First India-Lucknow Edition-1 DECEMBER 202

CORONA CATASTROPHE UP

INDIA

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD, LUCKNOW & NEW DELHI

6,990

new cases

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LUCKNOW l WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00

RNI NO. UPENG/2020/80229 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 21

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new fatalities

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‘OMICRON’ COVID VARIANT

Centre issues new guidelines for international passengers New Delhi: Amid the rising concerns of the new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’, India has issued new guidelines for the international passengers arriving in India, after some countries reported cases of this variant.

According to an advisory issued by the Centre, the self-declaration board form on Air Suvidha Portal, which has the travel history of the last 14 days of all international passengers arriving in India, is filled completely before boarding.

“Separate holding area (while they are waiting for their RTPCR test results), maybe demarcated for the passengers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries in each airport, with proper amenities for passengers.

WINTER SESSION

OPPN PROTESTS, STAGES WALKOUT Naidu rejects revocation of suspension of 12 MPs

New Delhi: Opposition parties including Congress, DMK, RJD, Left and AAP on Tuesday staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after their demand to revoke the suspension of 12 MPs was rejected by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. Soon after the House assembled for the day, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge read a submission requesting the Rajya Sabha Chairman to revoke the suspension of 12 MPs from the House for the entire winter session. Kharge also pointed out that he was not allowed to raise a point of order and it is a gross violation of the rule.

However, the Chairman denied revoking the suspension, saying the House named all members on August 10 and requested them to help in the functioning Later the Congress, Left, RJD and AAP members stood on their seats and started sloganeering against the government.

As the Chairman continued the House proceedings and started Zero Hour, Congress leader Kharge said “we protest and walk out from the House”. Following this, the Opposition leaders held a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament.

The suspended MPs include six from Congress, two each from TMC and Shiv Sena and one each from CPM and CPI.

QUOTE UNQUOTE Why apologize?

To raise people’s issues in Parliament?

No, not at all!

We have boycotted the proceedings for remaining day in protest against suspension.

—Rahul Gandhi

—KC Venugopal

We have staged a walkout from Lok Sabha to support the 12 Opposition members of Rajya Sabha who have been suspended.

The action of suspension from the current winter session points at a ‘retrospective effect’. The government is using suspension as a “threat” to silence the Opposition —Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

OPPOSITION HOLDS MEET

SUSPENDED MPs WILL WRITE TO RS CHAIRMAN

New Delhi: Leaders of various Opposition parties will meet on Wednesday at 10 am in the office of Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out the strategy for the ongoing winter session of the Parliament. The leaders of Opposition met at Kharge’s office twice on Tuesday over the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha MPs.

BIRLA CALLS MEETING OF FLOOR LEADERS New Delhi: In an attempt to end the deadlock between the government and Opposition during the ongoing winter session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting of Floor leaders of all parties on Tuesday, which was attended by majority of leaders.

New Delhi: MHA extended validity of Covid containment measures till December 31 to curb further spread of the deadly disease, directing state governments to take proactive containment measures. The order, directs for rigorous screening and testing of all international arrivals.

—ANI

NO CASE OF OMICRON REPORTED IN INDIA SO FAR: MANSUKH MANDAVIYA

THOSE JABBED MAY HAVE ASYMPTOMATIC COVID INFECTIONS

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour on Tuesday, said that no cases of new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’ have been reported in the country, so far. We are immediately checking suspicious cases and conducting genome sequencing. We have learnt a lot during the COVID crisis. Today, we have a lot of resources and laboratories. We can manage any situation,” the minister said.

New Delhi: A proportion of the vaccinated individuals may still have mild or asymptomatic infections of COVID-19 deadly virus, Union MoS for Health Bharati Pawar warned on Tuesday.

Therefore, it is important to maintain COVID appropriate behaviour at all times, she stressed.

‘Waited for long’, SC to decide punishment for Vijay Mallya in Jan

The kind of indiscipline we saw in last Monsoon session was never seen before. One Opposition MP tried to vandalize an LED screen, few MPs attacked women marshals. It was important to take action to —Piyush Goyal maintain the dignity of the House.

Bitter experience of the last Monsoon Session still continues to haunt most of us.

I was expecting and waiting for the leading lights of House to take lead in expressing outrage over what happened in last Session. Such assurance would have helped me in handling the matter but unfortunately —Venkaiyah Naidu it will not be.

MHA EXTENDS CONTAINMENT MEASURES

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it has waited for sufficiently long, and the process to award punishment to Vijay Mallya in a contempt of court, in which he was held guilty in July 2017, must get over. The top court has scheduled the matter for disposal in January, where it will decide the quantum of punishment for him. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the

Vijay Mallya

Centre, submitted a note by the Ministry of External Affairs for the court’s consideration. A bench headed by Justice

Uttarakhand to repeal Char Dham Devasthanam Board Act

New Delhi: The suspended Opposition MPs are likely to write to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and argue against their suspension. Moreover, the suspended leaders will also stage a sit-in protest before the Gandhi statue in Parliament on Wednesday.

Lucknow: Ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government Tuesday announced the withdrawal of the controversial Char Dham Devasthanam Board Act. The state government had tabled the Uttarakhand Char Dham Shrine Management Act, 2019, in the state Assembly in December

PM MEETS WITH TOP MINs New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top ministers in Parliament to discuss strategy for the ongoing winter session. The meeting was joined by Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Narendra Singh Tomar, Pralhad Joshi, Piyush Goyal, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

Pushkar Singh Dhami

2019 amid protests within and outside the Vidhan Sabha.

Free smartphones, tablets from UP Govt from Dec 2nd week Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt is all set to start the free distribution of smartphones and tablets to students, as earlier announced

by CM Yogi Adityanath, from the second week of December.

A dedicated portal ‘DG Shakti’ has been created for this which will soon be launched by the Chief Minister.

Through this portal, distribution of smartphones and tablets and study content will be given to students. Apart from this, information

about smartphones and tablets will be given to the students from time to time on their mobile numbers and mail IDs. As a relief to students, they are not required to register anywhere to get free smartphones and tablets. The entire system, from registration to smartphone and tablet delivery, is free. The data of students is being given to universities by colleges and the data feeding is being done at university level itself. Till Monday, the data of about 27 lakh students had been uploaded on the portal.

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

CM Yogi addressing a ‘Samajik Pratinidhi Sammelan’ in Lucknow.

The biggest-ever tender, to the tune of ` 4700 crore, has been floated by the govt on the GeM portal for the purchase of smartphones and tablets. Many well-known companies have ten-

U.U. Lalit, citing the note, said that Mallya’s extradition proceedings have attained finality, as he has exhausted all avenues of appeal in the UK. However, certain confidential proceedings are going on and the UK has not disclosed the details of these proceedings. “Matter in terms of directions issued by this court in its 2017 order shall now be listed on 18 January 2022,” it said.

dered for smartphones and tablets and the tenders are in the stage of finalisation. Companies like Vishtel (Iris), Samsung (Vision) and Acer (Celkon) for tablets, Lava, Samsung (Celcon)

and Samsung (United) for smartphones have filed tenders.

Financial bids of eligible firms will be opened after technical scrutiny.

It is expected that the work order will be issued by the first week of December 2.5 lakh tablets and 5 lakh smartphones will have to be distributed in the first lot. The companies selected in the tender will have to supply at least 2.5 lakh tablets in the first lot.

The companies selected for the smartphone will have to supply at least five lakh smartphones in the first lot.

CM Dhami tweeted. “Considering the sentiments and interests of people, honour of priests and stakeholders and others associated with Char Dham and on the basis of the report of a high-level committee constituted under Manohar Kant Dhyani, the government has decided to repeal Devasthanam Board Act.”

PM Modi will inaugurate FinTech leadership forum on Dec 3

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a leadership forum on Financial Technology (FinTech) on Friday, December 3. It will bring together business leaders, policymakers and leading minds to find solutions in the fintech field for inclusive growth.

According to a statement by the government, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the forum at 10am via video conferencing. The agenda of the forum will focus on the theme of ‘Beyond’. Representatives of more than 70 countries are expected to take part in the forum.

CRUCIAL READ SENSEX DROPS 196 PTS; NIFTY SLIPS BELOW 17,000

Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex dropped 196 points on Tuesday, after rallying over 900 points, the 30-share BSE index surrendered all gains to settle 195.71 points or 0.34 per cent lower at 57,064.87. Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined 70.75 points or 0.41 per cent to close below the 17,000mark at 16,983.20.

MUMBAI COURT CANCELS WARRANT AGAINST TOP COP PARAM BIR SINGH Mumbai: Mumbai’s Esplanade Court on Tuesday cancelled the non-bailable warrant against former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in connection with the Marine Drive extortion case after he appeared before the court and filed an application for the same.

CBI COURT SENTENCES 5 YRS IMPRISONMENT

ADMIRAL R HARI KUMAR TAKES OVER AS NEW NAVY CHIEF

Bhopal: CBI special court in Gwalior sentenced a candidate to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a Vyapam scam case.

It was alleged that the accused Arvind Agnihotri had taken admission at Medical College in Gwalior using fraudulent means through PMT 2009.

New Delhi: Admiral R Hari Kumar on Tuesday took over as the new chief of Navy as Admiral Karambir Singh, who has been at the helm for two years, Admiral Kumar was the Western Naval Commander before taking over as the country’s 25th Chief of Naval Staff.

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LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

02

BUSY DAY FOR THE BJP

A meeting was held at the BJP’s state headquarters on Tuesday under the chairmanship of state president Swatantra Dev Singh in which BJP decided to take out 6 state-level Yatras which will pass through all 403 assembly constituencies. CM Yogi Adityanath, State in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma, Union Minister Harish Dwivedi, Vinod Sonkar, State General Secretary Organisation Sunil Bansal & Cabinet Minister Brajesh Pathak were present in the meeting. Legislative Council member Vidyasagar Sonkar has been made the State Yatra chief.

—PHOTOS BY SUMIT KUMAR

Former BSP MLA from Saharanpur Dehat Jagpal Singh was the most prominent face among several political leaders who joined the BJP on Tuesday in the presence of Dy CM Dinesh Sharma and BJP’s UP Joining Committee chairman Lazmikant Bajpai. Others who joined BJP included Chhathu Ram Ji Balia, Ajay Kumar, Rana Dinesh Pratap, RB Nishad, Shailendra Singh Pappu, Rahul Dev, Jogendra Singh Rathore, former Customs officer Nighat Khan, and Navneeta Patel.

