First India-Jaipur Edition-28th January 2023

WELCOME!

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony commemorating 1,111th ‘Avataran Mahotsav’ of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji in Bhilwara

SHASHIKANT SHARMA

Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji is worshipped by the people of Rajasthan, and his followers are spread across the length and breadth of the country. He is revered especially for his work towards public service, an ideal which PM Narendra Modi holds in highest regard and follows with a pure commitment of ‘seva’ towards his motherland and the people of India.

The Prime Minister will attend the event to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan, a folk deity revered by the Gurjar community, at Malaseri Dungri village, Bhilwara in Rajasthan, on Saturday. Modi will offer prayers at the temple, address a gathering and also plant a sapling.

CM Ashok Gehlot has declared a public holiday in Rajasthan today in honour of Shri Devnarayan Ji, keeping in mind the sentiments of the people. Malaseri Dungri, 60 km from Bhilwara, is the birthplace of Lord Devnarayan, who is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. PM Narendra Modi is wellknown for his spiritual inclination and himself explored spiritualism through his journeys. As he said once, about the experience of his travel to the Himalayas at a young age, “I went wherever God wanted to take me — it was an undecided period of my life but still, gave me so many answers. I sought to understand the world, to understand myself. I travelled far and wide, spent time at the Ramakrishna Mission, met sadhus and saints, stayed with them and began a discovery, inwards...”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

TEAM INDIA STARTS 2023 WITH A BANG ...

...Thrashes Lankans

and Kiwis in build up to ODI WC

IN-DEPTH

DOCU ON PM MODI RAISES DOUBTS OVER THE BRITISH BROADCASTER

The release of a BBC documentary 21 years after Gujarat carnage is completely incomprehensible.

It has caused some unrest among students in Delhi and Telangana which will subside after some time. Politically, no opposition party stands to gain from this documentary. If the BBC’s intention was to damage Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image it is a big miscalculation. The British government as well as that of the United States had denied entry to Modi in their respective countries when the massacre happened. Modi has now brought India to a position of such strength that the western powers dare not get influenced by a documentary’s contents which they must have been aware of all along.

It’s not gloom and doom story for the bowling line up, however, as there have been several ticks in the right direction too. One bright spot has been the rise of Mohammad Siraj who was penetrative in most spells. His form has taken him to the number 1 position in ODI world rankings. Also, the revival of Kuldeep Yadav in the white ball format has been a talking point. He has taken wickets in the crucial middle overs, a huge shortcoming in the last two T20 World Cups where India lost vital games without picking up a single wicket

There’s an old saying that well begun is half done! Team India has done just that by kicking off 2023 in grand style by clean sweeps in the two ODI series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand respectively. The wins have catapulted India to the top of the ODI rankings surpassing England – and as they are already World No 1 in T20s. The Men in Blue have become the best white-ball team in the world though they haven’t won any ICC trophy for nearly a decade. Later this year, India hosts the 50-over World Cup and any series before that is preparation for the grand event where the entire nation will pray overtime for Rohit & Co to repeat the success of the Dhoni brigade in 2011.

While 2022 ended with a bang as Ishan Kishan brought up his maiden double century in the ODI series against Bangladesh, the new year has seen another young IndianShubman Gill- becoming a part of the coveted list of batsmen to score double hundreds in ODI games. Gill has been in sparkling form and hit three centuries in the six

PAKISTAN IS IN A DEEP CRISIS

ODI games in 2023 and was chosen the Player of the Series against New Zealand. Besides individual brilliance, the series wins over the Lankans and the Kiwis have showcased the might of Indian batting. The team has repeatedly knocked up 300 plus scores batting first and fans were thrilled to see the two established superstars Rohit and Virat regain their midas touch too. But the discovery of young superstarsShubhman Gill and Ishan Kishan - is the cherry on Indian winnings. The team’s attacking template has been set by the team management and both the batsmen fit into that mindset comfortably. Shubman’s phenomenal successes in recent matches has only confirmed his class and pedigree as a very special batsman. With Rishabh Pant ousted for a few months due to his road accident, Ishan Kishan is now a vital cog in his absence as a keeper-batsman for the team though many would like to see Sanju Samson also being given a fair run in the team to prove his credentials. So stunning has been the Indian batting display that there is now a strong competition for the number 4 slot between Shreyas Iyer and Suryamkumar Yadav. KL Rahul recovered some touch which nudged him ahead of Kishan in the middle order as he can be an alternative wicket keep-

akistan finds itself in a financial mess primarily due to the government’s reluctance to carry out structural economic reforms and curb wasteful expenditure. It is now out with a begging bowl beseeching the US and International Monetary Fund for a bailout package as it is unable to pay its international debts.

Pakistan is seeking US intervention for IMF lending terms to be made easier. With inflation at 25 percent and one dollar being equal to 225 Pakistani rupees and tough IMF conditions could make it worse for people across the border. Pakistan’s instalment of funding is held up since September 2022 as the IMF is reviewing if the terms of loan

Team India has done just that by kicking off 2023 in grand style by clean sweeps in the two ODI series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand respectively. The wins have catapulted India to the top of the ODI rankings surpassing England – and as they are already World No 1 in T20s

er too. While Shreyas Iyer was out from the New Zealand series due to injury, Suryakumar wasted his chances. With his recent success, he is a huge crowd favourite and to reaffirm the faith that the fans have in him, Surya needs to discover a special gear for the ODIs as he seems stuck in playing T20 style even in the longer 50-over format.

Though India’s wins look mighty impressive, the bowling remains a bit of a concern. Lanka nearly chased down a 350 plus score in one game after having lost the top order cheaply and more recently, New Zealand almost came up trumps in the first match of the series and lost by barely 12 runs despite India’s mammoth 350 plus target. At one point, they were 6 wickets down needing 200

Pakistan finds itself in a financial mess primarily due to the govt’s reluctance to carry out structural economic reforms and curb wasteful expenditure. It is now out with a begging bowl beseeching the US and IMF for a bailout package as it is unable to pay its international debts

agreement had been met.

The severity of the problem gets accentuated by the looming general elections later this year. Shehbaz Sharif has promised harsh measures to revive the economy which may backfire for him and his government in the elections. Some of the measures are up-

plus runs but the fact that they managed to reach so close reflects the weakness of the Indian bowling pack to close out games.

It’s not gloom and doom story for the bowling line up, however, as there have been several ticks in the right direction too. One bright spot has been the rise of Mohammad Siraj who was penetrative in most spells. His form has taken him to the number 1 position in ODI world rankings. Also, the revival of Kuldeep Yadav in the white ball format has been a talking point. He has taken wickets in the crucial middle overs, a huge shortcoming in the last two T20 World Cups where India lost vital games without picking up a single wicket.

Kuldeep’s success also points out the importance of wrist spinners in the game. They provide an attacking option for the captain during middle overs to pick up wickets. As such, not only Yuzvendra Chahal, even Ravi Bishnoi needs to be given more chances to prove their mettle.

In July 2023, it will be a decade since Team India won any ICC trophy. If excelling in bilateral series and rising to number 1 in the ODI format is any indication, the Men in Blue now look ready to grab ICC glory that has eluded them for many years!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

ward revision of the price of electricity and natural gas, paying 15 percent less salary to MPs, doing away with discretionary spending by MPs and intelligence agencies, ban on purchase of luxury vehicles and foreign travel. These measures, if implemented, could mean a vote against the government. Cutting discretionary funds of intelligence agencies will have a different repercussion for which the Sharif government may not be prepared. The medicine is bitter and the dosage large, but to get out of the morass Pakistan has no alternative as given its precarious situation it can’t even dream of a misadventure against India. If it reins in the fundamentalists India too can help.

The BJP is poised to win a third general election under the leadership of Modi. This crude attempt at tarnishing Modi’s image has in fact damaged BBC’s reputation instead. The once famous broadcaster should ask if the documentary has served its intended purpose other than causing a brief strife.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

TOP TWEETS

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Better time management skills, ability to deal with criticism & comparison, judicious use of social media, ways to work hard smartly, #ExamWarriors share the many takeaways from PM @ narendramodi ji’s paath-shala today. #ParikshaPeCharcha2023

Nitin Gadkari @nitin_gadkari

Industrial development of Phaltan and Satara district as a whole will be emphasized and the pace of sustainable development will increase, western Maharashtra will be connected with Konkan region and transportation will be convenient for fishing and sugar industries.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti

SIDDHAARTH MAHAN

The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry

SANIA MIRZA BIDS EMOTIONAL FAREWELL TO GRAND SLAMS

OUR EDITIONS:

READ Crucial

BHARAT BIOTECH’S

NASAL COVID VACCINE iNCOVACC LAUNCHED

Melbourne: Sania Mirza will end her career with 6 Grand Slam titles after failing to win Australian Open mixed doubles trophy with compatriot Rohan Bopanna in Melbourne on Friday. Unseeded Bopanna and Sania lost 6-7(2) 2-6 to Brazilian pair in final.

ADANI

LOSES `4.17L CR IN 2 DAYS AS STOCKS PLUNGE

Mumbai: In two days, Adani group firms have lost a whopping Rs 4,17,824.79 crore from their market valuation. The market valuation of Adani Total Gas plummeted `1,04,580.93 crore, while that of Adani Transmission eroded by `83,265.95 crore.

KASHMIR LEG OF BHARAT JODO YATRA

NOVAK POUNDS TOMMY PAUL TO REACH 10TH Oz OPEN FINAL

Melbourne: Novak Djokovic shrugged off controversy involving his father to reach a record-extending 10th Australian Open final with a 7-5 6-1 6-2 win over outgunned American Tommy Paul on Friday. Djokovic will meet third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday.

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BJY SCRAPPED OVER ‘SECURITY LAPSES’!

New Delhi: Bharat Biotech’s nasal Covid vaccine iNCOVACC was launched by Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya & Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday. It is the country’s 1st nasal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

SCREENING OF DOCU:

SECTION 144 IMPOSED AT DU ARTS FACULTY

New Delhi: The Delhi police have imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the Arts Faculty of the Delhi University after the students, and members of Congress-backed NSU) demanded the screening of the controversial BBC docu, several students detained. P6

AMARINDER LIKELY TO REPLACE KOSHYARI AS MAHA GOVERNOR

Mumbai: Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab, is likely to be appointed the new Governor of Maharashtra. The development comes days after incumbent Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari expressed his desire to step down from the post.

LAKHIMPUR CASE: ASHISH MISHRA RELEASED FROM JAIL

Lakhimpur Kheri: Ashish Mishra, son of Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra, was released from jail on Friday after the Supreme Court had granted him 8-week interim bail in Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.

