First India-Jaipur Edition-24th February 2023

FinMin HOLDS MEETING WITH G-20 MINISTERS

Bengaluru: FinMin Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday pitched for a global framework to regulate cryptocurrencies, besides firming up ways to tackle global debt vulnerabilities, ahead of the G-20 meeting.

6.8 INTENSITY QUAKE HITS TAJIKISTAN TWITTER DOWN FOR SEVERAL USERS

Dushanbe: An earthquake of about 6.8 magnitude shook eastern Tajikistan at 5:37 a.m. (0037 GMT) on Thursday, Tajik authorities said, which was felt in China and other neighbouring countries.

New Delhi: The Microblogging platform Twitter was down for several users on Thursday evening. User reports indicate possible problems at Twitter. Website and mobile applications both were affected.

BIZ COMMUNITY SHOULD SHARE TRADE IMBALANCE

Pune: EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday said the responsibility for the trade imbalance with China rests squarely on businesses as well, blaming Indian corporates for not developing the right sourcing arrangements.

Green energy a gold mine for private players: PM Modi

POST-BUDGET WEBINAR

New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the first postBudget webinar, particularly focused on Green Growth.

It is first of of 12 postbudget webinars being organized by the government to seek ideas and suggestions for effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the recent Union Budget. Speaking about Green growth, which

READ Crucial

WOMEN’S T20 WC SF: INDIA FACES HEART BREAKING DEFEAT

Cape Town: Indian women’s cricket team suffered a heartbreaking five run defeat against Australia in the first semifinal of ICC

Women’s T20 World Cup here on Thursday. In reply to 173 runs target, India could only manage to score 167 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

PUNJAB VB ARRESTS

AAP MLA AMIT RATTAN IN BRIBERY CASE

Bathinda: AAP’s Bathinda

Rural MLA Amit Rattan was arrested in a bribery case, Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) officials said on Thursday. Officials said MLA Rattan is being questioned at Bathinda Civil Line Police Station and will be soon taken to Bathinda Civil Hospital for medical examination.

6 MILITANTS KILLED IN PAKISTAN’S KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA STATE

Peshawar: Security forces gunned down six Tehreeki-Taliban militants on Thursday in an intelligencebased operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The operation was jointly conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department and police in the Lakki Marwat district of the province.

was one of the seven top priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24, PM Modi said India’s solar, wind and biogas potential is no less than a “gold mine or an oilfield” for India’s private sector. These renewable sources have huge potential to generate a huge number of green jobs.

The Union Budget has envisaged a number of projects and initiatives spread across various sectors and ministries -- Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Transition, Energy Storage Projects, Renewable Energy Evacu-

ation, Green Credit Program, PM-PRANAM, GOBARdhan Scheme, Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, Coastal Shipping and Vehicle Replacement.

“India’s vehicle scrapping policy is a key part of India’s green growth strategy. We are going to scrap over three lakh vehicles. This budget is an opportunity for the security of India’s future. We need to work collectively and swiftly to implement budget policies,” Modi said.

Deplaned, arrested, released on interim bail: High drama as Cong’s Khera nabbed on way to Raipur

PAWAN’S BAKHERA

New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Pawan Khera was arrested on Thursday by Assam Police in connection with an FIR over alleged remarks against PM Narendra Modi, a day of high drama that began with him being deplaned from a flight to Raipur and his party leaders protesting on the tarmac.

Khera, who was in news this week for apparently fumbling on the prime minister’s father’s name during a press conference, was released on interim bail till February 28 by a Delhi court later in the evening on the directions of the Supreme Court.

He had moved the apex court to seek relief in multiple FIRs against him in Assam as well as in the UP towns of Varanasi and Lucknow.

After dictating the order granting interim bail, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, apparently displeased with the Congress leader’s remarks, told senior advocate AM Singhvi, who was representing Khera, “We have protected you (Khera) but there has to be some level of discourse.” P6

Mastermind of paper leak case Saran held

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: The Rajasthan police on Thursday nabbed Bhupendra Saran, one of the masterminds in the senior teacher recruitment paper leak case. ADG SOG Ashok Rathore said Saran was arrested from Bangalore. The SOG was informed about the presence of Saran in Bangalore.

Jodhpur Rural SP Dharmendra Singh Yadav

IN VIRAL VIDEO, PAKISTAN MAN SAYS “ALLAH, GIVE US MODI SO THAT HE CAN FIX COUNTRY”

Islamabad: In a viral video posted by Pakistani Youtuber Sana Amjad, a fellow Pakistani is heard ranting against Shehbaz Sharif govt over the prevailing state of affairs in the country and saying that they would also have been able to buy goods at reasonable prices had PM Narendra Modi been ruling Pakistan. In the viral video, Sana Amjad is heard asking a local why the slogan ‘Pakistan se zinda bhago chahe India chale jaao” was being raised, he responds saying he wishes he wasn’t born in Pakistan. He said he wishes that the

Partition hadn’t happened as he, and his fellow countrymen, could then have been able to purchase essential items at reasonable prices.

“Modi is much better than us, his people respect and follow him so much. If we

had Narendra Modi, we wouldn’t need Nawaz sharif or Benazir or Imran, not even Gen (Parvez) Musharraf. All we want is PM Modi, as only he can deal with all mischievous elements in the country (Pakistan).

PM Modi will rid K’taka of corruption: Amit Shah

Bellari: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the BJP will form the government with full majority in Karnataka and urged people to repose faith in PM Narendra Modi and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Shah was addressing a public gathering in Sandur here in Karnataka and his statement comes at a time when the state is expected to go to polls by May.

ASSAM POLICE REGISTERS CASE AGAINST PAWAN KHERA: POLICE SPOKESPERSON

Guwahati (ANI): A case has been registered at Haflong police station in Assam’s Dima Hasao district against Congress leader Pawan Khera, police said on Thursday. Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, IGP L&O and spokesperson of Assam police said a team of Assam police left for Delhi to take remand of Pawan Khera in connection with the Haflong police station case. “A case has been registered against Pawan Khera at Haflong police station in Dima Hasao district, our team is Delhi, and we have requested Delhi Police to arrest him,” he said.

—PHOTO BY PTI

HIGHLIGHTS

 Supreme Court grants interim bail to Pawan Khera, agrees to club all FIRs against him

 Congress stages dharna at tarmac, sloganeering and distressed passengers

 Action against Khera is new example of vendetta politics: Jairam Ramesh

CONGRESS LEADERS SHOULD NOT LIVE IN ANY ‘MISCONCEPTION’ THAT THEY ARE ABOVE LAW: BJP New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Thursday hit back at the Congress for protesting police action against its spokesperson Pawan Khera, saying the Opposition party’s leaders should not live in this “misconception” that they are above the law and criticised them for their agitation on the Delhi airport tarmac. “Whatever is done is done lawfully. Congress leaders should not live under this misconception that they are above the law,” BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters here on Thursday.

CM BATS FOR STATE

“Trust PM Modi and Yediyurappa once, and we (BJP) will give such a government that it will rid Karnataka of corruption and make it a number one state in south India,” Shah said. P5

BJP WILL WIN 150 SEATS IN K’TAKA ASSEMBLY POLLS, CLAIMS

PRADHAN

Bengaluru: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that the saffron party will poll 150 seats. “BJP in Karnataka is going to win 150 seats in upcoming assembly elections. We are going to carry out required strategies to reach the target,” he said.

AAP, BJP trade charges as MCD meet adjourned again

New Delhi (PTI): The overnight impasse in the election of standing committee members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi continued on Thursday as the House was finally adjourned till Friday, amid demands by BJP for fresh voting citing violation of ballot secrecy by AAP councilors. The MCD House witnessed high drama

Covid fear: Mom locks herself, son for 3 years

punctuated by as many as 15 adjournments since Wednesday through night till early Thursday morning.

and the SOG team camped in Bengaluru for 8 days searching for Saran. On Wednesday, a tip-off was received, after which he was nabbed.

Accused Saran had a reward of `1 lakh

The Rajasthan Police had announced reward of Rs 25,000 each on Bhupendra Saran but he was absconding. It was said that he had fled abroad, but the police also received information that the accused was hiding somewhere in India.

MP’s petition against ERCP is an attempt to stop rightful water of East Raj: Gehlot

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday that the petition filed by the Madhya Pradesh government in the Supreme Court to stay the work on the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is an attempt to deprive Rajasthan of its share of water. He said that by stopping the work of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Pro-

ject by the

Pradesh

13 districts

Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Dausa, Alwar, Jaipur and Ajmer – has tried to stop the rightful water belonging to Rajasthan.

ERCP is in line with the guidelines of the Central Water Commission

Gehlot said that the DPR of Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project is in accordance with the Guidelines-2010 of the Central Water Commission. Turn to P8

Gurugram: Munmun Majhi locked herself and her son at their Gurugram home for three years because she was terrified that the 10-year-old would “die of Covid as soon if he stepped out”, police said after the two were rescued and hospitalised for a thorough check-up. P6

PROBLEM IN PUNJAB

Hardliners clash with police in Amritsar

Amritsar (Agencies):

Hundreds of supporters of a self-styled religious preacher were seen breaking through a barricade put up by the police here on Thursday.

Armed with swords and guns, and corralling what appeared to be a small bus with loudspeakers, the armada breached the fencing near outside Ajnala Police Station.

The marchers were followers of Amritpal Singh, chief of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ group,

staging a massive demonstration against the arrest of his close aide Lovepreet Toofan.

PM Narendra Modi addresses the post-budget webinar on ‘Green Growth’ via video conferencing, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Madhya

government,

of Eastern

Rajasthan – Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur,

Congress leader Pawan Khera being taken into police custody owing to an FIR against him, while he was boarding a plane, in New Delhi, on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public rally at Sandur in Bellary district, on Thursday. —PHOTO BY PTI

CM Ashok Gehlot being welcomed by TS Singh Deo in Raipur on Thursday. The CM has gone there to participate in Congress session.

Min Ola flags off luxury bus service on new routes

The inaugural ceremony was conducted virtually; educational devp

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Thursday virtually laid the foundation stone of various development works of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University, Sikar.

He inaugurated the construction works related to the guest house, research and post-graduate student hostel of men and women, student facilitation centre, health centre and student union office of the varsity.

The Governor also expressed hope that the expansion of residential

Governor Kalraj Mishra during the inauguration ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Jaipur on Thursday.

and other necessary facilities in the varsity will speed up the educational development of the region. During the foundation laying ceremony, VC Prof. Bhagirath Singh Bijarnia in-

will speed up: Guv

The expansion of residential and other necessary facilities in the varsity will speed up the educational development of the region.

—Kalraj Mishra, Governor, Rajasthan

formed that at present 580 colleges are affiliated with the university and about 3.5 lakh students are presently enrolled in different courses.

“Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati

Ex-DGP Dinkar to head panel for strengthening law & order

CONDUCT FOOT PATROLLING: DGP DIRECTS ALL SPs

University is the first multi-faculty university in the state where a radio station has also been started,” said Prof Bhagirath Singh.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary to

the Governor Subir Kumar, Chief Officer to the Governor Govindram Jaiswal, Registrar of Shekhawati University Rajveer Singh and officials of the university were present.

