First India-Jaipur Edition-26 August 2021

JAIPUR l THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00

SENSEX, NIFTY END FLAT AFTER RISING

Mumbai: Sensex closed modestly lower at 56,198.13 while the Nifty inched up to a fresh closing on Wednesday at 16,634.65 after touching its all-time high.

GIRL GANG RAPED, BOYFRIEND THRASHED

Mysore: A gang of robbers allegedly gangraped a girl and beat up her boyfriend as they refused to give money to them. The incident took place on 24 August near Mysore.

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 3 l Issue No. 80

CISF OFFICER REWARDED FOR STOPPING SALMAN KHAN

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW

Mumbai: A CISF officer who stopped actor Salman Khan at the Mumbai airport last week has been “suitably rewarded” for exemplary professionalism.

CAPTAIN SHOWS WHO IS THE BOSS!

It was politely made clear to revolting netas that they were most welcome to meet Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat but the next election will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Mohd Fahad Chandigarh/Dehradun: A day after 34 Punjab ministers and MLAs revolted against Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and said they would seek his removal from the high command, a group of seven ministers and MLAs met party general secretary in-charge Harish Rawat in Dehradun on Wednesday and came back after Rawat is learnt to have told them that the CM will remain unchanged.

Later Captain’s authority became foolproof with an evening call by Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi, who reportedly told him to govern Punjab in a way to ensure that the party re-

Won’t take coercive action against Rane Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court that no coercive action will be taken till September 17 against Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Narayan Rane in the FIR filed by the Nashik Cyber Police over his remark against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Rane, who was arrested on Tuesday and later granted bail by the Mahad magistrate court, formally filed a petition on Wednesday morning before the high court seeking to

MIG 21 CRASHES IN BARMER, PILOT EJECTS Barmer: A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajathan’s Barmer district on Wednesday evening but the pilot ejected safely, a defence spokesperson said.

“The aircraft was on a routine sortie when it crashed, “ the spokesperson said. The incident occurred near Bhurtiya village under Sadar police station area, Superintendent of Police, Barmer, Anand Sharma said.

P7

quash the FIRs. Rane had kicked off a controversy on Monday after his statement in Raigad that he would have slapped the Maharashtra CM for “not knowing the year of India’s independence.”

WHAT NEXT? Aditi Nagar New Delhi: According to political observers, now a similar announcement to retain the present Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan is also likely to be made by the Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the coming days, once the extension or reshuffle process of Rajasthan Cabinet is completed, having an atleast three member cabinet participation from Pilot camp.

turns to power in next assembly elections.

Four ministers and three MLAs who met Rawat included Tript Turn to P6

Taliban-Chini bhai bhai!

CHINA SAYS IT HAS ESTABLISHED ‘OPEN AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION’ WITH TALIBAN Beijing: China has established its first diplomatic contact with the Taliban in Kabul after the militant group took control of Afghanistan and the two sides now have “smooth and effective communication”, a Chinese official said on Wednesday.

“China and the Afghan Taliban have smooth and effective communication and consultation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here when asked about the talks between the deputy head

TALIBAN APPOINT SENIOR VETERANS AS KEY MINISTERS Kabul: Taliban have appointed senior veterans to the posts of finance minister and defence minister. Taliban have not formally announced, which a commander said were provisional, but news agency said that Gul Agha had been named as finance minister and Sadr Ibrahim acting interior minister.

TAKEOVER TIMELINE SURPRISED US: CDS New Delhi: In his first comments on Afghanistan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has said that “Taliban takeover was anticipated” but the “timelines surprised us”. Speaking at an event, General Rawat said, “everything that has happened was something that was anticipated, only the timelines have changed. From the Indian preceptive, we were anticipating Taliban takeover of Afghanistan... Yes, the timeline certainly surprised us.”

of the Taliban’s political office Abdul Salam Hanafi and Chinese

Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu in Kabul.

PARTY’S VICTORY IN BYPOLLS! CM chairs hour long meet to discuss and formulate party’s electoral strategy for Vallabhnagar and Dhariyawad constituencies Jaipur: With the politics for the next round of assembly bypoll heating up, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has geared up to draw the strategy for Vallabhnagar and Dhariyawad constituencies to en-

sure Congress’s win and ousting the BJP, like the party did in bypolls of Sahada and Sujangarh constituencies.

