First India-Mumbai Edition-29th March 2023

‘MODI GOVT NEVER TOOK POPULIST DECISIONS, ENDED POL INSTABILITY’

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday during ASSOCHAM Annual Session 2023 said the Modi government never took populist decisions for vote bank politics but worked for the betterment of people and ensuring political stability in country. P5

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday extended the deadline for linking PAN card with Aadhaar to June 30, 2023 from March 31, 2023. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that the date for linking the PAN and Aadhaar has been extended to provide some more time to the taxpayers.

BOM LAWYERS BODY MOVES SC OVER DHANKHAR, RIJIJU REMARKS

Mumbai: The Bombay Lawyers Association on Tuesday moved SC against a HC decision dismissing its PIL against Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and VP Jagdeep Dhankhar for their remarks on judiciary and the collegium system for appointment of judges.

BJP leading India into the future: Modi

l BJP to organise special campaign to promote the central govt schemes

l BJP MPs laud PM Modi for leading them to score 3 big wins in NE States

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged the BJP leaders to be ready for a “strong fight” stating that the more the party rises and succeeds, the more will be attacks from the opposition. PM Modi attended the BJP parliamentary party meeting which took place in the Parliament complex. This was the first time

that this meeting has taken place in the ongoing second part of the session. The meeting began with the BJP MPs congratulating PM Modi for leading them to score 3 big wins in the recently concluded the Assembly elections in NE States. PM Modi was felicitated by the party leaders for the party’s win in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland where they have a coalition government.

YOGI GOVERNMENT BULLDOZES GANGSTERS

Beginning of for mafias in UP! THE END

Atiq Ahmed, 2 others get life imprisonment in 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case

Moni Sharma

Prayagraj: A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Tuesday convicted gangster-turnedpolitician Atiq Ahmed and two other accused in the 2006 kidnapping of Umesh Pal, the prime witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case.

The MP-MLA court sentenced Atiq Ahmed, Dinesh Pasi and Khan Saulat Hanif to life imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh. This is the first conviction for the jailed don. 7 others, including Ahmed’s brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf, were acquitted in the case.

SC dismissed Atiq’s plea seeking protection during his custody.

7 others, including Atiq’s brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf acquitted ABOUT THE UMESH KIDNAPPING CASE

After the killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, the then zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh was kidnapped on Feb 28, 2006. Umesh was gunned down outside his Prayagraj home on Feb 24, 2007.

Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf stand accused of being involved in a conspiracy.

Govt cancels licences of 18 pharma firms

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The govt on Tuesday cancelled the licences of 18 pharmaceutical companies for manufacturing of spurious medicines following an inspection by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 76 companies across 20 States. “Huge crackdown under way on pharma firms across India related to manufacturing of spurious medicines,” said sources.

The more, the BJP continues to taste success and rise, the more the attacks from the other side will increase. Have to be ready for a “strong fight”.

—Narendra

Will abide by...: RaGa on vacating govt bungalow

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday wrote to Mohit Rajan, deputy secy at LS secretariat, saying, “Thank you for your letter of March 27, 2023 regarding the cancellation of my accommodation at 12, Tughlaq Lane.” This comes a day after disqualified MP was asked by LS Housing Committee to vacate govt-allotted bungalow by April 22. Ra-

hul said he owes “happy memories of my time spent here” to mandate of the people. “Without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by details contained in your letter,” he added.

AMRUTA FADNAVIS BRIBERY CASE

First India Bureau Mumbai: Terming

Anil Jaisinghani was “the main instigator” in the case involving alleged attempts to blackmail and bribe

Amruta Fadnavis, the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, local police on Tuesday opposed a bail application filed

by the “bookie”. In a related development, Jaisinghani’s daughter Aniksha, a co-accused in the case, was released from Byculla women’s prison here following the bail granted to her by the sessions court on Monday. Evidence was being collected against Jaisinghani, his daughter and his cousin Nirmal Jaisinghani, the police told the court.

Anil Jaisinghani was arrested from Gu -

jarat last week along with his cousin Nirmal.

The duo are in judicial custody.

Anil had 17 cases registered against him in different parts of India and four of these cases were still pending against him, said the police’s written reply on his bail plea. He had been declared a fugitive, they added.

The court will hear the bail plea on March 31. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh police

Angry drunk man calls

First India Bureau Nagpur: A 23-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly calling in a fake bomb threat at the Nagpur home of Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, police said. The accused, a resident of Rama Nagar in Kamptee, under the influence of alcohol--and angry about power thefts in his locality-when he called the police control room around 2 am and said that a bomb had been planted outside Fadnavis’s house.

in

bomb hoax at Dy CM’s Nagpur house

and a thorough check was conducted inside and outside the premises, but no explosives were found, the senior official said. Fadnavis and his family are currently in Mumbai.

However, the caller abruptly disconnected the call, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said.

A police team with a bomb detection and disposal squad and dog squad were rushed to the deputy chief minister’s house near Trikoni Park in Dharampeth

According to police, the accused man’s neighbours had indulged in power theft but his relative was unable to steal electricity. When the man sought police action on the thefts, he was told to file a complaint with the power company, leaving him angry enough to call in a bomb hoax.

Anil Jaisinghani was main instigator in the crime: Mumbai police

has sought transit remand from the Mumbai court to take Anil Jaisinghani to MP in connection with a case registered in their state.

The MP police’s remand plea will be heard on Wednesday.

Anil Jaisinghani and his daughter have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections for conspiracy and extortion and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Aniksha Jaisinghani

was arrested on Mar 16 after the case was registered here on Feb 20 on a complaint by Amruta Fadnavis.

According to the complaint, she met Amruta Fadnavis for the first time in November 2021. She then requested the BJP leader’s wife to wear clothes and jewellery designed by her at public events saying it would help her promote the products, the complaint said.

After gaining Amruta’s trust, Aniksha al-

legedly offered to provide her with information on some bookies through which, she claimed, they could make money.

She then directly offered Amruta Rs 1 crore to get her father Anil Jaisinghani off the hook in a police case, police said.

Amruta Fadnavis told the police that when she blocked Aniksha’s number, being upset at such behaviour, the accused threatened her.

Cops oppose bail application filed by ‘bookie’

Modi, PM

PM Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda greet each other in presence of Union Ministers Amit Shah, Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari, S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman and others during BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, at Parliament House on Tuesday.

PM Narendra Modi with JP Nadda at inauguration of the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.), in New Delhi on Tuesday. P5

Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, brother Khalid & others being taken at MP-MLA Court amid heavy security in Prayagraj on Tuesday.

Jaisinghani’s daughter Aniksha, a co-accused in the case, was released from Byculla women’s prison after getting bail.

—PHOTO BY BHUSHAN KOYANDE

Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis

CRUCIAL READ

MOTORCYCLES AND PICKUP TRUCK COLLIDE; 4 DEAD

Pune: Four people, including two children, were killed and three others injured in the collision between a pickup truck and two motorcycles in the Pune district, police said on Tuesday. “A pickup truck coming from the opposite direction hit two motorcycles going in the direction of Ahmednagar near Alegaon. In the collision, four people riding the motorcycles including a man, a woman, and two children aged six and two years, respectively, were killed,” a police officer said.

FOUR CHAINSNATCHERS HELD IN THANE DISTRICT

Thane: Four members of a notorious chain-snatching gang were arrested by Mumbai police and stolen gold jewellery worth Rs5.15 lakh was seized in an operation from them in Ambivli village in Thane district of the state, police said on Tuesday. An official said the arrest would help crack multiple chain-snatching cases in the Kalyan region. The police have seized the stolen jewellery and have booked the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

3 AGRI DEPT OFFICERS HELD FOR DEMANDING BRIBE

Aurangabad: Three officers of the Maharashtra agriculture department and a contractual employee were nabbed by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from Aurangabad district for allegedly demanding a Rs24,500 bribe to sanction files of farmers, an official said on Tuesday. A dealer who supplied drip irrigation-related material to farmers under a state government scheme was allegedly asked to pay a bribe of Rs 700 per file by three officers posted in Khultabad taluka. The bribe money was accepted by a contractual employee at a hotel on Monday.

‘ Cannot tolerate insult to Savarkar? Then leave MVA ’

MAHARASHTRA BJP CHIEF TARGETS UDDHAV OVER RAHUL GANDHI’S COMMENTS

First India Bureau Nagpur: State unit chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday dared Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance if he were serious about not being able to tolerate insults to Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena and the Congress, along with the Nationalist Congress Party form the tripartite MVA.

Addressing a press conference here, Bawankule said the country can never forget the contribution of Savarkar.

The former Congress chief had said, “My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not apologize,” amid BJP demands that he apologize for allegedly insulting OBCs (Other Backward Classes) with his “Modi

Maha farmer union political wing to fly solo in 2024 polls

First India Bureau

Pune: Swabhimani

Shetkari Sanghatana

Uddhav Thackeray is just doing drama by saying the insult to Savarkar is unaccepta ble. Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Savarkar for the last three years. Meanwhile, (while he was CM), Thackeray was only concerned about his and his son’s ministerial posts.

—Chandrashekhar

Bawankule, Maha chief, BJP

surname remark” that saw him convicted for defamation and disqualified from the Lok Sabha. Predictably, this did not go down well with the BJP, who has since begun to use the issue to drive a wedge into the MVA--with some success, according to political watchers.

At a rally on Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray asked Gandhi to refrain from “insulting” his “idol” Savarkar--a move that the BJP has called eyewash.

Bawankule alleged said Shiv Sena founder, the late Balasaheb Thackeray never toler-

Threat calls to Gadkari: Nagpur cops take custody of suspected caller from Belagavi

Nagpur (PTI): Nagpur

Police on Tuesday arrested a murder case convict from jail in Belagavi in Karnataka in connection with the threat calls made to the office of Union minister Nitin Gadkari on two occasions, an official said. The convict, identified as Jayesh Pujari alias Jayesh Kantha, was taken into custody from the Hindalga jail and brought to Nag-

pur in a flight in the morning, a Nagpur police officer said.

Two cases are registered against Pujari at Dhantoli police station in the city. "He would be interrogated to understand his motive behind making the threat calls,” the officer said, adding Pujari would be produced in a local court in the afternoon.

A man who identified himself as Jayesh Pu-

jari allegedly made threatening phone calls to the public relations office of Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur on January 14, demanding a sum of Rs100 crore. The caller

reportedly claimed to be a member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

Again, On March 21, fresh calls were made to the office of Nagpur MP Gadkari, demanding Rs10 crore, and warned of harm if the money was not paid. The same person had made similar calls earlier, prompting increased security at Gadkari's home and office.

PROVE SAVARKAR APOLOGIZED, SAYS SAVARKAR’S GRANDSON

First India Bureau

Mumbai: The grandson of late Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar has sought action against Rahul Gandhi for his comments and also challenged the Congress leader to

prove he had apologised to the British.

