First India-Jaipur Edition-22nd January 2023

CULTIVATING

BJP ATTACKS BBC

New Delhi: The Centre has directed YouTube and Twitter to take down multiple videos of the first episode of the BBC documentary titled “India: The Modi Question” and tweets containing the web links, according to sources. Both YouTube and Twitter have complied with direction, sources added. Over 50 tweets have been blocked.

Multiple Ministries said the documentary is “an attempt to cast aspersions on authority and credibility of SC, sow divisions among various Indian communities, and make unsubstantiated allegations regarding actions of foreign GoI.

Moscow-Goa flight diverted after bomb mail

First India Bureau

Panaji: A Goa-bound flight from Moscow with 240 passengers on board was diverted to Uzbekistan in the early hours on Saturday, after authorities at the Dabolim airport in State received an email, which claimed that there was a bomb on plane, police said. This is the second such incident on the Moscow-Goa route involving the same airline in less than two weeks when they received bomb threat.

Commitment to environmental

Sri Ganganagar:

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday that the Bishnoi community has made an invaluable contribution in the interest of environmental protection and wildlife conservation and that is why the society has a different identity in the country and the world. Gehlot was addressing the concluding program of

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

BBC trying to interfere in our internal affairs, destroy India-UK ties: Former envoys on PM Modi documentary

TMC MP Derek O’Brien was among some Oppn leaders whose tweet on the documentary was removed by Twitter

India has called the documentary a “propaganda piece” that lacks objectivity and reflects a colonial mindset

9 hurt in twin blasts amid high security in Jammu

First India Bureau

Jammu: Just two days before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra is scheduled to reach Jammu, two back-to-back explosions rocked a busy locality on the outskirts of the city on Saturday, leaving nine people injured, officials said. Police suspect that IEDs were used to carry out explosions. J&K LG Manoj Sinha strongly condemned incident and called for strict action.

Thakur comes to rescue of wrestlers

wrestlers call off stir

New

conservation

community: Gehlot

Shri Jambhavani Hari Katha organized at Shri Bishnoi Mandir Samiti Budha Johad (Dabla) located in Raisinghnagar of Sri Ganganagar district.

Gehlot said that the teachings and ideals of Shri Jambheshwar Bhagwan are relevant even today. “The society is working on the direction shown by him for the protection of environment and protection of life,” Gehlot said and

also remembered the Khejdarli sacrifice.

The Chief Minister said, “the state government has opened 211 new colleges in four years to promote girl education, of which 94 are girls’ colleges. Along with this, girls’ colleges will be run in any government school where there are 500 girl students. The upcoming budget will be focused on youth and the students. Turn to P10

Keonjhar

MINS’ COMMITTEE TO PROBE ALLEGATIONS

Sports Ministry will announce the names of its oversight committee members, who will probe the allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against WFI Prez Brij Bhushan Singh today.

Kids carrying Indian flags run across a mustard field ahead of the Republic Day 2023 celebrations, at a village near Balurghat in South Dinajpur district of West Bengal on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

New Zealand’s minister Chris Hipkins will replace Jacinda Ardern as PM after emerging as the only candidate nominated to lead ruling the Labour Party.

The ED has arrested TMC youth wing member Kuntal Ghosh on Saturday in WB teachers recruitment scam after being questioned for two consecutive days.

The office of Nizams, Chowmahalla Palace on Saturday announced that Mir Mohammad Azmat Ali Khan Azmat Jah has been declared as 9th Nizam of Hyderabad.

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Saturday approved the appt of Vikram Dev Dutt as next DG in DGCA. He will take over as head on February 28.

CHIEF MINISTER’S VISIT TO SRI GANGANAGAR

protection &

has lent a separate identity to Bishnoi

Sunil Sihag

CM Ashok Gehlot with Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and others at Gurdwara Buddha Johad in Raisinghnagar on Saturday.

First India Bureau

Delhi: Protesting wrestlers decided to call off their three-dayold protest at Jantar Mantar against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following marathon talks with

sports minister Anurag Thakur that ended postmidnight on Sat, with Singh being asked to step aside for 4 wks. P6

Anurag Thakur with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia & Babita Phogat addresses media at his residence, in New Delhi on late Saturday.

WFI Prez to step aside, Secy of WFI suspended;

Triveni: A bus with Indian pilgrims returning from Nepal’s Triveni spun out of control and overturned in a pit, injuring at least 60 passengers on Saturday. There were 70 devotees on the bus who were returning from the Triveni Dham in Nepal.

Video of BBC propaganda against Prime Minister Narendra Modi blocked by Govt of India on Saturday.

MODI

TO NAME 21 ISLANDS AFTER PARAM VIR CHAKRA AWARDEES

CENTRE’S STRONG STAND: ALL INDIAN NEWS PUBLISHERS NEED TO BE PAID FOR CONTENT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in a programme tomorrow to name 21 of the largest unnamed islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees.

New Delhi: Big tech companies that profit by funnelling news into their search results and feeds must give a “fair share of revenues” to publishers, Indian govt has said, citing a need to address “imbalance” in the relationship between the two. MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasised importance of this issue for future of journalism and financial health of news industries.

Moni Sharma

Centre asks Twitter, YouTube to block BBC documentary critical of PM Modi

The BBC documentary questions ‘integrity’ of India’s institutions

Minimum temp dips in Raj’s Bikaner & Jaipur divisions

Karauli was

Jaipur (PTI): Districts in Bikaner and Jaipur divisions witnessed a decline in minimum temperatures in the past 24 hours, a Met office spokesperson said.

Karauli was the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Pilani at 3.9 degrees.

The minimum temperature in Sirohi was recorded at 4.3 degrees Celsius, Churu at 4.6 degrees, Sikar at 5 degrees, Fatehpur at 5.7 degrees and Dholpur at 6.1 degrees.

The minimum and maximum temperatures in Jaipur were recorded at 8.3 degrees

and 21.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. Most other places in Rajasthan re-

CBI court sentences father-son to 15 yrs

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A CBI court in Jaipur on Saturday convicted and sentenced a man and his son to fifteen years of rigorous imprisonment in a case related to drug smuggling. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 1,00,000 on each of the accused. Sources informed that Mukesh Bhardwaj and his son Rahul Bhardwaj, a resident of Jagatpura, were arrested in August 2012 from their home. “During the raids, the police had seized 106.64 kgs of ketamine and Rs 70.50 lakh cash from the

house. The drugs were supplied to rave parties and even abroad by the convicts. The court found both of them guilty and sentenced them to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment,” said the source. CBI Judge Sunil Ranwah pronounced the judgement after hearing final arguments in the case.

minimum temperatures between 6 and 12 degrees. Also, the

Police nab Gudbaji gang member

in

Jaipur

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Galta Gate Thana Police has arrested a member of the Gudbaji gang for their involvement in incidents of theft with women. Police informed that Iqbal Ali, a member of the gudbaji gang, has been arrested and is being interrogated by the officials.

“The miscreant used to target single women and scare them by telling something bad or dangerous about their family members. The gudbaji gang belongs to Uttarakhand and its members are wanted in several cases. The accused is being questioned and important revelations are expected soon,” police said.

Saraf inaugurates Ayurvedic Hosp’s hall in Barkat Nagar

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Malviya Nagar MLA and former Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf inaugurated the hall and other development related works built on the second floor of Government Ayurvedic Hospital Barkat Nagar located in Ward 137 at a cost of Rs 30 lakh from the MLA fund.

While presiding over the programme, local councillor Dinesh Gaur said that a big hall has been built for patients on the second floor of the Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Barkat

Nagar. On the demand of doctors and local people of the Ayurvedic hospital, Saraf announced Rs 35 lakh from the MLA fund for a lift and other develop-

Satish Poonia interacts with Khajuwala villagers on border

First India Bureau

Bikaner: In sync with PM Narendra Modi’s call to connect all classes across the country, BJP State President Satish Poonia visited Khajuwala assembly constituency of Bikaner district on Saturday and interacted with the common man in border villages under the ‘Vibrant Border Village’ programme.

Poonia spent the night in Khajuwala village & interacted with the people about the welfare schemes of the Modi government. Khajuwala village is located on the Indo-Pak border. He also held a meeting with Seemajan Kalyan Samiti to inquire about the condition of Border Guards.

Bulldozer continues to raze illegal structure

ment works in the hospital. The doctors team and the local people expressed gratitude & welcomed Saraf. Many dignitaries were present at this inauguration.

Jaipur: The bulldozer continued to raze the illegal five-storey building in the Gurjar ki thadi area in the state capital. On Saturday, the bulldozers run through the remaining area of the already demolished building. The building was the target of the JDA Enforcement Wing for three years. The action was taken after demolishing the building of Adhigam Coaching in a paper leak case. After this, another illegal building was demolished near Adhigam as

the tribunal ordered the removal of illegal construction. The illegal construction owners removed the seal installed by JDA and started the construction. In a period of 3 years, 142 illegal buildings were sealed and 76 were demolished in the city by the JDA encroachment squad.

CP Joshi, Malviya, Anjana lay foundation stone in Rajsamand

Ashish Choudhery

Rajsamand: The State Government’s Water Resources Department has given a gift to the Nathdwara assembly constituency of Rajsamand district on Saturday.

Water Resources Minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, Cooperative Minister Udailal Anjana, and Assembly Speaker Dr. CP Joshi, who were on a tour of Rajsamand district, donated Rs 26 crore and laid the foundation stone and did bhoomi pujan for various schemes of the Irrigation Department.

Malviya unveiled 18

MINES DEPARTMENT’S INITIATIVE

Camps for silicosis awareness in 10 days

125 camps for silicosis awareness and medical checkups will be held in January, said Add’l CS Mines and Petroleum Subodh Agarwal

Jaipur: The State Mines Department has decided to organise camps to create awareness regarding silicosis. More than 30 camps will be organized in the next 10 days.

Additional Chief Secretary Mines and Petroleum Subodh Agarwal said that more than 10,000 citizens of the state have benefited from these camps. Agarwal said that

camps are being organised in affected and potential areas with the joint cooperation of the medical department, mine holders, social or-

ganisations, etc. so that information about prevention, treatment, and facilities provided by the state government for silicosis can reach

the people.

Director Mines Sandesh Nayak said that about 24 camps are being organised in the area of Superintendent Mineral Engineer Jaipur Circle. In the remaining 10 days of this month, 33 silicosis awareness and check-up camps will be organised.

