First India-New Delhi Edition-8th APRIL 2022

NEW DELHI l FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 218 AIR INDIA SUSPENDS FLIGHT TO MOSCOW OVER SECURITY FEARS

Air India cancels Delhi-Moscow flight over fears of insurance issues in Russia. Air India on Thursday cancelled its Delhi-Moscow service over the fear that its flight insurance may not be valid in Russian skies amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, sources said. Air India has reached out to the government of India seeking its intervention in the matter so that flights to Moscow could be resumed.

CHANDIGARH CIVIC BODY PASSES RESOLUTION FOR CITY’S UT STATUS

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD, LUCKNOW & NEW DELHI

The municipal corporation here passed a resolution on Thursday which states that Chandigarh should remain a union territory, and should also get its own legislative assembly. The development comes as Punjab and Haryana engage in a tussle to stake claim over Chandigarh. Both Punjab and Haryana state assemblies recently passed their respective resolution reiterating their claim over the Union Territory. P3

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PAK SC STRIKES DOWN

WHAT ‘POWER LIES IN THE ROOM’ LOOKS LIKE!

DY SPEAKER’S DECISION TO REJECT NO-TRUST MOTION

Islamabad: Quashing Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri’s April 3 ruling and the subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly, Pakistan’s Supreme Court Thursday ordered the revival of the no-confidence motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan will now face the no-trust motion on Saturday (April 9).

Giving it’s verdict, Pakistan’s apex court said the prime minister was bound by Constitution and therefore, he could not advise the president to dissolve assemblies, Pakistan’s Geo News reported.

Further terming President Arif Alvi’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly as “illegal”, the verdict was passed with all five judges unanimously voting against it.

SC asked the President’s advocate as to how could there be a constitutional crisis if everything was happening according to the law.

The five-judge Reconstitutes National 2 SC bench Assembly, orders Speaker to unanimously calls call Session. The no confidence Dy Speaker’s move vote against Imran government as “unconstitutional” will now be held on Saturday

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Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting after the Lok Sabha is adjourned indefinitely on Thursday. SEE ALSO P5

ED grills Omar in bank money laundering case DEMOCRACY IS WILL ACCEPT SC’S THE BEST FORM OF DECISION, SAYS REVENGE: BHUTTO PM IMRAN KHAN Reacting to the Pakistan Supreme Court’s verdict, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wrote on Twitter, “Democracy is the best revenge! Jiya Bhutto! Jiya Awam! Pakistan Zindabad.”

Now, Opposition will use full force to oust Imran.

China hackers tried to hit power grids near Ladakh, unsuccessful, says Centre New Delhi: Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeted Indian electricity distribution centres near Ladakh over the last eight months, a report by private intelligence firm Recorded Future said on Wednesday, in a new potential flashpoint following a protracted military standoff between the two countries in the region. The government said the attacks were not successful. ‘’In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time opera-

The attacks took place between August last year and March, sources said.

tions for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. Notably, this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed India-China border in Ladakh,” the group said.

Imran Khan on Thursday said the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf will accept any verdict of the Supreme Court on the dismissal of the noconfidence motion. Citing sources, news agency ARY reported that Imran Khan sought legal counsel ahead of the SC verdict.

If SC takes up all issues, what are Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha there for: CJI New Delhi: Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Thursday voiced anguish over Supreme Court being burdened with the onus of deciding politically sensitive issues on which the elected government ought to take a call.

“If I agree all your matters to be taken up and orders that are sought have to be passed, what purpose are political representatives elected for?…the Lok Sabha… the Rajya Sabha?”, the CJI asked, wondering if the court will now have to pass Bills too.

THIS IS A CASE OF PUBLIC INTEREST, SAYS CJ BANDIAL Umar Ata Bandial, the Chief of Justice, while hearing the case involving the dismissal of a noconfidence vote brought against the Imran Khan government in the country’s national assembly, said that this is a case of public interest.

New Delhi: Omar Abdullah, former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister and National Conference vice president, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Thursday. According to available information, the NC leader was probed in connection with a money laundering case in the Jammu & Kashmir Bank.

Entire Andhra cabinet resigns

as CM Jagan revamps team Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s entire cabinet resigned on Thursday in a precursor to a mega overhaul a little over halfway through his term, ahead of the 2024 state election.

Twenty-four ministers handed in their resignations after a cabinet meeting, in the

New York: The United Nations General Assembly today suspended Russia from Human Rights Council after killings in Ukraine’s Bucha, reports news agency AFP.

Evidence of civilian killings in Bucha and other towns around Kyiv -- which Ukraine has blamed on Russian troops, allegations denied by Moscow -- have shocked the world and

Birbhum killings: CBI makes first arrests, nabs 4 from Mum Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested four persons from Mumbai in connection with the Rampurhat killings in Bengal’s Birbhum last month.

“Four persons have been arrested from

Mumbai in connection with the case,” the CBI confirmed on Thursday.

This is the first arrest made by the CBI since it took over the case. The accused persons will be brought to Kolkata on transit remand.

triggered calls for new sanctions on Moscow.

Ukraine said it was “grateful” for the decision to suspend Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying “war criminals”

35 FIRs registered

by Customs at IGI Airport, with street value of drug seized at `887.35 crore and 34 passengers arrested in 2021-22 alone

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First India Bureau New Delhi: The Delhi Airport Customs seized 5.85 kg cocaine, the biggest at any airport in India, on late Wednesday night at the IGI International Airport.

The seizure by the Delhi Customs signifies the fight carried out by the Indian Customs against the menace of drugs.

The custom officials said that in past six months, Customs at the IGI Airport alone has

IGI International Airport

registered no less than 16 cases under NDPS Act, the highest number at any airport in the country. In the process, al-

Seized drugs

most 33.70 kg of heroin and 12.60 kg of cocaine has been seized from International passengers, mostly nationals of Afri-

can origin. In 2021-22, 35 FIRs registered by Customs at IGI Airport, with drugs estimated at `887.35 crore. As many as

should not be represented in the body.

“War criminals have no place in UN bodies aimed at protecting human rights,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.

I was angry over CAA, NRC, atrocities against Muslims: Gorakhnath temple attacker Lucknow: Gorakhnath temple attacker Ahmed Murtaza Abbasi, in his confession, said that his hatred spawned from alleged atrocities committed against Muslims, as per UP Police.

He further said that the Citizenship

Custom officials seize 5.85 kg cocaine at IGI Int’l Airport In past six months, the Delhi Airport Customs seized 33.70 kg of heroin & 12.60 kg cocaine at the IGI Airport

first step towards the big do-over. Jagan Reddy, the only cabinet

UNGA suspends Russia from Human Rights Council after killings in Ukraine’s Bucha city

BIGGEST HAUL AT ANY AIRPORT IN INDIA

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Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Reddy

34 passengers were also arrested in the process.

About the modus operandi, the officials said that Some passengers pack drugs inside latex capsules, which are then swallowed by them in order to get past customs officers easily. Later, they eject these capsules after consuming laxatives, running a great risk to their own lives. This modus operandi is not only very difficult to detect, but also very difficult to retrieve.

(Amendment) Act was also wrong.

Abbasi, an IIT graduate had attacked Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel stationed at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur on April 3.

member to stay put, received the resignations.

Only one or two ministers from the outgoing team are likely to be retained, sources say. These ministers are not being axed as they are the only members belonging to politically vital communities that need to be represented.

Turkey suspends Khashoggi killing trial, case to be transferred to Saudi Istanbul: A Turkish court ruled Thursday to suspend the trial in absentia of 26 Saudis accused in the gruesome killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and for the case to be transferred to Saudi Arabia.

The decision comes despite warnings from human rights groups that turning the case over to the kingdom would lead to a cover up of the killing which has cast suspicion on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

It also comes as Turkey, which is in the throes of an economic crisis, has been trying to repair troubled relationship with Saudi Arabia.

CRUCIAL READ ED: ANIL DESHMUKH UNABLE TO EXPLAIN SOURCE OF WEALTH

Mumbai: While seeking rejection of bail application filed by former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, ED stated that Deshmukh was main conspirator and is unable to explain the source of his huge wealth.

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WITHDRAW CBI NOTICE AGAINST EX-AMNESTY INDIA CHIEF: COURT New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday directed the CBI to withdraw a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against the ex-Amnesty India chief Aakar Patel in a case of an alleged violation of the Foreign Regulation Act.

MAMATA MEETS GUV AFTER BITTER FUED

Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally had the long pending meeting with Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar over the law and order situation in the state.

The Governor’s invitation — extended following the Birbhum massacre — dates back to March 29.

CAPITOL NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

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AUTO PROBLEM STARES AT DELHI CNG prices in the Capital were hiked for the second day by `2.50 per kg, taking total increase since March to `12.5 per kg. CNG in the NCT of now costs `69.11 per kg, up from `66.61 per kg, according to the information — the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in Delhi and adjoining cities.

CNG prices in Delhi have increased by `12.48 per kg since March when city gas distributors started factoring in high international energy prices.

DELHI AUTO AND CAB DRIVERS THREATEN STRIKE AGAINST CNG PRICE HIKE, DEMAND FARE REVISION New Delhi (PTI): Associations of auto, cab and taxi drivers will hold protests against the Centre as well as the city government at Jantar Mantar on Friday and at the Delhi Secretariat on April 11 With a sharp hike in CNG prices, auto, cab, and taxi drivers in the city have threatened to go on an “indefinite strike” from April 18 if the government doesn’t provide subsidy on the fuel or decrease the fare.

Associations of auto, cab and taxi drivers will hold protests against the Centre as well as the city government at Jantar Mantar on Friday and at the Delhi Secretariat on April 11 against rise in CNG prices. Sarvodaya Drivers Welfare Association Ravi Rathor, who claims to have around 4 lakh drivers as members in DelhiNCR, said that his association will go on an “indefinite strike” if

Delhi govt declares ‘dry days’ in border areas New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government has asked liquor vends, situated within 100 metres in the national capital from Ghaziabad, to observe ‘dry days’ for UP COUNCIL t h r e e days from Thursday on account of the biennial election to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

In an order issued on Thursday, the Delhi government excise department has also asked the vends to observe a dry day on April 12 on account of the counting day. “... On account of the Biennial Election to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, 2022, dry day has been declared from 4:00 PM of 7 April, 2022, to 9 April, 2022 till the end of poll, and 12.04.2022 (full day) on account of counting day,” the Delhi govt excise department said.

POLLS

LIFE TO GO OUT OF GEAR AS AROUND 1 LAKH AUTORICKSHAWS PLY ON THE DELHI ROADS Delhi’s public transport, including cabs, autos, taxis and buses, is majorly CNG driven. Around 1 lakh auto rickshaws are currently plying in the national capital. With a sharp hike in CNG prices, auto, cab, and taxi drivers in the city have threatened to go on an “indefinite strike” from April 18 if the govt doesn’t provide subsidy on the fuel or decrease the fare. Associations of auto, cab and taxi drivers will hold protests against the Centre as well as the city govt at Jantar Mantar on Friday.

their demands to reduce CNG prices or increase in fare are not fulfilled.