Gandhi's "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone" remark has drawn fire from BJP.

Gandhi had made

said.

these remarks while addressing a press conference.

Calling the comments childish, Savarkar's grandson Ranjit Savarkar on Monday said, "Rahul Gandhi is saying he won't apologise as he

isn't Savarkar. I challenge him to show documents that prove Savarkar apologised".

"Using the names of patriots to promote politics is wrong and deplorable. Action must be taken," Savarkar said.

DEFAMATION CASE

ated insults to Savarkar but Uddhav is tolerating it every day.

“You say the insult to Savarkar is unacceptable. Then why aren’t you leaving MVA? I dare Uddhav to slap a photo of Rahul Gandhi on this issue,” the BJP leader said.

On Monday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde targeted Uddhav saying Bal Thackeray had launched a “joda mara abhiyaan” (hitting with slippers) in 2004 against the then Union minister and Congressman Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks against Savarkar.

founder and former MP Raju Shetti has decided to contest next year’s Lok Sabha elections. Other than his former constituency of Hatkhanagale in the state’s Kolhapur district, Shetti said his party would contest five other seats also in the state.

Shetti said the decision was taken after voters approached him regretting their decision not to vote for him in 2019.

Former MP Raju Shetti has announced that he will contest the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections from the Hatkhanagale constituency. Shetti, who had previously represented Hatkhanagale twice, was defeated in the 2019 elections by Dhairyasheel Mane from the undivided Shiv Sena by over a lakh votes. The decision to contest the upcoming elections was reportedly taken after voters approached Shetti, expressing regret for not voting for him in

the previous elections. Shetti's election campaign in the past had always been crowd-funded, and the division of votes in the last elections had hurt his chances. Following his defeat, Shetti had backed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, but his lone MLA, Devendra Bhuyar, was expelled from the party after the government's fall. Bhuyar has since expressed his support for the NCP and Ajit Pawar.

“Last time, due to various reasons, like my decision to join hands with the sugar millers or the largerthan-life image painted of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had swayed the voters. However, all of them now agree that they made a mistake,” he said.

Cops ban MNS functionary from sensitive Mumbra town

Thane (PTI): Police have prohibited the entry of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena functionary Avinash Jadhav in Mumbra township in Thane district, days after he demanded action from authorities against allegedly illegal dargahs and such structures situated at the foothills of Mumbradevi temple.

Following MNS chief Raj Thackeray's concerns about the proliferation of illegal structures belonging to a particular faith on March 22, Jadhav urged the Thane collector to take action against the illegal dargahs (shrines of Muslim saints) and a mosque located at the base of Mumbra.

The release stated that Jadhav had told the collector that a temple of Lord Hanuman will be constructed

Jadhav had warned that a temple will be constructed if no action is taken

near the place of worship if no action is taken. It also mentioned that political offenses have been registered against Jadhav in the limits of the Thane police commissionerate.

The prohibitory order was issued against Jadhav by Vilas Shinde, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kalva division, under section 144 of CrPc, citing possible law and order situation given Mumbra is (communally) sensitive and the month of Ramzan is underway. So, for security purposes as per the order, Jadhav's entry to Mumbra is prohibited between March 27 and April 9.

Delhi HC summons Sanjay Raut, Uddhav, Aditya Thackeray

Suit filed by Rahul Shewale questions ‘frivolous’ allegations that Shinde faction bought the Shiv Sena symbol for ` 2,000 crore

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued summons to Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, and party leader Sanjay Raut in a defamation suit filed by Eknath Shinde faction leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale. The suit claims that

Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut have made frivolous allegations of corruption, specifically that the rival faction of the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde bought the Shiv Sena symbol for Rs2,000 crore.

After hearing Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, who appeared for the

plaintiff, a single bench of Justice Prateek Jalan of the Delhi High Court admitted the suit and issued summons to Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray, directing

them to answer all material questions and file responses to interim applications.

While the plaintiff’s lawyer sought a court direction to pass an injunction order to re-

strain Raut and others from making any further defamatory allegations, the Court said that an order will be passed only after having the responses of the parties.

The matter is now posted for hearing on interim relief on April 17, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Court observed that as far as the institutions are concerned, the Election Commission’s shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this.

Like the courts, people say all kinds of things about the courts.

The bench also directed Google, Twitter, Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackray and Aaditya Thackray to file written statements/replies within 30 days on the suit.

Last month, a complaint was also filed against Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut in Nashik in connection with his alleged objectionable remarks against CM Shinde during a press conference.

According to the complaint, Raut had made a statement claiming that transactions worth Rs2,000 crore

“bow and arrow” poll His statement came days after the Election Commission allotted the “bow and arrow” symbol to the Shinde

Uddhav Thackeray

—FILE PHOTO

Aaditya Thackeray Sanjay Raut

Raju Shetti —FILE PHOTO

Avinash Jadhav —FILE PHOTO

Nitin Gadkari

“Using the names of patriots to promote politics is wrong,” Savarkar

‘Unacceptable to treat stray dogs with cruelty and hate’

HC asks housing society to resolve issues over stray-

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Noting that “persons of civil society” would never treat stray dogs cruelly, the Bombay High Court has asked a housing society to amicably resolve the issue of feeding spots for dogs with one of its residents.

A division bench of

Justices GS Kulkarni and RN Laddha on Tuesday gave the example of lawyers and judges who care for the many stray dogs and cats in the High Court building complex.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by one Paromita Purthan, who claims to be an ani-

mal lover taking care of 18 stray dogs in her society at Kandivali.

Purthan claimed she was not being permitted to feed the dogs and care for them, and that a designated area for feeding the dogs is not being provided.

On Monday, the court

IPS Daya Nayak moved from ATS to Mumbai police

First India Bureau

Mumbai: “Encounter specialist” Inspector Daya Nayak has been transferred from Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to the Mumbai police, officials said.

The order, which came on Monday, related to the transfer of Nayak and seven other Inspectors was issued by the Additional Director General (Establishment) of the Maharashtra police, an official said.

Besides Nayak, Inspectors Dnyaneshwar Wagh and Daulat Salve were also transferred to the Mumbai police from the ATS, he said.

During his stint in the ATS, Nayak was involved in the investigation of the 2021 murder of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiren, whose killing was linked to the recovery of an explosives-laden car from near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s house, Antilia, in Mumbai.

Though the probe in the Antilia bomb scare-

Rapist gets 10-year RI jail term, despite hostile victim

First India Bureau

We intend to sound a word of caution to the members of the managing committee and the other members of the society that to hate stray dogs and/or treat them with cruelty can never be an acceptable approach, from persons of civil society, as an act of cruelty to such animals would be against the Constitutional ethos and the statutory provisions.

Thane: Witness statements and medical evidence led to the conviction of a rapist here in Thane, after the rape survivor turned hostile in court.

District and sessions court judge Rachna Tehra, in her order which was passes on Monday and made available on Tuesday, sentenced the man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and also fined him Rs6,000 after finding him guilty of raping his niece, who was 18 years old at the time of the incident.

Inspectors

Dnyaneshwar Wagh and Daulat Salve were also transferred to the Mumbai police from the ATS

Hiren murder episode was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the ATS had collected evidence against policemen named as accused in the high-profile case.

Nayak, a 1995-batch police inspector, rose to fame as an extra-judicial “encounter specialist” in the 1990s—when underworld activities were at their peak in Mumbai.

remarked that the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 issued by the Union government puts an obligation on everyone from causing any cruelty and harassment to the animals, as

also to those, who intend to take care for these animals.

On Tuesday, after hearing that the housing society had not hired any bouncers as alleged in the plea, the court nevertheless directed the society management and the peti -

tioner to amicably resolve the issue and posted the matter for further hearing on April 06.

The bench said the petitioner can continue feeding the dogs at the society’s parking lot until a special feeding spot is designated.

As numbers rise, Mumbai’s pvt hosps reopen COVID-19 wards

First India Bureau Mumbai: Private hospitals in Mumbai are reopening their COVID-19 wards after a year-long lull, with a few admissions trickling in daily.

Some hospitals are increasing their masking and testing protocols in response to the surge in cases, while others remain on standby.

Maharashtra reported 397 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, with active cases in the state surpassing 2,000 for the first time since October.

Mumbai reported 123 new cases and 17 new admissions across hospitals, marking a significant increase in several months. Currently, the city has 43 patients admitted due to COVID-19, of which 21 are on oxygen support.

With this, hospitals in Mumbai are gearing up for a potential surge in cases. Lilavati Hospital has set up a 15-bed triage ward and ICU for Covid patients, while Bombay Hospital has prepared a 10-bed ward for potential admissions.

Dr Gautam Bhansali of Bombay Hospital re-

ported that although they have seen an increase in positive cases, no patients have required hospitalization thus far.

However, they do anticipate a need for beds if cases continue to rise. Hiranandani Hospital has been admitting one or two COVID-19 cases daily, but none have been critical, according to Dr Sujit Chatterjee, the hospital’s CEO. All hospitals have reinforced stringent protocols for healthcare workers, including masking, particularly for those in direct contact with patients.

BETTER SAFE...

The judge stated the prosecution has successfully proved all the charges—involving Sections 376 (Punishment for rape) and 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code.

Additional Public Prosecutor Vinit A Kulkarni told the court the woman, who is now

in her early 20s, was an orphan and had been staying at an orphanage in Mumbra town in Thane district before she was sent to her uncle’s house. The accused used to touch the complainant repeatedly and made unwanted sexual advances towards her. He repeatedly molested her and raped her in October 2019, when she was 18 years old. He also threatened her against disclosing the incident, the prosecution told the court.

The girl later confided in her friend and or-

15% water cut for a month from March 31, BMC announces

Mumbai (PTI): A 15% water cut will be implemented across Mumbai for 30 days from March 31 to fix a hole in a crucial supply tunnel, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release on Tuesday.

Water has been leaking from the tunnel after it was recently punctured in Thane while digging a borewell, BMC said.

Its Bhandup water complex, which takes care of 65% of the total water supplied to Mumbai, receives about 75% of its supply through this 15-km-long tunnel that has a diameter of 5,500mm, it added.

Court relied on witnesses and medical proof convict 42-yr-old of repeatedly raping his 18-yr-old niece

phanage officials of her ordeal, after which a case was lodged against the accused and he was arrested. While the woman turned hostile during the trial, the prosecution examined four witnesses, which the court deemed enough to convict the man and sentence him.

“This tunnel got punctured in Thane due to digging of a borewell and water is leaking on a large scale. It is necessary to isolate the tunnel completely for repairs and use an alternate transmission system for bringing water to Bhandup, during the repairs period,” the release said. BMC said that the water supply to Mumbai and its suburbs will get affected during the switching over of transmission systems and repairs. Therefore, it has decided to impose a water cut of up to 15%. It also appealed to citizens to use water judiciously.