Nayak said that facilities for check-up and medicines etc. are being provided to all the common citizens of the area in the camp.

stone plaques at a function organised at Sanga Ka Kheda village of Namana Panchayat. Addressing the ceremony, he said that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced 100 anicuts

in the last budget. “Today along with Namana anicuts, renovation of various ponds, strengthening of canals and works of the irrigation department will start,” he said.

Brother and sister die in road mishap in Bharatpur

First India Bureau

Bharatpur: A brother and sister were killed in Bharatpur on Saturday after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding trailor, police said. The deceased has been identified as Ajay (18) & Komal (20), a resident of mainpura gram panchayat in Bharatpur. “The victims were heading towards Bhusawar when their motorcycle was hit by a speeding trailer filled with sand at BhusawarHindaun highway. The victims were struck in the tyres of the trailer and were dragged to a distance of 20 meters which led to their death on the spot. The dead bodies have been kept in the mortuary for post-mortem,” said police.

Singh

Nirmal Tiwari

the coldest place, recording a minimum temp of 3.2° Celsius

corded

cold has increased due to light rain late night in Sriganganagar.

The minimum temperature in Sirohi was recorded at 4.3 degrees Celsius, Churu at 4.6 degrees, Sikar at 5 degrees, Fatehpur at 5.7 degrees and Dholpur at 6.1 degrees.

BJP State President Satish Poonia addressing villagers of Khajuwala assembly constituency of Bikaner district on Saturday.

Malviya Nagar MLA & former Health Min Kalicharan Saraf during the inauguration ceremony with other dignitaries on Saturday.

First India Bureau

CP Joshi, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and Udailal Anjana during the foundation stone laying ceremony on Saturday.

Additional Chief Secretary Mines and Petroleum Subodh Agarwal.

Jaipur: The prime post of XEN CD II in Jaipur DISCOM remained vacant in the final list of transfers. The post has been lying vacant for the last two and a half months after the transfer of technocrat Deepak Sharma. Apart from the VVIP areas of Civil Lines and C-Scheme, many important areas including Lalkothi come under the XEN CD II. This post was expected to be filled in the lists issued just before the ban. Now, the question is that the post for which technocrats used to tussle was kept vacant for whom. Has the proposal of a ‘technocrat’ not reached Energy Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati? —Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The most powerful Gurjar leader in the BJP organisation at present is Alka Gurjar. Along with being the national secretary of BJP, she is the co-in-charge of Delhi. Her husband Dr. Nathu Singh Gurjar was also a very sharp leader of BJP. However, it is a different matter that many other powerful Gurjar leaders are also there in the party. The leaders include Prahlad Gunjal, Vijay Bainsla, Sukhbir

Jaunapuria, Kalu Lal Gurjar, Ramlal Gurjar, Hem Singh Bhadana and others but at present, only Alka Gurjar is strong in the BJP organisation. —Aishwary Pradhan

TUSSLE STILL ON FOR FOR POST OF XEN CD II?

NOW MOST POWERFUL GURJAR LEADER IS ALKA

The motorcycle that hit by a speeding trailer.

ARUN SINGH ON 3-DAY VISIT TO RAJ

URS PILGRIMS

Muslim devotees carrying religious flags walk along

road as they arrive for the annual Urs festival at the shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer on Saturday. Thousands of Sufi devotees from different parts of India travel to the shrine for the annual festival, marking the death anniversary of the Sufi saint.

—PHOTO BY HIMANSHU SHARMA

The bulldozer in action.

WALL OF UNDER-CONSTRUCTION HOUSE COLLAPSES, BOY KILLED

CM approves over `90 cr to expand facilities at RUHS

First India Bureau

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: A six-year-old child was killed while one other child sustained injuries after the wall of an under-construction house collapsed in New Sanjay Nagar (Bajrang Nagar) of Bhatta Basti area at around 6:15 pm on Satur-

day. Police informed the deceased has been identified as Faizan while the injured has been identified as Shampoo (6).

“The kids were playing near the under-construction building when the incident took place. Within five minutes after the

accident, Shampoo was dug out of the debris, while Faizan was pulled out after 10 minutes. Both of them were rushed to Kawantiya Hospital where Faizal was declared dead by doctors. Shampoo is presently undergoing treatment in the hospital,” said Deputy Controller (Civil Defence) Amit Sharma.

I-T raids at premises of liquor traders in Jodh, Sikar, Churu

First India Bureau

He will offer flowers at Mahakavi Memorial in Bhinmal and also visit Varahshyam temple, the ancient temple of the city and offer prayers. He will then participate in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple’s idol consecration. The district administration is engaged in preparations for the program. Dhami will Pushkar in Ajmer and pray at Brahma temple. Dhami will reach from Kishangarh airport by road.

STATEWIDE BANDH BY DOCS AGAINST HEALTH BILL TODAY

Jaipur: To register their anguish against the Right to Health Bill of the Rajasthan Government, the resident doctors have announced the bandh across the State on Sunday. The announcement is made to keep all medical institutions closed from 8 am to 8 pm. The protest is backed by the Indian Medical Association Rajasthan Chapter. Other organisations including the Resident Doctors Association have also come in support of the movement.

While on the other hand, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Society have also announced joining the movement. Therefore, all the hospitals affiliated with the society will remain closed on Monday.

Rajasthan government had introduced the Right to Health Bill in the Assembly, saying to seeks to establish legal rights and entitlement of citizens to avail the best of health services.

Jodhpur: The Income Tax sleuths on Saturday conducted raids at over eight premises of two liquor traders in Jodhpur. The I-T officials raided the premises of liquor trader Sardar Khan and his son Noor Mohammad over income tax irregularities.

Sources informed that a team of more than 20 officials reached the residence of the businessman

located in Dharma Narayan Hatha and conducted searches after sealing the house. The traders own liquor shops, four toll plazas in the

AJMER DARGAH HATE SPEECH

Court frames charges against seven accused

Ajmer: A court in Ajmer district on Saturday framed charges on seven accused arrested in connection with a provocative speech made at the Ajmer Dargah premises on June 17 last year. The police had presented a chargesheet against them in court.

Public Prosecutor Ghulam Najmi Farooqui said on June 17, 2022, seven accused including the main accused Gohar Chishti — a Khadim (cleric) of Ajmer dargah — had raised provocative slogans at the main gate of the shrine.

A case was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)against these

accused in the Dargah police station. The defence prosecutor had pleaded not to impose section 115 against the accused. It was argued on behalf of the public prosecutor that hate speech has been given by the accused, due to which the Kanhaiyalal murder case took place in Udaipur.

The tailor Kanhaiya Lal was brutally murdered in Udaipur on June 28.

HONOURING CEREMONY

area and are also associated with finance business. Apart from Jodhpur, search operations were also carried out in cities like Sikar and Churu.

Notably, the Income Tax Department got specific inputs regarding the irregularities of these traders in disclosing their income.

The sleuths are also searching for bank lockers and scrutinising the documents related to business establishments.

Bhatta Basti SHO Hukum Singh informed that during the preliminary investigation, it has revealed that Sheru Khan’s house was under construction and due to that, cracks were formed on the wall of the neighbouring house. “The neighbour, Sajid, had even informed Sheru about the walls being cracked due to construction. However, despite this, Sheru did not repair the wall. A case of death due to negligence will be registered against Sheru Khan,” said Hukum Singh.

Jaipur: The State Government has approved more than Rs 90 crore to expand facilities at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) and the College of Dental Sciences.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved Rs 91.49 crore for various works and setting up of medical facilities, according to a statement.

Rs 15.55 crore will be spent on building a hostel for 180 women students and Rs 13.39 crore for a hostel (studio apartments) for 70 residents of the College of

Rs 15.55 cr to be spent on building hostel for 180 women students.

Dental Sciences in Jaipur. Clinical area will be developed at a cost of Rs 17.46 crore on the hospital building and Rs 8.54 crore on the academic building.

In addition, Rs 19.55 crore will be spent on repair works at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences and Rs

17 crore for purchase of medical equipment.

On January 1, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had approved an additional financial proposal of Rs 14.80 crore for various schemes related to tribes including a push to the educational infrastructure in the State.

Amid Cong political slugfest, MP Tharoor advises leaders to ‘speak thoughtfully’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Reacting to the verbal spat between Congress leaders in the State, MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday advised them to think before speaking about colleagues.

“When we are speaking about our colleagues, we should speak thoughtfully. I didn’t even say such words to my opponents,” said Tharoor while answering a question at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on Saturday.

Tharoor said that he had been in politics for 14 years. “I have never tried to say or instigate anything like this about any-

one. I never want to do mud wrestling in politics. Thinking this, I avoided many issues,” he said.

“We should try to iron

out our differences. People may also have different views. There may be other ways of saying this,” Tharoor said.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: BJP state office bearers and state working committee meeting will be organised in Jaipur on January 22 and 23. On January 23, BJP chief JP Nadda will attend grand reception programmes at various places in Jaipur and he will address the state working committee meeting in the evening. State office bearers meeting will be organised at BJP state office on January 22, in which Satish Poonia, Arun Singh and others will address the gathering.

Jaipur Bar Association felicitates newly appointed High Court judges

Jaipur: The Bar Association on Saturday honoured the newly appointed Judges of the High Court. The Bar Association felicitated newly appointed Justice Ganesh Ram Meena, Justice Anil Upman along with Justice Ashutosh Kumar Mishra by garlanding the judges and offering safas to them.

Association President Kamal Kishore Shar-

Anil Upman and Justice Ganesh Ram and Justice Mishra.

Justice Anil Upman and Justice Ganesh Ram Meena have been members of the Bar Association. The judges said that the Bar and Bench are two wheels of the judiciary’s chariot. They said with the cooperation and coordination of these two wheels, quick and easy justice will be served to the common people.

Kamal Kant

ma, General Secretary Manoj Kumar Sharma, District Bar Presi-

dent Vivek Sharma and other advocates felicitated Justice

One kid sustained injuries while he was playing near building at Bhatta Basti locality

Deceased Faizan (L), injured Shampoo (R).

Damaged structure.

Newly appointed judges and Bar Association members at the felicitation ceremony in Jaipur on Saturday.

JP Nadda to address BJP meetings on January 23

First India Bureau

I-T raid undergoing at Jodh businessman’s residence.

PILOT’S REMARK

U’KHAND CM DHAMI TO VISIT PUSHKAR, BHINMAL TODAY

Jalore: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will visit Pushkar and Bhinmal on Sunday.

Shashi Tharoor and Swapan Dasgupta at Jaipur Literature Festival.

JACINDA ARDERN’S SHOCK RESIGNATION AS NZ PM

Heads of State and government seldom voluntarily retire. Most hold on to the job even if they are in poor health or too old. Jawaharlal Nehru should have retired after he had a stroke on 6th January 1964, at the AICC session at Bhubaneswar. He neglected his deteriorating health and died on 27th May 1964 in his 75th year.

I could give several other examples of leaders convincing themselves of their morality. Joseph Stalin was General Secretary of the Communist Party of the USSR from 1922 to 1953 when he died in mysterious circumstances. For the last few years of his life he was a stricken man, if not a semi-invelia. Neither his doctors, nor any member of the Politburo had the courage to approach him during his illness.

ber 2020. Of her resignation she said, “She had no more in the tank”. She added, “… Politicians are human. We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it is time. And for me it is time.” She is in her early forties.

WRESTLERS PROTEST

India’s top wrestlers-30 of them, young girls and youthful men, have been protesting in bitter cold against the unacceptable conduct of the President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a sitting Member of Parliament. He has held the post for 13 years. His TV performance on Thursday must have done him much harm. He was seen twice slapping a young man. He also said he would not resign.

The lady Wrestlers have complained of “sexual harassment”. The well-being of the Wrestlers is of paramount importance. “Wrestling is India’s most successful individual Olympic sport. It deserves better”, wrote a leading newspaper in its centre page.

PRIME MINISTER ARDERN BECAME A WORLD FIGURE. A GUNMAN TARGETED A MOSQUE, 51 PEOPLE KILLED AND 40 INJURED IN 2019 IN CHRISTCHURCH. SHE SWIFTLY CHANGED THE GUN LAWS. SHE WON A SECOND TERM IN OCTOBER 2020

became a Republic. Few outside India gave India a chance for Democracy surviving more than a few years. Winston Churchill was one of them. He called Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Rajaji and other Congress leaders “men of straw”.

pati Bhavan, North and South Block, Parliament House and India Gate were built between 1920 and 1930. Mercifully, Shastri and Vigyan Bhawans are to be pulled down, so also the hideous Ministry of Defence, built in the 1950’s.

BRITISH ISSUES

The British Monarchy is confronted with a strange problem. One of its members, the erratic and unpredictable, Prince Harry has written a book (it has sold 3.2 million copies in a month) which is highly critical of the Monarchy. He may have made a lot of money, but he is in the Royal dog house. He has let the Firm down. The British Royal Family is privately called the Firm.

THE TWIST IN SC COLLEGIUM, GOVT FACEOFF OVER APPOINTMENTS

In 1950, King Tribhuvan of Nepal came to Delhi, Nehru invited the King for Lunch. The first three courses were without any conversation. Finally the King asked Prime Minister Nehru if he played golf. “Not yet your Majesty. I am only 62 years old”, was Nehru’s witty reply. In those days golf was considered a game for old men

New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern shocked her country and the World by her decision to resign. Had she not she would have been re-elected in October. Prime Minister Ardern became a world figure. A gunman targeted a Mosque, 51 people killed and 40 injured in 2019 in Christchurch. She swiftly changed the gun laws. She won a second term in Octo-

ROUND-1 GOES TO PROTESTERS

The energetic Sports Minister should act soon to address the grievances of the Wrestlers. It will take some doing as Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is an influential Member of Parliament and a wellknown UP politician.

R-DAY CELEBRATIONS

Republic Day is round the corner. The day has a special significance. On this day seventy three years ago India

Wrestlers have won Round One against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Gonda district of UP. The protesting wrestlers are yet to win the battle which may still go in favour of the WFI chief. He has been asked to step aside for four weeks.

The allegations of sexual harassment will now be investigated by a seven-member committee which does not include Singh. In a letter to the Union Sports Ministry, the WFI has refuted all the allegations against Singh and coaches saying that the protesters have a hidden agenda.

The investigation will be carried out by the Indian

In 1942 President Roosevelt asked Churchill to make meaningful steps to accept India’s demands for ending British Raj in the country. Churchill told the US President that he would resign if pushed further by the US President. “I have not become the First Minister of the King to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire.” Five years later the British Indian Empire was indeed liquidated.

The splendour of the Republic Day parade cannot be exaggerated. The setting is breath-taking. This year’s Guest of Honour is President Sisi of Egypt. The Rashtra-

On Friday evening nearly one hundred former Stephanians met for dinner at the Taj Palace hotel. I was the Chief Guest, being the senior most ex-Stephanian. Almost all had taken to Golf. The annual golf tournament was over. I was asked to speak first. I related this story.

In 1950, King Tribhuvan of Nepal came to Delhi, Nehru invited the King for Lunch. The first three courses were without any conversation. Finally the King asked Prime Minister Nehru if he played golf. “Not yet your Majesty. I am only 62 years old”, was Nehru’s witty reply. In those days golf was considered a game for old men.

Wrestlers have won Round One against WFI and its boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Gonda of UP. Protesting wrestlers are yet to win the battle which may still go in favour of the WFI chief

Olympic Association-appointed committee which has boxing Olympian Mary Kom as chairperson. Others on the panel include IOA joint secretary Alaknanda Ashok, former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, archer Dola Banerjee, IOA treasurer Sahdev Yadav and one male and one female lawyer. In the meantime an

oversight committee is being formed to address the issue.

The WFI being dismissive of the allegations by women wrestlers cannot be taken seriously. Those who have taken up cudgels against the powerful Kaiserganj MP must have been pushed to desperation. The wrestlers also face action for not attending national wrestling camp in Gonda where only Singh’s writ runs.

The problem for wrestlers lies with the political clout which Singh enjoys due to his winnability, an important criteria for getting a ticket. A seven-time MP from Kaiserganj, Singh wields considerable influence in adjoining areas and the BJP will not ignore the aspect before 2024.

In a first, the Supreme Court revealed the Union Law Ministry’s reasons for rejecting advocates Saurabh Kirpal and Somasekhar Sundaram--- recommended by the collegium for appointment as high court judges--- and its own reasons for overruling those objections. Led by India’s Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the collegium has again sent these two names, along with three others which were returned by the ministry, for reconsideration.

In the case of Kirpal the Centre’s objection was that he is an openly gay advocate with a Swiss national as his partner, a no-no for those holding constitutional positions. The collegium said that there are others holding constitutional offices with a foreign spouse. On Kirpal being gay, the collegium stated that his conduct and behaviour have been above board. The arguments hold water.

It also defended Sundaram who, in the government’s view, is “highly biased and opinionated.” Expressing views does not disentitle him to hold a constitutional post, the collegium said. Neither side seems willing to blink.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Minorities, or for that

community in India is moving ahead positively. India’s image cannot be disgraced by malicious campaigns launched inside or outside India. PM @ narendramodi Ji’s voice is the voice of 1.4 billion Indians.

● Vol 4 ● Issue No. 227

● RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.

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

Editor-In-Chief:

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

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

Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal

Warm greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya & Tripura on their Statehood Day. These culturally rich & vibrant states are contributing invaluably to our nation’s economy & growth story. Praying for their continued progress & development.

Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju

Because an original is always better than a copy!

Bhagavad Gita

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

K NATWAR SINGH

The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

WFI CLAIMS PROTEST IS MOTIVATED

In its reply to the Government, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) rejects all the allegations

New Delhi (PTI): The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has rejected all the allegations, including that of sexual harassment against its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and claimed that the wrestlers’ protest was motivated by a “hidden agenda to dislodge the current management”.

The WFI denied all the charges in its response to the government’s notice and asserted that “there is no scope for arbitrariness and mismanagement “ in the federation.

The Sports Ministry had sought an explanation from WFI after the country’s top wrestlers sat on a dharna and alleged that the federation chief sexually harassed women wrestlers and acts like a “dictator”.

The WFI sent its reply on Friday evening and, few hours later, the

wrestlers called off their protest after the government announced that it will form an oversight committee to probe the charges. It also said the WFI chief will step aside till the investigation is over.

“The WFI is managed by an elected body as per its constitution, and

therefore, there is no scope for arbitrariness and mismanagement in WFI by any one individually, including the president,” the WFI said in its response to the Sports Ministry.

“The WFI, in particular, under the sitting president has always acted keeping the

best interests of wrestlers in mind.

“The WFI has enhanced the image of wrestling sport nationally as well as internationally and for the record of this ministry, it is not possible without fair, supportive, clean and strict management of WFI,” it added.

WFI rejects wrestlers’ allegations against its prez BB Sharan Singh

New Delhi: The WFI has rejected all the allegations, including that of sexual harassment against its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying “there is no scope for arbitrariness and mismanagement “ in the sports body.

“The WFI is managed by an elected body as per its constitution, and therefore, there is no scope for arbitrariness and mismanagement in WFI by any one individually, including the president,” the WFI said in its response to sports ministry.

“The WFI, in particular, under the sitting president has

always acted keeping the best interests of wrestlers in mind.

“The WFI has enhanced the image of wrestling sport nationally as well as internationally and for the record of this ministry, it is not possible without fair, supportive, clean and strict management of WFI,” it added.

Cong’s ‘charge sheet’ against Modi govt

New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Saturday released a “charge sheet” against the Narendra Modi govt alleging that its mantra was ‘kuch ka saath, khud ka vikas, sabke saath vishwasghaat’ (for the benefit of few, development for self and betrayal of everyone)”. The Opposition party also said that Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, will hoist the national flag at the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area followed by a public meeting at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium which will mark the culmination of the Kanyakumari to Kashmir march.

RAHUL LAUDS WAYANAD ON RARE ACHIEVEMENT

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday congratulated Kerala’s Wayanad on becoming India’s first district to digitise basic documents of all tribals. “An empowered tribal community is the cornerstone of a strong India,” Rahul, Wayanad MP, tweeted. “Proud that Wayanad is India’s 1st district to provide & digitise basic documents for all Tribals,” he said. He lauded the collective efforts of district admin, local bodies, and people’s representatives for the initiative.

New Delhi: A Delhi court is likely to hear on March 25 a criminal complaint filed by actor Nora Fatehi against Jacqueline Fernandez for allegedly defaming her by “unfairly dragging” her name into a Rs 200 crore money laundering case. Fatehi, a Canadian citizen, has also arrayed 15 media organisations as accused in her complaint. The matter, which was scheduled to come up for hearing on Saturday, was adjourned since the judge was on leave, Fatehi’s lawyer said.

NGO OPPOSES CRIMINALISATION OF MARITAL RAPE

New Delhi: An NGO has moved the Supreme Court opposing the criminalisation of marital rape, saying it would destabilise the institution of marriage. The petition filed by NGO Purush Aayog Trust through its president Barkha Trehan has sought the court’s intervention in a batch of petitions pertaining to criminalisation of marital rape.

17 HELD AFTER TMC, ISF WORKERS CLASH IN KOLKATA

Kolkata: Workers of the Indian Secular Front, or ISF, were lathicharged by the police in Kolkata’s Esplanade area this evening as they blocked roads in the area. ISF claimed they were attacked by the TMC workers on their way to a rally in the area and demanded the arrest of Trinamool leader Arabul Islam for orchestrating an earlier attack on them this morning.

Morbi: A sessions court here on Saturday adjourned till February 1 the hearing in the anticipatory bail application filed by Ajanta Manufacturing Limited’s managing director in connection with the collapse of the suspension bridge here on October 30 that killed 135 persons. The court of principal district and sessions judge P C Joshi deferred the hearing of the anticipatory bail plea moved by Jaysukh Patel to February 1 as the public prosecutor was not present.

Guwahati (PTI): “Who is Shahrukh Khan? I don’t know anything about him or his film Pathaan”, was Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s curt answer to queries by reporters here on Saturday. Mediapersons had raised questions on the violent protest by Bajrang Dal activists, who stormed a theatre at Narengi in the city on Friday where the film is slated to be screened. The far right wing group’s volunteers tore down the film’s posters and burnt them.

Yogi flags off ‘Run for G20 Walkathon’ to spread awareness about summit

Lucknow (PTI): UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Saturday flagged off the ‘Run for G20 Walkathon’ organised simultaneously in four cities to spread awareness about the summit. Adityanath flagged off the walkathons in Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi and Gautam Buddh Nagar from his residence.

Uttar Pradesh will host 11 meetings during the G20 conference, through which it has got the opportunity to promote its image, culture and food, Adityanath said. He also praised PM Narendra Modi and

New Delhi (Agencies): Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal, who was allegedly molested and dragged for 10-15 meters by a drunk driver after her hand got stuck in his car’s window around 3 am on Thursday, reacted sharply to the allegations that the whole incident was fake.

Swati Maliwal, on

Saturday, called the allegations “dirty lies” and that she would fight till her last breath. She tweeted, “Let me

TRIPURA, MEGHALAYA & MANIPUR’S STATEHOOD DAY

claims

tell those who think that they will scare me by telling dirty lies about me. I have done many big things in this short life by tying a shroud on my head. I was attacked many times but I did not stop. With every atrocity, the fire inside me grew stronger. No one can suppress my voice. I will keep fighting as long as I am alive!”

President, PM Modi, Shah send greetings

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders on Saturday extended greetings on the statehood day of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya.

Appreciating the natural beauty, rich traditions, and culture of these northeastern states, the President wrote on Twitter, “Greetings on the statehood day of Manipur, Megha-

laya, and Tripura. The rich culture, natural beauty and abiding traditions of these states enrich our diversity. The people of these states are known for their talent and spontaneity. I

wish a very bright future to all of them.”

PM Modi, in three separate tweets, wished the people of these states. “Statehood Day greetings to the people of Manipur. The state

has been progressing on several counts during the last few years. I pray that the aspirations of the people of this state are fulfilled and Manipur keeps strengthening India’s

growth trajectory,” he wrote, wishing Manipur on the occasion.

Admiring Meghalaya’s culture, music and art, he wrote, “Greetings to the people of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day. This state is known for its vibrant culture, particularly music, art and passion towards sports. People from Meghalaya have excelled in diverse fields. I pray for Meghalaya’s continuous progress in the years to come. (sic)”

CBI

New Delhi (ANI): The CBI has recovered Rs 94.37 lakh in cash after conducting several raids at 18 places in Mumbai and Bhopal in three cases connected with illegal forex remittances during 2014-2016. Several incriminating documents and electronic gadgets were also recovered. As per statement, CBI registered three separate cases against the accused which included private

‘MISBEHAVING’ UP POLICEMAN

SUSPENDED

Mysuru (PTI):

The

in-charge of the

cell in UP’s

persons, unknown officials of multi-state cooperative societies and unknown public servants. It was alleged that during 2014-2016, a huge amount was remitted in foreign exchange (Forex) abroad from the accounts of nine entities through eight nationalised banks by submitting fake import documents such as bills of entry, bills of lading, among others, without any actual trade.

The former Chief Minister decided to shift his constituency from Badami in Bagalkote district in North Karnataka to Kolar citing age factor and the distance.

“Let (BJP national general secretary) B L Santhosh come, BJP national president J P Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah and campaign against me. I will surely win from Kolar,” he told reporters.

Siddaramaiah was reacting to a query that a negative campaign has begun ever since he expressed his desire to contest from Kolar.

Plan of RSS to “partially exploit” Netaji’s legacy, says his daughter

Kolkata

has Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary in the city on January 23, his daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff has said that it is being done to “partially exploit” her father’s legacy.

RSS’s ideology and the nationalist leader’s ideas of securlarism and inclusiveness are “poles apart and do not coincide”, she said.

As far as ideology is concerned, the Congress has lot more in common with Netaji than any other party in the country, BosePfaff said.

RSS chief Mohan

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.

Bose-Pfaff said the BJP and RSS do not reflect the idea of respecting all religions as preached by Netaji, who was a devout Hindu but believed in respecting other faiths. He was in favour of a productive cooperation between members of different religions, she said.

WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh speaks with the media regarding recent allegations of sexual harassment against him, in Gonda district, on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Shahjahanpur:

inspector

cyber

Shahjahanpur district has been suspended for allegedly misbehaving with a BJP leader and a probe has been ordered in the matter, a senior police officer said on Saturday. It has been alleged that Neeraj Kumar, the inspector-in-charge of the cyber cell, went to the residence of BJP leader and former district panchayat chairman Virendra Pal Singh Yadav on Thursday night and misbehaved with him.

Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal at a press conference on a campaign launch ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’, in New Delhi on Saturday.

said, “The world is accepting the fact that in this era of global crisis, India and PM Narendra Modi are the only ones

who can save the world and realise the sacred spirit of India towards the welfare of the common man.”

Yogi Adityanath flags off G-20 Walkathon, in Lucknow on Saturday.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah , who has decided to contest the upcoming assembly election in Karnataka from Kolar segment, asserted on Saturday that he will surely win even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were to campaign against him.

Siddaramaiah claims he will win Kolar seat despite all odds

Who is Shahrukh? asks Assam CM Himanta Sarma

(PTI): Amidst the fanfare over Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) plans to celebrate Netaji Sub

Bhagwat will address a public programme at Shahid Minar ground in the city to commemorate

“I will keep fighting till am alive”, Maliwal reacts to ‘fake sting’

recovers `94.37L in several raids at 18 places

COURT ADJOURNS ACTOR NORA FATEHI’S DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST JACQUELINE

MORBI: HEARING ON OREVA GROUP MD’S PRE-ARREST BAIL ADJOURNED TILL FEB 1

DCW chief Swati Maliwal.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff.

Prez Droupadi Murmu PM Narendra Modi HM Amit Shah

END USE & THROW FOR SOCIETY’S

BETTERMENT: RAJNATH SINGH

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the youth to eliminate the concept of ‘use and throw’, pointing out that the society and environment suffer the most due to this malpractice.

He said that no stone is left unturned by the government to equip the nation to deal with challenges that may arise due to the fastevolving global security scenario.

Saying that destruction of the environment means destruction of life, he appealed to the youth and the nation at large to reuse goods as far as possible and work for the conservation of nature. He also encouraged the youth to not let the ‘use and throw’ con-

cept enter their personal lives, urging them to respect the elders, family and friends. He stated that while knowledge and education are important, values hold equal relevance.

This year, the Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Under Of -

Mizoram forms group to collect info on border row

ficer Tinggeuchile Nriame of North Eastern Region Directorate and Cadet Avinash Jangir of Rajasthan Directorate. The Raksha Mantri Commendation Cards were awarded to Captain Pratap Keshari Harichandan of Odisha Directorate, Cadet

Under Officer Jenny Francina Victor Anand of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andaman & Nicobar Directorate, Cadet Fiza Shafi of Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Sehwag Rana of Uttarakhand Directorate.

DEFENCE MINISTER GIVES AWAY RAKSHA MANTRI PADAK & CARDS TO NCC CADETS

ECI reminds parties of law, poll code provisions

New Delhi (PTI): Ahead of assembly polls in three northeastern states and various byelections, the Election Commission has reminded its field machinery and political parties of a law and provisions of the model code which prohibit the use of places of worship as a forum for election propaganda “in any manner”.

New Delhi (FIB): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt and gave away Raksha Mantri Padak & Commendation Cards to cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty. This year, the Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Under Officer Tinggeuchile Nriame of North Eastern Region Directorate and Cadet Avinash Jangir of Rajasthan Directorate.

JOSHIMATH LAND SUBSIDENCE

In a letter to its chief electoral officers in all states and union territories on January 19, the poll panel reminded them of its 2012 instructions on the issue which had noted that the existing provisions of the model code of conduct prohibit the use of “places of worship as a forum for election propaganda in any manner”.

“Further, Sections 3, 5 and 6 of The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, prohibit the use of religious institutions or funds of religious institutions for the promotion or propa-

Demolition of unsafe buildings resumes in ‘sinking’ Joshimath

Dehradun (PTI): Demolition of ‘unsafe’ buildings in subsidence-hit Joshimath in Uttarakhand resumed on Saturday as the weather improved. Snowfall and rain in various parts of Uttarakhand on Friday had intensified the cold, adding to the woes of people living in temporary relief camps.

Aizawl (PTI): The Mizoram government has formed a study group headed by an expert from Mizoram University (MZU) to study and collect relevant information on its claimed border areas to be furnished to Assam government, an official statement said.

The group was the follow-up of a decision made during the border talks between Mizoram and Assam held at Guwahati in November.

The meeting of a boundary committee chaired by Mizoram minister Lalchamliana on Friday appointed Prof J Doun-

gel, a political science teacher from MZU as the study group’s convener, while joint secretary in the Home department Lalthiamsanga was appointed as member secretary.

