New Delhi: Almost six weeks after introducing pre-boarding RT-PCR tests for passengers from six countries, the Union Health Ministry said the restrictions would be done away with from February 13 owing to a declining trend in Covid-19 cases.
Will cover 455 km distance between Mumbai-textile city in 6.30 hours
Kartikey Dev Singh
First India Bureau
New Delhi: The Union Budget has failed to address issues of unemployment, poverty and inflation, even as allocation for welfare schemes stands slashed, Opposition said during a debate on the Budget in LS. Some MPs also raised the Adani issue. “Words such as unemployment, poverty and inflation are absent from the Budget. The new tax regime is riddled with conditions, but the richest, with over Rs5 crore annual income, have been given tax relief,” Congress’s Amar Singh said.
Almost six weeks after introducing pre-boarding RTPCR tests for passengers from six countries
The government had made it mandatory for travellers from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Japan to upload a negative RT-PCR test, done not more than 72 hours before the journey, on the Air Suvidha portal.
“As has been witnessed in the last 4 weeks, these countries are witnessing a sustained and significant decline in the trajectory of Covid-19 cases… In view of the above, this ministry is …dropping the existing requirements of pre-departure Covid-19 testing and uploading of self-health declaration on Ministry of Civil Aviation’s ‘Air Suvidha’ portal applicable for international travellers coming from/ via China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan,” a letter from Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said.
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat trains from Mumbai to Shirdi and Solapur.
At an event at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai, Modi first flagged off the the CSMT-Solapur Vande Bharat Express and later another semi highspeed train linking the financial capital to Sainagar Shirdi temple town in Ahmednagar district.
The Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express will cover the 455 km distance between Mumbai and the textile city in 6 hours and 30 minutes, a saving of nearly one hour in current timings.
‘OUR GOVT CAME DUE TO YOUR BLESSINGS’
Mumbai: Maha CM Shinde Friday lauded PM Modi for topping ‘International leaders index’ and thanked him for huge allocation to Maharashtra Railway in Budget 2023. “It is for the first time that Maharashtra Railway was allocated 13,000 crore in budget.” Shinde said. “In India’s history, for first time so many highways were never constructed ever before. It is for the first time in last 5-6 years these many highways are being taken up including in Maharashtra,” he added. Eknath Shinde told Modi, “Our government of six-seven months has been formed in the state only with your blessings. Because of you, the government came to power.”
RAILWAY MINISTER THANKS PM MODI
Mumbai: Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of Indian Railways, praised Prime Minister Modi for launching two Vande Bharat trains. “Thanks to PM Modi for giving a gift to the residents of Mumbai, Pune, Nashik & devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba & Trimbakeshwar,” said the Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on PM Modi to flag off 2 Vande Bharat trains in Mumbai on Friday.
First India Bureau
Dehradun: Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said his government has given its nod to an ordinance to bring the country’s “strictest anticheating law” to make recruitment exams transparent and fair for all candidates in the state.
The announcement was made hours after Uttarakhand Police resorted to lathicharge on the youth protesting against recruitment scams and paper leak cases in the state. They were protest-
ing outside the busy Gandhi Park in Dehradun in the afternoon.
He appealed to the protesting youth to not be misled by anyone, as his government is fully aware of their welfare, and “unlike previous government, it has not tried to hide any of the recruitment scams,” he said.
Pushkar Singh Dhami @pushkardhamiAs per the promise made to the youth, our government has decided to bring the country’s strictest anti-cheating law. After giving my permission to the ordinance concerned, I have sent it for further action. We will not let cheating mafia play with the future of students.
CLASS’
Mumbai: PM Narendra Modi said this year’s Union Budget has strengthened the middle class and given more relief than was given by the UPA regime.For income on which the UPA government imposed as much as 20% tax, this budget has zero tax, Modi said, after flagging off two Vande Bharat trains. “Be it the salaried class or the middle class earning from trade and commerce, this Budget has made them happy,” the PM said.
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Thursday, soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his reply to the motion of thanks to the President’s speech. Sloganeering by Opposition members for joint parliamentary committee to look into the Adani group, which began as Modi began his address to the House, continued through his speech and the budget debate.
It was accompanied by sloganeering by members of the Treasury bench in support of the Prime Minister as the budget discussion began.
Chairman Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar took stern note of the matter saying: “Disorder in the House can never be wholesome. The disorder which we had when
First India Bureau New Delhi: Hearing petitions for enquiry into findings of the Hindenburg Research report, the Supreme Court Friday asked the central government and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to suggest measures to protect Indian investors in the future. The court took note of losses suffered by Indian investors running into several lakh crores owing to the fall in share prices of Adani Group companies in the face of allegations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala said, “It is said total loss by Indian in-
Lucknow (ANI): Highlighting the country’s development strides and investment-friendly environment and pointing out that UP is leading the growth of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is reforming not out of compulsion, but out of conviction. If India is the bright spot in the world and then UP is leading the growth of the country, he said.
New Delhi: Dubbing the Union Budget “exclusionary”, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that the minorities have been “brutally discriminated” against in the allocations and that many view it as part of a series of Islamophobic policy decisions by the government.Concluding a discussion on the budget, Chowdhury also asked the government to answer questions raised in the US-based short seller Hindenburg Research’s report on Gautam Adani’s companies.
the honourable Prime Minister addressed us was most unfortunate. But any disorder by way of reaction is also not appropriate. I don’t have to say it every time that if I am on my legs what has to be the conduct of the Members. On 7th December, it was after deep preparation and a serious thought process of sev-
eral months that I said that as the House of Elders, the Upper House, we have to send a message… the kind of message that we are sending will put us to shame.”
Dhankhar then asked the Leader of the Opposition and floor leaders to meet him in his chamber, adjourning the session till 5.15 pm.
First India Bureau
The SC asked Centre and the Securities & Exchange Board of India to suggest measures
vestors is several lakh crores….How do we ensure they are protected? How do we ensure that this does not happen in future. What role
should be envisaged for SEBI in future?”
The court also expressed concerns over “ensuring that regulatory mechanism within the country is duly strengthened so that Indian investors are protected against sudden volatility which has been witnessed in recent 2 weeks.”It then directed SEBI to file a detailed response on how a more robust mechanism can be put in place”.
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)today successfully launched the small rocket, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The SSLV-D2 was carrying three satellites. The sixand-a-half hours’ countdown for the launch of SSLV-D2 (D-Developmental flight number 2) began at 2.48 a.m. today and took off at 9.18 a.m. from the first launchpad at
Sriharikota. The SSLV rocket was carrying ISRO’s Earth Observation SatelliteEOS-07, Janus-1 belonging to ANTARIS of the US and AzaadiSat-2 belonging to Space Kidz India, Chennai. The ISRO has developed SSLV with a carrying capacity of 550 kg to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) based on the market trend of going in for smaller satellites. It is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a velocity terminal module, ISRO said.
z The Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 is being held from February 10-12.
z It is the flagship investment summit of the Uttar Pradesh government.
z UP receives investment proposals of Rs 32.92 lakh crores through GIS roadshows: CM Yogi Adityanath
Lucknow: Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handiwork in taking nation ahead over past nine years, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) managing director Mukesh Ambani stated on Friday at the UP Global Investors’ Summit 2023 that a bold New India is taking shape ‘Guided by your vision, and driven by your laser-sharp focus on execution. An India which will fulfil the aspirations of its 1.4 bil-
lion citizens. Modi ji, you have aptly said that India has now entered its Amrit Kaal.’ Stressing that the nation is changing vis-
a-vis the rural-urban divide, and that Uttar Pradesh is a “shining example” of this, the billionaire businessman announced that
RIL will invest ₹75,000 crore in the next four years in rolling out 5G mobile telephony services, expanding retail networks, and establishing renewable energy capacity in Uttar Pradesh. “Till now we have invested Rs 50,000 crores in UP and our investments have generated over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state. Today, I am happy to announce that we plan to invest an additional Rs. 75,000 crore which will create over 1 lakh jobs in the state,” he said.
FATE OF UTTAR PRADESH CHANGES WITH INVESTMENTS, JOBS & PRAISES
‘`75K cr investment, 1L jobs in UP’PM Modi waves at the Vande Bharat train as it starts its maiden journey from Mumbai. Also seen are Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Narayan Rane. —AGENCIES
First India Bureau
First India Bureau Mumbai: Thackeray group and NCP leaders are constantly claiming that the Shinde-Fadnavis government in the state can collapse at any moment and will not complete its tenure.
Now, reacting over remarks made by Bacchu Kadu recently, Maharashtra Congress state president Nana Patole has said. “I have no reason to discuss anyone’s statement.
Even when Rahul Gandhi’s march came to Maharashtra, some people tried to spoil it.
I have no reason to discuss anyone’s statement. Even when Rahul Gandhi’s march came to Maharashtra, some people tried to spoil it. Therefore, there is no reason to discuss such a statement.
Therefore, there is no reason to discuss such a statement,” said Patole.
Recently, MLA Bacchu Kadu of the Prahar organization,
Mumbai: Speaking to the media on Friday, Sanjay Raut, MP and spokesperson of the Thackeray group, has reacted harshly to the statement made by Bachhu Kadu on Thursday. “No need to pay attention to who is saying what. Mostly I know some BJP MLAs are entering. The information about Bacchu Kadu is correct,” said Raut.
First India Bureau
First India Bureau
Mumbai: A Sessions
Court in Mumbai declared that a breathalyser test, which is conducted by traffic police to determine if a driver has consumed alcohol, cannot be done by force. This was in regards to a man who was riding pillion on a bike and was charged with assaulting a traffic police officer after he refused to take the test. The man was acquitted. The court ruled that since the motorcyclist was not intoxicated, the authorities had no cause to require the passenger to take the alcohol test.
“It is admitted by PW-1 (traffic constable) in his evidence that Breath Analyzer Test is to be conducted on the driver of the vehicle and if test is found to be positive then action is taken against the driver. There is nothing on record to indicate as to what prompted PW-1 to raise suspicion about the accused being in drunken condition.” the court said in its order.
The court further added that there was no material with them to indicate that the accused was found under the influence of liquor. Breath Analyzer Test cannot be conducted by force. Since driver was not found under the influence of liquor, there was no reason for PW-1 to ask accused to subject himself to the test.
It also said that the police had not produced any evidence on the alleged assault or given any details of the alleged abuses uttered by the accused, clearing him of the other charges.
which supports the Shinde faction, made a big statement. Kadu stated that 10 to 15 MLAs of Mahavikas Aghadi will split in the next 15 days.
While criticizing Kadu’s statement, Raut also targeted BJP leaders in the state on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai. “The Prime Minister frequently visits Mumbai,
goes to Karnataka. Where there are elections, the Prime Minister often goes. This means that the local BJP leaders are very weak,” added Raut.
First India Bureau
Mumbai: Congress state working president MLA Praniti Shinde has asked, who is MLA Rohit Pawar, who made a statement regarding the Solapur Lok Sabha seat? Shinde also said that since he is a firsttime MLA, he may still have some youth left in him. After some more time, he might become complacent. As Shin-
de’s statement is against NCP, it is predicted that the conflict between the two Congresses will come to the fore in Solapur.
Recently, MLA Rohit Pawar also made a statement during his visit to Solapur that decision of who should contest the Solapur Lok Sabha seat will be taken in the meeting of Mahavikas Aghadi. On the other hand, ex-Mayor
First India Bureau Mumbai: Bypolls are being held on the vacant seat of Pimpri Chinchwad after the demise of MLA Laxman Jagtap and Nana Kate has been nominated by Mahavikas Aghadi for the same.
On the other hand, Thackeray group leader Rahul Kalate has filed an independent candidature. Meanwhile, the Thackeray group is lobbying Kalate to withdraw his candidature.
In connection with this, Thackeray faction leader Sachin Ahir met Rahul Kalate on Friday.
After the meeting, Ahir interacted with the media and said, “Uddhav Thackeray has said that Rahul Kalate should withdraw from the elections, he will get political help from the Mahavikas Aghadi in the future.
Uddhav has requested
him to withdraw.” On the other hand, Kalate said that he cannot make a decision alone, but will announce the decision after discussing it with the activists. Speaking over this, Kalate said that I am determined to contest the election. “I contested from Chinchwad assembly in 2019. No one thought of contesting independent elections then. If NCP gives the Chinchwad assembly bypolls unopposed, I will also consider it,” said Kalate.
Mahesh Kothe has said that Congress city president Chetan Narote should avoid statements that will land senior leader Sushilkumar Shinde in trouble. Challenging Sharad Pawar’s family and demanding the Baramati Lok Sabha seat may not be a problem for Narote but for Sushilkumar Shinde. Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde has lost twice in a row in
Mumbai: Since the government led by Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis came to power, the discussion of cabinet expansion is on. Along with that, the ministerial post of Bachhu Kadu, an independent MLA of the Prahar organization, is also being discussed. Kadu has often expressed his desire for a ministerial position and public displeasure of not getting it. Once again, Kadu has come into the limelight for his statement.
Kadu has claimed that at least 20 to 25 MLAs will split in the state in the next 15 days. “There
Since he is a first-time MLA, he may still have some youth left in him
Solapur Lok Sabha reserved constituency elections. Therefore, in coming Lok Sabha elections, Congress is demanding that reserved seat of Solapur should be given to the NCP without contesting at the local level.
is no reason for the government to fall. Government is not in majority but in the super majority. That means, even if there are 20 to 25 MLAs here and there, the government will complete its tenure. There is a possibility that some MLAs from other parties will come to us,” said Kadu.
“The extension of the cabinet is delayed due
First India Bureau Mumbai: Congress has alleged that industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a close relationship. Also, Adani has given a lot of money to BJP in the last 20 years. As soon as PM Modi stood up for his speech on Thursday, the Opposition raised slogans. Despite that, Modi continued his speech. But after speaking for more than an hour, he did not comment on the allegations made by Congress.
While speaking to the media on Friday, state Congress chief Nana Patole said that Modi should answer the questions asked by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. When
asked about PM Modi’s Mumbai visit, Patole said, “If Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Maharashtra, it is a matter of happiness for us. But during the last visit, I made him
aware of the issues in Maharashtra. Now, our leader Rahul Gandhi has asked some questions in the Lok Sabha. Your relationship with the Adani group, how many contracts did you give
them? How many tours were with you? How many times have they been with you before? Such questions were asked of him. But he did not answer these questions.”
“He does not speak in Lok Sabha, but outside he says Mann ki Baat. He says that 140 crore people are with me. Then why are all the people in this country who have deposited money in LIC, Banks, are scared and confused? Modi has not been able to answer the question asked by Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha,” criticized Patole.
He is not ready to talk about farmers’ suicide, unemployment, or inflation. If he is coming to Mumbai, he is welcome. But he should give answers to the questions of farmers of Maharashtra, how to reduce unemployment and inflation?
chief
to the date given by the court and the joining of the MLAs. 10 to 15 MLAs are likely to split. There is a possibility that these MLAs will join the party in the next 15 days, before the session. The Thackeray group currently has no MLAs left. Because of this, MLAs from other parties will also come to us," claimed Kadu.
MAN HELD WITH MEPHEDRONE WORTH `16.60 LAKH
Mumbai: A man was arrested in the Palghar district of the state, allegedly with mephedrone (MDMA) worth Rs16.60 lakh, a police official said on Friday. “We found 83 grams of mephedrone worth Rs 16.60 lakh with him. He has been charged under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,” the official said. The police have also seized the mephedrone as evidence in the case. The accused is currently in police custody.
GOLD, FOREIGN CURRENCY SEIZED AT MUM AIRPORT
Mumbai: The Customs department has seized gold and foreign currency worth crores from different passengers at the Mumbai airport, officials said. According to officials, the department seized 2.8-kilogram gold worth Rs1.44 crore from the possession of three passengers coming from Sharjah, Bahrain and Dubai. Officials also nabbed two other persons carrying Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) 90,000 and USD 90,000.
FIRE BREAKS OUT IN LIC OFFICE, NO ONE REPORTED HURT
Mumbai: A fire broke out in the Life Insurance Corporation office in Girgaon, south Mumbai on late Thursday night. According to an official, the fire started in the second-floor office of LIC in the Marina Mansion building. Fire brigade personnel were immediately called to the spot and the fire was doused within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported due to the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Maa Kanchangiri visited Raj Thackeray at his Krishnakunj
First India Bureau Mumbai: The discussions are doing rounds about what role exactly will MNS president Raj Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena take in the upcoming Chinchwad and Kasba by-elections.
Meanwhile, MNS has started building a strong front in view of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Predictions are also be-
ing made about Raj Thackeray’s visit to Ayodhya. On Friday,
Maa
Speaking to the media after the meeting, she talked about Raj Thackeray’s Ayodhya visit.
Speaking on this occasion, Maa Kanchangiri likened Raj Thackeray to a ‘Hindu Emperor’. “I inquired about his health as he underwent surgery on his knee. Today, in Raj Thackeray, we see a Hindu emperor in a real sense,” she said. “Raj Thackeray will definitely go to Ayod-
hya. He could not reach Ayodhya as his health was not good. Now preparations to visit Ayodhya will begin and you will get news very soon that he is visiting Ayodhya. Ramlalla belongs to everyone. So there will be no problem in Raj coming to Ayodhya,” said Maa Kanchangiri.
On the one hand, the challenge given to Raj Thackeray by Pravin Togadia, president of Antarrashtriya Hindu Par-
ishad, on the issue of Azaan becoming a topic of discussion. “At present, the government of Raj Thackeray’s friends has come to power. Now when are you going to protest and stop the Azaan? During government of Uddhav Thackeray, our royal brothers came to field. Now Raj Thackeray should enter the field even in the state of Eknath Shinde and Devendra bhau,” said Togadia.
‘Even when Rahul Gandhi came to Maha, some people tried to spoil the visit’Kanchangiri visited Raj Thackeray at his Krishnakunj residence.
residence; speaking to the media recently, she talked about his visit to AyodhyaMaa Kanchangiri visited Raj Thackeray at his residence.
‘Cannot conduct breathalyser test by force’—Nana Patole, Maha state Congress Nana Patole opened front against PM Narendra Modi Rahul Kalate MLA Praniti Shinde Sanjay Raut Bachu Kadu —Nana Patole, Congress state president
After a few graphics that have been released earlier, now the entire design set is out. BKC station is inspired by clouds and tides of the Arabian sea
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The designs of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Thane, Virar and Boisar, falling on the MumbaiAhmedabad HighSpeed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), popularly known as bullet train project, were recently unveiled. After a few graphics that have been released earlier, now the entire design set is out. BKC station is inspired by clouds and tides of the Arabian sea.
On Thursday, two bidders, Afcons Infrastructure and Larsen & Toubro submitted bids for the construction of a 21-km-long tunnel, including India’s first
First India Bureau
Mumbai: In order to reduce the difficulties faced by people of Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to build two new multi-level mechanical public car parking facilities.
7-km-long undersea tunnel, for the project.
On Thursday, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea filed by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company, challenging the firm being awarded Rs264 crore in compensation by the state govern -
ment for acquiring its land for the proposed project.
The Bandra Kurla Complex HSR station is the only underground station on the corridor. The platform is planned at a depth of about 24 metre from the ground level. It
will have three levels—a platform, concourse and service floor. Two entry/exit points have been planned, one to facilitate access to the nearby Metro station on Line 2B and the other towards the MTNL building.
Bandra Kurla Complex HSR station is the only underground station on the corridor. The platform is planned at a depth of about 24 metre from the ground level. It will have three levels—a platform, concourse and service floor. Two entry/exit points have been planned, one to facilitate access to the nearby Metro station on Line 2B and the other towards the MTNL building. The station has been planned in such a way that ample space is available for passenger movement.
Mumbai(PTI): A man
FINE ON FIRM FOR
WITHOUT ORDER
To decongest public spaces, the BMC will be setting up two new car parking facilities, one in Central Mumbai and the other in South Mumbai. The Matunga facility in Central Mumbai will be equipped to facilitate 475 vehicles, while the Mumbadevi facility in South Mumbai will have the capacity to accommodate 546 vehicles.
First India Bureau Mumbai: The Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority (MHADA) has suggested to the state government, three major redevelopment projects, which will significantly strengthen the real estate sector in the city. The housing body has suggested the cluster redevelopment of Abhyudaya Nagar at Kalachowkie, Adarsh Nagar in Worli and the Bandra Reclamation layout.
MHADA has proposed that bids be issued for the remodelling of these areas.
It would cost BMC nearly `300 crore over the span of two years for the project to be completed
These facilities will consist of two 15-story parking towers, each equipped with a mechanized robotic system that operates via a digital control room. There will be platforms on all floors to accommodate the vehicles.
These spaces will not utilize existing road space and will be located inside building-like structures.
With the government’s decision to redevelop Dharavi, it is likely that these three major projects will be advanced.
According to the sources, Dy Chief Minister Fadnavis was determined to remove bureaucratic obstacles to ensure the completion of projects that had been put off for a long time.
Jitendra Awhad, former Minister for Housing said that he had earlier objected to the individual development of
these buildings since it would be difficult to provide proper infrastructure facilities in terms of water supply, drainage, recreational facilities etc.
“I had proposed cluster development of these colonies so that infrastructure could be upgraded uniformly. However, there was no consensus in the gov-
ernment. In the case of Abhyudaya Nagar, the federation of housing societies of the lowermiddle-class colony floated tenders and decided to award the contract to Keystone Reality,” he said. Earlier, the proposal did not take off since the state government insisted on the payment of stamp duty of over Rs180 crore.
from Dadar killed his wife and then took his own life by consuming poison on Thursday, while their daughter was in college. The police said he took the extreme step due to being overwhelmed by debt. A case of accidental death has been registered and an investigation is on into the matter.
The Dadar police found a suicide note along with the bodies at their home in Kesri Patrawala Chawl in Dadar West this morning. Vinod Samjitkar(43), worked as a peon and his wife Shubhangi Samjitkar was a homemaker, said the police.
Police suspect that Vinod first strangled his wife and then con-
The matter came to light after his wife’s brother could not get in touch with her over the phone
sumed poison, sometime before 11.30 am and after the daughter had left for college. “I had taken out many loans and was in immense debt. I killed my wife and am now taking my own life, as I am unable to repay what I owe.” Vinod said in his suicide note, written in Hindi.
Mumbai: The district consumer commission has ordered a partnership firm that offers logistic services to pay Rs66.53 lahks to an exporter, with an additional 9% interest, for having released a shipment of diamonds to a company without a release order. Furthermore, Rs70,000 was mandated to be paid for the mental suffering and legal expenses. The decision was made in response to a complaint filed by proprietor of Aashi Exports.
First India Bureau Mumbai: From February 13, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will start a new bus route from Mira Road station to Dahisar metro station. According to au-
thorities, the new route from Dahisar Check Naka-Kashimira-SliverPark-J&K Bank Marg-Mira Road railway station will help BEST bus commuters travel comfortably. The buses will run at the intervals of 15 minutes. In conversation with mid-day.com, Lokesh Chandra, General Manager of BEST, said there is no impact on the ridership of BEST after the opening of Metro Lines 2A and 7. “We are trying to make public transport more and more comfortable and commut -
er-friendly for the passengers. Due to the change in public transport facilities, many people have shifted from their private mode of transport to public transport.”
Chandra said, “In
our case, BEST is more affordable for the public in comparison to a self-driven car, or even the shared taxi or auto. For the last mile connectivity, we have already started five to six routes after getting
NEW ROUTES
suggestions from the commuters.”
BEST is studying the suggestions to provide last-mile connectivity to the commuters who are using the Metro lines and then further travel by other public
transport services to reach their final destinations. “We are looking at the new routes so that the commuters have an end-to-end comfortable journey,” Chandra said.
BEST announced six routes on the metro lines. Although the overall footfall is not high on all these routes, however, it is expected to rise in coming months. Chandra said new routes take time to get footfall because of lack of awareness. He said he is sure these routes will see an increase in footfall in the coming months.
Mumbai: Subhash Parab, a close confidant of Nirav Modi, was granted bail by a Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. He was arrested in April 2022 in connection with the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case. The court noted that Parab was an employee of Fire Star International Private Ltd. and was not a signatory to any documents. The chargesheet has been filed and over 150 witnesses have been cited.
LOAN FRAUD CASE: NIRAV MODI’S AIDE GETS BAIL TWO HELD IN 13 CASES FOR DUPING ELDERLIES
Navi Mumbai: Unit two of the Crime Branch apprehended two suspects believed to be behind 13 robberies of elderly people. They would target senior citizens in isolated areas and threateningly take away their jewellery. The arrest not only solved at least 13 cases of fraud and robbery in different parts of the city but also put the seniors of Panvel in peace.The accused were identified as Naresh Vijaykumar Jaiswal and Babu Mancheka.
Although the overall footfall is not high as of now, however, it is expected to rise in coming months
After a glorious victory by the Indian girls in the U-19 T20 World Cup barely a fortnight ago, it’s time for the senior girls to buckle up for a new challenge. The Indian eves take on Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup in South Africa on Sunday. The U-19 triumph was the first World Cup win in Indian Women’s cricket history. Now, the key question is whether the ‘Women in Blue’ can carry forward the momentum of the Under-19 victory to script history at the senior level and emerge as the best?
No easy answers to this seemingly simple query. Though India has been prominent in the chasing pack to end Australia’s dominance, achieving the same has remained elusive. Since the first edition in 2009, Australia have won five of the seven tournaments, including the last two editions in 2018 and 2020. Inevitably, the Aussies are firm favourites – their victory in the ODI World Cup last year, their gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and their Ashes win all testify how Australia have dominated women’s cricket in recent years.
But once they negotiate the group stage, Harmanpreet and Co have the potential to dream big. Given the fine blend of youth and experience now, there’s no reason why the ‘Women in Blue’ can’t go all the way this time. Indian cricket fans will hope that South Africa proves lucky a second time. In 2007, Indian Men won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africaand in 2023, the Women’s team could repeat the feat in the same country!!
Despite the Aussie dominance, India, England and hosts South Africa are all harbouring hopes of clinching the World Cup title in the T20 showpiece event. While England have an experienced squad and the Proteas have the home advantage, Team India certainly seem like strong contenders. A great mix of youthful talent and experienced players makes the team full of potential. In Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, India has two of the finest stroke makers in the game today. If Shafali Verma can live up to her full potential, then former skipper Mithali Raj’s prediction that India’s chances of winning will depend largely on the top order’s form could easily come true.
To clinch the World Cup, however, besides the seasoned duo of Kaur and Mandhana, the others in the team also need to start firing at their best. India has a strong core of young players. Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, could play a key role in making India look like a force to be reckoned with at this World Cup. In particular, one hopes the U19 World Cup-winning duo of
Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh will use the knowledge of South African conditions they have gained in playing the U-19 event to good use.
Indian bowling though will be severely tested in this post-Jhulan Goswami era. It needs some major improvement as India will be fielding a relatively inexperienced pace unit barring veteran Shikha Pandey. The warm up matches have shown that spinners might be very useful in the conditions and as such India will be relying a lot on Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gaikwad to do the job for them in the middle overs.
Team India has had a rather successful run over the past 12 months. They won the Asia Cup beating Sri Lanka in the final and grabbed the Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games last
AFTER A GLORIOUS VICTORY BY THE INDIAN GIRLS IN THE U-19 T20 WORLD CUP BARELY A FORTNIGHT AGO, IT’S TIME FOR THE SENIOR GIRLS TO BUCKLE UP FOR A NEW CHALLENGE. THE INDIAN EVES TAKE ON PAKISTAN IN THEIR FIRST MATCH OF THE T20 WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA ON SUNDAY
summer in England. Though they lost the home series against Australia 4-1, most games were closely fought affairs. What will give Team India the confidence to pull it off against the Aussies is the fact that Australia have lost just one T20 in the last 22 months and that defeat was inflicted by India! Even in the Commonwealth Games final, Harmanpreet’s team nearly
To clinch the World Cup, however, besides the seasoned duo of Kaur and Mandhana, the others in the team also need to start firing at their best. India has a strong core of young players. Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, could play a key role in making India look like a force to be reckoned with at this World Cup.
overcame the Aussies before narrowly losing by just 9 runs.
India needs to begin convincingly against Pakistan. Once they win the battle with traditional rivals, they could get a big boost in confidence and momentum. They need to be careful as they are placed in a tough, tricky group which includes England, West Indies and Ireland, apart from Pakistan. While India was
beaten by their arch rivals in the Asia Cup, they still have 10 wins out of 13 matches against Pakistan. The group match against England will have some added spice given that their last match ended with a controversial ‘Mankad-ed’ wicket which sparked off a sharp war of words between the two sides. But once they negotiate the group stage, Harmanpreet and Co have the potential to dream big. Given the fine blend of youth and experience now, there’s no reason why the ‘Women in Blue’ can’t go all the way this time. Indian cricket fans will hope that South Africa proves lucky a second time. In 2007, Indian Men won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa - and in 2023, the Women’s team could repeat the feat in the same country!!
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented his last budget before the state goes to polls later this year.
Riding on this budget are Gehlot’s, and that of Congress’, fortunes. Last year his budget was described as populist and there was suspense over how much more he would be able to offer to keep voters on his side for a fourth term as chief minister.
With a fair chunk of the budget going towards the
welfare of farmers and the poor, his spell may continue to charm voters from those sections. Free electricity to farmers up to 200 units and an LPG cylinder for Rs 500 under Ujjwala scheme may attract a frown from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but for Gehlot these allocations could prove to be a game changer.
An estimated 76 lakh people will benefit from the Ujjwala scheme. Insurance scheme for livestock, interest free loans to farmers
Looked at in totality, this year’s budget can be called a caring budget and helps the CM to approach his voters with confidence.
How will voters respond and how will the state navigate its financial burden remains to be seen
from co-operative banks subsidised housing loans for farmers point to the importance the government has given to agriculturists.
As it has a Rs 19,000 crore inflation relief package for the masses hit hard by the rising prices. This will include distribution of free food packets for the poor every month. The medical cover of Rs 25 lakh under the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme also targets the poor for good reason.
Bhubaneswar (PTI):
President Droupadi
New Delhi
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that the speeches given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament were normal speeches and said that the government did not answer questions raised of the opposition.
Congress President termed the Prime Minister’s speech in both Houses of Parliament as an everyday speech and said that the government is arrogant and is not answering important questions like inflation, unemployment or those posed on the Adani row.
He said that the value of the Rupee is continuously falling, 71,000 primary schools are being closed and the number of private educational institutions are increasing all over the country and the Prime Minister is not giving any answers.
The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said that arrogance of the Prime Minister is reflected in the statement that only he can save the country.
Adani hires NYbased law firm to advise it on stocks crisis
New Delhi: Gautam
Adani-led Adani Group has hired US-based law firm Wachtell to fight against allegations recently leveled against the conglomerate by short-seller Hindenburg Research, Financial Times reported.
According to the British daily news report, the Adani Group has tapped senior lawyers at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to advise it on how to deal with the crisis facing the conglomerate. The New York-based legal firm specializes in corporate law, regularly handling large and complex transactions.
STAGE WALKOUT FROM RS
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress and some other opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Friday after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed to speak in the House.
Kharge wanted to raise the issue of some of his observations being expunged by the chair, but he was not allowed on the plea that he cannot read the same remarks which have already been expunged. Opposition members protested in support of the Leader of Opposition who wanted to raise his point, but the chair did not accede to their demand.
RS CHAIRMAN DHANKHAR LOSES COOL OVER RUCKUS BY PROTESTING MP’S
New Delhi( ANI): Taking serious note of the disruptions of the proceedings by opposition who have been demanding a Joint Parliament Commitee over the Adani-Hindenberg row, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar lost his patience and warned the protesting MP’s that “every transgression from both sides would not go without his deep reflection”. The outburst came after a heated argument between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and the Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge who have been locking horns after Congress alleged PM Modi to have “links” with industrialist Gautam Adani.
DHANKHAR SUSPENDS CONGRESS MP FOR RECORDING HOUSE PROCEEDINGS
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President
Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday suspended Congress MP Rajani Patil for the remainder of the Budget Session for filming House proceedings. The suspension comes after she tweeted a video from inside the House in which opposition lawmakers were seen protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the Motion of Thanks. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed a “serious view” regarding the issue and characterised it as an “unwholesome activity” on her side.
‘6 OF 11 WERE BJP MPS’: CONG SLAMS PM
New Delhi: Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong attack on Congress led UPA alliance, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh today countered the attack and posed fresh questions to the PM. Taking to social media, Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “In his long rant yesterday, the PM blamed UPA for the cash-for-query scam when in fact 6 of 11 involved were BJP MPs.” “It’s BJP that walked out during the vote to expel the MPs after resolutions moved by Pranab-da and Dr Singh. Would the Chair now expunge PM’s lies,” he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Lok Sabha a day after Congress’s Rahul Gandhi’s attack on his government, lashed out at the 10 years of UPA rule, saying it had “bled the country dry”.
New Delhi: Former Odisha chief secretary Bijay Patnaik, who superannuated from service in 2013, joined the Congress party on Friday. The retired bureaucrat met the party leadership at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi.
Patnaik, a 1976-batch IAS officer, served as the state chief secretary from September 2010 to 2013. Before his elevation as a top administrator of the state, he served as the principal secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from 2004 to 2010.
Murmu on Friday said that yoga had helped her when she was in mental and physical agony, while asserting that regular practice of it could help people achieve success in all spheres of life. She also noted that
empowerment of women is the ‘mantra’ to establish India as the “Biswa Guru” (world leader). Murmu stressed the need for the practice of yoga which could help citizens grow spiritually leading to the overall development of individuals and the nation as a whole. Murmu arrived in Odisha today, her home state, and is here to attend official functions.
On Saturday, Murmu will first pay a visit to the Lord Lingaraj temple and then inaugurate the second Indian Rice Congress at the National Rice Research Institute in Cuttack.
Mangaluru: The roadshow of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka on Saturday has been cancelled owing to security reasons, a senior BJP leader said. Shah, who will be reaching Karnataka on Saturday morning from Kerala, will par-
Lucknow: Highlighting the country's development strides and investment-friendly environment and pointing out that Uttar Pradesh is leading the growth of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India is reforming not out of compulsion, but out of conviction.
If India is the bright spot in the world, then Uttar Pradesh is leading the growth of the country, PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 in Lucknow.
Addressing the gathering, PM said, "UP's growth has been noteworthy. People used to say that it was hard to develop UP and the law and order situation could not be improved.
UP was known for scams and no one had any hopes for UP. But, within just five to six years, UP has estab-
lished a new identity for itself. Today, UP is known for good governance, peace, law and order, and stability."
The PM said a big change is being witnessed in the thinking and aspirations of Indian society and youth today. The aspirations of the country are
pushing the governments, and these aspirations are pushing the development work.
"Today every credible voice in the world believes that India's economy will continue to grow rapidly. The biggest reason behind this is increasing self-confidence of Indians," he said.
VANDE BHARAT TRAINS REFLECT SPEED AND SCALE OF INDIA’S PROGRESS: PM
Mumbai (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Vande Bharat Express exemplify the speed and scale of India’s progress. He said these trains will benefit students and office-goers while also facilitating devotees and farmers. “For the first time, 2 Vande Bharat trains have been flagged off at once. They’ll connect financial centres such as Mumbai and Pune to centres of religious significance & will benefit college, office-goers, farmers and devotees. It will also boost tourism,” he said.
‘INDIA'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS SEEN WITH TRUST’
Lucknow (ANI): Union Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government has put forward a new vision for the business community in the country, which is now looked upon with trust and respect. He also said the government has presented a new approach towards the business committee.
OPPN ATTACKS YOGI GOVT AHEAD OF GIS-23 EVENT
Lucknow: Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have mounted a blistering attack on the Yogi Adityanath-led state government before the GIS event.
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said the state government should not discriminate between industrialists.
UP RECEIVES INVESTMENT PROPOSALS OF `32.92 LAKH CRORES: CM YOGI
Lucknow (ANI): Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that the state has attracted investments proposals worth Rs 32.92 lakh crores through the roadshows for the Global Investors Summit 2023 and is ready to play the role of the growth engine of the country in line with the Prime Minister’s vision and by imbibing his mantra of ‘Reform, Perform Transform’.
KHELO INDIA WINTER GAMES 3RD EDITION
New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday inaugurated the third Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg. The third edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be held from February 10 to February 14.
Talking to ANI Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said, “The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games is being inaugurated at our Jammu and Kashmir’s
Gulmarg. More than 500 players from 29 states and union territories of the country have come.”
Besides Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, Lieutenant Governor
‘GULMARG TO BE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR WINTER GAMES’ Baramulla (Agencies): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said Gulmarg is going to be the Centre of Excellence for the winter sports and efforts are on and soon “we will achieve the mission” Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games, LG Sinha, said that every effort is being made to bring the skills of J&K youth who are affiliated with the sports on a display as Gulmarg will soon be the Center of Excellence for the winter games.
of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha along with high officials of the sports council and tour-
ism department were also present during the inauguration. In the five-day-long
event, 11 games will be organized that will witness the performances of 1000 players across Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiatives Anurag Thakur said, “A large number of youths are showing their interest in playing sports as they are getting a proper platform to show their talent. Khelo India has given a platform to thousands of young players.”
ticipate in various programmes and address a public gathering in Puttur town.
About 3,500 police personnel have been deputed for the security of Amit Shah, during his visit to the district, which had witnessed revenge killings in the recent past. The disturbing development stirred a debate at the national level. The cancelled roadshow was to be held at Mangaluru city in the evening.
TRANSFER OF 10 HIGH COURT JUDGES UNDER PROCESS, SAYS LAW MINISTRY
New Delhi: Proposals for transfer of 10 high court judges are under various stages of processing, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Lok Sabha on Friday. Rijiju’s statement comes days after the Supreme Court expressed displeasure over Centre’s delay in clearing recommendations for transfer of HC judges, saying it was a very serious issue. The minister asserted that “no timeline” has been prescribed in the Memorandum of Procedure for transfer of judges from one HC to another.
SUPREME COURT RELIEF FOR 'KANTARA' MAKERS OVER PLAGIARISM
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday put on hold the Kerala High Court's condition directing the producer and director of the Kannada superhit movie "Kantara" to not exhibit the film with the song "Varaharoopam" till a final order in the copyright infringement case. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala also issued notice to the Kerala government and sought its reply in two weeks.
HARDIK ACQUITTED IN 5-YEAR-OLD CASE OF DISOBEYING GOVT ORDER
New Delhi: A court in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Friday acquitted Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Hardik Patel in a five-year-old case after the prosecution failed to establish the case. The Patidar leader was accused of delivering a political speech at a gathering in contravention of the conditions set by the authorities while granting permission for the event.
REQUEST ON EXCOMMUNICATION IN MUSLIM COMMUNITY REFERRED TO SC
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today referred to a larger nine-judge bench to decide the plea against the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community. A bench said the nine-judge bench constituted to decide the correctness of the Sabarimala judgment will also decide the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community. The bench had earlier heard the parties who urged the court to wait for a nine-judge bench decision in the matter.
DELHI POLICE MOVE HC AGAINST ORDER DISCHARGING SHARJEEL IMAM
New Delhi: The Delhi Police has moved a plea challenging the order of a trial court which discharged Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha and nine others in a case pertaining to the violence at Jamia Millia Islamia University in December 2019 related to demon strations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
HC SEEKS POLICE REPORT ON SALE & SUPPLY OF ‘BANNED’ CHINESE MANJHA
New Delhi: On account of supply of ‘Chinese manjha’ (kite string) even after its ban, the Delhi HC directed the Police Crime Branch to submit a comprehensive status report investigating the manufacturers and importers supplying the material to the traders. A bench sought details of the marketers still selling the manjha.
Washington (PTI): As the US focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its "downward trend of democratic values and institutions", said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
The report has called for supporting a strong and democratic India.
Senate Foreign Affairs Chairman Senator Robert Menendez said the US needs to approach the Indo-Pacific with a well-resourced, whole-of-government approach that synchronizes the military-security elements with diplomatic, economic, and civil society elements to ensure the greatest chance of success.
The "Strategic Alignment: The Imperative of Resourcing the IndoPacific Strategy", a Majority Staff Report, was released by Menendez.
"I believe that Presi-
dent Biden's Indo-Pacific Strategy, released one year ago, adopts this whole-of-government approach. If fully equipped with the tools that it needs to be successful, this strategy will underpin the United States' leadership in the most consequential and dynamic region of the world in the 21st century," he said.
The report said the
‘VISIT ASSAM’: CHIEF MINISTER SARMA AFTER LEONARDO DICAPRIO’S POST
Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma extended an invitation to Hollywood legend Leonardo DiCaprio to visit Kaziranga National Park, famed for its one-horned rhinos, after the actor lauded the state government for its efforts to stop poaching of the animal. In an Instagram post, DiCaprio wrote the efforts of the Assam government that started in 2021 met success the next year when no rhinos were poached in National Park.
MAOIST WITH `15 LAKH BOUNTY SURRENDERS
New Delhi (ANI): A Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head & who was involved in several violent crimes, surrendered before the CRPF and police on Friday. The Maoist was identified as Abhyas Bhiyan aka Prem Bhuiyan who was a Regional Committee Member of CPI.
Biden administration was correct not to make its Indo-Pacific strategy solely about competition with the People's Republic of China. But to succeed, it has to grapple with the realities of this competition for the US and the challenges it poses for its regional allies and partners, it said. In its seventh & last recommendation, the Major Staff
First India Bureau
CBI NABS 3 PUBLIC SERVANTS IN 2 CASES OF BRIBERY
New Delhi (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested three public servants in two separate cases of bribery. A Senior Auditor identified as Neeraj Kumar Kaushal working in the office of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Pensions, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for bribery of Rs 20,000, according to a CBI statement.
OVER 21 STUDENTS FALL SICK DUE TO WATER CONTAMINATION, 7 HOSPITALISED
Mainpuri: Over 21 students fell ill and seven other students were hospitalised after drinking contaminated water at Government Engineering College in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri. The matter came to light when district health officials learnt that a large number of students in the district were admitted to a hospital. Officials said it was found that at least 21 students pursuing Engineering courses in a Government Engineering College were admitted to a hospital since February 9.
LITHIUM RESERVES FOUND IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
New Delhi: The Union Government on Thursday said that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries.
LIQUOR WORTH `1.12 CR BEING SENT TO GUJARAT SEIZED
Shajapur: Madhya Pradesh police have seized a truck carrying liquor worth more than Rs 1 crore to dry state Gujarat from Haryana, an official said today. The police had received inputs that a consignment of liquor was being sent to Bihar, another dry state, through MP. Accordingly, they intercepted a truck and found it to be laden with automobile spare parts.
ACTION TAKEN AGAINST MINORS RIDING TWO-WHEELERS, 91 VEHICLES SEIZED
Ghaziabad: The traffic police during a drive against minors riding two-wheelers in the city has registered FIRs against their parents and vehicle owners in various police stations. The police has also seized 91 such vehicles in the last week. Among the FIRs, 12 have been lodged in Kavinagar police station, 8 in Nandgram, 10 in Kotwali, 4 in Vijay Nagar and 13 in Sahibabad, among others. Additional DCP Traffic Ramanand Kushwaha held a meeting with the staff before starting the drive.
of
Indo-Pacific
Report calls for supporting a strong and democratic India.
"Even as the administration rightly treats India as an important partner, it will need to address very real complications of India's continued ties with, & dependence on, Russia for defence equipment and its downward trend of democratic values and institution," it said.
United Nations: UN Security Council members have hailed the significance of the "Delhi Declaration" adopted at a special meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in India last year, saying it offers a "solid basis" to counter the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and symbolises the Council's "shared determination" to address the challenge. The 15-nation Council, under the Presidency of Malta for the month of February, on Thursday held a meeting on 'Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts' during which the 16th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat. On October 28-29 last year, the Security Council CounterTerrorism Committee (CTC), chaired by India in 2022, organised the Special Meeting in New Delhi and Mumbai on the overarching theme of "Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes".
New Delhi: Asking who in India uses their maternal grandfather’s surname, Congress on Friday hit out at PM Narendra Modi for his remarks on Gandhis not using Nehru name and said he doesn’t have the basic understanding of Indian culture.
“Only god can save the country,” AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala told reporters a day after Modi, in a speech in the Rajya Sabha, asked why the Gandhis were ashamed of using the Nehru surname.
“Someone who is sitting on such a responsible position does not know or understand the culture of India. You can ask any person who uses maternal grandfather’s surname?” Surjewala told a press conference at the party headquarters in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. “If he does not even have this basic understanding of India’s culture, then only God can save this country,” Surjewala said.
—Representational Image
New Delhi (PTI): The Editors Guild of India has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha chief Jagdeep Dhankhar to grant unrestricted access of journalists to Parliament & lift curbs that came into force during the Covid pandemic.
In a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Guild also pointed out that access of senior journalists to Central Hall has been suspended and the Press Advisory Committee too has not been constituted for the last three years. In a separate letter to Dhankhar, the
Guild noted that limited access under Covid-19 protocols could be appreciated, but bringing back restrictions at a time when India remains in the forefront of maximum vaccination coverage remained unexplained.
It noted that journalists from print and electronic medium, have been given access to cover the proceedings of the Parliament since the first session in May 1952.
“Our request is to restore complete access to all accredited media persons immediately, including the Central Hall,” the
Guild said in the letter.
The Guild noted that G V Mavalankar, the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha, had decided that the Committee should, among other things, discharge advisory functions, including examination of temporary and permanent admissions to the press gallery and that applications for such admissions would be referred to the Committee for its opinion and advice.
“Since then, the process remained in place till it was abandoned recently,” the Guild said.
New Delhi (PTI): Lok Sabha on Friday witnessed noisy scenes and a walk out by the DMK and Congress after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the opposition is giving "wrong information" about AIIMS Madurai as he took strong action against medical colleges which don't have faculty, infra & patients. Replying to a question on AIIMS Madurai, he said medical courses of the institute are go-
ing on while Rs 1,900 crore has been earmarked for constructing the infrastructure. When the DMK mem-
bers said the AIIMS Madurai is not ready, Mandaviya accused them of giving wrong information to the House and
Bengaluru (ANI): Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri said that India is demonstrating that economy and ecology are not at odds with each other, but in fact, fundamentally intertwined, an official statement said, adding, “India is uniquely positioned to champion the aspirations of the Global South’. “The Working Group can be the cata-
lyst for the G20 countries to adopt the core tenets of the LiFE movement and promote the uptake of sustainable living at a global scale,” Puri said.
PURI EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH PEOPLE OF TURKEY
New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his solidarity with the people of Turkey in their grief and deep difficulty. “He said that India commiserates Turkey’s loss, and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian and medical support in this time of need and said that the outpouring of support to Turkey from people and leaders across the world is a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that connects us all,” an official said.
OMICRON, ITS SUB-LINEAGES DOMINANT COVID VARIANTS IN INDIA, SAYS CENTRE
New Delhi: Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant coronavirus variants in India, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar told the Lok Sabha on Friday. During the last 60 days, over 90 new variants of SARS-CoV2 have been detected in samples analysed by INSACOG, a national multi-agency consortium of genome sequencing laboratories, the minister said. Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variants in India. Of these, XBB and BQ are the most prevalent lineages circulating in the country, she said. The Health Ministry is following COVID-19 trajectory globally and in the country along with various expert committees.
misleading the people.
"Some people want to do politics on everything. I know why they are doing this as I have taken
strong action against those medical colleges which don't have faculty, infrastructure and patients," he asserted.
New Delhi (Agencies):
Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura, Kiran Gitte on Friday said that opinion and exit polls have been banned till 7pm of 27th February. Talking to reporters in Agartala, Mr. Gitte said that only print media can publish the advertisement of political parties on 15th and 16th of February.
However, such advertisements will need prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The
CEO added that election campaign-related activities will not be allowed in electronic media 48 hours prior to the polling day, as it may influence the voters.
New Delhi (ANI): Under Operation Dost, India sent 841 cartons of medicines, protection safety tools, and diagnostics to quake-hit Turkey and Syria, according to official sources on Friday.
The official sources told ANI that India had dispatched 841 cartons of medicine, protection safety tools, and diagnostics with a weight of 6.19 tons have been sent to Turkey and Syria.
New Delhi: A new-born baby and his mother have been rescued from rubble in Turkey, around 90 hours after the first of Monday’s deadly earthquakes. The 10-day-old boy, named Yagiz, was retrieved from a ruined structure in the southern Hatay province. Footage showed the child being carefully taken out overnighta sight described by local media as miraculous. Hopes of finding many more survivors are diminishing, amid freezing-cold weather four days after the disaster. However, search and rescue efforts continue in both Turkey and Syria - which was struck by the quakes.
clude Paracetamol 100 ML IV, Ceftriaxone GM INJ, Propofol INJ., etc.
The protection & safety tools that have been sent include gowns, gloves, shoe covers, & caps.
The other medical aid includes Electrocardiographs six channels, Syringe Pump, and a Physiologic monitor system. Indian army set up a field hospital under ‘Operation Dost’ to provide assistance to Turkey’s earthquake-hit people.
New Delhi: Chinese company Alibaba is learnt to have sold 3.16% direct stake in digital financial services firm One97 Communications, which operates under Paytm brand, for about `13,600 crore in a block deal. With this deal, Alibaba has sold entire direct stake in the company. Alibaba had 6.26% direct stake in Paytm as of December 2022. “Alibaba has sold its complete direct stake in Paytm in the block deal today,” a source aware of the development said on Friday. —PTI
MOODY'S CHANGES OUTLOOK ON FOUR ADANI FIRMS
New Delhi (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday staunchly defended her Budget as being pro-poor and for the common man, citing higher food and fertilizer subsidies and income tax relief, and said the focus was on job creation, small business and the farm sector.
The Budget for the fiscal year starting April (202324) also provides impetus to green growth, healthcare and keeping the economic engine running with record capital spending, she said.
The revamped new tax regime, which offers a rebate on annual income of up to ` 7 lakh, will leave higher disposable income in the hands of people, she added.
Sitharaman said the Budget balances the requirement of development
New Delhi: Moody’s Investor Service on Friday revised downwards the rating outlook on four Adani Group companies to negative from stable after a significant and rapid decline in market value following a report by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research.The rating outlook for Adani Green Energy Ltd, Adani Green Energy Restricted Group, Adani Transmission Step-One Ltd and Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd has been changed to negative from stable. —PTI
z During a dicussion in Parliament on Union Budget FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the Budget balances the requirement of development imperatives within the limits of fiscal prudence
imperatives within the limits of fiscal prudence.
On relief under the new
New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million loan to increase agricultural productivity and promote horticulture agribusinesses to raise farmers’ income in Himachal Pradesh. More than half of HP’s land area is in the mountains and 90% of the population lives in rural areas who are dependent on agriculture, said ADB Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist for South Asia Sunae Kim. The project will improve on-farm irrigation and water management in about 6,000 hectares (ha) of farmland by rehabilitating and constructing new irrigation facilities. —PTI
z The Budget for the fiscal year starting April (2023-24) also provides impetus to green growth, healthcare and keeping the economic engine running
z On relief under the new tax regime announced in the Budget, she said it is “very attractive”
tax regime announced in the Budget, she said it is “very attractive”.
New Delhi (PTI): To reduce the price of wheat and atta, the Department of Food & PD, in consultation with Ministry of Finance on Friday decided that the reserve price for sale of wheat under OMSS will be ` 2350/Qtl (Pan India) for FAQ and `2300/Qtl (Pan India) for URS wheat of all crops including RMS 2023-24 without adding any transportation cost component.
The ministry stated that this is to help the supply of wheat to general public in different part of the country at a reasonable price.
“The States may be allowed to purchase wheat from FCI for their own scheme at above reserve prices without participating in e-auction,” the ministry said in its statement.
As per the statement, the rate of wheat has been reduced to `21.50/Kg for sale to NCCF/NAFED/ Kendriya Bhandar/State Govt. Cooperatives/ Federations etc. as well as community
z To reduce the price of wheat and atta, the Department of Food & PD, in consultation with Ministry of Finance on Friday decided that the reserve price for sale of wheat under OMSS will be `2350/Qtl (Pan India) for FAQ
kitchen /charitable/NGO etc engaged in relief operations/ running relief camps for migrant labourers/vulnerable groups.
The ministry added that during the inaugural e-auction, which was held on the 1st and 2nd of Feb 2023, FCI sold 9.26 LMT of wheat out of 25 LMT to traders, flour mills, and other buyers.
New Delhi (PTI): India’s industrial production growth slipped to 4.3% in December from 7.3% in November 2022, mainly due to subdued performance of the manufacturing sector, according to official data released on Friday.
However, there was improvement on an annual basis as the factory output growth measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) stood at 1% in December 2021.
As per the IIP data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the manufacturing sector’s output grew by 2.6% in December 2022 from 0.6% a year ago.
The growth stood at 6.4% in the preceding month of November 2022.
Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmark Sensex declined 123 points on Friday due to selling pressure in metal and energy stocks amid a bearish trend in global equity markets.
RUPEE FALLS 4 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.55 AGAINST US DOLLAR
New Delhi: Gold price tumbled `669 to `56,754 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had touched `57,423 per 10 grams. Silver also plummeted `1,026 to `66,953/kg. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `56,754 per 10 grams, down `669 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior AnalystCommodities at HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were quoting lower at $1,866/ounce and $22.12/ounce. —PTI
New Delhi: The government will revoke the ban imposed on fintech firms LazyPay and Kissht after representations were made by these companies, a senior official said on Friday. The government last week ordered the blocking of 232 apps operated by overseas entities, including Chinese, for being involved in betting, gambling and unauthorised loan service. Sources said that the government will revoke the ban on LazyPay and Kissht. —PTI
New Delhi: Streaming giant Disney+ Hotstar has seen a 6% QoQ dip in its paid subscriber base during the three months to December 2022 due to the non-renewal of content deal with Jio and the pull-out of shorter duration pack customers after the loss of IPL digital rights. According to Walt Disney’s Q1 2023 results, Disney+ Hotstar’s paid subscriber base has shrunk by 3.8 million to 57.5 million from 61.3 million. —FIB
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said 10 states and five union territories are currently not implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The ten states are: Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Telangana and West Bengal, the minister said. Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Delhi, Ladakh and Lakshadweep are the UTs which are not implementing PMFBY. —PTI
Mumbai (PTI): India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by $1.494 billion to reach $575.267 billion as of February 3, snapping a three-week rising trend, RBI data showed on Friday.
In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had jumped by $3.03 billion to $576.76 billion.
The reserves have been declining as the central bank deploys the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments.
For the week ended February 3, the foreign currency assets decreased by $1.323 billion to $507.695 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
Rising crude prices and continued selling by foreign investors also weighed on market sentiment, traders said.
Snapping its two-day gaining streak, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 123.52
points or 0.20% lower at 60,682.70. During the session, the index touched a high of 60,774.14 and a low of 60,501.74. The broader NSE Nifty slipped 36.95 points to finish at 17,856.50.
New Delhi (PTI): Smartphones shipments in India plunged by over 27% to 29.6 million in the October-December quarter of 2022, from 40.6 million in the year-ago period, mainly due to inflationary pressures, market research firm IDC said on Friday. According to the report, dwindling consumer demand due to high inflation remained a challenge throughout the year despite the improved supply situation.
Smartphone shipments in the sub-$300 (about
New Delhi: Yahoo said on Friday it plans to lay off more than 20% of its total workforce as part of a major restructuring of its ad tech division. The cuts will impact nearly 50% of Yahoo’s ad tech employees by the end of this year, including nearly 1,000 employees this week, the company said. Yahoo added that the move would enable the company to narrow its focus and investment on its flagship ad business called DSP. —FIB
New Delhi (PTI): Around 1,333 multi-national companies (MNCs) have shut down in the country but more than 4,900 new ones have come up opening new avenues and job opportunities, Parliament was informed on Friday. Responding during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, MoS for Commerce & Industry Som Parkash said it is normal to see some MNCs get closed and some new to come up.
A total of 1,333 MNCs have been closed down in the country, out of which 313 were foreign-based and 1,017 were their subsidiar-
ies, he said. “I am happy to share that in comparison to it (the one closed down), 4,906 new MNCs have been
opened. This will open new avenues and provide job opportunities,” Parkash said. The minister, however, did
z A total of 1,333 MNCs have been closed down in the country, out of which 313 were foreign-based and 1,017 were their subsidiaries
z However as per govt, more than 4,900 new ones have come up opening new avenues and job opportunities
not share the time period during which the MNCs were shut and new ones were opened.
` 25,000) price segment declined by 15% while midpremium and premium price segments of $300-500 and over $500 (`41,000) grew by 20 and 55%, respectively during 2022. The entry-level smartphones, below ` 12,500 apiece, shrunk to 46% from 54% a year ago.
Apple maintained its lead in the premium segment with a 60% share.
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 4 paise to close at 82.55 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, tracking a muted trend in domestic equities and firm crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.61 against the American currency and touched a low of 82.64 and a high of 82.34 intra-day. It finally settled at 82.55 against the greenback.
New Delhi (PTI): Milk prices in the country have risen due to increase in the feed and fodder cost, Union Minister Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said in Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Balyan, who is Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said dairy companies pass on 75% of the retail price to farmers. There is a need to balance between farmers and consumers. Farmers need to get higher returns on milk for them to take up dairy farming, he said.
New Delhi (FIB): Short video app TikTok fired its entire India staff on Monday, a report by The Economic Times said, quoting sources. Forty people were laid off and were offered severance pay of up to nine months.
“The TikTok India employees were told that February 28 would be their last day and were given feelers to look out for other opportunities for some time as it was conveyed that restarting India operations were not going to take off because of the government’s
stance on Chinese apps,” a source told ET.
“The entire team was informed. We were anyway told some time ago that business in India may be shut off, so look for jobs. Most people will be given 90 days severance,” another source told ET.
India’s forex kitty drops $1.49 billion to $575.27 billion
The human ability to ‘Work’ is amazing, we can rise to the greatest heights or plummet to the lowest, choose carefully.
— Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First IndiaFirst India Bureau
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday hailed the Dawoodi Bohra community, saying the community has always proved itself true to the test of change and development over time. He was speaking at the inauguration event of the new campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah at Marol in Mumbai’s western suburb.
While inaugurating the Mumbai campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy, the principal educational institute of the Dawoodi Bohra Community on Friday, PM Narendra Modi said he was at-
tending the event as a family member and not as the prime minister.
I consider myself fortunate that I have something that few have. I have been connected to this family for 4 generations. All 4 generations have visited my home,” PM Modi said
Modi said he has been connected to the Dawoodi Bohra Community for four generations. "Coming to you all feels like coming to a family. I saw your video today. I have a complaint. You repeatedly said prime minister or chief minister. I am your family member,
First India Bureau
Thane: Former Thane corporator Hanumant Jagdale on Fridays aid he was quitting the Nationalist Congress Party and joining the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Addressing a press conference, he said he took this decision as it was not possible to carry out development works without the support of the ruling party. He said some other former corporators and
workers of the NCP will join BSS on Sunday. Jagdale said he would work to ensure cluster development is allowed in his ward so that people benefit. Civic polls are due in Thane and several other cities in Maharashtra since early 2022.
In July last year, Uddhav Thackeray had also lost control of TMC when 66 out of 67 Shiv Sena (Thackeray) corporators left the party and joined Shinde camp after these men held a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
First India Bureau
Nashik: Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Friday asserted the Electricity (Amendment) Bill will not be allowed to pass in Parliament in its existing form as it will stop the subsidy offered to power consumers.
Speaking at an event here, Pawar said the Opposition has clearly conveyed to the Union government that it will not allow the bill to be passed in its present form.
It may get passed in the Lok Sabha because of the majority enjoyed by the Narendra Modi government, but it will not get cleared in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling dispensation lacks the required numbers.
—Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party president
am neither a prime minister here nor a chief minister. I consider myself fortunate that I have something that few have. I have been connected to this family for 4 generations. All 4 generations have visited my home," PM Modi said.
It may get passed in the Lok Sabha because of the majority enjoyed by the Narendra Modi government, but it will not get cleared in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling dispensation lacks the required numbers, Pawar said.
"Today, those who are in power decided to bring the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 Act. We have opposed
First India Bureau Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) desalination plant project is going to be set up at Manori and the work order is likely to be issued by August, municipal commis sioner and adminis trator Iqbal Singh Chahal said on Friday.
The tender is cur rently being finalised, and bids will be invit ed on an international competitive basis.The plant is expected to be functional in the next four years and will process 200 million litres of water per day (MLD). It is estimated to cost Rs 1,600 crore and maintenance for the next 20 years will cost another Rs 1,920 crore.
The project has been undertaken to develop an alternative water source for the city due to changing
patterns of rainfall. For the project, a provision of Rs 200 crore for 2023–2024 was suggested during the recent civic budget presentation. BMC earmarks 12 hectares for the plant
The BMC has earmarked 12 hectares for the plant. The project was first mooted in 2007 after a State Government-appointed high-level committee suggested setting up desalination plants
Project undertaken to develop alternative water source for city
in Mumbai. The BMC had initiated the process to set up two such plants – one in south Mumbai and another in the western suburbs in 2016. However, the proposal was cancelled due to high cost and land issues. It was revived in October 2020 when former Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray showed interest in the project.
because if it is passed in its present form then the subsidy offered to the power consumers will be stopped," he said.
The privatisation of public undertakings in the power sector is also under consideration, he claimed.
"The bill is before a parliamentary committee. Our stand is we will not allow this law to be passed in its current
form," he added. Pawar said 40,00042,000 vacancies in various state-run power firms should be filled and priority must be given to those working on these posts on contract. He said Telangana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu have included such employees in service and Maharashtra should also do the same.
First India Bureau
Mumbai: Journalists from across Mumbai on Friday gathered at the statue of Gandhiji in Mantralaya to protest the murder of their Ratnagiri colleague Shashikant Warishe.
Warishe (48) was mowed down by an SUV allegedly driven by land dealer Pandharinath Amberkar on Monday. Warishe died in hospital the next day. It has been alleged Amberkar, now arrested and booked for murder, used to threaten any person who opposed land acquisition for a proposed refinery in the area.
An article written by Warishe against Amberkar had appeared in a local Marathi newspaper on the morning of the incident, some 440 kilometres from Mumbai.
The protesting journalists, who gathered at state secretariat in the
south of the metropolis at noon, sought that trial be conducted in a fast track court and accused be given exemplary punishment.
Participants in the protest said those involved in the killing as well as its larger conspiracy should be unravelled through a special investigation team (SIT) and the accused must be slapped with the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Warishe’s kin must be given Rs 50 lakh compensation, said Pravin Puro, secretary of Vidhimandal and Mantralaya Pratrakar Sangh, among the journalist associations that took part in Friday’s protest.
People want a clarification from the prime minister on the Adani scam, but the Modi government has again given a dose of religion to people to keep them quiet, Samnaa editorial read
First India Bureau
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday mocked the ‘Cow Hug Day’ initiative for Valentine’s Day on February 14 and took a swipe at Narendra Modi claiming billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani was a “holy cow” for the prime minister.
The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued an advisory urging people to celebrate Val-
entine’s Day as ‘Cow Hug Day’ to spread “positive energy” and encourage “collective happiness”, the move getting the backing of some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders while also generating several memes ridiculing it.
The value of shares of Adani Group firms have taken a beating over the last few weeks after US-based Hindenburg Research accused it of stock manipulation
and fraud. These have been denied by the Adani group.
In an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, the Uddhav faction of the Shiv Sena said despite protests in Parliament against Adani, the PM did utter a single word on the “scam”.
“People want a clarification from the prime minister on the Adani scam, but the Modi government has again given a dose of religion to
people to keep them quiet. Modi did not talk about Adani in Parliament, but his government spoke on cows,” the ‘Saamana’ editorial said.
“Adani is the big bull of the stock market, but for Modi he is a holy cow, the editorial said, adding the PM had embraced the “big bull” and was not ready to loosen the grip.
With Assembly polls set to take place in sev-
eral states this year, and the Lok Sabha elections just over a year away, the NDA government under Modi does not have much to show by way of development, so was seeking votes in the name of issues like Ram Temple and cows, the Sena editorial alleged.
Incidentally, Adani had met Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the UBT faction of the Shiv Sena, in September last year.
Scribes
A strong and lasting relationship depends on building trust, which must be done by assurances, pledges, and deeds. Making your partner feel loved and appreciated is the major goal of this day. Promises made to a partner while someone is in
Promise day is a perfect opportunity to express your love to someone or wants to make up for your unfortunate mistakes. Some amazing ideas to celebrate the most amazing Promise Day, shared by our vivid readers!
The fifth day of Valentine's week, known as Promise Day is celebrated with utmost love and fervour across the world. The day marks the unbreakable bond couple makes to stay by each other and express their love for
I pledge to always love, support, and be there for my loved ones on this day of promises. It's difficult to exist in
one another. They make unbreakable vows and pour their heart out to each other while guaranteeing loyalty, trust, and support for eternity. This day also reminds lovers of their togetherness and prepares them for the future ahead. One of the best days of Valentine's week which gives people an opportunity to make their beloved or partner feel loved and special. City First brings to you some amazing ideas that will make your day extra special!
NEHA YADAV Today is Promise Day, which, in all honesty, has little to do with us single people, but we may still make com-
Promise day is lucky for me, as this day reminds me of the beautiful vows I made with my friends and family. On this pious occasion, I will call my loved ones and will tell them how special they are to me. I want to be their light in the days of darkness, this is my promise to them.
Promise day is a special day, as this day urges us to remember those incomplete promises we made, this is like an opportunity through which we can complete those and make new ones. Definitely, I will try to complete my previous promises.
This Promise Day, I am planning to make a promise diary for myself, so that I can complete the promises I made to myself. This diary will help me remember my promises so that I can complete them on time.
Amrita Rao and hubby
RJ Anmol are one of the cutest couples on the block. Amrita, who was one of the most loved actresses of her time has been away from the big screen for quite some time now. They are all set to become authors. The couple had taken to their social media to announce their first book - Couple of Things, as co-authors. The book was unveiled by yet an other power couple of Bolly wood, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone.
RJ Anmol and Amrita Rao are all set to take the literary scene by storm as the outand-out romantic book, Cou ple Of Things will trace the individual journeys that eventually lead them to their destiny - each other. In the picture, we can see Ranveer planting a kiss on Deepika’s cheeks while RJ Anmol does the same to Amrita.
Blazers are of special interest through the winter and summer sun. A perennially needed and victory-assuring piece, there isn’t a bad blazer day we believe. In the days of promise-high inspirations, there’s a blazer to behold as liked by Kriti Sanon.
For the Farzi screening, the Shehzada actress rocked a casual look which had a great deal of coolness with a formal blazer. A crop top was involved too and we do not doubt that it is proven to be seasonless.
With a handful and skill-based tips on trusting lay-
our looks with, no outfit can be nonwearable. So to do what Kriti Sanon did, opt for a light wool tweed blazer from Valentino.
Made in Italy, this double-breasted blazer does make us want to give a shout-out to monochrome with its contrast trim detailing, front gold button closure, shoulder pads, pockets, and
Kiara and Sid exuded royal ele gance in Manish Malhotra en sembles as they tied the knot at Suryagarh Palace in Jais almer, Rajasthan. They got married in the presence of their families and close friends. Karan Johar, Kiara's Kabir Singh co-star Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput, and Juhi Chawla were among the few celebs who were in vited to the wedding. Fans were ea gerly waiting to see Shahid and Mira’s looks! ‘Ladkiwale’ Shahid and Mira have finally shared pictures of their glam look from Sid and Kiara’s wed ding! The pictures shared by Mira on her Instagram show Shahid dressed in an ethnic blue kurta, black pants, and a printed beige shawl. Stand ing next to him is Mira Rajput, who exudes glamour and ele gance in a white embroidered kurta, paired with matching pants. Sharing the video, she wrote, “Ladkiwale. Warm, inti mate and so special!” Take a look at the pictures below!
NEW RELEASE DATE! DO SOME ACTION
Shaakuntalam starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu is now all set to release in cinemas on April 14.
Ten days before the scheduled release date of Shaakuntalam, the makers of the movie have announced a new release date. “#Shaakuntalam in theatres worldwide on April 14,” the makers tweeted alongside a new poster that looks breathtaking.
Helmed by Gunasekhar, Shaakuntalam is a whimsical tale of love set in the Kashyapa Kanumalu (Kashmir), the grandeur and splendour of Dushyant’s Puru Dynasty. Shaakuntalam which will also release in 3D is being presented by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations in collaboration with Gunaa Teamworks and produced by Neelima Guna.
The upcoming Audible Original podcast series Marvel’s Wastelanders will be available interna tionally in multiple languages, including Hindi. Kareena Ka poor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Jaid eep Ahlawat, Sharad Kelkar, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Vrajesh Hir jee, Masaba Gupta, Mithila Palkar, Prajakta Koli, Yashas wini Dayama will be a part of the Hindi Audible podcast se ries. A video from the event that has surfaced on the In ternet shows Kareena Ka poor Khan posing for pic tures. She is surround ed by photographers, and one of them says, “Do some action, ma'am.” Kareena is seen making a goofy face, and sticking her tongue out. Paps can be heard saying, “One more time.”
n her recent Instagram post, Britney Spears slams back on the people who are planning an intervention amid concerns for her sanity and life. She posted a picture of practising gratitude which will move you towards a higher frequency. Here are all the details you need to know. Along with her post, Britney Spears captioned that she is sick to her stomach and that people can even make up stories about her death. This should stop at one point and should not even be legal.
The singer mentioned that she might have to stop posting on Instagram even though she enjoys it, but there are people who do not have her best interest at heart. Though Britney Spears is not even surprised by the way people are acting. She reminds people that it is not 2007 and her conservatorship has been over for
between India and the UK but filmmakers still reach out to her for roles.
ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in
Jagdeesh
Kapoor,
Chief,
Newly weds Shivaleeka Oberoi and Abhishek Pathak
Kiara Advani was the perfect bride and Sidharth Malhotra was the loveliest groom at their wedding. After making their fans wait for days, Kiara and Sidharth shared the first video from their wedding, from the var mala ceremony.
The magical video begins with Kiara walking to the stage where Sidharth is standing, wait-
After embracing motherhood by giving birth to her son Vayu Kapoor Ahuja, Sonam Kapoor is now looking forward to getting back to work. Her next film ‘Blind’, directed by Shome Makhijah, is all set to release next month.
Sonam, who recently made an appearance at an event in Mumbai,
When asked whether filmmakers still reach out to her as often given she is spending time away from Mumbai, she replied, “It hasn’t affected work at all. It’s also because I decided to not work while I was pregnant. And I think it was the best decision as I got to take some time off. Now, I am getting back and I will be shooting for my films and a few other things. Blind is releasing next month, which was shot just before I got pregnant. So there’s a lot to look forward to.”
When asked if she is getting decent work offers, Sonam laughed and said, “I don’t know about that. I think everyone also needs to re-
alise that I am com ing back to work. Also, I did say no to a lot of work while I was on a break.” The ‘Neer ja’ actor further said, “I have never been a brand. I have always been a human be ing, and that’s who I want to be.” Sonam got married to Anand Ahuja in 2018. The couple wel comed their baby boy Vayu last year in Au gust. Given her hus band is based in London, the actor keeps travelling between India and the UK.
hivaleeka Oberoi and Abhishek Pathak got married on Thursday. The wedding was held in Goa. On Friday, the actor and filmmaker took to Instagram to share their wedding album, complete with a candid picture of the groom kissing the bride's cheek during the ceremony. Shivaleeka wore a red lehenga with heavy bridal jewellery, while Abhishek chose a cream sherwani for the wedding.
While sharing the pictures, Abhishek and Shivaleeka wrote, “You don’t find love, it finds you. It’s got a lot to do with destiny, fate and what’s written in the stars. Last evening on Feb 9th 2023, surrounded by our loved ones, we got married in a place where our relationship bloomed. This will forever be the most magical moment of our life! With our hearts full of love and so many memories, we can’t wait to build even more special ones and begin this new journey together. Seeking your love & blessings.
The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by their close friends and family members
Sanjay Dutt's daughter
Trishala Dutt has been sharing her droolworthy pics almost every day. She never misses a chance to treat her fans with jaw-dropping pictures in sizzling outfits. On Thursday, the internet sensation gave a glimpse of her special night when she wore a sexy plunging neckline orange mini dress. With a cowl neckline and thin straps, the star kid knows how to flaunt her beauty and hotness simultaneously.
She was seen wearing a jawdropping bright orange coloured dress for a special night. The dress had thin strips, a plunging neckline and stopped at her midthigh, leav ing just enough for the im agination. She com pleted her ensemble by leaving open and choosing heavy eye makeup. She wore a gold thick banded watch and a dia mond-studded fin ger ring. Talking about her make up, Trishala worked on her eyes to give that black smoky look, with a dash of mascara and kept her lips neutral for subtleness.
MRIDULA SHARMA
ing for her. She is wearing a beautiful pink lehenga and walks out with her brothers holding a canopy of flowers.
The video from Kiara and Sidharth’s wedding is so beautiful, it will make you forget their on-screen chemistry! As Kiara Advani walked under phoolon ki chadar, Sidharth was seen having an emotional moment, with tears in his eyes.
Jaipur on Friday witnessed true women empowerment when Dr. Nirmala Sewani, a meditation guru con ducted the unique marriage ceremony of Abhinav and Soumya in 32 steps by Praja pati marriage meth od, in the form of a female priest. It is the first marriage in Jaipur where in stead of a male a female priest took the charge of get ting the marriage done. According to the family members, thisdecision may spark a national
trend that challenges patriarchy in weddings, after all, female priests are not uncommon in India. On
asked about her remarkable methods of conducting marriages Sewani said "I have been supervising rituals of Hindu marriages in the Prajapati Brahma Vidhi method in 32 steps. It is said in Hindu mythology that when the rituals of Pheras begin all the gods and goddesses sat down with the bride and groom at the mandap and give blessings to the couple. So following the same rituals we will conduct the marriage of this beautiful couple Abhinav and Soumya."