New threat to Olive Ridley nesting site in Dabhol project backyard

turtles—swim many miles to lay their eggs on the pristine 6.5km Guhagar beach tucked away in a quiet stretch of the Konkan coast.

2 held for attempted extortion of builder

First India Bureau

Pune: Police have arrested two people who allegedly attempted to extort a local builder of Rs3 crore in the name of former mayor and BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol, police said on Tuesday.

Officials say the accused used caller ID spoofing technique to contact the builder on March 25 and gave the impression that they

Accused allegedly used spoofing tech to demand `3 crore in the name of former mayor and BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol

were calling on Mohol’s behalf.

Guhagar: Every year between October and March, dozens of female Olive Ridley turtles— the world’s smallest sea

Now, this little-known nesting site, close to the Dabhol power project, is under threat from a proposed road network of 12 metre roads along the beach. This has alarmed environmentalists and also Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who has ordered that the project be stopped immediately, according to activists and official letters.

Environmentalists

wrote to the state asking that the project, detailed in a Draft Development Plan published by the Guhagar Nagar Panchayat on February 09, be halted at once.

State Industries Minister (and district Guardian minister) Uday Samant then wrote to CM Shinde, saying the plan had not “considered the ecology and geographical situation of Guhagar town”.

The minister in the letter, said locals had complained that the proposed plan would “totally destroy the envi-

Uday

ronment and hugely harm the precious wildlife in the area”. He sought cancellation of the proposed development plan.

Taking note, Shinde asked his additional chief secretary for ur-

ban development to act immediately, officials said.

Environmentalist Bittu Sahgal expressed his shock at the road plan that could destroy the nesting site.

“I am shocked to hear that the Guhagar Nagar Panchayat has ignored an alternative alignment just a little east of the Guhagar beach and planned a broad tar road virtually touching the beach. Such a road will harm the endangered Olive Ridley turtles that come ashore to nest,” Sahgal, said. —PTI

“The accused used the call spoofing technique and used phone numbers belonging to Mohol and his relative to call the businessman, and demanded Rs3 crore for a programme of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha,” he said.

After receiving the complaint, the police laid a trap and arrested one of the accused, while the second accused was caught while accepting Rs10 lakh, the official said.

Mohol told reporters that the builder contacted him after receiving repeated calls from the accused. “I then approached the police,” the BJP leader said.

dog feeding with its resident

Ammar Zaidi

Daya Nayak IPS —FILE PHOTO

Earlier this month, two records were set on Ratnagiri’s Guhagar Beach: 200 Olive Ridley nests were conserved and 162 hatchlings released in one evening. —PHOTOS BY PTI

Minister

Samant informed CM Shinde that the plan had not ‘considered the town’s ecology’

CM has ordered immediate action to stop a road project planned close to the Guhagar beach

Murlidhar Mohol —FILE PHOTO

AND BATTERED FORM OF PLAYERS

TEAM INDIA STARES AT WORLD CUP

sies, it is also being discussed that Suryakumar Yadav’s (better known as SKY) power may have been eclipsed in ODIs of late, or is he a misfit at No. 4? There was also talk of shifting him to number 6 where he would play in a crunch situation which he is best suited for. However, that too didn’t work as he was shifted to number 5 at the third ODI at Chennai and he got out in a golden duck.

With the T20I star batter SKY failing to open his account in all the three recent ODI matches, analysts are wondering if the team management has frowned over the current situation in Team India.

IN-DEPTH

AFSPA REMOVED FROM THREE STATES IN THE NORTH-EAST

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been a contentious and sensitive issue in some of the northeastern states. Demands for removal of the harsh law have been persistent and long-standing. Nagaland, Assam and Manipur were placed under AFSPA during the height of the insurgency but, because of the Centre’s assessment, it remained in place much after the insurgency had been brought under control.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had previously stated that the NCA will work with IPL franchises to monitor the shortlisted Indian players participating in IPL 2023, keeping in mind the men’s Future Tours Programme and preparation for the ICC-World Cup 2023

If SKY was the most consistent player for the T20I format, the ODIs were no different, at least in the initial stages. In his first six ODI outings, he had two scores of fifty-plus with a 40 and a couple of unbeaten scores in the thirties. But since then, it has been a downhill for the 32-year-old who had registered scores in this order…9, 8, 4, 34 no, 6, 4, 31, 14, 0 and 0 in his last 10 ODIs!!! With Shreyas unavailable for the series, India decided to give SKY an extension in the ODI format.

With the ICC World Cup slated by the end of this year, Team India has a major headache as far as the fitness, availability and good form of players are concerned. The list of bad forms and injuries is quite long. Star batsman and steady wicketkeeper Rishab Pant was injured some time back and is, in all probability, not playing for the World Cup.

While analysing Team India’s prospects especially with the World Cup coming up, one must consider all points and every player. The best available must get to play. We must not ignore the fact that the Team India management had the option to choose Rajat Patidar but he was not considered for the Australia series. Also why did we not consider Sanju Samson, a batsman who in the 10 ODIs had the following scores of 46, 12, 54, 6 No., 43 No., 15, 86 No., 30 No., 2 No., 36, besides an average of 66 in 11 matches

As far as Shreyas Iyer is concerned, KKR issued a statement disclosing Nitish Rana as the new interim captain of KKR in the absence of Shreyas Iyer. The statement read, “While we are hopeful that Shreyas will recover and participate at some stage in the IPL 2023 edition, we feel fortunate that Nitish, with the captaincy experience of having led his stateside in whiteball cricket and the IPL experience he has had with KKR since 2018, will do a great job.”

KKR further stated, “We are also confident that under head coach Chandrakant Pandit and the support staff, he will get all the support needed

EPS WINS HC BATTLE, JOLT FOR BJP PLANS

off the field, and the highly experienced leaders in the squad will provide all support that Nitish may need on the field. We wish him the best in his new role and Shreyas a full and speedy recovery.”

Now, with Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Iyer currently undergoing rehabilitation after injury and the T20I great Suryakumar Yadav going through an extremely bad patch in the recently concluded ODI series against the Aussies, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had previously stated that the NCA will work with IPL franchises to monitor the shortlisted Indian players partici-

The legal battle for control of AIADMK has gone against O. Panneerselvam (OPS) after a single-judge Bench of the Madras High Court upheld the elevation of Edappadi K Palanisamy (EPS) to the all-important post of party’s general secretary, held earlier by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

OPS camp had challenged his expulsion from the party and the appointment of EPS as general secretary. The two strongmen of the AIADMK have been squabbling over Jayalalithaa’s political legacy. The issue may not yet have been resolved as the OPS camp was considering a challenge to the judgment before a two-judge Bench.

pating in IPL 2023, keeping in mind the men’s Future Tours Programme and preparation for the ICC-World Cup 2023. Meanwhile, Team India captain, Rohit Sharma, was asked whether players would take breaks during the IPL, he said it was up to the franchises and the players. If they feel they need a break, they can talk about it and take a break in one or two games. Speaking of the number 4 slot in India, which is a pivotal position, Suryakumar Yadav’s abysmal form has been the talk among the cricketing circles.

After a double duck in the ODI series against the Aus-

The legal battle for control of AIADMK has gone against O Panneerselvam (OPS) after a single-judge Bench of the Madras HC upheld the elevation of Edappadi K Palanisamy (EPS) to the all-important post of party’s general secretary, held earlier by former CM J Jayalalithaa

The AIADMK’s general council had appointed EPS, the former chief minister, as interim general secretary in July last year. In February this year, the Supreme Court left it to the high court to decide the legality of resolutions passed at last year’s general council but had up-

Even as SKY is struggling, captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid are known to give a long leash, especially to the struggling players. Remember what they did with KL Rahul?

While analysing Team India’s prospects especially with the World Cup coming up, one must consider all points and every player. The best available must get to play. We must not ignore the fact that the Team India management had the option to choose Rajat Patidar but he was not considered for the Australia series. Also why did we not consider Sanju Samson, a batsman who in the 10 ODIs had the following scores of 46, 12, 54, 6 No., 43 No., 15, 86 No., 30 No., 2 No., 36, besides an average of 66 in 11 matches. A knee injury (against Sri Lanka) had forced him out of the series against the New Zealanders at home, but if the SKY keeping failing so miserably, will the management come clean on the fact why they aren’t considering the Samson as there is no proper logic behind this move of Team India’s management, especially when the tournament is so far being considered to be played on the home turf.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

held the elevation of EPS as interim general-secretary.

After the high court’s judgment on Tuesday, EPS was reappointed as party chief amidst scenes of jubilation.

The decision of the court will make the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was being seen as supportive of OPS, to reconsider its moves in the southern state. The party had brokered truce between the warring AIADMK factions before the recent Erode East Assembly bypoll by supporting the EPS candidate. Earlier, BJP was seen to be backing the OPS camp and EPS’ elevation was seen as a setback for its plans to gain a foothold in state politics. After Tuesday’s verdict, BJP’s attempt to unite the two factions may have come a cropper.

The Centre’s decision to remove AFSPA from more police stations in the three states is a good balm to heal old wounds and win the people’s trust. The decision came two days after Assam and Meghalaya partly resolved their decadesold boundary dispute. Peace agreements with various insurgent groups have facilitated gradual withdrawal of AFSPA but regional and ethnic identities would require a fine balancing act. AFSPA was first revoked by the Left Front government in Tripura in 2015. Meghalaya followed later. With the latest order, Northeast is now ‘disputes free’. Last year, the prime minister had promised further revocation of AFSPA.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

TOP TWEETS

For the first time we are creating a system of ‘Professor of Practice’ in higher education. This is the way forward for future-proofing our education & skilling. PM @narendramodi’s resolve for 100% coverage of welfare schemes is a great example of design-thinking in governance.

Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp

The 233rd meeting of Central Board of Trustees, EPFO, has recommended 8.15 per cent as rate of interest on Employees’ Provident Fund deposits for 2022-23. Happy to share the interest rate of EPFO is higher than other comparable investments avenues available for subscribers.

ROBIN ROY

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

PM Modi fires back at Opposition parties , says ‘Won’ t bow down ’

New Delhi (Agencies):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.) in Delhi. Speaking at the inaugural event, he called the BJP the “most futuristic party of India” and recalled the “tireless and continuous journey”. He attacked Congress by raking up the issues of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Emergency, and corruption.

“India can never forget that black chapter of 1984. Congress got a historic mandate in those elections, it was an emotionally charged atmosphere. We were completely destroyed in that wave, but we were not demoralized and didn’t blame others,” Modi said in the event attended by BJP chief JP Nadda and other dignitaries.

On the new office building, PM Modi said it is an “expansion of the aspirations of BJP workers who are the soul of the party and its office.” He added, “The

‘BHRASHTACHARI BACHAO ABHIYAN’ BY OPPN: PM

New Delhi: Taking a jibe at the Opposition, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that all those who are deeply rooted in corruption have come together and are attacking constitutional institutions of the country. “When agencies take action

BJP is not the party that came from the TV screen or newspapers.

14 States, UTs facing boundary issues: Govt

New Delhi (ANI): The Central government on Tuesday said in Lok Sabha that there are boundary disputes arising out of the demarcation of boundaries and claims and counterclaims over territories between 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Union MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai said in a written reply, “There are boundary disputes arising out of demarcation of boundaries and claims and counter claims over territories between HaryanaHimachal Pradesh, UT of Ladakh-Himachal Pradesh, MaharashtraKarnataka, AssamArunachal Pradesh, Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Meghalaya, Assam-Mizoram.”

INDIA REPORTED 1,317 H3N2 CASES FROM JAN 1-MARCH 21, RS TOLD

New Delhi: India reported 1,317 cases of H3N2 from January 1 to March 21, according to information provided by states and Union Territories, Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

1,827 FCRA LICENCES CANCELLED IN LAST 5 YEARS: MoS HOME

New Delhi: Union MoS (Home Affairs) Nityanand Rai on Tuesday said in Lok Sabha that a total of 1,827 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration certificates have been cancelled in the last five years under section 14 of the Act. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Lok Sabha MP Kuwar Danish Ali had posed this query.

against those who are deeply rooted in corruption, they attack the agencies. When courts pronounce order, questions are being raised on the judicial system,” he added. PM also said that the action against corruption has brought all the “corrupt” people

Neither did it come from Twitter handles and YouTube channels.

BJP’s Ram Prasad

Paul is Tripura

Deputy Speaker

Agartala: Ruling BJP MLA and former Minister Ram Prasad Paul on Tuesday was elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Assembly. Paul was among the four ministers of the first BJP-led govt who did not find place in the second saffron party-led govt led by CM Manik Saha. Saha along with eight other legislators on March 8 assumed office as the cabinet ministers.

together. He added, “During Congress rule, our banks were looted and fled the country. All those deep in corruption are coming together on one stage. Some parties have started ‘Bhrashtachari Bachao Abhiyan’. We will not bow down by the false allegation.”

This BJP progressed on the basis of the hard work of its workers.”

AMIT SHAH AT ASSOCHAM SESSION

“Policies, law and order worth investing in J&K”

Recalling the journey of BJP, he said, “Journey began with two Lok Sabha seats is now at 303 seats. The BJP is the only pan-India party from East to West and from North to South. The BJP gives opportunity to the youth to progress… A few days from today, our party will celebrate its 44th foundation day. This journey is a tireless and continuous journey. This journey is the journey of the culmination of hard work. We fought against the Emergency. The BJP is the most futuristic party of India.”

Attacking Congress, he said BJP never blamed others for losses.

Attacking Opposition for questioning credibility of central agencies and courts, the Prime Minister said, “Credibility of our institutions are being questioned. People who are indulging in corruptions, when they are being investigated by agencies then agencies are being targeted.”

Fight not for RaGa but to save democracy: Maken

Jammu (PTI): The Congress’ campaign following Rahul Gandhi’s “hasty disqualification” from the Lok Sabha is meant to safeguard democracy and highlight corruption in the country, senior leader Ajay Maken said here on Tuesday. The former Union minister also reiterated the party’s demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe into the allegations against the

Adani Group.

“Look at the sequence of events, which culminated in the hasty disqualification of Gandhi — who raised serious questions on the links between (PM Narendra) Modi and Adani in Parliament,” Maken said.

New Delhi (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday while speaking at the industry body ASSOCHAM’s annual session stressed the fact that both policy interventions and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir are worth investing in, and asked industrialists to take note of it.

Both policy and law and order are worth investing in Jammu and Kashmir, you must pay attention to this, the country’s Home Minister Amit Shah said in response to a question to industrialists at the Assocham event. Shah said that both policy and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir are worth investing in and industrialists must pay attention to this.

“Industrialists should choose the region for investment according to their market strategy and keeping their business interest in mind.

Bhagwat to attend Sindhi community event in MP on 31

Dimple Sharma

Jaipur : RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be in Bhopal on March 31 and address a convention of the Sindhi community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present there on April

1. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda also visited Madhya Pradesh.

CENTRE SET UP ROBUST SYSTEM

SHAH

TO CHECK CYBER CRIMES:

New Delhi: The Modi government has created a robust system to handle cyber crimes where people can lodge online complaints that lead to registration of FIRs and prompt action, Union Home Minister

I have no issue wherever you invest as long as it benefits the country. But I must say that both policy and law and order are worth investing in Jammu and Kashmir, and you must consider this,” said Shah, in response to a query by

Amit Shah said on Tuesday. He said more than 20 lakh cyber crime complaints have been registered on the national cyber crime reporting portal so far on the basis of which 40,000 FIRs have been registered.

an industrialist. Shah also assured that India would become a USD five trillion economy by 2025, and he also expressed confidence that by December 2023, the 5G rollout will be fully completed across the country.

IN THE COURTYARD

SC NOTICE TO CENTRE ON PLEA BY CONG LEADER CHALLENGING PMLA’S SECTION 50

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea by Congress leader seeking to declare Section 50 and Section 63 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as ultra vires the Constitution. Section 50 gives ED power to summon an accused and record a statement, which is admissible evidence in court of law. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioner Govind Singh, a Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh, said that plea challenges Sections 50 and 63 of PMLA, and the matter is regarding an ECIR in which the person would not know in what capacity he is being called.

GYANVAPI MOSQUE: ALL PENDING SUITS MAY BE CLUBBED

KANJHAWALA CASE: DELHI COPS TOLD TO FILE CHARGE SHEET

Bengaluru (ANI): Former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that the BJP-ruled state of Karnataka’s “intention” behind scrapping 4 per cent OBC reservation for Muslims was to spark communal strife between Vokkaligas and Lingayats and the Muslim community.

“All these things are childish issues. With-

ROLLBACK OF MUSLIM QUOTA LIKELY TO TURN INTO CRISIS IN K’TAKA

out properly applying the mind, this government wanted to get votes from a certain community. But nothing will happen,” the JD-S leader said.

CONG CHIEF IN COMMAND

Bengaluru: Withdrawal of 4 per cent reservation for Muslim community by the ruling BJP government is likely to snowball into a crisis-situation in the poll-bound Karnataka. As the major political parties engage in a war of words over the issue, members of the Muslim community came out in the open on Tuesday to protest against the BJP government’s decision.

Bhagwat and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Bhopal on March 31. Representatives of Sindhi society from all over the world will participate in this event. Singh will be there for the two-day Tri Service Military Exercise organized here. The Chiefs of the three Services and the Prime Minister will also participate in the conference.Bhagwat’s visit to Bhopal is also considered important.

Three types of exhibitions will also be organized in this programme. The first will be of Sindh province in Pakistan.

Kharge gives a shocker with new appointments!

Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: Congress

chief Mallikarjun

Kharge is building his team and that new team will be a surprise, if not a shock, for everyone.

Because before the formation of the new team, the restlessness of the old leaders has started appearing inside the party. It is being told that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are not interfering in anything. The result of this is that the

old leaders of the party and especially the leaders loyal to the family have to do their own positioning. On the other hand, buoyed by Kharge becoming the president, a new team of leaders are eager to take over. So, the internal conflict has started and it is visible from the Parliament as well as outside.

However, it is not that Kharge is not working and taking care of the family. He is taking complete care of the senti-

ments of the family but the message has been created that he is working independently and Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are not interfering.

That’s why a controversy has arisen regarding

Pramod Tiwari. Kharge made him the deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha. The post was lying vacant after Anand Sharma’s tenure ended last year.

It is being told that two powerful general secretaries of the Congress had opposed the appointment of Pramod Tiwari as the deputy leader. But Kharge did not listen to anyone and made him the deputy leader under him.

Similarly, in the cur-

rent session of Parliament, Kharge went on a day-long tour of his home state Karnataka, where elections are due soon. He had given Pramod Tiwari the responsibility of coordinating with the opposition and holding a joint press conference. But a general secretary of the party wanted former Union Minister P Chidambaram to hold a press conference. He tried a lot for this but Tiwari was not ready as he was

adamant on complying with Kharge’s order.

Seeing his attitude, the General Secretary had to step back. Later, both remained absent from the joint press conference of Opposition.

Also, two new secretaries have been appointed in the Congress, about whom no one had any idea. After the appointment everyone in the All India Congress Committee office was asking about them but no one knew about them.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to list for hearing on April 21 a plea of the Hindu side seeking consolidation of all suits pending in Varanasi court pertaining to Gyanvapi Mosque-Kashi Vishwanath dispute. A bench said it will list the matter for hearing on April 21 when the other matter will come up for hearing. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain mentioned the matter before the bench saying the Varanasi court was not passing an order on the issue.

New Delhi: Delhi’s Rohini Court on Tuesday asked the Delhi police to file the charge sheet on the next date of hearing on April 1 in the Kanjhawala hit and drag case. Delhi police informed the court that the charge sheet is under scrutiny. This incident pertains to January 1, 2023. Metropolitan Magistrate Sanya Dalal extended the judicial custody of the five accused till April 1. The period of 90 days is going to expire on April 1.

SC TO HEAR PIL SEEKING TO BAN CONVICTS FROM FORMING, RUNNING POLITICAL PARTIES

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would hear in the first week of May a PIL seeking to restrain convicted persons from forming political parties and becoming their office-bearers for the period they are disqualified under election laws. A bench of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna deferred the matter after lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay mentioned it saying it be heard on April 5 or 6 as it was unlikely to be heard during the day. “What is the urgency? This can wait. This can come in the first week of May,” the bench said.

WHAT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT IS VIOLATED?

SC ASKS NCP LEADER

New Delhi: “What is the fundamental right that is violated?” the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked NCP leader Mohd Faizal who has filed a plea against the Lok Sabha Secretariat for not withdrawing a notification disqualifying him as an MP despite his conviction in an attempt-to-murder case being stayed by the Kerala High Court. A bench posed the question to the lawyer appearing for the NCP leader after he mentioned the matter saying it be heard on Wednesday.

PROBE ON AGAINST COP WHO PLUCKED PRISONERS’ TEETH

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) on Tuesday said that it has taken up a suo moto case against IPS officer Balveer Singh accused of torturing those in custody. There were allegations that the IPS officer who was working as ASP, Ambasamudram, in Thirunelveli district, had tortured those taken into custody for various cases including gang wars and other crimes, and plucked out their teeth with pliers.

“Karnataka govt’s intention is to provoke communal strife”

PM Narendra Modi with BJP National President JP Nadda interacts with workers during inauguration of the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.), in New Delhi on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

BUDGET SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

Amit Shah at ASSOCHAM session in New Delhi on Tuesday.