Officials asked to meet JMCH ‘revenue’ target

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The State Government on Thursday constituted a committee after the instructions of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to strengthen law and order and intelligence.

Principal secretary, Home gave approval for the formation of the committee headed by former DG Dalpat Singh Dinkar. ADG Crime,

ADG Intelligence and IG Jaipur range will be the members of the committee while SP CID (Security) will be the member secretary. The committee will give its report to the state government in three months.

PM’s policies benefit only selected people: Ramlal

First India Bureau

Udaipur: Revenue Minister and in-charge of Udaipur Ramlal Jat has said that we made a transparent investment policy for industrialists wherein anyone can invest be it the Tatas, Birlas, Ambanis, Mittals or Adani. “We do not make policies to benefit any one person, which the Modi government at the Centre does. The Centre tries to benefit Adani in every field,” he said during his tour of Udaipur on Thursday.

Jat was replying to a query by the media on

So far, nearly 1,45,593 connections done in Feb this year, say officials

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: The number of daily water connections (FHTCs) under the Jal Jeevan Mission increased to 10,175 on February 20. Earlier, on February 19, 9,501 water connections were made in a single day. The average num-

industrialist Gautam Adani’s announcement of investment of about Rs 65,000 crore in Rajasthan. He congratulated Gulab Chand Kataria, who was the Leader of the Opposition, on becoming the Governor.

Jaipur: Rajasthan DGP

Umesh Mishra has instructed all the district SPs to conduct patrolling on foot. He said that SHOs will have to do patrolling on foot mandatorily. The DGP said that if necessary, FIRs under NSA should be registered. He also expressed displeasure with some SPs over NIL action under the Rajasthan Prevention of Anti-Social Activities act.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) Munesh Gurjar on Thursday directed the revenue officers to achieve the desired targets of UD tax to improve the financial condition of the civic body.

The mayor reviewed the progress of revenue collection for the financial year 2022-23 and expressed displeasure over not achieving the set targets. She also gave instructions for recovery of the outstanding UD tax of more than Rs 67 crore against 149 defaulters.

JMCH Mayor Munesh Gurjar during the meeting with officials.

Doctors can’t deny treatment after RTH: Health Minister

First India Bureau

Kota: Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena was on a visit to Kota on Thursday. While speaking to media persons at the circuit house in Kota, Parsadi Lal Meena said that the State Government is very concerned about the Right to the Health bill.

“According to the guidelines of WHO, doctors will have to treat emergency patients. There is not a single hospital which does not provide treatment under the Chi -

ranjeevi Scheme. However, some people do not want to be associated with Chiranjeevi scheme. If the Right to Health Bill comes, they will not be able to deny the treatment,” said

JAL JEEVAN MISSION Dr Subodh Agarwal and other officials during

ber of connections in the last one week has been more than 8,000.

The figures came to fore in the review

the review meet.

meeting of the department held by Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health Engineer-

ing. He instructed the field engineers to increase the pace of the mission and achieve the set target.

It was informed in the meeting that a total of 1 lakh 45 thousand 593 connections have been made in JJM so far in February and Rs 6,618 crore have been spent so far in this financial year.

Jhalawar district has made maximum 68 per cent water connections, Bhilwara is second with 64 per cent and Chittorgarh is at third with 62 per cent.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Transport Minister Brijendra Ola on Thursday flagged off nine new AC luxury buses which will ply on routes of Mumbai, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.

Roadways Chief Executive (Traffic) Sanjay Pandey informed that new AC luxury buses have been started and they will be operating from Jaipur to VapiKalyan in Mumbai, Lucknow and Kota routes.

“AC sleeper and chair car luxury bus service will be available in place

Former Admin Officer of NICL gets 4-year RI

First India Bureau Jaipur: A CBI court sentenced four years of rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs 26 lakh to the then administrative officer of National Insurance Company Limited for causing a loss of Rs 27.40 lakh to the company. After the investigation, Thirteen separate chargesheets were filed against the accused Sahdev Kumar posted at NICL’s Jaipur branch. The CBI had registered a case on June 24, 2015.

of currently operated super luxury services on the Haridwar and Ahmedabad route. Similarly, two super luxury buses will run on Jaipur-Delhi via DelhiMumbai Expressway,” said Sanjay Pandey.

“Students will be benefitted as AC bus and

chair car service will operate to Lucknow via Kanpur and Kota route. The main reason for operating luxury buses on these routes was the demand from passengers and students. Online bookings have been started for the same,” added Pandey.

Ajmer, Jodhpur Discom MDs get 1-yr extension, decision pending for Jpr

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: The Managing Directors of Ajmer and Jodhpur DISCOMs got extension for one year. However, the decision regarding the Jaipur DISCOM MD is pending.

Principal Secretary Energy Bhaskar A Sawant issued orders for the extension of Ajmer DISCOM MD SN Nirwan and Jodhpur DISCOM MD Pramod Tank for one year.

People showing more faith in Ayurveda: Min

First India Bureau

Health Minister Prasadi Lal Meena. The minister also targeted the BJP government and said that BJP is working with a political vendetta.

“Congress session is being held in Chhattisgarh and raids are being done. However, nobody is discussing Adani. The entire family of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is accused of the Sanjeevani scam. SOG has proof and when the time comes, the arrest will also happen,” added Meena.

Jaipur: Union Minister of State for AYUSH Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai on Thursday said that people’s faith in Ayurveda is increasing and it is Centre’s effort that more people adopt Ayurveda in their day-to-day life. He said that the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also promoting Ayurveda medicine in a big way. He said that for the development, promotion and dissemination of Ayurveda from time to time, it is necessary to

Dr Munjpara Kalubhai

organise informative international conferences.

The Minister along with AYUSH Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha inaugurated the threeday International Seminar on Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Science at National Institute of Ayurveda Deemed University, Jaipur.

SN Nirwan Pramod Tank

senior posts in power DISCOMs were made. MM Rinwa was made the MD of Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam while KP Verma was made Director (Technical) in Jaipur DISCOM.

First India Bureau Jaipur: Three Pakistani nationals were sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment by a Jaipur court for espionage for Pakistan. The court sentenced Nandlal Garg (26) and his two brothers Gauri Shankar Garg (35) and Prem Chand Garg (34), all hailing Pakistan, to seven years of imprisonment under section 370 of the Officials Secrets Act, 1923 and Section 3/14 of Foreigners Act, 1946, respectively, for spying for Pakistan.

Guv lays foundation stone of Shekhawati Univ devp works

Dalpat Singh Dinkar

New bus routes added on demand of students, says Chief Executive

3 Pak nationals get 7 yrs in jail for espionage

Revenue Minister Ramlal Jat

Committee to submit report in three months

ATS, SOG HELD SARAN ON BASIS OF GHEE, OTHER ITEMS SENT TO HIM

Prime accused in grade-2 teacher recruitment exam paper leak held in Bengaluru

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: A consignment of ghee and other items sent for Bhupendra Saran from Jodhpur to Bengaluru became the crucial lead for Rajasthan police to nab him. Saran, one of the prime accused in the grade-2 teacher recruitment examination paper leak case, was on Thursday caught at Bengaluru airport.

A team of ATS and SOG and Jodhpur rural police was camping for the last six days in Bengaluru to collect information about Saran. After getting concrete evi-

dence about his movement, Saran was detained from the Bengaluru airport on Thursday, an official said. As the paper leak case was registered in Udaipur, Saran was

handed over to a police team in Udaipur. The CISF team played an important role in his arrest. Sources said that ghee and other items were dispatched for Saran from Jodhpur railway station

MP DIYA INAUGURATES DEVP WORK

Lawrence gets nervous in probe by 4 agencies

First India Bureau

“...I WILL GIVE PROOFS IN NEXT 2 DAYS” WARNS KIRODI, SEEKS CBI PROBE AGAIN

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena alleged that the SOG has got Bhupendra Saran surrendered in a planned manner and all efforts are being made to save the culprits. “I will give proofs related to this matter in the next 1-2 days,” he said. Meena also reiterated the demand of CBI inquiry in the paper leak case. He said that Bhupendra Saran is an old player of paper leak and he reached Bangalore via Nepal from Thailand. He said that many big secrets will be revealed in the interrogation of Suresh Dhaka. On the other hand, DGP will honor the team that caught the paper leak mafia. After Saran was caught, Mishra called and congratulated Jodhpur Rural SP Dharmendra Yadav, who gave the main lead. The govt would also consider giving out-of-term promotion to the team that caught the paper leak mafia.

to Bengaluru. The items were received at the Bengaluru railway station by Saran’s relative. The team of Rajasthan police chased the relative and kept a vigil on him for five days.

After concrete evidence that Saran will travel from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru, CISF was contacted and he was nabbed. He was planning to offer worship at the bank of a river.

Jaipur: Gangster Lawrence Vishnoi was confronted by various officials of four different agencies on Wednesday.

According to sources, at first, seeing all the agencies together, the dreaded criminal got nervous, then stayed calm for a while. And after a while, started answering the questions of agencies.

Regarding the incidents in many states, Lawrence said that how can he get someone attacked when he is on remand? However, during the strict interrogation, Lawrence spilt many secrets. He also gave information about gangster Hrithik Boxer. After

this, several police teams have gone out to nab Hrithik Boxer. As per police officials, they will soon catch Hrithik Boxer. ADCP Crime Kailash Chandra said that Gangster Lawrence has been interrogated by police headquarters, ATS-SOG, Central IB and NIA officials.

LAWRENCE PRODUCED IN COURT, GETS 7 DAY POLICE CUSTODY

Gangster Lawrence was produced in court through video conferencing on Thursday. The court sent him on police remand for seven days. Prior to the proceedings, Lawrence’s lawyer gave a letter to the court. In this letter, Lawrence has described the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress Party as a threat to him. On the other hand, the court has also ordered the Jawahar Circle police station to strengthen security during Lawrence’s medical. The court was told by SHO Jawahar Circle that now Lawrence’s medical will be done by a team of doctors in the police station itself. Before the appearance, Lawrence’s lawyer had raised questions about his safety.

Five miscreants fire gunshots at bizman outside gym in Bharatpur Bhiwani Lynching: Monu Manesar’s pic missing

Ravi Katara

Bharatpur: About fourfive miscreants shot a businessman outside a gymnasium on Thursday morning in the city. The accused miscreants came in a black Mahindra Scorpio outside the Wellness Health Club gym near Bhuri Singh Gymnasium. The accused attacked the businessman with sticks and rods. After this, a miscreant shot the business-

CM OKAYS `1,745 CR

FOR ROADS

Raj Govt increases no of workdays to 125 in Urban employment scheme

Jaipur (PTI): The Rajasthan government has approved Rs

1,745.73 crore for the construction, upgradation and strengthening of rural roads and bridges, according to an official statement.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has okayed a proposal to this effect, it said. A total 266 roads and 35 bridges will be covered under the project. As many as 301 works will be undertaken, covering 2,369 kilometer rural road length and 3,369 metre bridges.

Meanwhile, Gehlot has also approved a proposal to increase the

RSS chief Bhagwat in Udpr today for All India meeting of organisation

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh

man in the hand and leg.

