First India-Mumbai Edition-17th JULY 2022

MUMBAI l SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI TITLE NO. MAHENG/2022/14652 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 72 FACT-CHECK CASE: COURT REJECTS ZUBAIR’S BAIL

MONSOON SESSION: OM BIRLA CHAIRS MEET

Lucknow: A court in UP on Saturday rejected the bail plea Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair in connection with an FIR lodged against him in 2021 for allegedly promoting enmity. Information was shared by KP Singh, assistant prosecution officer.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday chaired a meeting with leaders of all political parties ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament that is set to begin on July 18.

Birla briefed them on the preparations related to the Session. P5

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, NEW DELHI & MUMBAI

upsets NCP-Sena applecart CONGRESS GOING SOLO MAY PUT OUT MVA LIGHT Renni Abraham

NCP chief Sharad Pawar

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

Renni Abraham go along with the Mumbai: Prime Minis- Bharatiya Janata Party.

This has upset ter Narendra Modi’s the political nomination of former applecart Governor of of NationJharkhand, Droupadi alist ConMurmu, to the post of gress ParIndia’s next president ty (NCP) has compelled former allytur ned-foe Shiv Sena ( U d d h av Thackeray’s faction) to PM Narendra Modi

chief Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra.

While the united opposition comprising 17 political parties had backed the candidature of former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha as their nominee for the presidential elections slated for July 18, Murmu’s candidature took the wind out of their sails. Even Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Bannerjee was forced to

BJP PICKS VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE...

JAGDEEP DHANKHAR

IT IS!

l NAIDU’S CURRENT TERM ENDS ON AUGUST 10 l THE ELECTION IS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 6 l WB GUV DHANKHAR IS FROM JHUNJHUNU, RAJ

DHANKHAR HAS BEEN IN PUBLIC LIFE FOR OVER 3 DECADES z 1989: He entered public life after getting elected as the MP from Jhunjhunu in the Lok Sabha polls z 1990: He served as a Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs z 1993: He was elected to Rajasthan assembly from Kishangarh constituency in Ajmer district z 2019: He was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, made a mark as a People’s Governor

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Saturday.

Renni Abraham New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi has nominated WB Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as India’s next Vice Presidential candidate from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in a political move that also helped stave off a political war in West Bengal.

Confirming this a senior BJP leader said, “Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who played right hand man right through HM Shah’s political gambit to topple MVA govt in Maharashtra was at it again over last 3 days, this time to oblige Mamata Bannerji led TMC in WB. Dhankhar, who has been at loggerheads with TMC govt in WB for a while Biswah, met with Bannerjee

Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution.

He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress.

—Narendra Modi, PM

NDA’s candidate for the post of Vice President of India to be Jagdeep Dhankhar. He is a ‘kisan putra’ (son of farmer) who established himself as ‘people’s governor’.

—JP Nadda, BJP national president

and Biswa over the last three days where Assam CM, playing emissary to PM Modi, informed Didi of Governor being relieved of his charge of WB.”

Punjab: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised by unidentified miscreants at public park in Bathinda, police said on Saturday. Cops assured that miscreants will be nabbed soon. Incident comes just days after a statue of Gandhi was desecrated in Ontario.

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PM MODI’S MURMU PLAY Thackeray pressured by party MPs, even as Pawar suffers political onslaught over an ill-timed taunt

AFTER CANADA, GANDHI STATUE VANDALISED IN PB’S BATHINDA

SIGH OF RELIEF FOR DIDI, DHANKAR MOVES OUT OF WB RAJBHAVAN aturday evening’s declaration by BJP-led NDA naming West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar as its VP candidate has brought a huge sigh of relief for WB CM Mamata Banerjee.

Known for his strict and invigilatory stance on govt’s activities, Dhankar had given ‘Didi’ and her govt several sleeless nights through notjust his speeches, but also through his actions and holding officials accountable towards govt. Dhankar now positioned in Delhi, post his victory in poll which is considered a surety, Didi may not face such a formidable ‘head of govt’ for a long time. — ­ Aditi Nagar

S

Mumbai: The secular political coalition comprising Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress is over. This development has risen amid Congress’ claims of contesting civic body polls in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur alone. A senior Congress leader said, “The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was specifically created to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in Maharashtra. It was not a ‘forever’ alliance. In fact, during the Democratic Front (DF) alliance with NCP (1999 to 2014), the Congress fought local body elections separately.” According to sources, the Congress party’s view on the forthcoming civic elections to 23 major municipal corporations in Maha does not reconcile an MVA alliance. backtrack, was the first to state that she would have positively considered the BJP nominee, had the party announced Murmu’s candidature earlier.

According to a BJP source, “Modi was always considering a woman to head the Indian Republic and finalized the nomination of Murmu.

Turn to P5

Badlapur councillors switch camps, Uddhav faction wiped out First India Bureau Mumbai: In yet another blow to the Shiv Sena, the vertical split in the party has further spread to Kulgaon-Badlapur municipal council in Thane district.

Party councillors in three municipalities of Ratnagiri district have switched loyalties to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp.

In Kulgaon-Badlapur municipal council, all 23 councillors led by Shiv Sena city chief Waman Mhatre, and Thane zilla parishad P re s i d e n t Pushpa Patil called o n Shinde and de-

All 23 councillors declare support for CM Shinde; 20 of 23 councillors of Ratnagiri municipal council side with rebel Samant

clared their support on Saturday.

The Sena had 25 councillors in the municipal council, but one of them passed away and another joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), thereby reducing their strength to 23. Now, all councillors have pledged their support to the Shinde faction. This is the first municipal body where all Sena corporators have pledged

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is losing support of party councillors as CM Shinde’s govt settles in.

Revari culture could be…

PM warns against freebies MODI-YOGI JODI

PM Modi said path of development on which the country is moving has 2 aspects at its core -- 'iraada aur maryada' The 296-km four-lane expressway has been constructed at a cost of around `14,850 crore under the UPEIDA Moni Sharma Jalaun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday cautioned people against what he called a "revari (sweet) culture" under which votes were sought by promising freebies and said this could be "very dangerous" for devp of the country.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Expressway, Modi hit out at previous dispensations in UP for lack of

❍

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he arrives to inaugurate Bundelkhand Expressway on Saturday. Yogi Adityanath is also seen.

Amit Shah @AmitShah Earlier govts never gave priority to devp of Bundelkhand, but under guidance of Modi ji. Be it Ken-Betwa or Bundelkhand Expressway, these devp works show commitment of PM towards welfare of people of Bundelkhand.

connectivity and said the "double-engine" govt now was ensuring

STRIKING FEATURES OF EXPRESSWAY

z Fastest built expressway z Constructed at 12. 7% lesser cost than planned

z Will save water and promote greenery

z Will boost tourism z Future expansion, serve

as heartline of development

major transformation of the state with fastimproving connectivity.

SIT SAYS AHMED PATEL PLOTTED AGAINST MODI

Gujarat riots: Congress-BJP war of words over SIT charges New Delhi: Congress on Saturday strongly refuted the claims made by Gujarat Police against the late Ahmed Patel’s involvement to topple the then CM Narendra Modi’s Gujarat govt after the 2022 Godhra riots. While opposing activist Teesta Setalvad’s bail in the sessions court on Friday, SIT levelled grave allegations against her of being a part of a “larger conspiracy” carried out at the behest of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel to topple the BJP govt in

SONIA BEHIND PLOT TO FRAME MODI: BJP Party spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that the late Ahmed Patel, who was Mrs Gandhi’s political adviser, was just medium through which she acted to destabilise BJP govt in the state.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi with late Ahmed Patel.

Gujarat after the Godhra riots. It is pertinent to note that Ahmed Patel died in 2020 after being infected with Covid-19.

their support to the CM camp, en masse.

As the Shinde group MLAs are returning to their constituencies, Sena units in those districts are being forced to take a decision. As former Minister for Higher and Technical Education in the MVA government, Uday Samant, reached his constituency of Ratnagiri, councillors from Ratnagiri municipal council met him at the government guest house. Out of 23 councillors, 20 pledged their support to Samant at a meeting, substantially reducing the strength of the Uddhav camp. Similarly, eight councillors from Mandangad municipal council, and three from Dapoli municipal council pledged Turn to P5

‘HIS NAME HOLDS WEIGHT IN GUJARAT’

Ahmed Patel, her daughter Mumtaz Patel said her father’s name still holds weight to be used for political conspiracies.

Patel refuted SIT’s charges, alleged name is being used to malign Oppn.

M Modi, while PBundelkhand inaugurating the Express-

way in UP’s Jalaun on Saturday, said that his and CM Adityanath’s govt will take development not just to cities but also to the villages. He asked CM Yogi to develop a tourism circuit for the visitors near the Expressway.

“Lots of industries will be established on both sides of this expressway.

Cold storage facilities will be set up. The defence corridor being set up will also be benefitted from this,” PM Modi said.

4 kids drown in rainwater filledpit in Nagaur Yunus Gesawat Nagaur: Four children including two girls aged 3-4 years were drowned in a pit filled with rainwater in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district on Saturday. Ramlal, Lichma and Aarti (all aged 3 years) and Shimbu (4 years) were playing near the pit and started taking bath in it. They were from the nomadic community and their families were staying nearby, SHO Kotwali Brijendra Singh said.

He said that the incident occurred near Mundwa road in the Nagaur city.

Crucial READ

CENTRE CLEARS 9 OF 10 NAMES FOR BOMBAY HC JUDGES Mumbai: In a notification issued on Saturday, nearly five months after the Supreme Court collegium made its recommendations, the government on Saturday cleared nine of the 10 names, appointing them as additional judges of Bombay High Court.

VACCINATION DRIVE NEARS MILESTONE OF 2 BILLION DOSES New Delhi: India inched closer to administering the 2 billionth Covid-19 vaccine dose, with nearly 2.3 million doses delivered on Saturday, government data showed. In anticipation of hitting the landmark, the govt on Saturday created a digital clock.

JAWAN SHOOTS 3 COLLEAGUES THEN KILLS SELF AT CAMP New Delhi: An Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan on Saturday fired at his three colleagues before shooting himself dead at a camp in Udhampur district of J&K, officials said. Incident took place around 3:30 pm at the Devika Ghat community.

MAHARASHTRA CITIES RENAMING GETS SHINDE NOD

Mumbai: The Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra on Saturday granted cabinet approval to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively.