—PHOTOS BY SUMIT KUMAR

WITH EYE ON ELECTIONS, BJP TO ROLL OUT 6 YATRAS FROM DEC 7 First India Bureau

Lucknow: It is ‘Yatra’ time in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh for the ruling BJP which has decided to embark on six yatras from different corners crisscrossing the state and covering all 403 assembly segments. The first yatra would start from December 7 next. All the yatras would be led by senior leaders including BJP national president J P Nadda, Union Home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh & others.

The decision was taken in the election steering committee of BJP held at the state party headquarters here in Lucknow on Tuesday.

CM Yogi Adityanath,

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan arrive to attend a meeting with BJP office-bearers in Varanasi.

—FILE PHOTO

who attended the meeting along with the central election in charge of UP and union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, announced that six yatras would be brought i out by the party from next month. Asper party sources, the yatras will be taken out from Awadh, Kaski, Gorakhpur, Brij.

Paschim & Bundelkhand region. Through these yatras, BJP will highlight the achievements of the Narendra Modi & Yogi Adityanath governments. Big public rallies would also be held during these yatras. In 2016, BJP had organised such Parivartan Yatras against the ruling Samajwadi Party

government in UP before the 2017 assembly polls.

CM Adityanath, who inaugurated the meeting of the BJP Assembly Election Steering Committee, said in 2017 assembly elections, the BJP had gone to the public describing the shortcomings of the opposition.

“But today the party has 5 years of achievements. This time also the organisation has made a detailed outline of its campaigning through its achievements. In this, it has been decided that six yatras will be taken out from 6 corners of the state. The target of these yatras is to reach the population of 25 crores in a given time,” he said.

Yogi s Speak

C

M said these yatras would end in Lucknow.

CM claimed that during his regime, a safe environment has been created in UP, while protecting the dignity of all faiths and religions. He said state government would be giving free double ration from December to March, 2022.

Protest against loudspeakers in Agra’s mosques First India Bureau Agra: With demands of removal of loudspeakers from mosques, the Yogi youth brigade took out a protest march near the MG road area. The protesters were handed over a memorandum of demand with details of mosques to district magistrate Prabhu N Singh. Ajay Tomar, president of the brigade said that even after orders from Allahabad High Court and state government, local administration failed to remove loudspeakers. He said that it increases noise pollution. Tomar said that loudspeakers were troubling students, devotees and other persons trying to find peace. The protesters raised slogans against the district administration.

CS holds 12th board meeting of NAIL First India Bureau Lucknow: Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari on Tuesday chaired the 12th board meeting of Noida International Airport Limited (NAIL) at Lok Bhavan during the progress made in the construction of the airport.

The status report of Noida International Greenfield Airport Jewar was presented to the Chief Secretary. The presentation which was given by the CEO stated that the Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, the SPV of the developer Zurich Airport, has submitted the development plan for the project & it is under review. He added that the boundary and levelling work of the airport has already been started by the company. The Chief

CS Rajendra Kumar Tiwari in the 12th board meeting.

Secretary was informed that site clearance by MoCA and no objection certificate by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Defense has already been issued whereas the environment clearance was already issued by the MoEFCC. The Chief Secretary was further informed that Forest Clearance, Security Clearance & Financial Consent & DGCA all given their go ahead for the construction of the airport & the airport will be constructed in 3 year’s time.

FIR on complaint of threat Yogi govt sacks exam controller of UPTET letter to Yogi from ‘Deoband’ UPTET PAPER LEAK

RV Singh, special secretary, Basic Education dept said that the govt has not appointed anyone yet at the place of Sanjay but the charge will be handed over soon

—PHOTO BY ANI



First India Bureau Lucknow: Taking stern action in the case of question paper of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) leaked on social media, Yogi government has suspended examination controller Sanjay Upadhyay.

RV Singh, special secretary, Basic Education department said that the government has not appointed anyone yet at the place of Sanjay but the charge will be handed over soon. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had in-

Candidates return from their exam centre as UP TET gets cancelled due to the question paper leak, in Lucknow on Sunday.

structed to take strict actions against the miscreants involved in the paper leak issue on November 28. Initial investigations revealed that Sanjay Upadhyay was

found irresponsible in maintaining tranquillity, proper arrangements for TET examination & was failed to maintain required privacy for examination. It was re-

ported that the state government will organise a re-examination of TET before December 28 & the preferable date would be December 26.

UP government faced severe criticism over this issue from opposition parties over this issue. More than 21 lakh candidates were scheduled for the TET examination across the state and the examination was scheduled at 2554 centres in the morning shift while 1754 centres were prepared for the second shift.

First India Bureau Lucknow: An FIR was registered at Alambagh Kotwali here on the complaint of Bharatiya Kisan Manch president Devendra Tewari that he had received a letter from Deoband in which the sender had threatened to kill him as well as CM Yogi Adityanath.

The name, address & mobile number of the sender was mentioned in the letter, which Tewari showed to the police. The name of the sender was mentioned

CM Yogi Adityanath

as Mohammad Azmal & the address as Deoband.

As per the letter, the sender had boasted that the police cannot harm him. He had also written that CM Yogi had security with him, otherwise he would have been murdered.

Similar

threat letters had also been reported to police earlier, which warned of attack on religious places of Hindus.

Police had registered FIRs on the evidence of such letters and investigations are underway.

In the letter that Tewari complained about, it was mentioned that Hindu leaders were targeting Muslims in the name of cow protection.

It was threatened that if Devendra Tewari will not stop raising his voice for cow protection, he will be killed.

UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

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03

CRUCIAL READ MINISTER ASHUTOSH TANDON LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR 44 DEVELOPMENT WORKS

Lucknow: Ashutosh Tandon, State Minister for Urban Development on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of various development works at Mahamana Malviya Vidyalaya in the presence of Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia and Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, Municipal Commissioner, LMC. On the occasion, the minister laid the foundation stone for 44 development works of Zone 3 and 7 approved under the 15th Finance Commission of the Municipal Corporation. In another event he laid the foundation stone for 26 projects for the improvement of the roads of LMC in Zone-4.

BODY OF ELDERLY WOMAN FOUND INSIDE FLAT

` 471-CRORE IN RELIEF FUND FOR FARMERS: SHAHI

Agra: The body of an elderly woman was found inside her flat in Chhata police station area here on Tuesday.

The woman’s brother told police he suspected murder. Usha Gupta, 65, lived alone in a flat in Jat Bagni. Her husband had died 10 years ago. On Tuesday, foul smell from inside the flat was detected, after which people of the building informed the police.

Lucknow: Providing adequate compensation to the farmers so that they recover from the loss owing to recent floods, the UP government has already released over Rs 471.77 crore in relief funds during the financial year 2021-22.

Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Tuesday said, “Farmers are on the state government’s priority on issues of development.”

Every third person in state fully vaxed

BSP chief Mayawati holding the marathon meeting of Muslim, Jat and OBC community office bearers on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY SUMIT KUMAR

Full protection to Muslims: Maya

Many senior Muslim leaders have left BSP Mayawati also lures Jats and Brahmins First India Bureau

Lucknow: The BSP president Mayawati today laid stress on protecting the interest of Muslim community in the state. Mayawati said during her 2007 regime the government had provided full protection to the Muslims in the state.

Talking to newsmen Mayawati, who had

called a meeting of OBC and Muslim leaders here on Tuesday to review the party preparations in 86 reserved constituencies, expressed concern over the problem being faced by the minority community.

Mayawati said the party had been assessing its preparedness in these seats, which are crucial in the formation of state government.

The BSP is increasing its focus on these reserved seats with its key strategy aimed at mobilising Dalits, Muslims, and a section of upper caste votes, especially Brahmins in these constituencies. While 84 seats are reserved for scheduled castes two

CENTRE IS IGNORING DEMAND FOR CASTE CENSUS

seats are for scheduled tribes in the state. Mayawati on Tuesday held marathon meetings with the leaders of these constituencies as there is a feeling that good performance in these seats could improve the for-

Cong for `4L to Covid victims, says RaGa was first to warn govt First India Bureau Covid-19 testing at Charbagh railway station on Tuesday.

First India Bureau Lucknow: Every third person in UP is fully vaccinated now.

The number of persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19 crossed the five-crore mark on Tuesday.

Three-quarters of adults have received at least one dose of a the vaccine while onethird of the eligible population is fully vaccinated now, setting a new milestone in the state’s fight against the pandemic.

Data also reveals that in Maharashtra 3.97 crore persons had

taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In terms of percentage, the state accounts for over 75 per cent of the adult population receiving at least one dose of vaccine, and over 33 per cent receiving both doses.

The number of vaccine doses administered against COVID-19 in the state has crossed the 16lakh mark on Monday which is not even the population of most of the states in the country. So far the state has administered more than 16.22 crore vaccine doses.

Lucknow: Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Aradhana Mishra assailed both Central and UP governments for failing to provide required assistance to the people during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The UP Congress demanded compensation of Rs four lakh to the kins of Covid-19 victims in the state.

Addressing press conference here on Tuesday Mishra said the Congress under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi at the national level and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi in UP had launched campaign to provide assistance to the people. She said even be-

Mayawati on Tuesday said the Centre was ignoring the demands for a caste census due to its “casteist mentality”. “BSP supports the demand of OBC community for caste census. Due to ‘jatiwadi mansikta’ (casteiest mentality), the Centre is ignoring the demand,” she said.Mayawati was talking to reporters after a review meeting of Muslims, Jat and OBC community office bearers of her party here for the reserved seats (86 out of 403 seats are reserved

tune of the party in the 2022 assembly elections.

Mayawati has already deployed the party’s Brahmin face general secretary SC Mishra to mobilise the community The party has already suffered major loss be-

PRIYANKA SLAMS UP GOVT Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday hit out at the UP government over the law and order situation, saying the BJP may paint a rosy picture but the factual crime statistics in the state are “scary”. Her attack on the Yogi dispensation came over a media report which claimed that there had been seven murders in seven days in Gorakhpur district. “BJP ki door been ke dhol suhavne hain, lekin asliyat mein UP mein apradh ke aankde daravne hain (BJP may be painting a rosy picture but in reality, the crime statistics in UP are scary),”she said.

fore outbreak of the pandemic Rahul Gandhi had warned the NDA government in February 2020 about the impending crisis. However then the

BJP had laughed it off.

She said that Congress was the only party which mobilised its infrastructure at the national level to help people.

cause of the defection of senior Muslim leaders like Nasimuddin Siddiquie, Shah Alam Guddi Jamali, and many others. Castigating the BJP government she said members of minority community were being

Lucknow: Stepping up preventive measures amid the cases of new ‘Omicron’ variant that have been found in other countries, the UP government as per the guidelines of the Centre has intensified screening and has strengthened surveillance across the state.

Upgrading its guard against the new variant of SARS CoV2 -B.1.1.529, which has been classified as a ‘Variant of Concern’ by the WHO, the state government has taken prompt action by putting the health teams

ORDER FOR GENOME SEQUENCING The CM has already asked officials to make special efforts to improve surveillance.

In another proactive move CM Yogi has instructed to make arrangements for genome sequencing of Covid samples.

in all the 75 districts on alert.

While there is no situation at present which warrants panic or worry, the government has put over 73,000 ‘surveillance committees’ on alert to ensure thorough screening and timely identification, isolation and treatment.

VSSD CAMPUS ON ALERT

Spotted three days back, elusive leopard still remains untraced 

Two dogs found dead on Tuesday led the forest team to believe that the leopard is hiding nearby and hunting at night

First India Bureau Kanpur: The youth of Nawabganj in Kanpur have been repeating the lines “Karo duo, na mile tendua” as a leopard which was spotted in the area 3 days ago has not been caught yet. The tense situation has the people of the deserted streets shut all their doors at night fall.

A wildlife team has been deployed and surveillance by drones is being carried out to nab the elusive leopard on the campus of VSSD College but to no avail.

On Tuesday, Dr Nasir of the zoo and the team of forest department combed the campus thoroughly and 10 infrared cameras were in the hopes of spotting the

Wildlife team on search of the leopard.

harassed by implicating them in fake cases. She said the government had been framing new laws to target them. She said the minority community was quite unhappy in the state. Apart from Muslims Mayawati also emphasised protecting the interests of the Jat community in West UP. She said if the party came to power her government would take care of Jats and Muslims.

Jat and Muslims as of now are main electoral bloc of the Rashtriyan Lok Dal (RLD) and SP alliance in the west UP. Pointing out that BSP has decided to go it alone in the elections, Mayawati said like 2007 her party would come to power.

UP readies action plan for ‘Omicron’ First India Bureau

Congress leader Aradhana Mishra at a press meet on Tuesday.

for SC) in the state. Attacking the UP government, she said, “Among religious minorities, Muslims are very upset in all matters with the state government. In this government their progress has stopped. In my government, their progress and security was ensured.”

She further alleged that Centre and “casteist” state government were making reservation ineffective by making new rules and laws and also taking support of courts.

leopard. The team have also put up two cages after a live goat kept in a cage as a bait near the chemistry hall was found dead of Tuesday but doctors who examined the goat said that the goat died of pneumonia from a cold and was not killed. The 10 infrared cameras installed on the campus are all motion sensing

cameras which get activated when even a slight movement is detected.

LS Kachwaha of the Forest Department said until evidence is found that the leopard escaped from the campus, search on the campus will be carried out. This said even after two days of search, no traces of leopard movement were found in and around.

Sahara India chief Subroto Roy

Case against Subroto Roy, family, officials for fraud First India Bureau Kanpur: An FIR was registered against Sahara chief Subrata Roy and 17 of his family members and group officials on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy at a police station in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.

The case was registered under Kakadeo police station on Sunday against Roy, wife Swapna Roy, sons Sushanto Rai and Shimanto Rai, daughters-in-law Chandni Roy and Richa, brother JB Roy, and senior members of the group.

The FIR alleged the accused launched several companies and societies and duped over 25 lakh people across the country, including over one lakh residents of Kanpur, totalling over Rs 25 lakh crore.

Promoted by First India News International Pvt. Ltd.

PERSPECTIVE LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

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IN TRIPURA CIVIC POLLS,

BJP EMERGES MATCHLESS

BUT TMC CRIES FOUL

04

IN-DEPTH

WHY ARE INDIANS CHUCKING THEIR NATIONALITY FOR FOREIGN SHORES

U

TMC which bagged the second-highest number of votes after the saffron party in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) managed to win a single seat in the Ambassa Municipal Council while the Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore-led TIPRA Motha etched victory in just 1 seat

ROBIN ROY

The writer is Senior Associate Editor, Free Press Journal, Mumbai and former Managing Editor, First India

E Trinamool, meanwhile got down with the usual business and the party’s supremo, Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday night held a closed-door meeting with her “all-India” strength including leaders inducted from places like Goa, Haryana and Meghalaya and the party maintained that TMC was the rightful opposition to the BJP-led Union government

ven as the civic polls were seen as a precursor to the Big Ticket Assembly polls in Tripura in 2023… and if that is true by any sense… The end result was largely tilted in favour of Biplab and Company.

Ending days of intense speculation and reports of “violence” in the state… results of the civic polls in Tripura showed that BJP was the most mandated party as it bagged a landslide victory winning all 14 urban bodies.

The elections were held on November 25. The saffron party made a clean sweep in 11 urban bodies, including Agartala Municipal Corporation.

Of the 222 seats in 14 urban bodies that went to the elections, BJP emerged winners in 217. The Left or rather the CPI(M) (to be precise), which won in all the urban bodies in the last civic body polls, managed to win in three seats across three urban bodies— Kailashahar and Ambassa

Municipal Councils and Panisagar Nagar panchayat.

TMC which bagged the second-highest number of votes after the saffron party in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) managed to win a single seat in the Ambassa Municipal Council while the Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore-led TIPRA Motha etched victory in just 1 seat.

Thus… for the first time, there’s “no” opposition in Agartala Municipal Corporation.

Polls were held for 14 of 20 urban local bodies in the state on November 25. Out of 324 municipal seats in the state, the BJP won 112 seats uncontested and was well ahead of others even before the contest began. The remaining 222 seats saw a stout 81.54 percent turnout of voters.

Claiming that BJP’s victory in the Tripura civic polls as an endorsement from voters in favor of “good governance”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “The people of Tripura have given a clear message – that they prefer politics of good governance. I would like to thank them for their unequivocal support to @BJP4Tripura. These blessings give us greater strength

to work for the welfare of each and every person in Tripura.”

However, Trinamool was in no mood to be subdued. Instead, TMC leader Rajib Bhattacharjee said, “Despite so much rigging, booths being looted, violence, false voting and attack on our supporters, the results show TMC could not be entirely stopped. BJP did scientific rigging during the polls. But even then, Trinamool got 24 per cent of the votes on an average across all the urban bodies. TMC received the second highest number of votes.”

Tripura TMC convener Subal Bhowmik said, “This was not an election where the government could change. It had a different dynamic. The results show that a TMC vote bank has been formed in Tripura and this will take us to victory in 2023.”

Soon after winning the crucial Assembly elections in May this year, TMC had literally “left home” to “acquire” greener vistas to add to its already “fertile” arena in Bengal.

And in its bid, the TMC successfully managed to eat into the Congress majorly in Goa and the Meghalaya and brought home the sons of the soil to their fold.

The party (TMC) raked up the violence issue in Tripura to an extent that its delegation rushed to the national capital to seek an appointment with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah days before the civic polls in Tripura.

It may be recalled that the matter had reached the Supreme Court and the apex court had also ordered additional forces to the state to maintain free and fair elections.

However, the Supreme Court on Monday, a day after the Tripura results were announced, sought the response of the Centre and the BJPruled Tripura government on a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe by a special investigation team (SIT) in the communal violence in Tripura.

A Bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and A S Bopanna posed the query on the PIL alleging that the state was hand-in-glove with the perpetrators.

Appearing for PIL petitioner Ehtesham Hashmi, advocate Prashant Bhushan alleged that the violence that took place in October targeted religious places, business establishments and houses belonging to a particular community.

Trinamool, meanwhile got down with the usual business and the party’s supremo, Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday night held a closed-door meeting with her “all-India” strength including leaders inducted from places like Goa, Haryana and Meghalaya and the party maintained that TMC was the rightful opposition to the BJP-led Union government.

As if Mission Tripura has been accomplished… at least for now. Didi, meanwhile, has grand plans and is all set to visit Mumbai now to meet NCP and Shiv Sena leaders.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

nion Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that 1,11,287 Indians gave up their citizenship till September 30 this year. Last year 85,248 Indians took the citizenship of other countries. The maximum outflow of citizens, I,44,017, was in 2019. The total number of Indians who gave up Indian nationality, the Minister informed the House, during the past five years was over six lakh.

These are besides the Indians already living abroad.

This is surprising as the emigration is taking place despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal against brain drain as he wants to make India aatmnirbhar (self-reliant). What is particularly significant is that those emigrating are taking the higher education route and better living conditions abroad motivates them to stay back. There may be many who leave the country with a sense of alienation and their reading of the country’s future. It is time to take corrective steps to stop this feeling of alienation from growing in the youth.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

—Matthew 6:19

TOP TWEETS Dr. S. Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar

Congratulations FM Dr. Jerome Xavier Walcott and the Government and people of Barbados on their Independence Day. Look forward to enhancing our warm and friendly ties as Barbados starts a new inning as a Republic.

Anand Mahindra @anandmahindra

OPPOSITION GETTING REDUNDANT

P

arliament is gradually becoming irrelevant. Debates are becoming rare as the government pushes through its agenda sans discussion. It happened when the farm laws were passed and it happened again when the laws were repealed.

Suspension is a convenient weapon in the hands of presiding officers to deal with Opposition members who want to be heard. The government argued that the Bill repealing the laws was passed with consensus whereas the Opposition demanded a discussion on the delay in withdrawal of the laws. Nothing of the sort

happened as the contentious Acts were rolled back.

It is unclear as to what is the way forward---will the minimum support price get statutory support or will it continue the way it is. Farmers, who sounded firm on a law guaranteeing the MSP, appear to have

reconciled with what the government has offered.

Opposition also became redundant after the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha members for the entire session. The Treasury side wants the suspended MPs to apologise for their unruly conduct which

they have refused to do. It led to a boycott of the House on Tuesday and with both sides adamant, the stalemate may continue.

The issue here is not the suspension of MPs or the subsequent boycott, the point to consider is the manner in

The Treasury side wants the suspended MPs to apologise for their unruly conduct which they have refused to do. It led to a boycott of the House on Tuesday and with both sides adamant, the stalemate may continue which discussion and debates are being done away within both the Houses of Parliament. The Bill to rollback farm laws was passed in 12 minutes! Where is the scope for peaceful and insightful debates if a bill is rushed through in this manner?

This is one pandemic that we are happy & proud to say originated in India. It’s the Indian CEO Virus… No vaccine against it.

Vol 2 l Issue No. 21 RNI NO. UPENG/2020/80229.

Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Amar Ujala Ltd. B-5 Amausi Industrial Area Kanpur Road Lucknow. Published at 98, Friend’’s Colony, Raheem Nagar, Dudouli Road, Madiyaon, Lucknow (UP).

Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra.

Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act l

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YET TO TAKE CALL ON CRYPTO ADS: NIRMALA The government will soon introduce a Bill in Parliament, says FinMin New Delhi: Terming cryptocurrency as a “risky area,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday in Rajya Sabha said that they are yet to take a call on advertisements around cryptocurrency.

The statement comes a day after she was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha that there was no proposal to recognise Bitcoin as a currency in the country.

“This is a risky area and not in a complete regulatory framework.

No decision was taken on banning its advertisements. Steps are taken to create awareness through RBI and SEBI. The government will soon introduce a Bill,” Sitharaman said during the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha.

The Finance Minister also said that regulation of Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is being discussed by the Centre.

NFTs can be any digital asset, be it a jpeg file or

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.

This is a risky area and not in a complete regulatory framework. No decision was taken on banning its advertisements.

—Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

GIF or even a digital music file. The hype in cryptocurrency has also resulted in a boom for the NFT market globally.

She also added that the risk that cryptocurrencies could lead to undesirable activities

is also being closely monitored. When asked

by MP Sushil Kumar about the steps taken to

Didi’s poll plan: Include

all, trust only Bengalis!

Mahesh Sharma Jaipur: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee’s ambition is to hold the reins of pan-India politics. For this, she is recruiting exhausted leaders from all across the country and sending them to the Rajya Sabha and other places.

The party is also spending its ‘resources’ on this work, but it seems that Mamata has no faith in the leader of any other state.

Her core politics appears to be reliant on Bengali leaders. Perhaps this is why, in whichever state she is going to contest elections, the charge of that place is being given to a Bengali leader whom Mamata trusts.

Her election strategist- Prashant Kishormay be from Bihar but she has to do all India politics with Bengali identity and Bengali leaders.

When she decided to contest the assembly elections in Goa, she broke Luizinho Flario of Congress into her party and sent him to the Rajya Sabha. But the charge of contesting the elections there was given to TMC MP Mohua Moitra. Just as she chose a Bengali leader to contest elections in Goa. In Haryana also she has made her par-

ty’s MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy in charge. There too, Ashok Tanwar of Congress has been broken and inducted into TMC, but Sukhendu Shekhar Roy of Bengal will remain state in charge. In Tripura, Mamata Banerjee is doing politics of Bengali vote, so she has entrusted the responsibility to her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. He has recruited leaders from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Haryana etc., but politics will be done only on the basis of Bengali leaders.

curb advertisements, Sitharaman added that “investors have been cautioned.”

On taxes collected on crypto trades, Sitharaman asserted, “Don’t have ready information about the amount of tax collected on cryptocurrencies.”

“Keeping the propriety of the House, any answer now will preempt the discussion which will come with Bill.

That discussion would be held,” she added.

Congress MP K Suresh slips in Parl corridor

New Delhi: Congress Loksabha MP K Suresh slipped in the Parliament corridor while coming out from LoP Mallikarjun Kharge’s office in the Rajya Sabha, after the meeting of Opposition parties on Tuesday.

Following the incident, the MP was provided first aid and then taken to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for further check-up.

Leaders from various Opposition parties held a meeting at Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge’s office at Parliament on Tuesday over the suspension of 12 Opposition members of the House.

‘NO DECISION YET TO PREPARE NRC’

‘OPS CONDUCTED TO NAB ASSAM INSURGENTS’

New Delhi: Replying to a question, Union MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Tuesday said that till now, the government has not taken any decision to prepare the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) at the national level. Rai said as far as Assam is concerned, on SC directions, the hard copies of the supplementary list of inclusions and online family-wise list of exclusions in NRC have been published on August 31, 2019.

New Delhi: An extensive operation was conducted in the surrounding areas of Manipur by the Security Forces to nab the insurgents involved in the recent terror attack on the Assam Rifles convoy on November 13, informed the MHA in a written reply in LS on Tuesday. In a written reply to whether the Govt intelligence reveals any kind of involvement of foreign hand in the insurgent attacks in North-east, the ministry said, “There is no specific information indicating any such involvement in the attack.”

NO CASTE-BASED CENSUS OTHER THAN SCS, STS SINCE INDEPENDENCE New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday said that it has not enumerated caste-wise population other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the census since independence. Rai said castes and tribes, which are specifically notified as SCs and STs, are enumerated in the decadal Census.

Channi fears me, tried to backstab: Amarinder Singh Not an efficient leader, says ex-Punjab CM New Delhi: Punjab’s former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has criticised his successor Charanjit Singh Channi as someone who “tried to backstab me”.

Amarinder Singh, who broke away from the Congress to form his own party, said Mr Channi is not an efficient leader and “fears me”.

Amarinder Singh resigned as Chief Minister late last month after a tumultuous series of events in the Punjab Congress that prompted him to mince no words in criticising party chief Sonia Gandhi.

“Channi can say whatever he likes to, he fears me. He tried to stab me in the back to become the Chief Minister,” Amarinder Singh told media today.

Bill to amend HC judges Act in LS New Delhi: A bill that seeks to bring clarity concerning date of eligibility of additional quantum of pension to a retired judge was introduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021.

The bill seeks to amend

High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act and The Supreme Court Judges

05

(Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act. The bill proposes to insert an explanation in section 17B of the High Court Judges Act and in section 16B of the Supreme Court Judges Act to clarify the intention of the government.

The bill was introduced amid protest by oppositon members over their various demands.

—ANI

“He (Mr Channi) is not doing his job. He is touring the state. I have dealt with at least 14 general secretaries. This man (Harish Chaudhary) has been sitting in very meeting where he has no right to be in. He is running the Punjab government, not Channi,” the former chief minister said.

“I am against the very word Dalit Chief Minister. He is a capable boy. Whether he is good administrator or not time will tell. I think India should grow out of this thing if a person is Dalit or Jat, etc,” Amarinder Singh said, referring to the Congress appointing the state’s first Dalit Sikh Chief Minister.

TMC skips Oppn meet for 2nd consecutive day New Delhi: Trinamool Congress on Tuesday skipped the meeting of Leaders of Opposition for the second consecutive day during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament. The meeting was attended by leaders of 16 parties including Congress, Shiv Sena and Aam Aadmi Party.

PLEA TO RECOGNISE MARRIAGE

SAME SEX COUPLES SEEK

PROCEEDINGS’ LIVE STREAMING New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed the Centre to respond to a plea by LGBTQ couples who are seeking live streaming of proceedings on a batch of petitions to recognise same-sex marriages under the special, Hindu and foreign marriage laws on the ground that the mat-

ter is of great national and Constitutional importance.

The high court also issued notices on three more fresh petitions by same-sex couples seeking recognition of their marriages, taking the total number of such pleas to eight.

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Jus-

tice Jyoti Singh granted time to the Centre’s counsel to take instructions on the matter and file replies on the three

fresh petitions and the application for live streaming of proceedings. It listed the matter for hearing on Feb 3.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by several samesex couples, seeking a declaration recognising their marriages under the special, Hindu & foreign marriage laws.

RESURGENCE!

WILL ‘OMICRON ECLIPSE’ MAR 5 ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS? 

The speed with which it has traveled from South Africa and Botswana to Hong Kong, Israel and several European countries is certainly a matter of concern

Anita Hada Jaipur: In the hotlycontested assembly elections of West Bengal few months back, bypassing all logic, the Election Commission had conducted the polls in eight phases in the midst of the dreaded second wave of Corona virus.

Many political parties kept demanding that in view of the increasing number of infected, the election

should be ended soon, but the commission did everything according to the schedule. The commission has also started preparations for the assembly elections of five states to be held next year and has said that everything will be according to the schedule.

Therefore, there should not be any doubt about the election schedule.

But in the meantime, a new variant of the corona virus, Omicron, has resurfaced and the

whole world is in panic due to it. It is being said about Omicron that it spreads at six to seven times faster than Delta

and no dose of vaccine is affecting it.

Although more studies are being done about it, but one figure

is that till now the delta variant, which created havoc, took a hundred days to spread, but Omicron spreads in just 15 days. The speed with which it has traveled from South Africa and Botswana to Hong Kong, Israel and several European countries is certainly a matter of concern.

Meanwhile, the havoc of Delta continues and the whole world is in its grip. Many countries across Europe,

America and Asia are also facing the third wave of Corona. Only then there is a fear that the third wave may not start in India as well.

Although the third wave may not be as frightening as the first two, the Election Commission should start preparations to avoid it.

Keep in mind that cases have increased after festivals in many states. Right now, campaigns and election rallies of parties have

started in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa etc. It is true that the Election Commission has not announced the election yet, so it has no legal role to play.

Nevertheless, the Commission should take initiative in coordination with the Central and State Governments and for this some initiative must be taken so that the corona explosion does not happen due to the pre-poll rallies.

INDIA LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

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‘OMICRON’ STIRS THE NATION...

1 Centre reviews preparedness 2 Centre advises States to ramp to deal with new variant up testing for early detection

New Delhi: Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan chaired a highlevel meeting on Tuesday with officials from States and Union Territories to review Covid public health response measures and preparedness amid reports of Omicron variant of Covid in various countries.

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 does not escape the RTPCR test and Rapid Antigen Test, the government said on Tuesday while urging states and union territories to ramp up testing and surveillance of international passengers.

—PTI

States were advised to ramp up testing for prompt and early identification of any cases and target/ prioritized testing of passengers from countries not “atrisk”, as part of the ramped-up testing by the states. Continued need for further vaccination coverage, adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour and need to avoid mass gatherings was stressed upon.

—Balram Bhargava, ICMR, DG

PUNE SCHOOLS TO REMAIN SHUT TILL DEC 15 Pune: Reopening of schools for Standard 1 to 7 has been postponed till December 15 in view of Omicron variant of COVID-19 spread in parts of the world, according to the Pune Municipal Corporation.

In an official order, the corporation informed that further decisions in matter will be taken after reviewing the situation after December 15. Earlier state government had announced to reopen schools from December 1.

—ANI

‘HAR GHAR DASTAK’ VAX DRIVE TILL DEC 31 New Delhi: The ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ or doorto-door vaccination campaign against coronavirus disease launched by the central government earlier this month, will be continued till December 31, news agency ANI reported.The drive has been extended with a focus on achieving 100 per cent first-dose Covid-19 vaccination coverage, and also completing the backlog of the second dose, it further said.

—ANI

Covovax jab for kids by Feb 2022: Poonawalla New Delhi: Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla said his company has spent over Rs 10,000 crore on the production and distribution of Covishield vaccine and added that handling public scrutiny and accountability was one of the biggest challenges for him. He also said Covovax, another Covid-19 vaccine being manufactured by his company, was chosen for multiple reasons for children and is likely to be approved by February next year.

He further said, “We bet on the partnership we had with AstraZen-

STALWARTS MEET

“We have submitted data to the WHO for Covovax. We chose Covovax for multiple reasons as the vaccine for children. Vaccine stocks are no more a hindrance. We have over a month’s stock. By February, we should have approval for Covovax for children as young as 2-3 years. The execution was the hardest part from Capex to retail. We have spent more than 10,000 crores on the production and distribution of Covishield. We had to return about $200 million to countries who we couldn’t supply due to export restrictions have been taking to some funds off the record.”

—Adar Poonawalla, SII CEO

eca. We had absolutely no idea which vaccine would work. We have seen scale-up issues

with other manufacturers. It has worked out well for us with AstraZeneca-Oxford. We are

talking to a few companies for fill and finish.

Fill-finish can be done with several partners.

Covovax could be filled at Biocon or our facility.” He added, “The government has placed orders for 200 million doses per month till December for Covishield. By October-end, we should be able to see some exports to resume.

We are waiting for directions from the government in light of existing stocks.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India will resume export of surplus vaccines next month under ‘Vaccine Maitri’ program, but vaccinating its own citizens remains govt’s top priority. —Agencies

Old Tweet: Netizens slam new Twitter CEO New Delhi: Parag Agrawal, who has taken over the reins of Twitter after resignation of Jack Dorsey, is being trolled over one his old tweets, which the users claim portrays him as a racist. But Agrawal has shut those targeting him, including some Republicans in the United States.

The tweet at the cen-

tre of the controversy was posted by Agrawal in 2010, when he was not even an employee of Twitter. It quoted a comedian mocking rac-

ism and Islamophobia in America.

As news of Agrawal’s appointment as new CEO of Twitter broke out, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted,“USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!” . Meanwhile, Agrawal stated that he hopes to extend the social networking site’s reach under his tenure.

—PTI

Parag Agrawal @paraga “Deep gratitude for @ jack and our entire team, and so much excitement for the future. Here’s the note I sent to the company. Thank you all for your trust and support.

And I’m grateful for your continued mentorship.”

IN THE COURTYARD

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met the former Prime Minister of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), H D Deve Gowda in the Parliament. “Had a great meeting with our former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji in Parliament today,” PM Modi tweeted.

—PHOTO BY ANI

HC SEEKS FACEBOOK’S RESPONSE OVER HACKING OF ACTRESS’ PAGE

DELHI HC REFUSES TO ENTERTAIN PLEA SEEKING BAN ON KHURSHID’S BOOK

New Delhi: Delhi HC issued notice to Facebook and others on a petition filed by Bhojpuri Actor Neha Shree seeking to restore access to her Facebook page and account immediately and delete all obscene, immoral and illegal content from her page and account. Justice

New Delhi: Delhi HC refused to entertain a plea seeking direction to the Centre and Delhi government to ban the sale and publication of Congress leader Salman Khurshid’s book Sunrise

Rajnish Bhatnagar asked Facebook Inc, Delhi Government & City Police to file a reply on the petition filed by Neha Shree. The court has listed the matter for March 28 for further hearing. —ANI

Over Ayodhya: Nationhood In Our Times. A bench of CJ D.N. Patel & Justice Jyoti Singh pulled up the petitioner for not impleading the author of the book or publication house as a party to plea, saying he was a chance taking petitioner who filed the plea for publicity. —PTI

06

CRUCIAL READS HEAVY RAIN LIKELY IN MUMBAI TODAY CYCLONIC STORM IN ODISHA, ANDHRA New Delhi: The weather office has forecast heavy rain in northern Gujarat and north and north-west Maharashtra today. Palghar, Thane and Mumbai could be the worst hit, according to the forecast.

A cyclonic storm may also hit Andhra and Odisha coasts on Saturday morning. A low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea may develop in next 12 hours & intensify into a cyclonic storm over central Bay of Bengal around Friday, the IMD said. A low-pressure area is likely to form over east central Arabian sea off Maharashtra coast during the next 24 hours. The cyclonic storm that may hit Andhra coast and Odisha is likely to move west-northwest by Thursday. —ANI

EXAMINING PHASE 3 STUDY OF TB VAX: GOVT

WILL MANDATE USE OF FLEX-FUEL ENGINES: GADKARI

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed Parliament on Tuesday, that a local company has developed a vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) and currently results of its Phase 3 clinical trials are being studied.

Madaviya, during the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, said. “We are working on both TB & dengue vaccines. When experts say we can go ahead with vaccination, then we will definitely go(ahead with the process),” the Minister further said.

—ANI

New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari said that his ministry is going to issue an order directing carmakers to introduce flex-fuel engines. Flexfuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. “To reduce import of fossil fuels, I am going to sign a file in the next 2-3 days, in which carmakers will be asked to make flexfuel engines vehicles (that can run on more than one fuel),” the minister said.

—ANI

PAK MODEL APOLOGISES AFTER ROW OVER PHOTOSHOOT AT KARTARPUR SAHIB New Delhi: A Pak model, Sauleha, has apologised after furore over her pictures at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Some netizens had pointed to her “bareheaded” pictures & said the religious place is not a picnic spot. She later deleted the photos after facing backlash online and issued an apology. “Recently I posted a picture on Instagram that was not even a part of a shoot or anything. I just went to kartarpur to learn about the history & know about Sikh community. It wasn’t done to hurt anyone’s sentiments. However, if I have hurt anyone or they think that I dont respect their culture.

I’m sorry,” she wrote on Instagram.

—Agencies

INDIA GDP GROWS BSF WILL NEVER ACT AS PARALLEL BY 8.4% IN Q2 ON POLICE, SAYS DG LOW BASE New Delhi: The BSF will not act as parallel police in states where its jurisdiction has been extended from 15 to 50 Km by Centre, said Pankaj Kumar Singh, DG BSF. “I would like to make clear that in case of any operations conducted by BSF in extended jurisdiction area, the FIR will be registered in local police station & it will be probed by them.

We are not going to act as parallel police or doing an investigation, it is a misleading fact spread,” he said. —ANI

New Delhi: India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 8.4% in the second quarter of the financial year, as per the data released on Tuesday, 30 November. This, as per PTI, is mainly due to waning low base effect.

India’s GDP had seen a record rise of 20.1 percent in April-June quarter. The present (July-September quarter) is the fourth straight quarter of expansion. Meanwhile, Gross Value Added in economy recorded an 8.5% growth.

—ANI

POLITICAL SOJOURN

Didi meets Sanjay Raut, Aaditya Thackeray in Mumbai Mumbai: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday landed in Mumbai for three days tour. After reaching Mumbai, the TMC Supremo visited Siddhi Vinayak temple and said that earlier she didn’t get time to visit the temple.

“I have prayed for the well being of people.

Mumbai is the only place from where we can get good industrialization,” said Mamata Banerjee.

After visiting the temple, Mamata also paid homage to the freedom fighters those who have died in November 26 terrorist attack.

Ahead of leaving Kolkata, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that she is visiting Mumbai to invite industrialists in ‘Biswa Bangla Business Summit’ scheduled in April 2022.

Notably, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackaray who had undergone a sur-

MAMATA WANTS TO LEAD OPPN, SONIA GANDHI’S DAYS ARE OVER: GHOSH New Delhi: BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said”These dramas are very old... Every party wants to be the leader (of Opposition parties).

Mamata Banerjee wants to be the leader. Now the days of Sonia Gandhi are over,” said Ghosh. —PTI

Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray and party leader Sanjay Raut meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee during a meeting, in Mumbai on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

gery could not meet Mamata but his son Aditya Thackaray

along with Sanjay Raut visited Mamata Banerjee in her hotel.

As everyone knows that my aim is to bring industry to WB as the situation is favorable here. Will work on this aim in Mumbai.

—Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

Mamata is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Sharad Pawar on

Wednesday.

Notably, the All India Trinamool Congress is

TMC SUPREMO TO MEET PAWAR TODAY

Maharashtra Minister for Minority Affairs & Senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said, “Mamata Didi is on a Maharashtra tour and she will meet Pawar sahab today at 3 pm. It’s a goodwill visit, following which she will address the press and inform the public about the discussions.”

leaving no stones unturned to build an ‘anti-Modi’ front ahead of

the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Claiming that she had visited Mumbai earlier on business summits, Mamata said that the situation is conducive to start new industries in West Bengal.

“As everyone knows that my aim is to bring industry to West Bengal as the situation is favourable here. Will work on this aim in Mumbai,” mentioned the TMC Supremo.

—Agencies

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DALIT FAMILY KILLING

4 accused jailed in separate case filed by victims’ relative Search on for absconding aides of prime accused

Prayagraj: Four of the 11 accused in the murder of a Dalit family at a village here have been sent to jail in a separate case lodged by a relative of the victims, the police said on Tuesday.

Four members of a Dalit family were brutally killed at Mohan Ganj Gohri village under Gohri village under the Phaphamau police station area of Prayagraj on the night of November 24.

Phoolchand (50), his wife Meenu Devi (45), daughter Sapna (17) and son Shiva (13) were murdered with sharp weapons while they were asleep.

According to the po-

ABUSE CHARGE

A police team arriving to investigate the incident on Thursday.

lice, the case was registered under the SC/ST Act in September this year by Phoolchand’s brother who accused the four accused -- Akash Singh, Abhay Singh, Manish Singh and Ravi Singh -- of molesting, assaulting and abusing.

The chargesheet in the case will be filed soon, the police officer said.

Meanwhile, police

teams have gone to Pune and Lucknow in search of the absconding associates of prime accused Pawan Saroj, who was arrested on Sunday and sent to jail, police said, adding that after the murders, Saroj’s associate Gange fled to Pune, while his relative Sonu fled to Lucknow.

According to police, Saroj belongs to the same community as the

—FILE PHOTO

deceased and had been harassing the girl by sending messages on her mobile phone. He was arrested on the basis of circumstantial evidence.

Earlier, Additional Director General of Police (Prayagraj Zone) Prem Prakash had said that on the basis of the test report, it has been confirmed that the girl was raped before being killed.

The opposition parties have criticised the government over the law and order situation while terming it “anti-Dalit”.

Following the outrage, Phaphamau police station incharge Ram Kewal Patel, and head constable Sushil Singh were suspended for not taking seriously a complaint of the victim’s family before the murder.

—PTI

Action against 12

cops for negligence First India Bureau Meerut: Action was taken against 12 policemen including inspector Prashant Kapil and main accused Quadir, who was absconding for last 1.5yrs in hotel Al Rasheed matter. Also, departmental probe was ordered against them.

Hotel Al Rasheed, under Lisadigate police station area was closed due to lockdown. When hotel owner Hazi Afaq tried to construct more shops in the hotel area, Hazi Quadir, an old employee attempted to encroach upon the hotel with other accomplices.

It was reported that

with help of police, Quadir encroached upon a portion of the hotel and registered false cases against Afaq and his sons.

When Afaq came back from jail and cleared situation to higher officials, a case was registered against Quadir.

The matter reached the minority commission and the commission ordered the DM to probe the matter.

During probe involvement of policemen was proved and action was taken against them. DSP Arvind Chaurasiya said Quadir was arrested and departmental probe was ordered against then SP city.

Mathura Dalit minor kidnapped, One more foreigner tests Covid positive

raped for resisting prostitution Mathura: A minor Dalit girl from here was allegedly kidnapped and raped repeatedly in Delhi for resisting prostitution bid, the police said.

The victim, who was later rescued by her mother, is a resident of a colony falling under Kosikalan Police Station of the district.

“She was repeatedly raped by a youth in Delhi,” an FIR filed by the mother of the girl said.

SP (rural) Srish Chandra said while two teams have been formed to nab the offenders, the allegation of delay in registering an FIR and other charges are being probed.

According to the FIR, the minor was beaten up and forced into prostitution in Delhi. The victim was also raped repeatedly by a youth whenever she resisted her captors’ prostitution bid, the FIR added.

The victim, somehow managed to communicate her where-

MULTIPLE WOES

Mathura: A 41-year-old woman from Austria on a visit to the holy town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh has tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of infected foreigners in Mathura district to four, officials said on Monday.

“In RT-PCR test one more foreign national was found to be coronavirus positive on Monday,” said Dr. Bhudeo Singh, the incharge of the Rapid Response Team.

Three foreigners hailing from Spain,

ASHRAM UNDER CONTAINMENT ZONE

Switzerland and Austria had tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday and Sunday.

All the four were on a fortnight visit to Vrindavan and underwent

COVID-19 test before their return journey, officials said.

They have been kept under isolation. Since all the infected foreign nationals were staying at Giridhar Ashram in

Tikait for discussion with govt on MSP, other issues

Muzaffarnagar: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national president Naresh Tikait on Tuesday welcomed the Union government’s move to repeal the three farm laws but demanded that discussions be held with the agitating farmers on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other issues.

Parliament had on Monday passed The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, to repeal the three contentious agri laws against which farmers have been protesting for over a year.

Talking to reporters at the BKU headquarters in Sisauli, Tikait said the final decision on calling off the the agitation at Delhi borders will be taken by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) -- an umbrella body of 40 farmer unions, including the BKU. Tikait said farmers had cancelled their proposed tractor march’ to Parliament on the first day of the winter session after the Centre promised to repeal the laws and now discussions should be held on other issues raised by the protesters.

—PTI

Div Comm inspects Ganga Link E’way site First India Bureau abouts to her mother, who succeeded in getting her released from the clutches of captors, the FIR further claimed.

It is alleged that her FIR under various sections of the IPC, SC/ST Act and POCSO Act was registered against three persons only after the direction of the district police chief.

It is also alleged that

the girl was made to sit in a police station for five days.

According to the police, while two persons had taken her to Delhi, the girl was handed over to third afterwards.

The medical examination of the girl has been conducted and her statement has been recorded, the police added.

—PTI

Kanpur Divisional Commissioner Raj Shekhar along with officials at the site inspection of the road project on Tuesday.

Kanpur: The Ganga link expressway (Internal elevated ring road) for Kanpur was envisaged in 2018. One important meeting was also held under the CS on June 20, 2018.

After discussion in details , the proposal was found to be desirable and a committee was formed to carry forward the proposal.

SECTION 144 DASHES POLITICAL HOPES

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Sheetal Chhaya in Vrindavan, the area has been marked as a containment zone, the officials said.

On Sunday, Mathura District Magistrate Navneet Singh Chahal had said an alert has been sounded in the district after the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in South Africa and a few other countries.

A close watch is being maintained in Vrindavan which attracts a large number of foreigners, he had said.

—PTI

07

he Central government by withdrawing the farm laws had turned the tide against the opposition which had planned to corner the government on the same. Opposition parties, though, are adopting every trick to ensure that the tide turns in their favour. The police here have imposed Section 144 in the city to maintain the law-andorder situation in the wake of the leak of the TET exam paper, against which opposition parties were planning to hold demonstrations. The imposing

The committee is headed by the Commissioner , Kanpur division, CP, DM, MD KESCO, VC KDA, Nagar Ayukt , UPSIDA officers, PWD officers and guided by Om Prakash Dixit, HoD , Civil engeenering Dept of IIT with Neeraj Srivastav as it’s Convener and Coordinator .

As a follow up, a meeting was held on Tuesday and then a field visit was also conducted .

Kumar Dhingra and an executive, Pradeep Salar, police said.

The FIR was lodged on the complainant of Pallia’s Cooperative Cane Development Committee secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

of Section 144 means that prior permission has to be taken before conducting any protest, rally, public programme, religious programme, etc. The police are also keeping a keen eye on the messages and rumours circulating on social media in sensitive areas of the city and are ready to take action against those spreading such rumours. Our source has reported that due to the imposition of Section 144, the camps of many political parties are frustrated as they are unable

to do much. They are restless to take out protests but the administration seems to be in no mood to indulge them.

— Sumit Awasthi

3 SUGAR MILL OFFICIALS BOOKED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF FARM DUES

T

hree senior officials of a private sugar mill have been booked on charges of cheating for allegedly not paying the farmers’ outstanding

arrears in Lakhimpur Kheri district.

The other charges which have been slapped against the officials of Bajaj Hindustan Sugar Mill (BHSM) in the Pallia Police station area of the district included criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy, besides sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, police said on Tuesday. The three officials who have been named in the FIR lodged at the Pallia Police station on Monday are the mill’s Finance Manager Manoj Kumar Mishra, General Manager (Cane) Sunil

This proposed expressway is of 28 Kms , of which 6 kms is widening of the existing road to 4 lanes and the rest 22 kms is elevated 4 lane road. As of now the administration has requested the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to approve the project in-principle and to sanction the funds for appointment of Consultant and DPR preparation.

Lakhimpur Kheri District Magistrate Mahendra Bahadur Singh said stern action was taken after the mill management failed to clear the outstanding cane dues of farmers for the last 202021 crushing season despite repeated warnings, notices and meetings. He added the sugar mill management paid only Rs 120.99 crore against outstanding cane dues of Rs 387.01 crore, triggering serious resentment among cane farmers. In the FIR, it was alleged by the complainant that the non-payment of cane dues of the last season has led to severe unrest among the cane farmers, who had suspended cane supply to the mill even after issuance of indents. The complainant alleged that the situation may lead to a law and order problem.

—First India Bureau

There is much to understand in this world, one individual cannot do it but together humanity can - for the best of humankind

2ND FRONT

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

LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

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BJP PLANS DAMAGE CONTROL EXERCISE TO PLACATE UP FARMERS

Gyanendra Kumar Shukla

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses Kisan Samvad in Lucknow

Assets of ‘cheating mafia’ confiscated in Ghazipur First India Bureau Lucknow: Taking strong action against the education mafia, the UP government has confiscated assets worth ` 4.97 cr of accused Mahendra Kushwaha in Ghazipur district.

Announcements were made about the seizing procedure and about one hectare land and a constructed building of Mahendra Kushwaha in Fatehullahpur area under Nandganj police station area was confiscated. Police sources said that action was taken against Kushwaha under Gangster Act and heavy police force was deployed in the area during the seizure proceedings. It was reported that assets of the Kushwaha gang worth about ` 24 cr have been seized till date and further process is underway.

Mangla Prasad Singh, the district magistrate here, said that action against education mafias will continue and further arrests and other proceedings will be done soon.

Mahendra Kushwaha gang is accused of involvement in paper leaks and helling candidates cheat in exams.

The gang has reportedly made huge money with such illegal activities. It is reported that officials from education department and some schools were associated with the gang and they all were sharing profits.

Earlier, assets worth ` 96 lakh of another member of the gang, Rajendra Kushwaha, were confiscated on November 19. Also, actions were taken against Paras Kushwaha and Mahendra Kushwaha under Gangster Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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202

nized in 58,195 gram ing provided to the panchayats. In these, farmers in three equal farmer-friendly policies installments. The party of the Modi government functionaries tried their best to garner the symof the Center and the pathy of the farmYogi government C T E I O L N 2E ers by referring to of the state were the subsidy given discussed. by the central govDirect commuernment on fertiliznication was estabers, agricultural equiplished with the beneficiaries of the Center’s ment, and seeds. It was ‘Krishi Samman Nidhi also highlighted in the scheme’, under which meetings that the Yogi an income support of government has cleared Rs. 6000 per year is be- most of the overdue sug-

—FILE PHOTO

W IT

Lucknow: BJP, which has suffered the brunt of widespread resentment of farmers regarding agricultural laws, is now giving rapid momentum to the damage control exercise. Party strategists are rolling up sleeves for the farmers’ conferences to be held in December.