In this connection, Gehlot chaired a high profile ‘strategy meet’ on Wednesday at CMR wherein senior leader like PCC Chief Govind

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

Singh Dotasra, ministers Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Pramod Jain Bhaya, Udailal Anjana, Arjun Bamniya, Congress leaders Dhar-

mendra Rathore, Dayaram Parmar, Pushkar Dangi, Ganesh Ghoghra and others were present.

In the hour-long meeting, it was decided that senior ministers will visit the assembly constituencies on 2-3 September and motivate party workers to go in the field to mobilise votes for the party.

Meanwhile, it was also decided that Gehlot will also tour the Udaipur division in September, however, Turn to P6

‘Cong govts did asset monetisations too’ ...why didn’t Rahul Gandhi tear-off those proposals, asks FM Mumbai: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on those criticising the Rs 6 lakh crore monetisation plan, wondering if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi even understands what such a move entails.

Speaking to reporters in the financial capital, Sitharaman alleged it is Congress that received “kickbacks” by selling resources such as land and mines.

She reminded that the governments headed by the Congress raised Rs 8,000 crore by monetising the Mum-

FM SITHARAMAN LAUNCHES EASE 4.0 Mumbai: Sitharaman undertook the annual performance review of the public sector banks (PSBs) and launched the EASE 4.0 or Enhanced Access and Service Excellence – a common reform agenda for PSBs aimed at institutionalising clean and smart banking. P6

bai-Pune expressway, and in 2008, it was the UPA that floated the request for proposal to lease out New Delhi Railway Station.

PK SINGH IS NEW DG BSF We will contest 2022 Punjab elections under the leadership of Captain Amarinder Singh —Harish Rawat

New Delhi: A 1988-batch Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh was on Wednesday appointed as director general of the country’s largest border guarding force BSF. Singh is presently serving as the special DG of the force. It will be a starnge coincidence when Singh will assume the office of DG, BSF as years back, his father Prakash Singh had also served as DG, BSF who is considered a legendary police officer. Walking in his father’s footsteps, PK Singh is also counted as one of the topmost result oriented IPS officer.

P6

Protection from Pfizer,

AstraZeneca wanes

within 6 months: Study London: Protection against COVID-19 offered by two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines begins to fade within six months, underscoring the need for booster shots, according to researchers in Britain.

After five to six months, the effectiveness of the Pfizer jab at preventing COVID-19 infection in the month after the second dose fell from 88% to 74%, an analysis of data collected in Britain’s ZOE

GEHLOT GETS CRACKING TO ENSURE

Naresh Sharma

New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the delay in completing the investigation against the present and former MLAs and MPs by the CBI and ED.

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CONGRESS SNUBS DISGRUNTLED LOT

 UDDHAV GOVT TO HC ON NASHIK FIR

SC NOT HAPPY OVER DELAY IN PROBE

CORONA CATASTROPHE INDIA

37,593 new cases

648

new fatalities

RAJASTHAN

08

new cases

00

new fatalities

COVID study showed.

For the AstraZeneca vaccine, effectiveness fell from 77% to 67% after four to five months.

Pegasus row: Bengal govt says Lokur panel won’t proceed till SC hears pleas New Delhi: The West Bengal government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the two-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B Lokur, to look into allegations surrounding Pegasus scandal, will not proceed until the apex court hears petitions seeking a probe into the alleged surveillance scandal as well as those challenging the state government’s decision to appoint the commission.

CRUCIAL READ CBDT GETS THREE NEW MEMBERS

New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday appointed three new members in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

They are Nitin Gupta, Sangeeta Singh, Pragya Sahay Saxena.

EX-MUMBAI TOP COP FINED `25,000 FOR NOT APPEARING BEFORE PANEL

Mumbai: An inquiry commission headed by retired Bombay High Court judge, Justice KU Chandiwal has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh for not appearing before it on Wednesday. It was the third time former Mumbai police commissioner has not appeared before the inquiry commission.

