the BBC’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai is the latest of several similar “search and survey” operations against media houses.

“Unfortunately, this is becoming a trend, there is no shying away from that,” Kunal Majumdar of the Committee to Protect Journalists told AFP.

At least 4 outlets that had critically reported on the government were raided by tax officers or financial crimes investigators in the past 2 years, he said. As with BBC, those outlets said officials confiscated phones & accessed computers used by journalists.

“When you have authorities trying to go through your material, go through your work, that’s intimidation,” Majumdar added.

‘WHY BE AFRAID?’

New Delhi: The BBC documentary explored Modi’s time as CM of Gujarat state during religious riots that killed at least 1,000 people. The documentary did not air in India but provoked a furious response from the government, which dismissed its contents as “hostile propaganda”. A BJP spokesman, said this week’s raids on the BBC offices were lawful and the timing had nothing to do with the documentary’s broadcast. If you have nothing to hide, why be afraid of an action,” he told reporters.

‘MISOGYNISTIC AND SECTARIAN ATTACKS’

Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub has been a persistent target of Modi supporters since conducting an investigation that alleged government officials were implicated in the 2002 Gujarat riots. UN-appointed experts singled out her case & said she had endured “relentless misogynistic and sectarian attacks”.

AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY, SAYS JD(U) LEADER

Patna, Bihar: Holding the Central government responsible for the nearly 60 hours long I-T survey, JD(U) spokesperson Sunil Singh said “BBC is a press, and the press is a fourth pillar of democracy. This operation is an attack on democracy and the Central government is responsible for this.”

AREJOURNALISTS UNDER ATTACK?

l Journalists have long faced harassment, legal threats and intimidation for their work in India but more criminal cases are being lodged against reporters than ever, according to the Free Speech Collective.

l Criminal complaints were issued against a record 67 journalists in 2020, the latest year for which figures are

available, the local civil society group reported.

l Ten journalists were behind bars in India at the start of the year, according to Reporters Without Borders.

l Once arrested, reporters can spend months or even years waiting for the cases against them to proceed through the courts.

Turkey earthquake: NDRF team, dog squad members return after 10-day rescue task

New Delhi: A 47-member NDRF team along with dog squad members Rambo and Honey returned to India on Friday after conducting a 10-day-long rescue operation from earthquake-hit Turkey. Julie, Romio, Honey and Rambo were part of a fourmember Indian dog squad engaged in rescue operations in earthquake-hit Turkey. The Labradors, trained in sniffing and rescue work, left for Turkey with 2 separate teams of NDRF , a day after a massive earthquake hit Turkey, killing more than 40,000 people and leaving millions homeless.

THE ‘VOICELESS HEROES’

I ndian sniffer dogs, dubbed “nameless heroes”, worked around the clock over the rubble of collapsed buildings searching for trapped survivors. These dogs are considered ideal for rescue work as they can smell humans trapped underneath concrete and metal. In another incident, Rambo led the rescue operation from the site in Turkey’s Gaziantep when he sent a signal of life from the debris of a multi-storeyed building.

KEEPING THEIR DIFFERENCES ASIDE IN THE COURTYARD

POLITICS HAS NO ROLE IN DAILY WORSHIP, FESTIVALS OF TEMPLES: KERALA HIGH COURT

Kochi (PTI): The Kerala HC has held that politics has no role to play in the conduct of daily worship, temple festivals and ceremonies. The court made the observation while considering 2 petitions filed in connection with a case relating to the conduct of Kaliyoottu festival in Thiruvananthapuram. A devotee has no legal right to insist that saffron or orange coloured decorative materials alone be used for festivals in a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

SENA VS SENA CASE: SUPREME COURT

REFUSES TO REFER PLEAS TO 7-JUDGE BENCH

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court today refused to refer pleas related to the June 2022 Maharashtra political crisis triggered by the Shiv Sena’s division to a seven-judge bench for reconsideration of the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement. The 2016 judgment deals with powers of assembly speakers to decide on disqualification pleas. A fivejudge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said whether the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement requires reference or not will be considered with the merits of the case on February 21.

Is Kharge seeing early success in uniting Oppn?

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: Congress’s decision to retain Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for two posts has proved correct. The party made an exception to the principle of one person, one post for Kharge. He is the National President of the party as well as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. In the first phase of the budget session of Parliament, it has been

proved once again that Kharge has been able to unite the opposition. Since the presentation of the budget, he

continued to hold meetings with the opposition parties and till the last day of the first phase, the parties of the oppo-

sition made their strategy by sitting in his chamber. Ever since Kharge was made the leader after Ghulam Nabi Azad, he has been uniting the opposition in a better way. But after becoming the national president, his stature has increased further. He is now doing opposition politics with more authority. As a result of his efforts, 15 opposition parties gathered in each of his meetings. Even MPs from Aam Aadmi

Party (AAP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi attended his meeting.

The AAP, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena took a different stand on the issue of participating in the discussion on the Adani issue, but these three parties supported the Congress in cornering the government, raising the issue in the House and demonstrating in the Parliament House complex.

Union Minister Smriti Irani addresses a press conference on

Billionaire investor George Soros’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at BJP Headquarters, in New Delhi on Friday.

Police official outside the BBC office where the survey is being conducted by Income Tax officials, in New Delhi. —FILE PHOTO

NDRF personnel along with dog squad members return from earthquake-hit Turkiye after rescue and relief operation, at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge —FILE PHOTO

—PHOTO

Kashmir is filled with tourists after Article 370, says Shah

Shah said, India’s law & order, and safety have seen positive development since 2014

New Delhi (ANI): Un-

ion Home Minister

Amit Shah on Thursday said that Kashmir has become a tourist destination rather than a place for protests, stone pelting, and revolution.

While speaking at the 76th Raising Day celebrations of Delhi police at Kingsway camp, Shah said, “India’s law and order, and safety have seen positive development since 2014. Every day in Kashmir used to be a place for protests, stone pelting & revolution. Today, Kashmir is filled with tourists.”

Shah was referring to the development that had taken place in Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

“It is a moment of pride that I am part of a

Spare poor from antiencroachment drive, AAP says

Srinagar: The Aam Aadmi Party today said it is on hunger strike here to demand a formal order from the Jammu and Kashmir administration to spare poor residents and shopkeepers from the ongoing anti-encroachment drive. “Our vice-president Nazir Ahmad Ittoo started the hunger strike last night but due to security reasons, we were not allowed to sit at the Press Colony. We had to shift to our office,” AAP youth leader Mudasir Hassan said.

