First India-Mumbai Edition-12th February 2023

FIGHT FOR SHIV SENA SYMBOL BETWEEN SHINDE-THACKERAY GROUPS

Shinde will get party’s symbol, predicts Rane

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan

Narayan Rane, Union Minister has predicted in whose favor the Supreme Court will decide, when asked about the hearing of the power struggle in the SC on Feb 14

Kartikey Dev Singh

Mumbai: The power struggle in Maharashtra continues after the rebellion of 40 MLAs, including senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. The dispute has now gone to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will hear the power struggle on 14 February.

That’s why entire Maharashtra including Thackeray group and

READ Crucial

TAKE CARE OF MY DAD, SAYS LALU’S DAUGHTER AS HE REACHES INDIA

Shinde group have started paying attention to this hearing.

On Saturday, BJP leader and Union Minister Narayan Rane made a symbolic statement and stressed that the Shiv Sena symbol will be handed to Shinde faction.

Rane has predicted in whose favor the Supreme Court will decide. When asked about the hearing of the power struggle in

the Supreme Court on February 14, Narayan Rane said, “Shall I resort to astrology? Because I never talk about court cases. But the symbol for which Uddhav Thackeray is fighting, that symbol will go to Eknath Shinde.”

Meanwhile, Narayan Rane has responded to the criticism of the opposition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to

Rane raised this question on Saturday that since every entrepreneur gives job and creates employment which in turn helps the economy of the country, then ‘If we start looking at every entrepreneur separately, then entrepreneurs from outside the country will not come, and as a re-

Mumbai. “We have given development. Who has the right to name a child on birth? Isnt it the father? We have various schemes in Maharashtra. Two Vande Bharat Express were started yesterday. Prime Minister was called since he gives the money, what’s wrong with that? What did Shiv Sena do in two and a half years? They should list this. After

sult how will new investment come?’

On the initiative of former MLA Medha Kulkarni, talking to reporters after a seminar program for entrepreneurs, Union Minister Rane said that every industry provides employment. “If we look at each entrepreneur separately, then entrepreneurs from abroad will not come to India, investment will not come. If micro, small and medium enterprises are facing difficul-

leaving Matoshree, he (Uddhav) sat in the Ministry for two and a half hours in two and a half years. What kind of Chief Minister is this?” Rane said.

16 in fray for Kasba Assembly bypoll, 28 for Chinchwad

First India Bureau

ties in getting loans, then such instruc tions will be given to the officers and banks of my de partment. En trepreneurs facing diffi culty in taking loan should rectify the mistake and apply afresh,” he said.

Apart from this, commenting on the byelections of Kasba and Chinchwad assembly constituencies, Narayan Rane said, ‘We are going to win both Kas-

ba and Chinchwad byelection seats with a big margin. BJP takes all elections from Gram Panchayat to Lok Sabha very seriously.”

We have given development. Who has the right to name a child on birth? Isnt it the father? We have various schemes in Maharashtra.

Two Vande Bharat Express were started yesterday. Prime Minister was called since he gives the money, what’s wrong with that?

What did Shiv Sena do in two and a half years? They should list this. After leaving Matoshree, he (Uddhav) sat in the Ministry for two and a half hours in two and a half years. What kind of Chief Minister is this?

—Narayan Rane, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

MODI SOUNDS POLL BUGLE IN TRIPURA

In first Tripura rally, PM Modi promises ‘Trishakti’ govt vs Oppn’s ‘kushasan’

First India Bureau

Patna: RJD prez Lalu Yadav who underwent a kidney transplant surgery in Singapore in December last year, returned to India on Saturday. Lalu’s daughter Rohini, who donated kidney to him, shared an emotional post on Twitter and said now you all will take care of dad.

AIR ASIA FINED `20L

AFTER DGCA FINDS LAPSES IN TRAINING

New Delhi: AirAsia (India) Ltd has been fined `20 lakh by aviation regulator DGCA after its surveillance operation found that a few must exercises of pilots of airline were not done during Pilot Proficiency Check/Instrument Rating check as per schedule.

C’HGARH BJP LEADER SHOT DEAD BY MAOISTS; 2ND MURDER IN A WEEK

Narayanpur: A local BJP leader was shot dead by suspected Maoists in Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on late Friday. Deceased has been identified as Sagar Sahu, VP of Narayanpur district unit of the BJP. This is 2nd incident in last one week.

MAGNITUDE OF 3.8

QUAKE STRIKES SURAT CITY; NO CASUALTIES

Surat: The tremor recorded at a depth of 5.2 km with the epicentre in the Arabian sea off Hazira, caused no damage to property or life. A tremor of 3.8 magnitude was recorded in the early hours of Saturday, February 11, 2023, in Surat dist in Gujarat, an ISR said.

Agartala: In his first rally for the coming Tripura Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the BJP alone could usher in development with the “Trishakti of awaas, aarogya and aamdani (housing, healthcare and income)”, and warned that the Opposition would drag the State back into “kushasan (bad governance)”. PM Modi, sounding the poll bulge in Tripura, said old players of misgovernance have joined hands. While speaking at an election rally in Dhalai, PM Modi said that any vote for the Opposition alliance would set Tripura back several years.

US WILL WELCOME ANY EFFORTS BY PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI TO STOP RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: WHITE HOUSE

The White House has reiterated that the US will welcome any efforts of PM Narendra Modi to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, “I think PM Modi can convince Putin; I will let Modi speak to whatever efforts he’s willing to undertake.”

RBI on its toes as always, says Sitha on AdaniH’burg issue

Mumbai (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that Indian regulators are “very experienced” and seized of matter related to Adani Group and are “on their toes” to handle the situation that has arisen following report by USbased short seller Hindenburg Research.Addressing media in Mumbai, Sitha said the regulators “are on their toes as always, not just now”.

The very old players of the misgovernance have joined hands, some other parties are also helping them from behindwhatever may be their name or slogan, but even a single vote for them will take Tripura backward.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Recently, Adani Group stocks have taken a massive beating on the bourses after Hindenburg Research alleged that the business conglomerate engaged in share-price manipulation.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Shaktikanta

Das in customary post-Budget meeting in Delhi on Saturday.

Pune: 16 candidates remained in fray on Friday for an Assembly byelection to Kasba constituency in Pune city, officials said. They include BJP’s Hemant Rasane and Congress’s Ravindra Dhangekar. Friday was last day of candidature withdrawal. In Chinchwad Assembly bypoll, a total of 28 candidates including the BJP’s Ashwini Jagtap and NCP’s Nana Kate are in fray. Two bypolls will be held on February 26 while votes will be counted on March 2. Babasaheb Dabhekar of Congress, who had filed nomination as an independent candidate, and Kiran Kadre of the Aam Adami Party were among those who withdrew their nominations.

The two bypolls will be held on February 26 while votes will be counted on March 2

3 ‘terror’ hotspots smartly tackled...

NDA govt successful in controlling terror in J&K, insurgency in NE, Left wing extremism, says Shah

Hyderabad (FIB): The BJP-led govt at Centre has substantially succeeded in controlling terror activities in J&K, insurgency in the northeast & Left wing extremism, HM Amit Shah said here on Saturday.

Shah said under leadership of Indian govt agencies, police forces

After the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, terror incidents have come down drastically.

—Amit Shah, Union HM

in country carried out a successful operation in a single day against an organisation like PFI.

‘Constitution remarkable homegrown product of self-governance’

First India Bureau Nagpur: The Constitution of India is a remarkable homegrown product of self-governance, dignity and independence and while some speak of it in entirely adulatory terms, many others are cynical about its success, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said on Saturday.

The CJI, who was speaking at the first convocation ceremony of the Maharashtra National Law University in Nagpur, said India’s colonial masters did not bestow the Constitution

on us.

When the Constitution is viewed from the context in which it emerged, it is nothing short of remarkable, he asserted. While the Constitution has made tremendous strides, much work needs to be accomplished and the deep-rooted inequality that existed in the past persists even today, the CJI further said.

If young law students and graduates are guided by constitutional values then they would not fail, he added. Referring to the Preamble, he said it is a short but weighty

party to Constitution and states that “We the people of India give to ourselves this Constitution”.

“This is immeasurably significant because it marks the transition of the people of India

Chief Justice of India D.Y.

Chandrachud

from the status of subjects to the status of citizens. The colonial masters did not bestow the Constitution upon us as an act of grace.

Ours (Constitution) is a document that is homegrown… a product of

self-governance, dignity and independence,” the CJI said.

“The success of our Constitution is generally viewed from two opposite ends of the spectrum. Some people speak of our Constitution in entirely adulatory terms, while others are cynical of the success of our Constitution. The reality is neither here nor there,” he said.

As a government document, the potential of the Constitution is “indeed informative”, the CJI said. “When the Constitution is viewed from the context in which it

emerged, it is nothing short of remarkable,” the Chief Justice of India said, adding the Constitution has made tremendous strides towards a more just and democratic society.

“But much work remains to be accomplished till we rest. The deep-rooted inequality, which fractured our society at the time of Independence, persists even today. The best and surest way to make this inequality a distant dream of the past is to inculcate the spirit of constitutionalism in our society,” he opined.

The CJI, Chandrachud speaking at the first convocation ceremony of the Maharashtra National Law University in Nagpur, said India’s colonial masters did not bestow the Constitution

‘If every entrepreneur is seen with suspicion, how can investment come into country?’

PM Narendra Modi being felicitated during a ‘Vijay Sankalp Rally’ at Ambassa on Saturday. Tripura CM Manik Saha is also seen.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses passing-out parade of the 74th batch of IPS probationers in Hyderabad on Saturday.

JOURNALIST SHASHIKANT WARISHE MURDER

Law & order in Maha is worsening: Pawar

Warishe was mowed down by an SUV allegedly driven by land dealer Pandharinath Amberkar on Feb 06

First India Bureau Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday expressed worry over the murder of journalist Shashikant Warishe and said the law and order situation in Maharashtra is worsening while the seriousness of those in power was in doubt.

Warishe (48) was mowed down by an SUV allegedly driven by land dealer Pandharinath Amberkar on February 6 and died in hospital the next day. Amberkar, arrested for murder, allegedly used to threaten any person who opposed land acquisition for a proposed refinery in the area.

An article written by Warishe against Amberkar had ap

took place near a petrol pump in Rajapur, some 440 kilometres from Mumbai.

"The Warishe case is a serious issue. Accidents and murders in the state are on the rise. The law and order situation in the state is worsening. There are doubts how much those having responsibility for the law and order situation take this seriously," Pawar said.