P2

VILLAGES NEAR BHATSA RIVER PUT ON ALERT

Thane: The administration in Thane has alerted people living on the banks to Bhatsa river, as the water level is rising in the dam due to heavy rainfall. The gates of the reservoir are likely to be opened anytime, which is likely to cause flooding in the nearby villages. P3

NEWS MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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Aurangabad, Osmanabad renaming gets Shinde nod Cities to be called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively; decision taken after meet on Saturday

Mumbai (PTI): The Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra on Saturday granted cabinet approval to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively.

The decision to rename these cities was taken in the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s last cabinet meeting chaired by then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on June 29, just before he resigned.

However, incumbent CM Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who were sworn in on June 30, had said the Thackerayled dispensation’s deci-

—PHOTO BY ANI

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde speaking at the cabinet meeting on Saturday.

NAVI MUMBAI AIRPORT TO BE NAMED AFTER DB PATIL? The cabinet also approved the decision to name the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport after farmer leader DB Patil. This decision was also taken at the Thackeray-led cabinet last month. In a statement, the CMO said the administration was asked to submit a fresh proposal about the airport’s name, which was approved on Saturday. The Navi Mumbai airport is being developed as a greenfield airport by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) under public-private partnership. sion to rename these places was illegal. They had reasoned that it was taken after the governor had asked it to prove majority in the state Legislative Assembly.

During the cabinet meeting chaired by Thackeray last month, Aurangabad was renamed as Sambhajinagar, but the Shinde government on Saturday added the ‘Chhatrapati’

prefix to it.

Currently, Shinde and Fadnavis are the only two members in the cabinet as its expansion is still pending.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s

Office (CMO) said, “The fresh proposal approved by the cabinet will be sent to the Centre, after which the renaming of both the cities will be done at the divisional, district, taluka, municipal corporation as well as council levels.”

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena held a protest in Aurangabad saying that the Shinde government’s move of giving a cabinet approval to the decision that was already taken by the Thackeray-led dispensation was only meant for taking the credit.

Further, Maharashtra Legislative Council member Ambadas Danve, part of the Thackeray group in the Sena, said that the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra wanted to lengthen the process of renaming Aurangabad.

“The addition to the name would require more and fresh nods from the Centre and these would take time,” he stated.

02

CM Shinde may induct ‘lean’ cabinet in first go It may comprise of 9 to 10 young ministers keeping in mind forthcoming urban civic body elections Renni Abraham Mumbai: The first cabinet expansion of Maharashtra to induct a lean nine to 10-member Council of Ministers will be carried out by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the next three days. According to sources, a cosmopolitan mix of politicians may bag cabinet berths, with an eye on the forthcoming Mumbai, Thane and Pune civic body elections.

“Young fresh faces are likely to be included in the state cabinet, which will have a Maharashtrian, Gujarati and North Indian mix, keeping in mind the elections to three important urban civic

Eknath Shinde

Young fresh faces are likely to be included in the state cabinet, which will have a Maharashtrian, Gujarati and North Indian mix, keeping in mind the elections to three important urban civic elections in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) jurisdiction.

—A source elections in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) jurisdiction. Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, and other young leaders such as Ashish Shelar, Ram Kadam, Yogesh Sagar, Vidya Thakur and Sunil Rane are being considered from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) side,” said a source.

The Shinde-led rebel Shiv Sena faction-- that is not a political party but, more of a political formation by necessity-- is still disjointed and facing internal strife over the induction of first four to five ministers. The next such cabinet expansion may be scheduled after a few months where the emphasis on appointments will be made keeping rural Maharashtra in mind.

‘Gift 75 states on nation’s No passage of bills amid din: Govts are toppled Independence anniversary’ Maha Speaker Rahul Narwekar for snubbing BJP

First India Bureau

Mumbai: Bolstering his efforts towards formation of a separate Vidarbha state, Congress leader and former Katol MLA Ashish Deshmukh, on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to form as many as 75 smaller states, as a gift to the nation on its 75th Independence Day. Deshmukh, who has been voicing for creation of a separate Vidharbha state, said that each should have average of 4.90 crore people. " Many states formed next to Maharashtra are progressing rapidly, while a prosperous re-

Ashish Deshmukh

First India Bureau gion like Vidharbha struggles for basic amenities. The neighbouring states are witnessing all around progress such as doubling per capita income, increased irrigation, better health facilities, education, law and order, roads, living standards, abundant electricity, alternative employment", he said.

Talking of pro-small state policy of BJP Deshmukh said, “Since BJP has supported formation of smaller states, it is a humble request that the concept of 75@75 should be started with the formation of Vidarbha as the 30th state and you (the PM), should announce it in his speech/ address to the nation on this 15th August.”

ideology: Pawar

He exuded confidence about the smooth functioning of Maha Assembly despite bitter split in the Shiv Sena

New Delhi: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has said he would not allow passage of bills amid disruptions in the House as it would mean betraying the mandate of the people.

Narwekar was in Delhi on Friday to attend a meeting of state assem-

Rahul Narwekar

bly presiding officers convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

When asked if the Shiv Sena rebellion would have any impact on the assembly session beginning July 25, Narwekar, a first-term BJP MLA from Colaba in south Mumbai, said, "I don't think so."

Narwekar expressed confidence in the state assembly's smooth func-

tioning despite a bitter split in the Shiv Sena ranks, claiming that the disruptions in the Maharashtra House were minor in comparison to other states.

The recent session of the Assembly witnessed debates for nearly nine hours. Very little time was lost due to disruptions. I received the cooperation of all floor leaders and MLAs, he said.

ON A MISSION

Uddhav Thackeray set to go on Maha tour soon lll

Former state CM to meet with party workers, regional units to rebuild and strengthen Shiv Sena after recent rebellion; he will be accompanied by son Aaditya

Satish Nandgaonkar Mumbai: Shiv Sena President and former Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, is planning to undertake a whirlwind tour of Maharashtra to meet party workers, and visit units across the state soon, said party sources on Saturday.

Over the next few days, Thackeray will tour several districts to rebuild the party from the ground up after the recent split within its ranks. “The exact dates and his itinerary are still being worked out at the moment but, he will hit the streets as he showed on Friday (referring to Thackeray’s visit to Sena’s Byculla

Uddhav Thackeray

branch),” said a Sena leader.

Uddhav’s son and former state Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray, is also expected to travel with him.

The former CM—who

was repeatedly accused of running the government without visiting the Mantralaya (state secretariat)—attempted to seemingly overturn that assessment by paying a visit to the Sena’s shakha number 208 in

Byculla on Friday, after two party activists were attacked by unidentified people. Thackeray not only mingled with party workers, but also slammed local police for not being able to protect Sena workers.

“If you are not able to protect our workers, then tell us. Shiv sainiks will protect them. You do not meddle in politics, we will handle that,” he told local police officials sternly. He also asked them to record the statements of suspects pointed out by the workers who were attacked.

The vertical split in the Shiv Sena has left the Uddhav camp with just 15 MLAs while 41 MLAs have joined the Eknath Shinde’s group of rebels. The split has

also substantially cost the faction its strength of elected councillors in most of the municipal corporations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

It is also playing out in rural regions of Maharashtra and will have an impact on the rural and semi-urban local bodies which are scheduled to go to polls later this month.

With Eknath Shinde positioning himself as the ‘real’ Sena by owing allegiance to party founder Balasaheb Thackeray and Thane leader Anand Dighe’s brand of strident Hindutva, Uddhav Thackeray has a tough few months ahead to keep his flock together and win elections.

Sharad Pawar

First India Bureau Nagpur: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday alleged that democratically elected governments in the states are brought down if they do not adhere to the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to a gathering of NCP workers here, he accused the BJP's central leadership of imposing their ideology on state governments run by non-BJP parties. If these governments do not toe the line, they are toppled, Pawar said.

Last month, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government in Maharashtra collapsed after the Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde rebelled along with a majority of his party's MLAs. Pawar said, earlier in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, nonBJP governments were brought down by engineering defections, and the BJP came to power in both

Earlier, non-BJP govts in MP and Karnataka were brought down by engineering defections, said the NCP chief the states.

In the same way, “Those in power in Delhi decided to take away power from a government that was running well in Maharashtra,” the NCP supremo said.

The message was “Do as we tell you and accept our ideology or we would not let a democratic government function. But such things do not last....wherever autocracy took over in the world, it did not last long,” the senior politician added.

Pawar also stated that in neighbouring Sri Lanka, we just saw how power was misused by one family (the Rajapaksas) and how its rule was overthrown by people.

Party workers should remain united and adhere to the Constitution framed by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

MAHARASHTRA

03

MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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Monsoon Blues

—PHOTOS BY PTI

As rains continue to plague the city of Mumbai, high tide waves enthralled visitors at at the Marine Drive seafront. Food stalls at Juhu beach remained shut due to waterlogging, on Saturday.

VILLAGES NEAR BHATSA RIVER PUT ON ALERT Amid heavy rainfall in Thane, local administration has evacuated 1,050 people to 11 camps due to waterlogging in various areas First India Bureau Thane: The administration in Thane district has alerted people living on the banks to Bhatsa river, as the water level is rising in the dam due to heavy rainfall.

As per an official release, the water level in Bhatsa dam was at 134.08 m at 5.30 pm, and the gates of the reservoir are likely to be opened anytime, which is likely to cause flooding in the nearby villages.

The local administration has alerted the villages located on the banks of the river and Sapgaon on the Shahapur-Murbad road and near the Sapgaon bridge, said an official.

According to district

Bhatsa Dam has been overflowing due to heavy downpour.

authorities, 13 people have died in rain-related incidents in the district since June 01.

With the death of one Asif Alam Ansari of Bhiwandi, who drowned in the flood waters on Thursday, the toll of rain-related

deaths has now gone up to 13, said Anita Javanjal, chief of the district Disaster Management Cell.

At least 1,050 people have been shifted to safer places due to waterlogging at Shahapur, Bhiwandi and Amber-

nath and lodged in 11 camps, she added.

As many as 51 kutcha houses and 21 pucca houses partly collapsed in the rains and 12 kutcha houses have been damaged.

The district recorded an average of 92.60 mm

2 booked after staffers get stuck in river First India Bureau Palghar: Two persons were booked after 10 employees of a construction firm got stuck in the middle of Vaitarna river in Palghar district, amid heavy rains for two days.

They had to be rescued by a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, an official said on Saturday.

The firm’s engineer

NDRF personnel conduct rescue operation for GR Infra workers who were trapped in the Vaitarna River.

— PHOTO BY ANI

Anil Nare and site manager Navin Srivastava were booked for

allegedly putting the lives of 10 of their subordinates in danger,

said a Manor police station official.

“Despite warnings from the district administration about heavy rains, the two asked these 10 men to enter Vaitarna river as part of the MumbaiVadodara Expressway work on Wednesday.

The 10 workers were stranded on a construction barge for two days without food and water till they were rescued by the NDRF on Thursday,” he said.

AFTERMATH

As many as 51 kutcha houses and 21 pucca houses partly collapsed in the rains and 12 kutcha houses have been damaged. The district recorded an average of 92.60 mm of rainfall in the 24hour period ending at 8.30 am on Friday, with Sahapur recording a maximum of 115.30 mm. The Ulhas and Jambhulpada rivers had crossed their danger marks, confirmed an official. of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Friday, with Sahapur recording a maximum of 115.30 mm.

The Ulhas and Jambhulpada rivers had crossed their danger marks, confirmed an official.

Heavy rains double Maha’s collective water stock in dams

By Friday, the reservoirs recorded a 53.73% stock First India Bureau Mumbai: Despite a dry spell in June, heavy rains during the last fortnight have more than doubled the quantity of water in the dams across Maharashtra.

This comes after heavy showers were witnessed in Konkan, parts of western Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha and other regions of the state. While the bigger reservoirs registered an increase in water stock, many smaller water reservoirs were even reported to be overflowing.

July witnessed heavy rain showers across the state leading to increase in the water supply in the dams, the data pointed out, because of which, the water stock

Water stock was 35.53% till July 15 last year.

jumped as high as 16% during the fortnight.

“A comparison between the current and previous year's data shows that the water stored in the dams was not only much more than the figures registered last year, but also recorded a higher intensity of filling reservoirs. Heavy rainfalls witnessed during the

—FILE PHOTO

last week are the reason behind it,” said an official.

On July 01, the reservoirs had 24.07% stock as compared to 32.62% in the previous year (2021). Within a fortnight, the stock climbed up to 53.73% (by Friday). The water storage was 35.53% during corresponding period last year.

‘Repair broken roads quickly using tech’ Thane (PTI): The Thane district collector on Saturday ordered potholed streets to be rectified as quickly as possible using modern technology, so that people get relief from traffic jams amid heavy rains.

The decision came after an emergency meeting of the district’s task force, which was chaired on Friday by collector Rajesh Narvekar, on the instructions of Maharashtra chief minister

Potholes are a common sight on roads, especially during monsoon.

—FILE PHOTO

Eknath Shinde.

“The CM was seriously concerned about the pothole menace in Thane city and other parts of the district. The collector has directed that the number of repair teams be increased and modern technology be used to fill potholes,” he said.

According to the official, total rainfall in Thane district increased to 198% of the monthly average in July. This had taken a toll on road infrastructure in the district.

ORGAN DONATION

Brain-dead woman donates organs, saves life of 5, including soldiers lll

Functioning organs such as kidneys were transplanted into two serving soldiers of the Indian Army

First India Bureau Pune: Lives of as many as five people, including two Indian army soldiers, were saved after a young braindead woman donated her organs to patients who were in dire need of them.

“A young woman was brought to the Command Hospital in Pune in her last stages and showed no vital signs of brain functioning. Since her family was aware of the

organ donation concept, they, after thorough discussion with the transplant coordinator at the hospital, agreed to donate her organs to the patients in dire need,” said the defence Public Relations Officer (PRO).

“After going through the necessary formalities and clearances, the transplant team at the Command Hospital (Southern Command) swung into action. The Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC)

and Army Organ Retrieval and Transplant Authority (AORTA) were also alerted”, the PRO added During the intervening night of July 14 and July 15, functioning organs such as kidneys were transplanted into two serving soldiers of Indian Army, the eyes were preserved at the eye bank of Command Hospital Southern Command (CHSC). Her liver was given to a patient admitted in the Ruby

Hall clinic in Pune.

This tender-hearted gesture of organ donation and the well-coordinated effort of CHSC, gave life to as many as five severely ill patients.

The benevolent move also will prove to be a motivation factor for all thinking of donating their organs for helping the mankind and bolstering the high-spirited belief of “don’t take your organs to heaven.

God knows we need them here”.

PERSPECTIVE MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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EACH CHILD IS UNIQUE EACH SCHOOL IS UNIQUE

DR JAYSHREE PERIWAL

The writer is Chairperson, Jayshree Periwal International School

C A typical IBDP classroom has students huddled in groups instead of the usual linear seating arrangements. Collaborative learning, peer-mentoring, flipped classrooms and studentled classes are some of the invigoratingly different classroom scenarios. Besides this IB educators recognise that students have diverse learning styles and different strengths. Rather than teach and test everyone using one yardstick, IB educators rejoice in and encourage differences-designing customised assessments that celebrate process rather than products

hoosing an education system is a very important decision for a parent and a decision should be made considering individual’s preferences, a child’s strengths, a parents constraints and a school’s ecosystem.

The national board of CBSE teaches one of the largest cohorts of students in the world and provides comprehensive education that is affordable. It prepares children for most competitive examinations that are conducted in the country and the syllabus of the national level entrance examinations are in sync with CBSE to a great extent.

Students aiming at pursuing a career in Engineering or Medicine in India should prefer this board, as the syllabi and pattern of Indian entrance examinations in these two domains are aligned to the CBSE curriculum. With the New National Education Policy, various options in subjects combinations, variety of assessments and a more hands on approach to learning have become a part of the CBSE. With project based learning and learning through the arts, the curricula has become quite dynamic and well rounded.

Another great advantage of

INDIA’S IMPORTANCE

the CBSE is that schools offering this board are spread across the breath and length of the country making it accessible for one and all. IB Diploma programme is a brilliant combination of breadth, depth, and flexibility. It is a comprehensive and balanced curriculum which allows students to choose subjects from several different streams-science, humanities, commerce, and fine arts. Students study six eclectic subjects which opens more college and career choices for them as compared to what they are compelled to choose after having studied only one stream. But despite the structured framework of picking subjects from 6 groups, the DP provides a great deal of flexibility, accommodating and enhancing student interests and abilities. It allows students to customise their subjects as per their college majors.

The pedagogy and assessment styles are very different in IB as it assesses more than just academic skills. While other curricula focus on facts and information IB focuses on knowledge; while in most exams test technical memory wherein students regurgitate crammed facts, IB students analyse, evaluate and apply concepts. I have no doubt that almost all pre-university courses available to students in India purvey similar facts, but while all other curricula focus on what to learn only IB teaches how to apply learning which goes far beyond exams and classrooms

I GETS IT A WAIVER

ndia’s strategic importance for the United States and its allies was never rated as high as it is now. Earlier, the US was busy strengthening Pakistan with financial and military aid until 9/11 happened. The collapse of the twin towers jolted White House of its reverie to realise that Pakistan was, and is, a cradle of terrorists who were not averse to striking at the heart of America. Once this realization dawned and the China-Pakistan axis came into focus, the US turned its attention towards India which was emerging as an economic power in the subcontinent. India’s huge untapped market, relatively high ease of doing business and receding threat of terror-

ÁDVANTAGES OF THE NATIONAL BOARD CBSE z Syllabus of the national level entrance examinations are in sync with CBSE z With New NEP, more hands on approach to learning have become a part of the CBSE z Schools offering this board are spread across the country making it accessible for all z Students aiming at pursuing a career in Engg or Medicine in India should prefer this board z With project based learning and learning through arts, curricula has become quite dynamic z Students study six eclectic subjects which opens more college and career z It allows students to customise their subjects as per their college majors

and holds students in good stead not just in colleges and careers but in lives as well.

The world is changing at an unbelievable speed and education needs to revamp itself to churn out not academicians but innovators, risk-takers and problem solvers whose EQ is as much, if not more, developed than IQ. That is, in essence, what the IBDP does to students. I have always been using and hearing the phrases such as higher order thinking skills or holistic education, but I have truly seen them manifested in IB curriculum.

Along with the academic subjects, the students study the IBDP core which for me is the heart and soul of the programme and the biggest factor that distinguishes IBDP

from other curricula. The core builds immensely essential skill and traits in the students because through the Extended Essay they undertake independent research in a subject of their choice which gives IB student an edge over the others when they have to do college projects and write research papers in college.

Creativity Activity Service programme (CAS) gives students opportunities to become sensitive and to lean out of comfort zones as they discern global problems and possible solution. These qualities shape students into globally aware young adults who have learned to balance academic, personal and social responsibilities, who have the skills to transcend teacher-dependent learning which is common in other curricula and become independent and lifelong learners.

Having pursued IBDP teaches students time management, teamwork and technological proficiency all of which make the transition to college much smoother and efficient. Besides these intangible benefits, IBDP also allows students to earn college credits or semester hours which can save them time and money.

With an ocean of information just a mouse click away, educators have to redefine pedagogy or become redundant; therefore, dynamism is the defining trait of not just IB students but also IB educators. The quality assurance and high standards maintained by IB ensures that teachers keep themselves updated through various kinds of professional development opportunities so that they are fully equipped to engage, enable, and empower the inquisitive minds. One can often see IB educators initiate discussions and then let the students take control.

A typical IBDP classroom has students huddled in groups instead of the usual linear seating arrangements.

Collaborative learning, peermentoring, flipped classrooms and student-led classes are some of the invigoratingly different classroom scenarios.

Besides this IB educators recognise that students have diverse learning styles and different strengths. Rather than teach and test everyone using one yardstick, IB educators rejoice in and encourage differences-designing customised assessments that celebrate process rather than products.

ism became New Delhi’s USP. China also played a role in this change of attitude. Beijing’s expansionist designs in the South China Sea, on Taiwan, its encircling of Australia and the threat posed to Japan, eventually led to the formation of QUAD which would have remained incomplete without India. India’s compulsion to maintain healthy ties with the West were also driven by China’s greedy eyes on its territory.

The stumbling block in In-

IN-DEPTH

PITTED AGAINST STATE POWER ZUBAIR’S TRAVAILS MAY NOT END SOON

T

he irony of Alt News founder Mohammed Zubair is that despite courts allowing his bail applications, he continues to languish in jail.

The Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police who ordered Zubair’s arrests in different cases filed against him on the charge of tweeting a questionable image of a Hindu god and for calling Hindu leaders “hatemonger” probably knew that they cannot keep him in detention forever.

When on July 8 a vacation Bench of Supreme Court granted him five days’ interim bail in a case registered in UP’s Sitapur he wasn’t set free because of the case in Delhi. Now that a Delhi court has also granted him bail, he remains in jail because of six other cases pending against him in the State where an SIT has been formed to look into the charges.

Zubair has moved the Supreme Court for quashing all the cases against him. Until that happens no matter what a judge says about “democracy needing dissent”.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

—Bible

TOP TWEETS Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani

Gujarat’s school education model - a holistic model focusing on upgrading infrastructure, integrating technology and enhancing learning outcomes.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

India’s strategic importance for the United States and its allies was never rated as high as it is now. Earlier, the US was busy strengthening Pakistan with financial and military aid until 9/11 happened. The collapse of the twin towers jolted White House of its reverie to realise that Pakistan was, and is, a cradle of terrorists who were not averse to striking at the heart of America dia’s ties with the West was its dependence on Russia for its weapons supply, although it did not restrict its purchases from Moscow as it has been buying weapons from France, UK and US as well. After the Ukraine war when Washington imposed sanctions on Russia, doubts arose over India’s deal for the S-400 Russian missile system. However, the US House of Representatives cited the “China threat” to allow sanctions waiver. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

04

Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal

Etched in gold! According to industry data, #IndiaUAECEPA boosts gold jewellery exports with a 72% surge year-on-year in May 2022. Govt’s sealing of Free Trade Agreement opens doors for massive gains for our Gem & Jewellery sector.

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Parl session begins tomorrow LS Speaker Om Birla chairs all-party meet in Delhi New Delhi (Agencies): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired a meeting with political leaders, ahead of the 9th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha, in the Parliament House Complex, Saturday.

Welcoming the leaders, Birla informed that the Session is commencing from July 18 and is likely to conclude on August 12. He further said, there will be 18 sittings and total 108 hours will be available out of which about 62 hours will be for government business. The remaining time is for Question Hour, Zero Hour and private members’ business.

In addition to government business, sufficient time shall be allot-

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chairing the all-party meet in New Delhi on Saturday.

ted for discussion on matters of urgent public importance.

Birla said the timing of submission of notice for raising matters during Zero Hour has been changed. Now Members can give notices from 0900 hours of a given

day to 0800 hours of the Session day on which the members desire to raise their matters. Notices for Monday or the first working day of the week may be given between 9 a.m. on Friday or the last working day of the previous week

and 8 a.m. on Monday or the first working day of that week. Notices received up to 8 a.m. on the day of the Session on which members wish to raise their matter shall be balloted by computer immediately after 0800 hours.

Presidential polls: AAP announces support for Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha

Prakash Ambedkar urges Yashwant Sinha to withdraw from Presidential race

New Delhi: The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday said that it will support Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha for the Presidential elections scheduled on July 18. “AAP will support Opposition’s Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha.

We respect Droupadi Murmu but we will vote for Yashwant Sinha,” AAP MP Sanjay Singh said following the party’s political affairs committee (PAC) meeting. The decision was taken in the PAC meeting chaired by the party’s national convenor and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The meeting was attended by senior party leaders such Depuy CM Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Atishi, Durgesh Pathak, Punjab MP Raghav Chadha and others. Besides AAP, the ruling TRS in Telangana has also extended its support to the candidature of joint opposition nominee Sinha.

Mumbai: Days ahead of the Presidential polls, Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi national president Prakash Ambedkar on Saturday urged Opposition’s candidate Yashwant Sinha to withdraw from the race and said that many “Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members” from across the parties have lent their support in favour of NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu.

Asking Sinha to back out from the race, Ambedkar said that many Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members from across the parties are joining to vote in favour of Droupadi Murmu.

“Requesting Yashwant Sinha to withdraw from the Presidential race because many Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members from across the parties are joining to vote in favour of Droupadi Murmu,” Prakash Ambedkar said.

‘No coop sector database so far, govt has begun work to create it’

IAF Day prog now to be held in Chandigarh

New Delhi (ANI): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday pointed out that “there is no database” for the cooperative sector of the country despite the sector completing several decades of its journey.

“There is no cooperative database. We cannot think of expansion until there is a cooperative database,” Shah made the remarks while addressing national conference of Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) organised here with an aim to preparing a roadmap for the revival of the sector.

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is set to celebrate the annual Air Force Day parade and flypast in Chandigarh and not in the national capital Delhi in 2022.

“This year, the Indian Air Force has decided that the major Air Force Day festivities on October 8 like the flypast and parade would be held in Chandigarh. The idea is that more people should watch the air show and people from all parts of the country should see what their Air Force is,” an official said.

SHAH REMINDS OF PM’S VISION

New Delhi(ANI): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sought support from Agricultural Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income. “Without support of Agricultural Rural Development Banks (ARDBs), we cannot fulfill the vision of PM Modi of doubling the farmer’s income,” Shah said. Shah made the remarks while addressing national conference of ARDBs organised here with an aim to preparing a roadmap for the revival of the sector.

IT law revision to make Google,

FB share revenue with news outlets

New Delhi (Agencies): In what could be a big win for the digital news publishers, the government may soon make tech giants pay for the content displayed on their platforms. The government is mulling regulatory intervention, which, if implemented, would compel global tech majors like Google (owner of YouTube), Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), Twitter, and Amazon to pay Indian newspapers and digital news publishers’ a share of the revenue raked in by using their original content.

Digital news intermediaries are platforms on which readers can access content provided by

Distribution of literature, placards prohibited

FIR against Mahua for ‘Gogoi’ tweet news media websites.

Earlier this year, the Canadian government tabled a legislation that aims to bring about fairness in sharing of revenue between digital news publishers and intermediary platforms such as Google and Facebook.

The need for the law stems from the fact that while tech giants such as Google and Facebook earn revenue from news content published by media houses, they fail to share it fairly.

Guwahati: An FIR was filed against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in Assam for ‘insulting the sentiments of the Assamese people. The police plaint was lodged by Jatiya Sangrami Sena, Asom, in Sivsagar district, demanding unconditional apology from Moitra for relating the ‘Gogoi’ surname to sexual harassment in a tweet.

Moitra had posted on her Twitter handle: “... unparliamentary words.

Banned word - Sexual Harassment Replacement - Mr. Gogoi.”

Tharoor-led Parl Committee to examine IT Act

New Delhi: Parliament’s Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, on July 19 (Tuesday) will examine the working of the Information Technology Act 2020. The officials from the Ministry of Information and Technology are likely to appear before this Committee.

New Delhi (ANI): Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament an advisory has been sent to the members to refrain from distribution of pamphlets, leaflets or placards in the House.

The advisory issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat reads, “As per established convention, no literature, questionnaire, pamphlets, Press notes, leaflets or any matter printed or otherwise

should be distributed without the prior permission of Hon’ble Speaker within the precincts of the House. Placards are also strictly prohibited inside the Parliament House Complex.”

This comes in at a time when the Opposition created a furore over the advisory on permission not been given to hold dharnas within the Parliament complex.

Congress shifts five of its 11 Goa MLAs to Chennai Chennai: The Congress in Goa has shifted five out of its 11 MLAs in the State to Chennai ahead of the July 18 Presidential elections.

The five MLAs — Sankalp Amonkar, Yuri Alemao, Altone D’Costa, Rudolf Fernandes and Carlose Alvares Ferreira — were moved to Chennai Yashwant Sinha being on Friday [July 15] welcomed by JPCC President evening soon after the Rajesh Thakur, in Ranchi, proceedings of the Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI Assembly session got over for the day. “All these MLAs flew to Chennai directly after the session got over on Friday,” a senior Congress leader said, adding that they would return to Goa directly to participate in the Presidential polls.

05

CRUCIAL READ DECEASED CONTRACTOR’S WIFE WRITES TO GUV, SAYS MIN INFLUENCING PROBE

Bengaluru: While Karnataka Police are probing the unnatural death case of civil contractor Santosh Patil, the victim’s wife has shot off a letter to Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot alleging that the probe is heading in the direction ascertained by former BJP minister KS Eshwarappa.

In a letter, Santosh’s wife Jayashree Santosh Patil said that she was taken aback by the statements of Eshwarappa who said that he will come out clean in another 15 days. “When the probe is still underway, how can the minister confidently say that he will come out clean? Are the police investigating at the behest of KS Eshwarappa. I would request for your intervention,” she said in the letter to Gehlot.

ODISHA DIARRHOEA OUTBREAK: 6 DEAD, 71 HOSPITALISED

CH’GARH MINISTER SINGH DEO QUITS PANCHAYAT DEPT

Bhubaneswar: At least six people have died and 71 others are hospitalised due to diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water from open sources in several villages in Odisha’s Rayagada district, officials said Saturday. The incident led to protests in Assembly, with Opposition Congress demanding a statement from CM Naveen Patnaik.

The deaths were reported in different villages in Kashipur block in last three days. A team of 11 doctors visited the villages and collected water and blood samples and sent those for examination. The disease was first reported in Maliguda village, and later in Dudukabahal, Tikiri, Gobrighati, Routghati and Jalakhura .

Raipur: Chhattisgarh minister TS Singh Deo, locked in a turf war with CM Bhupesh Baghel, on Saturday resigned from Panchayat and Rural development department, hinting that he was sidelined in the government though he will continue to hold the other four portfolios. The development comes over a year ahead of state polls in the Congress-ruled state. Singh Deo will, however, remain the minister for Health & Family Welfare, Medical Education, 20-Point Implementation and Commercial Tax (GST) departments.

The development is seen as the fallout of an old political rivalry between Baghel and Singh Deo, who had tried to project him as CM in the past.

PV SINDHU SAILS INTO SINGAPORE OPEN FINAL TRUMPING JAPANESE SHUTTLER Singapore: Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu stormed into the Singapore Open final with a straightforward win over Japanese shuttler Saena Kawakami 21-15, 21-7. Sindhu swept away the competition in a game that lasted just over half an hour. Sindhu came into the match as India’s only remaining contestant in the tournament and made quick work of her Japanese opponent. The Indian picked up some quick points to establish a lead, but the Japanese player wasn’t ready to surrender yet as she remained on the tails of Sindhu and even managed to peg the Hyderabadi girl back a couple of times as she levelled at 12-all.

Aviation turbine fuel prices slashed by OMCs New Delhi (Agencies): Jet fuel prices on Saturday were reduced by 2.2 per cent by the oil marketing companies (OMCs), as Brent prices continue to correct on increasing pessimism about slowing growth.

The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) – the fuel that helps aeroplanes fly – were cut by `3,084.94 per kilolitre, or 2.2%, to `138,147.93 per kl, a price notification of staterun fuel retailers showed.

The revised price is for local airlines.

In Delhi, ATF price has been reduced to `138,147.95/kl and in Mumbai, the rate has been slashed to `137,095.74/kl.

INT’L PRICES

This is only the second reduction in jet fuel rates this year. Prices had peaked to `141,232.87 per kl ( `141.23 per litre) in June.

The prices also differ from state to state, depending on the incidence of local taxation.

ATF prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on rates of benchmark international

oil rates in the previous fortnight.

There was no change in rates on 1 July.

Prior to that, the rates were hiked by the steepest ever 16% to catapult rates to an all-time.

Meanwhile, Indian airline executives have formed a committee to meet with public sector OMCs to discuss the issue of the rising ATF prices.

FROM PG 1 PM Modi’s...

She is a tribal leader who completed her fiveyear tenure as Governor of Jharkhand. The PM kept in mind caste dynamics to ensure that the last denominator in the Indian polity was given representation at the topmost post.”

First India had reported on these aspects in its June 16, 2022 issue and reported that the next BJP presidential nominee would be a hardcore BJP politician with a polite personality. Criteria such as clean image, intelligence quotient, caste analysis along with sheer dedication to the BJP ideology were to be the qualifying aspects of the nominee. Droupadi Murmu has fulfilled all these criteria.

More importantly, Modi has also dealt a se-

vere blow to the opposition formations particularly, NCP supremo Pawar, who was a signatory to Sinha’s candidature. After the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena announced that it would back Murmu’s candidature, it has raised questions about the future of the MVA alliance— comprising NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena—in Maharashtra.

Thackeray felt politi-

cally compelled to back the BJP nominee after a majority of Sena MPs urged their chief to support Murmu.

On the other hand, Pawar, who is believed to have recently taunted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a personal meeting asking the latter whether he sought to continue his political career even after two consecutive terms as PM of India, may now be considering the prudence of his statements considering, the political repercussions his party has faced since then.

Badlapur... their support to MLA Yogesh Kadam of the Shinde camp.

Earlier, Shiv Sena councillors from Thane, Navi Mumbai, KalyanDombivli, Ulhasnagar

and Mira Bhayander municipal corporations as well as smaller municipalities like Ambernath, Shinde and pledged support. Changing loyalties has hurt the strength of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in those civic bodies, which will go to polls later this year.

As the Uddhav camp learns about its officebearers ditching them, the party has been sacking them. On the other hand, CM Eknath Shinde has been appointing them as office-bearers of the Shiv Sena. Former Thane Mayor and Shiv Sena district chief Naresh Mhaske resigned from his position before declaring his support to Shinde last month. Shinde re-appointed him as Shiv Sena Thane district chief.

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06

18TH ALL INDIA LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY CONFERENCE

Judiciary has an important role in preserving Constitution: Gehlot The atmosphere of tension violence in the country, the Prime Minister should assure the countrymen: Raj CM Gehlot

1

Ramana: Political opposition translating into hostility not sign of healthy democracy

When the poor will have access to the justice system, only then they will be able to use the law on the violation of their rights: CJI NV Ramana

2

If there is coordination between the executive and the judiciary, then the dream of "Justice to all" enshrined in the Constitution will be realized: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju

Judiciary acts as a bridge between the expectations of the common man and the truth: CJI Naresh Sharma

3

Kamal Kant Vyas Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday that Judiciary has an important role to play in protecting the constitutional values ​​in the country.

“In the present situation, the judiciary needs to play its role in

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Raj CM Ashok Gehlot light a lamp at the 18th All India Legal Services Authorities’ Meet in Jaipur on Saturday. Also present here is CJI NV Ramana and UU Lalit.

saving the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution,” Gehlot said while addressing the 18th All India Conference of State Legal Services Authorities organized by NALSA. He said that NALSA and its state units are playing an important role in promotion of le-

gal services, providing free legal aid, compensation to victims of crime and disposal of cases through Lok Adalats. “Along with this, it has also contributed significantly in providing justice to the deprived sections and in the prevention of corruption.

Lok Adalats have pro-

vided free legal aid and compensation to the poor, disaster victims, tribals, senior citizens and acid attack victims.

Lawyers have played an important role in the freedom movement of the country. They need to play their role even in today’s situation,” he said.

CJI NV Ramana and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot share a lighter moment during the 18th All India Legal Services Authorities Meet in Jaipur on Saturday.

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

IF THE LAWYERS CHARGE `10-15 LAKH PER HEARING, HOW CAN COMMON MAN PAY: RIJIJU

nion Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday exU pressed concern over the exorbitant legal fees charged by prominent advocates, thereby putting jus-

tice out of reach for the poor and marginalised in the country. “Resourceful people can afford big lawyers.

There are lawyers in Supreme Court whose fees a common man cannot afford. If they charge Rs 10-15 lakh per hearing, how can a common man pay up?” Rijiu said while addressing the 18th All India Legal Services Authorities’ Meet in Jaipur.

WHO CALLS FOR GREATER VACCINATION EFFORTS

WHO says despite concerted efforts by countries, challenges persist New Delhi (ANI): The World Health Organization on Saturday called for greater efforts in the South-East Asia Region to revive routine immunisation rates to pre-Covid times, stressing that despite concerted efforts by countries, challenges and gaps persist.

“Commendably the region has administered 3 billion doses of Covid vac to date, since January 2021 when the first dose of vaccine was administered in the SouthEast Asia Region. “As we focus on further scaling

ICSE 10th results to be declared today New Delhi (ANI): The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations will announce the ICSE 10th result 2022 on today.

CISCE released the official notification on, Saturday regarding the date and time of ICSE Class 10 Result announcement. As per the notification, the awaited result will be declared at 5 pm.

After the declaration of the ICSE Result 2022, students will be able to download the same from the official website - results.cisce.org.

In order to check the ICSE Semester 2 Result 2022, students will have to enter their login credentials like name, date of birth (DoB), roll number, password etc.

Once the result is downloaded, students will be able to check their scores in the exam.

20K CASES IN INDIA FOR 3RD DAY IN A ROW

A beneficiary shows a victory sign while posing for a picture at a selfie point after receiving a precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during a special vaccination drive in Bikaner on Saturday.

up Covid-19 vac coverage, we must also do all we can to ensure no child

is deprived of life-saving vac” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.

Covid cases jumped with India registering 20,139 new cases and 38 deaths in the last 24 hours, just as health authorities prepared to roll out free booster doses to all adults.“About 20,139 cases in the last 24 hours with active caseload shooting at 136,076,” said the ministry.

MEET AND GREET

Manipur Governor La. Ganesan calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Jaipur: CJI NV Ramana on Saturday said that political opposition is translating into hostility which is not a sign of a healthy democracy. He said there used to be mutual respect between the government and the opposition, which is diminishing. He was speaking at an event organised at Raj Assembly by the CPA. “Political opposition should not translate into hostility, which we have been sadly witnessing these days. These are

not signs of a healthy democracy. Strengthening of opposition is very important for democracy. There used to be mutual respect between govt and Opposition. Unfortunately, space for opposition is diminishing,” Ramana said.

The CJI also raised concerns over the quality of legislative performance. “Sadly, the country is witnessing a decline in the quality of legislative performance,” he said, adding laws are being passed without detailed deliberations and scrutiny.

ACROSS THE GLOBE

Sri Lanka’s Ex Prez: Took all possible steps to prevent crisis India-China 16th military talks to be held today New Delhi (ANI): The 16th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China will be held on Sunday at Chushul-Moldo on the Indian side in Ladakh, sources said.

The meeting will be held in continuation with the discussion of the disengagement from friction points along the Line of Control (LAC) in the region. ‘‘In continuation with the talks on disengagement along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, the 16th round of talks will be held on the Indian side at ChushulMoldo Meeting Point on July 17,” the source added.

In addition to the focus on disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area, the effort would also be to discuss disengagement from Demchok and Depsang, which have been sticking points in the last few rounds of talks, the source added.

Colombo (ANI): Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled overseas this week to escape a popular uprising against his government, has said he took “all possible steps” to avert the economic crisis that has engulfed the island nation. Rajapaksa’s resignation was accepted by parliament on Friday.

He flew to the Maldives and then to Singapore after hundreds of thousands of anti-government protesters came out on the streets of Colombo a week ago and occupied his official residence and offices.

Sri Lanka’s parliament met on Saturday to begin the process of electing a new president, as a shipment of fuel arrived to provide some relief to the crisis-hit nation.

Over 100 police and security personnel with assault rifles were deployed on the approach road to parliament on Saturday, manning barricades and a water cannon to prevent any unrest.

Columns of security forces patrolled another approach road to parliament, though there were no signs of any protesters. A second diesel consignment will also arrive on Saturday, with a shipment of petrol due

by Tuesday.

Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. —FILE PHOTO

SL INTRODUCES FUEL RATIONING SCHEME AMID ECONOMIC CRISIS

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara on Saturday introduced “National Fuel Pass”, a fuel rationing scheme amid the raging economic crisis and shortage of fuel in the island country. The new pass will guarantee the allocation of fuel quota on weekly basis.

A QR code will be given for each National Identity Card number, once the vehicle details are verified.

People with registered vehicles will get their turns based on the last digit.

INDIA ASSURES SL CONTINUED SUPPORT

New Delhi (ANI): India on Saturday assured Sri Lanka that it will continue to support democracy, stability and economic recovery in the country, which is at a crucial juncture, amid the unprecedented political crisis and economic turmoil. The assurance was given to Parl Speaker Mahinda Yapa.

‘CANNOT EVEN GO FOR CRICKET PRACTICE’

Colombo (ANI): Sri Lankan cricketer Chamika Karunaratne waits in a long queue at the fuel station to fill up his car after two days.

Due to the huge fuel crisis, I am not able to even go to my cricket practices,” he told.

‘Govt communication crucial for realisation of nat’l goals’ lll

Anurag says asserting that the government communication is crucial for realisation of national goals under ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’

New Delhi(ANI): Asserting that the government communication is crucial for realisation of national goals under ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday called for adopting the ‘5-C’ Mantra for Government Communication.

The five key features that need to define the government communication include -- Citizen-

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur lights the lamp at the 3rd Annual Conference of IIS Officers, in New Delhi on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Centric and Compassionate, Co-creating with Target Audience,

Collaboration, Contemplation, and Continuous Capacity Enhancement.

Elaborating on this, the minister said that all communication needs to be relevant and easy to understand, keeping the citizens in mind. Further, he underlined the importance of collaborating with all stakeholders, including the government bodies, institutions and the private sector.

Anurag Singh Thakur lauded the role of India Information Service (IIS) officers in

undertaking transformational initiatives such as expansion of Fact Check Unit to counter fake news and accessibility initiatives for Divyangjan, among others. He also put forth ideas and initiatives to further improve the efficacy of Govt communication to benefit the last mile, highlighting the importance of new media technologies, institution building and coordinating with the state govt.

HIGHLIGHTS

BIZ BUZZ MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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Need advanced tech to enhance cotton productivity: Goyal New Delhi (PTI): Union minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised the need to introduce “advanced technologies and innovative agronomy” to enhance the productivity of cotton.

The textile minister said supply of good quality seeds is the vital necessity for improving productivity of cotton.

He also called for focus on ways to enhance productivity of cotton with specific outcome-oriented actions from all stakeholders including the govt, research institutes and the industry.

For delivery-based contract and open position limits on commodity exchange MCX, Goyal directed his ministry,

Govt buys 2.5 lakh tonnes of onion for buffer stock New Delhi (PTI): The government has procured 2.5 lakh tonnes of onion from farmers to create buffer stocks for 202223 and will intervene in the market in case of rise in retail prices of onion.

Onion production is estimated to have risen to 31.70 million tonnes in 2021-22 from 26.64 million tonnes in the previous year, according to the govt data.

“Beating past records, the Centre has procured 2.50 lakh tonnes of onion for the buffer in 2022-23.

The onion buffer size in current year is 0.50 lakh tonnes higher than the 2 lakh tonnes created during 2021-22,” Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry said.

The current rabi harvest onions were procured by the NAFED from farmers through the FPOs in the onion growing states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and MP. “The stocks will be released through targeted open market sales and also offered to states/UTs and

PRODUCTION

31.70

Onion production is estimated to have risen to 31.70 million tonnes in 2021-22 from 26.64 million tonnes in the previous year, according to the government data.

government agencies for supplies through retail outlets during the lean months (Aug-Dec) to moderate price rise,” the ministry said.

The open market sales will be targeted towards states/cities where prices are increasing over the previous month.

“The price stabilisation buffer serves the twin objectives of providing remunerative prices to onion farmers and augmenting the availability of onions at affordable prices to the consumers,” the statement said.

Any possibilities of manipulations on price front to the disadvantage of cotton textile value chain

textile commissioner, CCI and TAG to engage with MCX/SEBI and find structured solutions on contract front.

Supply of good quality cotton seeds is the vital necessity for improving productivity of cotton.

—An official statement

have to be contained, the minister said.

He asked the Cotton Corporation of India to lend agricultural extension services in cooperation with ICAR to farmers through its network of branches all over India.

“Goyal emphasised that supply of good quality cotton seeds is

STATES’ FISCAL DEFICIT AT Mumbai (PTI): States have budgeted 36% higher capital expenditure during this financial year, which may lead to a sharp rise in their fiscal deficit to `8.4 lakh crore, a report said.

Registering an increase of 34.1% from the pre-pandemic (FY20) levels, 26 large states, excluding Assam, have spent `5 lakh crore in capital expenditure, or `1.3 lakh crore more than they had spent in FY20, shows an Icra analysis of these states’ budgets.

According to the agency, these 26 states are on course to spend `6.8 lakh crore or 35.8% more this fiscal in capex over FY22 when it stood at `5 lakh crore. As much as 72% of the incremental `1.8 lakh crore capital push is led

by UP, Maharashtra, Bengal, Odisha, Andhra and Haryana.

In the previous fiscal, the capex push was led

by Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

The combined capex of these 26 states is budgeted to expand by an impressive 35.8% to `6.8 lakh crore in FY23, on top of the 34.1% or `5 lakh crore they spent in

`8.4 L CR

Funding in startups dropped by 17% to $6 bn New Delhi (PTI): Funding in startups dropped by 17% on quarter-on-quarter basis to $6 billion (about `47,800 crore) in the April-June period, industry body Nasscom has said.

Deals also dropped by about 17% due to dampened market sentiments but despite reduction in deal value, funding in growth stage continued to increase.

The report said, “16 large ticket size deals helped generate a total funding of $6 billion in the second quarter (Q2) of calendar year (CY) 2022. Startup ecosystem witnessed the birth of 4 new unicorns in Q2 CY22, taking the tally to 20 unicorns in the first half.”

Around 26% of the total funding went to fintech segment.

Combined asset

The proposed entity will have a combined asset base of around `18 lakh crore. It is expected to be completed by 2nd or 3rd quarter of FY24.

Authority (PFRDA) “has vide its letter dated July 7, 2022 (received by us on July 15, 2022), granted approval for change in status/constitution pursuant to

ATF RATES

Jet fuel prices cut by 2.2 per cent

New Delhi (PTI): Jet fuel (ATF) prices on Saturday were reduced by 2.2%, reflecting a fall in international oil prices.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were cut by `3,084.94 per kilolitre, or 2.2%, to `138,147.93 per kl.

This is only the second reduction in rates this year. Prices had peaked to `141,232.87 per kl (`141.23 per litre) last month. ATF prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on rates of benchmark international oil rates in the previous fortnight.

There was no change in rates on July 1. Prior to that, prices were hiked by the steepest ever 16% to catapult rates to an

NEW PRICES AFTER CUT Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were cut by `3,084.94 per kilolitre, or 2.2 per cent, to `138,147.93 per kl.

all-time.

On June 16, the price of ATF was increased by `19,757.13 per kl.

That followed a marginal 1.3% (` 1,563.97 per kl) cut in rate on June 1.

But for the one-off decrease on June 1, ATF prices have been on the rise throughout 2022. In all, rates have been increased 11 times since the start of the year. This has led to rates almost doubling in six months.

VIL shareholders approve `436 crore equity allocation

Capital expenditure spendings

26% 26 large states,

excluding Assam, have spent `5 lakh crore in capex, or `1.3 lakh crore more than they had spent in FY20, shows an Icra analysis of these states’ budgets.

These 26 states are on course to spend `6.8 lakh crore or 35.8% more this fiscal in capital expenditure (capex) over FY22.

In the previous fiscal, the capex push was led by Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

PFRDA gives nod to HDFC, HDFC Bank merger proposal New Delhi (PTI): HDFC Bank on Friday said it has received pension fund regulator PFRDA nod for the merger proposal of its parent HDFC Ltd with itself.

Touted as the biggest transaction in India’s corporate history, HDFC Bank on April 4 agreed to take over the biggest domestic mortgage lender in a deal valued at about $40 billion, creating a financial services titan.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development

the vital necessity for improving productivity of cotton. He also emphasised the need to introduce advanced technologies related to high yielding cotton seeds and innovative agronomy such as high density planting system to enhance productivity of cotton,” an official statement said.

07

the scheme in accordance with the PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018, subject to the conditions mentioned therein,” HDFC Bank said.

The merger proposal remains subject to various statutory and regulatory approvals, including from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), other applicable authorities and the respective shareholders and creditors of the companies, it said.

FY22. In FY20, they spent `3.7 lakh crore in capex, while FY21 was a washout due to the pandemic, the agency said.

These states will also see their fiscal deficits widening sharply to `8.4 lakh crore in FY23, from `6.3 lakh crore in FY22, and much higher than `4.8 lakh crore in FY20.

New Delhi (PTI): Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea’s shareholders have approved equity allocation worth `436.21 crore to its promoter entity, the Vodafone Group.

As per voting results submitted to the stock exchanges on Friday evening, 99.94% of Vodafone Idea (VIL) shareholders approved allocation of the equity to Vodafone Group firm Euro Pacific Securities.

Vodafone Group at present holds 58.46% stake in the company and Aditya Birla Group 16.53%.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Forex reserves fall by $8.062 billion

SBI raises MCLR by 0.10% New Delhi (PTI): Country’s largest lender on Friday said it raised the marginal cost of fund based lending rates by 0.10% across various tenors. The benchmark one-year tenor MCLR (Marginal Cost of Fund based Lending Rates), used for most of the consumer loans such as auto, home and personal, will now be 7.50%, up from the 7.40% previously, the bank said. The tenor-wise MCLRs are effective from July 15, 2022, it added.

Mumbai (PTI): The country’s foreign exchange reserves declined by a massive $8.062 billion to $580.252 billion in the week ended July 8, according to RBI data. In the previous week ended July 1, the reserves had dropped by $5.008 billion to $588.314 billion.

During the reporting week ended July 8, the decrease in the reserves was on account of a fall in the Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), a major component of the overall reserves, and in the gold reserves, RBI said.

HDFC Bank see 21% jump in Q1 net profit Mumbai (PTI): Largest private sector lender HDFC Bank on Saturday reported a 20.91% jump in its June quarter net profit at `9,579.11 crore on the back of overall growth. On a standalone basis, its net profit increased to `9,195.99 crore from `7,729.64 crore in the year-ago period, but was down from `10,055.18 crore in the preceding March quarter. The core net interest income grew 14.5% to `19,481.4 crore from the year-ago quarter’s `17,009 crore.

Bank Indonesia, RBI agree tie-up Mumbai (PTI): The Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia on Saturday entered into an agreement to expand cooperation in payment systems, digital financial innovation, and anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML-CFT).

The two central banks signed a MoU in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting to improve mutual cooperation.

New project investments jump nearly 24% to `3.64 lakh cr Mumbai (PTI): Led by private sector capital expenditure, new project investments rose 23.7% to `3.64 lakh crore in the June quarter compared to the year-ago period, according to a report.

However, the amount is 38.5% lower compared to the fourth quarter of the last financial year.

In the last quarter of FY22, project investments soared

130.2% on an annual basis to `5.91 lakh crore, Brickwork Ratings said in a report.

New project investments steadily declined since the onset of the pandemic and improved only in the fourth quarter of FY22.

However, the uncertainties due to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and the resultant sanctions as well as continued chip shortages and the rising in-

COMPARISON

terest rate scenario have dampened investment sentiment.

It is reflected in the number of new pro-

jects announced in the first quarter of this fiscal which has more than halved to 247 from 545 in the previous quarter, the report said.

Similarly, the number of new projects proposed by the government also dropped to 59, amounting to just `32,700 crore while the number of new projects announced by the private sector rose to 188, with a pro-

posed investments of `3.3 lakh crore in the June quarter.

In the fourth quarter of FY22, the private capital expenditure was at `3.9 lakh crore while that of government stood at `2.1 lakh crore.

The government has budgeted `7.5 lakh crore in capital expenditure for FY23, which is 24.5 per cent more than the revised estimates for FY22.

Believe in whatever philosophy, doctrine or a religion you wish to, but first believe in yourself.

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

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2ND FRONT MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

T

‘Government of NCT of Delhi Act’ was passed last year and under this act, the scope of the powers of Delhi LG were greatly increased.

If sources are to be believed, with this ambitious step, the Centre wants to rewind the situation that prevailed before 1993. Now they want to build a Delhi, where it will have a Mayor, but the LG will have unlimited powers, and will represent the Centre. If the BJP succeeds in giving shape to this vision, then there may be a big question mark on the future of Delhi C M Arvind Kejriwal.

SINGAPORE MINISTER STUNNED BY PM’S GESTURE n July 8, the ‘Arun Jaitley Memorial Lecture’ was convened at Vigyan Bhavan, in which

O

PM NARENDRA MODI

Initiate long-term plan for easing traffic congestion in Mumbai: Shinde

MMRDA allowed to raise loans up to Rs60,000 cr for infrastructure projects

First India Bureau Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday asked the city administration to initiate longterm planning for a road development project to ease traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), officials said.

Shinde asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to take the lead in initiating such a project, which will include the construction of bypasses, flyovers, service roads and underpasses.

District collectors and municipal commissioners within the MMR--which includes satellite towns in the neighbouring Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts--should extend cooperation over land acquisition and other issues, the Chief Minister said, adding that traffic on highways, especially that coming

CM Eknath Shinde

SHARAD PAWAR

Singapore’s senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was to deliver his lecture as the keynote speaker.

Jaitley’s entire family was seated in the front row below the stage and senior Singaporean minister was also seated there. PM Modi reached the auditorium at the appointed time, and usually he would have reached directly on the stage, but breaking the standard tradition that day, the PM first met the Jaitley family, then headed towards the stage. After reaching the stage, he found this Singapore Minister sitting in the audience gallery. At that time only Finance Minister Nir mala Sitharaman was present to receive

CM Shinde ordered that MMRDA and MSRDC should appoint special officers to deal with potholes in the city from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Ahmedabad, should be regulated.

Municipal corporations in the MMR should ensure that roads under their jurisdiction are pothole-free, Shinde told the officials.

The MMRDA and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) should appoint special officers to deal with potholes, the chief minister directed.

The state government on Saturday gave permission to the MMRDA to raise loans up to Rs60,000 crore for infrastructure projects, an official said.

the PM on the stage and the PM asked her to bring Shanmugaratnam on stage. Immediately the authorities swung into action and the Singaporean Minister was brought on stage. But after this the expressions of the PM were telling that he isn’t happy with this protocol. Among the dignitaries who had come specially to hear this lecture, the presence of Anurag Thakur, RS Prasad, PK Misra, Rajeev Shukla and the RBI Governor could be seen, but the absence of most of the Union Ministers was also surprising. There were also many saffron faces whose talent was recognised by Jaitley, who helped them move ahead in their careers.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER IS ALSO A GOOD LEADER! ok Sabha Speaker Om Birla often rides on the waves of excessive enthusiasm.

L

In the past, when his three years as speaker were completed, he gave many interviews to the media to make the occasion special.

His interview series, which lasted for a week, not only dissatisfied the top leadership of the party, but also sent a message to the masses about how ‘proactive’ a speaker he is.

To realise his wishes, the LS Secretariat had established not one but three studios in the Parliament Annex, where its backdrop was prepared with the Tricolour of India. The Speaker also gave interviews in turn in each studio without losing a minute, taking special care that he at least change s his jackets during every interview.

Every journalist became crazy about his innocent gesture

when after finishing the interview, he would request the interviewing journo to click a picture with him with Tricolour as the backdrop. Anyway, he is very popular in his parliamentary constituency, Kota-Bundi, where, by rule, he tours every Saturday & Sunday and mixes with the people.

HOW DID ‘CHANAKYA’ PAWAR MISS OUT IN MAHARASHTRA? his time, in saving the Maha Aghadi government of Maharashtra, how did Sharad Pawar, who is considered to be the ‘Chanakya’ of politics, fail to rescue it?

Where did he go wrong? His party had the Home Ministry in the Maha Vikas Aghadi govern-

T

OM BIRLA

Sena sacks Shivtare for ‘ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES’ Former Maha minister hails Eknath Shinde led faction for being the ‘real’ Shiv Sena

No one in Shiv Sena was happy over the decision to join hands with Congress in 2019 (after polls when Maha Vikas Aghadi was formed). The party upholding Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva was the real Shiv Sena.

First India Bureau Mumbai: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has sacked former minister Vijay Shivtare for “antiparty activities”.

The sacking of Shivtare, who had represented the Purandar constituency in the Pune district, was announced in the Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.

Talking to reporters in Pune after his expulsion, Shivtare said the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is the “real” Shiv Sena.

“No one in Shiv Sena

—Vijay Shivtare, former Maha minister

Vijay Shivtare

was happy over the decision to join hands with Congress in 2019 (after polls when Maha Vikas Aghadi was formed). The party upholding Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva agenda was the real Shiv Sena,” said Shivtare, who served as a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in 2014-19.

Shivtare said that he

holds Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in high esteem but the “undercurrent of resentment” in the party over allying with Congress cannot be ignored.

He cited the example of the Kolhapur north Assembly bypoll held earlier this year to claim that Shiv Sena’s voter base was affected as the Congress candidate won by defeating

the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by a margin of over 18,000 votes.

The Congress candidate was fielded by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of which the Sena is the main constituent.

In that bypoll, the Congress candidate bagged 96,000 votes, around 5,000 more than the votes polled in the 2019 Assembly polls.

Mother-son killed for opposing defecation First India Bureau

Mumbai: As many as ten people were held in a murder case, where a mother and her son was killed for objecting to defecating in their fields in Jalna district.

The incident took place in Erandwadgaon village on Saturday. The deceased were identified as Suman-

The accused used to defecate inside the victims’ fields, resulting in frequent quarrels between the two families bai Devilal Sillode (55) and her son Mangesh Sillode (25). Accused Sudhakar Shinde, Sheetal Shinde and

others used to defecate on the victim’s fields, leading to quarrels.

On Saturday morning, the accused at-

...AND FINALLY fter all, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo and CM Hemant Soren announced party’s support of NDA’s presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu. In fact, when Murmu was the Governor of Jharkhand and Raghubar Das the CM there, in 2016, the Raghubar Das government of BJP brought two important bills ignoring tribal interests. The first was ‘Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act’ & the other was ‘Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act’.

When the then Governor Draupadi Murmu received them for signing, she refused to sign the bills, stressing upon taking care of tribal interests, & sent them back to government for reconsideration. It is said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha benefited throughthis in polls & Soren’s party got the lump sum tribal votes. So, it, in a way, also became Soren’s compulsion to support Murmu’s candid a ture.

A

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal WHAT IS BJP’S ‘MASTER STROKE’ IN DELHI? he question is worth a million dollars whether Kejriwal’s Delhi is slipping out of his hand like sand. The glare of saffron political pranks is dazzling the eyes of AAP politicians in Delhi. Recently, the Union Home Ministry has constituted a Delimitation Commission for Delhi. In fact, for the delimitation of the wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Centre has constituted a 3-member committee, this committee has to submit its report within four months, only after that the Corporation elections are possible.

But the problem in this is that the formula for delimitation of wards hasn’t yet been decided.

If sources are to be believed, the BJP wants to give a blow to AAP government of Delhi slowly. In this episode, t h e ARVIND KEJRIWAL

08

tacked on members of Sillode family, killing Sumanbai and Mangesh and injuring Devilal and Yogesh.

While the injured are being treated at the district hospital, the police have arrested all ten accused involved in the incident.

District Superintendent of Police Akshay Shinde, sub-divisional police officer Raju also visited the spot.

ment and though there was intelligence about the government collapsing, but could he not smell the intentions of Eknath Shinde and BJP in time? If reliable sources are to be believed, Pawar had met the PM in Delhi a few days before the saffron game began in Maharashtra. Later, he had serious consultations with some top BJP leaders about the formation of a new government with the BJP in Maharashtra. But only one hurdle came to the fore in this entire matter, that is that Pawar was adamant that the CM of the new coalition government would be his daughter Supriya Sule, while the BJP agreed to make Pawar’s daughter as the Deputy CM. When Pawar didn’t agree, BJP went with Eknath Shinde thinking at least he would be under Saffron Party’s control and that is where the game turned around.

DRAUPADI MURMU

CRUCIAL READ 480 STOLEN MOBILE PHONES SEIZED

BY POLICE IN A RAID, TWO ARRESTED Mumbai: With the arrest of two men, Mumbai Police have busted a gang that purchased and sold stolen mobile phones, an official said. On Friday, Unit 6 of the Mumbai crime branch raided Maharashtra Nagar in suburban Mankhurd and seized at least 480 mobile phones, including iPhones, he said. According to the official, the gang purchased stolen high-end mobile phones at a discount and sold them in various states. Police also seized a laptop, 9.5 kg of ganja, 174 bottles of foreign liquor, and two swords.

FEAR OF NOT GETTING PLACEMENT DRIVES STUDENT TO COMMIT SUICIDE Pune: Scared over not getting campus placement, a 21-year-old engineering student allegedly committed suicide in Pune city on Friday, said police. He jumped from the eighth floor of his residence in the Susgaon area near Hinjawadi, an IT hub in western Pune. The deceased was a fourth-year computer science student at a wellknown engineering institute. “We have found a suicide note in which he has stated that he was scared he would not be getting placement after finishing his course,” said an officer from the Hinjawadi police station.

11 POLICE PERSONNEL SUSPENDED IN JALNA DISTRICT FOR ABSENTEEISM Jalna: The superintendent of police in Maharashtra’s Jalna district has suspended 11 police personnel and launched an inquiry against them for not reporting to work, said an officer on Friday. Superintendent of Police Akshay Shinde said these cops remained absent from duty for many days without prior permission or valid reason. Those suspended included four policemen working in district police headquarters and three posted at the Bhokardan police station, the officer said.

AUTO DRIVER HELD FOR STEALING VALUABLES FROM BRAZILIAN GIRL Mumbai: An auto driver was arrested in the Santacruz area by Dindoshi police for stealing a passport, iPad, visa and cash from a Brazilian student. The police searched 40 CCTV cameras for tracking the accused. “Marine Leo, a 23-yearold Brazilian student, was on her way to Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research in Goregaon East. The driver of the auto in which she was travelling, stole her iPad, passport and Rs15000 cash,” said police. The Dindoshi Police saw CCTV footage between Kurla and Goregaon to search the autorickshaw. Finally, auto driver Kanhaiyalal Pal was traced to Kalina and was arrested. FIR was registered against the driver at Dindoshi police station. Police recovered iPad, visa passport and Rs15,000 cash from accused

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09

MUMBAI, SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

Rubal rejoices her victory with open arms and rides across the Pink City, cheered by fans, friends and family on her return

Rubal shares a warm hug while dedicating her crown to her mother Renu Shekhawat

Rubal’s proud mother welcomes her with the traditional tilak

The proud mother Renu kisses her forehead on her return

Rubal: The Queen of Hearts Rubal Shekhawat, Femina Miss India 2022 1st runner up, hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, reminisced about her pageant journey, shared how far she has come, her experiences post victory and the plethora of emotions she experienced with her homecoming!

MITALI DUSAD

mitalidusad01@gmail.com

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA AND MUKESH KIRADOO

W

Femina Miss India 2022- 1st Runner Up Rubal Shekhawat

e have seen stunning beauty queens make their mark in society and continue to inspire girls to be a part of the beautiful journey.

One such example is Rubal Shekhawat who was crowned as the Femina First Miss India 2022, held recently in Mumbai.

Rubal was welcomed as a star by her friends and family on reaching home to Jaipur and a week later the celebrations are still continuing and congratulations are pouring in. The bold and beautiful, Rubal smiled away with moist eyes as she folded her hands in gratitude to gesture the traditional Indian ‘Namaste’ greeting when her proud mother welcomed her with a tilak on the forehead.

City First caught with our very own beauty Queen and the glamorous and talented winner opened up about her life post winning the crown.

Capturing her journey from the very moment of her crowning, when

Jagdeesh Chandra with (clockwise) Rubal Shekhawat, Gaurav Gaur, Ajit Maindola Abhishek Poddar and Kamla Poddar

asked to describe the winning moment, Rubal replied that she had a flashback of her journey of the past few months in front of her eyes as her heart was racing to know the results. I am full of gratitude.” She further added, “I would like to mention that I do realize that with this beautiful crown comes great-

Rubal captured in the

celebratory procession

Rubal Shekhawat with Gaurav Gaur

er responsibility and she who bears the crown must also bear the weight that it carries because the crown is beyond its glaring diamonds and I am all set to fulfil my duties.”

Turn to P11

ETC MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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10

THE COMING TOGETHER OF STYLE & COMFORT

TUSHARIKA SINGH

Freelance writer and city blogger

W

hen Jaipur’s popular mom blogger, Priyanka Jain could not find fashionable yet comfortable ethnic wear for her daughters, the entrep r e -

neurial spirit ignited in her and she decided to put her fashion design expertise to use. This led to the birth of an online clothing brand ‘Phool Booti Apparels’. The USP was clear: clothes that not only look stylish but are also hassle-free for kids to wear during festivals and for a longer duration daily.

She introduced apparel like lehengas, suits, crop tops and pant sets in light and breathable fabrics like cotton and chanderi.

Looking at the demand for such clothes, she also soon expanded to include apparel for women as well as men in her collection.

From easy-breezy summer dresses and chic co-ord sets to traditional attire like elegant suits and lehengas, there is a lot for women to choose from without really burning a hole in their pockets. For men, there are shirts, kurtas as well as jackets to amp up their wardrobes. The apparel for men and women too is made using cotton and chanderi fabrics.

“The idea is to make cotton an intrinsic part of Haute fashion”, shares Priyanka while talking about the vision behind Phool Booti. Along with her husband, Saurabh Jain, who is also a fashion designer, she also revived their 45-year-old familyowned enterprise ‘Digambar Fabrics’.

Now re-branded as ‘Phool Booti Fabrics’, the

brand caters to both wholesalers as well as retailers.

With an in-house dyeing and print-making infrastructure in place, the brand’s speciality lies in creating contemporary and modern designs using traditional motifs.

Telling more about the venture, Saurabh Jain says: “When it comes to textiles, there is no denying that Jaipur is a manufacturing hub and known across the globe for it. In our designs, we make it a point to create something different from the ubiquitous Sanganeri and Bagru style prints. We use playful prints in soothing colours like greys, greens and gold to cater to the audience who is on the lookout for some unique designs and prints”. Another point which sets Phoo Booti Fabrics apart is their indepth understanding of the chemistry and technicalities of textiles and colours.

This ensures that the colours do not bleed and remain fast, unlike the Sanganeri and Bagru print fabrics which usually face this complaint.

FILE PHOTO

Her collection...

Her collection...

FILE PHOTO

ETC MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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11

RAJASTHAN KI SHAAN

RUBAL NE BADHAYA MAAN! FROM PG 9

“I have worked extensively on becoming the best version of myself and this crown affirmed my belief that hard work always pays off. I’m grateful to my sisters and parents, especially my father for giving wings to my dreams. I would also like to pay immense gratitude to Gaurav Gaur, Director Elite Miss Rajasthan who recognized my talent at a young age and helped me tap my potential!”

Hailing from Pinkcity, Rubal, who has done her post-graduation diploma in International Business operations, now wants to establish a brand where she can promote artisans from Rajasthan. Elaborating on her idea, she said, “Our state is known for its handicrafts and handlooms. I want to establish a brand where I can promote these at an international level. I’m also hoping to pursue acting.”

Rubal was fortunate enough to collaborate with Ranveer Singh and Emraan Hashmi. “I did a commercial with Ranveer and a song with Emraan. While I was very nervous, both the actors were very humble, down-to-earth and warm.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated

by Shah Rukh Khan and hope to work with him one day,” she signed off.

Rubal Shekhawat with her mother Renu and niece Gaurangi Rathore

Rubal Shekhawat being welcomed by her proud mother Renu

Rubal Shekhawat sends across her love and gratitude to her fans, friends and family —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA AND MUKESH KIRADOO

Rubal Shekhawat with Charvi Tanya Dutta

Rubal Shekhawat with Uma Rathore and Narendra Singh Shekhawat

Manika Sheokand crowns Rubal Shekhawat as Femina Miss India 2022 1st Runner Up

Rubal Shekhawat with Megha Shyam Soni and Gaurav Gaur

Rubal rides across the Pink City in royal chariot, cheered by fans, friends and family on her return

The ravishing queen Rubal

Rubal Shekhawat on her arrival in Jaipur after bagging the crown

Femina Miss India 2022 Rubal Shekhawat during a press conference in Jaipur

Rubal Shekhawat celebrates her victory with her family and friends

Rubal being welcomed with flowers and party poppers

Rubal grooves on the traditional Dhol, as her friends and family rejoice. Also seen is Gaurav Gaur

Rubal Shekhawat with Samridhi Gautam, Nupur Jhankal, Jyoti Saini and Charvi Tanya Dutta

CITY

STAY MASKED

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BUZZ MUMBAI | SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

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FIRST MISS INDIA SEASON 2 AUDITIONS IN DIL WALON KI DILLI

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Anjali Khandal

In case you have missed the deadline, the spot registrations option is still open.

The auditions kicked off in Mumbai on July 10, with Delhi auditions being held today, followed by auditions in Jaipur, Bangalore, Pune, Indore, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, with more than 3000 registrations being done already.

Anjali Khandal has been selected as the Face of First Miss India, the young innocent beauty from Rajasthan is the symbol of the lakhs of young girls who hope to make it big in the world of entertainment and glamour.

he scorching summer just got hotter as First India welcomes all the beautiful women to register for the First Miss India season 2, an initiative of Jagdeesh Chandra which has changed the world of beauty pageants, glamour and entertainment. The First Miss India Season 2 Delhi auditions will be held today at Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar.

This is the promise of First India through this all-India Beauty

Pageant and the vision of Jagdeesh Chandra to bring opportunity and employment to the doorstep of all deserving candidates.

The interest antenna among young beauties perked up even more by the two major announcements by Jagdeesh Chandra that the Winners of the First Miss India will not be under any exclusive contract and thus will be free to participate in any pageant or event; and the second that the participants

MAHESH BHATT’S

UNDENIABLE PIZZAZZ AT THE

DIFFICULT ROLE

W

ASHISH TIWARI

cityfirst.mumbai@firstindia.co.in

Celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna, Ranbir Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Palak Tiwari, Raveena Tandon, Tamannaah Bhatia, Kartik Aaryan, Anil Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Nora Fatehi, R Madhavan, Vaani Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Adah Sharma, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Seygall, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora.

Many

famous television personalities also graced the event including Karan Kundrra & Tejaswwi Prakash, Helly Shah, Apoorva Arora, Shehnaaz Gill, and Urvashi Dholakia, Tanishaa Mukherjee, Sharad Kelkar, G u r m e e t Chaudhary, Jubin Nautiyal and m a n y others.

Shalmali Kholgade Apoorva Arora

Richa Chaddha Nushrratt Bharuccha Rashmi Desai

Rashmika Mandanna

MOST STYLISH AWARDS NIGHT hat is the most phenomenal combination in Bollywood? It definitely is Awards nigh red carpet and glamour!

When it comes to the red carpet, Bollywood knows how to serve looks and they serve it on a platter. This is what happened at the Most Stylish Awards night that saw the presence of the who’s who of the world of television and Bollywood.

of Season 1 (except for the winners Pearl and Rayna) are welcome to try a second time for the coveted crown.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

R

anbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are not only the power couple of Bollywood but they will soon be the most beautiful parents to a beautiful baby.

This not only elated the fans but the Bhatt and Kapoor family are much more excited about the arrival of the child. Though many have expressed their joy through social media and interviews, Alia’s father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has been quiet about this new development.

But during a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on becoming a soon-to-

Mahesh Bhatt

be grandfather.

He mentioned that it is one role that will be a little difficult to play. The filmmaker stated that he still is playing the role of a father to his daughter and now marvels at the fact that his daughter will soon be a mother. “You look at the skies with surprise”, he said.

RAASHII AND CHAY'S OFFICIAL

PROMPTER

Adah Sharma

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Helly Shah Disha Patani

KANGANA ON EMERGENCY'S RESPONSE

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Her story...

he first look of Emergency that dropped two days ago won critical appreciation and started to trend on No. 1 on YouTube. Talking about donning the directorial hat for the second time, the Kangana says, The Emergency is an undeniable part of recent history and I feel that this will click with the audience." Since the teaser has dropped it’s been trending at number 1, it has taken the nation by storm and it is a validation of the fact that this is what people are starved for. I do believe that my instinct as a filmmaker will pay off big time. See you in the cinemas next year.”

Kangana Ranaut

he multilingual star Raashii Khanna is currently on her toes as she is busy promoting her upcoming film Thank You with co-actor Chay Akkineni.

The duo is having sleepless nights as they are all out to promote their film, however, the two are also having fun at the same time.

The bond between Raashii Khanna and Chay Akkineni is adored by their fans who are always looking out for a little sneak peek into their friendship. Raashii Khanna recently took it to her Instagram account and shared a fun BTS video of herself along with Chay.

In the video, she can be seen helping out Chay while he gives a byte by being his official prompter. Sharing the video, Raashii Khanna wrote along with it, “I am the official prompter for Chay Akkineni You can thank me, Chay.”

Raashii Khanna