First India-Jaipur Edition-17th February 2023

SWARA BHASKER MARRIES SP LEADER FAHAD AHMAD

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker has surprised her fans on social media with the news of her court marriage. Swara married her boyfriend and Samajwadi Party’s state youth president Fahad Ahmad.

Mumbai: An argument over selfies quickly escalated into a fight with a baseball bat and a car chase in Mumbai for cricketer Prithvi Shaw, according to a police complaint. Eight people have been named in the case for allegedly charging at Shaw and his friend.

NSA DOVAL CONFERRED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE

CM’S REPLY TO STATE BUDGET DEBATE

Udham Singh Nagar: NSA Ajit Doval was on Thursday conferred Honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) in Pantnagar. He was conferred at the 34th convocation ceremony of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar town.

Chiranjeevi: Organ transplant to be available outside Raj too Gehlot retaliates allegations of Oppn BJP regarding Adani

CM Gehlot announces 1 lakh new recruitments, also announces defence preparatory institute in every division, mini-Secretariat in Sikar, additional courts in 3 dists among other announcements

Naresh Sharma, Yogesh Sharma & Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: In response to the budget debate, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced one lakh new recruitments in the state. These recruitments will be different from the already announced recruitments.

Crucial

READ

BJP’S KAUSAR JAHAN

ELECTED AS HAJ COMMITTEE CHIEF

He said that these recruitments will be done to fill the vacant posts of all the departments.

The Chief Minister has announced to increase the scope of Chiranjeevi Yojana. Under the scheme, now the facility of organ transplant will be available in hospitals outside the

state as well. In the budget, it has been announced to increase the treatment limit from 10 lakh to 25 lakh in the Chiranjeevi scheme.

VCR of farmers will not be filled

Gehlot has announced a ‘voluntary load increase’ Turn to P8

New Delhi: In a setback to the AAP, BJP’s Kausar Jahan was elected as the chairman of the Delhi Haj Committee. The committee organises Islamic pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. Kausar Jahan is the second woman to hold this position. Former Delhi Congress chief Tajdar Babar was the only woman till now to have held this post. P6

3 CRUSHED TO DEATH AS ELEPHANT GOES BERSERK IN UP

Gorakhpur: Three persons, including a child, were trampled to death by an elephant who went berserk in a ‘yagya’ pandal in a village in Gorakhpur district on Thursday. The incident occured in Mohammadpur Mafi village, located in Jagatbela of Chiluatal area and the deceased include a man, a woman and a child.

DELHI COURT SENDS CONMAN SUKESH TO 9-DAY ED CUSTODY

New Delhi: A Delhi court has sent alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s custody after the agency arrested him in a fresh case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to cheating former Religare promoter Malvinder Singh’s wife Japna.

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot retaliated on BJP’s allegations regarding Adani on Thursday during the budget debate in the assembly.

Gehlot taunted that the coal block given to the state government during the BJP rule was given to Adani Saheb.

“The allotment was done to the state government and you signed an MoU with

Adani, did mining and you are blaming us that we gave the land to Adani. You also gave land, we also gave it. In many places of the country, there must be a demand for giving land to industrialists. We plan carefully,” he said.

Gehlot further said,

“You have taken the name of Adani. I find a secret in that too. How did you get the name?

The whole country is

blaming Modiji. Either you have been hinted to show the distance between Modiji and Adani, so go to the assembly and say something. You must have been told so. Otherwise what was the point of talking about Adani?”

Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore responded to Gehlot and said that the whole of India Turn to P8

WATER SECURITY MAJOR CONCERN TRIPURA POLLS

LET’S REVIVE OUR ANCIENT CONNECT WITH NATURE: PM

Prime Minister Modi virtually launches Jal Jan Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district

Ashok Kumawat Sirohi: Flagging water security as a major concern Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for the revival of the country’s “emotional connection” with nature, what he said the world’s calls “sustainable development”.

PM Modi was launching the Jal Jan Abhiyan, a joint nationwide campaign by Brahma Kumaris, an organisation which promotes spirituality, and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.

The PM addressed the event through video conference at the Brahma Kumaris’ Abu Road headquarter in Sirohi district. He said conserving water should be a collective concern, and raised concerns over water pollution and the depletion of groundwater.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh

Shekhawat, actor Nana

Patekar and erstwhile

Mewar royal family member Lakshyaraj Singh attended event. Turn to P8

Bharatpur: 2 from Raj burnt alive in Haryana

Ravi Katara

Bharatpur: Two men abducted from Bharatpur’s Gopalgarh were found burnt alive along with their vehicle in Haryana’s Bhiwani. IG

Bharatpur Gaurav Srivastava and SP Shyam Singh visited spot and talked to the local authorities and people.

Family members of the victims Zunaid and Nasir said that they were abducted by some people on Wednesday. A Bolero vehicle with two charred dead bodies was

81.1% voter turnout

recorded amid incidents of violence

Nasir Zunaid

found in Loharu area. Both were resident of Ghatmika village of Bharatpur. Zunaid’s brother Ismail had lodged a complaint on Wednesday that Zunaid and Nasir who had gone out for some work in vehicle were beaten by 8-10 people in Gopalgarh area and were abducted.

AADI MAHOTSAV SIGNIFIES SPIRIT OF ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’: MODI

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated

Aadi Mahotsav, Delhi’s largest tribal festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. He also paid floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. “When diversities are woven into a thread of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, India’s grandness emerges before the world. This Aadi Mahotsav signifies this spirit,” the Prime Minister said.

PM MODI EMPHASISES ON DEVELOPING SPORTS TALENTS AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL

Gorakhpur: PM Modi on Thursday laid stress on developing sporting talents at grassroots level and said the Centre has increased the budget of the sports ministry by three times since 2014. He highlighted the importance of promoting millets, popularly known as “mota aanaj”, for a better health of youngsters. The PM was virtually addressing the “Sansad Khel Mahakumbh” event at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi (PTI): The Income Tax Dept’s survey at BBC’s offices continued for the third straight day on Thursday as officials prepared an inventory of financial data from select staffers and made copies of electronic and paper data of the news organisation. The operation that began at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai around 11:30 am on Tuesday has clocked more than 55 hours, sources said.

Govt to bring changes in IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act: Amit Shah

New Delhi: Union HM Amit Shah on Thursday said the govt is going to bring changes to all three laws of the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. At Delhi police’s 76th Raising Day celebrations, Shah said, “The govt is going to bring changes to all these three laws in the coming days. We have launched a trial in Delhi Police and are going to make it mandatory (for police personnel) to visit the forensic team for every crime with a punishment of more than 6 years.” P6

Agartala (PTI): Tripura recorded over 81 per cent polling till 4 pm in the one-day election to the 60-member Tripura Assembly on Thursday, a senior EC official said.

The voting percentage will increase as around 50,000 voters are still standing in queues at the polling stations to exercise their franchise, the official said.

“Till 4 pm, an average 81.11 per cent polling was recorded in all the 60 Assembly constituencies, while around 50,000 voters are still in queues when the report came in last,” additional chief electoral officer UJ Mog told PTI. Voters who are in the queues and took tokens by 4 pm will be allowed to cast their votes even after 6 pm or beyond, he added. P5

TRIPURA CONG, BJP, BJP GEN SECY GET EC NOTICE FOR POLL DAY TWEETS

New Delhi: The Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura state on Thursday issued notices to the state units of the Congress and the BJP as well as BJP national general secretary Dilip Saikia for seeking votes on Twitter when polling was underway in the northeastern state. The EC said the tweets are violative of election law.

DRUGS, LIQUOR, CASH VALUED AT `147 CR SEIZED IN 3 POLL-BOUND NE STATES

New Delhi: Seizures worth over Rs 147 crore have been recorded so far in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland, marking a 20-fold increase in recovery of drugs, liquor and cash meant to induce voters in the run up to the polls. While polls were held in Tripura on Thursday, Meghalaya and Nagaland will go to polls on February 27.

‘Jorge’ meddling in India’s polls: Cong

First India Bureau New Delhi: A day after an investigative report released by a consortium of international journalists claimed a team of Israeli contractors had interfered with more than 30 elections around the world, including India, by using means such as hacking,

sabotage, and automated disinformation online, the Congress on

DD’S 24×7 BROADCAST SERVICES

Thursday hit out at the BJP-led Central government demanding a probe into it.

At a press conference here, Congress leader Pawan Khera, said

“Just like Pegasus and Cambridge Analytica –a group of hackers by the code name of “Team Jorge” meddled in the Indian elections and po-

Anurag Thakur launches round-theclock Doordarshan Himachal service

Shimla: Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Thursday launched round-theclock service of Doordarshan Himachal here.

Welcoming Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur said it was a momentous day for Himachal Pradesh with the launching of 24-hour telecast of the channel. Equipped with modern equipment, DD

Himachal will also be available on DTH.

The information related to art, culture, traditions, tourist and religious places, and various achievements of the state will now be available on the national network. Besides tourism promotion, programmes on Himachali folk music would be telecast on the lines of Doordarshan’s famous programme — Chitrahaar.

litical systems.

“Is there a link between the Fake News Portal Post Card News & ‘Team Jorge’ – A team of Israeli contractors who claim to have manipulated more than 30 elections around the world using hacking, sabotage and automated disinformation on social media?” he said.

Hrs after killing Nikki, Sahil deleted phones’ data: Delhi cops

New Delhi (PTI): After he killed her, Sahil Gehlot deleted chats and other data from his girlfriend Nikki Yadav’s mobile phone, police here said on Thursday.

According to his confession, the accused told police that he had left Yadav’s Uttam Nagar house around 15 days before the incident, but after his engagement on February 9, he went there again and spent the night there with her.

