First India-Jaipur Edition-19th January 2023

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which is nearly half of

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CAN’T ALLOW ISLAMIC RULE IN INDIA: GOVT

‘SIMI has links with Al Qaeda, LeT, JeM, ISIS’, Centre tells SC

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The central government filed a counter-affidavit in SC justifying its eighth successive ban on the SIMI as an ‘unlawful association’.

Centre told SC that ‘any organisation that has objective of establishing Islamic rule in India cannot be permitted to exist. They should not be allowed to be perpetuated in our secular society.’ The Centre has filed an affidavit pertaining to a petition challenging the ban on SIMI saying, “SIMI objectives are contrary to the country’s laws as it aims to mobilize students and youth in the propagation of Islam and obtain support for ‘Jehaad.’

READ Crucial

Modi govt never makes appeasing policies: Shah

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a sharp dig at the previous governments at the Centre and said that, unlike the predecessors whose every step was ruled by vote bank politics, the policy-making principles of the Centre under Narendra Modi is not dictated by the need “to please people” rather their betterment is the BJP government’s only aim.

Chhota Shakeel’s relatives “visited Karachi”: NIA

Mumbai: Fugitive underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s gang member Salim Qureshi’s family entered Pakistan illegally three times since 2013 via United Arab Emirates to attend Chhota Shakeel’s functions, a NIA chargesheet has revealed. Sazia Qureshi said that they were allowed entry and exit to and from Pakistan’s Karachi Airport without the stamp of their arrival or departure on their passports. The NIA has come to know during interrogation that Karachi airport is under the control of D-company.

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SAANSAD KHEL MAHAKUMBH

Set targets, achieve new records: Modi asks sportspersons

First India Bureau

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that sporting environment in country has significantly improved, adding that sportspersons should now scout for new targets to script new records.

Hailing the performances of the country’s sportsmen in international tournaments, the PM remarked that Indian sportspersons performing well in the international arena is only the beginning and said that India has a long way to go in the field of sports. PM Modi’s remarks came while inaugurating the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 organised in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh, via VC.

Former minister Manpreet Singh Badal quits Congress, joins BJP

MALIK’S

He noted that some decisions of the Central government might appear to be “tough” but were for “people’s good”.

“There has been a big change in this country after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. Earlier,

policies were made with a view at vote banks. Narendra Modi government has never made policies to please the people, but for the good of the people,” Shah said addressing a function. Citing instances of some of moves including GST and Direct Benefit Transfer, the Home Minister said that opposition to these decisions was obvious and understood.

Chandigarh: Former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Badal joined the BJP in New Delhi on Wednesday, owing to differences with the current state party leaders, having resigned from Congress. Manpreet had differences with Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Addressing his resignation to Rahul Gandhi, he said that seven years ago, he “merged the People’s Party of Punjab with the Congress with hope, and expectation of being integrated into an organisation, that would allow me to serve both the people of Punjab. Initial enthusiasm gradually gave way to disillusionment.”

CM Gehlot’s big decision for poor

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: The Ashok Gehlot government has taken a big decision to provide relief to economically weaker people who possess lands in cities. Now the people of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low IG class will not have to pay less lease amount for their plot than before.

The Urban Development and Housing department has issued an order in this regard. The government has changed the formula for calculating the lease amount of the plot.

In order to make the patta of plots easily available to the urban population and to settle the daily works related to the civic body, the state government started Prashasan Shahron ke Sang campaign on

October 2, 2021, with a target to distribute more than 10 lakh pattas.

However, many people do not make the full deposit of the lease amount. The entire lease amount has to be deposited at the time of the issuing of the lease.

To get a freehold lease, the plot holder has to deposit ten years of lease amount but due to the high lease amount, the poor people were not able to deposit the amount.

Sensitive for the poor, the Ashok Gehlot government then took a major decision to provide relief in the matter. Turn to P8

CLOUDS

CM Ashok Gehlot

PAKISTAN-BASED HARKAT-UL ANSAR PLANNED TERROR ATTACKS IN DELHI

New Delhi: Two terror suspects arrested recently by Delhi Police for allegedly planning targeted killings in India were in direct contact with Pakistan-based terror organisation Harkat-ul Ansar and Hizbul Mujahideen. Both Naushad Ali and his associate Jagjit Singh alias Jagga arrested last Thursday, were in touch with Nazeer Bhat, Nasir Khan and Nazeer Khan and Nadeem. The two arrested terrorists were tasked to carry out targeted attacks on “right-wing Hindu leaders,” Delhi Police had said.

DAUGHTERIN-LAW BOOKED

COURT GRANTS BAIL TO

NATH’S NEPHEW

YOGI ORDERS ROADMAP FOR PRAYAGRAJ MAHAKUMBH 2025

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed officers to prepare a roadmap for holding the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. The CM issued various directions while reviewing preparations for the Mahakumbh.

India won the opener ODI against New Zealand riding high on opener Shubhman Gill’s knock of 208 runs, accumulating 349 runs. However, Kiwis fought hard and fell short by merely 12 runs.

First India Bureau

CLEARED: JAIRAM RAMESH

CONGRESS LEADER RESIGNS

Deepika

Singh Badal joins BJP in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, at BJP HQs in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

Till 2050

FATEHPUR FREEZES @ -2.2°C

Jaipur: Intense cold conditions were witnessed across Rajasthan on Wednesday with Sikar, Churu and Karauli recording night temperatures below the freezing point and Fatehpur reeling at minus 2.2 degrees Celsius. The night temperature was minus 1.5 degrees Celsius in Sikar, minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Churu and minus 0.8 degrees Celsius in Karauli, according to MeT depart.

Sangaria (Hanumangarh), Chittorgarh, Alwar, Anta (Baran) recorded minimum temperatures at 0.3 degree Celsius, 0.1 degree Celsius, 0.5 degree Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius. The dept has predicted relief from the intense cold from Thursday.

Poonia advocates giving tickets to youth in Alwar

First India Bureau

Alwar: BJP State President Satish Poonia, who returned from BJP’s working committee meeting, advocated giving tickets to more and more youths in upcoming assembly elections.

Poonia told reporters in Alwar on Wednesday that in the case of tickets, the party itself decides on the basis of age, geography, and social science. “But I do agree that continuity is necessary in politics. New people come and they get opportunities be-

cause the age of positions within the organization of the party itself has been reduced. Now at the age of 30, one becomes the Mandal President. Once upon a time, Mandal President used to become at the age of 60,” he said.

(Top) Aerial view of a field in Sikar’s Fatehpur where it appears as sea of fog has engulfed the area as mercury records temperature as low as -2.2°C on Wednesday morning.

(Bottom) Morning joggers braving the chill in Jaipur’s Central Park on Wednesday morning. Jaipur recorded minimum of 4°C.

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Library inaugurated in Newai

Newai (Tonk): A public library was inaugurated in Newai town of Tonk district on Wednesday.

The Chief Guest of the inaugural ceremony was Newai-Piplu MLA Prashant Bairwa while Newai Nagar Palika Chairman Dilip Israni presided over the ceremony. While addressing the gathering, NewaiPiplu MLA Prashant Bairwa said that continuous efforts are being done to promote education in this region.

“English medium schools and colleges have already been estab-

lished and today, a new library has also been inaugurated in Newai.

This will help students to prepare for exams and it will be free for all.

More new libraries will be started in Newai city very soon,” said MLA Prashant Bairwa.

The special guests of

the program were President of City Congress Committee Mahaveer Prasad Jain, Councillor Pradeep Pareek, Councillor Paras Pahadi, Rajesh Chaudhary, and OP Gupta. Executive Officer of Newai Nagar Palika Mahima Dangi was also present.

Minor consumes poison after being raped by father

First India Bureau

Karauli: A minor girl attempted suicide after being sexually harassed and raped by her father, police said. Police informed the 14-year-old girl consumed poison and tried to end her life.

“The victim’s father had moved her wife out of the house owing to an argument between them nearly a month ago. On Dec 13, the accused came and raped her daughter. He then took the girl and his other children to Madras where also he raped multiple times,” police said. “After being continuously subjected to sexual cruelty, the minor consumed poison on Tuesday evening. She was immediately rushed to a hospital, following which, she narrated the incident to her family members,” police added.

MINOR GANG-RAPED BY SEVEN PEOPLE FOR FIVE DAYS IN RAJSAMAND

Rajsamand: Seven miscreants were held by Rajsamand Police for allegedly gang-raping a 12-year-old minor girl for five days, police said. Police informed the girl left her home on Jan 4 and did not return. “On Jan 5, the victim’s father filed a missing person report at Kelwada Police Station. On Jan 10, the girl was found abandoned in Udaipur. When the statement of the victim was recorded, she revealed that she was gang-raped by seven men for five days. All the accused, including a bus conductor and auto driver, have been arrested,” said ASP.

CLASS 10 MINOR RAPED BY RELATIVE GIRL SEDATED, RAPED IN JAIPUR

Dholpur: A minor girl, hailing from Dholpur, was allegedly gang-raped by two men in the Morena of MP. Police informed the victim was kidnapped by her relative on Dec 24 while she had gone to school. “The accused made the victim unconscious and took her to Morena and then gangraped her in a sedated state.

An FIR was registered at Kolari Police Station under POCSO Act,” police said.

D Rathore leaves for Spain to attend FITUR-23

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A delegation of the department of Tourism will participate in the International Tourism Trade Fair ‘FITUR-2023’ to be held till 22 Jan in Madrid, the capital of Spain.

RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore Principal Secretary of Tourism Gayatri Rathore, RTDC MD Vijaypal Singh, Additional Director Salim Khan and Deputy Director Navkishore Baswal are participating as a fivemember delegation.

Agristack officials discuss growth of projects with CS

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Secretary Usha Sharma chaired a meeting of the Agristack Steering Committee on Wednesday in which central and state government officials discussed the Agristack project.

The Chief Secretary inquired about the progress of the pilot project being run in the state and directed the concerned officers to ensure necessary action on this project which has been started to connect farmers

with digital technology. Rajeev Chawla, Advisor, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, joined the meeting through video conference and informed about this project.

Rathore said that Rajasthan receives tourists from Spain throughout the year and discussions will be held with various international tourism experts, travel agents, tour and travel operators and other tourism-related agencies in the fair so that tourism in Rajasthan can be promoted.