Hearing the loud sound of gunshots, people took

care of the businessman, while the accused fled after firing.

CCTV footage of the incident has come to the fore. The injured businessman was rushed to Raj Trauma Centre and was then referred to Raj Bahadur Memorial (RBM) Hospital. At present, the treatment of businessman Gajendra Singh alias Lala Pahalwan is going on in the hospital as he was severely injured in the attack.

First India Bureau

Bharatpur: Despite cow vigilante Monu Manesar not being in the photo of eight accused released by Bharatpur police, on Thursday, in the murder case of two Muslim youths of Rajasthan, Junaid and Nasir, police clarified that Monu Manesar’s name

was in FIR and a probe was on.

The photographs of Monu Manesar and Lokesh Singla were missing from the photographs of the eight accused released by the Rajasthan Police.

The Bharatpur police said that while interrogating Rinku, eight accused were confirmed. A search operation is going on in collaboration with the Haryana Police for their arrest.

Ashok Gehlot

number of workdays from 100 to 125 under the Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme. A state government statement said that the scheme, started on the lines of central govt’s MMG NREGA, is proving helpful for jobless in the cities.

chief Mohan Bhagwat will be in Udaipur on Friday for the All India meeting organized every five years. The meeting will be held in village Bhemai of Dungarpur district of Chittor until February 26. Gram Vikas and Prabhat Gram Milan programme will be held in the meeting. All preparations have been completed for the meeting. In the

DOCTORS MEET GEHLOT

Prabhat Gram Milan programme by Gram Vikas, Prabhat Gram and Centre to Gram Sankul, two workers will participate from the place of campus development. Various topics will be discussed in the programme on Uday Prabhat Gram, Annual Plan.

Bhagwat will arrive at Udaipur airport and go to Beneshwar Dham. He will participate in the two-day village development meeting. He will address the Gram Sabha on Sunday and hold a meeting with the volunteers of Sagwara district.

CM Gehlot assures middle way solution to doctors agitating over Right To Health Bill

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur : The meeting of agitating private doctors with chief minister Ashok Gehlot ended on a positive note. However, the doctors have kept the decision on their future course of action regarding agitation against the Right To Health Bill pending.

A delegation of doctors protesting against the Right to Health Bill met CM Ashok Gehlot on Thursday under the banner of Joint Action Committee. They kept

their point in the meeting. Most of the doctors present in the delegation appeared satisfied after the meeting.

Dr Sunil Chugh,

Joint Action Committee’s convenor and Dr. Anurag Sharma, Secretary of Jaipur Medical Association said that CM Ashok Gehlot

CM Gehlot has asked the officials to discuss the suggestions given by the medical organizations regarding this bill. Private doctors across the state have been agitating against the Bill and protests were also done. They also boycotted govt schemes due to which benefits of Chiranjeevi and RGHS are not being given to the patients.

listened to all the doctors seriously and assured a middle way will also be found regarding the impasse regarding this bill.

Paper leak accused Bhupendra Saran at Bengaluru Airport. Saran’s house was bulldozed on January 14 by JDA.

Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari inaugurated the Merta to Badayali via Chundia road built at a cost of Rs 8 crore 93 lakh under PMGSY on Thursday.

Bullets were fired at Gajendra from a distance of four feet.

Delegation of Doctors met CM Ashok Gehlot at CMR on Thursday.

PM Modi: The Perfect CEO of India Inc.

A systems thinker with the unique ability to compartmentalize not just his own life but the rigors of everyday work, a perfectionist with an exemplary sense of punctuality and efficiency, a pioneer of the infotech revolution in India, PM Modi has been navigating his countrymen onto the path of progress and development with greater insight and vision than the CEOs of global organizations.

It was 1994 and I remember PM Modi was the party Secretary then. He is a true visionary and believes in simple living and high thinking. What is amazing about Modiji is that so many years ago he was so immersed in technology that people like us and most others did not even have a clue of what Modiji was already an expert at. I was associated with media and was in the profession that demanded staying up-to-date with latest tech developments, but Modiji has never had nay parallel in the realm of technology. In 1996 and 1997, Modiji possessed an email account and would communicate over email. I don’t remember sending out emails even in ‘98 or couple of years down the line. Can we think of this! Modiji had a Nokia Communicator at a time when we were struggling with those bulky mobile phones. He owned that sleek device for communication, used a laptop and had an exceptionally professional approach towards work. What made him stand apart

‘HE WAS ONE OF THE EARLIEST ADOPTERS OF TWITTER AND FB IN INDIAN POLITICS’ Alot of other politicians who initially criticized the use of social media in politics started making prolific use of it subsequently. They understood much later that social media establishes a direct connect with people. Modiji has always been the pioneer of technological revolution in India & its presence in our daily lives. Modiji had a Nokia Communicator at a time when we were struggling with those bulky mobiles. He owned that sleek device for communication, used a laptop & had an exceptionally professional approach towards work. What made him stand apart from everyone was that while he would own state of the art technology & use it like a pro, his conduct was always simple.

from everyone was that while he would own state of the art technology and use it like a pro, his demeanour and conduct was always simple. The know how of technology did not alter the way he connected with the masses, always at the ground level. He was the first leader to draw the attention of the political community towards the diverse uses of social media. He was one of the earliest adopters of Twitter and Facebook in Indian politics. A lot of other politicians who initially criticized the use of social media in politics started making prolific use of it subsequently. They understood much later that social media establishes a direct connect with the people. Modiji has always been the pioneer of technological revolution in India and its presence in our dayto-day life.

Modiji is a very keen observer of life. He has imbibed lessons from his own experiences, from books, from his interaction with people from diverse walks of life, the lives of other people and this depth and wisdom is reflected in the way he leads his life. I have heard him speak about his observations about children and the fact is, my child does exactly that! He has observed about how children behave when they return

home from school, he has made observations about the relationship between children and their grandparents and parents and others, how they grow up as individuals and create an identity for themselves - this quality of observing and knowing life from every angle is remarkable about Modiji and I don’t think any politician possesses it to this extent!

Another thing, I have never seen him getting angry! Ordinary people like us often lose our temper though we try not to. Not that we don’t give a long rope to people and our staff but we still end up getting impatient if some work is not accomplished as per our requirements. But I have never, ever found Modiji raising his voice or losing his patience with any person. A CM’s office is a hub of activity. Some 60 to 200 people are always present at a given time in a CM’s office. Some are there, well, just to show their faces. Some MLAs seeking positions in the government, wanting to become ministers, some other who want to get some work done, but Modiji works better than a CEO. His sense of punctuality is impeccable. If you have an appointment for 3 pm, you will get to meet the CM at 3 pm and not some couple of hours later or the next day.

Time management and punctuality are his hallmark. His office, as active CM, was always bustling with energy. Work is accomplished and without wasting any time there. Also, he has a penchant or a preference for meeting specialists. His table would be super clean, the files would never be pending and not even a paper on the table. Swachhta has been his motto in every aspect of life since childhood. It is not that he does not receive files but nothing is kept pending at Modiji’s office. Another thing that he has been very clear about in his communication to everyone is - his policy about not discussing any upcoming elections. He tells people very categorically “Elections are not my priority. I prepare for elections only four months prior. I focus on my state and its requirements.” A lot of people have an inclination towards preparing for the

next elections from the very first day. They start thinking of ways to woo certain communities or take decisions to influence a certain section of society. But for Modiji, that has never been the case. Nothing could ever deter him from taking decisions for the welfare of the state. Development of the country and the state are his priority. He is never under political pressure or burdened by the considerations of what will benefit him in the coming elections, this has never been Modiji’s policy or interest. Politics is not his life, it is just one aspect of his work. Flawless and futuristic governance has been his focus always and his views of life, of working and developing a bond with people have been kept separate from politics.

I remember he was under tremendous pressure in about 2001 when MLAs were pressurizing him to make them ministers, others want-

ed him to make them chairmen of organizations and they would complain to the party high command. But Modiji never surrendered to such pressures. His line of action was clear - he wanted to work for Jan Kalyan, the welfare of the masses and he never succumbed to individual demands. He is not there to work for individuals but the collective progress of the country and development of the masses. His stance was firm - he would never let down the glory of a position or a chair. Every post comes with responsibility and accountability. Irrespective of who is upset or not, Modiji would always do what is right and morally correct. He is not someone to be pressurized to do things that are against his high philosophy of life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

We will rid K’taka of corruption, make it No.1 in south India: Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah urges voters to have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ballari (PTI): Union

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asked the people of poll-bound Karnataka to repose faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and said the BJP would give such a government that it would rid the State of corruption and make Karnataka number one in South India within five years.

Addressing a public meeting at Sandur, a Congress stronghold, in this district, Shah also took potshots at the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit and the JD(S), dubbing them as dynastic parties which cannot do good for the people.

“Trust PM Modi and Yediyurappa once, and we (BJP) will give such a government that it will rid Karnataka of corruption and make it a number one state in South India within five years,” Shah said. Assembly elections are due in Karnataka by

Union Home Minister Amit Shah waves during the Vijay Sankalp convention, in Bellary on Thursday.

May. Shah recalled that in the 2018 assembly election, the BJP had emerged as the largest party but fell short of a few seats to form a government. This led to a power play between Congress and the JD(S) and corruption in Karnataka, he said.

“Both Congress and the JD(S) are dynastic parties. Dynastic parties do no good for people in democracy,” Home Minister Shah said.

Cong’s plenary session to chalk out strategy

‘R a G a -LED CONG LINKED WITH ‘TUKDETUKDE’ GANG’

Ballari (PTI):Union Home Minister Amit Shah cautioned people against the divisive Congress’ and said only Modi can protect India and make the country prosperous.

Raipur (PTI): Laying out a clear roadmap for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and forging poll tie-ups with like-minded parties to take on the BJP will be the centre of discussion at the three-day Congress plenary session starting here Friday.

Kohima (ANI): Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) chief Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Wednesday said that the option for a postpoll alliance is still open, but it’s not confirmed which party will they support.

Talking to ANI, Liezietus said, “The upcoming elections are very special. Earlier only 3-4 parties used to fight, but this time there are 12 political parties. But, ours is the only regional party, the rest are national parties”.

Talking about the BJP-NDPP alliance, he said, “The relation between BJP and NDPP is not very smooth.”

“To be frank, we have faced difficulties in this election. Earlier, we used to field all 60 candidates, but this time, at the eleventh hour, many of our candidates defected to other parties. I didn’t get much time to reorganisse the party and was able to field only 22 candidates.

But, I am sure that all 22 pose a winning chance. We are expecting only 12-15 seats,” he said.

UAE

PM’S

GRIP ON GUJARAT, BJP WON POLLS EVEN AFTER BRIDGE COLLAPSE: GIRIRAJ SINGH

Patna (ANI): Union Rural Development Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying that the latter should see the credibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who won the Gujarat elections with a huge margin even after the tragic Morbi accident. “The one who still searching for ‘Samadhan’ (solution) even after 17 years of his political career, compares himself with PM. Just look at Modi’s credibility in Gujarat which he has created in the last 27 years. He has a grip on the people of Gujarat so tight that even after the tragic Morbi incident, the party managed to win 156 seats in the assembly elections; that’s his credibility,” Giriraj Singh said. “Bihar Chief Minister is compelled by his greed for power. He is not Jayaprakash Narayan who will choose to leave politics, nor Lohia (Rammanohar Lohia). Nitish should quit politics as soon as possible because he is going to face a state of disrepair,” Singh further said.