SELFIE ROW: PRITHVI SHAW FACES ‘FAN NIGHTMARE’

Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur and Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the launch of Doordarshan’s Himachal Pradesh 24×7 broadcast services, in Shimla, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

DISCUSSION ON BUDGET SESSION: BJP STATE PREZ POONIA CORNERS

POONIA TAUNTS AT TAGLINE OF STATE BUDGET, CALLS IT ‘CHAPAT’

Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma and Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: BJP State President Satish Poonia has taken a jibe at the tagline given to the budget. Speaking in the assembly in place of the Leader of the Opposition during the debate on budget, Poonia said that the budget is not for savings, relief and progress, but it is the downfall of Rajasthan.

BUDGET SESSION

Poonia also cornered CM Ashok Gehlot for reading excerpts of the old budget speech and said that the budget is a confidential document of the government but its secrecy was breached. He said that such marketing of the budget has never been done before.

“Apart from this, the incident that took place in the House has not happened anywhere in the country till date,” he said, adding that after the paper leak, the budget was also leaked.

Poonia also targeted the state government over increasing debt,

deteriorated law and order situation, increasing crime, and issues like unemployment, and corruption among others.

The BJP state president Poonia questioned why such announcements were in the election year.

Earlier, Poonia congratulated Leader of Opposition Gulabchand Kataria and said that he has made a big contribution in the politics of Rajasthan. Poonia also praised the schemes of the Modi government.

Dhariwal: Raj govt to bring a bill to repeal irrelevant 133 laws

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government will bring a bill to repeal irrelevant laws in the present budget session, Law and Legal Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal said in the house on Thursday.

Replying to a supplementary question during the Question hour, Dhariwal said that on the recommendation of the cabinet sub-committee, a three-member committee headed by special secretary- Law was constituted to review and simplify the existing laws in the state. The committee, after reviewing 650 existing laws, identified 296 laws that could be repealed. Out of these, administrative approval has been given to repeal 133 laws. Earlier, in a written reply to the question of MLA Rajen-

QUESTION HOUR

‘GOVT TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR STADIUM IN SRIDUNGARGARH’

GOVT TO GIVE LOANS TO ALL FARMERS IN STATE: ANJANA

HIGHLIGHTS

l The BJP MLAs on Thursday took back the iPhones that were given to them last year during the assembly session. A few BJP MLAs had returned the iPhone 13 after getting pressure from the organisation. This year the MLAs were given Kindle worth Rs 28,000. Previously, MLAs were also given Tablets. l Proceedings of the House has been adjourned till 11 am on February 17, 2023.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Ashok Chandna assured that soon after receiving funds from the MLA and MP funds or CSR, the State govt will make available an equal amount for the block level stadium under the Major Dhyanchand Stadium Scheme in Sri Dungargarh.

C ooperative Minister Udailal Anjana said that the state government has decided to give loans to all the farmers of the state. Crop loans are being given to the defaulter farmers who have repaid their entire loan. He said that the order in this regard has been issued on August 11, 2020.

STAFF TO BE APPOINTED FOR 61,000 POSTS CREATED IN UPGRADED SCHOOLS: BD KALLA

Education Minister BD Kalla said that according to the norms, 61 thousand 984 posts of different categories have been created in the upgraded schools. He said as the classes progress in the newly upgraded schools, staff will be appointed on the basis of enrollment and duration.

Kalla also informed that only two startups have applied in Bhilwara under the Rajiv Fund created to encourage startups and both have received financial assistance.

DC TO TAKE CALL ON ARMS LICENCE, SAYS DHARIWAL

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal said that the District Collector has the right to decide whether to approve or reject the application for issue of arms licence for self defence. He said that after receiving the report from Superintendent of Police, CID, Tehsildar and Forest Department, the decision regarding the issuance of licence is taken by the District Collector. The report has to be submitted to the District Collector in 30 days. Dhariwal said that if the District Collector considers it appropriate to cancel the licence for any security reason.

KIRAWAL SAGAR DAM REPAIR IS IN PROGRESS: MIN MALVIYA

ASSEMBLY PASSES RAJ APPROPRIATION

BILL WITH VOICE VOTE

The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Rajasthan Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2023 through a voice vote.

Minister In-Charge Shanti

Dhariwal tabled the bill on the floor of the house and said that this bill has been brought to authorize the payment and appropriation of certain amounts from the consolidated fund of the state for the financial year 2022-23. Dhariwal informed that with the passing of this bill, an amount of Rs. 48,332.27 crores can be paid and utilized.

Ahead of assembly polls, Sachin Pilot in K’taka today

First India Bureau

Jaipur : Former Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot will be on a visit to Karnataka on Friday.

Sachin

dra Rathore, the Minister informed that under point number 27.41 of the election manifesto, an announcement for the constitution of the Law Commission was made.

He said that due to the formation of the committee as per the recommendation of the cabinet sub-committee regarding the review and simplification of the existing laws, there is no expediency to form a law commission. Dhariwal informed that the State Litigation Policy-2018 has been formulated by the state govt.

Pilot will hold a press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress office at 2.30 pm. His visit to Bengaluru is being considered in view of the upcoming state assembly elections in Karnataka. Ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress and BJP are trying to woo voters with political promises, new schemes and gifts. The question that arises is how much the voters will get swayed by them. The assembly elections in Karnataka will be held before May 2023.

CENTRAL GOVT IS BEHIND THE BBC AND OBC ISSUE, ALLEGES HARISH CHAUDHARY

MLA Harish Chaudhary said in debate on the budget that the government has given exemptions on electricity units and LPG cylinders but big people who have insurance of crores of rupees do not realize the value of this relief of 100 units and 500 rupees. He said that the poor know what value the treatment of Rs 25 lakhs holds. Giving a political statement, he said- “I will live in the ideology in which I was born... I will not go here and there.. I am speaking from my heart in the House, not under compulsion.” Chaudhary also demanded to make Balotra a district. He said that the central or state government does not bring money from farms but the money comes from taxes collected from the public. Giving the example of Winston Churchill and Jawahar Lal Nehru’s dialogue, he said “Nehru was in jail for 10 years but he said that we have not been taught to hate and have fear.” He said that Rahul Gandhi traveled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with a message regarding the current situation. He said that real issues are not being talked about in the country. In the debate, the former cabinet minister said that the central govt is behind the BBC and OBC.

MEGHWAL: ACTION ON OFFICERS WHO DISOBEY CIRCULARS OF MLAs

Administrative Reforms and Coordination Min

GR Meghwal assured the Vidhan Sabha that the administrative officers who disobey the circular issued in relation to replying to letters written by MLAs & MPs and inviting them to public or state inauguration ceremonies will be punished.

Baljeet Yadav’s protest run in 200 constituency begins

‘FOREST LAND CAN NOT BE CONVERTED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE’

MoS for Agricultural & Marketing Murari

Lal Meena informed that forest land cannot be converted for residential use as per the rules of the Central govt. He also said that three places have been identified in Churu, Jhunjhunu and Nagaur districts to shift blackbucks from Talchhapar Sanctuary.

W ater Resources Minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya informed the Vidhan Sabha that a total of Rs 1235 lakh 77 thousand has been sanctioned for thwe repair of Kirawal Sagar and Malikpur dam and their canals by the Water Resources Department in Malpura assembly constituency. Out of this, work orders were issued on December 13, 2022 for the repair of Kirawal Sagar Dam and its canals and the work is in progress.

Cong MLA Indraj Gurjar writes to BJP MP Rathore

First India Bureau

Suryaveer Singh Tanwar and CS Dave

Jaisalmer : Behror

MLA Baljeet Yadav embarked on a protest run from Ramdevra to Pokhran on Thursday and raised his voice against paper leak cases, unemployment, and other such issues.

Yadav wore black clothes and started his 12-km protest marathon at 9 am from Runicha Dham (Ramdevra) to

AHEAD OF RAJ ASSEMBLY POLLS...

Gandhi Chowk in Pokhran town. The independent MLA also informed that he will

We need to highlight policies of our govt: PSK

First India Bureau

People have been suffering from high inflation and it is the duty of the Central Govt to provide relief but this work is being done by us, says PSK

Jaipur: With just a few months left for assembly polls, Congress leaders and workers should go to the people and highlight the party’s policies and the budget presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas on Thursday said. The food and Civil Supplies minister said people have been suffering from high inflation

and it is the duty of the central government to provide relief but this work is being done by the state government.

“The chief minister has presented an excellent budget. Ten-eleven months are left for the assembly elections and

it is our duty to take the party’s policies and state’s budget among the people,” he told reporters outside the assembly building here.

When asked about the statement of Sachin Pilot that the decision on the party’s affairs in Rajasthan must be taken soon if the trend of alternate governments has to be bucked, he said it is for the president of PCC to comment on it.

organize a protest run in all 200 assembly constituencies to raise his 15-point demand before the govt.

“I will run 70 km every day and cover three assembly constituencies. Issues like a paper leak, and unemployment will be taken up during the protest marathons,” said MLA Baljeet Yadav. Notably, Baljeet Yadav held a protest run for the second time in Jaipur’s Central Park on Feb 6.

Jaipur : Congress’ Viratnagar MLA Indraj Gurjar has written a letter to MP Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. In the letter, Gurjar have urged the BJP leaders and the central government to get the bullet train station approved for Viratnagar.

Urging the BJP leaders, Indraj Gurjar wrote, “Respected Member of Parliament, I sincerely hope that you will not disappoint the people of Viratnagar. The people of this place have voted you twice with a huge majority. This decision will ensure the future of our fu-

ture generations.”

“Keeping this in mind, you should get this important work done. I expect the regional BJP leaders that everyone will take this campaign forward through personal means and urge to the Central Government to put a station for the Viratnagar in bullet train so that local people get a benefit out of it.” he added.

Minister Ashok Chandna hails sports policies of Gehlot govt

First India Bureau Jaipur: Expressing pleasure over the exemplary performance of Rajasthan in the ‘Khelo India’ Youth Games, Minister of State for Sports Ashok Chandna said that the Rajasthan government made good policies in the field of sports in the last four years and this is the result of those policies only that youths from the state have secured fourth position in the Khelo India games.

“The youths created history by securing 48 medals in different games. These include 19 gold, 10 silver and 19 bronze medals. Previously, the Rajasthan team ranked tenth. owing to

changes made in sports policies by CM Gehlot that Rajasthan has performed well in sports in last four years,” he added. Raj came at number four after Maharashtra, Haryana and MP.

Satish Poonia during the discussion in the House on Thursday.

MLA Baljit Yadav garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Chowk in Pokaran on Thursday.

70KM IN A DAY

Ashok Chandna, Sports & Youth affairs Minister

Shanti Dhariwal

MLA Indraj Gurjar

MIn Pratap S Khachariyawas interacts with media on Thursday.

ACTION TO END GANGSTER CULTURE

GODARA’S AIDE PARADED IN CITY

Satya Narayan Sharma

Jaipur: In order to end the fear of miscreants among the people, the Jaipur police on Thursday paraded an aide of Gangster Rohit Godara in handcuffs in the area. The police made the miscreant Lucky Ranoli walk barefoot in scanty clothes. People also made a video of the miscreant and made it viral on social media.

Jaipur police raided GMR Residency on Sikar Road and arrested Sikar’s history sheeter Lucky alias Mansingh Ranoli. Man Singh’s brother Shakti Ranoli managed to escape from the spot before the police raid.

A complaint has already been registered with the police that a house was forcibly occupied by the accused. On this, the police arrested the accused and seized all the things kept in the house and brought them to the po-

lice station. Police had input that these two brothers Lucky Ranoli and Shakti Ranoli are the History Sheeters of Sikar and are accused of extortion as well as murder and attempt to murder at several police stations in Jaipur.

Two kids buried to death in Sikar, locals rescue one

First India Bureau

DINESH MN TO LEAD SIT TO ARREST GANGSTER GODARA ON DGP’S ORDER

Jaipur: Director General of Police Umesh Mishra has directed to form a Special Investigation Team under the leadership of ADGP Crime Dinesh MN to arrest gangsters Rohit Godara and Hrithik Boxer. Mishra has instructed all the Superintendents of Police of the state to take strict action against organized criminals. Along with this, instructions have been given to take action against those who follow and support such anti-social elements on social media or help them in any way. A reward of Rs 1 lakh each had been announced by the police headquarters this month for the arrest of the two gangsters. —Shivendra Parmar

GANGSTER LAWRENCE BISHNOI SENT TO SEVEN-DAY POLICE REMAND

Jaipur: Dreaded gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was brought to Jaipur from Punjab on a production warrant on Wednesday, was produced before a court and sent on seven-day police remand on Thursday. Police officials informed that the court gave police remand for seven days till Feb 23 for interrogation. “Lawrence was produced in the court through video conference. The gangster is being interrogated in connection with his involvement in a case of firing outside G club in Jaipur on Jan 29. —Kamal Kant

Guv meets students from 5 States

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A delegation of students from Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam met Governor Kalraj Mishra at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. The 40-member delegation, under the InterState Living Student Life Philosophy, has come on a visit to Rajasthan to experience the feeling of national unity and cultural integration.

Woman, grandson killed in road mishap in Jaipur

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Two people, including a woman, were killed after a bus and motorcycle collided with each other on Tonk Road in Jaipur on Thursday.

Police informed the deceased has been identified as Prem Devi (57) and his grandson Devendra (32), both residents of Valmiki Nagar in Malviya Nagar. “The incident took place on Thursday afternoon near Glass Factory on Tonk Road. The speeding bus rammed into the motorcycle killing Prem Devi on the spot. Devendra was rushed to SMS Hospital for treatment. However, he too succummed to injuries during treatment,” police said.

After SC verdict, JDA gets land

Sikar: Three children got buried in the mud while playing in the Dhar-Ka-Bas area of the Nechwa sub-division.

The villagers present at the spot pulled the children from the mud. However, by then two children Dilip (10) and Priyanka (7) had died, while Santosh (8) was rushed to Nechwa Hospital and was discharged after first aid. The police reached the spot and bodies were sent for post-mortem, after which they were handed over to the relatives. The three victim children in the accident belonged to the Bawariya community. Their relatives work as guards in the fields.

I-T raids at 35 locations in Jaipur, Udaipur, & MP

First India Bureau

Students from Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal, Assam pose with Governor Kalraj Mishra.

Describing the visit of the students of North East as important, the Governor said that India is a country of unity in diversity and we are

emotionally one even though our speech, lifestyle and food habits are different. Governor Mishra had on Wednesday ap-

VAIBHAV IN ASSAM

pealed to the government to make education more powerful and asked universities to work according to New Education Policy.

3 die as bus, car collide in Chitawa area, say police

First India Bureau Kuchaman: In a horrific bus and car collision, three people died near Hotel Karanpura in the Chitawa area on Thursday. The collision was so severe that the car was blown apart and all three people died on the spot. On receiving information about the incident, Chitawa police reached the spot and the injured were sent to the nearby hospital. After first aid, Jagdish resident Lala was referred to Sikar, while Vikas, a resident of Karanpura, died on the spot. The bodies have been kept in the CSC mortuary of Hukumwale.

Dr Rituraj Sharma

Jaipur: 11 IAS and 3

Jaipur (PTI): Three persons were arrested with unaccounted cash worth Rs 26.10 lakh in their car during patrolling in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district, police said Thursday. The arrests were made after the car coming from Nimbahera was intercepted on Bojunda Pulia Highway Road, police added. During the search, Rs 26.10 lakh in cash was recovered. He said the arrested personas have been identified as Zahid Hussain, Rizwan Ul Haq, Sheikh Chhipa, all residents of Bhilwara.

RAS officers will handle the additional charge of 14 IAS officers who will go to Mussoorie for training.

Collector Prakash Rajpurohit will handle the addl charge of Jaipur Divisional

Commissioner Antar Singh Nehra and Sandesh Nayak will take additional charge of RSMML MD of Karan Singh.

RAS Ashutosh Gupta will take addl charge of the post of RPSC Secretary Harji Lal Atal while IAS officer Vishwa Mohan Sharma will take additional charge

of Revenue Joint Secretary Mahavir Prasad Meena, IAS officer Vijay Pal Singh will take additional charge of the post of Tourism Director Rashmi Sharma.

RAS Nimisha Gupta will take addl charge of joint secretary medical Iqbal Khan, IAS Hem Pushpa Sharma will take addl charge of SIPF dir Kalpana Agarwal.

RAS Poonam Sagar will hold the addl charge of CMD Handloom Development Coop, IAS Mahendra Parakh will hold the addl charge of MD Rajsiko, IAS officer Ramavatar Meena will take addl charge of Women Empowerment Commis-

Jaipur: More than 200 employees of the Income Tax Department raided around 35 locations of business groups in Jaipur and Udaipur on Thursday. According to the information, along with Jaipur and Udaipur, raids were conducted in many cities of Madhya Pradesh. Raids are on at 12 locations in Jaipur, 23 in Udaipur and several lo-

cations in Madhya Pradesh. A Udaipur based group is said to have a mining business in Madhya Pradesh and a hospital in Udaipur. Teams are searching the homes and offices of businessmen. The department had a tip-off regarding black money with the businessmen. The teams are also preparing to search the bank lockers of the businessmen for property related documents.

First India Bureau Jaipur: A land worth more than Rs 300 crore has come into Jaipur Development Authority’s kitty after a Supreme Court decision in its favour. This land is near Malhotra Nagar between Vidyadhar Nagar and VKI area in Jaipur. In a major action on this land in November last year, the JDA team razed the godowns, offices, shops, slums, houses and rooms built here. After this action, the case was challenged in the Supreme Court, where a three-judge bench gave its verdict in JDA’s favour.

Around 11 bighas land are in JDA’s name. The Supreme Court bench of Judges Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Manoj Mishra and Arvind Kumar rejected the appeal of petitioner Chhoturam Meena while ruling in favour of JDA.

Senior advocate Manish Singhvi, who appeared in the Supreme Court on behalf of the JDA and the government, said that the matter was pending in the court for more than 30 years. At the time of settlement in 1958, this land was transferred to JDA. In 1997, Kaabil Chhote Ram Meena had presented a claim on this land in the ADM court, saying that the government had not given compensation and that the land belonged to his grandfather. The matter finally reached the Supreme Court.

The JDA will now auction the land by planning and creating pockets of land for commercial, mix and residential use. According to sources, JDA is expected to get more than Rs 300 crore from the auction of this land.

sioner Pushpa Satyani.

IAS Avichal Chaturvedi will hold the addl charge of Joint Secy post of Water Resources Shruti Bhardwaj, IAS Atul Prakash will take addl charge of Jodhpur South Municipal Corporation Commissioner Arun Purohit whereas the addl charge of Director Civil Aviation Mukul Sharma will be with IAS Jitendra Upadhyay.

IAS Vishwa Mohan Sharma will take addl charge of Devasthan

Joint Secretary Ajay Singh and IAS Shivangi Swarnakar will hold the addl charge of Medical Education Commissioner Dr Ghanshyam.

worth `300 crore

Lucky Ranoli being paraded by police in Jaipur on Thursday.

RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot visits Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Jaipur Development Authority had occupied the land last year by demolishing the structures built on it.

NaMo Messiah of POOR

Execution with speed & efficiency is Narendra Modi’s style of working to make things better for the citizens. For him, people always come first! This is what is most remarkable about him.

Compassionate, Conscientious, Considerate

PM Narendra Modi ‘feels’ for his people

close associate of PM Modi, the narrator brings to the fore the meticulous planner, the tech visionary, the compassionate messiah of the poor and the protective, loving father figure that PM Modi is, not just for those close to him but for the entire nation.

Modiji was visiting Kashi and I got the opportunity to meet him and interact with him. As I entered his room, I got this feeling of tremendous calm and simplicity. There was one single bed in the centre covered with a white sheet, and a sofa on which he would sit and read. Other than this, there was not a single piece of furniture and of course, there wasn’t a sign of luxury or the presence of facilities. Someone who would look at the place from the outside could never have fathomed the level of modesty with which Modiji lived. Even today, he has no expectations or desires nor any needs.

I vividly remember the Ekta Yatra undertaken to Kashmir to hoist the national

“If you travel by bus, there is Punjab on way, terrorism is at its peak, you will not be able to alight from the bus till you are in safe zone!

flag. Modiji was the national in-charge of this yatra and I feel I was particularly fortunate to have got to know him from close quarters during this yatra. He possesses the ability to go into the minutest details of the matter at hand. He spoke to us “If you travel by bus, there is Punjab on the way, terrorism is at its peak both in Punjab and Kashmir, you will not be able to alight from the bus till you are in safe zone! Do not get down anywhere but your destination. Now, make your arrangements for a possibility when you need to but cannot get down of the bus. Your meals, your water, answering nature’s call - plan every little detail of your journey!” And all thanks to such meticulous and careful planning, we did not face a single glitch or difficulty till we got down at Jammu. His vision and care for his people is terrific. Elections were on in 2014. Modiji was traveling all over the country. In Jayapur, a village in Varanasi, a high tension wire had snapped and was hanging in the middle of a road. Three people had been electrocuted and were hospitalized in a serious condition. There was no electricity in the village ever since this happened in the morning and residents were miserable. We got to know of this incident and Modiji asked us to go the

village and meet the people. We reached at night. It was the last leg of his travel and Modiji asked me over phone “What news do you have of Jayapur? Hand over the phone to Pradhanji.” Modiji, at a time when he was running his Prime Ministerial campaign, ordered Pradhanji and us to ensure that this problem was resolved at the earliest. Neither the electricians nor the police had visited the area till then. Now, if it was anyone else other than Modiji, he or she would have thought it’s just a small, everyday problem in a small village and they would have waited till the next day morning to even consider if it was worth looking into! But this is Modiji, not any ordinary statesman. He had been on a

gruelling schedule but that did not deter him from taking the bull by the horns late in the night because for him, people always come first! This is what is most remarkable about him. Execution, speedy and efficient, is his style of working to make things better for the citizens. These virtual meetings are happening are happening now but Modiji, I believe through GNFC cloud networking, ensured long back that the DM, Collector and SP do not have to travel and still stay connected. Complete information dissemination in real time has been taking place virtually because Modiji had that vision 20 years back. On his 68th birthday, I remember once he was sitting with rag-pickers’ chil-

dren. He narrated stories to these children who do not go to school, he played with them and was so engrossed in conversation with them for almost half an hour, it seemed he did not remember that he is the PM. He became their father for those 45 minutes. Children were sitting on his lap, they were playing and having a gala time with him.

Another incident I clearly recollect is when an industrialist laid off almost 1,700 workers without any prior notice and this was illegal. I spoke to Modiji about this. I told him that he factory will continue to operate but what will these men, who have lost their jobs, go and tell their wives and children? Some of them are sure to commit suicide. Modiji took instant ac-

tion. He has always been pro-weak and has compassion for the poor. He made sure that all the labourers got justice and their due. While for few of them he ensured they got their compensation, about 1,100 of them got their jobs back. The company was not allowed to just lay off so many people in an unfair and unethical way. Just like this, there are thousands of examples that reflect his deep love and attachment towards the poor, the weak and the needy. I got COVID on 10 March, 2021. I was critical in the first few days. First thing Modiji did when he got to know about my condition, he sent me off to the hospital. And till the time I shifted to Medanta from there and did not recover, I can never forget the regular calls I received from him, every morning and every evening. If I would get breathless, he asked me to hand over the phone to someone and took updates about my condition. Modiji’s own doctor would call not just me, but the team of doctors of Medanta and PGI as well. What medication was to be administered to me, what I needed to do to recover sooner and breath better, PM Modi took such special care of me in those 6 crucial days of my life, it was not just unbelievable, but will remain forever etched in my heart as those days of my life when I felt I got my father back to me make me well again! Probably my father would not have been able to do what Modiji did for me - PM Modi traversed the Kailash Parvat to give me a new life!

PM SHOWS ENTHUSIASM FOR SPIRIT OF ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’

GOVT WORKING FOR TRIBES WITH PRIDE PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN: PM MODI

‘Thorough probe into Adani issue necessary’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, Delhi’s largest tribal festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. He also paid floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

“When diversities are woven into a thread of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, India’s grandness emerges before the world. This Aadi Mahotsav signifies this spirit,” he said. The PM said he had learned through the practices of tribal society. Speaking at the event, the PM said, “I was delighted to see different arts, artefacts, music, & cultural display through their products. I feel our diversity and grandness have come together & are standing tall today, highlighting tradition.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with tribal artisans at ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, in New Delhi on Thursday. —PHOTOS BY ANI & PTI

NEGLECTED TRIBAL GLORY NOW BEING BROUGHT TO MAINSTREAM, SAYS PM MODI

New Delhi: Underlining the contributions of the tribal society in the struggle for India’s Independence, PM Modi lamented the attempt for decades to cover up the glorious chapters of the sacrifice and valour of the tribal community in the pages of history. He said that for the first time, the nation has finally taken steps to bring these forgotten chapters of the past to the fore. “For the first time, the country has started celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda,” he

IN THE COURTYARD

DELHI HC GRANTS DDA TIME TO FILE

AFFIDAVIT IN MEHRAULI DEMOLITION CASE

New Delhi (ANI): The Delhi High court on Thursday granted time to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and directed to file a detailed affidavit by February 20 in the case of Mehrauli demolition. The Court, headed by the bench, directed the DDA to supply its demarcation report to the petitioners by Friday and mentioned that the status quo has been extended till next date of hearing on February 23.

CASE:

EXCISE POLICY

COURT REJECTS BAIL

PLEA OF 5 ACCUSED

New Delhi (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court rejected the bail petitions of five accused who were arrested in the money laundering probe emerging out of the Delhi government’s now scrapped Excise Policy. The court also noted that none of the accused deserves to be released on bail in this case due to serious. allegations made against them.

2 FRESH PETITIONS IN SC ON BBC DOCUMENTARY ISSUE

New Delhi (ANI): Another 2 separate petitions have been moved in the SC on the issues related to the BBC documentary and Hindenburg report. Both the petitions have been drafted and filed by Roopesh Singh Bhadauria, Advocate of the SC and Nat’l Chairman, Indian Youth Cong Legal Cell and Advocate Mareesh Pravir, Advocate-on-Record, SC.

PLEA SEEKING EARLY HEARING AGAINST COLLEGIUM SYSTEM MENTIONED IN SC

New Delhi (ANI): A plea seeking an early hearing of the petition against the Collegium system for the appointment of judges and revival of the National Judicial Appointment Commission for the purpose was mentioned in the Supreme Court. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that it will first examine the petition and then consider it. It further mentioned that a mechanism in substitution of the Collegium is the need of the hour.

KERALA HC: COPS CAN’T BAN SAFFRON DECORATIONS

Kochi (ANI): The Kerala HC ruled that the District Administration or the Police cannot insist that only politically neutralcoloured decorative materials are used for temple festivals. The judgements come while the Police restrained the temple authorities from using only saffron-coloured decorative materials as part of the Kaliyoottu festival.

GUJ COURT ISSUES

ARREST WARRANT AGAINST PATEL Surendranagar (PTI): A court has issued an arrest warrant against BJP MLA Hardik Patel for failing to appear before it in a 2017 case in which he is accused of violating a government order. Patel had made a political speech in violation of a government order at a village in the district ahead of the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections.

said. The PM emphasised on the efforts of the government to promote tribal arts and skill development for the tribal youth. Modi also informed that the PM Visvakarma

Yojna has been introduced for traditional craftsmen, where economical assistance will be provided apart from skill development and support in marketing their products.

New Delhi: For the first time, a tribal in Droupadi Murmu has occupied the top constitutional post in the country, he said, adding the budgetary allocation for the community has risen manifold since 2014. He called upon the people of Delhi and neighbouring states to visit the festival to witness the rich tribal culture and nutritious food products being showcased from across the country. Let’s ensure that they sell all their products, the prime minister said. The government is now going from Delhi to those considered remote and bringing them in the mainstream, he said. Tribals played a big role in India’s freedom movement but attempts were made for decades to ignore these golden chapters and the sacrifices made by men and women from the community, he said, adding his government is now bringing them to light in the “Amrit Kaal”.

TRIPURA, MEGHALAYA, NAGALAND ELECTIONS

Poll body notice to BJP,

Congress for online posts

New Delhi: The Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura today issued notices to the state units of the Congress and the BJP as well as BJP national general secretary Dilip Saikia for seeking votes on Twitter when polling is underway in the northeastern state.

The Election Commission said the tweets are violative of election law as they were made in the 48 hour “silence period” which began on Tuesday evening.They have been given an an opportunity “to take corrective action at the earliest”.

They have also been asked to explain their stands for the violation by 5 pm on Friday.

In its notice to Saikia, the Tripura CEO said, “ ... an appeal for vote in favour of BJP has been tweeted from your handle at 0950 hours on 16.02.2023. The tweet is in form of a photo containing following message:

Unnato Tripura Sreshtho

Tripura Vote for BJP.”

NE STATES RECORD

MASSIVE SEIZURES

New Delhi: Seizures totalling over `147 crore have been recorded so far in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland, marking a 20fold increase in recovery of drugs, liquor and cash meant to induce voters, the EC said on Thursday.

CONG ANNOUNCES

WOMEN CANDIDATES

Shillong: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) and Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress on Thursday announced the names of 10 women candidates for the upcoming Meghalaya Polls.

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday said a thorough investigation into the Adani issue is necessary, holding that any committee other than a JPC will be nothing but an “exercise in legitimisation and exoneration”.

Congresss leader Jairam Ramesh said the proposal before the Supreme Court for setting up of a committee by the government can hardly ensure transparency.