ASTHANA AS DELHI TOP COP: APEX COURT ASKS HC TO DECIDE ON PLEA IN 2 WEEKS New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi High Court to decide within two weeks a pending plea challenging the appointment of senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as the police commissioner of Delhi. A bench comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant granted permission to NGO ‘Centre for Public Interest Litigation’ (CPIL) to move the Delhi High Court to intervene in the pending plea against Asthana’s new role. P6

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JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

02

PANCHAYAT POLLS

A LITMUS TEST FOR CONGRESS AND BJP Reputation of 6 ministers and 33 MLAs at stake in the Panchayati Raj elections being held in six districts First India Bureau HC stays 25 BJP MPs should tell what they Jaipur: In the election of Panchayat Samiti polling at and Zila Parishad memdid for people of state: Dotasra bers, the first phase of two wards voting is on Thursday, First India Bureau followed by the second phase on August 29 and third on September 1.

The reputation of six ministers and 33 MLAs are at stake in the Panchayati Raj elections being held in six districts.

The results of CM Ashok Gehlot’s home district Jodhpur and BJP state president Satish Poonia’s constituency Amber will become the next narrative of Congress-BJP politics. Voting for Amber Panchayat Samiti is on Thursday.

Jodhpur is the hottest of the six districts since it is the home district of CM Ashok Gehlot where his son and RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are active.

The polls are also a litmus test for ministers Lalchand Kataria and Rajendra Yadav in Jaipur, Bhajan Lal Jatav and Subhash Garg in Bharatpur, and Parsadilal Meena, Mamta Bhupesh in Dausa. The Panchayati Raj elections of six districts will be considered as a mini referendum of rural areas for the Gehlot government.

First India Bureau

Lalchand Kataria

Subhash Garg

CHALLENGE FOR CONG IS TO WIN AGAIN Jodhpur: 7 out of 10 MLAs have rural areas. There are Congress MLAs in 5 out of seven seats in rural areas, so the challenge is to repeat the performance. Congress MLA Hiram Meghwal in Bilara, Kishnaram Vishnoi in Lohawat, Mahendra Vishnoi in Luni, Divya Maderna in Osian, Meena Kanwar in Shergarh have the challenge to repeat the performance.

The grip of BJP MLA Pabbaram Bishnoi in Phalodi and RLP MLA Pukhraj Garg in Bhopalgarh is to be tested in rural areas.

NEWS DIGEST UNIQUE DEMONSTRATION BY KOTA COUNCILLORS TO FIX POTHOLES Kota: The BJP councillors from Kota South Municipal Corporation Vivek Rajvanshi and Gopal Manda performed a unique demonstration with the workers on Wednesday.

BJP councillors tried to find broken roads in Jawahar Nagar area with magnifying glass. Sitting on the ground, they used magnifying glass to find potholes in the road. Manda said that the roads of the city are getting worse after the rains. Kota ministers are visiting but they have not come on these roads.

Roads are broken in Jawahar Nagar area. Due to an accident, 2-4 lives were also lost here.

BAMNIYA INCLUDED IN COMMITTEE TO DISPOSE PENDING CASES OF UDH DEPT Jaipur: A cabinet empowered committee for the disposal of pending cases of UDH department has been restructured. TAD minister Arjun Singh Bamniya has been included with UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal, industries minister Parsadi Lal Meena, revenue minister Harish Chaudhary and women and child development minister Mamta Bhupesh. In case of disputed matter involving two or more departments, the minister or the principal secretary of the department will be invited for the meeting of the committee. Principal secretaryUDH will be the secretary of the committee.

JMCG TO SEAL THE DAIRY BOOTHS OF DEFAULTING TENANTS

Jaipur: The Jaipur Municipal Corporation Greater (JMCG) is going to launch a special drive to collect outstanding revenue. During a review meeting on Wednesday, Municipal Commissioner Yagya Mitra Singhdeo ordered to seal the dairy booths of defaulting tenants if they don’t respond to notices.

Surprisingly, only 227 out of 900 dairy booths in the city have paid the annual rentals so far. Moreover, 193 of the defaulters have more than Rs 10 lakh outstanding dues against them each. Singhdeo asked to prepare a list of such booth managers and expedite action against them.

Parsadi Lal Meena

Bhajan Lal Jatav

Mamta Bhupesh

Rajendra Yadav

PANCHAYAT POLLS: 1st PHASE TODAY

26.55

LAKH TOTAL VOTERS

1,721

CONTESTING

200 MEMBERS JILA PARISHAD

1,564

MEMBERS PANCHAYAT SAMITI

3,599

POLLING BOOTHS IN DAUSA, BHARATPUR, JAIPUR, JODHPUR, SAWAI MADHOPUR AND SIROHI DISTRICTS.