Rajagopalachari’s great-grandson CR Kesavan quits Congress

Chennai (ANI): CR

Kesavan , great-grandson of India’s first Indian-born Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, resigned from the Congress party on Thursday, saying that he has not seen any vestiges of the values that made him work for the party with dedication for over two decades.

In a letter to Congress president, Kesavan shared his resignation letter on Twitter.

“I have not seen any vestiges of the values that made me work for the Party with dedication for over two decades. I can no longer in good conscience say that I concur with what the Party presently symbolizes, stands for nor seeks to propagate. This is why I had recently declined an organizational responsibility at the National Level and also refrained from participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” he said.

PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE

“On one hand there is PM Modi-led BJP strengthening India, and on the other there is Rahul Gandhi-led Congress linked with ‘Tukde-Tukde’ gang. You have to make a choice between the two,” he said. Shah alleged that when there was a UPA rule led by PM Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi (as UPA Chairperson) in the country for 10 years, Pakistan carried out many attacks inside India, but the then government did not retaliate. After Modi formed the government, then also Pakistan attacked India at Uri and Pulwama, but within 10 days surgical and air strikes were carried out inside the neighbouring country and the terrorists were wiped out, he said.

The Congress top brass will be in attendance at the 85th plenary session that will primarily endorse the presidentship of Mallikarjun Kharge and will pave the way for the new working committee led by him. The session, which comes in the backdrop of the Bharat Jodo Yatra that has been touted as a success by the party, will be attended by around 15,000 delegates.

On the first day of the three-day session, the Steering Committee, which is playing the role of the Working Committee (the previous one was dissolved until a new CWC is formed), will also decide on whether there will be elections to the top decision-making

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with INTUC President G Sanjeeva Reddy during the 33rd plenary session of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), in New Delhi.

BJP TRYING TO THREATEN VOTERS: CONG

Shillong: Meghalaya

Congress Chief Vincent H Pala has alleged that the BJP is trying to threaten the voters of the state that they would be punished if they do not vote the BJP to the power.

“BJP is trying to threaten the citizens of Meghalaya, saying that if they don’t vote for us, they will be punished. But the people of Meghalaya are much cleverer than the BJP,” Pala said.

body or not. The party currently rules three states on its

Yogi govt to appoint ‘Udyami Mitras’ in all 75 districts to facilitate investment

Lucknow (ANI): In an attempt to expedite the appointment of Udyami Mitras for facilitating investment in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to give weightage of 50 marks to the applicants in the test results.

These Udyami Mitras, or friends of entrepreneurs, will be appointed on the basis of their education, work experience, and their performance in the in-

terview and computer test, in which they will get a weightage of 50 marks depending on their categories.

According to an official statement, the weightage will be given in four categories, namely A, B, C, and D.

Biswa Bhusan Harichandan sworn in as 9th Governor of Chhattisgarh

Raipur (ANI): Biswa Bhusan Harichandan on Thursday took osath as the ninth governor of Chhattisgarh at a ceremony in the Raj Bhavan in the state capital Raipur.

Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami administered the oath of office to Harichandan at Darbar Hall in the Raj Bhawan. Governor

Harichandan took oath in Hindi. Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel, State agriculture minister

OVER PARIS AGREEMENT

Ravindra Chaubey, Chattisgarh BJP president Arun Sao, former Chief minister Dr Raman Singh, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Narayan Chandel along with various senior officials were present in the ceremony.

Before this stint, he was the 23rd Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 24th July 2019 to 22nd February 2023.

‘Limiting global temp rise to 1.5°C non-negotiable’

New Delhi (ANI): Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 UAE PresidentDesignate, emphasised the need to mobilise resources and partnerships towards bold and transformative approach to climate action. Al Jaber also said the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is nonnegotiable.

Speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit hosted by

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi, Al Jaber

recognised India’s prominent global role and noted that the coun-

FOGGY CONDITIONS RETURN IN DELHI

T he residents of Delhi have been witnessing cold, foggy weather conditions for the past few days, further affecting visibility. Following a difference in the weather in the national capital, from hot temperatures a day ago to cold, foggy conditions, the minimum temperature is expected to settle at 13 degrees Celsius for the next 2 days, said the Regional Meteorological Department, New Delhi. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to touch 29 degrees Celsius. Check Delhi’s latest weather forecast An increase in temperature was observed for the last few days as the mercury soared to 33 degrees in Delhi-NCR.

try, which assumes the Presidency of the G20 this year, is soon to be-

come the world’s third largest economy. The president-desig-

nate of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) said, “India’s sustainable development is critical, not just for India, but for whole world. India’s goal of adding 500GW of clean energy in the next 7 years is a powerful statement of intent. And, as one of the largest investors in renewables, the UAE will explore all opportunities for partnership with India to contribute to high growth, low carbon pathway.”

CONG MP INVITES 16 PARTIES TO JOIN HANDS

Madurai: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday invited a total of 16 political parties to come together with Congress as the “captain” for a “Progressive India” ahead of the 2024 general elections. DMK RJD NCP JDU SS U JMM IUML MDMK RSP VCK PDP NC KC MNM (16 parties). We respect each other and work together to defeat RSS,” Cong MP Manickam Tagore said.

own - Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

In MBA in A category, a weightage of 10 marks will be given to a candidate who has 60 per cent marks, 15 for 70 per cent marks, 17.50 for 75 per cent marks and 20 for 80 per cent marks.

The candidates who will meet all these requirements, candidates thrice the number of vacancies will be called for an interview, in which interview will be of 25 marks and computer test will be of 10 marks,” as per the statement said.

Patna (PTI): It is pointless to fret over who would be the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition, since what matters is clarity as to who must be stopped from returning as PM, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said. The MP called West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee a “tried and tested” leader who would be a “game-changer” in next year’s LS polls.

THE COURTYARD

CJI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ‘NEUTRAL CITATIONS’ FOR SC JUDGEMENTS

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Thursday announced launch of ‘neutral citations’ which would ensure a uniform pattern of citing the decisions of the Supreme Court. The apex court had earlier said that steps have been taken for introduction and implementation of a uniform, reliable and secure methodology for identifying and citing decisions in the apex court, namely the ‘neutral citations system’, to ensure a uniform pattern of citing all the decisions of the top court.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COURT SUMMONS ABBAS ANSARI

Lucknow: Gangster Mukhtar Ansari’s son Abbas Ansari, who is in jail in connection with the Prevention of money laundering case, was summoned by the Anti-corruption Court, Lucknow for illegally meeting his wife at the Chitrakoot jail. The development came days after jailed MLA Abbas Ansari’s wife Nikhat Bano was arrested with two cellphones when she visited the prison for allegedly providing “undue help” to her husband.

CENTRE NOTIFIES ELEVATION OF ADVOCATES

New Delhi: The Central Government on Thursday notified the elevation of 4 advocates as Additional Judges of Allahabad HC and Madras HC. The Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju wished newly appointed Judges, saying, “As per relevant provisions under the Constitution of India, the following Advocates have been appointed as Additional Judges of Allahabad High Court and Madras High Court.”

EPS SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE AS SC ALLOWS HIM TO CONTINUE AS AIADMK’S GEN SECY

Chennai: The supporters of the Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) faction burst into celebrations at the party office in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai as Supreme Court on Thursday allowed him to continue as AIADMK’s Interim General Secretary. “This judgement is a big win for us. We will capture the government again. We will be in the government very soon and EPS will be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu forever,” a supporter said while speaking to ANI.

We have fielded 22 candidates, hope to win 12-15 seats: NPF

NAGALAND POLLS

“Oppn must unite to stop Modi from returning as PM”

Sultan Al Jaber was speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. —FILE PHOTO

Biswa Bhusan Harichandan

India’s democracy turned into Hitlershahi: Cong Chief

New Delhi (ANI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge today came down heavily on the BJP government at the Centre after party leader Pawan Khera was arrested in Delhi, and alleged that the Narendra Modi government has turned “India’s democracy into a Hitlershahi”.

“Notice is given if the opposition raises issues in Parliament. ED raids are conducted on our leaders of Chhattisgarh before the plenary session. Today the media chairman was forcibly taken off the plane and arrested. The Modi government has turned India’s democracy into a Hitlership. We strongly condemn this dictatorship,” Kharge tweeted. This comes after Mr Khera was arrested by Assam Police on Thursday in Delhi. He was earlier deboarded from a

flight while enroute to Raipur to attend Congress Plenary Session.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said that he is “ready to fight the long battle” soon after Assam Police arrested him.Khera will be taken to Assam on transit remand. “We will see (in which case they are taking me). It’s a long battle

CRUCIAL READ

New Delhi (PTI): A 39-year-old man was arrested from Bengaluru for allegedly duping over 100 people on the pretext of providing jobs in the Indian Air Force by impersonating a flight lieutenant, police said on Thursday. The accused has been identified as Kamal Sharma, a resident of Vikas Vihar, the police said.

DRUGS WORTH

`25 CR SEIZED IN MANIPUR, 1 HELD

Imphal (PTI): A person was arrested in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district after WY tablets, a narcotic substance, worth Rs25 crore were recovered from his possession near the India-Myanmar border, police said. During a routine patrolling, Myanmarese SIM card & two phones were also recovered from his possession.

Haryana CM proposes budget of `1,83,950 cr

BJP SLAMS CONGRESS OVER PROTEST

and I’m ready to fight,” said Mr Khera as Delhi Police took him after he was deboarded from an aircraft at Delhi airport. Delhi Police said that a request was received from Assam Police for assistance in the arrest of accused Pawan Khera in case FIR No. 19/2023, PS Dima Hasao, District Haflong, Assam.

“Based upon the same, requisite local assistance was provided and upon the requisition of Assam Police, accused Shri Pawan Khera was detained from Terminal 1 of IGI Airport and has been subsequently arrested by the IO concerned of Assam Police,” a Delhi Police official said.

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP leader said Congress leaders “flouted law” by starting protests on the Delhi airport tarmac and endangered the lives of fellow passengers. People were inconvenienced by the Congress’ protests, he said. Bhatia slammed Congress leaders for raising some “objectionable” slogans against Modi during their protest at the airport. “Modi enjoys the blessings of more than 140 crore people of the country and abusing him is like digging a hole in which the Congress will fall,” Bhatia said. People will teach the Congress a lesson, he said. BJP has targeted Khera for using the businessman’s name as Modi’s middle name and accused him of insulting the prime minister.