Jaipur: Jawahar Circle police station has registered a case of rape after intoxication. The victim has lodged a report that Pushpendra Jain, who was in contact with her for some time raped her at Hotel Town House near WTP. On the complaint of the girl, the police booked Jain for rape under SC/ST Act. The case is now being investigated by the Malviya Nagar police station.

Panic erupts as youth found dead in Malviya Nagar

Jaipur (FIB): A body of a youth drenched in blood was found behind the buses in Malviya Nagar Sec 3, creating panic in the area. Upon Information, Malviya Nagar police reached the spot. The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Akshay, a resident of Bihar, police said. Based on the evidence found on spot, the police started the investigation. The body has been kept in the mortuary of Jaipuria Hospital. The family members have been informed about his murder.

Court finds Asaram accused in fake medical certificate case

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: In a further setback for Asaram Bapu, the trial court in Jodhpur has found Asaram an accused of filing fake documents in connection with his health to get bail. The self-styled godman was produced before the trial court along with Ravi Rai on Wednesday, during

which the court held both as accused in the case of producing fake medical certificates and ordered to start charge arguments against them.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday said that the Red Cross Society will have to be prepared for effective operation of service and aid activities not only in times of disaster but also in normal circumstances. For this, he has called for making the Red Cross Society more dynamic from the grassroots level.

Mishra was addressing a review meeting at

campaigns. To make the country TB free, TB Free India Mission is being run across the country, to make it successful Red Cross should be actively associated with it.

The Governor interacted with Baran, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Jhalawar, Rajsamand, Tonk, Sirohi and Dausa District Collectors through video conferencing and directed them to activate Red Cross as much as possible by completing the prescribed process within a month. He instructed to complete the election process for the state unit of Red Cross by the month of March and constitute executive committee.

Raj Bhavan here on Wednesday as President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Rajasthan branch. He said that Red Cross Society should also play its effective role in national

First India Bureau

Governor Mishra with officials of Red Cross Society on Wednesday.

FLAG OF 811TH URS HOISTED

The 811th Urs flag of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti was hoisted at the Buland Darwaza of the Dargah in presence of thousands of people in Ajmer on Wednesday. The procession left under the leadership of Syed Maroof Chishti and Fakhruddin Gauri of the Gauri family. Police officials were deployed for security. —PHOTO BY HIMANSHU SHARMA

ACS Revenue Aparna Arora, Principal Secy Cooperative Sreya Guha, Principal Secy Agriculture Dinesh Kumar, Agriculture Commissioner Kanaram and other officials were also present.

Ashish Aman

Usha Sharma with officials of Agristack Committee on Wednesday.

Dilip Israni and officials of Newai Nagar Palika also distributed land leases under PSKS during the programme on Wednesday.

Satish Poonia in Malakheda.

ACB , SDRF TEAMS SEARCH FOR DIVYA’S MOBILE IN ANASAGAR LAKE

Accused AdSP Divya reportedly threw her phone and other belongings into the lake Shubham Jain

Ajmer: The ACB team along with the SDRF personnel on Wednesday launched a search operation in the Anasagar Lake for the mobile phone and other documents related to SOG AdSP Divya Mittal, held in connection with Rs 2 crore bribe case.

The ACB has not yet recovered Mittal’s mobile phone, after which the ACB team interrogated Bahadur Singh, driver of her official vehicle, and during interrogation, it was revealed that Mittal was at Ramprasad Ghat on Sunday night before the search. She threw the phone and some other belongings

into the Anasagar lake. Even after two hours of search, the divers could not find anything from the lake after which the ACB team again left for Jaipur.

other

It is being reported that Mittal got information about the ACB raid and before that she threw the mobile and other items into the lake.

‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ to repeat govt in ’23: Pilot in Jhunjhunu

Manoj Tank & Swapnil Saxena

Udaipurwati: Former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot on Wednesday appealed to the masses to give blessings to form the government again in 2023 by participating in Congress’ Hath Se Hath Jodo campaign.

Pilot said that in 2013, except for 2 Ministers, the entire Cabinet was defeated, in those circumstances he assumed the post of state president of Congress and formed the government. He also pointed out that some officers are being accorded po-

litical appointments while hard workers are being ignored. Pilot was speaking at the Kisan Sammelan organised at Liberty Farm House, Guda, Jhunjhunu. Once again targeting

Sanitation workers’ factionalism spills out in open during strike

the government over the paper leak, Pilot said if government officers and leaders are not involved in paper leak, then the papers locked in the vault are coming out due to magic.

❍ PANEL LAWYERS’ APPOINTMENT ISSUE

Raj HC

Deadlock continues over Health Bill post 2-hr meet

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The Medical cadre is angry over the proposed Right to Health Bill leading to heated arguments in the meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Medical, T Ravikant on Wednesday. There was tension between senior officers and medical representatives in the two-hour meeting, held at the Swasthya Bhavan. Medical representatives remained adamant on defining “emergency” in the meeting. The doctors also gave suggestions regarding the Authority at the state and district level. After the meeting, Health Secretary Dr Prithvi said that there has been discussion with the doctors. He said that their

seeks reply

from Centre, State

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has sought replies from the Central and State Governments in the matter related to the absence of a standard policy for the selection and appointment of panel lawyers in Government departments.

A single bench of Justice Sameer Jain has issued notices to the Centre’s ASG and the State’s AG asking them to respond on the issue.

Considering the circular dated November 16, 2022 issued by the Principal Secretary Law re-

garding AAG’s appearance in all the cases, the bench has also sought a response from the State Government.

Taking suo moto cognisance of the case, the High Court said that the case should be listed as a public interest litigation in the name of High Court Bar President Mahendra Shandilya. Shashank Agrawal has been appointed as the amicus curiae to assist in the matter.

The Single Bench referred the matter to the Chief Justice for listing in the concerned Bench.

Raj sportspersons to get free medical services, MoU inked

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT) and the Rajasthan State Sports Council on Wednesday under which the foundation will bear the expenses of the surgery of the injured players.

Olympian Abhinav Bindra, on behalf of Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, and Sports councils’ executive secretary Mahavir

Prasad Meena signed the MoU in the presence of Krishna Poonia, Chief Sports Officer Virendra Poonia and Dr Anoop Penupol.

Krishna Poonia said that the Council has signed the MoU with

Abhinav Bindra. The foundation will help injured players to revive their careers.

Bindra said that the Foundation will bear the cost of surgery and treatment of injured players of the State.

Jaipur-Jodh

flight to begin from Feb 2

First India Bureau

Jaipur: After a gap of four years, flight operations between Jaipur and Jodhpur will start from Jaipur International Airport. Indigo airlines will begin flight operations between Jaipur to Jodhpur on February 2.

This flight will leave from Jodhpur at 9:55 am and reach Jaipur in an hour. Similarly, it will leave Jaipur at 11:15 am and reach Jodhpur at 12:15 pm. The minimum fare for this flight will be around Rs 3,000. Notably, flight operations between Jaipur and Jodhpur were stopped in August 2018. Later, due to the corona pandemic, flight operations could not restart again. Sources also informed that Spicejet will start new flights from Jaipur to Patna and Amritsar from January 20. Similarly, from March 3, a new flight will start between Jaipur and Surat.

suggestions will be presented before the select committee. However, he remained silent on the deadlock over the points of the Bill.

In the meeting which lasted for about two

hours, the atmosphere heated up many times and then the doctors demanded that action should be taken against the officials who caused the contradictions in the bill.

Power employees demand OPS implementation

Jaipur: The employees of the Rajasthan Energy Department on Wednesday staged a protest at Shaheed Samarak against the State Government over the non-implementation of the old pension scheme (OPS).

The protesters raised their five-point demand and said that apart from giving pension facilities to the employees of the five power corporations, inter-discom transfers of employees working in the three power distribution corporations should also be allowed.

“The technical staff should be promoted to

the post of junior clerk. The technical helpers — first, second and third — posts were created for ITI qualification holders. We demand to change this designation from technical helper to technician first, second and third and give them the benefit of time bound promotion,” said a protester.

Jaipur: The sanitation system in the State capital has derailed due to the strike of sanitation employees on Wednesday. The employees boycotted the work on Wednesday due to the non-fulfilment of the demand for the recruitment of 4,500 cleaning staff and giving priority to the employees engaged on the muster roll before 2018 in this recruitment.

However, the employees were seen divided regarding the strike.

The non-Valmiki community employees did not participate in the strike and worked in both shifts. Not only this, protesting against

giving 100 per cent reservation in the recruitment of sweepers to the Valmiki community, the non-Valmiki employees protested at JMCG and DLB headquarters. During this memorandum was also handed over to Greater Commissioner Mahendra Soni and DLB Director Hridesh Kumar Sharma.

DRAVYAVATI RIVER

JDC reviews cleanliness work

Jaipur: JDA Commissioner Ravi Jain conducted a visit of Dravyavati river project on Wednesday.

He along with officials and representatives of Tata Company took stock of the cleanliness being done in the river at Sushilpura Pulia, Ajmer Road, Mahaveer Nagar Pulia Durgapura, Haj House Pulia Haldighati Marg etc.

He also took stock of the parks developed under the project.

During the visit, instructions were given

to the officials to improve the cleaning system. He visited the Botanical Park constructed near Bamba-

la Pulia in Dravyavati River Project and inspected plants.

He talked about starting the cafeteria of the parks constructed in the project area.

Jain said that tireless efforts were made to improve the Dravyavati river project as a result of which the Dravyavati river has started appearing in its old form. He said that continuous monitoring of the project is being done.

Abhishek Shrivastava

SDRF members along with ACB officials carry out search for accused Divya Mittal’s mobile and

belongings. (Inset) SDRF team bring swimming equipment for search operation.

T Ravikant, Dr Sudhir Bhandari and other officials during the discussion on Right to Health Bill in Jaipur on Wednesday.

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Sachin Pilot, Rajendra Gudha and others hold a plough during Kisan Sammelan in Jhunjhunu on Wednesday.

Krishna Poonia and Abhinav Bindra at MoU signing ceremony. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

JDC Ravi Jain along with other officials inspects Dravyavati river project on Wednesday.

Sanitation workers of both the municipal corporations sit on strike over non-fulfilment of demands, in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Employees of State Energy Dept hold protest over nonimplementation of OPS, in Jaipur. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

OTHER DEMANDS

INFIGHTING

ACB GETS 6 ADDL SPs

—PHOTO

BY MUKESH

KIRADOO

VETERANS & THE SOCIETY

COL ANUPAM JAITLY (R) Defence Expert, Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer

Talking of veterans, I am reminded of a quote from Aristotle “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is therefore not an act but a habit.”