“The hunger strike will continue till a formal order is issued by the administration,” he added. Hassan said the administration was making statements day in and day out that poor people will not be affected by the demolition drive.

“We are asking the administration to issue a formal order to this effect,” he said.

US tries to woo India away from Russia with F-35s

as we travel across the country. The instances of leftist politics & extremism have decreased now considerably,” he stated.

On Thursday, Shah said the government is going to bring changes to all three laws of the IPC, CRPC, and Evidence Act.

Speaking at the 76th Raising Day celebrations of Delhi police at Kingsway camp, Shah said, “The government is going to bring changes to all the three laws of IPC, CRPC and Evidence Act in the coming days.”

legacy of more than 75 years. Delhi Police has been known for their work since independence to the present day

and has been appreciated by the whole nation,” he added.

“We feel empowered as we think of Kashmir

Mamata questions lack of Central team in UP

Kolkata: West Bengal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sought to know why a central team was not sent to probe the death of a mother-daughter duo in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh during an eviction drive.

The duo died allegedly due to self-immolation during an anti-encroachment drive in Kanpur's Dehat district on February 13.

Banerjee claimed that the drive in UP was

being conducted to evict "poor" people.

"But no probe is instituted in such cases; why was no central team sent there?" she asked, while speaking at a programme in Bankura.

“We have launched a trial in Delhi Police and are going to make it mandatory (for police personnel) to visit the forensic team for every crime with a punishment of more than 6 years,” Shah added.

ARMY ORGANISES WOMEN’S SNOW CRICKET IN J-K’S KUPWARA

J&K (ANI): As part of the Khelo India initiative, the Indian Army organized a Women's Snow Cricket tournament in Kupwara of North Kashmir on Friday. The event witnessed a total of four teams from Kralpora and Meelyal Block. It was a firstof-its-kind event in the Kupwara district, wherein girls played cricket on a snowy field, demonstrating communal harmony and passion for sports. "I am grateful to the Indian army for providing us with a chance to participate in such an event. We are witnessing for the first time a cricket tournament being played on snow in Kashmir," Saira Bashir (Player), who participated in the snow cricket tournament.

Bengaluru: The United States brought its most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, to India for the first time this week alongside F-16s, Super Hornets and B-1B bombers as Washington looks to woo New Delhi away from its traditional military supplier, Russia. India, desperate to modernise its largely Soviet-era fighter jet fleet to boost its air power, is concerned about Russian supply delays due to the Ukraine war and faces pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow.

The American delegation to the weeklong Aero India show underlines the growing strategic relationship between the United States and India.

In contrast, Russia, India’s largest weap-

ARMY SHOWS INTEREST IN INDIA-MADE JETPACK ON DISPLAY AT AERO INDIA

Bengaluru: An indigenously-developed jetpack has elicited the interest of the defence forces, especially the Indian Army which has called for a demonstration, the device manufacturer said on Friday. Absolute Composites Private Limited which manufactures Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has come up with a jetpack propelled by turbojet engines. "It is a working model. We have trained pilots also," Raghav Reddy, managing director of the company, told PTI. He said the firm has not yet received orders but the Indian armed forces evinced interest.

ons supplier since the Soviet Union days, had a nominal presence. Its state-owned weapons exporter Rosoboronexport had

a joint stall with United Aircraft and AlmazAntey, displaying miniature models of aircraft, trucks, radars and tanks.

‘Concept of Hindu Rashtra against Gandhi’s ideals’

Patna (PTI): Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday frowned upon the Sangh Parivar’s concept of India as a “Hindu” nation, underscoring that this militated against what Mahatma Gandhi stood for.

The veteran socialist leader, who ended his long alliance with the BJP last year, was responding to queries from journalists about the “Hindu rashtra” clamour, which was openly endorsed earlier this week by his

UP counterpart Yogi Adityanath.

“We must not listen to anything that goes against what Bapu stood for. In this coun-

New bill proposes `1 crore fine, 10 year jail term for exam paper leak in Gujarat

Gandhinagar (ANI):

The Gujarat Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair means) Bill, 2023 which was introduced to members of the Gujarat Assembly has proposed a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a fine not less than Rs 1 crore for indulging in the crime of leaking question papers of various govt recruitment examinations.

The Bill is expected to be taken up for formal discussion during the upcoming budget session As per the new bill draft, any person

APPSC PAPER LEAK CASE, 10 INJURED

Nitish spoke to journalists on the sidelines of a function where his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, of current ally RJD, was also present

found guilty of misconduct shall be liable to imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years and a fine of less than one lakh rupees. And in case of default in payment of

fine, such candidates may also be punished with imprisonment.

When any person, whether or not an authorized person entrusted with the responsibility of conducting

BIHAR CABINET EXPANSION

the examination, conspires or commits or attempts to commit malpractice in tampering with the question paper, such person shall be punished with imprisonment.

Has Nitish handed reins of govt to his deputy?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, these days, passes remarks on everything that he does not know. When asked about any incident, his first reaction is ‘we don’t know when it happened.’ But now it seems that he does not even know that he is the Chief Minister. Recently, when he was asked about cabinet expansion, he said ask Tejash-

wi Yadav. Doesn’t Nitish Kumar know that he is the Chief Minister and it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to

make or expand the cabinet or reshuffle it? How then can he comment to ask the Deputy Chief Minister about

There can be 36 ministers in the Bihar govt, out of which five spots are vacant which belongs to RJD & Cong quota

cabinet expansion?

Even the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, cannot say this, where the real-

ity is that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is running the government!

But Nitish Kumar has said this. When asked about cabinet expansion, he said that Congress people had come to him and asked him to talk to Tejashwi. Even if it was so, then what is the need to say it publicly? It is true that the vacancy in the state cabinet is only for Tejashwi’s party RJD and Congress.

try, people of all religions live together. Bapu stood for unity and this was the reason for his assassination”, said Kumar, who draws

Dismissed cop Sunil Mane seeks pardon

Mumbai (PTI): Former policeman Sunil Mane has moved an application before a special court here seeking pardon in the case pertaining to the recovery of an explosives-laden SUV outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani's south Mumbai residence and the subsequent murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran.

