First India-Mumbai Edition-18th January 2023

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BJP’S MISSION 2024

‘CHIEF’ NADDA HERE TO STAY…

ister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Home Minister Amit Shah. In fact, once Defence Minister Rajnath Singh moved the proposal to extend Nadda’s tenure till June 2024, the party leaders agreed on it immediately.

In fact, Nadda’s second innings has largely been a reward for merit and loyalty! Nadda has got an extension for little over a year and this underlines the fact that the BJP will contest 2024 general elections under Nadda’s anchorship. In 2023, the Assembly elections of 9 States will also be held during his tenure and highlighting BJP’s good performance.

As per knowledgeable sources, this year, elections are likely to be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir as well. Amit Shah said on Tuesday, “We performed well under JP Nadda in elections in several States and strengthened our organisation across India, including northeast.

The party has emerged as a force to reckon with in Telangana and Bengal under his leadership.”

The praise coming from the ‘Modern Chanakya’ of Indian politics and a mastermind strategist Amit Shah, speaks volumes about Nadda and his capabilities. Therefore, there is an atmosphere of happiness in the party and the Sangh Parivar due to Nadda’s extension.

Notably, during THE JC SHOW, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra had also given hints that JP Nadda’s tenure will be extended till the next Lok Sabha elections.

According to insiders, specially during the last one year, Nadda has further gained the trust and confidence of Narendra Modi and now is being consulted on certain key issues and policy decisions related to governance also. Inspite of a recent defeat in his home state Himachal, Nadda’s elevation or extension gives a clear message that he continues to enjoy the basic faith and confidence of the Prime Minister in Nadda’s organisational talent and capabilities.

First India family congratulates and conveys its best wishes to JP Nadda on his new challenge of 9 Assembly polls and 1 Parliamentary election.

JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA

CAN BHARAT JODO YATRA BRING OPPN PARTIES TOGETHER?

ROBIN ROY The writer is Senior Journalist and former Managing Editor, First India

The 150-day Bharat Jodo Yatra which began on September 7, 2022, will culminate in Srinagar on January 30, 2023… on the Martyr’s Day to mark the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi… by then, the Bharat Jodo Yatra, however, would have traversed the length of the country from the Kanyakumari to the Himalayas.

With a motive to fight against communalism, unemployment, hatred, inflation, and political centralisation, the Bharat Jodo Yatra has definitely pumped in the much-needed zeal into the Congress cadre. It has been seen in several visuals across the country how much response the yatra received especially from the youth.

Key Highlights

l The 150-day long Bharat Jodo Yatra began on September 7, 2022

l It will culminate in Srinagar on Jan 30, 2023 on the Martyr’s Day

l Yatra will cover length of nation from Kanyakumari to Himalayas

l It has definitely pumped in the much-needed zeal into Congress

l Yatra has a motive to fight against communalism, hatred...

l ...unemployment, inflation and political centralisation

Yatra to boost Cong? However, the million-dollar question is that will this Himalayan task undertaken by the Gandhi scion be able to translate the same into electoral success for the Grand Old Party? A question, one and all have been asking. It may be remembered that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the high-octane Gujarat assembly election was held, but notwithstanding the political frenzy, the party campaigned in “its way” while Rahul remained with the yatra. However, the outcome is there for all to witness.

Even as Congressmen say in unison that Bharat Jodo Yatra’s purpose was not political, but then the glaring question would be what purpose the yatra would ultimately serve… in the bigger perspective for the party in the coming years, especially keeping the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in mind and not to forget that in two states where its party is ruling will be going to the polls in 2023.

Whether the combined Opposition Front or strength or call it what you want… likes it or not, even today after this fall and the current electoral status, the Congress is still the largest Opposition party across the length and breadth of the country as far as statistics is concerned.

It may be recalled that the Congress, in the 2019 Lok Sabha, won a mere 52 seats, but the party stood second in a whopping 196 seats and bagged around 19.5 per cent of the total votes polled.

Cong still a factor

It is still a fact that despite the advent of several regional parties, the Grand Old Party still stands as the main Opposition in 12 states in the country currently and they are…. Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Goa, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana, Kerala, Assam, Karnataka and Punjab. Which is no mean feat.

Apart from this, the Congress is in direct headon political contest with

the Saffron Might in states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh.

All said and done, despite the din…hustle and bustle of the Opposition parties and their sudden emergence in a state or two, no other party has such a presence despite the relentless erosion of their votebank.

Hence all these efforts by the Bihar chief minister or at times KCR and even Mamata Banerjee’s meeting with Sharad Pawar will be difficult to translate into any kind of electoral challenge without the presence of the Congress in the third front at least for now. For a collective fight from the Opposition camp (if that is at all going to happen) the Congress presence is required given the “ground reality.”

What’s the reality?

So long we have spoken about the Congress’ huge footprint across the country as a major Opposition political force, now let’s

analyse the party frame by frame on its weaknesses and find out through our arguments whether the Congress has that bargaining capability given the current scenario keeping the electoral decay in mind.

The Grand Old Party has seen a steady decline in its electoral fortunes since the Nineties. We need to assess how the party gradually lost its grip over the grassroots organisations. The party had become completely centralised and all decisions were coming ONLY from the top.

In a bid to make the party more and more centralised, the orgnaisation thereby weakened and this led to factionalism and heartburn and mass desertions.

Even as Mallikarjun Kharge was chosen as the party president, the high command status and the Gandhi family’s “presence” is undenying as far as top decisions are concerned.

One more important issue the Grand Old Party has to take into account is that elections to the Congress Working Committee

INDIA’S RICH-POOR GAP GETS WIDER

India is a country of the rich whose wealth keeps growing like Jack’s beanstalk. Others keep wallowing in poverty. Oxfam’s “India Story” in its ‘Survival of the Richest’ reveals the shocking truth of income inequality in the country. The report said that 5 percent of Indians own more than 60 percent of the wealth. On the other hand, the bottom 50 percent of the population possesses merely 3 percent of the wealth. Simultaneously, the number of billionaires in India went up from 102 in 2020 to 166 in 2022. Total wealth of the 100 richest, which adds up to Rs 54.12 lakh crore, is enough to fund

the Union Budget for 18 months.

Despite the wide gap the government has been shy of telling the super rich to part with only a fragment of their wealth for the betterment of the hungry poor whose number has

jumped from 190 million in 2018 to 350 million in 2022.

“The widespread hunger is resulting in 65 percent of the deaths among children under the age of 5 in 2022,” Oxfam’s CEO in India said citing the Union government’s submission in the

Supreme Court.

The pandemic and the Union government’s blatant pro-rich tax policy is to be blamed for the chasm. The reduction in corporate tax from 30 percent to 22 percent with new companies paying

India is a country of the rich whose wealth keeps growing like Jack’s beanstalk. Others keep wallowing in poverty. Oxfam’s “India Story” in its ‘Survival of the Richest’ reveals the shocking truth of income inequality in the country

only 15 percent tax led to heavy revenue loss. To cover the loss the Central government imposed GST on several goods and hiked prices of diesel and petrol. Today, India has 228.9 million poor, the world’s highest.

AAP’S BABY STEPS

AAP may be sitting on the seventh heaven following the recent MCD verdict and its presence in 2 states, but take a look at how it performed in the Lok Sabha… Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP won just 1 seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha and was placed at the third position in most constituencies.

TMC ON STRONGER GROUND

The TMC, however, is in a better status as far as the AAP is concerned. Mamata Banerjee’s All-India Trinamool Congress won 22 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha as a rejuvenated BJP wrested 18 in West Bengal and that is a matter of concern for TMC as it had won 34 Lok Sabha seats in 2014. TRS meanwhile, won 9 out of 17 in comparison to 11 in 2014. Thus, as far as seats and poll-arithmetic are concerned, if the Opposition stalwarts plan to wage a battle against the Saffron Might at all and decide to keep the Congress out of the meeting, it is in all likely not going to work. Also, one important factor is that Arvind Kejriwal has till now shown his cards and has not been present at any mega show put up collectively by the Opposition supremos. That is another factor that is good enough to wreck the Opposition ship. But all said and done, will the Congress get its act together and rejuvenate itself in about a year’s time to collectively convince the Opposition camp to prepare for the Maha Yudh?

have not been held since 1988. And what has worked even worse for the party was Congress committees and party offices started having people through selection instead of election.

Complete centralisation of the Grand Old Party finally pulled the plug on the grassroots organisations, which actually translate the support of people into votes.

Unhappiness among the ranks has led to widespread factions and that ate up the unity of the party from the base and the party’s fortunes collapsed like nine pins. Even in the states where the party is in power, it is not unknown to one and all about intraparty factionalism and reported dissatisfaction. The G-23 group of senior leaders, who demanded organisational reform and an inclusive and collective decision-making system… have to an extent further divided the party.

Though the Yatra is not aimed at political reformation, it is a welcome move to see that the Congress has invited 21 “like-minded” political parties to join

the concluding event of the yatra in Srinagar. The Trinamool Congress, Janata Dal, United, Telugu Desam Party, CPI(M), Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Samajwadi Party and BSP are among those who have been invited. And mind you, even here the AAP has not been invited. However, even this move does not seem to be doing enough to amalgamate the Opposition force in the right earnest.

