First India-Jaipur Edition-29th January 2023

OUR

SABALENKA BEATS ELENA TO CLINCH MAIDEN GRAND SLAM TITLE AT Oz

Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka tamed her nerves to blast her way to a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win over Kazakh 22nd seed Elena Rybakina on Saturday.

“DEADLY” FOR DEMOCRACY: EXSC JUDGE FALI SLAMS MIN RIJIJU

New Delhi: Former SC judge Rohinton Fali Nariman slammed Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju for his “diatribe” against collegium system for appointment of judges and said govt sitting on the names of judges recommended by the collegium was “deadly” for democracy.

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SUKHOI AND MIRAGE FIGHTER JETS CRASH NEAR GWALIOR; 1 PILOT DIES

The Air Force has launched a probe to examine if a mid-air collision led to the crash

Wreckage from crash in MP’s Morena landed over 100 km away in Bharatpur, Rajasthan

DISASTROUS DRILL!

Moni Sharma & Ravi Katara

Morena/Bharatpur:

An Indian Air Force pilot was killed after two fighter jets — a Sukhoi Su-30 and a Mirage 2000 — crashed during a training exercise near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. While the two pilots on the Su-30 sustained minor injuries, the pilot on the Mirage died after being fatally wounded in the crash. Wreckage of the crashed aircraft was found in Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Morena in MP. IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to examine if a mid-air collision led to crash.

READ Crucial

‘BEATING THE RETREAT’ CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT VIJAY CHOWK TODAY

New Delhi: Beating the Retreat ceremony will be held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi today. President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders will witness the ceremony. P7

BJP RELEASES TRIPURA

POLLS LIST; BIPLAB OUT, MANIK GETS BORDOWALI

Agartala: BJP released list of 48 candidates for 60 Assembly seats in Tripura elections. CM Manik Saha has been fielded from Town Bordowali, Biplab Deb does not figure in the list, Union MoS Pratima Bhoumik is a surprise addition. P6

2 DOCTORS AMONG 5 DEAD IN JHARKHAND

NURSING HOME FIRE

Dhanbad: At least 5 people, including 2 doctors were killed in a fire in a private nursing home in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad Saturday, an official said. They include Dr Vikas Hazra, his wife Dr Prema Hazra, the owner’s nephew Sohan Khamari and domestic help Tara Devi.

2008 BATLA HOUSE

ENCOUNTER CONVICT AHMAD DIES AT AIIMS

New Delhi: Indian Mujahideen operative Shahzad Ahmad died on Saturday during treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi. He was convicted in the 2008 Batla House encounter case for murdering Inspector Mohan Chand.

ANOTHER SHOOTING IN LOS ANGELES: OVER 3 DEAD AND 4 INJURED

Los Angeles: At least 3 people were killed and 4 others wounded on Saturday in a shooting in an upscale neighbourhood of Los Angeles. A law enforcement officer said they were killed inside a vehicle in Benedict Canyon area.

CBI NABS MAN POSING AS A BUREAUCRAT IN PM MODI’S OFFICE

New Delhi: The CBI has registered a case against one Ankit Kumar Singh for allegedly impersonating a secy in PMO handling the Varanasi LS constituency and seeking favours from senior government officials.

TWO PILOTS SAFE:

Su-30 had 2 pilots while Mirage 2000 had 1 pilot during the crash. Initial reports suggest both pilots are safe and sustained minor injuries.

DEFENCE MINIS-

TER BRIEFED: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took stock of the situation, spoke to IAF chief VR Chaudhari & is monitoring situation.

(T) The wreckage of Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000 fighter jet.

(B) 2 pilots lie on ground after the two fighter planes crashed.

PM MODI ATTENDS THE 1,111TH INCARNATION FESTIVAL OF LORD DEVNARAYAN IN BHILWARA

VANCHIT KO VARIYATA!

Our government working with mantra of “preference for underprivileged” like Lord Devnarayan, says PM Narendra Modi

Bhilwara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government is working to empower every section of society that has faced deprivation and neglect, and is moving ahead with the mantra of “Vanchit ko Variyata (preference to the underprivileged)”.

Modi is on a visit to Bhilwara district in Rajasthan on the 1,111th incarnation festival of folk deity Lord Shri Devnarayan, revered by people of the Gurjar community. Addressing a gathering at Malaseri Dungri village after taking part in a ritual to mark the occasion, the prime minister said the world now looks at India with high hopes and the country has shown its strength and power.

Today, India asserts itself on global platforms and is reducing its dependency on other countries, he added. During the day, Modi also offered prayers at the Devnarayan temple in Malaseri.

Many attempts were made to break India ideologically but no power

has succeeded, he said, adding, “India is not just a landmass, but an ex pression of our civili sation, culture, har mony, and potential.” “People should stay away from things which is against unity of nation,” he added. More on P8

Day after ‘security lapse’ claim, Rahul resumes Yatra from J&K’s Awantipora

First India Bureau

Awantipora: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Yatra from here in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday, a day after cancelling the footmarch in Anantnag district after the party alleged security lapse.

Rahul Gandhi was

joined by his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi

Vadra, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, her daughter Iltija Mufti. P6

KHARGE WRITES TO SHAH SEEKING ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR YATRA

Cong Prez Mallikarjun Kharge has written to HM Amit Shah, seeking his intervention in ensuring adequate security to BJY. “We are expecting a huge gathering to join Yatra over next 2 days & also a function will be held on Jan 30 at Srinagar. I shall be grateful if advise officials to provide adequate security till culmination of Yatra,” Kharge said in his letter to the HM.

Deeply anguished by the loss of brave air warrior, Wg Cdr Hanumanth Rao Sarathi, who suffered fatal injuries during an accident near Gwalior.

The news of crash is very sad. I have instructed the local administration to cooperate with the Air Force in quick rescue and relief work.

Two jets -Mirage & Sukhoitook off from Gwalior in the morning. As per IAF, one aircraft had 2 pilots, while the other had one; 2 safely rescued, the body parts of the 3rd were found. Some parts of the jet were found in Bharatpur (Rajasthan), and details are being collected.

—Ashutosh Bagri, Morena SP

PM HAILS GURJARS’ CONTRIBUTION IN FREEDOM STRUGGLE

Highlighting contribution of Gurjar community in freedom struggle and other movements, PM Modi said it is misfortune of the country that such personalities did not get place in history which they deserved. Modi said, new India is correcting the mistakes done in the past.

PM MODI LIKELY TO VISIT DAUSA

ON FEBRUARY 4

PM Modi is likely to visit Nangal Pyariwas of Dausa on Feb 4 on the invitation of Dr Kirodilal Meena. Modi is likely to visit Meena HC. Kirodilal had a conversation with leaders of the high command Saturday. Meena’s team is preparing for a big function. Modi is proposed to visit Dausa after inauguration ceremony of Delhi-Mumbai Express NH in Alwar.

Lord Devnarayan always gave priority to social service and public welfare, and put all his energy towards the welfare of the people.

Lord Devnarayan manifested himself on a lotus, which is also the logo of the India’s Presidency of the G20.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Vote for BJP, form govt with majority in K’taka, says Shah

HM Amit Shah attends ‘Amrit Mahotsava’ event of KLE and inaugurates an indoor stadium at KLE Society's BV BCET

First India Bureau

Hubballi: Urging people to vote for the to form a government with absolute majority in by placing trust in PM Narendra Modi, Shah on Saturday said every vote cast in favour of JD(S) would end up helping Cong and making it win.

Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of National Forensic Sciences University (Karnataka Campus) around noon in National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Dharwad, a

AMIT SHAH HOLDS MASSIVE ROAD SHOW IN K’TAKA

U

nion Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in poll-bound Karnataka for the second time this month to participate in several events, as well as a roadshow organised by the BJP on Saturday.

city located in the north-western part of Karnataka. During the day, he also inaugurated a stadium at KLE society’s BV Bhoomaraddi Engineering College & Tech University. P6

If you can’t sacrifice your life for the country then live your life for your nation and make it the number one country in the world. PM Modi has given you all opportunities to do that.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister.

MUGHAL GARDEN IS ‘AMRIT UDYAN’

Ageneral view of Mughal Garden which has been renamed as ‘Amrit Udyan’ at Rastrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on Saturday. The new name has been given by President Draupadi Murmu as part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” festivities, to mark 75 years of India’s independence. President Droupadi Murmu will grace the opening of the Amrit Udyan today. It will be open to the public from January 31.

Amit Shah paints the BJP logo during Vijay Sankalp campaign, in Dharwad on Saturday. Basavaraj Bommai is also seen here.

Rahul Gandhi with (L) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and (R) Mehbooba Mufti during Yatra amid tight security in Pulwama on Saturday.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan @ChouhanShivraj Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh

Su-30MKI & Mirage 2000 fighter jets crashed during an exercise, at Pagadgarh, Morena on Saturday.

Aishwary Pradhan, Shikha Sharma & Navin Joshi

PM Modi spent about 21 minutes in Purnahuti on Dungri and also had detailed conversation with the people of the Gurjar society about the place

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people during the ‘Avataran Mahotsav’ of Lord Devnarayan Ji in Bhilwara on Saturday. Also present here are Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hemraj Gurjar and others.

SC, HC JUDGES VISIT SANGANER OPEN JAIL ‘

Open prisons should be replicated across India ’

Work being done to bring prisoners into mainstream, says CJ Mithal

Kamal Kant

Jaipur: Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha

Bose on Saturday said that open jails are like kites, where prisoners can live freely with some strings attached.

He said that prisoners living in open jail are given an arrangement but with restrictions and those who do not follow the rules are sent to regular jails.

“Open jails are like kites where you can fly with some strings attached. It is an arrange-

SC stays HC order granting bail to loot and murder accused

First India Bureau

New Delhi/ Ajmer: The Supreme Court has stayed an order of the Rajasthan High Court granting bail to a person who is accused of looting and murdering an elderly couple in Ajmer.

The bench of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice BM Trivedi ordered to send the accused Sumer Singh back to jail. The petitioner Dinesh Chauhan told the court that the accused is threatening the petitioner and family after getting bail from the HC.

The learned advocate on behalf of the Petitioner, Aditya Jain, Neha Gyamlani and Bhavya Golecha apprised the court about the recovery of murder weapon, stolen jewellery and ornaments, bloodstained clothes and broken mobile phone of the deceased from the accused which totally points out towards the guilt of the accused.

ment where you can live freely but with some restrictions,” he said.

Executive Chairman of the National Legal Service Authority Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that the houses in the open jail have tin roofs.

‘Lawrence gang’ seeks `50L from 2 BJP councillors

Two-day Raj Law Fest begins in Mansarovar

Rain, hailstorm likely in parts of State today: Met

First India Bureau Hanumangarh: An FIR has been filed against two suspected members of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang for allegedly threatening two BJP councillors and one other person in Hanumangarh and demanding ransom of Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore. Police informed the BJP councillors are associated with liquor business.

They were speaking during the visit to Sanganer open prison here.

Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal said that work is being done to bring the prisoners into the mainstream.

Former Supreme

Court Justice Madan V Lokur, High Court Justice MM Srivastava and several other judges present in the programme expressed their intention to open such jails for prisoners in other States on the lines of Rajasthan.

“The accused, identified as Anmol Vishnoi and Rithik Boxer, have been booked for allegedly threatening and demanding ransom. It is being said that the miscreants are members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang,” police said.

Sodala: 15-yr-old minor molested by neighbour on R-day, police file case

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A 15-year-old minor girl was allegedly molested by her neighbour in the Sodala area, police said. Police informed the incident occurred on January 26 when the victim went to her neighbour’s home to solve a studyrelated query.

“The girl studies in Class IX at a private school. The victim and accused were frequent visitors to each other’s home as neighbours.

On January 26, the accused molested the victim while she had come

32-YR-OLD MATERNAL AUNT RAPED BY NEPHEW IN SANGANER, FIR FILED Jaipur: A 32-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her nephew in the Sanganer Sadar area, police said. Police informed the incident occurred on January 9 when the victim was alone at home.

First India Bureau Jaipur: A two-day Rajasthan Law Festival, jointly organised by Vishwashala and Ranka Public Charitable Trust, was inaugurated on a grand scale at Achaya Hasti Auditorium, SS Jain Subhash Law College, Mansarovar, Jaipur.

In the opening ceremony of the programme, Chief Guest Justice Nagendra Kumar Jain, retired Chief Justice Madras and Karnataka High Courts, put forward his views on how to improve the legal field. He told how law

students can make a difference in their country and are an invaluable asset for the society.

The special guests of the program were Justice NK Jain and Justice Prashant Agarwal. Justice JK Ranka, patron of Rajasthan Law Festival, presided over the event while Kunal Sharma is the convener of the fest. 700 students from all over the country participated in National Drafting Competition, National Law Debate Competition, Rajasthan Law Journal and National Quality Counseling Competitions.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Temperature continued to dip for the third consecutive day in Shekhawati. The minimum temperature dropped to minus 1.5 degrees on Saturday. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather changed after noon in Shekhawati, including many districts. There will be heavy rain, hailstorm and gusty winds in a dozen districts on Sunday. Hailstorm accompanied with strong winds was predicted in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Tonk and Pali. The wind speed is expected to be 40 kilometres per hour.

State unemployed to protest in Jaipur if demands not met: Meena

First India Bureau

to his home to ask a study-related question,” police said.

“The girl protested and fled from the house and narrated the incident to her family members. Later, a case under POCSO Act was registered against the accused in Sodala Police Station,” police added.

Man held for creating IAS’ fake twitter profile

First India Bureau Nagaur: The Nagaur Police has arrested a youth for allegedly creating a fake Twitter account of IAS officer Pari Vishnoi and sharing her photos and posts on social media. Police informed the accused has been identified as Lakshman Ram (21), a resident of Bhojasar in Jodhpur district.

“The accused created a fake profile of IAS Pari Vishnoi and then shared her photos and posts on social media.

The victim’s mother Sushila Vishnoi had filed an FIR on January 17 in Kotwali Police Station of Nagaur. Based on technical inputs, the accused Lakshman Ram was arrested from Jodhpur and is being interrogated,” police added.

“The nephew used to frequently visit his maternal aunt’s home.

On January 9, the accused came to the victim’s house when her husband was away. He thrashed the woman and then raped her. Later, she narrated the incident to her husband, following which, an FIR was filed in Sanganer Sadar Police Station,” said Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Singh. The case has been registered and is being investigated.

Jaipur: Rajya Sabha MP Kirori Lal Meena, who has been sitting on a dharna against the Rajasthan Government for the last five days regarding the four-point demands on Agra Road in Jaipur, said on Saturday that if the Congress government does not fulfil our demands at the earliest, then the unemployed across the state will stage a protest against the government in Jaipur. MLA Pratap Singh Singhvi, former MP Ramkumar Verma and former MLA

Post notice, JDA to bulldoze illegal liquor factory, godowns

First India Bureau

Jaipur: In a crackdown against illegal liquor factories and godowns, JDA’s enforcement squad gave legal notice to Vaishno Farm Village Gawar Brahmanan and Triveni Nagar Bada Padampura Shivdaspura on Saturday for constructing illegal liquor godowns. According to the notice, they were asked to remove illegal construction by 5 pm on Saturday.

BASANT PANCHAMI

If the owners do not abide by this, JDA would bulldoze the buildings on Sunday. The owners did not reply to the January 26 notice.

JDA had given notices to four in similar

Spring season’s arrival celebrated at Ajmer Dargah

Ajmer (PTI): ‘Basant’ or the onset of spring was celebrated in the dargah of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti during the ongoing 811th urs in Ajmer on Saturday.

Qawwals or Sufi singers led by Nasiruddin Chisti, the successor of the dargah’s spiritual head Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, offered mustard flowers at the mausoleum of the Sufi saint.

“India is the epicenter of religious freedom and tolerance. Every festival here is a reflection of Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb. The classic example is the Basant Panchami. Sufism is the root cause of this great tradition,” the spiritual head said in a statement here. It is said the famous poet Amir Khusro himself came to the dargah and offered Basant flowers here and Sufi songs.

RAISE VOICE AGAINST COMMUNALISM: AJMER DARGAH HEAD

Ajmer: Spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah Zainul Abedin Ali Khan on Saturday called upon religious leaders of all faiths to come together to fight against communalism in the country. “Good values create good minds which ultimately lead to a better atmosphere, peace, and happiness,” he said.

cases. One was an illegal liquor factory in Shikarpura. Another owner started removing illegal construction on Vasundhara Vihar Vatika Road on Friday itself.

Gyandev Ahuja reached the protest site in support of Meena.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Harish Meena reached Kirori Lal Meena’s protest site and expressed his support symbolically. Kirori Lal Meena appealed to Harish Meena to bring

Sachin Pilot along with him so that they become strong.

Harish Meena said that he was with the youths in their demands. Kirodi Lal said that the Pilot is also with the youth and Harish promised that he would be with him in Jhansi.

Ranjit Joshi elected Lawyers Association Prez for 15th time

First India Bureau

Jodhpur: Ranjit Joshi has been elected the President of the Lawyers Association for the 15th time. The reason is that lawyers consider him as their guardian as he has done a lot of work in the interest of lawyers.

Joshi did not contest in the last election.

Nathu Singh was elected as the president. But this time when he entered the poll fray, he won by 51 votes and jubilant lawyers lifted him on their shoulders.

RCA MEETING

Advocate Joshi has won elections since 2004. There was no seating arrangement for the advocates in the High Court Heritage building. Joshi got proper seating arrangements made by getting a shed constructed and also got fans installed.

Former SC Justice Madan V Lokur, ex-Raj DGP Ajit Singh at Sanganer open prison on Saturday.

In the notice, encroachers were asked to vacate by Saturday.

MLA Harish Meena joins Dr Kirodi Lal Meena’s protest.

Ranjit Joshi

Justices Nagendra Kumar Jain, NK Jain and others in the event.

Accused Lakshman Ram.

Vaibhav Gehlot chairs RCA executive meeting on IPL preparations and other issues in Jaipur on Saturday. Secretary Bhawani Samota, treasurer Rampal Sharma, Farooq Ahmed and Deepak Jain also attended the meeting.

IAF Crash: Army jawans, police, air force officials gather at site

Wreckage of a crashed aircraft was found in Bharatpur in Rajasthan on Saturday

Ravi Katara

Bharatpur: An Indian Airforce plane - Mirage 2000 - crashed in Bharatpur on Friday morning. Sources informed that the incident occurred at Nagla Bija under Ucchain Police Station and two people were onboard the aircraft. The debris fell at different places and was scattered 500 meters in the area.

The plane took off from Agra and caught fire midway 10 kms before it crashed. The Indian Airforce has ordered a court of inquiry in the incident. Following the incident, officials of police and dis-

trict administration reached the spot and started rescue operations. Air Force officials from Agra too reached

site

the spot to investigate the incident. The locals also gathered at the incident site immediately after the fighter jet

Add Dist collector questioned in bribe case, accused sent to judicial custody

First India Bureau

Bundi: The ACB Bundi team on Saturday conducted searches at the residence of Prabhakar Sharma, a former contract worker engaged in the Additional District Collector (ceiling) office, and seized three documents.

Additional District Collector Mukesh Chaudhary was also questioned by DSP Gyanchand Meena so that the ACB team can reach the main root of

custody.

the corruption. Prabhakar Sharma, arrested on Friday for taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh, and was sent to judicial custody for 15

Power corp creates record in 23 years

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rajasthan Electricity Generation Corporation has created a record by generating the highest-ever power in 23 years. Maximum power generation in the state between 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday was 6718 MW.

CM gives approval of ` 3 cr to boost eco-tourism in Dausa

First India Bureau

WOMAN INJURED IN MISHAP; RESCUE OPS

UNDERWAY

In this, 189 MW of electricity was produced from hydropower houses alone.

It was production Corporation CMD RK Sharma’s efforts which brought results. Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam was formed out of the Electricity Board in 2000.

days by a Kota Court on Saturday.

The bribe was allegedly sought in the name of ADM ceiling to deposit the compensation amount for the land acquired for highway road construction.

On the basis of the government documents found at his house, the accused is being further interrogated. In this case, documents related to the accounts of more than 30 farmers have been found at the accused’s house.

crashed and tried to rescue the victims. However, no information has been revealed about the pilots on board.

Minor raped in Kota; case filed under POCSO

Gul Mohammad

Kota: A rape case of a minor under the POCSO Act has been filed in Kaithoon police station area of Kota rural. The victim, who knew the accused, went to fill water at the hand pump, when the accused coaxed her to the field and raped her. After relatives lodged a missing report. police traced the girl and presented her before the Child Welfare Committee.

Recognition of Volleyball Association suspended

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan volleyball federation has been suspended by the Indian Volleyball Federation.

Federation’s Anil Chaudhary and Ramavatar Jakhar have been suspended. Prem

Singh Bajor was made the chairman of the ad hoc committee.

There are two factions in the Volleyball Federation. However, both factions are not recognized by the IOA or the Sports Ministry. Akram Group has claimed action against

CONSERVING WILDLIFE

Bharatpur: According to the sources, a woman has been injured in the mishap. The woman was reportedly returning from the accident site after throwing cow dung in the garbage. Meanwhile, barricading was also done around the incident site and army jawans and other officials too reached the site. IG Gaurav Srivastava, District Collector Alok Ranjan, and SP Shyam Singh closely monitored the situation and a search operation was also carried out in nearby areas.

Jaipur: Keeping in view the possibilities of eco-tourism in the Dausa district, CM Ashok Gehlot has given financial approval of Rs 3 crore for the development of Neelkanth Biodiverse Forest and Khan Bhankri Eco Park in the district. Also, new local employment opportunities will be created. Rs 54.25 lakh was earlier sanctioned for both works by the Finance Department.Wildlife conservation, tourist facilities, & environmental awareness will be done in Neelkanth Biodiverse Forest. Various works including a walking track, eco huts, water facility, chairs, watch tower, en-

try gate, signage, talai in wildlife conservation, anicut, and plantation will be done in tourist facilities.

This forest block of Dausa has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The flora consists of Salar, Khirni, Gular, Bill Patra, Gundi, Cirrus, Palas, Dhaunk, & many trees. Vajradanti, Satavar, Arni, Thor, Harsingar, Morpankhi, and others are present in

herbs.Wildlife includes leopard, hyena, jackal, nilgai, wild boar, patago, mongoose, snake, peacock, & others. A walking trek will be made, and boating is also possible. Khan Bhankari Eco Park is located just 300 meters away from Dausa District Collectorate. There will be various works including a walking track, garden work, fencing, wall, & office building.

Minor girl dies by suicide in Central Univ

First India Bureau

Kishangarh (Ajmer):

A 17-year-old girl studying in the Central University of Rajasthan allegedly committed suicide on Friday night by hanging herself from the roof of her hostel room, police said.

Police informed the deceased, Sonali, was a student of MSc. Microbiology in Central University. “Sonali was a

resident of the Tonk district who had taken admission to the hostel on January 1 and was resid-

ing in Block 4. On Friday evening, Sonali stayed back in her room while the other girls left to

have dinner. At around 8 pm, Sonali hanged herself and ended her life,” police said.

“When other girls reached outside her room & knocked on her door, she did not respond. Later, the girls spotted her hanging from the roof and alerted the varsity administration. The reason behind her suicide is yet to be ascertained & the case is being probed,” police added.

the Rajasthan federation. Federation’s Anil Chaudhary also said that the information about suspending the Rajasthan Volleyball Association is misleading. Now, there are reports that the volleyball associations of the country & the state are in dispute. The Indian Olympic Association also considers the Volleyball Federation of India controversial.

Sariska to have sloth bears soon

Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: Now, people will be able to see sloth bears in Sariska as the forest department has completed preparation for its translocation.

A pair of sloth bears will be translocated as soon as the radio collar is received. A proposal to bring two pairs from Sundha Mata area has been approved.

In the first phase, one pair will be translocated and in the second phase, an other.

With the efforts of CCF RN Meena,

the proposal was approved. PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Arindam Tomar also played an important role. Forest and wildlife protection has strengthened in Tomar’s tenure. Sloth bears were there in Sariska earlier but they vanished over a decade ago.

WILDLIFE BOARD MEMBER MEHTA WRITES TO CM FOR E-BUSES IN SARISKA

Jaipur: To remove carbon emission in Sariska, State Wildlife Board member Sunil Mehta wrote a letter to CM Ashok Gehlot to start free e-bus service. The move comes after uncontrolled carbon emissions were found from vehicles coming to Pandupol in Sariska. Over 1.5 lakh tonnes of Carbon emission is generated per year. An estimated Rs 10 crore would be spent on the scheme under CSR. ICICI Foundation is ready to help Mehta to get electric buses but is waiting for the government’s nod. If the proposal is approved, then 10 seater 20 buses and 34 seater 15 buses will be there for Sariska.

THREE POACHERS ARRESTED FOR HUNTING ENDANGERED DEER

Suratgarh: Three poachers were arrested in Suratgarh town of Sri Ganganagar district on Friday for allegedly hunting an endangered deer. Police informed the incident took place in Bhojewala village under Rajiyasar Police Station area. “Based on specific information, three poachers were arrested and mortal remains of a deer were seized from their possession. A case under Wildlife Protection Act has been registered against the three accused and the matter is being investigated,” police said.

Officials and local administrations visit at the

as suspected wreckage of Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 aircraft that crashed in Morena seen in Bharatpur, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple located on Devagiri mountain of Dausa.

Girls gather outside the hostel of the Central University of Rajasthan.

Prabhakar Sharma in ACB

REFLECTIONS ON THE WAY OF STORYTELLING

IN-DEPTH

TYPICAL MASS SHOOTERS ARE IN THEIR 20s AND 30s

The two men who shot dead 18 people in separate incidents just days apart in California are the latest perpetrators in America’s long history of mass gun violence. But something about these public shootings, and the men held responsible, stands out.

K NATWAR SINGH

author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

he Art and Craft of writing

TAutobiographies and Biographies arrived in India in the first decade of 20th century.

DILIP HIRO BABAR

NAMA WROTE

Dilip Hiro in his Preface to Babar Nama, writes, “While numerous rulers in the world established dynasties, Zahir Uddin Babar has the distinction of being the only known founder of a leading dynasty who kept a journal.” Babar wrote in Turkish. His grandson, Akbar (1556-1605) had it translated into Persian. The manuscript fortunately survived. Those of Kalidas did not. Kabir was, broadly speaking illiterate but most of his dohas and ‘poems’ survive. For centuries the oral preceded the written in India. Alas! Very few Indians have private libraries. I implored my IFS colleagues and friends to do so. All in vain.

Exceptions no doubt exist. That is not good enough.

The Indian Edition was published by Jaico. The 32nd in 2013. Nirad C Chaudhary died in Oxford in 1999 having been born in 1897. The third is S. Gopal’s biography of his father, DR S Radhakrishnan. Gopal was an eminent historian, educated at Oxford. For over a decade he was Director of the Historical Division in the Ministry of External Affairs. Gopal’s biography of his father was published in 1989, by University Press, Oxford. Paragraph one of chapter one is staggering

From my early teens I have been a voracious reader and buyer of books. Today I have a library of 6,000 books. Autobiographies and biographies fill many shelves.

NEHRU IN ONE OF HIS BOOKS...

Jawaharlal Nehru in one of his books wrote, “For me the absence of books would be greatest deprivation.” I could say the same about myself.

Many of my literary friends were eminent authors. EM

Forster, Mulk Raj Anand, RK Narayan, Raja Rao, Ahmed Ali (Twighting Light in Delhi), Thakazi Sivesenkare Pil-

lai, Santha Rama Rau, Han Suyin, Amrit Rai, Nirad C Choudhary. They have all passed away. I am myself in my 94th year.

C RAJAGOPALACHARI’S

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

I got to know C Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) well. I kept pestering him to write his autobiography, but he did not agree. It would have in several ways a gem- What a life. Besides he wrote superb English, politically he was very near to Gandhiji and close colleagues of Sardar Patel, Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu. It is a thousand pities that Sardar Patel did not write his autobiography.

GANDHIJI’S

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Gandhiji’s autobiography, “The Story of My Experiences with Truth”, came out in 1927. The original was in Gujrati. His secretary and close confident Mahadev Desai translated it into English. I do not have the exact figures, but the book sold in lakhs and was translated into many languages. I bought my copy in August 1945. In the last chapter, “farewell” he wrote, “The time has now come to bring these chapters to a close.

“My life from this point onward has been public that there is hardly anything about it that people do not know….In bidding farewell to the reader, for the time being at any rate, I ask him to join with me in prayer to the God of Truth that He grant me the boon of Ahimsa in mind, word and deed.”

“AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY”

BY NEHRU

In my judgement, between 1936 and 2023 three outstanding autobiographies, written in English are: “An Autobiography” by Jawaharlal Nehru,

The manuscript fortunately survived. Those of Kalidas did not. Kabir was, broadly speaking illiterate but most of his dohas and ‘poems’ survive. For centuries the oral preceded the written in India. Alas! Very few Indians have private libraries. I implored my IFS colleagues and friends to do so. All in vain. Exceptions no doubt exist. That is not good enough

For me the absence of books would be greatest deprivation. I could say the same about myself. Many of my literary friends were eminent authors. EM Forster, Mulk Raj Anand, RK Narayan, Raja Rao, Ahmed Ali (Twighting Light in Delhi), Thakazi Sivesenkare Pillai, Santha Rama Rau, Han Suyin, Amrit Rai, Nirad C Choudhary. They have all passed away. I am myself in my 94th year.

published in London in 1936. It is still selling. In the summer of 1912 Nehru was called to the Bar. In the early winter of the year he let for India “…….But now I returned for good, and I am afraid, as I landed in Bombay, I was a bit of a prig with little to command me.”

NIRAD C CHAUDHARY’S

WRITE UP

The next is Nirad C Chaudhary’s “The Autobiography of An Unknown Indian”, published in London in 1951. It created a sensation. Its dedication caused the author no end of trouble. It reads, “To the memory of the British Empire in India which conformed subjecthood on us but without citizenship; to which yet every one of us throughout the challenge. ‘Civics Britanicus Sum’, because all that was gone and living within us was made, shaped and quickened the same British Empire.” The Indian Edition was published by Jaico. The 32nd in 2013. Nirad C Chaudhary died in Oxford in 1999 having been born in 1897. The third is S.

—NATWAR SINGH

Gopal’s biography of his father, Dr S Radhakrishnan. Gopal was an eminent historian, educated at Oxford. For over a decade he was Director of the Historical Division in the Ministry of External Affairs.

GOPAL’S BIOGRAPHY OF HIS FATHER Gopal’s biography of his father was published in 1989, by University Press, Oxford.

Paragraph one of chapter one is staggering. “The future President of India was born on 20th September 1887. His parents, Sarvapalli Veeraswamy and Sitmma were a poor Brahmin couple. There is doubt if Veeraswamy was his father…..” Intellectual endowment and physical appearance both suggested that Radhakrishnan belonged to a different stock. Radhakrishnan himself accepted this version, and critical of his mother’s conduct, always, throughout her long life, kept her at a distance. But he was attached to the man who passed for his father.”

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

WALK THE TALK LIKE EGYPTIAN-INDIAN TIES

MONI SHARMA

The writer is Editor (News) in First India, Jaipur

ndia and Egypt on January 26, 2023, ‘74th Republic Day’ reiterated support for the Non-Aligned Movement. In a joint statement issued after the end of bilateral engagements for President Abdel Fattah elSisi, who was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, both countries

expressed desire for exchange of technology between their defence industries.

“The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, the founding values of the NonAligned Movement, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all

states,” they said in the joint statement. Sisi arrived here on January 24, 2023 and held restricted and delegation-level talks at the Hyderabad House, where he and PM Modi hailed

bilateral diplomatic relations between India and Egypt. India and Egypt agreed to “initiate new engagements to intensify military-to-military engagements” and planned

more joint exercises between the armed forces of the two countries. The joint statement expressed support to safeguard cultural principles and said, “The two sides take into consideration the cultural and social sensitivities of all states and, in this regard, they agreed to work together to promote and safeguard these basic principles through regular consultations and coordination at bilateral and multilateral levels.” The two governments agreed to fight terrorism in all forms, “including cross-border terrorism” and intensify consultation between their respective National Security Councils.

The median age of mass shooters in the United States is 32. Yet the man who is alleged to have shot dead 11 people in Monterey Park on Jan. 21, 2023, before turning the gun on himself was 72 years old – the oldest mass shooter in modern American history, our records show. Meanwhile, the gunman who took the lives of seven more in Half Moon Bay two days later was also older than most — 66, the third-oldest in history. We are criminologists who built a database of 191 mass shooters using public data. The shooters in our records date back to 1966 and are coded on nearly 200 different variables, including age at the time of attack. Our research shows that mass shootings – defined here as events in which four or more people are killed in a public place with no underlying criminal activity – have become more frequent, and deadly, over time.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Bible

TOP TWEETS

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Welcome and thank Hon’ble @ rashtrapatibhvn Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji for renaming the iconic gardens at the President House as ‘Amrit Udyan.’ This new name not only shreds yet another symbol of colonial relic but also reflects India’s aspirations for the #AmritKaal.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

Regards on the birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai ji, the unshakable pillar of the freedom movement, the lamp illuminated by national new-consciousness and who sacrificed his everything for a harmonious society. Your contribution towards building an egalitarian society will be remarkable.

Jaipur. Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504. Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

The

Make India No. 1 in every field by 2047: Amit Shah

Union HM calls upon youth to contribute towards nation building

Hubballi (PTI): Union

Home Minister Amit

Shah on Saturday asked the youth to join in nation building and ensure that when India celebrates its centenary year of independence in 2047, it is number one in every field. He called on the youth to take a resolve for progress in their personal lives and also to contribute towards nation building in some field.

“When we celebrate centenary year of independence in 2047, in every field this great nation of ours should be number one. To build such a nation, you the youth must join hands on appeal of PM Modi and contribute in building a great India,” he said.

Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of BV Bhoomaraddi College and after inaugurating an indoor stadium at the campus, he listed out progress made by the country in various fields and strong foundations laid by the government for development in a number of areas.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, who is also an alumni of the college; Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, senior

SHAH HITS OUT AT CONGRESS AND JD(SECULAR) FOR DYNASTY POLITICS

Kundgol: Amit Shah on Saturday took part in a road show here, as part of Karnataka BJP’s ‘Vijaya Sankalp Abhiyan’, in the run-up to the Assembly polls in the state, due by May. Targeting the opposition Congress and JD(Secular) and accusing them of dynasty politics and corruption, he sought support for the BJP to form a govt with full majority in Karnataka. Shah took part in the road show on a specially decorated open vehicle, for over a km distance from Basavanna Devara Matha to Gali Mariyamma temple here.

BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, several ministers, and MLAs were present at the event.

Asking students to read about the freedom

IN THE COURTYARD

COURT ACQUITS SP LEGISLATOR NAHID HASSAN IN ATTEMPT TO MURDER CASE

Muzaffarnagar (PTI): In a major relief to Samajwadi Party MLA Nahid Hasan, a special MP/MLA court acquitted him in a 2019 attempt to murder case due to lack of evidence. Special judge Surender Kumar acquitted Hasan and one Haider Ali on Friday on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove the case against them, Hasan’s counsel Rashid Ali Chauhan said on Saturday. Chouhan said he had pleaded before the court in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district that the charges against the accused have not been proven.

FOREST OFFICER GETS 5-YEAR JAIL IN ASSETS CASE

Mangaluru (PTI): A range forest officer in Karnataka has been sentenced to five years imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 1.5 crore in a disproportionate assets case. S Raghava Patali, a resident of Derebail Konchady, range forest officer of Sahyadri zone of Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district, was convicted and sentenced to jail by the third additional district and sessions (special) court. If Patali fails to pay the fine, he will have to undergo one more year of simple imprisonment.

MAN’S DETENTION UPHELD IN GOLD SMUGGLING CASE

Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court has upheld the preventive detention of a man under COFEPOSA Act in a gold smuggling case. Abdul Raoof, accused of smuggling gold worth over Rs 7 crore through the Cochin port by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in 2021, was detained under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act. A division bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar upheld the detention of Raoof.

struggle and sacrifice made by the people for the country, Shah said, “Everyone is not fortunate to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the

PM HAS GIVEN ALL OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUTH: AMIT SHAH

Hubballi: Amit Shah on Saturday appealed the youth that PM has given them all the opportunities to make India number one in the world. “If you can’t sacrifice your life for the country then live your life for your nation and make it the number one country in the world. PM Modi has given you all opportunities to do that,” Shah said.

country like our soldiers do. We may not sacrifice our lives for the country, but we can live our lives for the sake of this nation.”

BJP releases list of 48 candidates for Tripura elections

New Delh (PTI): The BJP on Saturday announced its first list of 48 candidates for the Tripura Assembly polls, fielding Union minister Pratima Bhoumik from Dhanpur.

State Chief Minister Manik Saha has been nominated as a BJP candidate from Town Bordowali. Party leaders Anil Baluni and Sambit Patra on Saturday announced the BJP's candidates for the Tripura assembly polls at a press conference in the party headquarters here. Bhoumik is a Union minister in the BJPled government at the Centre. She is an MP from Tripura.

In the last assembly polls in 2018, the BJP for the time had formed a government in Tripura, considered the left bastion. The CPI(M) had

Kolkata (Agencies):

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday alleged that the state govt diverted central funds allocated for midday meal (MDM) scheme to pay compensation to families of the 2022 Bogtui carnage victims.

In a series of tweets, Adhikari said: “CM @ MamataOfficial paid compensation to the victims’ kin; burnt alive in the Bogtui carnage at Birbhum District, from the Mid Day Meal funds. Doing charity for photo op, that too by misusing Central Govt funds meant for food & nutrition of school children!

It’s a financial crime.

“She’s swindling MDM funds & has cast her evil eyes on the nourishment of poor students. I will inform Hon’ble Union Education Minister; Shri @ dpradhanbjp Ji about the financial transgression & request him to initiate legal action against the CM, Chief Secretary & Birbhum DM.”

BHARAT JODO YATRA

“Jan 30 rally not for making platform for LS 2024 polls”

HIGHLIGHTS

Chief Minister Manik Saha fielded from Town Bordowali seat Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik fielded from Dhanpur seat

ruled the state unabated for 25 years. The BJP top brass was in talks with TIPRA, a regional party founded by former Congress leader and royal scion Pradyot Deb Barman, for a prepoll alliance, which has now been ruled out.

Guwahati (Agencies):

Assam Chief Minister

Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that women should give birth to children before they attain 30 years of age. Sarma was speaking at a function at Sankardev Kalakhetra in Guwahati.

Addressing the women present at the function, he said, “We are trying to stop child marriage because if you give birth to children at a very young age, you would face problems. Similarly, if you do the same thing after reaching a higher age, like 30 or 35, there must be complications. Many people keep delaying these things, and it gives rise to problems.”

The Chief Minister also proposed an ‘ideal age’ for women to give birth between the ages of 22 and 30.

YOUNG START-UP CONCLAVE

Srinagar (PTI): Congress’ rally in Kashmir on January 30 after the Bharat Jodo Yatra ends is “not a coalition building exercise” or to build a platform for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Jairam Ramesh said.

To a question at a press conference on whether some Opposition leaders such as that of the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Trinamool Congress not attending the event would be a setback, he said “No, absolutely not.”

“I believe somebody from the BSP is coming. I am not entirely sure. But, I do not see the absence of anybody who has been invited as a setback. They may have other preoccupations,” Ramesh claimed.

CONTROVERSIES AND BARBS KEPT SPOTLIGHT ON BJY

Srinagar: Rahul Gandhi’s Burberry T-shirt and his scraggly beard, V D Savarkar and north India’s chilling winters, the Kathua rape and Covid… As the curtains fall, the Bharat Jodo Yatra replays in a patchwork of issues personal and the overtly political with controversies aplenty to ensure the spotlight seldom wavered. The Yatra started from the southern tip of the country on September 7 and ends on January 30 in Srinagar.

NO COALITION POSSIBLE WITHOUT CONGRESS: RAMESH

Awantipora: The Congress must be the “fulcrum” of any Opposition alliance to take on the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha as no coalition can be “meaningful” or “relevant” without it, Jairam Ramesh said on Saturday. The Congress leader also said that in his view, the Congress should be preparing to fight on its own in every state in the 2029 LS polls.

RAHUL GANDHI PAYS FLORAL TRIBUTE TO MARTYRS OF PULWAMA TERROR ATTACK

Srinagar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid floral tribute to the martyrs of 2019 Pulwama terror attack at Lethpora. He stopped the Yatra for a while at Lethpora in Pulwama and laid a flower bouquet at the spot where 40 CRPF jawans were killed in the terrorist attack. Rahul Gandhi had resumed Yatra from Chersoo village in Anantnag district.

Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing media persons. —FILE PHOTO

ASSAM CM HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS OF GOVT JOBS TO 1200 PEOPLE

Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday distributed appointment letters to over 1,200 people who got jobs in various government departments. Among the candidates were appointees on compassionate grounds who are family members of police personnel killed in action since 1988. “Happy to distribute appointment letters to 1,208 selected candidates for Health & Family Welfare and Home & Political departments at Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati. With 41,710 appointments so far, we are marching towards our goal of providing 1 lakh Govt jobs,” Sarma tweeted later.

“Neither less nor more than that is a good age for giving birth to children because the human body has certain basic things. God

has made our bodies like that. So I suggest that girls who have not married yet complete it at the earliest,” Chief Minister Sarma added.

Ramcharitmanas

remarks: Swami Prasad Maurya meets Akhilesh

Lucknow (ANI):

Samajwadi Party Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Swami Prasad Maurya met the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav at the Party office on Saturday amid row over his remarks on Ramacharitmanas. Refusing to apologise for his remarks on the holy book of Hindus, SP MLC Maurya said that the party is seeking justice for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and the backward classes of the country.

Swami Prasad Maurya with Akhilesh Yadav.

Change your mindset to avail Start-Up opportunities: Dr Singh

lll

MoS exhorts youth not to miss the Start-Up Bus, which is playing a crucial role in India’s Technological & Economic Journey to emerge as a Frontline Nation in the World

First India Bureau

Kathua: Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday called for change of mindset to avail StartUp opportunities knocking at their door.

Speaking after inaugurating the “Young Start-Up Conclave” at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir organised by CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Singh said, the government job mind-set is

proving an impediment to Start-Up culture, mainly in North India.

Referring to Four Success Stories of Youths, who narrated their experiences, including two B-Techs and one Mechanical Engineer, who quit their jobs for Start-Up Ventures, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that “Purple Revolution” spearheaded by him through CSIR became part of the Republic Day Parade Tab-

leaux, thus earned countrywide recognition and popularity.

Dr Singh pointed out that the ‘Purple Revolution’ originating from

Jammu & Kashmir offers attractive Start-Up avenues and those who have entered the lavender sector are making a fortune out of it. He said, it is important to take note of some of the exemplary instances of many young entrepreneurs who are seen quitting their lucrative jobs in the MNCs to establish their own StartUps, as these young entrepreneurs are now beginning to realise the possibility of greater

fortunes in this.

The Minister also underlined that J&K has huge unexplored potential of Agri-tech Startups as the geography and climatic conditions here favour the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Biotech KISAN Hub has rejuvenated over 40 orchards till date in Jammu and Kashmir under rejuvenation of apple orchards, where a very

innovative methodology has been used to transform the old orchards. The Minister promised full help by DBT and CSIR for setting up of Agritech Start-ups.

The Minister exhorted the Youth of Jammu and Kashmir not to miss the Start-Up Bus, which is playing a crucial role in India’s Technological & Economic Journey to emerge as a Frontline Nation in the World.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah at University of Agricultural Sciences, in Dharwad on Saturday. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and other dignitaries also present.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti during the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, at Awantipora in Pulwama, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

“WB govt diverted MDM funds to compensate Bogtui victims”

Women should give birth to child between 22 & 30 years:

MoS Dr Jitendra Singh addressing at the inauguration of “Young Start-Up Conclave” organised by CSIR in Kathua on Saturday.

INDIA IS EMERGING AS THE LAND OF JOB CREATORS: MoS G REDDY

India has 85,000 registered startups & 100 plus unicorns at a valuation of $350 billion

Hyderabad: Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Development of the North Eastern Region, G Kishan Reddy attended the Inception Meeting of the G-20 Start-up 20 Engagement Group at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad on Saturday. The meeting was also attended by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Som Prakash, Sherpa of the G-20, Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, Parameshwaran Iyer, officers of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and delegates from the G-20 nations, special invitees from the observer countries, representatives from various multilateral organisations and the Global and Indian startup ecosystem.

Addressing the delegates and the participants under the theme ‘Innovating for Amrit Kaal, India @ 2047’, he said, “True to its theme, this G-20 under India’s

presidency aims to set the course for acting responsibly, aiming for joint cooperation and achieving and sharing our successes.”

G Kishan Reddy also spoke about the start-up ecosystem in India. He said “India is the ideal location for today’s start-up engagement group as we have close to 85,000 registered start-ups with 100 plus unicorns at a combined

BBC DOCUMENTARY ROW

7-member panel to probe ruckus outside DU’s Arts Faculty

valuation of $350 billion dollars. With the third highest number of unicorns in the world, it is only a matter of time before India leads this list”. “Through our start-ups, our youth wants to become job creators instead of being job seekers. Our startups are innovating, investing and inventing new products and experiences. The success of our startups ecosystem

symbolises the passion, progress and the priority of the government in encouraging and hand holding these startups. Our large talent pool and our demographic dividend makes India an ideal investment location,” he added. Reddy also spoke about the various initiatives taken by the Government of India in fostering a vibrant innovation and start-up Ecosystem.

Excise department team attacked in Bihar’s Arrah

INDIA HAS THIRD HIGHEST NUMBER OF STARTUPS IN THE WORLD: REDDY

Hyderabad (ANI): India has third highest number of startups in the world, said Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday.

“Our youths want to become job creators instead of job holders. The success of Indian startups shows our youths’ passion,” G Kishan Reddy said. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa at the inaugural session said, “Startups of today are solving problems of education, health, agricultural productivity etc for one billion people for India and also for the world” Kant further said that earlier, opening a bank account in India took 8-9 months whereas today, it’s possible within a minute using biometrics. “For last 4 years, we do more fast payments compared to US, Europe and China,” Kant added.

Bhojpur (ANI): The excise department and the police team, which went to raid for illegal liquor in Arrah, was attacked by the liquor mafia with bricks and stones, during which 11 policemen were injured, informed the police on Saturday. The injured are being treated at Jagdishpur sub-division hospital. Meanwhile, three police vehicles were also damaged during the stone-pelting.

The incident occurred in the Mahadalit Tola of Ghagha village located in Dulheinganj of the Jagdishpur police station area. Police have also arrested four accused. The police received information about illegal liquor manufacturing late Thursday evening after which the excise department team reached for the raid.

Police lodges FIR over religious slogan

Aligarh (ANI): Uttar Pradesh police has registered an FIR over 'Allah Hu Akbar' slogans purportedly raised inside the Aligarh Muslim University on the occasion of Republic Day.

The slogans were allegedly raised by a student dressed as a NCCcadet. An FIR was filed under Sections 153B and 505 of the Indian Penal Code at the Civil Line Police Station in

Police detain members of Bhim Army Student Federation.

New Delhi (ANI): Amid ruckus outside the Delhi University’s Arts faculty building, the Vice Chancellor of the University has formed a seven-member panel to conduct a probe into the matter.

This committee have been formed to enforce discipline and maintain law and order on campus. The committee, headed by DU Proctor Rajini Abbi, has been asked to submit its report to Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh by 5 pm on January 30.

“The other members of the committee in-

clude Professor Ajay Kumar Singh of the Department of Commerce, Professor Manoj Kumar Singh, Joint Proctor, Professor Sanjoy Roy of the Dept of Social Work, Professor Rama, Principal of Hansraj College, Professor Dinesh Khattar, Principal of Kirorimal College, and Gaje Singh, Chief Security Officer. The Committee may specifically look into the incident of the 27th of January, 2023 which occurred outside the Faculty of Arts and opposite gate No. 4, University of Delhi,” DU said in a notice.

ACT

NEW

RENAMING INDIA INTL ARBITRATION CENTRE INTO FORCE

New Delhi (ANI): An Act that renames the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre to the India International Arbitration Centre has now come into force. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Act, 2022 (23 of 2022), the Central Government hereby appoints the 27th day of January 2023 as the date on which the said Act shall come into force," reads the notification.

this connection. Police has initated a probe into the incident and

will also conduct a forensic investigation to check to the authentici-

2-day meeting of Ram Temple building committee starts

Ayodhya (ANI): A twoday meeting of the Ram Mandir building construction committee will commence on Saturday in Ayodhya to review the progress made in the temple construction. A decision will also be taken regarding the shape and stone of the permanent idol of Lord Ramlala.

Nripendra Mishra, the chairman of the building construction committee has already left for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi site from Ayodhya circuit house on Saturday morning

for the meeting. The meeting will continue for two days at the Viswamitra Ashram present at the Ram Jan-

COMMEMORATIVE COINS

nabhoomi temple site.

The construction of the temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya is going on at a fast pace.

ty of the sloganeering video which went viral on the internet.

"On Friday a complaint was lodged by Yogesh Varshney, a resident of Bannadevi under Civil Line Police Station. In the complaint, he alleged that anti-national slogans were raised by a NCC cadet at the AMU on January 26," said Kuldeep Singh Gunawat, Aligarh City SP.

Man hit by car, dragged 350m in Delhi; dies

New Delhi (ANI): The person who was dragged for about 350 metres atop the car in Keshav Puram, succumbed to injuries, officials said on Saturday.

Earlier on Thursday, a four-wheeler allegedly hit two persons on a scooter and dragged the biker on its roof for about 350 metres in north-west Delhi’s Keshav Puram area, leaving the pillion rider dead on the spot. The driver was under treatment, and has now succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

PM unveils special coins marking 75 years of NCC

New Delhi (ANI): India’s time has come, and the driving force of the country’s development journey is its Yuva Shakti, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NCC rally on Saturday. The NCC rally was held on the occasion of the commemoration of 75 years at the Cariappa Ground in Delhi. Notably, 196 officers and cadets from 19 foreign countries also participated in the rally. Addressing the event, PM

Modi said, “NCC is celebrating 75 years of its formation. Those who

have represented NCC over the last 75 years have been a part of it. I

Product Inspector Chaudhary Surya Bhushan and 11 others were injured i Bihar’s Arrah on Saturday.

POLICE PARTY ATTACKED BY LIQUOR SMUGGLERS

Bihar: Three policemen were injured after liquor smugglers attacked a police party in Chhapra on Saturday. The police party was apparently returning after arresting a liquor smuggler in the Masoom Ganj area. After seizing the illicit liquor and arresting the smuggler, the police party was attacked by three to four smugglers. During the attack, the smugglers fired on the police. According to the police, the three injured police personnel have been admitted to the Sadar Hospital and are undergoing treatment.

‘LIFT LIQUOR BAN IN BIHAR TO ATTRACT FOREIGN TOURISTS’

Patna: Former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday demanded lifting of liquor ban in the state as it is "impacting" foreign tourists' arrival and foreign exchange earnings. Manjhi, while addressing a gathering during Budha Mahotsava in Bodh Gaya, claimed that Bihar is losing huge amounts of foreign exchange earnings due to liquor ban.

NEWS DIGEST

RAKHI SAWANT’S MOTHER PASSES AWAY AFTER PROLONGED BATTLE WITH CANCER

Mumbai: Rakhi Sawant’s mother Jaya Bheda passed away on Saturday, January 28, after a prolonged battle with cancer which she fought for three years. She was admitted to the Citicare hospital in Juhu, where she was undergoing extensive treatment for a brain tumour, and breathed her last on Saturday evening.

The actress confirmed the news and said, “Maa ab nahi rahi (Mother is no more now)”. She added to the portal that her mother died of a multi-organ failure as her cancer spread to the kidneys and lungs.

POLICE NABS MAN FOR THREATENING BLASTS ON R-DAY

Ballia: A man here has been detained by the Gujarat Police for allegedly threatening to cause a serial bomb blast in Ahmedabad on Republic Day, police said on Saturday. The family members of the accused, however, claimed that he was being framed.

SHO of Maniyar police station Praveen Singh said a team of Gujarat Police personnel took Om Prakash Paswan in their custody on Friday night.

MAOIST KILLED IN GUNFIGHT WITH SECURITY FORCES

Chatra: A Maoist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Saturday, police said. The encounter between security forces and Maoist took place in a forest adjacent to Karimandar-Butkuiya village, some 250 km from the state capital Ranchi, police said. Chatra SP Rakesh Ranjan said that CRPF and district police teams were on their anti-Maoist movement.

ED ARRESTS 4 IN CHHATTISGARH COAL LEVY ‘SCAM’, MONEY LAUNDERING CASE

New Delhi: The ED on Saturday made four fresh arrests in Chhattisgarh in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering case pertaining to illegal commission on coal sale by state government officials The accused were identified as Dipesh Tonk, Sandeep Nayak, Shiv Shankar Nag and Rajesh Chaudhary. Tonk is said to be a close associate of Saumya Chaurasia, the Deputy Secretary to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Meanwhile, Chaudhary had carried a fake ED ID card to dupe the probe agencies. Meanwhile, Chaurasia, IAS Sameer Vishnoi and a few others are under the scanner in the case.

CLASSICAL RAGAS, INDIA’S BIGGEST DRONE SHOW AT ‘BEATING THE RETREAT’ New Delhi (ANI): Indian tunes based on Indian Classical Ragas will be the flavour of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony this year which will be graced by President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu at Vijay Chowk in the national capital on Sunday, January 29. According to the Ministry of Defence, 29 captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes will be played by the music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the State Police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the ceremony.

appreciate their contribution to nation-building. India is proud of

the determination and spirit of service of the NCC cadets.”

“Both as NCC cadets, and as a youth, you are representing an ‘Amrit Pidhi’ (Amrit generation), which will help in making the country developed and Atmanirbhar. We all witnessed the role, NCC is playing in our lives,” he added. Earlier in the day, PM Modi released a special day cover and a commemorative specially minted coins of Rs 75 denomination on the occasion of the commemoration of 75 successful years of NCC.

WOMAN, 2 KIDS FOUND DEAD NEAR RLY TRACKS

New Delhi: Three bodies, including that of a woman and two children, with injuries on their heads were found near railway tracks in northwest Delhi's Narela area, police said on Saturday. A senior police officer from railway division said they have recovered three bodies. The case is now being investigated by the outer north district police, he said.

2 CONSTABLES SUSPENDED FOR BEATING MINOR

Jamnagar: Two police constables have been suspended in Gujarat's Jamnagar for allegedly beating a minor. Addressing reporters, the DSP Prem Sukh Delu said that the minor's parents personally complained to him against two constables Hitesh Chavda and Vanraj Khavad that they had beaten their 17-year-old son.

G Kishan Reddy, Amitabh Kant & other officials at the Inception Meeting of the G-20 Start-up 20 Engagement Group at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad on Saturday.

—Image for representational purpsoe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NCC Director General Lt. General Gurbirpal Singh at Cariappa Ground in New Delhi, on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

clear path ahead.

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

2ND FRONT

HAATH SE HAATH JODO DRIVE MEET IN JAIPUR DIVISION

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL BY TRIDIB RAMAN

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

NARENDRA MODI CAN CONTEST FROM TWO PLACES IN 2024

C an Narendra Modi contest from Varanasi as well as any other Lok Sabha seat in South India in the 2024 general elections? If the claims of sources associated with the BJP are to be believed, then the answer is ‘yes’. The reason is very clear, at present the graph of BJP is on the upswing in the states of North and West India and gradually BJP has made inroads in the states of East also. The BJP’s real concern is about the 128 seats in the south where regional parties, including the Congress, continue to hold sway. The BJP is confident that ‘the arrow in its quiver named Modi, is the only answer to all these challenges.’ Sources associated with the BJP claim that ‘Ramanathapuram seat in Tamil Nadu is one of Modi’s favourite seats

in the 2024 general elections from where he can think of contesting elections. BJP needs one such ‘master stroke’ for its expansion in South India. Apart from Ramanathapuram, the saffron party is already trying to gauge the public mood in Madurai and Coimbatore. If we talk about Ramanathapuram, the BJP was at the third place here, but by the time the 2019 Lok Sabha elections came, the BJP joined the main fight here and it stood at the second place. How South India fares in the agenda of Modi and BJP can be understand from two examples. ‘Tamil Sangam’ was started with great fanfare in Kashi and at the inauguration of ‘Central Vista’ in Delhi, PM recited the poem of Tamil Mahakavi Bharatiyar i.e. Subrahmanyam Bharathi. Modi’s expressions and his conduct itself give indications of his future strategies.

NOW MUKESH AMBANI’S RELIANCE WILL EXPAND IN AMERICA!

Mukesh Ambani has now made up his mind to invest in America. Reliable sources reveal that Ambani’s company Reliance has taken services of a big PR company of America. The reason given was that Reliance Group has to expand in America. Last month, when Mukesh Ambani reached Washington DC, a senator there hosted a ‘breakfast’ in his honour, which 8 other senators attended. These US senators are said to have invited Ambani to visit their respective states, saying ‘Ambani should come there and create new jobs.’ In response, Mukesh reportedly told them that

‘Reliance Is always your friend’.

Then at a dinner held by American Congressman with more than 30 senators, an ‘Indian American Group’ i.e. ‘Samosa Group’ has invited Mukesh Ambani as chief guest in one of its events in coming summer. Be aware that this ‘Samosa Group’ has a lot of interest in American politics and those who formed this group include renowned Indian Americans like V-P Kamala Harris, Senator Raja Krishnamurthy, Ro Khanna, Dr Amy Bera & Pramila Jayaram. In another US-related development, acc to sources, two big wealth managers ‘Black Rock’ and ‘Black Stone’ who have invested billions in Adani’s ‘Green Energy’ say they will review their investments. Are these people now trending towards Reliance?

WHY BIHAR CONG IS IN BAD SHAPE?

M allikarjun Kharge, the new fledgling National President of Congress, knows that Rahul Gandhi is extra enthused about Bihar. So, he is looking forward to infuse a new life into the Bihar Congress. This Friday, he virtually addressed a workshop organised at Sadakat Ashram, the state HQs of Bihar Congress in Patna. This workshop was organised for the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign of Congress, in which 500 delegates of the Bihar Congress were to participate, where around 500 chairs were also set up. But it is said that hardly 150-200 delegates gathered in this workshop and later all the unoccupied chairs were removed in a hurry. After this, there was again a ruckus in Bihar Congress that the names of fake delegates should be removed from the list. Soon after, Kharge summoned Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Singh to Delhi. In this programme, a leader of Bihar Congress, Anil Sharma created a storm by saying that Congress should not run ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign but ‘Dil Jodo’ campaign should be run. When Sharma was saying this, the programme was being broadcast live.

RANDHAWA: MODI DIDN’T SPEAK ON ERCP , RAJ’S BIGGEST ISSUE

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: 20 out of 34 Congress MLAs-ministers of Jaipur division skipped the party’s meeting taken by Cong’s Raj incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa & PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra, which annoyed the party leadership. Ministers Rajendra Yadav, who is also Jaipur Rural President, ML Meena, PL Meena, Dr Mahesh Joshi, Rajendra Gudha, MLAs Rafeek Khan, Ganga Devi, GR Khatana, Parasram Mordiya, Virendra Chaudhary, Deependra Shekhawat, Rajkumar Sharma, Reeta Chaudhary, Ved Solan-

WITH WHOM WILL SHIV SENA GO?

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa & GS Dotasra during the Workers' Dialogue programme on 'Haath Se Haath Jodo' campaign at PCC Office in Jaipur on Saturday. Also seen here are Dr Chandrabhan, Pratap S Khachariyawas and Tarun Kumar.

Sukhjinder Randhawa addresses a press conference at PCC office in Jaipur. Also seen here is GS Dotasra & others. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

BEING A DALIT, HEALTH & PHED MINS DON’T DO MY WORK: BAIRWA

Jaipur: Congress MLA from Kathumar, Babulal Bairwa has opened a front against Health Min Parsadi Lal Meena & PHED Min Mahesh Joshi for not working.

Health Min Parsadi Lal & PHED Min Mahesh Joshi doesn’t do my work. I am a Dalit MLA, maybe that is why Parsadi doesn’t do my work, & I don’t understand any other reason.”

He said that Mahesh Joshi also only bluffs him. “ Health Min’s son is running the dept,” Bairwa told media at PCC HQs, adding that he is senior than Health Min & became MLA before him.

Parsadilal Meena Dr Mahesh Joshi

ki, Deepchand Kheria, Babulal Kathumar, Safia Zuber, Sandeep Yadav did not come.

Randhawa said that

“I am a four-time MLA,

Modi came for Gurjar community but ‘73’ Gurjars were killed during his party’s govt. He should have spoken for

PM Modi woos Gurjars, links

‘Lotus’ to Lord Devnarayan!

Aishwary Pradhan, Shikha Sharma and Navin Joshi

T here is a lot of pressure in the Shiv Sena to choose its new alliance partner. In fact, when Sanjay Raut came out of jail, the same evening, one of the biggest industrialists associated with BJP reached Matoshree. It is said that he had come to Uddhav with a clear message from BJP that ‘Shiv Sena should break its alliance with Congress, as it is not a natural alliance. Word is that it is after this meet that Uddhav has fastened his ties with Prakash Ambedkar’s ‘Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’. At the same time, coordination between NCP & Congress has also been confirmed. Shiv Sena has made it clear before Congress that in 2024 general polls, even if the alliance of Mahaghadi Vikas remains intact, then Sena will field its candidates on max 26 seats & will leave 16 seats for NCP. Congress will have to be satisfied with these seats.” The BJP is confident that Uddhav will contest 2024 polls in coalition with saffron party. Regarding Eknath Shinde, BJP believes that even though he has brought away MLAs and MPs from Uddhav’s Shiv Sena, but workers have remained in Uddhav’s Shiv Sena, that is why BJP desperately needs Uddhav.

CHANDRASHEKHAR RAO’S ALLERGY TO CONGRESS PARTY

Telangana Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao wants to become the new head of the united opposition, but he also wants the Congress to find a place on the platform of his opposition unit. So, he is trying his best that Congress does not have an alliance with JDS in Karnataka assembly elections. More or less, this is also the feeling of Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar and about this Rao had two-three rounds of talks with DK. Sources reveal that Rao has also got an opinion poll done for JDS in Mysore region with his own money. This survey shows that JDS is getting maximum number of seats in Mysore region. Congress is here at number two and BJP at number three. Mallikarjun Kharge is in constant touch with Deve Gowda and he had also invited Deve Gowda to visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 30, where he is

concluding the first phase of his Rahul Bharat Jodo Yatra. But Deve Gowda, expressing his inability to come there, has definitely sent his best wishes to Rahul.

Interestingly, BJP is in constant touch with Deve Gowda’s son Kumaraswamy and is persuading him to join hands with it. Kumaraswamy is also among those who likes BJP more than Congress.

Bhilwara: PM Narendra Modi gave a political message to the Gurjar community by linking lotus to lord Devnarayan during the programme at Bhilwara’s Malaseri village, the birth of folk deity lord Devnarayan who is revered by the community. Modi left a special impact on the gathering through his speech and got applause. The pandal was completely filled with the crowd and there was a huge crowd of Gurjar community outside as well. Gurjars gathered in large numbers on foot, and in other vehicles. They were waiting for an announcement by PM but no announcement was made. However, Modi has brought Malaseri and Gurjars into the discussions. Many BJP leaders didn’t attend the event.

Ram Meghwal & others.

A ‘HELPING’ GESTURE...

BJP State President Dr Satish Poonia, in a helping gesture, makes way for an ambulance carrying a patient of cardiac arrest amid the crowd of lakhs of people present to hear PM Narendra Modi’s address during the 1,111th birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan at village Malaseri Dungri in Bhilwara on Saturday.

A WISE DECISION

families of those killed in firing during his Bhilwara visit, adding that Raj’s biggest issue is water but Modi didn’t say

anything on ERCP. GS Dotasara said “PM linked Lord Devnarayan and himself to lotus. His job is to do only politics.”

2015 batch IAS eagerly await to become Collectors

First India Bureau

Jaipur: IAS officers of 2016 batch have become Collectors, but the officers of 2015 batch are still waiting to get this post.

Junior batch IAS officers Tina Dabi, Amit Yadav, Ravindra Goswami have become Collectors, but the promotee IAS officers of 2015 batch including Sharad Mehra, OP Bairwa, Hempushpa Sharma, Sitaram Jat and Dr Ghanshyam are waiting to be the Collector.

On the other hand, only 8 out of 18 IAS officers of 2016 batch have got the opportunity to become District Collectors and 10 IAS of this batch are still waiting for

the post. Most of the officers are expected to get a chance to be promoted as District Collectors. It is only after them, that the number of the officers of batches from the years 2017 to 2021 might come. In such a situation, the officers are eagerly waiting for the transfer list.

DMRC takes officers to Cairo to showcase work

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: Two senior IAS officers of the State have returned from a week-long foreign trip.

Principal Secretary UDH Kunji Lal Meena and CMD of Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) P Ramesh went to Cairo (Egypt) from January 23rd - 27th. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had taken them abroad at its own expense to show the work of its Metro Rail going on in Cairo so that the officers themselves could see the work of DMRC on the spot.

The State Government has given the construction work of Phase-1C (Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar) and Phase-1DC (Mansarovar to Ajmer Highway) of Jaipur Metro to DMRC. An MoU was signed between Jaipur Metro CMD P. Ramesh and DMRC Director Pramit Garg in this regard last week.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in his last budget had announced the extension of Jaipur Metro. Now execution of announcement has started. A total of Rs 1,100 crore will be spent on the work of both the

P Ramesh Kunji Lal Meena

new phases.

When Ajitabh Sharma was the CMD of JMRC from April 2022 to August 2022, he got the DPR (Detailed Project Report) prepared for both the phases from DMRC. The file with DPR and financial

approval was sent to the Finance Department.

At the same time, he had also proposed that it would be appropriate to get the work done by DMRC only. Now the government has taken a beneficial and good decision to hand over the

construction work to DMRC instead of any other company. DMRC had executed phase 1 A of Jaipur Metro. Currently DMRC is working on Metro Rail in Cairo. The environmental conditions and archaeological sensitivity of both Cairo and Jaipur are similar. It is believed that by giving work to DMRC, the hassle of tender, etc. has been relieved. Along with this, the work will be completed with right quality, the right cost, & on time. Apart from this, time of 4 to 6 months will be saved.

To grow and succeed, selfawareness is the first crucial & critical step, without it, there is no

PM Narendra Modi being felicitated with a ‘Rajasthani Turban’ during the programme held to commemorate the 1,111th Avataran Mahotsav of Lord Shri Devnarayan at Malaseri Dungri village in Bhilwara on Saturday. Also seen here is Union Minister Arjun

A clarification will be sought from leaders, who were absent from meet, says Randhawa

Mehandipur Balaji ke darbar mein...

SATYANARAYAN SHARMA, LAXMIKANT SHARMA AND MONU SINGH RAJAWAT

Mehandipur: The Mehandipur Balaji temple is one of the most visited temples in Rajasthan and sees lakhs of devotees throughout the year but Saturday saw even more people with the Shrimad Bhagwat Gyan Kathayagya going on presently. Lord Hanuman is truly a Sankatmochan and nowhere more than in his manifestation at Mehandipur Balaji. Lakhs flock to his darbar.

On Saturday Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry

Piyush Goyal, Jagdeesh Chandra, MP Karauli-Dholpur Manoj Rajoria, BJP State Executive Member Bhupendra Saini reached the holy darbar of Balaji to seek blessings and soak the spiritual atmosphere.

LS Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister

Piyush Goyal and Jagdeesh Chandra attended the holy ceremony of ‘Praan Prathishtha’ at the Sita Ram Mandir wherein Mehndipur Dham Mahant Naresh Puri Maharaj completed all the traditional religious rituals concerned with the life-consecration (Praan Prathishtha) of the idols of ‘Shri Radha-Krishna ji’ and led everyone in a heartfelt aarti. After this, Om Birla, Piyush Goyal and Jagdeesh Chandra along with Manoj Rajoria and Bhupendra Saini went to the main temple to seek the blessings of Balaji. Mahant ji gave blessing and prasad to all.

Earlier, Jagdeesh Chandra also met Mahant Naresh Puri Maharaj who welcomed him with a stoll of Balaji Maharaj & Jai Siya Ram, Chandra also presented a copy of the day’s

First India Jaipur edition which had a charismatic photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the jacket, welcoming the PM to Bhilwara, Rajasthan. The Prime Minister visited Bhilwara on Saturday to attend the ceremony commemorating 1,111th Avataran of Shri Devnarayan ji.

Om Birla and Piyush Goyal, who flew down in a chopper to Mehandipur, immersed themselves for a while in the Bhagwat Katha before leaving for Delhi. During their visit, Bhupendra Saini and P D Sharma honoured them on behalf of various social organisations, Saini also presented them with a ‘Gada’ as a symbol of the blessings of Balaji. Piyush Goyal said that the Mehendipur Dham is a special place for the devote and pilgrims.

The Mehandipur Balaji temple is known far and wide for it’s healing powers; the troubled and sick reach from all over seeking solace and peace and such is the power of this diety that the prayers of his devotees are always answered!

Mahant Nareshpuri Maharaj leads the holy procession accompanied by Om Birla, Piyush Goyal, Jagdeesh Chandra and other devotees.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Piyush Goyal and Om Birla.

Manoj Rajoria, Om Birla, Jagdeesh Chandra, Mahant Nareshpuri Maharaj, Rajeev Dutta and others.

Temple Pandit hands over the aarti thaal to Om Birla and Jagdeesh Chandra. Om Birla and Jagdeesh Chandra at aarti.

Jagdeesh Chandra presents a copy of First India to Mahant Nareshpuri Maharaj.

There is absolutely gold-standard evidence that physical activity can reduce morbidity and mortality due to multiple chronic conditions. The mountain of evidence can be gauged from the fact that there are 948 meta-analyses of 11,726 clinical trials, in addition to 1.4 million research papers, that leave no doubt about the unquestionable necessity of physical activity for good health. Drawing on the leading research, here we discuss the most popular and easier form of exercise, walking, to assemble usable knowledge. For significant health benefits, World Health Organization (WHO) suggests, adults should do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity; at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderateand vigorous-intensity activity distributed throughout the week. On average, leisure-time regular physical activity should be within about 45 minutes a day.

Exercise can protect against metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, migraine, autoimmune diseases, and at least 26 types of cancers, among others. Exercise also lengthens telomeres, reduces stress, and attenuates cellular ageing. It also promotes bone health. It prevents frailty and age-related pathogenesis including macular degeneration. In addition to protecting against non-communicable diseases, physical activity can help us fight communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, through enhanced immunity. Higher, but not excessive, levels of physical activity increase the odds of healthy ageing by 39 per cent. Overall, physical activity contributes to healthy longevity and promotes happiness, healthspan and well-being.

Physical activity is so vital, the world must be craving to do that every day. Right? Well, not really. People have their own reasons for being lethargic. A study published in the Lancet Global Health on the worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity found evidence otherwise. The global prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 27·5 per cent. This puts more than 1·4 billion adults at risk of developing or exacerbating diseases linked to inactivity. India has its own lazy stars renowned for slothfulness. About 34 per cent of adult Indians are insufficiently active. Half of Indian

DAILY STEPS FOR

GOOD HEALTH

health outcomes regardless of physical activity. So, do not keep sitting for a duration longer than 40 to 50 minutes.

Interrupting prolonged sitting with short bouts of walking—but not merely standing—provides clinically meaningful improvements in metabolic health. Take a break, walk a few brisk steps, stretch, do some deep breathing, mindfully observe trees and green space from your window, and go back refreshed to work.

children and adolescents do not meet the required levels of physical activity of 60 minutes per day. This is giving rise to the occurrence of more than 3 disease conditions in the same person, often known as multimorbidity. The highest proportion of adults from northern India, i.e., 49.6%, have low levels of physical activity.

Young people aged 10–24 years constitute 24 per cent of the world’s population, and more than 80 per cent of them have insufficient physical activity. Approximately 30% of people aged more than 60 years experience a fall in a given year. Physical activity in such people can enhance resilience, robustness and fitness. This inaction costs hugely. Physical inactivity cost healthcare systems 53·8 billion dollars worldwide. It is also responsible for 13·4 million disability-adjusted life-years worldwide. CVD, respiratory diseases and diabetes kill more than 4 million Indians annually, and most of these deaths are premature, occurring among Indians aged 30–70 years.

The time has come to move and keep moving every day. One of the easiest and most popular physical activities, recommended by ancient India’s Sage-Scientist

ience. Charaka and Sushruta prescribed exercise for health at least 1000 years before Hippocrates (460–370 B.C.) and Galen (129–210 A.D.).

World’s oldest definition and prescription of exercise as medicine are found in Caraka Samhita, which was redacted from the world’s oldest record of medical practice. In this context, the number of steps taken per day is a simple measure of physical activity.

Monitoring daily steps with the help of trackers and wearable mobile devices have become increasingly fashionable worldwide. Cycling, swimming, and many other forms require special arrangements. But walking can be performed in any place. Green spaces and safe urban forests are great environments to walk. Forest experience, green exercise, gardening, and nature viewing all have positive health impacts.

The question is, walking is the most convenient exercise for healthy persons, how many steps need to be taken per day?

A commonly promoted goal is 10,000 steps per day, its origin is anecdotal. This number became popular from a marketing campaign in Japan. The WHO 2020 Physical Activity Guidelines specifically identified this gap in research on the

national cohorts with 47,471 adults. It suggests progressively decreasing the risk of mortality among adults aged 60 years and older with an increasing number of steps per day until 6,000–8,000 steps per day. For adults younger than 60 years, the step count is 8,000–10,000 steps per day. The second study found an answer to the associations of daily step counts with cancer and cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality as well as all-cause mortality. It also explored if the intensity of steps has additional benefits. This population-based prospective cohort study used the data for 78,500 individuals of average 61 years of age. This study found that more steps per day, up to about 10,000 steps, was associated with a decline in mortality risks and decreased cancer and CVD incidence. These findings indicate that accumulating more steps per day, up to about 10 000, is useful to lower the risk of all-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality as well as the incidence of cancer and CVD. Higher step intensity or brisk walking may provide additional benefits, but it must not be taken too extreme.

What if you do not have time for taking 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day? Well, then the main thing is exercise and it does not have to be 10,000 steps. Do as possible. If you are able to do 3 to 5 length-standardized vigorous physical activity bouts every day, lasting about 2 minutes each, it can bring about a 40% reduction in all-cause and cancer mortality risk and about a 50% reduction in CVD mortality risk. These results indicate that small amounts of vigorous physical activity can substantially lower the mortality risks. In brief, the evidence has strengthened the conclusions drawn in Ayurveda, 5,000 years ago, including by Acharya Sushruta that moderate—but not excessive— walking enhances life span, strength, intelligence, digestive power, and invigorates all our sense organs.

Also, remember that sedentary time is independently associated with deleterious

We have not discussed running here. There is compelling evidence that running provides significant health benefits for the prevention of chronic diseases and premature mortality. Running, regardless of its dose, is likely to lead to considerable improvements in health and longevity. And, any amount of running, even just once a week, is better than no running. But higher doses of running may not necessarily lead to greater benefits. Yet, it is not the best exercise for everyone because various clinical conditions and old age can impede its practice.

Finally, please remember that with all the goodness of a reasonable amount of physical activity, excessive exercise is a serious risk to health. Both Ayurveda and modern science warn against excessive physical activity. Vyayama (exercise) is a must for good health but must not be done beyond balardha (i.e., beyond half of your strength).

Sweating, increased respiration, feeling the lightness of the body and tightness in the cardiac region are signs of optimal physical activity. The extent of physical exercise is governed by an individual’s capability. We should stop exercising before getting tired and should abstain from overexertion. Notwithstanding a cautionary note here, know that the benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks. Move and keep moving. Stay healthy, stay happy.

DR DEEP NARAYAN PANDEY Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Rajasthan

STUNNING BIRTHDAY GIRL

love for black and opted for a blackthemed party. She picked an easy breezy black maxi dress and looked beautiful as always. With a simple crown on her head, she posed for pics amid the background of silver balloons and foil cutout of ‘Happy Shruti Haasan dropped an adorable pic of hugging her beau Santanu with a happy smile. The actress also shared pics with Akshara Haasan and Kajol. She also shared a selfie from the birthday bash and wrote, “Best Birthday ever. I’m so thankful for the beautiful souls around me.”

MASABA GUPTA MARRIES SATYADEEP MISRA

Sonam casts her magic spell

Fashion designer-actor Masaba Gupta took her fans and followers by surprise on Friday as she announced her wedding with actor Satyadeep Misra. She took to Instagram to share the dreamy first pictures from the early morning ceremony. Sharing the pictures, Masaba wrote, “Married my ocean of calm, this morning. Here’s to many many lifetimes of love, peace, stability & most importantly laughter. And thanks for letting me pick the caption - this is gonna be great!” Masaba shared a family portrait taken at her wedding to actor Satyadeep Misra and it includes her father, West Indies cricketing legend Vivian Richards. Masaba’s dad and stepfather Vivek Mehra mother Neena Gupta, Satyadeep’s mother Nalini and his sister Chinmaya. Everyone is dressed in coordinating shades of pink and yellow.

ONE YEAR OF TOGETHERNESS

The actress always amazes her fans with her stunning sartorial picks. Besides this, she is quite active on social media and enjoys a massive fan following. Recently, the actress shared beautiful pictures with her hubby Suraj Nambiar as they celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Mouni shared a series of pictures of her and Suraj as they visited a temple to seek the blessings of the almighty. In the pictures, the couple looked stunning in traditional white coordinated outfits. Mouni was seen donning a beautiful white saree, whereas Suraj on the other hand was spotted in a white kurta. Along with the pictures,

she also penned the seven vows of marriage and continued ‘I’ll always carry on these seven pledges through this beautiful journey of life with you.. happy 1st.’

asaba Gupta took everyone by a pleasant surprise yesterday after she dropped pictures from her dreamy wedding with beau Satyadeep Misra. The pictures looked straight out of a fairytale and fans cannot stop gushing over them. Well, last night the cou-

small bash for their close friends and family from the industry. We saw several actors gracing the event and one of them was Sonam Kapoor. The actress who has been making heads turn with her style and fashion sure knows how to slay whenever she steps out for any event.

Sonam stunned in a monochrome House Of Masaba outfit. She wore a black flowy anarkali with a thin silver lining. Her anarkali has two white borders at the end and on her sleeves that were up to her wrists. The sleeves also had a crescent and a star pattern on both sides. She paired her attire with a matching black dupatta with white borders and completed her look with a neat bun, pearl white choker and matching earrings. Sonam carried a white pearl clutch and flaunted her bold red lips.

MAHIRA DANCES TO THIS SONG

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who enjoys a massive fan following on social media, is a popular name in India. She featured with Shah Rukh Khan in the hit film Raees. The audience loved watching them together on the big screen. Meanwhile, Mahira has been hitting headlines after her dancing video from a wedding surfaced on social media. The actress chose to groove on Ranbir Kapoor’s song Dance Ka Bhoot from his hit film Brahmastra. In the viral video, Mahira was seen flaunting her moves as she grooves to Ranbir’s song Dance Ka Bhoot. The video is from the wedding of Pakistani actor Frieha Altaf’s son and singer Turhan James. Mahira was seen sporting an embellished lehenga with her hair tied up in a bun. The actress looks all things gorgeous in her ethnic outfit. She surely set the stage on fire with her magical twirl.

Shruti Hassan with Santanu Hazarika

Shruti Hassan

Masaba’s post...

Masaba Gupta

Mahira Khan Ranbir Kapoor

Mouni Roy with husband Suraj Nambiar

Sonam in House Of Masaba outfit

Sonam Kapoor

The grand wedding ceremony of Anurag, son of Dr Ashwini Kumar Sharma and Sunita Sharma with Sapna, daughter of Nirmala Singh and Umesh Chouhan was solemnized at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur on Friday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the couple and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various dignitaries were also present.

Palace, Muhana Mandi, Jaipur on Friday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a great life ahead.

RAGHU SINHA MALA MATHUR MEMORIAL CUP

THE ROYAL POLO MATCH!

The grand wedding ceremony of Astha (RJS), daughter of Shashi and IAS Anil Kumar Agrawal with Nikhil (RAS), son of Sarita and Hariram Poddar was solemnized at Umrao Banquet, Jaipur on Friday. Various dignatries reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a great life ahead.

MEET AND GREET!

CITY FIRST

The first exhibition match of the Jaipur Polo Season 2023, Raghu Sinha Mala Mathur Memorial Cup, was today held at the RPC Ground. A large number of visitors enjoyed a fast-moving game in which the home team, RPC won against Malarpan by 6 goals to 4. For the RPC, Major Mrityunjay Singh and Pablo Jaureteche both scored 2 goals each while Ashvini Sharma and Lokendra Singh

Jinisha Choudhary, grand daughter of Vijay Choudhary from Dainik Navjyoti, grade 1 student of Neerja Modi School, Jaipur bagged the first position in English, Mathematics and General Knowledge in the Silver Zone Olympiad held recently.

Dhirawat scored 1 goal each. For Malarpan, while Sawai Padmanabh Singh scored 2 goals, Abhimanyu Pathak and Anaya Shah scored 1 goal each. The trophy and prizes were given away by the Chief Guest, Major General RS Godara. Major Mritunjay of RPC also won the Most Valuable Player award. The promoter of the event, Sudhir Mathur said that it was indeed a great pleasure to see so many of my friends, family members, well-wishers and polo aficionados at the match today. He ex-

pressed his gratitude to the Rajasthan Polo Club for annually organising this event After the match the polo players and spectators enjoyed a high tea. Spotted were Maharaj Jai Singh, Ambika Kumari, Sandeep Chauhan, Usha Punia, Vishaal Mathur and Rishee Miglani, among others.

ANG DAAN-MAHA DAAN

Colours of Patriotism

CITY FIRST

MFJCF- MOHAN Foundation Jaipur Citizen Forum held a mega-event at the Angdata Smarak, Jaipur on Saturday.

State Bank of India, Jaipur Circle celebrated 74th Republic Day with full zeal and enthusiasm. On this occasion, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Chief GM, Jaipur Circle hoisted the National Flag at the Local Head Office, Jaipur. Employees with exemplary work in various fields were honored by presenting mementos. Mishra gave a message to all the staff members to be a partner in the country’s progress. SBI is celebrating Swachhta Pakhwada across the country from January 16 to 31. Mishra said that SBI always work for clean and green environment. Cloth bags were distributed to the people present at the Local Head Office, Jaipur by Seema Mishra, President, SBI Ladies Club, Jaipur Circle.

Minister of Women and Child Welfare Mamta Bhupesh and CP Gurnani CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra and Manish Arora CMDRajasthan Handloom Development Corporation were the special guests for the heartfelt ceremony where tributes were paid to the Organ donors and the statue of Mohit, the 7-yearold first deceased organ donor of Rajasthan was unveiled and handed over to Mahatma Gandhi hospital for its Donor memorial garden. The Guests also unveiled a prototype of a sculpture which will be installed at the Smarak soon, a heart with a flower blossoming from it. Bhavna Jagwani, Convener, MFJCF informed that it symbolises the power of donation and Saving Lives. —MORE IN CITY FIRST TOMORROW.

The 74th Republic Day celebration was organised at the JNU Campus recently. The entire JNU turned patriotic on this occasion. The programme was started by the Chancellor of JNU, Dr Sandeep Bakshi, by hoisting the flag and saluting the tricolour.

On this occasion, JNU Chancellor Dr Bakshi said that today is a wonderful coincidence of Basant Prachami and Republic Day. Today India is on the way to becoming a superpower as compared to the last 20 years. An incentive

amount of about 8 lakhs was provided by Dr Bakshi for the research work done by 110 teachers. He informed that Rs 19.24 crore was spent in 2021 while Rs 23.24 crore was spent in 2022 on the development works of the university. He encouraged the teachers and said that the research work they did last year should be almost two and a half times this year.

JNU Pro-Chancellor of the University Prof HN Verma and Vice Chancellor Prof RL Raina also congratulated the teachers, staff and students and expressed their views.

Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot and Sunil Arora, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India 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 Feb 1.

DURING THE DAY!

Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur inaugurated the Glow & Go Aesthetic Center by cutting the ribbon in presence of other dignitaries recently. Glow & Go is an Aesthetic Skin Clinic for Skin Care that offers Laser Hair Reduction, Skin Enhancement, Brightening and all types of USFDA-approved Aesthetic Skin Services. Dr Sandeep Bakshi, Chancellor of JNU Jaipur was also present on the occasion.

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

A solo exhibition of Dr Anil Gupta’s nomination and the curriculum was started on Friday at Suros Art Gallery, JKK in Jaipur. Hem Rana, the curator of the exhibition, told that about 35 canvases and other artworks of Anil Gupta were featured in this exhibition from 2020 till now. Dhisraj Srivastava, Commissioner, Rajasthan Foundation and Shakti Singh Rathore (IAS) graced the occasion as chief guests.

Blankets were distributed to the patients on behalf of Shagun Group and Sonal Maheshwari Charitable Trust in SMS Hospital recently. Gokul Maheshwari, the patron of the group in the neuro ward of the hospital, said that his group is ahead in carrying out social concerns.

The grand wedding ceremony of Shaanvi, daughter of Mala Sharma and Ramesh Ch. Bhardwaj with Ashish, son of Archana Bhatt and Bhuvaneshwar Bhatt was solemnized at Radhika

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Jagdeesh Chandra with bride Shaanvi Bhardwaj

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Mala Sharma, Ramesh Bhardwaj, Somvanshi, Naresh Bhargava and Kailash Bhardwaj with a guest

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) newlyweds Anurag & Sapna, Dr Ashwini and Sunita Sharma

From left newlyweds Astha & Nikhil, IAS Anil Agrawal and MLA Girraj Singh Malinga

Neha Gupta, Chitra Shrivastava, Dhiraj Shrivastava, Shakti Singh Rathore and Dr Anil Gupta

Raj Bansal and Abhimanyu Bansal Col Rohit Dagar, Digvijay Singh, Maj Gen RS Godara, Pramila Godara and Usha Rajya Laxmi Rishee, Meera and Vishaal

Mrityunjay and Ashvini

Teams RPC & Malarpan with Major General, RS Godara. Also seen in the picture are Sudhir Mathur, Digvijay Singh Shekhawat, Lt Gen (Retd) Mohinder Puri and Pracheer Surana.

Padmanabh Singh playing Polo

Glimpse from the royal match

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Mamta Bhupesh, CP Gurnani and Manisha Arora light a lamp in the memory of the organ donors

During the occasion

Upendra Rai with CM Ashok Gehlot

Upendra Rai with Sunil Arora, former Chief Election Commissioner of India