Since India achieved independence 75 years back, the Armed forces in general and the army in particular, have been accepted as the guardians of our borders. The army has not only fought the wars against the external enemy but has successfully helped the nation in natural calamities when the civil administration was rendered inoperative.

Nearly sixty thousand personnel of the defence forces retire annually and revert to the civil society they belong to. But when they join back the same stream as a veteran their values are 180 degree diverse to what is prevalent in the society.

There is no doubt that veterans bring with them a lot of talent needed for the nation building, but the irony is, they find no takers for their expertise in the civil arena. Actually, the values, skills, discipline and integrity what they imbibed in military service should have made them to fit the role of an outstanding leader, manager or administrator. However, the expectations of the society and the rampant corruption prohibited or at best restricted the employment opportunities for a retired soldier.

So, where does the problem lie if lakhs and lakhs of trained, skilled and patriotic to the core man power is getting wasted year after year?

In my opinion the blame is to be apportioned to all the three stake holders, Army, the government, and the society.

their ranks. And lastly, consider making up of massive shortfall of strength by select veterans found physically fit and mentally robust. If services shy away in employing their own people in sheltered and protected appointments, it is futile to expect other industries offering them opportunities. Can veterans makeup for shortfall in training centres, static headquarters and specialised appointments where continuity remains a major requirement? I strongly feel they can. Though, there will be teething troubles, but these are easily resolvable by contractual employment on specific terms.

Both the central and the state governments need to work in unison and find lateral absorption of this highly trained, disciplined, motivated and skilled manpower in CAPFs and state-run machineries. In fact, absorption of veterans into the system will improve the ethos and culture in these organizations

few veterans were quite a trouble. And after I joined the ranks of the veterans, this view, instead of lessening, got further compounded.

First and foremost is that the veterans should accept that they are no longer in service and accordingly there has to be a reduction of perks and privileges. My next advice would be to remain a soldier, sailor or airman and do not succumb, in areas of character, turnout, time planning and disciplined approach in life. Our society holds high respect for both serving and veterans amongst the citizens of this country and we need to be worthy of this respect by our actions.

IN-DEPTH

STATESMAN-LIKE ADDRESS BY PM TO BJP WORKERS FOR 2024 POLL

Frequent cases of assault on Muslims and vandalizing of churches have made minorities suspicious of BJP’s intent. In view of this mistrust Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the BJP’s national executive is of immense significance for communal harmony. He asked his party workers to connect with the marginalised in every community and find out if they are getting the benefits of the Central government’s policies. “We should do this not only for considerations of vote. We should build robust bridges with them also because there are marginalised and poor in all communities,” the prime minister said. He is reported to have said that “…We should be in front of a church on Sunday when the mass gathering takes place. Similarly we should reach out to the Sikh community.

Among Muslims, Modi specially mentioned Pasmandas and Bohras, Muslim professionals and educated Muslims.

This approach would give the prime minister the stature of a statesman. If only the minorities get convinced.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Dr S.

Veterans bring with them a lot of talent needed for the nation building, but the irony is, they find no takers for their expertise in the civil arena. Actually, the values, skills, discipline and integrity what they imbibed in military service should have made them to fit the role of an outstanding leader, manager or administrator

At the Army Level, my recommendations would be firstly, to foster stronger ties between the veterans and serving personnel in terms of camaraderie, consultations and concern for their welfare so that, the sense of belonging stays with them. Secondly, there is a need for the army to aggressively market the competence of all ranks for employment into civil and ensure a tie up with various corporates for employing a percentage of veterans into

PAKISTAN’S TALKS OFFER VIA DUBAI

Now talking of the initiatives at the govt level. Both the central and the state governments need to work in unison and find lateral absorption of this highly trained, disciplined, motivated and skilled manpower in CAPFs and state-run machineries. In fact, absorption of veterans into the system will improve the ethos and culture in these organizations which are not holding a high respect in the eye of a common man.

Yes, the third stake holder and the most important one is

the society at large. Each city and locality need to pick on these veterans in guiding the youth in sports, life skills and values to build a strong nation. Its not always the money that attracts the veterans, it is a purpose and the respect that drives them.

Having highlighted what the three stake holders need to do, I would fail in my writing if I do not appropriately caution the veterans. During active service in the army, I sometimes articulated that a

Having learnt its lessons from three wars with India, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to India for peace talks with a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We have fought three wars with India, and they have only brought more misery, poverty and unemployment to the people. We have learnt our lesson, and we want to live in peace with India, provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems,” Sharif told a Dubaibased TV channel. Sharif also told the channel that he wanted “serious and sincere talks” and that he had asked United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to help bring the two

Given India’s increasing global heft, thanks to its economy’s gradual ascent to the top, Pakistan government would do well to recalibrate its policy towards India from one of stubbornness to rapprochement

sides to the negotiating table.

Prime Minister Sharif seems to be serious about a fruitful dialogue with India but does he have the go-ahead from Pakistani army and Inter-Services Intelligence? These two establishments are the biggest roadblocks in better ties between the two coun-

It is unfortunate that the Nation has not been able to utilise the veterans for lack of will and focus. We must realize that correct employment of veterans may help build the national security in all its manifestations as achieved by many developed countries and provide humanitarian relief in rural and difficult terrain where civilian is hesitant to serve due to vagaries of weather.

tries. Kashmir is another hurdle which Pakistan is obsessed with, although one of its analysts wrote, “Pakistan was politically outmanoeuvred by India on Kashmir by rescinding Article 370 of the Constitution which gave a special if not disputed status to the region.”

Given India’s increasing global heft, thanks to its economy’s gradual ascent to the top, Pakistan government would do well to recalibrate its policy towards India from one of stubbornness to rapprochement. Sharif should convince his defence establishments that they have not won a war against India and there’s no chance they ever will. They should also be warned that any move to revive terrorism will be suicidal.

Joined a session on ‘Economics of Women’s Health’ at @Davos. Underscored the impact of Ayushman Bharat & paradigm shift in India’s healthcare systems which has resulted in women being at the forefront of availing as well as facilitating health services. #IndiaAtDavos2023

l Vol 4 l Issue No. 224

l RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.

Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur. Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504.

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

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar

Warm and productive meeting with Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid in Manadhoo today afternoon. Discussed the full spectrum of our special bilateral partnership with focus on development cooperation, capacity building and people to people ties.

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani

You should perform your duty with a view to guide people and for universal welfare.

Bhagavad Gita

Prez delegates fresh powers to Delhi LG amid stalemate with Kejriwal

New Delhi (ANI):

President Droupadi Murmu has delegated 2 fresh powers to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 to formulate the rules only in the areas of the Union territory of the National Capital Territory of Delhi where it is required.

It is directed that the Delhi LG will exercise

the powers and discharge the functions of the appropriate government or state government under these rules until further order, mentions two separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 16.

As per the notifications, administrators & the Lieutenant Governors of five other Union Territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh,

Puducherry and Lakshadweep, were also delegated similar powers by the President.

“In pursuance of clause (1) of article 239 of the Constitution, the President hereby directs that the adminis-

trator or Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Lakshadweep shall,

subject to the control of the President and until further order, exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the appropriate Government or State Government under the Industrial Relations Code,

CHIEF SLAMS BJP GOVT AT BRS RALLY

BJP will be out of power after 399 days, says Akhilesh Yadav

Khammam (ANI): Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) at the centre from Khammam rally of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana and said BJP is counting its days in power and has only 399 days remaining.

“Yesterday, BJP accepted that only 400 days are left for them in power now. Those who start counting their days, can’t remain in power. Now, only 399 days are remaining,” the Samajwadi Party chief said at the rally. Telangana

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister

Bhagwant Mann, Kerala Chief Minister

Pinarayi Vijayan, and CPI General Secretary

Khammam (ANI): Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan said that BRS rally at Telangana’s Khammam is the “beginning of a new resistance” against BJP. BRS, after it got national recognition, is holding its first mega rally in the presence of leaders of other regional parties like the AAP, SP and Left. “Those in power at the centre today were not in power during the national freedom struggle and thereby do not know the values that the country has been built on”, said Kerala

Navy’s IL 38 aircraft to fly first and last

New Delhi (ANI): After completing 44 glorious years of service to the nation, IL 38 aircraft of the Indian Navy will be flying over the Kartavya Path for the first and last time on Republic Day this year.

The Republic Day flypast will comprise 45 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, one from the Indian Navy and four helicopters from the Indian Army, said Wing Commander Indranil

Nandi. Among the different formations by the IAF officers, Bheem formation will be new this year.

It will be comprised of 40 deg Pitch-UP and SU-30 streaming fuel by

three aircraft.

There will be a total of 13 formations like an arrow, abreast, arrowhead, diamond and others by aircraft like Mig29, Rafale, Jaguar, SU30 etc, he said.

New Delhi (ANI): The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd Arun Bansal today while speaking to ANI stated that Adani Airports is very ambitious to acquire more airports through government bidding. The Adani Airport CEO stated that this is the policy agenda but we are keen to acquire new airports.

Why is Congress scared of Shashi Tharoor?

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: Congress is also a wonderful party.

Shashi Tharoor went to meet Sonia Gandhi before contesting the election of the National President of the Congress and contested the election after taking her approval.

Earlier also several Congress leaders used to contest elections when the party’s national President was elected.

It is also a fact that Mallikarjun Kharge’s election got democratic le-

gitimacy only when Tharoor contested. Congress is thumping its chest and saying that Congress is the only party which has a democratically elected president. Had Kharge been elected unopposed, the

Congress would not have been in a position to say this. Yet the leaders of the Congress party are after Tharoor.

Whenever Tharoor is going on a tour of his home state Kerala, the leaders of the state become perplexed and engage themselves in an attempt to fail his every program and the most surprising thing is that it is happening on the instructions from ‘above’.

The question is who is giving instructions from above? Are instructions being given from the

level of Rahul or Priyanka, or is KC Venugopal, the general secretary of the organisation of the Congress, who is from Kerala, doing something, or is Tariq Anwar, in-charge being forcefully apprehensive?

Tharoor hinted that he may contest the 2026 assembly elections.

That too when asked by the journalists, he said this but at the same time also said that 2026 is still far away. Keep in mind that before that the Lok Sabha elections are to be held in 2024.