Jaipur : A day before the polling for the Panchayat Samiti member in Jaipur, the Rajasthan High Court has put a stay. However, the election process has been stopped for only two Panchayat Samitis.

Ward No. 9 of Jalsu and Ward 12 of Virat Nagar.

The nomination papers of Ward 9 candidate Kamlesh Meena and Ward 12 candidate Beela Devi were rejected by the Election Commission. Both the candidates had challenged this decision of the commission in the High Court.

Meanwhile the voting for Amer Panchayat Samiti will be held today. It is the constituency of BJP state president Satish Poonia. BJP State President Satish Poonia has visited this area and appealed to vote in favour of the BJP, however, it’s the election result that will decide the influence of Poonia.

Satish Poonia

Jaipur: Smugglers held with 323 kg doda poppy

First India Bureau Jaipur: Jhotwara Police arrested six smugglers on Wednesday.

West District DCP Richa Tomar said that one of the main gangsters caught in the gang is Tofiq, who was on the run for the last two years.

There is a smuggling network of the gang-

ster in other states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

Police have recovered about 300 kg of Doda poppy, 450 gm of opium and Rs 3.56 L earned by selling opium from the possession of the miscreants. A pickup, car and bike have also been seized.

Accused flees after hearing 3 years sentence Dholpur: The convict of the kidnapping case in Dholpur fled from the court after hearing the sentence on Wednesday.

After being sentenced to 3 year imprisonment, he was being taken to the barracks.

Meanwhile, he escaped from the court by freeing his hand from the policeman.

To find the culprit, the CCTV footage was scanned by creating a blockade in the district, but no clue was found.

According to the information, the punishment was to be given to two real brothers in the case of kidnap and rape, one acquitted.

Jaipur: Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra on Wednesday attacked BJP and RSS. “BJP union ministers are pretending to be on Jan Ashirwad Yatra, before taking the blessings of the people, 25 BJP MPs of Rajasthan, Union Ministers should give account of what they did for Rajasthan,” he

MLA Siddhi Kumari interacts with PWD officials.

been receiving complaints from people for the last few months.

On the other hand, in Bikaner West, which is represented by the

an FIR lodged by the ACB in a bribery case, should come forward and join probe.

Will keep raising voice for own people: Pilot

Vaibhav Gehlot addressing the party workers and supporters during a rally on Wednesday.

Sachin Pilot attended a function at Danpur village, Alwar. Gajraj Khatana, Johari Lal Meena, and Murari Lal Meena were also present.

Jodhpur: AICC member and RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot on Wednesday campaigned for the Congress candidates in the election of Panchayat samiti and Zila parishad members in Jodhpur. In two days, Gehlot addressed several election meetings in various villages including Dechu, Lohawat, Aau and Bapini and sought votes for the party candidates. Minority affairs minister Shale Mohammad also accompanied him.

In the meetings, he highlighted the developmental works done by the Congress government.

Dausa/Alwar: Former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday reiterated that he will continue to struggle and raise his voice in the future too. Pilot was in Dausa on Wednesday where he stressed that his voice will always be raised for the demands. Pilot said that elections to Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti are being held in 6 districts of the state. “Many people contest the election, but the party can give ticket to only one person. In such a situation, all the workers will make the Congress party win,” he said.

Teen and married woman raped in separate incidents First India Bureau Jaipur: A 16 year old girl was allegedly abducted and gang raped in a park in Adarsh Nagar police station here.

The victim alleged that her neighbours Vikki and Sanju abducted her from her house in the night and took her to a park where they raped her.

An FIR has been registered and the accused are being searched, SHO Brijbhushan Agrawal said.

In another incident, a 23-year-old married woman was raped by a relative Rajendra Chaudhary by adding

MLA Siddhi accuses PWD Officials Bikaner: Bikaner East MLA Siddhi Kumari, who usually stay away from public protests, reached the PWD office on Tuesday and reprimanded officials and accused them of discrimination between Bikaner East and West constituencies.

Kumari said that roads in her constituencies are not being repaired and constructed and she had

said. Besides, Dotasra said that Nimbaram, RSS leader Nimbaram, who has been named in

Vaibhav pitches in for Congress candidates

NO ROAD REPAIR

First India Bureau

PCC President Govind Singh Dotasra paid floral tribute to former CM of state Barkatullah Khan on his birth anniversary.

energy minister BD Kalla, works related to road construction and repairing are being approved continuously.