The court today directed the NIA to file its say on the plea of Mane.

The application seeking pardon was received by the court on Thursday and Special NIA Judge AM Patil took it on record on Friday, after which he asked the prosecution to respond.

As per the NIA, Mane was part of the conspiracy to kill Mansukh Hiran, a Thane-based businessman, who purportedly owned the explosives-laden vehicle that was found parked near Ambani's house 'Antilia' on February 25, 2021.

inspiration from the Mahatma’s views in formulating his ideas of governance.

He also warned that any deviation from Gan-

dhi’s insistence on secularism could lead to perversions (jo isse kuchh alag karna chahta hai, vo ulta pulta karna chahta hai). A product of the Bihar movement of 1974, Kumar had aligned with the BJP way back in the 1990s and held important portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt. The longest serving CM assumed power in Bihar in 2005 and his rule has been marked by a refusal to give in to the BJP’s “Hindutva” plank despite alliance.

NEWS DIGEST

ASSAM: OVER 300 SHOPS GUTTED IN MASSIVE FIRE AT JORHAT MARKET

Assam: Over 300 shops were destroyed in the massive fire which broke out in the Chowk Bazaar area of Jorhat in Assam on Thursday night, officials said. "Over 300 shops were destroyed in the fire but no casualties were reported in the incident," said Pulak Mahanta, the Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat on Friday. As per latest information, the blaze was brought under control on Friday morning. "The fire broke out at around 8.30 pm and a fire brigade was informed. By the time the fire brigade arrived, three-four shops were already destroyed," said a local.

60-YEAR-OLD MAN THRASHES WIFE TO DEATH IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh: A 60-year-old man was arrested after he thrashed his wife to death and tried to cremate her body at his residence in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, police said today. The incident took place on Thursday night when Sansar Chand, a resident of Paniar village in Dinanagar in Gurdaspur badly thrashed her wife following an argument over some issue, they said. Mahindro (55) died after sustaining serious injuries. Sansar Chand, who works as a labourer, then tried to burn her body at his house.

EXPEDITE RETURN OF STRANDED WORKERS:J’KHAND

Ranchi: The Jharkhand govt has written to the Indian embassy in Tajikistan, requesting it to expedite the safe return of migrant labourers from the state, who have been stranded in the central Asian country for the last several months, an official said on Friday. "An e-mail to the Indian embassy in Tajikistan, on behalf of the labour department, has been sent on February 15, requesting to expedite the return of labourers to the state and a letter is also being sent today," Johnson Topno of SMCR told PTI.

KARNATAKA TO LAUNCH ONLINE SYSTEM FOR ADOPTION OF STRAY DOGS

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is an avid dog-lover, on Friday said an online software will be developed for taking care of stray dogs and to allow the public to adopt them. Presenting his govt's last budget in the Legislative Assembly, he said with this an opportunity is created for dog-lovers to adopt dogs by registering their names. Further pointing out that Mudhol Hound Dog Breed has been recognised as an Indian native breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), the Chief Minister also said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah waves to the supporters during a public meeting ahead of Meghalaya Assembly elections, Rangsakona, Meghalaya, on Friday.

Mamata Banerjee

Nitish Kumar & Tejashwi Yadav. —FILE PIC

Nitish Kumar

Preparations end, devotees to celebrate Maha Shivratri today

RAJ HC ALLOWS VHP TO TAKE OUT PROCESSION OF LORD SHIVA

Divya refuses to give voice sample; can’t force: Court

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Maha Shivratri will be celebrated at a number of prominent temples of Jaipur on Saturday. The Jharkhand Mahadev Temple will be opened throughout the day on Saturday.

Babbu Seth Memorial Trust President Jayaprakash Somani informed that devotees will be able to perform prayers from 4:30 am on Saturday. Similarly, Lord Shiva will be worshiped at the Kala Mahadev Temple of Govind Devji Temple located on Amer Road. Sepcial flowers from Thailand, Bengaluru and Kolkata have been bought for Lord Shiva.

Likewise, devotees

will be able to offer prayers in the Rajarajeshwar Mahadev Temple of City Palace from 9 am to 5 pm. However, the Eklingeshwar Mahadev Temple situated in the Moti Dungri premises will remain closed for the third year also.

Maha Shivratri is a festival of worshipping Lord Shiva. Lord Mahadev removes sufferings and does welfare of the whole world. I wish for the progress and prosperity of the State on this auspicious festival.

Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

I extend my best wishes to the people of the State on Maha Shivratri. May Adiyogi Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati bless the world for its welfare. I also appeal to everyone to celebrate the festival with harmony, love, and gaiety.

Kalraj Mishra, Governor

It’s magic! Transport Dept’s revenue collection to touch `6K cr by March

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: The pandemic had affected the revenue collection campaign of the Transport Department and it could not earn the expected revenue in the last two years, but this financial year, the department has crossed the total revenue received in the last financial year in the month of February itself. The department received a total revenue of Rs 4,758 crore in the last financial year. But this February, the department earned Rs 4,771 crore. The transport de-

Minor hangs self, urges not to harass lover, parents in note

Mathrani

Mukesh

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court on Friday granted permission to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to take out Lord Shiva’s procession on Maha Shivratri on Saturday. The VHP filed a petition in the high court after the police and district administration of Jodhpur did not permit to take out a yatra in Jodhpur. The single bench of Justice Puspendra Singh Bhati granted permission to VHP while hearing a petition filed by one Suresh Ayani. The high court directed to take out the procession after complying with the 14 conditions specified by the police and district administration.

Gravel mafia opens fire at cops, one hurt

First India Bureau

‘GO TO THE FIELD TO COLLECT REVENUE’

The Transport Commissioner has instructed all RTOs and DTOs to go out in the field to collect dues and to collect dues and make challans. He has also given instructions to camp the RTOs concerned in the district transport offices whose performance is continuously bad. Officials running weak will get in touch with the transport commissioner.

partment in the last financial year by March had earned a revenue of up to Rs 1,000 crore but it is expected that by the end of this financial year, the department

Five IPL matches to be played in State Capital

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In big news for the IPL cricket fans in the State, the IPL matches will soon be held in the state capital.

Jaipur has been allotted five matches in the 2023 IPL schedule announced by the BCCI on Friday. Rajasthan Royals vs Super Giants on April 19, Rajasthan Royals vs CSK on April 27, Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans on May

5, Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 7, while on May 14 Rajasthan Royals will contest

may touch the magical figure of Rs 6,000 crore.

Transport Commissioner Kanhaiyalal Swamy is monitoring the revenue campaign on a daily basis. On

Thursday, the Transport Commissioner held a meeting of all RTOs and DTOs and gave instructions to work according to the revenue target of March.

Bharatpur: The terror of the gravel mafia is on the rise these days in the district. In an untoward incident, the gravel mafia pelted stones and fired at the police team in Rupwas. Rupwas police station in-charge was badly injured in the stone pelting and firing. The police had caught some gravel mafia miscreants, however, fellow miscreants attacked and rescued the accused from the police team and fled. After the incident, the injured station in-charge has been admitted to the hospital.

RPSC holds DPC for 10,096 posts in Secondary Edu Dept

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) organised a regular Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of a record 10,096 posts in the Department of Secondary Education. This is the biggest DPC to be held at the commission level now and then for any post and department. In the DPC meeting held un-

First India Bureau

Ajmer: Suspended Additional SP Divya Mittal , arrested in the bribery case of Rs 2 crore, has refused to give a voice sample in the court. On the application of the ACB, the defence argued that the voice sample cannot be compelled. In such a situation, the court has rejected the application of ACB.

Defence lawyer Pritam Singh Soni said that on February 10, 2023, the ACJM-1 court, while hearing the application of ACB, ordered Divya Mittal to

DIVYA CITES RULES; CUSTODY EXTENDS

During the hearing, Divya cited the rules and said that no one can be forced to give samples and hence does not want to give samples. After this, the court rejected the application of ACB. The period of judicial custody has been extended till March 3 by the court.

provide voice samples on February 17. During the hearing in the case on Friday, Divya Mittal was presented in court. A recall application was filed, along with an application, and the principles of the High Court were presented.

Barmer: A minor girl in Barmer committed suicide by hanging herself in the room, police said on Friday. Incident has been reported from the RICCO police station area in Barmer. On getting informed police reached at the spot and recovered the body. Police also found a suicide note from the spot. Meanwhile, after getting the post-mortem done, police handed over the body to the family members. On the basis of the complaint, police had lodged a case. According to the complaint, last week minor girl had eloped with a boy. After which her father had lodged a missing complaint. Acting on the report, police started searching for the girl and later traced her. Police, however, explained the boy and girl, and released them.

TAVI procedure gives Pak man new lease of life in Jpr

Jaipur (PTI): A 65-yearold man from Pakistan underwent the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure at RHL-Rajasthan Hospital in Jaipur, a seemingly impossible task since doctors elsewhere had ruled out a second openheart surgery on him in less than a year.

The patient was back home in Pakistan just five days after the procedure, said Dr Ravindra Singh Rao, MD, DM, FACC, who specialises in TAVR, MitraClip for non-surgical mitral valve repair.

2 minor girls die as soil collapses in Banswara

der the chairmanship of commission member Dr Jaswant Singh Rathi, 10,096 cases of the year 2022-23 were considered for promotion to the posts of Vice Chancellor and equivalent. Out of these a total

of 9,998 posts have been recommended for selection by the committee. Director, Secondary Education Rajasthan Gaurav Agarwal, Joint Government Secretary, Education (Group-2) Department Praveen Kumar Lekhra, Additional Registrar Revenue Board Priya Bhargava (Representative Personnel Department) were present in the meeting.

E-auction of 71 mining plots to begin from March 1

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: The Mines Department has started the e-auction process of 71 mining plots of minor minerals in eight districts. Additional Chief Secretary Mines, Petroleum Subodh Agarwal said that eauction of these mining plots will be held on the e-platform of Government of India from March 1 to March 15.

Agrawal said that the department has prepared 71 plots for auction

of Minor Mineral Granite, Quartz, Feldspar, Sandstone, Silica sand, Masonry Stone, Dimen-

sional Limestone, etc.

“In order to maintain transparency and competition in the auction,

‘TO PROMOTE LEGAL MINING’

By preparing mineral plots in mineral potential areas, the department was giving priority to e-auction so that along with effective ban on illegal mining of mineral wealth, legal mining can be promoted. Along with this, revenue wastage could be stopped, Agarwal said.

Minister of Mines, Cow and animal Husbandry, Pramod Jain Bhaya called for wide publici-

ty. A detailed information has been displayed on the departmental website and the Government of India portal so that more people can participate in the auction from any corner of the world,” he said.

Agarwal said that the auction process was expedited this year by preparing mineral plots by the department. The eauction process of 630 mineral plots of Minor and Major minerals will be completed in the state on February 17.

First India Bureau Banswara: In Kotdapada village of Mota area, two people died after being buried in the soil while digging soil from the hill. The SI of Mota police station area told that Sangeeta (35) had gone to collect soil for household use with her daughter Nanda and her neighbour’s daughter Pushpa (12).

During that time the soil collapsed. Due to this Sangeeta and Pushpa got buried in the mud, and they died due to suffocation. The dead body has been kept in the mortuary of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

In this accident, Nanda’s mouth remained out of the soil, which saved her life. On Friday morning, the Mota village police station handed over the dead body to the relatives after conducting the post-mortem in the presence of the family members.

Upon reaching Rajasthan Hospital from Karachi, Shayed Nasir Ahmed was reevaluated by Rao and a team of doctors.

“A 3D TEE test was done to assess the leakage in the mitral valve and the patient was diagnosed with a 3.5 mm

perforation defect in the anterior leaflet (curtain) of the valve,” Dr Rao said.

“This type of defect is very rare and difficult to treat as any device implanted in this defect can affect the valve mobility and function,” he said.

The patient was taken to the cath lab and angiography was done to identify the valve leakage. It was successfully closed with a device. No open heart surgery was required. He was kept in the ICU for a night postprocedure and shifted to a room.

—Shiv Prakash Purohit

Doors of prominent temples in the State will remain open for the devotees

with the RCB at the SMS Stadium in Pink City.

