First India-Jaipur Edition-21st January 2023

PARADE AS CHIEF GUEST

ENTERS

‘Dangal’ for justice!

New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday formed a seven-member committee to probe the allegations of sexual harassment

IOA formed 7-member committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment

president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The committee had a detailed meeting and sources in IOA are suggesting that they will call all the concerned parties as part of the investigation.

Wrestlers protesting sexual harassment allegations against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh wrote to the IOA President PT Usha on Friday, demanding the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations, resignation of the WFI President, dissolution of the WFI and a new committee to run the affairs of the WFI.

Olympian wrestler and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Bajrang Punia on Friday said that they are fighting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and appealed to PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to hear their demands.

There’ll Be Tsunami If...: Wrestling Body

Chief Singh

Amid Calls To Quit

As wrestlers protesting against alleged sex harassment stayed firm on demands for his resignation, wrestling body chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Friday threatened revelations that, he said, would cause a “Tsunami”. “If I make a statement, there will be a tsunami. I am not here on anyone’s charity. I am an elected representative,” President Brij Bhushan said.

Wrestlers met with govt officials during the day and later met with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence. However, both meetings were inconclusive, with the wrestlers insisting that the WFI be dissolved immediately and govt requesting that they end their protest. The govt has asked WFI President to respond to the allegations by till Saturday evening.

BRIJ TO SPEAK ON JAN 22: PREZ’S SON

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was slated to speak to the media on Friday but he decided to duck the questions and has now rescheduled the press conference for later this week on Jan 22. His son spoke to the media and informed about the same.

It has taken a lot of courage for us wrestlers to come together and protest against WFI President. We fear for our lives. If he is not sacked then the careers of all the young who joined the dharna will be over. We will not budge until Singh is sacked.

—Wrestlers

If there is no solution then we may put a wrestling mat at Jantar Mantar and train there only.

—Vinesh Phogat

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

WFI to take action against wrestlers not at Gonda camp to practice

DCW Chief notes down key pointers related to wrestlers’ protest

Indian boxer Vijender Singh joined the wrestlers’ protest on Friday

#SackBrijBhushan is trending on Twitter and supported by everyone

No time-frame has been set for panel to submit report to IOA president

IDENTITY OF MODI’S GOOD GOVERNANCE!

New appointees thank PM Narendra Modi, laud ‘transparent and very rapid’ recruitment process

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Friday distributed over 71,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in govt depts and organisations, via video conferencing. He also addressed the appointees. The new appointees on Friday also shared their experience of learning from ‘Karmayogi Prarambh’ module. ‘Karmayogi Prarambh’ module is an online orientation course for appointees. Noting that regular promotions were hampered in the earlier

In the coming days, lakhs more

are set to

into govt jobs. It is a testament to our commitment towards keeping our promises. In the business world, it is said, ‘The consumer is always right’. Similarly, ‘Citizen is always right’ should be motto of governance.

GOVT EMPLOYMENT

IS A ‘SERVICE’ AND NOT A ‘JOB’: PM MODI

PM Modi is most powerful person on planet, says UK Lawmaker Reminding the recruits that employment in the government field is known as a “service” and not a “job”, PM Modi said, “Just like ‘consumer is always right’ our mantra has become ‘citizen is always right’. With Seva Bhav, we can create a positive effect on our citizens.”

times, Modi underlined that Centre has made changes in recruitment process of govt, making it more streamlined and time-bound. He also took feedback from recruits on online platform iGot Karmayogi.

`

30L fine on AI, pilot’s licence suspended

Bureau

First India

New Delhi: The DGCA on Friday slapped a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India and suspended pilotin-command’s licence for 3 months for drunkurination incident onboard its flight from New York to Delhi in which airline violated its norms on handling unruly passenger behaviour onboard flights. Pilot didn’t inform the security personnel on ground, nor did crew

TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS GAPS POST

DGCA ACTION: AI

Meanwhile, reacting to the aviation regulator’s action, Air India acknowledged gaps in their reporting and said they are taking steps to address them. “We’re also strengthening our crews’ awareness of & compliance with policies on handling of incidents involving unruly passengers,” Air India spokesperson said.

file a police complaint. The airline didn’t inform DGCA about incident. The incident came to light on January 4.

After

If

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

On the demand of MLA Gurmeet Singh Kunnar, he announced to give the same price to sugarcane farmers as given in Pb.

Gehlot also mentioned about the refinery in Barmer in his address and said that

the BJP’s Vasundhara government stopped the work due to which its cost has doubled. CM mentioned several schemes including Chiranjeevi Yojana and said that the schemes of the state are becoming an example in the whole country. Turn to P8

January 26

January 27

January 28 and 29

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired the annual DGPs-IGPs conference in New Delhi, aimed at preparing a future roadmap for robust internal security and

gangsters-terror

YATRA

KASHMIR: RaGa IN JACKET; A 1ST THIS WINTER

Srinagar: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, on Thursday entered Jammu for last leg of his yatra. Gandhi, who marched through north India in peak winter wearing just a t-shirt, was for first time seen in a jacket. It’s raincoat not jacket; Cong clarified. P5

25 Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat will come on a fiveday visit to Jaipur from January 25 to 29.

He will participate in the Republic Day program at Keshav Vidyapeeth Jamdoli.

Bhagwat will hold a meeting of Jaipur province.

RSS Chief will attend the meetings and discuss preparations for the centenary year of the Sangh.

the BJY, this campaign will unite workers at grassroot, says CM

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses Congress workers in Sri Ganganagar on Friday. Govind Meghwal, Amit Chanan, Balwan Poonia & Vinod Kumar are also seen.

First India Bureau

PM Narendra Modi addresses the first Rozgar Mela of 2023, via video conferencing, in Delhi on Friday. Also seen here at Delhi Media Centre is Dr Jitendra Singh.

families

be recruited

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

London: British Parliamentarian Lord Karan Bilimoria referred to PM Narendra Modi as “one of the most powerful persons on the planet”, while underscoring the importance of the UK’s ties with the fastest-growing major economy in world.

BOMBAY HC GRANTS

TO VENUGOPAL

DERA CHIEF RAM

GRANTED ANOTHER PAROLE

parole. The latest parole to the Dera chief comes three months after he was granted a similar parole.

SUNDAR PICHAI ‘SORRY’ FOR THE GOOGLE LAYOFFS

New Delhi: Google said on Friday it will lay off 12,000 people from its workforce, adding to slew of major US tech companies cutting jobs amid fears of recession.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said sorry for mass layoffs.

CRUCIAL READ

PEEGATE: DGCA ACTION

Anurag Thakur tells to stop protest, WFI Prez has been asked to resign in 24 hrs

Mary Kom, Dola Banerjee, Alaknanda, Yogeshwar, Sahdev in the probe panel

Moni Sharma

against WFI

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat speak during the protest on day 3 against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom sexual harassment allegations were made, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

SHEKHAWAT BLAMES CONGRESS FOR STATE’s BACKWARDNESS

Union Minister Shekhawat inaugurated 3rd phase of ‘Rozgar Mela’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has blamed the Congress government for Rajasthan’s backwardness.

Shekhawat was in Jaipur at the Central Government’s programme on Friday, when he said that papers of more than 18 recruitment examinations have been leaked in Rajasthan and the government is trying to cover it up.

“The future of the youths of the state is in danger. But the leaders of the government claim that the paper was leaked from the treasury of their govt,” he said.

Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat said that even before this, there were papers of competitive examinations in Rajasthan. But ever since

Kirodi to walk from Jaipur to Dausa seeking CBI inquiry

the Congress government came to power in the state, the paper leak mafia has become active.

“Earlier, Rajasthan was on the path of progress but after the formation of the Congress govern-

ment, the state is gradually lagging behind other states. It will take a long time to make up,” he rued. “The corrupt were caught but the govt did not allow prosecution.

SOG and ACB risked

their lives to catch the corrupt but concrete action is not being taken.

The accused caught in the recruitment exam paper leak case were also released after making a weak case,” he added.

Vipra board chairman writes to CM over EWS quota in SET exam

First India Bureau

BJP launches poster to attract new voters in polls

Ravi Sharma

Udaipur: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, during his visit to Udaipur, lashed out at the Congress party and said that the kind of rhetoric that is coming out has made it clear that the government is divided into two camps. “The brunt of this is being borne by the public and the law and order situation in the state has also come to a standstill,” he said.

Meghwal cornered the govt on law and order and said that there is a rise in crime in State. Cases of harassment of women have increased. He said that examination papers are leaked and youths have to bear the brunt.

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: BJP state president Satish Poonia has once again attacked the Ashok Gehlot government in the state while blaming the Congress party for political instability in the state in the last four years.

Poonia said that the condition is such that every joint of the Congress has pain, now the people of Rajasthan should not join hands with them in

their ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign.

He said that the BJP will gherao the collectorates across the state after about one and a half months against the policies of the Congress government.

“Political stability is the factor of progress, happiness, peace and prosperity of any state. In Rajasthan, the Congress party is responsible for the political instability in this state,” he said.

POONIA REACHES JAIPUR LIT FEST

BJP objects Mughal Tent’s name in JLF

Aishwary

Pradhan

Jaipur: Rajya Sabha MP Dr Kirodi Lal Meena will march from Dausa Collectorate to the state assembly on January 24 demanding a CBI inquiry in the paper leak case. While speaking to media persons, Dr Meena said that a total of 16 papers of various competitive exams have been leaked till now.

“Thousands of people will march from Dausa to Jaipur on January 24. We will gather at the state assembly and demand a CBI inquiry into the paper leak matter.

The paper leak has become a ritual these days and the law which the government has made regarding paper leak is very lax. We will also raise various other issues during the protest on January 24,” said Dr Meena.

Jaipur : Mahesh Sharma, the Chairman of Rajasthan State Vipra Welfare Board, has written a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanding a relaxation of five percent marks for the candidates of EWS category in Rajasthan State Eligibility Test (SET).

He said that Rajasthan State Eligibility Test (SET) is being or-

ganized in the state after nine years, but the EWS candidates are dis-

Another building razed by JDA near ‘Adhigam’

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: After demolishing the building of Adhigam Coaching Institute in Jaipur, JDA demolished another fourstorey building in its vicinity on Friday. After the demolition of the building, fear gripped other coaching institutions operating on Gopalpura Bypass as most of the buildings here are illegal.