A few hours later, the PWD released the list of approved roads, which was given financial approval by the state government on Tuesday.

The list includes several roads of 14 assembly constituencies. Of them, 13 roads are of Bikaner East and two of Bikaner West.

MAN HELD FOR ABDUCTING 8-YEAR-OLD

intoxicants in a cold drink. Accused has been harassing and raping her for a year. in the pretex of making the video viral.

The woman has filed a case of kidnapping,

rape and video blackmailing in Bagru police station late Tuesday night.

The woman told that she is a resident of Jobner and lived with her husband in Kota.

RAJASTHAN

SCHOOLS TO REOPEN IN TWO SHIFTS, SOP ISSUED Students are allowed to sit in those classrooms which are fully ventilated First India Bureau Jaipur: In schools starting from September 1, the timing of students coming to school will be different. Students of class 9 and 11 will have to come to school at 7.30 am while students of class 10 and 12 will come to school at 8 am. There will be a gap of half an hour in the leave of both.

Children will not be able to exchange their lunch boxes, water bottles and other items in school. They will have to sit in class keeping in mind the social distance and there will be a ban on prayer meetings in schools too. The Directorate of Secondary Education has prepared some similar rules and sent the proposal of SOPs to the state government to open the schools from September 1.

NO SHARING OF LUNCH BOXES AND WATER BOTTLES ALLOWED z The government recently an-

nounced reopening of schools for classes 9 to 12 z Online classes of students who are not coming to school should be continued z Written permission of parents will have to be taken z Students will sit in the open class z Driver and other personnel must have received a single dose of vaccine z Students should be made to sit on the allotted seat in the vehicle z Classes should not be held in closed and without windows rooms z Water and soap will be necessary for washing hands in the school z Students will not be able to share lunch z Class teacher will also have to do lunch in the class room itself z Water bottle will also have to be brought from home

z Masks will be necessary for all stu-

dents, teachers and other personnel

z Prayer meeting will not happen z Sports activities will also be banned z Students will not be able to ex-

change pen, copy, pencil z Daily sanitization of frequently touched appliances, classrooms, door handles, taps necessary z Prohibition on the use of air-condition in school z If any student, teacher or personnel is found ill in the school, then he should be isolated immediately.

First India Bureau Ajmer: PC Trivedi, the VC of Jai Narayan Vyas University Jodhpur took the additional charge of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University here today.

Speaking to media Trivedi said that steps will be taken to conduct the examinations in time.

Talking about some colleges taking students more than seats allotted to them, he said that lenient view will be adopted towards those excess students and they will be considered ‘non-collegiate’ so that their future is not affected. In future, the number of seats allotted to colleges will be displayed on the website.

—Saurabh Swamy, Director, Secondary Education

3 held with `1.5 cr of Hawala in Udaipur

The cash was being smuggled to Gujarat First India Bureau Udaipur: The police arrested three people, including a minor, with Rs 1.48 crore hawala money at Ghanta Ghar area of Udaipur on Wednesday morning. The accused were taking this amount to Gujarat. Rs 500 bundles were hidden under the back seat of the car.

Police Officer Shailendra Singh Chauhan said that during patrolling, policemen saw a suspicious car of Gujarat number in Mochiwada area. When the police went near the car and questioned the youths sitting inside, they kept avoiding and gave roundabout answers.

When the police searched the car, several bundles of notes

These bundles were found in the backseat of the car.

ONE MINOR DETAINED AMONG 3 HELD

arrested are Pratapram Prajapat and TSirohihose Shankar Lal, residents of Kalandari area of district. A minor was also detained. The

work in the office of a hawala trader in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. On Tuesday late night, they came to collect hawala money from the branch office in Dhanmandi area of Udaipur.

came out from under the back seat of the car. When brought to the police station and questioned, the ac-

cused said that they work for a hawala trader and the money was being taken to Gujarat.

Prof (Dr) PC Trivedi

First India Bureau

in Alwar today

5 killed as speeding cars collide in Sri Ganganagar

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Alwar: UDH Min Shanti Dhariwal will visit Alwar for the first time on Thursday. Ahead of his arrival, the work of changing the broken tiles of Gaurav Path of Alwar city and paint on the dividers is going on in full swing.Road lights that have been closed for months have also recieved repairs.

