First India-Mumbai Edition-8th January 2023

At times I feel

Dada (Ajit

Pawar) is CM: Supriya Sule

Pune: Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar’s statements regarding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has drawn remarks from various sections of society. However, now Ajit Pawar’s sister and Baramati MP Supriya Sule has come in support of her brother. Sule said on Saturday that sometimes she feels that Dada (Ajit Pawar) is the Chief Minister.

“CM Eknath Shinde is not seen taking any stand on the Belgaum issue. Amit Shah called the CMs of both the states, the issue was discussed and it was decided that no one will say anything in this matter. Shah had said at that time that it is a legal matter pending in court. However, the Chief Minister of Karnataka keeps making statements and keeps taking potshots at the ‘ED’ government. But they are not ready to talk about it and both are taking a stand. The identity of Maharashtra is under question and anyone can come and defeat Maharashtra. We will not tolerate this at all.

Golden HOUR!

THE JK Rowling has rightly said, “Twilight fell: The sky turned to a light, dusky purple littered with tiny silver stars.”

She termed the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise as “the golden hour” or “magic hour,” as these times provide the perfect light to capture stunning photos.

‘DREAM OF GOOD GOVERNANCE WILL GET STRONGER’

There are concerns over rising cyber frauds that need to be dealt: CM Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday launched Jio’s 5G internet service in the state and urged the country's investigative agencies to get welltrained in dealing problems caused by cyber fraudsters.

Speaking at an event during which 5G service was launched in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur cities of Rajasthan, Gehlot raised concerns over rising cyber frauds and the challenges the internet has posed in recent times.

He said that there are

concerns over rising cyber frauds and the challenges the internet has posed. CM also launched Jio Glass and Community Clinic products at the function held at Bhamashah Techno Hub lo-

cated in Jhalana Institutional Area.

"Using internet has become a habit of all of us that if friends sit together, they keep sitting for 3-4 hrs and do not talk to each other.

BJP juggernaut is on a roll!

First India Bureau

Ranchi: On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Hemant Soren government must check infiltrators out to grab land in Jharkhand by marrying tribal women.

Accusing Soren of “destroying Jharkhand”, Shah claimed that the

JMM dispensation has indulged in “looting” mineral resources and “betrayed” tribals in the name of ‘khatiyan’. Addressing rally at Korba, in Chhattisgarh Amit Shah said BJP will win the 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections with full majority under Modi’s guidance. More on P5

Raut

about Uddhav, Rashmi to Rane: Shirsat

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Union minister Narayan Rane put Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in a precarious position when he claimed that Sanjay Raut used to meet him in the Rajya Sabha and tell him about Uddhav Thack eray and Rashmi Thackeray and if Ud dhav and Rashmi Thackeray hear it, they will kill Raut.

Now, Shinde faction leader and MLA Sanjay Shirsat has also stressed that what Narayan Rane said is true.

“If you want more information about this, then the people who are circling Matoshree today will tell you. Although Raut calls Uddhav ‘sahab’ in public

places, but he has said many times that Uddhav does not know anything. Infact, Raut has told Eknath Shinde that he (Uddhav Thackeray) has nothing to do with him (Raut),” said Sanjay Shirsat, adding, “Narayan Rane and Sanjay Raut are friends. So Raut must have said something to Narayan Rane. That’s why Narayan Rane is speaking with such confidence.”

SENT TO 14 DAYS JC

AI is deeply concerned about the in-flight instances where customers have suffered due to the condemnable acts. We regret, are pained about experiences.

AI acknowledges that it could have handled matters better, both in air and on the ground and is committed to taking action.

Air India, CEO and MD

2024 JHARKHAND ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah greets audience during a public meeting at Chaibasa, in West Singhbhum on Saturday.

BJP will win Jharkhand Assembly polls with full majority under Modi's guidance, says Shah

Moni Sharma New Delhi: The CEO and MD of Air India, Campbell Wilson, issued a statement in the aftermath of the peeing incidents of December 6 and November 26, acknowledging that the

matter could have been handled better. 4 cabin crew and 1 pilot have been issued show cause notices by the airlines.

Meanwhile, Shankar Mishra was arrested from Bengaluru after absconding for several days on Saturday.

Shankar Mishra at IGI Police Station in Delhi on Saturday.

WILL GO BY LAW: MISHRA

Delhi court sent Shankar Mishra, accused of urinating on a woman copassenger, to 14-day judicial custody. Police had sought 3-day custody of Mishra, but court turned down the request. Court will listen bail plea hearing on January 11.

—Campbell Wilson,

Accused Mishra held, 1 pilot and 4 other crew grounded; Air India CEO apologises

People silhouetted against the sunset at river Brahmaputra during the sunset in Tezpur on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

RAJASTHAN CM GEHLOT LAUNCHES JIO 5G FOR JAIPUR, JODHPUR & UDAIPUR

Raj CM Ashok Gehlot with Shanti Dhariwal, Dr Mahesh Joshi, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Umesh Bhandari, Lokesh Sharma and others during Jio 5G service launch in Jaipur on Saturday.

PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

First India Bureau

Sanjay Shirsat

Maha Cong to meet Jan 10 over poll preparations

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The extended working committee of the state unit of the Congress party will meet in Nagpur on January 10 to discuss organizational matters and preparations for upcoming elections, a functionary said on Saturday.

The state leadership feels the morale of the party cadre is high in view of the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra and the day-long deliberations will discuss how to build on that sentiment, the official said, adding that AICC incharge for Maharashtra, HK Patil, and senior leader Pallam Raju will attend the meeting.

He said the Congress is planning to contest elections to the Nagpur Teachers’ and Amravati Graduates’ constituencies in addition to the Nashik Graduates’ constituency where the biennial elections to the Legislative Council will be held on January 30. He said the sitting MLC from the Nashik Graduates constituency, Sudhir Tambe, will be retained.

Cabinet expansion this month, suggests Shirsat

that “top leaders” were mulling how to handle disgruntled leaders of the Shinde faction, because not all of them can be given ministerial posts.

Mumbai: Rumour mills in Maharashtra’s political circles have been running overtime as lawmakers across the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena alliance look forward to the 23 cabinet berths yet to be filled. In fact, there have also been reports

Now, Shinde faction leader and MLA Sanjay Shirsat has Saturday said that the “technical difficulties” that had put the cabinet expansion on the back burner will “end by January 15”. He also implied that the expansion could take place as early as January 20-22.

“Everyone wants the cabinet expansion to happen. If this happens, the speed of work will increase. I have spoken to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister about this.

However, they have mentioned some technical problems regarding cabinet expansion. I am guessing that those difficulties will end by January 15,” Shirsat said.

Notably, Shirsat was one of the Shinde-faction leaders whose hopes of a cabinet post were dashed in the first expansion.

Meanwhile, Inde-

Maha Govt on ventilator support, will not last till Feb: Sanjay Raut

First India Bureau

Nashik: The Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra is on ventilator support and will fall by February, Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut said here on Saturday, adding, “The 16 MLAs (of the Shinde faction) will be disqualified if the judiciary is not pressured.”

The case pertaining to the split in the Sena into the Uddhav Thackeray and Shinde factions in June last year

This illegal government is on ventilator support and it will not see February. If the judiciary is not pressured, then 16 MLAs (of the Shinde faction) will be disqualified soon.. —Sanjay Raut, Uddhav-faction leader

and demands for disqualification under anti-defection laws is currently underway in the Supreme Court.

On January 10, the apex court will hear a batch of petitions, including one seeking the disqualification of 16 MLAs from the Shinde camp, which is also called Balasahe-

banchi Shiv Sena.

“This illegal government is on ventilator support and it will not see February. If the judiciary is not pressured, then 16 MLAs (of the Shinde faction) will be disqualified soon,” said Raut. Accusing the state government, which also includes the Bharatiya

Asian Waterbird Census begins in Latur, 36 species spotted on Day 1

Latur (PTI): At least 36 species of native and exotic birds were spotted by the authorities on the first day of the Asian Waterbird Census in Latur district on Saturday, an official said.

The initiative is a part of the global International Waterbird Census that supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide and will continue until January 22.

On Day 1, the forest department and the district biodiversity committee spotted 36 species of native and exotic

birds at Kavha lake on the outskirts of the city.

“The photographs of the birds and information gathered during the inspection are uploaded on the website www.

ted at Kavha lake were little grebe, rock pigeon, laughing dove, greyheaded swamphen, black-winged stilt, little ringed plover and painted stork, he said.

Janata Party, of corruption, Raut said the Opposition had sought the resignation of several ministers, including the CM and Abdul Sattar, during the recent winter session of the Assembly.

“But the state government is keeping mum. It does not exist at all. It is as inactive as a buffalo in water. There are two groups in the state government and everyone is engaged with their own issues,” the Rajya Sabha MP claimed.

“I don’t know where Shirsat is getting his

If there is any technical problem, then the CM and deputy CM should reveal that due to some technical problems, the expansion cannot take place.

All 50-60 MLAs will not say anything.

Everyone will live peacefully with the government.

news. Anyway, all MLAs are expecting ministerial berths. So it would just be easier for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis to

admit that they don’t intend to undertake any expansion,” he said.

“If there is any technical problem, then the CM and deputy CM should reveal that due to some technical problems, the expansion cannot take place. All 50-60 MLAs will not say anything. Everyone will live peacefully with the government,” he added.

“Fadnavis was saying that he would expand the cabinet before the winter session, but that did not happen. It could be a technical problem. We are not deterred by it. But I want to say clearly that the confusion among people and legislators should be removed,” he also said.

Why is Centre not discussing Chinese attacks in Parliament?

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday fired salvoes at the Modi government, criticizing it for not discussing the issue of recent Chinese incursions in the Parliament.

Speaking at a press conference in Karad, Chavan also targeted the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economic front.

“The Centre collected Rs28 lakh crore from fuel

tax even as the burden of other tax hikes is mounting and the country is in economic decline. The Modi government has taken the maximum loan in history. but they still don’t have enough money to run the system, pay salaries and repay loan instalments. So they are meeting expens-

es by selling to government companies and ports,” Chavan said.