D Raja were also present at the BRS rally.

Akhilesh Yadav further said that the BJP was not addressing the major problems in the country.

“There is inflation, unemployment, and apart from that several wealthy people are leaving the country because the government is not letting them stay.”

“The BJP has not fulfilled its promise to the farmers. Our farmers are in trouble, and help is not being provided to them,” he added.

The Samajwadi Party Chief also targeted BJP for fooling the people in the name of investment.

He said, “The BJP is trying to play the people through investment meets. The youth remains unemployed. I cannot see anything significant happening during India’s G20 presidency.”

2020 (35 of 2020), to formulate the rules only in the areas where the Union territory of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chan-

digarh, Puducherry and Lakshadweep are required to formulate rules either as appropriate Government or State Government,” states one of the notifications.

Under Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the

appropriate government may exempt any new industrial establishment or class of establishments from the provisions of the Code in the public interest.

Another notification mentions regarding delegation of powers of state government and appropriate government under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 to the administrator and Lieutenant Governor of these six UTs.

India, Maldives play key role for regional peace, security: EAM

New Delhi: (PTI): India will face a tsunami of chronic diseases such as cancer due to globalization, growing economy, ageing population and changing lifestyle, warns a leading oncologist, making it imperative for the nation to embrace technology-driven medical techniques to prevent health catastrophes in an effective manner.

Cancer vaccines for prevention and treatment, expansion of Artificial Intelligence & data digital technology, and cancer diagnosis from liquid biopsies are among the 6 trends that will reshape cancer care in this century, says Dr Jame Abraham, Chairman, of the Department of Haematology Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.

Male: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India and the Maldives are good neighbours and strong partners as he underlined that the two countries also together have responsibility for peace and security in the region.

Jaishankar, who is here on the first leg of his three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with the two key maritime neighbours of India, made the remarks after his “productive discussions” with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid.

“We are good neighbours. We are strong partners. We have mutually invested in development and progress. But we also together have responsibility for peace and security in the region,” the minister said in a joint press appearance along with Shahid.

IN THE COURTYARD

BY ANI

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar being welcomed by the Maldives Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid on his arrival, in Maldives on Wednesday.

INDIA GIFTS TWO SEA AMBULANCES TO MALDIVES

Male (ANI): India handed over two Sea Ambulances to Maldives on Wednesday that were procured under the Indian Grant Assistance scheme. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid attended the handover ceremony held at Noonu Manadhoo. A number of significant Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged between Maldives and India. As part of the close cooperation between India and Maldives, Maldives’s Defence Ministry has procured two Sea Ambulances.

SC TO HEAR PLEA AGAINST HC ORDER ON PUBLIC MEETING

New Delhi (ANI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on Thursday (today) Andhra Pradesh’s petition challenging the High Court order staying the state government’s decision restricting public meetings on roadsides. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud agreed to hear the matter tomorrow. The matter was mentioned by a lawyer seeking an urgent hearing on the Andhra Pradesh government plea. The State of Andhra Pradesh has moved the Supreme Court against the interim order dated January 12, 2023, by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, at Amaravati.

PLEA IN DELHI HC SEEKING DIRECTION TO EXTEND BENEFITS OF PMUY SCHEME

HC ISSUES SUMMONS TO GROVER ON PLEA RECLAIMING SHARES

New Delhi (ANI): The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued summons to payment app BharatPe’s former MD Ashneer Grover on a suit by the company’s co-founder seeking to reclaim the shares he transferred to his erstwhile colleague. Justice Prateek Jalan noted Grover’s counsel’s submission that he will file a reply to the suit and not create any third party rights to the 16,110 shares in question. “Defendant no. 1 (Grover) is bound down to this statement and is directed to file an undertaking in this regard within a week from today. Reply to the application be filed in four weeks and rejoinder in two weeks thereafter,” the high court said. It listed the suit for further hearing on March 16.

CM IN NEAR FUTURE, SAYS JD(U) LEADER

New Delhi: The JD(U) on Wednesday claimed that there is no decision to make Tejashwi Bihar Chief Minister in the near future. Interacting with media persons in Ranchi, Bihar minister and JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary said: “Nitish Kumar has become chief minister because of his own capacity and not because of the mercy of any other party or leader.” Chaudhary, who is also Construction Minister of the state, said: “Nitish Kumar has the ability to become chief minister of

state whether in the NDA or the Mahagathbandhan governments.” He trumpeted the increased budget allocations compared to pre-2005 state budget of the Lalu government.

New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court today heard the matter related to alleged fake encounter cases in Gujarat from 2002 to 2006 for whose monitoring it had set up a committee under former top court judge H S Bedi. Justice Bedi was appointed as the chairman of the monitoring committee probing 17 alleged fake encounter cases from 2002 to 2006 and had submitted a report to the top court in a sealed cover. The committee, which submitted its report in 2019, recommended prosecution of

police officials in three out of the 17 cases it probed. The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday before a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul, A S Oka and J B Pardiwala.

Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena

President Droupadi Murmu Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav with Chief Ministers Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), at the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) party’s rally, in Khammam, on Wednesday.

KERALA CM CALLS FOR ‘NEW RESISTANCE’ AGAINST BJP

MANN, KEJRIWAL, YADAV & KCR VISIT TEMPLE TOGETHER

Chief Minister

CM Vijayan.

Khammam (ANI): Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao along with his Punjab and Delhi counterparts Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal visited the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Khammam. They were accompanied by Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav raising speculation about a third front ahead of 2024 general elections. In a video posted by Telangana CMO’s Twitter handle, KCR along with Kejriwal, Mann, and the SP chief were seen offering prayers.

Shashi Tharoor

NO DECISION ON MAKING TEJASHWI BIHAR

SUPREME COURT HEARS PLEA ON GUJARAT FAKE ENCOUNTER KILLINGS FROM 2002-2006

India to face ‘tsunami’ of chronic diseases like cancer: USbased oncologist

Adani may acquire new airports through govt bids

time over Kartavya Path

—PHOTO

SIMILAR POWERS TO OTHER UTS

—PHOTO

BY PTI

CM Dhami gives detailed info of situation in Joshimath to Shah

New Delhi (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here and gave him detailed information about the current situation in Joshimath, a town in Uttarakhand facing land subsidence affecting lives of hundreds of families residing in the region. In the nearly half-an-hour meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dhami said he gave detailed information about the situation in Joshimath, the condition of people in the region and other points.

After the meeting, Dhami announced that "Char Dham Yatra will be starting in the next four months". Char Dham of Uttarakhand includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath

and Badrinath Dham.

"Today, I gave detailed information to the Home Minister about the situation in Joshimath and the way people are living there in the disaster relief camps," Dhami said after the meeting with Home Minister.

"I also gave information about the search for new places and other works being done by

WESTERN DISTURBANCE

Cold wave over Northwest India likely to abate today

the state government," he said.

Dhami also said that the Home Minister assured him to give whatever help can be provided from the Centre.

Asked if any report was submitted, Dhami said input will be submitted after the complete report is received.

He said there was no talk about financial assistance. "A tentative in-

formation I have shared with the Home Minister. This matter will be discussed later when the full report comes."

Replying to allegations made by some political parties that the Uttarakhand government is suppressing the reports of various agencies related to Joshimath, the Chief Minister said “there is nothing like this.”

WATER DISCHARGE IN JOSHIMATH REDUCED TO 100 LPM: DMS

Joshimath: Giving some positive news for the sinking town of Joshimath, Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that the water discharge in the town has reduced to 100 litres per minute (LPM) from 540 LPM. Addressing the media about the works being done related to relief and rescue, permanent/temporary rehabilitation after the land subsidence and landslides in the Joshimath town area, Shina said, "The water discharge in Joshimath presently reduced to 100 LPM from 540 LPM. This is positive news." He informed that Uttarakhand Chief Secy Sukhbir Singh Sandhu has urged the directors and scientists of various technical institutes working in Joshimath to study the affected area on an immediate basis and make the study report available at the earliest.

WFI prez called me ‘khota sikka’: Vinesh Phogat

New Delhi (ANI): Indian wrestler and Commonwealth Games medalist Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday alleged that coaches who are favourites of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a 'khota sikka' after her defeat at Tokyo Olympics 2020.

On the sidelines of a sit-in protest against the WFI near Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Phogat said, "Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favourites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls." "Af-

INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION

‘India & Tanzania have friendly relations’

Tanzania: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla met Kenya’s President Dr William Samoei Ruto at the Kenyan State House on Tuesday.

Birla, who is currently leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to Kenya and Tanzania, congratulated Kenyan President Ruto on assuming the top post in the country.

The Lok Sabha also met the Speaker of the Kenyan Senate, Amason Jeffah Kingi and discussed matters related to Parliamentary

New Delhi (ANI): IMD on Wednesday informed that fresh western disturbances would affect the western Himalayan region from the night of January 20 to January 26, as a result, cold wave conditions over Northwest India are likely to abate from January 19.

“The western disturbances are likely to affect the Himalayan region from the night of January 20 to January 26 while the plains of the northwest will be affected from January 23 to January 25,” tweeted IMD. Under

its influence, light or moderate isolated to scattered rainfall or snowfall is expected on January 20 and January 21 over Jammu- KashmirLadakh- Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Light or moderate isolated to scattered rainfall or thunderstorm is likely to take place over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, north Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh between January 23 to January 25 and over Delhi from January 23 to January 25.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said the emergency exit door of an IndiGo flight last year was opened by “mistake” and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has already apologised for it.

“It is important to look at the facts. The door was opened by him by mistake when the flight was on the ground and after all checks, the flight was allowed to take off. All protocols were followed and DGCA has investigated the matter,” Scindia told reporters.

affairs and their functioning.

While expressing hope that India-Kenya

bilateral relations will thrive under the new President’s leadership, Birla vouched for ex -

pansion in avenues like innovations and health between the two countries and also acknowledged how India and Kenya were victims of terrorism and were battling a common fight to mitigate the same.

Speaking about India’s rapid economic growth and its emergence as the world’s fifth largest economy, Birla underlined that India is one of Kenya’s most important economic and trade partners.

1,000 ODI RUNS

ter my defeat in the Tokyo Olympics, WFI president called me a 'khota sikka'. The Federation mentally tortured me. I would entertain thoughts of ending my life every day. If anything happens to any wrestler, the WFI president will be to blame," she added.

WRESTLERS’ PROTEST AGAINST WFI PRESIDENT’S ‘DICTATORSHIP’

CRUCIAL READ

Surat: A nine-year-old daughter of a wealthy diamond merchant embraced monkhood in Gujarat on Wednesday, renouncing material comforts.

Devanshi, the eldest of the two daughters of Dhanesh and Ami Sanghvi, took ‘diksha’ in the presence of Jain monk Acharya Vijay Kirtiyashsuri and hundreds of other people at a venue in Vesu locality of Surat, a family associate said. Her father is the owner of Sanghvi and Sons, a nearly three-decade old diamond polishing and export firm in Surat. The minor girl’s ‘diksha’ -- or vow of renunciation -- marks her initiation into the ascetic life. The ceremony began last Saturday.

NIA ARRESTS ‘REPORTER’ IN PFI CASE FROM KERALA

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a ‘reporter’ from Kerala’s Kollam district during a search operation conducted in its ongoing investigation of the Popular Front of India case. Mohammed Sadik, who was working as a ‘reporter’ for the PFI, was arrested following the search operation conducted by the anti-terror agency at a location in Kollam, said the NIA.

Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of people were seen today waiting along the National Highway connecting Kolkata with Bhubaneswar to have a glimpse of the dismantled Dakota aircraft used by legendary leader Biju Patnaik. Three vehicles carrying the dismantled parts of the plane crossed the Laxmannath toll plaza on the Odisha-West Bengal border, and reached Jaleswar in the early hours today.

OIL PRICES DROPPED

Governments & oil companies making moolahs

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices in India have been stable for several months. After the results of the five state assembly elections in March last year, the prices had increased for a month, but since then the prices have re-

mained stable. They are neither increasing nor decreasing. Petrol prices are stable around Rs 100 and diesel prices are around Rs 90 per litre. But during this time there has been a huge reduction in the price of crude oil all over the world and at the same time India has made a record of buying cheap crude oil from Russia. It is wonderful that after Russia’s attack on Ukraine where the whole world is keeping

distance from Russia, India has made record purchases from Russia last year. By the time of

December, India started buying more oil from Russia than Iraq and Saudi Arabia every day.

In October and November, India bought a little over nine lakh barrels of crude oil from Russia every day. But in December, India bought close to 1.2 million barrels of oil every day. This is much more than the purchases from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. In the international market, the price of crude oil has come down to $75 per barrel and it is being bought from Russia at $60 per barrel. Despite this, the

price is not being reduced in the retail market in India. Governments and companies are earning huge sums by keeping high prices. The profit of oil companies has increased by 82 percent in the quarter ended in December. In the current financial year i.e. 2022-23, the Government of India will earn eight lakh crore rupees from oil, while the state governments will earn three lakh crore rupees.

While

in 2023. I couldn’t go near the Goddess but could feel the spirit from a distance. I hope there will be a change in religious discrimination soon,” Amala wrote in the visitors’ book.

SII SEEKS INCLUSION OF COVOVAX IN COWIN PORTAL

New Delhi: The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is likely to meet soon to discuss inclusion of Covid vaccine Covovax on the CoWIN portal as a heterologous booster dose for adults to boost uptake of booster doses, said official sources. According to official sources, the Serum Institute of India has also written a letter to the Union Health Ministry seeking the inclusion of its Covid vaccine Covovax on the CoWIN portal.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami announced that ‘Char Dham Yatra will be starting in the next four months’

Pushkar Singh Dhami met Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

‘Surya opened emerg exit door of flight by mistake’

Govts & companies are earning huge sums by keeping high prices

BIJU PATNAIK’S ‘DAKOTA’ PLANE MOVED IN 3 TRUCKS

Karnataka: Actor Amala Paul has alleged that she faced discrimination on the grounds of her religion in Kerala. According to various reports, the actor was denied entry at Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva temple in Ernakulam. The temple, like many others in Kerala and a few other states, admits only Hindus into its premises.

she hasn’t made any public statement on the incident yet, which took place on Monday, she is said to have registered her displeasure in the temple’s visitors’ book. “It is sad and disappointing that religious discrimination still exists

9-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF GUJARAT DIAMOND TRADER BECOMES MONK

AMALA PAUL ‘DENIED’ ENTRY TO KERALA TEMPLE, ALLEGES RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION

Shubhman Gill celebrates after completing his double century during the first ODI against New Zealand at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Vinesh Phogat speaks to the media accusing WFI president.

New Delhi (ANI): 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bajrang Punia said that the wrestlers will not tolerate the ongoing dictatorship in the sports and will hold a press conference to reveal everything related to the protest. Ace Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and others staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), alleging "harassment of wrestlers by WFI through its arbitrary rules and regulations." Bajrang Punia said that the wrestlers will not tolerate the ongoing dictatorship in the sports and will hold a press to reveal everything related to the protest.

A BSF personnel walks on a snow-covered road in Baramulla on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Om Birla held fruitful discussions with H.E. Dr. Tulia Ackson & H.E. Zubair Ali Maulid in Tanzania on Wednesday.

CM ANNOUNCES `5L EACH TO FAMILY OF THE DECEASED

Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the four youths from Ghazipur district of UP who died in a plane crash in Nepal. He also condoled the loss of lives of the people from Ghazipur in the Sunday’s plane crash.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Of the `20,000 crore proceeds of the FPO, `10,869 crore

work

the existing

construction of a greenfield expressway. Another `4,165 crore will go towards repayment of debt taken by its airports, road and solar project subsidiaries.

CENTRAL BANK’S Q3

India open for business 24/7: Irani

Davos (PTI): Union Minister Smriti Irani said India is open for business round the clock and so is the Indian government, as she invited global businesses to tap the huge potential available in the country.

The minister said, “We believe in working in partnership with the industry and every other stakeholder.” The minister for women and child development also said that India runs the largest healthcare system in the world in the form of Ayushman Bharat that covers 100 million families.

It provides healthcare

facilities across geographic boundaries and though it was not designed as a gendered programme, it has ended up benefitting a vast majority of women,

Sensex up 390 points to settle above 61,000

she added.

Irani further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also launched a programme that would ensure every district in the coun-

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS



The minister also said that India runs the largest healthcare system in the world in the form of Ayushman Bharat that covers 100 million families. 

She said the government has ensured that each sector has got a skill council

try gets a hospital. On skilling needs, she said the government has ensured that each sector has got a skill council that is led by an industry cap-

tain, while the government has also set up the first ever skills ministry. She also said when the world talks about the requirement for reskilling hundreds of millions of people, India is capable of reaching that target alone.

She said India engaged with the world for building its own indigenous Covid vaccines but it was not done with a commercial intention but with compassion. “We also offer business opportunities to the entire world also in the form of nutraceuticals,” she added.

Indians’ trust increases in government and business, dips in media & NGOs

India can lead the world with resilience: Chandrasekaran

New Delhi: State-owned Central Bank of India on Wednesday reported 64% jump in profit at `458 crore for December quarter 2022-23, aided by a decline in bad loans and improvement in Net Interest Income (NII). The Mumbai-based bank had posted a net profit of `279 crore in the year-ago period. The bank’s total income increased to `7,635.71 crore in October-December 2022-23 from `6,523.78 crore a year ago, it said in a regulatory filing. —PTI

TaMo REPOSITIONS

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmarks extended their rally for the second straight session on Wednesday amid buying in index heavyweights HDFC twins and foreign funds inflows. Recovery in most of the Asian markets and positive start in European equity exchanges also added to the momentum.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 390.02 points or 0.64% to settle at 61,045.74.

During the day, it jumped 454.53 points or 0.74% to 61,110.25. The broader NSE Nifty rallied 112.05 points or 0.62% to end at 18,165.35.

From the Sensex pack, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, HDFC, Wipro, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, NTPC, ITC, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank were the prominent gainers.

Tata Motors, UltraTech Cement, IndusInd Bank, Nestle, Bajaj Finserv,

` GAINS 44 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 81.25 AGAINST US DOLLAR

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee pared its initial losses and settled 44 paise higher at 81.25 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened weak at 81.80, but pared the losses and settled for the day at 81.25 (provisional), registering a rise of 44 paise over its previous close. During the trading session, the local unit witnessed an intra-day high of 81.25 and a low of 81.82 against the American currency.

State Bank of India and Reliance Industries were the laggards.

Davos (PTI): Indians’ trust in the government and business sector has gone up, but declined in media and NGOs, a new survey showed on Wednesday.

As per the annual Edelman Trust Barometer report released here on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023, India continues to remain at the fourth place on the index with an

TOP TALKING POINTS

 As per Edelman Trust Barometer report, India continues to remain at the fourth place on the index with an average 73% trust in the govt, businesses, NGOs

average 73% trust in the government, businesses, NGOs and media.

LUXURY PROPERTY PRICES APPRECIATED 8-12% IN

2022

New Delhi (PTI): Prices of luxury properties appreciated by 8-12% during the last year across major cities and has breached the 2015 peak level, according to India Sotheby’s International Realty.

61% of High-Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) and UHNIs are looking to buy luxury real estate during 2023-24. The sample size of the survey is more than 500 HNIs and UHNIs.

80% Indian professionals planing job change

New Delhi: Tata Motors on Wednesday said it is repositioning its Nexon Electric Vehicle (EV) range in the market, with changes in pricing and the addition of new trims, to maintain the leadership position in the segment amid new launches by the competitors. The Nexon EV range now starts from `14.49 lakh. The Nexon EV Prime has now tagged between `14.49 and `16.99 lakh (all prices exshowroom). Similarly, the Nexon EV MAX range now starts from `16.49 lakh, with the introduction of a new entry-level trim, and goes up to `18.99 lakh. —PTI

New Delhi (PTI): As many as 4 in 5 Indian professionals are considering job change this year and are keen on switching to roles that offer the right wage, and allows for appreciable worklife balance and flexibility, says a report.

According to LinkedIn’s economic graph data, hiring level in India was 23%

OVER 6.36 LAKH IN ATTENDANCE

slower in December 2022 as compared to December 2021. “Indian workforce appears resilient in the face of economic uncertainty, with 4 in 5 (80%) professionals considering changing jobs in 2023,” it said.

88% of professionals aged 18-24 are considering a switch, compared to 64% of those aged 45-54.

“Despite tough economic

conditions, the Indian workforce is relying on their own abilities to grow and push forward. Since the pandemic, it’s clear that professionals have built up a bank of resilience, and we’re seeing this in their response to tackle the year ahead,” said Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert & Head of Editorial for LinkedIn India.