“We are demanding a reduction in CNG rates and if the prices cannot be slashed then the fare should be increased to cope with the price rise. There has been no revision in Ola and Uber fares for the last 7-8 years. In the protest tomorrow we

will also take a call on an indefinite strike,” Rathor told PTI. Rajendra Soni, Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh’s general secretary, said that the price hike in rates of CNG is “unprecedented” and it is becoming hard for taxi, cab, and auto drivers to survive.

Around 1 lakh auto rickshaws are currently plying in the nation-

al capital.

Soni said that his association has written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to provide a subsidy of ₹35 per kg on CNG. “We will go on an indefinite strike from April 18 if our demand is not met. We have also decided to stage a symbolic protest at the secretariat on April 11 to oppose the price hike,” Soni told PTI. He said that the representatives of other auto and taxi unions such as the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union and the All Delhi Auto Taxi Transporters Congress Union will also participate in protests and the strike.

Delhi’s public transport, including cabs, autos, taxis and buses, is majorly CNG driven.

Soni further said that when the city government can provide subsidy on electricity and water, it can afford to give a breather to auto and cab drivers as well.

Delhi minorities panel issues notice to mayors of 3 corporations on meat ban New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Minorities Commission has issued a show-cause notice to mayors and commissioners of three municipal corporations in the city seeking an explanation on what basis have they decided to ban or shut meat shops during Navratri.

The Delhi Minorities Commission has sought a detailed report within 24 hours and asked the mayors to appear before it on Friday. A copy of the notice has been marked to commissioners of three civic bodies.

The south and east Delhi mayors had on Tuesday asked meat shops in their jurisdictions to remain shut during Navratri, saying “most people do not consume non-vegetarian food” for these nine days, even though there was no official order issued by the civic bodies.

However, there has been no such word from

Representative Image

the North Delhi MC, which like the other two is also ruled by the BJP. Mayors don’t have the power to issue such orders, which can only be taken by a municipal commissioner. “News reports about the subject have observed that the mayor is acting as a law unto himself.

Such proaclamation can also insight and encourage hoggish behaviour on the ground. Senior authorities and the courts should step in and put a stop to such behaviour,” the Minority Commission Chairman Zakir Khan said.

ORDER OVER MEAT SALE IN QUESTION The south and east Delhi mayors had asked meat shops in their jurisdictions to remain shut during Navratri, saying “most people do not consume non-vegetarian food” for these nine days, even though there was no official order issued by the civic bodies. However, there has been no such word from the North Delhi MC, which like the other two is also ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Mayors don’t have the power to issue such orders, which can only be taken by a municipal commissioner.

DELHI HC TAKES NOTE OF AUTOS, E-RICKSHAWS PLYING ON ROADS WITHOUT VALID DOCUMENTS New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court Thursday pulled up the Delhi government for not taking necessary action against e-rickshaws and autos which are plying on roads without fitness and registration certificates, observing that these vehicles are plying in broad daylight and authorities are doing nothing.

The high court said it was obvious that the authorities are not serious in enforcing the law and directed the Delhi government to forthwith take remedial steps in this regard.

The court was informed that there are 80583 e-rickshaws whose fitness certificates expired in December 2021 and they are still plying on Delhi roads. Similarly, 9451 auto rickshaws whose registration has expired also continue to ply on roads here.

We are amazed as to how the respondents

DELHI HIGH COURT DIRECTIONS

The high court said it was obvious that the authorities are not serious in enforcing the law and directed the Delhi government to forthwith take remedial steps in this regard.

Dist courts told to file report on judges’ leave applications

‘Cut-off system did not offer equal opportunities to students’

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court has asked the District Judges to file a report regarding details of leave applications received from judicial officers since February 1, including the time when the information was updated on the website of district courts.

The HC has also called for reasons for the delay in the updation of information. We direct all the Principal District and Sessions Judges in Delhi to send a report to this court with regard to the leave applications received since February 1, the date and time when the same was filed, and when information with regard to the leave was updated.

Reasons for the delay in updation should also be disclosed in respect of each such instance.

New Delhi: The cut-off system did not offer equal opportunities to all students but the CUET will judge them on equal parameters and will not be disadvantageous for those who studied under from boards that are not lenient in awarding marks, Delhi University ViceChancellor Yogesh Singh said on Thursday.

The registration for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate courses in 45 central universities commenced on Wednesday (April 6).

“The CUET is a transparent, entrance testbased system and every student will be given an equal opportunity. The prior system (cut-off) was not giving equal opportunities to the students,” Singh told PTI in an interview. Noting that the previous sys-

Saloni Bhatia

MATTER OF FAITH

‘Ensure ‘respect’ of Ganesha idols at Qutub complex’ New Delhi (PTI): National Monuments Authority (NMA) Chairman and BJP leader Tarun Vijay on Thursday said the Ganesha idols placed “disrespectfully” in the Qutub Minar complex should either be removed or installed “respectfully”.

The former MP said he had raised the issue with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) more than a year ago, but is yet to receive a response to his letter.

“The idols are currently placed at a most disrespectful place, upside down at the feet level of the visitors. The idols should either be removed or placed respectfully inside the Qutub complex,” he told PTI. In a tweet, Vijay also sought to know what happened to the 27 temples that were believed to be located inside the complex. “...why Ganesha moorti was put upside down to humiliate

The idols are currently placed at a most disrespectful place, upside down at the feet level of the visitors.

Hindus. There are Tirthankars, Yamuna, Dashavatar, Krishna’s birth and Navagraha moortis never shown to

visitors,” he said in the tweet. The BJP leader also said correcting such wrongs is a way to “fight against colonialism”.

roads. We direct the respondents to take remedial steps forthwith and a status report be filed within two weeks. List on May 11. The court’s order came while hearing a petition by Ajit Kumar, represented through advocate Vishal Khanna, seeking to restrain the Delhi government from issuing new permits for electric auto until action is taken against unauthorised e-rickshaw that are plying without fitness or that

(Delhi government’s transport department) are permitting plying of e-rickshaws and autos, whose fitness certificate and registration respectively have expired, in broad daylight, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla said.

The bench further said, It is obvious that the respondents are not serious in enforcing law and rules in relation to the fitness of every vehicle plying on

they may be removed from roads as they are adding more traffic.

The plea also sought that new permits for eauto be not given until 22000 old TSR autos, which are 15-year-old, are removed from Delhi roads either by scrapping or replacement scheme or any other better policy is brought in by the Transport Department. Delhi government’s counsel submitted that the state has come up with e-auto to reduce air pollution and this petition was possibly filed at the behest of those who are having CNG autos. The bench, however, asked how can illegal e-rickshaws be plying on roads and said, this means you are not doing your job. They are plying on roads in broad daylight and you are doing nothing.

This means you have left it to that traffic policeman who will take his cut from these ‘erickshaw walas’.

Two idols of Ganesha “Ulta Ganesh” and “Ganesha in cage” are located in the compound of the 12th-century mon-

ument, which was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

The “Ulta Ganesh” (upside down) is part of the south-facing wall of the Quwwat Ul Islam mosque in the complex.

The other idol, enclosed in an iron cage, is close to the ground level and is part of the same mosque.

“What happened is cultural genocide and it has to be reversed,” Vijay said.

Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh

The CUET is a transparent, entrance test-based system and every student will be given an equal opportunity. The prior system (cut-off) was not giving equal opportunities to the students.

—Yogesh Singh, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor

tem gave an undue advantage to those who studied under boards that had a lenient marking system, he said all students should be assessed on similar parameters. “The earlier system was not favouring those who came

from strict or moderate boards. A country like India has 30 to 40 state boards, every board has its own uniqueness and we do respect that. But students should be measured on similar parameters,” Singh said.

—PTI

‘MANHANDLING’ OF YO YO HONEY SINGH: FIR LODGED New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has registered a case in connection with the alleged manhandling of singer Yo Yo Honey Singh during a show at a club here, officials said on Thursday.

The incident took place on the intervening night of March 26 and 27, they added. According to police, the Hauz Khas police station received a complaint on March 27 regarding nuisance, misbehaving and threats issued to Hirdesh Singh, popularly

Singer Yo Yo Honey Singh.

known as Yo Yo Honey Singh. In his complaint, Singh said the event was organised at a club in South Extension-II on the intervening night of March 26 and 27. During the show, five-six unidentified people forcibly came on the stage and started misbehaving with the artistes.

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PROCESS INITIATED TO AMEND IPC, CrPC, EVIDENCE ACT: GOVT MHA seeks suggestions from Governors, Lt Guvs, CMs, MPs, CJI, and Bar Council New Delhi (PTI): Seeking to make comprehensive changes in criminal laws to provide affordable and speedy justice and create a people-centric legal structure, the government has initiated the process to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act in consultation with stakeholders, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also sought suggestions from governors, chief ministers, Lt governors and administrators of Union Territories, chief justice of India, chief justices of

146th report of Parliamentary Standing Committee said that there is a need for a comprehensive review of India’s criminal justice system various high courts, Bar Council of India, bar council of various states and members of Parliament regarding comprehensive amendments in criminal laws, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply.

The minister also in-

formed that a committee headed by the vice chancellor, National Law University, Delhi and four other members was constituted on March 2, 2020 by the MHA to suggest reforms in the criminal laws of the country.

The committee had

Get your own Capitals: Chd Civic body to Pb, Haryana Chandigarh (PTI): The municipal corporation here passed a resolution on Thursday which states that Chandigarh should remain a union territory, and should also get its own legislative assembly.

The development comes as Punjab and Haryana engage in a tussle to stake claim over Chandigarh.

Both Punjab and Haryana state assemblies recently passed their respective resolution reiterating their claim over the Union Territory of Chandigarh, their joint capital. The resolution also

said the Centre should intervene and direct Haryana and Punjab governments “to develop their own independent capital cities”.

Only BJP councillors were present in the Municipal Corporation House when the resolution was passed, with the

councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal staging a walkout.

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Mayor Sarabjit Kaur, who is from the BJP, had called a special meeting of the general House of the corporation.

Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge

the state governments should “keep things under control” and “take everyone along”.

New Delhi (Agencies): From lightweight tanks, naval utility helicopters to drones, India has banned the import of yet another 101 military equipment and systems in a bid to promote indigenisation in defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday released the third positive indigenisation list of 101 items, comprising major equipment and platforms.

The list, notified by the Department of Military Affairs, Ministry

of Defence (MoD), lays special emphasis on equipment/systems which are being developed and are likely to translate into firm orders in the next five years.

These weapons and platforms are planned to be indigenised progressively with effect from December 2022 to December 2027.

These 101 items will, henceforth, be procured from local sources as per provisions of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

Don’t need lessons on law and order from Amit Shah: TMC

Two civilians injured in Handwara as soldiers fire after altercation

Kolkata (PTI): The TMC on Thursday slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on the law and order situation in West Bengal and said that the party doesn’t need lessons from him.

Senior TMC leader Sougata Roy said that neither the party nor the state Govt needed lessons from Shah on maintenance of law and order.