Raghuveer Saini, Chief of JDA’s Enforcement Wing, said, “The building built on plot number 34 of Sukhvihar Yojana on Main Gopalpura Bypass is on a residential plot. It was constructed without permission and in violation of building bylaws.” Saini said that the technical team had

inspected the building. It was found that this building was constructed without getting the map of the building plan approved. “There was illegal construction of 15 feet in the east, 10 feet in the west and 20 feet in the north towards the Gopalpura bypass main road,” he said.

appointed due to the flaws in the notification of the exam. He added that in the notification, candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) have not been given relaxation of 5 percent marks in the application of SET, due to which lakhs of candidates have been deprived of the application while other reserved categories (SC, ST, and OBC) have been given the exemption.

Jaipur: BJP State President Satish Poonia reached Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday and pointed out a tent named as Mughal Tent. “It would have been better if name of Mughal Tent would have been named after APJ Abdul Kalam”. GC Kataria and Rajendra Rathore also said that if the name of a Muslim had to be used, it could be of APJ Abdul Kalam.

CM Gehlot has message for you all, padharo mhare des: Rathore

Jaipur : A road show was organized on Friday on the luxury train of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels, in the international tourism mart ‘Fitoor-2023’ in Madrid, the capital of Spain.

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Chairman Dharmendra Rathore shared information about the train with international tourism representatives.

“The culture, food and heritage tourism of Rajasthan is being reflected in the tourism mart. CM Ashok Gehlot has given to all the representatives related to travel operators, travel agencies, travel planners and tourism from different countries in-

cluding Spain, that ‘Padharo Mhare Des,” Rathore said. High tea was also organised in the Rajasthan Pavilion in which discussions were held with tour operators & travel agents on new possibilities of tourism in Rajasthan. The international tourism delegates were

CAs can help to curb economic crimes: Guv

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Friday said that chartered accountants should work to make the general public aware of economic, business and taxation related rules so that cases of economic crimes and corruption can be reduced.

Mishra was addressing

the inauguration ceremony of the National Conference Shrey-

an-2023 of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India at Birla

Auditorium on Friday.

He said that CA is a prestigious profession, which is truly the backbone of the economy and CA professionals are continuously contributing to economic development of country by effectively completing specific tasks like direct and indirect tax planning, auditing etc.

The Governor said

that country is presiding over the G-20 group this year and is taking firm steps towards becoming an economic superpower, hence CA professionals should also make efforts to simplify various aspects of financial management including GST compliance and audit by making maximum use of Information Tech.

served dishes like dal pakoras, onion pakodas, Jodhpuri mirchi bada, samosas, etc.

In the fair, the Rajasthan delegation will hold around 200 B2B meetings with tour operators, agents and tourism representatives from different countries.

censured the move saying names of Maharaja Surajmal or Maharana Pratap could have been used. While talking to the media, Poonia said that now the people want to know “who is the traitor and who is useless. Who is magician and who is Corona.”

Reacting to Sachin Pilot’s remark to get the BJP govt investigated, Poonia said that the remarks of these Cong leaders are contradicting among themselves.

Lichchuram to life imprisonment. The four women found guilty of murder are Aashi, Parameshwari, Sohani and Rami.

DEATH PENALTY TO BANSWARA MAN FOR KILLING WIFE, SON

Banswara: ADJ Court has sentenced a man to death.

Accused Roopa had killed his wife and 12-year-old son Dilip 4.5 years ago.

Additional D&S Judge NK Chaudhary gave this decision. Advocating on behalf of the govt, Additional Public Prosecutor and State Advocate SK Pathan said that the matter was taken up in 2018. It belongs to Danpur police station and the court has declared it the rarest of the rare.—Subhash

7 JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF DISTRICT JUDGE CADRE SHIFTED IN RAJ

Jaipur: The Raj HC on Friday issued 3 separate orders to transfer 7 judicial officers of District Judge cadre. As per the order CP Shrimali, Nand-

First India Bureau

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during ‘Rozgaar Mela’ in Jaipur on Friday.

Union MoS Parl Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal during ‘Rozgaar Mela’ in Udaipur on Friday.

Guv Kalraj Mishra during National Conference Shreyan-2023.

Satish Poonia on Friday releasing the poster to add new voters for BJP during 2023 and 2024 polls. Bhajan Lal Sharma and other party workers are also seen. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

“The name of Maharana Pratap could have been written instead of

a Mughal,” said Rathore. Ramlal Sharma and Jitendra Gothwal also

ini Vyas has been appointed as D&S Judge in Jaipur Metro I, GP Gupta is Principal Secy Law, Dinesh Kumar Gupta as Director Law in JDA, Rajesh Jain as Presiding Officer in JDA Tribunal, Brij Madhuri as Registrar, RSCW, Ashwini Vij as D&S Judge Kota, & Ravi Sharma as Presiding Officer, Rajasthan Waqf Tribunal.

Bikaner: The court of Additional District & Sessions Judge sentenced 18 people to life imprisonment, including four women in case of killing three people in 2008 in Ridi village of Bikaner over a personal dispute. Four have been acquitted in this case. The court convicted the accused in case for murder. Trilok Nath, Lalnath and Ruparam were killed in the dispute. More than 20 were accused in the case. The court sentenced Prabhuram, Mamraj, Nanuram, Hariram, Gopalram, Om Prakash Shravan Ram, Lichchuram, Bhairaram, Rameshwar Lal, Dharmaram, Mohanram, Dularam, Budharam and

EIGHTEEN, INCLUDING FOUR WOMEN GET LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF 3 IN BIKANER

BJP State president Satish Poonia signing the autographs to school children during the JLF on Friday.

Mahesh Sharma in Tonk during ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ on Friday. IN THE COURTYARD

NEW VOTERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED: POONIA

First India Bureau

Nirmal Tiwari

RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore in Madrid, Spain on Friday.

The demoilshed building of the Coaching centre on Friday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Cong is divided, people bear its brunt: Meghwal

Shanti Dhariwal reviews IPD tower work at SMS hospital

DHARIWAL INSPECTS INDIRA RASOI FOOD AT KHASA KOTHI

Accused AdSP sent to jail till Feb 3 for graft

Shubham Jain

Abhishek Shrivastava

Jaipur: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Friday visited to take stock of the IPD tower being constructed in SMS Hospital. He directed the firm and JDA’s officers concerned to speed up the work and to complete it on time.

Dhariwal also inquired about the progress of the project from the JDA officials.

During this, JDC Ravi

PIL OVER HIDING ‘CRIMINAL CASE’

HC directs Vet University VC to submit reply by Feb 1

Jain and Director Engineering Ashok Chaudhary informed the Minister about the progress of the work.

“Work is being done at a fast pace by the JDA, along with continuous monitoring of the projects, and will be com-

Miscreants beat up cop, vandalise his car in city

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: A police constable was allegedly beaten by miscreants in the Kardhani area, police said. Police informed constable Bhagyavardhan Singh, posted in District Special Team, was beaten after his car was hit by another car.

“Bhagyavardhan was going in his car for an investigation related to drug smuggling.

Jaipur: A division bench of Rajasthan High Court conducted hearing in a PIL filed against the Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner.

A division bench of justice Sandeep Mehta and Rajendra Prakash Soni heard the petition in which the VC, Dr SK Garg has been accused of concealing information regarding criminal cases against him.

Petitioner said that the cases against the VC are pending but he concealed this information. It was alleged that an incompetent person has been appointed by the chancellor of the state universities.

The High Court gave time to VC Garg to submit reply. The next hearing in the case will be on February 1.

As he reached near Niwaru Road bridge, his car was hit by another car. The miscreants sitting in the car entered an argument with the constable and started beating him. One of the accused claiming to be the brother of SSP thrashed him. The miscreants also damaged his car. The constable has been admitted to a hospital and an FIR has been filed in this regard,” police said.

Jaipur: UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal inspected Indira Rasoi on Friday and said that the scheme is proving to be a boon for the economically weaker section of the State in which food is being provided at a nominal cost. “The number of people coming in the State daily in search of livelihood, students, unemployed youths from all sections of the society and from other parts of the country, Indira Rasoi is providing cheap, pure and nutritious food to them,” Dhariwal said after inspecting Indira Rasoi at Khasa Kothi and taking feedback from the people present there. JMC Heritage Mayor Munesh Gurjar was also present there.

pleted within the stipulated time. Along with IPD tower, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences will also be construct-

Ajmer: Special Operation Group’s Additional SP Divya Mittal, arrested in a Rs 2 crore bribery case, was presented in Ajmer court by Jaipur ACB on Friday. The court sent Mittal to jail till February 3.

ed in SMS Hospital. Both the projects will be built at a cost of about Rs 588 crore,” JDC Ravi Jain said.

The Jaipur ACB is looking for the dismissed constable Sumit, who has been absconding. His arrest would provide important clues in the case. DySP Mangilal of Jaipur ACB said that the Mittal was presented in Ajmer court for 15 days JC remand. The judge ordered that Mittal be sent to judicial custody until February 3.

Earlier on Thursday, the State Home Department had issued the suspension orders against Mittal. A searh operation was also carried out by the ACB team to recover Mittal’s mobile phone and other documents, which she had reportedly disposed of in the Anasagar Lake.

ACB RAIDS MITTAL’S RESIDENCE IN JAIPUR

Jaipur: Some gadgets belonging to Mittal will be examined by the FSL team. Her accounts are also being examined.

The ACB raided Mittal’s premises on Friday. ACB searched the Hirapura residence in Jaipur, where Mittal often came.

Udaipurwati pradhan, 2 others in ACB trap

MINISTER RAJENDRA GUDHA COMES IN SUPPORT OF PRADHAN, TERMS HER ‘INNOCENT’

Pradeep Garhwal,

Jhunjhunu: The ACB has arrested three people including a pradhan on bribery charges.

Udaipurwati Panchayat Samiti Pradhan Maya Gurjar, her brother-inlaw Bholaram Gurjar, former VDO and currently working in Churu as Deputy Director of Economic and Statistics Department Babulal Raigar have been arrest-

Differences must be resolved through dialogue: Sachin Pilot

Dr Rituraj Sharma & Ziauddin Khan

Jaipur: Former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot on Friday said that if there are any differences in opinions, the same should be addressed through dialogue.

“The issues are relevant but often become controversial at times.

But I think there is a need for dialogue. If there is someone’s disagreement to understand then we can also

protest. There is need to understand each other’s views but listen politely. If there are differences, listen to each other, from an open platform with an open mind,” Pilot said on Friday while addressing the students after

TOURISM BOOST

inaugurating the Student Union office at Maharaja College here. Pilot said he got a chance to hold Kisan Sammelans in different districts and the youth should get better employment opportunities.

Record passenger footfall at Jaipur International Airport in Dec 2022

Jaipur: Passenger traffic at Jaipur International Airport witnessed a record growth of 15 per cent in the month of December 2022. of the total 4,96,770 passengers, 4,53,884 were domestic and 36,597 were international travellers. In November 2022, total passenger traffic was 4,31,691.

As per airport officials, the per day average passenger traffic in the month of November was 15,000 and trend is likely to continue in coming months.

“In December, pas-

senger traffic increased by record 15 per cent.

Firstly, travel has become easy with new facilities, airlines and buffet of retail options.

Secondly, tourist and festive season is on its peak. So, more and more people are travelling.

The growth trend is likely to stay in the coming winter months,”

said senior officials at Jaipur Airport.

In November 2022, a total of 4,31,691 travelled through Jaipur airport of which 3,94,550 were domestic and 37,141 were international travellers. Besides, 2023 being the election year the political movements is also on the rise.

JAIPUR-THAILAND FLIGHT LAUNCHED

Jaipur: A new flight started operation from Jaipur to Bangkok on Friday. Thai Smile Flight has launched its services from Jaipur. Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Vacchirchai Sirisumpan informed that with the commencement of direct flight between Jaipur and Bangkok, Visa on arrival facility for Indian travellers will be available in Thailand. “Precautions are being taken due to corona pandemic,” informed Vacchirchai Sirisumpan.

ed for taking bribe in lieu of passing the bills. During the ACB verification, the complaint was found to be true. Pradhan’s brother-in-

law Bholaram gave the amount of bribe, after that ACB took action and immediately took Pradhan Maya Gurjar into custody. Pradhan’s hus-

EX-PRADHAN BLAMES GUDHA FOR ‘ACTION’ Former Pradhan Shubhakaran Chaudhary demonstrated outside the police station and accused Minister Rajendra Singh Gudha of conspiring the trap as Maya did not allow Gurjar community people in Sachin Pilot’s recent rally. Gudha also reached the police station to express sympathy with the accused. “Maya Gurjar a simple woman. She must not be knowing anything in the matter,” he said.

band was in Hyderabad at the time of the trap but his role is also suspicious in the matter.

One more person escaped after he got a clue

of ACB’s action. He has already taken a bribe of Rs 33,000 from the complainant. ACB is raiding the possible hideouts of the accused to nab him.

Kashiram Choudhary

JDC Ravi Jain assures time-bound completion of development works

Minister Shanti Dhariwal along with DM Prakash Rajpurohit and other officials inspects Indira Rasoi at Khasa Kothi on Friday.

ACB’s search operation continued on Friday. —FILE PHOTO

Pilot inaugurated Student Union office at Maharaja College on Friday

Sachin Pilot waves at students of Maharaja College on Friday.

BR Gurjar & Manoj Tak

Maya (L), Bholaram (C), and Babulal Raigar (R) in custody.

First India Bureau

Even in the worst of times, there may be things that provide moments of relief.

A target achieved, a desire fulfilled, a call from a friend, a tasty meal, a good rest that proves restorative, a glistening blue sky and a refreshing breeze — all of these and more may come our way in a single day for us to find satisfaction amidst a monotonous routine

STABILITY IN MONOTONY

Or if we could not be sure what season was to come next? There could be no planning, no real work accomplished. There would be chaos and confusion.

Long ago, a psychologist who was a great observer of nature wrote that life is the same everyday. The sun rises and sets, the wind circles round and round continuously, the streams flow into the sea.

Our eyes and ears are constantly faced with this endless procession of repetitious events, and with our short life span, everything gives the appearance of monotony. Today, many are away from nature due to the artificial technological society around them. Products of mass production have tied many to their jobs, in which, they repeat one small operation, hundreds of times daily with nothing to advance them mentally, along with the unrelenting pressure to excel in profit making, thereby, creating a treadmill that wears them out. The kind of life, with all its routine sameness, brevity and emptiness causes many to ask, is this all there is to life?

In reality, the different cycles in nature provide stability and security to life and not monotony. What if we could not count upon the sun’s rising at a certain time?

There are certain things inherent in us, certain repetitions, without which one’s mind and body will not function properly. A few of these are — regular eating, sleeping, bathing, dressing and having a reasonable level of work to do each day. Some may seem to be mundane chores at times, but one would get sick if their regularity is broken up.

Also, the regularity of things causes one to desire an established place to live, a home. There are things that need attention on a daily basis around the house. This brings stability and a feeling of security.

Another aspect in which the repetition of natural things is seen as a necessity are the supply of air, water and food on which one is dependent. In earth’s natural purification system of evaporation and condensation, life is sustained.

Sunlight, wind and running water are sources of energy and power which help in the operation of electric gadgets. This power is renewable and pollution free. The natural cycles are many and they are very complex. Whatever new inventions one sees are nothing more than the application of principles al-

Long ago, a psychologist who was a great observer of nature wrote that life is the same everyday.

The sun rises and sets, the wind circles round and round continuously, the streams flow into the sea

ready existing in nature.

The repetition of natural cycles can affect one in such a way that one’s sense of hearing and seeing are not satisfied but desire something new or novel. Despite changing fashion, there is nothing new in the events of common day to day living.

There has been advancement, regression, disappointment, oppression, corruption and revolution, followed by still more oppression and corruption. People, in general have had the same hopes, desires and ambitions.

Generations of people come and go but soon their memory fades and is eclipsed by those who are alive. Even if any individual made a notable name or was outstanding in beauty or ability, that person is gone and probably forgotten. Most people cannot even remember the names of their great grand-parents.

The pages of history are filled with many names, but this means little in the lives of people today. Their influence

on others is gone. The very fact that people try everything within their power to be remembered despite their knowing that eventually they will be forgotten show their desire to live, even in memory.

The temporariness of life and the inability to gain permanence produces a feeling of futility and causes one to search for something different only to find that it is the ‘same old story.’

Stability comes when more emphasis is given to relationships than possessions, strengthening the old and building new, gives happiness.

Life’s situations keep changing, so the prudent course is to go about one’s business using sound judgement in dealing with the unpleasant aspects of daily life and enjoy what one has now.

Just as roots of a plant are hidden from view, but give the plant stability and nourishment. Similarly, new experiences and new learnings help one to be properly rooted and balanced.

Even in the worst of times, there may be things that provide moments of relief. A target achieved, a desire fulfilled, a call from a friend, a tasty meal, a good rest that proves restorative, a glistening blue sky and a refreshing breeze — all of these and more may come our way in a single day for us to find satisfaction amidst a monotonous routine.

WAR IN UKRAINE MAY ESCALATE

The Russia-Ukraine war, the most disruptive in recent times, is not going to end anytime soon. On the contrary, if Friday’s crunch meeting at Germany’s Ramstein air base is anything to go by there is every chance of the war escalating in the near future. At the Ramstein meeting of defence ministers of the US and all European countries it was decided to beef up military supplies to Kyiv to enable it to defend itself.

The war toys on the supply list of US and European leaders include 600 Brimstone missiles, “which will be incredibly important in helping Ukraine dominate the battlefield”, from UK, Poland is offering S-60 anti-aircraft guns

Russia-Ukraine war, most disruptive in recent times, is not going to end anytime soon. On the contrary, if Friday’s crunch meeting at Germany’s Ramstein air base is anything to go by, there is every chance of the war escalating in the near future

with 70,000 pieces of ammunition, Denmark is supplying 19 French-made Caesar howitzers, Sweden has assured its Archer mobile howitzers, besides 50 armoured vehicles and anti-tank missiles. Powerful military package, how-

ever, has one formidable element missing -— German heavy tank Leopard. Germany has so far baulked over the idea of supplying Leopards to Ukraine. Imploring Germany, President Vladimir Zelenskyy said, “In plain language, can you deliver Leopards or not? Germany is reluctant to supply the Leopard tanks, acknowledged as the world’s best, because it does not want to be seen as militarily aggressive. Also, Germany has maintained closer ties with Moscow than any of its other European allies.

The Kremlin spokesman said, “It will mean bringing the conflict to a whole new level which, of course, will not bode well from a global and pan-European security viewpoint.

IN-DEPTH

SC JUNKS PLEAS, BIHAR’S CASTE CENSUS CLEARS LAST OBSTACLE

The caste census ordered by the Bihar government got a boost with the Supreme Court junking petitions challenging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s order. The contentious census, which began on January 7 and is due for conclusion on January 21, will enumerate 12.7 crore people in 2.5 crore households. The Supreme Court called the petitions “publicity interest litigation” and dismissed them. The census which Nitish Kumar said is a survey to catalogue castes, and not sub-castes, along with economic status of each family. The survey’s objective is to find the actual population of Other Backward Classes (OBC) for a redistribution of the 27 percent quota. The Bihar alliance believes that OBC count was lower than their actual numbers.

The exercise by the two Mandal-era political parties---JD-U and the RJD---is likely to help them seek greater share in benefits as per the population of each caste. Any change could also yield political benefits, the reason why BJP opposed the move.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Bhagavad Gita

● Vol 4 ● Issue No. 226

● 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:

Editor:

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Empowering #YuvaShakti in the #AmritKaal on mission-mode. PM @narendramodi ji’s government is committed to fulfil its promise of 10 lakh appointments in GoI through #RojgarMela in a time-bound manner.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

Lauding PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s leadership in ‘a fractured world’, WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab says ‘India is a bright spot amid the global crisis’. Commends the country’s ‘decisive action on the climate case for renewables’.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

REKHA KUMAR

The writer is a personal development skills facilitator. rekhakumar@protonmail.com

PM Modi’s leadership critical in this fractured world: Schwab

Davos (ANI): Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum, has said he met with the Indian ministerial delegation and many of its top business leaders.

As per a statement, Schwab said, “I had the pleasure of meeting the Indian ministerial delegation and many of its top business leaders.” “I commend the country’s decisive action on the climate case for renewables, its contribution to the global healthcare ecosystem, the focus on an economic model for

women-led development, and its leadership on digital public infrastructure. India remains a bright spot amid global geoeconomics and geopolitical cri-

India’s G20 presidency comes at a crucial time, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership is critical in this fractured world.

ses,” he added.

The WEF shares a 38year history with India and looks forward to continued partnership with the country during its G20 presidency

under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the forum said in a statement. India is promoting a just and equitable growth for all in the world during its G20

presidency.

“India’s G20 presidency comes at a crucial time, PM Modi’s leadership is critical in this fractured world,” Schwab said.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 comes as multiple crises deepen divisions and fragment the geopolitical landscape. The WEF is an independent

regional and industry agendas.

In Davos, world leaders continue progress on solutions for the most pressing crises affecting the world. Governments and business must address people’s immediate, critical needs while also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient world by the end of the decade.

international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global,

The programme simultaneously addresses immediate crises and long-term future challenges and helps set the scene for India’s G20 presidency.

BHARAT JODO YATRA

Pak isolated, world understood where terrorism starts from”

“

l

l BJP National Prez also showers praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ghazipur (PTI): BJP

National President JP Nadda on Friday said “Pakistan has been isolated” and the world has understood where terrorism is emanating from.

Nadda, whose term as BJP chief was extended till June 2024 at party’s national executive meet, also praised India’s foreign policy, which now “supports our defence forces”.

During an interaction with ex-servicemen, Nadda said, “Today Pakistan has been isolated in the world ‘kyonki duniya ko samajh aa gaya hai ki aatankvaad ki janani kahan hai’ (as the world has understood where terrorism emanates from). The world has also understood how India has fought against terrorism.”

He also showered praise on PM Narendra Modi and said, “Who is that prime minister to have celebrated Diwali with the jawans at the border. This is a message not only for the jawans posted at the nation’s border. The prime minister and 130 crore people of the country are standing with you.

“PM Narendra Modi is of the view that when the Army becomes

TN BJP passes resolution against Stalin

Chennai (ANI): Tamil Nadu BJP on Friday passed a resolution in its executive meeting at Cuddalore against CM MK Stalin seeking his apology for ‘disrespectful’ remarks against Governor RN Ravi. This comes after Stalin on January 14 took a veiled dig at Governor RN Ravi without mentioning his name during a Youth wing event organised to remember DMK founder Peraringar Anna.

strong, then the country becomes strong and the country is secured.”

He said the biggest change that happened under Modi govt “is that our foreign policy supports our defence forces today. PM Modi has conveyed to the world that neither India supports any kind of terrorism nor will it tolerate it”.

“Today, India is transforming from the point of view of the Army and the border. Today is that India which you have not seen earlier...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken

tough decisions to protect the country. I take pride in the fact that India’s Army is considered to be the most powerful in the world. Be it any type of crisis, the jawans of India have protected us and the borders,” Nadda said.

Nadda also hit out at previous governments at the Centre on defence procurement and said, “Before Modiji’s government, there were no purchases. Our ‘fauji bhaai’ (jawan brothers) were in trouble but no concern was expressed.

“There were scams in

the purchases of submarines, helicopters, fighter jets and bulletproof jackets. But after Narendra Modi came (to power), the Army has been equipped.”

Nadda said, “(Earlier) our soldiers guarding the frontlines in Poonch had to wait for orders before replying to the enemy’s bullet as it used to reach Delhi after crossing three reporting stations in Nagrota, Ambala and Chandi Mandir. After Modiji became PM, the soldiers were provided authority to reply to enemy bullets in real time.”

BUST IN GOLD

Surat:

Rahul Gandhi-led march reaches its last leg in J&K

Kathua (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed happiness on reaching J&K on Thursday for the final leg of his Bharat Jodo Yatra.

“It is a great pleasure to reach Jammu and Kashmir as I go back to my home, where my ancestors had their roots. I am learning about and understanding more of me, every state, my country,” the Congress leader said in a tweet in Hindi.

Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi entered Jammu on Thursday evening.

The Yatra entered the region at Kathua’s Lakhanpur area. Supporters were seen carrying party flags and torch lights as the Yatra marched ahead later in the evening (Thursday).

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference (NC) vice president Omar

“LET ADMINISTRATION DECIDE BJY ROUTE”

Srinagar: The Congress wants to take the Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, through the interiors of the Kashmir valley, but has left the decision on the route of the foot march to security agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration, a local Congress leader Chetan Chauhan has said here on Friday.

Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, and CPI (M) leader Mohamad Yousuf would

CPI-M SAYS NO TO BHARAT JODO YATRA

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI-M on Friday said that it will not take part in the concluding events of Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir. However as per reports, it will hold a combined rally in Tripura, which goes to the polls next month. The CPI-M has decided to duck the concluding celebrations of the Yatra.

also participate in the yatra at the different locations, the Congress leaders said.

IN THE COURTYARD

SC TO SET UP FRESH 5-JUDGE BENCH TO HEAR POLYGAMY & ‘NIKAH HALALA’ PLEAS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday said that it will set up a 5-judge bench to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and ‘nikah halala’ practice among Muslims. A bench took note of the submissions of lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, who has filed one of the PILs on the issue.

FIR LODGED IN RAPE, FORCEFUL ABORTION CASE AFTER COURT’S INTERVENTION

JDU-RJD are together in Bihar sans any faith on Nitish vis-a-vis Tejashwi!

New Delhi: Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish

Kumar has given a limit till 2025 to his ally Rashtriya Janata Dal and said that Tejashwi Yadav will lead the Grand Alliance in the 2025 elections. But Tejashwi’s party does not have to wait till that time, rather his party is not ready to wait even till the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. An informed RJD leader has claimed that the party is feeling that

Nitish will take his revenge on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and then side with the BJP again. Many RJD leaders believe that Nitish has made RJD a weapon against the BJP to avenge the 2020 assembly elections.

Keep in mind that in the 2020 assembly elections, Chirag Paswan of Lok Janshakti Party fielded his candidates against all the candidates of Nitish’s party. He had the indirect support of the BJP. Chirag’s

candidates defeated JDU candidates on more than 30 seats, reducing Nitish’s party to

43 seats. Thus, Nitish Kumar wants to take revenge from BJP and can do this work only by tak-

ing RJD and Congress together. If the grand alliance of these three parties fights together, then BJP can suffer a major loss. RJD is feeling that JDU’s only aim is to reduce BJP’s majority by making it lose some seats in the Lok Sabha elections. After that, JDU can go with BJP on its own terms. That’s why pressure is being created from RJD that Tejashwi should be made the Chief Minister even before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

GODDESS KALI POSTER ROW: SC’S REPRIEVE TO LEENA

New

Delhi govt again sends teachers’ file to Saxena

New Delh (PTI): The Delhi government has “again sent” a proposal to the Lt Governor VK Saxena’s office to send teachers of state-run schools for a training programme to Finland, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Friday, days after VK Saxena allegedly rejected a similar proposal.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed hope that permission would be granted for the teachers to travel abroad for the programme.

The Delhi govern-

ment had alleged that while returning the earlier proposal, Saxena asked them to first conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the programme.

Members of the AAP, led by Atishi, protested outside the Lt Governor’s residence last week over the issue.

WEF founder Klaus Schwab speaks to PM Narendra Modi at WEF’s Davos Agenda through video conferencing. —FILE PHOTO

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in Varanasi on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BJP CHIEF COINS ‘HIRA’ TO HIGHLIGHT MODI GOVT’S FOCUS

Ghazipur: BJP National President JP Nadda on Friday gave a new term HIRA’ to the development lexicon, highlighting that the central government’s focus has been on highways, internet, railways and airways. Nadda also said when the entire world is reeling under a financial crisis, India has become the world’s fifth-largest economy, surpassing Britain.

GUJARAT JEWELLER CARVES PM MODI’S

A local jeweller has carved a bust of PM Narendra Modi, weighing 156 gm in 18-carat gold to commemorate the BJP’s landslide victory in the recently held state Assembly election. As the BJP won 156 out of 182 seats in the polls held in December, the weight of the PM’s gold bust was kept at 156 gm, said Basant Bohra, owner of Radhika Chains.

JP NADDA, YOGI ADITYANATH ENJOY TEA IN KULHAD

Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP National President JP Nadda were seen sipping pipping hot tea from earthen kulhads after offering prayers at temples in the holy city of Kashi. The BJP leaders earlier performed aarti and abhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi on Friday morning.

JP Nadda praises India’s foreign policy, which now “supports our defence forces”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with supporters during the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, in Kathua, on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Police, after a court’s intervention, registered an FIR in a case pertaining to rape, kidnapping, and forceful abortion of a woman in Banaskantha. The police have named eight persons, including the victim’s brother, in the FIR lodged on Thursday. The victim had fallen in love with one Mukesh Vaghela and both got married in October 2021. Their marriage was not accepted by the victim’s family.

Delhi: In a reprieve to filmmaker Leena Manimekalai, the Supreme Court on Friday protected her from coercive action in connection with multiple FIRs registered against her in various states over a controversial poster of her documentary film ‘Kali’. The poster, allegedly showing goddess Kali smoking a cigarette, attracted criticism and led to filing of FIRs against her. A bench issued notices to the Centre and govts of several states.

Sharat K Verma

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with State Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav at a function, in Patna recently. —FILE PHOTO

Manish Sisodia with JK Cements Dy MD at a function.

INDIA BACKS SRI LANKA TO SECURE IMF BAILOUT PLAN

India

Colombo (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Friday that India has given the required assurances to debt-ridden Sri Lanka for the muchneeded IMF bailout package, becoming the first major lender to publicly back the island nation's efforts to recover from its worstever economic crisis.

Jaishankar, who is here on a two-day visit, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday morning and also held talks with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.

"My primary purpose to visit Colombo is to express India's solidarity with Sri Lanka during these difficult moments," Jaishankar said in a press statement along with Sabry.

"We've had a very good discussion that follows up on my meetings with my counterpart and other Sri Lankan ministers yesterday (Thursday) evening," he said.

India has extended about USD 4 billion in terms of credits and rollovers to help Sri Lanka get through its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.

& rollovers

SRI LANKA CONVEYS ITS 'PROFOUND' GRATITUDE TO PM

MODI: FM TO EAM Colombo (ANI): Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Friday conveyed Sri Lanka’s profound gratitude to PM Modi, the Indian government, EAM S Jaishankar and the people of India for assisting Sri Lanka in the face of the economic crisis by providing support amounting to USD 4 billion. “We are experiencing our most serious economic crisis. It is no exaggeration to say that it was for the most part, the enormous support amounting to USD 4 billion worth of credit line provided by India for the import of essential goods,” Sabry said.

EAM Jaishankar meets Rajapaksa; latter thanks India for supporting Sri Lanka

President @PresRajapaksa today. Discussed the current challenges faced by Sri Lanka and India’s strong support in this hour of need,'' Jaishankar said in a tweet.

In September last year, he was given special security and a state bungalow upon his return here from Thailand.

Kerala Govt attaching properties of PFI activists

Karnataka: Two days after the Kerala High Court hauled up the state government for delay in recovery of damages caused by banned Popular Front of India (PFI) activists during a bandh to protest countrywide raids and arrest of its leaders, revenue officials on Friday began attaching the properties of those PFI activists who were arrested.

Across the various districts in the state, right from morning, revenue officials along with a large posse of police officials began action by taking into possession houses and properties of several PFI activists.

Snowfall in Joshimath adds to people’s misery

Dehradun (PTI):

Snowfall and rain in various parts of Uttarakhand on Friday intensified the cold, adding to the woes of people from land subsidence-hit Joshimath living in temporary relief camps.

GOVT TO PROVIDE HEATERS TO AFFECTED FAMILIES

DEMOLITION WORK

Gotabaya

COLLEGE STUDENTS PROTEST AGAINST BAN ON NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD

New Delhi: Forty students staging a demonstration outside DU’s Hansraj College against a “ban” on non-vegetarian food were allegedly detained by police on Friday, a students’ organisation representative said. Scores of protesters had gathered outside the college to protest against the decision but the students claimed that the college refused them entry and locked its gates. No immediate response was available from the police.

Bengaluru: A young man was dragged on the bonnet of a car for a kilometre in a road rage incident in Bengaluru on Friday, police said.

The CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral on social media showing one Darshan struggling to stay put & struggling to stop the car, allegedly driven by a woman identified as Priyanka.

Chaibasa: A jawan of the CoBRA battalion on Friday suffered serious injuries in an IED blast, suspected to have been triggered by Maoists, in a forest in Jharkhand, a senior police officer said. The injured jawan was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Ranchi, he said. It was the third such IED explosion in the forest in the past 15 days.

EC TAKES ACTION AGAINST TRIPURA OFFICIALS OVER ALLEGED ATTACK ON CONGRESS LEADER

New Delhi: Days after Congress leader Ajoy Kumar was allegedly attacked in Tripura, the Election Commission on Friday conveyed its “displeasure” to the state chief secretary and police chief and asked them to explain as to why the situation got escalated despite presence of sufficient number central forces, sources said. The poll panel also took “stringent” action against some officers “for not taking appropriate action in time”. It ordered suspension and immediate removal of Jirania sub-division, West Tripura sub divisional police officer.

K'TAKA 'LOVE JIHAD' CASE: ACCUSED TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Bengaluru: A Muslim man in Karnataka, with whom a Hindu woman — a mother of four had allegedly eloped, has been taken into custody by the police, an official said on Friday.

Prakash Gujarati, a resident of Gadag has alleged that his wife Hemavathy, had left him and married Maqbool Bayabadaki. The police are also questioning the woman who eloped with the accused and her daughter.

SOLDIER SHOOTS SELF IN J&K'S KUPWARA DISTRICT

Srinagar: A soldier shot himself to death on Friday in J&K’s Kupwara district. Official sources said Lance Naik Shiv Kumar of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) shot himself inside the Army camp in the Handwara area of Kupwara district. “He was taken to the hospital where doctors said he was brought dead. “Police have initiated inquest proceedings under 174 CrPc”, sources said.

ka Airforce plane in July last year, as the country plunged into its worst economic.

''Called on former

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, an ex-military officer, was appointed Sri Lanka president in November 2019.

Among those whose assets was taken over by the state government included former general secretary of PFI- Abdul Sathar at Karunagapally in Kollam district whose two-storied house and 13 cents of land was attached.

Future roadmap for internal security among other agendas

Apart from Joshimath, located at a height of around 6,000 feet, many famous locations in the higher altitudes of Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts, including Badrinath, skiing destination Auli, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Nanda Devi National Park also witnessed snowfall. Of the 47 villages in the Chamoli district affected by snowfall, 19 are in the Ghat sub-division, 13 in Joshimath, eight in Gairsain and seven in the Chamoli sub-division, the District Disaster Management office said.

Woman naval air operations officer to lead Navy’s R-Day contingent

HALTED DUE TO SNOW

Joshimath: The demolition of the structures declared unsafe after being affected by land subsidence in Joshimath has come to a halt due to heavy snowfall, which has added to the woes of the residents.

Their belongings, lying outside Hotel Mount View and Malari Inn, are covered in snow.

SDRF, POLICE ON ALERT, SAYS CHAMOLI DM

Chamoli: Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said that teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police are on alert if any tragedy arises due to heavy snowfall in Joshimath on Friday.

“All preparations are being done so that people living in Shivirs do not face any problems,” he told ANI.

the district received a fresh snowfall. According to IMD, light to moderate snowfall and rainfall is expected in the state this week.

LG lays foundation stone of 936-flat accommodation

New Delhi (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired the annual DGPs-IGPs conference, aimed at preparing a future roadmap for robust internal security and a crackdown against gangstersterror nexus as well as cyber security, among other major issues, here in the national capital.

Organised by the Intelligence Bureau (IB),

the three-day event started at the Pusa Institute in Delhi. Director Generals of Police and Inspector Gener-

als of Police from the police forces across the country as well as from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), among others, took part in the event which will also be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and Sunday in the presence of the Home Minister.

New Delhi (PTI): Lt Commander Disha Amrith, a woman naval air operations official posted at a strategic base, will lead the Indian Navy’s Republic Day contingent of 144 young sailors and its tableau will showcase the ‘Nari Shakti’ in force. A Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from BMS College of Engineering, 29-year-old Amrith was part of the National Cadet Corps’s Republic Day team in 2008 and harboured the dream of being part of the marching contingents of one of the three services at the celebrations in Delhi.

HOPING TO SET AGENDA

Srinagar (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday laid the foundation stone of transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandit Employees in the Zewan area of Srinagar.

Kashmiri Pandits working under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan will benefit from this plan, the LG office said.

The housing colony being constructed on

113 Kanals of land will have 39 blocks comprising 936 flats, the LG office has tweeted.

Congress competing with AAP in Karnataka

New Delhi: The Congress party is competing with the AAP across the nation. Congress started its work even before the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party reached Karnataka and started declaring their election agenda. Three months before the announcement of the elections, the party's state president DK Shivkumar announced that if the Congress govt is formed, every family

will get 200 units of electricity free of cost. The BJP, the ruling party in the state, was criticizing this, and in the meantime, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra announced at a rally that if the Congress government is formed, the women head of every family would be given Rs 2,000 per month. The party also said that to reduce the burden of everyday expenses including cooking gas, the

party will give this money under 'Griha Lakshmi Yojana'. Similarly, Congress may now announce to restore the old

pension scheme. It remains to be seen whether Priyanka announces this at her next rally, as she did in Himachal

Pradesh, or if Rahul makes the announcement, after concluding his journey in Jammu and Kashmir when he goes to the polls in Karnataka. Meanwhile, Congress leader from Haryana and MP Deepender Hooda has announced that after Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal, now it is Haryana's turn. He has said that the old pension scheme will be implemented in Haryana.

However, apart from giv-

ing free electricity and two thousand rupees, the Congress in Karnataka will also make many announcements of 'free reward. By the time Kejriwal, after completing the election of Mayor, etc. in Delhi, enters the Karnataka elections, the Congress would have announced all the issues and set the agenda. Since Congress is in a strong position in Karnataka, its promises will be believed by the people.

Mahesh Sharma

has extended USD 4 billion in terms of credits

S Jaishankar met Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo on Friday.

—Image for representational purpose

Former Sri Lankan presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his younger brother Gotabaya Rajapaska on Friday held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on a range of issues of mutual interest and thanked the Indian government for its steadfast commitment to assisting Colombo during its troubled times.

Rajapaksa, 73, fled Sri Lanka to the Maldives on a Sri Lan-

DGP-IGP CONFERENCE CHAIRED BY SHAH

HANSRAJ

Arvind Kejriwal

S Jaishankar met Gotabaya Rajapaska on Friday.

Manoj Sinha lays the foundation stone for the construction of transit accommodation for PM Package Employees, at Zewan, in Srinagar on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Joshimath: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, while reviewing the ongoing relief work in land subsidence-hit Joshimath, directed the officials to provide heaters and bonfires to the affected families who have been shifted elsewhere in view of the cold wave.

J&K: UDHAMPUR RECEIVES FRESH SNOWFALL

Udhampur: Residents in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur woke up to a blanket of snow on Friday morning as

MAN DRAGGED ON CAR BONNET FOR 1 KM IN ROAD RAGE

COBRA JAWAN INJURED IN IED BLAST IN J'KHAND

RESOLVE ISSUES

Amit Shah chairs inaugural session of DGPs/IGPs Annual Conference, in New Delhi on Friday.