Ramesh said, a Supreme Court bench on February 13, while hearing petitions on the Adani-Hindenburg matter, discussed the creation of a committee of experts to examine the regulatory regime post the allegations. He said it had directed the Government to give its submissions by February 17.

“Where the allegations are of close, intertwined proximity between the ruling dispensation, the government of India and the Adani

‘India privileged to partner with Fiji in nationbuilding efforts’

Suva (PTI): India has been privileged to partner with Fiji in the nation-building efforts in the South Pacific country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, underlining that there have been “close and long-standing ties” shared between two countries through people-to-people linkages.

BREACH OF PRIVILEGE NOTICE GETS REPLY

New Delhi: Congress MP

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sent a reply to a breach of privilege notice over his remarks on PM Modi, informed Congress sources on Thursday. Rahul allegedly made ‘unparliamentary’ remarks against PM during his address in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s joint address to the Parliament.

RAHUL GANDHI TO VISIT UK THIS MONTH

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be visiting the United Kingdom this month to deliver a lecture at the Cambridge University’s business school. Sharing information about this, Gandhi said he is looking forward to visiting his alma mater and that he will be engaging with some of the brightest minds in geopolitics, international relations and democracy.

Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi)

"Looking forward to visiting my alma mater Cambridge University and delivering a lecture at @CambridgeJBS," Gandhi tweeted. "Happy to engage with some of the brightest minds in various domains, including geopolitics, international relations, big data and democracy," the Congress MP said.

Group, the setting up of a committee with terms of reference proposed by the Government of

India can hardly carry any insignia or reassurance of independence or transparency,” he said.

10 BBC employees spent two nights in Delhi office

BJP’S

TOP GUNS TO LAND IN NAGALAND

New Delhi: Several BJP bigwigs like PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the party’s national president JP Nadda are scheduled to reach Nagaland ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections on February 27.

MODI IN MEGHALAYA ON FEBRUARY 24

New Delhi: Ahead of the Assembly election at the end of this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Meghalaya on February 24. According to sources, PM Modi will address a rally in Tura on February 24.

At an event with Fijian PM Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, Jaishankar said that India and Fiji have signed and exchanged the visa waiver agreement.

“It will certainly be helpful in encouraging greater travel between our 2 countries,” he said. He further said that “India & Fiji have close and long-standing ties and I think a large part of that is really built on our people-to-people linkages.” “We have been privileged to partner with Fiji in its nation-building efforts in various sectors, in working with it; in areas like health, education & more ,” he said.

IAF’S AIRCRAFT DEPARTS TO BRING 12 CHEETAHS

New Delhi: At least 10 senior employees of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Delhi have not gone home since the Income Tax department launched a “survey” at their Indian offices, sources have said, as the operation entered its third day on Thursday.

Officials gathered financial data from staffers and made copies of documents of the news organisation in an action that comes weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary

“India: The Modi Question” on Prime Minister

12 African cheetahs to land in India soon

48 HOURS AND COUNTING

New Delhi: The operation that began at the BBC offices around 11:30 am on Tuesday has clocked over 48 hours now. Authorities said that the exercise would continue for some more time. Officials have gathered financial data from select staffers and made copies of electronic and paper data of the news organisation.

Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots. A BBC staffer in Delhi said they were broadcasting their news like usual and many employees were working from home.

‘BJP will lose Telangana Assembly polls’

Hyderabad (ANI):

AIMIM MP Asaduddin

PREVIOUSLY ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2022

z Eight Cheetahs were brought to the Kuno National Park from Namibia in South Africa and were released by PM Modi on his birthday

z Radio collars have been installed in all the cheetahs and monitored through satellite. Apart from this, a dedicated monitoring team behind each cheetah keeps monitoring the location for 24 hours

PLEA

MOVED IN SUPREME COURT CITING ‘HATE

SPEECH AGAINST HINDUS’

New Delhi (Agencies): A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court citing some recent instances of “hate speeches, utterances and statements” made against Hindus and Hindu religion by members of Muslim and Christian community, including call for “Sar Tan se Juda” (beheading). The application has been filed through advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain after taking the court’s permission.

New Delhi (ANI): Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that 12 more Cheetahs would be coming from South Africa on Saturday via the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) C-17 Globemaster plane, which has already taken off from India.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Union Minister said that these 12 Cheetahs will be released on the same day of their arrival at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The Cheetah Project Chief SP Yadav informed that the aircraft

Cheetah Project Chief SP Yadav

had taken off for South Africa & will land in Gwalior around 10 am on Saturday.

“IAF’s C-17 Globemaster took off for South Africa from Hindon airbase today morning to

z As per MoU with South Africa, the initial batch of 12 cheetahs is to be flown from South Africa to India this month. The MoU terms are to be reviewed every 5 years

bring 12 Cheetahs to the country. The IAF is not charging any amount for this task. The plane will take off from South Africa at 8 pm on Friday and will land in Gwalior the next day around 10

am. The cheetahs will be released in Kuno National Park by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Ministers Narendra

Singh Tomar and Jyotiraditya Scinida on February 18,” SP Yadav said. He further added that after taking clearance from Customs, the Cheetahs will be brought here by MI-17 helicopter.

Owaisi alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government is running the administration with a bulldozer and not Constitution. Owaisi said, “ Those doing ‘bulldozer politics’ in UP have taken the lives of a motherdaughter. They want to run the govt with a bulldozer, not Constitution. They will not gain anything politically by doing all this. On being asked about Telangana BJP Chief Bandi Sanjay’s Taj Mahal remark, he stated, “the BJP will fail in the Telangana Assembly polls in 2023.”

Police officials outside the BBC office in New Delhi.

Delhi Police emerged as world’s best police force’

Home min Amit Shah hails Delhi Police at 76th Raising Day Parade

New Delhi (ANI):

Home Minister Amit

Shah today said the Delhi Police has emerged as the world’s best police force in the last 75 years. He said, it has changed its complete functioning. Shah was addressing the 76th Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police event in New Delhi.

Remembering the Police ecosystem, he said that before the Independence, the Police work was not focusing on citizens’ services. Police only ensured the interests of the British. He said, after Independence, Delhi Police Service moved forward with the sources of Peace, Service and Justice.

Our correspondent reports that on the occasion, Shah launched the online verification platform for passport applicants. It will help citizens to get a police verification certificate for their passport in 5 days through the facility. He also dedicated five Mobile Forensic vehicles to citizens at the event.

‘THERE IS NEED TO STRENGTHEN COUNTRY’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM ON THE BASIS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE EVIDENCE’

Shah inaugurated an online facility for passport verification

mPassport Seva and dedicated the mobile forensic vehicles inducted into the Delhi Police to people. He also inaugurated the academic complex of the National Forensic Science University’s (NFSU) Delhi campus. Pointing out that the city police has received mobile forensic vans now, he

‘Cong, BJP helped Jahan win in Delhi Haj panel poll: AAP

New Delhi: The AAP today alleged that it was because of the "complicity" of the Congress and the BJP that Kausar Jahan from the saffron party was elected to the Delhi State Haj Committee chairperson's post. In a setback to the ruling AAP in Delhi, Jahan today got three of the five votes cast by the panel's members in the poll held at the Delhi Secretariat. She is the second woman to be elected to the post.

punishable with six years in jail and more by the visit of a forensic team.

Security beefed up ahead of Prez’s visit to Madurai

Madurai (ANI): Ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day visit to Madurai, the security arrangements are being beefed up, state police sources informed. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on February 18-19. She will be departing from Delhi on February 18 and is scheduled to arrive at Madurai at 12 noon on the same day. Notably, President Murmu will also be going to Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple for having the darshan of Lord Meenakshi Amman.

‘Avoid debating communal issues on TV’

said, “In the coming days, the Delhi Police will become the first police force in the country to investigate every crime

“There is a great need to strengthen the country’s judicial system on the basis of forensic science evidence. When this vehicle, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and 14 different types of forensic kits, would visit the crime scene, the conviction rate will significantly increase.”

Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party on Thursday asked its leaders and panelists to refrain from debating on communal issues on television channels.

It said the party leaders should not be misled by the BJP which is trying to divert the attention of the people from basic issues.

SP president Akhile-

sh Yadav has advised party workers, leaders, office bearers and TV

panelists to refrain from debating on communal issues during

discussions on TV channels, party's national secretary Rajendra Chaudhary said. The ruling BJP is constantly trying to divert the attention of the people from basic issues by raising religious issues, so Samajwadi Party leaders should not get involved in debates involving religion, he said.

Kolkata (Agencies): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the Centre is making the lives of rural poor miserable by pushing them into a circle of online activities.

“The Union government wants to introduce a total online system in the lives of rural people. But how can the marginalised communities get accustomed to it? So, their lives are becoming miserable,” the CM said while addressing an administrative review meeting in West Midnapore district.

She claimed that the Centre has made mandatory linking of AAD-

HAR cards with bank accounts for payment of money for the 100day job scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

RaGa

demands probe into tribal man’s death; writes to Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram:

Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has sent a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of a tribal man in the state recently.

He wanted the state government to order an impartial enquiry regarding the lapses, if any, in the present police investigation related to the death of Vishwanathan (46), who was found hanging near Kozhikode medical college.

In the letter, Mr Gandhi also requested the Chief Minister to grant the man's family ex-gratia compensation and a job for one of its members on humanitarian grounds. The man was found hanging near the medical college hospital at Kozhikode on February 11, where his wife was admitted for delivery.

“I request you to kindly initiate a probe into the death case of Vishwanathan and order an impartial enquiry,” he said.

Congress demands immediate restoration of statehood to J&K

Srinagar (PTI): Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani on Thursday said the Centre should immediately restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and hold Assembly polls. He also accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of creating “dictatorship” in J&K.

“We demand immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and holding of Assembly polls,” Wani told reporters at the

AIMING TO BE NEXT EMIRATES?

PCC headquarters.

The PCC chief, however, said National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has “rightly said that they (government) have no intention of restoring statehood” to the Union Territory.

“The BJP has created dictatorship here. People are being harassed and intimidated in the name of bulldozers or the Public Safety Act. Anyone who raises his voice is threatened with arrest,” he alleged.

New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi

Tharoor virtually ruled out contesting the CWC polls if the party decides to hold them, saying he is not considering any further elections after having fought the AICC presidential polls and it is “for others to step forward”.

Tharoor said the convention comes at an “inflection point” in the party’s history as it is being held after the presidential polls & Bharat Jodo Yatra, and ahead of 2024 elections. He said the plenary could not have come at a more opportune time and gives the party members an opportunity to focus on what “we have gained and what faces the party in terms of challenges for the future”.

Air India makes record-breaking purchases

New Delhi (Agencies): India reached a milestone at the end of last year when it overtook China as the world’s most populous nation.

But that explosive growth is hardly reflected in the size of its commercial aviation fleet. Today the entire country has only about 700 aircraft -fewer than United Airlines Holdings Inc. alone - and just 50 widebody jets to transport its increasingly mobile 1.41 billion

people. Chinese carriers, by contrast, operate about 480 twin-aisle aircraft, and Emirates, whose base in Dubai

has a fraction of the population of Mumbai, boasts a widebody fleet of 260 jetliners, according to figures from Cir-

ium, which aggregates aviation data. Now, Air India is making an expensive push to renew its fleet and expand its global presence.

The new aircraft are meant to give Air India a fighting chance at competing with local budget carriers such as IndiGo as well as longhaul champions Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, which have built huge operations over the past two decades.

AKASA AIR TO PLACE LARGE AIRCRAFT ORDER, EYES INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

New Delhi: Akasa Air will place a large order for new narrowbody jets, as the start-up budget airline looks to capitalise on booming demand at home and begin international flights, its chief executive said. The 200-day-old airline currently flies 17 Boeing 737 MAX planes out of a total order of 72 jets to be delivered by March 2027. "Before the end of this year we are going to place another aircraft order that is going to be substantially larger than the 72 aircraft order we have placed," official said.

‘AIR INDIA HAS OPTION TO BUY 370 MORE AIRCRAFT AFTER GIANT ORDER’

New Delhi: Tata Group-owned Air India has placed an order for 840 planes with Airbus and Boeing, including the option to acquire 370 aircraft, a senior airline official on Thursday saying the order is a "landmark moment" in the Indian aviation history.

The announcement by Air India official Nipun Aggarwal comes a day after the airline said it has placed a firm order for 470 aircraft -- 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing.

CRUCIAL READ

5 KILLED, SEVERAL INJURED AS TWO SUVS COLLIDE IN UTTAR PRADESH'S BANDA Banda: In a tragic road accident, 5 people were killed and 6 others injured after two cars returning from a wedding function collided with a tree at Paprenda Road on Wednesday night, SP Abhinandan said. “One more person with some minor injuries has been found. All 7 injured have been shifted to the district hospital for treatment, where two of them have been referred to Kanpur and Medical college. While five bodies have been sent for postmortem”, police added.

2 DRUG PEDDLERS HELD WITH 951 KG OF GANJA IN TN

Madurai: Madurai police foiled a smuggling bid and seized 951 kg of Contraband (ganja) along with the arrest of 2 during checking in Madurai. Police are on a manhunt to nab the other two accused who fled, officials said on Thursday. The arrested accused have been identified as Prabhakaran & Sentithil Prabhu.

GUJ: 7 DIE AS JEEP WITH 18 PERSONS RAMS INTO TRUCK Patan: 7 people were killed in a road accident near Varahi in the Patan district of Gujarat after their jeep rammed into a standing truck, Gujarat police said.As per police, the accident occurred on Wednesday and they have registered the FIR in the matter after the overnight probe into the case.

91% STUDENTS FEEL PROF CERTIFICATION WILL HELP THEM SUCCEED IN JOBS: SURVEY

New Delhi: 91% Indian students believe that a professional certification will help them succeed in their job while 96% felt it will help them get a employment after graduation, as per new survey. The study from online learning platform Coursera found that employers in India place a higher value on professional certificates when making hiring decisions than their counterparts in Australia, the UK, and Germany.

Nearly 5,000 students and employers across 11 countries Australia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, the UK & the US were surveyed.

FB POST BY MURDER

ACCUSED TRIGGERS

POLITICAL ROW

Thiruvananthapuram:

A social media post, by an accused in the killing of a Youth Congress activist 5 years ago, has put the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala in the dock, as opposition Congress today attacked the party and demanded a CBI probe in the sensational case. Akash Thillankeri is a prime accused in the murder of activist SP Shuhaib.

2 SKELETONS FOUND IN CHARRED SUV IN HARYANA’S BHIWANI Bhiwan: Two skeletons were found in a charred SUV in the Loharu area of Bhiwani district on Thursday, police said. “2 skeletons were found in a charred Bolero in Loharu, Bhiwani district. There are chances that both victims died either due to a fire that broke out in the vehicle or were burnt to death,” Loharu DSP Jagat Singh More said.

OVER 2,700 COMPLAINTS AGAINST INFLUENCERS, INSTAGRAM TOPS VIOLATIONS, SAYS ADS BODY

Mumbai: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) on Thursday said it has processed 2,767 complaints since coming up with influencer guidelines in May 2021. More than half of the violations have been found on Meta-owned Instagram platform, while Alphabet’s Youtube contributed a third of them, the self-regulatory organisation for the advertising industry said. The body said in over 90 per cent of the cases, there were modifications required.

‘Rural poor helpless as Centre pushing them towards online system’

Shashi Tharoor virtually rules out contesting CWC polls

MAMATA SLAMS BJP GOVT

Union Home Minster Amit Shah with Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora during the 76th Raising Day parade of the Delhi Police, at the New Police Lines, in New Delhi, on Thursday.

Rahul Gandhi consoles the wife of Viswanathan at the latter’s house. The tribal youth was found hanging on the Kerala’s Kozhikode Medical College premises last week.

Mamata Banerjee

UP MIN CALLS SP LEADER 'RAVANA'

‘PMAY’ CRISIS

Focus on getting the work done with excellence first and foremost, credit and rewards are secondary.

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

CM GEHLOT ANNOUNCES NEW RECRUITMENTS FOR YOUTH

Disabled children will get family pension, announced CM Gehlot during Budget reply

Yogesh Sharma and Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: In response to the Budget debate, CM has announced scheme to address the complaints of farmers filling Vigilance Check Report (VCR) in the election year. Under this scheme, farmers will not be penalized for self-declaration of load and VCR will not be filled.

The Chief Minister has announced to open 17 new colleges in the state. Apart from this, 7 new girls colleges will also be opened. CM said that with the establishment of Urdu B.Ed College in Hawamahal assembly constituency of Jaipur and 5 new ITIs will also be opened in the state. At the same time, recruitment of 2, 500 Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras will be done. Defense Service Preparatory Institute will be opened in one school each at the divisional level. At the same time, Center of Excellence for Electric Vehicle and Center of Excellence

Hanumangarh’s closed spinning mill will start again, told the Chief Minister

z 5,000 Rajiv Gandhi youth friends will be engaged.

z 1 Start Up Centre to come up in Bikaner.

z New govt colleges to be opened.

Raj people won’t forgive BJP for creating hurdles in ERCP: CM

First India Bureau

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addresses during the reply on the discussion on the State Budget during the 8th session of the State Legislative Assembly in Jaipur on Thursday. Also seen are Shanti Dhariwal, Dr BD Kalla, Vishvendra Singh and others.

z Urdu B.Ed college will open in Hawamahal constituency.

z Open gyms will be opened in government colleges.

two additional district collectorate offices have also been approved in Ajmer and Dausa. At the same time, two SDM offices will be opened in Jodhpur. The Chief Minister has also announced the construction of a roadways depot at Nohar in Hanumangarh.

will also be opened in Bharatpur. He also announced opening of two Deputy Superintendent of Police offices in Barmer and Jalore. Along with this, a camp court will also be opened in Alwar along with additional district and sessions court in three districts. At the same time, approval has also been given for a POCSO court in Alwar.

After the death of a government employee, now his/her disabled sons and daughters will be able to get family pension even after marriage. Till now, under the Rajasthan Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1996, only unmarried disabled sons and daughters were entitled to family pension.

Jaipur: During the Budget debate in Assembly, the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “When the salary of MLAs and MPs can increase at will, so we cannot leave the government employees to the mercy of God. They are also entitled to pension. The Centre is investing NPS money in the stock market. Just saw that Adani’s stock has come down, see what happened?” Gehlot surrounded the central government and said, “Rajasthan’s budget has been cut by Rs 21,000 crores. Such a huge

amount matters to the state government. Despite such a huge cut in the budget of Rajasthan by the central government, no MP spoke anything on it. There are 25 MPs from Rajasthan. No MP advocated the interests of Rajasthan. When such a situation arises, it becomes the duty of the MPs of the state to raise their voice.”

Gehlot said to BJP

State President Dr Satish Poonia, “If you talk to PM Narendra Modi about the interests of Rajasthan, will he not listen to you? You people did not talk to the PM regarding ERCP, otherwise, the Prime

Minister would not have spoken the way he did in Dausa. The people of Rajasthan will not forgive you seeing the kind of hurdles you are creating in a wonderful scheme like ERCP.”

Taking a jibe at the BJP leaders, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot further added saying, “What is the secret that an scheme like ERCP is being stopped? Only the MLAs coming from Churu know this.”

On this, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore said, “We would say that this is Vasundhara Raje’s plan and deliberately want to stop this plan.”

Bhawani S Hada

Bundi: LS Speaker Om Birla during his tour to Nainwa, participated in the’ Dhwaj Sthapna’ programme at Baba Shyam temple in Dei village. Speaker Birla hoisted the 121-foot flag with chants. Birla was welcomed by Keshoraipatan Patan MLA

Chandrakanta Meghwal, programme coordinator Rajaram Meena, former district presi-

for Electric Vehicle will be established in Polytechnic College of Jaipur and Jodhpur.

The government will also get a mini secretariat constructed in Sikar. Apart from this,

likely

to visit

dent of BJP Hemraj Nagar, and panchayat committee head Padam Kumar Nagar. Speaking in the program, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that Dei Shyam Dham has also become famous in the entire state like Khatu Shyam Dham. The LS Speaker further said that whoever attends the court of Shyam Baba, their wishes are fulfilled & he is also an ardent devotee of Baba.

Apart from 6 new police stations, the Chief Minister also informed about the opening of two women police stations. At the same time, a Sadar police station

It has been announced to restart the closed cotton spinning mill of Hanumangarh. Spinfed, an organization of the Cooperative Department, used to run it. With the resumption of this mill, people who were unemployed due to its closure will get work.

Guv Mishra writes to CM Gehlot over appointment

First India Bureau

FROM PG 1

The awareness campaign will be held across the country for eight months, targeting 10 crore people.

CM Ashok Gehlot visits former Member of Parliament Ashk Ali Tank to enquire about his health at a hospital in Jaipur on Thursday. CM Gehlot wished him a speedy recovery.

Is Randhawa reaching Jpr to ‘cull the storm’ owing to ‘ceasefire violation’?

Om Birla offers prayers at Baba Shyam temple and participates in the 'DhwajSthapna' programme at Dei village in Bundi district on Thursday. Also seen here is Chandrakanta Meghwal & others.

First India Bureau Ajmer: Former CM Vasundhara Raje may visit Ajmer today. Raje will be on the day-long district tour and also has a plan to reach Shankar S Rawat’s residence in Mangaliyawas. There can be a programme of worship in the Kalpavriksha temple. There can also be a possible visit to Pukhraj Paharia’s residence at Vaishali Nagar in the city. After this, there is also a programme of fering prayers at Gwalior Ghat on the Pushkar Sarovar.

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra has expressed his displeasure over the state government for not following the prescribed rules for the formation of various commissions, corporations, boards and appointment of office bearers in these institutions.

According to a spokesperson of the Raj Bhavan, the Governor has also written a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and instructed him to clarify the situation in this regard.

Governor Mishra has also expressed his displeasure over the appointment orders being

issued in this regard without obtaining any kind of approval at the Raj Bhavan level, the statement said. In a letter written to CM Gehlot, Governor has directed to clarify the situation in the matter. In another matter, Governor Mishra has written a letter to CM seeking detailed info regarding implementation of 'Pay and Account Office System' in place of currently running treasury system.

BIDDING FAREWELL

“Due to such a large population, water security is an important concern for India. It is a shared responsibility of all of us,” he said.

“There shall be a tomorrow only if there is water, and for this we have to make joint efforts from today,” Modi said. He said water conservation has been a part of India’s spirituality for thousands of years.

“That’s why we term water as god, call rivers mother.” “When a society makes such an emotional connect with nature, the world calls it sustainable development,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

First India Bureau Jaipur : It seems that the strict warning of the Congress high command, to the ‘rival factions in Rajasthan’, to hold a ‘ceasefire’ has been broken once again!

Both KC Venugopal and state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa had given ultimatum not to make statements in front of the media. But on Thursday, Khiladi Lal Bairwa and

Ved Prakash Solanki gave statements and said, “Earlier the decision on Rajasthan kept getting postponed due to different reasons. But now is the right time to decide.”

This ‘rhetoric’ was started on Wednesday after Sachin Pilot’s interview to PTI. Meanwhile, Randhawa will reach Jaipur on Friday afternoon by Indigo flight from Chandigarh to Jaipur at 1 pm.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Senior BJP leader & LoP in Rajasthan Assembly, Gulab Chand Kataria, has resigned from the membership of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday. A farewell ceremony for Kataria was organised as he has been appointed as the Governor of Assam. Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and all the members of the As-

sembly were present on this occasion. On this occasion, As-

ji has become the Governor.

your

Kataria ji will enhance Raj’s dignity in Assam. He is the man of Sangh cadre. Whenever he is emotional, he speak very bitterly. Many a times, he has also stopped us to speak as well.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

CM Ashok Gehlot poses with MLAs on the occasion of farewell of Gulab Chand Kataria outside the State Assembly in Jaipur on Thursday. Also seen are Dr CP Joshi, GC Kataria, Shanti Dhariwal, Dr BD Kalla, Hemaram Choudhary, Parsadi Lal Meena, Dr Mahesh Joshi, Dr Satish Poonia, Rajendra Rathore, Pratap S Khachariyawas and others.

It is a big thing to become MLA 9 times & an MP once.

orders

Om Birla: We should share pains of others

WISHING SPEEDY RECOVERY...

Vasundhara Raje

Sukhjinder Randhawa

Governor Kalraj Mishra

CM Ashok Gehlot, Dr CP Joshi, Gulab Chand Kataria and Shanti Dhariwal during the farewell ceremony organised in Kataria’s honour in State Assembly in Jaipur.

Guv designate of Assam, GC Kataria hands over his resignation to Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi at State Assembly in Jaipur.

CM Ashok Gehlot being greeted by GC Kataria during his farewell ceremony at State Assembly.

CM’S MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

FALLING HARD FOR

MRIDULA SHARMA

This season, feathers are added to almost every casual piece of clothing, from cute cardigan collars and cuffs to sweatshirt sleeves, leggings, and t-shirts. Wideleg jeans and cable knit sweaters are also embellished with the material.

Although Valentine’s Day is a great justification to attempt a stunning feather suit for yourself if you still think wearing feathers is a bit bold. There are many ways to add a little fluff to your Valentine’s Day outfit, and regardless of your relationship status or plans, we are confident that you will continue to be drawn to the trend long after the holiday has passed.

Feathers in fashion are nothing new. This fashion

is the flirtatious and playful nature of this style makes it the ideal choice for every season. Any style or outfit benefits from the aesthetic appeal of feathers, which elevates the fanciful or whimsical quality of the item or article of clothing. Consequently, it is quite fair to mention that feathers and plumes are very suitable for making attractive centrepieces and adding zing or flair to a beloved party dress.

With a feather trim, you may join the feathers fashion trend in a subtle yet noticeable way. A feather trim is a great way to add a whimsical touch to your clothing, whether it’s Sleeper’s pyjamas with fluffy pant hems or a feather trim on an otherwise formal or fitted garment, like this shirt dress. Style a formal outfit with a sleek bun and natural make-up. To spice up the game wear feather-style silhouettes which are the latest in trend and loved by all and you will feel yourself being the centre of

Feathers are indeed a great deal of fun and may be worn in so many different ways. Let’s dive into this exquisite fashion with City First

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

UPSCALE WRITING SKILLS

Writing is more than a form of communication. It is a Life Skill that is vital in various academic and professional work scenarios. It is also a wonderful manifestation of one’s creativity, imagination, and artistic expression. While I have spoken and written at length about various types of writing, long and short format fiction as well as nonfiction; in this post, I want to share my learnings as a Writing Mentor. Specifically of the tremendous merits of Writing Workshops. Where does one learn how to write? For most of us, it is at school. It is a natural progression of learning a language, starting with the alphabet, moving into sentence construction, followed by writing essays, letters, stories and poems. However, there tends to be something formal and mandatory about the writing that we do, or are asked to do at school. For students who are interested in writing, this can sometimes rob them of the spontaneity that writers enjoy. For those who are not too keen on writing to begin with, it can be stifling, and put them off writing, for good. However, in a Workshop environment, the paradigm changes. The vibe is completely different. The dynamic is distinctly altered.

FLEXIBILITY

Perhaps the greatest value that a Writing Workshop provides is flexibility.

The flexibility of all kinds. I have had published authors and regular writers, who feel they need a kind of ‘refresher course’, take my workshops. For these veteran writers, a workshop allows them to become students once again, while not needing to commit too much time since workshops can be as short as a month with classes only over the weekends! So there is time flexibility and the ease of slipping into student mode once again. The other kind of flexibility that workshops provide is also time-related but slightly different. Say there is a young student who is very keen on writing but isn’t sure if he or she would like to commit to a full-time writing pro-

gram at college. A workshop can be a great selftest for that student to determine if they have the talent, interest and tenacity for writing. Last, and this might be specific to my workshops, is age flexibility. While I do conduct work-

shops for specific agegroups, most of my pro grams are open to people simply above a certain age. There have conse quently been occasions where in the same group I’m mentoring, youngest stu dent has been a

girl from grade 8, and the senior-most student has been a retired corporate honcho aged 66! This kind of diversity lends the group such a unique vibrancy that it makes for a very rich learning environment.

Perspectives of different generations, friendly banter and debates between disparate philosophies, all make for an extremely immersive learning environment.

I’ve been blessed that

of my students. Teaching keeps me fresh, abreast, excited, challenged, and on my toes. And the workshop environment and format, I have come to realize, is one of the best.

NO JUDGEMENT – THERAPEUTIC

Arguably the biggest advantage of a well-bonded Writing Workshop group is that there is no judgement.

dent’s perspective, this is invaluable. There is so much that a student wouldn’t dare to write while at school or college, or a homemaker wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing at home, for fear of being judged. That fear vanishes in a workshop. Not only does one feel confident in sharing one’s deepest and darkest but feels compelled to do so. And really, isn’t that what a big point of writing is, to

FACEOFTHEDAY

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

Things move positively on the academic front and encourage you to give your best. Good man management will help you in completing a project or assignment in time. Travelling with your near and dear ones to the countryside will prove immensely fulfilling.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Your professionalism is likely to be praised at work. Someone’s unexpected arrival at home threatens to upset your personal plans. Seeing new places, meeting new people is in store for some. There is nothing that can go wrong today, except things involving property.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

Meeting someone new is likely to enlarge your social circle. Something you had wanted for the home may be gifted to you. Your ideas will work on the professional front and speed up the progress. Your financial condition is not bad, but you do possess the potential to earn much more.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Switching to healthy foods will be the key to remaining fit and active. A family issue may need to be deliberated upon, so that it does not disturb domestic harmony. An out of town invitation will tempt some to undertake the journey. Spirituality may bring a meaning to your life.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Those in the financial sector can hope to start making profits. You may think up ways of improving your health. A major renovation work may be undertaken at home. A journey is likely to take you down the memory lane. Owning a house is indicated for some.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

Businesspersons are likely to do good business today and earn well. The day proves excellent for you, both personally and professionally. Appease someone in the family to have your way.You may have to put your foot down against a trip you are reluctant to go on.

LOVERS OF WRITING

The dynamic that evolves in a Writing Workshop is positive from the get-go, simply because all the people who have enrolled for the workshop, love to write. At the very least, they share a strong desire to write well. This, combined with the Mentor’s positive predisposition, and his or her heightened enthusiasm levels at the prospect of interacting with a self-motivated group of learners, further affirms this positivity.

INFORMAL, FUN LEARNING

At school or in a regular program, various pressures become restricting factors during the learning process –from course completion deadlines at schools to writing not always being a priority skill to be developed in the first place. A writing workshop is free from all these limitations. It affords attendees the freedom to focus purely on honing their writing skills. Usually, because a writing workshop is also a space where by default people are writing and sharing extremely personal incidents, feelings, and experiences, it becomes a sacred space where the students and the mentor have bonded deeply. This gives rise to a certain implicit trust, it breaks down the walls of age and formality and aids immensely in the learning process. To be able to disagree, question, discuss, and argue even, are the kinds of luxuries that are seldom permitted in a school environment. But in a workshop, it is the norm. And it is extremely liberating.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Change of diet will improve health. A difference of opinion may pit you against a family elder. Those compelled to travel are likely to find interesting company. Some of you will be able to add to your wealth and even plan to buy property. Health will be satisfactory.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You are likely to experience a positive phase in your existence. Favourable decision can be expected regarding a piece of property under dispute. Those in tourism and hospitality sectors will find new opportunities knocking at their door. You should organise a gathering.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You will be able to get the study stream you desire on the academic front. Going is likely to get better on the professional front. Purchasing a new car or an expensive appliance is indicated. Children can keep you entertained. The day is favourable to get a project underway.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Time is favourable as your real estate investments start giving handsome returns. An official trip is likely to keep you tied up. Your help and support to a youngster will help boost his or her self-confidence. Those trying to achieve their professional targets will succeed.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

A trip with friends will be both enjoyable and therapeutic. Family life will remain stable and provide you a firm foundation from where to venture forth. This is the best time for launching your ideas at work. Money multiplies through excellent financial planning.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Some additional perks can be expected by those in the private sector. An enjoyable outing is on the cards for some. Family life will cruise along smoothly and give you time for rest and recoup. A promotion or a prestigious appointment is in store for those in a government job.

KARTIK BAJORIA

(the author is a Jaipur-based Communication Skills Educator & Writer)

BIRTHDAY BASH IN STYLE

Fashion designer Shivang Kapoor’s birthday bash was celebrated recently at the Swish Sylvan Chef Farms, Delhi. The grand celebration witnessed the presence of several eminent guests from the fashion and social fraternity tapping their feet at the tunes of celebrity DJ Akansha Popli. With Cocktails and mouth-watering snacks curated by the chef, Delhi’s fashionable set partied in full swing. Among those who attended the party included Arshi Singhal, Akansha Popli, Ruhi Ganguly, Sanjay Nigam, Ketan Bhatia, Dinesh Aneja, Viresh Verma, Neha Kapoor, Sylvie Rodgers, Neetu Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Ashfaque Ahmad, Ruchita Rao to name a few.

Ashish Dhondhiyal and Shelly Dhondhiyal

Hida Siddiqui and Ruchita Rao

Sagar Gera and Dinesh Aneja

Dheeraj Singh and Alisha Singh

Rashi Sharma, Neetu Singh and Akansha Popli Sanjay Nigam

Viresh Verma and Akshat Upadhyay

Piyushi Banasia and Arshi Singhal Rony Koula and Nasir Abdullah Kitty Arora and Kunal Kohli Ketan Bhatia and Mohit

Nandal Ruhi Ganguly and Sylvie Rodgers

Shivang Kapoor

Ashfaque Ahmed and Monika Choudhary

Nitika Kohli and Ahana Dhawan

GET VACCINATED STAY MASKED

Standing: Bindiya, Sapna, Prerna, Kamla, Neelima, Sarita, Alka, Shashi, Aparna, Teena, Meeta, Sudhir & Ashmita

Celebrations!

CITY FIRST

O

The day was celebrated with the usual festivities that included getting acquainted, building connections, playing games and grooving on the tunes of melodious music. The group dispersed after a sumptuous High Tea and with a feeling of nostalgia.

All Jigs members including Kamla Poddar, Sudhir Mathur, Sudhir Khasliwal

The event was hosted by Suman Sharma.

O

CITY FIRST ne of Ra jasthan’s big gest fash ion festi vals titled Jaipur Couture Show 2023, wrapped up the threeday extravaganza with the First Look Launch on Thursday. Models showcased the first glimpse of the garments created by the designer during the first look launch of the show at Booze Up, Adarsh Nagar in the city.

Eminent design ers like Palak Shar ma and Apoorva Cha lana from Label Sarte and Hina and Shubh Mathur from Bannadi Jaipur showcased their

Navya Singh Shekhawat

wonderful and rare collections. During this, Patrons JD Maheshwari and Ankush Wadhwa were present along with the show’s founder Gaurav Gaur, and directors Yashil Pandel, Ajit Soni, and Ankur Jain. The show will see

top models, Femina Miss India and Bollywood celebrities presenting the best of designers’ designs on stage. Showcasing a glimpse of her collection, Palak Sharma among the designers told that the Summer Western Wear collection has been prepared to keep in view the Summer Spring season. Colour blocking, colour print, Teslas etc. will be spe-

cial. Looking at the summer, the pastel collection will present cuts and patterns inspired by vintage and style, while giving a modern touch to the garments. On the other hand, designer Heena told that the entire collection has been prepared on Indian and Western wear fusion. Different luxury fabrics with Indian colours will be used.

Department of Tourism (DOT) is organising a two-day boutique literature festival, ‘SHAHARNAMA – KAHANI APNE SHAHARON KI’ with Prabha Khaitan Foundation on February 19 and 20 at ITC Rajputana Hotel, Jaipur. The motive of this event is to promote the culture of Rajasthan, each-and-every city of India and the world because every city in the world has different cultural assets and creative vibrancy. Even UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) have recognized culture and creativity as strategic enablers for the achievement of sustainable urban development under the 2030 Agenda. Vishvendra Singh, Minister of Tourism of Rajasthan and Gayatri Rathore, Principal SecretaryTourism were present on the occasion.

TICKET SALES FOR CELEBRITY CRICKET LEAGUE BEGINS

CITY FIRST

The sale of tickets for the 4 matches of the Celebrity Cricket League, to be held on February 25 and 26 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Tickets start from Rs.500 to Rs.25,000.

Mumbai Heroes on February 26. Famous celebrities from all over the country like Riteish Deshmukh, Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ayushmann Khurrana, Manish Paul, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Kriti Sanon are likely to come. The first match of the league will be played on February 18 in Raipur. H&K Innovations Pvt Ltd has been appointed as the organizer of matches in Rajasthan on behalf of Bengal Tigers and Mumbai Heroes.

WEDDING SHENANIGANS

Jagdeesh Chandra greets Ayushi Vijayvargiya. Also seen are Arvind Vijay, Ayush and Pinki Vijay

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted by Jeetu, Ramkishan Vijay, Badri Lal, Manoj, Manish and others

The grand wedding ceremony of Ayushi, daughter of Pinki and Ram Kishan Vijay with Ayush, son of Kamlesh and Arvind Vijay was solemnised at Soni Farm House, Tonk on February 16. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life a ahead.

Jagdeesh Chandra greets newlyweds Rishi and Renuka

Newlyweds Deepti and Saurabh

Jagdeesh Chandra greets Romit and Shrishti. Also seen

are Meenu and Niklank Jain

The grand wedding ceremony of Rishi, son of Sunita and Suresh Agarwal with Renuka, daughter of Uma Agarwal and Satyanarayan Agarwal took place at EP Mughal Garden, Jaipur on Wednesday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead.

The grand wedding ceremony of Deepti, daughter of Bhagwati Singh and Narendra Singh Rathore with Saurabh, son of Anita and Mukesh was organised at Vyom, Kukas on Thursday, February 16.

The grand engagement ceremony of Romit, son of Meenu and Niklank Jain with Shrishti, daughter of Dr Krishna and Kaushlendra Bharadwaj took place at Marriot Hotel, Jaipur on Wednesday. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the couple and wished them a happy life ahead.

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

DURING THE DAY!

etc.

Sitting: Vidya, Suman, Abhay, Sudhir and Vinod

n the occasion of Valentine’s Day, a get together was organised at Kalaneri Art Gallery, JLN Marg, Jaipur on Tuesday.Bindiya and Paradhya cutting the cake

Kamla, Suman and Sudhir Rajneesh, Kamla, Suman and Sudhir

Vidya, Sarita, Neelima, Kamla, Meeta, Shashi and Suman

Standing: JD Maheswari, Yasheel Pandel, Rishika Chandani Devshree Hada, Harshita Singh, Navya Singh Shekhawat, Gaurav Gaur and Ronny Sharma

Sitting: Shubh Mathur, Hina Mathur, Palak Sharma and Apruva Chalana

Actor Riteish Deshmukh during the match

Actor Sonu Sood during the match

A GLIMPSE OF SUMMER SPRING COLLECTION—PHOTOS BY

SANTOSH SHARMA