“Amit Shah should be the last person to talk about law and order. We are very well aware of his track record as a minister in Gujarat and in the Centre,” Roy said.

Jammu (PTI): Protests broke out in north Kashmir’s Handwara in Kupwara district on Thursday where two civilians were injured after some Army personnel allegedly opened fire following an altercation with people near a mosque.

The injured persons have been identified as Abdul Ahad Mir from Rajwar and Mujeeb Ahmad Sofi from Handwara who sustained injuries in their lower limbs. They were shifted to the hospital where their condition is stable, reports said.

Reports said that

New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday claimed that the BJP was considering replacing Jai Ram Thakur with Union Minister Anurag Thakur as the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

Addressing a press conference, he said the BJP wanted to make the big change as it feared defeat in the elections with the growing “popularity” of Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia

“We have learnt from very reliable sources that the BJP wants to replace Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur with Anurag Thakur as it is scared of the popularity of Arvind Kejriwal and his model of governance in Delhi,” Sisodia claimed.

All must comply with High Court order: Kharge “Everyone should follow High Court’s order but it’s awful if such issues (Azaan issue) are brought up merely for the political purpose of polarisation while creating communal fissures in society. It’ll be adversarial both socially and economically. So the Central and state governments should keep things under control and take everyone along,” he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

civil societies from across the country.

After extensive stakeholders consultation and research, the committee submitted its recommendations on February 27, 2022 on the three criminal laws - IPC, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act.

LOUDSPEAKER ROW

New Delhi (PTI): Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said every community should abide by the order of the Karnataka High Court on the use of loudspeakers in religious institutions.

Speaking to news agency media, Kharge said, “Everyone should comply with the orders of the High Court.”

The Congress leader said that the Central and

Paris (Agencies): French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen vowed Thursday to issue fines to Muslims who wear headscarves in public, as candidates made a final push for votes three days ahead of an election seen as increasingly close.

President Macron built what seemed an unassailable lead ahead of the first round of polls on Sunday but Le Pen has eroded the margin and feels she has a real chance of winning the run-off on April 24.

“People will be given a fine in the same way that it is illegal to not wear your seat belt. It seems to me that the police are very much able to enforce this measure,” Le Pen said.

India bans import of another 101 military items for self-reliance

invited suggestions through a questionnaire based on secondary research and inputs from experts uploaded on its website which received response from various organisations, research centres, academics, lawyers, and

BJP wants Anurag Thakur as new Himachal CM: Sisodia

COURTESY MEET

Le Pen vows headscarf fines in tight French election battle

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MAINTAIN DECIBEL LEVEL: BENGALURU POLICE ISSUE NOTICES

PUNJAB DRIVER SHOT AT BY MILITANTS IN J&K’S PULWAMA

Security forces during search operation.

there were arguments between the civilians and soldiers after the former objected to videography of the worshippers.

Gunshots were heard amidst the arguments.

This was followed by

—FILE PHOTO

stone pelting at the security forces by angry demonstrators. Army’s side of the report on the incident is awaited.

Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident.

Srinagar (Agencies): A driver from Punjab was shot and injured by militants in J&K’s Pulwama district on Thursday, police said.

“A non-local driver, identified as Sonu Sharma of Pathankot, was shot and injured by militants in Yader village of Pulwama.

“He was shifted to hospital for treatment and the area has been cordoned off,” a source said.

ED SEEKS DISMISSAL OF BAIL PLEA

‘Deshmukh mastermind behind money laundering conspiracy’ Mumbai (Agencies): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently told the Bombay High Court that former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh is the “mastermind and brain” behind the money laundering conspiracy and misused his official position to create unaccounted assets. He also exercised “undue influence over transfers and postings of police officials and on performance of those police officials,” it added.

The ED, in its response to Deshmukh’s bail plea, said that the probe is at nascent stage and Deshmukh being an influential person, if released, may tamper with evidence and witnesses. And since he has not cooperated with the investigation, he should not be granted bail.

Deshmukh, who was arrested by ED last November, had moved HC after the special PMLA court

EKNATH KHADSE APPEARS BEFORE POLICE IN PHONE TAPPING CASE

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

on March 14 had rejected his bail plea, holding that there is prima facie proof to indicate that he had exercised “undue influence” over transfers and postings of police officers.

Deshmukh was arrested by the ED last November. The central agency had alleged that he was the beneficiary of bribes received by co-accused Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze, who has since been dismissed.

Deshmukh, in his bail plea filed through advocates Aniket Nikam and Inderpal Singh, said that statements including the one given by former Mumbai police com-

Mumbai (PTI): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Eknath Khadse appeared before the Colaba police in Mumbai on Thursday to record his statement in the phone tapping case. The phones of Khadse along with his personal assistant were allegedly tapped during the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections.

Senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla, who formerly headed the State Intelligence Department of Maharashtra Police, is an accused in the case. missioner Param Bir Singh be tested on “different yardsticks” by ascertaining their credibility as Singh himself is accused of several serious offences, including extortion.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Profitability – Employee Interface – Machines

NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

04

IN-DEPTH

GODS AND RAPE: AMU PROFESSOR TREADS A WRONG TERRITORY

A

COL ANUPAM JAITLY (RETD)

The writer is Defence expert, Motivational Speaker & Corporate Trainer

I I would say that in globalization of business the only constant in the corporate workplace from first to fourth industrial revolution is the human resource and therefore it needs to be nurtured very carefully. It is mandatory for the organizations to introduce new motivational needs of employees to meet the environmental realities.

The top management should carry out new methodologies of developing strong and durable bond with the employees to achieve the selected goals of profitability and long-term sustenance.

For whatever may be the wonders in digitization and automation, MAN remains the ULTIMATE!

n the recent emerging era of new world order as well as the resurfacing of economy in post pandemic times, India still holds a promising economy and remains a strategic destination for financial development of the region in particular & the world in general. Today, India is ready to compete with current global standards of being a manufacturer, service provider or a vibrant market. The emergence of foreign companies in our nation bears a testimony that we indeed are a potentially influential and an emerging financial power.

According to me, profit must be the main aim and motto of every industry and organisation because, if the firm will earn, then only it will have courage to take higher risks, reap better profit margins and help the society, nation and overall infrastructure for a sustained development.

As a corporate trainer and coach, I often wonder, why is it that a few companies perform better than the others?

What exactly is the reason for failure of some while others succeed in the same environment? After long deliberations my conclusion is that it is the governance of any corporate that casts the die.

Corporate governance or CG

is no stranger and in fact it refers to the checks and balances within an organization, the rules, practices and processes used to run a company. Well, it also frames and establishes the company’s direction, integrity and financial viability that brings in trust with investors and the community.

So, should we believe that both the aspects of a modern industry, Man and the Machine qualify for CG? The answer is not really. While the machines need management and maintenance the human capital is driven by good governance. It is often observed that in this era of technological advancement and Robots, industries and corporates tend to forget the wealth of human resources they may be sitting on for generating what they all need the most “PROFITS”.

No doubt, we are in the midst of yet another wave of change (the fourth industrial revolution), driven by cloud computing, AI, advanced digitalisation and the Internet. But does this imply that hence forth the industry will perhaps shorten or reduce the space for human resource. Needless to mention that technologies can retrieve information, handle inventories and logistics, prepare briefs, provide financial services, translate documents, audit statements and diagnose diseases but still, the man behind the machine could not be replaced.

It is worth mentioning that 2018 World Economic Forum

JUNKING LOCs OF A A DIFFERENT KIND

fter the Chief Justice of India, Justice NV Ramana, urged the CBI at an event to be “impermeable” and “independent” because it was “an institution” which is permanent while the “political executive” is not. He exhorted them to “not allow any authoritarian tendencies”. “They need to function within the democratic framework…as they have to reclaim social legitimacy and public trust”. Soon after, the Union Minister for Law and Justice responded with the remark that “CBI is no longer a caged parrot”.

The CBI’s look-out circular against veteran journalist and Amnesty International India’s former chief to prevent him from flying out of

Today, India is ready to compete with current global standards of being a manufacturer, service provider or a vibrant market. The emergence of foreign companies in our nation bears a testimony that we indeed are a potentially influential and an emerging financial power study said that 75 million jobs will be lost in the next five years as companies adopt automation. But, another 133 million new jobs will emerge in the same time as businesses develop a new division of labour between humans and machines.

In view of the above, it’s important for companies to strike a healthy balance between remaining profitable and Good CG for employees.

If history has taught us anything, it’s only that the disruptive paradigm shifting business models lay the very foundation for future business models.

Yes, robots, machines and AI will replace humans for many jobs, just as innovative farming equipment replaced humans and bullocks during the first industrial revolution. Yet, in spite of these changes, humans will be required to deliver value in various new ways for brand

Patel was stopped from flying out to the US even after a Surat court ordered the release of his passport on February 19 and permitted him to fly to the US. Similarly, journalist Rana Ayyub, who wrote the book “Gujarat Files” after the Godhra riots, was stopped from flying to London on the basis of an LOC issued by the Enforcement Directorate the country suggests that it has either not been uncaged, or it is hesitant of moving out of the cage. Patel was stopped from flying out to the US even after a Surat court ordered the release of his passport on

new business models. Obviously, technology is no answer for roles that dictate emotions like empathy, creativity and intuition in specific contexts.

The ideal mix therefore, is one that combines the best of both worlds. While efficiency and productivity fall in the court of technology; creativity, emotion, complexity management and close relationships remain within the domain of the workforce.

The human touch is indispensable to creativity and to manage the unpredictable.

Its only for this reasons that organisations like Google and Facebook are now creating spaces and environments for people to hang out and talk and the key reason for that is to bring about crossfertilisation of new ideas.

I would say that in globalization of business the only constant in the corporate workplace from first to fourth industrial revolution is the human resource and therefore it needs to be nurtured very carefully. It is mandatory for the organizations to introduce new motivational needs of employees to meet the environmental realities. The top management should carry out new methodologies of developing strong and durable bond with the employees to achieve the selected goals of profitability and long-term sustenance. For whatever may be the wonders in digitization and automation, MAN remains the ULTIMATE!

ligarh Muslim University’s Professor Jitendra Kumar is in the dock for teaching obnoxious stuff about Hindu gods to his medical students at the university. He is said to have showed presentation to suggest that rape was prevalent even in mythological times.

Prof Kumar has tendered an unconditional apology but he still faces a police case for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.

What do third year MBBS students attending a lecture in the forensic medicine department have to do with Rape: A Historical Perspective? And why did it have to be about Hindu gods?

Professor Kumar called it an “inadvertent mistake” but he has actually put AMU into problems.

As it is, the university faces trouble over Jinnah’s portrait and the demand to rename it after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh.

His action will only be a boost for those branding the university as communal. The professor should have realised how sensitive the times are before giving rape a religious perspective.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in all you do.