Raj preps for 8th Assembly session from January 23

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Principal Secretary of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Mahaveer Prasad Sharma on Friday reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming 8th session of the fifteenth legislative assembly scheduled to begin on January 23. Principal Secre tary Mahavir Prasad Sharma gave necessary instructions to the con

cerned departments to ensure proper arrangements during the assembly session. He gave instructions to set up adequate staff, medi-

and homoeopathic dispensaries operating in the state assembly and to make necessary arrangements for food, snacks, and tea-coffee

also been given to the department of personnel and general administration to provide the latest revised list of names, departments, residence addresses, office and residence telephone numbers of cabinet members, Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, partmental Heads, and

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal of an additional budget provision of Rs 9 crore for food items in statescheduled tribe hostels. With the approval of CM Gehlot, adequate food items will be available for the hostels as well as for their smooth functioning. It may be noted that a budget provision of Rs 10 crore was made in the past, which has already been utilised. Notably, 175 hostels are being run by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department under the Scheduled Tribes Scheme. The admission capacity in these is 8770 and in this academic session, 7944 students have taken admission.

Hanuman

Beawar: The 23rd anniversary of Sri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir located at Shree Cement Limited Bangad Nagar, Andheri Deori will be celebrated with pomp from February 1 to 5. Composer Pritam Chakraborty will spread the magic of his music during the annual festival. Acharya will arrive from Pushkar on February 1 in a series of fiveday programmes.Similarly, on February 2, Dev Sthapana and worship

and Akhand Valmiki Ramayana, and on February 3 recitation of Akhand Ramayana and Dev worship will be organised. On February 4, there will be Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Dev Puja, Grand Shobha Yatra, Sandhya Aarti, and Shayan Aarti.

Similarly, Prabhat Ferry, Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Uttar Puja and Visarjan, Sports, Shobha Yatra, various entertainment programs, and Sandhya Aarti will be organised on February 5.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Ajmer Dargah Anjuman Committee Secretary Sarwar Chishti was interrogated for close to 3 hours at NIA’s Jaipur headquarters on Friday in cases related to the banned organisation (PFI). Chishti was the main speaker at the PFI rally. After interrogation, Chishti said that no questions related to PFI were asked. Chishti said, “The NIA team questioned me regarding the organisation of Urs in Ajmer & the number of people and countries participating in it”. Khwaja Sahib’s annual Urs will start on January 23rd or 24th. This year, it will be the 811th Urs. Preparations have been done by the Ajmer Dargah Committee.

First India Bureau

Bhanwar S Charan

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister

Ashok Gehlot has given financial consent of Rs 273.25 crore for the construction work of a new office building on Government Secretariat premises. The said construction work will be done by the Public Works Department and Public Health Engineering Department.

Various works including the construction of multi-storey blocks, north and south blocks, clean reser-

voirs, pipelines, and submersible pumps will be done. CM Gehlot announced for the construction of a new office building at the swearing-in ceremony of the Secretariat Employees Union.

Kota: There was a lot of uproar in the ongoing meeting about ‘Hath Se hath Jodo’ Abhiyan at the Congress office in Kota on Friday. In the presence of district incharge minister Parsadi Lal Meena, two factions of Congress got into a scuffle.

The workers present on the spot pacified the matter by persuasion. The minister said that this is a normal thing in Kota. District in-charge minister Meena, organisation in-charge GR Khatana, and travel in-

MP Dushyant Singh loses cool at rly meet

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan team trounced Chhattisgarh by 167 runs and registered an impressive win in the Ranji Trophy match on Friday. The match that was played here at Barkatullah Stadium witnessed Rajasthan winning the Ranji match after almost 3 decades.

Chhattisgarh chased a target of 430 runs in the second innings but was dismissed for 262 runs post-lunch. RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot congratulated the Rajasthan team for the win.

Kota: A meeting of MPs of the Kota Mandal area was organised with the Railway General Manager (GM) where only four out of 11 MPs were reached who raised the demand to resume the trains services discontinued during the pandemic.

The meeting was held at Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel on Friday. Mathura MP Hema Malini did not come for the meeting but sent her representative. When GM SK Gupta asked MP Dushyant Singh to pre-

side, he got angry and said that they have been demanding to resume the trains, but they are not being heard. He said, “To provide convenience to the general public, trains should stop at low-income stations as well. The aim of railways is not only to earn but also it should also provide facilities to the people of rural areas,” he said.

IN GEHLOT’S STATE

charge Satyendra Bhardwaj were conducting a meeting on ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo campaign.

Sangod MLA Bharat Singh was also present at the meeting.Pradhan Naeemuddin Guddu from Ladpura was speaking and pointed to bad roads in Kota.

Interrupting

Hanumagarh (PTI): A father-son duo involved in heroin smuggling allegedly set the house of a man on fire over a financial dispute killing his seven-year-old son, police said. Superintendent of Police, Hanumangarh, Ajay Singh said the accused, Baaj Singh (53) and his son Sharaj (27), were apprehended from Punjab. Jasveer Das (36), his wife Manpreet Kaur (34) and their son Ekmjit Singh, residents of Pilibanga, were sleeping when the accused poured petrol from under the door and lit the fire.

Ajmer: Railways will operate 24 special trains during Urs and additional staff will be deployed at the ticket counter of the station, along with additional counters. The first train will run from Machilipatnam on January 25.

The South Central Railway will run a maximum of 5 pairs of trains. These include Machilipatnam-Madar, Ajmer-Tirupati, Kachiguda-Madar, Nanded-Ajmer, and Hyderabad-Madar up-anddown trains. Five pairs

of trains are being run by North Western Railway. These include Madar-Bandra Terminus, Ajmer-Bareilly, MadarBhopal, Daurai-Bandra Terminus, and Ajmer Delhi. Two pairs of trains Chhapra-Ajmer and Mau-Ajmer are being run by North East Railway. These trains will operate from January 25 to February 1.

Modi’s social security scheme gets cold shoulder

lll

Gehlot has recommended PM Modi to bring social security schemes across the country but the scenario is different in Rajasthan

Barmer: State chief minister Ashok Gehlot is emphasizing social security schemes and have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi several times that he must bring such schemes across the country.

But contrary to Gehlot’s concern towards social security schemes, the scenario in Rajasthan is totally different as a central sponsored social security

scheme is getting the cold shoulder in the state. Here, we are talking about Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi

Maandhan. This is a union government scheme meant for old age protection and social security of Unorganized

Workers (UW). There are approximately 42 crore unorganized workers in the country.

It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme under which the beneficiary would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years and if the beneficiary dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension.

Jodhpur: Member of Parliament (MP) from Amravati (Maharashtra) Navneet Rana on Friday reached Jodhpur on a two-day visit to attend a meeting of the Foreign Ministry’s parliamentary committee.

While speaking to media reporters, Navneet Rana said that there is a need for a recitation of Hanuman Chalisa in Rajasthan too and when the time comes, it will be recited

here also. Commenting on the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Rana said, “First, they should tell which part of India is broken. India has never been broken and

the BJP government has worked to unite the country. Article 370 was imposed to separate Jammu and Kashmir, but the BJP abrogated it and made it united,” said MP Navneet Rana.

Mukesh Mathrani

Mukesh

First India Bureau

Shiv Prakash Purohit

him, Kota North counsellor Anil Suwalka objected on taking the name of the minister. After which there was an uproar and workers of both sides came face to face. One side even started raising slogans of Dhariwal Zindabad.

Naresh Sharma

Sri

temple to organise event from Feb 1 to celebrate 23rd anniv

24 special trains from Jan 25 to Feb 1 for Urs

CM approves `273 cr to set up new building on Secretariat premises MP Navneet Rana reaches Jodhpur to attend Parliamentary panel meeting

workers create ruckus at ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign meeting

NIA questions Ajmer Dargah Anjuman panel Secy for 3 hrs

CM Gehlot grants add’l `9 crore funds for food in tribal hostels 7-yr-old dies as house set on fire by smugglers

Principal Secy Mahaveer P Sharma reviews arrangements for the upcoming 15th legislative Assembly

A press conference organised at Shree Theater on Friday.

Navneet Rana along with security officials in Jodhpur.

A scuffle between two groups during ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ Abhiyan meeting at the Congress office in Kota on Friday.

The first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army “Exercise Cyclone-I” is undergoing at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The exercise which began on January 14 is aimed at bolster defence co-operation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations.

CM Ashok Gehlot

‘

I became CM thrice with peoples’ blessings’

Will work for

Laxman

Hanumangarh: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Friday that as soon as the government changes, the new government stops important schemes, the benefit of which is not available to everyone.

“That’s why if the government gets 10 years, it can do a better job,” Gehlot said while addressing the workers while on a one-day visit to Hanumangarh district.

Gehlot said that the people are parents and it is the people who form the government.

“The policy of the Con-

gress and the constitution of the party have always been in favour of the people. With the blessings of the public, I got the fortune of becoming CM thrice. I have worked with all the veteran leaders of Congress. I got a chance to work with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. The party gave big responsibilities to an ordinary worker like me. I was made CM thrice in Rajasthan. We left no stone unturned to work for the general

BJP is creating an atmosphere of hatred in country. This will take time to convert into mutual brotherhood. Rahul Gandhi is spreading love across the country, but his voice will reach the common people under the Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign.

Minister

Ashok Gehlot, Chief

public. Despite this, losing the election is painful. When a government takes a visionary deci-

CM Gehlot to chair MoU Signing Ceremony of 26 projects on Jan 23

Gehlot. While Minister of Industries & Commerce Shakuntla Rawat, Minister of Tourism Vishvendra Singh and Minister of State for Power Bhanwar Singh Bhati will be present for this occasion.

Jaipur: In continuance of Invest Rajasthan campaign, the State Government is set to organise an MoU Signing Ceremony in Jaipur on January 23 to bring investment of approx Rs 1.36lakh crore. The MoUs for 26 projects from Renewable Energy and Tourism sectors will be inked at the ceremony which will be generating as many as 13,000 direct and indirect jobs in the State.

The ceremony will be presided over by the Chief Minister Ashok

Rawat says that the state Government is committed to create sustainable partnerships with investors for the growth of the state. The Invest Rajasthan campaign is helping us to collaborate with stakeholders and fulfil

promises.

Veenu Gupta, ACS Industries & Commerce says that the state recently has organised Invest Summit and the response from the industries has been overwhelming. This MOU signing will be a next step to take our commitments further. We are dedicated to provide a conducive and hasslefree environment for setting up of projects in the state.

State govt in past years has eased setting up process of businesses by introducing One Stop Shop, Sector specific policies like NRR Policy, Rajasthan Start-up Policy etc. Also, Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2022 launched recently has widened RIPS – 2019’s scope.

The leader who will not go between workers and public, will not get ticket. MLAs, Ministers are made by the hard work of the workers and the kindness of the public. I call upon our leaders to visit the workers’ homes to know their condition. If there is a problem, help them. People’s representatives will be with you from January 26. Millions of people are gathering in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. —GS Dotasra, PCC Chief

Rajasthan has better health schemes than any other state in India. However, their publicity is not done properly.

sion and in the meantime the government changes, it affects the pace of development,”

Sukhjinder Randhawa, Congress Raj in-charge

hlot has indicated to reopen the closed spinning mill of Hanumangarh district.

I HAVE BEEN A MAGICIAN SINCE CHILDHOOD: CM

O n the question of magic, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that he has been a magician since childhood. “The magic continues to this day. I reached here, undertook the journey, that’s why I became the CM thrice. If there was no love of 36 communities, who would then become MP five times and Union Minister three times? That’s why I say keep doing your work, everything else is fixed. Our government is definitely doing a better job. We have to fight the election together,” the Chief Minister added.

CONG MLAS’ RESIGNATION

Rajasthan HC orders Asssembly Secy

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is planning to jump into the electoral fray of Rajasthan in the coming months.

A few sources informed that AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi may announce candidates in the Muslimdominated constituencies of Rajasthan.

A report is being prepared in this regard and possibly the party will field its candidates likely in 20 constituencies of the state.

In the meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi is also expected to visit Rajasthan on February 17 and 18, 2023, say sources. He may also visit Rajasthan every 20 days till the elections.

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has expressed displeasure over the delay in taking a decision on the resignations of 91 Congress MLAs. The High Court has ordered the Assembly Secretary to present a fresh affidavit in the matter. A division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Shubha Mehta gave the order on Friday.

Advocate Mahendra Singh appeared on behalf of the Vidhan Sabha. A hearing was held in the High Court on Friday on the petition of BJP leader Rajendra Singh Rathore. Now, the matter will be heard on January 30. Rathore

himself advocated in this matter.

In this matter, the High Court had earlier issued notices to the Assembly Secretary & others & directed them to submit their reply within 3 weeks.

The bench observed

Countdown for membership of RHB’s ‘Club House-21’ begins, online application from Jan 26

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora chairs important meeting with committee members, gives necessary guidelines

Jaipur: RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora, on Friday, held a meeting with the committee members in connection with ‘Club House-21’ and discussed other topics including online registration, brochure, fee structure and gave necessary guidelines.

The Commissioner

said that like other projects made by the RHB, ‘Club House’ will also emerge as the new hot destination of Jaipur.

He informed that the online application pro-

FACILITIES FOR THE CLUB MEMBERS

by developing necessary facilities including decorations and furniture,” RHB Commissioner Arora said.

membership process of from January 26, it is the topmost priority of the board to make the club convenient.

that the MLAs had submitted their resignations on Sept 25 and the Speaker decided on them on Jan 13. “It is not right to delay so much. It is natural to take reasonable time but three months is too much,” the bench observed.

Bureau

India

First

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to constitute a committee to study the promotion related cases of the employees.

cess will be started from January 26 for the membership of ‘Club House’ to be built in Raj Aangan Yojana in Sector 24 of Pratap Nagar. Membership will be given on

the ‘First Come, First Serve’ basis.

During the meeting, Arora saw the presentation of all facilities provided to members including banquet hall,

library, mini theatre, sports arena etc. to be built in Club House, via power- point presentation and made necessary suggestions. He said that by starting the

“A 7-member screening committee has also been constituted for the selection of online applications. About 1,500 people can be made members . Membership fee of Rs.3 lakh for NRI, PIO OCI members, Rs.5 lakh for corporate members, 20 % concession in membership fee for Central & State govt staff & 10 % concession will be given to allottees of Jaipur-based RHBschemes,” Arora said.

The Committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of retired IAS Khemraj Chowdhary. Joint Secretary, Personnel (A-2) Department will be the Member Secretary of the Committee and the Administrative Department of the Committee will be the Department of Personnel.

According to the proposal, the Department of Personnel constitut-

Congress,

will remain in party: SS Randhawa

Hanumangarh: Congress party’s Rajasthan State in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the one who works for the Congress, will remain in the Congress. He advised the leaders sitting on the dais that the one who takes the worker along with him, will move forward. On the infighting between Congress, Randhawa bluntly said that it is true that only Congress defeats Congress, now we have to break this myth.

The agony of the Punjab election result was clearly visible in Randhawa’s mind. He said, “We lost Punjab due to infighting between the Congress and the people of Punjab are now missing the Congress.”

He described the schemes of the Gehlot government as dedicated to public welfare.

FROM P1…

You people... Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that he has a special attachment with Sri Ganganagar. “If the demands of the farmers are fulfilled, not a single seat will go to the BJP in Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar. The Congress has lagged behind in honouring the worker, but now no stone will be left unturned. Every worker will be respected. Block Presidents should be seated at the front of the dais. Leaders who talk above the party line, will not be tolerated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Congress State President GS Dotasra said, “Government is formed only Cong workers’s strength. Govt will be formed again only if they are respected, everyone will have to work hard, go from village to village. There is no split in Congress, rather all leaders in BJP have different paths.”

ed a separate committee to study the cases and make recommendations for guidance regarding non-holding of Departmental Promotion Committee meetings of cadres in various departments due to various reasons and ensuring compliance of notification related to the reservation in promotion.

It is notable that in the past, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had constituted the Employees’ Salary Discrepancy Inquiry Committee, the report of which was presented before the State Government on December 30, 2022.

Raghv and Kapil Sharma

CM said and urged the general public to repeat the government in the next elections. CM Ge-

Shivendra Parmar

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses the gathering at Congress workers’ conference held ahead of the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign in Sri Ganganagar on Friday. Also seen here are GS Dotasra, Govind Ram Meghwal, Amit Chachan and others.

CM Ashok Gehlot, Sukhwinder S Randhawa, GS Dotasra, Govind Ram Meghwal, Vinod Kumar and others during the Congress workers’ conference held ahead of the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign in Hanumangarh on Friday.

n CM: Raj tops in terms of devp in the nation as govt has schemes for all sections

n The one who takes the worker along, will move forward, says Randhawa

First India Bureau

to submit fresh affidavit

AIMIM likely to field its candidates in Rajasthan polls

CM’s nod to form a panel to study promotion related cases

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora chairs a meeting regarding ‘Club House-21’ with committee members. Also seen here are KC Meena, Manoj Jain, Sanjay Sharma, Anil Mathur, Shekhar Garg, Shashi Bhargava, Sanjay Harpreet, Alok Mehta and others.

Kamal Kant Vyas

A hearing was held in High Court on Friday on BJP leader Rajendra Singh Rathore’s PIL. Now, the matter will be heard on January 30

Dr Mahesh Joshi, Mahendra Choudhary, Sanyam Lodha, Shanti Dhariwal hand over resignations to Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi after three hours of political drama at Dhariwal’s residence on September 25,2022. —FILE PHOTO

Mins Shakuntla Rawat, Vishvendra Singh & Bhanwar S Bhati will be present

The second day of Jaipur Literature Festival witnessed an impressive line-up of speakers enthral patrons. Jaipur reverberated with the best of ideas, music and events with visitors enjoying a truly immersive insight at Clarks Amer on Friday!

Jaipur Literature Fest, or JLF, as the holy grail of fests is popularly known, witnessed a magical response on Day 2, to our delight.

The 16th edition is being held between 19th - 23rd January, 2023 with its characteristic flavour, substance and scale, bringing together writers, readers, connoisseurs, influencers, and thinkers.

Apart from being a temporary home to some of the best authors from around the world, JLF is abuzzing with discussions in its regular format at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur.

The second day opened at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur with a powerful Carnatic music performance by Aditya Prakash accompanied by the violin and the mridanga.

At the Festival on Friday, author Tripurdaman Singh, celebrated author and politician Shashi Tharoor discussed the crisis of democ-

Philanthropist and writer Sudha Murty in conversation with renowned journalist

Mandira Nayar discussed Murty’s first publishing experience when she was 29.

Hindi, spoken in several countries in the world today, has acquired diverse repertoires deriving from cultural and linguistic interactions with the ambient environment.

Celebrated personalities – iconic poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and acclaimed actor and social activist Shabana Azmi discussed the differences and similarities between their respective fathers - poets Jan Nisar Akhtar and Kaifi Azmi - and their perspectives on love and romance.

One of India’s most respected scriptwriters, directors, and leading poets, Gulzar was in conversation with award-winning translator, writer, and literary historian Rakhshanda Jalil, to discuss A Poem a Day, a volume of Indian poetry selected and translated by Gulzar.

JLF 2023 is a confluence of the world’s most renowned authors and writers.

Essentially, it’s a hub for like-minded individuals to connect and exchange ideas.

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

(L-R) Janina, Elena, Clara, Sophia and Vera captured while capturing

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi during their session on ‘Daaera and Dhanak: Companion Volumes of Nazm by Kaifi Amzi and Jan Nisar Akhtar’

A visitor admiring the aesthetic jewellery at the festival

The lovely literature enthusiasts posing for the camera at the festival

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH

KIRADOO & SUNIL SHARMA

MY BOOK MY BELIEFS WITH SUDHA MURTY

and open dialogue with them.

SALONI KHANDELWAL cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Sudha Murty during her conversation with Mandira Nair on the second day of JLF 2023, talked vividly of her childhood, family, and writing.

Sudha who started writing at the army age of 14, only started writing in English at the age of 15. When asked about it, she said, " I am very much connected to my culture and mother tounge.

But, just like you can ride to different vehicle, you can also write in two languages and I learnt that at 52."

Sudha said that there is so much can learn their own children. And it's very important to keep

"There is so much learn from children and we adults are slow to understand that. I always have so much to learn from Akshata and I treat her just like my friend"

When talking about her early career days, Sudha said, "I was

to persue applied sciences and I did. For me knowledge has no gender"

When talking about Rishi Sunak on becoming a Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Sudha plainly said, "I am happy for him, but that's that.

We often talk but never talk about work. He is

BRIDGE TO IMAGINATION!

HIMALAYA: EXPLORING THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

the book is virtually as broad as the area. All of these topics are covered, as well as a number of intriguing characters whose lives are connected to the mountains. In a session with Yashaswini Keay dis-

ABritish historian, writer, radio host, and speaker who specialises in telling the popular history of China, India, and the Far East, John Keay reviewed his book 'HIMALAYA: EXPLORING THE ROOF OF THE WORLD' and discussed some important aspects and his love for the Himalayas in a conversation with Yashaswini Chandra on the second day of JLF.

John during the session stated that The scope of

cusses his love of Asia, the writing process, and his motivation for telling the tale of the planet's sole high altitude eco-zone. He said it's really encouraging how many schools are offering Himalayan studies these days people are finally taking the Himalayas seriously and bringing all the components together to agree on what we can and what we can not do.

On asked which region fascinates him the most John replied " I know quite a major history of the Himalayas and I have written a lot about Kashmir and Ladakh region so they are my favourite region. I fell in love with them when I first saw them.

The session began with an introduction to the respective books of Azmi and Akhtar and how the idea of the book came to be and the way it progressed further. They dis-

MAGICIAN OF WORDS

cussed the differences and similarities between both the poets, Jan Nisar Akhtar and Kaifi Azmi and their respective perspectives on love and romance. The star couple also highlighted their sweet and sour but lovely relationship and how they managed to maintain their individual identities, irrespective of their interests and passion for poetries. They also reminisced about how they worked together to bring out the book on the writings of their respective fathers-in-law.

Dhanak is a collection of poems by poet and lyricist Jan Nisar Akhtar (Javed Akhtar’s father), which has been selected by Shabana Azmi and translated from Urdu by Sumantra Ghoshal.

‘Daaera’, is a collection of poems by Kaifi Azmi (Shabana Azmi’s father), selected by Javed Akhtar and translated from Urdu by Mir Ali Hussain. They are multi-lingual anthologies that showcase twenty-five nazms of each of the iconic poets. While expressing her views on translating poetries, Shaban said, "Translating poetries from one language to other is like pouring perfume from one bottle to another, spilling some in the process." During the engaging session, Shabana recalled one cute incident and said "I remember that one day we were walking through the street and I said that I like this flower and to my surprise, Javed Sahab bought the entire

flower shop for me. After a few days, we had a fight and Javed Sahab wrote a Nazm for me and made me fall in love with him."

On a satirical note, her husband quipped "I guess, buying flowers wholesale is much cheaper than buying a single one." Famous lyricist Gulzar, pop singer Usha Uthup and Sudha Murthy were also present along with other poetry lovers.

The session was followed by a press conference of Aktar's biography titled, 'Talking Life' featured him and the author Nasreen Munni Kabir in conversation with Managing Director, Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer Sanjoy K Roy, where the veteran screenwriter said, "It’s

not a biography but a conversational biography which offers glimpses and stories which I came across."

During the conference, he shared many instances of his life, including his creative process and his journey and his experience with meeting various actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Javed and Rajesh Khanna and said, "It took me 25 years to be an overnight star" which says Success isn't overnight. It's when every day you get a little better than the day before. It all adds up.

At another conference, India’s leading pop icon Usha Uthup in conversation with the translator of her biography, Srishti Jha, shared insights about her journey of

how she became one of India’s leading pop icons and said, “...actually I was thrown out of class, my music teacher Ms Davidson said that she couldn't fit me in anywhere in the choir but they all

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Veteran Script Writer, lyricist and poet Javed Aktar's enchanting poetry suffused the air and left a crowded lawn spellbound during his and Shabana Azmi's conversation with Rakhshanda Jalil at the 16th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) at the iconic Clarks Amer on Friday.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

Sudha Murty signing the book for little literature enthusiast

CITY FIRST

Jaipur witnessed a magnificent evening at Hotel Hilton on Friday. GSLC, the Global School Leaders’ Consortium, organised the “Meeting of the Titans,” in which the elite educators of Rajasthan were present. During the occasion, more than 100 school leaders participated in the programme and received awards including ‘Edu Icon’ and ‘Edu Inspirer’ for their contribution to the education sector.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the chief guest and shared his valuable thoughts with the audience along with Shishir Awasthi, Consulting EditorBharat 24.

Prominent Schools including Samarpan Sansthan and Divya Jyoti Blind Girls’ School were also invited to be part of the inspirational event, who are doing commendable work for the betterment of special children, for which schools from all over Rajasthan contributed their part.

This one-of-a-kind citation and appreciation evening for the elite educators was sponsored by Next Education, Furtados School of Music, Class 24. GSLC is also launching a School

EDU ICONS OF RAJASTHAN!

listing platform and Digital Magazine shortly.

The outstanding event was a great evening filled with wisdom and motivation from different parts of the Rajasthan. Sunny Lalwani and Pankaj Sharma, Directors of GSLC Group said that they will keep organising such events so that all the eminent educators can come under one roof and discuss the issues which are highly important for the 21st Century learning environment.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

DESIGNING A WORLD FOR WOMEN

CITY FIRST

ARCH College of Design and Business on Friday organised a Fire-side chat on ‘Designing a world for women’ on its campus in association with Women Mentors Forum. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the special guest. Shaili Chopra, Founder, SheThe People and Gytree discussed the evolution of women in Indian society with Ms Archana Surana, Founder and Director, of ARCH. Expressing their views in a candid manner, the women veterans discussed the current status of women in society and how they can really be empowered in a real sense and impact millions of lives. Advocating the need to take

GLORIOUS FIVE YEARS OF AMPRAPALI MUSEUM

CITY FIRST

The Amrapali Museum, from the legendary House of Amrapali, celebrates 5 illustrious years this January. Curated by founders of Amrapali, Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, the museum stands tall as the country’s largest museum of tribal and rural jewellery that gives a glimpse of the cultural heritage and handicrafts of India.

To celebrate the milestone, the Amrapali Museum hosted an enchanting evening of eminent personalities on Friday.

MP, author and former international civil servant, Shashi Tharoor among many oth-

er prominent personlities were present on the occasion.

On the milestone cel-

equipment as they develop motor skills such as grasping strength, hand and arm strength, finger coordination, lifting weights etc. Apart from this NPCL also recently organised special camps in some schools where schoolgirls and teachers were trained in easy-to-learn self-defense techniques. In addition, free health assessment camps have also been organised by the company in many schools.

ebration for the Amrapali Museum, Rajiv Arora, Co-Founder of the House of Amrapali

myself, travelling across India and discovering the intricacies of our history through jewellery and artefacts was something that brought us immense joy.”

Further adding, Rajesh Ajmera, Co-Founder of the House of Amrapali comments, “The Amrapali Museum came to life when we realised we were sitting on a repository of information that showcases the history of India in one of the most unique ways.

women’s liberation to the next level, Archana Surana, Director and Founder, of ARCH College of Design and Business, said, ‘’We women are 50% of the population but still most of the time we talk about His story, not Her Story. Worldwide while designing a place, wom-

en-centric requwirements are not kept in mind because they are considered inclusive.’’

In agreement, Shaili Chopra, said, “ If we work together, we can make the change. We want. My book also talked when women get together they become an as powerful and unstoppable force as they could be.‘’

comments, “What they say is right! When joy is shared, it truly doubles. For Rajesh and

The Amrapali Museum has also become a rich source of study and research for scholars.”

UNDERSTANDING THE ART OF ACTING!

CITY FIRST

The Jayshree Periwal International School, Mahapura organised the International Drama Academy (IDA) and the Music Together (MT) grand finale for grades PP-5 on Friday.

Dr Jayshree Periwal, the dynamic Director of the Jayshree Periwal Group of Schools with her vivacious presence honoured the occasion.

Dr Periwal was overwhelmed and congratulated the young participants for their flawless performance. She mentioned that the finesse with which the students performed was incredible and way beyond their age.

The PYP Principal, Jaya Singh further added that there’s holistic development in learners due to drama, the idea that participating in drama can help develop an individual’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual skills. This means that by participating in drama, an individual can improve

their public speaking, problem-solving etc.

IDA and MT’s internationally acclaimed, carefully constructed, and progressive drama syllabus followed in the school enables students to develop effective social interaction, skills in verbal English communication, and greater confidence.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

MEET & GREET!

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai was greeted by Upendra Rai, Chairman, MD and Editorin-Chief of Bharat Express News Network during a courtesy visit on Friday. During the meeting, the latter invited Minister to the launching ceremony of the news channel on February 1.

DGP Umesh Mishra was invited and paid a courtesy call by Father Rax Angelo (Principal of Xavier’s College Nevta), Aparna Joshi (Alumni President), Aamir Khan (Vice President), and Kapil Chopra (Joint Secretary) on Friday for the Zavier’s Zest Fest. He has been invited as the chief guest of the cultural program of the Zest Festival to be held from February 2-4. Around 3 to 4000 students will participate in the festival in which there will be dance, singing, fashion show, theatre, and live band.

The 23rd anniversary of Sri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir located at Shree Cement Limited Bangad Nagar, Andheri Deori will be celebrated with pomp from February 1 to 5. Composer Pritam Chakraborty will spread the magic of his music during the annual festival. A press conference was organised on behalf of Shree Cement administration at Shree Theater on Friday in which city media persons and Shree Cement officials participated. During the pc, the company’s Unit Head Beawar Hukumchand Gupta, Assistant VP RAS Personnel Department Vinay Dubey etc were present.

Celebrity fitness trainer and coach AJ celebrated his birthday on Friday, January 20. Wishes poured in from friends, family and fitness enthusiasts.

Jagdeesh Chandra felicitates Rama Datt with the Lifetime Achievement Award for excellent service in the field of education. Also seen are Sunny Lalwani and Pankaj Sharma

Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience Jagdeesh Chandra greeted by Dr Sandeep Bakshi

(L-R) Rajesh Ajmera, Tarang, Akanksha and Rajiv Arora (L-R) Aalim Zhaveri, Shashi Tharoor and Rajiv Arora

Shaili Chopra and Archana Surana

Jagdeesh Chandra addressing the audience. Also seen is Archana Surana