Meanwhile, as I discussed above, with some degree of success, each Opposition party has created a buffer zone around itself, thinking and dreaming of taking up the mantle of leading the Opposition front. It is to be seen how the Bharat Rashtra Samiti rally organised by Telangana Chief Minister KCR in Khammam on January 18 really shapes up at forming a non-BJP, non-Congress, national alternative. The BRS rally is likely to be attended by leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? Buddha

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani Team India comprising of reps from Government of India, State Governments, Industry Captains and members of civil society got together ahead of @Davos engagements to discuss and deliberate on positioning as a global investment hub. #wef23 #IndiaAtDavos2023

TOP TWEETS

Mumbai-400701.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur Delighted to witness such love pouring for hockey! There is something about a team sport especially hockey that can truly unite a nation. The past few days have brought nothing short of a flurry of feelings from the drama of last-minute…

2 LASHKAR TERRORISTS KILLED IN GUNFIGHT IN BUDGAM

TEMPLE VANDALISED

IN A

Split imaginary, don’t hurry verdict: Uddhav Sena to EC

Nadda unanimously elected BJP Chief till June 2024

First India Bureau

Kartikey Dev Singh

Mumbai: Controversy continues in the Election Commission (EC) on which faction of the Shiv Sena is the real one. In this regard, eminent lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Thackeray faction on Tuesday, stressed that the division was “imaginary”. The EC hearing aims to ascertain who gets the party's symbol, the Bow and Arrow. Earlier, on January 10, Mahesh Jethma-

lani, who represents the Shinde faction, said that they had the numbers. Sibal refuted this. Arguments from both the sides were heard on Tuesday. The Thackeray group demanded that the EC should not give a verdict on the issue until the Supreme Court, which is also hearing the issue makes its decision. Jethmalani disagreed. Now, the ball is in the court of the EC, which will now hear the issue on Friday.

Mahesh Jethmalani had told the Election Commission that since the Shinde group has the strength of MLAs and MPs, so Shinde faction of Shiv Sena is the real Shiv Sena. But on Tuesday Kapil Sibal rejected this claim. In the last hearing, Jethmalani had told the EC that the Shinde faction had decided to split the party as Thackeray had made changes to its constitution and compromised on ideology.

WHAT DID KAPIL SIBAL SAY TO ELECTION BODY?

“Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is the real Shiv Sena. There is no split in Shiv Sena. The alleged division is imaginary,” Sibal said, refuting the claims made by the Eknath Shinde group last time. Sibal has also said, “We are the original Shiv Sena and whatever division has taken place in Shiv Sena, it has not affected the party. This division should not be accepted at all.”

DEPUTY NSA

Jaipur: Retired IPS Pankaj Kumar Singh has got a big responsibility in the Centre as the Modi government appointed him as the deputy NSA.

A Rajasthan cadre IPS, Singh has retired from the post of BSF DG recently. Ajit Doval is the present National Security Advisor.

Passenger opens emergency door of IndiGo; DGCA orders probe

First India Bureau

New Delhi: A passenger on board a Tiruchirapalli-bound IndiGo flight opened the emergency door, triggering panic among the co-passengers. As the incident came into the light, the DGCA ordered a probe into the matter. The incident took place on Dec 10, 2022 when a passen-

ger accidently opened emergency exit doors of 6E 7339 from Chennai to Tiruchirapalli during the boarding process.

CONGRESS CLAIMS TEJASVI OPENED

EMERGENCY DOOR Congress on Tuesday targeted Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, amid reports that passenger, who accidentally opened emergency exit of an IndiGo plane after boarding at Chennai airport last month was the BJP Yuva Morcha chief. It has also questioned as to why the govt hid incident so long. Neither Surya or his office have reacted to the allegations so far.

New Delhi: BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda will continue to head the party till June next year, the party’s senior strategist Amit Shah announced on the second day of its national executive meet on Tuesday. The term of Nadda — who took over the party’s top post from Shah in 2020 - was scheduled to end soon.

BJP leaders agree that Nadda enjoys the confidence of PM Modi and his good performance has enabled the party to decide on an extension. Shah today underscored that the BJP won many state elections under Nadda’s leadership. He also lauded Nadda’s work during the pandemic, saying he connected the party organisation with the service of people. Besides, caste equations are also in favour of Nadda. More on P5

Terror plot busted in Delhi ahead of R-Day

Info about involvement of 8 people: Police

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Delhi Police is hunting for four terror suspects, besides the two who were arrested last week from the Jahangirpuri area in the national capital, sources said on Tuesday. The terror suspects received weapons from Pakistan through the

drop-dead method and were in contact with their handlers on the other side of the border through a social media application, according to Delhi Police Special Cell. The weapons recovered from the terrorists were found at an unknown location in Uttarakhand which is now being verified.

Subsidies, better road connectivity, faster clearances ‘magnets’ attracting global investors to Maha: CM

ceuticals, logistics, automobiles and renewable energy.”

400 DAYS LEFT TO POLLS, USE THEM TO SERVE PEOPLE, SAYS PM MODI

A ddressing the two-day BJP National Executive meeting on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi urged BJP workers to dedicate themselves to working for people from all sections of society in the run up to the 2024 LS elections. PM Modi laid special emphasis on the 18 to 25 year olds and asked his party to spread awareness among them about India’s transition from misgovernance to good governance under the BJP rule. Modi also stressed on connecting more with villages, especially in border areas.

I am confident that under the leadership of PM Modi and JP Nadda, the BJP will win the 2024 LS elections by an even bigger majority. Modi will return to lead the country as the PM.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and all the respected members of the National Executive. Together we all have to form the BJP government in LS elections with more than two-thirds majority under leadership of Modi. Our resolve is to help poor. Jai Hind, Jai BJP.

—JP Nadda, BJP National President

Dawood Ibrahim has 2nd wife, his sister’s son claims

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim has a second wife who is a Pakistani and he has lied about divorcing his first wife, his nephew has told the National Investigation Agency which is probing a case pertaining to a global terrorist network and a criminal syndicate involved in terrorist and criminal activities in India.

` 1.36 L cr at WEF in Davos

Barun Jha

Davos: Having signed MoUs worth Rs1.36 lakh crore with global investors in just two days here, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said the ‘magnets’ that have worked in favour of his state include promise of subsidies, faster clearances and an impressive road infrastructure.

Here for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Shinde said he has met a host of potential investors, who have expressed plans to immediately visit Mumbai to put

their plans into action.

Asked what Maharashtra had to offer foreign investors, Shinde said the state is committing to offer a lot more than others, including subsidies, better infrastructure and faster clearances.

“Whatever they

want, we are ready to offer. The state is fully committed to fulfilling all their genuine demands. Road connectivity is one of our biggest assets and industry is also getting attracted to our state because of our access,” Shinde said.

On new areas of growth, he said there is still a huge potential, including “data centres, logistics, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy”.

He continued: “I’ve also met a lot many people here including those working on skill

development, infrastructure, urban transformation, climate-related issues, transportation etc. I’m happy to tell you that there have been positive discussions with regard to our state for investments in sectors like data centre, pharma-

“This is a big achievement for our government. These investment decisions are made only when the investors have got faith in a government and they are convinced about our potential. They know we have got skilled manpower, good infrastructure, land availability and good business atmosphere,” he said.

Shinde said his government believes in promoting new industries. “Ours is a proindustry and pro-development government that works for the benefit of the people. These MoUs will generate thousands of new jobs,” he noted.

The statement of Alishah Parkar, son of Dawood’s sister Haseena Parkar, is part of the charge sheet filed by the NIA in the case in November last year.

The case is related to a global terrorist network and a transnational organised criminal syndicate, namely ‘D-Company’, which it claimed is involved in various terrorist and criminal activities in India.

“Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar wife’s name is Maizabin and he is hav-

ing three daughters Marukh (married to Junaid, son of Javed Miandad), Mehrin (married) and Maziya (unmarried) and one son Mohin Nawaz (married),” Alishah Parkar said in the statement, which was made available recently.

“Dawood Ibrahim is having a second wife, she is Pakistani Pathan,” he said, adding that Dawood Ibrahim shows that he has divorced his first wife, but the fact is it’s wrong.

He also said that Dawood Ibrahim lives behind Abdullah Gazi Baba Dargah in Karachi, Pakistan, along with his family.

The NIA in its charge sheet alleged that Ibrahim had sent a “huge amount of money” through hawala channels to accused arrested in the case pertaining to aiding terrorist activities of ‘D-Company’ in India.

Srinagar: The two terrorists, who were killed in a gunfight with the security forces on Tuesday outside district court in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, have been identified. “Both killed terrorists are identified as Arbaaz Mir & Shahid Sheikh of Pulwama linked with the proscribed terror outfit LeT.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who owes non-agriculture tax of `21,960 on her one hectare land in Adwadi village of Sinnar taluka in Nashik district, has promised to pay the tax by Wednesday, Sinnar Tehsildar said on Tuesday.

HINDU

IN AUSTRALIA, 2ND

WEEK

Melbourne: “Khalistani supporters” have allegedly vandalised a Hindu temple in Australia with anti-India graffiti, a media report said on Tuesday, in the second attack on a temple in Victoria state within a week.

PM Narendra Modi exchanges greetings with JP Nadda during the second day of BJP National Executive Meeting on Tuesday.

Party will contest the Lok Sabha polls in 9 States under JP Nadda, says Amit Shah

State govt has so far signed MoUs worth

WHICH IS THE REAL SHIV SENA: SHINDE’S OR THACKERAY’S?

Claiming that Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is the real Shiv Sena and not the one with Shinde Group, Kapil Sibal argued that this is an imaginary division. Kapil Sibal also said that the MLAs themselves leaving the party will have no effect on the party and requested the Election Commission not to take any decision till the decision of the Supreme Court. Kapil Sibal has also claimed that the affidavits filed by the Eknath Shinde group are fake.

“DON’T DECIDE ON PARTY SYMBOL JUST YET”

WHAT WAS THE CLAIM OF EKNATH SHINDE GROUP?

Election Commission hears arguments from Thackeray group in the ongoing tussle for ‘official Shiv Sena’ status; next hearing on Jan 20

CM Shinde will return from Davos in time for PM Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Mumbai.