—Bible

TOP TWEETS Narendra Modi @narendramodi

The Government of India is working tirelessly to augment India’s health infrastructure. The focus is on ensuring good quality and affordable healthcare to our citizens. It makes every Indian proud that our nation is home to the world’s largest healthcare scheme, Ayushman Bharat.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

February 19 and permitted him to fly to the US. Patel challenged the LOC in a Delhi court and the additional chief metropolitan magistrate ordered the CBI to withdraw the circular. More significantly, the ACMM Pawan Kumar urged the CBI Director to send a written apology to Patel to “restore public confidence in the public”, words that echo CJI’s remarks.

Similarly, journalist Rana Ayyub, who wrote the book “Gujarat Files” after the Godhra riots, was stopped from flying to London on the basis of an LOC issued by the Enforcement Directorate. The ED considered Ayyub a flight risk as “she might not return to India”. But the Delhi High Court allowed Ayyub to fly out subject to some conditions.

Finished reading @PriyamGM ji’s best selling book—‘A Nation to Protect’, a brilliantly researched work on how PM @narendramodi’s decisive leadership, effective policy responses and handholding helped India rise to the challenge and effectively tackle the Covid19 situation.

l Vol 1 l Issue No. 218 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Impressions Printing and Packaging Limited, C-21, 22 Sector-59, Noida-201301. Published at G-20, 3rd Floor, 309, Preet Vihar, New Delhi-110092. Phone 011-49846474.

Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra.

Editor: Sharat K Verma responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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05

disaster alerts reach Modi meets Sonia, Farooq, MSY Ensure remote areas timely: Shah on conclusion of Budget Session SAVINGS FOR POOR, MIDDLE-CLASS: PM ON HEALTHCARE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Farooq Abdullah in New Delhi on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and other opposition leaders in the chamber of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the conclusion of Parliaments’ Budget Session on Thursday.

Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were also present during the meeting. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were ad-

journed sine die a day before the schedule, marking the culmination of the Budget Session 2022 during which the two Houses passed key legislations, including the Bill to unify the municipal corporations in the national capital.

The second part of the Budget Session began on March 14 while the sittings were to conclude on April 8.

Key Bills were passed in the Parliament during the second part of the session, including the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022, Delhi Municipal

IN THE COURTYARD MULLAPERIYAR DAM’S SAFETY REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION: SUPREME COURT

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday said, “immediate attention” is required to be given to the safety of the 126-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam and the supervisory committee will be strengthened to take steps that are required to be taken by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) under the Dam Safety Act 2021. The Supreme court, which asked both Kerala and Tamil Nadu not to go into the history and concentrate on the future of the dam, said the supervisory committee will issue directions that will be complied with by both the states. The top court, which appealed to both the states to “let the water flow” safely, said it would pass the order in the matter on Friday.

Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 among others. On the last day of the session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla acknowledged the participation of MPs and said that the Session was “going well with everyone’s support”.

“In this Session, productivity has been 129 per cent, with everybody’s participation…

Productivity till the 8th session has been 106 per cent. Compared to the previous experiences, the ongoing session went well with everyone’s support,” Birla said.

New Delhi (PTI): On the occasion of World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Government is working tirelessly to augment India’s health infrastructure with a focus on ensuring good quality and affordable healthcare to all citizens.

Declared by the WHO, World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 every year. On this year’s World Health Day, the WHO is focussing global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.

PM MODI TO GO ON A TWO-DAY VISIT TO GUJ FROM APRIL 19 New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat starting April 19. This will be his second visit to Gujarat in the last two months. Elections are due in the state in December and the BJP is getting ready to seek another term in the state they have been ruling since 1995. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also visit Gujarat for two days on April 10 and 11.

While there are no details about his programme yet, the state BJP earlier said the Prime Minister will visit the tribal-dominated Dahod area and was likely to speak at a rally.

PM WANTS ‘IMMEDIATE ACTION’ TO HELP PVT SECTOR CREATE JOBS: TOP OFFICIAL

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested to secretaries of the Central Government to hand-hold the private sector to give impetus to manufacturing and job creation and stressed that employment should be focus of all interventions in the public and private sectors, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba said. Gauba wrote to the secretaries requesting them to initiate “immediate action” on the suggestions made to them by the PM at the meeting on April 2. Stating that the Government should act as a “facilitator” and “catalytic agent”, Gauba said, “It is imperative to hand-hold the private sector to give impetus to manufacturing and job creation and help Indian companies become world leaders.”

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday has observed that government should take note of the financial impact on the state exchequer while coming up with any welfare schemes or laws. A bench of Justices UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and PS Narasimha observations came while hearing a plea seeking proper implementation of the mandatory provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. The court remarked to Central Government that whenever it comes up with any such schemes, then it must take note of its financial impact.

The court also pointed out the budget constraints shown by the government while dealing with such welfare schemes and suggested the work in this direction.

London (PTI): People infected with SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, have an increased risk of developing serious blood clots for up to six months after the infection, even in mild cases, according to a study published in The BMJ. The researchers found an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis — a blood clot in the

leg — up to three months after Covid infection, pulmonary embolism — a blood clot in the lung — up to six months, and a bleeding event up to two months.

The researchers from Umea University in Sweden noted that these results support measures to prevent thrombotic events, especially for high risk patients, and strengthen the im-

—Amit Shah,

Union Home Minister

sponse forces and other related agencies participating. The NDRF should make sure that the alerts generated for an impending disaster reach the intended location, village and panchayat in time, he said.

The Minister said special focus should be given to cases of lightning strikes where time is less and it should be

HIGHLIGHTS

Tamil Nadu advises authorities to intensify surveillance at international airports India reports 1,033 new Covid-19 cases, 43 deaths in last 24 hours

z

portance of vaccination against Covid-19.

Using national registries in Sweden, they

New Delhi (PTI): The government on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that no election symbol reserved or allotted by the Election Commission shall be deemed as a religious or national symbol. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju was asked whether a national symbol such as national bird, national animal or national flower can be used as an election symbol by any registered political party.

In a written reply, Rijiju quoted a provision of the Representation of

the People Act to explain the legal position.

These include appeal by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent to vote or refrain from voting on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to, religious or national symbols “such as the national flag or the national emblem, for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate”.

identified more than one million people with confirmed SARSCoV-2 infection between Feb-

ensured that accurate alert reaches the intended village and its inhabitants.

“We have made many apps for a variety of disasters but a definite mechanism should be made so that the alerts reach in time to the remotest location,” Shah said.

For this, the minister said, volunteers of the NCC (national cadet corps), NSS (national service scheme), home guards, women self help groups should be involved in the disaster management protocol.

The literature and training module should also be prepared in local languages, he said.

uled to be held in Pakistan from 12-21 April 2022,” Pakistan High Commission India said in a tweet.

The High Commission for Pakistan in In-

dia stated the issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.

“Every year, a large

ruary 1, 2020 and May 25, 2021, matched by age, sex, and county of residence to more than

four million people who had not had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.

The researchers first calculated the rates of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding in Covid-19 individuals during a control period — before and long after Covid-19 diagnosis — and compared it to the rates in different time intervals after Covid-19 diagnosis.

productivity

US: Ready to support India in diversifying its energy imports

New Delhi (PTI): The Rajya Sabha clocked 99.80 per cent productivity during the Budget Session that concluded on Thursday, missing the 100 per cent landmark just by 10 minutes, officials said.

As against the scheduled 29 sittings, the Upper House held 27 that included 10 during the first part of the Budget Session and 17 during the second part that concluded, two sittings were given up.

Washington (PTI): The United States is ready to support India in diversifying its energy imports, the White House said, reiterating its desire that New Delhi does not purchase oil from Russia amid American sanctions on Moscow.

“We do not think India should accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as, obviously, those decisions are made by in-

‘INDIA-US TIES ENTERING NEW TERRITORY’

Jen Psaki

dividual countries,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Washington: Due to the “problematic” position taken

by India on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the India-US bilateral relationship is “entering uncharted territory”, a top former official of the Trump Administration said. Lisa Curtis, who was the Trump Administration’s point person for India during his four years of presidency, it would become increasingly difficult for the India and United States of America to expand their defence and security ties beyond a certain level.

CRUCIAL READ

Pak issues 2,200 visas to Indian pilgrims for Baisakhi day.

The annual festival of Baisakhi is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from April 12-21 and according to the High Commission the latest visas to Indian pilgrims was issued in addition to the visas to Sikhs residing in other countries.

“On the eve of Baisakhi celebrations, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2200 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual festival sched-

We have made many apps (mobile applications) for a variety of disasters but a definite mechanism should be made so that the alerts reach in time to the remotest location.

z

CELEBRATIONS

New Delhi (PTI): Pakistan has issued 2,200 visas to Indian pilgrims for attending Baisakhi celebrations to be held in various Sikh shrines in Pakistan from April 12- 21.

“During their visit to Pakistan, the pilgrims would, inter alia, go to Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. They would enter Pakistan on April 12 and would return to India on April 21, 2022,” a statement from the High Commission of Pakistan stated on Tues-

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah addressing the conference on capacity building for disaster response in New Delhi on Thursday.

Risk of serious clots up to 6 months after Covid: Study

No poll symbol shall be deemed Rajya Sabha as religious, national symbol: Min clocks 99.8%

GOVT SHOULD CONSIDER FINANCIAL IMPACT WHEN COMING UP WITH SCHEMES: TOP COURT

New Delhi (PTI): Agencies involved in disaster management should ensure that alerts generated for calamities should reach the remotest panchayat location in the country timely and organisations like NCC, women groups and home guards should be brought on board for this task, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said today.

He asked the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the federal agency to train and undertake operations during such emergencies, to take a leadership role in this context so that whenever such an emergency strikes, a trained personnel can work as a “stop gap arrangement” till professional rescuers reach the spot.

He was speaking while inaugurating a two-day ‘annual conference on capacity building for disaster response 2022’ being held here. The meeting has been organised by the NDRF with representatives of various central and state disaster re-

number of Sikh Yatrees (passengers) from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries,” the statement said.

The statement further reads, “The issuance of pilgrimage visas to religious pilgrims by the High Commission is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to

fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between the two countries.”

Aftab Hasan Khan, Chargé d’affaires of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi extended his felicitations to the pilgrims and wished for their rewarding and fulfilling yatra.

In his message, he said, “Pakistan takes immense pride in preserving sacred religious places and providing necessary facilitation to the visiting pilgrims.”

MIN: INDIA PLANS TO ISSUE E-PASSPORTS STARTING THIS YEAR

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that the government is planning to issue epassports to its citizens, starting in 2022-23.

Muraleedharan’s remarks came in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question on the government’s plans.

BSF SIGHTS PAK DRONE NEAR GURDASPUR

Gurdaspur: A Pakistani drone was sighted entering the Indian territory near Punjab’s Gurdaspur around 1.30 PM on Wednesday. The drone returned back to Pakistan after the soldiers of 89 battalion of BSF threw light bombs and conducted 16 fires over it.

ASKED TO STRIP BY COPS: JOURNALIST WHO WENT TO COVER BJP MLA STORY

Bhopal: A group of men, including a journalist and theatre artists, were seen stripped down inside a police station in Madhya Pradesh in a post that has gone viral now. A local journalist and YouTuber, who was identified in the photo, alleged he was abused and asked to strip by some police personnel when he went to cover a protest against a local BJP MLA.