INDIA-AFRICA DEFENCE TIE-UP

India will continue to work with the African nations to promote regional security, stability & enhance defence capabilities, says Defence Minister Rajnath during 1st India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave in Pune

Pune (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance defence capabilities together.

Rajnath Singh was addressing the first edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave organised on the sidelines of the second Africa-India Joint Exercise ‘AFINDEX’ in Pune, Maharashtra on March 28, 2023. The conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations, along with other civil and defence dignitaries.

Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to providing support to African partner countries in all defencerelated matters, includ-

“Assam’s Vidhan Sabha & LS seats will remain same”

INDIA, AFRICAN NATIONS HAVE STRENGTHENED TIES: GEN PANDE

ing capability enhancement of their Armed Forces, to ensure their economic growth and social development.

He emphasised that the full potential of a nation’s progress can be realised only when its security is ensured.

“We believe that preservation of individual human rights such as the right to life and personal liberty, right to employment, right to

CRUCIAL READ

GOLD WORTH `65 LAKH SEIZED FROM TWO PASSENGERS AT HYDERABAD AIRPORT

Hyderabad: Customs officials seized gold worth Rs 65 lakh from two passengers who had come from Dubai at Hyderabad International Airport on Tuesday, said an official.On suspicion, Customs Air Intelligence officers intercepted one male passenger who reached airport by a flight from Dubai. During search three capsules of gold in paste form weighing 840 gm (approximately Rs 51.24 lakh value) was found concealed in rectum, a release from Customs said.

livelihood, etc. are dependent on a strong and effective state apparatus which can ensure the Rule of Law as well as promote economic growth and social development. Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment. Though many of us have come a long way since our independence, there are many African countries where the capacity building of state

systems is still a work in progress,” he said while emphasising the need to build robust state structures which can cater to the needs and aspirations of the people.

India has been at the forefront of providing training to the Armed Forces of African nations and equipping them with the necessary skills to face the security challenges of the 21st century.

HC rejects plea of OPS against EPS

Pune (ANI): Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Tuesday said, India and African nations have strengthened their ties based on a mutually beneficial relationship encompassing a number of spheres.“India and African nations have strengthened their ties based on a mutually beneficial relationship encompassing a number of spheres. One of the most important areas of cooperation has been in the field of defence and security where the two regions have been working together to promote peace and stability,” said Gen Pande at India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave. Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Army Chief further

said that India values Africa’s role in inspiring the freedom struggle. He said, “Over the centuries, India and Africa had shared a deep and abiding connection between each other. Dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation 2500 years ago when African merchants traded Pearl millet and sorghum for Indian oil and spices. India values Africa’s role in inspiring our freedom struggle.”

Guwahati (ANI):

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday said that the 126 assembly seats and 14 parliamentary seats in Assam would remain the same after the completion of the process of redrawing of boundaries of the constituencies in the State.

Addressing media in connection with the ongoing delimitation of constituencies, the CEC said, “We held discussions with nine recognised and State political

Second Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalized in Canada this month

parties and other organisations in the last two days. We also met around 60 civil groups and organisations. We will try to accommodate all suggestions of the political parties and organisations in the delimitation exercise”. He said those who participated in the exercise included TMC, BJP, CPI, CPI(M), NCP, Asom Gana Parishad, AIDUF, Bodoland People’s Front, United People’s Party Liberal, and three more registered parties.

Punjab CM hits out at Akal Takht Jathedar

BUS FALLS

INTO PIT IN KERALA DISTRICT, SEVERAL INJURED

Pathanamthitta: A bus carrying around 60 Sabarimala pilgrims, including children from Tamil Nadu fell into a deep pit in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday.Several people feared injured in the accident that took place near Nilakkal, according to the sources. The injured have been shifted to Pathanamthitta District hospital for treatment. Further details are awaited on the incident.

DOCTOR MOLESTS 4-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DELHI’S LOCALITY

New Delhi: Police has arrested a 56-year-old doctor for allegedly molesting a four-yearold girl at a clinic in northwest Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area, an official said on Tuesday.

According to police, the incident took place on Sunday when the girl’s mother took her daughter to the clinic in the locality after she complained of stomach pain.

MAN SHOOTS DEBTOR DEAD, INJURES

ANOTHER IN ANDHRA PRADESH DISTRICT

Amaravati: One person was killed and another injured when a man opened fire in Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Kadapa district on Tuesday, police said.The incident occurred in Pulivendula, the Assembly constituency of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Bharat Kumar Yadav, a sheep trader, opened fire from his firearm, killing Dilip and injuring Mahabub Basha.The incident is said to be linked to a dispute over some financial transaction between Yadav and Dilip.

SIKKIM REPORTS 6

NEW COVID-19 CASES, NO DEATH

Gangtok: Six more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim on Tuesday, the highest number of infections in a single day this year, taking the total number of Coronavirus cases to 44,344, a health bulletin said. Of the six new cases, three were reported from Pakyong district, two in East and one in the South district, it said.The state now has 12 active COVID-19 cases.

GURUGRAM WOMAN DUPED OF `1 LAKH BY A FRAUDSTER

Gangtok: A woman was allegedly duped of about Rs 1 lakh by a fraudster posing as her father’s friend, police said on Tuesday. In her complaint, victim Jyoti Gupta said the man claimed to know her father and managed to dupe her of Rs 99,945. She said the accused claimed that her father had asked her to transfer Rs 15,000 to him. In all, she transferred Rs 99,945 in multiple transactions.

SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY APPEALS PUBLIC NOT TO INVOLVE IN STONE PELTING ON TRAINS

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) on Tuesday appealed the public not to indulge in anti-social activities such as stone pelting on trains as instances of the same on trains including Vande Bharat Express took place across different locations. Some of the vulnerable sections (of stone pelting) have been Kazipet –Khammam, Kazipet – Bhongir and Eluru –Rajahmundry, a press release from SCR said adding in recent times, Vande Bharat trains were targeted by miscreants.

Chennai: The AIADMK on Tuesday announced that former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has been elected as general secretary of the party. The announcement was made by AIADMK election officials Pollachi V Jayaraman and former minister Natham R Viswanathan at the party headquarters in Royapettah, minutes after the Madras high court dismissed the petitions challenging the resolutions passed at the general council on July 11. An official release from the party headquarters said Palaniswami was unanimously elected by the party cadre as per party

bylaw – Rule 20A (2) -that mandated the election to the post of general secretary by the primary cadres of the party. Also, as per the Rule 20A (1a, b and c) that mandated the aspirant to the post of general secretary to remain a member of the party for ten years, minimum five years as headquarters functionary, and proposed and seconded by ten district secretaries each.

Toronto (PTI): Statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised at a university campus in Canada’s British Columbia province, days after another statue of the global peace icon was targeted in this country by Khalistan supporters.

In latest incident, the statue placed at Peace Square on Burnaby campus at Simon Fraser University was vandalised, the Consulate General of India said on Tuesday. “We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statue of the harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, @SFU Burnaby campus,” the Consulate said in a tweet. The incident comes after Khalistani supporters defaced and

“CLOSE TO CATCHING AMRITPAL”

Chandigarh: The Punjab govt told the high court on Tuesday that they were coordinating with several agencies and close to catching Amritpal Singh. The radical preacher, declared a fugitive by the govt, has been on the run since a police crackdown on him and his outfit — Waris Punjab De — began on March 18. Images and videos that emerged on social media have showed him changing his vehicles and appearance multiple times in a bid to dodge police.

spray-painted a Mahatma Gandhi statue near the City Hall in the town of Hamilton in Canada’s Ontario prov-

ince on March 23.

In last July too, a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Richmond Hill, Canada was vandalised.

NCPRC notice to WB DGP; report sought in 48 hrs

New Delhi (ANI): Taking cognisance of the incident where a minor girl was found dead in a jute bag in West Bengal’s Tiljala, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Tuesday said that they have sent a notice to the Director general of police (DGP) of the state.

As per the notice, the commission has asked for a factual report

within 48 hours over the death of a 7-year-old girl in Tiljala area.

As per police, the girl was missing since Sunday morning and her body was found inside a suitcase at a neighbour’s flat in the evening.

Police have arrested the accused, identified as Alok Kumar, a Bihar native.

“On Sunday we received a complaint about a 7-year-old girl

AIR TAXIS IN 4 YEARS

gone missing near PS Tiljala. During the search, the body of the girl was found inside a gunny bag in a house in an apartment complex.

Accused Alok Kumar was arrested immediately after. He has been remanded to police custody,” Subhankar Bhattacharya, DC, South East Division said.

Chandigarh (PTI): Punjab CM Bhagwant

Mann Tuesday hit out at Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh for “provoking” people through an ultimatum to the AAP govt to release all Sikh youths in a police action against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his aides.

He accused the Jathedar of favouring the Badals and said that the Badals had “used” several Jathedars for their “vested interests”.

The CM told the Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, that it would have been better had he issued the ultimatum in the sacrilege and missing ‘saroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib. Mann’s reaction came a day after the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh had given a 24-hour ultimatum to the AAP government to release all Sikh youths who were held during the police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his aides.

The Jathedar also condemned the state government for invoking the National Security Act against a few people during the police crackdown.

India on cusp of new revolution: Scindia

Bengaluru: Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said that India is on the “cusp of a new revolution” with air taxis set to become a reality in the next 4-5 years.

Scindia, who for the last two years is working to bring the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) ecosystem said the strong aviation network of India will be the foundation for the new urban air mobility revolution here.

The first step towards this was taken on Tuesday when US eVTOL major AIRO Groupthat is headed by Indian-American businessman Chirinjeev Kathuria - entered into a partnership with chopper operator FlyBlade India to launch eVTOL operations in India by 2027.

“Having an advanced air mobility conference in Bengaluru shows we are in the cusp of a revolution called technology in India. This will

be unlike any other revolution seen so far.

The concept of flying cars is now a reality,” Scindia, who has invit-

ed global eVTOL players to make in India for India and world said. The AIRO-FlyBlade India partnership an-

nounced in Bengaluru on Tuesday includes Blade India’s “intended acquisition of 150 Jaunt (part of AIRO) Journey aircraft, with an option to order another 100 aircraft to meet the projected demand over the next decade,” AIRO said in a statement.

“Jaunt Air Mobility, the electric air mobility division of AIRO, and its partnership with FlyBlade, demonstrates our company’s ability to capture both short-term and

long-term objectives creating a sustainable future for the people of India,” said Chirinjeev Kathuria, chairman and co-founder of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.

The companies will collaborate in critical areas to support future short-haul mobility operations including exploring development of key infrastructure capabilities in aircraft charging and energy distribution technologies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, and others released commemorative booklet on India Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave during the event, in Pune on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

CEC Rajiv Kumar addresses media regarding the delimitation exercise in Assam, in Guwahati on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

TILJALA MINOR MURDER CASE

Violent protests were held in Kolkata after death of a minor girl.

HMSI INTRODUCES LATEST VERSION OF ACTIVA125

FOR FY23

EPF INTEREST RATE FIXED AT 8.15%

New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India on Tuesday said it has launched latest version of its scooter Activa125 with upgraded engine priced at `78,920 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 2023 Activa125 now conforms to the stricter emission norms. The Indian auto industry is currently working to make products meet the second phase of BS-VI norms in real-time driving conditions. Automobiles will need more sophisticated equipment to meet the next level of emission standards. —PTI

GOLD DROPS BY `230/10 GM, SILVER DECLINES `380/KG

New Delhi (PTI): Retirement fund body EPFO on Tuesday marginally raised interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits to 8.15% for 2022-23 for its over six crore subscribers. In March 2022, EPFO had lowered the interest rate on EPF for 202122 to a four-decade low of 8.10% for its subscribers, from 8.5% in 2020-21.

The apex decision making body of EPFO, Central Board Trustees (CBT) headed by Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav, recommended 8.15% annual rate of interest to be credited on EPF accumulations in members' accounts for financial year 2022-23.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

New Delhi: Gold prices declined by `230 to `58,750 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at `58,980 per 10 grams.

Silver also declined by `380 to `69,700 per kg.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `58,750 per 10 grams, down `230 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. —PTI

74.86 LAKH TONNE

UREA IMPORTED TILL MARCH 24: GOVT

The interest rate would be officially notified in the government gazette after approval of Ministry of Finance, following which EPFO would credit the rate of interest into subscribers' accounts, it said.

The recommended rate of interest of 8.15% safeguards the surplus as well as guarantees increased

OTHER STORIES

PSU banks recover 14% of written-off loans in last 5 yrs: FM

New Delhi (PTI): Public sector banks could recover only 14% of the written-off loans worth ` 7.34 lakh crore in the last five years ending March 2022, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Of `7.34 lakh crore written-off loans, state-owned lenders recovered ` 1.03 lakh crore, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. So after recovery, net written-off stood at Rs 6.31 lakh crore in the last five years.

PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline extended

New Delhi: India has imported 74.86 lakh tonne of urea till March 24 and is set to register a yearon-year decline this fiscal.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwanth Khuba shared the details of the import of urea in the last five years. As per the data, the country has imported 74.86 lakh tonnes up to March 24 of the current financial year.

Urea imports stood at 91.36 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 fiscal, 98.28 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 91.23 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 and 74.81 lakh tonnes in 2018-19. —PTI

SEBI EASES FPIs

ONBOARDING PROCESS

z In March 2022, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had lowered the interest rate on EPF for 202122 to a four-decade low of 8.10% for its subscribers, from 8.5% in 2020-21

income to members, it stated adding that in fact, this rate of interest and the surplus of ` 663.91 crore are higher than the last year's.

According to EPFO’s income projection, the body

TOO EARLY TO PREDICT ANY DAMAGE TO WHEAT CROP BECAUSE OF HEAT STRESS: TOMAR

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday said it is too early to predict any damage to the wheat crop due to heat stress in February. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, “In the month of February 2023, though the maximum temperature was hovering around 32-33°C in most of the northern plains, it did not impact the wheat grain growth since the crop canopy temperature can be easily modulated by 2-3°C less than the air temperature by irrigation.” “In the current scenario, it is too early to predict any damage to the wheat crop due to heat stress,” Tomar said. —PTI

RELIANCE, TATA TO GET `14,000 CRORE SOLAR MODULE INCENTIVE

New Delhi: As many as 11 companies, including Indosol, Reliance and First Solar, have bagged solar photovoltaic manufacturing projects of a total 39,600 MW capacity under the second tranche of the productionlinked incentive scheme of the government. The government has allocated a total capacity of 39,600 MW of domestic Solar PV module manufacturing capacity to 11 companies, with a total outlay of `14,007 crore under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for HighEfficiency Solar PV Modules (Tranche-II), a power ministry statement said. —PTI

AI EXPRESS, AIRASIA INDIA MOVE TO UNIFIED RESERVATION SYSTEM

New Delhi: Air India Express and AirAsia India have moved to a unified reservation system, whereby passengers can make bookings for both airlines through an integrated website. The move is part of the ongoing process of merging AirAsia India with Air India Express. The combined entity will focus on leisure-oriented and price-sensitive markets. “Passengers are now able to make and manage bookings, and check-in to AirAsia India and Air India Express domestic and international flights, on an all-new integrated website airindiaexpress.Com,” the release said. —PTI

ACCORDING TO INDIA RATINGS

New Delhi: Markets regulator Sebi has simplified the procedural requirements for onboarding of Foreign Portfolio Investors in a bid to facilitate ease of doing business and to reduce the time taken for their registration. The regulator allowed designated depository participants to grant FPI registration on the basis of scanned copies of application forms and supporting documents, according to a circular issued on Monday. —PTI

z CBT recommended 8.15% annual rate of interest to be credited on EPF accumulations in members’ accounts for financial year 2022-23

z The recommended rate of interest of 8.15% safeguards the surplus and guarantees increased income to members

would have had a surplus of `112.78 crore on providing 8.20% interest rate on EPF for 2022-23. There would have been a deficit of `438.34 crore on providing 8.25% rate of interest.

87 coal mines auctioned in three years

New Delhi (PTI): The government has auctioned 87 coal mines in three years which after becoming operational will generate an estimated revenue of ` 33,200 crore and provide employment opportunities, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The government amended the mineral laws to open up the coal sector to provide a level-playing field to the public & private sector players and to permit auction of coal mines without any restriction on end use - coal from these mines can be utilized towards own consumption.

“Within a span of less than three years, six tranches of auctions have been concluded successfully and 87 coal mines have been auctioned. These mines are estimated to generate revenue of around ` 33,200 crores and to provide employment to three lakhs persons,” it said.

Replying to another question, the Finance Minister said non-performing assets (NPAs), including, those in respect of which full provisioning has been made on completion of four years, are removed from the balance-sheet of the bank concerned by way of write-off as per RBI guidelines and policy approved by bank boards.

New Delhi (PTI): The government on Tuesday extended the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar by three months to June 30 to enable people comply with the mandatory income tax provisions.

The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was ending on March 31. As per the income tax department, failure to link the two unique identities will lead to the unlinked PAN becoming inoperative.

There have been demands, including from political parties, for giving more time to people to link PAN with their unique 12-digit identification number Aadhaar.

“In order to provide some more time to the taxpayers, the date for linking PAN and Aadhaar has been

TOP TALKING POINTS

z The government on Tuesday extended the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar by three months to June 30 z The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was ending on March 31. As per the income tax department, failure to link the two unique identities will lead to the unlinked PAN becoming inoperative

extended to June 30, 2023, whereby persons can intimate their Aadhaar to the prescribed authority for Aadhaar-PAN linking without facing repercussions,” the finance ministry said in a statement.

Earlier also, the government had extended the deadline several times.

Markets close lower in volatile trade ahead of F&O expiry

Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended marginally lower in highly volatile trade on Tuesday as losses in IT and auto stocks were largely offset by gains in banking and oil shares amid mixed global trends.

The 30-share BSE Sensex ended 40.14 points or 0.07% lower at 57,613.72 as 19 of its stocks declined and 11 advanced. The index opened higher and further climbed 295.59 points or 0.51% to touch a high of 57,949.45. It, however, failed to hold onto the gains and fell to a low of 57,494.91 later.

The broader NSE Nifty closed lower by 34 points or 0.20% to finish at 16,951.70 after gyrating between 17,061.75 and 16,913.75.

As many as 32 Nifty stocks declined, 17 advanced and one closed unchanged. Adani Entertainment, Adani Ports, Tech Mahindra, HeroMotoCorp

HOUSING PRICES MAY RISE 5% IN 2023-24

New Delhi (PTI): Housing prices rose 8-10% in this fiscal year and may further increase by 5% in 2023-24, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said on Tuesday.

The rating agency has revised the outlook on the residential real estate sector to neutral from improving for FY24.

“The residential real estate market continued its upward trajectory in FY23 (sales growth of 15% yearon-year for top eight realestate clusters) despite pressure from higher input costs, increasing mortgage rates, and domestic and

global recession,” Ind-Ra said in a statement released on Tuesday. Recessionary and infla-

tionary pressures could impact near-term demand slightly, it said, but expected the market to absorb the

MAJOR FINDINGS

z India Ratings and Research expected the sales momentum to continue and housing sales to increase by 9% year-on-year, supported by a steady, healthy demand

z The rating agency has revised the outlook on the residential real estate sector to neutral from improving for FY24

pressure.

The agency believed demand would pick up eventually.

` GAINS 15 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.16 AGAINST US $

and Tata Motors were among major Nifty losers.

Among the Sensex firms, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, Wipro, Bajaj Finserv, HCL Technologies, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra and UltraTech Cement were the biggest laggards.

New Delhi (PTI): The rupee appreciated 15 paise to settle at 82.16 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.20 against the American currency and finally closed at 82.16 (provisional) against the greenback, registering a gain of 15 paise over its previous close of 82.31. During the session, the rupee touched a high of 82.16 and a low of 82.28 against the dollar. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.26% to 102.59. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures declined 0.42% to $77.79 per barrel.

ALL 10 ADANI STOCKS END LOWER FOR 2ND DAY, MCAP OF GROUP FIRMS ERODE BY `80,096.75 CR

New Delhi (PTI): Shares of all the ten listed firms of the Adani group ended lower for the second day in a row on Tuesday, with Adani Enterprises tumbling 7%. The stock of Adani Enterprises tanked 7.06%, the most among the group firms on BSE. Shares of Adani Ports slumped 5.66%, Adani Power fell 5%, Adani Transmission (5%), Adani Green Energy (5%), Adani Total Gas (5%) and Adani Wilmar (4.99%). The group firms have suffered a combined erosion of `80,096.75 crore from their market valuation in two days of decline.

‘Telecom sector’s financial health needs to improve’

New Delhi (PTI): The telecom industry’s financial health needs to improve if India’s dream of digital connectivity across the country has to be fulfilled, Bharti Enterprises ViceChairman Akhil Gupta said on Tuesday.

Very poor return on capital is a big hindrance in telecom development in India today and unless it changes, investments will dry up at some point or the other, he said.

The industry players need to work together so that the ARPU goes up to `300 in a phased manner in

the next few years.

“The big hindrance in telecom development in India today is the very poor return on capital, which this industry has, and at some point in time, that will have to change because otherwise, the investments will dry up,” Gupta said.

On

MANTRALAYA SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

1 woman dead, another serious

Maha sees 450 new nCoV cases, 3 deaths

Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 450 new cases of coronavirus that raised the tally of infections to 81,42,509 and three fatalities, an official from the state health department said.

The daily count of infections has doubled since Monday, when the state reported 205 cases.