At times, it seems as if humanity has mastered nature, but just a single minute of the powers unleashed by nature is enough to dissuade us from such arrogance. —Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

STALWARTS GATHER AT KATARIA’S DINNER

The gala event was organised by senior BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria after being appointed as Governor of Assam

CM ON 3-DAY TOUR TO HOMETOWN, JODH FROM TODAY

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: A dinner was organised by senior BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday after being appointed as the Governor of Assam. The dinner was organised at Hotel Rajmahal Palace, where political leaders

Meeting of Energy Dept, NITI Aayog

team held

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: A meeting was held with NITI Aayog’s Advisor Energy under the chairmanship of Principal Government Secretary Energy Bhaskar A. Sawant team at Vidyut Bhavan. In the meeting, MD of Rajasthan Akshay

Urja Nigam Anil

Dhaka, Joint Government Secy Energy Artika Shukla, NITI Aayog Advisor Rajnath Ram, NITI Aayog Senior Specialist Energy Venugopal Mothkar, Vedas Research Group Scientist Shashikant Sharma and other officers were present.

A detailed presentation was given by the NITI Aayog team regarding cooperation with the State in the energy transition. The national scenario of energy in the country and the state till the years 2030 and 2047 was articulated by NITI Aayog.

from all parties and other people were also present.

CM Ashok Gehlot, Ex- CM Vasundhara Raje, Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi, Minister Mahesh Joshi, Deputy LoP Rajendra Rathore, Ramlal Jat, Bhajan Lal Jatav, Ashok Pranami, MP Swami

Sumedhanand and others were present on the occasion. Earlier in the day, GC Kataria’s felicitation ceremony was organised at BJP state office. State BJP President Dr Satish Poonia & others were present. Dr CP Joshi also accepted Kataria’s resignation on Friday.

Jodhpur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be in Jodhpur on a three-day visit beginning today and participate in various programmes. He will leave for Udaipur and will then visir Dhariyawad to inaugurate the Government Community Health Centre and other development works. District admn and police have stepped up security ahead of CM’s visit. Gehlot will reach village Chotila in Sirohi district to attend Maha Sammelan of Marwar Meena community. He will then reach Jodhpur and inaugurate Lokanuranjan fair at Ashok Udyan. He will put up at Circuit House on Saturday. On Sunday, he will lay the foundation stone of 3rd phase of Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal and will also address a public meeting at Umaid Stadium. He will inaugurate Vyas Medicity on Monday & then leave for Jaipur.

Jaipur court rejects ACB plea to collect Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s voice sample

Kamal Kant

Jaipur: Union Jal Shakti Minister GS Shekhawat got a major relief from the district court of Jaipur on Friday in the matter of conspiracy to topple Gehlot government in Rajasthan. The court upheld the decision of the subordinate court which had refused to allow the ACB to take Shekhawat’s voice sample. Against this decision, the ACB appealed

in the higher court by filing a petition, which was dismissed on Friday. Now Union Minister Shekhawat will not have to give any voice sample for examination. Repri-

does

Mukesh Rajkumar

Beawar: Victory is not because of the photo on the poster, but because of the love of the people, former CM Vasudhanra Raje said during the condolence meeting held at the residence of Beawar MLA Shankarsingh Rawat, whose mother, Mira Devi had recently passed away. Raje condoled the bereaved family members.

Raje said “Sometimes the posters carry face, & at times, they don’t, it doesn’t make any difference. As long as you keep getting love,

there is no need for anything else. Only after connecting the mind with the heart, the relationship becomes stronger, she said pointing to masses. Police filed a case against two men for opening fire before Raje’s arrival.

manding the ACB, the court said in the order that the ACB did not make any effort to take the voice sample of Bhanwar Lal Sharma while he was alive. During the hearing of the petition, it was said in the court on behalf of Shekhawat that since the order of the ACB is interlocutory, that is, given in the middle of the court proceedings, therefore voice sampling cannot be done. Mean-

while, Lokesh Sharma OSD to CM Gehlot, hit back on issue saying, “I think there is no need for any application for voice sample, because GS Shekhawat had lodged an FIR in March 2021 where it is written in the FIR ‘My conversation was intercepted illegally and circulated’. So he himself is accepting this. The fact that he lodged an FIR against me should be taken as basis for further probe.”

Owaisi on a two-day tour to Raj from today

First India Bureau

Jaipur: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi will visit Alwar and Tonk on February 18 and 19. The tour will start with meeting public in Tapukara and Ramgarh on Feb 18. He will address a public meet in Kaman. He will visit Tonk on Feb 19. There will be a public meeting at Gandhi Sports Ground at around 3 pm.

ADANI-HINDENBURG ROW

Vasundhara Raje greets Gulab Chand Kataria with a floral bouquet as she organised breakfast in his honour at her Civil Lines Residence in Jaipur on Friday.

RAJE PLAYS GRACIOUS HOST TO BJP VETERAN KATARIA, MLAS

Former CM Vasundhara

Raje felicitated Assam’s nominated Governor & LoP Gulab Chand Kataria at her official residence in Civil Lines. It was after a long time that she invited MLAs for breakfast & held discussion with them. Dr Satish Poonia, Kailash Meghwal, Rajendra Rathore, Suryakanta Vyas & others were present.

FROM PG 1

Mahesh joshi...

The resignation has been accepted by the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today, he said. The spokesperson said that Joshi was maintaining Chief Whip post and also the PHED Minister portfolio due to which he has resigned from the post. Party’s in-charge for Stage affairs Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa had given a clear message to the party high command. Joshi has resigned following party’s ‘one person, one post’ policy. Mahendra Chaudhary is front-runner in the post of Chief Whip.

PM failed to answer a single query on Adani Group: Pilot

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: The Rose Society of Rajasthan will organise a ‘Rose Show2023’ on February 26 at the famous City Park in Jaipur, where Chief Secretary Usha Sharma will be the chief guest. The office bearers of the society held a meeting with Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora on

Why

is PM Narendra Modi ‘afraid’ of ordering JPC probe, asks Congress

Tripti Gautam

Jaipur: Targeting PM Modi over the AdaniHindenburg row, Cong’s national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said at a press conference, “The Congress asked questions in Parliament on matters related to the Adani Group. It was removed from the proceedings of the House. Who does the black that Adani Group received from foreign-based shell firms belong to? Why is Modi ji afraid of ordering a JPC probe? Who

APPRECIATING NATURE’S BOUNTY

do you want to save?”

Food Min Pratap S Khachariawas said, “When JPC will investigate, Raj’s MoU will also be probed. This is a scam worth Rs 10.5 lakh cr, where the voice of

City Park, RHB ready for Rose Show on

Friday and shared the action plan of the programme. Arora told that the 48th Rose Show will be organised by the Society at City Park which has become a hot destination of the city. He said that more than 500 varieties of roses would be displayed in the show.

“City Park and RHB are fully prepared for the Rose Show. The officers have been directed for all the preparations. On February 26, the Park will have several attractions including Rajasthani folk dance. The area of

‘Jaipur Flower Show’ was developed earlier in City Park, which has become a special attraction among the people.

The ‘Rose Show’, organised by the Society

every year in the month of February, will now be organised in the City Park itself, which will also become a ‘Centre of attraction’ for tourists in days to come,” he said.

Congress can’t be weakened by taking Raj’s name. If there is any wrongdoing anywhere, its truth will come out. Rajasthan should also be investigated. We won’t object to it.”

Feb 26: Arora

Society’s patron and retired IAS Ishwar Chandra Srivastava and General Secretary Anil Kumar Bhargava told that every year the show has been organised by

the society in Central Park and Youth Hostel, but this time it will be organised in City Park which has become the heart of the city. “The general public can also participate in the show with advanced variety of rose cuttings will be displayed while good varieties of roses will also be awarded. Apart from this, there will be many other creative and cultural programs including painting competition,” he said. The members also inspected the City Park in connection with the event.

First India Bureau

Bengaluru : Former Dy CM of Rajasthan

Sachin Pilot lambasted the Centre over the Adani-Hindenburg row.

He asked why the Centre is shying away from allowing the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the Hindenburg report accusing Adani Group of several malpractices in accounting.

“Why does the Government of present-day shy away from JPC? Let the probe happen if you have nothing to hide.

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: Congress State In-Charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Friday reached Jaipur from Chandigarh. He was welcomed by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Congress leader Sitaram Agarwal at the Jaipur International Airport.

Randhawa termed the Ashok Gehlot budget as a lesson for all states. He said that the announcements of the Gehlot government are for public welfare and

BJP hasn’t refuted any allegations put by the Hindenburg research papers,” While addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Pilot took a pot shot at PM Modi and said that he had failed to answer a single question over allegations made on Adani Group. “Sadly the PM & his response to Adani issue questions failed to answer one single question about the group, its activities, its allegations, huge loss of public money, share market crash & huge evaluation of group itself,” Pilot said.

the Central Government should also implement OPS in the country. SS Randhawa, CM Gehlot and GS Dotasra held a meeting for three hours at the CMR on Friday wherein, they discussed various organisational issues.

CM Ashok Gehlot enjoys a cup of piping hot tea as Vasundhara Raje interacts with him during the dinner hosted by GC Kataria at Hotel Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur on Friday. Also seen is Dr CP Joshi

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora chairs a meet with officials of Rose Society of Rajasthan ahead of Rose Show at the Rajasthan Housing Board’s Head Quarters in Jaipur on Friday.

Governor designate of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria being felicitated by Dr Satish Poonia and Rajendra Rathore during his farewell ceremony held at BJP Headquarters in Jaipur on Friday.

Diya Kumari, CP Joshi, Narendra Kumar, Chandrakanta Meghwal, Ashok Lahoti and Swami Sumedhanand Saraswati during the dinner hosted by GC Kataria at Hotel Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Gourav Vallabh addresses the media during a press conference at PCC office in Jaipur on Friday. Also seen are Pratap S Khachariyawas, Zahida Khan and others.

‘State govt’s declarations related to public welfare’

Raje: Pic on poster doesn’t matter, peoples’ love

Sachin Pilot addresses the media during a press conference at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee in Bangalore on Friday. Also seen here is DK Shivakumar and others.

Vasundhara Raje responds to an elderly person, who greets her during her visit to Beawar.

Gajendra S Shekhawat

Chief Secretary Usha Sharma will be the chief guest on the occasion

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Dr Mahesh Joshi

Sukhjinder S Randhawa

THE GREAT NIGHT OF

present everywhere; and Nirgun-Sagun- as the Shivlinga.

Mahashivaratri is a significant sacred Festival in India. It celebrates the grace of Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guruthe First Guru from whom the Yogic tradition originates. This day falls in the month of Phalguna as per the North Indian Hindu calendar and in Magha according to the South Indian Hindu calendar. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Mahashivaratri is a ‘Celebration of the Night’. Instead of the usual cultural revelry, this is a solemn occasion for awakening and self-realisation. It is notable for its introspective focus, fasting, meditation, self-analysis, social harmony and an allnight vigil at Shiva temples. The planetary position

on this night, which is also the darkest night of the year, since it’s the night before the new moon, is such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is auspicious and enormously beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual well-being to stay awake and aware in a vertical posture throughout the night. This year, 2023, Mahashivaratri is being celebrated today, February 18. It’s a festival of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in self and beyond. This night, dedicated to Lord Shiva, brings

peace, positivity and serenity into the lives of devotees. Different legends describe the significance of this Ratri. For some, it is the night when Shiva performed the Tandav Nritya, the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Others believe it to be the night of the Union of Shiva and Shakti. The tantrics believe it to be the day of ‘Jwala-Linga’- the appearance of cosmic energy through a Linga of Flame. Another legend believes that on this day, in order to save mankind, Shiva gulped the Halahala produced during the Samundra Manthan and held it in his neck, giving him the name ‘Neelkanth’. It’s the day HE merged with Kailash Parvat. He stood perfectly still like a mountain. Hence, Mahashivratri is also called the ‘Night of Stillness’. Shiva is the universal consciousness that permeates everything.

He exists in the three states of Nir-

Shiva is all-encompassing in nature. He embodies contradictory qualities that defy explanation. If we can embrace Shiva, we open ourselves to the potential of embracing life itself in all its dimensions. In the vast scape of existence, the majority of creation lies beyond our limited perception and knowledge. This limitless expanse of ignorance “No-thing”- is referred to as Shiva. Only by exploring our ignorance, we open ourselves to the birth of knowledge. Each individual has to seek the truth within his own self. Our five senses give a limited perception of our experience. Only when we strive beyond, do we see “that which is not”? That nothingness is Shiva.

Shiva resides in the Sahasrara Chakra and Shakti in the Muladhara Chakra. Shivathe paternal force, symbolises consciousness, clarity & knowledgethe masculine principle. Shakti symbolises Nature, the feminine principle- the activating power and energysurrounding us with motherly love, warmth, care & protection.

When Prakriti and Purush unite in the Sahasrara Chakra, Knowledge, Know’er & The Object of Knowledge become one. We are protected from the turbulent Daihik, Daivik and Bhautik disturbances. It is ‘Shiv Shakti Mahadhyan’.

Adiyogi gives us the possibility to evolve beyond our physical and mental limitations, “Whatever dimension of existence you are in right now, you can go beyond that, there is another way to live. You can evolve if you do the necessary work upon yourself.”

Sadhguru hopes for this Mahashivaratri to “not just be a night of wakefulness, but to also become a night of intense aliveness and awareness”. I hope all of you ride this upsurge and know the beauty and ecstasy of what it means when we say SHIVA.

DEEPAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

LORD SHIVA IS REVERED AS THE CREATOR OF THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE. WORSHIPPING LORD SHIVA PROVIDES PROSPERITY AS WELL AS PEACE OF MIND. CITY FIRST BRINGS TO YOU THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AUSPICIOUS DAY OF MAHASHIVRATRI

gun-formless; Saguneverywhere;

SABUDANA KHEER

Sabudana Kheer, also known as Sago

Payasam, is a highly traditional Indian sweet dish that is cooked in almost every area of India. Sabudana Kheer can be cooked for special events such as Shivratri. Or even just as dessert following an Indian meal.

Mahashivratri is a festival where Lord Shiva is worshipped all over India. Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival during which Lord Shiva is worshipped across India. Mahashivratri occurs once a year in the Hindu lunar calendar month of Falgun. It is considered to be one of the most auspicious evenings in Hinduism. Mahashivratri occurs either in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. All year round, Lord Shiva devotees and followers worship him with Lady Parvati. Shiva followers or devotees celebrate the Mahashivratri fast (vrat) with zeal and consume light devotional food that is ‘satvik’ in character. Satvik meals, according to Ayurveda, are vegetarian, free of onion and garlic, and simple to digest. They are better, more nutritious and fresher foods that are intended to boost human vitality, happiness and tranquillity. City First presents a variety of basic Shivratri Vrat dishes that can be prepared at home using common ingredients.

THANDAI

Thandai is a famous Rajasthani drink prepared with dried fruits, saffron, and milk. The meal is really simple to prepare and also quite healthful. Thandai’s punch and flavour are enhanced by the inclusion of black pepper, Kesar and poppy seeds. Thandai is frequently combined with ‘bhang’ to create an intoxicating cocktail.

WATERMELON CARROT RADISH JUICE

Watermelon Carrot Radish Juice

Recipe is a refreshing beverage made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. The inclusion of radish and carrot boosts the nutritional value of this juice, making it both healthful and nourishing. This beverage is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and beta-carotene. It strengthens your immune system and detoxifies your body. Because of its modest spiciness, radish juice may not be the first option when juicing vegetables, but it offers several health advantages. In this recipe, thesweetness of

SABUDANA KHICHDI

Sabudana Khichdi is a relatively simple meal made with Tapioca pearls, assorted veggies, and basic Indian spices. Unlike normal khichdi, it is a one-pot dish that takes less time to prepare. It is best consumed during the Navaratri fasting since it does not include onion or garlic. Sabudana, which is derived from tapioca root, provides vital nourishment. During the Navratri fast, serve your delicious Sabudana Khichdi with Cucumber Green Chilli Raita Recipe.

FRUIT CUSTARD

Fruit custard is a deliciously creamy and rich chilled dessert made with custard powder, milk, seasonal fruits and nuts. Also known as fruit salad with custard, this is a popular dessert in India. Vanilla flavored custard powder is used to make thick and creamy milk custard and sweet seasonal fruits for the flavor. This will a delicious delicacy to start your day.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

KUTTU KE PAKORE

ISHA YOGA CENTER, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU

Indian yogi and novelist Sadhguru created the Isha Yoga Center. It is situated in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore. The 112-foottall steel figure of Shiva that Sadhguru erected is regarded as the world's biggest explosion sculpture. A unique event is staged here during the Mahashivatri festival. There are breathtaking dance and music performances, as well as meditation. The all-night satsang with Sadhguru is enjoyed by visitors.

MAH DEV THE GREATEST OF THE GODS

Every year, India celebrates Mahashivratri with great fervour and enthusiasm. City First gives you some insights about the most iconic Shiva Temple across India to visit on Mahashivratri this year!

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

KAILASH TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA

Located in Ellora, it is one of India's best Shiva temples. The building is a superb example of Rashtrakuta architecture from the time period of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, which controlled India between the sixth and tenth centuries AD. The biggest rock-cut temple in the nation and one of Ellora's 34 total temples, it also has a megalith carved out of a rock cliff.

Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival that is yearly observed in India with great zeal and passion. It has Lord Shiva, the remover of all evil and the god of both creation and destruction, as its dedication. People are celebrating Shivratri on Saturday, February 18 this year. The purpose of the holiday is to honour Lord Shiva.

It is stated that Goddess Parwati and Lord Shiva made a promise to save the planet after the Earth was destroyed. Thrilled by her pleas, Lord Shiva made the decision to save the planet using the ruse that the people of Earth would have to adore him fervently and sincerely. Because of this, it is referred to as Maha Shivratri.

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE, VARANASI

Millions of Shiva worshippers go from all over the world to Varanasi, India, where the Kashi Vishwanath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the most well-known Hindu temples with a long history and significant cultural value. This is especially true during Mahashivratri and Shivratri. is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are revered as Lord Shiva's holiest residences.

MURUDESHWARA TEMPLE, KARNATAKA

This location, in North Karnataka, is well known for having the second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva, which is set against a backdrop of the Arabian Sea. This temple's picturesque surroundings, which include a 20-story temple constructed next to the statue of Lord Shiva, are one of its main attractions. In order to provide guests with a breathtaking perspective of the enormous statue, the temple administration also constructed a lift that ascends to the top of the Raja Gopura.

For the devotees, visit some of the most

India offers a wide range of possibilities for those seeking to

WEDDING

Review Meeting!

Jagdeesh Chandra with the Bharat24 team during the Review Meeting which was held in Jaipur on Friday, seen here are Senior Editor Syed Umar with Sandeep Mishra, Sanjay Pande, Amit Baliyan, Anita Hada, Amit Ojha & Shashikesh Ranjan; Editor First India News Jinendra Singh Shekhawat and Asif Khan were also present.

WEDDING SHENANIGANS

ISHA MAHASHIVRATRI CELEBRATIONS

CITY FIRST

Bringing the iconic Isha Mahashivratri celebrations at Jaipur, Agarwal PG College, Sanganeri Gate will live stream the event straight from Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. The event received a massive response from Jaipurites, with 2000 people expected to join the celebrations. The celebrations at Adiyogi this year will be graced by the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. The nightlong festival will take place in front of Adiyogi on February 18. Starting with the Pancha Bhuta Kriya at Dhyanlinga,

Isha Mahashivratri will begin with Linga Bhairavi Maha Yatra and move to Sadhguru discourse, midnight meditations, and spectacular Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, a 3D projection video imaging show.

Performances from artists such as Tamil folk singer Velmurugan, Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan, renowned

Sitar artist Niladri Kumar, and Tollywood playback singer Ram Miriyala amongst many others, will keep the devotees awake and electrified throughout the night. Also enthralling the audience with their vibrant performances will be Theyyam- The Fire Dancers, Janapada dancers, and dancers from Georgia.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, BSR Bommai, and Rajsico Chairman Rajeev Arora will be gracing the closing ceremony of The International Conclave STONE organised by the Indian Federation of Granite Industries in Bengaluru today on February 18. The Karnataka Chief Minister BSR Bommai will be present as the chief guest and Rajsico Chairman Rajasthan Rajeev Arora will be the guest

‘A DAY TURNS DAARK’ IS TO BE RELEASED SOON

Sunil Sihaag’s directorial ‘A Day

Turns Daark’ is already on the road to release on MxPlayer. While the first musical trailer launch is already on the floor, the web series is being produced by A Sunil Sihaag Gora Films and A Grisu Media Arts in collaboration with Stallions Films, Goa.

People can follow the lilting music and the song ‘Kaise Main

Batau’ on YouTube. The song was released by Bihani Siksha Trust

President,

Nayak, lyrics by Paramjeet Singh, and the music by Bho-

mik Kataria from The Tape Delay Band. The film is an adaptation of Sunil Sihaag’s bestselling book, ‘Day Turns Dark.’

It is directed and written by Sunil Sihaag and co-produced by Ranveer Singh Sihag. The ex ecutive producer of the web series Ur mila Bhambhu, assistant Direc tors Aakash Mishra & Ridhim Sihag. Jivandas

The grand wedding ceremony of Apala, daughter of Swati and Arun Joshi, director DIPR with Haridev, son of Beena and Ved Prakash Dadhich took place at Raj Aagan Resort, Jaipur on Thursday, February 16. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various other dignitaries also reached to bless the couple.

Borkar & Abhijit B Patil of Stallion Films are Associate Producer of the film. The story is not just about love but provides a fresh perspective on seeing society as a whole. It highlights the good and bad practices that together make up our lives and devises our understanding and actions around them.

The grand wedding ceremony of Romit, son of Meenu and Niklank Jain with Shrishti, daughter of Dr Krishna and Kaushlendra Bharadwaj was solemnized at Peacock Garden, Entertainment Paradise, Jaipur on Thursday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached out to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead.

M Plus Mega Service Cap

YUNUS GESWAT

Nagaur Automobile’s M Plus Mega Service Cap was inaugurated by Nagaur Automobile’s director Vijender Choudhary, director Harish Mirdha, general manager Rajendra Jhajhadia and CRM Ashok Kumar recently. The mega service cap commenced on February 16 and will go on till February 26. During the inauguration, Vijender Choudhary, Nagaur Automobile’s director told, “customers can avail a detailed 75-point check on each vehicle by trained technicians. In addition, Mahindra customers will have the opportunity to avail 5 per

cent discount on spare parts, 10 per cent on labour and 25 per cent on Maxicare treatment. Customers will also be provided information regarding the maintenance of Mahindra vehicles. General Manager Rajendra Jhajhadia said that customers will also be given a discount on the purchase of spare parts and accessories. They can book service appointments through messaging on the WhatsApp account of ‘Mahindra With You Hamesha’, by installing the ‘With You Hamesha’ app or through its website. Jethu Singh, Lokesh, Pukhraj and Radheshyam graced the occasion with their presence.

The grand wedding ceremony of Digvijay Singh Shekhawat, son of Sunita Shekhawat and Dileep Singh Shekhawat with Himashweta Singh, daughter of Mayskar Deo Singh and Namrata Singh took place at The City Palace on Thursday, February 16. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various other dignitaries including IAS Sushma Arora, IAS Rajiv Arora, Padmanabh Singh, Narendra Singh, Ashok Rathore, Sandeep Bakshi, Preeti Bakshi and Rishee Miglani also reached to bless the couple. —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Jaydeep Bihani. The melodious number is sung by

Praveen

of honour at today’s event. Rajeev Arora reached Bengaluru on Friday and visited the Stonea exhibition. Federation President Ishvendra Singh and Fair Chairman Manoj Singh welcomed Rajsico Chairman Rajeev Arora with great enthusiasm.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Apala, Haridev and Arun Joshi

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rajiv Arora and guests Jagdeesh Chandra with Dileep Singh and Ashok Rathore

Narendra Singh Rathore, Rishee Miglani and Gyanendra Singh Shekhawat

Dr Rajesh Arora and IAS Sushma Arora Newlyweds Himashweta Singh and Digvijay Singh Shekhawat Gyula, Padmanabh Singh, Akansha Bakshi, Sandeep Bakshi and Narendra Singh

Jagdeesh Chandra with Niklank Jain, Romit, Srishti & Meenu Jain

Dr Chandrabhan with his wife

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Arush Joshi, Sulochana Sharma and Ashish Aman with a guest

Rajiv Arora with others Sadhguru

Poster of the series

Sunil Sihaag

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Yatidharab Choudhary, Director Vijender Choudhary and GM Rajendra Jhajhria