Promoted by AU Small Finance Bank

BIZ BUZZ NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

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Sensex ends 575 pts down; Nifty skids below 17,700 Mumbai (ANI): The Indian equities markets key indices, Sensex and Nifty, slumped for the third straight day on Thursday dragged by heavy selling pressure in heavyweights Reliance Industries, TCS, and HDFC Bank.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex closed 575.46 points or 0.97 per cent down at 59,034.95 points against its previous day’s close at 59,610.41 points. Earlier, the Sensex opened in the negative at 59,402.61 points and slumped to a low of

This is the third straight day of loss in the benchmark index. The Sensex had lost 566.09 points or 0.94 per cent on Wednesday. HDFC and HDFC Bank fell sharply for the third straight day after the announcement of merger

58,977.35 points in the intra-day.

This is the

third

straight day of loss in the benchmark index. The Sensex had lost 566.09 points or 0.94 per cent on Wednesday.

HDFC and H D F C B a n k f e l l shar ply for the third straight day after the announcement of merger deals. HDFC

slumped 2.91 per cent to Rs 2462.65. HDFC Bank dipped 2.19 per cent to Rs 1516.90.

The share price of HDFC Bank and HDFC had surged by around 10 per cent on Monday shortly after the merger deals were announced. However, in the last three days, these stocks have lost the gains made on the day when merger deals were announced.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Ex-

change slumped 168.10 points or 0.94 per cent to 17,639.55 points. The Nifty had lost 149.75 points or 0.83 per cent on Wednesday.

Titan slumped 3.24 per cent to Rs 2458.95.

Wipro slipped 2.13 per cent to Rs 580.90.

The index heavyweight Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) fell 1.82 per cent to Rs 2571.75.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) fell 1.90 per cent to Rs 3684.95.

Axis Bank surged 2.31 per cent to Rs 791.50.

ICICI Bank rose 1.12 per cent to Rs 749.05.

Hindustan Unilever, Mahindra & Mahindra, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Tech Mahindra and Sun Pharma were among the major Sensex gainers.

06

UKRAINE CONFLICT

India aims to mitigate economic crisis, says MEA New Delhi (Agencies): India said on Wednesday that its approach to the Ukraine crisis remains to promote dialogue to end the conflict; mitigate economic distress for itself and for the world; and to work with its partners to these ends.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while replying to a discussion on the situation in Ukraine in Parliament, admitted that the conflict has had significant consequences for the global economy and for India’s national economy.

At the same time, he revealed that after delivering vaccines to countries all over

the world, India has been approached by many nations for the supply of wheat and sugar by many nations during the ongoing crisis.

‘We will step forward where global demands for food, grains and other materials are concerned and we will do it in a manner that is helpful to the global economy; which will not take undue advantage of countries in

distress,’ the minister said.

The EAM said that, like all other countries, India too is assessing the implications and deciding what is best for the national interest.

‘At a time when energy costs have spiked, clearly we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden.

Guidelines on setting Reverse migration during COVID hit real estate projects: Govt COVID IMPACT up of Digital Banking Units released by RBI Mumbai (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday issued guidelines for the establishment of ‘Digital Banking Units’ as announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this year.

In the Union Budget 2022-23 the finance minister made announcements for setting up of 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in 75 districts to commemorate the 75 years of independence of the country. In pursuance of the budget announcement a ‘Committee for the establishment of Digital Banking Units (DBUs)’ was set-up by the Reserve Bank to outline a roadmap for the establishment of DBUs. The Committee after necessary consultations and deliberations gave its recommendations on different aspects of DBU viz., the digital banking unit model, facilities to be offered in DBUs, monitoring of functioning of DBUs, cyber security and

DIGITAL BANKING

New Delhi (ANI): Real estate projects across the country were adversely impacted due to the reverse migration of construction workers during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore said on Thursday.

In view of the situation created by the pandemic COVID-19 reverse migration of

labourers, including construction workers, to their native places and break in supply chains of construction material, construction activities of real estate projects across the country were adversely impacted, the minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

“However, exact details of the quantum of job loss and financial loss in the Real Estate Sector are not

JET AIRWAYS PLANS TO RETURN WITH A MIX OF PREMIUM, NO-FRILLS SERVICES

other IT related aspects, role of DBU in the spread of digital banking awareness, etc.

“Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the guidelines on ‘Establishment of Digital Banking Units’ have been finalised,” RBI said in a statement.

New Delhi (Agencies): Jet Airways India Ltd., which is undergoing a court-monitored restructuring, plans to return with a hybrid of premium and no-frills services that would allow the former top local airline to claw back market share while managing costs in the fiercely competitive Indian aviation market.

The bankrupt airline, now helmed by a new

set of owners, will have a two-class configuration where business class passengers will be offered services including free meals, its new Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Kapoor said in an interview near New Delhi on Wednesday. The economy class will, however, be modeled similar to low-cost carriers where flyers pay for meals and other services, he said.

maintained centrally by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA),” the minister added.

The minister informed the lower house of the parliament that the government has taken a num-

10 states to get `28,204 crore more for power sector reforms: FinMin New Delhi (ANI): The central government granted additional borrowing permission of Rs 28,204 crore to 10 states for undertaking the stipulated reforms in the power sector during the financial year ended March 31, Union Finance Ministry said on Thursday.

The Ministry of Finance, based on the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, had decided to grant additional borrowing space of upto 0.5 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to

the states every year for a four year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25 based on reforms undertaken by the states in the power sector.

This was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget speech of 2021-22.

Huge opportunities for students in India-Aus pact: Goyal

Piyush Goyal

Sydney (PTI): India and Australia would help expand the economies of both countries, thus providing huge opportunities for students.

He said education is an important element both in the current and future engagements with Australia.

So as trade and economy expand, the opportunities for students also naturally expand and that’s what we have aimed for, he said while interacting with students here at the University of New South Wales.

He called for taking India-Australia part-

Education is an important element both in the current and future engagements with Australia.

nership in education to greater heights and invited the university to expand its footprints in India.As we expand our services offerings to each other. As we expand trade in goods, in startups, obviously there is going to be a need for all of you (Indian students in Aus-

tralia) in a bigger way, Goyal added.

Australia has over one lakh students from India.

Speaking at the event, Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said whether Indian students studying in Australia should also get opportunities to work here, is a very popular issue and they are working to address it.

So as part of the agreement, what we have reached is that if a student is from STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or working in IT as part of their de-

gree and if you get a first class honours, then you will get extra post study work (visa).

So you will be able to stay here, work and work for longer.

We have to make sure that our education leads to employment outcome. We hope that in the coming 6 months, you will have much more opportunity than what you have at the moment, he added.

Both the ministers were replying to a question from an Indian student named Mushkan, studying finance and financial technology here.

ber of steps to support the real estate sector.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban

Affairs had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) and their Regulatory Authorities for extension of completion date or revised/ extended completion date for all real estate projects registered under Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 [RERA] for a period of 6 months, and further extension of 3 months, if the situation so demands.

PSU BALMER LAWRIE AIMS AT ` 6KCR TOPLINE BY FY26: CMD Kolkata (PTI) Diversified PSU Balmer Lawrie & Co is targeting a revenue of Rs 6,000 crore by 2025-26, Chairman and Managing Director Adika Ratna Sekhar said. The company hopes to touch a sales figure of Rs 2,000 crore in 2020-21 as against Rs 1,592 crore in the previous fiscal, he said. “We are expecting to be a Rs 6,000-crore company by the year 2025-26, Sekhar told PTI. Sekhar said due to onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and vacation vertical has not been doing well, incurring losses to the tune of Rs 15 crore on a revenue of Rs 27 crore in the 2020-21 financial year. Till December 2021, the division clocked a revenue of Rs 35.7 crore, and losses pared to Rs 8.5 crore.

TATA MOTORS BAGS ORDER FOR 1,300 VEHICLES FROM VRL LOGISTICS New Delhi (PTI): Tata Motors on Thursday said it has bagged an order for 1,300 commercial vehicles from VRL Logistics. The order comprises medium and heavy commercial vehicle and intermediate & light commercial vehicle range, suited for logistics operations of VRL Logistics, the Mumbai-based automaker said in a statement. The vehicles were selected on the basis of superior drivability, high fuel efficiency and low total cost of ownership, which will enable VRL Logistics to increase its fleet efficiency, it added. Tata Motors said its commercial vehicles are designed and engineered on the Power of 6’ philosophy, which delivers driveability, total cost of operations, comfort and convenience, and connectivity.

SEBI OR RBI CIRCULAR FOR STRESSED ASSETS’ RESOLUTION? SC TO CHOOSE Mumbai (Agencies): The Supreme Court (SC) will soon decide on the conflict over applicability of two circulars for resolution of stressed assets—one issued by banking sector regulator RBI and the other by securities regulator Sebi. Under the RBI circular, any decision agreed by lenders representing 75 per cent by value of total outstanding credit facilities (fund based as well non-fund based) and 60 per cent of lenders by number shall be binding upon all the lenders. Meanwhile, a Sebi circular mandates that casting of votes by debenture holders take place at the ISIN-level. An International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a 12 -digit alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a specific security.

NEWS NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

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GORAKHNATH TEMPLE ATTACK:

YOGI’S SECURITY BEEFED UP

07

Money and Muscle power still swing polls: ADR report

In addition to security, people are being allowed to enter the residence only after thorough questioning and checking, reports said

Illegal petrol pump of SP MLA Shahjil Islam demolished in UP

First India Bureau Lucknow: Days after the attack on the security personnel deployed at the gates of Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur, the security of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been increased to include the CRPF. According to the report, two units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at the chief minister’s residence, which is located at 5, Kalidas Marg, of the state capital. The CRPF security is in addition to the already existing cover provided by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Also, anyone entering the residence will be allowed in only after thorough questioning and checking, it said.

Commissioner Police DK Thakur, however, according to media reports, said that the deployment of paramilitary forces was a routine exercise. The development comes days af-

Govt to conduct special events at 75 heritage: Sonowal New Delhi, (PTI): The govt plans to organise special events at 75 heritage and iconic sites on International Day of Yoga, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday as thousands of people performed yoga exercises at the Red Fort to mark the 75-day countdown to the June 21 event.

The Yoga Utsav, held as part of the World Health Day, also saw the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, parliamentarians, ambassadors of various countries and Yoga exponents as they performed the Common Yoga Protocol. The Ayush ministry ministry has planned to conduct yoga at 75 heritage and iconic sites with prominent India branding and has also planned to relay programmes of the event across the world.

Image for representational purpose only.

ter a youth named Murtaza Abbasi attacked and injured two PAC personnel posted with the security of the Gorakhnath Temple with a sharp-edged weapon on April 3. Gorakhpur is the home turf of chief minister Adityanath, who is the head priest of the temple.

Murtaza is being questioned at the Lucknow headquarters of the ATS which is probing a possible terror angle. According to the information received, ATS has come across

DEPLOYMENT OF PARAMILITARY FORCES A ROUTINE EXERCISE: COMMISSIONER DK THAKUR Commissioner Police DK Thakur, however, according to media reports, said that the deployment of paramilitary forces was a routine exercise. The development comes days after a youth named Murtaza Abbasi attacked and injured two PAC personnel posted with the security of the Gorakhnath Temple with a sharp-edged weapon on April 3. Gorakhpur is the home turf of chief minister Adityanath, who is the head priest of the temple.

four of Murtaza’s bank accounts of which two are operational and one has a lot of money. Murtaza has reportedly said he was raising the money to go to Canada.

The ATS is probing if

Murtaza was a part of a sleeper cell and a bigger conspiracy behind the attack. According to the agencies, Murtza was also frequently seen on social media with radical views.

Bareilly (UP), (PTI): A petrol pump that had allegedly been built illegally by Samajwadi Party MLA Shazil Islam Ansari was bulldozed on Thursday, days after the legislator was booked over a provocative remark against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The demolition of the fuel station at Parsakheda on the Bareilly-Delhi National Highway was carried out by the Bareilly Development Authority, using a bulldozer, an official said.

BDA vice chairman Jogendra Singh said Ansari’s petrol pump was built without the required clearance.

“The notice in this regard has already been issued but no reply was received,” he said.

Less than a week back, an FIR was lodged

Sena workers protest against Kirit Somaiya

Mumbai, (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said implementation of populist schemes causes reduction of funds for developm e n t works in the long run and political parties have to come together to decide on this issue.

Pawar, who is also the state’s finance minister, was responding to a question about states implementing schemes which they cannot afford and incurring debts.

A decision has to be taken at the national level about what should be provided to people for free and what should not be, the minister said.

Some state governments provide water and electricity for free, and even waive loans, he said.

Nashik, (PTI): Shiv Sena workers on Thursday staged a protest against BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in Nashik city in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) action against Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

During the protest, the Sena workers also sought explanation from Somaiya over an allegation against him of misappropriating funds collected to save decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from being scrapped. On Tuesday, the ED had attached assets worth more than Rs 11.15 crore of Raut’s wife and two of his associates in a moneylaundering investigation linked to certain land deals.

On Wednesday night, the police registered an FIR against Somaiya and his son Neil for alleged misappropriation of funds.

Centre should also reduce tax on fuel to provide relief to people: Maha Dy CM Mumbai, (PTI): Amid a demand that states need to reduce tax considering the rise in petrol, diesel prices, Maha Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the Centre, too, should bring down tax to provide a relief to people.

Pawar, who is state Finance Minister, made the comment while replying to a question whether the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was thinking about reducing tax on fuel in line with some other states which have done so. “We have to run the state. We don’t want to impose a new tax...Rather, we have reduced Rs 1,000 crore

POLICY SHOULD BE MADE TO CONTROL PRICE HIKE: MAMATA BANERJEE Kolkata (PTI): Accusing the Centre of not doing anything to control price rise of fuel and other essential commodities, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday insisted that a policy should be made to arrest the hike. She claimed that the economic situation in the country was going from bad to worse, and expressed apprehension that states might not be able disburse salaries to employees in the days to come. Banerjee also urged the Union government to pay states their GST dues.

tax on gas (CNG and PNG),” he said.

“Now, some people are saying that the state should also reduce tax on petrol and diesel. The Centre, too, should reduce the tax then. Its tax is more than what is imposed by us,” he added.

AIMIM leader Im-

tiaz Jaleel had on Wednesday asked why NCP chief Sharad Pawar did not show “urgency” to discuss with PM Modi the issue of his party minister Malik’s arrest while immediately raising the issue of central agencies’ action against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

Booster dose of Covaxin provides better protection New Delhi: In a recent ICMR study, breakthrough cases after full vaccination with Covaxin have shown a significant increase in the immune response against coronavirus’ variants of concern -Beta, Delta and Omicron.

Individuals who recovered from Covid also showed significant immunity boost post-vaccination with Covaxin but lower than the breakthrough cases.

However, those who

at Bareilly’s Baradari police station against the opposition MLA over remarks made by him against CM Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing the party workers in his constituency last Friday, Ansari had said his party’s strength in the UP House had increased after the recent elections and if Adityanath makes any noise now the SP guns will not emit smoke, but fire bullets. As a controversy erupted, the MLA seemed to suggest that the remark was being taken too literally, and a news channel had edited it.

Lucknow: Money and muscle continue to dominate elections contrary to the experts perception that the two M’s are on the wane due to a more informed and aware electorate now. The fact is once again borne out by an analysis of just-concluded UP Assembly elections by the ADR. The ADR report, a copy of which is available with First India News, reveals that 85 winning candidates won with 50 per cent votes and above of the total votes polled in their constituency while 149 winners won with

less than 50% of the total votes. On the other hand, nearly 25% of 205 winners with declared criminal cases have won with a vote share of 50% and above and 28% of the 366 crorepati winners have won with a vote share of 50 % and above.

The study shows that 15 winners have won with a margin of victory of less than 1,000 votes while 8 winners have won with more than 40% of margin of victory.

Seventy-eight candidates out of 205 winners with declared criminal cases have won against a runner up with a clean background.

Implementation of populist schemes ED acts on direction causes reduction of funds: Ajit Pawar of BJP leaders:

ICMR STUDY

Payal Banerjee

M Tariq Khan

had taken two doses of Covaxin had very low neutralizing titres demonstrating the waning immunity after three months of the second dose of Covaxin, the study showed.

“The study highlights the significance of administering a booster dose or precaution dose of Covid vaccine as it provides better protection against the disease,” Dr Pragya Yadav, a senior scientist at NIV Pune and the lead investigator of the study, told PTI. The findings of the

study, conducted in February this year after isolating the Omicron variant, have been published in the Journal of Infection on April 5.

“The impact of the third wave of the pandemic in India, caused

by Omicron, triggered us to study the effectiveness of Covaxin against this variant.

“We assessed the sera of na ve, recovered and breakthrough cases vaccinated with Covaxin for its neutralis-

ing ability against Omicron and other variants,” she stated.

As part of the study, participants were categorised into three groups -- 52 COVID-19 na ve individuals vaccinated with two doses of Covaxin with an average age of 41.7 years, 31 COVID-19 recovered cases vaccinated with two doses of Covaxin with average age of 41.7 years and 40 breakthrough cases after two-dose vaccination with Covaxin with an average age of 43.7 years.

—PTI

Chhagan Bhujbal Akola, (PTI): Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday claimed the ED does not conduct raids without the consent of BJP leaders and said the law from which the central agency draws its power was “monstrous”.

Talking to reporters in Akola in the Vidarbha region, the NCP leader said whoever speaks against the BJP, the ED is unleashed on him.

Bhujbal said, “The ED will not attack anyone unless told to do so

by BJP leaders. If someone joins the BJP, the ED will not take action against him...but if you speak against the party, the ED will come hard on you.” It is very difficult for an accused to get bail in ED cases, most of which are filed under the PMLA, the minister said.

Chhagan Bhujbal.

“The ED is a monstrous law (an apparent reference to PMLA). All of us need to come together and repeal the ED law,” he said.

The ED is mandated with the task of enforcing the provisions of two special fiscal laws Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and PMLA. “At present, the BJP is in power at the Centre so whenever it wants, it uses the ED (against opponents). Even if someone has not committed any crime, he is subjected to harassment,” Bhujbal said.

55-kmph benchmark to classify trains as superfast quite ‘low’: CAG New Delhi, (PTI): The 55-kmph benchmark is quite “low” for classifying trains as “superfast”, the CAG has said while highlighting that many such trains run below the minimum speed. In May 2007, the Indian Railway decided that if the average speed of a train, in both up and down directions, is a minimum of 55 kmph on broad gauge and 45 kmph on metre gauge, it would be treated as a ‘superfast’.

In November last year, the Railways had stated the extant policy for categorisation of

services into ‘superfast’ stipulates that such trains should have an average end-to-end speed of above 55 kmph.

“The reply is silent on the fact that 123 trains categorised as superfast were actually scheduled for running at an average speed less than 55

kmph fixed under the extant policy,” the Comptroller & Auditor General of India stated.

It noted that the “benchmark of 55 kmph for classifying a train as superfast is itself low, given the MPS of rolling stock and sectional speed”.

There is much to learn in life: Accept the inevitable, bear the intolerable and do without the indispensable.

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

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2ND FRONT NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

08

Onus on Pak to create environment free of terror, hostility: India New Delhi (PTI): India on Thursday said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan while asserting that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility for such engagement.

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said this in Rajya Sabha when asked about media re-

ports stating that the adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan backed the resumption of bilateral trade ties with India.

“The government’s consistent position has been that India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in an atmosphere

free of terror, hostility and violence,” Muraleedharan said.

“The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere,” he added.

The ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after India’s warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February

The government’s consistent position has been that India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence.

—V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs

2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

The relations further deteriorated after India in August 2019 an-

nounced withdrawing special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two union territo-

ries.

“In August 2019, Pakistan announced the suspension of bilateral trade with India. Paki-

Are pursuing release of 83 missing personnel including 1965, 71 PoWs: GoI New Delhi (PTI): The Centre has told the Supreme Court that there are 83 missing defence personnel including 62 Prisoners of the War of 1965 and 1971 for whom India is seeking their release and repatriation from Pakistan through diplomatic and other available channels.

The government through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has filed an affidavit on a plea filed by the mother of an Army officer Captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee seeking direction to the Centre to take immediate steps through diplomatic channels for repatriation of her son, who is lodged in jail in Pakistan for over 24 years.

The plea said the petitioner had received information that Sanjit, who was commissioned as an officer of Gorkha

CAUSE OF CONCERN

Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army in August 1992, was lodged in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail.

The petitioner said that her family was informed in April 1997 that her son, who had gone for patrolling duty at night time on a joint border in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, was apprehended by the Pakistan authorities while carrying out opera-

tion reconnaissance along the international borders on April 20.

The government in its affidavit attached the annexure of Note Verbale dated March 8, 2021, in which it referred to several Notes Verbales issued by the High Commission of India in Pakistan and the list of 83 missing Indian defence personnel requesting to

look into their whereabouts, and for the early release and repatriation of missing Indian defence personnel.

As per the list, out of 83 missing defence personnel, four are Prisoners of War who went missing in 1965, and most are from the 1971 war. A total of 21 Defence personnel are missing from 1996 till 2010.

The Centre said that, it is respectfully submitted that the government of India has been pursuing the case of Captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee regularly through diplomatic and other available channels.

It said, the High Commission of India in Islamabad has been regularly taking up the matter with the Pakistan

Al-Qaeda indulging in polarisation in India: Congress Bengaluru (PTI): The Congress on Thursday lashed out at Al-Qaeda for wading into the hijab controversy in Karnataka and said the banned terrorist organisation has no business to comment about the internal affairs of the country.

The Grand Old Party also charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and right wing or-

ganisations with trying to ‘polarise’ and ‘vitiate’ the atmosphere of Karnataka with an eye on the 2023 Assembly polls.

“Let me make it amply clear in most unequivocal terms that we condemn the statement of Al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda is a terrorist organisation, it is a banned organiation, and it has no business to comment anything about the in-

HIJAB ROW: SHUT UP ZAWAHIRI, INDIAN MUSLIMS DO NOT NEED YOUR ADVICE

ternal affairs our country.. Congress party strongly condemns it,” Congress General Secretary Ajay Maken told reporters here.

COURTESY MEET

Jagdeesh Chandra called on Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur in New Delhi on Thursday. Also present here is Shashikant Sharma, Consulting Editor, First India.

Lucknow: Even as global terrorist and al-Qaeda chief Ayman Zawahiri has been trying to further sow seeds of discord in the country over Hijab issue the Indian Muslims have silently rejected his overtures.

The family of Muskan Khan- the mascot of Hijab agitation- has distanced itself from the video in which the terrorist, while praising the girl, has given call to Indian Muslims to unite over the issue. Among UP’s Muslim community there is general consensus that Zawahiri had been deliberately trying to precipitate the crisis and put the Indian Muslims in the dock.

Foreign Affairs Ministry for ascertaining the whereabouts and early release and repatriation of missing defence personnel, believed to be in Pakistan’s custody.

The affidavit filed through Neha Singh, undersecretary (Pak) in MEA said that the name of captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee appears in the list of missing Indian defence personnel shared with Pakistan through various Notes Verbales issued by the High Commission of India.

However, the Pakistan government has not acknowledged the presence of Captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee in its custody till date, the MEA said and annexed the latest Note Verbale dated March 8, 2021, addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

stan partially relaxed its ban on trade with India in September 2019 by permitting trade in certain pharmaceutical

products,” Muraleedharan said.

To a separate question, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi said the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting Indian culture worldwide through its cultural centres and missions abroad.

Over 8000 Indians lodged in foreign jails, says MEA New Delhi (ANI): Over 8000 Indians are lodged in different foreign jails, with a majority of them imprisoned in the gulf countries, informed MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan at the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to a question, Muraleedharan said, “As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under-trials, in foreign jails at present is 8278.”

United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosts the highest number of Indian prisoners standing at 1480, followed closely

by Saudi Arabia which has lodged 1392 Indians in its jails. Nepal hosts the third-highest number of Indian prisoners, standing at 1112.

The most common crimes against Indi-

ans include drug trafficking, murder and sexual offences.

Pakistan has lodged the fourth-highest number of Indian prisoners, at 701 in their jails. A number of Indian fishermen, trawling in waters off the coast of Gujarat are routinely captured and imprisoned by Pakistani agencies.

“The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. Indian Missions/Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/alleged violation of local laws,” Muraleedharan said.

Govt mandates vehicles’ fitness testing via automated stations in phased manner New Delhi (PTI): The government has made fitness testing of vehicles through Automated Testing Stations (ATS) mandatory in a phased manner from April 2023.

In an official statement, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry (MoRTH) said that fitness testing for heavy goods vehicles and heavy passenger

motor vehicles through an ATS will be mandatory from April 1, 2023.

While, in the case of

medium goods vehicles and medium passenger motor vehicles and light motor vehicles (transport), the requirement will be made compulsory from June 1, 2024.

An Automated Testing Station (ATS) uses mechanical equipment to automate the various tests required to check the fitness of a vehicle.

UNICEF: Ukraine war raising malnutrition risk in Middle East & North African countries Beirut (AP): Rising food prices as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are increasing the risk of malnutrition of millions of children in the Middle East and North Africa, the UN children’s agency warned Thursday.

The families are struggling to put food on the table during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa have been hard hit by wars and poverty and the coronavirus has only made things worse.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24, in-

SORRY STATE

tense fighting has disrupted food exports.

Since the invasion began, Western countries have imposed crippling economic sanctions on Russian institutions.

Ukraine and Russia account for a third of global wheat and barley exports, which coun-

tries in the Middle East rely on to feed millions of people who subsist on subsidized bread and bargain noodles. They are also top exporters of other grains and the sunflower seed oil that is used for cooking.

UNICEF warned that if the situation contin-

ues, it will severely impact children in the region, especially in Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, countries that were struggling with conflicts and severe economic crises even before the war in Europe began.

With ongoing con-

flicts, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, the region is witnessing unprecedented hikes in food prices coupled with low purchasing power, said Adele Khodr, UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. She added that the number of malnourished children is likely to drastically increase.

Countries in the Middle East and North Africa import more than 90% of the food they consume. UNICEF says that only 36% of young children in the region are receiving the diets they need to grow and develop in a healthy way.

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09

NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

(L-R) Upadhi Jolotia, Rutvi Tiwari, Tanu Choudhary, Divisha Paliwal and Astha Khandelwal

JAIPUR COUTURE SHOW 2022

THE FASHION

BONANZA RAJASTHAN'S EXQUISITE FASHION FESTIVAL, JAIPUR COUTURE SHOW 2022 SHOWCASED A LAVISH COLLECTION ON ITS SECOND DAY ON THURSDAY AT THE PALACE, JAIPUR!

MITALI DUSAD

mitalidusad01@gmail.com

L

ately, I wonder if we’re living through a mass psychosis expressing itself through trend reporting. If it felt a year ago like anything goes that the restrictions and trauma of the pandemic highlighted fashion and selfexpression as a new outlet for freedom, increasingly it seems that a thousand trends are happening at once.

The second day of Jaipur Couture Show 2022 was a bit more pleasing to the eye, though no less out there.

Jagdeesh Chandra graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. While addressing the audience, he felicitated the designers for promoting the rich culture of Rajasthan, especially Pink City via their costumes.

He also encouraged more local artists to showcase their talent. Besides this, while walking the ramp, he motivated the audience to care for the pets as members of their own family, especially afHeer Verma

hi Sabnani.

The show kicked off with supermodels walking the ramp showcasing designer Himmat Singh’s Mens’ Wear Collection, ‘Royal Rajasthan’ with the incorporation of Khadi. On the other hand, designer Farha Ansari presented her Khadi Women’s Collection on the stage. While handicrafts were presented by craftsmen from Anwa,Tonk as well as the famous ajrakh prints of Rajasthan and Gujarat printed on handwoven sarees.

Designer Shalini Naruka presented hemp fabrics in the form of handwoven garments.

The evening party gowns styled with orchid bird feathers were the highlight of the collection by designer Heena Belani.

Also looking at the wedding season, Indo Western lehengas for modern brides were graced with hand sequences, stones and diamonds work. In the next sequence of the show, Jassi Chhabra showcased the most trending hairstyles of 2022 with warm and nude makeup looks.

The glamorous night concluded with designer Surbhi Sabnani showcasing lehengas and saris keeping the big fat Indian weddings in mind.

Jagdeesh Chandra walks the ramp with ‘Misri’, his NEW LOVE —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

From Top: Sonali Raut, Astha Khandelwal, Tanu Choudhary, Akanksha Bhalla and Swati Jangid

ter First India and International Dog Bazaar came together to celebrate ‘man’s best friend’ with a Mega Dog show in March which saw a huge turnout, both of humans and their beloved fourlegged pets.

Along with this, the show’s founder Gaurav Gaur, Patron JD Maheshwari, show directors Ajit Soni, Ankur Jain, Nakul Vijay and Virendra Singh were also present.

Superstar and model Vaishali Thakkar was the showstopper for the Council of Weavers and Artisans during this period. On the other hand, actress Sonali Raut walked the ramp for designer Surb-

Gaurav Gaur

Vaishali Thakkar

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NEW DELHI | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

SONGS OF AN UNCAGED PARROT DR MRIDUL BHASIN (Writer and social activist)

I

t is rather ludicrous to imagine the visage of Rajendra Shekhar IPS (RETD), Director CBI and Director General Rajasthan to be a caged parrot for his acumen as an upright police officer remains a celebrated fact in the annals of police history. Non the less the poetic title of the book by him could be a tongue in cheek ironic comment on the reality a senior police officer is privy to and the fact that he is supposed to keep the truth under wraps. With the onus of secrecy, Rajendra Shekhar remained honest to the core in being truthful and uncompromised. Living in high proximity to high political and bureaucratic powers he remained the chosen officer to solve difficult, sensitive and high voltage cases in the country. His education at Mayo College and St. Stephens and his avid reading habit honed his natural flair for writing. Before the current book, he had penned down three books – two in English and one in Hindi.

As the blurb on the back cover of ‘Songs of an Uncaged Parrot’ from Konark Publication says ‘ the compilation of real cases will surprise, delight and enthral’ the reader, ‘each one is as riveting as any top class crime mystery and yet replete with humour’ albeit on the drier side. His narrative takes the reader away from conjectural journalism to the murky reality of local, national and international crimes times with highly political overtones that at times seemed to be jeopardizing the very seat of the ruling governments. With no shackles of job secrecy, Shekhar the reticent

IPS Rajendra Shekhar

and duty-bound officer with a warm human heart can talk now. It is amazing though how he balances truth with popular perceptions, honesty with temerity, bravery with analysis and excellent teamwork. In dealing with cases like Bofors, Nirankari Baba Murder case, General Vaidya murder case, and the antedated L. N. Mishra Bomb Blast case any which way his factual narrative goes, he never stops being honest to his conscience and duty. His perceptions and dealings with people remain very sensitive.

The writer has a journalistic and factual narrative style in writing which is punctuated with his side observations about situations, his colleagues, senior and junior officers and public figures. These observations give a savoury warmth to the book. The personal anecdotes give the reader a peek and a perspective into the human side of the rather glorified, power tinged and at times heartless image perceptions about police officers.

To this day the Bofors case remains a mystery. While reading the case titled ‘Grey Area: The Bofors Case’ the reader is introduced to the high political drama that was being played behind the scene. The purchase of high-quality artillery guns from Sweden had deliberately been soft-pedalled by the congress government, the writer tells us. The case was ordered to be treated as a Foreign Exchange Regulation infringement case. A deeper probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation was shot down by Sweden, obviously to the relief of the congress government. The most meticulously candid investigation by Chitra Subramaniyam from The Hindu shook the very ground from under the feet of political powers. Yet history tells us there are no permanent enemies and allies in politics. After Rajeev Gandhi, V. P. Singh’s ouster followed by Chandra Shekhar becoming the Prime Minister had an internal, subversive pact of supporting congress and slowing down of Bofors investigation. The conscientious resolution of a Police Officer clashing with high-end politics with international ulterior motives in play does not bring positive results. The seemingly simple

procedure of transfer and convenient incumbent postings followed such instances. The caged parrot as a writer is free to analyze and write now what he knew so well then.

The truth coming from the most direct and authentic source of CBI Chief Rajendra Shekhar, the erstwhile Director General of Police of Rajasthan is satisfying for the reader but were sad for the short shrift officer. As the writer tells us, ‘it does not pay to be upright and professional in a system dominated by sycophants and time servers.’

The book narrates General Arun Kumar Vaidya’s case showing how precarious the line of duty could be for an officer caught in the vicious web of duty and retribution. As Chief of Army Staff, General Vaidya carried out Operation Blue Star. After the operation, he retired and decided to live in his home town Pune peacefully with his wife. It is difficult to decide if he could have survived the attempt on his life if his se-

curity had not been scaled down by the government. We all know how the General was shot down by terrorists. Wars are not the only ground where soldiers die!

Regretfully, one cannot trace the vivid outlines of all the blazing cases handled by the writer in the limited space of a column. In the middle of the ruthless developments of local, national and international crimes, one cannot forget the home where the writer’s wife Shiela with three children, Sanjeev, Bharat and Arjun lived at times scooped up in the basement in the border town of Barmer. As I know the couple, one can see the easy comfort and snuggled bonhomie the couple shares to this day. Not all Miranda college products and Mayo and St. Stephenites live in cities of their choice with sprawled lawns and cool comforts. It is heartwarming to mention the fun-filled case of young Arjun who was with his parents in Ganga Nagar, a border town of Rajasthan.

The child along with his grandmother loved to watch the

Shiela Shekhar: the woman behind the man

change of guard ceremony with ‘Salaami Shashtra’, the stiffened salute and the impeccably uniformed guards. His ‘Bombita’ days when he used to eat the delicious though heavily spiced food of the revered guards, denying to eat home food and soon enough falling ill due to stomach ailment, are recorded in a fun-filled narrative.

The book spans its real-life stories to include most simple characters like sepoys, civilians, youth icons of the writer’s college days, his casual mention of his love for his college mate Shiela, the happy LIC agent, college time friends and of course the most close-knit family members. These episodes show the loving and humane side of the writer officer Rajendra Shekhar while providing regular comic relief in the middle of tense criminal episodes.

The hundred eighty-page books by Konark Publications are priced at rupees 297 and make interesting reading as it gives the reader a rare peek into the hidden workings of the system, politics and human nature.

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Marriage

Rituals on board

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LICENCE

Alia Bhatt

K

ourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker left everyone surprised after the couple had an impromptu wedding ceremony in Las Vegas following their appearance at Grammys 2022. The couple who got engaged last year decided to take the big step on an impulse but couldn’t get hitched officially as they did not receive a marriage licence at the ceremony.

During her recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kourtney defended that she did not get “fake married” to Barker and revealed that while the couple wanted it to be a real wedding, they were unable to receive a marriage licence. Explaining why, Kourtney told Kimmel, “’There was no, like, possibility to get a marriage license at that hour.”

—Agency

anbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are all set to tie the knot next week and their massive fan following can’t keep calm about it. The couple is finally taking the plunge after dating each other for a while and their wedding will take place in Mumbai. Ranbir and Alia will be offering langar at a Gurudwara in Mumbai post their wedding as a ritual. The couple will be following Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor’s footsteps and will be following all the rituals followed by them.

—Agency

PERFECT DATE

Y

ami Gautam took her fans by surprise when she announced her wedding with filmmaker Aditya Dhar in June last year.

The Badlapur actress shared her idea of an ideal date with her husband. Talking about a recent event, on Aditya’s birthday, she said that they preferred spending time with each other at home. “We enjoy having our meals at home. Home is date, date is home. Stepping out every time might be boring. Aditya and I have a great time at home. We’ll watchsomething nice.”

—Agency

Yami Gautam

Doctor Strange

D Elizabeth Olsen

Kourtney Kardashian

SWEET TRIBUTE

O

N

Florence Pugh

imrat Kaur’s latest movie, Dasvi has been released today on Netflix co-starring Abhishek Bachchan and Yami Gautam. The actress has been receiving love from the audience for portraying the role of Chief Minister Bimla Devi in the film. The actress revealed the name of a Bollywood celebrity whom she would like to see as a Chief Minister. She took filmmaker Karan Johar’s name and said, “I think he will be a wonderful CM. He’ll be so lovely, so warm, and entertaining. It’ll be nice. My vote is for Karan Johar.”

—Agency

Nimrat Kaur

BIRTHDAY BASH

S

hruti Haasan and beau Santanu Hazarika are a couple of goals for countless fans across the country. The Salaar actress recently celebrated her beau’s birthday with a lavish party. She also shared several glimpses from the bash on social media, where the couple can be seen twinning in black and enjoy a gala time. —Agency

Shruti Haasan

‘Not the guy for me’

K

octor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a month away from its release and Marvel is making sure to up your excitement for the same by dropping new promos from the upcoming film. With the advance ticket sales for the Doctor Strange sequel opening up, we bet the promo is sure to boost the same as it provides some exciting new glimpses. The new promo of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness revolves around both Stephen Strange and Wanda Maxmioff facing their darkest fears.

—Agency

‘HE WILL BE ENTERTAINING’

n the occasion of her partner Zach Braff ’s 47th birthday, Florence Pugh has paid tribute to him.

“Happy Birthday Zachary,” Pugh, 26, captioned the photos. However, Braff also posted on Instagram to thank fans for their birthday wishes. “Wow, life moves pretty fast. Thank you for the Birthday love. I love you all,” He wrote beside a scene from his 2004 film Garden State, in which he rests on a couch as others rush around him.

Meanwhile, In January, the Moonshot actor paid respect to Pugh’s birthday on social media.

—Agency

hloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson’s relationship has been through a lot of ups and downs and while the duo isn’t together anymore, they share a cordial relationship as co-parents to their daughter True Thompson.

Speaking about the same, she said, “With Tristan I did feel incredibly safe in the beginning, and I felt really good for a time.” Speaking about the same with Roberts, Khloe maintained that Tristan is a “good guy” and great dad but he’s “just not the guy for me.”

—Agency

Khloe Kardashian

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Beat the heat

J

anhvi Kapoor has been an actress who is known for her stupendous fashion sense. Be it the red carpet appearance, gym look, vacation look or the onscreen look, Janhvi has proved herself to be a true-blue fashionista who never misses a chance to dish out major style goals. And now, the Dhadak actress is once again making heads turn as she was papped post a rigorous workout session in the city. This time, Janhvi has opted for an easy-bree zy look. —Agency Janhvi Kapoor

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

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12

Consistency is the key to growth DHANUSHREE VYAS cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

C

onsistency is the key to growth. Talent is good but regularity is more important.

One could be talented and still be left behind because of inconsistency in posting the content online. City First spoke to Charine Sethi where she shared her journey to becoming a successful influencer.

Tell us something about yourself.

My name is Charine Sethi and I am from Delhi but was brought up in abroad. I was always fascinated by the glamour world and influencers but had no idea where to start from. I once came across a Youtuber and started working as an actress and it kept going uphill from there.

Then I decided to stay in Delhi to make my dreams come true.

Why did you choose fashion blogging as a profession?

Where do you see yourself after 5 years from now?

I see myself growing and doing better in every aspect of life. I want to become a renowned influencer.

I also see myself influencing more people to be their authentic selves and accept who they are. I see myself truly happy and content with the life I have chosen for myself and I plan on working harder than ever to achieve all the goals I have set for myself.

I saw Instagram and other social media platforms. I observed how powerfully these platforms were influencing people. Hence, I started posting regularly to build an audience. I was being my authentic self and in no time the audience started to like what I was doing. Peo-

ple were getting inspired by my style and thoughts.

People responded that how my recommendations helped them. It really made me happy.

What challenges did you face in this industry?

I faced multiple challenges because I started on my own with very little finances. I had to hire photographers to create top-quality content.

There are millions of influencers out there and they are all trying their best to make it to the top. The competition in itself

has made it difficult to survive in this field or even create something unique. Being consistent was sometimes the hardest thing to do as there was definitely a lack of resources.

We would like to know about your achievements My biggest achievement is my audience. I don’t see myself anywhere without their support and love.

Working with big brands which I adored and loved is now a part of my blogging journey. I have worked with brands such as Faces Canada, Dot & Key, Belora Paris, Auli Lifestyle, Sofrich, Anherb, Love Earth etc.

SIGNATURE WEDDINGS

CITY FIRST

P

ullman New Delhi Aerocity announced the launch of ‘Signature Weddings by Pullman’ in an exclusive event recently at Peacock Ballroom.

The new launch is about the real-time first-hand experience for guests to envision a celebratory moment of their fairy tale wedding through setups such as Mandap, Reception, Lounge and Sajjan Goth.

It brings together all the wedding elements under the same roof in partnership with leading wedding planners such as Industry Sumarooh Events, R2S events and Weddings, Midas Events and Wedding Design Studio along with Artisan partners - Celeste Tea and Arq Mithai. “Pullman New Delhi Aerocity will make your wedding memorable,” Vineet Mishra, manager, Pullman said.

File photo

APPOINTMENT Montukumar Patel, president of Gujarat Pharmacists Association and Gujarat Pharmacy Council and an Executive Member of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), has been elected as the new president of the Pharmacy Council of India on Wednesday.

Charine Sethi

—PHOTOS BY MANOJ KESHARWANI

Birthday Brunch CITY FIRST

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Vandana Vadhera, Seema Gumber and Preeti Jain

elebrity fashion designer and stylist Anuj Lalwani hosted his spectacular birthday brunch at Philoi Kitchen and Bar which is located in the heart of New Delhi. It is a magnificent place with amazing vibes. The stunning property has gothic interiors and is a brainchild of directors Ishan Kapoor and Pawan Preet Walia. The party followed a black silver and white silver theme. Many celebrities and famous personalities attended the bash. Fashion designers such as Rochika Ag-

Anuj Lalwani

garwal, Haneet Bhasin, Shivani Chawla, Mohit Sachdeva, Rinkoo Shroff, Vandana Vadera, model Neetika Singh, Shaloo Jindal, Seema Gumber and many other guests were part of this gathering. It was an event full of food and fun. Covid guidelines were followed during the party.

Neetika Singh and Haneet Bhasin

Rochika Aggarwal & Payal Singh

Mrs Cosmos India Season 1 - The REVEAL CITY FIRST

—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

T

Elnaaz Norouzi

he reveal of Mrs Cosmos India Season 1 (MCOI) took place on Wednesday at The Suryaa Hotel in New Delhi. The collection of Adaara Couture and Archana Aggarwal’s Timeless Jewellery was showcased by top 30 models. The event was hosted by Anusha Dandekar & Sana Dua. Vinay Gupta, model and fashion choreographer, renowned singer Kamal Khan and Bollywood actress

Elnaaz Norouzi walked the ramp as the show stopper of the event.

Ajay Harinath Singh, founder chairman and managing director at Darwin Group of Companies was also present at the show. The Darwin Group was an official sponsor of it. The auditions will happen in 50 countries along with India and 60 finalists will be chosen through local (across India) and international auditions (virtual auditions), who will represent their current country for the global title - Mrs Cosmos India - 1st edition. It will be held in the first quarter of 2023

Vinay Gupta and Kamal Khan

Jewellery designer Archana Aggarwal with models

Anusha Dandekar

at Bengaluru. Vijay Jolly, a senior BJP leader, Anca Verma, Neelam Pratap Rudy, Sandeep Marwah, Sameer Mahendru, MD, INDOSPIRIT, UP Singh, Secretary, Textile, Sanjay Saran, member of Banking & DBT were present.