The home portfolio in the Eknath Shinde government is handled by Deputy Chief Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar also said the visit by Prime Minister Narendra to Mumbai on Friday to launch two Vande Bharat trains, two elevated roads and an underpass was in view of the upcoming civic elections, though the NCP chief added "there is no problem if he gives something to Maha

rash

tra".

RAUT DEMANDS `50 LAKH AID FOR KIN OF DECEASED

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay

Raut on Saturday called the killing of journalist Shashikant Warishe a “political murder” and demanded that the Maharashtra government provide aid of Rs50 lakh to his family, even as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed the incident an “attack on democracy”. Raut said he has written to the deputy chief minister to provide financial aid to the slain journalist’s family. “He died due to the government’s negligence. There is pressure on the police to press those who oppose the setting up of a refinery in the area,” he said.

Queried on a proposal passed by the BJP in its meet on Friday claiming the Maha Vikas Aghadi government under Uddhav Thackeray wanting to imprison some of the saffron party's leaders, Pawar rejected the charge. Instead, MVA leaders like NCP's Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik and Shiv Sena (UB) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut were jailed, Pawar cited. Malik continues to be in prison while Deshmukh and Raut are out on bail.

The Warishe case is a serious issue. Accidents and murders in the state are on the rise. The law and order situation in the state is worsening. There are doubts how much those having responsibility for the law and order situation take this seriously.

—Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party chief

PM Modi’s visits raise Shiv Sena’s (UBT) eyebrows

Ratnagiri: Protesters seek MCOCA

First India Bureau Mumbai: Several hundred journalists on Saturday held a protest in Ratnagiri against the murder of their colleague Shashikant Warishe earlier this week.

Warishe (48) was mowed down by an SUV allegedly driven by land dealer Pandharinath Amberkar on February 6 in Rajapur in Ratnagiri.

Amberkar, arrested for murder, allegedly used to threaten any person who opposed land acquisition for a proposed refinery in the area. The protests were held from 11:30am outside the tehsildar’s

against accused

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two successive city visits in a month has turned the heads of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).

On Friday, UBT said that the country’s top leader was campaigning for the forthcoming civic polls because the BJP’s state and local leadership were failures. It also wondered why the Prime Minister came down to Mumbai instead of answering questions raised at the Budget Session of Parliament.

Sena (UBT) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha

MP Sanjay Raut said the dedication of two Vande Bharat trains was just an excuse. In reality, the PM is out to woo voters. “They can-

BY PTI

Friday.

not win even if they bring the entire country here,” said Raut.

On Friday, PM Modi flagged off the trains and attended a function of the Dawoodi Bohras, which had the Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sharing the dais with the community’s top religious leader at a foundation laying ceremony.

In addition to trains, the PM inaugurated some road projects in the city. In January, he had dedicated the Metro’s two lines and laid the foundation stones for some big ticket infra projects.

“I don’t want to criticize the PM, even though I can,” said Raut. “The PM could rent a home here or could even stay at the Raj Bhavan [to campaign],” he added.

office, with journalists taking part along with activists of Barsu Solgaon Panchakroshi Re-

SIT to be formed under high-ranking officer: Dy CM

First India Bureau Mumbai: A special investigation team will be set up to probe the murder of journalist Shashikant Warishe in Ratnagiri district earlier this week, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday.

Warishe (48) was mowed down by an SUV allegedly driven by land dealer Pandharinath Amberkar on February 6 and died in hospital the next day.

Amberkar, arrested for murder, allegedly used to threaten any person who opposed

A WARM WELCOME

land acquisition for a proposed refinery in the area.

A statement released from Fadnavis’ office said the police administration in the state has been directed to set up the SIT.

The SIT will be headed by a high-ranking official, the statement from the Deputy CM’s office said.

finery Virodhi Sanghatna’, which has been opposing the proposed refinery, and members of

the ‘Kunabi Samaj’.

The protest went on till 2pm after which those taking part sub-

mitted a memorandum at the tehsildar’s office. They sought the setting up of a special investigation team to probe the murder, slapping of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, as well as a trial in a fast track court under a specially appointed public prosecutor. The protesters also said the state government must pay Rs50 lakh as compensation to the kin of Warishe. On Friday, journalists from Mumbai had protested near Mantralaya in the south of the metropolis against the murder.

Sanjay Raut speaking for publicity, says Maha minister

First India Bureau

Nashik: Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s statements on the murder of journalist Shashikant Warishe in Ratnagiri as well as his letter to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were for publicity.

Mahajan said Raut’s letter spoke of criminals getting political patronage in the state.

“Yesterday, itself, Deputy CM and home minister Fadnavis said the incident will be probed thoroughly and speedily.

Raut is speaking to gain publicity,” Mahajan,

who is the state medical education minister, said.

“If Amberkar had received political patronage, he wouldn’t have been arrested. There is no connection between Fadnavis’ statement about the Nanar refinery and Warishe’s murder. Raut should remember all that happened under the Maha

CRUCIAL READ

Vikas Aghadi government,” Mahajan added.

Queried on alleged discontent in the MVA, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, Mahajan backed Independent MLA Bacchu Kadu’s claim that 10-12 opposition legislators would join the Bharatiya Janata Party or Eknath Shinde’s Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena soon.

“There are two groups in Congress, one with state unit president and the other opposed to him. Anything can happen in the state.

The MVA is in disarray,” Mahajan claimed.

THREE INJURED AS FIRE BREAKS OUT IN MULUND RESTAURANT

Mumbai: A major fire broke out in a restaurant in the Mulund West area of Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, said a civic official. The fire was reported around 3.10 pm at Cowboy Barbeque restaurant in Ram Ratan Triveni Marg in Mulund West. As soon as the fire department got information about the blaze, several fire vehicles were pressed into action. The Fire tenders reached the spot and extinguished the blaze within minutes. Three people were reported injured in the incident, according to reports.

EX-DEPUTY MAYOR MANERA HELD IN ‘MOLESTATION’ CASE, GETS BAIL LATER

Thane: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Thane deputy mayor Naresh Manera was arrested in an alleged molestation case and later obtained bail. Leaders of the Sena (UBT) faction and Nationalist Congress Party accused police of filing false cases under the government’s pressure. Police on Friday registered a case against Manera and 12 others for allegedly beating up and molesting a woman. The alleged incident had taken place on Thursday night at the TMC ground on GB Road, Anand Nagar during the Maharashtra Mahotsav programme organised by Manera.

BANNED GUTKHA AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS WORTH

` 9.91 L SEIZED IN LATUR

Latur: After a swift action by the police, banned gutkha and scented tobacco products worth Rs9.91 lakh were seized in Latur district of Maharashtra on Saturday, police said. Acting on a tip-off, raids were conducted in Amhedpur town and rural areas where some persons were selling the banned products. Police detained two persons while two others managed to escape, an official said. A case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

Four NCP corporators quit, likely to join Eknath’s Shiv Sena

First India Bureau

Mumbai: In a big jolt to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), four corporators have quit the party and are seen as likely to join the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena from the Thane Municipal Corporation. The corporators Rad-

habai Jadwar, Digambar Thakur, Vanita Ghogare and Hanumant Jagdale, four prominent faces of the NCP have broken ties with the party. Former Thane NCP corporator Hanumant Jagdale said, "In Maharashtra, the Shinde faction is continuously giving political shocks to its Opposition

parties. After Uddhav Thackeray, this political blow has now been dealt to Nationalist Congress due to which party leader and former cabinet minister Jitendra Awhad is hurt."

"Four corporators of

the Nationalist Congress Party, including a former opposition party leader of the Thane Municipal Corporation and one transport member, have announced they are breaking ties with the Nationalist Congress," Jagdale added.

Jagdale further said that Jitendra Awhad challenging the Shinde faction in Thane is considered a major political setback for the Nationalist Congress in particular. Notably, during the 2017 elections in Maharashtra, the National-

ist Congress party was in second position after Shiv Sena as a total of 34 corporators were elected for the Thane Municipal Corporation.

On Tuesday, the party on behalf of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), fielded its candidate Nana Kate from the Chinchwad assembly constituency for a bypoll. Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil announced the candidature of Nana Kate and appealed to the MVA leaders to work together to win this seat.

‘POL SHOCKS’

Journalists from across Mumbai recently staged a protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Mantralaya over the murder of their Ratnagiri colleague Shashikant Warishe. —PHOTO BY PTI

Devendra Fadnavis

Girish Mahajan

Former Maharashtra home minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh was given a warm welcome by party workers at the Nagpur Airport on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

PM Narendra Modi interacting with school students during flagging of ceremony of two Vande Bharat Express trains on

The corporators are Radhabai Jadwar, Digambar Thakur, Vanita Ghogare and Hanumant Jagdale, the four prominent faces

—PHOTO

Advocate Shahid Azmi killing case: HC lifts stay on trial

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has vacated the stay on trial in the 2010 killing of criminal lawyer Shahid Azmi and rejected a plea filed by an accused seeking a change of the trial court on the grounds of “bias”. Azmi was shot dead in his office in suburban Kurla on February 11, 2010.

At the time of his

CCTV cameras to be installed in all BMC-run schools

death, Azmi represented many accused in the 7/11 train blasts cases, Malegaon 2006 bomb blasts cases, the Aurangabad arms haul case, and the Ghatkopar blasts case. Hansal Mehta’s 2013 film Shahid’ starring Rajkummar Rao is based on the life and work of Azmi. The prosecution case is that Azmi was killed at the behest of gangster Chhota Rajan.

Civic body is also going to procure material for disabled students for 18 special schools of the BMC

First India Bureau Mumbai: To increase the security of students and teachers, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install CCTV cameras in all the civic bodyrun schools. For this, the BMC has appointed Project Management Consultant, who will oversee the work and Rs1 crore would be spent on the project.

The civic body is also going to procure material for disabled students for 18 special BMC schools. It is also conducting medical examinations of special-

ly-abled students and various types of therapies will be given to them.

BMC will also provide necessary equipment like a stress relief squishy ball, space tunnel tent, pop-up crawl tunnel, jumbo ball pool with 100 soft colourful ball pits, hand and eye coordination, and wooden chairs for the institutions. The training will be given by the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management.

In December 2022, BMC filed a memorandum of understanding with the education department to start skill development in all secondary schools of BMC. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had directed BMC to implement skill training of the latest courses in demand, which would prove helpful to the youth to get jobs in their vicinity.

The civic body has proposed to commence

skill development fields in electronics, artificial intelligence, fashion designing, coding, robotics, automobile, tourism and hospitality. It will also give training to 41,774 students of 249 BMC secondary schools.