“Modi claims that India is the fifth largest economy, but Indians have the lowest per capita income,” he said, and asked how Gautam Adani could become the second-richest man in the world when poverty, unemployment and malnutrition are on the rise.

Putting the state government in his cross hairs, Chavan said, “While the Karnataka CM warns that they will not cede even an inch of land, the Maharashtra government is silent.”

ebird.org/india. Accordingly, it becomes easier to plan and take measures for their conservation,” forest officer Sachin Rampure said.

Among the birds spot-

Asian Waterbird Census is conducted every year in January to record the status of important wetlands and the population of bird species. It can be conducted in any part of the country.

With their habitats shrinking, it is necessary to monitor the number of waterbirds and their food availability, the official said.

RUNNERS-UP

Jeevan-Balaji team loses Tata Open final in straight sets

Belgian rivals not only served well but struck the ball hard also, making

doubles title clash in straight sets to the Belgian pair of Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen here on Saturday.

Balaji, competing in his maiden ATP Tour final, served and stroked well but that was not enough as the Indian team lost the final 4-6 4-6 in one hour and 10 minutes.

In contrast, the rival team not only served well but struck the ball hard also, making the returns a bit tough for the home favourites.

The Belgians had done extremely well towards the latter half of the 2022 season and carried forward the good form into the fresh season.

Amanpreet Singh

Pune: N Sriram Balaji and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan settled for a runners-up finish at the Tata Open Maharashtra after losing the

Jeevan, playing his third ATP Tour title clash, too served well but the Indian just pushing and nudging the ball across the net did not help the cause of the home team.

Balaji, as usual, was solid and served the opening game at love.

Jeevan though dropped his serve in the third game. Serving at 40-30, when Gille returned, Balaji left the ball thinking it was going out of

the court but it landed well inside the baseline.

On the deciding

as

NOT ENOUGH

it was the Belgian team that nosed ahead by breaking Balaji’s serve in the third game. Jorna had found a crushing forehand winner past Balaji to earn a breakpoint.

Balaji saved both with his serve but Jeevan’s lob went out on the deciding point, resulting in a break.

The only time the Indians seemed like they were putting the rivals under some pressure was in the eighth game. Gille closed the match with a serve that Balaji could not return. —PTI

In

deuce point, Vliegen dispatched an easy winner in open court to

draw first blood. Gille served out the next game comfortably

the Belgian team took a 3-1 lead.

the second set too,

returns tough for the home favourites

N Sriram Balaji and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan accept their trophies.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community take part in the annual ‘Pride March 2023’, in Nagpur, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

The painted stork was among the birds spotted at Kavha lake.

—FILE PHOTO

Sandeep Shukla

pendent MLA Bachchu Kadu seems to have taken Shirsat’s comments with a healthy handful of salt.

‘Just say you’re not expanding the cabinet instead of getting hopes up,’ counters Kadu

—Bachchu Kadu, MLA (Independent)

CM Shinde and Dy CM Fadnavis have not announced any cabinet expansion this month. —FILE PHOTO

Second phase of Mumbai Metro's 2A and 7 lines to be operational soon: MMRDA

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The second phase of Metro lines 2A and 7 will become operational soon, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said.

The line 2A connects Dahanukar Wadi in Kandivali to DN Nagar and line 7 connects Aarey Road to the Andheri Highway.

The MMRDA will take a 16-hour mega block for the integration of the first phase of Metro lines with the second phase between 6 am to 10 pm on Sunday on lines 2A and 7 for testing of integrated signalling systems.

The entire civil

work, as well as system works of both the Metro lines, have been completed, the MMRDA said in a release issued on Friday. It said road traffic will ease once both the lines become fully operational.

“The entire civil work and the system works of the Metro lines have been completed and soon the second phase of the Metro 2A and 7 will be in service of Mumbaikars,” said SVR Srinivas, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA.

He said these lines will be con-

nected with the first Metro corridor of Mum bai connecting the Ver sova-Andheri-Ghat kopar stretch.

From April 2022, the 9.5 km-long portion between Dahisar east to Dahanukar Wadi of the 18.6 km long 2A corridor between Dahisar

The entire civil work and the system works of the metro lines have been completed and soon the second phase of the metro 2A and 7 will be in service of Mumbaikars.

Without high-speed sea winds, AQI to stay ‘VERY POOR’

First India Bureau

Mumbai: After last week’s slight improvement, Mumbai has again reported “very poor” Air-Quality Index (AQI) levels for the third time this week, with an overall average of 319. Experts say this is due to low-speed oceanic winds, and add that the high-AQI trend is likely to continue for the rest of the month.

The Safar dashboard also showed that six out of the nine AQI monitoring stations located in several pockets of Mumbai have recorded AQI readings above 300.

the 9.75 km long portion between Dahisar (east) to Aarey Colony of the 16.5 km Metro stretch

During the mega block period, metro services will be unavailable to the general public. Overall integrated testing of systems like public announcement system, passenger information display system, and rolling stock with

Graveyard at 489-year-old church vandalized

First India Bureau

Metro services will be unavailable to the general public. “Overall integrated testing of sys-

tems like ment system, passenger tem, and rolling stock com, and PSD systems tegrity and safety for passenger commute will also be checked during the block period,” he said.

Man fakes loot to keep employer’s money

First India Bureau

Thane: A 27-year-old man has been booked after faking a robbery in order to keep Rs5 lakh, which he had withdrawn on behalf of his employer for himself, police said on Saturday.

In his complaint lodged with the police, the man claimed four men stopped him while he was riding his motorcycle from Vartak Nagar to Manpada in

Thane city on Friday night, threw chilli powder in his eyes and snatched the bag containing cash, he said.

Police registered a case under section 394 (Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against unidentified persons.

However, police sensed something was amiss as there were discrepancies in the statement given by the com-

plainant. For one, no traces of chilli powder were found in his eyes while the CCTV footage of the “crime scene” showed that the complainant was not carrying any bag. Eventually, during sustained

Cops book him after discrepancies in his statements and investigation expose his fabrication

questioning, the complainant admitted that he had cooked up the robbery story as he wanted to keep the Rs5 lakh, an official said, adding that the cops have recovered the cash.

Mumbai: The city’s Catholic community was left fuming after 18 crosses built to commemorate the deceased were destroyed at the cemetery attached to the 489-year-old St Michael’s Church in Mahim on Saturday. According to the church’s Parish Priest, Fr Bernard Lancy Pinto, the incident occurred around 6 am, and was caught on security cameras.

“A FIR has been lodged at Mahim police station and investigations have begun. The police have assured us that they will arrest the person concerned based on the CCTV footage and the statement of witnesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto took to Twitter to condemn the incident.

“This act seems like a deliberate attempt to pressurize and disturb the peace loving Catholic community in Mum-

Civic body recently came under fire for wanting to include part of the century-old St Peter’s Seaside Cemetery in roadwidening plan

bai,” Crasto tweeted, adding, “This incident happening immediately after the temporary withdrawal of land acquisition notice to St Peter’s church, Bandra raises many doubts.”

The Mumbai civic body on Friday revoked its plan to include part of century-old graveyard St Peter’s Seaside Cemetery in a road-widening project, after a major outcry from community. However, a church spokesperson categorically refused to give the act communal overtones.

“While the Church appreciates the support and assistance of various groups, we strictly do not wish to give this act a communal overtone,” the spokesperson added.

AIMING FOR THE SKIES

“Since Mumbai is an island city, its air-quality is solely dependent on the wind-blown from the sea,” Gufran Beig, senior scientist and Project Director at System of Air Quality and Weather Forecast and Research (Safar) explained, adding, “The

AQI levels have dropped due to low-wind speed. Last week, the overall wind speed rose a bit, which led to the dispersion of air particulate matter from the lower atmosphere. Currently, the wind speed has slowed down for which the pollutants are lingering in the lower atmosphere for longer hours in the form of haze and mist, leading to a poor AQI.” People walk along Mumbai's Marine Drive

69, including 44 clients, held in dance bar raid

Mumbai (PTI): Sixtynine persons--44 customers, 21 staffers and four artistes--have been arrested following a raid on a bar in Santacruz in the early hours of Saturday, a police official said.

“Fourteen women were rescued from the establishment, and Rs3.5 lakh cash was seized. The raid was carried out by the police’s Social Service Branch after it received a video clip of a dance performance there,” he said.

A case was registered under Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotel, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working herein) Act 2016 as well as the Indian Penal Code, he added.

Mahalaxmi racecourse to likely move to Mulund dumping ground

The Mulund dumping ground and the private land next to it will be big enough to accommodate the racecourse and the other facilities

Mumbai: The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is likely to be of-

fered Mulund dumping ground and a private parcel next to it by the government to shift the Mahalaxmi Racecourse from south Mumbai. Spread over nearly 24 hectares, the Mulund landfill is shut since 2018.

Close to a decade after the RWITC’s lease of Mahalaxmi Racecourse expired, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to write to the state government about its plan to take ownership of the land and convert it into

a theme park.

“There is a view that an alternative land parcel must be given to the RWITC for the racecourse. The Mulund dumping ground and the private land next to it will be big enough to accommodate the racecourse and the other facilities,” said a senior state government official, adding that acquiring the private land may cost the BMC heavily as it will have to be bought at the current market rate.

CIVIC BODY SET TO PROPOSE

“The BMC will have to acquire private land and then club it with the Mulund dumping ground, which is in the process of being scientifically closed to be converted into a green space,” said a senior official adding,

“It may not be feasible to buy private land and then hand it over for the racecourse. As operating the racecourse is not a public purpose, there may be opposition to spending public money to buy the private land.”

The line 2A connects the Dahanukar Wadi in Kandivali to DN Nagar and line 7 connects Aarey Road to the Andheri Highway

—SVR Srinivas, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA.

First India Bureau

Broken crosses at St Michael’s Church, which was built in 1534, back when Mumbai was still known as ‘Bom Bahia’.

—PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

MONITORING

With the Makar Sankranti festival just around the corner, a shopkeeper and his assistant display the latest designs in kites, at a store in Mumbai on Saturday.

—PHOTOS BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

The RWITC’s lease of Mahalaxmi Racecourse has expired. —FILE PHOTO

THE G20 AND G MINOR

100%. This is precisely what is happening today, as a chip shortage has disrupted the global car industry, leading to sharp price increases.

We could call this proposed group G Minor. While the G20 represents the world’s largest economies, the G Minor would represent the needs of emerging and developing countries that lack the diplomatic and military clout required to protect their interests on their own. Forming such a group would be an admirable gesture of inclusion, enabling India to make its mark on the G20 and achieve a more just international order

In December, India began its yearlong G20 presidency, taking over from Indonesia amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Surging inflation has raised the specter of a global recession. Supply chains, made more efficient but also more vulnerable by globalization and the digital revolution, are crumbling under the weight of COVID-related disruptions and the war in Ukraine, both of which have revealed and deepened the fault lines of the international order.

During the Great Recession of 2008-09, the G20 arguably helped to prevent a worse crisis by persuading the world’s biggest economies to coordinate their fiscal and monetary policies. With the global economy at a critical juncture, following decades of relentless globalization that have made

markets increasingly interconnected, the group could once again play this role.

To confront the looming global crisis, G20 countries must, first and foremost, coordinate macroeconomic policies. During and after the Great Recession, developed economies attempted to boost growth by keeping interest rates at or close to zero – or even negative. While this was necessary, ultralow rates soon became a trap, preventing countries that wanted to raise interest rates from doing so, lest their currencies appreciate and their exports decline.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the spike in inflation have freed the world’s largest economies from the low-interest-rate trap. But this transition could have been less painful had governments coordinated their macroeconomic policies. With the global economy on the verge of recession, the G20 must provide leadership on this issue and help policymakers avoid their predecessors’ mistakes.

These intricate produc-

AMID RISING

GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, G20 CAN PLAY CENTRAL ROLE IN PREVENTING A MUCH WORSE CRISIS BY FACILITATING COORDINATION OF THE FISCAL AND THE MONETARY POLICIES

tion processes have led to greater vulnerabilities. In a classic oligopoly, if a war or a pandemic broke

The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have also shown that in our globalized, interlinked world, every crisis is likely to have disproportionate economic effects. In a standard oligopoly, as described by the nineteenth-century economist Augustin Cournot, a few firms produce the same good, but this is no longer the case. For example, cars had once been produced in their entirety by a single manufacturer. Today, however, many firms manufacture the different parts separately – one company makes the chassis, another the wheels, and so on – creating what I have called a vertically serrated industry.

out and 10% of manufacturers stopped producing cars, 10% fewer cars would be produced. Nowa-

THE “THIRD PARTY INTERFERENCE”

Concern over the Union law ministry’s continued intransigence towards the collegium system was creating the perception that there is something more to the government’s stance than what meets the eye has now been expressed by the Supreme Court. The perception which the statements of some of those in high constitutional positions created was strong enough to prompt Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to allege that the government was “a calculated attempt to delegitimize judiciary”. The remark was objected to by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Not just Sonia Gandhi

but also some former judges have viewed the sustained attacks on judiciary’s collegium system for the appointment of judges as a threat to the judiciary’s well-being. Law Min-

In the latest development a bench of Justices

Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay S. Oka voiced what has been suspected all along.

Unhappy with the government sitting over names of judges recommended for transfer, the bench said the delay was giving the impression of third party interference

preme Court which is in no mood to review the order in the interest of judicial independence.

In the latest development a bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay S. Oka voiced what has been suspected all along. Unhappy with the government sitting over names of judges recommended for transfer, the bench said the delay was giving the impression of third party interference.

days, however, if the world’s wheel manufacturers shut down, car production would fall by

A vertically serrated industry could also be weaponized. Governments could, for example, threaten to shut down production of a critical component, such as computer chips, knowing that this would bring global production to a halt. Some policymakers, like US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have touted friendshoring, whereby countries like the United States intend to reduce their reliance on geopolitical rivals by limiting the sources of critical goods to a few trusted allies. But this approach could further exacerbate tensions and push the world closer to a disastrous war. Instead, the world’s superpowers must commit to avoiding such tactics. The G20 could play a central role in facilitating tense negotiations, designing international agreements, and overseeing coordination strategies.

But first, G20 countries must overcome their tendency to favor the interests of major economies. The pandemic, during which lower-income countries were deprived of access to vaccines due to hoarding by developed economies, has highlighted the need for global solidarity. As a 2020 letter to the G20 written by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and others noted, the group could provide the sort of coordinated global leadership needed to address health disparities between the Global North and South.

But even beyond the pandemic, emerging and developing economies, particularly in Africa and the Pacific, often find themselves at the mercy of major powers, their prosperity contingent upon election outcomes in developed countries. This year, the G20 could take a giant step forward by enabling several smaller countries to participate in its deliberations and make their voices heard.

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

ister Kiren Rijiju’s statement in Parliament that “unless the procedure of appointment of judges changes, the issue of high judicial appointments will keep cropping up” was

taken to imply that the Supreme Court should junk the collegium system and accept the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act. The Act was invalidated by the Su-

So long as the NJAC Act remains struck down, the government should respect the Supreme Court’s judgment and clear names recommended for appointment/transfer of judges. The collegium must also clear itself of nepotism charges.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever. Bible

Narendra Modi @narendramodi Congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Nagaland for the development works which cover key sectors like connectivity, education, tourism and energy. The NDA Government is committed to fulfilling aspirations of the dynamic people of Nagaland.

TOP TWEETS

for selection of

Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju Had a meeting through hybrid mode with the learned Additional Solicitor Generals & Deputy Solicitor Generals in all the High Courts to review the working system and various pending issues.

KAUSHIK BASU

The writer is a former chief economist of the World Bank and chief economic adviser to the GoI

COVID-19 AND UKRAINE WAR SHOWS THAT EVERY CRISIS LIKELY TO HAVE DISPROPORTIONATE ECONOMIC EFFECTS

Efforts being made to free country of Naxalism before 2024 LS polls: Shah

First India Bureau

Raipur: Efforts are being made to make the country free of Naxalism before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a rally in Korba district of Chhattisgarh.

The number of incidents of Maoist violence in the country declined from 2,258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021, the Union Minister said.

The BJP leader also lashed out at the Congress government in the state, saying that the only progress during its tenure has been an increase in crime and corruption.

As per the sources, this time the BJP has made a strategy to focus more on the lost seats.

In this sequence, Amit Shah’s meeting is the first in Chaibasa. After that preparations are on to hold a similar meeting in the palace of Santhal Pargana. BJP is trying its best to con-

vert the lost seats into victory this time.

There are a total of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state of Jharkhand, out of which the Jharkhand NDA formed by joining BJP and AJSU had won 12 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. AJSU had won one seat in Giridih.

The grand alliance formed between JMM and Congress was lim-

IN THE COURTYARD

New Delhi (PTI): A court here on Friday extended the judicial custody of Aaftab Amin Poonawala, accused of killing his livein partner and dismembering her body, by four days.

Poonawala was produced before the court through video conference. “I am giving four days judicial custody. Accused will be produced before me physically on January 10,” Metropolitan Magistrate Aviral Shukla said. Meanwhile, Poonawala’s advocate MS Khan moved an application for the release of his debit and credit cards, which were earlier seized by the police. Khan said Poonawala was facing a harsh winter inside jail without adequate clothes to wear.

Palghar (PTI): A court in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Saturday adjourned till January 9 the hearing of the bail application of actor Sheezan Khan, arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of co-star Tunisha Sharma. The court deferred the hearing after the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police submitted they had not been able to record the statement of Tunisha’s mother Vanita Sharma as she was busy with post-death rituals and sought time till January 13 to put up their stand on Khan’s bail application. Vanita Sharma was not present in the court on Saturday.

ited to just 02 seats. The Rajmahal and Singhbhum seats went to the account of the Grand Alliance. The Singhbhum seat was won by Congress’s Geeta Koda.

BJP candidates were victorious on 11 seats.

BJP candidate and former CM Arjun Munda won the Khunti seat by a very small margin.

From 2014, the BJP started dismantling the

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) stronghold, which continued in 2019 as well. Kamal had captured JMM’s traditional seats like Dumka and Godda.

Only one seat of Santhal Pargana Rajmahal went to JMM’s account.

Shibu Soren, an 8-time MP in Dumka, had to face a crushing defeat when BJP’s Sunil Soren defeated him.

West Singhbhum (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a visit to Jharkhand, on Saturday lambasted Hemant Soren-led JMM government and said intruders are forcefully marrying tribal girls in the state and grabbing their land.

Addressing a public meeting in Chaibasa, Shah said, “The Chief Minister (Hemant Soren) of the state is a tribal, but this government is anti-tribal. During their tenure, corruption has been in its peak. The era of middlemen and grabbers of tribal land is back.” Shah slammed the Hemant Soren government for allegedly ignoring the tribal welfare for the sake of vote bank

politics.

“Intruders are forcefully marrying tribal girls and grabbing their land. I warn the Hemant Soren government today, to stop this audacity by intruders. Otherwise, the people of Jharkhand will not forgive you. The greed for vote bank cannot be bigger than tribal welfare,” Shah said.

Caste-based census will benefit all sections of society, says Nitish

Sheohar/Sitamarhi (PTI): Asserting that caste-based census will benefit all sections of the society, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said the purpose of the exercise is to carry out developmental work for the people who are deprived.

The enumeration exercise will start in the state from Saturday.

“The caste-based headcount will be beneficial for all... It will enable the government to work for the development of various sections of the society, including those who are deprived. After completion of the enumeration exercise..., the final report will be sent to Centre also,” Nitish Kumar said while interacting with reporters on the second day of his ‘Samadhan Yatra’ in Sheohar district.

“The exercise is basically ‘Jaati Aadharit Ganana’. People belonging to every religion and caste will be covered during the exercise. Proper training has been imparted to

Strong resentment against government in Joshimath for ignoring warnings

Joshimath (PTI):

Coimbatore (PTI): Listing out various schemes implemented during AIADMK regime for Coimbatore, former Minister and AIADMK Whip SP Velumani on Friday demanded the DMK government to come out with the number of schemes announced for the district in the last 20 months.

Addressing a demonstration organised by the party against the hike in the prices of property tax, milk and power tariff in Tamil Nadu, Velumani said that the AIADMK government had identified bad roads and floated tenders for 500 roads, which were cancelled immediately after DMK came to power.

Projects were taken up for renovating ponds in Ukkadam and Kurichy area in the city, when he was the Minister, but the DMK government had put them on back burner, he alleged.

Strong resentment prevails among people here against the government for the indifference with which it treated the warnings about a dangerous situation of buildings in the Himalayan town due to heavy construction activities going on around it. They hold the NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project mainly responsible for the situation. “We have been drawing the attention of authorities for the past 14 months. But we were not heeded. Now when the situation is getting out of hand, they are sending expert teams to assess things,” Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti convenor Atul Sati said.

“If attention was paid in time to what we were saying things would not have been so alarming in Joshimath,” he added.

Land subsidence had made the houses of 14 families insecure in November 2021 itself, Sati recalls.

He said that people held a demonstration following this at the tehsil office on November 16, 2021 demanding rehabilitation and handed a memorandum to the SDM who acknowledged that even the tehsil office premises had developed cracks.

“If the government was aware of the problem why didn’t it act for more than a year to address it? What does that show?” Sati asked.

He said that under the pressure of people

Does the survival of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction depend on the Congress?

Shamsher Singh

New Delhi: The political equation in Maharashtra is changing.

The Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena is losing faith in the NCP. It seems that NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s politics has scared Thackeray faction and Shiv Sena leaders. In the past, the government had provided its ship to Ajit Pawar to go to Mumbai from Nagpur.

Before that, Ajit Pawar in the assembly session in Nagpur was adopting a soft atti -

tude towards the government all the time, while he is the leader of the opposition.

Then Ajit Pawar was not included in the no confidence motion against Speaker Rahul Narvekar. Pawar himself also admitted that he was not aware of this proposal.

It is being told that Shiv Sena needs Congress more at this time and it is also expected to trust Congress. The BMC elections are as important for Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction as the assembly elections but

NCP cannot help him in that election because NCP has no base in Mumbai city while Congress has a strong base. So, Shiv Sena needs Congress. That is why Sanjay Raut praised Rahul Gandhi and his yatra in ‘Samana’. He wrote that the yatra has given Rahul a new ‘halo’, which can change the balance of power in 2024. He hinted that Rahul Gandhi can be considered a leader.

immediate steps have been taken like temporary stopping of the NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad project and construction of HelangMarwari bypass but they are not a permanent solution.

“The threat to Joshimath’s existence will persist until these projects are stalled permanently,” he said.

Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti will continue to fight till the very end until it is done, he added.

Dehradun (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with the administration officials and public representatives at the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) campus regarding landslides and cracks in houses in Joshimath.

Earlier, Dhami also held a high-level meeting with the officials of the Health Department regarding the prevention of Covid-19 at the State Secretariat. Earlier on Saturday, CM Dhami also conducted a survey of the areas in the town where houses and other establishments, roads and fields have displayed cracks due to land subsidence. He also met with displaced families who were relocated after cracks were seen in their houses.

officials who are involved in the process of conducting the castebased headcount”, Nitish Kumar said.

The enumeration exercise will start in the state from Saturday. The government will conduct the exercise in two stages. In the first phase, which will be over by January 21, the number of all households in the state will be counted.

In the second, starting from March, data pertaining to people of all castes, sub-castes and religions will be collected. Enumerators, whose training began on December 15, will also record information about the financial status of all people. The exercise will be completed by May, 2023.

Cracks at another house.

Intruders forcefully marrying tribal girls, grabbing their land: Amit Shah in Jharkhand

Union HM Amit Shah greets the supporters during a public meeting, at Tata College, at Chaibasa, on Saturday. Former Jharkhand CM Babulal Marandi, BJP State President Deepak Prakash are also seen.

Cracks appear at a house due to landslides at Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. —FILE PHOTO

DHAMI CHAIRS HIGHLEVEL MEET OVER JOSHIMATH’S MATTER

SHRADDHA CASE: AAFTAB’S JUDICIAL CUSTODY EXTENDED

TUNISHA DEATH: SHEEZAN’S BAIL HEARING ON JAN 9

Dr Balbir Singh sworn in as Punjab Cabinet Minister

List out schemes announced for Kovai in last 20 months: AIADMK leader to DMK govt

Chandigarh (PTI): Senior AAP leader and Patiala Rural MLA Dr Balbir Singh was on Saturday sworn in as the new Punjab Cabinet Minister. The development comes shortly after Fauja Singh Sarari resigned as Cabinet minister after he was embroiled in a controversy over an audio clip in which he allegedly discussed ways to “trap” some contractors in order to “extort” money.

Balbir Singh was administered oath by Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit at the Raj Bhavan here Saturday evening in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

New Delhi (PTI): Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has been selected for the “Award for Global Leadership” by the Harvard Law School Center in recognition of his lifetime service to the legal profession in the country and around the world. The award will be presented to him at an online event on January 11. Chandrachud obtained an LLM degree and a Doctorate in Juridical Sciences (SJD) from the Harvard Law School in the United States.

‘AWARD FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP’

FOR CHIEF JUSTICE CHANDRACHUD

Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur launches logo, mascot and theme of 26th National Youth Festival to be held, in Hubballi, Karnataka via video conferencing, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Nagaland MLA Imtiwapang Aier dies at age of 50

Dimapur (PTI): Nagaland legislator and former assembly speaker

Imtiwapang Aier died in Dimapur following a brief illness, his family said. He was 50, and is survived by his wife and five children. His mortal remains will be taken to Kohima, where a state send-off will be given on Sunday. The body will be then taken to his native village Sungratsu in Mokokchung district for burial.

Chetan Sharma retained as BCCI chief selector

New Delhi (ANI): Chetan Sharma was on Saturday reappointed as the chairman of the senior selection committee, exactly two months after his entire panel was disbanded by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) for the Indian team’s semifinal exit in the T20 World Cup.

Assam Ex-MLA Basumatary held with AK47 rifles

Kokrajhar (ANI): Assam Police on Saturday arrested a former MLA Hitesh Basumatary after they recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from his house, an official said on Saturday. The arrested ex-MLA was the MLA of the Chapaguri assembly constituency.

One AK series rifle, and one M-16 rifle during a search by the Kokrajhar District Police on Saturday.

Mobile explodes in UP, boy sustains finger injury

Amroha (ANI): A boy here has claimed that he sustained a finger injury after his mobile phone exploded while he was speaking to a relative on his mobile phone. The incident happened yesterday.

“My mobile phone caught fire when I was on a call. My finger got injured in this. I purchased the mobile on 31 August 2022 from Amroha,” says Himanshu, a resident of Hijampur.

H’bad: 2 die as under construction building collapses

Hyderabad (PTI): At least two people died and one person was injured after an underconstruction building collapsed in Hyderabad’s Shanthi Nagar area under Kukatpally police station limits. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Soon after getting the information, the police reached the spot and rescued the people. The police said that the rescue team is at the site.

‘

BJY NOT FOR PROJECTING RaGa AS PM FACE’

Karnal (PTI): Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said the Bharat Jodo Yatra has not been organised to project Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, asserting that the foot march has nothing to do with elections.

The former Union minister also said the yatra is meant to “ideologically combat the RSS and the BJP”.

Replying to a reporter’s question here, Ramesh said, “The Bharat Jodo Yatra has not been taken out to project Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial candidate. It is an ideological yatra and Gandhi is its main face. But it is not an individual’s yatra.”

He asserted that the

Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir foot march, which is currently passing through Haryana, is not an “election yatra”.

Ramesh said it is unfair to ask if the opposi-

LSAT—INDIA ADMISSION

Deadline for Jan 2023 registration announced

First India Bureau

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In its 14th year, LSAT— India is one of the leading law entrance exam used by multiple law col-

LSAT—India

tion party is projecting Gandhi as its prime ministerial face in the 2024 general election.

“No, No, No.... We are not. This is not an election yatra,” he said in

Lashkar proxy

TRF issues new ‘hit list’ against Kashmiri Pandits

New Delhi (Agencies): A day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned The Resistance Front (TRF), the terror outfit on Saturday warned of terror attacks on people whose names it has released on the “hit list”.

response to the reporter’s question.

“There are 200 Bharat yatris. It is the Congress party’s yatra. The party workers are involved. Obviously, the nation’s

attention is on Rahul Gandhi because he is the most visible, prominent and dynamic face of the yatra. But this is not meant for an individual, this is not meant to project him as a prime ministerial candidate,” he said.

Flanked by former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Ramesh said the yatra is meant to “ideologically combat the RSS and the BJP”.

“Rahul Gandhi has raised three big issues during the Yatra — economic inequality, social polarisation and political authoritarianism. He is raising these issues everyday during his walking interactions, his talking interactions, in his corner speeches, in his rallies.

Cong, RSS delegations meet terror victims’ families in J&K’s Rajouri

leges in India for both the Under-Graduate and Post Graduate programmes.

With sections on Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension, LSAT— India is a standardised test for assessing skills of law aspirants.

After being exposed, the TRF wants to portray itself as a local terror group while in reality it is an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar e Taiba.

TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-eTaiba, was on Thursday declared a banned organisation.

Jammu (PTI): Members of local Congress and RSS visited Dhangri village in J&K’s Rajouri district where six people were killed and several others injured in terrorist attacks earlier in the month. The Congress delegation led by its spokesperson Deepika Pushkar Nath criticised Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the Centre over their claims of restoration of normalcy in J&K. The RSS delegation too demanded a probe into the disarming of village defence committee (VDC) members without any government order. “The co-ordination between

the Indian Army and the police needs to be stepped up with enhanced vigilance to prevent loss of innocent lives. This (Dhangri incident) is an example of governance and administrative failure in full measure,” Nath, an ad-

MAJOR CHANGES AWAIT UP BUREAUCRACY

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: There will be changes in the UP bureaucracy. Six IAS officers of 1998 batch, who became Principal Secretaries after being promoted from Secretary, have been waiting for their new responsibilities. IAS officer Alok Kumar, Third Secretary, UP Planning and Programme Implementation, who was posted as Secretary in his department, has been promoted as Principal Secretary of the same department.

IAS officer Anil Ku-

mar is posted on the post of Third Managing Director Jal Nigam Urban and Secretary City Development. The post of Jal Nigam MD is held by an IAS officer of the rank of Secretary, while the Principal Secretary has been there and there are two Principal

Secretaries in the Urban Development Department at present.

The first Principal Secretary of Urban Development is IAS Amrit Abhijat. Anil Kumar, after promotion, has become the principal secretary and can be sent to another department.

CHIEF SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE

IAS officer Anil Kumar Sagar, who is posted as secretary in the department of UP Industrial Development, has been made principal secretary in the department. As he is retiring, it remains to be seen whether Sagar will get a new responsibility.

The fourth name is of Pandhari Yadav, who has become Principal Secretary from Secretary in the Department of External Aided Projects.

The fifth is IAS Ajay Chauhan, who was recently transferred from Housing Commissioner and made Secretary PWD. After getting promotion in PWD dept, he has become Principal Secretary, where Principal Secretary IAS Narendra Bhushan is already posted. Chouhan can be made the Principal Secretary of any other department.

vocate, said on Saturday.

The Congress leader said, “It was heartbreaking and painful to watch the families who lost their loved ones in an instance of mindless violence as a result of a monumental security breach.”

SINHA VISITS GMC HOSPITAL TO SEE THOSE INJURED IN TERROR ATTACKS

Jammu: J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday visited GMC Hospital here to inquire about the health of civilians injured in terror attacks in Rajouri district. Sinha also met with the family members of the injured and assured them of all possible assistance, an official spokesman said. He said Principal, GMC Jammu, Shashi Sudan and senior doctors briefed Sinha on the health condition of the injured.

SKY’s blazing ton helps India beat SL; clinch T20 series 2-1

World is looking up to India for stability: Modi

First India Bureau

New Delhi: While addressing the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries here on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the entire world is looking up to India to bring stability to the global supply chain.

PM Modi recalled the development milestones achieved by the country since the last conference in June 2022, citing various instances like

India attaining Presidency of G20, becoming fifth biggest economy of the world, rapid registration of new startups, foray of private players in space sector, launch of National Logistics Policy, approval of National Green Hydrogen Mission, among others. He underlined that states and centre should work together and scale up the speed of progress.

The Prime Minister said that in order to

build a developed India, the country is focussing on four pillars of infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclu-

sion. He said that today, entire world is reposing its faith in India and we are being looked up as a country that can bring

stability to the global supply chain. He said that the country will be able to take full advantage of this only if states take lead, maintaining focus on quality and taking decisions with an India-first approach. He added that states should focus on pro-development governance, ease of doing business, ease of living and provision of robust infrastructure.

Launching the Aspirational Block Pro-

gramme, PM Modi underscored the success achieved in various Aspirational Districts in the country under the Aspirational District Program. He added that the Aspirational District model should now be taken up to block level in the form of the Aspirational Block Programme. He asked the officials present in the meeting to implement the Aspirational Block Programme in their respective states.

Rajkot (ANI): Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering knock of 112 combined with a clinical performance of bowlers helped India register a thumping 91run win over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20 to clinch the threematch series 2-1 here at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a massive target of 229, Sri Lanka got off to a decent start Pathum Nissanka and wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis scoring runs at a brisk pace.

The 44-run stand for the opening wicket was broken by Axar Patel as he dismissed Kusal Mendis for 23 off 15 balls. In the next over Nissanka was sent packing for 15

by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Sri Lanka notched up 50-run mark in six overs of powerplay but in the very next over lost another wicket in the form of Avishka Fernando as captain Hardik Pandya dismissed him for 1 to leave visitors tottering at 51 for 3.

Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva then struck a partnership to bring the visitors back in the game. The Islanders were dealt with another blow when Asalanka was dismissed for 19 by Yuzvendra Chahal.

Leg-spinner gave Sri Lanka another blow by dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva for 22 as the visitors lost half of their side for 96.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserts that the party’s foot march has nothing to do with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi waves to the supporters during party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Karnal, Haryana, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BOXER VIJENDER SINGH LATEST TO JOIN RAHUL AT BHARAT JODO YATRA

Karnal: Boxer Vijender Singh became the latest eminent personality to join the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra on Saturday and he was seen marching alongside Rahul Gandhi in Haryana’s Karnal. Apart from Vijender Singh, several other celebrities, including stand-up comic Kunal Kamra, actors Pooja Bhatt and Swara Bhasker, among others have been photographed marching with Rahul Gandhi during the grand old party’s foot march, which aims to cover across 3,700 km across India. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, ex RAW chief AS Dulat have been among others who have joined the Kanyakumari to Kashmir mass connect programme.

Rahul Gandhi and Boxer Vijender Singh during Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Karnal, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Indian cricketers celebrate the victory in the 3rd and decisive T20 match in the Sri Lanka tour of India 2023. —PHOTO BY ANI

Kashmiri Pandits take part in a candle march for the victims of the terror attacks at Dangri village of Rajouri, in Jammu. —FILE PHOTO

IAS Ajay Chauhan IAS Anil Kumar Sagar IAS Anil Kumar IAS Alok Kumar-III

Mumbai: Pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on Friday said the asset under management is likely to be around `9 lakh crore this financial year due to market volatility. “Earlier, we were looking at an AUM of over Rs 10 lakh crore, however, due to the Russia-Ukraine war and other geopolitical scenarios the market was volatile and we are hoping to be over `9 lakh crore,” PFRDA Chairman Supratim Bandyopadhyay told reporters. —PTI

INDIA’S SUGAR OUTPUT PEGGED

LOWER BY 3.63%

India looking at fair agreements: Goyal

New Delhi (PTI): Negotiations for bilateral free trade agreements with several countries are “well on track” and India is also looking at some multilateral pacts that are fair and equitable for all the member countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.

India has recently implemented a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE in May 2022 and on December 29, 2022 with Australia to boost bilateral trade and investments.

The country is negotiating FTAs with countries including Canada, European Union and the UK.

“We are well on track in discussions with several other countries to look at bilateral trade agreements. We are looking at one or two multilateral trade agreements also where we believe we can get benefit,” Goyal said.

TOP TALKING POINTS

z Negotiations for bilateral free trade agreements with several countries are “well on track” and India is also looking at some multilateral pacts that are fair and equitable for all the member countries

The minister said that it is in India’s interest to enter into bilateral free trade agreements.

z India has recently implemented a FTA with the UAE in May 2022 and on Dec 29, 2022 with Aus to boost bilateral trade and investments

z The country is negotiating FTAs with countries including Canada, European Union and the UK

New Delhi: The country’s sugar production is projected to be 34.5 million tonnes in the 2022-23 marketing season, a decline of 3.63% compared to the year-ago period, trade body AISTA said on Friday. The production in India, the world’s major producer of the sweetener, stood at 35.8 million tonne during the 2021-22 marketing season. With an estimated decline in production, AISTA expects exports to be lower around 7 million tonne this season. —PTI

TITAN REPORTS 12% BUSINESS GROWTH IN THIRD QUARTER

In a trade agreement, two or more countries either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they ease norms to promote trade in services and investments.

OTHER STORIES

“It’s essential that agreements are balanced and they are in the best interest of both the countries, they address the sensitivities of both the countries and help us protect certain sectors which we need to protect,” Goyal added.

GOVT NOTIFIES RULES TO MAKE ENTITIES PAY FOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO TELECOM INFRA

New Delhi: The government has notified new rules to make entities pay for damages that they may cause by digging or excavating to telecom infrastructure like optical fibre network and mobile tower. Due to digging or excavation activities undertaken by various entities, there are nearly 10 lakh OFC every year that cause an economic loss of approximately `3,000 crore per annum. The Department of Telecom expects that the Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules 2022 was notified on January 3 will be able to curb damages caused to the telecom infrastructure and inconvenience caused to citizens because of frequent breakdown of communication services. PTI

He said that India cannot make every product efficiently and that imports are important for those goods.

On the other hand, India is competitive in several sectors such as labour oriented areas like textiles, leather, footwear, and pharma and for that these, trade agreements would be beneficial.

reforms

Ahmedabad (PTI): Canada’s high commissioner to India Cameron MacKay said the bilateral trade between the two G20 economies -- India and Canada -is a “seriously underperforming” economic relationship.

The two countries are negotiating an EPTA as a first step towards CEPA, which will increase bilateral trade manifold, he noted.

“Both of our countries have...Commercial relationship,” Mackay said.

“But for two countries like ours, two G20 economies… multi-trillion dollar economies... The bilateral commercial relationship is seriously underperforming, we should be doing much more.

“And that’s why our two governments are negotiating an early progress trade agreement as a first step towards comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which will increase the bilateral trade manifold...,” MacKay said on Saturday.

SAYS LONDON DY MAYOR

India, UK have strong will to finalize FTA

Indore (PTI): London Deputy Mayor (trade) Rajesh Agrawal has said the UK and India possess a strong will to give the final shape to the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Agrawal also said both countries have many opportunities to increase their partnerships in Information Technology, defence, professional services, and other sectors.

“Several rounds of talks have been held between the UK and India to enhance the bilateral partnership for finalising the Free Trade Agreement. The willpower of both sides is very strong regarding the FTA,” Agrawal said.

He said there are many opportunities to enhance the partnership between the two countries in the sectors such as IT, defence, professional services, legal services, life sciences, and start-ups.

The economic relation-

HIGHLIGHTS

FROM SPEECH

z London Deputy Mayor (trade) Rajesh Agrawal also said both countries have many opportunities to increase their partnerships in Information Technology, defence, professional services, and other sectors

z He said India is one of the leading countries in IT and pharmaceutical mfg

ship between the two countries can be gauged from the fact that Indian companies, including the Tata Group and individual IT firms, are providing around 80,000 jobs in London alone, he said.

Even during the fierce COVID-19 outbreak, Indian companies have increased their businesses across the world, which is an indicator of the country’s economic progress, Agrawal added.

Optional I-T for lowincome bracket: FM

New Delhi (PTI): Farm reforms in India are pending even today since 1991, while neighbouring China implemented them way back in 1978, EAC-PM Chairman Bibek Debroy said.

New Delhi (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the optional income tax regime with seven tax slabs was brought in by the government to ensure lower rates for those in the low income bracket.

New Delhi: Leading jewellery and watchmaker Titan has recorded 12% growth in its standalone business in the December quarter, led by “healthy consumer demand” spurred by a vibrant festive season. “The positive consumer sentiment helped all categories clock healthy double-digit growths despite a high base in the same period of last year,” as per the quarterly update by Titan for Q3 FY23. The Tata group firm also continued network expansion by adding 111 stores in October-Dec, taking the total number to 2,362 at the end of the quarter. —PTI

3 OUT OF 4 URBAN INDIANS EXPECT A BETTER LIFE IN 2023

TORRENT GROUP SWEETENS BID FOR RELIANCE CAPITAL

New Delhi: Torrent Group on Friday modified its bid for acquiring debt-ridden Reliance Capital Ltd (RCL) by offering to pay upfront its previously committed bid amount instead of deferred payment. Ahmedabadbased Torrent Group is offering to pay the entire bid amount of `8,640 crore as upfront cash while maintaining the Net Present Value (NPV) of `8,640 crore quoted during the auction, sources said. PTI

IN LAST ONE YEAR

CENTRE RECEIVES PRELIM BIDS FOR 61% STAKE IN IBDI BANK

New Delhi: The government has received multiple preliminary bids for strategic sale of about 61 per cent stake in IDBI Bank.

“Multiple Expressions of Interest received for the Strategic Disinvestment of Govt and LIC Stake in IDBI Bank,” DIPAM Secretary tweeted. The transaction will now move to the second stage in which the potential bidders will conduct due diligence before putting financial bids. PTI

“Quite often in India, we compare with China. In 1978-79, China reformed agriculture. We are told that reforms in India were implemented in 1991 and pertain to the external sector and industrial liberalisation. Have the reforms in agriculture been introduced? The answer is no,” Debroy said.

Sitharaman said in the old tax regime, every tax assesses can claim about 7-10 exemptions and the income tax rates vary between 10, 20, and 30%, depending on income threshold. The minister said along with the old tax regime, the government has come up with a parallel system which has no exemptions, but with simpler and more favourable tax rates.

“The reason why I had to bring in seven slabs was to make simpler and lower rates for those who are in the lower income (bracket),” Sitharaman said.

The government in

FINANCE MIN NIRMALA SAID

Higher focus on micro-fin credit for street vendors

New Delhi (PTI): The government will enhance its focus on providing micro-credit facility in the range of ` 3,000-5,000 to street vendors in 2023, with the help of digital technologies, Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Budget 2020-21 introduced the optional income tax regime, under which individuals and HUFs were to be taxed at lower rates if they did not avail specified exemptions and deductions like HRA, interest on home loan and investments made under Section 80C.

BLUE, GREY-COLLAR JOB VACANCIES SEE 4X JUMP

Mumbai: Three-quarters of urban Indians interviewed said they expect life to be better in 2023 as compared to the last year, according to a survey.

The survey is based on data collected online among 1,006 urban respondents in India by YouGov’s Omnibus in December 2022. Around 75 per cent of urban Indians interviewed think their life will be better this year than it was in 2022, while 21 per cent feel their life will be the same. —PTI

Mumbai (PTI): The job vacancies in blue and greycollar segments have jumped four times in the last one year (from Nov ember 2021 to November 2022), driven by digitisation, automation and changing work models, according to a report.

The number of job vacancies in the blue and grey-collar industry increased by 301% in the past year to over 1,05.42 lakh in 2022 from over 26.26 lakh in 2021, according to data on the Billion Careers platform.

This robust demand can

be attributed to the dynamic job market influenced by digitisation, automation and changing work models,

said the report. As per the data, companies are focusing on skillbased mass hiring to boost

MAJOR FINDINGS

rural areas, the popularity of candidate discovery platforms rose by 236% over the past year.

“The job market trends of 2022, ranging from Great Resignation to the emergence of gigs, have shown that every segment will be more focused on hiring, including blue and grey-collar workers,” said Ajay Kumar Singh, senior VP and Chief Business Officer of Billion Careers.

Vaishnaw said that PM Modi has allocated around ` 52,000 crore for taking 4G and 5G services across all nooks and corners of the country for digitally connecting every citizen.

“In 2023 there will be a big focus on providing credit facilities to street vendors in a simplified manner to meet small credit requirements of `3,000-5,000,” Vaishnaw said.

The minister said that the country will see the roll out of indigenously developed 4G and 5G technologies this year.

He said that very soon the country will witness the setting up of an electronic chip manufacturing plant in the country in line with PM Modi’s vision to make India self-reliant in the field of technology.

productivity and efficiency, it added.

The report further revealed that in urban and

Organisations today also prefer hiring employees with tech-related skills as digitisation has penetrated across India, Singh noted.

z The number of job vacancies in the blue and grey-collar industry increased by 301% in the past year to over 1,05.42 lakh in 2022 from over 26.26 lakh in 2021.

z This robust demand can be attributed to the dynamic job market influenced by digitisation

AUM TO BE AROUND `9 LAKH CRORE IN FY23: PFRDA

India-Canada eco r’ship seriously under-performing, says Canadian HC

Farm

pending in India since 1991, says EAC-PM chief

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

The

The new year has brought a new ray of hope for many politicians, especially for those who were waiting for their turn on the political pitch since the new year.

Trusted sources reveal that ‘this reshuffle of the Modi cabinet can happen anytime before the budget session i.e. between January 15 and 31. Before this, the BJP’s national executive meeting is being held on January 16-17. It is believed that in this, the extension of the term of the party’s national president JP Nadda can also be approved. Actually, the Sangh wants that at least till the 2024 general elections, the reins of the party should remain with Nadda. Notably, Nadda’s term is going to end on January 20. Sources reveal that 12 new ministers can be made at the centre and NDA allies are also going to get enough space in this expansion. For

example, a ministerial berth for Chirag Paswan of LJP is considered to be confirmed. The Akali Dal, which was crushed by the farmer’s movement, is also returning to the NDA fold and Harsimrat Kaur can again become a minister. Of the 12 Shiv Sena MPs who had joined the Shinde faction, any one could be made a minister. Piyush Goyal may again get the responsibility of Railway Ministry. The unprecedented support received by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in UP indicates that this time Rahul will again contest from Amethi and BJP has no trump card other than Smriti Irani to give him a fight. Thus, her ministerial chair is believed to be safe for the time being. States like Karnataka and Kerala may also get representation in the cabinet. There are speculations that Narendra Singh Tomar will be dropped, perhaps owing to the ill handling of farmer agitation.

Do you remember American billionaire Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, who was stopped right after landing at Delhi airport from America on 23 October 2021 during the ongoing farmer’s movement in India. Indian agencies had interrogated him strictly at the airport and then from the airport itself, he was forced to board the flight back to America. Dhaliwal was accused of funding the langar of the farmer’s movement going on at the Delhi border. Dhaliwal has more than two thousand gas stations in America, his earnings are also immense. He is said to have a very personal relationship with the Badal family. When the Badalled Akali Dal government was in power in Punjab, Darshan Singh’s younger brother Surjit Singh Rakhra was a minister in that government. Dhaliwal also has a very personal relationship with Captain Amarinder Singh. When he was sent back from Delhi airport in 21, Parkash Singh Badal himself spoke to PM Modi about this and informed him about Dhaliwal’s charitable work, even during the 2004 Tsunami period, Dhaliwal helped common Indians through financial aid. It is said that India’s Ambassador to America Taranjit Singh Sandhu has also played an important role in persuading Dhaliwal. So, Dhaliwal’s name is surprisingly included in the list of 27 NRIs who have been honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman this year. Dhaliwal has also termed PM Modi as the best PM of the world now.

In the 9 assembly elections to be held in 2023 (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura) and the 2024 general elections, the BJP is going to place a big bet on ‘Vistaraks’. Gujarat state president CR Patil showed its most successful use in the Gujarat assembly elections held last year. Inspired by Patil’s strategies, BJP is taking inspiration for the upcoming elections in these 9 states. Under which one vistarak is being appointed in every assembly constituency. This vistarak can be a former MP or MLA of the party or a senior office bearer of the party and the onus of securing victory on the said seat will also be that of the vistarak. The party is raising a large army of Vistaars across the country, this will also reduce the party’s dependence on the Sangh and these Vistaraks are proving to be the eyes, ears and nose of the party.

The work of delimitation and finalisation of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir has been completed. So, in such a situation, the implications of the statement of Tarun Chugh, BJP in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, can be far reaching as he said that ‘when the snow of the litigants melts in May, then there can be an atmosphere of elections.’ Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra concludes in Kashmir and National Conference and PDP are participating in the concluding phase. Thus Congress has made it clear that in the upcoming elections of Jammu and Kashmir, it will be in an alliance with National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP. On the other hand, the BJP intends to contest the polls alone in the elections. 17 leaders of Ghulam Nabi’s Democratic Azad Party have already joined Congress, so now Ghulam Nabi is not getting any interest from BJP. When Jammu had 37 seats, the BJP won 25 of these. The seats in Jammu have increased to 43 in the new delimitation, BJP intends to win all these seats. At the same time, 9 seats are reserved for ST i.e. Van Gurjar, out of which

Great escape: Pawar recalls Bal Thackeray’s opposition to play

First India Bureau

Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar has recalled how he overcame the opposition of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray to the iconic Marathi play ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’, a political satire, and used an industrialist friend’s aircraft to get the crew to Mumbai from Pune and onward to Germany for a show.

By the time Shiv Sainiks had assembled to stop the play’s cast and crew from leaving Pune, the aircraft had already ferried them to the Mumbai airport to catch a flight for Berlin, he said on Friday at the

18th ‘Jagthik Marathi Sammelan’ in Pimpri Chinchwad.

Pawar said he was in the Maharashtra government in 1972 when the play was first performed in Pune.

The play, written by playwright Vijay Tendulkar, is based on the life of Nana Phadnavis, one of the prominent ministers in the court of the Peshwa of Pune and Ghashiram Kotwal,

Maha govt diverts `12.91 cr for pilot’s passion project

First India Bureau

CLAIM TO FAME

the police chief of the city. Its theme is how men in power float ideologies to serve their purposes, and later discard them when they become useless.

The play, first performed by the Progressive Dramatic Association in Pune, garnered widespread praise though it soon was in the crosshairs of some segments who claimed it was bringing disrepute to Marathi culture and history. “Ghashiram Kotwal is a classic piece of art, which we could witness in that period. However, after a couple of performances in Pune, some people said it was bringing disrepute to Marathi cul-

ture and history and its shows must be stopped,” Pawar reminisced. The play was soon a hit and a show was scheduled in Germany, but “someone” took an opposing stand, he said.

“Those who took this stand were powerful and had a strong organization. I and Jabbar (Patel, who directed the play) went to meet this person to convince him. Though we were friends, it did not help.

That person was Balasaheb Thackeray,” the NCP supremo said. Being in government at the time, Pawar said he decided to offer help to ensure the play’s cast and crew flew to Germany for the show.

COURTESY MEET

It is really a matter of deep investigation that why the Sangh leaders, who have always been attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on social media and public forums, have changed their stand on Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Yatra? General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra - Champat Rai - and Trust Treasurer - Govind Dev Giri - have praised Rahul, and welcomed the yatra.

Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ramlala temple, has written a letter to Rahul, appreciating his Bharat Jodo Yatra and giving him his best wishes. At the same time, BJP’s rebel Sadhvi Uma Bharti also openly said that devotion to Lord Ram and Hanuman ji is not the copyright of BJP.

The Sangh has made it clear in a way that the basic agenda of the Sangh is ‘Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhay’, that is, any leader who will talk about the interest of Hindus and the interest of the country, he will definitely get the support of the Sangh and its subsidiary organisations.

Mumbai: Backing a prototype under the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led Maharashtra government has decided to sanction Rs12.91 crore to Thrust Aircraft Pvt Ltd, a company of commercial pilot Captain Amol Yadav, to build a 19-seater aircraft. The decision has been taken keeping aside the objections raised by Chief Secretary Manu Kumar Srivastava and the funds have been diverted from the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), which falls under the Social Justice Department. The decision has been taken during a state cabinet meeting.

Notably, Captain Amol Yadav’s claim to fame came a few years ago when he assembled

a prototype of a six-seater aircraft on the terrace of his house in the city and subsequently presented it at the ‘Make In India’ exhibition in 2016. Later, in 2018, the then-Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government announced that it would allot land to the pilot near Palghar.

The proposal put up before the cabinet claimed that Yadav had successfully conducted trials of the six-seater aircraft and now plans to build a 19-seater one. “Yadav belongs to the scheduled caste and has requested financial assistance,” stated the proposal, adding that if he succeeds, Yadav has

plans to manufacture 100 such 19-seater aircraft in the next 10 years, which will “create thousands of jobs and bring in foreign exchange through the export of the aircraft”. The proposal says that “all these benefits” should entitle the pilot to “a special one-time financial assistance of `12.91 crore”.

However, Chief Secretary Srivastava has expressed his reservations about the proposal. “The Social Justice Department has sought information and guidance from the Civil Aviation Ministry on certain issues. The information is not yet available and issues are not addressed. Technical validation from a competent authority is important. In its absence, it is not logical to put the proposal before the cabinet for approval,” Srivastava remarked in his written opinion on the proposal.

Nat’l Minorities Commission member to visit Maharashtra

India Bureau

First

Mumbai: National Minorities Commission member (Union minister status) Kumari Syed Shahzadi will visit the state from January 8-11. This will be the first visit by a member of the Commission to Maharashtra after the BJP-Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena coalition came to power in the state last year.

During her tour, the

Commission member who enjoys Union minister status, will interact with minorities and review their social, economic and educational status in the state. She is likely to hold interactions with various organizations to understand the challenges and problems faced by minorities in the state.

After assessing the issues, the Commission will deliberate further with the Centre. It is part of the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for the welfare of minorities.

Correspondents of Bharat24 to report news from all 70 assembly seats of Uttarakhand

Mayank Rai

7 seats are in Kashmir Valley. BJP is also eyeing these reserved seats. Under this strategy, BJP has nominated Gulab Ali Khatana of Gurjar Bakarwal community to Rajya Sabha and he can also be made a minister in the center in the coming days. BJP’s alliance can also take shape with Sajjad Lone’s party. Anyway, BJP wants to make Jitendra Singh the Hindu CM of Jammu and Kashmir. This could prove to be Modi’s master stroke for 2024 for Modi. The issue of PoK’s merger with Kashmir is now in cold storage, because China is eyeing India on this issue, as China’s Silk Route passes through there.

Dehradun: The correspondents of Bharat24 news channel attended a programme at Press Club in Haridwar on Saturday. During this, the correspondents shared the experiences of the work done in the past with Dr Jagdeesh Chandra.

Channel’s News Control Room Head Sandeep

In a short span of time, Bharat 24 Uttarakhand has selected such correspondents at every small and big place, who are very active and hardworking and will bring the news of Uttarakhand to the audience of Bharat 24.

The channel’s goal is to expand its reach as far as India. It was informed in the programme that every small and big news sent by 70 correspondents of Uttarakhand on Bharat 24

Captain Amol Yadav presented the 6-seater prototype in 2016.

Captain Amol Yadav’s claim to fame came a few years ago when he assembled a prototype of a six-seater aircraft on the terrace of his house in the city and subsequently presented it at the ‘Make In India’ exhibition in 2016. Later, in 2018, the then-Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government announced that it would allot land to the pilot near Palghar.

SHARAD PAWAR

—FILE PHOTO

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra with Congress General Secretary and Jharkhand in charge, Avinash Pande during a courtesy meet in New Delhi on Saturday.

Mishra, Consulting Editor Shishir Awasthi informed all the reporters about how every small

and big news on 70 assembly seats will reach the viewers of Bharat 24. All the correspondents

were also advised to stay connected with all the social media platforms of Bharat 24.

will be shown with priority.

Shishir Awasthi, Sandeep Mishra, Mayank Rai and the team members with the Bharat24 logo. 2) Shishir Awasthi and Sandeep Mishra interacting with the team of reporters in Haridwar.

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

GOVT’S ‘U-TURN’ ON DHALIWAL?

‘VISTARAK’ TO ENSURE WIN FOR BJP?

SANGH’S SUPPORT FOR RAHUL’S VISIT

BJP HINTS AT ELECTIONS IN KASHMIR IN MAY!

For generations, people have used images of leopards and other felines to denote strength, independence and assurance. Let's dive into this fierce fashion world of Leopard Print with City First

Leopard Print is a pattern that replicates the skin markings of a leopard. Faux fur is used to imitate the look of actual leopard skin in this example, but it is also combined with a variety of colours to create prints for clothes, accessories, and interior design.

It's critical to differentiate between leopard print and leopard skin. Up until the 1960s, leopard skin was a popular material in high fashion; at that time, it stood for money, power and refinement. Leopard print is prized for its eyecatching appeal but does not require the death of endangered animals. Depending on the type of clothing or item, it might represent independence, confidence, sexuality,

and nonconformity when uti lised in female clothes. Unless they are rock stars or deliber ately trying to shock, men are less likely to wear leopard print. Having said that, sport ing short sleeves or leopard print shoes exudes noncon formist confidence.

Fashion shows have been dominated by leopard print designs in 2018 & 2019, but then it’s never really gone away and it seems unlikely that it ever will.

Choose a figure-hugging LBD with an animal design, and wear sunglasses with it. The dress with the ani mal print will appear styl ish, seductive and hot. It would look wonderful with unkempt hair and winged eyeliner. Add heels or flats to complete your look.

Girlfriends, it is a dress that can be changed for the winter.

Pastel hues can be used to emphasise or enhance an animal print dress with lovely hues. If you choose a pastel jacket, you should be fine to go. Adding an animal pat tern to simple clothing may completely change the look.

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

FACE OF THE DAY!

Aries

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. Today is a favourable day for business. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth.

Gemini MAY 21 - JUNE

21

Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected.

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

Leo

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

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

Libra

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 22

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

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22

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

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends and you may be judged sometimes.

Taurus

APRIL 21 - MAY 20

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

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

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

Virgo

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

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

Scorpio

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22

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

Capricorn

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20

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

Pisces

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

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

Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable. Your personality will attract many eligible bachelors.

DR HENA MARIAM cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

t's that time of year once more when people make New Year's resolutions with the inten tion of leading healthi er lives. Fortunately, the American Medical Association (AMA) offers some recommendations for the prom ises that will have the biggest impact.

Start by being more physi cally active. The American Med ical Association (AMA) advises that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensi ty activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.

Many people kick off the start of each new year with unrealistic health resolu tions. These are usually ambi tious, immediate lifestyle changes that are very difficult to maintain. The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.

THE AMA'S 10 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY 2023

BE MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

BE UP TO DATE WITH VACCINATIONS

Being up to date with vaccinations including the annual influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged six months or older. Speak with the physician about the eligibility for a bivalent booster. Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines should speak with their physician and review trusted resources. Following evidence-based public health measures, such as physical distancing and wearing face

masks, are also an important way to help protect against COVID-19 and the flu.

GET SCREENED

Statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check with the physician to find out if you're due for preventive care, tests or screenings, and make an

Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization or death.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Manage stress—a good diet, sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), daily exercise and wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation, are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your

health, but don't hesitate to ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

REDUCE INTAKE OF PROCESSED FOODS

Reduce your intake of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, especially those with added sodium and sugar— eat less red meat and processed meats, and add more plantbased foods, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds to your diet. Also, reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead.

Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with higher all-cause mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network.

REDUCE ALCOHOL

If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

QUIT SMOKING AND TOBACCO

Talk with your doctor about tobacco and e-cigarette use (or vaping) and how to quit—declare your home and car smokeand be aerosol-free to eliminate secondhand exposure.

FOLLOW DOCTOR'S INSTRUCTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICATION

Follow your physician's instructions if prescribed pain medication or antibiotics— if you are taking prescription opioids or other medications, follow your

These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain condi tions before they become more serious.

KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Understand your numbers and take the necessary steps to get high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

LEARN ABOUT THE RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

Check for the risk of type 2 diabetes by checking the fasting and random glucose.

AKANKSHA DATT, Model

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

‘MUSICAL DRAMA’

Kangana Ranaut recently re turned to the sets of her upcoming film Emergency in Mumbai. On Sat urday, the Queen actress shared a BTS, which featured a cou ple of crew members of the film including choreographer Kruti Mahesh. Captioning the story, Ranaut wrote, “Choreographer on set today….. The director can take it easy ha ha… by the way we have 5 songs in #emergen cy it’s a musical dra ma (sic).”

The Panga actress further added, “I don’t know why people don’t expect songs in Emergency…. I love music. I might have just the long est song ever above 10 mins….

For interval block… And great music @ gvprakash.”

English

mitted in all major categories for

ing Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Leading Actress. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali attended some important events in London as part of the BAFTA Awards campaign. The director delivered his

Sushmita & Rohman together again?

Being friends with your exes is nothing new in Bollywood. The trend goes back in time and we have seen several couples who share an amicable bond even after parting ways. One such ex-couple is Sushmita Sen and Rohman Shawl. A picture of Rohman attending Sushmita’s relative’s wedding in Kolkata along with her brother and sister-in-law is going viral on social media. Sushmita Sen’s brother Rajeev Sen took to his Instagram han dle to share a couple of happy pictures with the entire family attending a wedding in Kolkata. In the first picture, he shared we can see Sushmita looking gorgeous in a golden floral print sheer saree. She is standing beside her brother. In the picture, we can see Sushmita’s father, and both her daughters. Behind them stood Rohman Shawl who was busy playing with Rajeev’s daughter. What caught our attention was the presence of Charu Asopa in this family picture as well.

STUNNING IN RED

or Kiara Advani, the year 2022 has not only seen some of the best films releases—JugJugg Jeeyo and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, to name a couple—but also a fashion game that matches her professional prowess. The actor has won a berth as the most fashionable star of 2022 thanks to her excellent fashion selections and certain fashion risks. When promoting her work or walking the red carpet, the actor delivers a punch with each appearance, offering us one standout look after

another.

Kiara just shared some photos from a Lenskart advertise ment shoot, and she looked deadly in a bright red outfit. She wears a scarlet dress with a sweetheart neckline and a ban deau bust. Over the torso, the dress has cutouts that expose just the appropriate amount of flesh. We adore how the over lapping panels are subtly gathered for a feminine snug fit that ac centuates the form. We would want to wear Kiara’s outfit all season long.

BIPASHA SHARES A GLIMPSE OF DEVI

first-ever BAFTA masterclass this time, where he extensively spoke about his illustrious Bollywood career. However, the blockbuster outing, which featured Alia Bhatt in the titular role, failed to make it into the BAFTA 2023 longlist, to the disappointment of the cine-goers.

he much-awaited BAFTA 2023 longlist (British Academy Film Awards) has been finally announced in 24 categories. RRR, the SS Rajamouli directorial which emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters from India in 2022, has entered the BAFTA 2023 longlist in the ‘Film, not in the

language’ category. The highly exciting update was announced by the makers of RRR, with a social media post on January 6, Friday. Gangubai Kathiawadi, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is, however, out of the BAFTA race. As per the reports, the Alia Bhatt starrer was sub-

the BAFTA 2023 longlist, includ-

Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover are currently on cloud 9 as they recently stepped into parenthood. On Saturday, the actress took to her Instagram handle to shared an adorable glimpse of her daughter and thanked God for this wonderful gift.

In the video we can see Bipasha Basu playing with her daughter Devi. She can be seen wearing a peachcolored outfit while her baby girl can be seen rest ing her tiny feet on her

Kiara Advani

Kangana Ranaut

Her post...

Her story...

Rajeev Sen’s post...

Poster...

Alia Bhatt

CITY FIRST

The much-anticipated dog carnival with fantastic attractions and awards for canines will take place today at Dusshera ground, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur. Over hundreds of years of coexistence with human civilization, dogs have shown their vitality and worth.

The DOG SHOW, a wonderful initiative by Jagdeesh Chandra, is a fantastic chance for pet owners to showcase their paw friend’s talent, social-

ize their pets, meet veterinarians and provide awareness about pet health. Dogs of different breeds will be judged by Tomonori Aizawa from Japan and Simon Sim from the Philippines, a one of its kind international jury for a dog show in Rajasthan. The highlight of the show will be the world recordbreaking activity in which Oven the Bakery will bake the world’s largest cake for stray dogs. To break the previous world record, a 150 kg cake will be made at the dog show, which will later be fed to

YRF unveils ‘Spy Universe’

Pathaan is being touted as India’s biggest-ever action spectacle that audiences have ever seen on the big screen. Yash Raj Films’ action extravaganza, Pathaan, is part of Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe and has the biggest superstars of the country Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in it. The other films in Aditya Chopra’s spy universe

are Tiger and War franchises and we have confirmed information that in the Pathaan trailer.

Source reveals,

“Aditya Chopra has been clinically working for years now to make YRF’s spy uni-

verse the biggest franchise in the history of Indian cinema. The spy universe has so far featured the biggest and the best actors in the history of Indian cinema right from Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Tiger Shroff, Vaani Kapoor, to name a few. The franchise will only get bigger and better with every new film from Pathaan, Tiger and War franchise.”

Yami Gautam recalls being mocked

Yami Gautam is known to speak her mind about the issues that bother her about the film industry, and now, the actor has opened up about how some people, mostly journalists, had mocked her for doing a “small role” in Hrithik

wood and said that in the West, the length of a role does not matter.

“People tend to make a big deal of such things in India,” she said.

Adding further Yami said, “I was called out sometimes, ki acha inka toh cameo hai ya chota role hain".

“I think it’s one of the few times when we

wood even the biggest stars), they don’t shy away from doing roles and working with directors if they want to. They don’t care. They just come and do something amazing and leave. Yaha pe we make it such a big deal,” she added. In addition Yami will next be

the stray dogs of Jaipur. There will be an on the spot free entry where you can come along with your paw friend and indulge in various fun activities. The pet owners will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that their furry companions woo the spectators with their wag ging tails, wet noses and flamboyant yet charming demeanour.

ARYAN’S Selfie Time with Sadia

Aryan Khan and sister Suhana Khan attended a party in Dubai around the new year and pictures from the same have led to rumours of him dating actor Nora Fatehi. Aryan was also spotted with Elnaaz recently at a restaurant in Bandra and now a picture of Aryan posing with Pakistani actor Sadia Khan at the party has also appeared online. Aryan is all set to make his debut as a writer-director of a web series. Sadia had recently shared the picture on Instagram Stories with the caption, “Throwback to the New Year's Eve.”

In 2014, she was the unknown wife of a promising leader based in Nagpur. In the seven-plus years since Devendra Fadnavis earned his stripes. And now Amruta has seized another opportunity. On Friday, Amruta released a music video titled Mood Banaleya in collaboration with the T-series. Amruta also sang and danced in the video along with the music duo Meet Bros.

Amruta Fadnavis has released her newest song "Mood Banaleya" in which she gives us glimpses of her dancing and singing in multiple different outfits, as she throws a bachelorette

party. This upbeat groovy song will get you up and dancing on your feet in no time. The actress spoke exclusively to Ashish Tiwari of First India and shared her experience and more.

Sharing her experience of singing and shooting the song she said, “The song is out now, and the reviews are good but it was a very different experience for me as the lyrics were Punjabi. I have done a lot of preparations for the same. Meet bros helped me a lot for the same post in which singing and shooting the video was a cakewalk.”

The actress / Singer

has had quite a musical journey sharing the same she mentioned, “I have been learning music since childhood, my grandmother was a classical singer and thanks to my genes and my guru’s I have learnt a lot and have understood so many things throughout my musical journey, especially emotions. I have learned my basic Alankar knowledge. Music is a childhood hobby that culminated into my passion and that’s what I am continuing in life.”

Amruta also featured in the song talking about the same she said, “The concept of the song was very dif-

ferent so I was excited for this to venture into something new. I understood the emotions of the song so it was a natural process for me to enact the same on screen for the screens.”

Sharing her family’s support for her arts the actress said “I have always been doing everything but earlier it didn’t get recognised but as my husband became the CM my interests garnered media attention. But for the unversed, all that I can achieve today is because of my husband and my family as they have always supported me in every aspect I ventured into.

T-Series presents 'Mood Banaleya' by Amruta Fadnavis which is written by Kumaar and the music given by Meet Brothers Music Video is directed by Adil Shaikh, and features Amruta Fadnavis, Mehak Ghai and Avinash Mishra.

The music video for 'Mood Banaleya' is available on T-Series' Official YouTube Channel.

The picture disappeared after 24 hours as per the format of Instagram Stories. In the picture, Sadia is seen in a black dress and a black overcoat, while Aryan Khan is seen in a maroon tee and blue denims with a white jacket.

Sadia Khan, 35, is a Pakistani actor known for her role in the TV show, Emaan in Khuda Aur Muhabbat. She was last seen in the titular role in TV show Maryam Periera in 2019.

“MUSIC IS MY CHILDHOOD HOBBY THAT CULMINATED INTO A PASSION” ISABELLE KAIF'S

sabelle Kaif celebrated her birthday on Friday with a party that had actor-sister Katrina Kaif in attendance. Her brother-in-law, actor Vicky Kaushal, too posed for photos at the birthday bash.

On Saturday, Isabelle took to Instagram and shared a glimpse of her birthday celebrations with Vicky, Sunny Kaushal and Sharvari Wagh, among others. Her brother Sebastien Laurent Michel, who is rumoured to be dating actor

Ileana D'Cruz, was also seen in the party photos. Sharing a group photo with Vicky Kaushal and others, along with some more party pictures, Isabelle wrote in her caption, "How it started to how’s it going; thanks for all the love guys." In another picture she posted, Isabelle raised her hand and smiled for the camera as Sharvari lifted her one leg and the two gave a goofy pose. She also shared a blurry photo of herself laughing in front of a party backdrop of golden and black balloons. Isabelle, made her Bollywood debut last year with Time To Dance,

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Yami Gautam Isabelle

Sadia and Aryan Khan

Poster of the song

Jagdeesh Chandra with Mishri