The study group will study and collect the list of villages, their areas, geo-spatial extent, and ethnicity of the people and other relevant information to support its claim on the state’s boundary.

During the border talks held on November 17 last year, both states had decided that Mizoram will furnish the list of villages and their areas.

“Dismantling of unsafe hotels and houses in Joshimath has been temporarily halted due to bad weather,” Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana had said.

According to officials, 849 houses in Joshimath have developed cracks following land subsidence and 269 families have been moved to temporary relief centres.

On Saturday, drilling machines and bulldozers were back to dismantle hotels — Malari Inn and Mount View — and the PWD’s inspection bungalow as weather cleared in the morning.

“Providing relief to affected people in Joshimath is among the top priorities of CM Pushkar Singh Dhami at present,” a release said.

RESPONSIBILITY OFTEN COMES TO PEOPLE NOT IN POSITION TO HANDLE IT:

TRIPURA: EC ASSURES CPI(M), CONGRESS OF ALL STEPS FOR PEACEFUL POLLING

Agartala (PTI): The Election Commission on Saturday assured a CPI(M)-Congress

that all possible steps will be taken for conducting free, fair and peaceful polling in Tripura. The assurance was given to a nine-member team of the CPI(M) and the Congress when the delegation met the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao. Elections to the 60-member Assembly will be held on February 16.

gation of any political ideas or political activity or for the benefit of any political party,” letter read. Contravention of the provisions of any of these sections is pun-

ishable by imprisonment up to five years and with a fine, it pointed out. A copy of the letter has been sent to leaders of all national and state parties.

CRUCIAL READ

Kolkata: The CISF on Saturday arrested a US citizen with a Chinese satellite phone while he was attempting to board a Delhi-bound flight at the Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal. The arrested person has been identified Thomas Esroh Seitz (45). According to Bagdogra airport sources, three US citizens, including Seitz, arrived at the airport on Saturday afternoon to board a Delhi-bound flight. However, CISF jawans, while checking the luggage of Seitz, detected a Chinese satellite phone.

NGT PANEL CHALKS OUT YAMUNA ACTION PLAN

PETS AND CATTLE DISPLACED AS OWNERS NAVIGATE SUBSIDENCE FALLOUT

Joshimath (PTI): As land sinks in Joshimath, buildings are razed and hundreds of families forced out of their homes, there is another tragedy playing out in this Himalayan town many dogs, cattle and other domestic animals left untended as their owners navigate the life-changing crisis. Some animals have been left behind in houses, desolate and deserted as the cracks on their walls deepen, and some smaller pets have been crammed into shelter homes along with families forced into one room. The snow and the dipping temperatures have exacerbated the many woes. The displacement is at many levels, say animal rights activists who have rushed to the once bustling town of Joshimath to keep the voiceless safe.

PALEONTOLOGISTS’ DISCOVERY

Rare dinosaur nests found in Narmada valley

Bhopal (PTI): Paleontologists have reported a rare discovery of closely located dinosaur nests and 256 eggs of the herbivorous titanosaurs in the Narmada valley in Madhya Pradesh. Researchers from the Delhi University and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Mohanpur-Kolkata and Bhopal have also reported discovery of ovum-inovo or multi-shell eggs in Bagh and Kukshi areas in Dhar district of

Madhya Pradesh.

The findings were published in PLoS One research journal this week by Harsha Dhiman, Vishal Verma, and Guntupalli Prasad, among others. A study of the nests and eggs has revealed intimate details about the lives of the long-necked sauropods that walked the region more than 66 million years ago.

“The eggs were found from the estuary formed at a place where

the Tethys Sea merged with the Narmada when Seychelles had broken away from the

During the field investigations carried out between 2017 and 2020, we found extensive hatcheries of dinosaurs in Bagh and Kukshi areas in Dhar District, MP.

—Vishal Verma, A Researcher

New Delhi: The high level panel formed by NGT for rejuvenation of Yamuna has chalked out a six month action plan till June, with monthly targets, and the same will be monitored on weekly basis. After taking stock of the prevalent situation of water quality in river Yamuna and the various drains in the city, along with the status of Sewage Treatment Plants & Common Effluent Treatment Plants.

SKELETON FOUND FROM BUILDING GUTTED IN FIRE

Hyderabad: Making a breakthrough, rescue workers on Saturday found a human skeleton in a six-storeyed commercial building which was gutted in a massive fire on Thursday. The rescue teams, which continued their efforts to collect clues of three missing persons, found the skeleton on the first floor of the building at Nallagutta on Ministers Road in Secunderabad.

Bhubaneswar: Nine mega piped water supply projects

Odisha’s

Nayagarh

Jajpur districts at a cost of Rs 1,287 crore in next two years. This was decided at the state cabinet chaired by CM Naveen Patnaik on Saturday. The Cabinet approved three tenders worth Rs 1,287 crore for execution of these projects. Giving details about the cabinet decisions, Development Commissioner PK Jena said supply of safe drinking water to the people living in the rural areas is one of the priority areas of the state govt.

India beat NZ in 2nd ODI; take over series

The separation of Seychelles had led to the incursion of the Tethys Sea 400

Indian

kms inside the Narmada Valley,” Verma, who works in the Higher Secondary School, Ba-

kaner, Dhar, said. He said the nests found in the Narmada valley were close to each other. Generally the nests are located at some distance from each other. Verma, considered the driving force behind a series of discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Narmada, said the reason behind multi-shell eggs could be the inability of the mother to find favourable conditions for laying eggs.

plate.

will be implemented in

Malkangiri,

and

ODISHA CABINET APPROVES DRINKING WATER PROJECTS WORTH `1,287 CR

US CITIZEN WITH CHINESE SATELLITE PHONE HELD AT BAGDOGRA AIRPORT

First India Bureau

Says Govt is leaving no stone unturned to equip nation to meet new challenges

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt on Saturday.

Raipur (ANI): India secured a comprehensive eight-wicket win against New Zealand in the second ODI on Saturday to clinch their seventh consecutive One Day International (ODI) series at home.

Rohit Sharma’s fifty coupled with a fiery performance from the Indian bowlers made sure that the hosts cruised to victory, chasing a paltry 109 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, here.

The group was formed to study Mizoram-Assam border areas.

Workers demolish a house that got damaged due to land subsidence, at Joshimath, on Saturday.

RAWAT

Dehradun (PTI): BJP leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has said that in a democracy, responsibility often comes to people who are not in a position to handle it. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Rawat purportedly says in reply to a question on the land-subsidence crisis in Joshimath that “the onus rests on everyone in a democracy, some of them are wise, some less wise and some still less wise”. “It is an irony and even beauty of a democracy that people in this system elect their representatives. So, sometimes the onus or the responsibility comes to people who cannot handle it. That leads to problems,” Rawat said.

delegation

BRIEFS

Wish list of a common Indian Union Budget 2023-24

New Delhi : Yes Bank on Saturday posted a drop of 80 per cent in its net profit to Rs52 crore for the quarter ended December, against Rs266.43 crore in the corresponding quarter the previous year. The lender said it was largely impacted due to ageingrelated provisions. The bank said its operating profits grew 17 per cent year-on-year to Rs914 crore in Q3FY23 and the Mumbai-headquartered lender said it is the highest in the past seven quarters. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 70.7 per cent from 72.8 per cent in the third quarter (October-December), according to the bank statement released on Saturday. The bank said advances grew 10 per cent y-o-y, deposits’ growth was 16 per cent y-o-y and its balance sheet was up 13 per cent y-o-y.

MY BUDGET 2023-24

The Union Budget for the FY 2023-24 is all set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the 1st of Feb. All eyes are on this space as this will be the last budget before the 2024 general elections. There is a lot of debate about whether this budget will have a flavour of populism to woo the Indian voters for one last time before the general Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

Let’s look at some key figures to keep our eyes on.

The fiscal deficit figure

Chennai: The American India Foundation (AIF) in the august presence of Thiru Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center (SILC) under the scheme of Vanavil Mandram at the Government Higher Secondary School, MMDA Colony, Chennai.

AIF’s award-winning flagship education ProgramDigital Equalizer has designed the Center to be a one-stop solution for STEM among students and teachers. Consisting of Innovation Corner for students, the Center will introduce students to a transdisciplinary learning approach through robotics, AI, Space technology, and Incubation workstation. —ANI

WHAT ABOUT THE COMMON INDIANS?

Clearly, budget discussions are full of hopes and big promises. It’s a complex document of even bigger numbers on how the government is likely to function for the forthcoming year. But when it comes to a common man, the demands are often very simple and basic.

MY BUDGET 2023

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently said, “I belong to a middle class, understand their pressures”. This has raised hopes among Indians that the Budget FY2024 might reward the middle class.

The past year has proven to be highly challenging for the middle class and expect the government to do something big to help ease some of their tensions. With purchasing power drying out

over COVID, doubled with soaring inflation and unemployment rates, the common man has been hit the hardest. Let’s look at some basic demands of a common Indian man from this year’s budget.

MORE MONEY IN MY WALLET

Any budget talk is incomplete without a demand for tax benefits. The salaried class seems to have hardly benefited from the New Taxation Regime of 2020, and they have big expectations from the budget.

There are expectations that the highest tax rate of 30% to be reduced to 25% and the threshold limit for the highest tax rate increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

There is also an expected revision in the deductions offered under section 80C to somewhere between Rs22.5 lakhs, with medical insurance provisions being increased to cover the effect of inflation.

FISCAL DEFICIT OVER THE

2022 16.61 6.4

2021 15.86 6.7

2020 18.21 9.3

2019 11.58 4.6

2018 6.45 3.4

Source: RBI

as measured by the CPI, averaged 6.8%, more than double the 3.1% it averaged in 2021. Inflation for basic products like milk products has averaged more than 8% since the middle of 2021. Domestic diesel prices have gone down by only 3% since June 2022, despite the price of India’s crude basket falling by a third during this time.

A relief to help cut down day-to-day living expenses for the common man is thus on the wishlist of most Indians.

POPULIST VS. PRUDENCE

However, with inflation concerns taking up much of FY 2023, the possibility of any change in income tax slabs looks unlikely.

BETTER HOUSES

Soaring inflation and rising interest rates have harmed the purchasing power of homebuyers. Experts in the real estate sector feel that the tax deduction limit on the interest

paid on home loans should be increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Another demand is for a separate section on principal repayment of housing loans other than Section 80 C to be introduced for Rs 4 lakh.

LOWER FUEL AND FOOD PRICES

‘Foreign shipping lines may stop services’

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented investment boom in the industrial sector with over one lakh new Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) opening units in the current fiscal, generating thousands of jobs in the southern state, Industries Minister P Rajeev said. Projecting Kerala as an investmentfriendly destination, the minister claimed that as part of the state government’s ‘Year of Enterprises’ initiative, more than 1.24 lakh new MSMEs were set up in Kerala so far in the current financial year, attracting an investment worth over Rs8,000 crore. “It is much higher than the target set by the Industries Department as part of its ‘Year of Enterprises’ initiative”, Rajeev told. —PTI

Islamabad (PTI): Shipping agents have warned the cash-strapped Pakistan government that all exports could come to a halt as foreign shipping lines are considering stopping their services for the country after banks stopped remitting freight charges to them due to a lack of dollar availability, according to a media report on Saturday.

Apart from bordering countries, almost all the international logistics from Pakistan are catered by sea and any disruption could create serious issues for the country’s international trade, Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association (PSAA) chairman Abdul Rauf warned Finance Minister Ishaq Dar through a letter.

“If international trade is

stopped, the economic situation will worsen,” the association warned, adding that the foreign shipping lines are already considering winding up their services in Pakistan due to reduced cargo volumes.

The PSAA chairman also wrote letters to State Bank

of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Namar, and Maritime Affairs Minister Faisal Sabzwari, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Rauf requested ministries and departments concerned to intervene to en-

sure continuity in Pakistan’s seaborne trade by allowing outward remittance of surplus freight amounts to respective foreign shipping lines forthwith. “Due to discontinuation of outward remittance of surplus freight amounts to respective foreign shipping lines, was hampering Pakistan’s seaborne trade which is heavily dependent on foreign shipping lines,” letter added. However, crisis relates to export cargoes as all outward trade from Pakistan is container-based, as there are no liquid or grain exports from the country.

The state-owned Pakistan National Shipping Company (PNSC) only handles imports of crude oil and other petroleum fuel through its 12 vessels.

All in all, the Indian consumer has had it tough these last few years. Given that the demand revival is crucial to boost the private investment cycle, measures to reduce the price burden or enhance disposable incomes can be beneficial for the individual and may have a multiplier effect on the economy.

It all looks so easy no?

But it ain’t so. Too many dole-outs and populist measures could fuel inflation again and that’s something which the government will dare not do this year. Plus government has been working on the path of fiscal prudence and has committed to a mediumterm target of 4.5% of GDP by FY 2026. Considering that the deficit was budgeted at 6.4% for FY 2023, there is an expectation of a staggered reduction of the deficit by around 0.50.75% of GDP in the next three years.

With covid and lockdowns concerns well behind us, and tax collections handsomely beating budget estimates, Budget FY24 is expected to make marked progress in improving its finances.

So the government will be walking on a very tightrope of populist vs. prudence and we shall soon find out whether it will maintain a balance or bend.

Norms eased for few sectors under EPCG

New Delhi (ANI): The government has announced a one-time relaxation from maintaining average export obligation and an option to extend export obligation period for certain sectors under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.

The sectors that are eligible for this relief are hotel, healthcare and educational. For the years 2020-21 and 2021-22, these sectors will not be required to maintain average export obligation for EPCG authorisations issued to them. These sectors will also have option to extend export obligation period for a longer duration, without having to pay any additional fees.

For EPCG authorisations issued for hotel, healthcare

and educational sectors, export obligation period would be extended from date of expiry for duration equivalent to number of days export obligation period falls between February 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022. This extension will be granted without payment of composition fees. However, for EPCG authorisations issued for sectors other than hotel, healthcare and educational, the export obligation period may be extended.

AIF INAUGURATES INDIA’S FIRST STEM INNOVATION CENTER

KERALA WITNESSING INVESTMENT BOOM IN IND SECTOR: MIN

Inflation was a trouble all common man faced last year. In 2022, food inflation,

Embryo transfer started in animals for breed improvement

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Embryo transplant has started for the first time in Jojawar, Pali. Through this technique, there will be breed improvement in animals in the coming times. The application of this technique will start at all divisional headquarters in Rajasthan. Embryo transplant was done in 17 cows in a single day, which will increase the production of goodbreed cows. With this technique, the conservation and promotion

of native-breed cows will be made achievable. This has been possible with the joint efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department, Embryo Trans-

Gurjars protest against ACB trap on Pradhan

First India Bureau

Jhunjhunu: The Gujjar community in Udaipurwati staged a sit-in at Bhairav Ghat against the ACB trap case against Pradhan Maya Gurjar. During this, Minister Rajendra Singh Gudha also reached the spot. People raised slogans against him and Dipendra Singh Shekhawat had an argument with the minister during the sloganeering. Slogans of ‘Maya Gurjar Zindabad’

plantation Technology Laboratories, and Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

The Embryo transplant technique can

also improve native breeds even disabled and stray cattle. By transplanting embryos in these cows, they can be made milky. For this, laboratories are being set up in the Veterinary Colleges of Jaipur, Bikaner, and Udaipur. Initially, 8 centres will be set up, for this 8 veterinarians took training from Dehradun. Financial approval of Rs 6 crore was given for these 3 Veterinary Colleges, while Rs 145 lakh was sanctioned for Jojawar Transplant Center in Pali.

Miscreants steal diesel from pipeline of IOC

Jaisalmer: The Border Security Force (BSF) will increase surveillance along the Pakistan border in Jaisalmer and other districts under its “Operation Sard Hawa”. Officials informed that due to fog and haze on the border during winter, the force remains on “high alert” to deal with infiltration and other nefarious activities from across the border. The security forces are also on alert due to Republic Day on January 26. Extra forces have been deployed at headquarters and border posts in the bordering areas while patrolling and checking has also been increased.

India & Egypt special forces undergo maiden joint exercise in Rajasthan

Jaisalmer (PTI): The first-ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is underway in Rajasthan, according to an official statement.

The exercise, which began on January 14, is aimed at bolstering defence cooperation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of the special forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations, the statement added.

“The 14-day exercise

which is being carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as sniping, combat free fall, reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques and

ACB arrests three, seizes ` 7.74L from audit officials in Jaisalmer

First India Bureau

procedures,” the release said.

The participants would also undertake joint planning and drills for special forces operations in a mechanised warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps/ hideouts to include sniping of highvalue targets.

were also raised in front of the minister. Former MLA Shubhakaran Chaudhary also reached the protest site. Chaudhary said that Pradhan has been implicated.

Sirohi: Oil pipeline operated by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was allegedly damaged by a few unidentified miscreants in Kiwalri village of Abu Road Town to steal diesel, police said. Police informed the miscreants pierced the pipeline and stole diesel from it by fixing a valve into it. “A case has been registered in Abu Road Police Station by officials of IOCL. The valve was fixed in

the pipeline passing through farmland just a few meters away from the four-lane highway. The land owner has been taken into custody and is being interrogated,” police said.

Jaisalmer: The ACB on Friday seized Rs 7.74 lakhs from three members of the local fund and audit team in Jaisalmer. ACB Deputy SP Anil Sharma informed that Ganga Ram, Kailash Bamania, and Mahendra Jat had come from Jodhpur and were returning on Friday night. “At around 9 pm, their car was stopped at a barricading near Chandan village on Jaisalmer-Jodhpur

Road. During checking, nearly Rs. 7.74 lakhs were recovered from their car. The three officials were checking the expenses of the local fund in Mohangarh Panchayat Samiti for

the last one month,” ASP Anil Sharma said.

“When they were inquired about the money, they could not give a satisfactory answer. An FIR in this regard will be filed,” added Sharma.

Chittorgarh (FIB): In a relief amid the power crisis, the three units of the 43 MW Rawatbhata hydropower plant, which had been shut, started operating.Canada General Electrical had established the plant 50 years ago. The unit of Rawatbhata RPS hydroelectric was submerged in rainwater.In 2019, this unit of electricity was drowned in rainwater. The engineering wing started the unit after the efforts of RVUNL CMD RK Sharma.

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Indian Army and the Egyptian Army excercise is underway.

Gurjars staged a sit-in against ACB trap on Maya Gujjar.

Oil pipeline damaged in Kiwalri village of Abu Road Town.

Anti-Corruption Bureau office in Jaisalmer.

Rawatbhata hydro power plant resumes production

BSF to start ‘Op Sard Hawa’ along Pak border

Application of this technique will start at all divisional headquarters in Raj Embryo transplant will increase the production of good-breed cows

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

CM GEHLOT PAYS OBEISANCE AT GURDWARA BUDDHA JOHAD

Although many seats of Rajya Sabha are getting vacant in April and May and among these, 6 RS seats are getting vacant from Bihar. Out of these, 2 seats will come in the share of RJD, 2 in BJP, and 1 in JDU. RJD, JDU and Congress together want to crown Yechury on the remaining sixth seat.

These three parties believe that ‘Yechury can shine like a comet in the sky, much like the charisma that CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjit had once done.’ These three parties want Yechury to be the new leader of

the united opposition. To play a key role in setting the stage, JDU wants Yechury to ‘write a new script for Nitish Kumar’s Delhi politics.’ However, Yechury can also make it to the Rajya Sabha from Kerala, which has a Marxist government led by Penarayi Vijayan. But former CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat is said to be not ready for this. Anyway, it is an accepted tradition of CPI(M) that ‘no leader of the party can stay in Rajya Sabha for more than two terms’. Yechury has completed two terms in Rajya Sabha, i.e. if he reaches the Upper House once again this time, it will be a violation of the accepted tradition of the party.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge is walking along with Rahul Gandhi in his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ everywhere. Whatever Rahul says to him during the journey, his neck just nods in ‘yes’. These days

Priyanka Gandhi is on a visit to Kharge’s home state Karnataka, but Kharge was seen with her during Rahul’s Yatra in Punjab. Rahul Gandhi is adamant about the Congress Working Committee elections, so now there is an opinion in the party that ‘Rahul will contest the elections in the Working Committee,’ while Priyanka Gandhi will be nominated by Party President Mallikarjun Kharge for this.

PM’S PRESENCE OF MIND

Recently, a meeting of BJP’s National Executive was convened in Delhi. PM Narendra Modi was seated on the stage and all the senior leaders of the party were sitting in the front row. Then Karnataka BJP’s senior leader BS Yeddiyurappa entered the hall and realised that all the chairs were full, so where would he sit? Only then the PM saved him from this crisis and immediately called, “Piyush...” and Piyush Goyal left his front row chair for Yeddiyurappa and went to sit at the back.