THE INFAMOUS CASES

The High Court had stayed the trial in September 2022 after an accused Hasmukh Solanki, moved an application to transfer the

case to another sessions judge.

A single bench of Justice P D Naik on February 7 vacated the stay order and rejected

Solanki’s plea seeking transfer of the case from the sessions judge in Mumbai, currently conducting the trial, to another sessions judge.

Solanki had alleged bias by the present judge.

Justice Naik in the order said he did not find sufficient material on record to conclude that the trial court was biased against Solanki.

“The material on record

25-year-old stabbed to death in Bandra by two brothers over ` 500 payment row

Mumbai (PTI): A 25-year-old man was stabbed to death by two brothers over non-payment of Rs500, in the suburb of Bandra, the police said on Friday. The event happened on Thursday night under a bridge near the Bandra railway station. The victim was identified as Nazim Iftikar Khan.

The two accused were familiar to him and were captured by the police. According to the official, Khan and the two accused resided at

Khan’s mobile phone was damaged by one of the accused persons, for which he demanded `1,000

wife Rs500 and promised to pay the rest of the money before midnight.

is not sufficient to draw conclusion that the trial court is biased against Solanki and that he would not get a fair trial before the said court. No case is made out for transfer of trial,” HC said.

Azmi was lodged in Tihar jail for 7 years after being charged under the now-repealed TADA act for his alleged involvement in killing of politicians.

Stolen bag with jewellery worth `23.55 lakh recovered

Garib Nagar in Bandra (East). Khan’s mobile phone was damaged by one of the accused persons, for which he demanded Rs1,000 from him to get it repaired. The duo gave Rs500 to Khan’s wife and as -

awareness drive to start in Konkan division

Thane (PTI): Konkan division authorities have started a 'copy mukt' awareness drive to curb cheating during the SSC and HSC exams to be held in Maharashtra in February and March, an official said on Saturday.

Launching the drive on Friday, Mahendra Kalyankar, the Divisional Commissioner of Konkan region said, apart from the awareness drive involving stu -

dents, parents, teachers and the management of institutions, strict measures will be taken at exam centres to curb copying.

sured the remaining money will be paid before 12:00 am. However, Khan demanded the remaining amount on the spot, which led to a scuffle between them, he said. The pair gave Khan’s

According to the official, Khan insisted that they pay immediately, which caused a fight between them. During the fight, one of the accused pulled out a knife and stabbed Khan in his chest, the official said.

Nazim Iftikar Khan was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead before admission, he said.

Two flung into air, ram into tree after bike crash

Mumbai (PTI): Two youths lost their lives after they were tossed up in the air and crashed into a coconut tree when their speeding two-wheeler hit a divider in suburban Malad in the early hours of Saturday, an official said.

According to the official from Bangur Nagar police station, Malwani residents Aamir Shaikh (25) and Salim Sayyed (26) were on a Bajaj Pulsar when they met with

BEST bus catches fire in Andheri area of Mumbai, passengers safe

Mumbai (PTI): A civicrun Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus caught fire in Andheri on Saturday afternoon but all its passengers were safe, an official said. The bus caught fire at Chakala junction on the Western Express Highway in Andheri East around 3.15 pm.

After the police re-

ceived the call, fire brigade vehicles arrived and extinguished the fire in 15 minutes, the civic official said. Passengers safely got down from the bus as soon as the fire was noticed. “No passengers sustained any injury,” the official said. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. According to BEST officials, the bus

had been taken on a wet lease. Another BEST bus caught fire in the city in January. Nobody had been injured in that incident as well.

Now, BMC undertakes maintenance work of Eastern Express & Western Express Highway

Asphalt and concrete will be used to fill up the patches on rough roads, with the total cost of maintenance work falling around `236 crore

First India Bureau

Mumbai: After taking possession from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now undertaken the maintenance works of the Western Express Highway

(WEH) and Eastern Express Highway (EEH). Asphalt and concrete will be used to fill up the patches, with the total cost of maintenance work falling around Rs236 crore.

The civic body has always been targeted over rough roads. During the monsoon, these roads become worse for

driving with potholes playing a crucial role in it. The municipal

corporation faces criticism over accidents due to the bad shape of

the roads. There are 2,000km of roads in Mumbai which are owned and maintained regularly by BMC. The civic body said that the roads owned by MSRDC, Port Trust, PWD and MMRDA are poorly maintained, but only BMC is being targeted for the potholes. The civic body was demanding that the BMC should be made the sole authority in Mumbai.

After the Shinde-Fadnavis government came into existence, WEH and EEH were handed

over to BMC. Now it istheir responsibility to maintain it. According to Ulhas Mahale, Deputy Commissioner of Infrastructure, “This is a pre-monsoon work. We have invited tenders, it will take time to scrutinize documents, selection of contractors and issuance of work orders.”

Another official said, “We will fill up potholes and bad patches. But will not do any work on the flyovers which are with MSRDC.”

the accident near Inorbit Mall around 2.30 am. Salim was riding the two-wheeler in a rash and negligent manner and he lost control of the speeding bike, hitting the divider, said official.

Thane (PTI): A bag containing jewellery worth Rs23.55 lakh that was stolen inside an express train has been recovered successfully by police, an official said on Saturday.

The bag was stolen when the complainant was travelling from Hyderabad in Telangana, said Mukesh

Bag was stolen when victim was onboard train; jewellery with `23.55 L was recovered

Dhage, Senior Inspector of railway police (Kalyan). Police started investigating the matter after a case was filed. “We checked the CCTV footage of the train and stations and found a man getting off at Dadar with the bag,” he said.

CRUCIAL READ

30 INCLUDING STAFF DETAINED DURING

RAID ON TARDEO BAR AFTER TIP-OFF

Mumbai: At least 30 people were arrested by police during a raid on a bar in Tardeo, located in central Mumbai, on Friday. It is alleged that obscene dances were being performed at the bar. Officials of the Anti Extortion Cell of Mumbai Crime Branch raided the bar on Thursday night following a tip-off, he said. Police detained 30 persons including the bar’s manager, cashier, a bar tender and 12 waiters besides some customers. Further investigation has been launched into the matter.

MAN HELD FOR DEMANDING ` 5 L FROM BUILDER

Thane: A history-sheeter who had allegedly demanded Rs5 lakh from a builder in Bhiwandi in Thane district has been arrested, a police official said on Saturday. The 55-yearold accused who has a previous criminal record was held on Thursday from Kongaon for threatening the builder and vandalising the office at his construction site a day earlier, Kishore Khairnar, Assistant Commissioner of Police said. The police have registered a case and further investigation is on.

WOMAN HELD FOR OPERATING SEX RACKET IN THANE

Thane: A 24-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly running a sex racket in Thane, a police official said on Saturday. The accused woman is a resident of Andheri in Mumbai and she has been booked under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Kalwa police station official said.Police arrested the woman on Thursday from Kalwa Naka after a tip-off about the flesh trade was confirmed by a decoy customer, he added.

THANE’S COVID-19 TALLY RISES BY ONE, TO TOUCH 7,47,454; ACTIVE CASES AT SIX

Thane: The COVID-19 tally in the state’s Thane district increased by one and reached 7,47,454, while the death toll stood unchanged at 11,969, a health official said on Saturday. So far, 7,36,247 persons have recovered from the infection, the official said. There are six active cases of COVID-19 in the district at present, he added. This number is indicative of the significant strides the region has made in containing the virus and encouraging recovery and good health amongst those affected.

‘Copy mukt’

7.8-MAGNITUDE QUAKE THAT HIT TURKEY, SYRIA

IN-DEPTH

MEME FEST GREETS COW HUG DAY IDEA, THE AWBI WITHDRAWS IT

The Poet was no match for the Mahatma. Gandhiji response was devastating. I did not in any way adversely affect the affection and respect each held for the other. They were born in same decade 1861- Tagore, 1869- Gandhiji. The two died in the same decade, 1941-Tagore, 1948-Gandhiji

Earthquakes are sudden, violent, shaking of the ground as a result of movements within the earth’s crust. The recent, 7.8 degrees earthquake in Turkey and Syria have been devastating. The death toll could touch 30,000 dead. Double the number injured. In Syria, politics has intervened to hamper rescue work. Snow, rain and freezing weather minus 6 centigrade at night. India is not free from earthquakes nor Pakistan. Before independence, earthquakes in Quetta and Bihar were highly destructive. Only primitive instruments existed then.

On February 16, 1934, Tagore issued a protest against Gandhiji remarks of “divine chastisement” of Bihar which appeared in “Harjan” of 16 February 1934. “It has caused me painful surprise to find Mahatma Gandhi accusing those who blindly follow their own social custom of untouchability of having brought down God’s vengeance upon certain parts of Bihar, evidently

UK TO ADOPT A HARD LINE ON TERROR

Few will remember the Gandhi-Tagore differences over the Bihar earthquake. Tagore wrote to Gandhiji on 29th January 1934...

“Dear Mahatmaji, The press reports that you in a recent speech referring to the recent earthquake in Bihar spoke as follows, ‘I want you, to be superstitious enough to believe with me that the earthquakes is a divine chastisement for the great sin we have committed against those who we describe as Harjans’. I find it difficult to believe it. But if this be your real view on the matter, I do not think it should go unchallenged. Herewith you will find a rejoinder from me. If you are correctly reported in the press, would you kindly send it to the press? I have not sent it myself for publication, for I would be the last person to criticise yours acts. I am looking forward to meeting you here. With deep love,

Yours as ever, Rabindranath Tagore

specially selected for his desolating displeasure. It is all the more unfortunate view of things is too readily accepted by a large section of our countrymen. I keenly feel the iniquity of it when I am compelled to utter a truism in asserting that physical catastrophes have their inevitable and exclusive origin in certain combination of physical facts. Unless we believe in the inexorableness of the universal law in the working of which God himself never interferes, we find it impossible

Britain’s counterterror policy review is of special interest to India.

In a recent independent review of Britain’s counter-terrorism programme “Prevent”, it was recommended that the country should refocus on the threat posed by Islamist militants, including “non-violent Islamist extremism”. It made a clear distinction between Islam and Islamism, which is also called Islamic fundamentalism. The review recommended, “Challenging extremist ideology should not be limited to proscribed organisations but should also cover domestic extremist organisations operating below the terrorism threshold who can create an environment conducive to terrorism.” This was stated in the context of the UK. Britain’s

to justify his ways on occasions like the one which has surely stricken us in on overwhelming manner and scale……” The Poet was no match for the Mahatma. Gandhiji response was devastating. I did not in any way adversely affect the affection and respect each held for the other. They were born in same decade 1861- Tagore, 1869- Gandhiji. The two died in the same decade, 1941-Tagore, 1948-Gandhiji.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Britain’s counter-terror policy review is of special interest to India. In a recent independent review of Britain’s counterterrorism programme “Prevent”, it was recommended that the country should refocus on the threat posed by Islamist militants, including “non-violent Islamist extremism”

Indian-origin Home Secretary Suella Braverman is reported to have said that Prevent will now focus on “the key threat of Islamist terrorism.”

The review also took into account the anti-India propaganda by radicalised British Muslims over Kashmir and “potentially toxic” pro-Khalistan extremism. India recently raised the issue of Islamists’ rhetoric

The first time I met General Pervez Musharraf, when he came to Delhi as President of Pakistan. He was staying at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and I called on him. When Sonia introduced me to him, his reply surprised me, “I know Mr Natwar Singh. I attended a lecture he gave at the Pakistan Defence College in Islamabad.” His family belonged to Delhi. They left for Karachi in August 1947. Pervez Musharraf was four year old. After finishing his education, he joined the army, rising rapidly and rose to become Army Chief. I re-read his autobiography after his death in Dubai, early last week. He was a better Head of State than an author. The chapter on Kargil is more fiction than fact. The photograph below was taken at his residence in Rawalpindi. Apart from the President and me, the others are Pakistan Foreign Minister, Kasuri, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and Shivshankar Menon, our High Commissioner in Pakistan. He was every inch an army man. Even his critics would concede that Pervez Mussarraf had a presence.

on Jammu and Kashmir and pro-Khalistan elements and urged Britain not to allow its soil to be used by extremists.

The review of Prevent and Braverman agreeing to its recommendations will please India which has suffered a great deal because of Islamist and pro-Khalistan extremism.

On J&K the review said there’s “evidence of UK extremist groups, as well as a Pakistani cleric with a UK following, calling for the use of violence in Kashmir” and warned that “Prevent should also be mindful of pro-Khalistan elements emerging from UK’s Sikh communities”. Both the recommendations bolster India’s fight against terrorism as Braverman has assured the House of Commons that she proposes to “swiftly implement” all the recommendations.

While all Hindus acknowledge the religious importance of a cow, to hug the animal as a celebration of love on Valentine’s Day was laughable. And that is what it led to --- a flurry of memes ridiculing the Cow Hug Day idea. The online backlash and the meme fest which followed pushed the Animal Welfare Board of India on the back foot. The board did not realise that for all its docility the humble cow can at times hate any public display of affection. At times it can also turn aggressive without any attempt at flirtation. After becoming a butt of jokes, the board withdrew its appeal following directions from the government. Congress general-secretary Jairam Ramesh pertinently asked, “Who moo-ted the idea in the first place.” The idea was backed by Union minister Parshottam Rupala who said that it will be good if people respond positively to the call given by the board to celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug Day.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Bible

TOP TWEETS

I pay my humble tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay ji on his death anniversary. We all are completely devoted to his thoughts and philosophy related to the upliftment of the last man of the society. Deendayalji’s thoughts are the foundation stone of building a new India.

Nitin Gadkari @nitin_gadkari

Converting our farmers to Urjadata along with being Annadata, We always promote #swadeshi manufacturing which is safe, recyclable, and sustainable, and create a space for green energy and a green economy in the mobility sector.

THE FIRST TIME I MET PERVEZ MUSHARRAF...

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

Tripura poised to become ‘Gateway’ of S Asia: Modi

PM says BJP govt strives to bring forth contributions of tribal people

Was it ‘cow-ed’ by jokes or was it ‘cow-ardice’: Tharoor’s dig

Shah takes jibe at Cong, JD (Secular) in K’taka

Dhalai (ANI): Highlighting the BJP govt’s development work in poll-bound Tripura, PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said the northeastern state is poised to become the ‘Gateway’ of South Asia.

At a rally in Ambassa, Modi said the BJP govt strives to bring forth the contributions of the tribal people in nation-building through its consistent steps of recognizing their efforts. He said he had promised “HIRA” (Highways, Internet ways, Railways and Air-

“FOES IN KERALA, FRIENDS HERE...”: PM ON LEFT-CONG

Gomati: Coming down heavily on the left parties governing Tripura before the BJP came to power, PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said that previous govts ‘looted’ the State. At a rally here, he said that the govts, which ruled Tripura for years, made the life of people, including the poor and STs miserable.

ways) in Tripura and people could see the delivery of projects. The work of doubling the

IN THE COURTYARD

JUDGE RECUSES FROM HEARING JAMIA CASE, CITES ‘PERSONAL REASONS’

New Delhi: A Delhi court judge, who recently discharged student activists Sharjeel Imam and Asif Iqbal Tanha and nine others in the 2019 Jamia Nagar violence case, has recused himself from hearing a similar matter citing “personal reasons”. Additional Sessions Judge Arul Varma was hearing a case regarding the violence in Jamia Nagar in December 2019.

PIL: RENAME PLACES NAMED AFTER ‘FOREIGN INVADERS’

New Delhi: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Central government to constitute a ‘renaming commission’ to restore the “original” names of ancient historical, cultural and religious places which were “renamed” by foreign invaders.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS EMERGE AS SYMBOL OF HOPE: PM MODI

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said that during times of disasters, physiotherapists can play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of the injured. In his virtual address, the PM emphasized on making the facility of tele-medicine widely available so that people who are affected in disasters are able to get help quickly.

length of National Highways in Tripura is at a high pace, he said.

“The work of laying

optical fiber in villages is going on in Tripura. In the last eight years, more than three times the optical fiber has been laid in Tripura. Around 5,000 km of new roads were built in Tripura to connect its villages. A new airport was also built in Agartala. Optical fiber and 4G connectivity are being brought to villages. Now, Tripura is becoming global. We are developing waterways to connect the northeast and Tripura with ports. Tripura is poised to become the ‘Gateway’ of South Asia,” he said.

RJD and JMM will contest 2024 LS polls jointly: Tejashwi

NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES: WAQF’S RESPONSE SOUGHT

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Waqf Board to respond to a petition by its employees for payment of salaries and emoluments pending for more than five months. The Delhi Waqf Board Employees Association has contended that employees coming under certain categories have not received their salaries from October last year and are facing “unfathomable financial hardships”.

MOTHER’S ILLICIT AFFAIR: KARNATAKA HC GIVES MINOR’S CUSTODY TO FATHER

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka has upheld the verdict of a Family Court giving the custody rights of a minor child to the father. The woman’s illicit relationship with another man was the reason the father of the child had sought custody of the minor child. A bench of the Karnataka High Court in its recentl judgment observed that the woman “has given more importance to the illicit relationship of hers and has neglected the child.”.

Ranchi (ANI): Bihar

Deputy CM Tejashwi

Yadav on Saturday said that the RJD and JMM will be fighting the 2024 Lok Sabha polls jointly.

Yadav made the announcement after his meeting with the Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren at his residence.

“I met Chief Minister Hemant Soren today and discussed the challenges of the future and also about contesting upcoming Lok Sabha polls together,” Yadav told media.

Yadav also spoke about RJD’s plans of re-

New Delhi (PTI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday took a swipe over the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) withdrawing its appeal to celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’, asking whether the govt was “cow-ed” by the jokes made at its expense or was it merely “cow-ardice”. Tharoor’s dig came a day after the AWBI said it has withdrawn the appeal to celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’ following directions from the government amid widespread criticism.

Mangaluru (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday charged that the Congress and the JD(S) believed in 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan and that the two parties cannot do any good for Karnataka, while hailing the ruling BJP which was inspired by 16th century Tuluva queen of Ullal Rani Abbakka Chowta, for a prosperous rule in the state.

Shah also alleged that the Congress was corrupt and it had used Karnataka as an “Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for the Gandhi family”. “When I have come here, let me ask you

(people). Should people vote for the JD(S) and Congress who believe in Tipu or the BJP which has faith in Rani Abbakka?” Shah asked people.

The Union Minister for Home and Coopera-

tion was in Puttur to celebrate the golden jubilee celebration of the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) at Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district.

Kharge alleges there’s no freedom of speech inside or outside Parliament

Ranchi (PTI): Hitting out at the BJP-led government at the Centre, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday alleged there was no freedom of speech in the country.

Addressing a rally in Jharkhand’s Sahebganj district, Kharge expressed anguish, claiming that parts of his speech in Parliament were expunged.

“There is neither freedom of speech inside Parliament, nor outside. If someone speaks the truth, writes about it, shows it then they (BJP) send him or her behind the bars,” he alleged while speaking at Gumani Ground in Pakur after launch-

viewing the party work in Jharkhand, and said, “We (RJD and JMM) will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together. I had planned to come and see the party’s work in Jharkhand. But in between Lalu Prasad ji’s health deteriorated. Lalu Ji’s transplant was successful. He will be coming home today. BJP was removed from power in Bihar and the Mahagathbandhan government was formed. Due to all these issues, Jharkhand could not be visited.”

YOUTH-20 MEET SESSION

ing the party’s 60-day ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ mass outreach programme in the state.

BJP state president Deepak Prakash, however, termed the

Congress’ programme as “drama.”

Kharge said, “I did not use any unparliamentary word or language to describe the prime minister... Atal

JP Nadda offers prayer at Maa Danteshwari Temple in Jagdalpur

Bastar (ANI): BJP national president JP Nadda on Saturday offered prayers at Maa Danteshwari Temple in Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur.

He was accompanied by the former CM of the State Raman Singh. BJP chief Nadda, who is on a day-long visit to the poll-bound Chhattisgarh flew down to Maa Danteshwari Airport, Jagdalpur in the morning, from where he drove to the temple.

After offering prayers, Nadda along with other party leaders

Indonesian delegate lauds Anurag Thakur

lll

Around 250 delegates from G-20 member nations participated in Youth-20 (Y20) Inception Meeting at Guwahati from February 6-8

New Delhi (PTI): Union Minister Anurag Thakur came in for praise from the head of Indonesian delegation for his engaging session at the recent Youth-20 (Y20) inception meeting in Guwahati that seeks to involve the country’s youth in India’s G-20 presidency.

Indonesia’s Y20 chair Michael Victor Sianipar was amazed at the ease with which Thakur dealt with audience questions on issues ranging from gender

equality to security laws in the country.

“Minister Anurag Thakur sets the bar of the kind of leader to-

day’s politicians should be. He allocated two hours for his session and answered at least 20 questions single-handed-

ly, from issues of gender equality, state budget, digital transformation, to specific security laws of India,” said Sianipar in a social media post.

The Y20 Inception Meeting at Guwahati from February 6-8 saw the participation of at least 250 delegates, including from G-20 member nations. The Y20 initiative was organised to sensitize students about the G-20, its functioning and objectives.

offered tributes to BJP idealogue, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his 55th death anniversary at the party office here.

Keen to capture the tribal votes of the State,

Nadda visited Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, a tribaldominated area. He also addressed a public rally at the railway ground or Lalbagh Maidan in Jagdalpur.

MODI KI GODI MEIN!

Bihari Vajpayee had used the same expression for former PM PV Narasimha Rao and the BJP used it for former PM Manmohan Singh,” Kharge said.

CM Stalin clarifies TN’s position on NHAI to Gadkari

Chennai: An impression that the Tamil Nadu govt was not cooperating with the NHAI has been made in Parliament by a reply of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari which was unfortunate, CM MK Stalin wrote to the Centre and said it is not true. He pointed to a request made in Parliament by MP Dayanidhi Maran recently to him to improve condition of the existing road from Chennai to Ranipet (NH-4).

PM Modi with Tripura CM Manik Saha, BJP MP Pratima Bhoumik and others at a rally in Tripura’s Gomati, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Amit Shah, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai (R) ex-CM BS Yediyurappa and others, in Puttur, on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav meets with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, in Ranchi on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Mallikarjun Kharge is being greeted during the Hath Se Hath Jodo campaign, in Jharkhand on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BJP chief Nadda with family of party worker Neelkanth Kakkem who died in a Naxal violence, at Jagdalpur, in Bastar on Saturday.

Anurag Thakur

Rice cornerstone of food security in country, says President Murmu

Cuttack (Agencies):

President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday that rice is the cornerstone of food security in the country, and a key factor of the nation’s economy. The President said this while inaugurating the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at ICARNational Rice Research Institute, in Odisha.

“Though India is the leading consumer and exporter of rice today,

the situation was different when the nation got Independence... those days, we were dependent on imports to meet our food requirements,” she said. Praising the National Rice Research Institute, the President said: “If the nation could overcome that dependency and has become the largest exporter, a lot of credit goes to the National Rice Research Institute.

CHALLENGES

Delhi LG removes AAP govt nominees

Delhi L-G VK Saxena has replaced AAP nominees at private discoms with senior government officials

New Delhi (ANI): Del-

hi Lieutenant Governor

VK Saxena has removed

Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Jasmine Shah and AAP MP ND Gupta’s son, Naveen ND Gupta from the position of ‘Government Nominees’ on the Board of Private DISCOMS.

The LG Office informed in a statement that they have been removed for “illegally” occupying the positions, and they have been replaced by senior government officers.

“Delhi LG, VK Saxena had ordered for the immediate removal of AAP Spokesperson, Jasmine Shah, Son of AAP MP, ND GuptaNavin Gupta and other private individuals,

who had been illegally appointed as Govt Nominees on the boards of privately owned DISCOMs- BYPL, BRPL (Anil Ambani) and NDPDCL (Tata),” the statement from the LG Office read. As per the

CRUCIAL READ

ED ARRESTS SON OF YSR CONGRESS MP

New Delhi: The ED arrested Raghav Magunta, son of YSR Cong Party MP from Ongole Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, pertaining to a money-laundering case that is investigated by the anti-corruption agency. Magunta is accused of financial irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, which has made headlines due to discrepancies flagged by LG.

LG Office statement, the two had “collaborated” with private representatives on boards of Anil Ambani-owned DISCOMS and “benefitted” them to the tune of Rs 8000 Cr at the cost of the public exchequer.

DELHI BJP DEMANDS CBI

PROBE INTO IRREGULARITIES

IN DISCOM

New Delhi (Agencies): The Delhi BJP on Saturday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the power discom boards. Delhi BJP Working President Virendra Sachdeva said that his party has continuously been flagging the nexus between the Delhi government and private power companies. As part of this nexus, the Delhi government has allowed private power companies huge extra income through payment of subsidies and collect different surcharges. "BJP has been continuously saying that this is a well planned big scam from which Aam Aadmi Party gets kick back amount. To suppress this scam, the Arvind Kejriwal government broke the tradition and appointed its party workers instead of government officers in the power discoms board," he said.

The Finance Secretary, Power Secretary and MD, of Delhi Transco will now represent the government on these Ambani and Tataowned DISCOMS, as per regular practice, followed since Sheila

LOW

Dikshit’s time as CM, when these DISCOMS came into existence, the statement read.

“Invoking “difference of opinion” under Article 239AA of the Constitution of India, after the Arvind Kejri-

wal government persisted upon their continuance on these boards, despite proven misconduct and maleficence on their part, by way of benefiting the Ambani-owned DISCOMS to the tune of more than 8000 crores, at the cost of government exchequer, Saxena had referred the matter to the President of India for a decision. He had asked for the removal of the abovementioned political appointees on the DISCOM boards with immediate effect, pending the President’s decision, and asked for senior Govt officials to replace them on the boards of the DICOMS,” the LG Office statement read.

It has contributed immensely to India’s food security and also in improving farmers’ lives.”

She also said that in the last century, as irrigation facilities expanded, rice came to be grown in new places and found new consumers.

Speaking about the challenges faced for cultivation of rice, she said:

“Even as rice has broken new ground, there are places where traditional

varieties are facing challenges. Thus, the task before us today is to find the middle path -- preserving and conserving traditional varieties on one hand, and maintaining ecological balance on the other.”

Another challenge is to save the soil from excessive use of chemical fertilisers, which are considered necessary for modern rice cultivation, she added.

‘All coming exams to be held under anticopying ordinance’

Dehradun (ANI): Uttarakhand CM Pushkar

Singh Dhami on Saturday met with the delegation of the unemployed youth organization and said that the government will conduct all upcoming exams under an anti-copying ordinance of the state.

The CM said that the country’s most stringent anti-copying law had been implemented in the state of Uttarakhand and all preparations have been completed to make the Patwari/Lekhpal recruitment examination to be held tomorrow peaceful, fair and copy-free.

“We have made the

strictest law possible (to check paper leaks). After this law is implemented, those who will be caught cheating will get 10 years imprisonment and their assets will be seized. We want to assure that all the exams will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner,” the CM said.

Three ECI teams visit K’taka to find solutions

Chitrakoot (PTI): Jailed MLA Abbas Ansari’s wife was arrested for allegedly illegally meeting him in a prison official’s room in Ragauli Jail here, police said on Saturday. The jail superintendent and seven other staff members were suspended for laxity and departmental action was initiated against them, officials said.

CISF APPREHENDS 3 AT IGI AIRPORT

New Delhi (ANI): Fake Reserve Bank of India documents worth Rs 88 thousand crores were seized at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday, and three passengers traveling to Chennai were apprehended by the CISF. On Feb 10 at 6.20 PM, suspicious images in a handbag were noticed at the X-ray at the IGI airport during the pre-embarkation security check at Domestic Security Hold Area, Terminal-3.

NIA NABS TERRORIST IN BENGALURU

Bengaluru (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Karnataka police on Saturday arrested a suspected terrorist in Bengaluru in a joint operation. The suspect has been identified as Arif who is allegedly linked with an international terror organization. The arrested suspect has been taken into custody by the state police.

JAILED MLA ABBAS ANSARI’S WIFE HELD ‘KOLKATA AMONG CLEANEST CITIES’

Kolkata (PTI): Democratic Azad Party (DAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said Kolkata is one of the country’s cleanest cities and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be given the credit for it. Azad was in Kolkata to participate in a programme on World Unani Day & said that, Kolkata has the best health infrastructure in the country.

Kolkata (Agencies):

At a time when BJP's West Bengal unit, especially LoP Suvendu Adhikari, has been critical about "pally" between the Governor House and the state secretariat, Governor C V Ananda Bose has reportedly assured the party state president Sukanta Majumdar of "zero tolerance" towards corruption.

After a two-hour-long meeting with Ananda Bose at the Governor's House on Saturday, Majumdar said he had a fruitful discussion with the governor on overall situation in the state.

Saab setting up manufacturing facility for Carl-Gustaf weapons

Bengaluru (PTI):

Swedish defence major

Saab on Saturday announced it is setting up a manufacturing facility in India for Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifles that will support the production of the manportable multi-role weapon system for the Indian armed forces.

Bengaluru (ANI):

Three teams of the Election Commission of India (ECI) visited some districts of Karnataka and held meetings with the local officials to review the district-level preparations for upcoming Assembly polls. The visit was intended to find the possible reasons and solutions to poor voter turnout in the state during Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

The team led by Deputy Chief Commissioner of ECI, Ajay Badu,

visited the Yadgiri district and conducted preliminary inspections of EVMs and VVPATs, here. He initiated the programs organized for voter awareness and held a meeting with Kalaburagi zone district commissioners regarding the pre-election preparations.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Rajendra Cholan also participated in the said programme with the ECI's team.

RECORD THUMPING WIN

Saab will be partnering with Indian sub-suppliers & the systems manufactured in the fa-

cility will fully meet the requirements of 'Make in India', Chairman &

Big improvement in disaster preparedness, response: IUCN

New Delhi (PTI):

While India’s disaster preparedness and response has improved, the fragility of the Himalayas and the increase in population and infrastructure are at the root of crises like the Joshimath incident, officials at International Union

for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said.

Uttarakhand Authorities have declared Joshimath in Chamoli district a landslide and subsidence-hit zone. Wide cracks have appeared on residential and commercial buildings, roads and fields in the town.

India crush Australia by an innings and 132 runs

Garvit Narang

Nagpur: The Indian spin twins, Jadeja & Ashwin, played a crucial role with the ball, while Rohit’s ton closed the half-open gates of comeback for the Aussies

On Saturday, India won the first test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy convincingly with an innings and 132 runs within three days, handing Australia an embarrassing defeat. The first test was noth-

ing more than a onesided affair, where the hosts completely sidelined the opponents in both batting and bowling departments. India has taken a confidence boosting 1-0 lead in the four-match contest.

After an unforgettable 36 all-out performance by India in the first test of 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian team came back strongly and brought the reputed possession home. Be-

fore the start of the first test of this edition at Vidarbha Cricket Sta-

dium in Nagpur on February 9, the cricket fraternity had split reac-

INDIA (W) VS PAK (W)

T20 WC TODAY

India women’s cricket team are set to begin their campaign in the T20 World Cup in South Africa on Sunday. Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will play against Pakistan women in their first match at the tournament. A total of ten teams from across the globe are getting featured in the competition and they have been divided into two groups- A and B.

tions on whether India will be able to retain the trophy being the hosts.

While the India’s goto bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin broke the backbone of the Australian batting order with a fifer each in the first and second inning respectively, the skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a ton and set the platform for Jadeja (70 in 185 balls) and Axar Patel (84 in 174 balls) to chip in with impressive halfcenturies to take the team’s first innings to-

tal to 400.

On the other hand, Australia, led by the pace spearhead Pat Cummins, could only manage 177 and 91 in the first and second innings respectively. Debutant Todd Murphy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 7 wickets in the only Indian inning.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the Man of the Match award for his 7 wickets and 70 runs with the bat.

Managing Director, Saab India Technologies, Mats Palmberg said.

reserve found is of best quality’

Jammu (PTI): The

country’s first lithium reserve, found in Jammu and Kashmir, is of the best quality, a senior government official said here on Saturday, as upbeat villagers expressed hope the discovery will bring them a bright future.

The 5.9-million ton reserve of lithium, a crucial mineral for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and solar panels, had been discovered in Reasi district by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

President Droupadi Murmu with Odisha Guv Ganeshi Lal & Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar during the inauguration of the 2nd Indian Rice Congress, in Cuttack on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

Aam Aadmi Party Spokesperson, Jasmine Shah.

ECI officials attending a meeting in Bengaluru through video conferencing. —PHOTO BY ANI

Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates the dismissal of Australia’s Matt Renshaw during Day three of the 1st Test match between India and Australia, at Vidarbha Cricket Stadium, in Nagpur on Saturday.

AMID PROTESTS OVER PAPER LEAKS

‘Guv assured zero tolerance towards corruption’

‘Lithium

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami

Army soldiers explain about the working of a Carl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifle to the visitors during an Army Equipment Display.

Suvendu Adhikari

JK LAKSHMI CEMENT

Q3 RESULTS: NET PROFIT UP 24%

New Delhi: JK Lakshmi Cement recorded an increase in Net Sales by 25 per cent to Rs1488.53

Crore in Oct-Dec ’22 from Rs1193.41 Crore in the corresponding Quarter Oct-Dec ’21. In spite of unabated rise in fuel prices, JK Lakshmi Cement improved its profitability on account of higher volume, improved efficiency parameters, optimization of sales and product mix. EBITDA rose to Rs175.20

Crore in Oct-Dec ’22 from Rs162.84 Crore in October-Decmber ’21. —ANI

M&M POSTS 14% GROWTH IN THIRD QUARTER

PROFIT

Warren Buffet’s “Never bet against America” statement underscored his long-held belief in the American dream and its capacity to unleash human potential. Well, now the same can be said for India. India, replaced the UK last year and became the fifth-largest economy in 2022. In the last 30 years, India has stood out among other emerging markets, growing resiliently throughout all ebbs and flows

As the world teethers around recessionary fears, India has emerged as a bright spot. The resilience it has demonstrated in the past two years is a testament to its arrival on the world stage. China now has taken a back seat not just because of its covid zero policy-led slowdowns but because of structural flaws in its real estate market and the tech crackdown.

Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra has posted a 14% rise in its profit after tax to Rs2,044 crore for quarter ended December 2022, against Rs1,337 crore in the year-ago period. As per company, the revenue surged 41 per cent to Rs21,654 crore in the reviewed quarter, against Rs15,349 crore in the corresponding period the previous year. The company also said its revenue from its Auto and Farm business also went up 42 per cent to Rs 21,074 crore in the reviewed period. —ANI

GST COMPENSATION: CENTRE OWES OVER `2.4K CR, SAYS WB

Global leaders and economists deeply believe in India’s strong ability to be the best bet to attract global investments amidst the China+1 theme gaining ground.

India is expected to record a GDP growth of 7% in FY 2022-23, making it the fastest-growing economy in the world. Its booming startup and investments from corporates into green energy, deep tech, and technology will drive India to its short-term goal of being a $7 trillion economy by 2030 very soon at this rate.

India’s index has massively outperformed compared to China’s and the MSCI Emerging Market index. While Nifty is up by 70% in the last 5 years, MSCI Emerging Markets and China’s Hang Seng Index are down by 14% and 28% respectively. This underscores the growth potential and hence the premium India should command versus its peers.

investment funds (AIFs), pension funds, and portfolio management services (PMS) grew from Rs. 63 lakh crore in FY2017 (41% of GDP) to Rs. 135 lakh crore in FY2022 (57% of GDP). This has helped the financialization of savings.

MANUFACTURING AND CAPEX PUSH

WHY BETTING AGAINST INDIA IS

The Biggest Mistake You’ll Ever Make

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has said the Centre owes it Rs 2,409.96 crore as GST compensation, “disagreeing” with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s statement about the state not submitting audited figures. Replying to assertions that West Bengal’s dues have been neglected, Sitharaman had said in Parliament on Friday that GST compensation to states is released when the audited figures are provided, but West Bengal has not submitted those since 2017. —PTI

‘CRYPTOCURRENCY UNDER DISCUSSION WITH G20 NATIONS’

REASONS WHY INDIA WILL CONTINUE TO OUTPERFORM

From good savers to smart investors: Indians are excellent savers and this habit of thrift has helped them survive the challenges of the pandemic. India saw a major jump of 19% y-o-y in SIP collections and the number of Demat accounts has soared to over 10.6 crores.

According to Crisil, India’s managed investment kitty, including mutual funds, insurance, alternate

WHAT TO EXPECT

The current government’s continuing re-orientation away from revenue spending to capital expenditure will help build a solid foundation to help India’s leap to a $7 trillion economy by 2030. The Union Budget had a planned capital outlay spike of 33% in capital expenditure which demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable investments to support growth. The outlay of Rs. 13.7 lakh crores towards roads, railways, airports, environmental protection, and energy projects will boost the economy by providing the support the manufacturing sector needs and attracting more private investment.

The Budget had the option of spending more on revenue heads, with a consequently higher fiscal deficit, but chose to follow fiscal discipline instead. This

policy of fiscal prudence will not only reduce the Current Account Deficit but also help rein in India’s fiscal deficit strengthening the currency and increasing the country’s forex reserves. This will encourage capital flows to the country and act as a buffer in case of any

exogenous shocks in the global environment. China’s re-opening, reducing fears of war in Europe and the slowdown of the pandemic, is set to revive international trade. Adding to the double benefit of domestic growth and exports will further stabilize the rupee.

While the recent market turmoil has revealed the problem of stretched valuations, the government has faith in the resilience of the Indian banking system. Adani’s problems or whatever they might prove to be, are likely to be limited to the corporate alone and do not indicate a systemic failure due to limited and manageable exposures of banks. That being said, India needs to work on its corporate

‘WHENEVER THERE IS POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT’

RBI wants opinion of stakeholders: Guv

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that crypto is 99% technology. It is “under discussion with G20 nations,” if all countries could achieve a standard operating procedure that will be effective while following a regulatory framework, she added. Addressing a press meet, the Finance Minister said, “If regulation has to happen, then a different country alone cannot do anything. We are talking to all countries about SOPs.” —ANI

New Delhi (ANI): Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Shaktikanta Das on Saturday said whenever a policy is taken or any announcement is made by the central bank, there would be some amount of advance consultation with stakeholders.

The Governor was speaking at a joint conference of the central bank and the Finance Ministry held after the address of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to the Central Board of Directors of RBI in the customary post-Budget meeting on Saturday. Union Ministers of State for Finance

Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad

HE FURTHER ADDED

z RBI is already consulting on a number of cases & there is an advance consultation.

“We also launch a discussion paper”

z We aren’t issuing final circular because we want opinion of the stakeholders

z The central bank is already doing it

also made an announcement of draft circular.

He said, “We are not issuing the final circular because we want the opinion of the stakeholders: The regulated entities and the banks and any other players in the financial market.”

The governor also said the central bank is already doing it but there were certain announcements which are of strategic nature which have got arbitraries and other issues involved.

WILL ADANI’S FIASCO DERAIL THIS GROWTH ENGINE?

India is under the speculative gaze of the world as one of its biggest conglomerates was brought down to its knees by market volatility after an American short-seller released a report on the Adani group which resulted in the Adani group stocks losing over $100 billion of market valuation in less than 10 days. Some of the stocks have recovered over the next few trading sessions but this has revealed gaping holes in the Indian corporate governance standards. While the allegations mentioned in the report are under investigation, it has raised bigger, darker questions about India’s credibility as a global growth engine and a destination for international investors.

TECH AND STARTUP FOCUS

India has ranked fourth globally (after the US, China, and the UK) in Venture Capital investments bringing in $24.1 billion in the last year specifically in technological services despite the challenging macro environment. India has a buzzing startup

environment with Banglore at the helm receiving more than $10.7 billion in funding, making it one of the world’s top 5 funding destinations in the world. India has invested a lot of time and money in the digitization of the economy, from filing income tax to banking everything is now at our fingertips.

governance and due diligence standards. Regulators must focus on conducting thorough due diligence and better enforcement of the existing regulations. That being said, India has a vast population advantage and this relentless performance over the last 30-odd years is unlikely to be derailed by this Adani mayhem. It will clearly need a very brave person to bet against India.

Axis Bank’s new int rates on FDs comes into effect

Mumbai: Private lender Axis Bank has increased interest rates on fixed deposits of less than Rs2 crore, in accordance with RBI’s repo rate hike of 25 basis points to 6.50% on Wednesday. The new rates go into effect on February 11, 2023, according to the Axis Bank website.

and Pankaj Chaudhary were also present during the interaction with mediapersons. Governor Shaktikanta Das said, “Even in

the last Monetary Policy Committee announcement, we have made an announcement relating to penal interest.” There too, he said RBI

After the issuance of a circular, he said that the need for correction and amendment of a policy will be significantly reduced.

Following recent increase in FD rates, Axis Bank currently offers interest rates on deposits maturing in 7 days to 10 years ranging from 3.50% to 7.00% for general public and 6.00% to 7.75% for senior citizens.

On fixed deposits that mature in next 7 days to 45 days, bank is now offering

an interest rate of 3.50%, while Axis Bank is now offering an interest rate of 4.00% on deposits that mature in the following fortysix to sixty days. On deposits with maturities ranging from 61 days to 3 months and 3-6 months, respectively, Axis Bank is now offering interest rates of 4.50% and 4.75%.

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

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

LS POLLS: TICKETS OF 125-150 BJP MPs LIKELY TO BE CUT

BJP has already geared up for the preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Speculations are rife that ‘these elections will be ahead of time, along with the state elections.’ After field survey and much intensive brainstorming, the BJP strategists have managed to finalise two lists. Those seats have been marked in the first list where BJP may have to face defeat. In this list, such Lok Sabha seats have also been identified where there is a fifty-fifty chance of winning or losing. Those Lok Sabha seats have been included in the second list where BJP ‘health’ is fine with the help of the Sangh and the cadre, but the record of the BJP MP there is not good. In the first list, 109 seats have been included, where BJP needs hard work and the Sangh and the party are

Govt legal, firm in saddle and will complete term: Fadnavis

Our Government was formed

as per

Constitutional norms and rules, Deputy CM said

First India Bureau

already working there by connecting with the grassroots. There are 26 seats in the second list, where the path to victory is not easy for the party just because of the MP.

Based on this survey,

BJP has ranked its sitting MPs in a table of 1 to 10.

The current 42 saffron MPs are those who have got above 8 marks, they have been kept in the category of ‘excellent’. There are 13 MPs, who have barely been able to score two points for themselves. But look at the surprising thing, an MP from Jharkhand has got only 0.9 marks and an MP from Jhabua is being told to be at the bottom of this table. Sources reveal that he has got the lowest 0.6 marks. It has become clear from the results of this survey that ‘125 to 145 sitting BJP MPs may be denied tickets in the coming general elections’.

UNION CABINET MAY BE RESHUFFLED BEFORE FEBRUARY 22, SAY SOURCES

This will probably be the last reshuffle of the Modi Cabinet. Sources reveal that the BJP high command has finalised the list of ‘which ministers are to be dropped and which new faces are to join the Union Cabinet.’ It is believed that in the Cabinet meeting convened on February 22 many new faces can be seen. All the ministers have been informed about why the Cabinet meeting on 22nd is so important and they have been asked to remain in Delhi on 22nd. Now Narendra Modi and Amit Shah will decide whether the reshuffle will be like the ‘Gujarat Model’ or some other formula will be adopted.

A FEMALE MP PUTS PARTY IN A SPOT!

There are discussions everywhere about a female MP, who has a high influence in the political corridors of Delhi, who has given leave to all the leaders of Delhi BJP and has hoisted the flag of her supremacy in NDMC. The NDMC had allowed four restaurants to run on its land opposite Bhikaji Cama Place in New Delhi for several years on a very nominal lease guarantee. The demand of some time and some luck of these restaurant owners paid off that these days the craze among the youth of these restaurants has increased and every evening a huge crowd of youth gathers here. It goes without saying that this made the restaurant owner’s pockets ‘full of silver’. This MP says that ‘these restaurant owners were making huge profits, but were paying a very meagre amount to NDMC in the name of lease guarantee, while the opposing camp says that ‘the MP hastily got the licenses of the four restaurants cancelled just because she had to oblige some restaurateurs of their choice.’ The matter has gained so much momentum that now the BJP top has to intervene in it.

SANGH’S ‘PRATINIDHI SABHA’ IN HARYANA TO BE HELD IN MARCH

The three-day Pratinidhi Sabha of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is being held at Samalkha in Sonipat district of Haryana from March 12 to 14, in which about 2,000 important representatives associated with all the affiliated organisations of the Sangh will participate. This meeting is also considered important from the point of view that ‘Assembly elections are being held in three states of the North-East right now. After this, assembly elections are to be held in six other states and the general election of 2024 is also just knocking at the door. Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat has been giving statements on many important issues for the past several times, moving away from the accepted and traditional ideology of the Sangh. In this regard, his address to the office bearers of the union on March 14 is also considered very important.

‘THE INDIAN METROPOLIS’: VARUN’S NEW BOOK

Nashik: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the Eknath Shinde-BJP government was legitimate and will remain in power, remarks viewed as a swipe at the Uddhav Thacekray-led Shiv Sena faction which has been predicting its collapse.

He said the government, which came to power in June 2022, was formed as per Constitutional norms and rules.

Addressing the state BJP executive in Nashik city in north Maharashtra, Fadnavis said he was confident that the Supreme Court will rule in “our” favour, a reference to the disqualification plea filed by the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction against 16 MLAs of the Eknath Shinde-led group.

Without naming the

First India Bureau

Aflamboyant scion of the Gandhi family, Varun, a poet by nature and scholar by hobby, was finalising the presentation of his ambitious book ‘The Indian Metropolis’ on urbanisation, as Gandhi’s elder brother Rahul walked 3,600 km to ‘Unite India’. The 824page mammoth book hit the market as soon as it arrived and went on to become a ‘best seller’ with much fanfare like its predecessors. Rupa Publications, which published this book for Rs 1,500, claims that ‘this book broke all sales records as soon as it came in the market’.

The book has sold more than 7,000 copies in the first two days itself.’ The publisher claims that ‘their first print run is of one lakh copies.’ The publisher also says that ‘they plan to achieve this target of sales easily as this book has created a huge ‘hype’ as soon as it came out.’ Varun has discussed in great detail the various forms of urbanization and their challenges in this ambitious book. In this research book contained in eight chapters, important issues like water and sanitation, crime in the city, health system, urban transport, urban unemployment, accessible housing for all have been deeply investigated.

After the completion of the first phase of Bharat Jodo Yatra, Priyanka Gandhi had outlined 24 women-centric programmes under the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo Campaign’. The campaign focused on issues related to half of the population i.e. women. But Rahul Gandhi’s office wanted that ‘Rahul should be invited to programmes, where a crowd of more than 10,000 can gather, otherwise, Priyanka can continue with her programme.’ There is still confusion regarding this.

PM’s visit to Maha should be celebrated: Fadnavis

Mumbai: A 38-year-old man has been arrested by Mumbai Police almost 15 years after he was on the run. The fugitive has been identified through his gold-plated teeth and had been living in Gujarat’s Kutch to avoid getting caught.

“He has been identified as Pravin Ashubha Jadeja aka Pravin Singh aka Pradeep Singh Ashubha Jadeja…and was charged with cheating and misleading the police.

The accused jumped bail after being arrested and didn’t appear in court again. Hence the court declared him a fugitive. The man was working as a cloth salesman in a shop in 2007.

This message is being spread so that the remaining 10-15 MLAs (in the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena camp) don’t defect. Whatever we have done is as per the rules and adhering to the Constitution. Our government is not of ‘gaddars’ (traitors) but of ‘khuddars’ (self-respecting people).

Uddhav Thackeray faction, the senior BJP leader refuted the criticism that the government was illegal and that many members (of Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde) will be disqualified (by the apex court).

“This message is be-

Fadnavis, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister

—Devendra

ing spread so that the remaining 10-15 MLAs (in the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena camp) don’t defect. Whatever we have done is as per the rules and adhering to the Constitution. Our government is not of ‘gaddars’ (traitors) but of ‘khuddars’ (self-respecting people),”

Fadnavis said. He said that Maha Vikas Aghadi’s rule (from November 2019 to June 2022) was marked by corruption and that no efforts were made for the development of the state.

“There was not a single development project,” he said.

Mumbai (FIB): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Mumbai twice in the last 20 days. The opposition is criticizing that Narendra Modi is coming to Mumbai keeping in mind the Mumbai municipal elections. BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to this criticism. “People who cannot do anything in their life, criticize others. If Narendra Modi is coming to Maharashtra then the people here should celebrate. Because when he comes here, he always bring something or the other,” Fadnavis said on Saturday. Responding to criticism of PM Modi’s visit to Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only one mission, that is ‘Mission India’... For Mission India, he travels across the country. I think only those people criticize it who have not done anything in their lifetime,” Fadnavis replied.

Shinde steps in as buildings near Navi Mumbai airport face danger

He allegedly misled the shop owner and police by informing them that the money he was supposed to collect from a merchant was stolen. The search investigation started again and upon asking Pravin’s associates, cops found him in Kutch’s Sabhrai village. “The police acted as LIC agents and called Pravin to Mumbai. After confirmation, accused was arrested,” the official added.

First India Bureau Navi Mumbai: CM Eknath Shinde responded to NGO NatConnect’s complaint as residents of sectors 11 and 15 in Belapur alleged they are facing danger to their buildings due to blasts at the under-construction airport at the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) forwarded NGO NatConnect’s complaint to the Urban Development Department directing it to look into the issue.

Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) chief Rajesh Narvekar has also reacted by asking

his senior officials to check.

NatConnect Foundation, which received several calls from people seeking help, had sent an SOS to Shinde calling for high-level intervention and measures to ensure that the intensity and frequency of blasts are reduced.

Narvekar sent a mail

to the city engineer, planning department and Deputy Commissioner -Zone-1. “Blasts for flattening rocky hills have not only caused huge cracks in several buildings but created air pollution due to the dust clouds,” said Rohit Agarwal of Arenja Cooperative Housing Society.

Maha govt delays case on MLC nomination, again

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Eyebrows are being raised over a series of adjournments sought by the state government, led by CM Eknath Shinde, in a sensitive case pertaining to Governor’s nominees on the Maharashtra legislative council (MLC).

When a special leave petition filed by Nashikbased Ratan Soli Luth came for hearing before the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices K M Joseph and B V Nagarathna, it was adjourned for two weeks following an ap-

plication submitted by state government’s counsel. It was submitted that the state government is seeking an adjournment for two weeks for obtaining instructions from the concerned department as well as for filing counter affidavit. Significantly, Luth on December 9, 2022, moved an application for withdrawal, while Kolhapurbased Shiv Sena activist Sunil Modi filed an intervention application, against Luth’s plea.

When there was prolonged delay in the appointment of experts

on the legislative council, Luth had filed a PIL before the HC, saying as per the provisions of the Constitution, Governor must take a decision on the recommendation of the cabinet. In

a brief order, the HC made two observations, Governor take a decision in a reasonable time and that it can issue directions to the Governor. Following the HC order, Luth filed

a special leave petition before the Supreme Court, which heard it on September 26, 2022.

Further, the court directed that no steps shall be taken in respect of vacancies which were sought to be filled up based on nomination dated November 7, 2020, which is the subject matter of litigation. For the Shinde-Fadnavis government, the nomination of 12 persons on the legislative council is of political significance. Only if they are appointed can the BJP can have its nominee as chairman.

The fugitive was identified as Pravin Ashubha Jadeja aka Pravin Singh aka Pradeep Singh Ashubha Jadeja.

Gold teeth gets fugitive, on run for 15 yrs, nabbed

—PHOTO BY ANI

SHEIS LIKE WILDFLOWER!

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

Cowgirls are tough, strong, courageous, and ambitious, and love their horses more than anything else. Their attire is both practical and fashionable, blending touches of femininity, masculinity, and downhome Southern charm. City

First brings to you tricks to dress up like a Cow Girl.

A pair of Bootcut, denim jeans-A pair of leather boots and denim jeans are favourites among the Cowgirls. you can wear cutoff denim shorts or a denim skirt.

Wear a button-down shirt

Shirts are a perfect fit for cow fashion, they can either be short-sleeved or long-sleeved. For a more casual look, wear a t-shirt. You can also roll the sleeves of your button-down to your elbows.

Choose cowboy hat- Hats are an irreplaceable piece of fash ion, these timeless accessories can turn a normal look into a classic one. These kinds of hats come in black, brown and white. If you don’t want to wear a hat, try a bandana that matches the colour of your button-up shirt.

Bandana fashion-

Traditional cowboys and cowgirls alike used bandanas to absorb their sweat while working on the ranch. Nowadays, bandanas are mostly worn as a fashion statement. You can tie the bandana behind your neck so that the triangle part is facing your front.

COWGIRLS ARE TOUGH, STRONG, AND COURAGEOUS. CITY FIRST FIRST BRINGS TO YOU SOME AMAZING COWGIRL FASHION WHICH WILL MAKE YOU LOOK DIFFERENT!

Romantic Valentine's Day Collection from Le Creuset and It's All About Home CELEBRATE

WITH STYLE

CITY FIRST

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air! On February 12, we celebrate Hug Day, This is one of the mostawaited days of Valentine’s Week as it spreads the language of love, safety and how love can cut through even thick loneliness. Hug Day celebrates the importance of embracing each other in love. To celebrate this special day, couples love to host a formal dinner party, a relaxed gathering with friends, or an outdoor lunch. Setting the perfect table is a must. Any host will tell you,

build up a collection of little extras to make the table shine. Don’t forget the dinnerware you choose will be the focal point of attentionGunjan has designed a whole range of cutlery and dinnerware to add that extra oomph to any table setting. With these tips from Gunjan and LeCreuset Amour Collection, you’re sure to set the stage for a truly romantic Valentine’s Day celebration. Not only this Le Creuset and It’s All About Home also have a unique and lovely collection of Gifts for Your Special Someone.

IAAH’s Valentine Collection has everything you need to surprise and delight your loved ones. With

Gunjan Gupta

LORI'S comeback

ori Loughlin attended the 30th Annual Movieguide Awards held in Los Angeles. This was her first award show appearance since her release from the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin. Both Loughlin and her husband Mossimo were arrested in March 2019 because of their involvement in Rick Singer’s college scandal admission.ONE YEAR OF GEHRAIYAAN

LLori Loughlin made her appearance at the 30th Annual Movieguide Awards and looked amazing in an electric pink suit which included flared pants along with matching heels and a blazer. She paired it with a pink turtle neck top and accessorized it with a pink box purse. She completed her look with a high bun leaving blonde long face-framing locks on the sides. Loughlin seemed to enjoy her time during the award show with her friend Cameron Bure who was also her co-worker. Both of them got their pictures clicked while avoiding any

T

he romantic drama film Gehraiyaan, starring Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa, premiered on February 11 2022 on Amazon Prime Video.

As Gehraiyaan clocked 1 year, Ananya Panday took to her Instagram account to post an unseen picture of her, Deeepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Dhairya Karwa, and the film’s director Shakun Batra. The picture shows Sid dhant, Shakun Batra, and Ananya seated on the couch, while Deepika and Dhairya pose behind them. Ananya looks gorgeous in a grey-coloured corset top paired with matching pants, while Siddhant is seen in an all-black outfit. Deep ika Padukone looks carefree and happy in the picture, and she looks gorgeous in a black cut-out top. Shar ing the picture, Ananya wrote, “spe cial people, special movie #1YearOfGeh raiyaan missing everyone SO much forever grateful for this,” and tagged the entire team.

Go hard or go home Back to work

onam Kapoor gave birth to her first child with her husband Anand Ahuja and we bet the couple is on cloud 9. The Delhi 6 star who was on a maternity break till now wishes to get back to work and has expressed her desire in a recent interview.

The actress in a recent interview revealed that her travelling back and forth between India and the UK has not affected her work at all. She further add ed that taking a break dur ing her pregnancy has been her best decision as she got to take some time off. She said that she is now getting back to work and will also be shooting for her upcoming films, adding that there's a lot to look forward to. Son am concluded by say ing, "I think everyone also needs to realise that I am coming back to work.”

WEEKEND

DATE

ing squats with gym equipment on her shoulder. If we look closely, another inspiring thing, one can notice in the workout session is the band-aid on her. She took an in tis treatment, on Friday. She truly believes in go hard or go

Flawless BEAUTY

P

Her post...

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Her post...

Lori Loughlin

Shruti Haasan

Her post...

Palak Tiwari

Sonam Kapoor

“I’VE BEEN SINGLE-MINDEDLY FOCUSING ON WORK”

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

The Mr Perfectionist of Bollywood, Aamir Khan, is currently taking a sabbatical from

RUBINA DILAIK LOOKS UNRECOGNISABLE!

Is that Rubina Dilaik, please?

When you see the most re cent photos on her Instagram profile, this is likely to be the first question that pops into your head. Rubina, the Bigg Boss 14 winner, posted a photo of her bloated face and a scared expression on Instagram. She noted in the caption that being ill, taking medication all the time, and being sick caused her to look this way.

Rubina’s post reads, “ fever, sore throat, infection and swollen lips, I surely look like a Duck ( without fillers)…. And m frustrated and also laughed looking at myself… wtf”.

Fans wished her well and urged her to take excellent care of herself. Rubina was also ap plauded for posting her unfil tered, bare-faced photos on so cial media, which is uncommon for TV actresses to do.

We’re also giving Rubina our best wishes for a speedy recov ery. There are several com plaints of people getting ill right now, including sore throats and other ailments.

Kartik Aaryan Goes Club Hopping with fans!

The latest peppy, groovy song of Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada titled Character Dheela 2.0 was released recently! Setting screens on fire, the video has crossed 30 million views becoming one of the most-viewed videos within 24 hours!

To celebrate the success of the song Kartik Aaryan decided to shake a leg with the audience. He went to Escobar and Mitron in Bandra & Dragonfly, Andheri.

internet.

Shehzada is the biggest family entertainer of the year. The film is directed by Rohit Dhawan, stars Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sa non, Manisha Koirala, Paresh Rawal, Ronit Roy, Sachin Khedekar, music by Pritam, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Allu Arvind, Aman Gill and Kartik Aaryan. The film is set to release on 17th February 2023.

laam Venky, made the decision to take a one-and-a-halfyear vacation from acting in order to concentrate on his personal life and relationships. Aamir Khan’s most recent appearance was in the starring role of the Forrest Gump official adaptation Laal Singh Chaddha, which was released in 2022. But the ambitious production failed miserably at the box office, leaving the creators devastated.

The actor, who recently spoke at the book launch event for acclaimed author Shobha De in Delhi, went into great depth regarding his decision to take a hiatus from acting. Aamir Khan, who re-

vealed the actual reason behind his decision, stated that his close ones make fun of the same. “They make fun of me. They always say - You were always on a break. Tu filmein hi kaha karta hai, jo tu ab break par hai. You see, the difference is now my mind is on the people.

Earlier, my mind was on the films,” revealed the celebrated star.

“When I am doing a film as an actor, I get so lost in that, that nothing else happens in my life. Which is why I decided to take a break. I was supposed to do a film called Champions after Laal Singh Chaddha. It’s a wonderful script and a beautiful story.

It’s a very heartwarming and lovely film, but I wanted to take a break. I want to be with my family, my mom, and my kids,” added Aamir Khan. “I have been working for 35 years, and I have been singlemindedly focused on my work… And I feel it’s unfair to the people close to me. It’s not fair to me also, in many ways. This is the time for me to experience life differently,” concluded the versatile actor.

On the professional front, while taking a sabbatical from performing, he has been receiving numerous movie offers. According to rumours, Aamir may also soon join YRF’s spy universe in a spy thriller movie.

CHASHNI TO BE THE SPICIEST SHOW EVER!

Star Plus is known to deliver intriguing and interesting content for its viewers.

It would be apt to say that this channel, in particular, is a hub where the audience witnesses all emotions, ranging from love, drama, revenge, and many more through its highly engaging shows.

The channel has an amazing lineup of shows like Anupamaa which

showcases women empowerment, Yeh Rishta Kya

Kehlata Hai, Teri Meri

Doriyaann, Imlie, Yeh

Hai Chahatein, Rajjo and Faltu which focus on family drama, and romance which has been well

accepted by the viewers. Keeping up with the spirit, Star Plus has brought the spiciest show on Indian television ever, titled Chashni, which is opposite to its name and to be filled with a lot of spicy entertainment. A mix of relations to be witnessed by the audience on the screen, the show will be based on an unusual and twisted bond between two sisters who turn Saas Bahu, Chandni and Roshni.

Kangana comes in support of Nawaz!

angana Ranaut responded to a recent video that film producer and wife of actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Aaliya Siddiqui, tweeted showing the couple arguing verbally. Aaliya posted the video on her social media channel, and Kangana reposted it on Instagram Stories. Kangana expressed sympathy for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was the victim of Aaliya’s degrading behaviour.

Kangana wrote, “Nawaz sir is being humiliated like this outside his home...he gave his everything to his family, he stayed at a rented place for several years..he used to take a rickshaw to TWS shoot. Only last year he bought this bungalow and

now his ex-wife came to claim it..so sad.” TWS is Nawazuddin’s upcoming film, Tiku Weds Sheru.

Kangana continued, “I never met the ex-wife but now suddenly she has taken over the Bangalow and not allowing him to enter, I just saw he is standing on the road and she is making videos of such a big star, kya badmashi hai yeh (what wickedness is this), I feel like crying... it’s not easy to make money from acting jobs, actors work very hard, how can she just decide to keep the house and lock him outside like that.”

Samantha opens up on myositis

amantha Ruth Prabhu is currently actively promoting her forthcoming Telugu mythological film Shaakun talam despite having the autoim mune disease myositis. The actor kept her fans informed about her monthly intravenous immuno globulin therapy (IVIg) treatment despite her hectic schedule. Sa

mantha disclosed her medical con dition on social media. She posted a picture of herself from the hospi tal and wrote in the caption, “A few months back I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis. I was hoping to share this after it had gone into remission. But it is taking a little longer than I hoped. We don’t always need to put up a strong front.”

Aamir Khan

Rubina Dilaik

Kartik Aaryan

Kangana Ranaut

Poster of the teaser...

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Sai Ketan Rao, Amandeep Sidhu and Srishti Singh

Kangana Ranaut and Nawazuddin Siddiqui