Sensing the anger of the farmers arising out of the intensification of the farmers’ movement in western UP, BJP high command was working on a special strategy to make up for it by assessing the possible electoral losses. Under a well thought out plan, the party machinery was mobilized on issues related to farmers.

Earlier, Kisan Samvads were organized by the BJP Kisan Morcha in more than 90 assembly constituencies.

Choupals were orga-

arcane payments, as well as the price of sugarcane has also been increased by the state.

However, BJP is going to organize Kisan Sammelan in all the districts covering all 403 assembly seats in the month of December. In which MPs, local MLAs, office bearers of Kisan Morcha as well as influential farmers of the concerned area will also be involved. BJP Kisan Morcha state president Kameshwar Singh told First India, “After independence, the previous governments have never done as much serious efforts as the Modi-Yogi government has made for the interests of farmers. The farmer was and will always be with the BJP. We are going to organise Kisan Sammelan in all 75 districts so that 100% farmers should vote in favour of BJP, through which we will directly communicate with the farmers.”

Major bureaucratic reshuffle: Duties of 4 PCS officers changed

First India Bureau

BAD CONDUCT

Lucknow: Abhishek Prakash, District Magistrate of Lucknow, has effected a major reshuffle in the duties of four PCS officers posted in the district administration.

As per the latest orders, PCS Vipin Kumar who is the ADM Finance and Revenue, has been given additional charge of mining, while PCS Himanshu Kumar Gupta, who is the ADM Trans Gomti has been given the additional duty as District

Happiness Officer and Nodal Officer of SARFAESI Act. PCS Dharmendra Singh, Additional District Magistrate Land (ADM LA) has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the works of LDA’s plans as well as three of UPEIDA’s projects namely Agra Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway and Defense Corridor project while PCS Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Additional District Magistrate Land Acquisition II (ADM LA 2) has been has been entrusted with the new responsibility of work related to the schemes of Housing Development Council and land acquisition for SGPGI. The additional responsibilities entrusted to 4 PCS officers by the District Magistrate will give a clear impetus to the works of the district administration and the government.

08

MISSION 2022

SP teams up with smaller parties to return to power

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Lucknow: Samajwadi Party’s Chief Akhilesh Yadav who is trying to return to power in the state has been bringing smaller parties into his fold to further increase his chances.

Akhilesh Yadav has till now finalised alliances with half a dozen parties based on caste to counter the BJP in the upcoming elections but there has still no concrete decision on the seat sharing which is proving to be a bigger challenge for the Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav led SP has already formed alliance with RLD, SBSP, Mahan Dal, NCP, Janwadi Socialist Party and Krishna Patel’s Apna Dal as well as many parties involved in the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha for the upcoming 2022 assembly elections.

There have also been strong arguments pointing towards an alliance with Shivpal Yadav’s Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia)

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during Samajwadi Vijay Yatra.

and Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad’s Bahujan Azad Samaj Party as well as Aam Aadmi Party which would take the SP led alliance to more than ten parties.

Currently, there are a of 403 assembly seats in the state but it is not yet known on which all seats the SP will field its candidates and how many seats will be left for the allies but it has become pretty clear that Akhilesh Yadav has decided to form alliance with small parties rather than big parties.

Suheldev Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, who recently broke ties with the BJP and has

joined forces with SP has not made any claim regarding seat-sharing but if sources are to be believed, he has demanded 20 seats to be given to him and Akhilesh Yadav sensing the share of Rajbhar votes could give Om Prakash 10 to 12 seats.

Even though the Mahan Dal and Janwadi Socialist Party were some of the parties which forged alliance with SP, the two parties have not made demand for seats which has people speculate that both the Mahan Dal and the People’s Party can try their luck and have their party members fight on SP’s name.

UP IN ARMS!

Employees protesting at Kanshiram Eco Garden in Lucknow on Tuesday. Over 1 lakh people from the Uttar Pradesh Employees Federation gathered to demand restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

—PHOTO BY SUMIT KUMAR

REMEMBERING HEROES

HC helps ‘bright Dalit girl’ Swarnim Vijay Mashaal welcomed at Kanpur with IIT BHU admission fee First India Bureau

First India Bureau Lucknow: A 17-yearold student, who couldn’t afford admission into the prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU) after qualifying, received help to pursue her dream from the Allahabad High Court.

While the judge hearing her petition shelled out 15,000 from his own pocket, lawyers pooled in and raised the entire admission fee to help her get into college.

Sanskriti Ranjan, who had appealed to the

Lucknow bench of the High Court to direct the college to waive her fee, appeared before the court on Tuesday.

A topper in school, the teen had cleared the JEE for higher educational institutions.

With 92.77 percentile,

she ranked of 2,062 in the SC category.

But when she wanted to join the BHU’s five-year course in Mathematics and Computing, she fell short of the admission fee. Helpless, she approached the High Court, which directed the University and the Union Education Ministry’s seat allocation body to admit her.

After an order by the single-judge bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh, she has been asked to report to the university within three days.

Lucknow: India Armed Forces are celebrating “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” to commemorate the overwhelming victory in 1971 war. As part of the celebration “Victory Flame” is moving across major towns and military establishments in the country.

The victory flame started from Prayagraj on November 29 and reached Kanpur on November 30 which is home to formation and units that played a stellar role in 1971 victory.

A grand ceremony was held at Kanpur War Memorial on Tuesday where serv-

Victory Flame welcomed at Kanpur on Tuesday.

ing soldiers and veterans of 1971 War ushered in the Victory Flame and offered homage to martyrs

who laid down their lives in line of duty.

In his address Brigadier Dinar Dighe recalled the indominat-

able courage of the armed forces that paved way for the landmark victory of our nation.

He also

thanked all veterans for their contribution to the war efforts and to the society.

The veterans of 1971 war shared their experiences of the operations and finally the event culminating with group photographs and high tea.

Many functions and events will be organised at different army establishments and unit located in the Kanpur over the next four days to felicitate heroes of 1971 and veterans of Kanpur, Unnao, Auraiya and Etawah. Subsequently on December 5, the victory flame will move to Agra being its next destination.

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WITH GRACE & GRATITUDE A woman of prismatic shades, Divisha Paliwal from Udaipur, 22, charmed the audience of First Miss India 2021 held in Goa with her unparalleled panache!

POORVI SINGHAL cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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stunning model, dexterous software engineer and on her way to becoming the raging queen of pageantry, Divisha, with her candid avatar and stride of pride, won a lot of hearts at the First Miss India 2021 held on October 30 in Novotel Dona Sylvia Resort, Goa. From talent rounds to workshops, grooming sessions to ramp walks, she stole the show at every occasion. Beautiful in and out, Paliwal swore by grace and gratitude on every occasion. With striking poses and a walk of flair, she truly owned the ramp. In an exclusive interview with City First, Divisha Paliwal reveals all about her journey, aspirations and vision board.

Q: Tell us something about yourself.

A: I’m Divisha, 22 years old, from the very beautiful city of lakes. I’m a software engineer by profession and I’m also pursuing modeling and pageantry. I feel it’s very essential for our mind and body to be calm.

So, I love to practice Yoga and meditation. I feel like once we set our heart onto something, hard work, discipline and the ‘never give up’ attitude will get us whatever we want.

Q: When did you decide that you will take up modeling A: I decided to start modeling in 2018. When I went for the Miss Udaipur auditions, my friends’ motivation played a huge part. I got selected and won the title of Runners up. That’s how I started.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the coming years?

A: My future plan is to become a supermodel and also, a philanthropist. I see myself happy and contented.

Q: If not a model, what would you be?

A: A software engineer.

Q: your greatest inspiration?

A: My parents are my greatest source of inspiration. I follow the principles taught to me by them. In terms of work, I’m my own inspiration. I may not be the best but, I try to be better than my previous self.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with the readers?

A: Be nice to people. It may be unappreciated but, always spread love as we rise by lifting others.

09

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FORCED OPINION-BUILDING If a student works on certain non-fiction writing assignments, be it an essay or a written speech, he or she will be compelled to do some research on the topic, and more importantly, based on those findings, critically analyze the topic in order to reach his/her own opinion on it.

For instance, a broad topic such as Social Media will acquaint the learner/writer with several positive and negative aspects of the sphere of social media, basis on which, he/she will be able to decide if they feel it is a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ thing. In doing so, the learner will ultimately get to know himself/herself better. After all, we are, what we think right?

GET TO KNOW THE ‘SELF’ Even if it is fiction writing and students embark on writing stories, short or long – it is a well-known fact that stories are derived from, and therefore deeply connected with, the self.

Usually, in a story, the protagonist is a reflection, in varying degrees, of the writer. In doing so, as was the case with non-fiction writing, learners are reacquainting themselves, with themselves.

Because it is the writer’s hopes, fears, desires, that find their way into their lead story characters; writing them is helping a student to look inward and reflect. It can be therapeutic, and at the very least, introspective.

TRACKING INTERESTS, PASSIONS, DEVELOPMENT

KARTIK BAJORIA

The author is a Jaipur-based Communication Skills Educator & Writer

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tudents lead fastpaced lives that are crammed full of activities. There are the regular academics through the bulk of the day, and for most students, after-school time means a slew of extra-curricular pursuits that usually entails going from one class to another.

The result – no free time. No time to wander, reflect, take it easy, relax, and just be.

Most psychologists and thinkers on child development, parenting and education, will speak to the absolutely vital importance of ‘free time’. That child must be, need to be, left alone. To be with themselves, without any agenda.

Because it is in this free time that they build their self-concepts, explore, and grow. In today’s scenario, the opposite is true. Parents and schools alike, don’t want a child to be idle, even for a second.

So how then is a student to reflect?

One potential solution could be writing. I suggest this solution specifically because these days, anything that a student does must have a direct benefit to his or her curricula. Hence, writing presents those obvious benefits. Improving language, polishing one’s creative writing skills, honing one’s self-expression. While these overt benefits will appease most parents and teachers – the child is not wasting time; writing will also inadvertently perform the function of free-time reflection. How?

A form of regular writing I always recommend to my students is Journaling – in simple words, keeping a diary. Even a short diary entry each day will ensure that a student, over time, ends up with a rich repository of his or her daily activities and feelings. Going through this diary at regular intervals of time can serve as a telling and insightful tool of self-reflection.

A student will be able to note changes in interests, passions, relationships, and also from those, track how he or she has changed, developed, evolved. In terms of direct self-reflection, this is arguably the most targeted writing method.

LIFE SKILL Ultimately, embracing writing will serve as a vital skill in students’ lives. It will be invaluable at school, in order to solicit admission into college, for college assignments and projects, and subsequently throughout that individual’s working/professional life! Knowing how to write effectively will always provide an individual a definite edge over their peers and contemporaries and ensure that they are heard, noticed, and acknowledged amongst a slew of highly accomplished associates.

It is imperative for young students to know and understand WHY they are pursuing the multiple activities they are engaged in.

It is also crucial that they KNOW their own minds, and aren’t blindly leading the lives that others – be it family or peers, have dictated for/to them. This can only be done through self-reflection.

And in order for that to take place, writing is an invaluable tool!

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LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHANGING MINDSETS,

11

RAISING BARS MITALI DUSAD

mitalidusad01@gmail.com

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he Indian startup ecosystem is the third-largest in the world, and while it may not have a majority of women leading startups, the number of female-led companies is growing at a fast pace. The women who lead many of India’s successful startups are role models to many. City First brings to you some of the less known female-led ventures in the fields of apparel, accessories, art, events and many more!

Each voice and tribe have a platform to be heard in the form of social media. Fashion as a category is one we consume every day and is intimately linked to our emotional core of how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen by others. Fashion can no longer just be about ‘looking pretty’ and “attracting the opposite sex”, brands that want a long-term, meaningful relationship with their consumers have to be able to forge a bond based on shared ideologies.

Women are climbing that ladder of success, development, and dynamism with full force in this complex and competition-driven world. Women are flexible. They are found working everywhere nowadays whether it’s a bank, a male-driven office place, or say driving a metro!

Women are moving with such unstoppable speed that it’s great to see them working. Just like all across the world, women in Jaipur city are hell inspiring.

VOCAL for LOCAL

WHILE A LOT OF US HAVE BEEN LOOKING TO SOLVE OUR BEAUTY NEEDS OR CLOTHING, RESOLVING HOW TO SET UP DECOR, THESE YOUNG WOMEN FROM JAIPUR, LUCKNOW, DELHI, AND GUJARAT HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD BEHIND THE SCENES TO CATER TO THE GROWING DEMAND IN THIS EVOLVING SPACE! Sahaj, a brainchild of Malvika Bhati who worked with Indigo for 6 years as a Senior executive in the customers’ service department. Malvika shared, “I always wanted to go for fashion and traditional clothing. Women usually struggle with finding comfortable clothes, ethnic wear for different occasions, it’s when I finally launched my brand. I wish to reach out to the maximum number of people, not only in our country but across the globe and take the rich tradition of India ahead.

We majorly aim at Sanganeri prints, hand block printing, tissue material, etc and soon I’m planning to come up with various new trending styles.

—-MALVIKA BHATI, FOUNDER, SAHAJ

Orahana is not just a brand, it’s my soul as an artist where I love to marry my artworks from paper to fabrics. Bringing the designs which are hand-curated just for your paradise.

By keeping the exquisiteness alive and alluring your spaces.”- These are the words of the founder of Orahana, Ruchi Pathak. An artist, a changemaker, and a NIFT Hyderabad alumnus, Ruchi’s mission and vision with Orahana is to bring changes in the market where sustainability and originality of the artist is pursued. By working together with artisans throughout India, as she believes in growing together, her niche is typical floral styles with translucent colors, i.e. watercolors. She wants to bring contemporary designs to art and textiles. The brand strictly deals in only natural fibers such as duck, cotton, etc. trying to keep it sustainable as much as possible. Ruchi said, “Our packaging is 90% sustainable. Orahana is a soft furnishing textile luxurious brand.” She further added, “Along with the above range of products we also make giftings for wedding and festive purposes. Handblock, Bagru, and Ajrakh are our expertise for exports.”

—- RUCHI PATHAK, FOUNDER, ORAHANA

In a world of changing fashions, I wanted to create something that would remain forever as a statement. I was always fond of block printing and patterns. I developed them on kaftans, t-shirts and so much more. Especially during the pademic when the world almost stopped, I found my way of focusing my energy, ideas and creativity with which Papaya Whims was born. Just like this fruit our products ensure a happy feeling and our customers advocate the same message.

—VRATIKA TIJARIA, FOUNDER, PAPAYA WHIMS

I am a ‘one-woman army’ Artist who creates handmade products which are mostly eco-friendly. Each product I make is personalised with a heart that believes in the magic of the universe. ‘Tobu Tori’ is a Japanese word that means flying birds, the reason why I named my brand with this name is that I feel all the beings on this earth have a mission to fulfill and everyone shall keep flying high like a bird to pursue their unique mission. Ambika always wanted to do something related to handmade art and craft. Years ago when there was no culture of handmade gifting in Jaipur, she started her business which includes amazing gifts, magnets, lanterns, paintings, sketches, etc and the business flourished like a raging fire. She looks forward to establishing her one-stop gift shop.

The young woman said, “From just a thought, today my business has allowed me to call myself a proud artist and entrepreneur. But, the struggles and achievements are always on the go…I believe it is the beginning now and no matter what, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!”

—AMBIKA RANAWAT, FOUNDER, TOBU TORI

The ‘Wedding Closet’ is our brainchild that became a reality after five years of being in the make-up and beauty industry as a freelance make-up artist. Being a make-up artist we came across many last-minute hiccups that a bride goes through like not finding the right accessories or shoes and it used to cause hassle and anxiety to our brides, thus, we came up with Wedding ClosetLucknow’s first bridal styling store and a onestop destination for brides and bridesmaids to shop from.

Everything from bridal outfits to accessories that match the makeup. It’s been a year since we started and while the Covid-19 pandemic did slow us down initially, but now the business is booming and we’re swamped with many happy brides.

—SAUMYA AND KRITIKA SINGH, FOUNDER, THE WEDDING CLOSET STUDIO AND MAKEUP ARTISTS

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

BUZZ

LUCKNOW | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

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12

Final Farewell to Virgil

A FASHION LEGEND ‘THE CULTURE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PERFECTIONISM OF THE IDEA’- VIRGIL ABLOH

FIRST AFRICANAMERICAN DIRECTOR

MONICA PRABHAKAR

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cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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ife is unpredictable, it’s precious and sometimes it goes away in the blink of an eye. With the demise of fashion icon and legendary designer, Virgil Abloh, the loss feels too heavy.

Virgil, the AfricanAmerican fashion designer and Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection and CEO of Off White passed away at the age of 41 on November 28th after battling cancer for several years, leaving the fashion industry mourning.

He was a father, a husband and most importantly, a designer who gave back to society as an opportunity to make the world a better place.

To remember the legacy that Virgil left behind, City First looks at his life-changing career moments and talks about the grief of his demise in the fashion industry.

Representational picture Virgil Abloh with models

Virgil Abloh with models during rampwalk

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

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n 2020, Virgil raised $1 million to provide scholarships for black students through the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) as a chance to bring more overlooked but talented black designers into the industry.

Late Virgil Abloh

AN INSPIRATION

H Myra Singh

aving been brought up in the midwest, the designer influenced streetwear and hip-hop which he translated into catwalks.

Myra Singh, the fashion entrepreneur and designer at House of Myra, said, “In an industry where inspiration is the crux of everything, we lost a soul who inspired artists

bloh started his career as the 90s streetwear-inspired designer and in 2018 made history by being appointed as the first-ever black artistic director.

“Virgil Abloh - A shocking and Aditi Jaggi sad end to a legend.

‘Everything I do is for the 17-yearold version of myself ’ is what he quoted for years. a rare combination of an artist and an entrepreneur with his hands into apparel, furniture, shoes, carpets and much more. Sadly, struck by the most dangerous disease, but even that doesn’t shake his work style. Did wonders with off white, Louis Vuitton and just being his 17yr old self forever.

He will be missed!” said Aditi Jaggi, a fashion designer and owner of Aditi Jaggi Pret-Couture.

and designers, brought diversity, broke the social constructs and showed how collaborations can not only change the game but also how they can be done. I believe the loss isn’t singular to the fashion industry but to art, youngsters and people who have been hoping for a revolutionary change-Virgil Abloh was the change, a source of inspiration, and hope for a new direction.”

BHARAT

MAHOTSAV B

END INEQUALITIES,

END AIDS

CITY FIRST

A

cquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome is a lifethreatening condition caused by the Human Deficiency Virus (HIV).

This syndrome tends to damage the immunity system of the body and thus making the human body weak and prone to many opportunistic infections. This incurable disease is mainly transmitted through blood and enters the body

through sexual affairs or contaminated hypodermic needles. Every year, December 1 is celebrated as World’s Aids Day to make people aware of this deadly disease.

The theme for 2021 is ‘End inequalities, End AIDS’ with focusing on people suffering from AIDS, WHO is calling all global leaders and citizens to voice out against the discrimination and inequalities that drive AIDS and to provide help to people.

TRAFFIC MONTH

After a successful one month run of the Traffic month started by CP DK Thakur and ADG Traffic Jyoti Narayan, it was concluded on Thursday, November 30 at Reserve Police Line under the chairmanship of Police Commissioner Lucknow. The traffic month started a month ago with a lamp lighting ceremony in the presence of Divisional Commissioner Lucknow Ranjan Kumar, District Magistrate Lucknow Abhishek Prakash, Joint Commissioner of Police Crime Nilabja Chaudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police Law and Order Piyush Media, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic Lucknow Rais Akhtar and other police officers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

harat Mahotsav by Pragati Environment Conversation Trust is being held at Bangla Bazar Ashiana, Lucknow. The festival promotes a self-reliant India by offering local products as well as Indian brands. Mahant Balmukund of Ayodhya, Madhusudan Singari inaugurated the festival by performing aarti on Tuesday.

The birthday of (clockwise) IAS Dr Kajal, IPS Shalini, IPS Sanjay Suman, and IPS Sanjiv Kumar was on Tuesday, November 30. We wish them all the best!

—PHOTOS BY ASHOK DUTTA

FELICITATION

Under the aegis of Prithvi Theatre Kanpur, an award ceremony was organised at Valmiki Rangshala, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi, on Monday. Many eminent personalities were honoured with Dr Urmil Kumar Thapliyal Smriti Samman Award at the function. Arvind Kumar Srivastava, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Uttar Pradesh was the chief guest during the event. Naveen Srivastava was honoured with the theatre artist Vijay Srivastava Memorial Award at the ceremony.