Sikhs among most targeted faith groups for hate crimes in US: FBI

Washington(PTI):

Jews and Sikhs were the two most targeted religious groups in the hatemotivated crime in the US in 2021, according to the annual compilation of nationwide incidents by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

3 DIE, 50 INJURED AS BUS CRASHES INTO TREE IN MP

Singrauli (PTI): Three persons were killed and nearly 50 others injured on Thursday when a packed bus carrying members of a wedding party collided with a tree in Madhya Pradesh’s Singrauli district, police said. Out of the injured people, 11 were critically hurt, they said. The injured persons were admitted to the district hospital.

95% WHATSAPP USERS BOMBARDED WITH PESKY MESSAGES DAILY IN INDIA

New Delhi (Agencies): A A massive 95 percent of WhatsApp users surveyed in India indicate that they get one or more pesky messages each day and 41 percent of those even get four or more such messages on a daily basis, a report showed on Thursday.

About 76 percent said they see such unsolicited messages on WhatsApp based on their conversations with WhatsApp business accounts and Facebook and Instagram activities. WhatsApp users in India have been raising issues about unsolicited commercial communication on the platform for years.

POLICE BUST INSURGENT CAMP IN ARUNACHAL

Itanagar (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh Police on Thursday busted a camp of an insurgent outfit in Changlang district and recovered arms and ammunition. The team recovered one AK 47 rifle, a M 16 rifle, a hand grenade, 6 magazines, ammunition, and documents, a police official said. The camp was then destroyed by police personnel.

PCS MAINS EXAM KICKS OFF IN UTTARAKHAND

Haridwar (ANI): As many as 1716 candidates appeared for the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) Mains at different centers across Uttarakhand on the first day of the three-day examination starting on Thursday. The PCS mains exam was conducted in three cities including Haridwar, Dehradun, and Haldwani on Thursday.

A total of 1,005 hate crimes related to religion were reported in 2021, the FBI said.

The largest categories of religion-based crime included antiJewish incidents at 31.9 per cent followed by anti-Sikh incidents at 21.3 per cent.

Anti-Muslims accounted for 9.5 per cent of religionbased hate crimes. AntiCatholic incidents accounted for 6.1 per cent

and anti-Eastern Orthodox (Russian, Greek, Other) for 6.5 per cent.

Overall, law enforcement agencies reported 7,262 total incidents and 9,024 victims, demonstrating that hate crimes remain a concern for communities across the country, the FBI said.

The overall number of agencies reporting

Woman locked herself, son for 3 years to escape Covid

Gurugram (ANI): In a shocking case of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, a woman in Gurugram, locked herself and her son in an apartment for three years due to the fear of the virus, both of whom have been rescued, informed the police on Wednesday.

Talking to the media,

Child Welfare Committee Member, Gurugram, Usha Solanki said, “A resident of Chakkarpur, Gurugram informed the police that his wife and child are locked in a flat for the last 3 years. His wife neither lets him enter the apartment nor sends their son outside.” she said.

decreased to 11,834, from 15,138 in 2021, so data cannot reliably be compared across years, it said.

According to the FBI data for the year 2021, 64.8 per cent of victims were targeted because of the offenders’ bias towards race/ethnicity/ ancestry, which continues to be the largest bias motivation category.

I-T raids over 70 locations of Uflex company

Noida (Agencies): Income Tax department raids at over 70 locations of Uflex company across the country continued for the third day on Thursday. So far, Rs 1.50 crore in cash has been recovered from the company’s premises in Noida. A total of 32 locations of the Group are being raided in Noida alone.s

Chandigarh (PTI): Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said no fresh tax will be imposed, as he presented the state budget for the financial year 2023-24.

Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, proposed Rs 1,83,950 crore state budget for the year 2023-24, an increase of 11.6 per cent over the revised estimates of Rs 1,64,808 crore. There is no proposal for imposing any fresh tax in the state budget for 202324, said Khattar in the state assembly here. Khattar said it is the fourth budget of the second term of the BJP-JJP government. He said feedback of MLAs and different sections of the society were taken and were incorporated in the budget.

Minister assures action against mishandling of CM’s Relief Fund

Thiruvananthapuram

(ANI): Kerala Revenue

Minister K Rajan on Thursday said that strict action would be taken against people involved in the mishandling of Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Rajan made the statement after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau found agents and some officers involved in distributing CMDRF funds to undeserving candidates with fake medical certificates.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET

z No new tax in the budget

z Increased old-age pension to Rs 2,750 per month

z Income eligibility for old-age pension increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh

z More than 2 lakh antyodaya families will get financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore

z One lakh houses for antyodaya families

z Benefit of ChirayuAyushman Bharat Yojana extended to families with

annual income up to Rs 3 lakh

z Financial assistance of Rs 2,500 announced for girls seeking admission to ITIs

z Cashless medical facility for journalsits

z Haryana tops in per capita income, expected to be around 3 lakh in the coming year

z National-level scientific sports training and rehabilitation centre will be set up for nutrition and rehabilitation of injured players

UP issues posting orders of two new IAS officers

Dr Ahtesham Siddiqui

Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has issued orders for the posting of two new IAS officers to the post of Municipal Commissioners in Varanasi and Gorakhpur. Shipu Giri, CDO Pratapgarh, has been made the new Municipal Commissioner in Varanasi Municipal Corporation while Pranay Singh, who is already posted in Varanasi Municipal Corporation, has not yet been given any new posting.

Gaurav Singh Sogarwal has been made the new municipal commis-

sioner of Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. He was CDO Maharajganj while his wife Anuj Malik, who is also an IAS officer, is the Additional Commissioner and RFC of Gorakhpur Division. Yashu Rustagi has been made the Special Secretary Vocational Education and Skill Development Department and Director Training and Service SchemeUttar Pradesh.

Delhi man convicted by NIA court for spying for Pakistan-based handlers

New Delhi (PTI): A special NIA court in Delhi on Thursday convicted a man in a 2017 espionage case after he was found to be working for his Pakistan-based handlers.

Mohd Parvez, a resident of Delhi’s Chandni Mahal, was convicted by the special court un-

der various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities

TO MAKE LEARNING MORE ACCESSIBLE

(Prevention) Act, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. The official said the case pertains to a conspiracy hatched by foreign intelligence agencies to obtain information from defence personnel posted in sensitive border areas of India.

AIIMS to collaborate with IITs and IIMs

New Delhi [India], February 23 (ANI): With the aim of making learning more accessible, AIIMS is planning collaboration with institutions like IITs, IIMs, ISB, AIIMS Director Dr M Srinivas said.

“Undersigned is glad to announce that institutional collaborations are being planned by AIIMS with institutions like IIT’s, IMs, ISB (India School of Business), etc. for making intersectoral learning more

accessible, and with corporations like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc. to provide students with some exposure to the

world of management, something outside the routine medical education, patient care and research,” the state-

ment read. The statement further added that ‘Start-Up policy’ for students is also intended to be drafted.

“Some active measures are also being planned to promote entrepreneurship in AIIMS actively. The ‘Start-Up policy’ for students is also intended to be drafted,” it stated. Interested students & residents are requested to attend the meeting with the undersigned.

New Delhi (PTI) : The salaries in India are expected to increase by 10.3 per cent in 2023, compared to an actual increase of 10.6 per cent in 2022, a report showed on Thursday. Although slightly lower than last year, the projected increase continues to be in the double digits despite concerns about economic vola-

tility, which may be in response to attrition rates, according to Aon, a leading global professional services firm. At 21.4 per cent, the attrition rate in India for 2022 remained high -- a consequence of an ever-changing talent strategy and the ongoing gap between supply and demand of talent.

DELHI MAN CHEATS 100 PEOPLE WITH PROMISE OF AIR FORCE JOBS, HELD

Congress leaders stage a protest dharna at the IGI Airport after the party leader Pawan Khera was allegedly deboarded from the plane owing to an FIR against him, in New Delhi on Thursday.

Gaurav Singh Sipu Giri

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar presents the State Budget 2023-24 during the Budget Session, in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Jews & Sikhs were the two most targeted religious groups in 2021.

Roadways, Rly to run extra buses, trains for Khatu Mela

Ramesh Sharma

Sikar: The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and North Western Railways (NWR) have announced to run extra buses and trains for Lakhi Mela in Khatu Shyam Ji Temple. The roadways have announced to run 30 extra buses seeing the rush of devotees for the fair.

Officers and employees have been appointed for the smooth movement of buses during the Lakhi mela. Similarly, railways have also an-

Rape with minor in Jaipur’s cafe, FIR lodged

Jaipur : A case of rape of a minor girl in a cafe has been reported in the Brahmapuri locality of the Jaipur city. A woman staying in the neighbourhood of the victim had befriended the accused youth with the minor on the mobile phone.

The accused kept raping her for the last six months and threatened to kill her. When the victim refused to talk and meet the accused, the neighbour woman threatened to call goons and get her abducted. The victim’s mother has lodged a report at Brahmapuri police station. The police have started the investigation by registering a report under Rape and POCSO Act. According to police, the woman resident of Brahmapuri has lodged the report.

Jaipur lawyers boycott work for 3rd straigh day

to

on

nounced the start of three special trains given the increasing passenger load between Jaipur-Rewari, Jaipur-

Sikar and Rewari-Reengus. Sources informed that a daily special train will run between Jaipur-Rewari-Jaipur

No water supply in Jaipur city till 26 Feb

Jaipur: Water supply in the city will be shut down from the evening today and resume on February 26. With the onset of summer season and increasing demand of water, the PHED has decided to increase the water supply by 220 MLD from next week. To start this, some work has to be done in Jaipur, due to which water supply will be stopped in the city for two days.

PHED’s Additional

Chief Engineer RC Meena informed about the shutdown in Jaipur. Meena said, “Water supply will remain closed in the entire city. In case of need, water would be supplied to the people through tankers or tubewells. In such a situation, water will have to be consumed as per requirement for two days and the water coming this evening will have to be stored as much as possible.

from 25 February to 5 March. Similarly, the Jaipur-Sikar-Jaipur special train will run daily from February 27

to March 4. Likewise, Rewari-Reengus-Rewari special train will run daily from February 25 to March 4.

First India Bureau Jaipur: The lawyer community is furious and has been protesting against the murder of advocate Jugraj Singh Chauhan in Jodhpur and increasing attacks on lawyers. Lawyers in Jaipur boycotted work for the third consecutive day on Thursday. They have been demanding punishment of the culprits and the Advocate Protection Act.

A silent procession was taken out by the advocates from Sessions Court’s Gate

Woman allegedly killed for not giving birth to child, 3 booked in murder case

Mukesh Mathrani

Barmer: On Friday a suspicious case of suicide of woman came into light under RGT police station area in Barmer. On getting informed police reached at the spot and recovered the body. Deceased’s father alleged that his daughter was killed by her in-laws for not giving birth to a child. He also alleged that after killing his daughter, in longing for the child the

DoP gives postings to 2 IAS who were put under APO

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: The DoP has taken action within 24 hours on the news of First India. Two junior IAS officers who were under APO status have finally been given posting.

The DoP issued orders on Thursday to appoint Shubham Chaudahary as Director, Horticulture and Avdhesh Meena as Commissioner- Disabilities. Shubham Chaudhary, an IAS officer of 2014 batch, was under the APO sta-

YOU READ IT IN FIRST INDIA ON FEB 22, 2023

tus for the last 58 days and Avdhesh Meena, an officer of 2017 batch, was APO for the last 4 months. First India had prominently questioned the DoP as to why these

44TH JAISALMER DESERT FESTIVAL

two young IAS have been kept without posting. The news had an immediate impact and a single order for the posting of both the officers was issued.