Trust in business has improved in eight countries including India. India is also among 11 countries where trust in govt has increased.



Davos (PTI): Tata group chief N Chandrasekaran on Wednesday said India has gone through a major attitude transition in the recent years and is now in a position to take the lead in bringing resilience back to the global economy.

He said India produces the largest number of graduates, which is just one of the several factors putting the country in an advantageous position.

Trust in NGOs has declined in 17 countries and trust in media has gone down in 16

China continues to top the list and is followed by Indonesia and UAE.

OTHER

“For me, the three most important things are growth, growth and growth. The world needs resilience and India is in a position to take the lead, including on supply chain frameworks,” the Tata group chief said.

India has huge opportunity and potential to lead the world in areas like health, care economy and tourism, Chandrasekaran said.

New Delhi: Gold price declined `105 to `56,526 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, according to HDFC Securities. Silver, however, rose `52 to `69,694 per kilogram. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `56,526 per 10 grams, down `105 per 10 grams,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading in green at $1,910/ ounce and $24.16/ounce, respectively. —PTI

its draft public listing application by the middle of next month. “We are working on updating all key sections simultaneously. Responsibilities have been divided among different teams. We are keen on refiling the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by middle of February 2023, if not earlier,” a company spokesperson said.

Auto Expo 2023 ends with record turnout of visitors

Greater Noida: Auto Expo

- The Motor Show 2023 marked its ending on Wednesday after a successful weekly affair for automotive manufacturers and car enthusiasts. On January 13, 2023, the event opened its gates to business visitors and the public. Over the course of a week, the event witnessed an overwhelming response and a huge turnout.

The visitors came out in large numbers with their families, especially on the weekend, to experience the transformation of the Indian automobile industry to a greener mobility ecosys-

tem. The enthusiasm was apparent as people of all ages gathered around the outstanding lineup of automobiles shown by various manufacturers present at the 16th edition.

Kia India installed a gaming simulator at its stand, providing a virtual EV drive experience in its all-new KIA EV6. On the

experience to audiences, including metaverse and augmented reality experiences along with live musical band performance. The 2023 edition of the event also featured a Vintage Car Zone, housing attractive classic cars.

The expo also witnessed a short ride on the Go Kart, which drew GenZ in and

the vehicle before making a purchase. Additionally, kids had a dedicated zone wherein they could attend creative workshops along with participation in exciting activities.

At another corner, SIAM, in association with Rosmerta, developed the Surakshit Safar Pavilion on the sidelines of National Road Safety Week to raise awareness about road safety.

Garvit Narang

NEXON ELECTRIC VEHICLE PORTFOLIO

GOLD DECLINES BY `105 BUT SILVER PRICES RISE BY `52

New Delhi: Richest Indian Gautam Adani-led group’s flagship firm on Wednesday filed an offer letter with stock exchanges for a proposed `20,000 crore follow-on public offer (FPO).

will be used for green hydrogen projects,

at

airports and

GAUTAM ADANI’S GROUP FILES FOR `20,000 CRORE FPO

CM: Employees crucial link in executing welfare schemes

Naresh Sharma and Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that the state government is firm on its decision to revive the OPS for the State government employees.

He said that the employees are an integral part of the state government and play an important role in taking the benefits of public welfare schemes run by the government to the last mile. Speaking at the pre-budget dialogue with the representatives of the employees’ organizations at secretariat on Wednesday, Gehlot said that his government is continuously working in the interest of the state employees.

CM Gehlot added that the employees act as an important link in the effective implementation of the schemes till the lower level.

“Unprecedented decisions have been taken by State Government in last four years for employees’ welfare. In view of the future security of the employees, the government re-implemented OPS from a human perspective,” CM said.

AS CM ASSURES, JAIL STAFF ENDS PROTEST

Demonstration by jail guards in all 109 jails ended on Wednesday after meeting of the jail staff with CM Ashok Gehlot. After a meeting for about 15 minutes in the CMO, the CM assured to look into the issues of the staff regarding the issues of the jail guards, who had boycotted the mess since January 13. It is worth mentioning that the jail personnel across the state were on hunger strike due to salary discrepancy & other demands. During the meeting, Principal Secretary Home Anand Kumar, DG Jail Bhupendra Kumar Dak and other senior officers were present.

CM Gehlot to join BJY in Punjab today

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot will reach Suratgarh in Sriganganagar today. On Jan 20, he will address a public meeting. Gehlot’s visit to Sriganganagar is being seen as a way to curb Kejriwal’s influence in the canal area. State incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa and PCC Chief GS Dotasra will also be present during this. Randhawa himself will visit every assembly constituency of canal area. CM Gehlot will be on Punjab tour today and will leave for Pathankot from Jaipur at 9:30 am. He will participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kalan & take part in flag handover ceremony at 4:30 pm. Thereafter, he will leave for Suratgarh by special plane at 5:30 pm.

Jaipur: Taking a major action on Wednesday on the instructions of RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora, a decades-old problem was resolved by removing more than 30 year old encroachment in Pratapnagar’s NRI Colony and giving them leases on the spot. The market value of the vacated land of about 4,000 square metres is about Rs 27 crore.

Arora reached NRI Colony on Wednesday with a team of officers and police personnel. The authorities gave pattas to 10 khatedars and thereafter the encroachment was demol-

ished. It is worth mentioning that Board could succeed in removing the encroachment only under Arora’s leadership.

Expressing happiness after encroachment was removed from colony, the residents said that by removing the occupation, colony’s security would be strengthened and the colony would also be beautified.

Earlier, encroachment was also removed from about 1000 square metres of land worth Rs. 5 crore in the colony itself. The residents of the colony have also thanked the RHB Commissioner for this.

Allotment

weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups.

Plots are allotted to EWS at 50 percent of the reserved rate while the allotment of plots to LIG is done at eighty percent of the reserved rate.

As per the rules, the lease amount of the plot is calculated according to the reserved rate for all classes.

The lease amount of the residential plot has to be deposited according to two and a half percent of the reserved rate. In this case, EWS and LIG had to give a lease according to the full reserve rate.

The people who are not able to afford the high lease amount were hesitant to take a freehold lease.

Keeping this in mind, the state government took the decision under which the poor land owners will have to pay much less lease than before.

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: The RAS transfer list suddenly released on Monday, has addressed a few postings that has become a point of discussion. One official, Vasudev Malawat, has been sent from Kota to Udaipur. This 1998 batch RAS had been firmly perched in Kota for the past 8 years. He went to Kota in May 2015 as District Excise Officer and then served as ADM & Municipal Commissioner. It is being said that owing to his old connections of Udaipur Collector TC Meena, the RAS has left for Udaipur.

RAS Rajesh Verma has undergone 7th transfer in current government. In the previous BJP govt, he served as District Excise Officer at Jaipur from 2014 to 2018, but has been shuffled time & again since. He was appointed as RTO Jaipur in October 2021, but owing to minister’s discontent, he

couldn’t stay on the seat for long. Three months ago, he was appointed as Joint Secy in Panchayati Raj Dept, but here too, he could serve for merely three months and minister got him removed. Now, he has been accorded a back burner posting of MD, SC-ST Finance Development Corporation.

The 1998 batch senior RAS Mahaveer Kharadi is a native of Banswara and has spent most of his 25 years in service in Udaipur. He was posted for past two years in Bikaner. His wife is a senior BJP leader from Udaipur and even though Mahaveer hoped to get transferred to Udaipur, but in the new transfer list, government sent him to Bharatpur. Kajod Mal Duriya, a

1991 batch officer, was on suspension from March 2015 to October 2018 and in current govt too, he has been given a lack lustre posting. When he was transferred from the post of Addl Commissioner, EGS, he was posted as MD, State Minority Affairs Devp Corporation.

Suresh Kumar has been posted as ADM in Dausa. Over the past four years, half a dozen ADMs have been transferred in Dausa as no ADM has been able to stay on seat for long. In the previous list, when Parshuram Dhanka was posted as ADM, the Collector didn’t let him join. Moreover, the current ADM Rakesh Kumar could also survive for eight months.

This is the 6th transfer of 2011 batch officer Rekha Samaria in the past four years, but this time, she has been given an important responsibility of Additional Commissioner in Panchayati Raj.

Rahul, Priyanka may visit Raj for ‘Hath se Hath Jodo’ campaign

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A visit of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi is proposed in Rajasthan for the ‘Hath se Hath Jodo’ campaign which will run for two months from Jan 26. Priyanka Gandhi may come for Mahila Congress conference and Rahul Gandhi may come at the end of the campaign. Now Congress leaders are designing Rahul’s visit. Before that State Congress leaders will visitKashmir, on completion of first phase of Bharat Jodo Yatra on Jan 30.

Vaibhav resumes charge as RCA Prez

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Vaibhav Gehlot took charge as the President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association on Wednesday after offering prayers. He was recently being elected unopposed as the President. Vaibhav put forward the RCA’s side on the controversy of not giving chance to Ravi Bishnoi in the Ranji match being played in Jodhpur. “We are not doing any kind of casteism or regionalism. The decision on Ravi Vishnoi and playing XI members is with the selectors of the team. We do not have any interference in this,” he said.

Ravi Vishnoi has been honoured by the RCA three and a half months ago. He was given a place on the

stage along with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur.

Gehlot said that this time also the IPL match will be organised in Jaipur. Along with this, along with Jaipur, now Jodhpur and Udaipur will also be developed as cricket centres so

that State players can get a platform to showcase their talent with better training.

Others who took charge are Shakti Singh as Vice- President, Bhavani Samota as Secretary, Rampal Sharma as Treasurer, Rajesh Bhadana as Joint Secretary and Farooq Ahmed as Executive Member.

Jodhpur: The Chhattisgarh cricket team battled against Rajasthan during the second day of Ranji Trophy match on Wednesday. In the first inning, Rajasthan team scored a total of 360 runs. The Chhattisgarh team could not sustain bowling attack of Raj & scored 198 runs off 9 wickets. Rajasthan team skipper Aniket Chaudhary took 4 wickets, MJ Suthar took 3 & SS Dhiwan took 2 wickets, respectively. Rajasthan team is preparing to take a big lead in its second innings and there are still two days left to play.