INDUS WATER TREATY: INDIA ISSUES FRESH NOTICE TO PAKISTAN

New Delhi: India has issued a fresh notice to Pakistan that it intends to modify the existing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of September 1960 after Pakistani “intransigence” on its implementation. According to sources, India issued the fresh notice on January 25.

MOHSIN SHAIKH

MURDER CASE: ALL ACCUSED ACQUITTED

Pune: Pune court on Friday acquitted all 21 accused, including Hindu Rashtra Sena chief Dhananjay Jayram, in murder case of Mohsin Shaikh. Court of addl Sessions judge SB Salunkhe, acquitted all accused in the case.

Had to call off my walk...: Rahul Gandhi alleges major security lapse at his Yatra Gandhi was stuck in middle of a crowd and couldn’t move for about 30 minutes

Rahul was to walk 11 km in the Kashmir Valley but had to stop after a kilometre

Moni Sharma

Srinagar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra was scrapped on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir with the Congress alleging “very serious security lapses” as the march entered the Kashmir Valley. Rahul Gandhi was to walk 20 km in Kashmir on Fri-

PARIKSHA PE CHARCHA

Students are taking my test: PM Modi

First India Bureau

New Delhi: PM Modi while interacting with students, teachers, and parents during the 6th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ 2023 in Delhi on Friday said, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ is my exam too and crores of students of the country are taking my test...I enjoy giving this test.” Full Report on P6

Police personnel supposed to manage the crowd were nowhere to be seen. The police arrangement collapsed after we exited the tunnel. My security got uncomfortable, so we had to cancel. I had to call off my walk because I can’t go against my security people.

—Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader

day but had to stop after about a km. As Rahul Gandhi crossed the Banihal Tunnel on his

Morbi: Police file 1,262-page charge-sheet

First India Bureau

HM: ‘PPC’ BY PM MODI

A MASTERCLASS ON SELF-MANAGEMENT

HM Amit Shah applauded the sixth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ annual interaction by PM Modi with students, saying the programme was a “masterclass on self-management”.

way to Srinagar, a large, unexpected crowd was waiting for him, said Congress leaders. P6

I’M WITNESS, SAYS OMAR ABDULLAH ON SECURITY LAPSE

Tata to clear on world’s largest airline deal soon!

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Friday alleged that the outer ring of security cordon maintained by Jammu and Kashmir Police “simply vanished” as soon as the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra entered the Kashmir Valley.

WE WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT CROWDS AT BANIHAL: POLICE

The J&K Police refuted the allegations of security breach levelled by Rahul Gandhi, as BJY arrived in the Kashmir Valley. Police said only authorised persons as identified by organisers and frisked crowd were allowed towards route.

HM SHOULD ORDER PROBE OVER LAPSE IN SECURITY: GEHLOT

The deal size is likely to be worth billions of dollars, with the airline expected to induct significantly more than a hundred aircraft

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Tata group is likely to close out and announce what is expected to be the largest aviation deal in history within the next few weeks - an announcement which will lead to Air India being equipped with some of the newest and most advanced commercial jetliners.

GO FIRST FINED `10L FOR LEAVING BEHIND OVER 50 PASSENGERS

Aviation regulator DGCA on Friday slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakh on India’s Go First airlines for incident where 55 passengers were left behind in a coach at Bangalore airport. The incident took place on January 9, 2023.

$400 MILLION TO REFURBISH

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot said, “The lapse in security of Rahul Gandhi in J&K is a serious matter. Govt and administration of J&K should make concrete arrangements. We have already lost Indira ji and Rajiv ji. The Home Minister should immediately get an inquiry done as to at what level and why there has been a lapse in the security of Rahul, who has high level security?”

Within a few years, Air India - which now includes Vistara and Air Asia India - will likely have the youngest fleet in the world once the new aircraft arrive in significant numbers.

Tatas are close to completing negotiations with both Boeing and Airbus for a mix of long, medium and shortmedium range aircraft.

CELEBRATING 74th REPUBLIC DAY

Air India committed $400 million to refurbish the interiors of its entire widebody fleet. Air India said these will now incorporate the “latest generation seats and best-in-class inflight entertainment systems.”

AI CLOSE TO SEALING HISTORIC AIRCRAFT ORDER, SAYS CEO

Tata group-owned air carrier Air India will seal a ‘historic’ aicraft deal, said CEO Campbell Wilson while highlighting that the company’s progress has been quite remarkable as it completes one year with the conglomerate.

Morbi: The Gujarat police on Friday submitted a 1,262-page charge sheet in the Morbi bridge collapse case and named Oreva Group director Jaysukh Patel as prime accused. Rajkot range IGP Ashok Yadav said the charge sheet is filed against 10 accused, of which 9 are arrested while the director is absconding.

Asind ready to welcome PM Modi today

First India Bureau

Bhilwara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malaseri Dungri in Asind region today to attend the 1,111th birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan. Security has been tightened in and around Dungri. PM Modi will stay at Malaseri for one-and-ahalf-hour and have darshan of Lord Devnarayan. People will not be allowed to enter the temple and surrounding areas in Malaseri post 8 am today.

Only pass holders issued by Special Protection Group (SPG) will get entry. Earlier, on Thursday, the Army rehearsed in the Dungri

Atotal of 3,000 policemen will be deployed for security. Apart from this, 300 CID personnel will also keep a vigil. Barricades have been made with bats around the helipad and temple premises.

complex. A helicopter landed on the helipad here. The SPG also tightened the security cordon in Malaseri. Every arrangement

PM Modi may visit Alwar. Earlier there was a report of his visit on Jan 25 but now program has been revised to Feb

4. PM Modi may address a public meeting in Barodamev’s Sheetal where the first phase of Delhi-Mumbai corridor is to be inaugurated.

was closely examined.

Ajmer’s Divisional Commissioner Bhanwarlal Mehra, Range

IGP Rupendra Singh, District Collector Ash-

ish Modi and SP Adarsh Sidhu have camped at Malaseri. A meeting was held with officials, administrative and police officers on Thursday to review preparations.

The PM will be in Malaseri for about oneand-a-half-hour. During this, he will participate in the Purnahuti. The Pandit who will do the Yagya has been allowed to sit for eight minutes with the Prime Minister. According to the PMO, Modi will leave New Delhi at 9.20 am on

Cong leader Rahul Gandhi with J&K National Conference VP Omar Abdullah during Bharat Jodo Yatra, at Banihal, in Ramban on Friday.

(Top) President Droupadi Murmu, VP Jagdeep Dhankhar, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi, PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Sudesh Dhankhar and other dignitaries at Kartavya Path during the 74th Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi on Thursday. (Left) PM Narendra Modi in conversation with Egyptian Prez Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The 74th Republic Day was celebrated with full enthusiasm at Raj Info Centre on Thursday. Arun Joshi hoisted the flag. Jasram Meena, Laxmikant Gupt along with DIPR and IT dept officials were present.

GLIMPSES FROM REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION IN CITY

Governor Kalraj Mishra, CM Ashok Gehlot extended their wishes on the occasion of Republic Day to the people of the State and country

Governor Kalraj Mishra unfurled the tricolour on R-day at the SMS Stadium & following the national anthem, he inspected the parade.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day function in Jaipur on Thursday. He paid homage to martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before reaching the SMS Stadium. At the stadium, the governor

Paper leaks: ‘Youth will give a lesson to Cong govt in polls’

Jaipur (PTI): The youth of Rajasthan will teach a lesson to the Congress government in the assembly polls if it does not do justice to the unemployed, BJP MP Kirodi Meena said on Friday. Meena, who has been sitting on a dharna to demand a CBI inquiry into recruitment paper leaks in the state, alleged the state government has no intention of catching the “big crocodiles”.

The Rajya Sabha MP began a dharna on the outskirts of Jaipur on Tuesday after police stopped a march led by him from Dausa to protest paper leaks from entering the state capital.

The state government should listen to the voice of the youth without any political bias and sincerely address their legitimate demands in a time-bound manner, he said. The government

has no intention of catching the “big crocodiles” involved in the paper leaks and therefore the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should probe the matter, Meena said in a tweet.

A SPECIAL DAY-OUT

was received by CM Ashok Gehlot, Chief Secy Usha Sharma, Director General of Police Umesh Mishra and other officials.

CM Gehlot unfurled the national flag at the CMR. He unfurled the Tiranga in the presence of his staff officers and police personnel attached to his residence.

Girl abducted, gang-raped by two in Dausa

Dausa (FIB): A 20-yearold girl was allegedly kidnapped and gangraped by two men in Dausa, police said. Police informed the accused have been identified as Mahendra and Rajesh. “The incident took place in the Sikandra area on Wednesday.

The girl was abducted in a car by the two accused and later taken to nearby jungles where she was gang-raped by them. The victim was later thrown on road,” police said. “The family members went into shock after hearing the horrifying incident and later reached the police station and filed an FIR. The case is being investigated,” police added.

CM Ashok Gehlot unfurling the tricolour at the CMR on Thursday.

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora during the flag hoisting ceremony on the R-Day at RHB HQs on Thursday.

Jaipur: Rajasthan Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora hoisted the flag at the Rajasthan Housing Board Headquarters on Thursday. In a function organized at Divisional Headquarters ‘Awas Bhawan’, Arora said that the country has given us rights and if we start discharging our responsibilities in a better way, then we can do true service for the country. Arora said that in the past, the officers and personnel of the Housing Board have made achievements in different fields because of team work. The Housing Commissioner extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone on Republic Day. Artistes from Sangeet Sansthan sang patriotic songs at the ceremony. All the officers and personnel of the Mandal were present on the occasion.

Light rains, hailstorm expected across Rajasthan, predicts IMD

In Sikar’s Fatehpur, mercury dips to -2.3° degrees Celsius

First India Bureau

Jaipur : According to the meteorological department, light rains are expected at several places in Rajasthan in the next 24 hours. Hailstorm has also been predicted at some places.

Severe cold conditions continue in the arid state where the minimum temperature in Fatehpur (Sikar) was recorded at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius last night.

The night temperature stood at minus 0.5 degree Celsius in Chu-

CS distributes school bags to special kids

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A unique initiative was carried out by the Darshan NGO for hearing-impaired children. CS Usha Sharma paid a special visit to the children and distributed school bags along with notebooks and other essential stationery. Chairperson and former Election Commissioner Navin Chawla welcomed CS Usha Sharma and briefed her about the social activities of the NGO.

During the occasion, CS Sharma also inaugurated the paintings given by Former PM Manmo-

han Singh and appreciated the artwork. She also interacted with the specially-abled children

and got involved in the fun activities with them. On the occasion, she said, “I am more than

grateful to see organisations doing good for the children, who are the future of our society.”

ru, 1.9 degrees in Bikaner, 2.7 degrees in Pilani, 2 degrees in Sangaria in Hanumangarh, 2 degrees in Karauli, 2.8 degrees in Phalodi in Jodhpur and 3.8 degrees in Tonk’ Vanasthali.

Cold wave too, is likely to continue for the next 24 hours. The minimum temperature is likely to increase by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius due to a western disturbance from January 28.

6 killed in two accidents in Churu, Fatehpur

Churu/Fatehpur (FIB): Four people were killed in collision of Bolerocontainer at Ranasar village in Sardarshahar. Two grooms were injured while their 2 brothers-in-law died. Container driver and one other were also killed.

Meanwhile, two brothers were killed after being hit by a speeding truck in Fatehpur on Friday. The deceased were identified as Ajay (18) and her cousin brother Kamal (19), residents of Kharinata Ramgarh. The incident took place around 1:30 pm at Fatehpur-Churu Highway, when they were heading towards Dinarpura village.

Jaipur Foot camp inaugurated in Lebanan’s Capital Beirut

First India Bureau Jaipur. The Jaipur Foot artificial limb fitment camp was inaugurated in the Lebanan’s Capital Beirut on the occasion of 74th Republic Day of India, The camp was inaugurated on at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut. This camp has been generously sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs of India under its ‘India for Humanity’ programme and is being implemented by Bhag-

wan

Sahayata

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in R-Day function at Keshav Vidhaypeeth Jamdoli, Jaipur described the significance of the three colours of national flag and said people should take a resolution to move ahead and try to fulfil it. He said the top band of saffron colour represents the nature of India, which is the symbol of eternal life.

CM Ashok Gehlot paying homage to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion of Republic Day on Thursday.

Various cultural performances by folk artists and others were organised at the State level celebraton on Thursday. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

RHB COMMISSIONER PAWAN ARORA HOISTS FLAG AT HOUSING BOARD HQS

GS Dotasra addressing the gathering at the Badi Chaupar on Thursday. Vaibhav Gehlot, Jyoti Khandelwal, Munesh Gurjar and others also seen.

Satish Poonia, Gulab Chand Kataria, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Bhajan Lal Sharma and other BJP leaders unfurled the flag at Badi Chaupar.

Mahaveer Viklang

Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur. Maji Ramadan, Joseph El Helo, Colonel Nadim Kakoun representing Lebanese

Armed Forces, Dr. Jihad Saadeh, Dar El Handassa, and memebers of El Khalil Foundation, Rotary club were present on the occasion.

Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Singh Rathore reached the protest site on Friday in support of MP Kirori Lal Meena.

City engulfs into fog on Friday morning, view taken from Galta Gate.

Mercury logged as low as 5°C. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Officials, visitors inspecting the Jaipur Foot at Beirut on Thursday.

(L) Navin Chawla welcoming CS Usha Sharma. (R) Sharma also interacted with the specially-abled children during her visit on Friday.

FANS ANNOYED OVER NOT GETTING SEATS

MISCREANTS LOOT MOVIE THEATRE IN KOTA DURING ‘PATHAAN’ SCREENING

The movie tickets were sold more than the seating capacity, the police informed

First India Bureau

Kota: A movie theatre screening Shahrukh Khan-starrer Bollywood film ‘Pathaan’ was ransacked and looted by miscreants in Kota on Thursday night. Police informed the incident took place at Natraj Cinema during the last show on Thursday where the miscreants started creating a ruckus after they did not get

Govt approves state holiday on Lord Devnarayan Jayanti

First India Bureau

Man held for taking ` 1L on name of Addl Dist Collector

First India Bureau

a place to sit in the movie hall despite purchasing the tickets. “The movie tickets were sold more than the seating capacity. An argument broke out between the miscreants and theatre staff, following which, the miscreants vandalised the theatre premises and looted the canteen and other valuables goods from the theatre. They also demanded to give their money back,” police said. Similarly, in Jodhpur, The workers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday protested against the ‘Pathaan’ movie.

Jaipur Int’l Airport will be ‘Silent’ airport from Feb 1

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: In the continuous endeavor to enhance the passenger experience, Jaipur International Airport will be a ‘Silent Airport’ from February 1. Passengers will get all important and boarding related updated on digital screens and messages on their respective mobile numbers.

Technology based and automated PA systems

‘Netaji’s’ Political appointment grabs eyeballs

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The political appointment of a ‘Netaji’ associated with the business of ‘shaktivardhak dava’ has caught eyeballs. With the sudden political appointment in Raj, the State Congress was surprised as order came from Delhi. This rising Netaji belongs to Jhunjhunu. A young RS MP got this appointment done. When appointment order was issued, everyone started asking, how did it happen all of a sudden? In fact, earlier the name of a minority MLA was floating for this post, but suddenly Netaji of Jhunjhunu got appointment due to connection of Delhi. Now, he will claim the ticket in place of an existing minister.

will also be deployed at airport to provide important update to passengers. However emergency related announcement will continue on public announcement systems. Awareness drive is being held in this regard.

N ew flight operations from Jaipur to Goa have commenced from the Jaipur Airport by the Go First Airline. The new Flight G8952 will reach Jaipur from Goa at 12:30 pm. And Flight G8-953 will depart from Jaipur to Goa at 1 pm. The new flight will operate for Goa Mopa Airport. With this, a total of all four flights will be available for Goa from Jaipur Airport. Two flights will run to Dabolim and two flights to the Mopa Airport.

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to declare the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan (Jan 28) as a state holiday in Raj, keeping in mind the faith of masses and the demand of public representatives. Holding a press conference at Secretariat, Devnarayan Board President Joginder Awana said, “ State Govt declared a holiday on Devnarayan Jayanti as this demand was being made by Gurjar community for a long time.” Awana also

PRAYING FOR PROSPERITY

Governor Kalraj Mishra during his visit to the Mehandipur Balaji Temple and Sitaram Temple in Dausa district on Friday, prayed for the prosperity and happiness of the nation as well as the state. Mahant Nareshpuri Maharaj of Mehandipur Balaji Temple assisted him in religious rituals. Guv Mishra also listened to the Bhagwat Katha by Acharya Mridul Krishna Maharaj.

Owner razes illegal liquor factory after notice by JDA

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The fear of JDA bulldozer razing several illegal encroachments in the city was witnessed on Friday. As the owner of an illegal liquor factory and warehouse started demolishing the illegal construction on their own after JDA notice. The construction made for storage of liquor was removed in Vasundhara Colony located on Vatika Road. Moreover, after issuing the notices of encroachments on Jan 26, the plan to take action today was in place at godown in Shikarpura.

After the issuance of notices, the JDA sought answers till Jan 28. The notices were

A bulldozer demolishes the factory in Sanganer area.

expressed gratitude to CM. “A programme will be organised today and PM Modi will participate in birth anniversary programme of Lord Devnarayan, the deity of Gurjars in Asind,” he said.

Bundi: The ACB arrested Prabhakar Sharma red-handed taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in the name of Additional District Collector (Ceiling). ADG ACB Hemant Priyadarshy said that a complaint was given by the complainant to the Bundi unit that Prabhakar Sharma was seeking Rs 2 lakh bribe in lieu of releasing the amount for land acquisition for construction of a highway. The complaint was verified by ACB Kota SP, Alok Srivastava and DSP Gyanchand of ACB Bundi unit after which the trap was laid on Saturday.

Fund approval: Rights given to Principal,Supdt

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Medical Dept has given rights to principals of Medical Colleges & Superintendents of Hospitals to give fund approvals of works at their level in case of emergencies.

Principal Secy of Medical Education Dept T

Ravi Kant said, “As per Health Min’s directions, purchase, & fund approval up to Rs 5 lakh can be done by principals & superintendents.

They can approve 5% of total annual income of RMRS (maximum Rs 50 lakh) in a year, whose post-work approval will be taken in meeting.”

Churu (PTI): Bollywood veteran Satish Kaushik on Friday inaugurated a first-of-itskind inflatable digital theatre in Sardarshahar town of Rajasthan’s Churu district.

The theatre has been installed by PictureTime Digiplex. Post the inauguration, a screening of superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s spy thriller “Pathaan” was held at the theatre. The theatre has

DISMISSES FIRM FROM ITS PANEL, LEVIES HEFTY PENALTY

JDA

I n a big action, JDA has dismissed the firm M/s MD Engineers and Contractors from its panel and slapped a heavy penalty of Rs 3.30 cr. The firm was doing work of Civil Lines ROB, however, in middle of the work they showcased their inability to continue the work further. Now, the civil lines project will not be completed in estimated time. JDA had granted tender for the construction of ROB for Rs 36 crore.

given on directions of Chief Controller of Enforcement, Raghuveer Saini. To avoid

direct action & recovery amount, owners started removing illegal constructions.

Actor Satish Kaushik inaugurates inflatable digital theatre in Churu

and Haryana with more screens in association with Kuber Entertainment.

The company is also screening “Pathaan” at its inflatable theatre in Leh, Ladakh, touted as the world’s highest mobile theatre.

The Hindi film is also being screened in the company’s three other inflatable theatres in Asifabad (Telangana), Sardarshahar (Rajasthan) and Arunachal Pradesh.

Joginder Awana

Parsadi Lal Meena

NEW FLIGHT FROM JAIPUR TO GOA

‘PARIKSHA PE CHARCHA’

ITS MY EXAMINATION TOO: PM MODI

ON STUDENT-TEACHER BOND, SOCIAL MEDIA DISTRACTIONS & MORE

‘A MASTERCLASS ON SELF -MANAGEMENT’

BY ANI

Delhi cops detain 24 students from DU Arts Faculty

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with students during the 6th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha program at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister said that Pariksha Pe Charcha was also his exam as the students take his exam by putting forth various questions before him. Modi said, he always feels delighted by the questions of students. On a question by the students for giving the stress-free exam and expectations of parents, the Prime Minister said, it is not bad on the part of parents to have expectations from children but if they do so due to social status

GADGETS NOT SMARTER THAN YOU, USE WISELY: PM MODI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday encouraged the students to believe in their strengths and use electronic gadgets wisely and smartly."People in India spend an average of six hours on screen. This is a matter of concern. Why to be a slave of gadgets when God has given us an independent existence and individuality with immense potential?" PM Modi said during the sixth edition of the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ programme in the national capital.

then it is not good.

In the sixth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha Programme, Prime

NEWS DIGEST

‘SOCIETAL

PRESSURE A PROBLEM’

ONE WHO CHEATS CAN NEVER PASS LIFE, SAYS PM MODI TO STUDENTS

New Delhi (ANI): Addressing the issue of cheating during examinations, PM Modi said that time has changed, and one has to face exams at every stage and those who cheat can never pass life. “Students must understand that time has changed, and they will have to face exams at every phase of life…That is why the one who cheats can clear one or two exams but will never be able to pass life,” said PM Modi while addressing Pariksha Pe Charcha.

PM MODI URGES PARENTS NOT TO PUT PRESSURE ON CHILDREN

New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi during his interaction with students advised parents against putting undue pressure on children over marks and also gave tips to students on keeping a balance between hard work and smart work. “I urge the parents not to pressurise your children. Also, students should not underestimate their capabilities. If a family’s expectations from its children are due to societal pressure then it’s a problem, he said.

Minister Narendra Modi not only gave tips to students for stress management related to

upcoming exams but also gave special tips to teachers. This year, over 38 lakh students,

‘OUT OF SYLLABUS’: PM ON OPPOSITION CRITICISM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a witty response when asked about the criticism he faces by the members of various opposition parties. Responding to a student at the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ event, the Prime Minister said “criticism is like purification in a democracy”. “The question is out of the syllabus. I have a conviction that criticism is an absolute condition and a Shuddhi Yagna for a prosperous democracy,” PM Modi said.

teachers and parents registered for Pariksha Pe Charcha, double of what it was in 2022.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday applauded the sixth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ annual interaction by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with students, saying the programme was a “masterclass on self-management”. Shah said the interaction will enrich India’s young minds and motivate them to achieve their goals, and that solutions to time and stress management and cutting gadget dependency are the new mantras to enhance efficiency.

PM TO ADDRESS NCC RALLY IN DELHI ON JAN 28

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual NCC PM rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi on Saturday. Modi will release a special Day Cover and a commemorative specially minted coin of Rs 75/- denomination, commemorating 75 successful years of NCC.

PM MODI’S ‘MANN KI BAAT’ ON JAN 29

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people of the country and abroad in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme on All India Radio at 11 AM on January 29. It will be the 97th episode of the monthly radio programme.

BY PTI

members of Bhim Army Student Federation for planning to screen the BBC documentary film ‘India: The Modi Question’, at Delhi University Arts Faculty, in New Delhi, Friday.

New Delhi: Delhi Police on Friday detained

24 students from the Delhi University’s Arts Faculty for planning to screen the controversial BBC documentary on the 2002 Godhra riots, a senior police official said. The action comes days after a similar ruckus at Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia over the documentary’s screening.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, "Around 4pm, some 20 people came outside the Arts Faculty gate to screen the banned BBC documentary. As it can cause disturbance of peace and tranquillity in the area, they were asked to disperse from there.” "When they did not, they were peacefully detained. A total of 24 people were detained," Kalsi said.

TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES WARNS STUDENTS

Mumbai (ANI): Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on Friday issued an advisory to students over the screening of the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the institute has not permitted any such screening and gatherings which may disturb the academic environment and jeopardize the peace and harmony in the campuses.

PROTESTING AGAINST BAN, STUDENTS SCREENS IT AT UNIV

New Delhi: Several student in colleges have vowed to screen the movie despite the ban that has been in place. A fresh row erupted down south after students at Madras University (MU) screened the film on their laptops defying the ban that has been in place by the government. They also demanded that the ban should be removed. Meanwhile, the BJP has called the movie propaganda and has slammed the makers.

KERALA

HC SUSPENDS FAIZAL’S VERDICT, SAYS NO BY-ELECTIONS IN LD: EC TO SC

New Delhi (ANI): The Election Commission of India on Friday apprised the Supreme Court that the poll panel would take cognisance of the Kerala High Court order suspending the sentence of the Mohammed Faizal and said that there would be no bye-election in Lakshadweep (LD). After hearing the submission made by EC, a bench of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna disposed of the petition filed by Mohammed Faizal challenging the ECI’s press release announcing bye-elections for the Lakshadweep constituency.

DELHI MAYOR POLL: SC SETS HEARING DATE

New Delhi: The SC agreed to list for hearing on Feb 3 a plea of AAP mayoral candidate Shelly Oberoi seeking directions to ensure mayoral election in Delhi in a time-bound manner. A bench took note of the submissions of senior lawyer Singhvi, appearing for Oberoi, on early holding of the mayoral poll for MCD.

Await meeting of likeminded parties for LS polls: Bihar CM Nitish

New Delhi: Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said he was "waiting" for a meeting of like-minded parties for the Lok Sabha polls next year once Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is complete.

2,967 TIGERS IN INDIA: CENTRE TO SUPREME COURT

New Delhi: The Centre told the Supreme Court that there are 2,967 tigers in the country spread across 53 tiger reserves, as per a 2018 report. The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by Advocate Anupam Tripathi in 2017 seeking to save endangered tigers whose numbers are dwindling across the country.

JUSTICE SINGH’S NAME SENT FOR ELEVATION AS TRIPURA HC CJ

New Delhi: The SC Collegium recommended elevation of Justice Jaswant Singh of Orissa HC as Chief Justice of the Tripura HC. An official statement said “the Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on January 25, 2023, on reconsideration and in supersession of its earlier recommendation dated September 28, 2022, has recommended elevation of Justice Jaswant Singh, judge, Orissa HC… as Chief Justice of the Tripura HC”. By its September 28, 2022, decision, the Collegium had recommended elevation of Justice Jaswant as Chief Justice of Orissa HC itself.

The JD(U) leader, who has the Congress as a junior ally in Bihar, maintained that he viewed the ‘yatra’ as a ‘niji’ (internal) program of that party, but looked forward to a collaboration in Lok Sabha of all seven constituents of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance).

The CM also said the JD(U) would not like to crackdown on its sulk-

ing parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha, whose claim of the party becoming "weak" he rejected.

"I am waiting for the yatra to be over and for a meeting of parties (opposed to the BJP) to be convened. There, we shall chalk out the strategy for the Lok Sabha polls which is, now, not far away,” Kumar told reporters here.

Omar Abdullah

Banihal: National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Friday joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the Rahul Gandhi-led march is not being carried out for the image makeover of the Congress leader, but rather to change the situation and atmosphere of the country.

The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said he does not want to delve into Congress’ stand on the revocation of the special status of J&K.

"The Yatra is not aimed at improving the image of Rahul Gandhi but for improving the situation in the country," the NC leader told reporters.

joins

Bharat Jodo Yatra, twinning with Rahul Gandhi in white T-shirt

‘Release surgical strike video’: Cong leader backs Digvijaya Singh

New Delhi: Amid ongoing controversy over Congress leader Digvijaya Singh questioning the authenticity of the ‘2019 Surgical Strike’, Cong’s Rashid Alvi came in support of his party colleague & asked the Centre to release the surgical strike video.

CONG’S ‘HAATH SE HAATH JODO’ CAMPAIGN

New Delhi: Congress launched ‘Hath se Hath Jodo’ campaign, under which it plans to reach out to people and make them aware about the “failures” of the Modi government.

Taking to Twitter, the Congress posted: “As we celebrate the biggest festival of democracy today, we announce the launch of the #HaathSeHaathJodo campaign. After the immense love received for #BharatJodoYatra, we are sure that the Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign will also win everybody’s hearts.”

TO LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

"Government says it has a video (of a surgical strike) so what is wrong with Digvijaya asking the government to show it? We’re not asking for proof but the government should show the video it claims it has," said Rashid Alvi.

Govt vehicles older than 15 years to be scrapped: Centre

New Delhi: From April, all government vehicles that have completed 15 years will automatically lose their right to ply on roads as their certificate of registration will expire, according to a new rule of the central government.

In an effort to weed out old, polluting and potentially less-safe vehicles from Indian roads, Nitin Gadkariled Ministry of Road

Transport and Highways has already rolled out the vehicle scrapping policy. The draft notification of the policy was issued in November.

Any vehicle which is 15 or more years old, owned by governments, in the centre or state, Union Territories, public sector undertakings, municipal bodies or any organisation owned or controlled by the gov-

ernment, will have to retire, the new rule states. If the registration of such old vehi-

cles was renewed before they attained the age of 15, such registration certificates will also au-

tomatically be deemed cancelled and they will have to retire after a lapse of 15 years from initial registration.

As part of implementing the policy, the Central government felt that the government should show the way by scrapping its own old vehicles.

Such vehicles, numbering in the thousands across India, are to be scrapped only through

registered vehicle scrapping facilities as mandated in the policy. However, special purpose vehicles owned by governments, like armoured and other specialised vehicles used for operational purposes for defence of the country and for the maintenance of law and order and internal security, have been kept out of the ambit of the new rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the students, teachers and parents, during the 6th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023’, at Talkatora Stadium, in New Delhi on Friday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah during party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, at Banihal, in Ramban on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Police personnel detain

—PHOTO

—PHOTO

Colourful parade showcases women power

Aatmarnirbharta and ‘Nari Shakti’ were the two themes on display at the 74th Republic Day

New Delhi (Agencies):

The 74th Republic Day parade Thursday at the newly developed Kartavya Path, the revamped Rajpath, in New Delhi witnessed the participation of several women contingents, including those of Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Delhi Police and Indian Navy.

The Indian military showcased only indigenous equipment and weapon systems to drive home the message of self-reliance in defence.

The Army’s Britishera 25-pounder guns — which traditionally offered the symbolic 21gun salute — were replaced by the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG) this year.

The drive for atmanirbharta or self-suf-

‘HELP ME GET MY WAGES’: SPECIAL INVITEE REQUESTS PM

New Delhi: A gardener by profession, Sukh Nandan, was among the special invitees to watch this year’s Republic Day parade. However, when asked what would he have asked the prime minister if given chance, he said, “My last contractor refused to pay wages for 44-day work. I will request PM Modi ji to help me get my wages.” Nandan has been working in the horticulture department at the India Gate for the past two months.

ficiency in India’s military might, as well as the key role of women in the armed forces were both in the spotlight at India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations held at the newly-renovated and renamed Kartavya Path in the capital.

Despite the fog and reduced visibility, a 50-aircraft grand air show was put up by the Indian Air Force for President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and others at the parade. It included 23 fighter aircraft, 18 helicopters, and eight transport aircraft alongside a Dakota aircraft.

The celebrations commenced with the homage ceremony at the National War Memorial where PM Modi led the nation in paying tribute to fallen soldiers.

INDIA EXHIBITS CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING PARADE

New Delhi: The 74th Republic Day parade displayed the military strength and cultural diversity from the revamped Kartavya Path. The parade highlighted India’s military prowess & cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, and emergence of a ‘New India’. Another highlight of the show was thrilling motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals’ Dare Devils team.

Top BJP brass meet to finalise candidates for Tripura polls

New Delhi: Top leaders of the BJP including party chief J P Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others have met here to finalise candidates for the upcoming Tripura assembly elections. The Thursday meeting was also attended by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, BJP’s state incharge Mahesh Sharma and Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Deb. Earlier in the day, BJP’s Tripura unit core group members met at party leader and northeast incharge Sambit

‘IT RULES ARE LIMITED TO ONLINE PLATFORMS ONLY’

Minister

Patra’s residence.

The BJP is likely to finalise its candidates for the Tripura assembly elections on Friday in its central election committee meeting. The 60-member Tripura assembly will go to polls on February 16. The last date for filling nominations is January 30.

New Delhi (PTI): Content red-flagged by PIB Fact Check or government authorised agency under the draft IT rules will not be applicable on TV news channels unless the information is posted on an online platform, Minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

Responding to a PTI question, Chandrasekhar said the IT rules are limited to online platforms only.

"It will not be applicable on TV unless the content is posted on any online platform. The IT rules are limited to online intermediaries only," the minister said.

The government has invited comments on a proposal to remove any online content, which PIB Fact Check agency or any other authorised agency by the government object to the content posted online as fake, false or misleading.

The Ministry of Elec-

tronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will next month hold discussions with stakeholders before the proposal is implemented.

The minister said the Meity will invite the Editors Guild and other stakeholders for the consultation.

CHEETAH RE-INTRODUCTION PROGRAMME

‘BOYCOTT CULTURE

SPOILS ATMOSPHERE:

ANURAG THAKUR AMID

‘PATHAAN’ ROW

Mumbai: Union Minister Anurag Thakur deplored the “boycott culture” targeting certain films and said such instances vitiate the atmosphere at a time when India is keen to enhance its influence as a soft power. In case someone has a problem with a movie, they should talk to the concerned department which can take up the issue with the filmmakers, he said. The minister’s remarks come at a time when Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan” is facing boycott calls over one of its songs.

SA signs deal with India to relocate dozens of cheetahs

A big cat species similar to the cheetah disappeared from India some 70 years ago

Cape Town (Agenciess): South Africa has signed an agreement with India to introduce dozens of African cheetahs to the Asian country over the next decade, its environmental department said on Thursday, after the first were transferred last year from neighbour-

ing Namibia. A big cat species similar to the cheetah disappeared from India some 70 years ago.

In September, eight radio-collared African cheetahs were released at Kuno National Park in central India after a 5,000-mile (8,000 km) journey from Namibia,

the first time wild cheetahs have been moved across continents to be

released. “An initial batch of 12 cheetah are scheduled to be flown

from South Africa to India in February 2023,” South Africa’s environmental department said in a statement. The big cats will join those introduced from Namibia.

“The plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for the next eight to 10 years,” the department added.

The statement said the aim was to “achieve a number of ecological objectives,” including restoring the role of

the cheetah within India, where the endangered cats used to roam, and “enhancing the livelihood options and economies of the local communities.”

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 and are the only large carnivore in the country to have suffered that fate. According to a statement from India’s environment ministry, this was a result of overhunting and loss of habitat.

GALLANTRY AWARDS: 2 KIRTI CHAKRA, 7 SHAURYA CHAKRA FOR ARMY

New Delhi: Two of the six Kirti Chakra awards and seven (two posthumously) of the 15 named for Shaurya Chakra went to the Indian Army in the 412 gallantry awards and defence decorations approved by the President on the eve of 74th Republic Day. Major Shubhang and Naik Jitendra Singh from the Army got the Kirti Chakra for their role in counter-terror operations in J&K.

MADE IN INDIA ARMS SHOWCASED AT R-DAY PARADE

New Delhi: The Indian military showcased only indigenous equipment and weapon systems to drive home the message of self-reliance in defence. The Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns — which traditionally offered the symbolic 21-gun salute — were replaced by the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG). It included 23 fighter aircraft, 18 helicopters, and 8 transport aircraft alongside a Dakota aircraft.

INDIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE IN TEXAS

Houston: Indians in the US state of Texas celebrated the 74th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at various colourful events organised across Houston. Consul General of India, Aseem Mahajan, at a Facebook live event, hoisted the national flag and addressed the gathering to convey the speech of Indian President Droupadi Murmu, which reaffirmed constitutional values that have guided India’s progress.

India may get dedicated industrial area in Egypt's Special Economic Zone

New Delhi: Exuding confidence in India, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said under New Delhi’s presidency, the G20 will be successful in achieving its goal, the External Affairs Ministry said.

Egyptian President, who was the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two countries decided to work together during India’s Presidency and reiterated that the interests and priorities of the Global South be given due attention and focus in key global forums, including the G20.

During his visit from January 24-27, President El-Sisi attended India’s 74th Republic Day parade as the chief guest. He was the first Egyptian premier to have been invited to the Republic Day parade.

During the Republic Day Parade, a military contingent of the Egyptian Army marched towards the saluting dais on the Kartavya Path for the first time. The Egyptian military contingent, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy and consisting of 144 soldiers, represented the main regiments of the Egyptian armed forces.

PM Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP party chief J P Nadda

Union Minister Piyush Goyal with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the India-Egypt Business meet. ‘AN HONOUR’

Content flagged by fact check body doesn’t apply to TV news:

Minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

The parade witnessed a contingent of a women-armed police battalion of CRPF. The BSF’s camel band and Delhi Police’s band saw women constables participating for the first time.

PM Narendra Modi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and other dignitaries at Kartavya Path during the 74th Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi —PHOTO BY ANI

AAP TO CONTEST POLLS IN RAJ WITH FULL STRENGTH: SANDEEP PATHAK

Party is strengthening its base in State ahead of polls, says Raj in-charge Vinay Mishra

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: The AAP will contest the assembly elections in Rajasthan with full strength, party leader and MP Sandeep Pathak said here on Friday. Assembly elections in Rajasthan are likely to be held later this year.

The party has started a membership drive in Rajasthan, Pathak said.

“The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Rajasthan elections with full strength. It will be a contest of positive versus negative. Through this, we will bring positive politics,” he said.

The party has also released a phone number for the membership drive. The party is strengthening its base in the state ahead of the elections, said Vinay Mishra, the AAP’s election in-charge for Rajasthan.

AAP LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ACROSS RAJASTHAN

Jaipur : Moving ahead with their election strategy, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) started the membership drive in the state on Friday. A press conference was organized at the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters on Friday. Aam Aadmi Party’s General Secretary Sandeep Pathak and in-charge Vinay Mishra held a press conference and announced that there will be no alliance with any party in Rajasthan. AAP will contest the elections alone in the forthcoming state elections.

Child weighing 6 kg born in Jodhpur

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: A woman gave birth to a child weighing about 6 kg. It is being claimed by the doctors that this is the first case in itself in the state. The pregnant woman gave birth to a child through normal delivery at the Osian CHC in the district. Although the health of both mother and child is improving. However, looking at the condition of the two, they have been referred to Umaid Hospital in Jodhpur

Cops seize 30 kg cannabis at Dholpur Rly Stn, two held

First India Bureau

Dholpur: In a major drug haul, the CID-CB wing of Rajasthan Police on Friday morning seized 30.6 kgs of cannabis worth around Rs 6 lakhs and arrested two smugglers from Dholpur Railway Station. Police informed the drugs were being smuggled from Brahmapur in Bhubaneswar to Madanganj of Kishangarh in Ajmer district. “Based on specific inputs, a team was formed and sent to Dholpur railway station. With the help of GRP police, Govind Kumar Prajapati (28) and Manoj Vaishnav (28), both residents of Kishangarh, Ajmer were arrested and 30.6 kgs of cannabis were recovered from their possession. A case under NDPS Act has been filed and the accused are being interrogated,” said ADG (Crime) Dr Ravi Prakash Meharda.

MP Diya inaugurates various devp works

First India Bureau

Rajsamand: Member of Parliament Diya Kumari inaugurated various buildings constructed with the amount sanctioned by MP Fund in Merta assembly constituency on Friday. Addressing a ceremony, Diya said that the Modi government at the Centre has made efforts in every area.

“New dimensions of development have been established and every section of the society is getting benefited from the schemes of the Centre. On the other hand, the Congress government of the state has

made the state a stronghold of crime. The graph of crime in the peaceful region is continuously increasing,” she said.

Diya Kumari also attended the Kesari Devi Higher Secondary School in Merta under the Priksha Pe Charcha program of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interacted with the students, teachers and listened to the program along with the parents. Diya Kumari said that various methods of stress-free examination mentioned by PM Modi through dialogue are useful and helpful for every student.

city. The delivery took place on Jan 25 at 6 pm. The doctors told that the woman was brought without any examination. Looking at her condition, the delivery was performed. Doctors claim that caesarean delivery is done in such cases but the nursing team of the hospital carried out a normal delivery. The child was born on Thursday evening and the child weighted about 6 kg, after which it was referred to Jodhpur city hospital.

NEWS DIGEST

HAJI MEHBOOB CHOUPDAR BECOMES NEW CHIEF OF MADARSA BOARD

Haji

took over as the chairman of the

Board at Shiksha Sankul on Friday. On this occasion, he said that he would discuss with the Chief Minister the demand of madrassa para teacher. Along with this, new recruitment of para teacher will be done.

JDA FOILS ENCROACHER’s ATTEMPT TO SET UP ILLEGAL COLONIES AT 3 PLACES

Jaipur: The JDA’s enforcement squad team foiled attempts to set up illegal colonies. Encroachers action failed at three places. Three illegal colonies were being set up on 22 bighas of agricultural land and all constructions were demolished. Colones were being set up on 6 bighas of land in village Fatehpura tehsil Chaksu, 8 bighas of land in village Titaria tehsil Chaksu. Similarly, a colony was being set up at another place in Fatehpuria. The enforcement squad has acted on these spots on December 10 also.

Mehboob Dewan Choupdar

Rajasthan Madarsa

(Top) AAP workers roaring for the victory during membership drive.

(Bottom) Aam Aadmi Party’s General Secretary Sandeep Pathak, Rajasthan in-charge Vinay Mishra at AAP HQs in Jaipur on Friday.

The new born on the weighing machine.

MP Diya Kumari with the locals at inauguration of the classrooms in a Government School in Merta on Friday.

‘Chadar’ offered on behalf of Sonia Gandhi at Ajmer dargah

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Govind Singh Dotasra presented the ‘chadar’ at the dargah

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: A ‘chadar’ was offered at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district on behalf of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday, a party statement said.