With the addition of the latest casualties, the toll has reached 1,48,438, while the count of recoveries rose to 79,91,728 after 316 patients recovered in the 24 hours, the official said.

Shital Gadekar died at the ICU of the state-run JJ Hospital; Sangita Davare is still in a serious condition

First India Bureau

Mumbai: One woman who had consumed poison outside state government headquarters, Mantralaya, on Monday died at the ICU of the state-run JJ Hospital here on Tuesday, while another continues to be in a serious condition, officials said.

Dhule-resident Shital Gadekar, a resident of Dhule district, had come to the Mantralaya in connection with a dispute over a plot of land at Dhule MIDC industrial area. Sangita Davare, a resident of Navi Mumbai, was also visiting Mantralaya to seek justice in a different matter, officials said.

The two women knew each other and arrived at Mantralaya in the same cab on Monday. An activist who knew both of them had allegedly asked them to consume poison in order to get justice, an official said.

When both were seen consuming some suspected poisonous substance, police deployed on the gates of Mantralaya tried to stop them.

They were immediately rushed to the JJ Hospital. Gadekar, who was shifted to the ICU on Tuesday, died during the treatment while Davare's condition was serious, an official said, adding that the police are looking into the identity and

CRICKETER’S MISSING FATHER FOUND IN PUNE

First India Bureau

Pune: Kedar Jadhav’s 75-year-old father, Mahadev Jadhav, who went missing from their Pune home on Monday, has been reunited with his family.

“Mahadev Jadhav went missing after he left home for a morning walk. He left the gate of the housing complex and has not been seen since. A missing person case has been registered and efforts are on

to trace him,” the Alankar police station official had said, quoting the complaint, on Monday. The senior citizen, who suffers from dementia, was later located in the Mundhwa area. Senior Inspector Ajit Lakde of the Mundhwa police station confirmed that he was in a good condition.

Kedar is currently in Chennai preparing for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

role of the ‘activist’.

According to Gadekar, a plot owned by her husband was transferred in the name of another person by officials of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation with the help of bogus and forged documents in 2010.

She had been complaining about it at various levels since then, the official said.

Recently she had also warned of committing suicide if she did not get justice, he said.

In Davare's case, her husband, a police constable, lost his leg during a surgery, and she was demanding action against the doctor, he said.

According to the health department’s report, 10,787 swab samples were tested in the last 24 hours, taking the number of tests conducted across the state to 8,65,96,047.

Of the latest infections, Mumbai circle reported the highest 227, followed by Pune with 138, Kolhapur 25, Nashik 22, Nagpur and Akola with 17 cases each, and four from Latur. Kolhapur and Latur circles reported two and one casualty respectively, the report stated.

Mumbai city saw 135

new cases, taking its tally to 11,55,662, which includes 19,747 deaths.

With this, Maharashtra now has 2,343 active cases, of which 663 were from Mumbai district, followed by 605 cases in Pune and 429 in Thane district.

The recovery rate is at 98.15% and case fatality rate was 1.82%, the report stated.

Nashik: Former Maharashtra minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader on Tuesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier, he had contracted the viral infection when the pandemic was at its peak.

The NCP leader—who recently toured his assembly constituency of Yeola in Nashik district—took to Twitter to say he had developed a fever while returning to Nashik from Yeola. He underwent a COVID-19 test on Monday which came positive.

The NCP leader appealed to all those who had come in contact with him in the past few days to get tested

Court nod for letter of request to Nepal authorities

First India Bureau Mumbai: A local court on Tuesday allowed the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) plea seeking a letter of request to Nepalese authorities for an inquiry against three accused in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case.

A letter of request is sent by a court to a court/authority in another country for seeking assistance in investigation or prosecution.

The three accused against whom the request was sought are Santosh Shelar, Satish Mothukuri and Manish Soni. In its charge sheet, the NIA has claimed that the trio took shelter in Nepal when they were on run between March 09 and March 20, 2021.

On Tuesday, the agency moved the special NIA court seeking a letter of request, stating that it needs details and evidence regarding the

JUGALBANDI

stay of the three accused in Kathmandu after the murder of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiren, which

is linked to the case. The court ordered that a letter of request be sent to the competent authority in Nepal.

On February 25, 2021, an explosives-laden SUV was found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence 'Antilia' in south Mumbai. Hiren, who said he was in possession of the SUV before it was allegedly stolen, was found dead in a creek in neighbouring Thane on March 05, 2021.

Italian, Gond artists to highlight cultural dialogue

Mumbai (PTI): A dialogue between two cultures will be reflected on canvas in ARTISANS' gallery's show titled, "Karmabhoomi:

Possible Natures" by Italian artist-designer Andrea Anastasio and Gond artist Padma Shri Bhajju Shyam.

Curated by art enthusiast Biraj Patnaik, the show opens on March 29 and will continue till

April 08 at the Kala Ghoda-based gallery.

The show is a perfect complement to the Binary Codex retrospective of his works at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Anastasio said.

“If the jugalbandi' works with Bhajju at Binary Codex reflect the coming together of two cultures on a single can-

vas, Karmabhoomi' shows the common concerns and our shared

humanity, where two individual artists reverse the gaze on each other's

work, using nature as a metaphor both of harmony and the urban disconnect," he said.

Bhajju Shyam said, "My work seeks to create new idioms while taking the cosmology of the Gond peoples to a wider audience. I see the work with Andrea as a conversation between our cultures and perspectives and it is a privilege to be part of this show that shows our individual work in Karmabhoomi'." His work stems from

the Gond Pradaan tradition of interpreting the mythology of his people for a wider audience. His works in this show are rooted in his consciousness as a collective memory of the Gond people.

Anastasio's practice over the past four decades has been about interrogating the cultural depiction of reality and the manufacturing of the individualistic identities as disjointed entities from nature, which has become just another external dimension.

for the respiratory disease if they had symptoms like fever, breathing difficulties, runny nose and a sore throat. The ex-minister also urged citizens to wear a mask and use hand sanitisers. Nashik district on Tuesday reported 11 new cases, taking the overall infections in the district to 4,82,642, officials said.

‘Misconduct’ sees advocate suspended by Bar Assn for 2 yrs

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Bar Association of Maharashtra and Goa has suspended the licence of advocate Gunratan Sadavarte for two years after finding him guilty of misconduct, an official from the lawyers’ body said on Tuesday.

The association’s three-member disciplinary committee found Sadavarte guilty under section 35 of the Advocates Act, the official said. The committee was set up following a complaint claiming that Sadavarte had participated in a protest at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai wearing his advocates’ band which was in violation of the advocates ethics code.

“The license to practice issued by the BCMG (association) to respondent advocate Gunratan Sadavarte is hereby suspended for a period of two years from the date of the service of the order on him,” an email sent by the secretary of the association said.

The committee’s order is not available yet.

Probe launched after Gunratan Sadavarte allegedly violated advocates’ ethics code

Sadavarte had appeared in several matters in HC including those pertaining to the Maratha reservation and last year’s strike called by employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.

He is also accused of orchestrating a violent protest outside Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar’s residence in Mumbai.

Marine Drive is decked

Mantralaya

—FILE PHOTO

NCP’S BHUJBAL TESTS +VE FOR NCOV

❍ ANTILIA BOMB SCARE CASE

An explosives-laden SUV was found near Mukesh Ambani’s residence on February 25, 2021. —FILE PHOTO

SHWET Amalgamation of Purity & beauty

City First highlights some glimpses of the designer collection Fuchsia by Gaurav Gaur and Akanksha Bhalla, which was showcased at the Jaipur Couture Show, held at The Palace on March 13!

The three-day Jaipur Couture Show, presented by First In dia and Bharat24-Vision of New India organised at The Palace on Ajmer Highway on March 13.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the chief guest and appreciated Akanksha Bhalla for her magical collection. The brand ‘Fuchsia’ belongs to Gaurav Gaur and outfits are cu rated by Akanksha Bhalla. While describing her gorgeous collection, the talented supermodel turned designer said, “As we talk about the collection of Fuchsia, the name itself says cheerful and uplifting, dealing in bright and vibrant colours. As Fuchsia has completed its 10 years, we thought of bringing something new into the town and redesigned the old aesthetic of Chikankari. With this thought, we have made our collection by the name - 2023 for the first time, which consists of white bridal outfits to bridesmaids thing and along with it we have added Indo western touch to chi kankari which is an absolutely rare thought. Our unique hand crafted chikankari couture is now considered a must-have in a bridal trousseau, courtesy of In dian designers who revived the craft. ”

JAIPUR COUTURE SHOW 2023

“Chitrangada was our show stopper and loved the white colour theme and all the designs. She looked stunning and nailed the outfit. Our photography partner is Laxman Singh Sisodia from the Contour India group.” She added.

Various who’s who of the city in cluding Supermodels, Elite Miss Ra jasthan Winners, Models and Influ encers were present during the elec trifying fashion show.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

Akanksha Bhalla

Clockwise: Sheena, Rutvi, Astha, Nupur and Shrishti

Gaurav Guar with Chitrangada Singh

TAME YOUR SALT INTAKE WISELY TO LIVE A DISEASE-FREE LIFE

for insulin resistance and combine to reduce your blood pressure,”

Dr Arun Gupta, senior paediatrician and Convener of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi) -- a national think-tank on nutrition, told IANS.

IS SODIUM IN DIET

Eating too much salt can affect your overall health, warn experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to make ‘massive efforts to reduce people’s salt intake that can prevent the risk of heart problems, stroke and cancers.

In a first-of-its-kind global report on sodium intake reduction, the global health body noted that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.

The report shows that only 5 per cent of countries are protected by mandatory and com prehensive sodium re duction policies, while 73 per cent, includ ing India, lack the full range of implementa tion of such policies.

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

You love to live close to your family. Best day to buy gold and silver or any precious metal 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

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. You are a very grounded person.

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.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).

BAD FOR HEALTH?

Sodium is an essential nutrient, but eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate.

The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of fewer

Several studies have revealed that increased intake of salt in food items can raise the risk of premature death. Emerging evidence also links high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

IMPORTANCE OF LABELING THE SALT CONTENT IN FOODS

Dr Gupta and NAPi have been advocating that all pre-packaged food products should have front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) to indicate salt, sugar and saturated fat content to warn the public.

A FOPNL is regarded as the most effective policy solution which can inform consumers in an easy-to-understand manner about high levels of sugar, sodium and saturated fat that may be present and discourage the purchase of unhealthy packaged food.

“Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of death and disease globally and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a statement. Meanwhile, the WHO report also called on manufacturers to implement the WHO benchmarks for sodium content in food. Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective, it said, as they achieve broader coverage and safeguard against commercial interests while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers.

Source: https:// www.medindia.net/ news/tame-yoursalt-intake-wiselyto-live-a-diseasefree-life-210894-1. htm

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.

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. You are a God fearing person.

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. You are happy spending whole day at home. Help your mothers at home today and give them a reason to smile.

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

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

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

You are very generous by nature and also you are the backbone of your family. You may postpone your study plans. You are very fortunate to have a great friend circle. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. Your lover may finally say yes to get married to you.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You need a break from day to tensions and the way to cope up with stress is to meditate. You must create an environment of understanding at home. You will succeed in any sort of examination if you put your heart and soul to it. Promotion can be expected even if other are not.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Your spouse may make you spend more than you expected. Fantastic day for investing money in stock market as you can make fortune. You need help on academic front and you should not shy away from asking. You miss your parents a lot and somewhere fear to loose them.

Influencer

ADELINE DORCAS cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

of BEAUTY EPITOME

Popular diva Rubina Dilaik has been the talk of the town owing to her acting prowess

to entertain the audience. Along with this, her spectacular fashion sense is also admired by her fans. She never skips a chance

Rubina has left no stone unturned to impress the fashion police. In her new photos, the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 10 fame exudes charm as she poses in a stylish pink bodycon dress. The actress tied her hair into a messy bun and teamed up her outfit with a fancy watch. Fans and friends have showered their love on her photos.

Kareena looks radiant Alia returns to Mumbai

Kareena Kapoor Khan is a true fashionista and she always brings her A-game when it comes to fashion.

From glamorous looks on the red carpet to casual airport looks- Kareena rocks every outfit effortlessly and with great panache. Recently, she was spotted with a casual look as she stepped out into the city. She wore a black t-shirt, layered it with a matching blazer and paired it with baggy blue denim jeans. On Monday, Kareena went for a more

Deepika walks past Jason Derulo

Deepika Padukone has been serving some stunning airport looks in the last few weeks. The actress makes heads turn every time she is spotted by the paparazzi and never fails to make a statement with her fashion choices. She was clicked by the paparazzi early morning on Tuesday as she arrived at the Mumbai airport. She looked stunning in a bright orange and camouflage trench coat paired with a khaki green sweatshirt and track pants.

Video of Deepika making her way to the entrance gate of the airport surfaced on Instagram, and fans were quick to notice that she

walked past Jason Derulo in the video that has now gone viral.

The paparazzi kept clicking pictures of Deepika as she

Tuesday afternoon. The actress was spotted at the Mumbai airport.

The new mommy in town was seen flashing her million-dollar smile while posing for the paparazzi. In the pictures, she is seen sporting a white zipper and black trousers. Alia completed her look with gold hoop earrings and a clean ponytail. She surely looked all things chic in her casual attire too. Meanwhile, on Monday, Alia took to Instagram and offered glimpses of her London vacay. She shared adorable pictures with Ranbir and Shaheen.

‘I’M NOT A NEPO BABY’

Priyanka Chopra has some exciting projects in the pipeline, including the Russo Brothers’ Citadel, which also stars Richard Madden.

The actress has made a name for herself not just in Bollywood, but in

Hollywood as well! However, there was a time many years ago, when the actress’ Bollywood films didn’t perform well. She recently recalled that time and said that she was terrified that her films tanked at the box office and that her mom Madhu

Chopra suggested she should think about another revenue stream to sustain herself. Priyanka said that she isn’t a ‘nepo baby’ and that she was terrified post the failure of her films as she didn’t have the support that actors hailing from film families had.

Tamannaah's french toast recipe

amannaah Bhatia is a total foodie. She loves indulging in yummy dishes, be it South Indian, Pun jabi or desserts. However, she makes sure to keep her food healthy. And if you are somebody like Tamannaah who loves food but is scared of calories and weight gain, here's the perfect and delicious recipe for gluten-free french toast you should definite

For Tamannaah Bhatia's glu ten-free french toast, all the in gredients you need are 3-5 glutenfree bread slices, dried cranber ries, mixed nuts like pistachio, al monds, and walnuts, 2 eggs, 1 table spoon of cinnamon powder, 2 table spoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of oil and pepper, salt as per This recipe of Tamannaah Bhatia is a musttry as it's quick and easy to make and super delicious too.

Rubina Dilaik

Rubina donning a bodycon dress

Kareena in a stunning orange gown

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Priyanka Chopra

Deepika Padukone

Deepika at Mumbai International airport

Tamannaah Bhatia

Alia Bhatt at Mumbai International airport

RUPESH KASHYAP ON NOT GETTING ENOUGH CREDIT

that your son is also a poet because his poetry has been published in the magazine.

ASHISH TIWARI cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

upesh Kashyap who is a writer, poet and filmmaker by heart and creative director by training recently spoke to us about the story behind the advertisement that spawned the movie and raised his opinion on writers not getting enough limelight and credits for their work.

Speaking of his journey he stated, “So this is literally, taking me back almost like 2 decades. I was always interested in advertising and I was very clear that I wanted to study mass communication. I had already started writing for newspapers by then. So my articles and poetry that I used to write in Hindi used to get published. So this was something very fascinating to me especially when I was growing up. I ended up watching television. I used to spend a lot of time watching those ads, I was fascinated by them. And one day my father got to know that I write poetry. And one day the newspaper guy asked him I don’t know

A Mangalkaari Shurwaat!

CITY FIRST

On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Producer Bhushan Kumar and Director Om Raut sought blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi for the Adipurush campaign that begins from Ramnavmi, March 30. The magnum opus, one of the most anticipated films of 2023, that prepares for a worldwide release on June,16th, predominantly chronicles the story of Shri Ram and celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Remarking on the creation of the universe and the beginning of the world by Maa Dur-

ga, Chaitra Navratri holds immense significance in Hindu culture!

With this belief and Gulshan Kumar’s immense faith in Maa Vaishno Devi, the makers seek divine blessings for Adipurush.

The film revives a rich and historic Indian epic Ramayana in a magnificent manner starring Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Sunny Singh and Saif Ali Khan.

Adipurush, directed by Om Raut is produced by T- Series, Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar and Rajesh Nair of Retrophiles and will be released globally on June 16, 2023.

After which he introduced me to jingle. Can you write a jingle? And I said yes. For the first time in my life, I heard this word called jingle. I mean, as I said that I was interested in doing marketing and everything. When I got into mass communication in New Delhi, Jamaica, I was studying in China and was very close to entertainment in Seattle because I wanted to get into that medium. I started writing for a couple of television series. For D D 1 and D D 2 and I became a part of it. But somehow I felt that and it was all happening in Delhi somehow. It was going great but I felt like something that I wanted to express is not happening here. Maybe a limitation of the producer’s production houses or the people, you know or whatever subject they are choosing. And I had a friend of mine that was working with an agency and then I contacted him and he guided me. Advertising was always fascinating and after quite hard work I got my first job with an advertising agency. And immediately I understood that advertising was my calling and becoming part of it was the best thing. And I think it was the year 2000 during December and that time, I got into this advertising business industry. And since then. I never looked back. So this is a sort of journey that it has been.

He then talked about the film ‘Nanpakal Netharu Mayapakam’ which was made using his creative idea. He reveals not getting enough credit for it. He said, “So one thing I was

very clear when my name got published for the series that I had written as a scriptwriter and assistant director. People saw it and they felt elated. The one thing in advertising is a commercial, an industry where a copywriter is being paid for being a copywriter and not as a writer for a particular ad or a brand and that’s where your name will come with all the people who are making it happen. So sometimes what happens is that you know that senior people or all the people who are leading the business, will get the limelight and the guy that who has cracked the idea probably does not get that enough limelight. So in that sense, I got the credit for it, but it was not the way it should have happened. And honestly, lots of people used to ask the question, is it your story or is it somebody else? I didn’t feel discouraged and at times you also feel that in all these you should have done this or that. At least the name should have been given prominence. So yes, I felt a little discouraged. But it didn’t determine me to, you know like work on further indifferent, on ideas or anything. It didn’t because I was aware of the fact that it was a part in parcel of the industry that I am okay with now. Also when they might not be able to see the way I see things, so I took it positively. You know and then especially after 18 years it is coming back to me though, it’s not like industry people are not aware of it, but now it is in the public domain.

For the last couple of years, Rupesh has been building brands and has been fortunate to be part of top OTT brands.

Ram Charan’s splendid Birthday

CITY FIRST

Actor Ram Charan hosted a birthday bash in Hyderabad and several celebrities in the industry joined him and his family on the occasion. Ram Charan turned 38 on Monday. And indeed it was one grand party! SS Rajamouli, MM Keeravani, Nagarjuna and family Shobhana and Anil Kamineni, Allu Aravind, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Kajal Aggarwal, Adivi Sesh, Director Sukumar of Pushpa fame, K. K. Senthil Kumar, Vaishnav Tej and Vaidharam Tej and many more were seen entering Ram Charan’s birthday celebrations.

Ram Charan also had a

Gauri designs Karan’s BACHELOR PAD

Gauri Khan is the first name that springs to mind when her friends from the film industry

orous, fun and also a little over the top” and she catered to just that.

Sharing a post, Gauri Khan wrote in her caption: “Drawing inspiration from Karan Johar’s work that he creates with his unique eye for design... Here’s his newly designed bachelor

pre-birthday celebration with the team for his next film. On the sets of the film, he was surprised with a bash on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Ram Charan’s wife Upasana Konidela had dropped a short and sweet

note for him. She posted a couple of their mushy photos and called him her ‘bestie.’ She wrote, “Happy Happy Birthday Bestie @ alwaysramcharan.” The couple is currently expecting their first child. cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

INDIAN MASTERS T10 ANNOUNCED

CITY FIRST

The Inaugural Season

will see a fusion of India’s two biggest entertainment industries Cricket & Bollywood. The legendary retired stars of International Cricket Battle it out against each other in India and some franchisees are to be co-owned by A-listed celebrities.

The most iconic legends of international cricket players will be part of the revolutionary new tournament, The Indian Masters T10. The thrilling ten-over format matches will take place June 14, 2023 to June 28, 2023 and will consist of 19 matches spread across 12 game days.

The tournament will have six

franchisees with each team Co-owned by an A-list Bollywood celebrity along with a large corporate house.

After six momentous editions of the Abu Dhabi T10, T Ten Global Sports are thrilled to announce the Inaugural edition of, The Indian Masters T10. Former Indian cricket stars like Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pragyan Ojha, Mohammed Kaif and many other top international names like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Jacque Kallis, Eoin Morgan, Chris Gayle, Brett Lee are expected to take part in the 1st ever edition of the Indian Masters T10. cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya with family

Ram Charan with wife Upasana Konidela SS Rajamouli

Kajal Aggarwal with husband Gautam Kitchlu

Shaji Ul Mulk, Robin Uthappa, Mohammad Kaif and Rajiv Khanna

Rupesh Kashyap

Gauri Khan

Om Raut and Bhushan Kumar

Gauri Khan and Karan Johar