Approach special court for bail, Bombay HC directs accused Sen

THE CASE

Housing society chairman booked under Atrocities Act

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed activist Shoma Sen, an accused in Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case currently in judicial custody, to approach the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court for bail.

A division bench comprising Justices AS Gadkari and PD Naik disposed of Sen’s plea in the HC seeking bail and directed her to file a bail application in the special court. It also noted the trial

court did not have a chance to consider the plea post the filing of a charge sheet.

The bench directed Sen to approach the special court so that it can consider the supplementary charge sheet.

In the event of the court rejecting her bail plea, then the HC can take benefit of the observations of the lower court on the charge

SPECIAL MELODIES

sheet, the bench said.

Sen, an English literature professor and Dalit and women’s rights activist, was arrested on June 06, 2018.

She is currently in judicial custody.

She had applied for bail in the Pune sessions court in December 2018 before the charge sheet was filed.

She moved a separate application after the

charge sheet was filed.

Both applications were rejected by the sessions court through a common order dated November 2019.

After the investigation into the case was transferred to the NIA and the trial to the special NIA court, Sen approached the HC in 2020 seeking a default bail. Her plea was rejected in 2022 following

Thane: The chairman and other functionaries of a housing society in Thane city have been booked under the Atrocities Act. for allegedly hurling casteist slurs at a flat owner amid a dispute over the maintenance bill for the latter’s house, an official said on Tuesday.

The flat owner, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste, in his police complaint said he had raised an objection over the maintenance charges worth Rs5 lakh levied on him, an official from Kapurbawdi police station said.

When he approached the society office, the chairman had in the presence of other office-bearers allegedly abused him over his caste, he said.

which she filed a petition in the HC seeking regular bail.

He claimed the housing society functionaries were harassing him since 2016 by way of “wrong billing” and did not give an explanation for it, the official said.

Based on his complaint, the Kapurbawdi police on Monday registered the case against the housing society’s chairman, secretary, treasurer and two other members of the managing committee under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Sched-

Flat owner alleges he has been harassed over ‘wrong’ maintenance bill since ’16; society chairman abused him over his caste when he attempted to sort out issue

uled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the official said. No arrest has been made so far.

Marathi play to depict Balasaheb and Raj Thackeray’s relationship

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A play based on the relationship between Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is set to make its debut in Marathi theatre.

According to sources, there is a possibility that the drama will be a twist on the relationship shared by both the Thackerays. Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena, while it was fighting for survival, to form his own party.

A two-part play, “Balasahebancha Raj”, will be staged on January 23, which happens to be the birth anniversary of Balasaheb Thacker-

ay. It has been directed by Aniket Banderkar and produced by Pramod Gandhi and Ganesh Kadam.

The theatrical drama has also received support from MNS leader

CRUCIAL READ

PANVEL CIVIC AGENCY STARTS SECOND ROUND OF MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINATION

Panvel: As per the instructions of the state government, a special second round measles-rubella vaccination campaign is being carried out by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) area from January 15 to January 25, 2023. The first round of this campaign was completed on December 25, 2022. In the second round, 150 teams are conducting door-to-door measles preventive vaccination drives. Ganesh Deshmukh, Municipal commissioner said that citizens should cooperate with the volunteers visiting their houses for vaccination.

MAINTENANCE

WORK TO AFFECT WATER SUPPLY

Navi Mumbai: There will be no water supply at New Panvel, Kalamboli, Kalundre and Karanjade node in Navi Mumbai from 9 am of January 18 to 9 am of January 19 as the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) will carry out the maintenance work at the water treatment plant. According to CIDCO, water supply will be affected in at least four nodes due to the repair work.

EASTERN FREEWAY EXTENSION WILL HAVE FOUR EXITS

Mumbai: Eastern Freeway extension project from Ghatkopar to Thane will have four entry-exit ramps. The 14km extension having two lanes in either direction will have a total of four entry and exit ramps at Chheda Nagar, Kanjurmarg, Airoli Bridge and Mulund octroi naka. Estimated cost of the project is Rs3,140 crore.

“The locations for the four ramps have been decided as per the traffic volumes,” an official source said.

53 PASSENGERS INJURED AS PUNE BOUND

MSRTC BUS OVERTURNS IN LATUR DISTRICT

Latur: Fifty-three passengers were injured when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus heading towards Pune from Nilanga overturned near Borgaon Kale village in Latur district on Tuesday morning, head constable Ratan Shaikh said. The driver lost control over the wheels while trying to prevent hitting another vehicle coming from the opposite side on a narrow bridge. Some villagers immediately dialled ‘108’, and all the injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Activist slams Mumbai police for displacing the homeless

Bala Nandgaonkar and party MLA Raju Patil.

MNS’s Thane-Palghar district chief Avinash Jadhav and leader Amey Khopkar have also lent special support to the play.

‘Balasahebancha Raj’ will be staged at Ravindra Natya temple in Prabhadevi on January 23, birth anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray

A poster of the play was unveiled by Jadhav in Thane recently and its inaugural staging will take place at Ravindra Natya temple in Prabhadevi area of Mumbai at 4 pm on January 23.

Stuck in strings: Over 900 birds saved in city

First India Bureau

strings they find by their windows or on the terrace.

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Citing the Supreme Court’s order not to inhumanely dislocate homeless people sleeping on pavements during winter season, Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali has accused the Mumbai police of violating it.

He also alleged that despite apex court’s order to build 125 night shelters for the homeless, the state government has not built any.

Galgali has written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also in charge of

the Home portfolio, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar to take action against senior police officials responsible for failure to implement the SC’s directives. When contacted, Spokesperson for the city police and Deputy Commissioner, Prashant Kadam, declined to comment. According to Galgali, the SC had, in response to a

PIL filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, ordered chief secretaries of all state governments to implement measures to help the homeless urban poor.

Galgali alleged that in the past five days over 50,000 homeless have been subjected to severe treatment by the police, despite the chilly weather. The homeless sleep on pavements, below flyovers, foot over bridges,

I met the police commissioner and requested him to stop taking action against the homeless; but my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. He said pavement dwellers pose a nuisance to pedestrians. They also dirty the surroundings since they cook and eat in the open.

—Anil Galgali, RTI activist

among other places, because they have no place to take shelter, he said.

Mumbai: Several NGO’s in Mumbai have saved over 900 birds stuck in kite strings tangled in trees, poles and buildings. According to these NGOs, it was Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) job to make sure these strings are not left hanging anywhere in the city but the civic body failed to do so.

The representatives of these organizations said that they struggle to rescue birds stuck high on the trees and have to take the help of the fire brigade and they further appealed to the citizens to remove

Mitesh Jain, Honorary Animal Welfare Officer, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and trustee of Karuna Trust Virar, said that they have been carrying out the rescue operation since the past 16 hours. “However, we are not getting any help from the BMC to remove these strings. The BMC is maintaining roads, trees, street poles, but it does not bother to remove the kite strings.”

More than 650 birds have been rescued in Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivali and Malad areas alone.

Div bench notes trial court didn’t have the chance to consider plea before filing of charge sheet

Bombay High Court

First India Bureau

Around 30 flautists participated in a rehearsal for the 14th edition of the Bansuri Utsav to be held in Thane on January 21, at Marine Drive on Tuesday morning. Seen in the picture are visually-impaired children, young female flautists led by flute maestro Vivek Sonar. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

Promotional poster of the play.

Highlights the need for 125 night shelters as ordered by the SC, pulls up Maha govt for not building any

Cold weather has made life difficult for those without homes

this year.

2-day BJP National Executive Meeting concludes in Delhi

New Delhi (ANI): The two-day National Executive meeting of the BJP concluded in the national capital on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, JP Nadda’s term as the national president of BJP was extended till June 2024, on the second day of the national executive meeting. Addressing a press conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “I am confident that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (JP) Nadda-ji, the BJP will win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by an even bigger majority.

Modi-ji will return to lead the country as the Prime Minister.”

According to sources,

BJP MEET PASSES RESOLUTION PRAISING

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

PM Modi asked party workers to sketch more events like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in future for strong cultural national unity, sources said.

MODI TO INAUGURATE 2ND PHASE OF ‘SAANSAD KHEL MAHAKUMBH’ TODAY

Laying emphasis on programs that bind the nation in one thread, PM Modi asked party workers, to insist on organizing more programmes like the KashiTamil Sangam, so that all the states share their culture, civilization and heritage with each other and the country unites culturally in the one thread of unity.

RaGa’S TAKE ON COUSIN

“My ideology doesn’t match with Varun’s”

Hoshiarpur (ANI): Responding to a question whether his estranged cousin and BJP MP Varun Gandhi could join the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that it can be problematic because their ideologies don’t match.

“Varun Gandhi is in the BJP and if he walks here, it might be a problem for him,” Rahul Gandhi said at a presser here on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi said he cannot accept Varun Gandhi’s ideology. “My family has an ideology, Varun adopted another and I can’t accept the ideology he adopted. I cannot go to the RSS office, I’ll have to be beheaded before that,” the Congress leader said.

A video of the Congress leader’s press conference was posted on Twitter.

CAN’T SEE EYE TO EYE WITH RSS: RaGa

Hoshiarpur:

NO LONGER

the proposal for Naddda’s extension was mooted by Union De-

IN THE COURTYARD

IDENTIFICATION OF MINORITIES: THE SC’S DISPLEASURE OVER 6 STATES AND UTs

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over six states and Union Territories (UTs), including J&K, not yet giving their comments to the Centre on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level. “We fail to appreciate why these states should not respond. We give last opportunity to Centre to obtain their responses failing which we will presume that they have nothing to say,” said a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul, AS Oka and JB Pardiwala.

