First India-Jaipur Edition-18th June 2023

IN BRIEF

States in Peril!

Gujarat and Rajasthan battle ongoing Cyclone Biparjoy disasters

Rajasthan’s Own English Newspaper

SHAH HAILS TEAMWORK, SAYS NO CASUALTY DURING CYCLONE BIPARJOY IN GUJARAT

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after an aerial survey of areas that bore brunt of cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat, hailed teamwork of central agencies and State govt and said not even a single life was lost during powerful cyclone. “PM Modi had ordered to make all arrangements before landfall of the cyclone. PM himself had discussions with State govt and agencies regarding preparedness,” HM Shah said.

Power has been restored in 1,600 villages out of the 3,400 villages where the power supply was cut. Around 73,000 animals were taken to safe spots. Electricity will be fully restored by June 20.

AMIT SHAH, UNION HOME MINISTER

CYCLONE-FUELLED RAINS LASH WEST RAJ

Waterlogged streets after 136 mm rainfall in Barmer’s Sedwa due to Cyclone Biparjoy, on Saturday.

 Several places in Rajasthan received very heavy rainfall on Saturday due to severe cyclone Biparjoy

 Mount Abu of Sirohi district, which is close to the Gujarat border, received 210mm of rainfall till 12.30 pm

 13 trains from Jodhpur, 14 from Barmer remained cancelled

FIRING CONTINUES IN WAR-TORN MANIPUR

2 injured in clashes, mobs try to burn BJP leaders’ houses

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Minister of Jal

Shakti Gajendra Singh

Shekhawat and Prahlad Singh Patel during 4th National Water Awards in Delhi on Saturday. P6

NIA team to probe attacks on Indian High Commission in Canada

New Delhi: The NIA is set to investigate the recent attacks on Indian High Commission in Canada and the US. According to reports, Delhi Police, that had earlier registered FIR, have now transferred the case of ‘Khalistani elements’ to the NIA. P6

Ameesha surrenders in cheque bounce case

Ranchi: Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel on Saturday surrendered before the Ranchi Civil Court in connection with a cheque bounce case. Court granted her bail and asked her to appear on June 21.

More than 41 killed in rebel attack on Ugandan school

Kampala: Ugandan authorities recovered the bodies of 41 people, including 38 students, following an attack by suspected rebels on secondary school near the border with Congo, the local mayor said Saturday. The victims included students & a guard.

Moni Sharma Imphal/New Delhi

Two civilians were injured in the violence on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday as mobs clashed with security forces in Manipur’s Imphal. In the latest violent episodes in Manipur, mobs have repeatedly tried to burn the houses of leaders of the BJP.

The incidents of clashes and attempts at arson targeted at BJP leaders’ houses follows the act of setting the house of Union minister RK Ranjan Singh on fire. Earlier, BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte was injured in an attack in Manipur.

MAJOR HAPPENINGS

In separate incidents, automatic gunfire was reported from Kwakta in Bishnupur district of Manipur and Kangvai in Churachandpur district.

Mobs burn the houses of BJP leaders in Imphal on Saturday.

LAW & ORDER NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION IN MANIPUR AT HIGHEST LEVEL: EX-ARMY CHIEF

Amid fresh escalation of violence in Manipur over the last few days, ex-IA chief general (Retired) Ved Prakash Malik, in a tweet, General Malik PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and HM Amit Shah, and wrote: “Law and order situation in Manipur needs urgent attention at highest level.”

NATIONAL LEGISLATORS’ CONFERENCE

Toppling elected govts through horse trading is matter of concern: CM Gehlot

IN A DEMOCRACY, AN IDEOLOGICAL FIGHT EXISTS BETWEEN THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES, WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE MADE PERSONAL, STRESSES

hief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the tradition of toppling elected governments through horse trading is a matter of concern for the entire country. He said it is the duty of the people’s representatives not to change the party at any cost and to maintain complete loyalty and dedication towards their party.

Gehlot was addressing the three-day National Legislators’ Conference being held in Mumbai through a video conference from his residence.

Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Rapid Action Force held joint marches till midnight through the state capital to halt rioters from congregating. Mob build-up was reported near the residence of MLA Biswajeet and they tried to set the house on fire.

The mob also attempted vandalism at the residence of state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi in Imphal.

 2 flights — Udaipur to Delhi and Udaipur to Mumbai also cancelled

 15-year-old girl dies as electric wires fell on her in Pali’s Jaitaran

 Several trees and electric poles were uprooted amidst gusty winds at Dungarpur, Udaipur, Barmer, Sirohi and Pali districts MORE ON PAGES 3,7

Power has been restored in 1,600 villages out of the 3,400 villages where the power supply was cut. Around 73,000 animals were taken to safe spots. Electricity will be fully restored by June 20.

RADHEY SHYAM SHARMA, JAIPUR MeT DIRECTOR

Minor wrestler changed her remarks because...:

Sakshi Malik's big claim

First India Bureau New Delhi

Sarv samaj body imposes `21L on kin of rape accused

First India Bureau Bharatpur

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and her wrestler husband Satyawart Kadian on Saturday insisted that their protest was not politically motivated and they kept mum for years despite facing harassment because the wrestling fraternity was not united earlier.

Ruckus erupted at the venue of an event of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Gonda on Saturday

In a video posted on Twitter, Kadian said a false narrative was being created around their protest and they wanted to clear the air.

The minor wrestler, who had accused WFI Chief Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, changed her statement because her family was threatened. The reason we were silent for so many days was because we lacked unity. We could never get united.

SAKSHI MALIK, WRESTLER

Our fight is not against the government, but the misdeeds of the WFI President.

SATYAWART KADIAN, WRESTLER

A sarv samaj panchayat allegedly imposed a fine of Rs 21 lakh on the family of a rape accused in Bharatpur district. Rs 7 lakh was extorted from the grandfather of the accused but the matter came to light after the family of 2 rape victims lodged an FIR with Kaman police station.

A case against the panch was also registered by the family of the accused. Both the cases are being investigated. Meanwhile, one of the two rape victims was married by their family. The rape accused called her in laws and told them that she was already married and converted to Islam following which the family of the victim lodged a case.

TOP RAJASTHAN STORIES

State govt transfers 6 IAS and 11 IPS officers including Arushi Ajey Malik, VK Singh & others

In a major reshuffle in bureaucracy, the Rajasthan government on Saturday transferred 6 IAS and 11 IPS officers. 3 IAS officers were also given additional charge. The IAS officers who have been transferred include Arushi Ajey Malik (secretary and commissioner child rights department), H Guite (Commissioner and joint secretary – Disabilities), Shruti Bhardwaj (project director SMSA) and others. In another order, the DoP transferred 11 IPS officers including 3 ADG, 1 DIG and 2 SPs. P8

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addresses 3-day National Legislators’ Conference being held in Mumbai through VC, on Saturday.

In a democracy, an ideological fight exists between 2 parties, which should never be made personal.

ASHOK GEHLOT, CM

“Horse trading is a matter of concern for the entire

country,” Gehlot said. He said earlier there used to be harmony between the parties despite differences of opinions on various issues, but in the present, this tradition is dying. MORE ON P8

Teacher exam paper leak! RPSC cancels Group-A, B exam; to reconduct on July 30 RPSC to re-conduct the Group-A and B GK exam of Senior Teacher Exam 2022 on July 30. The exams were cancelled on suspicion of paper leak after Group-C paper was leaked. The decision has been taken after talks on report received from the SOG, informed Jt Secy Ashutosh Gupta. SOG had arrested RPSC member Babulal Katara and others over Group-C paper leak. Shubham Jain

Damaged temporary structures at a beach, in the aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy, in Mandvi, Kutch district on Saturday. PTI

Two labourers killed in mine collapse in Tonk

Tonk: Two labourers were killed coming under the debris of a stone mine collapse in Tonk district on Saturday, police said. The victims were identified as Sheru Khan and Dev Lal. The incident was reportedly caused by rainwater collected outside leaking into the mine. Manoj Sharma

Sirohi: Two killed in bike-pickup collision

Sirohi: A speeding pickup collided with a bike injuring 3 youths, where 2 died on the spot & one was injured. The identity of one of the deceased is Raigaram, a resident of Fugni village. The identity of another deceased is yet to be known.

Jhalawar: Mare and rider die after falling in well, says police

Jhalawar: A horse rider fell into a well along with a mare in the Aklera area resulting in the death of the two. The incident took place in Binda-ke-Mal village. Ghatoli police station officer Mohammad Ibrahim said, the horse rider Ramlal, died in the accident.

Everyone sees PM Modi as Messiah, says Arun Singh

Singh also said that Modi govt is doing the work of cultural revival

First India Bureau Pushkar

BJP’s national general secretary and state incharge Arun Singh on Sunday said that PM Narendra Modi did what he said. He said that every worker of the Rajasthan BJP is effectively doing the work of taking

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public welfare schemes to the masses through the Maha Sampark Abhiyan.

Addressing a Maha Sampark Abhiyan at Kadel village in Pushkar, Singh said that be it farmers, deprived, or the poor, everyone sees Prime

Minister Narendra Modi as a messiah. He said that the people of the country have faith in the prime minister. Singh said that the Modi gov-

Protest Aganist Road Widening

9-year-old girl gangraped, 1 accused held

First India Bureau Bharatpur

SHAH IN UDAIPUR RALLY ON JUNE 30

Udaipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Udaipur has been rescheduled to June 30. It was reported that Amit Shah will address the Lok Sabha-level BJP convention on June 30. State BJP President CP Joshi took a meeting of key workers on Saturday and instructed them to make the program a historic success. He also gave responsibility to the office bearers.

ernment is doing the work of cultural revival. He also targeted the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan saying that in 4.5

years, the Gehlot government only gave “Jungle Raj” under which law and order deteriorated and crime against women, Dalits increased.

A nine-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and gang raped in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. Two accused men kidnapped the girl living in her neighbourhood on Friday night and took her to a house where they allegedly gangraped her, police said. The victim has been admitted to a hospital and surgery is required as some serious injuries found in her private parts. Family and hospital staff were shocked after seeing her condition as she was soaked in blood when admitted to the hospital. The case pertains to Kaman police station Jurhura area of the city. A team led by DSP Pradeep Yadav conducted a search operation and detained one of the accused. The search for the other accused is on in the entire district. It is being told that accused is known to the family.

Monitoring of Tigress T-63 increased after she falls sick

First India Bureau Sawai Madhopur

The condition of tigress

T 63 has deteriorated in Ranthambore following which a team of the forest department has increased her monitoring. The tigress was seen in weak condition during patrolling in the Khandar forest area.

MARRIED WOMAN GANG-RAPED BY 3; MINOR BOY SODOMISED

Bharatpur: A married woman was allegedly gang-raped by 3 men in Bharatpur district. The victim lodged an FIR with Nadbai police station against the accused Sher Singh. The case is being investigated, police said. In another incident, a 9-year-old boy was allegedly sodomized in Sriganganagar district by 2 men. A case swas lodged against Gaggu Raisikh and Rohit Nayak under section 377 of IPC and the relevant section of the POCSO act.

13-YEAR-OLD GIRL KIDNAPPED, RAPED; GETS PREGNANT

Dungarpur. A rape case has been filed at Bichiwada police station for kidnapping and taking a 13-year-old minor girl hostage. The minor got pregnant after that and gave birth to a child. The accused also threatened to kill her if she reported this incident to the police. Bichiwada SHO Madanlal said that a report has been lodged on behalf of the father of the minor girl. On June 20, 2022, the accused abducted the victim and raped her.

LIFER TO MAN FOR RAPING AND KILLING MINOR

Jaipur: A POCSO court here has awarded life imprisonment to a 24-year-old man for kidnapping, raping, and murdering a minor girl in the Sanganer area of Jaipur in 2015. Judge Narendra Singh pronounced the judgment and imposed a fine of `1.58 lakh on Suraj Jatav. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment till death. Jatav, a resident of Farrukhabad in UP, had abducted the 9-year-old girl and brutally murdered her after raping her on March 9, 2015. SSP Lalita Sanjeev Maharwal was from the prosecution.

CM Gehlot approves proposal to open new SHCs in 441 villages

First India Bureau Jaipur

Mansarovar Vyapar Mandal protested against the JDA’s proposal of road widening which will lead to the demolition of several shops located at New Sanganer Road. The protest was held at the office of Congress candidate from Sanganer Assembly Pushpendra Bharadwaj. The complete market remained closed due to the protest on Saturday.

BMS delegation holds talk with roadways MD

A six-member delegation of labour organisations affiliated with Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) met Rajasthan Roadways MD Nathmal Didel and held a discussion on various demands and issues. The delegation led by Ra-

‘Future CM

Vasundhara Raje’ resounds in J’khand

The slogans of “Future Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje” resounded during the visit of former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje in Jharkhand. She addressed the party workers from the stage during the promotion of PM Modi’s achievements of 9 years. During this, many MLAs and former MLAs shouted slogans of

jbihari Sharma, All India Vice President of BMS, met the Rajasthan Roadways MD and apprised him of the demands like removal of anomalies regarding OPS, honorarium among others.

The MD Nathmal Didel assured the delegation to look into the demands and to provide positive action on this.

The 12-year-old big cat is not even able to walk properly. Following information from the patrolling team, DCF Mohit

Gupta & other staff reached the spot to review her health and increase her monitoring. Her condition became critical due

to non-hunting. The board of veterinary doctors will decide the course of treatment. If necessary, the tigress will be tranquilized.

17 miscreants arrested in Bhilwara

First India Bureau Bhilwara

The Bhilwara Police on Friday late night arrested 17 miscreants involved in crimes like loot, theft, molestation, causing hurt, and other related crimes.

Police informed the accused targeted three houses in the Benada area on Wednesday night

Vasundhara Raje with Annpurna Devi during Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan at Bagodar Stadium, in Giridih district on Thursday.

‘future Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’. The news was also published in many leading newspapers. Some wrote, “Vasundhara Raje will ascend the throne of Rajasthan via Jharkhand.” At the same time, news also appeared about the reconciliation between the high com-

mand and Raje. In such a situation, there is now wait about the Vasundhara factor in the politics of Rajasthan also. Raje’s big show of strength is also fixed in Kota in July. Now it has to be seen what role will the BJP decide for Vasundhara Raje?

Aishwary Pradhan

and attacked all the victims.” Kalyan Gurjar, a resident of Kajlodiya vil-

Kejriwal, Mann to address rally in Sgnr today

The Aam Aadmi Party is going to make its election debut on June 18 through the rally of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in Sri Ganganagar on Sunday. State Vice President of AAP, Dr. Sunil Dhayal said that Kejriwal and Mann will address the people of the state on basic issues like electricity, water, education, paper leak, and corruption.

lage, filed a case against 55 people in the village. Following the complaint,

the teams were formed and a search operation was carried out in the area to arrest all the miscreants.

On Friday night, seventeen people were arrested and are being interrogated. The miscreants are involved in crimes like causing hurt, loot, theft, molestation, and others,” the police said.

SURGICAL EMERGENCY

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to open new sub-health centers in 441 villages of different districts of the state and create one post of female health workers for each health center.

The proposed SHCs in districts include Barmer 39, Dausa 33, Jaipur-I 25, Sikar 25, Alwar 23, Jaisalmer 22, Nagaur 20, Jhunjhunu 20, Bharatpur 19, Ajmer 17, Dungarpur 15, Hanumangarh 15, Karauli 14, Churu 14, Jaipur-II 14, Baran 14, Bhilwara 12, Jodhpur 12, Tonk 12, Rajsamand 10, Kota 9, Bikaner 9, 6 each in Dholpur, Bundi, Udaipur, 5 each Banswara, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Sri Ganganagar, 4 each in Sirohi, Jalore and 2 in Pali. Also, 1-1 post of female health worker (total of 441 posts) will be created for each SHC.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

DIDWANA: MATERNAL HEALTH UNIT TO OPEN

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal for opening of 50 bed Maternal & Child Health Unit in Didwana and creation of 22 different posts for operation of the unit.

CHAUGAN STADIUM TO BE RENOVATED

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial proposal of `5.50 crore for the renovation of Chaugan Stadium in Jaipur. The amount will be borne from the provision available in the state fund scheme of state government. The CM had announced this in budget of 2023-24.

Covid+ve newborn’s life saved

Mahesh Sharma Jaipur

The City doctors saved the life & leg of a newborn girl who had tested Covid+ve. Baby Mohini was 15 days old and 2.8 kg when she arrived in the surgical unit in a very critical condition.

Parents informed that her (baby) legs remained cold and there was some kind of black shade on her right lower leg and

A picture of baby’s legs post surgery.

foot since the last five days of her birth, said Dr. Sunil K. Kaushal, Director, Chief Cardiac Surgeon & HOD, Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Fortis

Escorts Hospital, Jaipur. There were no palpable pulses in legs, her urine output was minimal & the baby was dull overall and had a fever. Investigations

revealed high BUN, Serum creatine, Covid positive. There was hardly any blood flowing into her legs. Hence, there was a very high risk of losing both legs if those obstructing clots were not removed from the aorta by a high-risk surgery, said Dr. Kaushal. After the family’s consent, the operation was done and the baby’s legs showed dramatic recovery. The baby is now Covid -ve, Dr Kaushal added.

Dr. Sunil K. Kaushal

Arun Singh addressing Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan at Kadel village in Pushkar, Ajmer on Saturday.

BJP’s national general secretary Arun Singh being garlanded by party members during a public campaign in Pushkar on Saturday.

MUKESH KIRADOO

First India Bureau Jaipur

First India Bureau Jaipur

The victim was found soaked in blood & is being treated

17 Miscreants in police custody who were arrested on Friday night.

Super-cyclone hits Rajasthan hard

Flood-like situation, 15-yr old girl loses life in Pali, NDRF and SDRF teams deployed, army on alert mode

BIPARJOY LASHES THE STATE

Mukesh Mathrani Barmer

Several places in Rajasthan received heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours due to Cyclone Biparjoy, which moved further towards the desert state following its landfall in Gujarat, officials said on Saturday.

Heavy rains, floodlike situations have been reported from many parts in Barmer, following which NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed while Army is put on alert mode. BSF teams have also been deployed in many bordering villages.

In Barmer, officials informed that against the average rainfall of 380 mm during the monsoon, Barmer has recorded 1706 mm rain during the past 28 hrs. Barmer district collector Arun Purohit confirmed the report.

Rainfall of 383 mm was recorded in Mount Abu, 203 mm in Jalore, 76 mm in Churu, 68 mm in Reo-

SCENE SO FAR

 MeT has issued

“Orange” alert for Barmer, Jalore, Sirohi, Pali, with strong winds expected at a speed of 30-50 Kmph.

 “Yellow” alert has been sounded for Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Churu, Sikar, Nagaur, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, Udaipur and Rajsamand districts.

 1 death recorded in Pali, over 150 Electric poles destroyed in Barmer.

 The NWR on Saturday cancelled 13 trains. Rainfall in state is expected to continue till Monday.

dar, 59 mm in Sanchor, 57 mm in Pindwara, 49 mm each in Gogunda and Girva, 40 mm in Jhadol, 35 mm in Kotda, 30 mm in Sirohi was recorded.

IN BRIEF

‘Dummy Student’ found giving law exam in RU; Held

Jaipur: The Gandhi Nagar Police on Saturday arrested a dummy candidate for impersonating an actual one during the third-year law exam of Rajasthan University. Police informed that, the investigator checked the ID card and other documents of the accused and found his documents did not match with the permission letter of the actual candidate. “Law College Principal Ankita Yadav filed a police complaint,” officials said.

Boy chained, SHRC chairman sends notice to Jpr police

Jaipur: State Human Rights Commission

Chairman Justice Gopal Krishna Vyas sought a factual report after a passer-by clicked the photo of an innocent boy chained and sent it to him. The boy was chained under the Gopalpura bypass culvert in Jaipur. Justice Vyas, took suo moto cognizance and gave instructions to file a police complaint.

Panchayat pradhan of Udaipurwati in ACB net; Suspended

Jhunjhunu: Rekha Samariya, Addl Commissioner and Deputy Secretary, Department of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, has issued an order suspending Maya Gurjar, head of the Udaipurwati Panchayat Samiti, from the post. Samariya has told that Maya Gurjar was arrested by the ACB follwing an FIR regarding bribery.

Two held in ACB traps in Kota And Dholpur

ACB seizes `8.10 lakh from Addl Chief Engineer’s car

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday night recovered Rs 8.10 lakhs cash from the possession of an additional chief engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). ACB ASP Vijay Swarnakar informed that Additional Chief Engineer Mahesh Jangid was travelling to Jaipur with the amount of huge commission.

“Based on specific information, police barricading was done and the accused SUV was stopped at a checkpoint.

A total of Rs 8.10 lakh was recovered from his car and Mahesh Jangid could not give any satis-

DHOLPUR: PATWARI HELD BY ACB TAKING BRIBE OF ` 5000

factory answer about the cash, following which, he was taken into custody,” said ASP Vijay Swarnakar.

“Sources have revealed that Mahesh Jangid is involved in corruption and is being questioned. A police team was also sent to Mahesh Jangid’s village Ladnun in Nagaur and a search operation was carried out,” added ACB ASP Vijay Swarnakar.

PCC PREZ REASSURES

PSK meets with JMCH councillors, gives assurance

First India Bureau Jaipur

The ACB on Saturday arrested a patwari in Dholpur while accepting a bribe of Rs 5000. Officials told, the patwari, Sushil Kumar, was posted in the Maloni Khurd gram panchayat in Sapau of Dholpur district. “The accused Sushil Kumar had demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant to update the revenue record. A trap was laid on Saturday during which the accused was caught redhanded. Searches are being carried out at the premises of accused and he will be produced before a court on Wednesday,” police said.

RU: Vehicles vandalized, female students teased

Chd model of new shop devpt in Rajasthan

First India Bureau Jaipur

A delegation of ward councillors met cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas at his residence on Saturday. “Congress has its board in Jaipur heritage municipal corporation. All councillors are members of Congress family. It is our responsibility to get their work done and get them the respect they want. We are holding a meeting to address their issues,” minister Khachariyawas said.

Meanwhile, Rajendra Verma said that he did not misbehave with anyone, but some councillor misbehaved with him. He said the file which they wanted him to sign is pending decision with a high-level committee and will be signed after the committee gives decision.

Pilot won’t form new party:Dotasra

First India Bureau Sikar

PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra on Saturday said that former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot will not form any new party.

“Sachin Pilot will not form any party, it is only imaginary. We all will contest the elections together and our government will be repeated.

BJP says that this government will be deleted, but we will break the record and repeat the

government. The public will bless us again and we will serve the people by forming the government again,” PCC president Dotasra said while speaking to the media.

Dotasra came to Sikar on a one-day visit, where he addressed a gathering in Laxmangarh on Saturday and addressed the public. He said that he has done many develop-

You tell me the work, I will not let any shortcoming come in way of development. I have got work done in the area and whatever you will tell, I will not let any shortfall in development.

GS DOTASRA, PCC PRESIDENT

ment works in Laxmangarh, adding that the general public has benefited a lot from the many public welfare schemes being run by the Rajasthan state government.

Four students were injured and vehicles belonging to a student leader were vandalized after two groups of NSUI and ABVP had a scuffle in Rajasthan university in Jaipur on Saturday. The incident occurred in front of the Student Union General Secretary Arvind Jajra’s office where two girls were quarrelling. Moments

Date for obtaining the OPS option increased to July 15

Retired and serving employees of government undertakings, autonomous bodies and universities can give their choice regarding old pension schemes by July 15.

The government has increased the last date for obtaining the option and depositing the prescribed amount from June 15 to July 15.

Finance secy Rohit Gupta issued the order. If the amount remains outstanding after crediting the interest, it can be deposited till 31st July.

later, some of the students came there in the vehicle of student leader Hemant Pujari and they thrashed the supporters of Rahul Mehla and vandalized their vehicle.

Four students including two girls were injured in the incident.

A new concept of developing market on one plot, on the lines of Chandigarh, is being implemented in the cities of the state, wherein Shop cum Residence (SCR) / Shop cum Office (SCO) concept is being implemented. Provisions have been made in the applicable building regulations so that small shops, showrooms can be made on the same commercial plot together with residential units. Construction can be done in up to 40% area of the plot with zero setback on the small plots created. It will be necessary to develop parking on 30% of the total land while 10% will have to be left for plots of small shops and upto 3 floors can be built on these plots.

Nassem Akhtar meets Pilot, presents her side

Amid increasing controversy over a ruckus in a government programme in Ajmer, PCC vice president Naseem Akhtar Insaaf met former deputy CM Sachin Pilot and presented her side.

Akhtar, her husband and son have been named in an FIR after they allegedly created ruckus in the programme of Gandhi Darshan Samiti in Ajmer.

Ajmer dairy chairman Ramchandra Chaudhary said that Naseem’s husband has amassed huge

wealth and an inquiry by the ACB should be started. After the case was registered, Akhtar’s supporters had leveled allegations against RTDC chairman Dharmendra Rathore. Gopal Baheti and others have condemned the incident.

First India Bureau Kota

Bharat Dixit Jaipur

First India Bureau Jaipur

PCC President GS Dotasra addressing public during the ‘Rajasthan Kisan Mahotsav’ in Jaipur on Friday.

Mahesh Jangid.

NSUI members staging protest at VC office after clashes between the two student groups in Jaipur on Saturday. SANTOSH SHARMA

Protests erupted in Ajmer over FIR against Naseem Akhtar.

Flood-like situation in Barmer’s Dhorimanna area. Steel sheds came off during storm in Jalore. Heavy rains lashed Jalore with Biaprjoy’s entry in Raj. Roads flooded at Khadeshwar temple, Jalore. Water logged streets in Udaipur during heavy rains.

First India Bureau Jaipur

Skies remain overcast in Jaipur as Biparjoy enters Rajasthan. SANTOSH SHARMA

THE GLOBAL SOUTH IS FORGING A NEW FOREIGN POLICY...

...in the face of war in Ukraine, China-US tensions: Active nonalignment

PROMINENT INDIA...

Across Africa, Asia and Latin America, several key countries have refused to side with NATO. Most prominent among them has been India, which despite its closer ties with the United States in recent years India’s nonalignment will presumably be on the agenda during PM Narendra Modi’s talks with Biden in his upcoming visit to Washington. Indeed, position of India, the world’s largest democracy, shows how war in Ukraine, far from reflecting that the main geopolitical cleavage in world today is between democracy and autocracy

Some of the most populous democracies in the world in addition to India — countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina — have refused to side with NATO

TWEETS

What does the Ukraine war have to do with Brazil? On the face of it, perhaps not much.

Yet, in his first six months in office, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – now in his third nonconsecutive term – has expended much effort trying to bring peace to the conflict in Eastern Europe. This has included conversations with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and in a teleconference call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It has also seen “shuttle diplomacy” by Lula’s chief foreign policy adviser – and former foreign minister – Celso Amorim, who has visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and welcomed his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Brasília.

One reason Brazil has been in a position to meet with such an array of parties involved in the conflict is because the nation has made a point of not taking sides in the war. In so doing, Brazil is engaging in what my colleagues Carlos Fortin and Carlos Ominami and I have called “active nonalignment.” By this we mean a foreign policy approach in which countries from the Global South – Africa, Asia and Latin America – refuse to take sides in conflicts between the great powers and focus strictly on their own interests. It is an approach that The Economist has characterized as “how to survive a superpower split.”

The difference between this

new “nonalignment” and a similar approach adopted by nations in decades past is that it is happening in an era in which developing nations are in a much stronger position than they once were, with rising powers emerging among them. For example, the gross domestic product in regard to purchasing power of the five BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – has overtaken that of the G7 group of advanced economic nations. This growing economic power gives active nonaligned nations more international clout, allowing them to forge new initiatives and diplomatic coalition-building in a manner that would have been unthinkable before. Would, for example, João Goulart, who served as Brazil’s president from 1961 to 1964,

THINK LOCAL, ACT GLOBAL

This need to act jointly is also driven by the region’s economic crisis. In 2020, Latin America was hit by its worst economic downturn in 120 years, with regional GDP falling by an average of 6.6%. The region also suffered the highest COVID-19 death rate anywhere in the world, accounting for close to 30% of global fatalities from the pandemic despite comprising just over 8% of the world’s population. In this context, to be caught in the middle of a great power battle is unappealing, and active nonalignment has resonated.

have attempted to mediate in the Vietnam War, in the same way that Lula is doing with Ukraine? I believe to ask the question is to answer it.

NEITHER NEUTRAL NOR DISINTERESTED

The growth of active nonalignment has been fueled by the increased competition and what I see as a budding second Cold War between the United States and China. For many countries in the Global South, maintaining good relations with both Washington and Beijing has been crucial for economic development, as well as trade and investment flows.

OPTING OUT ACROSS THE WORLD

As far as the war in Ukraine is concerned, it means not sup-

porting either Russia or NATO. And Brazil isn’t the only country in the Global South taking that position, although it was the first to attempt to broker a peace agreement.

HOW THE ‘GREAT POWERS’ ARE REACTING

Washington has seemingly been caught by surprise by this reaction, having portrayed the war in Ukraine as a choice between good and evil – one where the future of the “rulesbased international order” is at stake. Similarly, during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles referred to nonalignment as “immoral.”

Beyond the incipient U.S.China Cold War and the war in Ukraine, the resurrection of nonalignment in its new “ac-

tive” incarnation reflects a widespread disenchantment in the Global South with what has been known as the “Liberal International Order” in existence since World War II. This order is seen as increasingly frayed and unresponsive to the needs of developing countries on issues ranging from international indebtedness and food security to migration and climate change. To many nations in the Global South, calls to uphold the “rules-based order” appear to serve only the foreign policy interests of the great powers, rather than the global public good. In such a context, it is perhaps not surprising that so many nations are actively refusing to be caught in an “us versus them” dynamic.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

Reinvigorate traditional water harvesting structures: Dhankhar

First India Bureau

New Delhi

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday appealed for reinvigorating traditional water harvesting structures through the policy of reduce, reuse and recycle. He appealed to citizens to make water conservation an integral part of their daily lives. During his address at the 4th National Water Awards, the vice president called for reinvigorating traditional water harvesting structures such as ponds

through renewed commitment to the “3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Union MoS for Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel were also present at programme.

Congratulating the winners for their exemplary work in the field of water resources management, Dhankhar called upon all public representatives at the panchayat, state and national levels to make water conservation a priority and lead by example.

Drawing attention to the constitutional provisions that lay emphasize on the

conservation of water and environment, he highlighted the transformational

Modi has changed country’s fortune in 9 years: JP Nadda

impact that various government initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission are

Can’t accept Nitish as leader, says Krishna; quits Congress

ANI Patna

Kuntal Krishna, Bihar Congress Spokesperson, on Saturday, wrote to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressing his disappointment with CM Nitish Kumar.

having on the lives of ordinary citizens.

Noting that conservation of water has always been an inalienable facet of India’s civilisational ethos, he said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure the wise use of nature’s gifts.

Dhankhar also released a short film featuring the animated character “Piku”, the mascot of the National Water Mission, to be telecast on Doordarshan for amplifying the message of water conservation.

—With PTI inputs

41 WINNERS FELICITATED ACROSS 11 CATEGORIES AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY

BEST STATE : Madhya Pradesh

BEST DISTRICT: Ganjam district of Odisha

BEST VILLAGE PANCHAY-

AT: Jagannadhapuram of Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district

BEST URBAN LOCAL

BODY: Chandigarh Municipal Corporation

BEST MEDIA: Advance Water Digest Private Limited Gurugram

BEST SCHOOL: Jamiyatpura Primary School in Mehsana

BEST INSTITUTION FOR CAMPUS USAGE: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

BEST INDUSTRY AWARD: Barauni Thermal Power Station in Begusarai

BEST NGO: Arpan Seva Sansthan in Udaipur in Rajasthan

BEST WATER USER ASSOCIATION: Sanjeevani Piyat Sahkari Mandli Ltd, Narmada Gujarat

BEST INDUSTRY FOR CSR ACTIVITIES: HCL Technologies Ltd, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

WB: 1 held with weapons ahead of Panchayat polls

Security personnel after the recent violence during nominations for Panchayat elections, in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

PTI Santirbazar

BJP national president JP Nadda on Saturday said the country has witnessed unprecedented development under PM Narendra Modi who has “changed the fortune of India” in the past nine years. He cited infrastructure building, good governance and all-round development as the benchmarks of the Modi government.

“Earlier, India was known for corruption, policy paralysis and bad governance. Now, the whole world respects the country for all-round development and good governance,” the BJP chief said at a rally in South Tripura’s Santirbazar school ground to mark

“MODI GOVT DELIVERS WHAT IT PROMISES”

New Delhi: The Modi government’s “strong point” is that it delivers services and projects in a given timeframe, EAM S Jaishankar said on Saturday. He was speaking during a function held at here as part of BJP’s mega outreach campaign — ‘Sampark se Samarthan’ — to mark the completion of nine years of Modi govt. “After elections, they forget (their promises made to people), but in Modi ‘sarkar’, people today are seeing the delivery (of services and projects),” the Union minister said.

the completion of nine years of the Modi govt. Highlighting the Centre’s

Courtesy visit

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, on Saturday, paid a courtesy visit to Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde at the latter’s residence in Mumbai. On Friday, Birla delivered the inaugural address at the First National Legislators Conference held at the Jio World Convention Centre.

ANI

A FEW HAVE GOT WHAT PM WILL GET IN US: EAM

New Delhi: Ahead of PM Modi’s US visit, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that the honour that the Prime Minister will get there, only a few have got in the past. The Minister said, “The respect that the Prime Minister gets, only a few people have been given in the past.”

“Only a Congressman should be our leader. But the current situation seems like we are being forced to accept Nitish Kumar as our leader”, said Krishna in his letter to Kharge. The PCC added that Kumar has always been a staunch opponent of the Congress party but because of fewer Congress leaders in Bihar, they were forced to accept Kumar as their leader. Krishna also talked about the weak representation of the Congress party in Bihar.

ANI Birbhum

Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a man with arms and ammunition, under the Siuri police station in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, the police said on Saturday.

STF seized three semiautomatic pistols and one pipe gun along with 71 rounds of live cartridges and five magazines from him. A case was registered at Suri Police Sta-

Netaji won’t have let partition happen: NSA

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had audacity to fearlessly challenge the British and India would not have been partitioned if he was there that time, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Saturday.

TMC PANCHAYAT ELECTION CANDIDATE BEATEN TO DEATH IN MALDA DIST IN WB

Malda: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the upcoming panchayat polls was beaten to death by some unknown miscreants in West Bengal’s Malda district on Saturday. The incident occurred in Kaliachak in Malda district. Following an initial probe, a 48-year-old accused, Abdul Mannan, was detained and further investigation into the matter is underway. The deceased, Mustafa Sheikh, was heading back home when he was attacked.

tion under the Arms Act, of 1959 and further investigations are on.

In an unrelated inci-

dent, West Bengal Police recovered bomb-making material in 24 Parganas’ Bhangar on Friday.

IN THE COURTYARD

Kerala fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal gets life term for sexual assault on a minor girl

Kochi: A Kerala court on Saturday sentenced controversial self-styled antiques dealer Monson Mavunkal to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl a few years ago. Additional District and Sessions Court (POCSO), Judge K Soman also imposing a fine of Rs 5.25 lakh on Mavunkal.

achievements in infrastructure building, Nadda said 13,125km of border

roads have been built to safeguard the international border.

MURDER OF FOREST OFFICER

He said Bose was determined to fight the British for Independence and never wanted to beg for freedom, adding he not only wanted to end political subjugation but felt

that the political, social, economic and cultural mindset of people has to be changed and “they should feel like free birds”.

Doval said this while delivering the first Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose memorial lecture organised by the ASSOCHAM.

Pradhan for stringent action against poaching in Similipal Tiger Reserve

PTI New Delhi

nion Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday urged his Cabinet colleague Bhupender Yadav and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take cognizance of incidents of poaching in the Similipal Tiger Reserve and said stringent action on all fronts and effective enforcement of the law are required to deter poachers.

Pradhan’s reaction

Another forest official shot dead by poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve is a matter of great concern for every wildlife enthusiast and conservationist. Losing “determined officers like Mati Hansda” who gave his all to protect wildlife is always disheartening.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

comes after 40-year-old forester Mati Hansda was shot dead allegedly by poachers in the sanctuary in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The incident occurred when a Forest department team was patrolling inside the sanctuary. A gunfire exchange broke out between the team and six

Charge sheet filed against cricket bookie Jaisinghani

New Delhi: A charge sheet has been filed against alleged cricket bookie Anil Jaisinghani in a money laundering investigation linked to a 2015 IPL betting case, the Enforcement Directorate said on Saturday. Jaisinghani was arrested by the federal agency in April. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said he was “evading” summons and not cooperating.

armed poachers at the Badachachran beat house on Friday night, a forest official said on Saturday.

Reacting to incident, Union Minister Pradhan, said in a tweet, “Another forest official shot dead by poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve is a matter of great concern for every wildlife enthusiast and conservationist.” Losing “determined officers like Mati Hansda” who gave his all to protect wildlife is always disheartening, the minister noted.

Man gets 25 years imprisonment for raping minor girl Chaibasa: A court here in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district sentenced a man to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl. The court of District and Session Judge-I sentenced Bagun Jonko alias Company Jonko, resident Tekasai area of the district to 25 years rigorous imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on him.

Court grants ED 8-day custody of TN minister Balaji; says he can’t be shifted out of hospital

Chennai: A local court here on Friday granted the ED 8 days custody of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on June 14. Balaji’s counsel said the court has made it clear to the ED that Balaji cannot be shifted out of the hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment for heart-related issue.

BJP leader SG Suryah sent to 14-day judicial custody; Sitharaman, Santosh condemn arrest

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP secretary SG Suryah was remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The BJP leader was arrested late Friday night following a complaint by the CPI(M) Madurai district committee on a tweet by the former against the Madurai MP leader Su Venkitesan.

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Union MoS Prahlad Singh Patel during 4th National Water Awards ceremony, in New Delhi, on Saturday. PTI

BJP national president JP Nadda with party members during a public rally in Santirbazar of South Tripura on Saturday. ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar plants a sapling on his visit to the Waste to Energy Plant during ‘Vikas Tirth Yatra’, at Tughlakabad in New Delhi on Saturday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Ramesh Bidhuri also seen. ANI

IN BRIEF

One killed, one hurt as assailants open fire at liquor shop

Gurugram: A man was killed and two gpt injured when armed assailants opened fire at a crowded liquor shop in the Manesar area, police said on Saturday. The incident took place in Panchgaon around 8.30 pm on Friday when two men arrived at the shop and fired more than 15 rounds.

Three customers — Sandeep, a resident of Bhahila Village in UP’s Saharanpur, Devraj Sharma and Rajendra Prasad, residents of Alwar in Rajasthan — were hit by bullets.

Elephant tramples woman to death in Jharkhand district

Jamshedpur: A woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district on Saturday, the police said . The 43-year-old woman identified as Prabhati Kar had gone to relieve herself in a forest in Kaliyam panchayat area under Chakulia police station when the elephant attacked her, the police added.

MDMA worth `100 cr seized, Nigerian national held in Delhi

New Delhi: A 27-yearold Nigerian national was taken into custody in southeast Delhi for allegedly supplying drugs in the capital, police said on Saturday. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) drug worth more than Rs 1 crore was recovered from the suspect, who has been identified as Onyekachi Anya Friday, a resident of Nigeria’s Enugu State, they added. Police claim to have received information about a drug-dealing gang operating in southeast Delhi.

Mastermind of `8.49 cr heist, her husband arrested

Chandigarh: Punjab

Police on Saturday succeeded in its operation “cage the queen bee” with the arrest of mastermind of Rs 8.49 crore heist Mandeep Kaur, alias Mona, and her husband Jaswinder Singh from Uttarakhand. Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu confirmed the arrest of the couple. Also the police arrested their accomplice. Earlier, it was suspected that Mandeep and her husband had fled to Nepal.

Gujarat CM Patel accompanies the Union Home Minister Biparjoy aftermath

Amit Shah conducts aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas in Kutch

HM meets the NDRF and BSF personnel at Mandvi airport

PTI

Mandvi

Union Home Minister

Amit Shah on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat’s Kutch district.

Shah landed at Kutch district headquarters

Bhuj in a chopper and conducted an aerial survey of Jakhau, which bore the brunt of the powerful cyclone on Thursday night. He was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendera Patel.

The Union Minster visited the Mandvi subdistrict hospital and met injured people and pregnant women who were shifted from coastal villages hit by the cyclone, which had made landfall near the Jakhau port.

Shah also visited a farm near Mandvi to assess the damage caused to crops and interacted with farmers.

COORDINATION BETWEEN CENTRE & GUJ GOVTS SAVED MANY LIVES

New Delhi: Very good coordination among the central and Gujarat governments, the NDRF and all agencies concerned during Cyclone Biparjoy successfully saved precious lives, sources said on Saturday. The weather system, which hit the landmass near Jakhau port as a very

severe cyclonic storm on Thursday evening, turned into a deep depression and will further lose steam to become a depression, the IMD said in its latest update. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the cyclone-affected areas of Jakhau and Mandvi in Gujarat to take stock of the relief operation.

3,500

PTI

Lucknow

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said “not only nuts and bolts”, but BrahMos missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems will also be manufactured and assembled in the Uttar Pradesh defence corridor.

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) is an aspirational project that intends to reduce the dependence of the Indian aerospace and the defence sectors on foreign suppliers.

“What is important is that in the UP defence corridor, not only nuts and bolts or spare parts will be manufactured, (but) drones, UAVs, electronic warfare (systems), aircraft and BrahMos missiles will also be manufactured and assembled,” Singh said.

COMBINED GRADUATION PARADE

SELF-RELIANCE A NECESSITY AS INDIA FACES DOUBLE THREAT ON BORDERS: DEFENCE MINISTER

The Indian Army rescued about 3,500 tourists who were stranded at Chungthang in North Sikkim due to landslides and roadblocks, said an official release on Saturday.

Heavy rains were witnessed in Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang valleys on Friday.

“Over 2000 tourists have been rescued till 3 pm on June 17, 2023. Efforts are on to restore the road connectivity, while the evacuation of tourists would continue,” it read.

“Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army and personnel of Border Roads Organisation swung into action and worked overnight in heavy rains and inclement weather to create a temporary crossing over the flash flood area,” the release stated.

HM MEETS PEOPLE ADMITTED IN THE MANDVI HOSPITAL

Kutch: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Mandvi Civil Hospital and met the people admitted there after being affected by Cyclone Biparjoy. Shah also met the people of Kathda village in Mandvi. Earlier, Shah conducted an aerial survey of areas affected due to cyclone. Later, Shah held a review meeting with CM Patel and senior officers. Cyclone Biparjoy, which originated in the Arabian Sea and swept across the west coast of India, made landfall on Thursday night north of the Jakhau Port in Kutch. The cyclone weakened into a ‘deep depression’ and is further expected to weaken into a ‘depression’ in the next 12 hours, IMD said.

Junagadh violence

Video shows men lined up, thrashed outside dargah

Agencies

Junagadh

Violence broke out in Junagadh Friday night over a dargah that authorities say was constructed illegally. Now, a video has emerged showing a group of men lined up and being beaten up outside the dargah in question. The video shows two men in civilian clothes with handkerchiefs tied around their faces thrashing the people lined up. One person was killed and several, including policemen, were injured in the violence that broke out outside the dargah on Friday night. The police detained 174 people who allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and vandalism outside the dargah.

STONES PELTED, COPS HURT, VEHICLES TORCHED

Junagadh: A person was killed and four policemen, including the deputy superintendent of police, were injured in Gujarat’s Junagadh after clashes broke out over a demolition notice for an “illegal” dargah. Violence erupted after the notice was served and at least 200-300 people gathered around the dargah on Friday evening, pelted stones at the police officials, vandalised a police post, and also set police vehicles on fire. The ruckus ensued when the officials of Junagadh Municipal Corporation reached in front of the Majewadi Gate to put the notice outside the dargah.

Agencies

Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir DGP

Dilbag Singh said on Saturday that continuous infiltration attempts on the Line of Control (LoC) are “part of the plan by enemies of the country to keep terrorism alive”.

Singh said this while interacting with the mediapersons on the sidelines of the Dal Lake Festival in Srinagar.

He said after a long time, people of the state are reaping the dividends of peace as children go to schools and business activities, including tourism, are going on without disruption.

“Terrorism is dying a slow death but some attempts from across the LoC are being made continuously to push in terrorists just to keep terrorism alive,” he said.

IAF taking steps to be future-ready in security: Murmu

PTI

Hyderabad

The Indian Air Force is taking steps to be everready and future-ready keeping in view the overall security scenario including the challenges of fighting a high technology war in a network-centric future battle space, President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday.

Addressing the Combined Graduation parade at Air Force Academy near here, the President said the ability to absorb

technology at a rapid pace will be essential for defence preparedness at land, sea and air.

“I am happy to note

I AM GLAD OVER MORE WOMEN IN IAF: PREZ

NIA PROBES ATTACKS BY KHALISTANIS ABROAD

The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into a series of attacks carried out by Khalistani elements in Indian missions in the US and Canada, Delhi Police sources told IANS on Saturday. The Delhi Police Special Cell had previously registered two FIRs under the UAPA regarding the attacks that took place in March in San Francisco and Toronto in March.

DELHI PEOPLE PROTEST AGAINST CANADIAN PM

New Delhi: Members of Grameen Vikas Samiti held a protest outside the Canadian High Commission here to register their resentment against the Canadian govt and against PM Justin Trudeau for not objecting to a tableau parade in Ontario celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi. A group of people gathered outside the Canadian High Commission and raised slogans against Justin Trudeau.

`30.60 cr investments seized from Swarups

PTI

New Delhi

that our Air Force is taking steps to be everready, especially futureready keeping in view the overall security scenario

including the challenges of fighting a high technology war in a networkcentric future battle space,” Murmu said.

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed happiness over Indian Air Force taking steps to remain prepared and future-ready in view of the overall security scenario. Earlier today, she reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 211th Course at Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near Hyderabad. During her speech, Murmu recalled the experience of having a sortie in Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tejpur Air Force station in Assam in April.

Investments in securities worth Rs 30.60 crore have been seized in connection with an alleged foreign exchange violation case against Vikram Swarup and Gaurav Swarup whose name figured in global financial data leaks called ‘Pandora Papers’, the ED said on Saturday.

The Pandora leaks stated the Indian businessmen brothers were “beneficial owners” in a

company, Epsilon Enterprises Ltd, incorporated in British Virgin Islands, the agency said in a statement. The ‘Pandora Papers’ global leaks had surfaced in 2021.

President Droupadi Murmu inspects guard of honour during the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal in Hyderabad on Saturday.

ANI

ANI Sikkim

Aerial view of waterlogged areas of Mandvi following heavy rainfall due to cyclone ‘Biparjoy’. ANI

the mob.

Amit Shah conducts aerial survey; Shah meets people affected by Biporjoy, in Kachchh on Saturday.

BrahMos, drones to be made in UP defence corridor: Rajnath

‘Infiltration attempts are made to keep terrorism alive’: J&K DGP

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the seminar on Aatmanirbhar Bharat at Surya Auditorium, in Lucknow on Saturday. ANI

Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh during the opening ceremony of Jashn-e- Dal festival at SKICC banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on Saturday. ANI

Lucknow: Self-reliance is not an option but a necessity, as India is facing a double threat on its borders, along with new dimensions of warfare that are emerging in today's fast-changing world, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here on Saturday. He was speaking at a defence dialogue on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' organised by STRIVE think-tank, a veterans' initiative in Lucknow.

Army rescues

stranded tourists in Sikkim

Mirch Masala

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

By Tridib Raman

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

THE BUGLE OF ‘24 AND OPENING OF NEW DOORS OF

s the time for the 2024 general elections is coming closer, the saffron politics is also taking new forms everyday. Ammunition for change in political atmosphere is burning, so BJP has already started its permutation and combination for each and every seat of Lok Sabha. Many new rules and regulations are being framed, like the ministers who have been decorated in the Modi govt with Rajya Sabha quota have been asked to find a suitable seat for themselves in their respective home states, from where they can contest the next Lok Sabha elections. When Modi became the sole face of BJP in 2014, he had decided that no party leader would get Rajya Sabha term more than 2 times. Former Union Min Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also did not get the next chance be-

POSSIBILITIES

cause of his formula. Another formula of Modi made place in saffron headlines that leaders above 75 will not get ministerial post. Under this formula, Yediyurappa had to leave the post of CM in Karnataka. BJP strategists are already busy in brainstorming meetings regarding 2024. The echoes emanating from these meetings are also being heard clearly that more than one-third of the sitting MPs may be denied tickets in big Hindi heartland states like UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. At the same time, some ministers and legislators of the UP government can also get tickets for the Lok Sabha elections. These names include leaders like Jitin Prasada, Rajeshwar Singh, Brajesh Pathak, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Pratap Singh in this list. Former ED officer Rajeshwar Singh is said to be a favorite of Amit Shah.

WHEN WILL KHARGE’S NEW TEAM BE FORMED?

More than 6 months have passed since Mallikarjun Kharge became the Congress President, but he still has not been able to form his new team. It is said that the 47 members of Kharge’s steering committee are very active behind this, who do not want the party president to ignore their utility with the announcement of his new team. Kharge is also under pressure from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to announce his new team as soon as possible.

It is said that for last 2-3 days, Kharge is engaged in a marathon meeting with his core team, so that he can give a face to his new team. Sources reveal that preparations are on to give Bhupinder Singh Hooda a ‘freehand’ in the Haryana elections. Hooda is lobbying to give the charge of western UP to his son Deepender Hooda. Former Uttarakhand

CM Harish Rawat, who has expressed his desire to retire from politics, wants to remain a part of the working committee. Both the old and important leaders of MP Congress i.e. Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh have crossed 75. The party wants to bring forward its young and new faces. The name of Jitu Patwari, a young leader from Madhya Pradesh itself, is coming to the fore, and Kharge wants to assign him an important responsibility in his team.

VENUGOPAL’S HINDI LETTER TO KHABRI

Recently, a purported letter from Congress’ ‘powerful’ General Secretary KC Venugopal reached UP State Congress President Brijlal Khabri in Hindi, in which Venugopal is talking about canceling the appointments of executive district presidents of Jhansi and Jaunpur. But Khabri had a doubt about this letter from the beginning, so he did not take any action on the recommendations of this letter of Venugopal. Usually whenever any letter is sent from Venugopal’s side, it is in English. It is said that Venugopal does not know Hindi and in such a situation, it is told that the other ie Khabri does not know English properly, so how can a communication bridge be established between the two? This is the biggest question. Anyway, after sending a letter, Venugopal’s office also calls up the concerned person, but Khabri did not receive any call this time. Khabri kept thinking that this letter sent to him was forged, so the posts of the working presidents of Hansi and Jaunpur are still intact.

WILL TEWARI GET RESPONSIBILITY OF PUNJAB?

Recently, Manish Tewari, a prominent leader of Congress’ dissident group G-23, appeared in Bangalore with Rahul Gandhi in an event where Rahul was to flag off free bus travel for women. During this programme, Rahul came and sat in Manish’s car, where a long conversation took place between the two leaders. In fact, it was hotly discussed that Manish, who is angry with the party high command, is in constant contact with BJP and AAP leaders. AAP’s RS member Raghav Chadha also used to visit Manish’s house a lot in Punjab. At the same time, it is said that Manish also has direct talks with Kejriwal. Sources say that a prominent leader associated with the Sangh had also sent an offer to Manish to ‘join’ BJP in past. But Manish, who has been associated with Congress for last 35 years, is hesitant to leave. If sources are to be believed, since the Congress in Punjab is looking for a suitable face the party can bet on Manish Tewari.

CHANDRABABU

COMING CLOSER TO BJP AGAIN

t is said that nothing is permanent in politics, neither enmity nor friendship. The Modi govt, which has been handling Jaganmohan Reddy’s tantrums for so many years, is now showing a changed attitude regarding Andhra. Its fragrance was realized when Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a public meeting in the South, for the first time took a dig at Andhra CM Jaganmohan Reddy and said, “The Jaganmohan govt has not done any work in the state except corruption. Jagan’s cadre loots the money Modi govt of Delhi sends to Andhra.” In fact, there was an alliance between Naidu’s TDP and the BJP in the 2014 general election, in which the BJP won 3 seats. But in 2018, Chandrababu broke his ties with the BJP. But now for the last one year, Chandrababu has been coming to Delhi in the struggle to regain his lost ground in his home state and has been doing rounds of BJP’s top leaders.

Chandrababu’s TDP openly supported Draupadi Murmu, the NDA’s presidential candidate, in this presidential election as well. BJP wants to overcome its weakening mass base in South India, so if it gets Chandrababu’s support in this way, it can present a serious challenge to Chandrasekhar Rao in the coming Telangana assembly elections also because Telugu Desam has won some seats in Telangana, but it still has mass influence. In May next year, along with the Lok Sabha elections, assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh will also be held, where the BJP wants to repeat the history of 2014 by getting Chandrababu’s support.

Do not settle for a lesser goal, make it a short-term one if needed but always keep walking towards your dream goal - Do not give up.

Dr JAGDEESH CHANDRA CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

Harmony between parties is dying these days: Gehlot

It is an auspicious sign for democracy that MLAs from all over the country interacted together at conference, says CM Ashok Gehlot CM

Naresh Sharma Jaipur

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that earlier there used to be harmony between the parties despite differences of opinions on various issues, but in the present, this tradition is dying. An initiative in this regard should be taken by the ruling party at the Centre and those in the states to bring this tradition back. Addressing the threeday National Legislators’ Conference being held in Mumbai through a video conference from his residence, Gehlot said that

politics is a medium of service. Therefore, after joining politics, the aim of the public representative should be to serve the public with full honesty, loyalty & commitment.

Praising the meet, he said it is an auspicious sign for democracy that MLAs from all over the country interacted together at the conference.

“It is a good start to discuss the responsibilities of the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad after 25 years and dedicate ourselves to unity and harmony keeping party ideology aside,” the CM Gehlot said.

MINISTERIAL

PCC secretaries row: Randhawa submits feedback to KC Venugopal

Jaipur: A delegation of ministerial employees met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at his residence on Saturday and gave a memorandum regarding their 6-point demands. The CM assured the employees to get their demands examined by the Personnel and Finance Department and take appropriate decisions as per the rules. After the CM’s assurance, the Mantralaya Ekta Manch decided to end its successive fast. On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Personnel Department Hemant Gera, Mantralaya Ekta Manch core committee members Gajendra Singh Rathore, Suresh Dhabhai, Rajesh Pareek, and other members of the manch were present.

In the issue surrounding the appointment case of 85 secretaries in Rajasthan and cancellation of appointment, Raj Cong In-charge SS Randhawa met Cong President M Kharge and Gen Secy (Organisation) KC Venugopal on Friday night in Delhi. The meeting between the two lasted for about an hour wherein incharge Randhawa kept his side regarding the episode and gave feedback given on appointment of 85 secretaries, as well as the election strategy.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt from sources that the list of appointment of new 85 secretaries will not be released again! Rather, a fresh list with new faces, will be released, however, no one is sure when this list will be issued.

Courtesy Meet

First India Bureau

New Delhi

Rubika Liyaquat, a prestigious and renowned name in the national media fraternity, joined Bharat24 on Friday. Joining as Vice President, Liyaquat responded to the immense tweets on her social media platform Twitter on Saturday saying, “Namaskar, welcome, I am Rubika Liyaquat and you are watching Bharat24, Vision of New India. We will meet soon. Do remember Bharat24.”

Liyaquat started her new inning with Bharat24

on Friday from the land of New India’s New Kashmir. Bharat24’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jagdeesh Chandra and senior team members were present to welcome Rubika to the Bharat24 family.

Transfers in bureaucracy: 6 IAS, 11 IPS shifted; 3 IAS given addl charge

11 IPS SHIFTED IN RAJ

Shanti Dhariwal inaugurates police outpost in Kota

First India Bureau Kota

In a major reshuffle in bureaucracy, the Rajasthan government on Saturday transferred 6 IAS and 11 IPS officers.

3 IAS officers were also given additional charge. The Department of Personnel issued separate orders for transfer and posting.

The IAS officers who have been transferred are Arushi Ajey Malik (secretary and commissioner child rights department), H Guite (Commissioner and joint secretary – Disabilities), Shruti Bhardwaj (project director SMSA), Avdhesh Meena (joint secretary home), Utsah Chaudhary (additional commissioner VAT and IT), Dr Mohan Lal Yadav (Sikar division OSD).

Arushi Ajey Malik has recently returned from

ADDL CHARGE TO KC MEENA, BHATT, BP YETURU

training abroad while H Guite was awaiting posting orders.

At the same time, Kailash Chand Meena, Rajendra Bhatt and Bhanu Prakash Yeturu were given additional charge.

In another order, the DoP transferred 11 IPS officers including 3 ADG, 1 DIG and two SPs. Senior IPS officer VK Singh was transferred recently but he was transferred once again.

 IPS Malini Agrawal: (ADG Training)

 IPS Sachin Mittal: (ADG Recruitment & Promotion Board and Cybercrime)

 IPS Vijay Kumar Singh: (ADG Technical Services)

 IPS Gaurav Srivastava:

(IG Law and Order)

 IPS Rajendra Singh:

(IG RAC)

 IPS SK Singh: (Principal Raj Police Training Center, Kishangarh Ajmer)

 IPS Sanjeev Nain: (DCP, Jaipur West)

 IPS Vandita Rana:

(SP Dausa)

 IPS Rajendra Kumar:

(OSD Police Anupgarh)

 IPS Pooja Awana:

(OSD Police Dudu)

 IPS Devendra K Bishnoi:

(OSD Police Gangapur City)

UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Saturday visited various places in Kota. Dhariwal inaugurated a police outpost at the Khedli gate of the Bhimganjmandi Police Station area of Kota City along with PCC member Amit Dhariwal and SP (Kota City) Sharad Chaudhary. SP Sharad Chaudhary informed that a new police station will be started in Kota this week in Nanta, while a new police post will also be inaugurated on Sunday. Management is expected to improve.

Yogesh Sharma Jaipur

Dr Rituraj Sharma Jaipur

STAFF CANCELS STRIKE AFTER MEETING CM

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra called on Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Saturday. Dr Chandra extended best wishes to Shekhawat for the 4th National Water Award program held in New Delhi in which the Jal Shakti Ministry announced 41 winners in 11 categories.

Arushi Ajey Malik H Guite Utsah Chaudhary

KC Venugopal & SS Randhawa

Malini Agrawal Sachin Mittal

‘...I’m coming soon on Bharat24’: Rubika

Screenshot of Liyaquat’s tweet.

EMBRACING NEW HORIZONS!

agdeesh Chandra, along with Bharat24, Vision of New India team, visited New India’s New Kashmir to extend a warm welcome to Rubika Liyaquat as she joins the Bharat24 family on Friday. P11

THE EPITOME OF GRACE

The flattering and fluid drape of designer saree has charmed millions of heart across all borders. City First brings to some of the great options for designer sarees that one can flaunt the coming season!

arees are designed to empower women with unparalleled elegance and comfort.

With a strong commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, this graceful attire is redefining the saree experience for women across India. Sarees are a fundamental part of Indian traditions as they truly highlight the beauty of Indian women. India is the birthplace of sarees and has a plethora of sarees through all country regions, including Banarsi Saree, Ikkat sarees, Linen sarees, and Lehria silk sarees.

From formal office meetings to a gala event, you can wear designer saree anywhere. This sometimes elaborate at times simple outfit works beautifully as elegant comfort wear as well as glamorous style statement.

These six yard elegance doesn’t have its own shape or cut as it is unstitched and takes the shape of the wearer. This is a unique aspect, which differentiates designer saree from every other garment. This ethnic wear for women is a must

Mitali Dusad

mitalidusad01 @gmail.com

have for all the ladies out there. However, there is a lot of emphasis on how a saree is tied and worn, and the saree’s fabric and texture-as it’s important for getting a drape.

Sari, or ‘strip of cloth’ in Sanskrit, is more than a piece of clothing. It is the subcontinent’s collective dream of womanhood, of femininity, and a lifelong ritual of love and pleasure immersed in the shapes and drapes of our inner worlds.

Social media has a great influence on the fashion choices of everyone around the globe. These days, popular celebrities are known for their versatile choices in Indian ethnic wear. Many times, these celebrity actresses have considered saree as their favorite outfit which has guided their followers to opt the same. I feel every generation would believe that saree is one such garment that will always remain evergreen garment despite of the modern trends!

UNLEASHING Love and Luxury

City First brings to you heartfelt ways to celebrate Father's Day, creating meaningful memories and acknowledging the significant contributions of fathers worldwide.

Shubhanshi Pathak

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ather’s Day is being celebrated today, June 18. Fathers serve as role models, teaching valuable life lessons, instilling values and imparting wisdom. Fathers play an active part in shaping their children’s character, fostering resilience and encouraging personal growth. Their presence is a source of comfort and their encouragement fuels ambition and self-belief. Father’s Day is an occasion that allows us to express gratitude and appreciation for the incredible fathers, father figures and paternal role models in our lives. It is a time to honour the unwavering support, guidance, and love they have bestowed upon us.

REFLECT ON THE BOND

On Father’s Day, take a moment to reflect on the special bond you share with your father. Reminisce about cherished memories, impactful life lessons, and moments of joy that have shaped your relationship. Write a heartfelt letter or card expressing your love and appreciation, highlighting the specific ways your father has positively influenced your life.

QUALITY TIME TOGETHER

Spending quality time together is a wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day. Plan an activity or outing that aligns with your father’s interests. It could be a hike in nature, a friendly game of golf, a movie marathon, or simply cooking a meal together. The key is to engage in an activity that allows for genuine connection and creates lasting memories.

CREATE A PERSONALIZED GIFT

Thoughtful, personalized gifts can be a meaningful way to convey your love and appreciation. Consider creating a custom photo album, a handmade card, or a collage featuring memorable moments shared with your father. Personalized gifts demonstrate the effort and thought you put into celebrating his role in your life.

CELEBRATE FATHERHOOD BEYOND YOUR OWN FATHER

Father’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate fatherhood in all its forms. Extend your appreciation to other important father figures in your life, such as uncles, grandfathers, mentors or friends who have played a significant role in your personal growth. Reach out to them with a heartfelt message, a phone call or a small token of gratitude.

HONOR FATHER’S LEGACY

For those whose fathers are no longer with them, Father’s Day can be a time to honour their memory and continue their legacy. Visit your father’s resting place, engage in activities he enjoyed or gather with family members to reminisce and share stories that celebrate his life. Paying tribute to his impact keeps his memory alive and strengthens the bonds within the family.

GIVE BACK IN HIS NAME

To honour your father’s compassion and generosity, consider giving back to the community in his name. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to a cause he held dear or initiate a charitable project that aligns with his values. Making a positive impact in the world is a meaningful way to celebrate his spirit and perpetuate his legacy of kindness.

Father’s Day is an occasion to express love, gratitude and admiration for the fathers who have played an essential role in our lives. Whether through heartfelt conversations, shared experiences, personalized gifts, or acts of kindness, celebrating Father’s Day provides an opportunity to cherish and honour the unconditional love and support fathers offer. By embracing these ideas and traditions, we can make Father’s Day a truly memorable and significant celebration of paternal love and devotion.

Embracing New Horizons

City First cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra welcomed senior journalist Rubika Liyaquat to Bharat24 as the Vice President on Friday at Srinagar. The gathering was an occasion of significance and marked an important milestone in Rubika Liyaquat’s professional journey as she embarks on this new chapter with Bharat24.

Rubika’s father Dr Liyaquat Amar accompanied his daughter as she began her innings at the channel. Senior team members of Bharat24, Chief Business Officer & Strategic advisor Manoj Jagyasi, Senior Editor Syed Umar, Political Editor Aditi Nagar, HR Head Anu Shridhar and Correspondent Syed Tajamul were also present. City First brings to you some more glimpses from the occasion!

Jagdeesh Chandra enjoying the serenity of Srinagar

Jagdeesh Chandra with Syed Umar, Rubika Liyaquat and Liyaquat Amar

Rubika Liyaquat with her father Liyaquat Amar

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rubika Liyaquat

Anu Shridhar and Syed Umar

Jagdeesh Chandra in conversation with Aditi Nagar and Rubika Liyaquat

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Anu Shridhar, Manoj Jagyasi, Syed Umar, Liyaquat Amar, Rubika Liyaquat, Aditi Nagar and Syed Tajamul

Rubika Liyaquat caught in a candid moment

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Aditi Nagar, Anu Shridhar, Liyaquat Amar, Rubika Liyaquat, Manoj Jagyasi and Syed Umar

Jagdeesh Chandra in a candid moment with (L-R) Anu Shridhar, Aditi Nagar, Rubika Liyaquat and Manoj Jagyasi

City Buzz

CELEBRATING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

City First cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The CII-IWN Rajasthan Annual Session & Women Leadership Summit 2023, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) - Indian Women Network (IWN)Rajasthan Chapter, took

place at the ITC Rajputana on Saturday. In a special address, Rolee Agarwal, Principal Commissioner, Income Tax, Government of India, lauded women’s resilience and adaptability, acknowledging their progress in various spheres.

Shailaja Deval, Director, Rajasthan Forestry and Wildlife Training Institutes

Veneration 23 Poster Launch

City First cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The poster launch of Veneration

23 organized by Jaipur V

The Woman of Rajasthan and sponsored by Bikaji took place at the Asteria Rest Room on Saturday. The event was held under the chief chairmanship of Dharmendra Rathore, Chairman of Rajasthan Tourism Corporation.

Diksha Gupta, the organisation’s director, emphasised the inclusivity of the program, aiming to involve individuals from all walks of life.

Highlighting the significance of Season 3 of Veneration, Gupta noted that previous

seasons featured prominent figures such as Princess Diya Kumari, Aparna Rajawat, Ruma Devi, and the renowned actress Kirti Kulhari. Season 3 carries on this tradition, paying tribute to Gulabo Choreographer, Lekha Prajapat, Richa Jain, Nidhi Chaphekar, Rekha Jain, Seema Mishra, Dr. Sara

Reskilling the youth

City First cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Abrainstorming session focused on reskilling the youth for Industry 4.0 was held on Thursday, organised by Young Indians (Yi) Jaipur Chapter in collaboration with the

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India at the Poornima Institute of Engineering and Technology Campus in Jaipur. It was part of the G-20 initiative with the theme ‘Building an Ecosystem for Business and Work towards Industry 4.0’. The session included two separate dis-

cussions: one focused on the ‘Future of Jobs in IT and Non-IT Sectors’, featuring Ashish Ranjan, Arun Kumar and Mohit Jajoo. The second session explored ‘Research and Innovation as a Way of Life’ with speakers Prof. Dhananjay V Gadre, Vedant Loyalka and Jalesh Arya.

POSTER LAUNCH!

Sultana, Sangita Gira, and other distinguished individuals. The Rajasthan Government, Rajasthan Tourism Department, Shelbi Hospital, Elan Career Institute, Tamilnad Bank, Mayur School, FasDes Institute, and several others lent their support to make this event a success.

Malviya Nagar MLA Kalicharan Saraf installed bird feeders in the park near Ward 132 councillor’s office on Saturday. Saraf inaugurated the initiative by installing the bird feeders. On this occasion, Jaipur City Upadhyay Brahm Kumar Saini, councillor Mahesh Saini Bachchu, Mahesh Saini, councillor of Ward 148, Dhanraj Mahavar, ward president Satish Sen, ward minister Anil Sharma, Jhalana Development Committee President Bhawar Singh Jadon and local residents were present.

A three-day lecture series titled “Tat Tvam Asi” on the sacred text of Bhagavad Gita is set to be held from 27th to 29th June 2023 at the Maharana Pratap Auditorium in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Vidhyashram School. The program is organised by Arsha Vidya Mandir, Delhi, with the aim of preserving Hinduism through the study of scriptures. The program’s poster was unveiled by the chief organiser and disciple of Swami Prabuddhananda Saraswati, Acharya Ishwarananda, along with Dr HC Ganeshia, Chancellor and Chief Superintendent of the Bharatiya Hindi Sahitya Parishad, Pawan Tank, Program Coordinator and Manoj Bhardwaj, the Guest of Honor and former Deputy Mayor, during a program held on Saturday.

& Chief Conservator Forest, Training, Government of Rajasthan, discussed gender disparity and discrimination as products of conditioned mindsets.

The summit featured two sessions, “Change Makers: Learning from Success Stories” and “Change Makers: How Women are Transforming the Social and Eco-

nomic Landscape,” moderated by Dr Pallavi Mishra, Chairwoman, IWN Rajasthan Chapter.

Dr Mishra emphasized the importance of womencentric policies, tax incentives, and interventions to promote women’s entrepreneurship and facilitate access to financial institutions.

FELICITATIONS!

Upendra Rai, the Chairman and Managing Director and Editor in Chief of the Bharat Express News Network was recognised as “Most Impactful Journalist in Electronic & Social Media” by Tycoon Magazine. Upendra Rai, an advocate of Intellectual Journalism who has pioneered a revolutionising vision of electronic media for the past 25 years, now with the “Printless Media Group” appeared on the cover page of the premium luxury and business magazine.

Fashion Extravaganza

City First cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The interview round of Miss Ra jasthan, or ganised by Fusion Group led by Yogesh Mishra and Nimisha Mishra, commenced at Grand Safari.

On the first day of the 3-day interview round, the jury panel included Miss Rajasthan organiser Ni misha Mishra, Miss Ra jasthan 2018 Anchal Bohra, Miss Rajasthan 2022 Tarushee Rai, first runner-up Priyan Sain, Ria Jakhad, Sanjana Sharma and Karan Nag

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

The Royal Root at Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road unveiled a menu of exquisite Awadhi cuisine on Friday. Executive Chef Gaurav Prasher, the culinary visionary behind the Royal Root, expressed his passion for Awadhi cuisine, stating, “Awadhi cuisine is renowned for its succulent flavors, and at the Royal Root, we aim to serve our guests with true inspiration and an unforgettable experience. Our menu focuses on the culinary delights of Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. Guests can revel in the royal feast, savoring delicacies such as Korma, Biryani, Kebabs, Kulfi, and more.”

pal, who played their respective roles. Pawan Goyal from Grand Safari mentioned that Miss Rajasthan is a prestigious beauty pageant. The top 28 girls will receive 1-month grooming training free of cost by Fusion Group. Additionally, renowned groomers from India will come and train them to ensure a grand transformation. Organiser Yogesh Mishra revealed that the 25th edition’s 2023 season has been themed “Women Empowerment Best,” where girls will be provided with lifechanging moments.

Indian International Design Conclave going on for two days at the Rajasthan International Center began on Friday. The Art Exhibition ‘Voice of Dunes’ stole the spotlight which featured works by more than 30 esteemed artists, including MF Hussain and Jogendra Chowdhary. Another highlight was the session on the Incorporation of Design Elements in Structure Design with Architect Al Sando as the keynote speaker, following which participants of Saathi Conclave were honoured. Bhawani Shankar Sharma, Dharmendra Rathod, Vijay M Dhore, Shailendra Singh, Kushwaha Jagmohan Mathodia, Sohan Jakhar, BS Hada, Sangeeta Singh, Satyajit Talukdar were among the intellectuals present.

In the series of Net Theat programs, Rajasthan’s renowned Mand singer, Banarasi Babu from Jodhpur, showcased the vibrant hues of various Rajasthani Mand styles on Saturday. Net Theat’s Rajendra Sharma Raju revealed that he commenced the program with the famous Mand composition “Umraav Thari Boli Pyaari Lage Mahara Raj” and then presented “Thaare Re Mhara Raad Nahi Joori, Anbolyo Mat Jaaye, Bolyo To Hoto Re” which made the audience sway in joy. Accompanied by Banarasi Babu on the tabla, Akbar Hussain enchanted the audience with his mesmerizing fingerwork, while Mahendra Jauhri added melodic harmony with his harmonium and vocals, captivating the audience with the enchanting essence of musical soil.

Nitin Gupta, Arun Misra, Shraddha Agarwal, Tanuja Agarwal, Rolee Agarwal, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Pallavi Mishra, Nivedita Sarda, Kiran Poddar and Abhinav Banthia

Contestants of Miss Rajasthan’s Interview round

Orzala

Diksha Gupta, Dharmendra Singh Rathore and Jagroop Singh Yadav with others

Shobha Tomar, Diksha Gupta, Jagroop, Veenu Jain, Shruti Khandelwal, Parth and Surbhi Gupta with others during the launch

Dharmendra Rathore addressing the audience

During the session

MUKESH KIRADOO

MUKESH KIRADOO

MUKESH KIRADOO

MUKESH KIRADOO