AKHILESH’S PROBLEMS MAY INCREASE

First India Bureau

Sri Ganganagar: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Buddha Johad in Sri Ganganagar district on Saturday.

Gehlot also attended a programme at the Bishnoi temple on the occasion of Jambhani Harikatha.

On the second day of his two-day visit to Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts,

The difficulties of SP Supremo Akhilesh Yadav are going to increase. Earlier, petitioner Vishwanath Chaturvedi had filed an application in CBI Court, stating that no ‘closure report’ has been filed by CBI in Mulayam family’s disproportionate assets case. In 2009, a section of media claimed that CBI had closed probe by filing its ‘closure report’ regarding the FIR filed against the family. Sources reveal that some TV personalities have also been questioned as to ‘from where did they get this fake report.’ So, journos told that ‘someone had sent them this report in a sealed envelope.’ Now, they may be asked about their source via inquiry.

Jinendra Singh

Jaipur: With the arrival of election year, it seems that it is also the season for the arrival of ‘Ayarams and Gayarams’ of politics. According to highly placed sources, four renowned & ‘powerful’ Congress leaders are in touch with BJP! Word is that amongst these 4 men, two of them are Cabinet Ministers, one is a Minister of State & another one is a Jat leader of Nagaur district. Interestingly, among the two Cabinet Ministers, one Cabinet Minister has always been close to Gehlot.

Gehlot paid obeisance at the Gurdwara and prayed for the welfare of the state’s people, according to a statement.

Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and

the

the Congress’ Rajasthan In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa was present on the occasion.

Gehlot said the state government looked at

the centuries-old tradition of ‘langar’ (community kitchen) at ‘Guru Ghar’ to set up the Indira Rasoi through which it provides food to needy for

Rs 8. He also urged the people of Rajasthan to follow the ideals of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh.

At the Bishnoi temple, Gehlot took part in a programme commemorating Jambhani Harikatha and called upon the people to follow the teachings of Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj.

Gehlot also met people and sought their opinion on the schemes run by the government.

FROM P1…

Commitment to...

In this whole environment, now everyone is eagerly waiting for Pilot’s next step.

Rakesh Ranjan

New Delhi: With the Sachin Pilot faction still trying to find ‘relevance’ in the Congress party, Pilot supporters have given a blunt advice to Pilot and said that enough is enough, there is no need to wait any longer!

It has been learnt that the supporters

have told Pilot not to trust the assurances of the High Command anymore and rather, announce his next step in the next 10-15 days by holding a big rally in Jaipur.

Meanwhile, Sachin Pilot’s speech, that he delivered at the Maharaja College in Jaipur on Friday, is one of the hotly discussed topics in the grand old party’s circles.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot raised a slogan at the end of the speech, saying, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and now the ‘relevant circles’ are wondering, if there is really any change in the political ideology of Pilot?

On the occasion of BJP’s National Executive, PM Narendra Modi conducted his mega road show in Delhi. In this roadshow, a huge crowd had gathered and there was a scuffle that dozens of people’s pockets were cut, many mobiles were stolen, and an expensive lens of a photojournalist was stolen, the cost of which is said to be more than Rs two lakh. More than 18 FIRs have been registered with the police. This raised questions about the promptness of the Delhi Police. But what can anyone do in such a crowd?

The BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain has been accused of rape by a woman and the matter is going on in the Supreme Court. A long army of big lawyers is ready from Hussain’s side. When Shahnawaz’s lawyers said in the court that ‘this case is false’, the court said- ‘Let the investigation happen, the truth will come out.’ Then Sandeep Singh, the Sports Minister of Haryana’s BJP government, was accused of sexual harass-

Court has also asked CBI to find out ‘Those involved in theconspiracy to create fake documents & pass them on to media.’ CBI has been given time till March 24 & has to file a supplementary report.

That means, the ‘genie’ of Mulayam family’s disproportionate assets case has come ‘out of the bottle,’ this is what is weighing on Akhilesh’s face.

CAN SITARAM HEAD FOR A THIRD TERM IN THE UPPER HOUSE? IS THIS A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT

ment by a female coach and Singh had to resign from his post. Now India’s wellknown women wrestlers have opened a front against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the ‘Bahubali’ of Kaiserganj. Singh is also the Chairman of the Indian Wrestling Federation and internationally renowned wrestlers are sitting on a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accusing him of sexual harassment. This is a time of crisis for the BJP.

Gujarat BJP State President CR Patil is going to get something big amidst the rumblings of a reshuffle in the BJP organisation and the Union Cabinet. The PM, elated with the results of the Gujarat elections, patted Patil’s back, first in the Parliament House, then at the luncheon for MPs at the Gymkhana Club and then at the National Executive meeting and heaped praises upon him. So, now Patil can be given the charge of UP by making him the General Secretary in the organisation, or, he can be given the dual responsibility of UP in charge by making him a minister at the Centre. Dinesh Sharma, who has been on exile for a long time, can be sent back to Gujarat.

Moreover, many issues related to land and property, of this Minister, have been settled by Gehlot government. He is associated with Jaipur division. Meanwhile, another Minister has a cooperative background and the MoS is also associated with Jaipur division, who is extremely interested in creating new districts.

Gehlot govt gifts house to Devika

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Gehlot government took a big decision on Saturday and decided to give house to Devika Rotavan. Devika, who was injured in the 26/11 terror attack at the age of

9 years, joined Rahul in Bharat Jodo Yatra. Rajasthan govt had honoured her patriotism. Rahul also said on Saturday that the “Rajasthan government is fulfilling her dream of a house.” CM Ashok Gehlot took immediate ac-

tion on this and said, “Devika is a true example of not being fearful.

Her fearlessness has raised the entire state’s prestige. Her indomitable courage & patriotism deserves respect.

Govt has decided to provide a house to her.”

The government is committed for all-round development of farmers. Girdawari is being done in affected fields of farmers,” he said. Regarding the flagship schemes, Gehlot said that there are no such schemes like Rajasthan anywhere else in the country. “The CM Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme has provision for free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh and accident insurance up to Rs 5 lakh. State govt is bearing the entire cost of organ transplant. Realizing the resolution that ‘no one sleeps hungry’, food is being provided to the common man with respect through Indira Rasoi for Rs.8. Public welfare schemes should be widely publicised so that their benefits reach every village. Relief has been provided to farmers and the masses from the high inflation in the country, due to which the electricity bills of about 9 lakh farmers and more than 40 lakh consumers have become zero,” Gehlot said.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot,while addressing the meeting of State Level Tax Consultative Committee at the Secretariat on Saturday regarding the preps for State Budget 2023-24, said that entrepreneurs, traders & tax payers play an important role in state’s economic progress. Like every year, this year

also efforts will be made to include panel’s suggestions in the budget.

He said that positivity and experience is re-

flected in the suggestions given by entrepreneurs, businessmen and taxpayers. The CM said that every possible

taken a historic decision to give industry status to tourism, an important policy like RIPS is giving encouragement and strength to State’s industries.

relief was provided to industries & traders by State government during the Corona period.

State government has

“Today Raj ranks 2nd in the country in terms of GDP growth. This wasn’t possible without your cooperation. Record investment MoUs were signed at Invest Rajasthan Summit, which is historic in itself, the CM added. In the meet, the representatives thanked the Chief Minister for important schemes.

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

The way has been paved for CPI (M)

General Secretary Sitaram Yechury to enter the Rajya Sabha from Bihar.

PICKPOCKETS HAVE A FIELD DAY DURING PM MODI’S ROADSHOW IN NEW DELHI

RAHUL GANDHI TO CONTEST CWC POLLS?

CM also attended a programme at the Bishnoi temple to mark Jambhani Harikatha

He also met people and sought their opinion on schemes run by the State government

Pilot supporters have told him to announce his next step in next 10-15 days via rally in Jpr

Their suggestions reflect positivity & experience: CM

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot pays obeisance at the Gurdwara Buddha Johad (Dabla) in Raisinghnagar town in Sriganganagar district on Saturday. Also seen here is Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and others.

CM Ashok Gehlot holds a Pre-Budget dialogue with State Level Tax Consultative Committee at the State Secretariat on Saturday. Also seen here are Shakuntala Rawat, BS Bhati, Akhil Arora, Kuldeep Ranka, Niranjan Arya, Veenu Gupta and others.

Sachin Pilot

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved Rs 8 crore for construction of Railway Under Bridge (RUB) near LC-50 at Sangaria in Hanumangarh district. He has approved the revised proposal of Rajasthan Transport Infrastructure Development Fund (RTIDF) for the project. This railway line passes through the centre of

city from North to South of Sangaria. To the south-west of the railway line are the main market, old village, new and old Dhanmandi, bus stand, government school and hospital, administrative and judicial sections. In the east direction, there are industrial area, major educational institutions etc.

CM SANCTIONS ` 8 CR FOR R.U.B. AT SANGARIA, HANUMANGARH

Is the time to shift ‘loyalties’ here?

Supporters call for ‘Direct Action Day,’ but will Sachin Pilot swing?

The

International

IDEAS & STORIES

translator

it.

a session on ‘A Nation To Protect’, talked vigorously about India, how the covid took a toll, and how we mastered it all and learnt some important lessons. “But did we make a mistake between first wake and delta wave? Did we let our guard down soon?,” asked Naresh Tehran as the session started. An expert panel consisting of renowned journalists Praveen Swami, Manoj Joshi, tha Gautam were in conversation with author C Raja Mohan, to discuss In Hard Times, an important collection of essays edited by them, highlighting the significant challenges India faces today.

The Jaipur Music Stage is a 3-day programme that runs parallel to the lit fest will be

The third day of the multi-faceted and exuberant Jaipur Literature Festival began with a soulful performance by the Indian classical ensemble, The Anirudh Varma Collective. The Quintet performed Vansanthi raga, which was led by pianist, composer, and producer, Anirudh Varma.

festival on Saturday featured Booker Prize winning Srilankan author Shehan Karunatilaka in conversation with writer Nandini Nair.

Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, wellknown Rajasthani and Hindi writer Nand Bhardwaj, Sahitya Akademi Award recipient and novelist Anamika, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda Sanjiv Chadha and author-

and columnist Pushpesh Pant focused on the diversity of Hindi and the difficulty of ‘purifying’

focused on showcasing world music with a diverse mix of genres and artists. Living up to

its motto of variety & discovery, the music stage transcends borders, genres and geographies through electrifying performances that range from world music, ghazals and jazz to rock and the blues.

MITALI DUSAD

mitalidusad01@gmail.com

—PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

As the Pink City, Jaipur geared up for Day 3 of the 16th edition of world’s grandest literary festival, the Jaipur Literature Festival, the directors and founders are keen on keeping up with its tradition of uncovering a gamut of ‘stories’ from not just in India but across the world. City First highlights some mind blowing glimpses!

CAUGHT IN A CANDID: Gourangi, Sifty Sandhu, Ayesha N Gupta, Chhavi, Astha and Vidhi

FASHION BONANZA:

Yashasvi, Roshni and Aarti

JLF

SAY CHEESE: Himanshi Vahi and Ishita Rami following the phrase, ‘If you must be candid, be candid beautifully’

EMPHASISING WOMEN IN LITERATURE

THE MYSTERY OF FICTION!

The 16th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), which will take place from January 19 to January 23 at the Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, includes a variety of women writers and their outstanding

works. Authors Shaili Chopra, Minnie Vaid, and former IFS officer and Ambassador Lakshmi Puri spoke in a session titled “Women and Work” alongside Susan Ferguson, the UN Women Country Representative.

This panel of female experts from various backgrounds talked about the reasons for and effects of the obstacles that have stood in the way of working women’s careers in the past, present, and future. Katy Hessel, an art historian and cura-

tor, is developing a remedy to end the lengthy dominance of males in the art world.

In combination with her blog, The Great Women Artists, The Story of Art Without Men revives the heritage of women artists from the 1500s to the 21st century, encompassing key moments in art history such as dadaism, civil rights, and antiracism. Hassel explored her efforts to end patriarchy in the art world in dialogue with art historian Xavier Bray.

Contemporary authors of Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia Prof. Khalid Javed with Baran Farooqi reviewed the award-winning book ‘THE PARADISE OF FOOD’ written by Prof. Khalid on the magnificent third day of the JLF on Saturday.

Khalid Javed was in a conversation with Pragya Tiwari, a journalist who

has written extensively on politics, identity, policy, and culture. In conversation with Pragya Tiwari, Jawed and Farooqi dive into this saga of food, lust, loss, and vulnerabilities.

He described his love and hate relationship with food. He also forcefully drew our attention to what goes unnoticed, about which he said “No other rooms of the home contain as deadly doublefaced beings as those found in the kitchen, and no other room of the house do women look so out of their minds, broken and jealous, so full of furious energy and small-mindedness as they do in the kitchen. Two square meals every day and the hunger

of human intestines mask a strange sensual energy. This energy only goes in the direction of blood and darkness. The result is obscene and deceptive covetousness.

He further added, “Rich people have royal food in their Neamat Khana (Paradise of food) and in poor’s Neamat Khana, there is no sight of any royalty, still even after not being blessed enough to have a paradise of food they still call it their Neamat khana. So, the value they are giving to the food is equal to both whether he is a beggar or a king.”

On the third day of the Jaipur Literature Festival, a very deep conversation took place between literature critics and authors, Amit Choudhary, Deepti Kapoor, Ruth Ozeki, and

Shehan Karunatilaka. When asked about why they all read fiction, everyone has varied answers.

Shehan said, “You always love inside your own head. To get out of your own head, you need to read fiction. And that’s why I read fiction.” On the other hand, Amit Choudhary had to say that he never read fiction, and that he was always inclined towards poetry.

“My tutor at UCLA questioned me, why don’t you read fiction. I

was drawn to the idea of narrative, a transformative account of poetry. But my tutor said if I wanted to Ace my course, I must read fiction, and that’s how it began.”

Ruth said, “I was an only child and had no one to talk to. So I engaged in books to have conversations with characters. It was a way of living inside their skins for a while.” Talking of the writing process, Deepti said,” The process of writing a novel for me is a complete cut off from the world.

panel

Gulzar is one of India’s most respected scriptwriters, directors, and leading

thor and screenwriter Anu Singh Choudhary which focused on Mishra’s new book, Lata Mangeshkar: A Life in Music. This

of speakers discussed the making of the book and the limitations of using English as the sole language for writing it. The decision to write the book in Hindi and then translate it to English was also informed by the different readerships that both languages attract. Speaking about his interactions with Lata Mangeshkar, Gulzar Sahab said, “If there are two creative minds, they can’t be parallel lines, they have to cross each other”.

MRIDULA

Alexandra

GREETINGS & CELEBRATIONS!

DURING THE DAY!

CITY FIRST

Renowned global spiritual master and humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Jaipur city on Saturday.

During his much awaited visit, Gurudev addressed the participants of the Happiness Mahotsav at the sprawling SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur with more than 3000 participants in attendance.

more than 3000 participants very

“Keeping people year. silence

Silence is very valuable,” Gurudev shared in his address, “Keeping silence from time to time helps you sustain higher energy levels.” Gurudev shared how people in Indonesia observe a day of silence every year. Gurudev further explaining about the significance of silence said, “The joy of silence is unique. Those who die without knowing the beauty of silence truly lose something.”

Inspired by the work being done by The Art of Living in building resilience in the youth by giving them tools to relieve stress, focus better and find happiness within, 4 major universities

done by The Art of Living in youth by giving them tools to relieve major

The Rising Digital Era

On Friday, nearly 150 of the leading entrepreneurs, companies, and start-ups gathered at Global Business & Entrepreneur Summit held in the Shakun Hotel, Jaipur. This Global Business & Entrepreneur platform is initiated by Hypedge Media Group. The theme for the 2023 Global Business and Entrepreneur Summit

was - Entrepreneurship in the Digital Era. The ceremony was graced by Legal Luminary & Chancellor, Vishwa Hindi Sahitya Parishad, Delhi Dr Hukam Chand Sharma (Ganeshia) as Chief Guest. A two-round of panel discussions was also there to understand the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges faced in the process of setting up their businesses.

the MOU signing.

Soon after the session, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

MAGNIFICENT WORLD OF ART CITY FIRST

The collective art exhibition ‘Anhad’ started on Friday at the ICA Gallery. Rajiv Arora, Chairman Raj Small Industries Corporation were present for the inauguration program of the exhibition. Among the 14 artists in the exhibition, eminent Vidyasagar Upadhyay, Vinay Sharma, and Meenu Srivastava among others presented a sample of imagination and handicrafts. The shapeless ‘An-

LIFE CHANGING PHILOSOPHY

CITY FIRST

Social discussion on safe delivery of child & healthy mother was organised at JNU Hospital in which about 500 women from rural areas participated on Saturday. The main objective of this event was

to create awareness amongst them to take maximum advantage of the facilities provided by JNU Hospital in the field of safe delivery of child.

Dr Sandeep Bakshi, Chancellor, JNU while addressing the participants said that to achieve the global goal

of improving maternalchild health and saving lives of women, we have to do more to reach out to those people who are more at risk –such as women from rural areas, urban slums and poor families and adolescent mothers. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

had’ exhibition of shapes in colour lines will run till February 10.

In the artworks of Vidyasagar Upadhyay, the feelings related to life like running away, and reuniting after

breaking and scattering have been engraved with the depth of colours. Childhood and the toys associated with it are at the center of Shahid Parvez’s artworks.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra, during his visit to the Bharat24-Vision of New India, NOIDA channel office interacted with the entire team and also congratulated and awarded Anchors for excellent views on their videos on Social Media platforms - Shikha Thakur (1.03 Million +), Surbhi (1.1 Millions +) and Palak Prakash (1 million +).

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Surbhi, also seen are Syed Umar, Shashikesh Ranjan, Amit Ojha, Aditi Nagar, Rajkumar Pathak and Prasoon Sukla

Jagdeesh Chandra with Arif Khan, Neeraj Singh, Saurabh Upadhyay, Amit Mittal, Sandeep Mishra, Amit Ojha, Syed Umar, Prasoon Shukla, Rajkumar Pathak, Shazia Nisar, Shikha Thakur, Amit Baliyan and Pratham Soni

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Palak, also seen are Syed Umar, Shashikesh Ranjan, Amit Ojha, Aditi Nagar, Rajkumar Pathak and Prasoon Sukla

signed an MOU in the august presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with an aim to make these self development and stress relief programs called YES!+ available for the students from these universities. Dr NP Padhy, Director, MNIT, Jaipur; Dr G K Prabhu, President, Manipal University, Jaipur; Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Vice - chancellor, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur; and Dr. Ashok Gupta, Chancellor, IIS, Jaipur were present for

left for the Mehendipur Balaji Temple.

Jayshree Periwal International School organised its annual Sports Meet ‘Olympic at School’ on Saturday. Periwal, the dynamic Director of the Jayshree Periwal Group of Schools, with her vivacious and zestful presence, honored the occasion. The Academic Directors, Ayush Periwal and Aakriti Periwal also bestowed the event with their presence.

A four-day international physical conference is being organised at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Sitapura from January 21-24. More than five hundred oncologists, Ayurveda doctors, and scientists from India and abroad are participating in this fourth annual Congress of the Immuno Oncology Society of India. Cancer experts from countries like America, Australia and England addressed the program on the first day. The congress is being organised with the goal of a cancer-free India.

Cardiac operating surgeon Dr Anil Sharma treated Yashashwini (Gopi) aged 4 years with a congenital malformation (down syndrome) who had a hole in the heart and also had PDA. The operation was carried out using a minimally invasive method with the help of Department head Dr Sanjeev Devgada, Dr Vakta, Dr Vishwanath, Dr Saurabh Mittal, Dr Kesha, Roshan Yadav and Suresh Chowdhary.

The awareness program titled ‘The Vaxithon’ is being organised by the Ladli Foundation Trust to celebrate the success of 100% vaccination in the state and to create awareness for the general public, for Covid-19 treatment on January 22, 2023, at Albert Hall, Jaipur. Laadli Foundation is a non-profit organisation working at the grassroots level, which works effectively for the general public in urban and rural areas.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Dr Sudhir Bhandari

Gurudev addressing the audience

During the event

Abhinav Bansal, Gourishankar with his son and wife, Suman, Sadhana, Bhawani, Rajiv Arora, Suneet & Vidhyasagar

Dr Sandeep Bakshi with others

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA