First India-Mumbai Edition-21st March 2023

ROYAL BENGAL TIGER ‘KILLS’ ELDERLY WOMAN IN ODISHA

Bhubaneswar: A 70-year old woman was eaten by a suspected Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) in Jalmadei village, located in the fringe of Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada dist on Sunday night. Sanamti Barik had gone to fetch firewood from forest.

ED GRILLS BRS LEADER KAVITHA FOR OVER 10 HOURS

New Delhi: BRS leader K Kavitha was quizzed by the ED for more than 10 hours on Monday in a Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case and has been called again on March 21, officials said.

MHA SUGGESTS CBI INQUIRY AGAINST HARSH MANDER’S NGO

New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended a CBI inquiry into Aman Biradari, an organisation run by so-called activist Harsh Mander for FCRA violations. Harsh was part of the controversial NAC headed by then-UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

&

JAPAN BRINGS NEW $75 BN INDO-PACIFIC PLAN

PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida

Moni Sharma

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Monday held wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida to expand India-Japan partnership for a peaceful, stable and prosperous post-Covid world.

Kishida arrived in Delhi on Monday on a twoday visit. He visited Rajghat, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Japanese PM will ramp up bilateral ties in a range of areas & explore convergence between India’s presidency of G20, Japan’s presidency of G7 to address global problems.

Japan’s PM Fumio

Kishida announced new plan for an open and free Indo-Pacific, promising billions of dollars in investment to help economies across region in everything from industry to disaster prevention. He pledged $75 bn to IndoPacific by 2030 through pvt investments & yen loans, and the ramping up of aid through official governmental assistance and grants. P6

India indispensable: Japan PM hails India as 2 nations unveil Indo-Pacific plan to counter China

We discussed boosting IndiaJapan ties in sectors like defence, healthcare, technology, and other issues. We also discussed ways to increase competitiveness in logistics, food processing, MSME, textiles and more.

Cops: Amritpal still at large; his uncle & driver surrender

PM

INDIA, JAPAN SIGN 2 DOCS ON COOPERATION ON JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND BULLET TRAIN PM MODI THANKS JAPANESE PM FOR G-7 SUMMIT INVITE

PM Modi received formal invitation of Japanese PM Kishida to the G7 summit in Japan. PM Modi also emphasised importance of leading 2 significant summits, G20 and G7, by respective countries. Modi thanked Kishida.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

A t a special briefing by Foreign Secretary Vinay

A sealed cover: Supreme Court again repeats ‘no’, this time over OROP case

First India Bureau New Delhi: SC on Monday directed Centre to clear all One Rank One Pension (OROP) arrears totalling ` 28,000 crore for ex-servicemen by Feb 28, 2024, saying govt is duty-bound to comply with its 2022 judgement. A bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud also took note of Centre’s sealed cover report giving details on OROP dues to retired military personnel, saying it wanted to “put an end to this sealed cover procedure”.

3 FIRs AGAINST KHERA TRANSFERRED TO Lko

The SC on Monday clubbed three FIRs lodged against Congress leader Pawan Khera for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and transferred them to the Hazratganj police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow.

PEE-GATE: WOMAN VICTIM MOVES SC

A 72-year-old woman, at the Centre of headlines after a co-passenger allegedly urinated on her on board a New York-Delhi Air India flight last Nov, has moved the SC seeking a direction to the DGCA and airlines to frame SOPs to deal with such incidents.

FIX HC JUDGES’ APPT ISSUES: PARL PANEL

A Parliamentary panel has asked the government to “fix all bottlenecks” responsible for delays in the appointment of high court judges, saying the vacancies must be filled with the same zeal as shown in the appointment of Supreme Court judges.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to unveil my new vision on the soil of India which is our indispensable partner in realising Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

‘Aam Panna’ talks! PM Modi visits the Buddha Jayanti Park with Fumio Kishida on Monday.

Xi Jinping meets ‘dear friend’ Putin in Moscow

First India Bureau

Moscow: Chinese President Xi Jinping met his “dear friend” Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, seeking both to deepen economic ties with an ally he sees as a useful counterweight to West & to promote Beijing’s role as a potential peacemaker in Ukraine.

Xi was the first leader to meet the Russian president since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him on Friday.

—Fumio Kishida, Japan PM

BIGGER INDIAN FLAG PLACED, BRITISH

DY HIGH COMMISSIONER SUMMONED

l Father and uncle claim that Amritpal Singh has been arrested l Internet, SMS services suspended by Punjab govt till today l Amritpal, aides on NIA’s radar after recovery of the illegal arms First India Bureau Chandigarh: Search op by Punjab Police to arrest Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh continued for 3rd day across State. He has now been declared a fugitive.

Amritpal Singh’s driver Harpreet and uncle Harijeet have surrendered before police in Mehatpur and sources said they were taken to police station. During the day, Tarsem Singh, Amritpal’s father said, “It is impossible to abscond when he being

India summoned British deputy high commissioner and demanded an explanation over complete “absence of security” after videos of pulling down of the Indian flag at Indian mission in London. MEA said India finds “unacceptable” indifference of UK govt to security of Indian diplomatic premises, personnel in UK. Meanwhile, Indian High Commission placed a bigger tricolour after vandalism by Amritpal supporters.

chased by huge force. I suspect that my son he has been arrested.” NIA may probe Amritpal, 7

of his aides over charge of possessing illegal arms - Arms Act cases included in NIA Act. P6

Opposition MLAs stage walkout from Assembly over crop loss of farmers

First India Bureau Mumbai: Legislators of Opposition parties on Monday staged a walkout against an “unsatisfactory” reply of the Maharashtra government in the Assembly to issues of farmers including the damage caused to their crops by unseasonal rains and hailstorms.

Soon after the Assembly proceedings began at 11 AM, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party, said farmers have

Maharashtra government employees end strike

Govt employees were on an indefinite strike since March 14 demanding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme

First India Bureau Mumbai: Maharashtra government employees agitating for restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) on Monday called off a weeklong strike after a meeting between their representatives and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

here, a union leader said.

Vishwas Katkar, the striking unions coordination committee’s convenor, claimed the state government has ‘in principle’ agreed to extend monetary benefits “equivalent” to the OPS to employees who are part of the New Pension System (NPS). He did not provide further details.

The government employees were on an indefinite strike since March 14 demanding restoration of the OPS which was discontinued in the state in 2005.

We had a series of negotiations with the state government employees. We told them we are in agreement with the idea of strong social safety net and proper resources for post-retirement life.

—Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister

Under the OPS, a government employee gets a monthly pension equivalent to 50 per cent his/her last drawn salary. There was no need for contribution by employees.

Under the NPS, a state government employee contributes 10 per cent of his/her basic salary plus dearness allowance with the state making a matching contribution. The money is

then invested in one of the several pension funds approved by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and returns are marketlinked.

incurred heavy losses due to showers and hailstorms in the last few days in various parts of the state.

“The government officials have refused to

sign on the damage assessment report or panchnamas and the state government is not taking firm steps to address this issue,” he said. Maharashtra Rev-

enue and Animal Husbandry Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, “We have asked officials to conduct a survey. We will ensure that the damage assessment reports will be finalised and it will be signed by officials.

Once we receive the details of farmers who lost their crops, we will disburse some assistance to them.”

However, Pawar and other legislators of the Opposition staged a walkout, saying the government’s reply was unsatisfactory.

Welcome decision, says CM Shinde

First India Bureau

Pune: Maharashtra CM

Eknath Shinde on Monday welcomed the decision of government employees, who called off their week-long strike over the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

“The State government is completely positive regarding the demand of the employees and the report of the committee, constituted for this, will be received at the earliest and an appropriate decision will be taken,” Maharashtra CM Shinde, adding, “I

welcome this decision taken sensitively by the state government and semi-government employees considering the challenges facing the state. Meetings were held between the chief secretary, the CMO and representatives of various unions. Today, I held

a meeting with representatives who positively responded to my appeal and decided to withdraw their ongoing strike.”

Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis thanked state employees for withdrawing strike and said government will be working on providing them benefits of good social security and proper resources after their retirement.

“The government committee will examine old and new pension systems and ensure that employees are provided with necessary benefits,” he said.

Opposition legislators sitting on steps of Vidhan Bhavan after walkout.

Narendra Modi meets his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, at Hyderabad House, Delhi on Monday.

Kwatra said, “There were two documents signed on the sidelines- Renewal of MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation) in the Japanese language, essentially focussing on higher level language learning and second agreement was Exchange of notes on JICA loan for 300 bn on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highspeed railway project.”

Police personnel flag march at Heritage street near the Golden Temple, in Amritsar on Monday.

Govt can

institutions, says Kesarkar

Cabinet gives nod to cow commission for beef ban

First India Bureau

Mumbai: State minister Deepak Kesarkar, while responding to a query by MLC Kiran Sarnaik of the Amaravati teachers’ constituency, told the Council that the government can take over private institutions to protect the interest of students.

MLC Sarnaik had asked about clearing non-teaching grants to unaided institutions, to which the school education minister replied, “No need to only raise the issues of teachers in the House. The interest of students should also be protected. We can take over private schools if needed.”

Agitated by his comments, NCP legislators Eknath Khadse and Vikram Kale raised objections. If the government wants to take over private educational institutions, then it needs to pay them first, Khadse said.

First India Bureau Mumbai: In order to strictly implement the 2015 law to ban beef and take measures for overall betterment of livestock, the state cabinet has cleared a proposal to set up a cow service commission.

The “Maharashtra Gau Seva Aayog” (Maharashtra Commission for Cow Service) will supervise the rearing of livestock and assess which of them are unproductive and rendered unfit for milking, breeding, and carrying agricultural works etc, said an Animal Husbandry Department official.

The cabinet has approved funds of Rs10 crore for setting up the commission. A draft bill for its formation as a

Decision on the matter was taken at a cabinet meet on March 17.

—FILE PHOTO SUPERVISION AND FUNCTIONS

Anil Jaisinghani arrested by Mum police in Gujarat

First India Bureau Mumbai: Mumbai cops on Monday nabbed suspected bookie Anil Jaisinghani from Godhra in Gujarat, days after his daughter Aniksha was arrested for allegedly trying to blackmail and bribe the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

A crime branch official confirmed that Anil Jaisinghani, who has 14 to 15 cases pending against him, was nabbed from Gujarat, but refused to divulge details.

The commission is expected to coordinate with various govt agencies to stop non-productive cattle from going to slaughterhouses, which is now illegal under the Maha Animal Preservation (Amendment) Animal Act, 1995, passed in March 2015.

—Animal Husbandry Department official

statutory body is likely to be placed before the legislature this week.

The state govern-

ment has estimated that the population of livestock will go up owing to the beef ban, he said.

The commission is being formed on the lines of bodies set up in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Mumbai police had on March 16 arrested Aniksha Anil Jaisinghani, a designer, after Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta accused her of offering a bribe for intervening in

CRUCIAL READ 21-YEAR-OLD MAN DROWNS AT VASAI BEACH IN PALGHAR

a criminal case and also threatening her. She is in police custody till March 21.

The accused tried to extort Rs10 crore from Amruta Fadnavis by “threatening to circulate morphed videos”.

The Mumbai police on Monday nabbed suspected bookie Anil Jaisinghani from Gujarat, days after his daughter Aniksha Jaisinghani was arrested for allegedly trying to blackmail and bribe Amruta Fadnavis, an official said.

We have invoked Indian Penal Code Section 385 (putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion) against Anishka Jaisinghani and her father Anil, the police said.

ED case: HC extends interim protection of no ‘coercive action’ against Parab

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday extended till March 23 the interim protection for ‘no coercive action’ against Shiv SenaUBT leader Anil Parab in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case con -

nected to alleged irregularities involving a resort at Dapoli in coastal Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Parab, a former state minister, had filed a petition in the high court seeking to quash the ED case and had sought interim protection from arrest. On March 14, a

bench headed by Justice Revati Mohite Dere posted the plea for hearing on March 20 and accepted the oral assurance given by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh, appearing for ED, that no coercive action would be taken against Parab till then.

On Monday, the bench headed by Justice Dere was not available for hearing, following which Parab’s counsel Amit Desai mentioned the matter before another division bench headed by Justice GS Kulkarni.

Desai requested that the interim protection

BJP MLC decides against accepting pension in support of OPS demand

First India Bureau

Mumbai: A new member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday requested the deputy chairperson not to grant him a pension as a legislator in solidarity with teachers and other state government employees who are on strike for restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC, Dnyaneshwar Mhatre, is a

first-time member in the Upper House and represents the Konkan region teachers’ constituency.

In a letter addressed

Lakhs of govt employees, were on strike since March 14 for the OPS restoration demand

of no coercive action be extended for a few more days. ASG Singh said his earlier oral assurance can be continued till March 23.

The bench accepted Singh’s assurance and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday before the bench headed by Justice Dere.

Parab, Kadam had made Pune resident make application to convert land usage from agri to non-agri

Palghar mob lynching: SC nod to list pleas seeking CBI probe

First India Bureau

to Deputy Chairperson in the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe, Mhatre said, “I have been a consistent supporter of the old pension scheme

for teachers and nonteachers in Maharashtra. I hereby refuse to accept any pension to be given as MLC to me in future.”

Mumbai: On Monday, the Supreme Court gave the nod to list hearing pleas seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged lynching of three people in Palghar district in April 2020. The apex court permitted the listing after it was apprised that the Maharashtra government has consented to the investigation by the agency.

TOUGH REMARKS

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices

PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala was told by a lawyer appearing for one of the petitioners that the state govern -

Thane: A 21-year-old man drowned in the sea in Vasai Maharashtra’s Palghar district, an official said on Monday. The deceased, Sahil Sanjay Bhavkar drowned after he ventured into the sea for a swim at Kalam beach in Vasai in Palghar district on Sunday, a fire officer of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation said. Bhavkar’s body had gotten entangled in a net and was recovered on Monday morning, he said.

THANE BLDG DEVT WITHOUT PERMIT: 4 PERSONS HELD

Thane: Four developers were arrested from Kalwa township in Thane district for allegedly forging civic documents to construct buildings illegally and selling flats to customers, police said on Monday. A complaint was lodged with the Thane Municipal Corporation by a former councillor regarding the mushrooming of illegal constructions in Kalwa. TMC officials informed the Kalwa police in February that no permission was given to the concerned builders to develop buildings and sought registration of FIRs against them.

Thane: A 37-year-old businessman from Mira Road has been allegedly cheated of Rs33.65 lakh after he was tricked into investing in bitcoins on the false promise of lucrative returns, police said on Monday. The accused individuals demanded a 20% commission and promised guaranteed returns. When the businessman saw $247,210 in his Bitcoin account, he was unable to withdraw due to technical issues. After being told the application was frozen, the accused duo became unreachable. A case was registered against two persons under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

BANGLADESH NAT’L USES FORGED DOCS; CAUGHT AT AIRPORT

ment has also agreed for an investigation by the CBI.

The lawyer further asked for it to be listed on any Friday or Monday and the bench agreed to it.

Mumbai: A Bangladeshi national was caught at the Mumbai airport while trying to fly out of the country on an Indian passport that had been availed using forged documents, on Saturday. Upon examining the photo gallery on Krishna Debnath’s mobile phone, authorities discovered his identity card containing information about his nationality, birth certificate, and his mother’s identification issued by the government of Bangladesh. Debnath who was stopped before boarding the Mumbai-Kuwait flight was arrested by the Sahar police in a case of cheating, forgery and under the Indian Passport and Foreigners Act.

‘Maha CM should adopt Yogi model, be known as bulldozer Shinde’

BJP MLA Raja Singh urged Eknath Shinde to indentify and demolish illegal encroachments on govt land

First India Bureau

Aurangabad: Suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Telangana, T Raja Singh , has said Maha-

rashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should imitate his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath and demolish illegal encroachments on government lands using bulldozers.

Addressing a gathering in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly Aurangabad, on Sunday Singh said Shinde should ensure that encroachments from forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are removed and he should be known as

“bulldozer Shinde”. He was addressing a morcha organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj in the city demanding a law against Love Jihad.

“The Maharashtra chief minister should follow the pattern set by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The encroachments on government lands should be identified and they should be removed by procuring

100 bulldozers,” said Singh, an MLA from Hyderabad. Singh also said the encroachments from the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should

CALL FOR ACTION

be removed just like the tomb of Afzal Khan at the Pratapgad fort in the Satara district of Maharashtra. “Shinde should also be known as bulldozer Eknath Shinde”, he said. Shin-

de, who heads the Shiv Sena faction, shares power with the BJP in Maharashtra.

Speaking about opposition from some quarters to the recent renaming of Aurangabad

city in Maharashtra, Singh said, “Secular people say Muslims were members of Shivaji Maharaj’s force. If that is so, why do they oppose the renaming?”

Another speaker Suresh Chavanke said that people should not purchase anything from shops which have “Aurangabad” written on their boards, and they should be banned. “Now the name of Aurangabad is changed, we should also change the character of this city,” he said.

THANE BIZMAN LOSES `34 LAKH IN BITCOIN ‘TRADE’

The 24-member govt body will implement the 2015 law and also work to improve conditions for all livestock in state

take over pvt edu

Anil Jaisinghani in custody of Mumbai crime branch officials in Mumbai on Monday. —PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

‘Consider transgenders’ quota in edu institutions, govt jobs’

BY ANI

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Bombay High

Court on Monday asked State government to consider granting reservation to transgenders in state-run educational institutions and government jobs.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne asked a committee set up by the state government for the issue to consider and submit a report by June 07. When Advocate General Birendra Saraf sought more time, the court remarked, “If there is a hanging sword then things move faster.”

Vinayak Kashid, a transgender who is a graduate in Electrical Engineering and post graduate in Technology (Electrical Power System Engineering), had filed a petition seeking modification to the advertisement issued by MahaTransco in May this year for mass re-

cruitment to include transgender category.

Kashid’s lawyer, Advocate Kranti LC, informed court that 1% reservation was provided for transgenders in all caste categories in Karnataka, and sought that such reservation policy be adopted in state as well.

The court then sought to know why such a policy was not adopted by the state government. Saraf informed the court that transgender persons got reservation under the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) section.

The bench, however, asked what would happen if a transgender

CRUCIAL READ

MAN KILLS 34-YEAR-OLD LIVE-IN PARTNER WITH SICKLE IN THANE, HELD BY COPS

Thane: A 34-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner following an argument in Thane, police said on Monday. The 35-year-old accused was arrested from Wagle Estate area for the killing that took place late on Sunday night, an official said. The victim, Sunita Amar Kamble, had separated from her husband and was living with the accused. After an argument on Sunday night, the accused attacked the woman with a sickle and killed her on the spot, an official said. A case has been registered against the arrested accused, he added.

11 INJURED IN STAMPEDE AT ART FESTIVAL IN THANE

Thane: At least 11 persons were injured in a stampede at an art festival in Thane on Sunday, police said. The incident took place at Shiv Mandir Art Festival organised by Kalyan MP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Dr Srikant Shinde in Ambernath. Several people wanted to enter the venue at the same time and a stampede-like situation ensued, senior inspector AS Bhagat said. As many as 11 people were injured and taken to a local hospital, he said.

Much awaited: Three-day C20 meet begins in Nagpur

First India Bureau

OFFICIAL ORDER

Nagpur: A working committee meeting of the Civil20 India 2023 inception conference began in the state’s Nagpur city on Monday.

C20 India 2023 is one of the official Engagement Groups of the G20 that provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) around the world to voice people’s aspirations to the world leaders of G20.

three-day conference.

RESIDENTS ASKED

TO PAY `15L REPAIR BILL AFTER FIRE Mumbai: Following last week’s fire at the Jagruti Cooperative Housing Society in Mulund West, residents are now faced with a new problem. The residents, several of whom were hospitalised, are now expected to pay a nearly Rs15 lakh bill from the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) to rebuild the metre room where the fire spread. The cost will be carried by the 56 households. As per Mumbai fire department, the fire was started by a faulty electric circuit.

26-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED WITH GANJA WORTH `43,000, WAS SELLING IN TALOJA

Navi Mumbai: A 26-year-old man was arrested by the Anti-Narcotic Cell of Navi Mumbai police. Around 2.142kg of marijuana worth Rs43,000 was seized from his possession. The accused, identified as Bhavesh Govardhan Madhvi, was supplying the contraband to local retailers in Taloja. On Wednesday around 2 pm, the Anti-Narcotics Squad, led by Senior Police Inspector BS Syed, set a trap near the Metro Railway Car shed and apprehended Madhvi with illegal drugs.

The police confiscated the contraband and registered a case against him under the NDPS section at Taloja police station.

FIRE ERUPTS AT GODOWN COMPLEX IN THANE DISTRICT

Thane: A fire broke out in a godown complex in Thane district on Monday, a civic official said. No casualty was reported in the blaze that erupted in a scrap godown in Shil Diva area around 2.50 pm, said the officials. At least eight to nine godowns were affected in the blaze, he said, adding that the cause for the fire is yet to be ascertained. Five fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames and the firefighting operation is underway.

person was from the general category. “There may be some transgenders from the Scheduled Caste, some in general... so why not give reservation across all categories,” the court asked. The court asked the AG to convey its suggestion to the newlyformed committee under the social justice department of the state government.

When the court asked the committee to look into the issue of reservation for transgender persons, Saraf in a lighter vein said the government had “woken up from a slumber” eight years after the Supreme Court order.

MAN HELD FOR GUNNING DOWN TWO OVER DISPUTE

Thane: A man allegedly gunned down two people over an old rivalry in the state’s Satara district, police said on Monday. The police have arrested the accused, who is associated with a political party, for the shooting that took place in Shindrukwadi locality in Patan on Sunday evening, an official said. A quarrel erupted between the accused and the victims, Satish Sawant and Shrirang Jadhav, over an old dispute, he said, the official said.

CONVERT

PLEA AGAINST ANTI-FAITH MARRIAGE PANEL INTO PIL: HC TO RAIS

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday permitted Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh to convert his petition against the state government’s decision to set up an inter-faith marriage coordination committee into a public interest litigation (PIL). A division bench comprising Justice Gautam Patel and Justice Neela Gokhale noted that the petition seemed to be in the nature of a PIL and hence the petitioner (Shaikh) could convert the same into a PIL. “Other than the name and address of the petitioner, there is no statement of fact about the petitioner. The petitioner is not concerned with the subject matter. He may have public interest but then it is open to him to take it up in an appropriate manner,” the bench said. Shaikh had filed a petition earlier this month stating the committee was in violation of articles 14 (right to equality), 15 (forbidding discrimination), 21 (right to life which includes the right to privacy), and 25 (right to freedom of religion) of the Constitution. In his plea, the MLA requested that the state government be directed to withdraw the GR and declare that the same is in violation of the provisions of the Special Marriage Act.

The inauguration of conference was attended by spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. More than 200 delegates from India and abroad will be attending

‘H3N2 testing of only those hospitalized’

First India Bureau Mumbai: Seeing the rising number of H3N2 cases in Maharashtra, the Directorate of Health Services has issued protocols for the prevention and treatment and only those admitted to hospitals will be tested for influenza. Recently, the department has discussed guidelines for testing and other things, with scientists of the In-

dian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Vi-

With rising heat, Mumbaikars’ hopes of AC trains go in vain

First India Bureau Mumbai: The rising mercury in the city has made the AC locals the first choice of commuters, but a lot of Mumbaikars have to face the heat as no order has been placed for more AC local trains for the suburban network.

As of now, there are

just 13 trains to meet the need. The proposal for 238 new AC locals sent to Delhi is caught up in endless discussions.

rology, Pune. A senior state health official said, “There has

to be grade-based testing for influenza patients. We can only test ‘Category C’ patients. There is no need to test every patient and contact person. Many patients have mild symptoms and recover at home and there is no need for admission. There are medicines available that are effective. We are planning to test only hospitalized (IPD and ICU) patients”.

Actor Deepak Tijori lodges cheating complaint

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Actor-director Deepak Tijori filed a case of cheating against producer Mohan Gopal Nadar at Amboli police station. He claimed that he was duped of Rs2.6 crores by the accused. As per police, the actor said that Nadar joined him to co-produce

a thriller titled “Tipppsy”, which he was supposed to direct. Deepak told cops, that the film was scheduled to be shot in London in 2019.

Speaking on occasion, Swami Amritswarupananda, a steering committee member and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (India) president, said “time, effort and divine praise are most essential elements in life”.

He said spirituality

was an integral part of life and that it is necessary for governments to listen to grassroot level problems of common man and find a solution. Speaking on occasion, Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi said India may be a land of 100 problems, but it is mother of one billion solutions.

Over 2,000 families rehabilitated so far

First India Bureau Mumbai: A total of 2,125 families have been rehabilitated so far as Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), with each passing day, is making steady progress for the city’s first underground Metro. The families have been relocated to Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) buildings.

The authority is also implementing a first-ofits-kind rehabilitation scheme for Project-Affected Families (PAFs). Under the scheme, 733 tenants from 30 old buildings – demolished for the project – are being rehoused in three multi-story buildings.

The flats “will be bigger in size compared to their existing dwellings and come with modern amenities”, officials

33 tenants being rehoused in three multi-storey buildings under new scheme

said. As per MMRCL, G3, one of buildings, will have 473 residential flats, 133 commercial shops, and 19 commercial offices. K2 building will have 33 shops, 38 offices, and a fish market (Ground + 2 floors) while the K3 building will have around 200 residential units and eight commercial shops. Construction of all three buildings is in progress.

53 people killed by ‘big cats’ in Chandrapur in 2022

Mungantiwar said,

“While 44 people were killed in the attack by tigers, nine others were killed in the attack by leopards in the calendar year of 2022 in Chandrapur district alone.”

He also added that the kin of the victims have been given ex gratia of Rs20 lakh by the state government. Also, several deaths were reported of tigers, leopards, deer, a bear, and peacocks in the calendar year 2022 due to various reasons, as per his reply.

“Nine tigers and three leopards have

LEOPARD ON THE PROWL IN PUNE RESIDENTIAL AREA CAPTURED

Pune (PTI): A leopard roaming in a residential area on the outskirts of Pune was captured on Monday morning after being tranquilised during a threehour operation which involved personnel of police, forest personnel and others, an official said. The feline was spotted in Ahiregaon in Warje Malwadi and other adjoining areas, which caused panic. "Initially, the team cast a net to capture the leopard but the big cat ran away from the spot. Officials later tranquilised the animal and caught it alive," a Forest department official said. A huge crowd of onlookers gathered at the spot to catch a glimpse of the big cat, but fortunately, nobody was injured.

died of natural causes, while two tigers died in clashes with other tigers. Two tigers have

died in an accident while one died of electrocution, “ the minister said.

Last year, tiger attacks claimed lives of 44 people in Chandrapur, while 9 were killed by leopards

HC asks state govt committee to submit report on matter by June 07

A group of transpersons recruited to collect parking tax.

Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the inaugural session of the C-20 inception conference of the G20 Summit, in Nagpur on Monday. —ANI PHOTO

A delegate being welcomed at the Nagpur airport. —ANI PHOTO

NaMo

THE PM WITH A HUMAN TOUCH!

Lessons in Transformational Leadership from PM Modi

When BJP formed the government for the first time in Gujarat Corporation, after the win, all the councillors were invited as part of a national session in Lucknow. All the karyakartas were there and I was also a part of it. Honourable Narendra bhai was present as well as he was handling the corporation when it came first to Gujarat.

Arrangement for accommodation of the participants had been made in a tent. We had received intimation from the national leadership that if anybody wanted to stay in a hotel, he or she was free to do so. There were obvious chal-

YOU READ PART 34 ON MARCH 15, 2023

Narendra bhai’s vision has always been useful for future generations

Narendra bhai said me, “Suresh, a BJP karyakarta who wants to go ahead in the Sangathan must know how to survive on ‘bhuna sing chana’ for days and he must find comfort in sleeping on the floor. Only then, can a karyakarta hope to go up ladder within Sangathan.” Narendra bhai later on took me out for chaat, we visited places together, and today, I reminisce my time with him. He would share his vision how Sangathan should be, how it should function and his vision has always been very useful for future generations.

There is never a trace of anger in Narendra bhai’s demeanour

Narendra bhai is not at all that strict, or intimidating as he might sometimes appear to be. I get to meet ministers day in and day out, and out of all of these, the most ‘low profile’ minister that I have come across is Narendra bhai. He has an air of peaceful equanimity around him and his aura is that of supreme calm, and there is never a trace of anger in his demeanour. He listens to people very intently, hears them out with patience and always takes a very balanced and grounded stance in all his decisions.

bhai launched the Sujalam Sufalam project for people in North Gujarat for whom even a drop of water was priceless. Water was the greatest challenge in the area in those days so much so that people from certain areas often had to get water from their neighbouring villages. In Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, Narendra bhai gave North Gujarat a gift for which generations to come would be thankful to him. When water was allowed to let flow in the villages after the completion of the project, people who had never seen water in their areas and had suffered so much on account of its scarcity, started getting water at 100 ft rather than at 1000 ft. The villages got ponds and greenery in lands that had been parched since decades.

So when I visited Northern Gujarat after 2 years, the tune and tone of the people had changed. They had started saying that Modiji has achieved the unachievable in North Gujarat. While I had completely forgotten about the incident I just mentioned, he had not. He remembered very clearly the opinion of people I shared with him two years back and said to me “Now do you hear the opinion of people?” I said, “Of course, Narendra bhai! You have given them a new life.”

Once it so happened, the rates of electricity went up by a paisa or two in North Gujarat, and people would look for me to complain of government policies. They would say “Modiji has been unfair to farmers.” So I went to him and reiterated what I had been hearing. Let me tell you here, Narendra bhai is not at all that strict, or intimidating as he might sometimes appear to be. I get to meet ministers day in and day out, and out of all of these, the most ‘low profile’ minister that I have come across is Narendra bhai. He has an air of peaceful equanimity around him and his aura is that of supreme calm, and there is never a trace of anger in his demeanour. He listens to people very intently, hears them out with patience and always takes a very balanced and grounded stance in all his deci-

So he kept looking at me and listening to what I had to say and when he saw me standing there even after I had finished, he asked me why I was still there. I said “Sahab, what difference will it make to the government? Why don’t we reduce the rates of electricity there?”

He said with a smile “Don’t worry! You may go!” and I left.

That’s the time when Narendra

Another idea that transformed the life of the poor has been the Garib Kalyan Mela which is organised every year. This is Narendra bhai’s brainchild. When Modiji witnessed how the middlemen were eating into the schemes meant for the poor and that several pro-poor welfare schemes were not even reaching their intended audience, he conceptualized the Garib Kalyan Mela.

I remember, Manojbhai Makwana was a councillor and he wanted to organize a program for around 100 beneficiaries. He expressed his desire to invite Saheb to this programme. Saheb said to me, “Please go and meet Ramanlal Vohra.” When I went to meet the minister, Vohraji said that Narendra bhai has expressed his desire to organize this program on a larger scale. Later on I realized what he meant! More than 10,000 beneficiaries were invited from all over Ahmedabad to this program organized in Maninagar. It took about a month’s time to plan for this event. When it happened, these many people availed the benefits of government welfare scheme face-to-face and here in Maninagar was the genesis of Garib Kalyan Mela!

Earlier middlemen would often loot the poor by handing over `500 while making them sign for `5,000. Narendra bhai put an end to this exploitation by getting rid of the middlemen and taking the schemes to the poor, rather than the poor struggling to avail the benefits.

The narrator recounts instances where Modi, through his master leadership style, vision, compassion and immense perseverance on the ground, championed the cause of the needy and won their hearts!

PARLIAMENT Treasury benches protest over Rahul’s UK remarks, LS adjourned

BUDGET SESSION

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was on Monday adjourned for the day till Tuesday after noisy protests by treasury benches over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on democracy.

As soon as the House convened at 2 p.m., BJP MPs started shouting slogans against Gandhi, saying “Rahul Gandhi Shame! Shame!” and “Rahul Gandhi Maafi Maango”, The Congress MPs initially shouted slogans seeking the JPC probe in Adani issue, however in a change of strategy, neither did they enter the well of the House nor did they indulge in noisy protests.

Hasina offers India to use Chattogram, Sylhet ports

New Delhi (ANI): The tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition MPs continued for the sixth day leading to the 10th adjournment of the Rajya Sabha on Monday since the second leg of the Budget Session of Parliament began. Proceedings of the Upper House got disrupted soon after papers were laid on the table as both the treasury and Opposition benches created a ruckus on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s democracy in India remarks in London and over Adani issue. Minutes after the Rajya Sabha Chairman read that he has received “14 notices under Rule 267, and that nine among those have been received from the Congress”, the ruckus started.

New Delhi (PTI): Several Opposition parties on Monday accused the government of stalling Parliament and finding ways to divert attention from the Opposition demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe (JPC) into the Adani issue. Leaders of Opposition parties, including those from the Congress, DMK, RJD, CPI-M, CPI, NCP, JDU, AAP, and Shiv Sena, met in the chamber of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament House complex in the morning and coordinated their strategy on the demand for a JPC into the Adani issue. They later addressed the media after the first adjournment of both the Houses.

Rahul, Kharge arrive in poll-bound Karnataka

Belagavi (Agencies):

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Karnataka on Monday to address a public rally of youths organised in Belagavi city.

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar and Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah welcomed Rahul Gandhi at the Sambra Airport.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who accompanied Rahul Gandhi, was also extended a warm welcome.

The Belagavi city is decked up with posters, welcoming cut-outs and banners for the grand welcome of Rahul Gandhi. The party sources claimed that more than 1 lakh youths are participating in the convention.

The visit of Rahul Gandhi assumes significance as there are 18 assembly seats in Belagavi district and Congress had won only five of them in the last assembly elections.

K’TAKA ELECTIONS WILL SEND OUT A MESSAGE TO THE NATION: KHARGE

Belagavi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday that the upcoming Karnataka polls are very crucial as it will send out a message to the entire nation. He addressed the ‘Yuva Kranti Samavesha’, a youth convention. Stating that the Congress used to register victory in 15 to 16 constituencies out of the 18 in Belagavi, Kharge said that considering the present scenario, the party will sweep all the seats in the district this time. “The state has never wirnessed corruption at this scale as it is seeing now. Why did Amit Shah not order a probe into the allegations levelled by contractors’ associations? The police have been sent to Rahul Gandhi’s residence for his statement made in Kashmir 46 days back. In Karnataka, even after proofs are provided, no probe is ordered,” Kharge said.

The Congress, which is confident of returning to power, wants to increase its tally in Belagavi districts by winning seats in two dig -

its. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a 10.8 kilometer roadshow in Belagavi and addressed a huge public rally already.

TDP chief condemns attack on party MLAs

New Delhi (PTI): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday attacked the Centre over Delhi Police’s notice to Rahul Gandhi and said people of country are watching all the exploits of “the BJP govt” and will reply when the time comes.

Dhaka (PTI): Bangladesh Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina has offered India to utilise the country’s ports in Chattogram and Sylhet, asserting that it would boost connectivity and enhance people-to-people contacts in the region.

The Chhattogram port is an important seaport in Bangladesh, which is strategically located due to its proximity to India’s NorthEastern states.

“India can use our Chattogram and Sylhet ports if they want,” Dhaka Tribune newspaper quoted Prime Minister Hasina as saying when Ram Madhav of India Foundation called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban on Sunday.

PM Hasina said this move would increase regional connectivity and enhance people-topeople contacts.

Her attack came after Rahul on Sunday faced a Delhi police team that reached his residence to inquire about his “women are still being sexually assaulted”

statement made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. She said, “The people of country are watching all the exploits of “the corrupt BJP government” and will give reply when time comes.”

No assurance on MSP law in meet with Tomar

New Delhi (Agencies):

A meeting between the farmer leaders and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar ended without any assurance on legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) as thousands of farmers gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the Kisan Mahapanchayat on Monday.

A 15-member SKM delegation met with minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan in the afternoon and submitted a de-

mand charter, a farmer leader Darshan Pal told media persons.

After the meeting, the farmers’ delegation claimed that the Union minister told the farmers’ union, “hum sarkar chalate hain, aap andolan chalao”.

New Delhi: Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday, said that PM Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had colluded to tarnish Rahul Gandhi’s image. He said: “Mamata Banerjee is speaking at the Prime Minister’s behest. They have a mutual understanding of tarnishing Rahul Gandhi’s and the Congress’ image.”

Amaravati (ANI): The former CM and TDP National chief N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday strongly condemned the attack on the party MLAs inside the Assembly in the morning, said a press release.

Never in the history of Andhra Pradesh has an MLA been attacked inside the House and today is the darkest day in the Assembly’s history, Naidu said in a press release here. The former chief minister is of the opinion that

the attack on a Dalit MLA, Swamy, is preplanned and with en-

RSS chief advises farmers to adopt cow-based farming

Meerut: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has advised farmers to adopt cow-based farming.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader was speaking at a farmers’ conference organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Hastinapur.

“Cow-based farming does not disturb the cycle of nature. Our farmers are worried. All their demands cannot be met, so the cost of cultivation has

MINISTER’S MANTRA

to be reduced. This is possible only with cowbased farming,” Bhagwat said.

Exhorting the farmers to shun the use of chemicals, he added, “Our land has been ploughed for thousands of years. Yet, it is still

fertile. We have seen the loss of agricultural production by increasing it indiscriminately.

“Chemicals being used in farming are entering our bodies and making us sick.”

Bhagwat said the government might change the policies but the farmers will have to do the work to save agriculture and nature.

During his visit, the RSS chief also stopped by the ancient historical sites from the “Mahabharata” period in Hastinapur.

World has resolved to recover together, says Yadav

Union Minister says that universal social security in the world is an important issue

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav has said the world has resolved to recover together and to make the recovery a human centric process.

While addressing L20 inception meeting being

held in Amritsar virtually he said we need to collectively ensure that our workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Yadav said universal social security and its portability across the world is an important issue that we must focus on. He said particularly the informal sector must be brought under the ambit of social security. There has to be sus-

tainable mix of social insurance and social assistance schemes for social security, he added.

Keeping in line with vision of ‘Nari shakti’ or ‘Women Power’ of Prime Minister, Yadav said women’s participation in labour force has to be enhanced which would in turn lead to creation of equitable, inclusive and developed society.

He said G20’s theme of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’ signifies the concept of one earth,

one family and one future. He saidPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making G20 decisive and action oriented inspires and propels us to achieve concrete outcome for G20 meetings.

Yadav said over the years, the G20 and L20 meetings have attempted to address the issues of labour market challenges through a variety of policy initiatives that have been widely agreed upon.

N Chandrababu Naidu @ncbn

Shocked to see our MLA Dola Swamy being attacked in the assembly by YSRCP MLAs. Today is a Black day for Andhra Pradesh because such a shameful incident has never happened in the hallowed halls of the assembly before.

couragement from CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, as per the press release.

Terming the ongoing session of the Assembly as a Kourava Sabha, Naidu said, “Jagan has gone totally mad with the latest results of the elections to the Legislative Council.”

Earlier on Monday, the YSR Congress and TDP MLAs got into a brawl in the Andhra Pradesh assembly on Monday during a protest by the latter against the government order imposing the ban on roadshows and rallies on the roads.

IN THE COURTYARD

SC JUNKS PIL SEEKING REGISTRATION OF LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH CENTRE

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday junked a PIL seeking framing of norms for registration of every live-in relationship with Central govt, saying it is a “hare-brained” idea. A bench told the counsel, representing the petitioner, “What does the Centre have to do with registration of live-in relationships? What kind of hare-brained idea is this?” The bench asked the petitioner’s counsel if she wanted to foster the security for these people or she does not want them to get into live-in relationships.

NO ONE CAN PEEP INTO CITIZENS LIVES: KERALA HC

Kochi: No person, be it the media or govt agencies, has the right to peep into the private lives of citizens without a valid reason, the Kerala High Court held recently. It also observed that certain media personalities’ “so-called crusade for truth and justice” or personal vendetta cannot be excuses for impinging the right to privacy of the general public. It said that it was “disheartening” to see that some news channels “are in the habit of publishing sleaze more than news.”

NON-CITIZENS CAN’T BE DENIED INFO UNDER RTI ACT: HC

New Delhi: Non-citizens are not barred from seeking information from public authorities under the RTI Act and it will be inherently contradictory to hold that such a right is available only to the citizens, the Delhi High Court has said. The court stated that creating an absolute bar on the disclosure of information to non-citizens would be contrary to the purpose and object of the RTI Act itself, and the same cannot be read into the legislation.

SHRADDHA CASE: PROSECUTION COMPLETES ARGUMENTS ON CHARGES AGAINST AAFTAB

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday completed its arguments on charges against Aaftab Amin Poonawala, accused of killing his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopping her body into pieces. Additional Sessions Judge Manisha Khurana Kakkar posted the matter for further proceedings on March 25. Special Public Prosecutors (SPP) Amit Prasad and Madhukar Pandey appeared for Delhi Police. The Delhi Police had filed a 6,629-page charge sheet against Aaftab Amin Poonawala on January 24.

People watching exploits of BJP govt, will reply when time comes: Priyanka

Dimple Sharma

Proceedings of Lok Sabha underway during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi being welcomed by DK Shivakumar at Belagavi Airport on Monday. KC Venugopal also seen.

“DEAL BETWEEN PM & DIDI TO TARNISH RAHUL’S IMAGE”

Bhupender Yadav

Mohan Bhagwat

Narendra S Tomar

Chandrababu Naidu

Priyanka Gandhi

Sheikh Hasina

CRACKDOWN ON AMRITPAL SINGH

ISI ROLE , FOREIGN FUNDING SUSPECTED: IGP SUKHCHAIN

Hunt continues for fugitive hardliner

Amritpal Singh on third consecutive day in Punjab and neighbouring states

“Take up with host nations security of Indian missions”

PUNJAB DGP WILL INFORM, ONCE AMRITPAL IS HELD, SAYS MINISTER

Sukhchain

Chandigarh (ANI): Punjab IGP

Singh Gill on Monday said they have a very strong suspicion of an ISI angle and foreign funding in ‘Waris Punjab De’ as 114 people have been arrested so far while the hunt for fugitive Amritpal Singh is still underway.

“We have a very strong suspicion of an ISI angle, based on the facts and circumstances that have come to light so far. We also have a very strong suspicion of foreign funding. Going by the circumstances, it seems that ISI is involved and there is foreign funding as well,” IGP said in a press briefing. He said that a total of 114 people have been arrested so far since the crackdown has launched.

“So far, 114 elements, who attempted to disturb peace and harmony, have been arrested. A total of 78 of them were arrested on the first day, 34 on day two and the re-

FORMER SIKKIM

BJP PRESIDENT DB CHAUHAN RESIGNS

Gangtok: Former Sikkim BJP chief DB Chauhan on Monday resigned from the party’s primary membership. “I worked in the party in different capacities for the last 10 years in which I tried to serve our state through the party platform. I am thankful to all the party workers, leaders and well-wishers who supported me and the party. I now realise that my service is no more required in the party,” said Chauhan in his resignation letter addressed to top party leadership. “I wish all the party functionaries a good time ahead, God bless all,” he said in his letter.

TWITTER HANDLE OF SANGRUR MP

SIMRANJIT MANN SUSPENDED

New Delhi (Agencies):

Amid massive search operation against Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh, the Punjab government has suspended Twitter handles of 75 people till further orders. Twitter handle of Shiromani Akali Dal MP Simranjit Singh Mann’s handle has also been suspended. The Sangrur MP recently expressed apprehension that Amritpal Singh could be executed in a extrajudicial manner by Punjab police. The other Twitter handles belonged to the supporters of the radical leader.

mainder were arrested last night,” he said. He said that NSA (National Security Act) has been invoked against the five people (being

CRUCIAL READ

SIKHS HOLD PROTEST OUTSIDE

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN DELHI

New Delhi (PTI): Several people belonging to the Sikh community gathered outside the British High Commission here on Monday to protest pro-Khalistan separatists pulling down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission in London a day earlier. Carrying the tricolour and placards, protesters raised the slogan “Bharat humara swabhiman hai (India is our pride)” and said that they will not tolerate any insult to the national flag. The tricolour atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed at by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags on Sunday.

MERCEDES SUV AMRITPAL FLED IN BELONGS TO DRUG BOSS: SOURCES

New Delhi (Agencies): Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh, the focus of a massive manhunt in Punjab since Saturday, stashed a large number weapons, ran deaddiction centres to indoctrinate young Sikh men and used a Mercedes SUV gifted by a drug boss, according to top govt sources. Hundreds of paramilitary personnel have spread out in Punjab and internet has been banned in the search for Amritpal Singh, who fled away in the Mercedes SUV on Saturday.

sent to Dibrugarh) who were arrested. Besides, he said after four close aides of the pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal, who were detained and

FOUR WOMEN LABOURERS KILLED IN BRICK-KILN EXPLOSION IN PATNA

Patna: Four women labourers were killed in an explosion that occurred in a brick-kiln here on Monday. Local police and fire brigade have launched a rescue operation at Lucky brick-kiln located in Byapur village under Maner police station. According to sources, the explosion was so intense that a wall came crashing down trapping the women labourers inside the kiln.

The deceased have been identified as Suganti Devi, Ghurni Devi, Sheela Devi all residents of Jharkhand and Sita Devi (Gaya Bihar).

TSPSC PAPER LEAK: SIT SERVES NOTICE TO CONG LEADER OVER ALLEGATIONS

Hyderabad: Telangana Police’s Special Investigation Team probing the question paper leak in TSPSC has issued a notice to state Congress chief A Revanth Reddy, asking him to share whatever information he has about the case. The SIT, which has stepped up the probe with the questioning of nine accused, is also issuing notices to those making allegations relating to the case. Revanth Reddy, however, said he has not yet received the SIT notice. He said he was not afraid of SIT notice and would share whatever evidence he has if a judicial probe is ordered in the case.

AZAAN AT DC OFFICE: K’TAKA BJP MLA SAYS IT IS ‘SEDITION’

Shivamogga: BJP MLA and former Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa on Monday trigerred a fresh controversy calling it an ‘act of sedition’, after a video of a Muslim youth performing ‘Azaan’ at the premises of the District

Commissioner’s office in Shivamogga district went viral on the social media.

Eshwarappa said that the youth, who performed Azaan is associated with the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI). “I will write a letter in this re-

gard to the CM and Union Home Minister,” he added.

“They have announced that they will perform Azaan in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha. They are insulting Allah. They are violating the Supreme Court guidelines,” he said.

flown to Assam’s Dibrugarh, one more detainee, Harjeet Singh, also the uncle of the Khalistan sympathiser is en route to Dibrugarh.

TOPS to fund Neeraj Chopra’s training abroad

New Delhi (ANI): Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Mission Olympic Cell has approved Olympic Gold Medallist Neeraj Chopra’s proposal to train at Gloria Sports Arena, Turkey for a period of 61 days. Neeraj, who under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding, had trained at Gloria Sports Arena last year as well, will head to Turkey on April 1 and will remain there till May 31. The TOPS funding will cover Neeraj, his coach Klaus Bartonietz and his physiotherapist’s airfare, boarding and lodging.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE BY 2047

Chandigarh (ANI): Amid the crackdown against Amritpal Singh, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh, said that once the ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief is arrested, the Director General of Police will inform about it. Talking to the media on Monday, Balbir Singh hit out at the Centre, saying, “Why the Narcotics Dept is not controlling the drugs being sent to Punjab? Is the job of the central agencies only to target the opponents or to control gangsters too?” On being asked if Amritpal has been arrested, the AAP minister said, “This is a matter related to security and if he is arrested, then the DGP will inform you”. The Punjab Minister appealed to the public to maintain peace and brotherhood. “There are some evil forces, and conspiracies are being hatched from inside and outside the country. But the police are doing good work and the atmosphere in the state won’t deteriorate,” he said.

Police are making all efforts to nab Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh. Several rumours are being spread. Punjab Police is clearly stating that the arrest is yet to be made & w’re going across the state & everywhere else to arrest him.

—Sukhchain Singh Gill, Punjab IGP

New Delhi (PTI): Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday urged the government to take up the security of Indian missions with host countries to ensure that incidents like the one in the UK, where the tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission was grabbed at by pro-Khalistani protestors, do not take place.

Tharoor said, “I am deeply disappointed when I see that a friendly govt does not take elementary police precaution to ensure that this kind of behaviour is not happening. Our govt should now go to all the host govts where there is such a possibility and tell them that they must take extra special precautions outside our missions.”

BY ANI

BJP SLAMS TAKING DOWN OF TRICOLOUR AT INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON

New Delhi (Agencies): The ruling BJP on Monday appealed to the Sikh bodies to “isolate” Khalistani supporters as the search for Amritpal Singh entered its third day. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the party’s prominent Sikh leader, told reporters that everybody must condemn the London incident in which some Khalistani supporters pulled down the national flag from the Indian High Commission building in London. The foreign ministry summoned the senior most diplomat of UK in New Delhi late last evening and demanded an explanation for “absence of security” at the high commission premises. The UK government’s “indifference” to Indian diplomats and personnel was “unacceptable”, the statement read.

UGADI MILAN EVENT!

Sisodia’s judicial custody in CBI case extended till April 3

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday extended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody till April 3, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case.

On March 17, the court extended Sisodia’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in the same case till March 22. After the CBI arrested Sisodia on February 26, the ED also arrested him in the same case on March 9.

On March 6, Special Judge MK Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court sent Sisodia to 14 days of judicial custody in CBI case, which expired on Monday. He is lodged in the Tihar Jail.

EXCISE POLICY CASE: COURT SENDS BIZMAN PILLAI TO JUDICIAL CUSTODY

ADelhi court on Monday sent Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai to judicial custody in connection with the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. Last week, Special Judge MK Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Courts had extended Pillai’s ED remand till Monday after noting that the probe agency has gathered some new details after confronting Pillai with Butchi Babu Gorantla, a Hyderabad-based chartered accountant, on March 15. The ED had earlier informed the court that Pillai needs to be confronted with Magunta Reddy, also an accused. On March 16, the agency’s request for prolonged remand was contested by Pillai’s lawyer.

US report lauds Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push

PM Narendra Modi has already set a target to install 500 GW (gigawatt) of renewable energy capacity by 2030

New Delhi (PTI): India, the world’s fifth largest economy, can achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047, a report by a top US research institute said, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push that spans from a massive renew-

able capacity addition to electric mobility, saving billions of dollars in imports. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a US’ federally funded research and development centre, along with The India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) located at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy

published a report, ‘Pathways to Atmanirbhar Bharat’, that high-

lights the steps taken by India towards the adoption of clean energy.

India is 80-85 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil and coal

needs. The price and supply volatility in global energy markets, as witnessed in recent years, strain India’s foreign exchange reserves, resulting in economywide inflation.

However, recent dramatic declines in clean energy costs provide India an opportunity to lower energy imports through investment in renewable energy, battery storage, EVs, and green hydrogen, the report said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Ugadi Milan event at the residence of former Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on Monday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also seen.

—PHOTO

BY ANI

Gangster Prince Singh killed in encounter in Bihar

Patna (Agencies): A notorious gangster, Prince Singh, was killed in an encounter in Sitamarhi.

The action comes after a series of kidnapping, extortion and murder cases have been reported from various parts of the state.

A team of Sitamarhi police shot at the gangster in a retaliatory firing at around 3.30 a.m.

The accused was involved in liquor smuggling also. Pankaj Sinha, the Inspector General of Police Tirhut range, confirmed the incident.

According to police, Prince Singh was wanted in liquor smuggling cases in Muzaffarpur.

Two FIRs were registered in the Katra police station of the district. Besides, he was also involved in six other criminal cases as well.

Porn clip played on Patna junction TVs

Patna (Agencies): An FIR was lodged against a private firm for playing a pornographic video on the railway announcement TV screens on platforms of Patna junction on Monday.

Hundreds of passengers, including women, were shocked and stood red-faced for a while when they saw a porn film being screened on the TV screens installed across 10 platforms of the station.

The obscene clip was on display for about

three minutes. It was, however, stopped when several passengers complained about it.

According to Danapur RPF senior commandant Prakash Kumar Panda, Patna RPF immediately swung into action and lodged an FIR against the agency under various RPF Acts with the Patna RPF post on Sunday.

PM Narendra Modi at Buddha Jayanti Park with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, in New Delhi.

PM Modi and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida enjoy a dish, in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTOS BY ANI

Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. —FILE PHOTO

Congress Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor at the Parliament in New Delhi.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel conduct a flag march to maintain law and order after the arrest of associates of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, in Jalandhar on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

business BRIEFS

PE/VC INVESTMENTS NEARLY HALVE IN FEB 2023: REPORT

IN FEBRUARY 2023

Domestic air passenger traffic rises

Mumbai (PTI): Investments by private equity and venture capital funds declined by 44% to $3.7 billion in February compared to the same period a year ago. The bets by the long-term investors were 13% lower when compared to the investments in the preceding month of January. The venture investing industry poured in $6.6 billion into companies in February 2022, while the same stood at $4.314 billion in January 2023. In volume terms, the deals dropped by 60% in February.

PSU BANKS’ GROSS

NPA DECLINES TO 5.53% IN APRIL-DEC

Mumbai (PTI): India’s domestic air passenger traffic grew 56.82% to 1.20 crore in February over the same month last year, as per the data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday.

All domestic carriers together had flown a total of 76.96 lakh passengers on local routes in February 2022.

The growth in traffic was led by market leader IndiGo, which flew 67.42 lakh passengers during the previous month, cornering 55.9% of the total domestic passenger traffic in February 2023.

Air India, AirAsia India, and Vistara, which in the process of merging with Air India, together trans-

New Delhi (PTI): The government has taken various reforms following which asset quality of public sector banks has improved significantly with gross NPA ratio declining from the peak of 14.6% in March 2018 to 5.53% in December 2022. All PSBs are in profit with aggregate profit being `66,543 crore in 2021-22, and that further increased to `70,167 crore in first nine months of current financial year, Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat K Karad told Lok Sabha.

‘STRONG CASE TO HIKE COAL PRICES, COULD HAPPEN SOON’

ported a total of 29.75 lakh domestic air passengers during the month under review.

The total market share of the three entities together was 24.6% during the reporting month, as per

AS PER US REPORT

India can achieve energy independence by 2047

New Delhi (PTI): India can achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047, a report by a top US research institute said, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push that spans from a massive renewable capacity addition to electric mobility, saving billions of dollars in imports.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a US’ federally funded research and development centre,

along with The India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) published a report, that highlights the steps taken by India towards the adoption of clean energy.

India is 80-85% dependent on imports to meet its oil and coal needs.

DGCA data.

Budget carrier SpiceJet, which is facing multiple headwinds, recorded the highest load factor at 91% in February 2023 while IndiGo delivered the top ontime performance at 88.8%

No direction on loading `2,000 notes in ATMs: FM

New Delhi (PTI): No instructions have been given to banks for filling or not filling `2,000 notes in ATMs as lenders make their own choice for loading of cash vending machines, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. “No instructions have been given to banks for not filling ` 2,000 notes in ATMs. Banks make their own assessment of amount and denominational requirement for ATMs on the basis of past usage, seasonal trend, etc,” she said.

Sensex sheds 360 points, Nifty ends below 17K amid global rout

Kolkata (PTI): Coal India

Chairman Pramod Agrawal on Monday said there is a “strong case” for increasing coal prices, and the hike could be effected “very soon” as discussions are underway with stakeholders. He is confident the mining behemoth will achieve its production target of 1 billion tonnes by 2025-26. “There is a strong case for increasing coal prices, as that has not happened in the last five-odd years. This year, the wage negotiation has taken place as well, which will have an impact on CIL’s financial condition, especially for a few subsidiaries.”

WIND ENERGY GENERATION MAY

SURGE 4-5 TIMES

Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark Sensex declined by 360 points while the Nifty closed below the 17,000-level on Monday due to a selloff in financials, IT and capital goods shares amid a global rout in equities on lingering worries over the banking crisis.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 360.95 points or 0.62% to close at 57,628.95 as 23 of its stocks ended in the red. The index tanked more than 900 points to touch a low of 57,084.91 before recovering some loss.

The broader Nifty of the NSE plunged by 111.65 points to close below the 17,000-level at 16,988.40.

RUPEE FALLS 4 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.63 AGAINST AMERICAN CURRENCY

on an average from across four key airports -- Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, data show. The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines for February was 0.25%, it said.

Air India to temporarily reduce flights on some US routes: CEO Wilson

New Delhi (PTI): Air India will reduce the frequency of flights on certain US routes due to crew shortage issues for a temporary period, its chief Campbell Wilson said on Monday. Six weekly flights to the US, three each to Newark and San Francisco will be trimmed. In recent months, there have been instances of some long haul flights getting impacted due to crew shortage issues. Wilson said frequencies will be reduced on some US routes due to crew shortage issues. The six weekly flights -- three each to Newark and San Francisco -- will be reduced due to shortage of crew. This will be in place for the coming two to three months, Wilson said.

‘Indian carriers to report $1.6-1.8 bn consolidated loss’ New Delhi (PTI): Indian airlines are projected to record a consolidated loss of $1.6 to 1.8 billion in the next financial year, aviation consultancy CAPA India said on Monday. The full service carriers are expected to incur a loss of $1.1 to 1.2 billion. According to CAPA India, Indian airlines are estimated to have a net induction of 132 planes next fiscal and will take the total fleet of all carriers to around 816 aircraft. It also said that more than 100 planes are on the ground.

‘Claims of spike in poverty in India during Covid-19 patently false’

New York (PTI): Claims of a spike in poverty and inequality in India during the Covid-19 pandemic are patently false as such claims are based on uncomparable different surveys, according to a paper coauthored by eminent economist Arvind Panagariya.

The paper also noted that inequality fell in the country during Covid years, both in rural and urban areas as well as nationally. Panagariya, Columbia University Professor and former Vice Chairman of

Samsung to invest in smart mfg capabilities

Among Sensex shares, Bajaj Finserv fell the most by 4.08%. Bajaj Finance declined by 3.01%, Tata Steel by 2.2%, Wipro by 2.09%, Tata Motors by 1.96%, IndusInd Bank by 1.9%, SBI by 1.75%, Tech Mahindra by 1.66% and HCL Tech by 1.2%. TCS, Infosys, Power Grid, Maruti, Reliance, HDFC twins, L&T, M&M, NTPC and Ultratech Cement were also among the losers.

CROSSES 60K MARK

Mumbai (PTI): Positive policy moves by the new and renewable energy ministry can crank up the annual wind capacity addition by 6-8 gigawatt (GW) from fiscal 2026, around 4 times more than 1.6 GW of growth clocked in the past five fiscals, a report said on Monday. According to a Crisil analysis, the aggressive tariff bids in reverse auctions since fiscal 2018 has been one of the key drivers of the wind energy growth.

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated by 4 paise to 82.63 against the US dollar on Monday, tracking negative sentiments in the domestic as well as global equity markets. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened stronger at 82.48 against the dollar. During intra-day, it went as high as 82.45 and hit the lowest level of 82.71. It finally settled at 82.63 (provisional) against the American currency, registering a fall of 4 paise against its previous close.

Bengaluru (PTI): Korean electronics major Samsung will invest in setting up smart manufacturing capabilities at its mobile phone plant in Noida to make production more competitive, the company’s global head for mobile business said on Monday. “We will continue our investment to bring the optimised and or smart factory to the Noida facilities. We will continue our investment there. I believe that our investment for the smart factory will bring competitiveness in the production,” Samsung Electronics President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business T M Roh said.

Gold rallies `1,400 to touch life-time high

New Delhi (PTI): Gold price rallied `1,400 to touch a life-time high of ` 60,100 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday amid strong global trends, according to HDFC Securities.

The precious metal had ended at ` 58,700 per 10 grams in the previous trade.

Silver also zoomed `1,860 to `69,340 per kilogramme.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at ` 60,100 per 10 grams, up ` 1,400 per 10 grams,”

Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at

HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas markets, both gold and silver were trading higher at $2,005 per

ounce and $22.55 per ounce, respectively. Comex Gold prices traded higher in Asian trading

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

z Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `60,100 per 10 grams, up `1,400 per 10 grams

z Silver also zoomed `1,860 to `69,340/kg

z In the overseas markets, gold and silver were trading higher at $2,005/ounce & $22.55/ounce, respectively

hours on Monday and rose to a fresh 52-week high of $2,005 per ounce, Gandhi said.

NITI Aayog and Vishal

More of Intelink Advisors, New Delhi have co-authored a detailed paper ‘Poverty and Inequality in India: Before and After Covid-19’.

The paper analyses poverty and inequality before

OTHER STORIES

PEPSICO TO INVEST

$400K FOR EXPANSION OF SAFE WATER ACCESS

New Delhi (PTI): The PepsiCo Foundation on Monday said it will invest $4,00,000 in partnership with Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust to expand its safe water access and sustainable sanitation programme in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative is aligned with the three priority campaigns of the central government: the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, the Foundation said in a statement.

and after the Covid-19 pandemic in India using data on household expenditures reported in the periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office of India.

The main findings of the paper say that poverty levels derived from the periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) are not comparable to those derived from Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CESs) conducted in 2011-12 and earlier due to differences in sample design.

RENAULT NISSAN SIGNS PACT WITH KAMARAJAR

PORT

New Delhi (PTI): Franco Japanese auto alliance Renault Nissan on Monday said it has signed an agreement with Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) for export of cars manufactured in Chennai by Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd. The vehicles produced at the plant will be exported to the alliance’s regional and global destinations. The agreement builds on the existing partnership between the Renault Nissan Alliance and KPL.

TAX DEMANDS OF `13,566 CRORE RAISED IN FOUR FISCALS UNDER BLACK MONEY LAW

New Delhi (PTI): The income tax department raised tax demands amounting to `13,566 crore during the last four financial years under the black money law to deal with undisclosed foreign income and assets, the government said on Monday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed that 183 assessment orders were passed in 2021-22 and a demand of `5,350 crore was raised under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

‘SOME DAMAGE TO RABI CROPS DUE TO UNSEASONAL RAINS’

New Delhi (PTI): The Centre on Monday said there has been some damage to the rabi (winter) crops including wheat due to unseasonal rains and hailstorm brought about by western disturbance, but it is yet to receive a report from the states. “There has been some damage. We have not received an assessment report on the extent of damage from the state governments,” Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary said.

EPFO ADDS 14.86 LAKH MEMBERS IN JANUARY 2023

New Delhi: Retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) added 14.86 lakh subscribers in January 2023, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said on Monday. Around 3.54 lakh members exited the fold of EPFO which was the “lowest exit” in the last four months, the ministry said. Out of 14.86 lakh subscribers, around 7.77 lakh new members have come under the ambit of EPFO for the first time.

Do not pursue success, ensure it. It will ensue as the by-product of concentrated and consistent efforts.

Jagdeesh

‘Maha minister Lodha ‘lied’ in Assembly over Love Jihad’

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi calls for Mangal Lodha’s resignation

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi on Monday demanded resignation of Minister for Women and Child Welfare Mangal Prabhat Lodha for allegedly providing “false information” to the legislative Assembly over Love Jihad.

Speaking in the Lower House, Azmi said, “Lodha earlier said Maharashtra had more than one lakh cases of Love Jihad which has upset society. The interfaith marriage committee that state government has set up does not interfere in anyone’s personal life or religion.” He accused the BJP minister of lying.

“However, when we sought information from the inter-faith marriage committee, set up in December last year, it came to light that till date it has not received a single complaint of love jihad. It means, he (Lodha) has lied to the

Police step up Salman’s security post threat to life

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Mumbai police have stepped up the security of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan after he received a threatening e-mail, which had led to cops earlier registering an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, an official said on Monday.

According to the official, two Assistant Police Inspector (API)-rank officers and eight to ten constables will be part of Khan’s security detail round the clock.

Also, fans will not be allowed to assem-

ble outside the 57-year-old actor’s residence-cum-office in Galaxy Apartments in suburban Bandra, he said.

Khan was earlier provided with Y plus category security by the police and he moved around in a bullet-proof car along with his personal security guards.

Now, the police have taken additional security measures for the safety of the ‘Dabangg’ actor.

On Saturday, the Bandra police registered an FIR (first information report) against three persons -- gangsters Bishnoi, Brar and one Rohit -- for allegedly sending a threatening e-mail to Khan’s office.

The FIR was registered on the basis of a police complaint lodged by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who frequently visits the Bandra-based residence of the popular filmstar.

Child trafficking heinous form of exploitation: HC

When we sought information from the inter-faith marriage committee, we learnt it has not received a single complaint of Love Jihad, Azmi said

other religions.

MLA can not go on criticising him.”

Speaking to reporters later, Azmi said, “I have submitted a notice for breach of privilege motion (against the minister) with the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker. Lodha has given false information and he should be held accountable for misguiding of people.”

First India Bureau Mumbai: While denying bail to a person accused of kidnapping a 10-month-old child, the Bombay High Court observed, “Child trafficking is one of the most serious and heinous forms of exploitation, which not only impacts the child and its family, but also threatens the very fabric of the society.”

House and he should be removed from his post,” the Samajwadi party MLA demanded. Love Jihad is a term some use to refer to interfaith marriages or relationships allegedly done with the intent to convert Hindu girls to

Objecting to the demand, BJP legislators interrupted Azmi’s speech.

BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar said, “If the minister has allegedly given wrong information, a notice for breach of privilege motion can be submitted against him, but the SP

The SP legislator said if the notice is not accepted he will move court.

Azmi also demanded action against rightwing groups who he said have been organising rallies across the state without prior permission and allegedly making anti-minority comments.

The baby was kidnapped in August 2021 when she was sleeping with her mother on a footpath in suburban Bandra.

According to the police, the accused Parandam Gudenti had sold the baby to a childless couple from Telangana for Rs1.05 lakh. A single bench of Justice Anuja

RSS remarks: Mumbai court rejects Akhtar’s plea against summons

First India Bureau Mumbai: A sessions court on Monday rejected veteran lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar’s plea challenging summons issued against him by a magistrate in connection with a criminal case filed by a lawyer over his alleged objectionable remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The lawyer, Santosh Dubey, had in October 2021 filed a complaint

against Akhtar before the metropolitan magistrate court in suburban Mulund under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation)

and 500 (punishment for defamation).

The magistrate, after hearing arguments of both sides, had issued summons to the veteran lyricist in December last year.

The 78-year-old Bollywood personality, through his lawyer, filed a petition before the sessions court against the summons.

“The session court has rejected the revision application filed by renowned writer Javed Akhtar against the Mu-

ED files money laundering case to probe irregularities in PMAY

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized “incriminating” documents after it recently carried out raids in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the tender allocation of the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (PMAY) scheme in Aurangabad district of the state.

A total of nine locations in Aurangabad, Pune and Akola were searched by the federal

probe agency. The money laundering case stems from a state police FIR which was filed by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation against firms like Samarath Construction & JV, Indo Global Infrastructure Services, Jaguar Global Services and their respective partners, for “forgery and formation of a cartel” to illegally win the tender of the municipal body for constructing 40,000 PMAY houses at Aurangabad, the ED said in a statement. The

OPINION VARIES

PMAY scheme was to be implemented at seven plots/sites in Aurangabad. “It was found that all the three e-tenders were uploaded from a single IP address. The FIR was registered after the PMAY regulators identified the anomaly that the winning firm was not at all financially capable of implementing such a big project,” the agency said.

Probe found, the ED said, that three firms applied for the e-tender from the same IP address.

lund court’s order,” Dubey said.

Akhtar has to appear before the Mulund court on March 31, he added.

The complainant, who claims to be an RSS supporter, had alleged Akhtar, with a view to gain political score, unnecessarily dragged the name of the RSS and defamed the organisation in a “calculated and well planned move” while making the remarks during a television interview.

Prabhudessai on March 14 noted that footpath dwellers, particularly street children, are the most vulnerable and marginalized section of the society, prone to victimization and exploitation.

“Child trafficking is one of the most serious and heinous forms of exploitation, which not only impacts the child and the family, but threatens the very fabric of the society,” the court said.

Considering the gravity of the offence, the court said it was not inclined to grant bail to the accused. Gudenti was booked on the charges of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, and trafficking.

The court noted that prima facie, the material submitted by the police indicates that Gudenti was involved in a racket of kidnapping and sale of children.

Govt asks BMC to install devices to curb pollution

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The government has directed the BMC to install anti-pollution equipment such as fogging machines and water sprinklers within next 8 to 15 days to curb deteriorating air quality in metropolis, state Minister Deepak Kesarkar told the Legislative Council on Monday.

Speaking in the House, Kesarkar said, “In Mumbai dust is

Police action against RaGa a cowardly act, says Patole

First India Bureau Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has said the police action against party leader Rahul Gandhi was a “cowardly” act by the panic-stricken Narendra Modi government. He said the prime minister’s attempt to suppress Rahul Gandhi’s voice by using the police will not succeed and Congress will continue to seek answers on the alleged scam by industrialist Gautam Adani. “I condemn the

police action against Rahul Gandhi which is a cowardly act by the panic-stricken Modi regime,” Patole told reporters.

“The Congress party will bring the dark truth about AdaniModi before the country. PM Modi is scared because Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha exposed a multi-crore scam of Gautam Adani. And because of this, the prime minister is trying to suppress Rahul Gandhi’s voice by using the police,” Patole added.

‘Mumbai project a factor in differences with NCP on Adani’

Opposition had earlier submitted a complaint with ED, alleging “serious corporate fraud, political corruption”

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The Trinamool Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have declined to sign a complaint against the Adani Group, which was intended for the Enforce-

ment Directorate. This decision has caused Congress leaders to note that there is a distinction between the two parties, as the NCP is aligned with the Congress and other similar parties on various critical issues.

On March 15th and 16th, Opposition parties including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Bharat Rashtra Samithi marched from Parliament to submit a complaint to the ED against the Adani Group, levelling serious allegations against the multinational conglomerate.

During a meeting held prior to the march, a representative of the Nationalist Congress

Party (NCP) was in attendance but refrained from signing the complaint. According to two leaders of the Congress party, the NCP had concerns regarding a development project in Mumbai that was a priority for the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, in which the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress were previously partners.

“The NCP leader present in the meeting told

us that they are with us in spirit but not in body, indicating their reluctance to join the march,” said a Congress leader.

In its letter to the ED, the opposition flagged the network of offshore shell companies allegedly involved in stock manipulation and money laundering, the AdiCorp’s funnelling of funds from the Adani Group back to Adani Power among others.

very high and it is a major cause of pollution. Construction work on several infrastructure projects, including the coastal road, is going on in Mumbai. I have given directives to officials tackle dust generation at source.” It will be made compulsory to sprinkle water periodically at construction sites, Kesarkar said, adding, “All this will be done in 8 to 15 days.”

Arrester saves IAF jet, probe begins

First India Bureau Pune: A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force had to engage an arrester barrier to stop the aircraft because of inadequate deceleration experienced by the pilots due to a technical snag on Monday, said the IAF.

The incident, which basically involved the use of a speed control technique, took place in the morning at the Air Force Station in Lohegaon in Pune after a routine training sortie, and a probe has been ordered.

Wing Commander Ashish Moghe, IAF Public Relations Officer (PRO), said, “The event occurred after a routine training sortie, following inadequate deceleration experienced by the pilots, on the landing roll due to a technical snag.”

Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Javed Akhtar

—Dr

Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

The awe-inspiring Fashion Connect by First India and Bharat24- Vision of New India recently created a huge splash and left everyone with a whole bunch of trends to slay. The Fashion Connect season 14 was held on March 19 at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai. City First highlights some glimpses of the resplendent fashion fest

Fashion Connect Season 14 landed in Dubai with majestic collections and gorgeous supermodels and without a doubt

Punia, educationist Kamla Poddar, businessman Harsh, models Aastha Khandelwal, Muskaan, Renu along with Naseeha were a few prominent guests who were also present at the fashionable event. Stunning anchor Sonal Sharma hosted the spectacular evening. As the designer of the grand finale, Anju Modi wowed the runway. Her traditional designs inspired by Heritage Bollywood were heart-stoppingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted.

“Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023” was also held to recognise the efforts of diligent designers and eminent entrepreneurs and people from other fields. The ramp was adorned by models wearing elegant outfits that emanated refinement, euphorically rousing fashion enthusiasts. The collections were exhibited looking at the wedding summer

Official partner Filmfare Middle East and Khaleej Times, Jewelry Partner-Nandita Shekhawat, Health Partner - JNU Hospital, Gifting Partner-Brands For You, INIFD Jaipur, Fashion inst partner and Styling PartnerShades were a few among the several sponsors that have made significant contributions to the success of this season and made every effort to establish a new standard.

KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra with Yaqoob Al Ali, Rishee Miglani, Sonal Sharma and International supermodels during the grand finale at Fashion Connect Season-14

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Jagdeesh Chandra with HH Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum (L) and Yaqoob Al Ali (R) during the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023

Stunning International Models donning the exquisite collection

YOUR DAY

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You care about you lover but somehow hesitate in expressing that care. Don’t make friends for money and status rather make friends who will stick with you forever. On social front, you may have to spend some extra money in buying gifts for someone for some specific occasion.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Vitamin D UNDERSTANDING the Importance of

Vitamin D is a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones. That’s because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone when vitamin D is present. City First highlights the significance of Vitamin D on overall health!

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver for investment sake.

You are a child at heart and never let this child die.

You have a big heart and you always help someone if you can. Video gathering is possible as you miss your social circle like anything.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

You are a pro in your field and none can beat you. You give tough competition to people. Many people get inspired by you. You will get special treatment from your dear ones. Take stand where you need to, don’t run in the same direction where everybody else is going.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Visit a doctor if you have any doubts about your health. Don’t attack stress even if you don’t have any. Let go of things that are not in your control. You want to have your own house and you will work hard to make your dream come true. It’ll be a great day today.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You make sure to make things work your way. Never demotivate someone even if someone is not capable of doing something. You are most wanted by your friends. You can have romantic affair in office and a serious one. You will invest money in clothes and accessories today.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Your spouse is someone who can do anything for your happiness. You are opportunist and this will make you successful one day. There may be delays in property possession and it won’t effect you. You are happy spending whole day at home.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

Scrumptious food is what you are craving for today. You always maintain cordial relationship with everyone. You workout daily to keep yourself fit. You may start a side business to earn extra money. You are not a jealous kind and you feel happy for others.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

You will feel amorous towards your wife. This is the best time try something new with life give yourself a new purpose. Work on your limitations, there can be no better time than this. You have more opposite sex friends than the same and you may be judged sometimes but don’t care.

Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining good health. Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that our body needs to build strong bones, teeth and muscles. In addition, it helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, also known as the 'sunshine' vitamin. However, the role of sunlight in fulfilling our daily vitamin D requirement can be unclear.

DOES SUNLIGHT THROUGH WINDOW GLASS PROVIDE VITAMIN D?

According to Luke Coutinho, a Holistic Nutritionist specializing in the field of Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, sunlight does not actually "provide" vitamin D. The sun's ultraviolet rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and the liver and kidneys convert it into biologically active forms that the body can use to promote bone health, immunity, hormonal health and

much more. Coutinho emphasizes that one needs direct exposure to the skin to gain all the benefits of vitamin D. Early morning sun or sun that is not burning the skin is recommended for a minimum of 15 minutes to an hour to gain extraordinary benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D helps control and manage the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are necessary to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, according to Britain's National Health Services (NHS). Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Fatigue, bone pain, mood problems, hair loss, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and getting sick frequently are all symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is essential for good health and sunlight is the best source of this vital nutrient. Direct skin exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays triggers vitamin D synthesis, which is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, immunity, hormonal health and much more. It is recommended to get sunlight exposure in the early morning or when the sun is not burning the skin for a mini mum of 15 minutes to an hour to gain extraordinary benefits.

Source- https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/understanding-the-importance-of-vitamin-d-for-overall-health-210908-1.htm

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22

Spend time talking with likeminded people as it will make you feel good. Boisterous behaviour is what everyone needs right now, do whatever you can do to cheer everyone up. You will feel financially comfortable and infant you are in position to invest

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

DR TRUPTI SHIROLE cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

EMMA ATTENDS TAYLOR’S CONCERT

Priyanka dances at Nick’s concert

riyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are one of the most adorable couples. These two often melt our hearts with their mushy romance. After almost 5 years of marriage and 1 adorable baby girl, the sparks between these two are still alive and they never hesitate in expressing their love for each other. Today a video of the actress singing and dancing at Jonas Brother’s concert is going viral and it is proof of how much she enjoys his songs.

A video has gone viral where we can see Priyanka Chopra standing in the crowd amidst other fans. She can be seen wearing an allwhite attire and looks lovely in that. Indeed, Priyanka is a true cheerleader and we bet Nick

Emma Stone was one of the celebrities who attended Taylor Swift’s muchtalked-about Eras Tour. And now, a video has surfaced on TikTok where the Easy A actress can be seen having the best time on the 33-year-

‘Sweet & Humble’

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan has a massive fan following. The star kid is all set to dip her toes in Bollywood with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, which is expected to release this year. She is already a star in her own right, with over 3.2 million followers on Instagram, who go gaga over her every time she posts a picture. On Monday afternoon, Suhana Khan was spotted by the paparazzi at the Mumbai airport. She looked

Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is an avid social media user, is currently busy enjoying her adventurous vacay with Saif Ali Khan, Taimur and Jeh Ali Khan in South Africa. They were recently seen leaving for a family vacation. The actress has been treating her fans with cool pictures from South Africa.

A while ago, she took to her Instagram story and offered a glimpse of her jungle safari. She even shared a picture of a lion.

On Monday afternoon, Bebo took to her Insta-

uber-chic in a casual, comfy outfit. Suhana was seen politely interacting with the paparazzi, and also posing for selfies with fans before she headed to the entrance gate of the airport.

Suhana looked beautiful as she arrived wearing a shortsleeved grey crop top, paired with white baggy pants. Her airport look was stylish yet comfortable at the same time. She accessorized with a black handbag, a pair of black sunglasses, and white sneakers.

old singer’s tour. Needless to say, Swifties are having a field day on the social media platform with their reactions and comments.

On Friday, March 17, Emma Stone was spotted at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where Taylor Swift opened her

grand Eras Tour. As per Just Jared, the 34-year-old actress could be seen ‘losing her gd mind’ as Swift performed her throwback hit You Belong With Me. The clip featuring Stone went viral on social media and garnered a whopping 1.7 million views in no time.

Kim posts her childhood picture

Recently, Kim Kardashian took to Instagram to share her childhood picture and fans are going gaga over it. The reality television star posted a throwback picture from her childhood when she was about six years old. In the picture, Kim Kardashian can be seen with a face painted dragon on her cheek. She was a

sporting light pink colored t-shirt with several graphics such as a pair of ballerina shoes. She completed her look with white tennis shoes and light pink colored ruffle socks. The younger Kardashian further tied her hair in ador able pigtails with pink polka dot bows ribbon in her hair. She captioned her Instagram post ‘1987 KK’.

Fans were quick to react to this adorable picture of Kim Kardashian and said that she looked very much similar to her daughter.

gram story and shared a picture of a lion with her fans. The picture was clicked from a distance. Along with the picture, she wrote, "Such a handsome boy". Now, she shared a beautiful selfie featuring a lion in the backdrop. Her son Taimur's reflection is visible on her sunglasses. Along with it, Kareena wrote, "Spot the beauty.

id you ever feel like the best tees were hiding in plain sight? Well, maybe a bit but Kiara's look will take this feeling out of your mind.

And, for a fun option, Kiara's Dolce & Gabbana x Gianpiero D’Alessandro sleeveless t-shirt which she paired with bootcut black pants look should be the one to follow.

The Shershaah actress's Rs. 38,051.17 cropped tee had a colorful graphic print displayed as a rainbow and cloud.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Priyanka Chopra

Emma Stone

Suhana Khan at the Mumbai International Airport Kim Kardashian

‘Pre-honeymoon’ phase of Malaika

Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor are all about relationship goals! The couple took some time to make their romance official, but now that it is, Malaika and Arjun seem inseparable.

Malaika recently stated that love doesn’t have an age and went on to spill the beans on her wedding plans. In no hurry to get married, Malaika said that they are currently enjoying the prehoneymoon phase.

SARA DISAGREES WITH JANHVI

TUSHAR SHUKLA

“Marriage is something which is discussed between two people. If we have to take that plunge, we will think about it and we will decide and we will talk about it. At

Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan has opened up about Janhvi Kapoor’s recent statement where the actor claimed that she is yet to receive respect as an actor. Sara, who disagreed with Janhvi, said that respect has never been a problem in her career.

Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan made their Bollywood debuts in the year 2018. While Janhvi Kapoor starred in Dhadak, opposite Ishaan Khatter, Sara Ali Khan starred in Kedarnath, alongside Sushant Singh Rajput. Both actresses have created a niche for themselves in the film industry and have been a part of some amazing projects in the last few years. In a recent interview, Janhvi Kapoor said that she believes she has more to offer and that she wants to prove to herself that she can take up new challenges and emerge from them. “Somewhere it comes down to the line that ‘Mujhe mauke bohot mile

hai, par izzat abhi tak nahi mila’ and I think that’s what I am working for in my own eyes. It takes a lot to build the percep tion and then break it,” said Janhvi.

In an interview, Sara said, “I don’t feel under-respected at all. I think I have been given a lot of respect. I think for me if you accept me for who I am, that’s the biggest sign of re spect and touchwood, I got that very early in my career. I think from the very beginning I got respect.”

However, Sara Ali Khan added that maybe Janhvi Kapoor meant that one still has to prove them selves as an actor. “But even then, whether it’s Kedar nath or Atrangi, I read the reviews I was given. I don’t think respect has been a problem for me,” she said.

Well, Sara didn't echo Janhvi's sentiments. If people accept Sara the way she is, that's the big gest sign of respect and she got that very early on in her career.

AMITABH REVEALS being in extreme pain

Amitabh Bachchan had gotten seriously in jured on the sets of his upcoming film Pro ject K in Hyderabad. Amitabh Bachchan left everyone worried when the news of his injury on the sets of Project K made it to the headlines. He had taken to his blog to share the details of his injury. From then on he has been resting at his bungalow Jalsa and recuperating.

Now, almost a month later, the actor again took to his social media handle to share an update on his health.

“Work be the essence of routine .. and routine be the effervescence of living life .. in the absence of either the world crumbles and falls apart .. routine guides the day to its ef ficiency and the absence of which disturbs .. So .. I must rid myself of dis turbance .. get back to work and bring back routine .. and that shall hopefully , with all your prayers , oc cur in its rapidity .. (sic),” he wrote.

SONALI PENS AN APOLOGY

Sonali Kulkarni was recently under the scanner for her comments at a recent event. After being called out on social media for her comments on Indian women, Sonali Kulkarni took to social media to apologise. Sharing that she never intended to hurt women, the actor said that she's learned a lot from the incident.

Sonali wrote, “Dear all, I’m overwhelmed with the feedback I’m

Twinkle gets flowers from son Aarav

Actress-turnedauthor Twinkle Khanna is quite active on social media. On Monday, Twinkle offered a glimpse of her special gift sent by her son Aarav. On Sunday, Mother's Day was celebrated in the UK and to celebrate the occasion, Akshay Kumar's son sent flowers to Twinkle. She shared a video along with a funny caption. Sharing the video, Twinkle wrote, "Yesterday was all about flowers from my older one. Though I do believe that flowers on Mother's Day should come with a note that says, ‘Thank you for making it through my teenage years and I apologise for the white hair, frown lines and frayed neurons I have left behind'. What message would you write to your mom with your flowers?" Her fans were seen reacting to her question and dropping funny comments. A fan wrote, "Thank you for creating a spitting image of yourself in another human form." Another fan wrote, "Haha! Going to write this next time I give my mom flowers!"

Shardul Pandit's CAMEO

Actor Shardul Pandit, who plays a cameo role as Aadi in Yash and Mamta Patnaik’s Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, said that he loves how apt the title of the show is. The actor says that the show has a very unique and promising story.

“I mean that’s the actual feeling if one is in love with werewolves and vampires, to ghayal to honge hi ishq mein.

What’s unique about the show is that it’s on Colors and it’s a very

young concept. If you see abroad, all vampire shows are a hit with the youth, even the casting is unique,” he conveyed. Talking about his character, he expressed, “I am Aadi, who was in love with Kavya and who cares two hoots about her protectors Arman and Veer. He is obsessed with her. How can one relate to a guy who flies, has fangs and is 100 years old? I don’t relate to him, but I am an actor and I can act without relating to a werewolf!”

receiving. I would like to thank all of you, especially the entire press and media for the extremely mature conduct of connecting with me. Being a woman myself, my intention was not to hurt other women. I have extensively expressed myself time and again in support of us and what is it to be a woman. I’m grateful to all of you for reaching out to me personally to appreciate or criticize. Hope

we will be able to have a more open exchange of thoughts.”

“In my capacity, I am trying to think, support and share warmth not only with women but with the entire mankind. It will be only strengthening if we women with our vulnerabilities and wisdom shine through as fair and able beings. If we are inclusive and empathetic, we will be able to create a healthier, happier place to be,” she continued.

She also added, “Having said that, if unknowingly, I may have caused pain, I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for your patience and support. I have learned a lot from this incident.”

Sonali’s video has now gone viral on social media. She was criticised by Urofi Javed and Sona Mohapatra among others.

Sonali was last seen in the 2021 series Whistleblowers on SonyLiv.

Janhvi and Sara

Sara Ali Khan Twinkle’s post...

Amitabh Bachchan

Malaika Arora

Malaika and Arjun

Sonali Kulkarni