Raj’s desert fest with 1L audience turns biggest offbeat cultural festivals of year

Jaisalmer (ANI): The 44th Jaisalmer Annual Desert Festival, 2023 took place in the Hindu month of Magh (February) from the 3rd to the 5th of February, three days before the scenic view of the full moon in the beautiful city of Jaisalmer. The festival was celebrated in picturesque and rustic dunes and exhibited a show of splendor and extravaganza that showcased the inherently rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan that was woven into every detail of the city’s beautiful landscape. The crowd of 1 lakh + people was astonishing, especially considering that the ratio of locals to tourists was almost 70:30. Rajasthan geared

up and prepared for a ceremonious welcome to embrace tourists on the occasion of its annual cultural festivalJaisalmer Desert Festival 2023.

The dunes came to life during the threeday-long festival that hosted folk dances and folk music performances along with a plethora of other cultural de-

lights. The festival housed enchanting performances by eminent musicians and playback singers. Indian maestros and artists like the composer duo Salim-Suleiman, Ankit Tiwari, Salman Ali, Shanmukha Priya, Raghu Dixit Project along with celebrated folk singers like Tagaram Bheel, Gaji Khan

BRAJHOLI MAHOTSAV

TO BE HELD FROM 1ST MARCH 3RD MACH

Tourism Dept and Bharatpur district admin will be organizing three days “Brajholi Mahotsav” in Bharatpur, Kama and Deeg from 1st March to 3rd march 2023. In these three days of Brajholi Mahotsav, domestic and foreign tourists will get to see and enjoy the many colours of Holi like; Gulal Holi, Kunj Gulal Holi, & Milk-curd Holi.

Barna and Bhutte Khan

Nimbla & Group set the environment ablaze with their surreal performances. The festival gave a platform to more than 300 folk musicians to present their distinctive musical contributions. The festival also hosted one of the youngest and fastestrising electronic acts by the Atrangi Project.

accused were planning to marry the man for a second time. Police said that woman (now the deceased) got married around ten years ago. Lalit Kishor, station house officer, confirmed the report.

SHO said that on the basis of the complaint, police have lodged the case under section 302 of IPC and booked three persons. Investigation in the case has been initiated and after getting the autopsy done, the body was handed over to the family members.

No. 1 to the martyr’s memorial passing through the collectorate. They have formed a committee to lay out the strategy of the movement.

A vehicle rally will be taken out today.

cates Bar Association Jaipur General Secretary Gajraj Singh Rajawat said that all the lawyers are boycotting judicial work in protest against the brutal murder of Chauhan in broad daylight.

Qureshi appointed as head for Sufi Samvad

First India Bureau

Jaipur: BJP Rajasthan State’s Minority Morcha Vice President Javved Qureshi appointed as state co-incharge of Narendra Modi’s “Sufi Samvad Mahabhiyan”.

In order to connect sufi ideology citizens with with PM Modi, BJP’s National Minori-

ty Front appointed Qureshi under “Sufi Samvad Mahabhiyan”. On this occasion, Qureshi said that the development of the country is possible only through Sufism and mutual brotherhood, not by fundamentalism. Qureshi said that he will go door-to-door to spread the light of Sufism and connect the people of minority society with spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.

Devotees continue

come

second day of Lakkhi fair of Baba Khatushyam of Sikar. Devotees from Hyderabad have also reached on foot.

ASHOK GEHLOT AFTER PAWAN KHERA'S ARREST WEBSITE OF DEPT OF PEACE & NONVIOLENCE LAUNCHED

PRESENT SITUATION OF NATION

WORSE THAN EMERGENCY: CM

Jaipur (ANI): Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday, lashed out at the Centre over the arrest of Congress leader Pawan Khera saying,

"Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergencylike situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our nation all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that’s why we say democracy is in danger.” Khera will be presented in a Delhi court and will be taken to Assam on transit remand.

"We will see (in which case they are taking me). It's a long battle and I'm ready to fight," said Khera as Delhi Police took him after he was deboarded from an aircraft at Delhi airport.

“Khera was stopped from boarding a plane at Delhi airport on Thursday after a request was received from Assam Police to stop him," Delhi Police said. Earlier, Assam Police filed a case against Cong leader in Dima Hasao district.

The Congress leaders protested after Khera was stopped by Delhi Police from boarding the plane at the airport.

In a video shared on Congress's Twitter handle, Pawan Khera said

The arrest of Pawan Kheraji by the Autocratic Modi Govt and preventing him from attending the Congress session, is the height of dictatorship.

—GS Dotasra, PCC Chief Modi govt is acting like a bunch of goons by deplaning Pawan Khera ji from the Delhi-Raipur flight and preventing him from joining the AICC Plenary. Using a flimsy FIR to restrict his movement & silence him is a shameful, unacceptable act. The entire party stands with Pawan ji.

FROM

PG 1

Madhya Pradesh...

CM inaugurates Gandhi Smriti Udyan of Ajmer through VC, unveils Gandhiji’s statue in Bhilwara

RAJASTHAN IS THE ONLY STATE TO SET UP

DEPARTMENT OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE

—KC Venugopal, Congress leader Today we were going for the Congress Plenary Sessoin to Raipur, and our colleague Pawan Khera was told that he left his luggage but he was not carrying any luggage. Then the Police came and said Assam Police has registered an FIR.

"I don't know. I was told that your baggage has to be checked. I said I do not have any luggage except a handbag. When I came down, I

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. This pride of theirs will not work, the public will destroy their pride.

was told that I cannot go, a DCP would come. We are waiting for the DCP for the last 20 minutes. I don't know why I am being stopped.”

—Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress leader What wrong has he done that this action is being taken? The action is being taken under which sections, they will have to tell. We will keep standing here until the flight departs along with all of us including Pawan Khera.

—Supriya Shrinate, Congress leader

“This project has been made as per the decision of Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh Interstate State Control Board meeting. MP has built Kundalia and Mohanpura dams on the basis of this decision. According to the data of the Central Water Commission’s river gauge station at Dholpur, on an average, 19,000 million cubic meters of water from the Chambal flows into the sea every year. The ERCP requires only 3,500 million cubic meters of water. State govt is trying to divert this wasted water through ERCP to meet the drinking water and irrigation water needs of the people of Rajasthan,” he said. “Water is a very important subject for State. Creating legal hurdles in the implementation of ERCP is akin to playing with the future of the state. The Rajasthan government is committed to complete the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project for the better future of the people of the State. The State government will strongly present its point in favour of ERCP on every platform and will work to remove the water crisis in eastern Rajasthan by winning the battle for its rights,” Gehlot said.

Kota: Dhariwal inaugurates devp works worth `36 L

First India Bureau

Kota : Under the leadership of UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal, a ‘Padyatra’ is ongoing in Kota under the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo’ campaign. In the Padyatra, Minister Shanti Dhariwal is directly interacting with the people of the area, taking feedback of the development works done in the area and solving the problems. He is giving necessary instructions for disposal. On Thursday under Dhariwal’s leadership, people welcomed Yatra with fireworks and garlands at various places in Ward No. 51

of Nadi Paar area.

UDH Minister Shanti

were felicitated by residents by tying turbans & presenting swords at many places. Dhariwal

Raje lauds NDRF’s Sushma for helping Turkey quake victims

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former CM Vasundhara Raje has praised NDRF Head Constable Sushma of Jhunjhunu district for saving several lives by helping people under ‘Operation Dost’ after earthquake in Turkey. Raje tweeted, “Rajasthan is the land of heroines, another example of which has been set by Jhunjhunu’s daughter, Sushma. After Turkey’s earthquake, NDRF head constable Sushma saved

many lives by reaching there to help the affected under the ‘Operation Dost.’ Sushma, a resident of Solana village, visited Turkey leaving

behind her two-year-old twins. I salute all those soldiers, including Sushma, who risked their lives and participated in the noble cause.”

Thursday.

also inaugurated the open gym and development works worth Rs 36 lakh in 4 parks in

WORKS WORTH `10 CR GOING ON IN KOTA

Shanti Dhariwal said that works worth about Rs10 crore are going on in Ward 51. "CC drains have been made at a cost of about four crores and at present 70% of CC road work has been completed. The sewerage line is complete. The water pipeline has also been newly installed inside the entire colony," he said.

Ward 51 and also gave a message by exercising at the gym developed in the park.

First India Bureau Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot while addressing the website launch ceremony of Dept of Peace and Non-Violence at CMR, said that in this era of violence & tension, peace can be established only by following the values & principles of Gandhiji. "Wide publicity of Gandhiji's message is necessary for humanity. The young generation should connect with Gandhiji's thoughts. The young generation must read Gandhiji's biography 'Experiments with Truth," Gehlot said. During this, he inaugurated Gandhi Memorial Garden in Ajmer through VC & unveiled Gandhiji’s statue at Bhilwara Collectorate.

Discussion on Raj Congress likely on Feb 24 or 25

First India Bureau

Jaipur: There is a buzz in political circles that a meeting on issues related to Rajasthan is likely to be held on the sidelines of Congress party’s plenary session in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The meeting may take place on February 24 or 25. In view of this, next few days are being considered as important for State. CM Ashok Gehlot, Congress in- charge Sukhjinder Randhawa, PCC Chief GS Dotasra, Dr Raghu Sharma & other senior leaders have reached Raipur for the session.

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot said that with the aim of taking Gandhiji’s principles to the common man the Department of Peace and Nonviolence has been established. Rajasthan is the only state to do so, he added. Gandhiji’s thinking is reaching the youth through the department. Renowned Gandhian thinkers of the country are associating with the programmes of the department. In this budget, it has been announced to set up 2,500 Mahatma Gandhi Libraries and Constitution Centres in rural and urban areas at a cost of Rs 25 crore. To give relief to the common man, Minimum Guaranteed Income Scheme has been started in the name of Mahatma Gandhi,” the Chief Minister further added.

He also participated in closing ceremony of ongoing Gandhi Darshan training camp in Chittorgarh via VC.

"The famous scientist Einstein had said about Gandhiji that the coming generations wouldn’t believe that such a human ever existed on the earth. Gandhiji's ideals of truth, non-violence, hold relevant even today,” the Chief Minister said.

UDH Minister Shanti

Dhariwal said that state government is committed to take ideals of Bapu to people and to establish social harmony in society. Revenue Minister RL Jat said that Gandhiji fought against imperialist forces through truth.

CS Usha Sharma said that through Peace Non-Violence Dept’s website, the general public will be able to get specific information related to Gandhiji's life.

Nadda on personal visit to Hanumangarh

Hanumangarh: BJP

President JP Nadda on Thursday reached Hanumangarh on a personal visit.

BJP State President

Dr Satish Poonia, State Co-Incharge Vijaya Ra-

TALES OF BUREAUCRACY

Rajendra Chhabra

Jaipur: Finally, after a wait that spanned six years and four months, 2005 batch IAS Punam has finally returned ‘Home.’ On Thursday, she gave her joining to DoP, having returned from Patna to Jaipur. She had gone to Bihar on inter-state deputation in October 2016. Originally, her deputa-

tion was for merely three years, but later she managed to get the tenure increased by two more years.

According to the rules, the maximum period for deputation is five years, despite this, Punam did not return to her home cadre. She sought refuge in CAT and brought stays nearly half a dozen times. Thereafter, she tried to

get her cadre changed to Bihar and ran from pillar to post for this impossible task. But the state and central gov-

ernments declined her pleas. When no way was left, Punam had to return to Rajasthan.

First India had pub-

hatkar, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore along with BJP workers welcomed him in Hanumangarh, a party spokesperson said. Nadda will visit Sriganganagar district to take parts in an event of local farmers.

lished stories on this matter last month and raised the question as to why doesn’t Punam want to return to Rajasthan, even though she has served as Collector in four districts, namely Bundi, Dungarpur, Sawai Madhopur and Bikaner. It is said that owing to the ‘disgruntlement’ of a senior and ‘influential’ bureaucrat, she was apprehensive about returning to Rajasthan. Notably, as of now, DoP has put Punam on APO.

There is a satisfaction and happiness in spending your days doing work that you find rewarding, this is truly empowering.

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

After over 6-yr-long wait, Punam returns to home cadre!

"WE WILL SEE (IN WHICH CASE THEY ARE TAKING ME). IT'S A LONG BATTLE AND I'M READY TO FIGHT," SAID KHERA AS DELHI POLICE TOOK HIM

CM Ashok Gehlot, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, GS Dotasra, Dr Raghu Sharma and others during the Congress' 85th Plenary session held in Raipur on Thursday.

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa being received by Govind Singh Dotasra upon his arrival at Jaipur Airport on Thursday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

First India Bureau

‘Dissemination of Gandhiji's messages crucial for humanity’

CM Ashok Gehlot launches the website of the Department of Peace and Non-Violence via Video Conferencing at the Chief Minister’s Residence on Thursday. Also seen here are Usha Sharma, Dr Manish Sharma, Shrigopal Baheti, Naresh Kumar Thakral and others.

Dhariwal, Congress leader Amit Dhariwal

Punam

UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal inaugurates an open gym at Nadipar area in Kota on

Also seen here are Amit Dhariwal, Anil Suwalka and others.

JP Nadda being welcomed by Dr Satish Poonia and other local party leaders in Hanumangarh on Thursday.

Raje tweets a picture where, PM Modi interacts with human assistance & disaster relief personnel who were a part of ‘Operation Dost.’

Notably, as of now, the Department of Personnel has put her on APO

UNSEEN WEDDING PICS

Stankovic’s wedding, right from the afterparty to the baraat. One of the unseen pictures that have surfaced on social media shows Natasa grooving while she posed with DJ Ganesh.

Another one seems to be from the afterparty, and it shows Hardik and his brother Krunal Pandya dancing their heart out as they posed with him.

Bad Bunny fuels dating rumours

s Bad Bunny’s phone case hinting towards a rumoured romance with Kendall Jenner? Recently, a picture of Bad Bunny with a phone case similar to that of Kendall was seen doing the rounds on social media. Kendall owns the same case in a hot chocolate colour. There are speculations that the two might be romantically involved as the duo were seen together a lot lately. On Saturday, a glimpse of Bad Bunny’s phone case was caught under the camera when he arrived at the same restaurant as the supermodel.

EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONS

Disha Patani is one of the most loved actresses in town. On Wednesday evening, Disha steamed up the Internet as she dropped a hot picture of herself. In the new picture too, she rocked an animal print bikini in style. Interestingly, her stretch marks grabbed everyone’s attention and the Internet can’t stop praising her. In the picture, Disha is seen posing in her bathroom while donning an animal print bikini. The actress decided to show off her stretch marks gracefully in the picture.

Aditi Rao Hydari, the popular actress who is best known for her performances across Bollywood and South film industries, is now busy with the promotions of her upcoming project, Taj: Divided By Blood.

Meanwhile, in an Exclusive interview, Aditi Rao Hydari opened up about her acting career and why she is constantly drawn to period films. Here’s what the gorgeous actress has to say...

“I really don’t know,” said the actress, who further explained why she chose to do period films. “I know that period dramas just come into my life somehow or the other. But I don’t know what it is and why I love them so much.

Even when I listen to something regular, I’m like ‘Is this period?’ I think I just enjoy it because there is something about history, right? I don’t know, it’s something magical about it. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m happy that I get to do a lot of these period dramas,” she concluded.

HEIST THRILLER

ami Gautam is currently enjoying the praise coming her way for her solid performance in the film, Lost. She is now all set to be seen in the film Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga with Sunny Kaushal.

On Thursday the first look was unveiled along with the release date. The film is slated to release on Netflix. Directed by Ajay Singh, the heist thriller also stars Sharad Kelkar in a key role. The poster was shared by Yami and Sunny on Instagram. Along with it, they wrote, “Kursi ki peti baandh lijiye because this heist thriller will keep you on the edge AT ALL TIMES.

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga is all set to land on your screens on March 24, only on Netflix.”

MOST FOLLOWED WOMAN

elena Gomez has done it yet again. The 30-year-old pop megastar just beat Kylie Jenner to become Instagram’s mostfollowed woman, yet again. For the un-

versed, Selena held the title a few years back too. Scroll below for the details.

Selena Gomez has caused a huge stir on social media, all thanks to her Instagram following. At the time of writing this article, The

Rare Beauty founder has approximately 380 million followers on her official Instagram handle. It should be noted that Kylie Jenner seemingly has the same following count as that Gomez. It was the celebrity fan ac-

count pop faction that first noted the change in Selena and Kylie’s following count.

As of 10:25 a.m. (IST) on

23 February 2023, Kylie Jenner has 380,408,274 followers. However, Selena has 380,853,293 followers.

Natsa Stankovic

Selena Gomez

Disha Patani

Yami Gautam

Poster of the film...

Aditi Rao Hydari

attempting to pinpoint when and where they occur.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Housing is a key health determinant, and inadequate housing is a serious public health concern.

• In the United States each year, 13.5 million nonfatal injuries occur in and around the home, 2900 people die in

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

You will experience a change within yourself regarding what you want in a romantic partner. You will start thinking seriously and begin looking for your soul mate in earnest. Do not trust any complete stranger on money matters today as you are likely to bear considerable loss.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You have great capacity to charm everyone. You are going to impress those around you with your wit and grace. You will win the admiration of everyone around you. Take advantage of this shining period to make new friends and mix with new people and new opportunities will open up in front of you.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

house fires, and 2 million individuals seek medical attention for asthma.

• Poor living conditions are linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, lead poisoning, injuries, and mental health issues.

food spills.

Could your home environment be making you sick? Toxins, pesticides, gases, mites, and moulds are all around us. The more you are exposed to them, the more likely you are to acquire the health problems that they might cause.

There are two approaches to being ‘home ill’, according to Robert McLellan, M.D., director of Exeter Hospital’s Environmental and Occupational Health Center in Portsmouth, N.H. Which of your health issues are related to your surroundings? Or, what dangers exist in your surroundings, and how they may harm you?

WHAT IS ‘SICK BUILDING SYNDROME’

According to McLellan, the first angle, known as ‘sick building syndrome’, causes a slew of symptoms including eye, nose, and throat discomfort, stuffiness, ‘spaciness’, and rash. “These symptoms come and go very fast; you may notice them within an hour or two of enter-

‘Building-related illness’ addresses the second point. The effects of environmental dangers may not be readily obvious in this scenario. Radon exposure, for example, can cause lung cancer, although this can take years. Building-related illnesses, such as sinusitis, allergies, and asthma, can be detected using objective tests.

Every home is unique, according to Elizabeth Sword, executive director of the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC) in Princeton, New Jersey, but we should all go to the same general sources to assess what threats we face. Sword refers to air, food, water, and consumer products as the ‘organizing principles’ of combating environmental threats.

10 ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT

Tobacco use: Longterm tobacco smoke exposure (not to mention your own!) raises your chance of lung cancer, respiratory infections, other lung issues, and perhaps heart disease. McLellan advises against allowing tobacco smoke in your home.

Radon: Radon is an odourless, invisible gas that has been

linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers. Radon testing is not costly.

Asbestos: If you live in a house built between 1920 and 1978, you may have been exposed to asbestos, which was widely utilized as a building and insulation material at the time. Small amounts of asbestos are unlikely to harm you, but inhaling significant levels can increase your risk of cancer and lung illness. Although asbestos should only be removed by professionally trained and qualified workers, you can recognize it yourself.

Lead: Many homes built in the United States before 1978 contain lead paint, which poisons roughly 900,000 American children each year. If you have a small child at home who is in danger of lead exposure, consult with your doctor about getting the child’s blood lead levels tested. Consider testing for lead paint if you reside in an older home.

Another, more recent source of lead poisoning is scented candles. According to the Environmental Illness Society of Canada, certain candle manufacturers continue to use lead cores in their wicks, which can result in lead particles being discharged into a home’s air. Infants, tiny children, and pregnant women are especially vulner-

Gases produced during combustion: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide are examples of these gases. They have the potential to induce flu-like symptoms, respiratory diseases, and even death. Indoors, do not use unvented combustion appliances (such as portable kerosene heaters). Over a gas stove, use an exhaust hood. Every year, clean and maintain your chimneys and furnace, making sure they are properly ventilated. Install a carbon monoxide detector as well.

Water pollution: The United States has one of the world’s cleanest water sources, but that does not mean it is perfect. If you have a private well, test your water for nitrates and germs once a year. You may also wish to test for pesticides, organic pollutants, or radon, depending on where you reside.

Chemicals found in the home: Some household goods can be hazardous if not utilized properly. Select the least hazardous chemical for the job. Keep home chemicals away from children and pets, and keep them outside the house and away from living areas whenever possible.

Pesticides: When caring for your gardens, lawns, and trees, try to avoid using chemical pesticides. To discourage insects, store firewood outside and away from the house. Make sure to keep food in tight containers and clean up any

You are going to feel more dedicated today and you are going to finish off all the backlogs which may have accumulated today. Clearing this will give you a nice sense of accomplishment and this will be noticed by the people who matter to you. Finances will improve as your salary.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

Allergens: Moulds and other organisms that can cause allergies and other ailments thrive in water-damaged materials. Use a humidifier only if the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed, keep fuzzy animals out of the house (or at least out of the bedroom), and wrap your mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers to reduce other allergens in the home and address leaks and moisture problems.

Food poisoning: To avoid food poisoning, food must be properly prepared and stored. Keep your refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked, perishable food should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After each use, wash the cutting boards with soap and hot water. Allow no raw meat, poultry, or fish to come into contact with food that has not been thoroughly cooked. Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs.

According to McLellan, children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable to environmental risks. If you are a parent, consider your surroundings through the eyes of a youngster, suggests Elizabeth Sword. “The more kids are exposed when their organ systems are not fully matured, the greater the risk.” A ‘virtual house’ tour, a quiz, and ‘house rules’ - shop smart, ventilate, clean with care, renovate right, keep it out, and clean water - are available on the CHEC’s website (www.checnet.org) to provide further instructions for keeping your home as healthy as possible.

Though humans may be more vulnerable to environmental conditions and illnesses than ever before, McLellan believes that more may be done to prevent them. “By building, designing, and healthily operating our houses, we can prevent many of these problems from becoming out of hand.”

https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/is-your-house-making-you-sick-210352-1.htm

Your mind is very active today. You are full of ideas and inspiration. You will be constantly coming up with new plans which you will be able to plan and execute very easily. Your only problem today will be that you may feel overwhelmed by the flood of new ideas that will constantly fill your mind.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Issues related to profession will get resolved. But no aggressive action, be it in words or in writing should not be taken till then. Those facing issues on personal front should make time for dear ones. Do take care of your health as you have been ignorant of it since long.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

You are likely to be involved in detailed planning of a project and you are going to be very thorough about it. You are feeling very industrious and this will be reflected in your job. You are also going to earn acclaim for this. A spurt of creativity will mark every aspect of your day.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

You may be cracking one of the biggest joint venture deals today. But you must mention explicitly once again your mission and goals to your partner. You may devote the end of the day towards your intellectual pursuits or in perusal of an artistic passion.

YOUR DAY

Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

A person who has been around you for a long time but whom you have never really noticed will now begin to play a pivotal role in your mind. It is not just a budding romance. Rather, it is a meeting of mind and spirit that is likely to leave you feeling overwhelmed. Take time to get used to the idea.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

New horizons are opening up in front of you. A talent which you have always treated as a hobby may become something more and you may find yourself making a living doing what you love. New developments are expected in every front which would broaden your ideas.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

This day is all about change. You may come in contact with someone who will bring substantial changes in your life or put you in touch with other people who can cause the change. However, not all the changes are good for you. You will need to analyze whether the change will be good for you.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You will be feeling very creative today. You appreciate all beautiful things and want to create something beautiful. The day is especially favourable for artists.You may suddenly start feeling deflated ﾖ a common occurrence after a surge of creativity and it may leave you feeling depressed.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20

You are going to be in an especially easygoing mood today. You may also play the role of an effective mediator in any dispute today. You are going to spread cheer and goodwill and you are also going to be the life and soul of any party that you attend in the evening.

FACEOFTHEDAY

DR TRUPTI SHIROLE cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

MEWAR GAURAV SAMMAN!

City First brings to you some more glimpses from ‘Mewar Gaurav Samman’ was organised in Chittorgarh by First India News to honour people who have done excellent work in the fields of cow service, agriculture, sports, government service, medicine, sanitation, public representatives, social workers etc. Cooperative Minister Udai Lal Anjana, Member of Parliament Chandra Prakash Joshi, Heritage Authority Chairman Surendra Singh Jadawat, Zila Pramukh Dr Suresh Dhakar, MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya, District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal, Superintendent of Police Rajan Dushyant, City Council Chairman Sandeep Sharma, Nimbahera Municipality President Subhash Sharda, Badi Sadari Municipality President Mustafa Ali Bohra were present in the event.

Jinendra Singh Shekhwat, Dr Suresh Dhakar, Chandrabhan Singh Aakya, CP Joshi, Surendra Singh Jadawat, Arvind Kumar Poswal, Rajan Dushyant, Sandeep Sharma, Subhash Sharda, Mustafa Ali Bohra

Jinnendra Singh Shekhawat, CP Joshi, Chandhbhan Singh Aakya, Suresh Dhakar, Udai Lal Anjana, Surendra Singh Jadawat, Arvind Kumar Poswal and Rajan Dushyant Dr SD Vaishnav felicitated by Udai Lal Anjana

Chandra Prakash Joshi addresses during the event

Chandhbhan Singh Aakya Vishal Mathur with Chandrabhan Singh Aakya PK Agrawal

Arvind Kumar Poswal

Udai Lal Anjana addresses the gathering during the mega event in Chittorgarh

Surendra Singh Jadawat addresses during the event

Dr Suresh Dhakad

Jinendra Singh Shekhawat greets Udai Lal Anjana PK Agrawal greets Sandeep Sharma

Jinendra Singh Shekhwat and Vishal Mathur

Jawed Siddiqui and Sarish Vasudevan

Ashish Aman greets Arvind Kumar Poswal

Suresh Dhakar and Chandrabhan Singh Aakya

SP Rajan Dushyant and DM Arvind Kumar Poswal

Jawed Siddiqui greets Suresh Dhakar

Audiences during the event

Ghewar Chand, Shivlal Meena, Dpy Budhraj Tak, LL Pokharna, Vikram Singh, Phoolchand Tailor, Hemendra Singh and Gajendra Singh

Guests during the event

Jagdeesh Chandra visited the channel office of Bharat24-Vision of New India at NOIDA on Thursday. After the editorial review, he also awarded the Top performing Anchors who garnered major traction on the popular Social Media handles of Bharat24. Mimansa Malik, Palak Sharma, Pooja Yadav, Surabhi Tiwari, Mahima Kanwar and Karishma Sachdev were awarded for crossing the 7 lakhs viewership on Bharat24 Social media platforms.

Jagdeesh Chandra awarded Mimansa Malik for crossing the 10.61 viewership on Bharat24 social media platforms. Also seen are Amit Ojha, Shashikesh Ranjan, Syed Umar, Gopendra Nath Bhatt, Shikha Thakur, Aditi Nagar and Poornima Mishra

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Surabhi Tiwari for crossing the 7.4 lakhs viewership. Syed Umar, Palak Sharma, Poornima Mishra & Anu Sridhar were also present

GLIMPSE OF ARTISTIC COLLECTIONS!

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

CITY FIRST

The second look launch of Jaipur Couture Show (JCS), the biggest and most famous fashion festival in Rajasthan took place at Cod Black, Tonk Road in the city on Thursday. During the astonishing look launch, models showcased the first glimpse of the garments created by the designer.

Meanwhile, among the city’s designers, Gaurang Dangwal and Manoj Meena from House of Skull Baba, Areti by Rekha Bhimsariya and Sejal Ankit by Ankit Bagda showed a glimpse of their different themes. During this, the founder of the show Gaurav Gaur, and founder member Deepak Nahar were present.

The mega event promise to bring the International bridesmaid style on the stage inspired by the concept of foreign countries.

During the occasion, while showcasing a glimpse of his collection, Gaurang Dangwal, design-

ers said that the theme of our collection is inspired by street style in which Gothi Garments crafted in dark colours will be presented on the stage. In this, 8 male models and 7 female models will showcase funky Indowestern, jackets and cool garments. On the other hand, designer Rekha Bhimsaria said that Indian wear, Indo-western and suits with skirts will be showcased in my collec-

GREETINGS!

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was greeted by MP Ranjita Koli during his visit to Lucknow on Thursday. During the occasion, MP Koli also presented him with

tion prepared on the ‘Nya ka’ theme. Ethnic and In dian handwork on silk, chiffon, and georgette will be a special attrac tion. Also, designer Ankit Bagda said that I have designed party gowns and robes keeping in mind the concept of bridesmaids seen mostly abroad. In which evening garments are decorated with handmade work on soft satin and pure silk. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Karishma Sachdev

DURING THE DAY!

International Archery Deepika Kumari

Jagdeesh Chandra was greeted by Pham Kim Dung Hoang Nhat Nam along with Miss Intercontinental 2022 Bao Ngoc from Vietnam and Luong Thuy Linh, one of the top 12 finalists of Miss World 2019 on Thursday, February 23. They also greeted Nikhil Anand and Nishant Anand from the Glamanand Group.

WEDDING BELLS!

INTERNATIONAL LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION!

CITY FIRST

Seedling School of Law and Governance, Jaipur National University, is organising the 9th Professor (Dr) V S Mani Memorial International Law Moot Court

Competition from February 23 to 25. The competition is named after a renowned Indian legal scholar and educator, the late Prof. V. S. Mani. Prof. Mani is an expert in international law, international humanitarian law and in-

ternational space law, and has been the founding director of the Seedling School of Law and Governance at Jaipur National University.

The competition was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the Chief Guest Justice GK Vyas, former Judge, of Rajasthan High Court and Chairman of Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission and Chancellor of the JNU University, Dr Sandeep Bakshi. Dr Vathsala Mani will be the guest

DURING THE DAY!

of honour at the event.

Addressing the participants, Dr Bakshi said that the competition is an attempt to promote various aspects of the field of international law and to generate interest among the students in the field of law.

The contentious issue formulated for Competition 2023 concerns the concepts established under public international law, with a particular emphasis on international environmental law.

The Celebrity Cricket League 2023 is back with a mesmerizing season that promises to be more entertaining, full of glitz, and a powerhouse of cricketing fun. CCL 2023 introduces an all-new format, for the first time in cricket history where a T20 match will be played in 2 innings of 10 overs each. The new format will offer More Cricket, More Entertainment, and More Fun with the Cine Stars from 8 teams representing the respective Film Industries (Telugu Warriors, Karnataka Bulldozers, Chennai Rhinos, Kerala Strikers, Bengal Tigers, Bhojpuri Dabanggs, Mumbai Heroes and Punjab De Sher) competing for the CCL 2023 crown. The T20 match will consist of each team playing 2 innings just like in a test match but each inning will be a maximum of 10 overs. The power play will be applicable for the first 3 overs of each inning.

The grand wedding ceremony of Vandana (Deepika), son of Sumitra Devi and Ranbir Singh with Sitanshu (Sumit), daughter of Kamala Devi and Prem Singh was solemnised at Moon Paradisce, Jaipur on Wednesday. Wishes poured in from family and friends.

a statue of Maharaj Suraj Mal.

along with her friend Ishita was spotted at Roop Sagar, Jaipur on Thursday. Also seen is Prahlad Kumar, owner of Roop Sagar.

Standing: (R-L) Gaurav Gaur, Yashvini Saraswat, Sharad, Sheena Parashar, Soni Kumari, Sneha Chaturvedi, Karishma Tak

Sitting: (R-L) Deepak Nahar, Manoj Meena, Gaurang Dangwal, Kishan Jainani, Ankit Bagra Richa and Rekha Bhimsariya

(R-L) Sneha Chaturvedi, Sheena Parashar, Soni Yadav, Sharad Dixit, Yashvini Saraswat and Karishma Tak

Sheena Parashar

Jagdeesh Chandra with (L-R) Rocky, Radhika Choudhary Deepika Choudhary, Sumitra, Ruby, Sachin and Rohtash

Deepika Choudhary and Sumit Choudhary

Gaurav Gaur, Ranbir Singh and Radhika Choudhary

Jagdeesh Chandra with Nishant Anand, Nikhil Anand, Pham Kim Dung, Hoang Nhat Nam, Bao Ngoc and Luong Thuy Linh

Jagdeesh Chandra awards Mahima Kanwar for crossing the 9.85 lakhs viewership. Also seen are Syed Umar, Poornima Mishra and Anu Sridhar

Dr Sandeep Bakshi and Preeti Bakshi with others

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO