First India-Delhi Edition-18th MAY 2022

NEW DELHI l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 258

P5

NEW SRI LANKA PM WICKREMESINGHE SAID ON TUESDAY THAT GOVT WILL SELL AIRLINE, PRINT MONEY TO PAY WAGES TO STABILIZE FINANCES

DELHI, ISRAEL CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR PEACE, SAYS KEJRIWAL AFTER MEETING NAOR GILON P2

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, LUCKNOW, NEW DELHI & MUMBAI

INDIA REJECTS RESOLUTION MOVED IN PAK’S ASSEMBLY AGAINST THE DELIMITATION PROPOSAL IN J&K P3

ELON MUSK SAID HIS OFFER WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD UNTIL TWITTER INC SHOWS PROOF THAT SPAM BOTS ACCOUNT FOR LESS THAN 5% OF USERS

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GYANVAPI MOSQUE ROW

‘BRIBE-FOR-VISA’ TO CHINESE COMPANY

AXES COMMISSIONER

Multiple searches were conducted at the residential & official premises linked to Congress leader P Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram, his associate Bhaskaraman and others

BOOKS 5, INCLUDING VARANASI DISTRICT COURT CBI KARTI CHIDAMBARAM SC’s FAIR ACT Protect ‘Shivling’, don’t stop namaz

l Varanasi court grants two days to submit report l The Supreme Court to hear the matter tomorrow Varanasi: The team appointed by a Varanasi court to survey the premises of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex has been given two days to submit its report before the court. The civil court in Varanasi, which was hearing the case, removed one of three commissioners it had appointed - Ajay Mishra. Mishra’s assistant had reportedly leaked info about the survey to the media. The two others - Vishal Singh and Ajay Pratap - will continue as Court Commissioner and Deputy Court Commissioner respectively. The Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, next to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is embroiled in a long-drawn legal battle. More on P7

TOP COURT ASKS VARANASI DM FOR PROTECTION OF THE AREA New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that the Varanasi court order shall confine to the protection of the ‘shivling’ reportedly found but there won’t be any restrictions on the entry of Muslims and offering namaz in the Gyanvapi mosque.

The top court adjourned the hearing till Thursday.

(T-R) Security personnel guard outside Gyanvapi mosque after its survey by a commission, in Varanasi on Tuesday.

SACKED COMMISSIONER SLAMS ALLEGATIONS OF DEFYING COURT SECRECY

..says PM Modi while inaugurating self-made 5G Test Bed at silver jubilee celebrations of TRAI

SC COLLEGIUM RECOMMENDS JUSTICE SS SHINDE AS CJ OF RAJ HC Jaipur: SC collegium has recommended the name of Justice SS Shinde as new CJ of Rajasthan HC. Justice Shinde is presently serving as a Judge of Bombay HC. Born on August 2, 1960, Justice Shinde completed his LLB course from Marathwada University at Aurangabad, Maharashtra and obtained LLM degrees from Pune University and from Warwick University in UK.

New Delhi: SC bench issued notices to Hindu petitioners & UP govt on plea of Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee which challenged Varanasi court order which directed videographic survey of Gyanvapi Mosque complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Adv Huzefa Ahmadi told bench, “If premises are sealed, there is alteration of status quo. Sec 3 of Places of Worship Act makes it clear that it can’t be done”.

Advocate commissioner Ajay Mishra, who was removed from his post in panel tasked to conduct a survey inside Gyanvapi mosque complex, said he will respect local court’s order, while blaming special advocate commissioner Vishal Singh for outcome.

“I have not done anything that reveals secrecy of matter. I was removed because of allegations of advocate Vishal, whatever has happened is only because of (him),” Mishra said.

6G in India by 2030

New Delhi (ANI): India is planning to launch 6G services by the end of this decade and a task force has started working in that direction, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, underscoring the importance of faster and efficient technology in accelerating development & employment generation. “This will boost growth in sector like agri, health, edu, infra etc. For rapid roll-out of 5G, efforts of both govt and industry are needed,” Modi said.

COMPLEX CANNOT STAY SEALED AND THE ORDERS ARE ILLEGAL: AHMADI

THAKUR IN FRANCE FOR CANNES 2022

PM Narendra Modi dedicating 5G Test Bed to Nation at the silver jubilee celebrations of the TRAI, via VC, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

GOVT EASES RESTRICTIONS ON WHEAT EXPORT New Delhi: Centre has relaxed its wheat export ban order of May 13 to allow export consignments that were registered in Customs Dept’s systems and handed over to for examination on or prior to May 13, Commerce and Industry Ministry said on May 17. The govt also allowed a wheat consignment headed for Egypt, which was already under loading at the Kandla port, following a request by Egyptian Govt to permit it.

Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur takes a tour of the India Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday.

India Pavilion will be inaugurated by Thakur on May 18.

Moni Sharma New Delhi: The CBI has registered a case on Tuesday evening against 5 accused including Karti Chidambaram and people based in Chennai, Mumbai, pvt firms based in Mumbai, Mansa (Punjab), etc and unidentified public servants and private people. As per CBI, case has been registered on allegations including bribery to facilitate issuance of a visa to Chinese company beyond ceiling.

“It has been said firm based at Mansa was in process of establishing a power plant & establishing of plant was outsourced to a Chinese Company & in order to avoid penal actions for delay, said firm was trying to bring Chinese professionals & needed Project VISAs,” agency said.

Union Minister Smriti Irani at an event in Pune on Monday.

Irani said in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls she had shown audacity to contest from Amethi, a Congress fortress.

“However, in 2019, the BJP fought such an election that then-Congress

president (Gandhi) had to run and find another seat (in Kerala). So the Congress’s disappointment towards me is obvious,” Irani said, referring to Congress protests in the city during

her visit. She said the NCP was born out of the Congress so she can understand the party’s aggressive stance against her.

“It has been the BJP’s pride that with the help of party organization and under the leadership of Modiji (PM Narendra Modi), a sitting Congress president (Gandhi) was defeated (in 2019) for the first time in Indian politics.

We are facing the repercussions of that victory and we will continue to bear it,” she said.

THE FRESH CASE STATES The investigative agency has registered a fresh case against Karti Chidambaram, sources say, accusing him of receiving Rs 50 lakh as bribe to facilitate the visa of 250 Chinese nationals for a power project in Punjab between 2010-14.

Karti P Chidambaram @KartiPC I have lost count, how many times has it been? Must be a record.

TIMING OF SEARCH INTERESTING, SAYS FORMER UNION MINISTER CHIDAMBARAM

New Delhi: Birbal Singh, a guard said, ‘There were 7 members in CBI team. Karti was not at his residence during raid at 7.30 am’.

Later, P Chidambaram questioned timing of search and took to Twitter, “This morning, CBI team searched my residence at Chennai and Delhi. Team showed me a FIR in which I am not named as an accused. Search team found nothing and seized nothing. I may point out that the timing of the search is interesting.”

MODI WISHES INDIA SUCCESS AHEAD OF THE CANNES 2022 New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi’s note, wishing India success at Cannes can be read, “I am delighted to learn about India’s participation as a Country of Honour at the Marché du Film - festival de Cannes. As India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, the 75th anniversary of Cannes Film Festival, as well as 75 years of IndoFrench diplomatic ties enhance the pride and joy associated with the momentous milestones.

Films and society are mirror images of each other.” More on P8

SMRITI SAYS CONG IS STILL UPSET WITH HER FOR DEFEATING RAHUL GANDHI Pune (PTI): Union Minister Smriti Irani has said that the Congress was still upset with her for defeating its then-president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Pune units of the Congress and its ally NCP had staged protests over the issue of price rise at venues where Irani attended events during her visit to the city on Monday.

Speaking to reporters before an event here,

The team of CBI officers during a raid at the residence of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in Chennai on Tuesday.

3 BJP WORKERS BOOKED FOR ASSALUTING NCP WOMAN MEMBER Pune (PTI): The Pune police have lodged an FIR against 3 BJP workers for assaulting an NCP woman member here during a face-off between the two sides at a book release event attended by Union Minister Smriti Irani, an official said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday when Congress and NCP workers staged protests against price rise where Irani attended events during her visit.

Amarnath Yatra: Amit Shah holds 2 meetings

HM Amit Shah holds high-level meetings with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and top officials in New Delhi on Tuesday.

New Delhi (ANI): HM Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired 2 separate backto-back marathon meetings on preparations for Amarnath Yatra, which is all set to start on June 30 after a gap of 2 years.

The 2 meetings were

about Logistics, infra, health, emergency situation, road connectivity, deployment of security personnel, threat assessment and other management of the pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine.

CRUCIAL READ NO RELIEF TO AZAM KHAN AS TOP COURT DENIES INTERIM BAIL New Delhi: SC on Tuesday reserved order on interim bail plea of SP leader Azam Khan in another case relating to Kotwali police station in UP. A bench of justices L Nageswara Rao, BR Gavai, AS Bopanna, who was hearing matter, reserved the order. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for UP state, opposed plea and said that, he is a land grabber and various pvt complaints are filed.

SC TELLS ED TO GRILL TMC MP, WIFE IN KOLKATA

4 WANTED IN 1993 MUMBAI SERIAL BLASTS ARRESTED

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled ED can question TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and his wife in a case related to smuggling of coal in Kolkata and not Delhi.

Abhishek is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and also general secretary of TMC.

Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s ATS on Tuesday said it has arrested four people wanted in connection with the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts cases. People aware of the matter identified the four as Abu Bakar, Yusuf Bhakta, Shoeb Baba, and Sayyed Kureshi. The police have released pictures too.

CAPITOL NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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CRUCIAL READ FIRE BREAKS OUT IN DTC BUS IN DELHI

New Delhi (PTI): A fire broke out in a DTC cluster bus in southeast Delhi’s Govindpuri area on Tuesday morning, officials said. According to fire department officials, information about the blaze was received at 8.45 am after which three fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The flames were brought under control at 10.20 am, they said.

SCAVENGER DIES AFTER CONCRETE SLAB FALLS New Delhi: A worker died while two others received injuries after a portion of a concrete slab of a sewer, inside which they were engaged in cleaning, fell on them near August Kranti Marg in South Delhi on Sunday, police said on Monday.

The deceased identified as 55-year-old Ramesh Kumar, lived near the Public Works Department office and was hired on a contract basis to work for the department. The other two injured labourers— Pankaj Singh (26) and Jitender Mangal (35)— were also hired to clean the sewer near the Moolchand flyover by the department.

RAI TO CHAIR MEETING ON GREEN COVER

New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a review meeting with officials of the Forest Department and the PWD to discuss ways to increase roadside green cover in the city to curb air pollution.Rai had earlier asked the PWD to form a special task force to increase the roadside green cover in Delhi.

Kejriwal and Gilon show both the countries can further be made stronger

DELHI, ISRAEL CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR PEACE: CM

New Delhi (PTI): Delhi and Israel can work together towards ensuring peace and welfare for humanity, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday after the country’s Ambassador to India Naor Gilon called on him here, an official statement said.

The statement from the Delhi government said that Kejriwal and Gilon discussed how the relationship between Delhi and Israel can be enhanced over the course of time.

“They talked about the rich history both the countries share and how they can further be made stronger. Both the leaders also deliberated on how Delhi and Israel can help each other become more efficient and work towards positive

KEJRIWAL SLAMS OMISSION OF LESSON ON BHAGAT SINGH FROM K’TAKA TEXTBOOK

progress and growth.

Arvind Kejriwal asserted that both Delhi and Israel have the potential to work together towards ensuring peace and welfare for humanity,” it said.

The CM Office also tweeted about the meeting and said, “Israel Ambassador to India H.E. Shri Naor Gilon called upon Chief Minister of Delhi Shri Arvind Kejriwal at Delhi Secretariat today.

Multi-modal integration system at Karkardooma Metro station approved

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government has provided administrative approval and expenditure sanction of Rs 45.31 lakh for the improvement of the ‘multi-modal integration’ system at Karkardooma Court metro station in east Delhi, an official order said on Tuesday.

Under the project, connectivity of buses, autos and e-rickshaws will be made seamless around the metro station to ensure a hasslefree commute, officials said.

According to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), the move will benefit thousands of commuters by providing last-mile connectivity options and decongestion of streets around the metro station.

Karkardooma Court Metro Station falls on the Pink Line of the Delhi Metro.

“In pursuance of the proposal of executive engineer Shahdara Road Division, PWD, I am directed to convey the administrative approval and expenditure sanction of the superintending engineer (Shahdara) for carrying out the work ‘Improvement of Multi Modal Integration System’ at Karkardooma Court metro station for an estimated cost of Rs 45,31,300,” a PWD order said.

Earlier this month, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had convened a meeting of PWD officials and emphasised on developing the MMI system near metro stations, bus terminals among others.

New Delhi (PTI): Hitting out at the BJP government in Karnataka over reports about removal of a lesson on Bhagat Singh from a school textbook, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said it’s an insult to the sacrifice made by the iconic freedom fighter, and demanded a roll back of the decision. Taking to Twitter, the AAP national convenor said the country will not tolerate such insult of its martyrs, and asked the BJP why “its people” hate Bhagat Singh so much.

Kejriwal’s reaction came a day after some organisations, including

Both Delhi and Israel will work together towards ensuring peace and welfare for the people (sic).” The statement said that the Israeli ambassador heaped praises on the development of Delhi in the recent past and expressed his delight on meeting Kejriwal. “I live in Delhi so Kejriwal is our Chief Minister too and I am very happy to meet him,” the statement quoted Gilon as saying.

All-India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) and All-India Save Education Committee (AISEC), claimed that the Karnataka government has omitted a lesson on freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and included a speech

by RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in a revised Kannada textbook for students of class X. “Why do BJP people hate Amar Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh ji so much?

Removal of Sardar Bhagat Singh ji’s name from school books is an insult to the sacrifice of the amar shaheed,” Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

AISA protests at Hansraj College New Delhi (PTI): The Left-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) on Tuesday protested outside Delhi University’s Hansraj College against its tie-up with a private institute for IAS coaching. AISA members raised slogans against what they termed the “raging privatisation of education” and carried placards that read: ‘Shame on Hansraj Principal’, ‘No private coaching in DU’, ‘Beacon IAS Go Back’.

The DTTDC, assigned to prepare the food truck policy, is also working on various ini-

—REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE

tiatives of the Delhi government, including redevelopment of five prominent retail mar-

There were 3,036 precaution doses administered till 7 pm on Monday, which accounted for over 73 per cent of total doses administered on the day

for over 73 per cent of total doses administered on the day. (The

—REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE

number of shots administered is usually lower on Sundays and

kets in the city.

“Various factors, including the availability of land, footfall and the availability of infrastructure, are to be considered in setting up the food truck hubs as per a policy to be framed by the government,” the officer said.

The food truck markets would create a “vibrant nightlife experience” for the people in the city besides serving as a catalyst to Delhi’s night-time economy, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said earlier.

DJB holds Haryana responsible for water crisis in nat’l capital New Delhi (ANI): Yamuna river has started drying up in Delhi, Delhi Jal Board said on Tuesday adding that the water of Delhi’s share is not being released by Haryana, following which the Yamuna river has started appearing in dry condition and so water supply in Delhi will also be affected.

In a conversation with ANI, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Vice-Chairman of Delhi

Saurabh Bharadwaj

Jal Board said that Haryana is stopping water which would be enough for 13 lakh people of Delhi.

“There has been a shortage of water in many areas of Delhi. The water sup-

More people opting for third Covid dose since it’s free New Delhi: There has been an increase in the number of people taking the third Covid precaution dose in Delhi after the government made it available for free across age groups, with the number of precaution doses administered over the last one week crossing doses one and two for the first time.

There were 3,036 precaution doses administered till 7 pm on Monday, which accounted

New Delhi (PTI): The city police on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that security outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, where an incident of vandalism occurred in March, has been beefed up with the deployment of additional armed guards.

The police said the proposal to curtail entry on the road where the chief minister’s residence is located is also under consideration and discussions are on with the residents welfare associations (RWA).

The court was informed by the coun-

FOR SETTING UP FOOD TRUCK HUBS

PANDEMIC

lll

Security beefed up at CM’s residence: Police

GOVT STARTS IDENTIFYING LAND New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government has started identifying land for setting up food truck hubs as announced in its Rozgar Budget 2022-23, with teams of DTTDC and land owning agencies conducting surveys across the city, officials said.

A report on the identified locations based on the survey is expected to be submitted to the government this week, said an official of the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC).

holidays.)

The city administered just under 87,000 precaution doses over the last seven days, accounting for over half of all doses administered in Delhi over this period.

“There has definitely been an increase in the number of people taking the precaution dose and there are two reasons for it — one, it became available to the younger group of those between 18 and 45 years

and two, the Delhi government made it free for all. The numbers, of course, increased drastically once it was made free,” said a senior official from the New Delhi district.

So far, 9.65 lakh precaution doses have been administered in Delhi since it was started at the beginning of the year. This, however, still accounts for a very small proportion, only 6.4%, of Delhi’s total 1.5 crore adult population.

02

ply provided by the Jal Board is not reaching the people of many areas smoothly,” he said.

Sukhdev, a local living in Wazirabad village said in a conversation with ANI that “water is coming only once, either in the morning shift or in the evening shift for the last one month. This is due to less water in the Yamuna river. Such a problem happens every year.”

sel for police that the status report is under preparation and sought some time to file it on record.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla granted time to the police to file the status report and said it shall be filed positively before the next date, that is, May 30.

The Delhi government standing counsel (criminal) Sanjay Lau submitted that the status report of Delhi Police was under preparation and it could not be filed as Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain was not available.

VC’s intervention sought after CoA begins admission

New Delhi (PTI): Eleven teachers of Delhi University’s Academics for Action and Development on Tuesday wrote to varsity’s Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh seeking his “necessary intervention” after the College of Art (CoA) started its admission process as a part of the Ambedkar University.

The College of Art offers master’s and bachelor’s courses in fine arts.

In the letter, the 11 teachers, including members of the varsity’s Executive Council (EC) and Academic Council (AC), said such an “unfortunate action” is in contravention of the Acts and Statutes of the Delhi University (DU).

This comes amid an ongoing tussle between the Delhi University and the Delhi government over the affiliation of the art college.

Same-sex marriages: HC takes exception to Centre’s affidavit New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court Tuesday expressed displeasure over the filing of an affidavit by the Centre opposing a plea by LGBTQ couples seeking live streaming of proceedings on a batch of petitions to recognise samesex marriage under various laws, as it contained certain alleged objectionable words. As the petitioners claimed that the Central government has used “highly objectionable and demeaning comments” in the affidavit, the high court said

the affidavit should not come from the ministry and the counsel should not file it without reading.The court was informed that though the government’s affidavit has been filed, it was not on record. “Have you read the affidavit? We advise you not to place it on record and have a relook.

Don’t place it on record.

This is not correct. Your affidavit should not come from the ministry and you should not file it without reading,” a bench told the counsel representing the Centre.

INDIA NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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India rejects ‘farcical’ Pakistan resolution on J&K delimitation New Delhi (Agencies): Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on or interfere in India’s internal matters, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in sharp remarks to a resolution passed in Pakistan on the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir. “The entire territory of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has been, is and shall always remain an integral part of India,” the government said, calling the resolution passed by Pakistan National Assembly “farcical”.

“We categorically reject the farcical resolution passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on the subject of the delimitation exercise in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on or interfere in matters that are

We categorically reject the farcical resolution passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on the subject of the delimitation exercise in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on or interfere in matters that are internal to India, including the Indian territories under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation.

—Arindam Bagchi, External

Delimitation Commission for Jammu & Kashmir finalises the Delimitation order.

internal to India, including the Indian territories under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Bagchi said the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir is a democratic exercise based on the principles of extensive stakeholder consultation and participation.

The Foreign Ministry

spokesperson said Pakistan should work on “putting their own house in order” rather than interfering in India’s internal affairs and engaging in baseless and provocative anti-India propaganda.

“It is regrettable that instead of putting their own house in order, the leadership in Pakistan continues to interfere in India’s internal affairs and engage in baseless and provoca-

Affairs Ministry Spokesperson

—FILE PHOTO

tive anti-India propaganda,” the Foreign Ministry added.

This statement was issued in response to media queries regarding the resolution passed by the Pakistan National Assembly last week.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who moved the resolution, had alleged India’s move is aimed at artificially altering the electoral strength of Jammu and

Kashmir, media reported.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry had asked the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to refrain from “unwarranted” comments on Jammu and Kashmir.

“The OIC should refrain from carrying out its communal agenda vis-a-vis India at the behest of one country,” the Ministry spokesperson said in an oblique reference to Pakistan.

03

Militants’ plan to push KPs out of Kashmir: J&K Police Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) visits protesting Kashmiri Pandits in Budgam, urges them not to leave Srinagar (Agencies): The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday said the killing of Rahul Bhat, a state government employee, by terrorists was a part of their plan to push the Kashmiri Pandits out of the valley, which will be defeated.

Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) was speaking to the protesting Kashmiri Pandits in Budgam district and urged them not to fall prey to the militant de-

IGP Kashmir meets protesting Pandits in Budgam on Tuesday.

signs to leave the Valley.

“This is the plan of the militants and their masters across and this has to be foiled by all means,” the IGP said.

He assured the Pandit community of every help and promised them better and enhanced security cover in the days ahead.

TWO LeT TERRORIST ASSOCIATES ARRESTED FROM J&K’S BUDGAM

Srinagar (Agencies): Two terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit LeT were arrested by a joint team of security forces in J&K’s Budgam on Tuesday, police said. Jammu and Kashmir Police, at a checkpoint established at Chandpora area of Budgam along with the Army and the CRPF, arrested the two, identified as Zahid Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Alamnag Poshkar Khag, and Sahil Bashir Dar, resident of Mamath, Budgam. Incriminating materials of proscribed terror outfit LeT, explosive material and ammunition including a hand grenade, two pistol magazines and 15 AK-47 rounds have been recovered from their possession. Police have registered a case and investigation has been initiated.

Chintan Shivir, Cong top brass meet in Delhi Ensure there are Post Party General secretaries, state incharges including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra release detailed copy of Udaipur no riots: Mamata Banerjee tells cops

❍

RSS CHIEF IN BENGAL

Kolkata (Agencies): West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday directed the police to ensure that no riots break out when Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is camping in the state.

“The RSS chief will be staying at Keshiary from May 17 to May 20.

What’s his purpose?

Give him protection and ensure that there are no riots. Send him sweets and fruits on behalf of the administration. He should feel that we welcome our guests. But don’t go overboard else he may take advantage.

Keep a good watch,” Banerjee told the officer-incharge of Keshiary police station on Tuesday.

She was holding an administrative meeting at West Midnapore district. It was attended by senior bureaucrats of the state, top officials from the district, local MLAs and the police.

“The local legislator should also keep watch,” she said.

Bhagwat is scheduled to camp at Keshiary in Bengal for four days

Mamata Banerjee

Mohan Bhagwat

where he will take part in a RSS training camp.

The camp will be held for three weeks. Political observers are of the opinion that RSS’s activities and work have helped the BJP gain popularity in Bengal in recent years.

The BJP made maximum inroads in Jangalmahal — a region spread across West Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram districts in south Bengal — in 2019 Lok Sabha polls when it had won 18 of the state’s 42 seats.

New Delhi (ANI): Congress top brass met once again on Tuesday to chalk out a future course of action on organisational reforms discussed during the three-day Chintan Shivir held in Rajasthan’s Udaipur.

The party has also released a detailed copy of its Udaipur declaration.

Congress party’s general secretaries, incharges and CLP leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi were present at the meeting held at AICC headquarters in Delhi.

According to sources, it was decided that a two-day conclave will be held in every state so that the members of Pradesh Congress Committees (PCC) are informed about the changes that are to be made in the coming months.

Also, state units will prepare a list of empty posts at block, district and state levels.

A meeting between the General Secretary and in-charges will also be held at AICC Headquarters tomor-

RETIREMENT AGE TO BE DECIDED AFTER 2024 LS ELECTIONS

Congress general secretaries and AICC incharges in New Delhi.

row, May 18.

The resolution reads: Indian nationalism is the core character of

the Congress and in contrast, the pseudonationalism of the BJP is centred on the hun-

New Delhi (ANI): After the Congress Youth Committee headed by the Punjab Congress president and former Youth Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Brar recommended 65 years as the retirement age for party leaders, sources said that the CWC has decided that this will be implemented in the party after 2024 LS elections.

ger for power. It is the duty of every Congressperson to bring out this difference to

Kanimozhi-led TN MPs to meet Caste-based census: FM and Textile Minister today ‘BJP not against it’ Chennai (Agencies): A delegation of Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu’s western belt led by DMK MP Kanimozhi will meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday.

The delegation will impress upon the two Union Ministers to find a solution to the problems faced by the weavers on the advice of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The proposed meeting of the Tamil Nadu

Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman

MPs with the two Union Ministers follows Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the high cotton and yarn prices affecting the textiles sector and the workers.

Meanwhile, the garment units in Tirupur in Tamil Nadu downed their shutters on Monday and Tuesday protesting against the high prices of cotton and yarn.

Patna (Agencies): A day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to call an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of caste-based census, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday claimed that his party is not against the proposal.

His statement comes at a time when BJP Bihar wing leaders realised that they should not stop or delay any further caste census in the state after the announcement of Nitish Kumar.

BJP leadership of Bihar have realised that it

Sushil Kumar Modi

is better for them to catch the bus rather than missing it. The idea would be to at least claim before the people of the state that they were not against the process, a political expert said.

READY TO HOST OVER 800 ARTISANS

Over 300 stalls at 41st Hunar Haat starting today in Agra lll

Several veteran actors of Bollywood will give scintillating performance during the 10-day long event

First India Bureau Agra: The 41st Hunar Haat is going to be organized from May 18 to May 29 at Shilpgram, Agra. More than 300 stalls of around 800 artisans, craftsmen and artisans from 32 states and union territories have been set up at Hunar Haat. These include stalls of various culture crafts and cuisines.

On the lines of Taj Mahotsav, various pro-

Shilpgram in Agra gears up to host the 10-day crafts fest.

grammes will be organised every evening at Hunar Haat. Veteran actors of Bollywood will give scintillating performance. Apart from this, there will be daily 3 shows of the famous Rambo International Circus. In this people can also enjoy the laser show. The most important thing about Hunar Haat is that the entry is completely free. Hunar Haat is organised by the Union Ministry of Mi-

nority Affairs, whose objective is to give respect to the arts and recognition to the artist.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Hunar Haat is playing a vital role in strengthening the “Vocal for Local” campaign. Hunar Haat has been successfully organized in 40 cities before Agra.

the people. In the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, the political group stressed that every Congressperson should imbibe the principles of Bhartiyata and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The Congress has always believed in unity and inclusiveness, and appreciated and celebrated the diversity of India.

The party also resolved that all members would protect and follow Gandhian values and the Nehruvian idea of India.

Jet Airways completes key test, awaits final flying permit New Delhi: Jet Airways has completed the second, and the last, set of two proving flights and now awaits the grant of air operator certificate (AOC) by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), its owner Jalan-Kalrock Consortium said on Tuesday.

Proving flights is the last step before the airline can be granted air operator certificate. A total of five landings (five flights) have to be done by the aircraft to successfully complete its proving flights.

“We have successfully conducted our proving flights over two days, and we now look forward to the grant of the AOC by the DGCA,” the spokesperson of Jalan-Kalrock Consortium said in a statement on Tuesday.

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REPLACING YOUNG BIPLAB WITH AGEING MANIK

Poll wary party’s strategic move to renew brand BJP in Tripura?

04

IN-DEPTH

WILL GYANVAPI MEET THE FATE OF AYODHYA’S RAM JANMABHOOMI

T

Biplab Deb

ROBIN ROY

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

T Meanwhile, what has added to the BJP’s woes is that the party’s (BJP’s) tribal ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), could not secure a single seat in the last tribal council elections and it recently suffered a vertical split and was divided. Given the current circumstances and political scenario, the saffron party has decided to strengthen its party organizationally and go in for a major rejig in the tribal wing, the Janajati Morcha

he Saffron party’s High Command’s decision to replace the young Biplab Kumar Deb with an ageing dental surgeon, Dr Manik Saha (69) as the CM of Tripura especial with just eight to nine months left for the crucial Assembly elections is seen as a major brand renewal exercise in this strategically placed gateway state to the north east.

Political grapevine has it that the move comes after an analysis which was meticulously made by the RSS to BJP’s central leadership and it said that there was need for a change of guard in the party and government.

Also, the party felt that decisions had to be taken almost ASAP to strengthen the party especially when there were internal rifts which could be costly if not dealt with properly and on time.

Party insiders also said the situation was not quite conducive as a section of young workers, dubbed the ‘bike gang’, were reportedly involved in acts of high-handedness, which was, in turn, hampering the image of the party.

However, the party high command was actually worried and literally having nightmares over the meteoric and sudden rise of the Tripura Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance or TI-

MODI’S NEPAL VISIT

TO BOOST RELATIONS

Manik Saha

WHY SAHA?

z A former badminton player of repute, Saha is also chief of the cash-rich Tripura Cricket Association

know and was a member of the Congress before he joined BJP in 2016 and became the Saffron party’s state President in 2020 after Biplab Deb had quit that post.

z His importance to BJP actually emanated from his clean image and his track record which includes scripting BJP’s victory in all thirteen civic bodies in the polls held in November 2021 in Tripura at a time when TMC was engaged in the same elections

aha, a maxillofacial surgeon S had passed out from King George Medical College, Luc-

z His imprint in the BJP continued to grow manifold with Deb making way for him to take over as the Tripura BJP president in January 2020

z Deb’s removal as the party unit chief was a key demand of the dissident leaders, who wanted the leadership to enforce the “one man, one post” policy in Tripura z Also, in March 2022, Saha created history when he became the first BJP leader from the state to get elected to the Rajya Sabha z Now, it is left to be seen how deftly Saha shuttles his problems around and plays the defensive strokes on the already bouncy political pitch which he inherited from Deb

he Gyanvapi mosque controversy has reached the Supreme Court which will also be examining the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act. Until the Act is overturned the Gyanvapi mosque cannot be harmed no matter how desperate a section of Hindus may be. The 1991 Act prohibits “conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”.

The “religious character” of Gyanvapi mosque is being sought to be altered with Hindus seeking permission to worship inside the mosque which, they claim, houses Shringar Gauri.

The Varanasi court ordered survey was supposed to have been submitted for the court. Even before the court could see it, the Hindu side claimed the presence of a Shivling inside the mosque.

Should one be a crystal ball gazer to see what the future holds for Gyanvapi.

Newly sworn-in Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha with former State Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb during his oath-taking ceremony on May 15.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK PRA Motha, a regional political party led by the royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, seeking a separate state for the indigenous people of Tripura.

It may be recalled that the party had also swept the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections held in April, 2021 by winning 18 of the 28 seats over the ‘Greater Tipraland’ demand in a straight contest with the ruling BJP-IPFT alliance.

The statehood demand was giving the BJP the jitters and this (statehood demand) could actually affect results in many assembly seats, where tribals hold a considerable amount of clout politically. The TIPRA Motha had completely polarized the state’s politics by raising the demand for a separate tribal state and had also triggered tensions in some certain pockets of the state with a

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal, his fifth since 2014, is to further strengthen bilateral ties by “bringing soft power to the centre stage” of bilateral ties between the two countries. The visit coincided with Buddh Purnima and the prime minister used the occasion to lay the foundation stone of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in the Lumbini Monastic Zone. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha and is close to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha took nirvana, in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

India has found a friendly Prime Minister in Nepal’s present incumbent Sher Bahadur Deuba unlike KP Sharma Oli whose government tried to cre-

considerable count of tribals where it accounted for a third of the population!

Party sources are of the opinion that it could be an uphill task for the BJP to counter the rise of TIPRA Motha in the tribal-dominated areas and the tribal party has a very good chance to sweep especially in the tribal areas in the forthcoming Assembly polls.

Also, what is threatening the BJP is that the tribal party plans to field candidates in at least 25 (general) seats out of 40 (general) seats. With tribals accounting for a significant section of the votes (in these seats), it would mean Debbarma’s clout and support could well hold the key to the next elections, as per political analysts.

Meanwhile, what has added to the BJP’s woes is that the party’s (BJP’s) tribal ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), could not

secure a single seat in the last tribal council elections and it recently suffered a vertical split and was divided. Given the current circumstances and political scenario, the saffron party has decided to strengthen its party organizationally and go in for a major rejig in the tribal wing, the Janajati Morcha.

It is here where the Saffron party feels that the “acceptable and amiable” Manik Saha would be able to tackle so many diverse issues left behind as a legacy by his predecessor and steer BJP to a clear victory in the coming elections.

The other headache of the Saffron party is the re-emergence of the Left and the surfacing TMC and not to ignore especially the young royal’s party. In all, the BJP has a lot to worry about as far as the state is concerned.

TOP TWEETS Narendra Modi @narendramodi

Congrats to the Indian contingent for the best ever performance at the recently concluded Deaflympics!

Every athlete of our contingent is an inspiration for our fellow citizens. I will be hosting the entire contingent at my residence on the morning of the 21st.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

India has found a friendly Prime Minister in Nepal’s present incumbent Sher Bahadur Deuba unlike KP Sharma Oli whose government tried to create hurdles in relations with India. Resentment against India increased in 2015 when the Nepal government accused New Delhi of interfering in the drafting of its constitution ate hurdles in relations with India. Resentment against India increased in 2015 when the Nepal government accused New Delhi of interfering in the drafting of its constitution.

Ties faced a severe test in 2020 when the Oli government showed Indian territories in the new map of Nepal.

The boundary dispute over Lipulekh pass, where India is engaged in road widening to counter the Chinese moves, was also an irritant. The Communist Party of NepalUnified Marxist-Leninist ob-

In whom there is no sympathy for living beings: know him as an outcast.

—Buddha

jected to the construction activity and also urged India to withdraw its troops from Kalapani. The opposition parties of Nepal also laid claim to Limpiyadhura as being part of Nepal but India strongly rebutted that claim.

The opposition parties also pressured Prime Minister Deuba to raise the issue with India but during his threeday India visit in April, Deuba said that the boundary should not be politicised. In this background Modi’s visit is of great significance.

Nitin Gadkari @nitin_gadkari

Under the leadership of PM Shri @ narendramodi ji, the Expressways are crucial category of the ambitious #Bharatmala Pariyojana Under Phase -1, total of 8 Expressways of total length 3,852 km are being developed at total cost of `2,36,765 Crore.

l Vol 1 l Issue No. 258 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Impressions Printing and Packaging Limited, C-21, 22 Sector-59, Noida-201301. Published at G-20, 3rd Floor, 309, Preet Vihar, New Delhi-110092. Phone 011-49846474.

Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra.

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

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Assam flood: Over 2 lakh people affected in 24 districts of State A total of 811 villages are affected due to the flood in the state

Assam (ANI): The flood situation in Assam continues to remain grim amid heavy downpour on Tuesday affecting 2,02,385 people in 24 districts of the state.

According to the report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, so far 24 districts namely Bajali, Baksa, Biswanath, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Charaideo, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Dima-Hasao, Hojai, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong West, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Udalguri, Jorhat, Kamrup Metro are affected with the flood in the state. Landslides have also been reported from Dima Hasao, Karimganj, Hailakandi districts as of May 16.

A total of 811 villages

LANDSLIDES IN AP CAUSE CONNECTIVITY TO SNAP

A road is damaged due to incessant rainfall, in the Dima Hasao district of Assam on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

CLASS 11 STATE BOARD EXAMS SUSPENDED

are affected due to the flood in the state while 1,277 houses are fully damaged and 5,262 are partially.

Nearly 1.97 lakh people in 20 districts of the state were affected in the last 24 hours due to

floods.The flood waters inundated new areas at Kampur area in Assam’s Nagaon district affecting nearly 16,000 people in the area.

Many people have been forced to leave their homes after flood

IN THE COURTYARD

SC Collegium recommends elevation of five Judges as Chief Justices of HCs New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana on Tuesday recommended the elevation of five Judges as Chief Justices of various High Courts.

The Collegium in a meeting held today took the decision and the resolution was uploaded on the apex court website.

The names recommended for elevation are -- Justices Vipin Sanghi (from Delhi HC

DELHI HC TO HEAR SHARJEEL IMAM’S BAIL PLEA ON MAY 26

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the bail plea of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Sharjeel Imam, on May 26, seeking interim bail for alleged inflammatory speeches given by him at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and in the Jamia area during the anti-CAA agitation in 2019 and 2020. The hearing on the matter on Tuesday got adjourned as the concerned bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar, didn't assemble. Days after the Supreme Court of India put the trial on sedition cases on hold, Sharjeel Imam approached the Delhi High Court stating that "since the apex court has put sedition (section 124-A) in abeyance, his case has improved for grant of bail'.

to Uttarakhand HC ), Amjad A Sayed (from Bombay HC to Himachal Pradesh HC ), S S Shinde (from Bombay HC to Rajasthan HC), Rashmin M Chhaya (from Gujarat HC to Gauhati HC)

and Ujjal Bhuyan who is presently judged in Telangana HC will be elevated as Chief justice there.

Besides this, the Collegium has also recommended the transfer of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Chief Justice, Telangana High Court to Delhi High Court.

Besides Ramana, Justices U U Lalit and A M Khanwilkar are part of the three-member Collegium which takes decisions concerning the high court judges.

DELHI HC FINES EX-CBI DIRECTOR RAO OVER 'TWITTER BLUETICK' PLEA New Delhi: The Delhi High COurt on Tuesday imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 on former CBI head Mannem Nageswara Rao, who has moved the court against Twitter for taking down his blue tick verification from the microblogging website.

Dismissing his plea, a single judge bench of Justice Yashwant Varma said the court has already passed an order in the matter. The bench also came heavily on the petitioner during the course of the hearing.

SC GRANTS 3 MONTHS INTERIM BAIL TO JITENDRA TYAGI IN HATE SPEECH

New Delhi (ANI): The SC on Tuesday granted three months of interim bail to Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi, formerly known as Wasim Rizvi, in connection with the investigation into the hate speeches at the Hardiwar Dharam Sansad held in Dec last year. A bench headed by Justice Ajay Rastogi granting interim bail to Tyagi on medical grounds said he has to give an undertaking that he would not indulge in hate speech and not give any statement to media.

HC RAISES CONCERN OVER RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD

New Delhi (ANI): The Delhi HC on Tuesday raised concern over encroachment in the form of religious structures, allegedly in the middle of the roads in the national capital. Coming heavily on the city government for not taking proactive action against the encroachers, a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla asked how will a civilised society survive like this.

waters entered into their homes and taken shelter in schools and high lands.

The water level of the Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger level mark at Neamatighat in Jorhat district and Kopili river in the Kampur area in Nagaon district.

Normal life has been affected as the flood situation prevails in Nagaon district’s Kampur area. On Monday it crossed its previous highest flood level of 61.79 meters.

Itanagar: Landslides triggered by heavy rains caused destruction in Arunachal Pradesh, snapping connectivity in many areas, officials said on Tuesday. Road connectivity between Itanagar and Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district via Potin was disrupted after a massive landslide blocked the road, they said.Hundreds of vehicles were stranded as road clearing operations were underway, they added. The road from Itanagar to Gohpur in Assam was also blocked due to mud slips.

Landslides were also reported from Karsingsa block point along the ItanagarBanderdewa NH-415, Itanagar Gompa and RWD Colony, officials said.

05

Sri Lankan Parliament defeats no-confidence motion by Opp against President Gotabaya Colombo (PTI): A noconfidence motion tabled by the Opposition against Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was defeated in Parliament on Tuesday, in a comfortable win for the embattled President amidst nationwide protests demanding his resignation due to the country’s worst-ever economic crisis.

The motion by Opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M A Sumanthiran to suspend Parliament’s standing orders in order to debate an expression of displeasure over President Rajapaksa was defeated with 119 MPs voting against it, the Economy Next newspaper reported.

Only 68 MPs voted in favour of the motion, it said, giving the 72-yearold President a comfortable victory.

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Lakshman Kiriella had supported the motion.

According to SJB MP Harsha de Silva, among those who voted against the motion was Sri Lan-

ka’s newly-elected Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Human rights lawyer Bhavani Fonseka tweeted after the vote that the motion’s defeat exposed MPs who protect President Rajapaksa.

On Tuesday, Parliament met for the first time after the appointment of new Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, as the country looks to undertake major constitutional reforms amid the worst economic crisis.

Sumanthiran, who moved the motion, wanted the standing orders suspended to carry on with the debate.

The government, however, objected to suspending the standing orders.

The Speaker then ordered a vote on the question of suspending the standing orders.

The government won the vote and forced the adjournment motion moved on the violence suffered by the ruling party politicians since May 9.

The police on Monday said that some 78 ruling party politicians had suffered damage to properties.

The Opposition said the motion of displeasure could be moved on Friday.

Sri Lanka is witnessing an unprecedented economic crisis.

The Rajapaksa government had taken some arbitrary decisions like banning chemical fertiliser imports in favour of organic farming and resisting turning to the International Monetary Fund which led to the country’s worst economic crisis since its independence from Britain in 1948.

A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people.

Boulders fall on NH7, Char Dham Yatra stops on Badrinath route Uttarakhand (ANI): The traffic movement on Badrinath route, NH7, near Panchpulia in Uttarakhand’s Karnaprayag was disrupted after boulders fell from the hill on Tuesday.

Following the disruption, the Badrinath Yatra through this route was stopped due to the closure of the highway and the operation to open the route is underway.

The Badrinath Yatra had resumed only a few hours ago before it was suspended on Monday amid heavy rainfall followed by falling boulders near Hanuman Chatti and rising water in Lambagad drain.

The portals of Badrinath Dham were opened on May 8, with the carrying capacity of 16,000 devotees to the Dham in a day. According to the Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana, as many as 115 vehicles had left Badrinath this morning, as soon as weather cleared.

U’khand govt mandates registration for Char Dham Yatra

BADRINATH DHAM YATRA RESUMES AFTER WEATHER CLEARS IN U’KHAND The movement of pilgrims to and from Badrinath Dham, which was suspended on Monday after heavy rainfall, has resumed today morning.“As soon as the weather cleared, 115 vehicles left Badrinath Dham this morning. The movement of passengers has started for Badrinath Dham” said Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana on Tuesday. The movement of pilgrims was suspended amid heavy rainfall followed by falling stones near Hanuman Chatti. Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said, “Due to heavy rains last night, movement of passengers were banned due to the falling of stones from the rock in Baldoda ahead of Hanuman Chatti on Badrinath National Highway and rising water in Lambagad drain.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday appealed to devotees to embark on the pilgrimage only after consulting their doctors.

Baramulla: 1 killed, 3 hurt in grenade blast at liquor shop

—FILE PHOTO

Srinagar: An employee of a newly-opened wine shop was killed and three others injured in a grenade attack by terrorists in Baramulla district of north Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.

“At about 2010hrs, 02 terrorists riding on a bike stopped near the newly opened wine shop

at Dewan Bagh Baramulla. The pillion rider wearing a Burka walked to the window of the said wine shop and dropped a grenade inside the said wine shop through the port hole window and thereafter fled away on the bike from the spot,” said a police spokesman.

Dehradun (ANI): The Uttarakhand govt on Tuesday, issued an advisory for the Chardham yatra pilgrims to mandatorily register themselves before commencing their journey.

The government has urged the devotees to start their journey only after checking the registration slots available on the portal of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department. According to the advisory, no pilgrim will be allowed to go beyond Rishikesh without

registration.

The tourism department has also set a certain limit for the registration of pilgrims in the state.

After fire incident, helicopter services resume from Katra

Katra: After a brief pause for a day, the Helicopter services in Katra resumed today, news agency ANI reported. The Shrine Board had informed about the suspension of helicopter services on Monday morning. The development was announced hours after a fire broke out in the forest area of Trikuta mountain near Mata Vaishno Devi late Sunday evening. The fire that occurred near the Sanji Chhat helipad was brought under control to a great extent.

Owaisi’s AIMIM to give a fight to Cong in poll-bound Gujarat Ahmedabad: The AIMIM entry into Gujarat politics may not have a significant impact but it is definitely going to affect the Congress.

Muslim community leaders fear that if the AIMIM puts up its candidates in Muslim dominated seats, their representative strength will fall further in the state assembly. Once there were at least eight Muslim MLAs in the state assembly. The number has fallen to three after the 2017 assembly elections.

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi visited Gujarat on Sunday and Monday and addressed two public meetings, one in Ahmedabad and another in Chhapi in Vadgam taluka of Banaskantha district.

The venues of the meetings clearly indicate that the party is targeting constituencies where the Congress has a presence and its representatives have got elected. Chhapi is the place where the biggest protest against the Citizen-

ship (Amendment) Act and the NRC had taken place.

Chhapi falls under Vadgam assembly constituency which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. Jignesh Mevani got elected in 2017 as an independent MLA from here and has now joined the Congress.

The Muslim population in the state is 58.47 lakh – 9.67 % of the total population. Going by these numbers, it should have 18 representatives in the assembly.

BIZ BUZZ NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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WPI INFLATION AT RECORD HIGH OF 15.08% IN APRIL

06

LIC sees lacklustre debut, lists at over 8% discount

WPI INFLATION HAS REMAINED IN DOUBLE DIGIT FOR 13TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH

New Delhi (PTI): Wholesale price-based inflation soared to a record high of 15.08 per cent in April mainly on account of spiralling prices of food, fuel and other commodities, which may prompt the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates in upcoming monetary policy review next month.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) at 15.08 per cent is the highest in the new series, the data for which is available since 2012-13. The WPI inflation has remained in double digit for the 13th consecutive month since April last year.

“The high rate of inflation in April 2022 was primarily due to rise in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, crude petroleum & natural gas, food articles, non-food articles, food products and chemicals & chemical prod-

FPI holdings in dom equities down 6%

New Delhi (PTI): The value of foreign portfolio investors’ (FPI) holdings in domestic equities reached $612 billion in the March quarter, down 6% from the preceding quarter, according to a Morningstar report. This was largely on the back of a massive sell-off by foreign investors and correction in the Indian equity markets.

Need to reduce taxes on oil, says CII Prez

New Delhi (PTI): Making a strong case for reduction in taxes on petrol and diesel, CII President Sanjiv Bajaj said it should be done in a collaborative manner between the Centre and states with a view to containing the rising inflation.

He said taxes on petrol and diesel were increased at a time when the price of crude oil was low and the same needed to be reversed.

Greenko setting up largest RE storage plant

Kurnool (PTI): Greenko Group is setting up the world’s largest renewable energy storage plant here, its Joint Managing Director Mahesh Kolli said.

The 5,230 megawatt (MW) project is being set up at a cost of $3 billion. The project is expected to be commissioned by 2023.

With the WPI inflation remaining solidly in double-digits, the probability of a repo hike in the June 2022 review of monetary policy has risen further. We expect a 40 basis point hike in June 2022 followed by a 35 basis point rise in August 2022, amidst a terminal rate of 5.5% to be reached by mid-2023.

—Aditi Nayar, ICRA chief economist

WPI INFLATION MAY RECEDE MILDLY BELOW 15% IN MAY 22

ICRA chief economist Aditi Nayar said with some correction in commodity prices as a result of the bleaker demand outlook in China offsetting the depreciation in rupee, the WPI inflation may recede mildly below 15% in May 2022, while remaining uncomfortably elevated. The heat wave led to a spike in prices of perishables such as fruits, vegetables and milk, which along with a spike in tea prices pushed up the primary food inflation. The core-WPI inflation reverted to a four-month high of 11.1% in April.

ucts etc. As compared to the corresponding month of the previous year,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.

Inflation in food articles was 8.35 per cent as prices of vegetables, wheat, fruits and potato witnessed a sharp spike over the year-ago period.

In the fuel and power basket, inflation was 38.66 per cent, while in manufactured products and oil seeds, it was 10.85 per cent and 16.10 per cent, respectively.

Inflation in crude petroleum and natural gas was 69.07 per cent in April.

Data released last week showed that retail inflation rose to a near eight-year high of 7.79 per cent in April, remaining above the Reserve Bank’s inflation target for the fourth straight month.

Economy likely to grow 12-13% in Q1: ICRA Mumbai (PTI): Citing the second highest business activity index reading in 13 months in April, rating agency Icra on Tuesday forecast the economy to grow 12-13% in the first quarter of the current fiscal.

“Our business activity monitor for April at 115.7 indicates that activity was roughly 16% higher than the year ago (period) and pre-

COVID levels in spite of the global headwinds,” ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said.

This high growth may persist in May, especially on an annualised basis, which should

translate into a doubledigit GDP expansion in Q1 at 12-13%. However, this may not sustain and the annual growth in volume and activity may moderate, she said.

According to her, higher input costs may dampen GVA growth to single-digits. “Therefore, we maintain our GDP growth forecast at 7.2% for FY23”. CPI is expected to average at 6.3-6.5% this fiscal.

LIC Chairperson MR Kumar, second from left, and other officials pose with the bull.

Mumbai (PTI): The country’s largest insurer LIC on Tuesday made a lacklustre debut on stock exchanges on Tuesday, listing at over 8% discount after a successful IPO which fetched `20,557 crore to the exchequer.

As against the issue price of `949, shares of LIC listed at `872, a discount of `81.80 apiece, on the BSE. The stock listed at `867.20, showing a discount of `77 apiece, on the NSE. In intra-day trade on listing day, the stock recovered some ground and was trading at `883.75, down 6.88% on the NSE. On the BSE it were trading at `883.25, down 6.93%.

Weak LIC listing due to volatile mkt: DIPAM Secy Mumbai (PTI): Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Tuesday said the weak debut of the country’s largest insurer LIC on the bourses was due to unpredictable market conditions and suggested investors to hold on to the stock for long-term value.

“Nobody can predict the market. We have been saying that it should not be held for a particular day but for more than a day,” Pandey told reporters after the listing of shares.

LIC Chairman M R Kumar said the response for the shares in the secondary market is going to be higher which will pull the prices up.

“The markets are also jittery. We were not expecting a very big jump.

“It (stock price) will pick up as we go along. I am sure a lot of people, especially the policyholders who have missed out on the allotment will pick up the shares (in the secondary market). I don’t see any reason why it should be tepid for too long,” MR Kumar told reporters.

LIC WITH M-CAP `5.54 LAKH CRORE IS FIFTH MOST VALUED INDIAN COMPANY New Delhi (PTI): The country’s largest insurer LIC is the fifth most valuable company in the country with a market capitalisation of about `5.54 lakh crore. Shares of LIC closed at `875.45, down `73.55 or 7.75% over the issue price, on the BSE. At this price, LIC is valued at nearly `5.54 lakh crore. The market capitalisation of LIC is higher than that of HUL (`5.27 lakh crore), ICICI Bank (`4.94 lakh crore), SBI (`4.17 lakh crore) and HDFC (`3.97 lakh crore), as per the BSE data.

Sensex, Nifty zoom over ‘Challenge is to sustain 8-9% growth’ 2.5% in surprise rally Mumbai (PTI): Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty on Tuesday spurted by over 2.5% to log their best single-day gains in three months, propelled by heavy buying in metal, energy and banking stocks amid a global rally in stocks.

The 30-share BSE benchmark zoomed 1,344.63 points or 2.54% to settle at 54,318.47 points with all of its constituents closing with gains. The broader NSE Nifty rallied 417 points or 2.63% to finish

` RECOVERS FROM RECORD LOW TO END 7 PAISE HIGHER

at 16,259.30 points. All the 50 stocks advanced led by steel and energy stocks. Both Sensex and Nifty logged their best single-day gain since February 15.

Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, ITC, Larsen & Toubro, Wipro, ICICI Bank were the major gainers.

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee on Tuesday recovered from its all-time intra day low of 77.79 to close higher by 7 paise on a stellar rally in domestic stock markets. After opening lower at 77.67, the local unit plunged further to its all-time intra-day low of 77.79 due to a spike in crude oil prices and disappointing macroeconomic data.

However, it rebound and close at 77.48, showing net gains of 7 paise.

New Delhi (PTI): India has done extremely well on the vaccination front and the challenge for the country is to grow 8-9% over the next three decades, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said.

Kant further said that rise in per capita income of India is critical for removing poverty in the country.

“We bounced back post-COVID-19, and have done extremely well on vaccination, next year as well we will grow. The challenge (for India) is to sustain high growth of 8-9% over the next three decades,” he said.

Amitabh Kant

With transactions worth `1 lakh crore, govt surpasses FY22 target of monetisation plan New Delhi (PTI): The government has completed transactions worth `1 lakh crore under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) in 2021-22, surpassing the ambitious programme’s first-year target of Rs 88,000 crore, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said. Kant said India needs to fire on all cylinders, including manufacturing and services, to achieve high growth rates. “...

My asset monetisation target was ` 88,000 crore for last year. I have crossed it by `12,000 crore,” he said.

Petrol in India costlier than US, China, Pak New Delhi (PTI): Petrol in India is cheaper than in countries like Hong Kong, Germany and the UK but costlier than in China, Brazil, Japan, the US, Russia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a BOB Economics Research report showed.

Rising fuel prices in India have led to considerable debate on which government, state or central, should be lowering their taxes to keep prices under control.

The rise in fuel prices is mainly due to the global price of crude oil (raw material for making

The rise in fuel prices is mainly due to the global price of crude oil (raw material for making petrol and diesel) going up petrol and diesel) going up. Further, a stronger dollar has added to the cost of crude oil.

The report of Bank of Baroda Economic Research juxtaposed

petrol prices as of May 9 in various countries with per capita income.

“For a set of 106 countries for which data is available, the price in India at $1.35/l is 42nd

in rank. Hence there are over 50 countries where the price is higher. This should provide some comfort that in absolute terms India is not an outlier. The me-

dian price was around $1.22 a litre,” it said.

Fuel prices in India are at par with those in Australia, Turkey, and South Korea.

It is lower than Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, France, Portugal and Norway where it is above $2/l.

Amongst comparable countries (per capita wise), prices in India are higher than those in Vietnam, Kenya, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela in South America.

According to Kant, the government’s role should be in public policy and the policy should create wealth through the private sector. “The government should be in education, health and nutrition,” he said.

According to Kant, it is important for Indian manufacturers to penetrate global markets and value chains.

He said without technological leapfrogging, it will be difficult for India to grow at high rates. The NITI Aayog CEO said India is climatically-blessed and it is an opportunity to use renewable energy.

Govt mulls extending April GST payment deadline New Delhi (PTI): As taxpayers face technical glitch on the GST portal, the government on Tuesday said it is considering extending the April tax payment deadline and has directed Infosys for early resolution of the problem.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said a technical glitch has been reported by Infosys in generation of April 2022 GSTR-2B and auto-population of GSTR-3B on portal.

“Considering the difficulties faced by taxpayers in filing their GSTR-3B for the month of April 2022, a proposal to extend the due date of filing GSTR-3B for April 2022 is under active consideration,” the CBIC informed with a tweet on Tuesday.

NEWS NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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EXPORT BAN

4,000 WHEAT-LADEN TRUCKS STRANDED AT GUJARAT PORT Ahmedabad (PTI): The ban on wheat export by the Centre has left at least 4,000 trucks carrying the food grain stranded outside Deendayal Port at Kandla in Gujarat for want of permission from authorities to load them into vessels, port and industry officials said on Tuesday.

A three-day holiday last weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has kept four vessels berthed at the port awaiting additional permission to load following the ban notified on May 13, they said. From the Deendayal Port in Kutch district, wheat is primarily transported to African

MAJOR CONCERN

The ban on wheat export has left at least 4,000 trucks stranded at Kandla port in Gujarat.

countries, Bangladesh, South Korea and Yemen. “Around 4,000 trucks carrying wheat from Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and some other states are parked outside the Kandla port since the

Chandigarh-Mohali border turns fortress as farmers plan protest

First India Bureau Chandigarh: A heavy contingent of police has been deployed at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after several farmer bodies’ announcement of heading towards the union territory for holding an indefinite protest to press for their demands related to a wheat bonus, paddy sowing and MSP. Police have put up barricades, tippers and rolled out water cannons to prevent protesting farmers from entering Chandigarh.

Several farmer unions have given a call for organising an indefinite protest at Chandigarh on the lines of a yearlong agitation at Delhi borders against the Centre’s three farm laws which were repealed in response to the protests.

Farmers from various parts of Punjab have assembled at gurd-

wara Amb Sahib in Mohali. They have come in tractor-trolleys, buses and other vehicles, carrying ration, beds, fans, coolers and cooking gas cylinders and other essential items.

Bharti Kisan Union (Lakhowal) general secretary Harinder Singh Lakhowal said the farmers will hold their ‘pakka morcha’ right at the site where they are stopped from moving towards Chandigarh.

Farmers are demanding a bonus on wheat as their yield has dropped, and shriveled because of the unprecedented heatwave conditions.

Farmers are also against the state government’s decision of allowing paddy sowing in a staggered manner next month. They are demanding that the government permit them paddy sowing from June 10.

—With PTI inputs

last three to four days, awaiting loading due to uncertainty caused by the sudden ban on export by the Centre,” said Teja Kangad, president of the local Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Compounding the problem was the extended three-day holiday at the DGFT on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, due to which four vessels berthed at the port to export wheat were left awaiting addi-

tional permission from the DGFT for Customs clearance after the export ban notification, he said. Meanwhile, the port and local administration and the Gandhidam industry body have arranged for food for

around 7,000 to 8,000 drivers and cleaners of these stranded trucks, Kangad and an official of the Deendayal Port Administration said.

“We believe that nearly 20-25 lakh tonnes of wheat has been lying at the Kandla port godowns, complex, and trucks and vessels awaiting clearance,” Kangad said.

Officials of the Deendayal Port administration said an effort is being taken to ease the situation. Of the four vessels berthed at the port, one, called ‘Mana’, was granted permission on Tuesday to load the remaining 17,160 tonnes of wheat and allowed to sail to its destination in Egypt, they said.

Yogi’s tweet sparks Lko name-change speculations First India Bureau Lucknow: A tweet by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sparked off speculations about the name of Lucknow, the state capital, being changed in the coming weeks.

In the tweet welcoming Prime minister Narendra Modi to Lucknow on Monday evening, Yogi wrote: “Sheshavatar Bhagwan Laxman ki pawan nagri Lucknow mein aapka swagat aur abhinandan.”

This has led to a debate on social media about the name of Lucknow being changed to Laxmanpuri. A grand temple dedicated to Laxman is already being constructed in Lucknow. A demand to

AIMPLB slams Gyanvapi survey First India Bureau

NO TRANSFORMATION

Lucknow: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has reacted sharply and condemned the survey of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi masjid and sealing of ‘wuzu khana’ (ablution area). The board termed the survey, its report and sealing of ‘wuzu khana’ as gross injustice to Muslims.

In a statement issued late on Monday evening, the AIMPLB said the current situation created about the Gyanvapi mosque was com-

Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

—FILE PHOTO

pletely unacceptable to Muslims and Gyanvapi “was a mosque and will continue to remain a mosque till the end”.

AIMPLB General Secretary, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahm-

ani said, “Gyanvapi is a mosque and will remain a mosque. The attempt to transform it into a temple is nothing more than a conspiracy to spread hate by communal forces.” Howev-

er, Rais Ahmad Ansari, an advocate of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque, has called petitioners’ claim about a “Shivling” being found

at the mosque “misleading”.

“There’s only a fountain in the mosque’s wuzu khana,” Ansari said.His statement came after a court in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi ordered the sealing of the spot where “Shivling” was reportedly found and Hindu petitioners claimed that a ‘Shivling’ had been found in the survey.

The court order was based on a petition that was filed by an advocate that there was some concrete evidence that needed to be protected.

13-yr-old girl rescued in Delhi by DCW

DELHI’S WATER WOES!

People collect drinking water from a tanker on a hot summer day, at Sanjay Camp, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) has rescued a 13-year-old orphan girl from a house in northwest Delhi’s GTB Nagar who was being inhumanely treated and forced to work as a domestic help, it said in a statement.

The women rights body received the information through an anonymous source on its helpline 181. The caller said that the girl was being ill-treated and beaten up regularly it said. Upon receiving the call, a DCW team, along with police, immediate-

07

ly reached the spot for rescuing the girl, but faced resistance from the family who tried to conceal the matter, the DCW said.

The girl, who is from Uttarakhand, informed the DCW that she has two sisters and that she was forced to work as a domestic help in Delhi for the past four years without any payment, the statement said. The victim said that she was only 9-year-old when her employers brought her to Delhi. Since then, they did not allow her to meet her family, the DCW said.

change the name of Lucknow to Lakhanpuri or Laxmanpuri has been raised several times by BJP leaders.

Lucknow already has several landmarks named after Laxman and these include Laxman Tila, Laxmanpuri and Laxman Park. The Yogi Adityanath government in its previous term, had changed the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya.

‘Fees for drone pilot training will decrease’ New Delhi (PTI): Fees for drone pilot training course will decrease within the next 3-4 months as the number of schools providing this course are going to increase, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday.

A farmer — during a virtual interaction with Scindia on drones — raised the issue of high fees for a drone pilot training course.

Scindia said, “You said the fees of a drone pilot course is currently quite high. You should not worry at all.”

In the last five months, aviation regulator DGCA has certified 23 schools for training drone pilots, he added.

“As the number of schools keep increasing, the cost of training drone pilots will keep decreasing,” he said.

The minister gave the example of mobile phone’s cost and how it has decreased gradually over the years in India.

MARUTI’S PLANT IN HARYANA

Maruti’s 3rd plant will give a boost to auto industry: Khattar lll

Youth of the state to get more employment opportunities through new industrial units, says Haryana CM

First India Bureau Chandigarh: Haryana Government is actively working towards making the state an industrial and automobile hub and setting up Maruti’s 3rd plant in Kharkhoda will give a boost to auto industry in Haryana, stated Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

CM said Khattar the growth in automobile sector in Haryana can be gauged by the fact

that Maruti is coming up with its 3rd plant in the state. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL)/ Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) and Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HSIIDC) are all set to sign an agreement for the allotment of 800acre & 100 acre land at IMT Kharkhoda, respectively, in a ceremony being organised on Thursday.

ACHIEVEMENT

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

This event would also celebrate the four dec-

ades of Haryana-Japan business relationship,

which began in 1981 and continues to flour-

ish even today.

Khattar said that this is a huge achievement for the state as Maruti is setting up its 3rd plant in Haryana. He said that MSIL has purchased an additional 800 acres at IMT Kharkhoda land for its proposed new car manufacturing facility.

The total project cost is estimated to be Rs 18,000 crore. It has the potential to generate employment for 11,000 skilled, unskilled and

semi-skilled persons.

Along with MSIL, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) has also purchased a 100-acre land parcel for setting up an integrated manufacturing facility for twowheelers, including engines.

The total project cost is estimated to be Rs 1,466 crore, with a potential to generate employment for 2,000 skilled, unskilled and semi-skilled persons.

As long as regrets do not take the place of dreams, a man is young and can carry on, undiminished.

2ND FRONT

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

NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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08

‘Ind-Jamaica ties flourish even after geographical constraints’ Prez Kovind inaugurates Ambedkar Avenue & addresses Indian Community in Kingston

First India Bureau

Friendship Garden Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu addressing the officers and staff of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

VP to Defence forces: Be

ready to repel security threat Naidu calls for developing capabilities in new and emerging areas of warfare such as information & cyber war First India Bureau

President Ram Nath Kovind presents a symbolic gift of cricket kits to Jamaica Cricket Association President Willford Billy Heaven as a mark of cricket cooperation between India and Jamaica, in Kingston on Tuesday.

—PHOT BY ANI

drew Holness, they discussed ways to further strengthen the close relationships between the countries.

While addressing the Indian community in Jamaica, President Kovind shared that “the First Lady of Jamaica was so fascinated with Indian culture that to-

day she wore a ‘salwarkurta’.”

Earlier, President inaugurated an ‘India-Jamaica Friendship Garden’ at the Hope Gardens, Jamaica and planted a sapling along with the First Lady.

President Kovind also presented a symbolic gift of cricket kits

to Jamaica Cricket Association, as a mark of cricket cooperation between the two nations.

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Wilford Billy Heaven received the same.

Earlier, on the sidelines of this inaugural event, Matthew Samuda, Minister without

Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation said, “Environmental challenges like climate crisis & pollution are global crises.

India and Jamaica are developing nations, it is important that we lead the world in environmental protection.”

BJP is doing politics of India and Africa must respond riots: Sisodia in Himachal to uncertain world: Jaishankar Shimla (PTI): AAP senior leader Manish Sisodia on Tuesday attacked the Himachal Pradesh government saying the education system in the state is “in shambles” and also claimed that while his party delivers quality education, the BJP indulges in “politics of riots” Sisodia, who is also the deputy chief minister of Delhi, is visiting the northern state ahead of the assembly polls due in December.

He alleged that the BJP does “politics of riots” and pits people against one another.

He said he had a discussion with intellectuals who had come from every nook and corner of Himachal Pradesh over the education system.

“The education system in Himachal Pradesh is in shambles

Manish Sisodia

DELHI MODEL

as government schools lack basic infrastructure and quality education, while fees in private schools are very high as the state government has given them free hand to loot the people,” Sisodia told reporters.

New Delhi (PTI): India and Africa must respond to the “volatile and uncertain” world and important lessons can be learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar said development partnership and capacity building is at the core of India’s relationship with the African continent and it speaks for New Delhi’s shared desire of developing together as “equals”.

He said India was “very conscious” of the expanding threats of radicalism, fundamentalism and terrorism to African societies and both sides have been cooperating in dealing with the challenges.

“Today, our ties too must respond to the

S Jaishankar

“There are important lessons to be learnt from the pandemic disruption.

The stresses from the knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict are also relevant.

—S Jaishankar, Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister

volatile and uncertain world that we confront,” he said.

“There are important lessons to be learnt from the pandemic disruption. The stresses from the knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict are also relevant,” Jaishankar said.

Highlighting India’s development partnership with the African

continent, he said the “difference that we have made to the hard and soft infrastructure is something of which we can be justifiably proud.”

“To date, India has completed 189 projects in Africa, with 76 at the execution stage and 68 today at the pre-execution stage, he said at a book release event.

Udhagamandalam (TN): India is facing multiple security challenges in a highly complex and unpredictable geo-political environment, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday and called upon the armed forces to be fully prepared to handle any challenge and repel any security threat firmly.

Also, Venkaiah Naidu, who is the first Vice President to visit the Defence Services Staff College, Welling-

96 dengue cases in Delhi so far New Delhi (PTI): Nearly 100 dengue cases have been reported in Delhi till date, according to a civic report released on Tuesday.

Till April 30 this year, 81 dengue cases had been recorded in the city, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said in its weekly report.

Ninety-six cases of dengue have been reported till May 14, it said.

No death has been reported due to the vector-borne disease so far, it said. Delhi had recorded 23 dengue cases in January, 16 in February, 22 in March, and 20 in April, the report said.

ton, in the district, in 52 years, said taking into account new and emerging areas of conflict, the armed forces should develop the Indian military into a “future force.”

Previously, Gopal Swarup Pathak, then Vice President, visited the college in 1970.

“We are facing both symmetric and asymmetric threats from outside and within. Therefore, our armed forces should be fully prepared to handle any challenge and repel any security threat firmly,”

the Vice President said while addressing the officers and staff of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

Historically, India has never been expansionist in its outlook and her approach has always been of peaceful coexistence and one designed to deter the forces of terror and disruption. “The nation is confident that any attempt to challenge India’s sovereignty by inimical forces would be dealt with strongly by our security forces,” Naidu warned.

Rains continue in Kerala, Orange alert in nine districts T h i r u v a n a n thapuram (PTI): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued an Orange alert in nine districts in Kerala for Tuesday while it issued the same for seven districts on Wednesday indicating heavy rainfall.

Even though the Red alert, which indicates extremely heavy rainfall, issued in the last few days at various districts has been withdrawn, various weather forecasting centres in the country have predicted isolated heavy rains across the state.

The IMD has issued an Orange alert on Tuesday for the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

—REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE

Kingston (Jamaica): While hailing the friendly relations between India and Jamaica, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said that despite geographical distance, the economic interactions between the two democracies flourish.

In his speech at the “Indian Community and Friends of India Warm Welcome” Programme in Jamaica, President Kovind said, “India and Jamaica continue to enjoy cordial and friendly relations based on shared democratic values... economic and commercial interactions continue to grow despite constraints like geographical distance.

However, there remains potential for enhanced trade and investment.”

President Kovind added that in his talk with Governor-General of Jamaica Patrick Allen and PM of Jamaica An-

Cyclonic circulation

However, for Wednesday, there is no Orange alert for Ernakulam and Idukki. “Fishermen are advised not to venture into these sea areas,” the IMD said.

WELCOME TO INDIA

Lot of stories to explore in India, says PM; invites global filmmakers lll

PM Narendra Modi noted India was the largest film producing country in the world with rich heritage and cultural diversity being its strengths

First India Bureau New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has a lot of stories to be explored and asked international filmmakers to benefit from the seamless possibilities to make movies in the country.

In a message, he expressed happiness on India’s participation as ‘country of honour’ at the Marche du Films held alongside the Cannes Film festival.

“As India celebrates its 75th year of Inde-

CANNES FESTIVAL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

pendence, the 75th anniversary of Cannes Film Festival as well as 75 years of Indo-French diplomatic ties enhance the pride and joy associ-

ated with the momentous milestones,” Modi said.

He noted India was the largest film producing country in the world

with rich heritage and cultural diversity being its strengths.

“We have a lot of stories to be explored. India truly possesses im-

mense potential to become the content hub of the world,” Modi said.

He said the government was steadfast in its efforts towards furthering ease of doing business in the film sector. “From facilitating international film coproductions, to ensuring a single window clearance mechanism for permissions for filming across the country, India offers seamless possibilities to filmmakers of the world,” Modi said.

“Our spellbinding lo-

cations, technological prowess in film making and talent of young men and women provide a perfect backdrop for film makers,” he said.

Modi said it was heartening to note that a Satyajit Ray film has been restored for screening in the Cannes Classic Section as India celebrates the birth centenary of the legendary filmmaker.

He noted that startups from India will showcase their strengths at the Cannes

Film Festival. He said the India Pavilion will display facets of Indian cinema and promote international partnerships and learnings.

As a major highlight of India’s participation at this edition of Cannes Film Festival, world premier of “Rocketry”, produced by R Madhavan, is scheduled to be showcased at the Palais des Festivals of the market screening on May 19.

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur is leading the Indian delegation.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epapers/delhi I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

SOUL OF A

WARRIOR! CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH AND DIGNITY, AND SHE LAUGHS WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE, SUPERTALENTED PALAK SHAH SHARED HER JOURNEY IN A CANDID TALK WITH CITY FIRST Where do you see yourself after the next 20 years?

I see myself as a successful actor and model. Who had done multiple hit movies and some amazing fashion shows and campaigns. I also see myself as a business women.

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR

uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

T

ell us something about yourself.

I am very hard working and focused towards what I chose. I love being myself and truly want to follow my passion and turn into my career. I was a national sports player back in school.

Travel junkie, fitness enthusiast and a confectioner are some of my personality traits.

I am student pursuing ‘Film and Television New Media Course from UPG college, Mumbai.’

How did your journey start?

I started working at the age of 16 and so far I have been working really hard to set my foot into the industry. I hadn’t prioritised this field rather I was a national level sports player back in school, a total Tom boy personality. But then I found myself interested into the field of glamour and that’s how my journey started.

What were some of the battles you fought and are still fighting in your journey?

I come from a conservative family and first battle was to convince my family that it is something I am sure of doing and I will do it with atmost dedication. The battles I face now are growing slow and peo-

ple judging me for what I do, however I have started to make peace with it that and the fact that it will take time but will be for the best at the end. Talk to us about your achievements?

I made my debut in a music video called EK RAAH. It was launched in August 2021. I have been working on an Amazon Webseries called Jee Karda along side Tamannaah Bhatia and is produced by Maddock films. Various projects like LOREAL fashion show, GLAMRS campaign, shot for brands like Kalki, AZA fashion, Sugar Cosmetics and many more. Won pageants2nd runners up and best photogenic face for MISS MY EARTH 2020, Miss Talented at QUEEN OF COSMOS 2022, finalist for Mumbai Times Fresh Face season 13.

09

ETC NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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FEAR-PROOF KARTIK BAJORIA

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

A

FA CE OF TH ED AY

s an educator, my interactions with students across the middle and senior school have yielded a disturbing reality. That unlike when we were young, unworried and unhurried, kids nowadays are a stressed lot.

They seem to carry the weight of the world on their modest shoulders.

While some are constantly burdened by the heft of unrealistic and skyhigh expectations, of academic and non-scholastic achievements & targets; others feel a tremendous pressure to create an identity for themselves that is unique and differentiated, yet enables them to ‘fit in’.

However, among all the psychological burdens that students tend to feel these days, it is an uncertain future, that many of them seem mortally frightened of. This is a problem that has, in no small measure, been perpetuated by Covid-related anxieties arising from one to three years of practically no schooling!

Why do we need to ask as parents and educators, do our kids feel this kind of bleeding pressure?

Why, rather than being hopeful, enthusiastic, excited, and optimistic about the future, are they scared, troubled, dismayed, and pessimistic about it?

ALL KIDS ARE

YOUR CHILDREN

THEIR OWN UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE

KIDS ARE CONSTANTLY BURDENED BY UNREALISTIC AND SKY-HIGH EXPECTATIONS

STOP NAGGING & COMPARING

M

y perception of this troubling trend is down to the conscious and unconscious competitive pressure that we place on our kids. Without even realizing it, we constantly nag our children, comparing their performance and achievements with those of their friends and peers, on occasion, even proudly presenting specific kids as examples and compelling our children to be like them! All this causes a child to lose not just interest, but a will to explore, discover and find themselves. It is a behavioural pattern that we as adult caregivers must correct, forthwith. Every individual child must be allowed the process of organic, natural self-discovery at his or her own pace.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

OPEN FUTURE OPTIONS

T

he other facet of this increasing disillusionment with the future comes from a predetermined future course of education and career. Now, planning for the future is all well and good. However, many times, as parents, we don’t merely suggest and expose our kids to options, we pretty much assert, even brainwash them into a certain chosen future path, that has little or nothing to do with the child itself, not accounting for his/her likes, dislikes, passions, talents, interest areas and aptitude. In this kind of scenario, the future, rather than presenting itself as a hopeful and joyous prospect, becomes a tunnel with no light at the end of it.

We must, therefore, however

hard the temptation might be, steer clear of defining our children’s plans, academic, and otherwise. We need to let our kids make their own choices and give them the power to own their o w n lives.

ARIES

TAURUS

Develop a good adaptability to handle pressurized situation on professional front. Paying special attention to plan your career would give immense joy. You are likely to get clearance or approval for your construction plans. You find things moving in the way you want.

Avoid being indulgent in your spending to balance budget. Continue to put in efforts at work and you will see promising opportunities coming your way. Matrimonial match for siblings will bring happiness for entire family. You will get a good price for your property.

L

astly, the sooner we can accept that our children don’t need to be either version of ourselves, nor is their intelligence defined ONLY by academic achievements, the better the environment that we create for them, will be. If there is a student who is not performing well academically at school, rather than berating that child about it, taunting, warning of a bleak future; the child will be infinitely better served, if as parents, we focused our energies and efforts on identifying areas that the child is good in. I have seen countless examples of students who were my contemporaries, and even today from among my students, who don’t present an aptitude for traditional subjects but are remarkably adept and ingenious in alternative areas.

One example that comes immediately to mind is a local Jaipur story of this boy who dropped out of school, and employing his immense entrepreneurial skills, today owns and runs one of the most successful chains of Burger Restaurants!

The future, as it is, isn’t looking particularly rosy. With all the problems that plague the world, the last thing we need is a generation of worriers! In fact, what is required, is the complete opposite – a set of people who are confident and optimistic enough to bring significant change in the world, and heal it.

Let us begin by making a small change in our parenting philosophies today, and enable our kids to shine tomorrow.

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members, normalizing ties. You will remain much in demand on social front. You need to stand by romantic partner during testing times to make the relationship stronger. Seek expert opinion for a health supplement.

Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. Some of you are going experience emotional fulfillment on romantic front. Place emphasis on domestic affairs to enhance the domestic tranquility and harmony. Associate with humanitarian group.

It is good day to confess your love as stars appear favourable for positive reply. Your sole dependency on friends may fail to bring any respite from loneliness today.A sound financial health of businessmen would enable to give monetary benefits to employees.

SAGITTARIUS Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit.

Investment antiques and jewellery would bring handsome financial gains. On professional front, recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder. Those awaiting an affirmation on romantic front will get lucky.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

NUPUR SATIJA, Blogger

10

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Don’t give a firm commitment in financial matters before considering the viability of the project. You succeed in completing an important project well before deadline.

Disagreements on the family front are foreseen. Be careful about the legal apprehensions in the property.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Rewards and recognition will come your way for your involvement in a social endeavour. It’s a very good day to take calculated risks in financial matters. Those suffering from chronic ailments may find remarkable improvement in their health with home remedies.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Chances of being misled by competitors in business are high, so remain alert.

You may get a chance to pursue old hobby. Health tips from an expert will enable you to get closer to your fitness goals. Your generous behavior would enable to enjoy lovely moments with family.

Senior management will be appreciative of your creative inputs on professional front.

Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal.

An impromptu invitation to a function from an unexpected friend is likely to be received. Your initiatives bring passion and spark in relationship.

Your hard work and dedication are likely to be noticed by seniors, paving way for promotion or increment. Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment. Family will be supportive of career aspirations. A promising day overall.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

A sound monetary position would enable you to keep pace with changing times. Avoid raising controversial issues at home to maintain harmony. Successful implementation of new ideas and projects would add to your prestige on the professional front.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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NICK ON FATHERHOOD

KIARA ON CHIC

N

ick Jonas is opening up about his experiences as a new father. During a Monday morning visit on Today, Jonas reminisced on parenthood, telling Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly that "life is beautiful." Jonas and his wife Priyanka Chopra welcomed their first child, Malti Marie, through surrogacy in January. "She's a gift and we're just so blessed," Jonas said of Malti on Today. The former Disney Channel star also called his daughter a “badass” in the social media upload. “Let’s get it M!” the actor wrote at the time. “Mommy and Daddy love you.”

PARADE K

iara Advani's promotional looks for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 have the internet talking and scouring for outfit details. Seen at the airport yesterday, the 29-year-old donned a blueprinted semi-sheer maxi dress with double straps, an overlap feature placed on the bust with smock detailing and ruffle giving it a pretty aesthetic. Live your style fancies with this lightweight travel attire. She styled this with her go-to grey Christian Dior tote bag and flat brown footwear.

Just when we thought only peppy colours were making history, beige obsession is on the rise too. Round it all up with classic gold hoop earrings, stacked necklaces, and beige footwear.

Allow yourself to shine with a glossy pout.

Kiara Advani

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

Deepika’s Cannes

HINA AT CANNES

AMBER ON LOOK OUT DONATION

B

ollywood’s brightest star Deepika Padukone is part of the film festival as a jury member along with other prestigious personalities of the entertainment industry across the world. Just a while ago, Deepika’s first look from the film festival went public as she joined the other jury members for dinner at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. For her very first look at the 75th annual film festival, Deepika wore Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2021 collection.

Her hair and makeup

A

Deepika Padukone

were also on point.

Needless to say, she looked gorgeous. In 2018, Time Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.”

SAM ASGHARI THANKS FANS

mber Heard took to the stand again this week in the ongoing defamation trial against Johnny Depp as the court resumed after a break. The actress during her cross-examination was asked about the divorce settlement sum that she had promised in a donation to the ACLU. Heard admitted in court that she never finished donating the full USD 7 million.

Speaking about not Amber Heard completing her donation, Heard told the court on Monday, “I still fully intend on honoring all of my pledges. I would love him to stop suing me so I can.” Currently, Heard is being sued by Depp for USD 50 million for her 2018 op-ed where she claimed she is a domestic violence survivor.

H

ina Khan is undoubtedly one of the most popular personalities on television. This diva is all set to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Hina was recently spotted at the airport, leaving for the event in a casual yet chic co-ords. It is an honour for Hina Khan to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet again.

She had earlier attended the gala to unveil the poster of her film Lines.

This year before attending Cannes, the actress also graced the UK Asian Film Festival. At this event, Hina has bestowed the prestigious award of ‘Trailblazer of the Year’ for her film Lines. Hina made heads turn as she appeared in a stunning off-white outfit at the event.

Hina Khan

HARRY OPENS UP

H

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari

B

ritney Spears and Sam Asghari recently announced they lost their “miracle baby” in early pregnancy in a heartbreaking post. The post received a heartwarming response from their fans. In a second statement, Sam wrote, “We have felt your support. We are taking things positively and moving forward with our future. It’s hard but we are not alone.

Thank you for respecting our privacy. We will be expanding our family soon.”

11

arry Styles recently released his new album titled Harry's House and it is already receiving praises from fans. In a recent interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the singer opened up on many things including the new album as well as his One Direction past. He spoke about the special bond shared by him and his One Direction bandmates, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. Harry revealed how the band members are still close.

AT CANNES

T Harry Styles

Tamannaah gears up

T

MADHAVAN’S DEBUT

amannaah Bhatia will be walking the red carpet tonight and her fans are excited to see what she chooses to wear on the big night.

The latest social media update has got the admirers even more thrilled. In the latest picture, one can see Tamannaah Bhatia doing her makeup for Cannes 2022 by the poolside. Although only her reflection in the mirror is visible, it looks like the fashionista is all set to make a statement. She was papped at the Mumbai airport on Mondy heading to France.

Tamannah Bhatia

he much talked about Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off.

The I&B ministry has also chosen six Indian films to be screened at the festivals. The films will be screened for the global audience attending this festival. The lineup includes R. Madhavan’s Rocketry – The Nambi Effect (Hindi, English, Tamil), Godavari (Marathi), Alpha Beta Gamma (Hindi), Boomba Ride (Mishing), Dhuin (Hindi, Marathi) and Niraye Thathakalulla Maram AKA Tree Full of Parrots (Malayalam). R. Madhavan is ecstatic but also nervous as his scientist biopic is set to be screened. “I’m very excited and nervous as well. As an actor himself, if your film is going to the Cannes film festival, you are already nervous.

And now as a director, and that too my debut film, I don’t know what to feel. I have got knots in my stomach.” said the actor.

R. Madhavan

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

NEW DELHI | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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artists. Every character in the film was so integral to its universe. We were living in one house together like a family and it felt great.

What do you think are the greatest strengths and weaknesses in the profession of acting?

DHANUSHREE VYAS cityfirstdel@gmail.com

Tell us something about yourself?

My name is Ritika Nayak and I am from Delhi. I graduated from Delhi University recently. My hobbies are travelling, dancing and reading. My favourite authors are Murakami and Dan Brown. I believe that firm discipline is what enables one to overcome any hurdles while moving toward their dreams. This principle was ingrained into me when I was in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) where I held the rank of sergeant. I think that complex things become easier with an optimistic mindset.

How was your experience in the movie?

I worked in the movie Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam. Everyone on the set made me feel very comfortable. They even translated the lines for me. I was very happy working with an amazing lineup of actors such as Vishwak and Rukshar and other experienced

I am relatively new to the profession but I feel that I work well when I am challenged. I am not very comfortable with Telugu but I could perform my role as I challenged myself for the same. I overfocus at times which gets unproductive but I am trying to overcome that.

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I enjoy being a part of a hypothetical situation. Whenever I make my director's imagination come true, it becomes the happiest moment for me. It gives me immense thrills.

‘CHARACTER IS ESSENTIAL IN LIFE’ CITY FIRST

P

ankaj Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Finance, unveiled the book Life by noted writer and social activist Dr Krishna Saksena. In this small book, Dr Saksena has described the ups and downs of life through various aspects in a simple language. The book also evokes a sense of love, kindness, gratitude and spirituality with many fascinating anecdotes to demonstrate their impact on quality of life. The author has provided readers with an opportunity to decide the conclusion.

Chaudhary said that it is a proud moment for me that we have the opportunity to release the book Life by Dr Krishna Saksena, the first woman PhD from Lucknow University in 1955. He said that after retiring at the age of 93, Dr Sak-

—PHOTO BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

In an interesting tete a tete with City First, model turned actress, Ritika Nayak talks about her journey so far!

12

RAVISHING RITIKA

BUZZ

Dr Krishna Saksena and Pankaj Chaudhary

sena is showing people the way of life through her books. Dr Saksena emphasized that value systems should be created in society.

Progress is not about wealth but is about serving parents, respecting elders and having proper conduct. Dr

Saksena has been a professor of English and started writing books after retiring. Since has written 12 to 13 books so far on social issues such as women empowerment, parent-child relationship and changing face of society.

SPREADING AWARENESS

What are your long-term career goals?

I am determined to have an amazing journey as an actor and play as many characters as I can. I am looking forward to a spectacular acting career. I wish to be successful while retaining my humility and integrity.

The Twitter handle of the Delhi Police on Monday shared glimpses of the awareness campaign for people in the Patel Nagar area to curb incidents of fire. People were trained to extinguish short circuits and fires in LPG cylinders.

The Twitter handle of the DCP South Delhi on Friday shared glimpses of the Cyber Awareness programme in schools under the Cyber Safe initiative. Nine schools and 1,800 students have attended the session in South district so far.

Ritika Nayak

CITY FIRST

F

ilmmaker Imtiaz Ali, music composer Shantanu Moitra and singer Mohit Chauhan are among the eminent personalities who will be attending the 2022 edition of the oral storytelling festival Kathakar. Organised by cultural forums Nivesh and Babaji Music at the Sunder Nursery, the twoday festival will kick off on May 20 and will feature rare folk stories as well as native tales from Rajasthan and Gujarat alongside Italy, the UAE and Poland.

The 10-session event will also be attended by Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who beside releasing the book “Curious Tales

BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2

KATHAKAR 2022

from the Desert” during the inaugural day will also be seen conversing with Ali, Moitra and Chauhan in one of the highlight sessions, titled ‘Kissey, Kahani aur Mountain’.

Touted to be India’s only oral storytelling festival, Kathakar was

launched in 2011 in memory of Thakur Vishwa Narain Singh, a noted journalist and the first Braille editor in India.

“This year we bring to you the stories from the sand dunes spread across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Multan, Sindh. We have sto-

rytellers from India and Poland who tell folktales spanning centuries and different parts of the world,” Gahilote, the curator of the festival, said in a statement. Theatre artist Sikandar Khan, Sanchi Peswani and international storytellers Paola Bal-

bi from Italy and Michal Malinowski from Poland are also among the known names taking part in the festival.

The festival will come to an end with a Rajasthani folk music performance by Mohd Rafiq Langa and the group on May 21.

An exclusive photoshoot of Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, for the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, took place on Monday at Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. The film is slated to release on May 20.

—PHOTO BY MANOJ KESHARWANI