TAJ CASE: SUPREME COURT ALLOWS INCREASE IN AIR TRAFFIC IN AGRA

New Delhi: In a relief to the Airports Authority of India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its order and allowed AAI to increase the airport traffic in the Agra airfield and construct a new terminal in Agra. A bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul passed the direction while hearing an application moved by the Airports Authority of India. AAI has moved an application through advocate Ashwarya Sinha.

HC SETS ASIDE GIC’S ORDER DIRECTING IT TO GIVE INFO ABOUT JUDICIAL OFFICERS

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday set aside the state information commission’s order directing the court administration to provide information about the transfer, action on complaints and reason for termination of certain judicial officers. The court of Justice Biren Vaishnav set aside the order of the GIC dated June 23, 2014, directing the public information officer of the high court to provide the information to the applicant within 15 days from the receipt of the order.

EXPEDITE APPT TO VACANT THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR POSTS: HC TO DELHI GOVT

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted a final opportunity of four weeks to the AAP government to expedite process of filling vacant posts of public prosecutors in courts, observing that the huge backlog of cases in the criminal justice system can be remedied only if these vacancies are filled up at the earliest. A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma sought a status report from the government.

WE DON’T BELIEVE IN UNNECESSARILY KEEPING PEOPLE BEHIND BARS, SAYS SC

New Delhi: “We don’t believe in unnecessarily keeping people behind the bars,” the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday while hearing the pleas filed by the Delhi Police against the bail granted to three student activists in a case of the 2020 North East Delhi riots. A bench headed by Justice SK Kaul said spending hours hearing the bail petitions in the case was a “complete wastage” of time of the Delhi High Court. Bench comprising Justices AS Oka and JB Pardiwala, was hearing the pleas.

fence Minister Rajnath Singh and was agreed upon unanimously by

the members of the National Executive. Earlier on Monday,

The attendees also discussed a nine-point political resolution, moved by Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, sources added.

Kejriwal lashes out at Delhi LG VK Saxena

New Delhi (PTI): On Tuesday, CM Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at Lt Governor VK Saxena over the ongoing tussle between the AAP government and the LG office over sending government school teachers to Finland for training.

“We have the money of the people of Delhi who pay taxes. It is on taxpayers’ money that the elected government of Delhi is sending teachers for training to Finland. Who is L-G to stop them,” Kejriwal asked.

“It seems like ‘Begani Shaadi Mein Abdullah Deewana’ (a person who takes too much interest in the affairs of others). Why is the L-G

sitting on our head? The L-G is saying get the training done in the country itself... Why get it done here,” he said.

Kejriwal said that in a bid to motivate them and increase their efficiency, 30 teachers need

BJP DUBS KEJRIWAL ‘EGOISTIC’ AFTER HIS TIRADE AGAINST LG New Delhi: After Arvind Kejriwal launched a tirade against Lt Governor VK Saxena, the BJP dubbed the AAP chief an “extreme egoistic leader” who believed that winning an election had given him the “right to misinterpret and override Constitutional provisions”. BJP said that it was shocking that a party that did not have a single MP in Lok Sabha was dreaming of forming a government at the Centre.

to go to Finland for training.

“This has been decided by the elected Chief Minister and the Education Minister. But strangely, all the files have go to the L-G for approval,” he said.

There was speculation about Varun Gandhi joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and eventually, the Congress as he has been taking stands on people-centric issues through his tweets, newspaper pieces, besides public and Parliament speeches—many of them not in line with the BJP’s official position.

Swayamsevak Sangh, and that he prefers to be “beheaded” than step into an RSS office.

I HAVE HUGE RESPECT FOR SIKH

COMMUNITY:

Hoshiarpur:

RAHUL GANDHI IN PUNJAB

for the Sikh community and added India would not be India had it not been for their contribution. His remarks came in the backdrop of opposition parties in Punjab targeting the Congress and seeking Gandhi’s apology over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Gandhi told a press conference here on the sidelines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

This has caused discomfiture and embarrassment to the central government, also giving ammunition to the opposition to sharpen its attacks on the BJP.

COURTESY MEET

On its part, the BJP has sought to dismiss these remarks by saying that Varun, a threetime MP, is “fond of giving personal opinions on a daily basis.”

BJP retains Chd Mayor’s post by defeating AAP

Chandigarh: The BJP on Tuesday retained the top post in the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh by defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by a single vote.

BJP’s Anup Gupta got 15 votes, while AAP candidate Jasbir Singh managed 14 votes in the Mayoral polls.

It was a close fight after the Congress, which has six members, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with a lone member abstained from voting. After both the BJP and the AAP got 14 votes apiece, Chandigarh’s BJP MP Kirron Kher, being an ex-officio member of the House, cast the decisive vote in favour of the saffron party.

JITENDRA SINGH SAYS

“Our govt enabling environment for working women”

The MoS Spells Out Special Women-Centric Measures taken by the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions in the last 8 and half years for welfare of women officers and staff

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here on Tuesday that the Governance reforms introduced by PM Narendra Modi provide enabling environment for working women.

Briefing about several measures undertaken by the Ministry of Personnel, which is the nodal Ministry for personnel

management, Dr Singh said that DoPT has taken concerted efforts to increase the representation of women in Central Govt jobs and to provide them a balance between professional and family life.

He cited the example of Child Care Leave and said that in continuation of grant of 730 days CCL, some new measures have also been taken and those are like an

employee on Child Care Leave may be permitted to leave headquarters with the prior approval of appropriate compe-

travel provided clearances from appropriate competent authorities are taken in advance.

been granted for child care with effect from 01st July, 2022, which will increase by 25% on increase of DA by 50%.

tent authority, the Leave Travel Concession may be availed, while an employee is on CCL and can also proceed on foreign

Moreover, minimum period for Child Care Leave reduced from mandatory 15 days to 5 days and the limit of 22 years in case of disabled child for the purpose of a government servant availing Child Care Leave under the provisions of Rule 43-C of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 has been removed, he added.

He said that Special Allowance @ Rs.3000/p.m. to Women employees with Disability has

He said that Special Leave provision made connected to inquiry of sexual harassment, as leave up to a period of 90 days can be availed by an aggrieved female Government Servant, which will be granted during the pendency of the inquiry and the leave granted to the aggrieved female Government Servant under this rule shall not be debited against the leave account.

Rahul Gandhi with party MP Jothimani and others during Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Hoshiarpur, on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday issued a strong statement against the saffron brigade led by the Sangh Parivar as he made it clear that nothing can ever force him to see eye to eye with the Rashtriya

“MEDIA

A WATCHDOG”

Hoshiarpur: Lashing out at the “structure of media”, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that “hatred is being spread in the media”, while also alleging that it is playing the role of “distraction instead of a watchdog”. Gandhi called for an “independent media and institutions” citing his party’s philosophy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he has huge respect

MoS

Dr Jitendra Singh addressing media in New Delhi, on Tuesday.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Legislative Assembly.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath presents book “Sanatan Dharma” written by Annie Besant and Bhagwan Das to President Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

PM Narendra Modi being greeted by BJP National President JP Nadda as he arrives for the second day of BJP’s National Executive Meet, at NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi, on Tuesday. (R) BJP leaders during the second day of BJP National Executive Meeting, in New Delhi on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

“WE DON’T BELIEVE IN SLOGANEERING BUT IN ACTIONS”

New Delhi: Union Education Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday that the BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi never believes in mere sloganeering, but in “taking actions and bringing results” with the spirit of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikaas’.

New Delhi: The BJP’s national executive meet on Tuesday passed a socio-economic resolution praising PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming India into the fifth largest economy from a ‘Fragile Five’ economy. The resolution underlined that now the country is moving towards politics and governance of saturation, suggesting that the government’s progarmmes are fulfilling the requirements of the people, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday virtually inaugurate the second phase of the ‘Saansad Khel Mahakumbh’ being organised in Uttar Pradesh’ Basti district, his office said. The ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ is a novel initiative that provides opportunity and platform to the youth of Basti and neighbouring areas to showcase their sporting talent and motivates them to take sport as a career option, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

PAKISTAN PM’S ‘SHARIF’ MOVE!

in Nov, 2022 lashed out at Pak for raking up issue of Kashmir at the UN debate

India-Russia joint venture produces first batch of AK-203 rifles in Amethi

New Delhi (Agencies):

Abu Dhabi/ New Delhi: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has called for “serious and sincere talks” with PM Narendra Modi on “burning points like Kashmir.” In an interview, Sharif said that Pakistan has learned its lesson after 3 wars with India and stressed that now it wants peace with its neighbour. He said, “Wars have only brought more misery, poverty, and unemployment to the people. India is our neighbour country. Let’s be very blunt, even if we are not neighbours by choice we are there for ever. He said both countries have engineers, doctors, and skilled labourers. “We want to utilise these assets for prosperity and to bring peace to the region so that both nations can grow.”

THE KASHMIR TALKS...

P rime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also brought up the subject of Kashmir and said “Pakistan wants peace but what is happening in Kashmir should be stopped.”

POLITICAL INSTABILITY...

P ak is also going through a political instability with ousted PM Imran Khan saying President Dr Arif Alvi will soon ask PM Shehbaz Sharif to obtain a vote of confidence. Dr Alvi belongs to Khan’s PTI and the federal coalition is surviving on a very thin majority.

My message to the Indian leadership and PM Modi is that let’s sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources.

In sinking Joshimath, chorus of ‘NTPC go back’ grows louder

Joshimath (PTI): Amid evacuations and demolitions in sinking Joshimath, several residents and activists are calling for the National Thermal Power Corporation to shut down its activities in the region, alleging that one of its projects contributed to subsidence in the area. From the numerous small and big shops in the main markets to the residential properties, vehicles, and billboards, posters with the slogan “NTPC go back” have come up.

Locals allege the digging of a 12-km tunnel for the 520 MW Tapovan Vishnugarh hydroelectric project exacerbated the subsidence in the area.

Joshimath

Lucknow (PTI): This wedding had all the essentials like ‘Band, Baja, Baraat’, lavish food cooked in ‘desi ghee’ and guests dancing to filmy songs, but the bride and groom who took the ‘pheras’ were dogs named Tommy and Jelly. The marriage was held on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has rejected VRS of 1989 batch senior IAS officer Suresh Chandra. He is Additional Chief Secretary Labour and Head of Employment Department.

Chandra applied for voluntary retirement from the government in November 2022, but his file was sent back.

Chandra has been elected to the post of Vice-President in the State Public Service Tribunal. That's why he wanted to take VRS and

take over the responsibility of the Tribunal, but the govt believes that he can take over this responsibility after January 31, after he retires.

The Uttar Pradesh government has a total of 10 IAS officers of

U’KHAND GOVT SAT IDLE: CONG LEADER

Gopeshwar (PTI): Congress leader Pradeep Tamta on Tuesday blamed the state government’s working style for the Joshimath crisis and accused the BJP-led dispensation of sitting idle despite being aware of the imminent danger. He said the government was still not as active as it should be in taking steps to save Joshimath.

WHY WERE STEPS NOT TAKEN: DIDI

Kolkata (PTI): Describing the situation in calamity-hit Joshimath as “very dangerous”, WB CM Mamata Banerjee said the residents of the tiny hill town in Uttarakhand were not responsible for the disaster and the Centre must take steps on a war-footing to protect people.

Bengaluru: A twowheeler rider dragged a 71-year-old man on road for almost a kilometre on Magadi Road on Tuesday. The victim, Muttappa, has been admitted to the hospital. The incident took place when Muttappa, a native of Bijapur district, was driving a Boleno car on Magadi Road. Sahil (25), the accused who is a resident of Nayandahalli in Bengaluru, suddenly his rammed his twowheeler into the car from behind, the police said.

Indian military’s much awaited quest for modern assault rifles is finally coming to an end. India and Russia have begun the joint production of AK 203 rifles at a factory in Amethi.

“With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service in India’s defence and law enforcement agencies,” Sergey Chemezov, general director of Russia’s defence conglomerate Rostec said in a statement.

More than six lakh rifles are to be manufactured in India as part of a joint venture — IndoRussia Rifles Private Limited — established between the Indian Ord-

nance Factory Board (OFB), Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport, (both subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation).

While OFB has a 50.5 per cent stake in the joint venture, Kalashnikov has 42 per cent and Rosoboronexport 7.5 per cent.

According to the roadmap, an initial lot of 70,000 rifles are to be Made in India with lesser indigenous content. The first batch will consist of 5,000 rifles that are supposed to have only 5 per cent indigenous components.

In a first, Chief of Defence Staff visits NCC R Day Camp

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited the NCC Republic Day Camp 2023 at Delhi Cantt in New Delhi on Tuesday. This is for the first time a CDS has visited NCC Republic Day Camp.

A contingent of all the three wings namely Army, Navy and Air Force presented an impressive “Guard of Honour” to the Chief of Defence Staff on his arrival. NCC cadets thereafter presented a fine band display. The CDS also visited the ‘Flag Area’ prepared by the NCC cadets, depicting various social awareness themes and cultural activities. The cadets briefed him in detail about their respective State Directorate themes.

The CDS also visited the recently renovated ‘Hall of Fame’ a proud possession of NCC with display of rich archival collection of alumni photographs,

1989 batch, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's ACS Shashi Prakash Goyal, ACS Appointment and Personnel Devesh Chaturvedi, ACS Minority Monika S Garg, ACS Ayush Anuradha

Shukla, ACS Finance Prashant Trivedi, ACS Manoj Singh, ACS Amit Mohan Prasad, ACS Suresh Chandra, ACS Sanjay R Bhusreddy, ACS Anil Kumar. Many of these senior IAS officers will retire in 2023.

Nairobi (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Kenya and Tanzania, met Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of Kenya on Monday.

Speaking on this occasion, Birla said that India and Kenya have historically close relations and both countries have fought against colonialism. India and Kenya share a

common perspective in the fight against terrorism, mentioned Birla. He urged for collective

efforts to eliminate terrorism for peace and development. Mentioning about India and

Kenya’s cooperation at the UN, Birla called for closer cooperation between the two countries in global fora. Referring to India’s G20 Presidency, Birla emphasized the priorities of India’s G20 stint and assured that India will make efforts to include concerns of the Global South in the G20 framework.

Birla said that India has already taken the initiative of the International Solar Alliance

and working with the objective of harnessing energy from renewable sources. The dignitaries also discussed expanding trade, economic and cultural relations between the two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact.

Birla also called on his Kenyan counterpart, Moses Masika Wetangula E.G.H. Speaker, National Assembly of Kenya.

New Delhi (PTI): The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said media reports claiming admission of ‘multiple side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines’ by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) officials are ill-informed and erroneous.

Citing an RTI response, a recent news report had claimed that ICMR and CDSCO officials have admitted to side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines, citing a plethora of ramifications arising out of them.

ARMY

HOLDS SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0 — A CYBER THREAT SEMINAR

New Delhi: The Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command (ARTRAC)

the second edition of Hackathon aptly named “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” from October 2022 to January 2023 with an aim to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to jump start and telescope the development time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security. The prize winners of the event were felicitated by

of the

during a

on Tuesday. The event was aimed at providing a platform to identify indigenous talent in niche domains and enhance the standard of training in domains of Cyber Deterrence, Security Software Coding, Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ ML). The participation was open to all Indian citizens and participation permitted in an individual / team manner.

models, motivational and other visual delights of the three wings of the NCC.

The Chief of Defence Staff along with

other distinguished guests later witnessed a spectacular ‘Cultural Programme’ by the cadets in the NCC auditorium.

RBI cautions states against reverting to old pension scheme

Mumbai (PTI): The Reserve Bank has sounded a note of caution on reversion to the old pension scheme by some states, saying it poses a major risk on the “subnational fiscal horizon” and would result in accumulation of unfunded liabilities in the coming years for them.

The observations in the RBI’s Report titled ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2022-23’

comes in the backdrop of Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh becoming the latest state announcing reverting to the Dearness Allowance (DA) linked Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Earlier, govts of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand informed the central government and the PFRDA about their decision to restart the OPS for their employees.

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

OM BIRLA IN KENYA

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Deputy President of Kenya Rigathy Gachagua during his visit,

Mathura.

(PTI): Joshimath is a town on the edge. It’s the very precipice for thousands of people, despairing as the lives they have always known slip away just as their mountain town sinks a little more each day and cracks on their homes get dangerously wider. Families are segregated, and pets and cattle remain unattended as people move out to safety. Many small businesses have shut shop or are in the process of doing so. The future looms dark and uncertain.

Locals protest against NTPC project in Joshimath on Tuesday.

Two-wheeler rider rams into car, drags driver

Dogs’ wedding performed with all rituals in Aligarh

“Report on sideeffects of Covid vaccines is wrong”

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan arrives at the camp.

organised

Gen Manoj Pande, Chief

Army Staff

virtual function

Moni Sharma

India

Pakistan does not want to waste resources on bombs and ammunition. We are nuclear powers, armed to the teeth, and if God forbids, a war breaks out, who will live to tell what happened?

INDIA WELCOMES GLOBAL TERRORIST TAG FOR LeT LEADER ABDUL MAKKI India on Tuesday welcomed the listing of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki by United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, saying threats from terrorist organisations in the region remain high. The UNSC listed Pakistan-based Makki as a global terrorist on Monday. Makki is also brother-in-law of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed.

—Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz wants honest talks with PM Narendra Modi

Shehbaz stresses, Pakistan has learnt its lessons and wants to live in peace with India

New Delhi: Network18 Media & Investments Ltd on Tuesday reported a 97% decline in its consolidated net profit to `8.82 crore for the third quarter that ended on December 31, 2022, due to a jump in operating cost and a decline in advertisement revenue. The company had posted a net profit of `306.94 crore during the October-December period a year ago. However, its consolidated revenue from operations was up 11.64% to `1,850.49 crore as against `1,657.43 crore. —PTI

India may pause rate hikes in February’

New Delhi (Agencies): The Reserve Bank of India may pause its rate hike cycle as early as the next monetary policy decision in February, according to Ankita Pathak, an economist at DSP Investment Managers Pvt.

With India’s headline inflation for the October-December period falling below the RBI’s estimate, the central bank could reevaluate its strategy amid an ongoing global growth slowdown, Pathak told Bloomberg Television.

India’s retail inflation cooled for a third straight month in December, as higher borrowing costs dampened demand and eased pressure on the RBI to raise interest rates next month.

To rein in prices, the central bank has delivered five straight increases in FY23 to take the benchmark rate to 6.25% — the highest in four years.

TOP TALKING POINTS

z According to Ankita Pathak, an economist at DSP Investment Managers Pvt, The Reserve Bank of India may pause its rate hike cycle as early as the next monetary policy decision in February

high inflation and hawkish monetary policies recede.

New Delhi: Capital markets regulator Sebi has returned the draft IPO papers of Lava International and asked the homegrown mobile maker to file documents again with certain updates. The move might delay the company’s initial public offering (IPO). Lava International had filed draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in September 2021 to raise funds through an initial sharesale. —PTI

`232

Pathak said growth is a major area of concern for 2023, as issues surrounding

z With India’s headline inflation for the Oct-Dec period falling below the RBI’s estimate, the central bank could reevaluate its strategy

z India’s retail inflation cooled for a third straight month in December, as higher borrowing costs dampened demand

than the RBI’s forecast of 6.8percent.

Partner with India to make world healthier

place, says Mandaviya

Davos (PTI): Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday invited global leaders to partner with India to make the world a healthier place and said the government is institutionalising medical tourism. This will create an enabling framework for providing health services to the world at large, the minister said. He invited all the stakeholders to look at India as a land of opportunities and take advantage of the same by partnering with India.

Analysts expect FM to cut FY24 deficit to 6%

India’s gross domestic product will grow 7% in the fiscal year ending in March, according to the first official estimate released by the Statistics Ministry. That’s higher

Sensex surges 563 pts as RIL, HDFC twins shine

Mumbai (PTI): The Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 1% higher on Tuesday amid buying in index majors Reliance Industries and HDFC twins.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex rallied 562.75 points or 0.94% to settle at 60,655.72. During the day, it jumped 611.51 points or 1% to 60,704.48. The broader NSE Nifty climbed 158.45 points to end at 18,053.30.

Pathak expects India to continue on a path of fiscal consolidation and focus more on capital expenditure in the FY24 budget, which is likely to be presented on February 1.

“This endeavour would lead towards making India and the world a healthier place,” he said. “We are working towards augmenting health infrastructure and have initiated multiple schemes to strengthen health systems and improve health service delivery with focus on quality, accessibility & affordability of healthcare.”

Mumbai (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will keep on the path of fiscal consolidation and opt for narrowing the FY24 fiscal deficit to as low as 5.8% in the upcoming Budget, analysts said.

The government may go for a fiscal deficit number which will be far lower than the 6.4% of GDP budgeted for FY23, they said, pegging the Budget figure for the next fiscal in the range of 5.8 – 6%.

Given the fact that this will be the last full Budget of the present government, there may be a temptation to make it into an expansionist one. In the two years following the pandemic, the fiscal deficit —

one of the key parameters while assessing macroeconomic stability which also influences inflation — went up till 9.3%.

India will have to continue on this journey of fiscal consolidation and it does not have the luxury of pausing for the next few years, the analysts made it clear.

“The government’s promised fiscal consolidation path will require a herculean effort over the next few years. Think of it like a long-distance cyclist that needs to keep pedalling hard to reach the finish line; if it were to suddenly stop, it risks falling over,” HSBC India’s chief economist Pranjul said.

Govt cuts windfall tax on crude oil, export of diesel

New Delhi (PTI): The government has reduced the windfall profit tax levied on domestically-produced crude oil as well as on the export of diesel and ATF, in line with softening international oil prices, according to an official order.

The levy on crude oil produced by companies such as Oil and Natural

Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been cut to ` 1,900 per tonne from ` 2,100 per tonne, the order dated January 16, said.

Crude oil pumped out of the ground and from below the seabed is refined and converted into fuel like petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The government has also reduced

New Delhi: Gold price fell `130 to `56,680 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had closed at `56,810 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also declined `232 to `69,793 per kilogram.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `56,680 per 10 grams, down `130 per 10 grams,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities on Tuesday. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading in red at $1,911 per ounce and $24.03 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

From the Sensex pack, Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies, HDFC Bank, HDFC, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Tata Consultancy Services and

`

NTPC were the prominent gainers. State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Wipro, Tata Steel and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards.

Elsewhere in Asia, equity markets in Tokyo settled in the green, while Seoul, Shanghai & Hong Kong ended lower.

FALLS 19 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 81.77/DOLLAR

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee settled 19 paise lower at 81.77 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, tracking a rebound in the greenback overseas and firm crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 81.79 against the greenback, then lost ground and fell to an intra-day low of 81.89. The domestic currency finally settled at 81.77, down 19 paise. The rupee had settled at 81.58 against the US dollar.

PwC SURVEY

New Delhi: Reliance Jio has expanded its 5G services to 16 more cities, taking its total coverage to 134 cities. Jio 5G service, under the name Jio True 5G, are now available in Kakinada, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Silchar (Assam), Davanagere, Shivamogga, Bidar, Hospet, Gadag-Betageri (Karnataka), Malappuram, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kannur (Kerala), Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu), Nizamabad, Khammam (Telangana), and Bareilly (UP). —FIB

the tax on export of diesel to `5 per litre, from `6.5 and the same on overseas ship-

‘US taking steps to facilitate issuance of biz visas in India’

New Delhi (PTI): The US said there has been significant progress in issuance of business visas in India, and America is taking several steps like increasing the number of staff to further facilitate the process.

Arun Venkataraman, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, also said that “incredible” progress has been made for issuance of visas for students here. At the business side, “we have also made significant progress by issuing more H1B and L visas in 2022 than we did even in 2019 before the pandemic, that is a signifi-

cant improvement. We are in the process of ramping up our staff... Is there more work to do? Yes, there is more work to do and we are committed to doing that.

“We are doubling the number of direct hires, we have to facilitate the issuance of visas here at the embassy and we are also working to bring on diplomatic spouses to also work in the process.

73% CEOs expect economic growth to decline

Davos (PTI): In the most pessimistic outlook in more than a decade, a global survey of CEOs showed 73% of them expecting the global economic growth to decline over the next 12 months. PwC said this is a significant departure from the optimistic outlook of 2021 and 2022 when more than two-thirds thought economic growth would improve.

This is the most pessimistic CEOs have been regarding global economic growth since PwC began asking this question 12 years ago.

The survey further showed that nearly 40% of CEOs do not believe their organisations would be

economically viable in 10 years if they do not transform. Inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopo-

MAJOR FINDINGS

z The survey further showed that nearly 40% of CEOs do not believe their organisations would be economically viable in 10 years if they do not transform

z Inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical conflict ranked as the top global threats

litical conflict ranked as the top global threats while cyber and health risks fell from a year ago.

OTHER STORIES

ments of ATF to `3.5 a litre, from `4.5 a litre.

The new tax rates are effective from January 17.

Windfall profit tax on domestically-produced crude oil is the second lowest since the new levy was introduced in July 2022. The tax had fallen to `1,700 per tonne in the second fortnight of Dec 2022.

GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION TO HELP INDIA MEET NET-ZERO TARGETS: EXPERTS

New Delhi: The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a “significant step” towards achieving the country’s net-zero targets and will help in reducing input costs of clean energy source, besides generating lakhs of job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, experts say. The Union Cabinet on January 4 approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and a clean source of energy. The objective of the Mission is also development of a production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030. —PTI

ASSAM TO ACHIEVE 100% ELECTRIC 3W SALES BY 2025: STUDY

Washington: Assam is likely to achieve 100% electric three-wheeler sales by 2025, making it the first Indian state to reach the milestone, according to a study carried out by a top US university. “At the current pace, Assam will likely achieve 100% electric three-wheeler sales by 2025, being among the first states to achieve this. Total 3W sales in Assam have grown while recovering from the pandemic,” the University of California Davis said in its study. —PTI

New Delhi: Sugar mills have entered into

to export 55 lakh tonne of sweetener so far in current marketing year ending September and out of that, 18 lakh tonne have been shipped already, according to ISMA. The government has allowed sugar mills to export 60 lakh tonne of sugar till May in the 2022-23 marketing year. In the previous marketing year, the mills had exported around 112 lakh tonne, an all-time high. —PTI

SEBI PROPOSES BLOCKING OF FUNDS FACILITY FOR TRADING IN SECONDARY MARKET

New Delhi: Sebi on Tuesday proposed to introduce a blocking of funds facility for trading in secondary markets, a move aimed at safeguarding investors’ money from misuse and default by stock brokers. In its consultation paper, Sebi said the proposed introduction of a blocking of funds facility for trading in secondary markets would allow investors to trade in secondary markets based on blocked funds in one’s bank account, thereby eliminating the need to transfer funds to stock broker. Also, the facility would provide client level settlement visibility (both pay-in and pay-out) to clearing corporations (CC) by direct settlement of funds and securities between client or investor and CC. —PTI

SEBI

GOLD PRICES FALL BY `130; SILVER ALSO DECLINE

Uddhav signed nominations, he is still party chief: Sanjay Raut

‘Plan’ to regularize illegal structures a pipe dream?

Nagpur/Mumbai:

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Even as the civil war between the two factions of the Shiv Sena drags on with the Thackeray faction asking the Election Commission for more time to complete arguments, leaders from both sides continue to take potshots against each other, outside of the official hearings.

Sanjay Raut, of the Shiv Sena -Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray group, on Tuesday, pointed out that Uddhav Thackeray's signatures are present on the nomination forms of all party legislators--including those who left the fold under the leadership of Chief Minis-

ter Eknath Shinde in June last year.

“The MLAs of the Shinde group have been elected on the bow and arrow symbol. Their AB form is signed by Uddhav Thackeray as party chief. Some of those to whom we gave the symbol of bow and arrow, went away. It

Look into all scams between 2011 and 2022: MNS leader

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande reacted to Shiv Sena –Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray’s allegations of irregularities in tenders floated for concretization of roads in Mumbai city.

On Tuesday, Thackeray held a press conference and demanded an inquiry into the road ‘scam’. Reacting to the demand, MNS has now launched a strong attack on the Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena.

Deshpande has demanded an investigation into scams reported between 2011 to 2022 along with alleged road concretization irregularities. He cited the 2012 scam of school sup-

plies distribution worth lakhs of rupees, and also the 2013 Waste Management Committee logo scam of Rs32 lakh exposed by the MNS.

While criticizing Thackeray, the MNS leader remarked, “The sleeping ‘Kumbhakarn’ has woken up (in reference to the elder brother of Ravan as cited in the epic Ramayan).”

He further alleged that the Thackeray faction had “woken up” after the Shinde group launched investigations into various scams.

cannot be said that there was a split in the party. Some MLAs and MPs may have left, but the party is still there. Therefore, until the Supreme Court takes a decision, the Election Commission should not be in a hurry to judge and give its decision,” the MP said.

Later in the day, Sushma Andhare attacked Shinde group leader for his claim that Uddhav Thackeray’s post as party president is illegal.

“Some paid trollers are trying to spread wrong information. If a person like Sanjay Shirsat is saying this, then has the Election Commission come house and told you this? Is the EC colluding with you? If not, should a case be filed against you?” she fired at the MLA for Andheri West.

Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve took a veiled swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party, through its ally in the state government, the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena on Tuesday, claiming that “the Shiv Sena does not need to hire any private agency” to spread its word. “The Shiv Sena was established at the village level. All the units, such as taluka, and district, were formed later. The party is not just its MLAs and MPs. Shiv Sainiks like us go to people's houses and get them involved in Shiv Sena. We do not need to hire any private agency to do out work. Shiv Sena, which is truly natural in the minds of the people of Maharashtra, works under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray,” he said.

With elections in more than 20 civic bodies just around the corner, the state government is all out to showcase its “big heart”.

To this end, during a session in the recently concluded Winter Session of the state Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quick to give the green signal to regularize unauthorized constructions under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), as well as in Pune and Gadchiroli.

Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue, Registration and Stamp Duty, Forests), Dr Nitin Kareer however, feels that regularization of unauthorized structures, while okay, does not address the real problem.

“You can only regularize what is otherwise admissible in law. That is the big difference between regularizable and non-regularizable. For instance, you cannot regularize

This is conspiracy, we will not be afraid: Sena MLA after ACB grilling

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Shiv Sena -Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MLA from Balapur constituency of Akola District Nitin Deshmukh appeared at the Amravati Divisional Office of AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) for questioning in connection with the posses -

sion of unaccounted assets. He was interrogated for three hours by the corruption department.

Agitating over the same, Shiv Sainiks from Akola and Amravati districts raised slogans against the government and Badnera MLA Ravi Rana.

Speaking to the media after interrogation, Deshmukh said, “Arjun Khotkar had said in the general meeting that I have received an ED notice. I have to think of my family. That means they were also threatened. A

‘ASK THEM WHY’

total of 24 Marathi people from Maharashtra were forced to join the BJP. Why did the inquiries on him stop when he joined BJP? Why is no action taken? Marathi people of Maharashtra should understand why police protection is being given to them.”

“The officials did investigate us, but we were surprised to see their general questionnaire. In fact, they should have inquired how I went to Guwahati by charter plane. I would have given them detailed information,” added Deshmukh.

He further claimed that it is the conspiracy of the ruling party and said, “A false complaint was lodged with ACB. This is a conspiracy. We will not be afraid of any inquiry. I faced the inquiry today, but the ACB officials asked general questions.”

Actually, only Marathi people are being targeted through ED, CBI, and ACB and action has been taken against 24 Marathi people. It appears that the ruling party has deliberately launched a campaign against the people of the opposition, he added.

something that may not have existed in the first place,” he told First India.

He adds, “Corporations will get some money to regularize these structures provided, they don’t waive off all penalties as there is a stipulated fee structure mandated for the same such as ‘side margins’. Similarly, if some structures have built over the permissible number of units, they may have to purchase extra FSI on premium at market rates to legalize their projects.”

However, and ironically, there is still a major legal hurdle, given that justice Abhay S Oka of the Bombay High Court expressed reservations about regularizing unauthorized constructions in the same Pimpri-Chinchwad region less than five years ago.

“This is not the message we can afford to send,” Justice Oka had pronounced about regularizing the roughly 80,000 unauthorized structures of the Pimpri-Chinchwad region at the time.

You can only regularize what is otherwise admissible in law. That is the big difference between regularizable and non-regularizable.

Ex-Maha min asks CM to lift ban on certain devt works

Mumbai (PTI): Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has written to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanding the lifting of a ban imposed on some development works which he said were “unreasonably” suspended by the incumbent government.

Deshmukh, currently on bail in alleged corruption and money laundering cases being investigated by the CBI and the ED, stated the common man was suffering because of the ban.

“There was an unreasonable ban invoked by the Shinde-led government on several development works recommended by the elected representatives. The common people are suffering due to the blanket ban. I re-

quest you to kindly revoke the ban and get the pending works completed,” he said in a letter written on Monday.

The 73-year-old Nationalist Congress Party leader walked out of Mumbai's Arthur Road prison on December 28, 2022, more than a year after his arrest, after the Bombay High Court refused to further stay its order granting him bail in a corruption case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

IN PREPARATION

Ahead of PM’s Mumbai visit, his cut-outs put up near Matoshree

lll

It is expected to boost morale, help set a ‘favourable pitch’ for BJPSena alliance ahead of overdue BMC election

First India Bureau

Mumbai: With barely two days to go before Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the city, several images of him have popped up around Matoshree, the residence of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in suburban Bandra, accompanied by cut-outs of CM Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis.

Modi is slated to address a public gathering in the area, when he visits Mumbai to lay the

Jan 19 to mark PM Modi’s first visit to city after CM Shindeled govt gained power

foundation stone of various projects and inaugurate two Metro lines, which will give a boost to the transportation facilities in the metropolis.

Local leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are buoyed by the PM’s imminent arrival, and hope that his pres-

ence will boost morale and set up a "favourable pitch" for the BJP and the Shinde-led Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, which are overdue.

The Sena faction led by Shinde and the BJP are eyeing control of the cash-rich BMC, which was earlier under the Shiv Sena rule.

The civic body is now governed by an administrator since its term ended in March last year.

“PM Modi's visit will definitely boost our morale and help in making a favourable pitch for the BJP and the Shinde camp for civic body election. The large size cut outs are our message to citizens and political opponents that we can handle the BMC and we should get a chance (to govern the civic body),” said a BJP leader.

Notably, the BMC’s annual budget is about Rs45,000 crore--more than that of several small states.

Renni Abraham

Both factions of Shiv Sena have been warring for party's bow and arrow symbol. —FILE PHOTO

Andhare tells off Shinde faction leader for terming Uddhav Thackeray’s position as party chief ‘illegal’

‘SHIV SENA IS MORE THAN JUST MPs, MLAs’

MLA Nitin Deshmukh claims that a total of 24 Marathi people from Maharashtra were forced to join the BJP. Why did the inquiries on him stop when he joined BJP? Why is no action taken? Marathi people of Maharashtra should understand why police protection is being given to them.

Cut-out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai city.

—Dr Nitin Kareer, Additional Secretary (Registration, Stamp Duty)

Anil Deshmukh —FILE PHOTO

Some MLAs and MPs may have left, but the party is still there. Therefore, until the Supreme Court takes a decision, the Election Commission should not be in a hurry to judge and give its decision. —Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis —FILE PHOTO

tomized, versatile, and natureinspired designs to this jewellery store to ensure they align with the needs of the contemporary woman.

Shree Nandita Jewels is a Jaipur-based jewellery store that specializes in offering an extensive range of the finest handcrafted jewellery.

Shree Nandita Jew(www.nanditashekhawat. com), one can get fine handcrafted jewellery from their excellent in-house craftsmen that stand testimony to India’s rich heritage and culture while matching the latest jewellery trends worldwide. Every piece of jewellery find in their physical and online store has been crafted with a lot of love and care to blend traditional values with contemporary vibes. Whether one needs a royal wedding necklace, a unique piece of statement jewellery for their Sangeet ceremony, or bespoke jewellery for a special occasion, one can get them all here and even more.

When asked about their brand, the talented designer said, “You can browse our extensive range of magnificent jewellery in diamond, gold, and platinum that sport precious and semi-precious gemstones to make you stand apart in the crowd. From polki and meenakari to kundan meena partash work, our pieces exude unmatched grace and charm to become heirloom items and signature pieces in your jewellery box. If you need a customized piece of jewellery, we welcome you to talk to our in-house team of jewellery artists, designers, and jewellery professionals, who’ll help bring your imagination to life by creating magnificent wearable pieces that you’ll cherish forever!”

She further said, “Our job doesn’t end at creating and delivering high-end jewels depicting innovative and intricate designs complemented by an excellent finish. We make sure to back it up with our excellent customer service to ensure you have a remarkable shopping experience and continue to be our patrons. We’re fully committed to achieving excellence in all facets of jewellery craftsmanship, design, and service to wow every single customer of ours. And perhaps it’s our unwavering commitment that has helped us become a leading name in the jewellery industry, which is trusted by celebrities and the common people alike.”