Rajasthan Congress incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra presented the ‘chadar’ at the dargah during the ongoing 811th Urs of the saint, it said.

Rajasthan Minority Affairs Minister Saleh Mohammad, PCC general secretary Hakam Ali, Waqf Board chairman Khanu Khan Budhwali, former minister Naseem Akhtar Insaf and many Congressmen were also present on the occasion.

RAS, BDO file case against each other at Kotwali in Sri Ganganagar

First India Bureau

Sri Ganganagar: In the matter relating to the eviction of Ashok Meena’s government residence in Sri Ganganagar, RAS officer Ashok Meena and Block Development Officer (BDO) Bhom Singh have filed cases against each other in Kotwali Police Station. Sources informed a dispute between the two

officials erupted two days ago when the RAS officer was forced to evict his government accommodation. On Friday morning, RAS Ashok Meena filed an

Sariska safari rates

hiked by `15 again

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The rates for the safari in Sariska see an upward revision.

The Gypsy guide fee has been increased by Rs 15 per tourist and will now be charged at Rs 140.

The centre guide fee increased from Rs 46 to Rs 50 per tourist, while the vehicle fare Gypsy per tourist increased from Rs 485 to Rs 535. Similarly, the vehicle fare canter sees a revision from Rs 400 per tourist to Rs 440 per tourist.

The Gypsy guide fee increased from Rs 200 per vehicle to Rs 300 per vehicle in the buffer zone.

Miscreants uproot ATM with `8L in Ajmer

Three masked miscreants reached the ATM booth of Bank of Baroda

Ajmer (ANI): Some unidentified miscreants allegedly uprooted an ATM machine containing more than Rs 8 lakh cash, the police said on Friday. According to officials, three masked miscreants reached the ATM booth of Bank of Baroda in the Sursura area of Rupangarh police station. Rs 8,00,000 cash was present in the ATM machine when it was uprooted and stolen by the miscreants at around 1:30 am, they said.

The incident was captured on the CCTV camera, the police team has started the search for the accused. As per the police officials, the incident happened late at night and came to light only in the morning.

JPR: MISCREANTS TEMPER WITH BANK OF MAHARASHTRA ATM

Jaipur: Some people tempered with the Bank of Maharashtra ATM and tried to open it near Gaurav Tower in Malviya Nagar.

The bank’s deputy manager filed a case at the Jawahar Circle Police station. The miscreants tried to withdraw money by opening ATM, the FIR mentioned.

Locals protest police inaction over missing elderly

Manoj Tank

RANTHAMBORE TIGRESS

park.

Officials informed that monitoring of the tigress and three cubs has been increased and the surveillance has been strengthened. The cubs were given birth on farmland located in a populated area.

FIR against Bhom Singh and others while later in the day BDO Bhom Singh registered a case against Meena. The police are investigating both cases.

Raj HC Advocate Association polls log 80% votes

First India Bureau Jodhpur: The election process for the Rajasthan High Court Advocate Association got over on Friday where 80% of the advocates exercised their franchise. A total of four booths were made for the election of the Association. While three booths were set up at the Heritage Building, one was set up at the Rajasthan High Court Jhalamand Bhavan.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that out of 3591 voters, 3026 voters have exercised their franchise.

Jhunjhunu: Hundreds of people on Friday gheraoed Udaipurwati Police Station in Jhunjhunu and raised slogans against the SHO over his inaction in finding an elderly missing person. The protestors said that Boduram Saini, a resident of Tonk Chilri village, had gone for a walk on January 19 and did not return home.

“Boduram’s son Balveer

IIT Jodh develops process for treating textile wastewater

Sangeeta Sharma

Jodhpur: Researchers at the IIT Jodhpur have developed a two-stage process for treating wastewater from textile textiles back to its use.

Both the techniques have several advantages such as separation of each process with reduced bottlenecks and removal of pollutants. degradation and no secondary pollution. With this unprecedented technology, colored waste water coming out of textile industries can be processed and after treatment this water can also be reused for

EVALUATING WORKING

various purposes.

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, Dr. Ankur Gupta along with his research scholars Gulshan Verma and Prince Kumar Rai and Prof. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany. Jan Gerrit Kor-

Three SC judges to visit Sanganer open prison

lll

The Judges will highlight key issues affecting India’s prison system and push for urgent and immediate implementation of open prisons across India

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In the first such high-level visit, three top Supreme Court judges, including the 2nd Senior judge of the Supreme Court of India Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, will be visiting the open prison in Sanganer to evaluate the workings of a costeffective and humane prison model, where prisoners reform and stay with their family members and earn

their own living. Justice Kaul will be joined by his apex court colleagues, Justice

Shripathi

wink and Dr. Monsur Islam have explored this process of twostage treatment of textile industry wastewater before discharging it into natural water bodies. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Materials Science and Engineering.

had filed a missing person report on January 20. His family members suspected that something wrong had happened to Boduram and that an FIR should be registered against those who were seen with him last. On Friday, the locals gathered at Nangal Toll Booth and then marched towards police station where they raised slogans against SHO & district administration,” said an official.

High Court seeks reply on pension to former MLAs

First India Bureau Jaipur: In a case related to giving monthly pension to former MLAs, the HC sought reply on a PIL. The court directed the Advocate General to get a copy of the petition. The division bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Shubha Mehta gave instructions on the PIL of Milap Chandra Dandiya.

The hearing of the case is on January 30.

Advocates Vimal Chaudhary and Yogesh Taylor advocated on behalf of the petitioner.

According to the PIL, information received

under the Right to Information Act, about Rs 17 cr rupee pension was being given to 508 former MLAs every year. It said that pension was being given to former MLAs by making Raj Legislative Assembly Member Pension Rules, 1977, while there is no provision for pension to former MLAs in Article 195 of the Constitution & 40th entry of the State List.

Patrakar 11 wins Behatreen Bundi Cricket Cup by 101 runs

First India Bureau

Bundi: On the occasion of Republic Day, a cricket match ‘Behatreen Bundi Cricket Cup’ was organised at Chandra Prakash Stadium in Bundi. The friendly match was played between District Administration and Patrakar 11. Sports Minister Ashok Chandana was the captain of Patrakar 11 while District Collector Dr Ravindra Goswami was the skipper of the District Adminis-

Court

tration team. The district administration team won the toss and decided to ball. Minister Ashok Chandana and batsman Shubh Da-

dhich opened the innings and scored a total of 159 in 10 overs for the team. Ashok Chandana scored 81 runs and remained not out.

Ravindra Bhat and Justice Aniruddha Bose, as well as former Supreme

judge, Justice Madan B Lokur, and Chief Justice of the Rajasthan HC, Pankaj Mithal.

People performing Namaz during Urs at Dargah Bazaar in Ajmer Friday.

—PHOTOS BY ANAND SHARMA

Rupnagarh police station collecting evidence with the help of the FSL team in Ajmer on Friday.

Ashok Chandana presenting a memenro to a journalist at the Behatreen Bundi Cricket Cup on Thursday.

(L-R) Smita Chakraborty, Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokar (retd), Justice Kalpesh Javeri (retd) and Ajit Singh, IPS (retd) during the media interaction on Friday.

Hundreds of people protesting at Udaipurwati Police Station in Jhunjhunu on Friday.

Govind Singh Dotasra, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Imran Pratapgarhi, Shale Mohammad, Hakam Ali, Khanu Khan Budhwali & Naseem Akhtar Insaf with Sonia Gandhi’s chadar on Friday.

People bowing and performing Namaz at Kayad vishram sthali in Ajmer on Friday.

Dr. Ankur Gupta, Gulshan Verma & Prince Kumar Rai.

—Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

Congress' 2018 return in Rajasthan because of my previous work: CM

Gehlot says that he and Rajasthan are on the target of BJP and this is the reason BJP chief JP Nadda and other leaders repeatedly visit Raj

Jaipur (PTI): In an apparent rebuttal to his former deputy, Sachin Pilot, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said the Congress returned to power in 2018 because of the work done by him in his previous dispensation.

As he said this, he set the target of winning 156 seats in the assembly election due later this year.

Pilot, who has been locked in a power tussle with Gehlot for long, had recently said the return of Congress to power was due to the struggle of the party leaders and workers from 2013 to 2018, when he was the PCC chief.

In one of the public programmes, Pilot also spoke about the need for the older lot to make way for the younger generation of leaders.

Pilot has repeatedly said that the number of Congress MLAs, which had been reduced to 21 in 2013, was shot up only after the party

high command made him the Pradesh Congress Committee chief in the state.

Gehlot, without naming Pilot, said the 2013

rout was largely because of the 'Modi wave' but within six months of the BJP government in state, people had realised their mistake.

"So an atmosphere was created and that was a big reason for the Congress to come back. Other reasons are always there, such as the party workers' struggle on the streets. But the main reason was that it was in the mind of people that they had made a mistake by changing the government in 2013," he told reporters after a state Republic Day function at Sawai Man Singh Stadium here.

Gehlot said that the BJP has no issues to rake up against his government and there is no anti-incumbency feeling among the people, who are happy with its schemes and programmes.

"Our path is clear. When our government came in 1998, there were 156 seats, I was the PCC chief then. I would like

to move ahead with 'Mission 156'. We have already started work in that direction," he said.

Gehlot said his MLAs supported him and helped him tide over the infight during the political crisis in 2020 that saved his government. He said he fought hard to save his government and to serve people, and will continue to do so till his "last breath."

On the Opposition, he said that the BJP has mastered the art of "horse trading" and toppling governments, which it has done in other states, but they failed in Rajasthan because of support of the MLAs and the public to him.

State BJP has no real issues to target his government with & this is why it has been reprimanded by the high command, CM said.

YOU READ IT IN FIRST INDIA ON JAN 21, 2023

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has got a tremendous response for its upcoming ‘Club 21’ in Pratap Nagar. On the first day of booking itself, more than 100 people registered for membership of the Club. The hi-tech Club will come up at Raj Aangan Society in the NRI Colony of Pratap Nagar area.

RHB Commissioner Pawan Arora informed that 50 people registered for the Club membership within the first six hours. “The Associate membership will

be given for Rs. 3 lakh while Corporate membership will be given for Rs. 5 lakh. Central and State government employees will be given a discount of 20 per cent and Housing Board allottees are being given a 10 per cent discount. The membership will be given on a ‘first come first serve’ basis,” said Commissioner Pawan Arora. For more details, people can contact Residential Engineer Subhash Yadav at 9982221822 and Coordination Officer Bharat Bhushan Jain at 9828363615.

FROM PG 1

Asind ready...

Uttam Goswami

Bhinmal: CM of UP

Yogi Adityanath arrived at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple’s Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav in Bhinmal on Friday.

Around 4 pm, CM Yogi's helicopter landed on the temporary helipad built behind the Government College. The CM's convoy left from Khari Road to Lord Varah Shyam Temple and then to Neelkanth. Union Water Power Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also accompanied him. Police personnel

were stationed everywhere & the main market was closed.

Addressing public meet, Yogi said that he was fortunate enough to visit the ancient temple. “I express my gratitude to Union Jal Shakti Minister for inviting me at the event, which is being held in Bhinmal since 11 days. This 1400-year-old Lord Neelkanth's temple is amazing. Nation is witnessig ‘Amritkal’ & a grand Ram temple is also being built. Sanatan Dharma is India’s national religion.”

First India Bureau

Ajmer: Raj in-charge of Congress Sukhjinder S Randhawa said that the one who works will become the leader and performance of every MLA and Minister will be observed. He said that a survey has started in every assembly. “If Congress is there then there is leadership. Anything that weakens Congress won’t be tolerated,” he said. “If anyone has a problem, they should talk at party level and not publicly. Modi Govt is only showing off. There is less publicity for Congress. We will campaign more. The promises made by Modi government weren’t fulfilled & we will take it to masses,” he said.

Refuting factionalism, State PCC Chief GS Dotasra said that there is unity in Congress party. “I would like to win 200 out of 200 seats and having such a goal is not a bad thing,” he said.

CONGRESS’ HAATH SE HAATH JODO CAMPAIGN BEGINS IN RAJ; WILL REACH OUT TO MASSES

Jaipur (PTI): Congress’ 'Haath Se Haath Jodo' campaign in Raj began on Thursday. Under the drive, the party will reach out to people with its message. Party leaders & workers took out marches at booth level. "The campaign began Friday morning which will continue for next 2 months. Rallies will be taken out at booth level for strengthening party," a state Congress spokesperson said. Party leaders would go door to door, interact with people, know about their problems and also inform about the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

BJP’s DREAM TO RETURN TO POWER WILL REMAIN A DREAM, SAYS DHARIWAL IN KOTA

Kota: UDH Min Shanti Dhariwal accompanied by local leaders walked on streets in Rampura market leading Cong’s ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ drive in Kota. Congress leader Amit Dhariwal said that enthusiasm in campaign was due to Cong govt’s successful plans. Shanti Dhariwal, in an exclusive conversation with First India, said that party’s ‘Mission 156’ in Raj has been accomplished. “BJP’s dream to return to power will remain a dream. After BJY, now ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ Yatra is getting public support.” —Bhanwar S Charan

Raj cadre IAS lagging in central promotions?

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: The 1993 batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer Alok, who is currently on deputation, has been given a new assignment. He has been appointed as Additional Secretary in Disaster Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Till now, he had been serving as Member (Administration) in the National Highways Authority. Alok has

been given this role as his three year stint in Highways Authority has ended.

Alok went on Central deputation in January 2020 and this happened after the State Government gave a NOC after much tussle owing to the dearth of senior IAS officials in the State. Prior to going to Delhi, Alok served as Roadways MD and during this, he took several decisions regarding purchase of

new buses. Alok had served in the Centre from 2010 to 2014 as well. He still has four

years to his retirement and in that time frame, he will be promoted to Secretary level and thus, his chances of returning to Rajasthan are negligible.

As of now, in the Centre, there are 5 Raj cadre IAS officers as Secretary, 6 as Additional Secretary and 4 as Joint Secretary. The 1993 batch IAS Sandeep Verma is eagerly awaiting a call from Centre for the post of Additional Secretary. He has

worked in the Centre earlier also from September 2010 to October 2013. In fact, officials junior to him have now started becoming Additional Secretary. Similarly, the 1995 batch IAS officer Praveen Gupta is also awaiting his promotion to Joint Secretary rank, whereas, the 2003 batch IAS have become Joint Secretary. The 1994 batch IAS Naresh Pal Gangwar has also fallen behind in the race.

First India Bureau

Bhilwara: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, while addressing a press conference at Circuit House on Friday, said that the preparations for the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Malaseri have been completed. He said that the PM would address a public meeting and it was not a politi-

cal programme.

On the question of not inviting Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to the programme, Meghwal said that it is a religious programme and if the Chief Minister wanted to come, he was welcome.

Modi will visit Malaseri in Asind today to attend the 1, 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Lord Devnarayan.

He will reach Dabok airport at 10.30 am. From there he will leave for Malaseri by helicopter at 10.35 am and reach at 11.25. After darshan of Lord Devnarayan and address to a gathering. He will go back to New Delhi via Udaipur. An estimated 2.5 lakh people will attend the meeting of the Prime Minister. Adequate seating and parking arrangements are being made for this. The parking area will be 1-3 kilometres away. Buses from remote villages will be made to stand about three kilometres away. Villagers will reach the meeting place on foot.

The routes considered accessible by the administration include Asind to Malaseri, Kanwalas to Malaseri, Bhilwara to Jetpura to Malaseri, Shambhugarh - Hatana, Shambhugarh-Barsani, Rayala-Eras-Malaseri and Rupaheli via Bera to reach Malaseri. Asind, Kanwalas and Bankyarani routes will lead to Malaseri.

Randhawa on the 'frontfoot'

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Congress State incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is handling the party’s issues on 'Frontfoot'!

Sources reveal that Randhawa is now engaged in making 'report card' of MLAs and is collecting data of every assembly constituency. Word is that the report of 200 Assembly constituencies will be ready in a month and the next Cabinet reshuffle-expansion can happen on this basis.

Randhawa is engaged

in doing something different to bring the government again and wants to clear the picture of Rajasthan Congress before elections.

Along with this, he wants to remove the doubts that have raised

in the mind of every party worker.

Randhawa has realised one thing that flagship schemes of the Gehlot government are extremely good, but to win in the next elections, the party will have to do something different. Work will have to be done on 'Social Engineering' for Rajasthan.

Randhawa knows that BJP will use full force in Rajasthan as establishing unity in BJP will not be a difficult task for their High Command.

In the smallest and biggest things of life, be guided by your heart and act with integrity.

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

Arjun Ram Meghwal & Dr Satish Poonia inspect the venue ahead of PM Modi's visit to village Malaseri Dungri in Bhilwara on Friday.

This time there is no resentment among masses, no displeasure with govt, nor is there Modi wave as earlier. I hope people will support me, the CM says

CM Ashok Gehlot during the Republic Day celebrations at the CMR on Republic Day.

When I speak, I speak after thinking, I do not speak anything without thinking. It is a God's gift to me that when I speak, the voice of my heart comes on my tongue.

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

Nation witnessing ‘Amritkal,’ a grand Ram temple is also being built, says CM Yogi

PM visiting to attend religious event, not a political one: Meghwal

Anything that weakens Cong, won’t be tolerated: Randhawa

UP CM Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Jalore on Friday. Also seen is GS Shekhawat & others.

Sukhjinder S Randhawa & GS Dotasra during the state-level reps’ conference on ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan’ in Ajmer on Friday.

Jpr: RHB gets huge response for ‘Club 21’

UNSTOPPABLE SHEENA

THE RAVISHING BEAUTY SHEENA PARASHAR, ONE OF THE FINALISTS OF ELITE MISS RAJASTHAN SHARES HER INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH CITY FIRST

Aperson, in general, should have enough self-confidence that no one can shake, believed by the exquisite beauty Sheena Parashar, who shares her journey in a tête-à-tête with City First.

A model should be bold enough to say NO to situations where she feels she’s not okay. She needs to be fierce but very grounded at the same time and second runnerup of Elite Miss Rajasthan, Sheena Parashar proved this right. The diva was born in Ajmer and pursuing Masters in English Literature and Psychology. While sharing insights about her journey the diva said, “I am a passionate soul and I believe that having leadership quality is important in this field. Since the time I started understanding what a fashion model is, I always knew that this is something I want to do in my life. I’ve always felt a special connection with fashion since my childhood and the day when I finally understood what modelling is, it was then I decided that this is something I have done. Initially, I thought modelling is all about the Rampwalk as a child then gradually I came to know the different types and aspects of modelling.

Yet Ramp modelling remains my top favourite among the rest of the types of modelling. The various aspects of this field like social life, exposure, your own identity, travelling, and the glamorous life all of it directly matched my personality. However, there’s something that made me the model I always wanted to be Or kinda my inspira-

tion is those Victoria’s Secret models and F-TV fashion models that I used to watch on my TV when I was a child who was just figuring out about this field. Those international models made a huge impact on my mind, their style of walking, their height, their body, their attitude, their poses and the way they carry themselves, I made sure to not let any stone unturned in learning about modelling.

I used to observe these models with utter seri-

ousness and passion and I used to practice in my house with music and imitate their walk in front of the mirror. I’ve learned everything by observing and I’ve created my style now.

I’m still growing and learning as a model and I aspire to reach those heights and international platforms which inspired me to choose this career.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

ADITYA RAJ

Student at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Director for World Youth Heart Federation

The famous novel by Charles Dickens about the French Revolution begins with a striking scene that explains why an insurgency had to occur in 18th-century France. In the crowded Parisian lanes where children are playing, an aristocrat drives his carriage drawn by four horses. A child is murdered. The carriage comes to a sudden stop. Its aristocratic occupant looks out casually and asks why the rabble can’t look after their children, before tossing a coin at the dead child’s father. This scene is re-imagined in 21st-century India, when another aristocrat, this time a popular film star, drives his plush limousine onto a crowded Mumbai sidewalk, killing a homeless resident of the great metropolis. This time, he did not even throw a coin. He was a superstar beyond reproach.

Privilege is more of a mentality than a notion. It has a basic definition—unearned advantage, most frequently due to wealth— but it suggests much more. The concept arose in academics and progressive movements, but it is now increasingly used for cultural criticism and politics.

Indians are no strangers to the exploitation of privilege. Such situations are so prevalent that we accept them as the price for our status quo. When Liberals discuss privilege, they presume it does not apply to them. That it would only apply to the super-rich and the exceptionally rich. Is it only the ministers, celebrities, and factory owners, the corporate behemoths who exploit their privilege?

Consider the average city dweller. Does he consider himself fortunate?

Men are leaders, while women are bossy. Men are capable; women are lovely. Boys will be boys, and women will have to learn to be women.

Men are never promoted because of their sex; women climb the ladder

FACEOFTHEDAY

as they sleep their way to the top. Men may easily choose between family and career, or both, and be lauded. Women cannot, without having their capabilities questioned. Do ur-

low leftist mocked me and told me that a group of affluent young boys cannot comprehend the struggles of the average Indian person. It is embarrassing. We would oppose it because we believe it undermines our efforts to understand and help the marginalised. Conservatives would despise it as they would rather maintain their status quo. Yet it stands true; a privileged person can never truly understand the struggles of the marginalised.

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good for now.

Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest money in some new venture.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver for investment sake. You are a child at heart and never let this child die. You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful one day. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

You are very generous by nature and also backbone of your family. Today is a favourable day for business. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words. Your lover may finally say yes to get married to you.

The Savarnas will never truly comprehend or understand the sufferings of the Dalit. If a privileged urban dweller like me can witness the oppression of caste, a Chamar definitely can. Yet many claim that caste is dead in the cities, or even in the entire country. No matter how awake we want to be, we all have entitlement that we are willing to see and entitlement that we can afford to ignore. I am not affected by homophobic remarks hence I can afford to remain mute. Caste might be dead for some, and a horrific reality for others. For many, it might be religion, gender, sexuality, or disabilities.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going. Health remains perfect.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn more. You are not a jealous and you feel happy for others. You are a grounded person.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate. You must create an environment of understanding at home. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. Promotion can be expected even if other are not.

Peggy McIntosh writes in her essay- White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, “I think whites are carefully taught not to recognise white privilege, as males are taught not to recognise male privilege. So I have begun in an untutored way to ask what it is like to have white privilege. I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was ‘meant’ to remain oblivious.” We can keep patting ourselves on the back for our efforts, whatever it is that we invest. After all, we’re all guilty of fostering our own unique sets of blind spots.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true. Try to eat heathy.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more male friends and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You need help on academic front and you should not shy away from asking. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them.

AASTHA SIDANA, Model

MBBS

Indians are no strangers to the exploitation of privilege. Such situations are so prevalent that we accept them as the price for our status quo. When Liberals discuss privilege, they presume it does not apply to them

ALIA BHATT FEELS ‘POWERFUL ’

Alia, who welcomed her first child with Ranbir Kapoor in November 2022, is often spotted by

Fans tease Shubman with Sara's chants

Sctress Sara Ali Khan has been hitting headlines lately due to her link-up rumors with Indian cricketer Shubman Gill. Post her alleged breakup with Kartik Aaryan, the actress' name was linked with Shubman as they were spotted enjoying a dinner date. Since then, they have made a few appearances and that has grabbed everyone's attention. Recently, during India's third ODI against New Zealand in Indore, the audience was seen teasing Shubman by shouting Sara's name. The entire stadium was chanting slogans featuring her name.

A video went viral on social media in which the audience is seen shouting Sara's name. They are teasing Shubman by shouting, 'Humaari bhabhi kaisi ho? Sara bhabhi jaisi ho..' In the video, Shubman is seen fielding against New Zealand. However, the audience didn't mention if it was Sara Ali Khan or Sara Tendulkar. Gill was rumored to be dating Sachin Tendulkar's daughter too.

INSTA-OFFICIAL?

Shakira’s ex-lover

Gerard Piqué just made his relationship with his new girlfriend, Clara Chia Marti official on Instagram. This comes seven months after Piqué and Shakira announced their separation in June last year, and a few weeks after Shakira released a diss track, allegedly about the former soccer player.

In the picture shared by Gerard on his Instagram space, one can see him and

Clara sitting close together on a patio of a restaurant. He did not add any caption to the picture. However, it looks like fans and followers were not too happy about his post with Clara, 23. One user wrote, “I would have been ashamed”. A second user commented, “She doesn’t compare to the mother of your children.”

the paparazzi outside celebrity yoga trainer Anshuka Parwani’s studio in Mumbai. The actress has resumed yoga workouts, and Anshuka also often shares pictures and videos of

her yoga sessions. Anshuka recently took to her Instagram account to share two selfies clicked by Alia Bhatt. The first one shows Alia flaunting the glow on her face af-

ter acing 108 Surya Namaskaras, while Anshuka and Shaheen Bhatt pose behind her with smiles on their faces. The second picture shows all three of them grinning widely

mma Roberts recently opened up about her twoyear-old son Rhodes. The 31-year-old actress appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show where she revealed being nervous about a trait that she hopes her son does not pick up from her. Emma shared that she hopes her son Rhodes does not inherit the habit of sleepwalking from her. “I had a little bit of sleepwalking. I hope it’s not hereditary because my mom also sleepwalked,” Emma said. “One time I was sleepwalking and she was sleepwalking and we actually ran into each other. We were both so freaked out.” Continuing further, she added that despite being totally capable, her twoyear-old son has still not attempted to climb out of the crib yet, which accord-

post their workout.

“Today's happy faces brought to you by 108 Surya Namaskaras,” read the caption. Anshuka also took to her Instagram story to post a short video

clip of Alia Bhatt finishing the sun salutations. Anshuka is seen asking her how she feels after her first 108 surya namaskaras, to which Alia replies, “Powerful.”

SUHANA POSES WITH ANANYA

Pathaan fever has gripped the nation, and while the Shah Rukh Khan starrer released on January 25, it has already taken the box office by storm. Recently, a special screening of Pathaan was held at Yash Raj Films Studio in Mumbai, and it was attended by the Alisters of Bollywood. Now, we came across a few inside pictures from the screening, and looks like they all had a gala time!

In a picture that has surfaced online, Suhana Khan can be seen posing with Ananya Panday and another friend. While Suhana is seen hugging her friend, Ananya strikes a pose next to her. Suhana looked uber-chic in a light blue ribbed body-hugging dress and kept her hair open. She accessorized minimally with a pair of small diamond earrings. Meanwhile, Ananya Panday made a statement in a neon-colored sleeveless dress, which had a slit at the back. Going by the picture, they had a great time together. Take a look!

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Ananya Panday and Suhana Khan

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WEDDING CELEBRATIONS!

FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

CITY FIRST

M Ashok Gehlot launched the logo of the country’s first OTT Hindi newsgroup ‘Chowk Media’ on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami and Republic Day. CM

Ashok Gehlot unveiled the LOGO of this unique media group of young journalists from Rajasthan at the Chief Minister’s residence. With this, Chowk Media has

registered its debut in the world of journalism.

Officers associated with the Chief Minister’s Office including Sushant Pareek, Ankit Tiwari, Sharad Purohit,

WEDDING BELLS!

senior journalists Vijay Vidrohi, Lalit Kumar, Bharat Chaudhary, Abhijeet Sharma from Chowk Media Group were present in this program held at the Chief

MEET & GREET!

Minister’s residence.

During the occasion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot conveyed that journalism has a sense of seriousness and responsibility. This field has the ability to create and influence the country’s image in front of the world. Chowk Media Group’s Editor-in-Chief Sushant Pareek expressed, “the innovation of enterprising journalists in the field of journalism has started as THE CHOWK new plant.

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

The grand wedding ceremony of Chirantan son of Vandana and Sanjay Kothari with Karuna daughter of Suman and Kapil Singhvi was traditionally solemnized at Hotel Maya International on Thursday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds, he also congratulated Senior Journalist Anil Lodha on the occasion.

WEDDING SHENANIGANS!

The wedding of Shubh Agarwal, daughter of Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director Dainik Bhaskar Group to Shaurya, son of renowned industrialist Jyotivardhan Saunthaliya was traditionally solemnised in a beautiful traditional wedding with two wedding receptions, one on January 24 and the next one on January 26. The wedding festivities started with the Agarwal family reaching out to the underprivileged and organising a ‘bhoj’ for more than 300 poor and needy senior citizens and orphaned children at the Bhojpur club. The Agarwal family also made it a point to invite all the staff of their residence and their families to the ‘bhoj’.Celebrities and renowned people from all walks of life attended the reception(s) to bless the newly weds. Jagdeesh Chandra also reached Bhopal on January 26 to bless the couple.

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS!

Jagdeesh Chandra with Jagdish Sharma, Prem Bhandari and Swami Avdheshanand Giri

Jagdeesh Chandra with Parimal Nathwani, Rajya Sabha MP and Director-Corporate Affairs at Reliance Industries Limited Jagdeesh Chandra with Girish Agarwal, Director DB Corp.

Jagdeesh Chandra with (R-L) Pawan Agarwal (Deputy Managing Director, DB Corp.), T Sankar, (Commissioner Appeal, Income Tax Mumbai) and Jagdish Sharma (Managing Editor, Dainik Bhaskar)

Jagdeesh Chandra with T Sankar, (Commissioner Appeal, Income Tax Mumbai), Prem Bhandari (Chairman, Jaipur Foot, USA) and Dr Rekha Bhandari

Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra, Governor of Chhatisgarh Anusuiya Uikey, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Chouhan were greeted by Upendra Rai, Chairman, MD and Editor-in-Chief, Bharat Express News Network, as the latter reached their residence recently to invite them at the launching ceremony of the news channel on February 1.

Upendra Rai with Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra

Upendra Rai with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha

Upendra Rai with Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Chouhan

Upendra Rai with Governor of Chhatisgarh Anusuiya Uikey

The grand wedding ceremony of Krishna, daughter of Reena Singh and Rajeshwar Singh with Tapasvi Raj, son of Manjushree Kumari and Karanveer Singh was solemnised at Diggi Palace, Jaipur on Thursday. Jagdeesh Chandra and various dignitaries including Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore; Kuldeep Ranka, Principal Secretary to CM; Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora; DGP Umesh Mishra; Addl Chief Electoral Officer Krishna Kunal; Raj Foundation Commissioner Dhiraj Srivastava and others also reached and wished the couple a happy married life ahead. —PHOTOS BY SUNIL SHARMA

Jagdeesh Chandra congratulates Rajeshwar Singh

Jagdeesh Chandra with Dhiraj &, Chitra Srivastava along with their daughter Shivangi Jagdeesh Chandra with Ram Pratap Diggi

The newlyweds Tapasvi & Krishna

CM Ashok Gehlot with Sushant Pareek, Ankit Tiwari, Sharad Purohit, Vijay Vidrohi, Lalit Kumar, Bharat Chaudhary, Abhijeet Sharma & other officials

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rita Singh, Vandana & Sanjay Kothari, Karuna & Chirantan & Anil Lodha

Jagdeesh Chandra greets Anil Lodha’s mother, Bimla Lodha. Also seen are Anil Lodha & Rita Singh

Kuldeep Ranka Rajendra Rathore Umesh Mishra with Ram Pratap Diggi Jagdeesh Chandra with Krishna Kunal & Mrs Kunal

Rajesh & Sushma Arora, Rajeshwar Singh, Dr Arun Mathur, Pawan & Ritu Arora