First India-Mumbai Edition-18th February 2023

UBT ‘torched’, EC hands Bow and Arrow to Shinde

EC DECISION PROVES THAT SHINDE IS LEADER OF REAL SHIV SENA: FADNAVIS

PAWAR ADVISES UDDHAV TO LEARN FROM PAST

Kartikey Dev Singh

New Delhi: In a ‘watershed moment’ in Maharashtra politics, on Friday, Election Commission of India ruled that Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde faction will be official Shiv Sena and even party’s symbol - Bow and Arrow - belonged to Shinde faction.

In a unanimous order on six-month-old petition filed by Shinde, the three-member Commission allowed Thackeray faction to retain the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the flaming

“

torch’ poll symbol, given to it in an interim order last year, till the conclusion of ongoing assembly bypolls in the state.

The Commission said it applied the principles of the ‘Test of party Constitution’ and the ‘Test of Majority’ while finalising the order.

“The amended Constitution of 2018 is not on record of the Commission,” the order said, and added that it found that the party Constitution, on which the Thackeray faction was placing strong reliance, to be “undemocratic”.

“To put it in a nut-

shell, the party Constitution envisages the President nominating the Electoral College that is to elect him. This goes against the spirit of democracy and negates the very purpose for which the entire exercise was carried out,” the Commission said.

IRREGULARITIES

We will challenge the decision. Such a decision was expected. All this has happened under pressure. I don't have faith in Election Commission.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader

It was expected that the poll body would rule in a particular manner to help the ruling party.

Prithviraj Chavan, former Maharashtra CM I am in shock. Election Commission is an autonomous body. How did they take this decision?

Supriya Sule, NCP leader

I-T DEPT ON BBC 5 BIG ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BBC

Nagpur (FIB): Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said EC’s decision in favour of Eknath Shinde established that Shinde leads “the real Shiv Sena.” “It is now proved that Eknath Shinde leads the real Shiv Sena. The decision has been given on merit,” Fadnavis said. “Shiv Sena is a party of ideology. Shinde is taking the ideology ahead....he is walking in (Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray’s footsteps,” the BJP leader said. He also said that nobody can claim the ownership of a party like it is a private property. Earlier too, the Election Commission had decided such cases by taking into account the percentage of votes obtained by respective factions’ legislators, Fadnavis said. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the EC’s decision was historic.

EC DECISION DANGEROUS FOR DEMOCRACY, WILL MOVE SC: UDDHAV

Officially, now Shinde faction is the real Shiv Sena Mumbai (FIB): Even as Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders - Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut - claimed that the EC's decision was wrong and that they would take the matter to the Apex court, senior leader and NCP supremoSharad Pawar - had a word of advice for the 'young' politicians on the matter. Talking to the media, Sharad Pawar said, "Results cannot be discussed. Get a new signal (from the situation). It doesn't happen much. Indira Gandhi became the subject of controversy in the Congress. Then the bullock pair (previous symbol) of Congress was gone. Congress took hand as its symbol and people agreed with it. People will accept the new sign." Sharad Pawar has expressed his opinion that there will not be much effect.

Mumbai (FIB): Responding to the development, Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said the EC’s order was “dangerous for democracy”, and he would challenge it in the Supreme Court. Speaking at a press conference hours after the EC decision, Thackeray accused the poll panel of having become the Union government’s slave.“It may even take away our symbol of flaming torch tomorrow,” he said. He also appealed to his followers not to give up, and fight the battle to win. The party and people were with him, he said. ‘’Let the thieves rejoice for a few days,” he said, adding, “The Supreme Court is the last hope to ensure that democracy is alive in the country. If this hope vanished, we should stop holding elections forever and become a one-man rule.”

2ND TEST: AUS 263 ALL OUT, IND 21/0

IN TAX PAYMENTS”

l After 3 days, I-T Dept finished survey at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Thursday

l The I-T officials recorded only those staffers’ statements whose role was crucial

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has claimed it has uncovered irregularities in the accounting books of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) following a threeday survey - an operation widely criticised as retribution for an unflattering documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Income Tax Department said on Friday that the nearly three-day “survey” at the BBC’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai broadly looked into a mismatch between the income and profits of the broadcaster’s group entities and their scale of operations in India.

UK MP BLACKMAN SLAMS BBC DOCUMENTARY ON PM MODI

New Delhi (ANI): Terming BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “propaganda video” and a “disgraceful piece of shoddy journalism,” British MP Bob Blackman has said that it should never have been released and that it didn’t look at the “all-important fact” that India’s Supreme Court investigated the claims against Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 riots.

THE CBDT ISSUES STATEMENT

New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a statement without naming the media organisation and said that I-T teams unearthed crucial evidences by way of statement of employees, digital proof and documents. The CBDT statement says:

WITNESSING ‘WONDER’

LORD RAMI RANGER SLAMS BBC DOCUMENTARY ON MODI

New Delhi (ANI): Lord Rami Ranger, a prominent member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament on Friday said the BBC documentary on PM Narendra Modi is “unfortunate, ill-timed and ill-informed” based on a handful of people who have narratives to show him in a bad light. Lord Rami Ranger also slammed George Soros over his remarks on Hindenburg-Adani row.

l Several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation found.

l I-T teams unearthed crucial evidences by way of

statement of employees, digital proof and documents.

l Income, profits shown by various group entities not commensurate with scale of operations in India.

1 “The survey revealed that despite substantial consumption of content in various Indian languages, the income/profits shown by various group entities is not commensurate with the scale of operations in India.”

2 “During the survey, the dept gathered several evidences pertaining to operation of the organisation, which indicate that tax has not been paid on certain remittances, which have not been disclosed as income in India by the foreign entities of the group.”

3 “... Services of seconded employees have been utilised for which reimbursement has been made by the Indian entity to the foreign entity concerned. Such remittance was also liable to be subject to withholding tax, which has not been done... Survey has thrown up several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation.”

4 “Survey operation has resulted in unearthing of crucial evidences by way of statement of employees, digital evidences and documents which will be further examined in due course. It is pertinent to state that statements of only those employees were recorded whose role was crucial including those connected to, primarily, finance, content development and other production related functions.”

5 “Even though the department exercised due care to record statements of only key personnel, it was observed that dilatory tactics were employed including in the context of producing documents/agreements sought.”

Adani: SC’s ‘no’ to GoI’s sealed cover suggestion

First India Bureau New Delhi: A “sealed” submission by the Central govt on a panel to strengthen regulatory measures and protect investors following the Adani stock collapse was turned down by the Supreme Court on Friday, which said it wanted “full transparency” in the matter. The court had last week asked for suggestions on the formation of a panel of experts, including a judge, to examine the fallout of the fraud allegations against the Adani Group, which have wiped out crores in investor wealth and triggered fierce attacks on the govt by the Opposition.

GEORGE SOROS SAYS TURMOIL AT ADANI MAY WEAKEN MODI GOVT New Delhi: Philanthropist George Soros believes the turmoil at Gautam Adani’s business empire may weaken PM Narendra Modi’s hold on the govt. Soros, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Thursday, said Modi would “have to answer questions” from foreign investors and Parliament.

BJP LASHES OUT AT GEORGE SOROS CONG DOWNPLAYS SOROS’ REMARKS

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a frontal attack on billionaire investor George Soros, accusing him of not only targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also the Indian democratic system. P5

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday said whether the Adani issue sparks a democratic revival in the country depends entirely on the grand old party and other Opposition parties, and it has nothing to do with billionaire investor George Soros. P5

SC refuses to refer plea to larger bench

Decision favours Shinde group, which had opposed the reference to a larger bench

First India Bureau

Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Shri Gadkari observed the pre-inauguration demonstration of the world’s largest Futala Fountain and Water Show being built in Nagpur based on the concept of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule were present at this time. —PHOTO BY AGENCIES

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to refer pleas related to the June 2022 Maharashtra political crisis triggered by Shiv Sena’s division to a seven-judge bench for reconsideration of the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement. The 2016 judgment

deals with powers of as sembly speakers to de cide on disqualification pleas.

A five-judge Constitu tion bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chan drachud said whether the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement requires reference or not will be considered with the merits of the case on February 21.

“Consequently, hearing on merits of the case will be held on Tuesday, 10.30 am,” said the bench, which also comprises justices MR

Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A M Singhvi, appearing for the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, had sought reference of the cases to a sevenjudge bench for a relook at the Nabam Rebia judgement.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Maharashtra governor, had also opposed any move to refer

the matter to a larger bench.

The judgement had come to the rescue of the rebel MLAs led by Shinde, now the chief minister of Maharashtra. The Thackeray faction had sought their disqualification even while a notice of the Shinde group for the removal of Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Sitaram Zirwal, a Thackeray loyalist, was pending before the House.

Media personnel outside the BBC office during Income Tax Department’s survey operation, conducted as part of a tax evasion investigation, at KG Marg in New Delhi. —PHOTO BY PTI

New Delhi (PTI): India dismissed Australia for 263 on the opening day of the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy on Friday. In reply, India were 21 for no loss when stumps were called on the opening day of the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy here on Friday.

JPC needed, Modi govt hiding facts, says Congress’ Khera

First India Bureau

Mumbai: All India Congress Committee spokesperson Pawan Khera on Friday said a Joint Parliamentary Committee must be formed to probe the stock manipulation and accounting fraud allegations against the firms of billionaire Gautam Adani and accused the Narendra Modi government of hiding facts on the issue from the people.

Adani Group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after USbased short-seller Hin-

denburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and shareprice manipulation, against the business conglomerate led by Gautam Adani.

The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as

CRUCIAL READ

YOUTUBER BOOKED FOR FLYING DRONE OVER BANDRA FORT

Mumbai: A 25-year-old Youtuber has been booked for allegedly flying a drone over Bandra Fort without requisite permission, a Mumbai police official said on Friday. He flew the drone on Thursday afternoon for a Youtube video shoot, the official said. “Flying a drone without police permission is prohibited. He has been charged under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for disobedience to order promulgated lawfully by a public servant,” the official added.

3 CONSUME POISON AHEAD OF DEMO, HOSPITALIZED

Mumbai: Three women had to be rushed to a hospital after they allegedly tried to end their lives by consuming a “poisonous substance” in a bid to deter the Slum Rehabilitation Authority from demolishing a house in Abhyudaya Nagar in Mumbai’s Kalachowki area, an official said on Friday. “Amid preparations for the demolitionscheduled for Friday, the three women consumed some poisonous substance and had to be rushed to hospital. They are currently out of danger as per doctors,” he said.

ILLEGAL TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUSTED IN THANE DISTRICT; ONE HELD BY ATS TEAM

Thane: Police have arrested Tabrez Sohrab Momin (34) for running an illegal telephone exchange, an official said on Friday. Momin allegedly received calls from his overseas clients through internet-based applications and then forwarded them to local numbers with the help of some gadgets, senior inspector Ankush Bangar of the Bhoiwada police station said. Momin was arrested in Bhiwandi following a raid by the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) on Wednesday, he added. In addition to causing a loss of about Rs70,500 to the government, such an exchange may also be misused by anti-social elements as it is difficult to trace the calls routed through them, the official said.

POLICE HUNT FOR WATCHMAN WHO ABDUCTED TODDLER

Palghar: Cops in Palghar district have launched an investigation to track down a Nalasopara security guard who allegedly kidnapped an 18-month-old girl, an official said. Accused Rajendra Kumar worked in the housing society where the family of the child lives, said the official. He often played with the toddler and would regularly take her out of the society premises. The watchman went out with the girl on Wednesday but did not return, prompting her parents to file a police complaint, he said.

Only Assembly can remove me not a mere notice: Zirwal

The Modi government fears a JPC as all the details of its relationship with Adani group will come out in the open. Constituting a JPC is part of parliamentary procedure.

People want to know why the Reserve Bank of India didn’t know about the exposure of banks in the Adani group.

want to know why core sectors of the country were handed over to one person. The Congress is not against corporates, but it is against the monopoly of one corporate,” Khera asserted. If such “ease of doing business” was extended to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, the Indian economy would have completely transformed, he added.

First India Bureau Mumbai: Amid the ongoing tussle between the two Shiv Sena factions in the Supreme Court, Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal said one cannot remove him from the post just by serving a notice of no confidence.

He wondered how he could preside over the election of the speaker (Bharatiya Janata Party’s Rahul Narwekar) if the notice was sufficient to unseat him.

er Zirwal was pending before the House.

FIRE DESTROYS LOOM FACTORY AT THANE’S BHIWANDI

Thane: A fire broke out at a loom manufacturing factory at Bhiwandi in Thane district on Friday morning, a civic official said. No one was injured in the blaze that destroyed the unit located in the Narpoli area, said regional Disaster Management Cell chief Avinash Sawant. The fire started at around 1.15 am and was put out by local firefighters by 4 am, he said. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, said Sawant. A similar incident occured at Badlapur MIDC last week.

ONE KILLED, THREE INJURED IN REACTOR BLAST AT PHARMA COMPANY IN PALGHAR

Palghar: A worker died and three others were seriously injured after a reactor in a pharmaceutical unit exploded at Boisar in Palghar district around 10 am on Friday morning, Vivekanand Kadam, chief of the District Disaster Cell, said. Of the nearly 50 workers on the premises at the time, four were grievously injured and were rushed to a local hospital. One of them died during treatment, he said.

The local firemen and a rescue team controlled the fire triggered by the blast, said the official, adding that the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained.

lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.

Addressing a press conference here, Khera said the Congress owes it to several crore policy holders of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and account hold-

First India Bureau

Mumbai: With tensions within the Congress coming to the fore, the suspension of Sudhir and Satyajit Tambe, and leaders joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party has been in a state of uproar for the past couple of months.

Now, state minister Radhakrishna VikhePatil has extended an invitation to senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to join the BJP.

While making the offer to Chavan, Vikhe-

—Pawan

Khera, AICC Spokesperson

ers of State Bank of India to get answers on the issue since it involved hard-earned money of taxpayers.

“People of the country need to know the sources of funding of the Adani group and shell companies. They

Khera said even if the Modi government fails to accept the demand of the opposition parties on setting up a JPC, people of the country are watching.

“You can expunge the remarks of Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha but how can you expunge the name of Adani from the minds of the people as well as the everlasting love between the prime minister and Gautam Adani?” he asked.

“A mere notice is not enough to remove me from the chair. I was elected unanimously in the Assembly and hence my removal can be done by the Assembly itself. If I cannot preside over the Assembly because of a notice of no confidence, how is it that I was on the chair for electing the Speaker,” Zirwal told reporters in Nashik.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader was responding to questions on the proceedings in the Supreme

Maha Assembly dy speaker responds to speculations over his ouster amid SC Shiv Sena proceedings

Court where a batch of petitions has raised many issues, including the powers of the speaker, following the split in the Shiv Sena last year.

As per Sena MLAs from the Eknath Shinde camp, the rival faction under Uddhav Thackeray had sought their disqualification even when their notice for the removal of Deputy Speak-

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to refer pleas related to the June 2022 Maharashtra political crisis triggered by the Sena’s division to a seven-judge bench for reconsideration of the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement.

In 2016, a five-judge Constitution bench, while deciding the Nabam Rebia case, had held that the Assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking the speaker’s removal is pending before the House.

Min Vikhe-Patil invites Cong’s Ashok Chavan to join BJP

What can I say about Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil? Are they (BJP) only greedy for power? The Congress made him what he is, and now he is saying that there is nothing left. If Congress comes to power tomorrow, will he come back to the party?.

—Nana Patole, Maha Congress chief

Patil said, “What is the future of the Congress party that Ashok Chavan is currently affiliated with? (It) won the election in Nashik graduate constituency

on a personal agenda. No one in Congress has the time to think about the party. I think Chavan is a capable leader. He has done good work as the chief minister.”

Also, the entire world has accepted the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So (I believe) everyone would like to work under his leadership.

Working to win 150 Assembly seats: Dy CM Fadnavis to Nagpur workers

Nagpur (PTI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set a target of winning 150 seats in the 2024 Assembly polls in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the executive body meeting of the Nagpur unit of the BJP on Friday.

He also alleged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray worked from home and was mired in corruption.

The BJP used to rou-

tinely allege Thackeray, as chief minister, would rarely move out of Mumbai, despite pressing issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown, as

well as heavy rains distressing farmers, he said.

BJP workers, however, continued to meet people during the pandemic, and a change in government in June last year has accelerated development in the state, Fadnavis claimed.

“We are working to win more than 150 seats (out of 288 seats) in the Assembly polls. Schemes of the Central government as well as

the eradication of corruption has brought relief to citizens. The middle class has got relief in the Union budget, including higher income tax rebate,” he said.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, addressing the meet, asked booth workers to take benefits of welfare schemes of the state and Central governments to the citizens through door-todoor campaigns.

Ashok Chavan should also think about this, he added. Responding to Vikhe-Patil’s invitation, Chavan told media persons, “No such thought or decision has

been taken. The question is whether they (the BJP) are my friends or enemies. Is this an attempt to create confusion in Congress? Their advice is invalid.”

Interim protection for NCP’s Jitendra Awhad

First India Bureau

Thane: A local court on Friday granted interim protection from Nationalist Congress Party MLA Jitendra Awhad in connection with the alleged assault on a civic official.

Former state minister Awhad and six others were charged by Naupada police under various sections of Indian Penal Code in connection with the alleged assault on Thane Assistant Municipal Com-

missioner Mahesh Aher, which took place on Wednesday. Aher was allegedly beaten up by irate NCP workers after an audio clip in which he is purportedly issuing threats was shared widely on social media.

While hearing the plea, Thane Additional Sessions Judge AS Bhagwat sought a report from Naupada police on the incident and granted Awhad interim protection from arrest till its submission.

Work on 1st phase of theme park on Shivaji finished ‘SHIVSRUSHTI’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate it on Feb 19; life of warrior king presented through latest technology

First India Bureau

Pune: The first phase of ‘Shivsrushti’ theme park to be set up near Pune will exhibit various aspects linked to the warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

From featuring scenes

from his life in various art forms to his miraculous escape from Agra presented using 3D technology, it will highlight the glory of forts that were an integral part of the Maratha Empire.

Brainchild of Padma Bhushan awardee late

Shivshahir Babasaheb

Purandare, work on the park’s first phase is now complete. It will be thrown open to the public after its inauguration by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 19, the birth anniversary of the founder of the Maratha Empire.

Shah will inaugurate the key element of the first phase – “Sarkarwada”, the main structure

of the project. Sarkarwada comprises exhibition galleries, including “Durg Vaibhav” (glory of forts), where stories about different forts like Devagiri, Purandar, Vishalgad, Panhalgad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Sindhudurg and Sinhagad would be unfolded through the AV medium, said Jagdish Kadam, trustee of the Shivchhatrapati Pratishthan.

‘Even if govt fails to accept oppn’s demand on JPC, people of the country are watching’

Maha Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal —FILE PHOTO

Ashok Chavan —FILE PHOTO Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil —FILE PHOTO

BMC REVIVES PLAN FOR PARKING UNDERGROUND, MUMBAI SAYS NO!

Officials visit parks in Bandra and Juhu on Feb 02; locals, environmentalists voice their dissent

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s decision to revive its plan to build an underground parking lot underneath the Raosaheb Patwardhan Garden in Bandra has been met with resistance from locals and environmentalists. According to reports, civic officials even reviewed potential sites in Bandra and Juhu areas of the city on February 02.

However, according to a Times of India report, the BMC is now considering building an underground parking lot under the adjoining plot. This move comes after officials claimed it has fewer trees.

The BMC had reportedly also floated a Rs88 crore tender for the project in 2018, which did not take off. It also had a provision for the pro-

ject in the 2017-18 civic budget. A senior official had also stated that the BMC will not disturb the garden and instead use the adjoining RG plot, which is located near Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir. The tender will be floated only after a thorough examination of soil below both plots, a civic official added.

Safety concerns arise after 76-year-old faints in pool

First India Bureau

Area around Thane rly station cleared of hawkers: Civic chief

Meanwhile, a Midday report stated that the civic body has also proposed an underground parking below the popular Pushpa Narsee park. The project is also being met with resistance from local residents and environment activists.

As per a resident, locals have been demanding for a parking lot for the past few years as

Interior firm to compensate client `50K for shoddy work

First India Bureau

Thane: The Thane Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (TADCDRC) has ordered an interior designer to pay Rs50,000 compensation to a claimant after finding him guilty of deficiency in service.

In the recent order, Commission President RP Nagre and its members also directed the interior designer to pay the outstanding amount of Rs1 lakh to the complainant.

In her complaint, Nasreen Shaikh, a resident of Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, told the commission that she had hired the services of Nishtana Interior and Engineers from Mumbai’s Goregaon for

Bhagat

Outgoing Guv gets Guard of Honour from Navy; visits from CM, Dy CM

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Outgoing

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour by an Indian Navy contingent in Raj Bhavan here on Friday.

The event was attended by state Chief Secretary Manukumar Shrivastava, Director General of Police Rajnish Seth, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek

renovation and interior designing of her flat.

Based on the initial quotation, she paid the firm Rs15 lakh of the total Rs16 lakh in December 2019. While the work went well initially, the contractor stopped the work during the pandemic.

When he restarted it, he hiked the amount.

The complainant told the commission that during the renovation work, she also had to rent a house for seven months and pay

monthlly rent of Rs10,000, the complainant said.

Besides, the work done by the firm was not up to the mark. She approached the commission and sought Rs3 lakh compensation.

The commission held that there was deficiency in services by the interior designer and ordered him to pay Rs30,000 to the complainant for the mental and physical suffering caused and Rs20,000 towards legal expenses.

All public parks and places should be free of construction.

The green and open space is being systematically destroyed.

—Anand Pendharkar, Ecologist

unknown vehicles are often parked in their area. He suggested using a dumping yard as the location for the proposed parking lot, instead of uprooting the park.

BMC officials, on the other hand, have said that they will utilize the central lawn portion and re-establish park on the upper portion in the JVPD scheme.

Mumbai: An incident involving a 76-year-old man, who lost consciousness while swimming at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial pool, has called into question the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s management of the public site.

According to reports, Pramod Sarangdhar reached the pool at around 6 am and lost consciousness while in the water 10 minutes later. He was rushed to a hospital in a cab.

Sarangdhar was pulled out from the water after being spotted by a lifeguard and fellow swimmers.

A member of the pool said that the man regained consciousness partially after he was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

He was then taken to Hinduja Hospital, where he regained full con-

SELFIE ROW: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER IN POLICE CUSTODY

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A court here on Friday remanded social media influencer Sapna Gill to police custody until February 20 for allegedly manhandling Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw and attacking his car following an argument. Gill and her male friend allegedly attacked Shaw after the player refused to click selfies with her. Gill was arrested on Thursday evening.

As per the complaint, Thakur and Gill approached Shaw for a selfie at a hotel early on Wednesday morning. Initially, the cricket-

Members of Shivaji Park pool have raised questions about lifeguard scheduling

sciousness within 30 minutes. The Shivaji Park police were alerted by the hospital authorities at around 8 am.

In the wake of the incident, several members have complained about the poor scheduling of lifeguards and security guards at the pool.

A similar incident took place there a few days ago when a man fainted at the poolside and had to be revived by CPR, as there was no doctor present to provide first aid.

First India Bureau

Thane: Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bhangar has said that 150m of area around the city railway station has been cleared of hawkers for free and safe movement of people. However, maintaining the situation will require support from the police, he added, while addressing a meeting of senior police and civic officials at the TMC headquarters on Thursday.

The civic body was taking all measures required to keep the area around the railway station permanently free of

hawkers. The city police and traffic branch need to maintain a strict vigil and take action against autorickshaw drivers if they are found violating rules, Bhangar said. He asked the city police to deploy teams from 8 am to 11 pm everyday in two shifts in the railway station area to keep an eye on autorickshaw drivers, he added. Disciplining rickshaw drivers is the duty of the city police, he said while asking the police to take action against hawkers if they are found operating within the specified area.

2023-24 budget: NMMC to spend ` 1.3K cr on amenities

First India Bureau

Sapna Gill told the court that Shaw had been inebriated, and turned violent

er obliged. But when they insisted on more selfies, Shaw turned them down, leading to the row. The complaint also said that both of them (Gill and Thakur) were in an inebriated condition.

Meanwhile, Gill told the court that Shaw had been drunk at the time, and that he had assaulted her. Two more people were arrested on Friday evening, officials said.

CHANGE OF GUARD

Thane: The 2023-24 budget for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) was approved by Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar on Friday. The budget’s highlight is the absence of any new tax in what is most likely an election year for the civic body.

As per the budget, income of Rs4,925 crore is expected, while the expenditure will be an estimated Rs4,922.50 crore, a marginal surplus of Rs2.50 crore, said a civic official.

A sum of Rs1,318.29 crore will be spent on civic amenities, Rs752 crore for administrative purposes, Rs568.53 crore for water supply and sanitation. Another Rs556.84 crore for other

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation —FILE PHOTO

civic amenities and Rs125.08 crore for e-governance, he said.

“A sum of Rs406.37 crore has been provided for cleanliness and waste management, which is significant as Navi Mumbai has bagged the third spot in Swachh Survekshan 2022. The budget also earmarks Rs225.23 crore and Rs184.48 crore

for health and education, respectively,” said the official. A major chunk Rs1,626.35 crore of the income of the civic body will come from local body tax and goods and service tax, while property tax and development fees will account for Rs801 crore and Rs360 crore, respectively, he added.

Singh Koshyari bids Raj Bhavan adieu, leaves for Dehradun

Phansalkar, ACS (Protocol) Manisha Mhasikar, among others.

Koshyari prayed at the Siddhivinayak Temple at Prabhadevi on the way to the air-

port, from where he left for Dehradun in his home state Uttarakhand on board a special aircraft, a Raj Bhavan release stated. Earlier in the day,

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis met Koshyari, who took charge as governor in September 2019.

“Chief Minister

Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called on the outgoing Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj

Bhavan Mumbai. They felicitated the Governor and wished him a long and healthy life,” the governor’s office tweeted on Friday. While the outgoing

Governor was presented with figures of Lord Hanuman and Lord Krishna by the Deputy CM, CM Shinde honoured him with a shawl and a miniature

frame of the Kedarnath Temple. Ramesh Bais, who will succeed Koshyari as Maharashtra governor, will take charge at 12.40 pm on Saturday.

The Navy gave the outgoing governor a Guard of Honour. —PHOTOS BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE BS Koshyari waves as he heads to the airport on Friday. Outgoing Guv Koshyari leaves Raj Bhavan for the last time

Final call will be taken after soil examination of Raosaheb

Civic chief Bhangar asked the city police to deploy teams to keep an eye on autorickshaw drivers around the station.

—FILE PHOTO

Indo-American Relations Warming Up: Russian and Chinese Angle

IN-DEPTH

BIG SETBACK FOR DELHI L-G OVER ELECTIONS FOR THE MAYOR

India has to stand up to China without being belligerent charting its own course even as it draws close to US, Europe & Australia.

For the United States, the Indian imperative to stand up to China continues to present an opportunity for deepening cooperation.

The US & India have a common cause in their tensions with China, as well as a “natural partnership” on technology investments

The recently released National Security Strategy by Biden administration emphasises India’s centrality in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy. It states India is world’s largest democracy and a major defence partner of the United States and the US will work with India both bilaterally and multilaterally, to support commonly shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. not only needs India in the Indo-Pacific, but would also like India to play a larger role in South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Indo-Pacific Quad (Australia, India, Japan, United States) the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) and I2-U2 (India, Israel, UAE, United States) are all created by the US initiative to develop strong, resilient, and mutually reinforcing relationships to ensure world order for peace and development.

The year 2022 has been a remarkable and historic year for the India-US relationship, and 2023 is expected to be more momentous year for the ties between the world’s largest and oldest democracies that will determine the future of technology and innovation.

The tangible outcomes like resolution of some old market access issues, the first-ever maintenance of a US Naval Ship in India, the Quad focus

PAKISTAN GOING DOWN AND DOWN

on STEM, signing of an Investment Incentive Agreement, the launch of Technology Innovation Hubs as a collaboration of the respective science agencies, record level of trade and investments have cemented the Indo US ties.

India’s close defence cooperation and strategic ties with Russia, stand on Ukraine war, abstention on U.N. votes condemning Russia and refusal to stop buying Russian oil and military equipment are definitely irritants for warming Indo US ties. However, India has unequivocally condemned the violence and called for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India also sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Despite all this, India still remains at the heart of the U.S. approach to its peer competition with China. The United States may not like India’s ties with Russia, but it seems willing to accept them as the necessary price for keeping India onboard in dealing with a rising China.

Russia has been a historically dependent ally and biggest supplier of defence equipment and trading partner with India. However, the Americans may be aiming to help India in case of possible military aggression from China by their support in meeting India’s defence needs and this will accelerate India’s transition away from weapons and defence systems manufactured in the Russia. Another issue is India’s historical preference for a multipolar world order and strategic autonomy which has kept it out of falling in any ‘Camp’. The United States is beginning to accept,

The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2023 in the National Assembly to mop up PKR 170 billion in taxes by June this year to meet International Monetary Fund’s tough conditions for the release of $1.1 billion of the $7billion loan package. One demand of the IMF was to end all subsidies on petroleum products which Pakistan did by hiking petrol price by PKR 24 per litre and that of diesel by PKR 17.2 per litre.

As a consequence, petrol is now being sold in Pakistan at a record high of PKR 272.89 per litre and diesel at Rs 280 a litre. With its foreign ex-

China is like an urgent threat but a necessary partner for India. Despite clashes on LAC, bilateral trade is up and India has been reluctant to have any direct confrontation with China. Constant security threats from China & Pakistan imply that it would take time for India to diversify its defence imports

India’s preference for multipolarity and its close relationship with Russia. While complete detachment from Russia is impossible, India has certainly prioritised those of its strategic interests that require closer cooperation with the Western countries.

China is like an urgent threat but a necessary partner for India. Despite clashes on LAC the bilateral trade is up and India has been reluctant to have any direct confrontation with China. Constant security threats from China and Pakistan imply that it would take time for India to diversify its defence imports and also increase indigenous production of arms. Rather Indo- US proximity discomforts China and it will definitely put every kind of pressure on India to keep out of American influence. Russia who is biggest exporter of defence equipment to India may be a possible Chinese card to seek normalisation of

Pakistan’s economic crisis is perhaps the worst in its history. And most of it is due to the army establishment supporting terrorism and the ineptness of successive civilian governments

change reserves at less than $3 billion, it can meet only three weeks of imports. Experts predict that Pakistan defaulting on loan repayment seems inevitable even as the price hike will aggravate inflation which is at an all-time high of 25 percent. Moving the Finance Bill,

India-China relations as this not only benefits global and Asian security but keeps the US domination under control.

India has to stand up to China without being belligerent charting its own course even as it draws close to the United States, Europe and Australia. For the United States, the Indian imperative to stand up to China continues to present an opportunity for deepening cooperation. The United States and India have a common cause in their tensions with China, as well as a “natural partnership” on technology investments. In assuming the presidencies of both the G-20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), India is set to host leaders from across the globe in 2023. As India prepares for general elections in 2024, it may be increasingly sensitive to global perceptions of how it handles possible shocks - external or internalranging from escalation on its borders to incidents of communal violence.

China with a tag of regional hegemon and a strong ally of Pakistan has emerged as the most important perceived threat to Indian interests in South Asia. Russia remains India’s most dependable partner for its defence and energy needs. But the possibility of Russia playing junior partner of China at the end of Ukraine war to counter NATO and US threat leaves India with little options but to respond warmly to US initiatives to rope in India as not only security partner of first resort but to be the premier partner in India’s extraordinary growth story.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar criticised the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party led by Imran Khan for “increasing the country’s debts significantly”. Its gross public debt has increased over 1500 percent. Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to bring down the country’s debt to PKR 20 trillion but left a higher debt burden of PKR 44.3 trillion.

Pakistan’s economic crisis is perhaps the worst in its history. And most of it is due to the army establishment supporting terrorism and the ineptness of successive civilian governments. The IMF is in no hurry. It will watch Pakistan’s fiscal performance before releasing the loan tranche due from last year.

In a shot in the arm for the Aam Aadmi Party in its fight against the BJP and Delhi Lieutenant Governor, the Supreme Court has ruled that Aldermen are not entitled to vote in the MCD mayoral election. The BJP councillors were repeatedly stalling the mayor’s election demanding that nominated members should be allowed to vote. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed the hope that the LG and the BJP will now “toe the constitutional line”. Kejriwal has been accusing the LG of putting hurdles in the functioning of a democratically elected government. He also accused the Central government of using “dishonest tactics”.

The mayoral elections have been stalled since December last year. The AAP won 134 of the 250 wards. The BJP won 104. The BJP initially announced that it will put up a candidate for the mayoral poll but later dropped the idea. Three meetings to elect a mayor were adjourned amid ruckus over voting rights of members nominated by the LG.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps, and whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

TOP TWEETS

This further adds to India’s efforts to become #Aatmanirbhar in #Urja. PM @narendramodi ji’s vision is catalysing new possibilities in Odisha and eastern India.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

The 12 cheetahs arriving from South Africa, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji to restore our ecological balance, have begun their journey to India. Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft will get them home tomorrow. Get ready to welcome them.

COL RAJESH BHUKAR

The author is a Post Graduate in International Studies, Alumni of Defense Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Combat, Mhow

Foreign forces are trying to destroy our democracy: Irani

BJP slams billionaire George Soros for comments on PM Modi over Adani issue

New Delhi (PTI): The

BJP on Friday launched a frontal attack on billionaire investor George Soros, accusing him of not only targeting PM Narendra Modi & the Indian democratic system.

This war is being mounted against India and what stands between the war and India’s interests is Modi, Union minister Smriti said.

She alleged that Soros wants to destroy Indian democracy and wanted some “hand-picked” people to run the government. We have defeated foreign powers earlier too and will do so again.

“Soros wants a government that is pliable to his needs for making his nefarious plans successful. He has declared funding of over one billion dollars particularly to ‘target’ leaders like PM Modi, which is significant,” she said.

Cong accuses BJP govt of harming small businesses

The conspiracy to damage PM Modi’s image has been going on for the last several years. India has defeated foreign powers in the past and will defeat them in the future as well. —Smriti Irani, Union Minister

BY ANI

BBC tax raids put India’s press freedom in spotlight

New Delhi (Agencies):

‘INDIAN PARLIAMENT ATTACKED’: IRANI LASHES OUT AT BILLIONAIRE SOROS

New Delhi: Hitting back at George Soros over his comments, Union Minister Smriti Irani said the man who broke the Bank of England and a man, who is designated as an economic war criminal, has now expressed his desire to attack our parliament. She also said that the attack by Soros came at a time when India has risen to become the 5th largest economy in the world, and when India has received gratitude from global leaders.

CONGRESS SLAMS GEORGE SOROS OVER ‘DEMOCRATIC REVIVAL’ REMARK

New Delhi: Hitting out at billionaire investor George Soros over his comment that the turmoil in Gautam Adani’s business empire may bring about a “democratic revival in India”, Congress invoked the party’s Nehruvian legacy to state that the people like him “cannot determine our electoral outcomes”.

CONGRESS MP RAJNI PATIL DEMANDS JPC PROBE INTO ADANI ISSUE

New Delhi: Making a fresh attack on the Central government over the Hindenburg-Adani controversy, Congress MP Rajni Patil demanded the formation of a Joint parliamentary committee (JPC) so that the truth could be revealed. “Whatever speech they give but when it comes to Adani they don’t utter a word. How Adani became the second richest person in the world by capturing the wealth of India,” Patil said.

10 sensitive installations in 6 states declared out of bound for public: Union Home Ministry

New Delhi: Ten sensitive installations in six states and one Union territory have been declared out of bounds for the general public, with the Centre saying any information with respect to certain activities carried out at these premises may be useful to India’s enemies.

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday accused the Modi government of benefitting its crony capitalist friends and harming the medium and small businesses which provide employment opportunities to 12 crore people.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed it as “Cease of doing small business under Modi Government”.

Congress General Secretary, Communications, Jairam Ramesh also accused the government of harming the MSME sector in order to benefit its crony capitalist friends.

“In order to benefit his crony capitalist friends more, the Modi government has harmed the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) which provides employment to 12 crore people of the country,” he charged.

Invoking the Official

Secrets Act, the Union Home Ministry said in a notification that the sensitive installations are situated in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

“The central government is satisfied that the information with respect to certain ac-

2023

Congress slams NPP over ‘poor’ healthcare system

Shillong: The Congress in Meghalaya alleged that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has failed to protect women and children, “with the state faring poorly on the infant and maternal mortality rate indexes”.

In a press meet in the poll-bound state, AICC media coordinator Bobbeeta Sharma said that the NPP had in 2018 election manifesto promised to empower women in Meghalaya but “data tells us another story”.

“The fifth round of the National Family & Health Survey (NFHS-5 2019-20) has exposed the

AICC media coordinator

Bobbeeta Sharma

condition of the healthcare system in the state. Only 26% of all children under the age of 12 months have received any immunisation,” she stated.

Bommai’s surplus budget is jumla budget for Congress

Bengaluru: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai presented his second and last budget of the ruling BJP government on Friday at the state legislature ahead of assembly polls in the state.

Bommai presented a revenue surplus budget, with the outlay crossing Rs 3 lakh crore mark. However, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Karnataka Congress incharge, ridiculed CM Bommai as ‘Liar in Chief’ and dubbed it as

a ‘Jumla’ budget. CM Bommai proposed a revenue surplus of Rs 402 crore and broke the deficit budgets for the last two consecutive years.

CONGRESS LEADERS WEAR FLOWERS BEHIND THEIR EARS

Bengaluru: In a peculiar protest against the ruling BJP in Karnataka, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders came to the state Assembly wearing flowers behind their ears, alleging that the BJP government has cheated people and made them fools.

‘PROMISE TO EMPOWER WOMEN’

Asserting that her party was sensitive to the needs of women of Meghalaya, Sharma said efforts will be made to find them all a meaningful source of income, if the Congress comes to power. “We understand that the needs of women change across age groups. We will work with women for their empowerment,” she said. Sharma stated that the Congress is committed to providing free health care for all citizens and entrepreneurship training for women. Sharma stated that the Congress is committed to providing free health care for all citizens and entrepreneurship training for women.

tivities carried on in the places specified... shall be useful to an enemy. And, whereas, the government considers it expedient that special precautions shall be taken to prevent access of unauthorised persons to such places. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Bihar have 2 such installations each.

Just weeks after the BBC aired a documentary examining Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in deadly 2002 sectarian riots, tax inspectors descended on the broadcaster’s offices.

Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP says the two are not connected, but rights groups say the BBC raids this week show the parlous state of press freedom in the world’s biggest democracy.

News outlets that publish unfavourable reporting find themselves targeted with legal action, while journalists critical of the government are harassed and even imprisoned.

The three-day lockdown of the BBC’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai is the latest of several similar “search and survey” operations against media houses.

“Unfortunately, this is becoming a trend, there is no shying away from that,” Kunal Majumdar of the Committee to Protect Journalists told AFP.

At least 4 outlets that had critically reported on the government were raided by tax officers or financial crimes investigators in the past 2 years, he said. As with BBC, those outlets said officials confiscated phones & accessed computers used by journalists.

“When you have authorities trying to go through your material, go through your work, that’s intimidation,” Majumdar added.

‘WHY BE AFRAID?’

New Delhi: The BBC documentary explored Modi’s time as CM of Gujarat state during religious riots that killed at least 1,000 people. The documentary did not air in India but provoked a furious response from the government, which dismissed its contents as “hostile propaganda”. A BJP spokesman, said this week’s raids on the BBC offices were lawful and the timing had nothing to do with the documentary’s broadcast. If you have nothing to hide, why be afraid of an action,” he told reporters.

‘MISOGYNISTIC

AND SECTARIAN ATTACKS’

Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub has been a persistent target of Modi supporters since conducting an investigation that alleged government officials were implicated in the 2002 Gujarat riots. UN-appointed experts singled out her case & said she had endured “relentless misogynistic and sectarian attacks”.

AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY, SAYS JD(U) LEADER

Patna, Bihar: Holding the Central government responsible for the nearly 60 hours long I-T survey, JD(U) spokesperson Sunil Singh said “BBC is a press, and the press is a fourth pillar of democracy. This operation is an attack on democracy and the Central government is responsible for this.”

ARE JOURNALISTS UNDER ATTACK?

l Journalists have long faced harassment, legal threats and intimidation for their work in India but more criminal cases are being lodged against reporters than ever, according to the Free Speech Collective.

l Criminal complaints were issued against a record 67 journalists in 2020, the latest year for which figures are

available, the local civil society group reported. l Ten journalists were behind bars in India at the start of the year, according to Reporters Without Borders.

l Once arrested, reporters can spend months or even years waiting for the cases against them to proceed through the courts.

Turkey earthquake: NDRF team, dog squad members return after 10-day rescue task

New Delhi: A 47-member NDRF team along with dog squad members Rambo and Honey returned to India on Friday after conducting a 10-day-long rescue operation from earthquake-hit Turkey. Julie, Romio, Honey and Rambo were part of a fourmember Indian dog squad engaged in rescue operations in earthquake-hit Turkey. The Labradors, trained in sniffing and rescue work, left for Turkey with 2 separate teams of NDRF , a day after a massive earthquake hit Turkey, killing more than 40,000 people and leaving millions homeless.

THE ‘VOICELESS HEROES’

I ndian sniffer dogs, dubbed “nameless heroes”, worked around the clock over the rubble of collapsed buildings searching for trapped survivors. These dogs are considered ideal for rescue work as they can smell humans trapped underneath concrete and metal. In another incident, Rambo led the rescue operation from the site in Turkey’s Gaziantep when he sent a signal of life from the debris of a multi-storeyed building.

KEEPING THEIR DIFFERENCES ASIDE

Is Kharge seeing early success in uniting Oppn?

Sharat K Verma

New Delhi: Congress’s decision to retain Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for two posts has proved correct. The party made an exception to the principle of one person, one post for Kharge. He is the National President of the party as well as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. In the first phase of the budget session of Parliament, it has been

proved once again that Kharge has been able to unite the opposition. Since the presentation of the budget, he

continued to hold meetings with the opposition parties and till the last day of the first phase, the parties of the oppo-

sition made their strategy by sitting in his chamber. Ever since Kharge was made the leader after Ghulam Nabi Azad, he has been uniting the opposition in a better way. But after becoming the national president, his stature has increased further. He is now doing opposition politics with more authority. As a result of his efforts, 15 opposition parties gathered in each of his meetings. Even MPs from Aam Aadmi

Party (AAP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi attended his meeting.

The AAP, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena took a different stand on the issue of participating in the discussion on the Adani issue, but these three parties supported the Congress in cornering the government, raising the issue in the House and demonstrating in the Parliament House complex.

Union Minister Smriti Irani addresses a press conference on Billionaire investor George Soros’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at BJP Headquarters, in New Delhi on Friday.

Police official outside the BBC office where the survey is being conducted by Income Tax officials, in New Delhi. —FILE

MEGHALAYA POLLS

NDRF personnel along with dog squad members return from earthquake-hit Turkiye after rescue and relief operation, at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge —FILE PHOTO

—PHOTO

TWITTER SHUTS TWO OF 3 INDIA OFFICES; STAFF ASKED TO WFH

‘

Budget made considering external risks’

Hyderabad (PTI): The Union Budget 2023-’24 has been prepared keeping growth in focus and also external economic challenges such as fuel prices, Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman said.

New Delhi: Amid layoffs and a severe cost-cutting, Twitter has closed offices in Delhi and Mumbai and asked staff to work from home. The micro-blogging platform’s Bengaluru office that largely has engineering staff remains operational, the sources said. The Delhi and Mumbai offices shuttered a few weeks ago, with remaining staff now working from home, sources privy to the matter said. However, the number of employees affected by the move could not be immediately ascertained. —PTI

GAIL

LOOKS TO BUY 26 PERCENT STAKE IN US LNG PROJECT

She said the focus was on the common man and weaker sections and to ensure that their businesses are supported, their education is supported, the opportunities which are available for them to skill themselves are also given enough provision.

“The priority is to keep the growth momentum as

it is and also to make sure that the further support measures for sustaining growth…And be conscious of the fact that challenges which are extraneous to India. External challenges will have to be kept in mind. We should be ready for any unpredictable events from outside of our border,” she said when asked what the priorities were when the budget was given a final shape.

“Economic challenges which are even today prevalent in terms of fuel and fertilisers. Fertilisers are coming down a bit, but

India’s exports to UAE may cross $31 billion

New Delhi: India’s biggest gas firm GAIL is looking to buy up to 26% stake in a LNG project in the United States in an attempt to shore up supply sources to meet rising demand. GAIL (India) Ltd, had run into supply disruptions last year. The company has issued a tender seeking expression of interest (EoI) from operators of existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction plants or proposed projects in the US that will be commissioned by 2027. —PTI

GOLD PRICES FALL BY `285; SILVER TUMBLES `620/KG

New Delhi (PTI): The country’s exports to the UAE, with which India has implemented a free trade agreement on May 1 last year, is expected to cross $31 billion during the current fiscal on account of healthy demand for sectors such as gems and jewellery, machinery and auto, an official said on Friday.

The government official said that the agreement is helping India to promote its outbound shipments to the UAE.

During June 2022-January 2023, India’s non-oil

OTHER STORIES

exports rose by 5% to $15.2 billion as against $14.5 billion in the same period previous year.

Imports during the period increased by 3% to $16.8 billion.

Earlier in 2016-17, India’s exports to the UAE touched $31.2 billion.

INDIA RANKS 4TH AMONG 51 COUNTRIES IN HAVING QUALITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM: REPORT

London: India has been ranked fourth out of 51 countries in having a quality entrepreneurship ecosystem, a new global report said, reflecting the steady rise in the nation’s business environment over the years. The ranking of India in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) report is a drastic turnaround following a much lower score in 2021 which was 16th overall. India’s latest score of 6.1 reflects a steady increase in the country’s overall entrepreneurial environment over the years.

—PTI

New Delhi: Gold prices declined by `285 to `55,950 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had settled at `56,235 per 10 grams in the previous trade. Silver also tumbled `620 to `65,005 per kg. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `55,950 per 10 grams, down `285 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi of HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading lower at $1,821 per ounce and $21.29 per ounce, respectively. —PTI

HDFC RAISES `25,000 CRORE THROUGH NCDs

INDIGO PLANS FLIGHTS TO NAIROBI, JAKARTA: CEO PIETER ELBERS

New Delhi: The country’s largest airline IndiGo, which is “back with a bang”, is looking to start flights to Nairobi, Jakarta and some central Asian destinations as the carrier focuses on internationalisation, according to its chief Pieter Elbers. Amid intensifying competition and Air India set for expansion with massive plane orders, the IndiGo chief asserted that there is a lot of growth ahead in the Indian market that “justifies multiple airlines”. —PTI

even then it is a factor beyond us. These are the primary concerns,” she further said.

Sitharaman said the budget was prepared keeping in view every section of the society including SC,

KEPT FOCUS ON COMMON MAN

z In an interactive session on the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the focus was on the common man and weaker sections and to ensure that their businesses are supported, their education is supported, the opportunities which are available for them to skill themselves are also given enough provision.

ST, OBC and OBCs.

Replying to a query on the allegation that the Centre is curbing states financ-

Budget should have focused more on asset monetisation: Ex-Niti VC

New Delhi (PTI): Former

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said the Budget should have focused more on asset monetisation and privatisation, besides allocating more funds to the social sector schemes.

Kumar said, “there should be (have been) a lot more focus on privatisation and asset monetisation, which I do not find reference to here (Budget)”.

He also said `51,000 crore disinvestment target is way too low. “And in some sense, I feel that the space for private investment, ac-

India’s exports may rise by 3-5% this fiscal: FIEO

New Delhi (PTI): India’s exports are expected to grow by 3-5% to $435-445 billion in this fiscal, exporters’ body FIEO said on Friday.

In 2021-22, the country’s exports touched an all-time high of $422 billion.

‘MINES MINISTRY TO IDENTIFY MINERAL BLOCKS IN SEA’

New Delhi: The government is in the process of identifying mineral blocks like nickel in the sea and would gradually put them on sale, mines secretary Vivek Bharadwaj said on Friday. The mines ministry is amending the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 and has sought the stakeholders’ views on the same. The ministry is in the process of identifying these blocks in the sea and as there are no stakes in there. —PTI

IN DECEMBER 2022

Mumbai: Merger-bound mortgage lender HDFC on Thursday concluded its rupee-bond sale through the private placement route, mopping up `25,000 crore. HDFC said it has raised `25,000 crore of 10-year money by issuing non-convertible debenture (NCDs) carrying a coupon rate of 7.97% per annum. This translates to a spread of 49 basis points over Wednesday’s closing of the 10-year government securities yield. —PTI

es by limiting their borrowings, Sitharaman said as per Article 293 of the Constitution Centre is authorised to look at States’ borrowings. She said it is the practice over several years that the Centre monitors State borrowings.

“There is a well established, over the last 70 years practice of the Constitution that the Centre looks at the borrowing limits of the states. It is not new. It has not come in 2014. It is not something which we have changed to the disadvantage of the states,” she said.

INDIA’S FOREX RESERVES DECLINE BY $8.31 BILLION

tually has been shrinking in the economy. And I think that’s something which can also be seen in the fact that we brought the commercial bank credit growth in double digits finally, but the commercial bank credit to industry is still in the very mid single digits, hardly

any demand for credit at all,” he said. He suggested that funds raised through asset monetisation should be used to retire public debt. For the next fiscal 2023-24, the Budget has pegged disinvestment revenue at `51,000 crore.

The government has also scaled down the disinvestment target for the current fiscal to `50K cr, from `65K cr budgeted last year. Further, about ` 10K cr is expected to come from monetisation of government assets in the current year and well as in next fiscal.

New Delhi (PTI): India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $8.31 billion to $566.94 billion in the week ending on February 10, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s latest data released on Friday. India’s reserves fell 8.3%, logging the biggest decline in more than 11 months.

Data released in the previous week showed that India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by $1.49 billion to reach $575.27 billion as of February 3, snapping a three-week rising trend.

FIEO) President A Sakthivel said that the coming months are going to be little challenging unless both global economic growth and geopolitical situation improve drastically.

“However, we will be on course to cross the previous year’s goods export target quite easily touching almost $435-445 billion with a growth of over 3-5% this fiscal,” he said.

Contracting for the second month in a row, India’s exports dipped by 6.58% to $32.91 billion in January due to a slowdown in global demand.

Mumbai (PTI): Air India will require more than 6,500 pilots to operate 470 aircraft that are to be supplied by Airbus and Boeing in the coming years, according to industry sources.

Currently, Air India has around 1,600 pilots to operate its 113 aircraft fleet and in recent times, there have been instances of ultralong haul flights getting cancelled or delayed due to shortage of crew.

Telecom subscriber base rises marginally

MAJOR FINDINGS

The airline’s two subsidiaries -- Air India Express and AirAsia India -- together have around 850 pilots for flying their 54 planes while the joint venture Vistara has more than 600 pilots. The latter has a fleet of 53 aircraft, one of the sources said. Air India, Air India Express, Vistara and AirAsia India together have little over 3,000 pilots to operate the combined fleet of 220 aircraft.

In Oct 2021, the country’s forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion. The reserves have been declining as the central bank deploys the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments.

India’s foreign currency assets (FCA) fell by $7.11 billion to $500.59 billion. Expressed in dollar terms, the FCA includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.

Gold reserves fell by $919 million, taking the reserves to $42.86 billion while SDRs fell by $190 million to $18.35 billion.

Sensex declines 317 pts on weak global markets

The

z According to official data, telecom subscriber base rose marginally to 1,170.38 million in December 2022 on account of an increase in fixed line connections

z The total subscriber base in the country was at 1,170.17 million in November last year

Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed down by half a per cent on Friday following losses in IT and banking shares amid overall weak global market trends.

The BSE Sensex declined 316.94 points or 0.52% to settle at 61,002.57.

The NSE Nifty went lower by 91.65 points or 0.51% to end at 17,944.20.

Nestle, IndusInd Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank, TCS HCL Technologies, Axis Bank, Infosys and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards.

` FALLS 14 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.84 AGAINST US DOLLAR

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 14 paise to close at 82.84 (provisional) against the US currency on Friday. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 82.77 against the greenback and finally settled for the day at 82.84 (provisional), registering a fall of 14 paise over its previous close.

Air India will require more than 6,500 pilots

LORD SHIVA IS REVERED AS THE CREATOR OF THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE. WORSHIPPING LORD SHIVA PROVIDES PROSPERITY AS WELL AS PEACE OF MIND. CITY FIRST BRINGS TO YOU THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AUSPICIOUS DAY OF MAHASHIVRATRI

THE GREAT NIGHT OF

Mahashivaratri is a significant sacred Festival in India. It celebrates the grace of Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guruthe First Guru from whom the Yogic tradition originates. This day falls in the month of Phalguna as per the North Indian Hindu calendar and in Magha according to the South Indian Hindu calendar. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Mahashivaratri is a ‘Celebration of the Night’. Instead of the usual cultural revelry, this is a solemn occasion for awakening and self-realisation. It is notable for its introspective focus, fasting, meditation, self-analysis, social harmony and an allnight vigil at Shiva temples. The planetary position

on this night, which is also the darkest night of the year, since it’s the night before the new moon, is such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is auspicious and enormously beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual well-being to stay awake and aware in a vertical posture throughout the night. This year, 2023, Mahashivaratri is being celebrated today, February 18. It’s a festival of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in self and beyond. This night, dedicated to Lord Shiva, brings

peace, positivity and serenity into the lives of devotees. Different legends describe the significance of this Ratri. For some, it is the night when Shiva performed the Tandav Nritya, the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Others believe it to be the night of the Union of Shiva and Shakti. The tantrics believe it to be the day of ‘Jwala-Linga’- the appearance of cosmic energy through a Linga of Flame. Another legend believes that on this day, in order to save mankind, Shiva gulped the Halahala produced during the Samundra Manthan and held it in his neck, giving him the name ‘Neelkanth’. It’s the day HE merged with Kailash Parvat. He stood perfectly still like a mountain. Hence, Mahashivratri is also called the ‘Night of Stillness’. Shiva is the universal consciousness that permeates everything. He exists in the three states of Nir-

present everywhere; and Nirgun-Sagun- as the Shivlinga. Shiva is all-encompassing in nature. He embodies contradictory qualities that defy explanation. If we can embrace Shiva, we open ourselves to the potential of embracing life itself in all its dimensions. In the vast scape of existence, the majority of creation lies beyond our limited perception and knowledge. This limitless expanse of ignorance “No-thing”- is referred to as Shiva. Only by exploring our ignorance, we open ourselves to the birth of knowledge. Each individual has to seek the truth within his own self. Our five senses give a limited perception of our experience. Only when we strive beyond, do we see “that which is not”? That nothingness is Shiva.

Shiva resides in the Sahasrara Chakra and Shakti in the Muladhara Chakra. Shivathe paternal force, symbolises consciousness, clarity & knowledgethe masculine principle. Shakti symbolises Nature, the feminine principle- the activating power and energysurrounding us with motherly love, warmth, care & protection. When Prakriti and Purush unite in the Sahasrara Chakra, Knowledge, Know’er & The Object of Knowledge become one. We are protected from the turbulent Daihik, Daivik and Bhautik disturbances. It is ‘Shiv Shakti Mahadhyan’.

Adiyogi gives us the possibility to evolve beyond our physical and mental limitations, “Whatever dimension of existence you are in right now, you can go beyond that, there is another way to live. You can evolve if you do the necessary work upon yourself.”

Sadhguru hopes for this Mahashivaratri to “not just be a night of wakefulness, but to also become a night of intense aliveness and awareness”. I hope all of you ride this upsurge and know the beauty and ecstasy of what it means when we say SHIVA.

DEEPAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

SABUDANA KHEER

Sabudana Kheer, also known as Sago Payasam, is a highly traditional Indian sweet dish that is cooked in almost every area of India. Sabudana Kheer can be cooked for special events such as Shivratri. Or even just as dessert following an Indian meal.

WATERMELON CARROT RADISH JUICE

Watermelon Carrot Radish Juice Recipe is a refreshing beverage made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. The inclusion of radish and carrot boosts the nutritional value of this juice, making it both healthful and nourishing. This beverage is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and betacarotene. It strengthens your immune system and detoxifies your body. Because of its modest spiciness, radish juice may not be the first option when juicing vegetables, but it offers several health advantages. In this recipe, thesweetness

Mahashivratri is a festival where Lord Shiva is worshipped all over India. Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival during which Lord Shiva is worshipped across India. Mahashivratri occurs once a year in the Hindu lunar calendar month of Falgun. It is considered to be one of the most auspicious evenings in Hinduism. Mahashivratri occurs either in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. All year round, Lord Shiva devotees and followers worship him with Lady Parvati. Shiva followers or devotees celebrate the Mahashivratri fast (vrat) with zeal and consume light devotional food that is ‘satvik’ in character. Satvik meals, according to Ayurveda, are vegetarian, free of onion and garlic, and simple to digest. They are better, more nutritious and fresher foods that are intended to boost human vitality, happiness and tranquillity. City First presents a variety of basic Shivratri Vrat dishes that can be prepared at home using common ingredients.

THANDAI

Thandai is a famous Rajasthani drink prepared with dried fruits, saffron, and milk. The meal is really simple to prepare and also quite healthful. Thandai’s punch and flavour are enhanced by the inclusion of black pepper, Kesar and poppy seeds. Thandai is frequently combined with ‘bhang’ to create an intoxicating cocktail.

SABUDANA KHICHDI

Sabudana Khichdi is a relatively simple meal made with Tapioca pearls, assorted veggies, and basic Indian spices. Unlike normal khichdi, it is a one-pot dish that takes less time to prepare. It is best consumed during the Navaratri fasting since it does not include onion or garlic. Sabudana, which is derived from tapioca root, provides vital nourishment. During the Navratri fast, serve your delicious Sabudana Khichdi with Cucumber Green Chilli Raita Recipe.

FRUIT CUSTARD

Fruit custard is a deliciously creamy and rich chilled dessert made with custard powder, milk, seasonal fruits and nuts. Also known as fruit salad with custard, this is a popular dessert in India. Vanilla flavored custard powder is used to make thick and creamy milk custard and sweet seasonal fruits for the flavor. This will a delicious delicacy to start your day.

SHUBHANSHI PATHAK cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

KUTTU KE PAKORE

ISHA YOGA CENTER, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU

Indian yogi and novelist Sadhguru created the Isha Yoga Center. It is situated in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore. The 112-foottall steel figure of Shiva that Sadhguru erected is regarded as the world's biggest explosion sculpture. A unique event is staged here during the Mahashivatri festival. There are breathtaking dance and music performances, as well as meditation. The all-night satsang with Sadhguru is enjoyed by visitors.

MAH DEV THE GREATEST OF THE GODS

Every year, India celebrates Mahashivratri with great fervour and enthusiasm. City First gives you some insights about the most iconic Shiva Temple across India to visit on Mahashivratri this year!

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE, VARANASI

Millions of Shiva worshippers go from all over the world to Varanasi, India, where the Kashi Vishwanath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the most well-known Hindu temples with a long history and significant cultural value. This is especially true during Mahashivratri and Shivratri. is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are revered as Lord Shiva's holiest residences.

KAILASH TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA

Located in Ellora, it is one of India's best Shiva temples. The building is a superb example of Rashtrakuta architecture from the time period of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, which controlled India between the sixth and tenth centuries AD. The biggest rock-cut temple in the nation and one of Ellora's 34 total temples, it also has a megalith carved out of a rock cliff.

Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival that is yearly observed in India with great zeal and passion. It has Lord Shiva, the remover of all evil and the god of both creation and destruction, as its dedication. People are celebrating Shivratri on Saturday, February 18 this year. The purpose of the holiday is to honour Lord Shiva.

It is stated that Goddess Parwati and Lord Shiva made a promise to save the planet after the Earth was destroyed. Thrilled by her pleas, Lord Shiva made the decision to save the planet using the ruse that the people of Earth would have to adore him fervently and sincerely. Because of this, it is referred to as Maha Shivratri. For the devotees, India offers a wide range of possibilities for those seeking to visit some of the most

MURUDESHWARA TEMPLE, KARNATAKA

This location, in North Karnataka, is well known for having the second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva, which is set against a backdrop of the Arabian Sea. This temple's picturesque surroundings, which include a 20-story temple constructed next to the statue of Lord Shiva, are one of its main attractions. In order to provide guests with a breathtaking perspective of the enormous statue, the temple administration also constructed a lift that ascends to the top of the Raja Gopura.

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Kartik reveals returning SHEHZAADA’S FEES

Kartik Aaryan has been termed as a saving grace for Bollywood multiple times over the past few years. In a new interview, Kartik opened up about why he took the decision and gave up on his remuneration as an actor to invest in the movie. “For this one. Initially, I was not on board as a producer for Shehzada. At first, I had taken my fees and remuneration. And then there was a crisis." The actor added, "Al-

most, In a way, that resulted in lessening some burden off the film. I signed the film when I had not even signed Bhool Bhulaiyya 2, so... both films were hand-inhand. Thankfully, this

one's budget was not much but it is an action film so it needed some budget. And, there were certain issues we were facing, because of which I had to give up (the remuneration)."

‘ GRATEFUL THAT LOVE HAS KNOCKED ON

and more.

DOORS AGAIN ’

ASHISH

cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Actor Dalljiet Kaur, who was formerly married to Bigg Boss 16 contestant Shalin Bhanot and has been divorced for a while, is gearing up for her second marriage in March. In an exclusive interview with Ashish Tiwari of First India, she opened up about her husband-tobe, Nikhil Patel, her son Jaydon, Shalin Bhanot

Dalljiet sharing her take on love said, “ It’s a very nice feeling that love has knocked on my doors again. For me, love is having a lot of mutual respect and good parenting the hierarchy of priorities has changed for me over time.”

The actress is all set to marry her beau speaking on the same she said, “As a father, he’s a very endearing and efficient dad, and also the fact that he loved me for the way I am. At the same time, he loved Jaydon the way he loves his daughters is special about him."

Through her journey in the industry, she has indeed pushed herself all the way. But the actress also revealed that

when she announced her second marriage along with the abundance of love she received a lot of trolls and hate. She said, “I am a passionate actor and I want to continue doing that till the end of my life."

The actress also shared that during her tough times, her family and friends always stood by her and she was never left alone. She added, “ Also Jaydon rescued me through everything for him I had my goals straight that I won’t compromise on anything in my life and I worked hard for everything so today I am in a place where I am very content and Happy. I am an army kid so he’s very strong and I am my daddy’s daughter. I dedicate

my strength to my dad."

Speaking on how her equation with ex-husband Shalin Bhanot affects her son she shared, “ My equation with Shalin is very different and is separate when it comes to my son. My son and his father share a bond which is very important for both of them as Jaydon still has his entire life to live ahead."

Dalljiet also told the daily that she is proud of Nikhil's elder daughter Aariyana Dalljiet added she is yet to meet Nikhil's younger daughter, Aanika, who is eight.

Dalljiet, who was seen on Salman Khan-hosted reality show Bigg Boss 13. Dalljiet has also featured in shows such as Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Kaala Teeka and Sasural Genda Phool 2.

Sumedh opens up on dating Mallika

Sumedh Mudgalkar and Mallika Singh's lead performances in Radha Krishna made it into India's most popular mythological program. The show recently ended after four years of success, but the audience is still thinking about it.

Sumedh Mudgalkar, who played Krishna, and Mallika Singh, who played Radha, both received a lot of support from the audience. When the two began participating in the mythological program RadhaKrishn, suspicions have been swirling about their relationship. Although it was widely assumed that

the two were dating. Now, in a conversation with a media portal, Finally discussing his connection with Mallika Singh, Sumedh responded that nothing is happening and that they are just 'close friends' and said, "We shared a good equation. I can’t say that we always have shared a good equation or we will share one." Sumedh mentioned that Mallika is a wonderful person, so it might look like they are in a relationship. "If there’s anything they (people) should know we have come out in the open and spoken about it."

ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS UNDERTAKE HERITAGE WALK

SANJAY PANDEY

The Army Public School Mumbai conducted a Heritage Walk from Colaba Military station to the iconic Gateway of India on Friday, February 17 2023 to commemorate 75 years of Independence as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The Heritage Walk commenced in the morning from Army Public School at Colaba with 120 students accompanied by their teachers and Principal Lakshmi Madhuri Chatti. During the walk, the students displayed placards advocating messages to protect our heritage,

follow green practices for the protection of the environment, and various other social causes to create awareness amongst the citizens.

On completion of the heritage walk at Gateway of India, a vibrant cultural program showcasing our cultural heritage was put up for

the students. The program began with the release of tricolour balloons by Lt Col Sandeep Legha and the Principal of APS. The pro-

gram culminated with the singing of the National Anthem. The Heritage walk was indeed an enthralling experience for the students. It highlighted the impor-

tant historic role and character of the city to the students and also generated interest and involvement of the local community in the urban conservation activity.

Selena's revelation!

Sunil Sihaag’s directorial 'A Day Turns Daark' is already on the road to release on MxPlayer.

While the first musical trailer launch is already on the floor, this web series is being produced by A Sunil Sihaag Gora Films and A Grisu Media Arts in collaboration with Stallions Films, Goa.

People can follow the lilting music and the song 'Kaise Main Batau' on YouTube. The song was released

by Bihani Siksha Trust President,

Delay Band. The film is an adaptation of Sunil Sihaag’s bestselling book, 'Day Turns Dark.'

It is directed and written by Sunil Sihaag and co-produced by Ranveer Singh Sihag. The executive producer of the web series Urmila Bhambhu, assistant Directors Aakash Mishra & Ridhim

Sihag. Jivandas Borkar & Abhijit B Patil of Stallion Films are Associate Producer of the film.

The story is not just about love but provides a fresh perspective on seeing society as a whole. It highlights the good and bad practices that together make up our lives and devises our understanding and actions around them.

Selena Gomez is now remembering the moment when the hostility on social media compelled her to stop using it. She spoke about this split, which started it all, without mentioning Justin Bieber or his wife Hailey Bieber. “ The world was my high school for the longest time, and I started getting inundated with information that I didn’t want. I went through a hard time in a breakup and I didn’t want to see any of the not necessarily about the relationship, but the opinions of me versus [someone] else," she recently revealed.

Selena Gomez continued, “People can call me ugly or stupid and I’m like, Whatever. But these people get detailed. They write paragraphs that are so specific and meaningful. I would constantly be crying. I constantly had anxiety…I couldn’t do it anymore. It was a waste of my time.”

MY

TIWARI

Jagdeesh Chandra with the Bharat24 team during the Review Meeting which was held in Jaipur on Friday, seen here are Senior Editor Syed Umar with Sandeep Mishra, Sanjay Pande, Amit Baliyan, Anita Hada, Amit Ojha & Shashikesh Ranjan; Editor First India News Jinendra Singh Shekhawat and Asif Khan were also present.

Jaydeep Bihani. The melodious

number is sung by Praveen Nayak, lyrics by Paramjeet Singh,

and the music by Bhomik Kataria from The Tape

Dalljiet Kaur

Sumedh Mudgalkar and Mallika Singh

Kartik Aaryan

Selena Gomez

Glimpses of the event

Poster of the series

'A DAY TURNS DAARK' IS TO BE RELEASED SOON

Sunil Sihaag Gora