First India-Mumbai Edition-4th February 2023

PM MODI

MOST POPULAR GLOBAL LEADER

SAXENA APPROVES SISODIA’S FOREIGN TRIP CONG

SUSPENDS PATIALA MP PRENEET

New Delhi: The Congress’ disciplinary committee on Friday suspended party’s Lok Sabha MP from Patiala in Punjab, Preneet Kaur, and asked her to explain within three days why she should not be expelled for anti-party activities.

New Delhi: Amidst an ongoing tussle between the Delhi govt and Lt Governor VK Saxena over approving teachers’ educational trip to Finland, the latter on Friday approved Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s foreign trip to the US.

PARL’S BOTH HOUSES ADJOURNED AMID OPPOSITION’S PROTESTS

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The stalemate continued in both Houses of Parliament on Friday with the Opposition demanding probe into the Hindenburg-Adani issue. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till Monday due to protests by Opposition demanding a probe into the fraud-allegationtriggered rout in Adani Group company stocks.

The Congress-led Opposition, which claimed that “a significant volume of public money through SBI and LIC is locked in the Adani Group”, demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) or CJIdesignated committee probe into the allegations of fraud and manipulation against billionaire Gautam Adani’s companies that have triggered an unprecedented stock crash.

16 OPPN PARTIES MEET IN PARLIAMENT TO STEP UP ATTACK ON GOVERNMENT

New Delhi: At least 16 Opposition parties met on Friday morning to coordinate their strategy in Parliament and decided to step up their attack on the government, demanding an immediate discussion on the issue of Adani stock rout. The meeting came a day after they unitedly led the charge against the govt over the issue and stalled both Houses of Parliament on Thursday.

“BIGGEST CORRUPTION OF THE CENTURY”: OPPN SLAMS GOVT OVER ADANI ROW

New Delhi: The Opposition MPs continued to question the govt on the Adani row as both Houses were adjourned soon after the session began on Friday. The Opposition parties have been demanding the constitution of a JPC on the issue of Hindunberg’s report against the Adani Group dubbing it a “scam”.

Sitharaman briefs BJP MPs on Union Budget

New Delhi (ANI): Un-

ion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday arrived in the Parliament to brief the Members of Parliaments (MPs) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the Union Budget 2023-24 presented in the Parliament earlier this week. All Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the party were told to be present in the meeting, being held ahead of Friday’s Parliament Session. Visuals from Parliament said Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju, Dharmendra Pradhan, V Muraleedharan and BJP MPs Sukanta Majumdar and Sushil Modi were seen arriving for the meeting.

BUDGET INCREASED BY 4 TIMES FOR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, SAYS JP NADDA IN TRIPURA

Gomati (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday said that the budget has been increased by four times for the tribal communities adding that for the past 70 years, no one cared for the tribals. The BJP national president was addressing the Vijay Sankalpa Jansabha at Amarpur in the Gomati district. More on P5

IN THE COURTYARD

BBC DOCUMENTARY

ROW: SC SEEKS GoI

REPORT IN 3 WEEKS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and sought its response to a plea seeking direction to restrain the Central govt from censoring the BBC documentary relating to the 2002 Gujarat Riots. A bench asked the Central government to file its response within three weeks and posted it for hearing in April. The bench refused to pass interim order on the plea saying it cannot pass any interim order without hearing the government.

According to a latest survey by Morning Consult, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most popular global leader, leaving behind other popular leaders like Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, etc. from 22 countries. The survey was conducted between January 26 to 31. Modi topped with a popularity approval rating of 78%. He was then followed by Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador with an approval rating of 68%. Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese ranked third with a rating of 58% in popularity.

78%

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister, India

68%

López Obrador President, Mexico

58%

Anthony Albanese

Prime Minister, Australia

“GOVT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ADANI ISSUE”, SAYS JOSHI

New Delhi: Amid continued disruptions in both Houses of Parliament over Hindenburg’s allegations against Adani group, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday that the government has nothing to do with the matter.

WILL SOON CLEAR 5 NAMES FOR APEX COURT JUDGES: GOVT

New Delhi: The Centre on Friday assured the Supreme Court that the Collegium’s recommendation for the appointment of five judges in the apex court, namely Justices Pankaj Mithal, Sanjay Karol, PV Sanjay Kumar, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Manoj Misra, will be cleared soon. Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench that warrant of appointments of these five names is expected to be issued soon. The bench expressed displeasure over the delay.

Budget: Bullet train project gets `19.6K cr Mumbai (PTI): Of the `13,539 crore allocated for the Railways in Maharashtra in the Union budget 2023-24, `10,600 crore has been earmarked for the Central Railway--46% higher than 2022-23’s ` 7,251 crore--and `19,592 crore for the ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, Naresh Lalwani, general manager of the Central Railway said. For the Western Railway, there has been an increase of 76% in the allocation at `16,182 crore.

OPPN

DOES NOT WANT TO LET HOUSE FUNCTION: MEGHWAL MARKET TURMOIL ‘STORM IN TEA CUP’: FINANCE SECRETARY

New Delhi: Lashing out at the Opposition over the repeated stalling of the Houses, MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday said the parties do not want to let the Parliament function.

New Delhi: The stock market turmoil created by rout in Adani group shares is a “storm in a tea cup” from a macroeconomic point of view, finance secretary TV Somanathan said on Friday.

Giorgia Meloni

Prime Minister, Italy

52% 50%

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva President, Brazil 40%

Joe Biden President, US

Threat call received to blow up Ram Temple in Ayodhya: UP Police

Ayodhya (ANI): A threat call was received at Ram Lalla Sadan in Ayodhya to blow up the Ram Janmabhoomi where the construction of Ram temple is underway.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Madhuban Singh said that a man named Manoj Kumar received a call from an unidentified caller from Delhi, threatning that there would be a blast at

the Ram Janmabhoomi.

“Manoj Kumar who is residing at Ram Lalla Sadan in Ayodhya got a call at around 5 am on Thursday where a person from Delhi said that by 10 am there’d be a blast at Ram Janmabhoomi. Teams are formed to arrest the person. The man would be arrested soon and action would be taken against him,” the SP said.

Officials probe ‘Taliban attack’ warning email

First India Bureau Mumbai: City police and the Maharashtra

Anti-Terrorism Squad officials have launched an investigation into an email sent to the Mumbai office of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), warning of an “attack by the Taliban” in the city, police said on Friday.

“The sender of the email claimed to be a whistleblower from within the extremist outfit, and warned that a person linked to the Taliban will carry out an ‘attack’ in Mumbai,” an of-

MLC POLL RESULTS

ficial said, of the threat that is said to have been sent in on Thursday.

The email address used to send the threat message contained the word “CIA”. The IP (internet protocol) address of the sender has been traced to Pakistan, said the official. The police suspect this might be a hoax, as the agency has got similar mails before.

OTHER TOP STORIES

BJP WINS 4 OUT OF 5 SEATS IN UP’S MLC ELECTIONS Lucknow: The BJP won 4 out of 5 seats in UP’s Legislative Council. The SP suffered a defeat. The BJP won Gorakhpur-Faizabad block graduate, Kanpur block graduate, BareillyMoradabad block graduate, Allahabad-Jhansi block teacher and Kanpur block.

CALICUT-BOUND AI FLIGHT LANDS IN ABU DHABI AFTER FLAMES

New Delhi: A Calicutbound Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi landed back at Abu Dhabi airport after flames were detected in one of the engines soon after take-off, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Friday.

Setback for BJP as MVA claims 3 of 5 seats

Cong’s Dhiraj Lingade beat sitting BJP MLC

Ranjit Patil

46,344: 42,962 to seize Amravati in long-drawn battle

First India Bureau Mumbai: In a serious jolt to the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party-Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine has claimed

three of the five Legislative Council seats up for grabs in the election held on January 30.

Congress candidate Dhiraj Lingade on Friday bagged 46,344 votes to beat sitting MLC Ranjit Patil (42,962 ballots) of the BJP to the Amravati Graduates’ constituency--where counting lasted more than 32 hours--marking a clear win for the MVA, comprising the Shiv SenaUddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Adbale and Nationalist Con-

BY PTI

gress Party (NCP) candidate Vikrant Kale registered victory from

Nagpur and Aurangabad teachers constituencies, respectively.

BJP candidate Dyaneshwar Mhatre won the Konkan division teachers constituency, while Congress rebel Satyajit Tambe, who revolted against the party ahead of polls, won as an independent from the Nashik division graduates seat. Satyajit Tambe defeated his nearest rival, independent candidate Shubhangi Patil, who was supported by the MVA, by 29,465 votes. P2

Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena - UBT workers celebrate their candidates’ MLC poll victory, in Solapur on Friday. —PHOTO

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves after addressing BJP members on Union Budget 2023-24, at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

‘

YOU TOOK 1 OF OURS, WE’LL TAKE 50 OF YOUR LEGISLATORS’

Maha Congress chief alleges BJP leaders helped MVA in Nagpur and Amravati; says saffron party’s house will crumble

First India Bureau

Mumbai: After the Maha Vikas Aghadi tripartite coalition claimed three of the five seats up for grabs in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Maharashtra Congress president Patole on Friday claimed that the MVA had help from Bharatiya Janta Party leaders in Vidarbha.

In an obvious bid to add insult to injury to the ruling Eknath Shinde-BJP alliance, Patole also claimed that the saffron party’s “house will crumble.”

The Maha Vikas Aghadi won the Nagpur, Aurangabad and Amravati seats in the

The polls have shown the BJP who is king. Be it Amravati or Nagpur division, because of the trouble from BJP leaders (an apparent reference to Deputy Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis), many BJP leaders have helped us. You see how their house will crumble.

biennial elections from teachers and graduates segments. The BJP and independent candidate Satyajeet Tambe won from the Konkan and Nashik graduates con-

`1,121 crore for railway projects in Mumbai; 91% more funds for MUTP

First India Bureau

Mumbai: In the Union Budget, Rs1,121.21 crore have been allocated for various Metropolitan Transport Projects (MTPs) in Mumbai with a substantial 91% increase in funds for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).

Out of Rs1,121.21 crore for various MTPs (railway projects) in Mumbai, Rs1,100 crore have been allocated for the MUTP alone. The allotment for MUTP was Rs577 crore last year, railway officials said.

Of the funds allocated for the MUTP in 2023-24, the highest Rs650 crore would go to MUTP phase III, Rs300 crore to phase IIIA and Rs150 crore to phase II as per the Pink Book or the budget document made available on the Railway Board’s website on Friday.

MUTP is one of the ambitious projects un-

dertaken for the expansion and capacity augmentation of the city’s suburban train network.

Presently, three projects under the MUTP are at various stages of implementation while the World Bankfunded MUTP-I has been completed. In the last year’s Union Budget, Rs729.55 crore had been allocated for various MTPs in Mumbai and Pune.

This year’s budget allocated Rs20 crore for the Belapur-SeawoodsUran railway line which is expected to be completed this year.

stituencies, respectively. “Vidarbha has remained with the Congress. (In the past) we were hit by wrong coordination and planning. This time everyone

worked together and fought this war,” he said.