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

Nandita Shekhawat with Ranveer Singh

Ravishing models showcasing astonishing jewellery designs

Nandita Shekhawat with Shah Rukh Khan

Nandita Shekhawat with Karisma Kapoor during a ceremony

SHABRI PRASAD SINGH cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Recently over dinner with my family I dined at Azula Kitchen and Bar, located in the heart of Delhi at New Friends Colony. Azula stood out to us with its fabulous neo-contemporary decor and the Pan-Asian food menu with Latin influences. In every family, everyone has different dietary preferences and sometimes it can be challenging to find a place that caters to everyone. However, at Azula, the menu has been carefully curated to serve everyone’s plate. My sister is allergic to gluten and also found an array of options to choose from on the menu. The ambience of the restaurant stood tall yet comfortable whether it is a cosy dinner for 2 or a party

FACEOFTHEDAY

AZULA WAY INTO YOUR HEART

of 10. The vibe blends perfectly for all. The decor too is a visual treat - clean, stylish, and tres chic! This revolution I talk about is fine dining for a sensory experience almost like chemical gastronomy which is also easy on the pocket. Having said that, one would still get the feel of an urban chic lounge like the Cipriani’s of the world. As I entered and sat down, whimsical blue and sweet mellow lights captured my gaze and I swirled in my element of being in the mood to eat a good meal and relax with fond music. For our first course, we chose the Sichuan Cucumber Rose Salad; the cucumber was heavenly marinated in soy sauce, thinly sliced and carefully rolled. Its in triguing fresh taste in my mouth made me want more. The delectable sushi platter came in a boat fash ioned from wood and held an assort

YOUR DAY

ment of 24 delicious Sushi consisting of Avocado and Asparagus Maki, Azula Miduri, Black Salmon and more. We dug right in

prawns were succulently brimming with flavour and the smoked noodles were a piquant addition to the palate. My mother also ordered

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Happiness in the domestic sphere will only come with a changed mind set. Some of you are likely to become a part of an overseas official trip.

Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment. Harsh words may create a rift in your romantic relationship.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Gifting something to your beloved is likely to make the day memorable.

Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property. Those awaiting results are assured of succeeding with flying colours.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Your intuition will save you from a tricky spot today.

Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. You will manage to achieve your aim through travel. This is a great time on the academic front, when you manage to render your best. Live a healthy lifestyle.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

with a kick of green chil lies; satis faction for one’s soul. To sweeten the deal the Chef sent over a

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

fectly sweetened, fluffy and the invigorating orange glaze married the flavours together marvellously. Azula is a sensory experience, from its stylish interiors to its charismatic staff and service. The ingredients used are fresh and mindfully sourced, giving every dish a belonging of its own. This is what makes Azula an asset to the city’s restaurant scene.

Dining at Azula is nothing short of an experience, a 360-degree turn for one’s senses - an affair of taste to remember!

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

It’s a very good day to take calculated risks in financial matters. Your efforts on the professional front will be recognised. Opting for some healthy choices will ensure you remain in perfect health. You will feel much happy and contented on the family front.

VIRGO

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

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Despite hectic schedule

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

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

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

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

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

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

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Following

PISCES

FEB 20 - MARCH 20

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder. Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front are likely to get lucky today, as partner responds positively. You will feel better today.

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

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

CITY FIRST

The Jaipur Literature Festival is all set to run from January 19 to 23 celebrating the power of literature, art and culture with a focus on Indian languages. The Festival will feature sessions on 21 Indian and 14 International languages in its sixteenth edition.

The literary extravaganza will host a session featuring author Alka Saraogi and novelist and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tokri men Digant, Anamika. In conversation with renowned journalist Nishtha Gautam.

Another will feature eminent Sanskrit scholar and Director of the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi, Oscar Pujol, in conversation with the Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski, and author, Indian diplomat, Abhay K, for a session titled ‘Global Hindi’.

The Fes tival will host a session featuring the Interna tional Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, along with the translator of her novel Daisy Rockwell, in conversation with Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar recipient Tanuj Solanki.

Under the book launch section, the Festival will be showcasing writer, Festival Co-Director and Co-founder of the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, Namita Gokhale and translators Pushpesh Pant and Prabhat Ranjan in conversation with publisher Aditi Maheshwari-Goyal. This event will also be graced by the MD of Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, Sanjoy K. Roy; celebrated author, historian and Festival CoDirector & Co-founder William Dalrymple and Managing Director of Vani Prakashan Group and Chairman of Vani Foundation, Arun Maheshwari.

Following the launch, a panel discussion will take place titled ‘First Edition: Jaipurnama’-focusing on the vibrant Hindi translation of Gokhale’s evocative novel with an insider’s view on the Jaipur Literature Festival - Jaipur Journals.

The Festival will

also explore some of the intrinsic sessions showcasing various dialects of the Hindi language namely Rajasthani and Bhojpuri. Touching this vast repertoire of literature and culture in Rajasthan, a session will feature eminent Rajasthani writer Chandra Prakash Deval in conversation with author Malchand Tiwari.

At the literary extravaganza, poetdiplomat Abhay K. will present the range and sophistication of Bihari literature in this first comprehensive anthology of writing from eleven languages of the region.

A session will feature iconic poet, lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Shabana Azmi in conversation with literary Jalil. Dhanak, a collection of poems by poet and lyricist Jan Nisar Akhtar (Javed Akhtar’s father), selected by Azmi and translated from Urdu by Sumantra Ghoshal and Daaera, a collection of poems by Kaifi Azmi (Shabana Azmi’s father), selected by Javed Akhtar and translated from Urdu by Mir Ali Hussain.

Followed by a session which will concentrate on Khalid Jawed's landmark Urdu classic translated by Baran Farooqi in English as The Paradise of Food, winner of the 2022 JCB Prize for Literature. A session featuring award-winning investigative journalist Vidya Krishnan in conversation with the vascular surgeon Ambarish Satwik about her recent book Phantom Plague: How Tuberculosis Shaped our History, which examines the development of different cures both folk and modern and how the disease and the attempts to curb its spread have mingled with issues of racism, greed and politics along with many interesting sessions.

A TREASURE TROVE INDIAN LANGUAGES OF

THE THEME FOR THE FESTIVAL DECOR:

Shashi Tharoor with a fan

Javed Akhtar

Sanjoy K Roy addressing the audience

Bharat 24, a channel that is constantly challenging its own existing ways, thoughts, processes & systems as well as developing radical new ways, tools, and processes that show the way to the audience organised the Bharat 24 Super Conclave with Industry experts in the presence.

Bollywood stalwarts Vidyut Jammwal and Govinda recently graced the 'Bharat 24 Super Conclave' in Delhi where the actors spoke candidly about their journey and more with our acclaimed Journalist and editor Ashish Tiwari accompanied by Anchor Ayushi Shekhawat.

VIDYUT JAMMWAL & GOVINDA GRACE THE BHARAT 24 SUPER CONCLAVE

Initially, Govinda revealed how Vidyut has been doing an incredible job but still managed to stay away from the filthy controversies. Vidyut said, "Govinda is not just 'Hero no 1'.. he is also a 'Human no 1."

Speaking on his journey Govinda said, “I believe a person can only be successful if he’s loyal to his work. My connections with my fans cannot be expressed in words."

Vidyut recently celebrated his birthday with his fans speaking on same he shared, " My father is from the army, and growing up we have changed many cities, because of my father's profession. So coming from a small town. Whenever I used to attend parties, I

would borrow clothes from my friends. So after whatever 8 have achieved today, I have realised that my fans, my audience who watch our films, our like our friends who no matter what take that time out to watch our films and support us, so I thought why not share whatever I have earned with them. So calling them on my Birthday was

just a small gesture towards them."

Both of the actors also went on to express their love for their mothers revealing that they wouldn't be what they are if they didn't have their mothers to back them up in this journey of life and that they owe literally every bit of success to her.

Vidyut also mentioned how women have a very powerful thing called

Social media is buzzing with wishes for Akshay and his wife Twinkle Khanna as they are celebrating 22 years of togetherness. Sharing the picture, Akshay wrote on Instagram, "Two imperfect people who have perfectly

tire. The couple shared a laugh. Many of their fans called them ‘favourite jodi’ in the comments section.

A fan also wrote, ‘Happy Marriage Anniversary Mr AND Mrs KHILADI.’ Akshay and Twinkle worked in two films together, Zulmi and Inter-

she switched to being a writer. She has also coproduced some of Akshay's films including

day: A Soldier is Never Off Duty and Pad Man.

The couple have two kids: son Aarav, 20, ter Nitara,

'Instinct' which men lack and they are just beautiful the way they are and no one should have the right to tell them otherwise.

When asked Vidyut what is the secret to his

discipline, the actor said, "Martial Arts is a key to everything, and I am proud that everything was born here in India, the mother of all Arts! And I am a proud representative of

'Kalari Paith'. So it's inbuilt in with the practice that we do for years."

Both actors were greeted with lots of love and adulation from the team and the

audience. Govinda and Vidyut also met our media, Maestro Jagdeesh Chandra and spent some quality time discussing the current scenarios in the Industry and more.

Janhvi Kapoor goes glam for Pongal

Actor Janhvi Kapoor took to her Instagram handle and shared a series of photos from her recent photoshoot on Tuesday. She wore a beige saree for the Pongal festival. She looked elegant in all her photos. She ex tended the warm wishes of Pongal to her fans. She left her fans inspired and awestruck.

Janhvi

Actor-filmmaker Ajay Devgn is kicking off 2023 with a new avatar in his upcoming and most challenging action-drama Bholaa. On Tuesday, the actor released the first look of his co-star and old friend Tabu. Unveiling the motion poster and several looks of the actress, Ajay captioned it, ‘Ek

Interestingly, Tabu also played a fierce cop in Kuttey, which released last Friday.

In the motion poster, Tabu could be seen donning a cop avatar and exuding major lady boss vibes. Soon after Ajay shared the motion poster, fans flooded the comment section with red hearts and fire emoticons. “Blockbuster loading” a fan com

shared a series of pictures. She can be seen sitting on a floor in all of them. She decked up in a beige designer saree. She wore silver earrings and head

jewellery to complete her look. She kept her hair untied. In one of the pictures, she touched her right earring while posing for the camera. In another picture, she placed her hand on the chain and looked straight into the camera. In another picture, she flashed her radiant smile.

Sharing the pictures, Janhvi wrote in Tamil, “Happy Pongal."

Janhvi Kapoor

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna

Poster of the movie

Jagdeesh Chandra with Vidyut Jammwal, Ashish Tiwari and the team

Vidyut Jammwal and Govinda at the Super Indians conclave

Akshay’s post...