Gehlot’s possible cabinet strategy

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Gehlot government’s ‘Chintan Shivir’ has increased the political mercury within the Congress. On the one hand, ministers are busy putting forward the performance of their departments, while on the other hand, discussions about reshuffle and expansion of the council of ministers have also created a buzz in the political realm of the state. It is expected that after the budget, there will be Cabinet reshuffle.

There are still about 9 districts in the state from where not a single minister hails from in the Gehlot Cabinet.

Interestingly, 4-5 existing ministers may be shown the ‘exit’ door of the Cabinet. Notably, young MLAs made for the first time can also be made ministers.

On Nov 21, 2021, the Council of Ministers were expanded in the Ashok Gehlot government wherein 15 Congress MLAs took oath as ministers. Of these, 11 MLAs took the oath of Cabinet and four

MLAs took oath as MoS. Hemaram Choudhary, Mahendrajit Malviya, Ramlal Jat, Mahesh Joshi, Vishvendra Singh, Ramesh Meena, Mamta Bhupesh, Bhajanlal Jatav, Tikaram July, GR Meghwal and Shakuntala Rawat were made Cabinet minister. While Zahida Khan, Brijendra Ola, Rajendra Gudha and ML Meena were made Ministers of State.

Mamta Bhupesh, Bhajanlal Jatav and Tikaram Jully were promoted as Cabinet Ministers. In this reorganiza-

tion Cabinet Ministers Raghu Sharma, Harish Chowdhary and the Minister of State, GS Dotasra were removed.

These three ministers had already sent their resignations to Congress President Sonia

Gandhi with the intention of working in the organisation. While Dotasara is currently the State PCC Chief, Dr Sharma was appointed by the party as in-charge of Gujarat affairs and Harish Choudhary was

made in-charge of Punjab. Now it is expected that Dr Raghu Sharma may be made a minister again. The upcoming session of the State Assembly will start after a few days. The session is important, but the question is also that when will those districts, from where not even a single minister has been appointed, will be given a minister? There are still about 9 districts in the state from where there is not a single minister in the Gehlot Council of Ministers even after lapse of 4 years.

NEW FACES OF GEHLOT CABINET

POINTS TO PONDER

z Some MLAs are expecting reshuffle before the Assembly session.

z Highest participation from these districts: There are 4 districts which have got maximum participation which include Jaipur, Bharatpur, Dausa and Bikaner.

z The individuals who have won for the first time, can be made Parliamentary Secretary. In the discussions of reshuffle, there are discussions of making two more Deputy CMs.

Out with ‘under performer,’ in with the new:

Shivendra Parmar

CM Gehlot’s...

of plots in the schemes of local bodies is done under the Urban Land Disposal Rules 1974. There is a provision to give relief in the allotment rate to the economically

First India Bureau

n CM invited suggestions from employee orgs to make upcoming budget

Various problems can be resolved timely by establishing dialogue, CM Gehlot says

Jodhpur, Udaipur to be developed as cricket centres to help players hone their talent, he says

CM Ashok Gehlot holds a pre-budget dialogue with the representatives of various organisations at CMO in Jaipur on Wednesday. Also seen here are Usha Sharma, Kuldeep Ranka, Akhil Arora, PK Goyal and representatives of various organisations.

CM Ashok Gehlot with group of Ministers on the concluding day of the Chintan Shivir at OTS in Jaipur on Tuesday.

RHB gets 2 lands worth over `30 cr freed from decades-old encroachment!

‘Post-mortem’ of the RAS shuffle, several bizarre cases surface

We are not doing any kind of casteism or regionalism. The decision on Ravi Vishnoi and playing XI members is with the selectors of the team. We do not have any interference in this.

—Vaibhav Gehlot, RCA President

Vaibhav Gehlot greets the gathering after taking charge as RCA President at Association’s office in Jaipur on Wednesday. Also seen here is Kashwini Gehlot and others. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

On RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora’s directions, a team of RHB officials get the land freed from the possession of tenants in Pratapnagar’s NRI Colony in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Rahul & Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during BJY. —FILE PHOTO

RANJI TROPHY: RAJ SCORES 360, C’GARH SHATTERS AT 198

POSSIBLE

Jaipur Literature Festival 2023 is all set to begin today.

The inaugural ceremony will be addressed by Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah in Front Lawn from 9:50 am onwards. The theme for this year is ‘Utsav’ celebrating the colours of Rajasthan. Indian weddings make statements with its vibrant colours, extravagant celebrations, resonating music and sharing the happiness of a new start.

An inaugural ceremony followed by a lavish dinner was held at Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur on Wednesday where 30 supermodels from across the globe showcased an exquisite collection by Rohit Kamra, one of the most celebrated menswear designers in the Indian Design Industry. His designs are the bespoke amalgamation of international

trends, Victorian traditions and Indian royalty.

Show Director Abhimanyu Singh Tomar along with showstopper Gehna were the highlight of the fashion sequences.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the evening as a Special Guest and appreciated the efforts of GM Rambagh, Ashok Rathore and the entire JLF team. RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot was also present on the occasion to make the evening more special.

Sanjoy K. Roy, Manag-

Arts, producer of the Jaipur Literature Festival, introduced Indian pop, jazz, and playback

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

The grand opening ceremony of Jaipur Literature Festival, 2023 edition followed by the inaugural dinner was held at the Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur on Wednesday. Celebrity Fashion Designer Rohit Kamra showcased his latest vintage collection for the esteemed audience!

Neha Shekhawat with Deepti Naval

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

GM Ashok Rathore addressing the audience as Sanjoy K Roy looks upon

Jagdeesh Chandra with Vaibhav Gehlot

Usha Uthup during her live performance at Rambagh Palace

L-R Nethra Patel, Hillery and Park Sahani

(L-R) Parikshit, Jatin and Mohit

Abhimanyu Singh Tomar

Gehna Singh

The stunning orchestra at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Has winter sent your outdoor fitness habit into hibernation? Don’t wait until spring to get back outside. From the right clothing and socialising to signing up for challenges and tracking your progress, City First highlights ways to enjoy working out as the days continue to shorten!

SMASH YOUR GOALS...

As fitness is a mindset!

connect with nature, break away from the digital and concrete world, and boost focus and creativity. If sometimes, the weather makes you feel sluggish and you can’t work out, at the very least maintain your nutrition through your winter diet. Avoid processed or comfort foods high in calories that the cold weather

t’s easy to get out

WEAR THE RIGHT ACTIVEWEAR

Normally in a humid climate, opt for cotton clothing as it absorbs moisture (sweat). But in winter, you want to avoid that because if your clothes are soaked in moisture, it will leave you feeling colder. So go for sports clothing made from cotton-mix or synthetic fibre since they soak 50 per cent less moisture compared to cotton.

DON’T MISS WARM-UP AND STRETCHING

Winter or not, a warm-up before a workout is super essential. But in the cold weather, it becomes mandatory. When exercising in colder temperatures, you’re at an increased risk for sprains and injuries. A warm-up will increase blood circulation and the core temperature of your muscles, which can prevent injuries during a winter workout. You can even do some warmup exercises at home before you leave for your workout. This way, you’ll be less likely to feel chilly the moment you step outside.

STAY HYDRATED DURING WINTER

Winter air isn’t just cold, it’s also dry. To keep your skin

from drying out, drink plenty of water during your workouts. It’s necessary to make this a forced habit since you may not feel very thirsty due to the cold weather but your body could still be dehydrated.

MAKE SUPER-SETS A PART OF YOUR WINTER WORKOUT

If you start feeling cold in between sets, do 10-20 repetitions of body weight squats between 2 exercises. Legs being the largest muscle group will generate the most heat. If you are not used to squats, you can do spot jogging for 60 seconds. This will maintain your blood circulation and prevent you from feeling cold or sluggish.

INVOLVE A WORKOUT BUDDY

If you wonder how to work out in winter mornings, try this! It’s easy to cancel your workout if you do it alone. Find a friend, neighbour or co-worker who loves to exercise. A motivated workout partner will help to keep your motivation levels high too.

DON’T GIVE UP

During winter, at times it can be difficult to muster the motivation to get dressed and leave the house to work out. If you find yourself in such a situation, work out at home. A good bodyweight workout is much better than missing your workout entirely. You can pick your favourite workout video online and follow along. As they say, the best workout is the one that happened! So keep this in mind instead of missing your workout altogether.

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

The singerturned-actress

Amika Shail donned her look with her brand new avatar in her recent song. Her previous single ‘Dhokha’ has clocked 2 million views already. Commenting on the same Amika said “The new song is untitled at the moment but it is quite a peppy number. Being a trained singer, I love upbeat and peppy tracks that uplift the listener’s mood. I am waiting to see the first rushes of the full video eagerly. I love shooting

dance numbers as the entire atmosphere on the sets is very lively.

The way we have shot it, I am sure it is going to be quite a watch for the viewers.”

The song is directed by Arun Vishwakarma and choreographed by Vicky Dadhich and Akanksha Tripathi.

“The team has put a lot of effort into the song so that the audience can relate well to it. I am sure that people will love dancing to this upbeat song and it will be on the playlist of every party enthusiast. I hope the audience gives immense love to the songs and our movie”, said Amika as she signed off for the moment. Meanwhile, Amika’s fans cannot wait for the song to be out and raise the temperature on social media.

When asked about her journey as an actor, the actress replied,

“It’s been amazing, it has been more than 10 years in Mumbai, I came here to pursue singing but the acting pulled me in, though it was never in my plan.”

When asked about her experience in reality shows, she said, “it was amazing, as my whole childhood was busy actually. Saa Re Ga Ma

MUSIC

HAS MY SOUL BUT

tainment.

Kiara’s Prada bag is such an eye-catcher

Perfection at times does come with a price. Think luxe and be impressed with the mini accessory This triangleshaped bag just twins rightly with the Italian brand’s logo. The iconic triangle shape has all the demand right now. The Saffiano leather bag is nifty and can also be worn as a crossbody, a fanny pack, is something that is established. With markings of sleek lines on it and more coolness in the form of all things removable from a chain handle, and a zipper pouch, to a logoprinted and woven shoulder strap which can turn your look into a clutch or an arm candy. You can also style your party night outfits with this bag and also don’t forget that it comes with an enamelled metal logo.

was my first reality show and I still remember every emotion I went through during the audition days of that show. Getting selected and then coming to Mumbai for the real competition made me stronger, then I did many singing reality shows which led me into the world of enter-

When asked about her preference in career, the melodious diva shared, “Music has my soul, it’s my passion, and it is my dream though acting was never in my dreams as destiny planned its part and pulled me into the acting world, acting has given me everything and I am very grateful that I chose this golden path to walk on. So it’s difficult to choose any one over the other, both are equally important to me.

An achiever

ollywood

is all set to receive the prestigious India UK Achievers Honours

it

UK

The India-UK Achievers

will celebrate the educational and professional achievements of Indian students who have studied in the UK, marking India’s 75th independence anniversary. Parineeti Chopra, who has studied in the UK, and also spends most of her time there, has been selected as an Outstanding Achiever for the category ‘Arts, Entertainment and Culture’ at the India UK Achievers Honours. Parineeti moved to England at the age of 17, before returning to India in 2009. The actress has a triple honors degree in business, finance, and economics from Manchester Business School. Now, the actress has been chosen as an Outstanding Achiever for the category ‘Arts, Entertainment and Culture’ at the India UK Achievers Honours, and it will be a special event for her as she will be representing India on the UK

HAPPY SONG!

If this year, we had to wrap our most-watched and marvelous songs, Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Happy Is My Superpower, Khush Raho Na Yaar’ is topping that list for sure! The peppy soundtrack that has kept us hooked deserves a big shout-out for not one but three BIG reasons! First, it shows our fav actress Shraddha Kapoor in a never-seen-before avatar. Second, it celebrates some awesome women who are badass, unapologetic, and unafraid to break some societal barriers! And third, lying underneath the entire track is a treasure trove of how ‘Happy’ is a Superpower for women. Who would have thought, right? But here it is!

Decked up not in a fancy designer outfit but a luxe lacey bralette and trendy jeans, Shraddha is humming the tune that’s both power-packed and groovy. While the music in itself is sure to stay in our heads for a long time, it is mainly the video that has become the biggest talk of the town.

Sara starts prep for Metro…Inn Dino

Sara Ali Khan is one of the best actresses of Bollywood from the current generation. Her choice of films has proved her versatility over the years. The actress has been enjoying a busy

shoot schedule as she is working on different films one after the other. Recently Sara was in London to shoot for Tiger Shroff’s ‘Mission Eagle’ and after that, she has now returned to Mumbai and kickstarted prep for her upcoming film ‘Metro...Inn Dino’ directed by Anurag Basu. The film will also see Aditya Roy Kapur opposite her. A source close

to the development revealed, “After wrapping up almost 3 films in 2023 and starting another shooting schedule of ‘Mission Eagle’ in December, Sara has now kickstarted her prep for ‘Metro...Inn Dino’ which is an Anurag Basu directorial. Since it’s a new genre for Sara, the actress is diving herself into preps making sure she is well prepared before the shoot.’

The singer turned actress Amika Shail shared her journey and aspirations in tete-a-tete with City First!

actress Parineeti Chopra

and

will be held at the end of this month at the

Parliament.

Honours

Sara Ali Khan

Kiara Advani

Parineeti Chopra

Kiara Advani special screening of Mission Majnu

Amika Shail

Still from the song

Shraddha Kapoor

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

JARS N’ MORE OPENS ITS DOORS IN PINK CITY!

CITY FIRST

An adaptation of a classic bakery and patisserie cafeteria, Jars N’ More opens its doors for Jaipurites on the most sought-after location of Vidhan Sabha Road on Wednesday.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated the patisserie cafeteria by cutting the inaugural ribbon. He also congratulated the owners on the new venture. The newly launched café is a place to indulge and pamper you in an energetic ambience and delightful aromas of freshly baked croissants, modern cakes and so many other delectable patisserie items.

Under the

20 to 23 2023. President

Bina Jais Malu shared that on January 20, Jyoti

will stage the play Jeevan Sandhya under the direction of late Suresh Sindhu in a 3-day drama function. Similarly, on January 21, the play Agni and Barkha, directed by Zafar Khan, will be staged and on January 22, the play Lamhi Ke Lamhe, directed by Swati Vyas, Jodhpur’s artist, will be staged. Admission to the event will be free.

DURING THE DAY!

Jars N’ More, is a store with an assortment of freshly baked only egg-free and gelatin-free modern cakes, artisanal bread, buttery croissants, Danish pastry, petit gateaux, egg-free macaroons, gourmet brownies, fusion desserts; gourmet coffees, thick shakes

and sandwiches and much more, will have you wishing you had an expandable stomach. On the opening of the café, Nikita Sharma, Entrepreneur and Promoter, Jars N’ More said, “Over years while visiting a number of pastry shops and cafés in Jaipur, I realized that there is a vacuum for good mod-

ern bakery and patisserie shops which offer only egg-free cakes, exclusive pastries, artisanal bread and other such products. The customers didn’t have any clear option that served the purpose. I wanted to offer an experience of the French patisserie with a little bit of the modern Indian touch to the people of

Jaipur Hence, we launched Jars N’ More to serve food connoisseurs with an array of French artisan patisserie and freshly baked croissants .” With a magnificent view of the Vidhan Sabha, Jars offers plush seating and a cosy ambience that allows you to sit back and relax over gourmet delights.

ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES!

CITY FIRST

The

Professor

The image of Lord Shaligram was brought alive on canvas by renowned artist Prabhati Lal Saini with natural colours and vintage clothing techniques, this was the scene of the Contemporary Art Show organised by ICA Gallery, which began from Wednesday at Hotel Saneer, Jawahar Circle. Many wellknown artists from different corners of the country, including Jaipur, presented their art in this exhibition.

Curated by Hem Rana, 34 artists displayed their best 100 artworks in the exhibition.

inaugurated the exhibition by lighting the lamp. Ajay Sameer, Meena Laishram, Sachin Kumar, Elfi Kumar, Dalip Chan-

dolia and Ramnokar among others showcased their original and affordable artworks.

During the exhibition, paintings by National Award-winning

artist CR Hembram were seen presenting the scenes and mood of the backward caste of Santhals.

Where the social plight and circumstances of women be-

longing to different tribes have also been brought alive on the canvas. On the other hand, National Award artist Mohammad Suleman, who has showcased the chopai of Hanuman Chalisa through his art, was seen presenting the playfulness and innocence of Lord Shri Krishna in his paintings. In the exhibition, well-known artist Parmesh Paul showed the beautiful Ganga Ghat of Banaras through his paintings.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

During this, Abhinav Bansal, Director of ICA Gallery, Neeru Saluja and Prateek Saluja from Hotel Saneer

hinav

Neha Shekhawat, the winner of Miss India Glam Season 4 is making heads turn these days as her hoardings dot the Jaipur skyline. Neha is a true inspiration for young girls of the future generation who have dreams in their eyes to make it big in the world of the entertainment and fashion industry. A beautiful hoarding was set up across JLN Marg and Vaishali Nagar in Jaipur, showcasing the beauty and congratulating her for her victory in Miss India Glam Season 4 with media partners such as Bharat24-Vision of New India and First India News.

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by IAS Satya Pal Singh Bharia during a courtesy meet at the former’s residence on Wednesday, January 18. During the meeting, IAS Singh also presented his book titled ‘Discovering Ranthambhore-Sawai Madhopur’ to him. The book was also compiled by Dr Dharmendra Khandal (Conservation Biologist, Tiger Watch NGO) and Meenu Dhakad (Assistant Conservation Biologist, Tiger Watch NGO).

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Singer Manmeet Singh with his wife Vania Chaudhary during a courtesy meet at the former’s residence on Wednesday, as they were recently back from Mumbai.

IAS Rajeev Ajay Singh Rathor and Shashank Singh CE railway inaugurated the painting exhibition of eminent artist Narendra Singh Chauhan at Surekh Art Gallery of JKK on Tuesday. Social worker Sudhir Mathur was also present on the occasion. About 30 paintings of various subjects have been shown in this exhibition of the late Narendra Singh Chauhan.

Like every year, Radhe Lal Choubey of Shri Narvar

Aashram Sewa Samiti distributed 1450 woollen jackets in the government schools, in Jamwa Ramgarh district on Wednesday. Brij Mohan Sharma, Gen Secy of Shri Narvar Aashram Sewa Samiti said Giridhari Lal Sharma, President of the samiti, Saryu Saran Sharma, Ram Dayal Gupta, Mahesh Machiwal etc were present on the occasion.

joint aegis of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi and Ravindra Manch Society, in collaboration with Jyoti Kala Sansthan, S.Vasudev Smriti three-day drama festival will be organised at Ravindra Manch from January

of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi,

Kala Sansthan

Bansal, Dilery, Neeru Saluja

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Professor Abhay Upadhyay, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, took charge as the Principal of the University College of Commerce on Wednesday. Professor Upadhyay is also a Senior Professor in the Faculty of Commerce and Head of the Department of ABST. Professor Upadhyay has also worked on the post of Director, Physical Education, Secretary Sports Board and Vice Principal in the past. He participated in many national level seminars and conferences as a representative. After assuming the charge of the Principal, Professor Upadhyay thanked the Vice-Chancellor.

VSSS organised the 5th International Convention in Delhi with 81 Countries and 29 States along with the celebration of the 75th Amrit Mahotsav of Indian Independence and the 100th Birth Anniversary of Shahid Hemu Kalani with top leaders of India & our very own celebrities. Key speakers of the event were BK Shivani, Shiv Khera, Indresh Kumar, Om Birla, Shankar Lalwani, Mahesh Jethmalani and Shrichand Kriplani- Ex-Minister.

Faculty of Engineering at Manipal University, Jaipur, organised a course seminar called Manthan 2023.

VR Desai, educator and director of IIT Dhanbad, was the event’s keynote speaker. Several academicians and speakers, including AICTE Member Secy Prof. Rajeev Kumar, shared their views. Prof. VR Desai, stated that technical education must be taught in the Indian context. The curriculum should evolve in tandem with the times. It can be made very useful by making some changes to India’s ancient education system. Prof. Rajeev Kumar further stated that Manipal’s curriculum is well designed and stated that the guests invited to design the curriculum are highly experienced.

Jagdeesh Chandra cuts the inaugural ribbon. Also seen are Lalit Sharma, Ajay Dhadda, Deepak Mehta and Nikita Sharma

Akansha Rajput, Jyoti Rajput, Nikhil, Ajay, Sravan, Nikita Sharma, Nidhi, Ramesh, Kanha and Bhavi Shah

—PHOTOS

BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Artist Shamta Agarwal admiringthe beautiful artworks