Amravati and Nagpur are both in the Vidarbha region. While the BJP did not

field any candidates of its own, the party had backed Nagorao Ganar in Nagpur and had extended last-minute support to Satyajeet Tambe, who was suspended by the Congress after he filed his nomination as an independent.

Patole on Friday told reporters that he still believed that Tambe and his father, Congress veteran Sudhir Tambe had betrayed the party; the latter chose not to file his nomination despite having the party’s mandate.

Apparently blaming the BJP for the Tambes’ “rebellion”, Patole said the BJP’s attempt to break the Congress’ house had “hurt” the party but swore vengeance. “You have taken our one legislator. We plan to win 50 legislators from the Nashik division,” he said.

He also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra foot march, which passed through Vidarbha, for creating enthusiasm among people for the party.

Sanjay Raut sends legal notice to Rane for ‘baseless allegations’

Mumbai (PTI): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday said he has sent a legal notice to Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narayan Rane for making “baseless allegations” against him on public platforms.

Raut said Rane should prove his allegations or else apologize to him.

“Narayan Rane has been making baseless allega-

Ex-min Anil Deshmukh’s aide gets spl court relief in corruption case

First India Bureau Mumbai: A special court on Friday granted bail to Kundan Shinde, an aide of former state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, in a corruption case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special CBI judge SH Gwalani allowed the bail plea of Shinde, who worked as a personal assistant to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Deshmukh, said Shinde’s lawyer Aniket Nikam.

In June 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Shinde in connection with a money laundering case. Later, the CBI took his custody in a corruption case. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Wednesday allowed Shinde’s bail plea in the money laundering case. Other accused in the

case include Anil Deshmukh and dismissed Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze. Deshmukh is out on bail, while Waze continues to be in judicial

‘THANK YOU’ BMC

custody.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in March 2021 alleged that Deshmukh, the then home minister, had given a

Kundan Shinde used to work as a PA to the former Maha Home minister

target to police officers to collect Rs100 crore per month from restaurants and bars.

Waze, who was arrested in the case of an explosives-laden vehicle found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s house in Mumbai last year, had also levelled similar allegations.

The high court in April 2021 directed the CBI to carry out a preliminary inquiry.

Based on the inquiry, the central agency had registered an FIR against Deshmukh and others for alleged corruption and misuse of official power.

Muddy water to flow in Mulund households for a month

Recently, the civic body alerted residents of boiling the drinking water from January 20 “until further notice”

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Over 15,000 households in Mulund West are receiving muddy water from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since the last two weeks and they may have to stick to the boil-and-consume routine for over a month from now, the time sought to repair the

damage. Recently, the civic body alerted residents of boiling the drinking water from January 20 “until further notice”

P Velrasu, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), said, “We are in the process of appointing a contractor and it will take a month to repair the deep tunnel, as it is required to be isolated

RAIGAD ZP TO SPEND `7.61 CR TO TIDE OVER WATER SCARCITY

The Raigad Zilla Parishad will spend Rs7.61 crore over the next two to three months to alleviate water scarcity in 1,238 villages, a senior official said on Friday. The figure includes Rs80 lakh that will be spent to remove sludge from wells to deepen them, Raigad ZP chief executive officer Kiran Patil said. “Water will be supplied through tankers on trucks and bullock carts to 258 villages and 688 wadis, for which a sum of Rs3.44 crore has been earmarked. We will also spend Rs1,19 crore to repair 22 items related to water projects here,” Patil said. Patil said 207 borewells will be installed at a cost of Rs1.19 crore and 77 will be repaired, for which Rs27.49 lakh will be spent.

ing the quality of water continuously by taking samples from different

areas. We have noticed that it is improving gradually.”

The water to Mumbai and suburbs

tions against me and Shiv Sena. He should prove his charge or else apologize. I have sent a legal notice to him

WESTERN RAILWAY TO TWEAK AC TRAIN SERVICES

through my lawyer Sarthak Shetty. Jai Maharashtra,” Raut said in a tweet.

Rane, one of the bitter critics of former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and his faction of the Shiv Sena, has been engaged in a war of words with Raut. Of late, the verbal duel between the two leaders became uglier and more personal.

VBA CHIEF SLAMS UNION BUDGET, ATTACKS CENTRE

Mumbai: Western Railway (WR) is tweaking AC train services on the basis of commuter patterns and crowding. Operating 79 such services across the city, the service is quite popular among commuters. “We are working on a plan to tweak services based on commuter pattern data and crowding in such a way that it will benefit more passengers,” WR General Manager Ashok Kumar Mishra said. He also said that the WR had demanded 40 new AC rakes as a part of a long-term plan.

Pune: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar slammed the Union Budget for 2023-24 saying it would increase dissatisfaction among citizens. He also targeted the Modi government for silence on allegations of stock and accounting irregularities against the Adani group by a US-based research firm. Ambedkar said state-run entities like the Life Insurance Corporation and State Bank of India had invested heavily in the Adani group, which is worrisome.

USE IPHONES TO AVOID PHONE TAPPING, RECORDING: DANVE TO PARTY WORKERS

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve has asked the party’s office bearers and leaders from his region of Aurangabad to only use iPhones to avoid phone-tapping and recording. “The main leaders must use iPhones. This is what I have told the office bearers in Aurangabad district. The party hasn’t given any such instructions. Sometimes things we say to people can be misinterpreted. People record conversations and then leak it, so it’s better to use iPhones for safety reasons,” Danve said.

comes from the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which runs through a water tunnel underground passing through Thane.

An illegal borewell dug in Thane has damaged the tunnel, stated a note by the BMC. To ensure that the water from its source in Gundavali reaches the WTP, as a stopgap the civic body is using the pipeline which used to supply filtered water to Mulund. This has led to unfiltered water coming to the households.

SENIOR CITIZEN LOSES `90,000 IN CARD SWIPE FRAUD

Navi Mumbai: A 60-yearold resident of Koparkhairane lost Rs90,000 in debit card swap fraud at an ATM in Janta Market in Turbhe. The complainant was trying to withdraw money from an ATM in Janta Market but was facing issues. An unidentified man, on the pretext of helping him, asked for his pin and card. Later the complainant received a withdrawal notification of Rs90,000 from his account. Upon realising that his card had been exchanged, he approached the police.

THANE UNIT CHIEF APPOINTED BJP SPOKESPERSON

Thane: Niranjan Davkhare, the chief of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Thane unit, was appointed as the spokesperson of the party’s state unit. He was appointed by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a party release said. Davkhare is a Member of the Legislative Council from the Konkan graduates’ constituency for the past 11 years. He is the son of the former deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Vasant Davkhare. Niranjan Davkhare’s constituency comprises 55 talukas in the state’s Konkan region.

Nana Patole addresses the press while party workers celebrate the MLC poll results at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai on Friday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

—Nana Patole, Maha Congress President

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat leaves after a meeting with RSS volunteers, in Navi Mumbai on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Anil Deshmukh —FILE PHOTO

CRUCIAL READ

CIDCO: EODB

PORTAL AIDS ZERO

PENDENCY TARGET

Navi Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has achieved the target of zero pendency for the services provided through the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) portal. This feat was achieved by clearing the files related to the services provided through the EODB portal. CIDCO has also established an Ease of Doing Business Cell to provide free guidance to the citizens for the use of the EODB portal.

GOWARDHAN RAISES COW MILK

PRICE BY ` 2/LTR

Mumbai: Gowardhan, which is one of the largest private dairies in the country, has increased the price of milk by `2 per litre. The change will come into effect from February 2. With this, the Gowardhan Gold variant will now cost `56 per litre as compared to the prior `54 per litre. Gowardhan sells more than 2.5 lakh litres of cow milk daily in Mumbai. Chairman of Parag Milk Foods, Devendra Shah, attributed the price hikes to “the rise in costs of energy, packaging, logistics and cattle feed.”

MMRDA TO PREP

BLUEPRINT FOR $250 BN ECONOMY

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will be preparing a blueprint for making the region a $250 billion economy in the next five years. The authority called for expression of interest from various consultants for the same. SVR Srinivas, the MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner, said, “The state is looking to have a $1 trillion economy. If the state has to reach that target, the MMR has to produce the growth rate.” The authorities plan to encourage commercial establishments in neighbouring areas of the city.

HC rejects plea to stop tender for sanitary napkins’ supply

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday rejected a petition that objected to certain conditions in Maharashtra government’s tender to procure sanitary napkins for girls in staterun schools.

It noted that the safety and hygiene of the students is important and the clauses are necessary to maintain quality.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne disposed of the petition filed by a start-up owned by a 69-year-old man challenging the conditions imposed by the state in its tender for the supply of sanitary napkins to 9,940 government schools.

“Safety and hygiene of school girls are important and for that purpose, the quality has to be maintained. We do not find any illegality in the tender conditions,” the court said.

The conditions were that the bidders had to have three years of experience in supplying sanitary napkins and an annual turnover of Rs12 crore.

Additional government pleader BV Samant told the court that the tender has the conditions to ensure that the quality of the product is maintained. In its order, the bench noted that the project was for the safety and hygiene of school girls.

“The project pertains to the supply of sanitary napkins in government schools in the state of Maharashtra. Naturally, the predominant factor that would have to be kept in mind by the state is quality of sanitary napkins, and for that purpose, past experience is utmost necessary,” the court said.

“Further, the supply is for 9,940 schools in Maharashtra. A large number of supply is required, therefore past turnover and experience is relevant,” it added.

TMC COLLECTS ` 591 CRORE IN PROPERTY TAX TILL JAN-END

Thane (PTI): The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has collected property tax worth Rs591 crore till the end of January 2023 in the ongoing financial year, said Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar in a statement. During the same period in the previous year, the amount of property tax collected was Rs481 crore, he said.

The Majiwada-Manpada administrative ward saw the most tax collection at Rs206.37 crore. The collection in other wards is as follows: Utalsar Rs39.88 crore, Naupada-Kopri Rs72.26 crore, Kalwa Rs20.46 crore, Mumbra Rs24.31 crore, Diva Rs26.78 crore, Wagle Rs19.58 crore, and head office Rs75.66 crore.

CRITERIA CONUNDRUM

The conditions were that the bidders had to have three years of experience in supplying sanitary napkins and an annual turnover of Rs12 crore. Taking cognizance of the conditions, the court said, “Safety and hygiene of school girls are important and for that purpose, the quality has to be maintained. We do not find any illegality in the tender conditions.” Additional government pleader BV Samant told the court that the tender has the conditions to ensure that the quality of the product is maintained.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A 19-year-old college student was stabbed to death with sharp-edged weapons in the middle of a road on Thursday evening by two unknown persons, Chunabhatti police informed. The deceased has been identified as Mukhtar Sheikh, a resident of Chembur area.

According to the police, on Thursday evening, around 6.30 pm, two youths stabbed Sheikh and fled from the spot. The accused are currently absconding.

Witnesses took the student to the nearest hospital in a badly injured condition, where the doctor declared him brought dead, the police informed. The victim had been returning home from college in the Chunabhatti area when the incident occured.

According to the police, the case has a love affair angle. A girl was

ST conductor pops off for a drink leaving bus stranded; suspended

First India Bureau

Latur: The conductor of a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus has been suspended for heading out for a drink while leaving his passengers stranded, in Latur district, officials said on Friday.

The incident took place on Thursday morning on the route between Latur and Kalamb in Osmanabad, an official said.

“The conductor got the bus to halt at Katgaon village and got off. Irate passengers, who waited for more than an hour, set out in search of him and found him sitting at a local watering hole,” the official said.

“He was suspended after a medical check-up showed he had consumed alcohol during duty hours.

There were 38 passengers

The project pertains to supply of sanitary napkins in government schools in the state of Maharashtra. Naturally, the predominant factor that would have to be kept in mind by the state is the quality of sanitary napkins, and for that purpose, past experience is utmost necessary.

—Bombay High Court

He left 38 passengers stranded in Latur dist, and traipsed off to the local watering hole

in the bus,” the MSRTC Osmanabad divisional traffic controller said. This comes a day after an unidentified man drove off with a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus from Latur and abandoned it in a village some 14 kilometres away in neighbouring Karnataka. “The bus, which was deployed for services on the Nilanga-Aurad Shahajani route, was parked by driver Balaji Keokane at the end of his duty hours and was stolen between 3 am and 6 am,” a police official had said on Thursday.

Rally only allowed if ‘no hate speech’ is guaranteed: SC

First India Bureau New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the Maharashtra government to ensure that there are no hate speeches if the Hindu Jan Aakrosh rally is permitted in Mumbai on February 05.

sion is granted, it will be subject to the condition that nobody will make any hate speech or act in defiance of law and in violation of public order,” the bench said in its order.

in a relationship with one of the accused earlier, but she ended it and started seeing Mukhtar Sheikh.

Enraged over it, the accused stabbed the youth along with a friend, stated the police.

Cops have identified one of the accused involved in the murder. They have registered a case under sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the two unidentified persons. Later, the cops indentified one of the accused.

If the event is allowed, it would be on the condition that nobody will make any hate speech and act in defiance of the law or disturb the public order, a bench of Justices KM Joseph and JB Pardiwala held. The bench added that the police is to record the event, should it take place, and make the video available to the court.

“Record submissions of Solicitor General that if permission is applied for holding the apprehended meeting on February 05, it will be considered and if permis-

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Maharashtra government, gave the undertaking that action will be taken against hate speeches. However,

he also questioned the demand to stop the event, saying that it would amount to “precensorship”. The apex court was hearing a plea that sought the court’s intervention to direct state authorities to take action and not to allow a rally on February 05 in Mumbai, alleging that the platform would be used to spread hatred among communities.

BMC budget: CM bats for pollution control, better health system

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal to prioritize pollution control, strengthening of the health system, administration transparency, and city’s beautifica-

tion while making the civic body’s budget.

Shinde’s direction came as BMC is to present the budget of the richest corporation in the country today. The BMC’s budget is set to increase to Rs50,000 crore which is larger than budgets of some states.

Committed to providing clean air to the city,

the CM said, “To control pollution and air quality in Mumbai, air purifier towers should be installed in the city like they are installed in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Lucknow.”

At the same time, Shinde said that measures will be taken to increase urban forestry.

Interestingly, undivided Shiv Sena has held the BMC for 25 years; so Shinde is technically the opposition in the civic body. Elections have been due since the council -

The Mumbai municipal administration should make efforts to ensure that the citizens experience good governance. It should be fulfilled in such a way that citizens can get all the facilities easily.

—Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister

lors’ term expired in March 2022. The Guardian

quality in the city and assured that the air quality will improve within a month.

“The air quality of Mumbai has worsened and we cannot sit idle without doing anything. Within a month you will notice an improvement in the air quality. We have conducted many meetings with the BMC regarding this issue,” Lodha told reporters.

Pointing to the health of Mumbaikars, CM said that a door-to-door screening campaign

should take place for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. CM also suggested special measures to take care of the health of Mumbaikars.

“About 27% of Mumbaikars suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure disorders. The chief minister has directed that they should go door to door and prepare their data through the municipal Health Department,” a press note issued by the Public Relations Department of government said.

Minis-

ter for Mumbai suburban district and Bharatiya Janata Party

(BJP) leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha also stressed cleaner air

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde felicitates Marathi author Narendra Chapalgaonkar during the 96th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, in Wardha district on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Div bench disposes petition filed by a start-up owned by 69-year-old man challenging conditions imposed by the state; says safety, hygiene of girls imp

Tender conditions for supply of sanitary napkins to 9,940 govt schools were opposed by the plea.

Passemgers waited for hm to show up for more than an hour.

Shinde calls for measures to ensure clean air, door-to-door health surveys and ‘good governance’

FIGHTING SPIRIT

Young cancer patients and caregivers commemorate World Cancer Day outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus station in Mumbai on Friday. It was illuminated with orange lights by the Cancer Patients Aid Association to create awareness about the disease.

Last Sunday, activists of right-wing outfits took out a ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha’ rally against ‘Love Jihad’. —FILE PHOTO

Youth stabbed to death,

complaint

filed against 2

One of the accused had been in a relationship with the 19-yr-old’s gf earlier

❍ HINDU JAN AAKROSH MORCHA

—PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

GOLD PRICE, ALL-TIME HIGH! WHAT SHOULD INVESTORS DO?

of the yellow metal.

PERFORMANCE OF GOLD DURING PERIODS OF HIGH INFLATION

Safe Haven Asset: Demand for gold rises during geopolitical uncertainties, pandemics, and crises as physical gold which is a high-value asset, can be easily transported, and also liquidity is such that it can be easily converted into cash in any part of the world.

Demand and Supply Factor: Continuous supply of gold is difficult as extracting gold from mines is a multiyear exercise involving a lot of effort, but demand for gold can shift in no time depending upon the economic conditions and thus fluctuate.

IN-DEPTH PAKISTAN’S DOUBLE JEOPARDY: BLAST IN MOSQUE AND IMF’S NO FOR NOW

NO,

Pakistan, which is battling economic woes, the recent events have come as double jeopardy. First a suicide bomb attacker killed 100 people in an attack on a mosque.

Gold prices touched all-time highs at Rs 59,500 per 10gm. Since the beginning of 2022, gold prices have gone up by ~20%. Gold was the best-performing asset class last year beating other asset classes like equities and debt by a huge margin.

REASONS WHY GOLD PRICES SOARED

US dollar rates hit a 9-month low, causing the price of gold to rally in the domestic and international markets.

Budget 2023 increased import duty on silver from 7.5% to 10% bringing it to par with gold. The 5% agriculture and infrastructure cess make the total duty payable at 15%.

Overall imported jewelry in all precious metals and article made of gold and silver now attract an import duty of 25% as against 20% previously.

Capital gains tax has been exempt from the conversion of physical gold into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), boosting the financialization of gold.

WHAT HAS ONE MISSED BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF GOLD IN THE PORTFOLIO?

Gold as an asset class is considered to be a haven. This is because of its inverse relationship with that of other asset classes such as equity. When equity markets are under stress, gold prices tend to

AMARTYA SEN WON’T DO THAT

go up as investors seek to shift their investments to gold. Historically gold returns have averaged around 9% for Indian investors. In the last 5 years, gold prices have almost doubled delivering CAGR returns of 14.5% compared to the Nifty 50 which has gone up by 63% in the same period.

A peculiar thing about gold is that it can lie low for long periods and then compensate through spectacular results. The sharp rally seen particularly post covid is a case in point. However, over longer periods, the high returns have more than often compensated for occasional sub-par ones.

PHYSICAL GOLD

V/S ETF V/S SGB

Gold is a go-to investment in India and is considered very auspicious. The government has introduced alternatives to physical gold in the form of Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds. One can opt for which form they choose to invest in based on their needs, Physical gold is freely available in India and can be liquidated easily in return for cash. It is however taxed as capital gains depending on the holding period and it can be difficult to store as it has a high risk of being stolen.

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are mutual funds that invest in gold bullion and track gold’s domestic prices. They are backed by gold with a purity of 99.5%. Gold ETFs are in dematerialized format and are an alternative to physical gold. One unit of Gold ETF is equivalent to one gram of gold and is listed on exchanges like NSE and BSE.

Viswa-Bharati University (VBU), a public Central university which was set up by Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan, but now of rightist leaning, showed its fangs to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen over a land dispute. The university’s vice-chancellor has accused Sen of occupying a portion of its land which, Sen claims, was purchased by his father from the market and not from the university. Attacking Sen, university’s vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty also said that he was not awarded a Nobel in economics.

“Nobel Prizes are awarded in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Peace… Amartya Sen did not

Gold is a go-to investment in India and is considered very auspicious. The government has introduced alternatives to physical gold in the form of Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds. One can opt for which form they choose to invest in based on their needs

WHY IS GOLD A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Diversification tool: The idea behind diversification is to reduce the correlation between financial instruments and products held in a portfolio. Gold has a negative correlation with equities and fixed-income instruments and tends to perform well in a low-interest environment. In the year 2008, which witnessed the global financial crisis, gold shined while stocks crashed.

Hedge against inflation and protection against deflation: During periods of extreme inflation, gold prices have risen and the stock markets have crashed. With high inflation, the local currency loses its purchasing power but gold tends to hold its value and rise against the domestic currency. During the episodes of decreasing prices, that is deflation, people tend to hold liquid cash as well as gold, soaring the price

Nobel laureate Sen said that the VC was accusing him of occupying land purchased by his father that could be verified from land records & that he was paying khajna & Panchayat taxes for the land every year

get the Nobel Prize as the award is not awarded in Economics…

So if Sen, who is a famous person, claims he has received a Nobel prize it is not correct,” Chakraborty said. Technically Chakraborty is right but the Sveriges Riksbank Prize is always referred to as the Nobel

HOW MUCH GOLD SHOULD AN INVESTOR HAVE IN HIS/HER PORTFOLIO?

Now that it’s clear why gold should be a part of the investment portfolio, the next important step is the percentage of allocation. It should be noted that there is no specific ratio or perfect method to calculate the allocation of gold in one’s portfolio. However, historical evidence suggests that along with the percentage of allocation, the reason for allocation is equally important.

If one invests in gold to achieve portfolio diversification, then historically it has been seen that a 10%20% allocation does reduce the average returns slightly, but it significantly reduces the standard deviation. A greater allocation (more than 20%) towards gold reduces the average return substantially but unlike the above situation, the allocation fails to reduce the standard deviation.

CONCLUSION

If one already holds gold in the physical form or through SBGs and ETFs it is best to reach out to a registered financial advisor who can help balance the portfolio to match the risk profile and financial goals of the holder. It is important to have a diversified portfolio that matches investor needs. Thus gold will and should remain a necessary part of an investor’s portfolio.

While it is true that historical perspectives are used many times in the above article, they should only be used as guidance to invest in the future.

Prize in economics. Sen said that the VC was accusing him of occupying land purchased by his father that could be verified from land records and that he was paying khajna and Panchayat taxes for the land every year. The Nobel laureate, now 80, described the attack on him as a “crude attempt at harassment or worse”. Coming to Sen’s defence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally handed over the official land deed to Sen to help him take on the VBU VC.

In an indirect reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sen said, “there are certain people in Delhi who don’t like me due to disagreement of opinion”. Whatever be the reason, the VC has kicked up an unsavoury row.

Second, the International Monetary Fund has rejected Pakistan’s revised Circular Debt Management Plan. With not enough cash inflow, the country is facing problems in paying its creditors and suppliers, hence circular debt and it desperately needs a bailout package for its survival. The IMF is asking Pakistan to halve its subsidy to power consumers to half from the present 675 billion Pakistani rupees by raising tariffs more than what the government has done. With its circular debt estimated to be in the vicinity of 2,113 Pakistani rupees in the current Fiscal.

The mosque attack shows that the snake which Pakistan’s establishment has been feeding to use against India, has bitten its master. Patronising terrorists, especially of the Talibani and ISIS variety, is self-destructive. But a bigoted Pakistan is unwilling to learn.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.

Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEETS

Vaishnaw @AshwiniVaishnaw

Thankful to PM @narendramodi Ji for record budget allocation in railways for all states. #AmritKaalBudget

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya @mansukhmandviya

World’s Most Popular Leader! The Pradhan Sevak of the world’s largest democracy, PM @NarendraModi Ji, leads among global leaders with an approval rating of 78%. PM Modi Ji’s works, policies, and vision speak for him!

Ashwini

LOP KHARGE GIVES SUSPENSION NOTICE

The notice has been

New Delhi: Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha (LoP), Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday gave a notice for suspension of business under rule 267 to discuss the issue of investment by LIC, public sector banks and financial institutions in companies losing market value.

Opposition gave the Suspension of Business Notice for both Houses of the Parliament, demanding a discussion on the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group.

Among the leaders, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva gave suspension of business notice under rule 267 to discuss "The adverse impact of the business activities of Adani group on India economically and morally," he said.

given amid an increasing likelihood of proceedings of both Houses getting disrupted over Adani issue

MY RULING HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY DISREGARDED: RS CHAIRMAN DHANKHAR

New Delhi: Dismissing the suspension of business notices of 15 members on Adani row, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Friday that his ruling has been continuously disregarded, and that the notices of several members were identical and did not fulfill the requirements under rule 267. “The parliamentary democracy survives on ruling of the chair and once the ruling has been given it can’t be questioned as there are codified rules for it,” said Dhankhar. “My ruling has been continuously disregarded,” he added Leader of opposition in the RS, Mallikarjun Kharge along with 14 other members gave a notice for suspension of business under rule 267 to discuss the issue of investment by LIC, public sector banks and financial institutions in companies losing market value.

Opposition MPs attend the meeting led by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House amid row over Adani stocks during the ongoing

fraud in investment by LIC, SBI, Public Sector Banks and Other Financial Institutions losing market value."

BUDGET SESSION

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also gave the Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss "the issue of

In a tweet posted on Friday morning, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh saidthat "Floor leaders of Opposition parties will be meeting in the chamber of LoP Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament to coordinate

IN THE COURTYARD

“NOBODY TAKING ACTION” DESPITE ORDERS

PASSED: SUPREME COURT ON HATE SPEECH

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday lamented that nobody was taking action against hate speeches despite its orders, and observed that the top court will be left “embarrassed again and again” if it is asked to give further directions to curb such statements. The court’s strong observations were made when a plea seeking to prohibit an event scheduled to be held on February 5 by the Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha in Mumbai was mentioned for an urgent hearing.

AAP’S CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS HER

PLEA FROM SC FOR TIME-BOUND POLLS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Aam Aadmi Party’s mayoral candidate Shelly Oberoi to withdraw her plea demanding the mayor post election be conducted in a time-bound manner.

Oberoi withdrew her plea after a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the MCD election is slated to be held on February 6. The Delhi mayor election was stalled on January 24 as the House was adjourned indefinitely by the LG-appointed presiding officer following a ruckus by some councillors. The AAP has been accusing the BJP of running away from holding the election for the post of Mayor.

DELAY

IN TRANSFER OF JUDGES IN HC MAY

LEAD TO ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its concern on the issue of keeping the list of the transfers of judges of the high courts pending with the Centre and warned that delay in transfers might lead to administrative actions which may not be palatable. A bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that the transfer is a serious issue. The court also said that it will not let third parties to clear names in this and warned that it doesn’t make the court take a difficult stand.

SINGAPORE CJ SUNDARESH SHARES

BENCH WITH CJI CHANDRACHUD IN SC

New Delhi: Chief Justice of Singapore Sundaresh

Menon on Friday sat on the Supreme Court of India bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud. Justice

Menon, who has been serving as the fourth chief justice of Singapore since 2012, is in India to take part in a function to be held on Saturday to mark the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the SC. Justice Menon is the chief guest at the function. The Singapore chief justice will deliver a lecture on the “Role of judiciary in a changing world” at the event which will feature a welcome address by Justice SK Kaul and an address by the CJI as well.

CENTRE ELEVATES JUDICIAL OFFICER

SHARMA AS JUDGE OF MANIPUR HC

New Delhi: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday notified the elevation of a Judicial Officer Aribam Guneshwar Sharma as Judge of the Manipur High Court. The SC Collegium recently in its meeting held on January 10 approved the proposal for the elevation of Aribam Guneshwar Sharma as judge of the High Court of Manipur. Before being elevated as the judge of Manipur HC, Sharma was the District & Sessions Judge, having jurisdiction over revenue districts of Imphal West.

KERALA BUDGET: CONG ATTACKS PINARAYI

VIJAYAN GOVT OVER ‘TAX TERRORISM’

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of Opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly VD Satheesan lashed out at the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the State Budget announcement. Speaking to mediapersons, Satheesan said, “Imposing numerous taxes, the government is trying to introduce tax terrorism in the state. We are already facing a debt situation and the government is now imposing more taxes on the common man. These tax hikes have been in effect for the last 6 years. A new burden of Rs 4,000 crore in taxation is being put on the people.” The Congress leader said after the flood and pandemic situation the financial health of people became very vulnerable.

strategy. Only an independent investigation will save LIC, SBI & other institutions

Ramcharitmanas

row: FIR against SP's Maurya, eight others

Gwalior: A case has been registered here against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya and eight others for hurting religious sentiments and disturbing social harmony over his contoversial remarks against Ramcharitmanas.

Acting on a complaint of Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha office bearer Praveen Chaudhary, the case was registered at Gwalior Crime Branch police station yesterday.

As per FIR, a copy of which is with ANI, Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha office bearer Chaudhary submitted a written complaint demanding legal action against the said persons. The case was registered under IPC sections 153A and 295 at Gwalior Crime Branch police station.

forced by PM (Prime Minister) to invest in Adani Group."

Other leaders of the

Rajya Sabha who gave the notice were MP Amee Yajnik, MP Neeraj Dangi and MP Kumar Ketkar. From Lok Sabha, MP Nama Nageshwar Rao also gave the Suspension of Business Notice. The notice has been given amid an increasing likelihood of proceedings of both Houses getting disrupted over the US-based firm Hindenburg’s allegations against Adani group, for the second day in a row.

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses the party supporters during Vijay Sankalp Rally, at Amarpur, in Gomati on Friday.

Agartala (PTI): Mocking at the CPI(M) and the Congress for contesting the Tripura Assembly elections jointly, BJP national president J P Nadda on Friday claimed that they have come together not for the state’s development but to save their existence.

For the first time in the northeastern state, the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which ran the government in Tripura for 25 years till 2018, and the Congress entered into a seat-sharing deal to contest the poll for the

CM SAHA’S DOOR-TODOOR CAMPAIGN

Tripura: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha held a door-to-door campaign in the state capital Agartala, ahead of the Assembly elections which is scheduled to be held on February 16. The BJP is looking to retain power in the state and win another term in the northeastern state.

60-member assembly. The CPI(M) will contest in 43 seats while Left Front constituents Forward Block, RSP and CPI will fight in one constituency each.

TO

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: It has been more than two weeks since BJP’s national president JP Nadda got extension in tenure but so far there is no indication that there is going to be any change in the party organisation. He has not even indicated the inclusion of any new member in his team or the removal of anyone. Not only this, there is no clarity regarding the state presidents as well. There was no possibility of much upheaval regarding the central organization, but there was talk of change in

many states. But now instead of change, the discussion has started that like Nadda, the tenure of state presidents can also be extended till the next election?

This question is being raised because the executive meeting is going on in the states and the old presidents are handling everything. In Bihar, the state executive meeting has been held in Darbhanga, in which the proposal has been accepted on the instructions of the central leadership of the party that BJP will never align with Nitish Kumar’s party. There was

no official discussion about the organization in this meeting also. But according to the leaders who participated, it was being discussed quietly whether the State President Sanjay Jaiswal can also get extension of work? His tenure has come to an end and there has been talk of replacing him for a long time. But now its discus sion has stopped.

Similarly, in Jharkhand, the state ex ecutive meeting was held at Deoghar, where the byelections to be held on

‘GOVT

DOESN’T WANT DISCUSSION ON ISSUES IT FEELS WOULD EMBARRASS IT’

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi dispensation has been “stalling” the Opposition’s demand for discussions on every issue which it feels would embarrass it, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor alleged Friday, slamming the government for “not allowing” discussion in Parliament on Adani Group stock rout. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Friday due to protests by opposition members demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee into the fraud-allegation-triggered rout in Adani Group company stocks. The Thiruvananthapuram MP said Parliament is a place to discuss issues facing the nation so that people can see “the concerns of the MPs and what the MPs are focussing on”. “Sadly, however, our government doesn’t see the merit of it,” Tharoor said.

Lokayukta complaint filed against Vadra, Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah and Robert Vadra Bengaluru: A complaint had been lodged in Karnataka Lokayukta against Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi‘s son-inlaw Robert Vadra in connection with illegally taking over of Rs 9,600 crore worth 1,100 acres of land in and around Bengaluru.

Sources in Lokayukta, on Friday, confirmed that the investigation has been taken up.

Bengaluru BJP unit president N.R. Ramesh has filed 120 separate complaints in this regard. The scandal had taken place during the tenure of Siddaramaiah headed Congress government. 10 separate complaints, 3,728 pages of documents, 62 hours of video footage have been submitted.

‘Centre working to fill judges’ vacancies fast’

New Delhi: The Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday informed the Parliament that the Central government is committed to filling up of vacancies expeditiously in a time-bound manner.

He stated that the pendency of cases in courts is not only due to a shortage of judges in High Courts but also due to various other factors like an increase in the number of states and central legislations, accumulation of first appeals, continuation of ordinary civil jurisdiction in some of the High Courts, appeals against orders of quasi-judicial forums going to High Courts, the number of revisions/appeals, (vii) indiscriminate use of writ jurisdiction, lack of adequate arrangement to monitor, tracking and bunching of cases for hearing, vacation period of Courts, assigning work of administrative nature to

Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju ‘NO PROPOSAL TO USE RVM IN ELECTION’

New Delhi: There is no proposal to use the remote electronic voting machine (RVM) in the “upcoming election” in the country and it is also not proposed for the use of NonResident Indian (NRI) voters, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. Several assembly polls are due this year, while the Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2024.

the Judges, etc.

He also informed the Parliament that while filling up vacancies in the High Courts is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process that requires con-

sultation and approval from various constitutional authorities, vacancies keep arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of Judges. Rijiju informed, “To increase the judge strength of HC, the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the concerned HC, as well as the State Government, is required since the Chief Justice of that HC is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the court and State Government has to provide for infrastructural facilities, salaries of Judges etc.”

one seat in the state and further elections were discussed. There was also discussion about running a campaign against the state government, but there was

no idea about the organizational changes, if any. There too ran a murmur that whether Deepak Prakash would continue as the president? His term has also ended. But considering his closeness with Nadda, it is being said that he may get extension.

State president Adesh Gupta resigned after the BJP lost the municipal elections held in the capital Delhi in December. Virendra Sachdeva was made acting president in his place. Now he is seen working

as full time president and is busy preparing for the next election.

Due to this, the leaders of Delhi Pradesh, who were in the race for the post of president, are disappointed and are trying to find out whether Virendra Sachdeva will be made the president or a new president will be appointed. In Rajasthan, there was talk of replacement of State President Satish Punia and Madhya Pradesh President VD Sharma, but now it is being said that both of them may also get an extension till the next Lok Sabha elections.

With Nadda’s extension, state chiefs also get a breather?

budget session, at LoP’s parliament office, in New Delhi on Friday.

‘CPI(M), Congress contesting jointly to save their existence’

CRACKDOWN TO CONTINUE IN COMING DAYS, SAYS ASSAM CM

Over 2,000 people have been arrested in a massive crackdown so far

Guwahati (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday informed that the crackdown against child marriages in the state would continue in the coming days.

The CM further informed that the Director General of Police (DGP) shall share the details of the crackdown with the press on Friday evening.

"Till 8 am, around 1800 people have been arrested in relation to child marriages in the state. This crackdown will continue for the next three to four days. The DGP will share the details of the crackdown with the press in the evening. Right now, even I do not have the details," the chief minister said while talking to the media.

"By evening, a clear picture shall emerge of the number of arrests as well as the action taken by us against them. The arrests made district-wise shall also be shared by the DGP in the evening," he added.

The chief minister

also talked about the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers who took part in the 74th Republic Day celebrations. He said, "The NCC and NSS cadets take part in the Republic Day Parade. Only the selected students get a chance to take part in this parade. This time,

INDIA REPORTS 99 NEW COVID-19 CASES IN 24 HOURS; ACTIVE CASES NOW 1,764

New Delhi: India has reported 99 new covid-19 cases and zero deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data showed on Friday. Active cases have increased to 1,764 while total number of covid cases have reached 4.47 crore. The country reported 530,741 covid related deaths since the onset of the pandemic. Karnataka reported 133 active cases, while Kerala has 1198 active cases.

SPEEDING CAR HITS BIKE, DRAGS IT FOR 4KM

New Delhi: Two men had a narrow escape after the bike they were riding on was hit by a speeding car and dragged for about 4 km in Gurugram. The incident happened in the Sector 62 area when the duo was returning home on their bike. The duo told police that the driver was drunk when he rammed into their bike from behind.

Uttarakhand will be drug free by year 2025, says CM Dhami

SPIRIT OF ZERO TOLERANCE, SAYS SARMA

Yogi Adityanath govt transfers 11 IPS officers in Uttar Pradesh

the Assam NCC and NSS contingent went for the parade. I even met the NCC students who were under one month of training in Delhi. I met them today once again. A lot of hard work is needed to reach this position. I met everyone and extended my greetings."

"It would be great if NCC was made compul-

Delhi LG Saxena approves Dy CM Sisodia’s foreign trip

AIRTEL 5G NOW LIVE IN 4 CITIES OF KERALA

Trivandrum: Bharti Airtel on Friday launched its 5G services in Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. The company mentioned that its 5G services are already live in Kochi. Airtel 5G Plus services will be available in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the roll-out.

BSF JAWANS FOIL SMUGGLING BID ON BORDER; 1 BANGLADESHI WOMAN HELD

North 24 Parganas (West Bengal): Officials of the Border Security Force apprehended one Bangladeshi woman red-handed with 10 bottles of Phensedyl and other cosmetic items, officials said on Friday. According to the BSF, the smuggler was trying to smuggle these goods from India to Bangladesh. The apprehended smuggler has been identified as Reshma Sheikh, a resident of District Jashore, Bangladesh.

New Delhi (ANI): Amidst an ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena over approving teachers’ educational trip to Finland, the latter on Friday approved Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s foreign trip to the US.

As per a press note issued, “Delhi LG, VK Saxena has approved a foreign tour by Deputy CM, Manish Sisodia, his Secretary and Secretary (Education).”

Sisodia sent a proposal to the LG, seeking approval for his foreign tour as he wanted to attend an event, organized by the TESOL Education Convention in Portland city, Oregon, US.

sory. We still do not have the infrastructure big enough for people from the army, navy and air force to come and train and instruct people," he added.

On the introduction of NCC in border schools, the he said, "We have been asked to introduce NCC in all border area schools and colleges by PM Narendra Modi.

Guwahati (ANI): The Chief Minister said he has asked the Assam police to act against the menace with a “spirit of zero tolerance”. The crackdown began early in the morning and it will continue over the next few days. Police are investigating more than 4,000 cases of child marriage registered across Assam in less than a fortnight, the CM said. The Assam cabinet has decided to charge men who marry girls below 14 years of age under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences or POCSO Act, while the men who have married teen girls in the 14-18 years age group will be charged under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The CM also said that the “war” against child marriage will be “secular” and no single community will be targeted. “Those who facilitate such marriages, like clerics and priests, will also face action,” he said.

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called upon people in the state to work to come forward to help the government in its resolution to make the state drug-free by the year 2025.

Dhami on Thursday inaugurated de-addiction workshop 'Mission Drugs Free Devbhoomi' organised in the district jail of Dehradun.

"De-addiction is a very important subject. It is our resolution that by 2025 not even a single person of Devbhoomi should be addicted to drugs," Dhami said.

The Chief Minister said that the campaign of government has to be made a grand campaign and in this process, the contribution of every resident of the state is important.

“For the accomplishment of this resolution, along with the government, society, youth, NGOs, celebrities, successful people and various social-educational institutions will have to come forward and work together. This campaign of the government has to be made a grand campaign,” he said.

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow : The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh transferred 11 IPS officers on Friday in which Jaunpur SP Ajay Sahni, who was promoted from SP to DIG, has been removed and sent to Saharanpur as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

On the other hand, after the Vikas Dubey scandal, IPS Anantdev has been made the new DIG of Railway Prayagraj. IPS Ajaypal Sharma has been made SP Jaunpur. Meanwhile, IPS Kamlesh Dixit has been made SP Rules and Manual, IPS Shivhari Meena has been made SP Cyber Crime Lucknow and an honest IPS Pawan Kumar has been made SP Anti Narcotics Task Force Lucknow.

Moreover, IPS Rohan

It is believed that after the Global Investors Summit, IAS officers will also be transferred

Pramod Botre has been appointed as SP Women and Child Protection Organisation, IPS Dinesh Tripathi as SP 112 Headquarters Lucknow, IPS Vineet Jaiswal as Deputy Commissioner of Police Lucknow, IPS Suniti as SP Administration Headquarters and IPS Jai Prakash Singh as SP Security Headquarters Lucknow.

It is believed that after the Global Investors Summit, IAS officers will also be transferred in the state.

Houses in J&K’s Doda develop cracks

Doda: Nineteen families were evacuated after their homes developed cracks at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, officials said on Friday.

The authorities also declared unsafe a mosque and a religious school for girls at Nai Basti village in Thathri, 35 kilometres from Doda town along the Kishtwar-Batote National Highway.

A few structures in the village started devel-

oping cracks a couple of days ago but the situation was exacerbated by a landslide with the

number of buildings damaged reaching 21.

"We have shifted 19 affected families to a

DGCA seeks report as IndiGo flies

Patna-bound passenger to Udaipur

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry after a passenger who was supposed to take an Indigo flight to Patna instead boarded another flight of the airline and landed at Udaipur - about 1400km away from his destination. The incident was reported on January 30 (Monday), and the pas-

SUSPENSE PREVAILS ON SIDHU’S RELEASE

senger was sent to his destination next day.

A senior DGCA official said that the passenger, identified as Afsar Hussain, booked a ticket for Patna via In-

When will Sidhu be released now?

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was the president of Punjab Pradesh Congress, was to be released from jail on January 26. But just before that it got lacer ated and he could not be released. His release was so sure that he was also invited by Con gress and Rahul Gandhi to join the Bharat Jodo Yatra in

Jammu and Kashmir.

Positioning of leaders in favor and opposition

Now, even if he is released in the first week of April, he might not join AAP so easily. Therefore, he will remain in Congress or go with BJP.

had also started in the State Congress. But he was not released. Now it is being said that he may come out of jail in the first week of April.

Significantly, Sidhu surrendered on May 20, 2022 and went to jail after being sentenced for one year by the Su-

preme Court. Thus his sentence is coming to an end on 19th May 2023 and on that day he will anyway be released from jail. But then his release will not be the subject of any political maneuver. If he is released in the first week of April, then it

will be considered from a political point of view.

It is being said that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab is also eyeing Sidhu. Earlier also there was talk of Sidhu joining AAP which knows well that at least one Lok Sabha seat is confirmed when Sidhu joins the party. For this reason, BJP’s eyes are also on him. By not releasing Sidhu from jail on January 26, the Punjab government has distanced him from AAP.

digo flight 6E-214 and reached Delhi airport on January 30 to board the scheduled flight. But he mistakenly boarded Udaipur-bound flight 6E-319 of Indigo. The passenger realised the mistake only after landing at Udaipur Airport. After which he informed officials at Udaipur Airport, who then alerted the airline about the matter.

HIGHWAY-26 BLOCKED AFTER LANDSLIDE IN HP

Lahaul & Spiti (ANI):

Himachal Pradesh police blocked Tandi-Killar State Highway-26 after a landslide, informed officials. According to officers of the Tindi police station, the landslide struck 5km ahead of Tindi, towards Pangi. As many as 53 stranded passengers were rescued, said officials.

safer location after their houses were rendered unsafe. We are observing the situation

and taking steps as per need to ensure their safety," Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Thathri) Athar Amin Zargar told PTI.

The deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police visited the spot and assured all help to the affected families, he said. Zargar, however, refused to compare the situation to that in Joshimath -- that is facing a major challenge due to land subsidence.

Four hospitalised as vehicles of Akhilesh’s convoy collide

Lucknow: Six people were injured, four of them seriously, when seven vehicles of the convoy of Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav collided among themselves in the adjoining Hardoi district on Friday.

However, Akhilesh Yadav escaped unhurt in the incident, police said. The police said the

accident occurred under the Mallawan police station area. 7 vehicles, including 2 Fortuners running closely collided with each other.

Special Cell arrests 2 members of Lawrence’s gang in encounter

New Delhi (ANI): In an encounter, two members of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang were arrested by the Special Cell of the Northern Range of Delhi Police on Friday near Rohini Sector 28-29.

During the encounter, two rounds were fired from both ends, by gang members and the Delhi Police Special Cell but no one was harmed, said the police.

Identified as Jatin and Sandeep, both the accused were arrested after the police put up

the barricade to block their way. While Sandeep hails from Jhajjar, Haryana, the co-accused Jatin is from Baba Haridas Nagar, New Delhi.

Further investigations are underway into

the matter.

Recently, Punjab Police’s Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on Friday arrested a key operative of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered a 30 calibre Chinamade pistol along with six live cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

The arrested accused was identified as Rajveer Singh alias Ravi Rajgarh, a resident of Rajgarh village in Khanna district.

Family members wail as Assam Police arrests two persons involved in child marriage during a massive crackdown across the state, at Hatigaon, in Guwahati on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Delhi LG VK Saxena and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

Cracks have been developed in a house as Doda experiences gradual sinking, on Friday —PHOTO BY ANI

Vehicle damaged after collision.

Two members of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang in custody.

IPS Anantdev SP Ajay Sahni

business BRIEFS

PAKISTAN’S FOREX EXCHANGE RESERVES

HIT 10-YEAR LOW

‘Budget FY24 focuses on inclusive growth’

New Delhi (PTI): NITI

Aayog CEO Parameswaran

India's services sector growth eases slightly in January

Karachi: Pakistan’s central bank said on Friday that its foreign exchange reserves have dropped by 16.1% to $3.09 billion at the end of the last fiscal week, the lowest in nearly 10 years. Financial analysts said that the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan would cover just around three weeks of imports. It said that presently foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.65 billion, taking total liquid reserves in the country to $8.74 billion. —PTI

AMUL HIKES MILK PRICES BY `2 PER LITRE EXCEPT IN GUJ

Iyer on Friday described the Budget 2023-24 as 'very comprehensive and balanced' which will promote growth with inclusion.

He also observed that the Budget continues all the reforms and other social welfare programmes undertaken by the government over the past few years.

Iyer further said the Budget has something for all, from the bottom, right up to industry to trade.

"This is a Budget which focuses on growth, with inclusion. It's very balanced, it carries on from all the reforms and other social welfare programmes which the government has undertaken over the past few years," he said.

Iyer noted that the Budget focuses on infrastructure investment, social sector, and also on reaching out to the poor and marginalised section of society.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer described the Budget 2023-24 which was released on February 1, as ‘very comprehensive and balanced’ which will promote growth with inclusion

Anand: The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets its dairy products under the brand name ‘Amul’, on Friday increased the prices of milk by `2 per litre for all markets except Gujarat. Jayen Mehta, MD of the Anand-headquartered federation, said the hike in milk prices is not applicable to Gujarat. With the increase in prices, one litre pouch of Amul Taaza milk will now cost `54, while Amul Gold will be sold at `66/litre. —PTI

SBI THIRD QTR NET

PROFIT JUMPS 62%

TO `15,477

CRORE

According to Iyer, the huge focus on infrastructure and capex in the Budget will also incentivise states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised

OTHER STORIES

the capital expenditure by 33% to Rs 10 lakh crore for infrastructure development and announced a lower fiscal deficit target of 5.9% for 2023-24, while retaining it at 6.4% for current financial year.

Replying to a question on the Modi government's Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), Iyer said ABP is under the Aspira -

INDIA NOT ENGAGED WITH TAIWAN FOR 5G SERVICES

ROLLOUT, SAYS MoS FOR COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

New Delhi: India is not engaged with Taiwan for any help related to the 5G services rollout, Parliament was informed on Friday. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry

Anupriya Patel said Taiwanese companies are participating in various programmes launched by the government to boost the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor ecosystem in India. “India is not engaged with Taiwan for any help in the areas related to roll out of 5G services,” she added. PTI

GOVT SETS UP TASK FORCE TO PROMOTE SSP FERTILIZER

INDIA IMPORTS 152.7 LAKH TON FERTILISERS

TILL DEC THIS FISCAL

z He also observed that the Budget continues all the reforms and other social welfare programmes undertaken by the government

z He noted that the Budget focuses on infrastructure investment, social sector & also on reaching out to poor

tional Districts Programme.

" The budget of ABP is being worked out but basically the idea is that state governments converge funds from the existing resources and focus on datadriven delivery and tight monitoring," he said.

The NITI Aayog CEO said that all states have agreed to implement ABP.

India's forex kitty jumps $3.03 bn to $576.76 bn

Mumbai (PTI): India's forex reserves increased by $3.034 billion to $576.76 billion as of January 27, making it the third consecutive week of a jump in the kitty.

The overall reserves had risen by $1.727 billion to $573.727 billion in the previous reporting week.

New Delhi (PTI): The Indian services sector growth rate moderated in January as output and sales rose at softer rates, while subdued level of confidence among service providers towards future outlook appeared to have stymied job creation, a monthly survey said on Friday.

The seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index fell from 58.5 in December to 57.2 in January.

Despite easing from December, the latest figure remained above its longrun average (53.5) and the upturn was associated with favourable demand conditions and ongoing increase in new work.

For the 18th straight month, the headline figure was above the neutral 50 threshold. In Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) parlance, a print above 50 means expansion while a score below 50 denotes contraction.

The survey further said the rise in total new business was centred on the domestic market, as international orders decreased.

On the price front, there were slower increase in both input costs and output charges.

Growth projection in Budget conservative, says DEA secretary

New Delhi (PTI): Econom-

ic affairs secretary Ajay

Seth has said that the Budget has taken conservative estimate of nominal GDP growth of 10.5% with some scope for upside for the next fiscal beginning April 1.

"We feel that that is a conservative number with some scope for an upside, but not very significant upside. For example, in the current financial year we assumed 11% and the actual are 15% plus. So that kind of thing we don't expect next year. However, with 10.5% we don't see any downside from that number," he said. With regard to real GDP, Seth said, somewhere upward of 6.5% perhaps may be the number to make assumptions for the next year.

The Economic Survey

FOR GOODS EXPORTS US emerges as India’s top destination: Govt

PROJECTED GDP GROWTH

z In her fifth straight Budget, FM Nirmala Sitharaman has projected a nominal GDP growth of 10.5% the next financial year

z The Economic Survey 2022-23 released earlier this week too projected India’s economy to grow at slower pace at 6.5% in the fiscal year starting April

2022-23 released earlier this week too projected India's economy to grow at slower pace at 6.5% in the fiscal year starting April but will remain the fastest growing major economy in the world as it fared better in dealing with the extraordinary set of challenges the globe has faced.

Wheat prices fall over 10% in 7 days: Government

New Delhi (PTI): The government on Friday said wheat prices have fallen more than 10% in the past one week following its decision to sell the grain in open market to check rising prices.

Mumbai: Country’s largest lender State Bank of India on Friday reported a 62% growth in its net profit at `15,477 crore during the quarter ended December 2022. On a standalone basis, the lender’s net post-tax profit grew to `14,205 crore during the October-December 2022 period, which was up from `8,432 crore in the yearago period. The public sector lender’s total income grew to `98,084 crore from `78,351 crore in the year-ago period, while the operating expenses were up at `24,317 crore from `20,839 crore. —PTI

GOLD TUMBLES `681; SILVER PLUMMETS

BY `2,045 PER KG

New Delhi: The government has set up a task force under the aegis of Fertiliser Association of India to find out ways to improve the quality of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertiliser and promote its use as an alternative to Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP). In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, MoS for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwant Khuba said the consumption of SSP has increased in the country from 44.88 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 56.81 lakh tonnes in 2021-22. The govt is promoting the combination of SSP and urea in the ratio of 3:1 in order to encourage its use. PTI

New Delhi: India imported 152.7 lakh tonne of fertiliser, including urea and P&K, till December of the current fiscal, Parliament was informed on Friday.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwant Khuba said: “The country imported 62.44 lakh tonne of urea and 90.26 lakh tonne of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers during April-December period of the current fiscal”. Among P&K fertilisers, the country imported 53.18 lakh tonne of Di-ammonium phosphate, 16.22 lakh tonne of Muriate of Potash and 20.86 lakh tonne of NPK soil nutrients till December. PTI

SAYS MoS COMMUNICATIONS

New Delhi: Gold price tumbled `681 to `57,929 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid a decline in rates of precious metal globally, according to the HDFC Securities. The yellow metal had ended `58,610 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also plummeted `2,045 to `70,335/kg. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were traded in red at $1,913 per ounce and $23.38 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

For the week ended January 27, the foreign currency assets increased by $2.66 billion to $509.018 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by the RBI.

The gold reserves continued to rise, increasing by $316 million to $44.027 bn.

The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by $46 million to $18.478 billion, the apex bank said.

New Delhi (PTI): The US has emerged as India's top destination for merchandise exports during AprilDecember this fiscal at $59.7 billion, Parliament was informed on Friday.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government has taken a series of measures to promote the country's exports.

The steps include an extension of existing foreign trade policy till March 31;

BSNL expected to clock net profit in FY27

New Delhi (PTI): Stateowned telco BSNL is expected to turn around, generating net profit in fiscal year 2026-27, with the implementation of the approved revival measures, Parliament was informed on Friday.

Losses of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) were pegged at `3,589 crore in April-September 2022-23 as it clocked an income of ` 9,366 crore and incurred total expenditure of `12,956 crore, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

LOSS SECTOR TILL NOW

z Losses of BSNL were pegged at `3,589 crore in April-September 2022-23 as it clocked an income of `9,366 crore and incurred total expenditure of `12,956 crore

z In 2021-22, losses stood at `6,982 crore, against income of `19,052 cr and expenses of `26,034 crore

revival package,” Chauhan said.

The Cabinet had approved a revival package for both BSNL and MTNL in 2019.

Further, the Union Cabinet on July 2022 cleared a ` 1.64 lakh crore revival package for BSNL.

an extension of interest equalisation (subsidy) scheme on pre and postshipment rupee export credit till March 31 next year; and a roll-out of Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme.

According to the data provided by the minister in his reply, the US was followed by UAE ($23.31 billion); Netherlands ($14.1 billion); China ($11 billion); Singapore and Bangladesh (about $9 billion each).

State-run Food Corporation of India has so far sold 9.2 lakh tonnes of wheat to bulk users at an average rate of ` 2,474 per quintal on the first two-days of eauction held this week.

"The e-auction has already left an impact of a fall in market prices of wheat by more than 10% in the past one week," the Food Ministry said in a statement.

The "prices are set to fall further", it added.

Markets jump over 1% on buying in banking stocks

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmarks rallied over 1% on Friday due to heavy buying in banking and financial counters amid mixed trend in the global markets.

In 2021-22, losses stood at ` 6,982 crore, against income of ` 19,052 crore and expenses of `26,034 crore.

“BSNL is expected to generate net profit in financial year 2026-27 with the implementation of the

The revival measures focus on infusing fresh capital for upgrading BSNL services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing its balance sheet, augmenting its fibre network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Limited (BBNL) with BSNL.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex zoomed 909.64 points or 1.52% to settle at 60,841.88. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 243.65 points or 1.38% to end at 17,854.05.

From the Sensex pack, Titan, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, HDFC, SBI, M&M & IndusInd Bank were among the major winners.

Snow falls, Rahul rises, Yatra ends, but with no major hope for 2024: Dr Chandra

Revealing the behind the scenes details of the recently culminated Bharat Jodo Yatra undertaken by Congress and Rahul Gandhi, CEO and Editor-inChief, Bharat24-Vision of New India and First India; CMD, First India News, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra lays bare how Rahul Gandhi dared odds, at personal and public level, to undertake the massive Yatra, how he struck a rapport with the locals of the regions from where the Yatra passed and how he has emerged as the ‘numero uno’ leader in the grand old party, thereby, re-establishing himself as the top most leader in his own party… (Part-I)

z How successful do you think Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ has been and secondly, what has been public’s mood and response to the Yatra?

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra:

As far as Congress’ internal politics is concerned, the Yatra has been a super hit Rahul Gandhi show, which has completely restored and re-established his authority and power as the ‘number one man’ in the Grand old party, which is confined only to two States - Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and has only figure of 52 in house of 543. Despite the success of the Yatra, the Congress party has failed to establish Rahul as the mass leader of the Opposition parties. And as far as BJP and other regional parties are concerned, this Yatra was only a point of concern, a point of caution, and nothing less or more. There was no collateral damage. That is what the reality is. The reason for this is that in front of Narendra Modi, everyone is too small and the Yatra was taken out a bit too late. So, we can say that the Yatra was good and successful, but in front of Modi, it is not towering. And if someone was to ask me to sum it up in one line, I would say ‘Snow falls, Rahul rises, Yatra ends, but with no major hope for 2024’.

z Who do you think gave this idea to Rahul to take out the Yatra and do you think it was a re- branding exercise for the Gandhi Scion?

Of course. See, I have seen for several years now that Rahul loves to read books. He travels a lot and thus, he takes idea from books, and he got this idea through books that any where in the world, when the party has to be brought back to its feet, it has to go back to the masses and for that, one has to get to the road. And then he must have seen Indira Gandhi, who came to the roads to come back to power. Basically, he is influenced by the ‘Dandi March’ and has seen many marches. Moreover, Rahul’s idea was endorsed by Sonia in the party’s Chintan Shivir in Udaipur and she said that the party will take

out a Yatra. So, when it was decided that a ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ would be taken out, Rahul gave the responsibility to Digvijaya Singh, because he himself has taken out a Yatra for Narmada River that spanned over 3,300 kilometres across 191 days.

Therefore, Rahul gave him the responsibility to make the Yatra a reality and then there were other leaders too like KC Venugopal and others.

So, basic idea for the Yatra was Rahul’s thinking and the party’s mandate.

z It is believed that such Yatras are a way to come back to power in independent India. How do you visualise this Yatra in that background? Also, is it true that Rahul Gandhi had thought of leaving the Yatra only a few days after it was started?

See, it was Chandrashekhar, who later became Prime Minister, he undertook the longest Yatra of 4200 kilometres and walked for about 190 days. After that LK Advani’s Rath Yatra happened, post which, Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi undertook a Yatra for 46 days from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, which is still discussed across the nation. And after these, there were a couple major Yatras too like BJP’s Golden Jubilee celebration of Independence wherein, people walked 15,000 kilometres. The leaders in the South like Jaganmohan Reddy and several from Andhra like Chandrababu Naidu have taken out Yatras. So the history of Yatras is quite old. Chandrashekhar has undertaken a Yatra longer than Rahul’s, but this Yatra had a certain media hype, and hence, we are discussing it today. Secondly, you said that he thought of leaving the Yatra midway. I have heard that soon after its start, Rahul did have second thoughts on the Yatra since he used to get tired everyday. Actu-

ally, he underwent a knee surgery sometime ago and walking on treadmill is different than walking on the road. He used to walk 6-7 kilometres everyday on treadmill and long back I had heard that he could run 40 kilometres. Thus, he must have thought walking 20 kilometres a day won’t be much of a task. When he walked for 4-5- days, he found that it will be difficult for him and thought of quitting the Yatra. However, the next day he received a letter in Kerala asking him not to leave the Yatra and stressing that he wasn’t walking for his career, but for the people of the nation. So, he continued the Yatra. But yes, it did cross his mind at a point in time to leave the Yatra. As such, he is a moody person. Nearly a decade ago, he walked to Amarnath with a few leaders. In fact, someone told me that even in those make shift sleeping quarters, a treadmill had been installed for Rahul to run. So yes, he did have this thought of quitting the Yatra, but then the letter came and later, he has come across as the leader within the Congress.

z What was the ideological concept and narrative of this Bharat JodoYatra?

The ideological concept of the Yatra was clearly defined. Firstly, it was undertaken to bring forth the ideological fight between two opposing parties before the public. Their ideology is of secular India and taking everyone along. Secondly, he attacked BJP and RSS that they indulge in politics based on religion, caste, language and other issues. So, they highlighted this ideology. Secondly, this

was also a branding project. Third, was to highlight the economic situation of the nation and to know the people of the nation and he also picked up the political issues before the masses. Hence, basically the ideological issue was of BJP versus RSS and secondly, was to learn first hand about the problems of the common man.

z Do you think this Yatra has enabled a ‘rebirth’ of Rahul Gandhi?

Of course, one can say that, at least for the time being. And in fact during the Yatra, it came into his mind also which is evident from his reply to a journalist wherein he said that Rahul Gandhi is dead, Take him out of

your mind, he is not alive anymore, there is a new Rahul Gandhi. So, he himself is accepting that. But what exactly is this new Rahul Gandhi, only time will tell us. Will it be the same indecisive and inaccessible Rahul Gandhi, or will it be a decisive, accessible and a serious thinker Rahul Gandhi.

z But perhaps an even more important question with regards to this Yatra is how satisfied is Rahul Gandhi with this Yatra? Also, when will the second phase of the Yatra start? He is extremely satisfied with the Yatra. It appeared from his address in Srinagar that he is patting himself on the

back that he has done a good work. And even the people’s response to the Yatra was stupendous. So, overall he seems satisfied with the Yatra, but then again, it has been three days since the Yatra ended and now he has gone missing. It may be that he is recovering after undertaking the Yatra, but he should mark his presence or go out and meet someone or say something related to the nation. Secondly, it is being said that the second phase will be started from October 2. The route and the people involved etc basically the nitty- gritty of the second phase have not been decided as yet and will be decided in the days to come and it seems that the Yatra will commence soon.

z The Yatra had covered 13 states. Which State, according to you, has given its most support to the Yatra? Support was moderate in all states, everywhere 4-5,000 individuals joined the Yatra. It was different, it wasn’t like a mass movement. The Bharat Jodo Yatra received positive response in Kerala, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Now, you asked where did the Yatra receive the best response, so obviously, where there are Congress governments, there resource mobilisation, resource management and man management is more. So in that context, Rajasthan was the best where 10 or 20,000 people would walk in the Yatra which even included Ashok Gehlot. Since a popular CM was walking with Rahul Gandhi, so the Yatra’s response was great. Interestingly, when the Yatra was being planned in New Delhi, Kamal

Nath claimed that it will be his region where the best Yatra would be taken out since he is a good organiser, and the atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh is such that he feels that Congress is gaining its foothold in the State. Ashok Gehlot was also there when this discussion was being conducted so he said, ‘No, I accept this challenge, it will be Rajasthan’. So, Rajasthan leg of the Yatra was the biggest with much fanfare and support of the people. The Rajasthan leg was extremely successful and Rahul was internally happy with it, thus, we can conclude that it was Rajasthan which topped the Yatra in terms of popularity, resource mobilisation, organisational capacity and all these factors.

z Rahul Gandhi’s address in Srinagar, on the culmination of the first phase of the Yatra, was discussed a lot.

In our culture, it is said that at times, Goddess Saraswati sits on one’s tongue (meaning what one says is powerful and sweet to listen to). That day this happened with Rahul and he said several emotional things which impressed the people. Basically, he raked the issue, in his terms of violence versus non-violence, which is hate versus peace and love. He said a few things before those 5-odd thousand people assembled there and though there could have been more people, but owing to snowfall not many came out of their houses. So, he said a few things like he has seen bloodshed from up-close and others have not seen it so they do not understand that maintaining peace and not hating any-

one is important. He said that when he was in school, he was called by the Principal and he went to the Principal’s room and was informed that his grandmother Indira Gandhi had been shot and that he should go home. On the way home he picked Priyanka from her school and when he reached home he saw blood on his grandmother’s body. Second, he said that during his father Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, he received a phone call from his friend who told him about the incident and Rahul replied that he knew since he had already received a call. He said that he fears these late night calls and that since he is in Srinagar today and a soldier’s family gets a call that he has been martyred. So he, in an unclear manner, said that he wants to break away this bloodbath and bring peace. Through these statements, he won the hearts of people. But another thing that he said wrongly in his address was when he said that outsiders rule Kashmir and that Kashmiris have never ruled their own state. Who are these outsiders? After abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir is now fully included in India. If someone from other state is going there as tourist and spending money to develop tourism and infrastructure, so your comment means you want to stop them. So, sometimes what happens is that in one go, he makes responsible and irresponsible comments. However, overall, his address was good. TO BE

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra in conversation with Poornima Mishra, Aditi Nagar, Amrita Garg, Pooja Yadav, Mahima Kanwar during The JC Show.

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra during The JC Show.

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

LIFE WON’T SPARKLE UNLESS YOU DO!

The attraction of sequins is simple: they’re eye-catching, dazzling and brilliant, cherry on the top is that they make you appear like a talking n walking disco ball. City First brings to you the significance of sequins in the fashion world

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

fancy, by coordinating your sequin dress with fashionable shoes and accessories, regardless of whether you plan to wear it for holidays, special events, or hell, whenever you’d like. Many individuals hesitate to wear sequins out of concern that it would be too much, but when done correctly, you can dress it up or bring it down and accomplish the appearance and style you were going for.

such a thing as too much of a good thing, therefore add ing too much “bling” or pil ing on too many accessories can ruin your appearance and pack on the pounds, making you look larger, es pecially in pictures.

S

equins from the disco era are once again in style. As 2022 is already over, what’s a better way to bid goodbye to the old and welcome the new than with a stunning, eye-catching sequin dress? You may get the appearance you’re trying for, whether it’s sexy, charming, trendy, or

Putting on sequins no matter if you’re wearing a sequin top, skirt, or even a long dress, accessories will dress up that style and assist you to reach your goals. Start with your favourite piece, whether it’s the sequin jacket or the flirty little cocktail dress, and then gradually add other items to complete the look. There is

For a more “relaxed” ap pearance for an evening happy hour or function, consider adding a fitting leather jacket to your se quin cocktail dress. In addi tion to toughening up the appearance and giving it a cool edge, a leather jacket may also tame down a se quin dress so that it can be worn casually. A pair of dramatic drop earrings will spice up and finish the style, giving you a more opulent appearance.

DR MRIDUL BHASIN

Writer and Social Activist

Kinshuk Gupta seems to be the newest signature in English and Hindi creative writing who has pushed open a new door in talking about the almost taboo LGBT domain. The final year student of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Medical College, Kinshuk excels as a student as he does as a writer too. He is an award-winning writer and still in his early twenties, is the Associate Editor at Usawa Literary Review, and poetry editor at Jaggery Lit. His bilingual writing as a poet, translator, fiction writer and freelance journalist has rave and surprising reviews. His published collection of stories titled, Satrangi: Dil Hai Ki Chor Darwaza has widely positive reviews as included in the book. It shows that he is not only noticed but appreciated for his daring and style. The recent launch of the book during the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur elicited many questions from the youth who attended the launch of his book and he answered them with candid verve. The Anchor was no other than the publisher of Vani Prakashan, Aditi Maheshwari. She admits that she chose Kinshuk’s stories for

mosexuality and gender dysphoria as psychosexual disorders. While going through the rigorous regimen of MBBS he got to understand that doctors were mostly homophobic and their approach to the LGBT community was mostly hostile. The sexual duality of men and women is understood in scientific terms in medical science but the twilight zone of homosexuality is never explained even in the medical curriculum. The writer hopes that with the law legitimizing homosexuality, perceptions and inclusion will come about slowly. Kinshuk Gupta agrees with Hoshang Merchant who says – Women and gay people have a common enemy and that is ‘the Macho Man.’ Traversing through the maze of the subject, he began talking to male-female gay students, doctors, writers and other professionals. He got a surprising response to his articles and stories in English newspapers and Hindi magazines. He began sorting out facts from myths and found out that alternate sexuality is being denied at different levels in our society. Even doctors and counsellors refused to deal with the subject objectively and scientifically. This, he found so anom

OPENING A NEW DOOR IN WRITING: KINSHUK GUPTA

FACEOFTHEDAY

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

appreciated. You may get a chance to pursue old hobby. Health tips from an expert will enable you to get closer to your fitness goals. Your generous behavior would enable to enjoy some lovely moments with family.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Family will be most supportive, when it really matters for you. Some of you may add to your list of properties by booking a new one. It is good day to confess your love as stars appear favourable for positive reply. A long drive is likely to help you get over mental tiredness.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members, normalizing ties. Despite your misgivings, you retain good health. You will do much to bring peace and harmony at home. You will remain much in demand on social front. Some of you can get romantically involved.

Despite hectic schedule you will manage to find time for family. Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal. Your bold initiatives on romantic front bring back passion and spark in romantic relationship.Overall health remains fine.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Avoid raising controversial issues at home to maintain harmony. Successful implementation of new ideas and projects would add to your prestige on the professional front. It is a wonderful day to build new connections. Your relationship requires you to be tactful.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

Happiness in the domestic sphere will only come with a changed mind set. Some of you are likely to become a part of an overseas official trip. Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment. Harsh words may create a rift in your romantic relationship.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Following a health diet will be a good idea. Luck favours you today on the professional front. Focussing on health now will help you in keeping physically fit. Clarity of mind and retentive power will help you forge ahead on the academic front.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder.

Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front are likely to get lucky today, as partner responds positively. Overall a good day.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

A friend or colleague may motivate you to take up a healthy activity. Parents may appear more than happy with what you deliver. Plans for overseas travel are likely to materialise.

You are likely to get clearance or approval for your construction plans. Health remains satisfactory.

Your intuition will save you from a tricky spot today. Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. You will manage to achieve your aim through travel. This is a great time on the academic front, when you mange to render your best.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Your efforts on the professional front will be recognised. Opting for some healthy choices will ensure you remain in perfect health. You will feel much happy and contented on the family front. Today you will enjoy the trust of senior management.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Gifting something to your beloved is likely to make the day memorable. Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property. Those awaiting results are assured of succeeding with flying colours.

Kinshuk in a session with Aditi Maheshwari, the publisher Vaani Prakashan

riyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas recently celebrated her first birthday. Soon after turning one, the lovely couple decided to finally reveal their munchkin’s face. Priyanka made her first public appearance with Malti Marie as they were seen attending the Hollywood Walk of Fame to support

Royal Avatars P FALSE rumours

Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor is always in the news for her South debut, which is most awaited. And every now and then, rumours of the actress being roped into Tamil or Telugu films always make it to the headlines. Well, now again, it was reported that Janhvi has been roped in to play the female lead in the Tamil film Paiyaa 2 opposite Karthi. However, looks like, once again, it’s just a rumour.

Janhvi Kapoor’s father Boney Kapoor took to Twitter and clarified that she is not part of any Tamil film. The producer further urged everyone to not spread false rumours. Boney tweeted,

Style Queen

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are one of the most loved couples in Bollywood. Well, talking about their fashion sense, both husband and wife often grab all the eyeballs for their unique style and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they take inspiration from each other. The actress was spotted at Mumbai airport and looked stunning in a trenchcoat which might be somewhere inspired by her hubby’s trenchcoat.

She wore a brown coloured co-ord set.

The co-ord set consists of a sweater top and loose tracks. The actress tied her hair in a bun, wore black sunglasses, and completed her look with white shoes. She wore a checks trenchcoat which looked quite similar to one of Ranveer Singh’s trenchcoats that he chose to wear for his airport look. Ranveer was with his wife Deepika at the airport then and looked dapper in a similar trenchcoat which reportedly cost Rs. 3 Lakh.

idharth Malhotra and Kiara

Advani, who impressed the audience with their magical chemistry in Shershaah, are all set to take their relationship to next level. As per the reports, the duo will be tying the knot on February 6 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. According bodyguard Yaseen will look after the harth and Kiara’s wedding. Some of the big names including Karan poor, Mira Rajput and many more are likely to arrive on February 3 in Jaisalmer. ‘The wedding is slated to tel. It is going to be a lavish event with high security. As has become the norm with big Bollywood weddings, Sid-Kiara’s shaadi will have ty managing the

UNSEEN CHILDHOOD PIC

hraddha Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor have been in all our hearts since the first look of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar came out. The trailer looks so happening that fans cannot wait to watch the movie. Reddit.com has shared an unseen picture of Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor from their childhood days. In the picture which appears to be a little blurry, we can see the Brahmastra star looking cute while he appears to be in the middle of eating some thing. Shraddha, on the other hand, is a cute bald baby and we have to say that her smile was that infectious even during her childhood. This picture is a visual treat for all their fans ahead of the release of their film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Vanessa Hudgens reportedly got engaged to MLB player Cole Tucker. If recent reports by TMZ are to be believed, the MLB star proposed to Hudgens at the end of 2022. They made their relationship Instagramofficial the following Valentine’s Day.

“It’s you, it’s me, it’s us. @cotuck,” the 34-year-old star captioned a photo that showed her smooching the shortstop. On the other hand, Tucker also shared a post on his Instagram space, with the sweet and simple caption, “Happy V day (red heart emoji) @va nessahudgens.”

Kiara Advani Spotted...

Deepika Padukone

Janhvi Kapoor Vanessa Hudgens

Priyanka Chopra

AI visuals

3 IDIOTS SEQUEL IN MAKING?

Jagdeesh Chandra with The JC Show team on Thursday at the NOIDA office of Bharat24-Vision of New India.

Seen here are (L-R) Amit Mishra, Shikha Thakur, Astha Khandelwal, Aditi Nagar, Poornima Mishra, Mimansa Malik, Pooja Yadav, Surabhi Tiwari, Shazia Nisar, Mahima Kanwar and Ayushi Shekhawat.

KARTIK & SARA IN AASHIQUI 3 ?

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making

her Bollywood debut with none other than Shah

Yes, she

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t's hard to discuss perfection and box office hits without bringing up Aamir Khan. The film's trio continues to receive a great deal of respect because it was unique in its genre.

outstanding cast ensemble and compelling plot. Aamir Khan, Sharma Joshi, and R Madhavan, the wellknown trio, just reunited, and fans can't stop reacting.

3 Idiots, which Rajkumar Hirani directed, broke numerous box office records after its 2009 release. The film successfully connected with the audience thanks to itsThe film Congratulations, which is directed and written by Rehan Chaudhary, will soon be released. Aamir and Madhavan, who costarred with the actor in 3 Idiots, joined him as he promoted his new movie.

ayanthara will complete 20 years in the film industry in December of this year, which is over two decades. The actress has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam during her career, earning the title of "woman superstar."

She recently explained how she valiantly dealt with her time on the casting couch.

‘I guess we share a karmic connection with Kapil’

A

asking in the success of his career, Kartik Aaryan is on fire. After delivering his last box office hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the actor is now gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Shehzada. However, the latest rumours are abuzz that the actor will next be seen in the 3rd instalment of Aashiqui

originally starred Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal in the lead.Now the latest report states that Sara Ali Khan will join Kartik Aaryan for the 3rd part.

According to the latest media reports, ex-lovers Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan are coming together for Aashiqui 3. The duo was last seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal which was a boxtographer took to veal that the duo is likely to come together for

Talking about the same, Yogita Bihani said, "As a young girl in thefter making a lasting impression with her first-ever film Vikram Vedha, Yogita Bihani is now gearing up for her first music video. The actress is all set to feature in a music video along with the comedian cum actor and singing sensation Guru Randhawa and the trio also recently shot for an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show for the promotions of her song.audience for one of the most loved and successful shows on Indian Television, I never imagined I would be promoting my first ever film on the show. It's funny how I keep running into Kapil Sharma at the varied stages of my career, I guess, we share a karmic connection. When I returned to The Kapil Sharma Show last year for my debut Vikram Vedha, I felt like came to a full circle, and now I am a part of his debut music video and we are back on the sets of the show for promoting that. I look forward to the opportunity for returning to The Kapil Sharma Show for my upcoming projects."

Sara Ali Khan Nayanthara

Subuhii Joshi and Rehan Shah

NORA GLAMS UP IN RED

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The popular dancer is seen rocking a red dress with a hugely plunging neckline and lots of tulles.brown bow belt-like structure on the waist and extremely puffy sleeves with frills all over. The hot and sexy Nora Fatehi makes that dramatic look for her.

The tulle dress comes with a

ora Fatehi’s style statements are never ordinary. Aside from her showstopping red carpet looks, the diva’s costumes for her music videos are avant-garde and risqué. Trust Nora Fatehi to never fail you when it comes to hotness, glamour and thinking out of the box while styling herself and her new bold photoshoot in a red tulle dress.

THE JC SHOW TEAM!

Manya Singh

Parimal Mehta, Ridhiema Tiwari, Jaskaran Singh and Ashish Tiwari Sayan Sur Roy

Parimal Mehta and Rajiv Adatia Nora Fatehi

Yogita Bihani

Poster of the film...