The workshop of the Prashasan Shehron Ke Sang of Jaipur division will going to be held at Pratap Auditorium in Alwar City on thursday.

Sri Ganganagar: Five people died on the spot while 3 others were seriously injured when 2 speeding cars collided on the Khoonichak canal culvert near Manjhuwas on the Sri Gang a n a g a r- S u r a t g a r h highway in the Ghumudwali police station area.

Injured were brought to the district hospital in Sri Ganganagar. On information, the Ghumurwali police station team reached and sent the injured to the hospital.

Mahesh Joshi.

in forest area were taken by her. Unfortunately, the people currently in power at the Centre make unwarranted allegations. Those who did not contribute in the freedom struggle, those who did nothing for the country, they are asking questions.

CBI files chargesheet against 18 in `209 cr fraud in Syndicate Bank case First India Bureau

Jaipur: The CBI has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Jaipur against 18 accused including a CA Bharat Bomb, Pavitra Kothari, Anoop Bartaria, the then AGM of Syndicate Bank Adarsh Manchanda, the then Manager Syndicate Bank Mahesh Gupta in a bank fraud case of Rs

MDSU Ajmer still waits for a permanent VC

The Education Department has prepared the SOP and the document has been sent to the government, it will be sent to the schools as soon as it is approved.

‘Cong to observe 50 yrs Dhariwal to chair workshop of B’desh Liberation’ Jaipur: Congress will organize a grand event on 50 years of Bangladesh formation. Interacting with the media at PCC, Chief Whip Dr. Mahesh Joshi informed about the programme and said that Indira ji had changed the geography of the world by creating Bangladesh by winning over Pakistan.

He added that she ended feudalism and nationalised the banks. Similarly, many revolutionary decisions like 20 point programme, environmental protection, population control, increase

03

JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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“The high court has clearly ordered that no action can be taken against Anoop Bartaria and WTP. We have just sold the property to them and have no connection with the buyers’ activity. The order is not only interim order but has been confirmed by the high court. The high court order is not even challenged and is operative. How can a seller know from where some one brings money to buy a property?

—Anoop Bartaria 209 crore. CBI had registered a case on March 23, 2017 on a complaint from Syndicate Bank, Regional office, Jaipur

against six private persons. It was alleged in the complaint that 118 loan accounts were sanctioned and dis-

bursed by three branches of Syndicate Bank.

The accused thereby cheated the bank to the tune of Rs 209.93 crore.

3 pilgirms die, 7 others injured near Jodhpur Jodhpur: 3 pilgrims died and seven others injured in a road accident in Balesar near Jodhpur on Wednesday evening.

A car in which pilgrims were travelling collided head on with the truck. Three of the pilgrims and others were injured.

After the collision, the truck turned on a motorcycle which left a couple and their

Interest on lease to be reduced in PRN Scheme

minor child, who were on the bike, injured.

The truck driver was also injured in the incident, police said.

According to the SHO (Balesar) Samarveer Singh, the victims were the devotees of the folk deity Baba Ramdeo and were returning after paying obeisance at the shrine of the deity at Pokran in Jaisalmer district.

Rajasthan Foundation celebrates Teej globally First India Bureau Jaipur: The online organization of Global Pravasi Teej Celebration 2021 by Rajasthan Foundation was held on Wednesday evening.

This program was organised to celebrate Kajari Teej, which is celebrated together by Rajasthani diaspora women from about 50 countries. Joining the event, Rajasthani diaspora from different corners of the world included the UK, Australia, Egypt, Canada, Netherlands, North America, Dubai, Kenya, Uganda, Germany,

Dhiraj Srivastava

America etc. On this occasion, Dhiraj Srivastava, Commissioner, Rajasthan Foundation while addressing the migrants said that the art and culture of Rajasthan have their own identity.

The Teej festivals are celebrated by all the people with great enthusiasm.

CAPTURING OF HYENA CAPTURED IN LENS The terrified locals of Pratap Nagar Enclave in Pratap Nagar took a breath of relief as the forest team captured the hyena on wednesday.

The search operation was happening since Tuesday morning.

—PHOTO

BY SUMAN SARKAR

Jaipur: Principal Sec UDH KL Meena took an important meeting regarding Prithviraj Nagar scheme. The Empowered Committee took a decision regarding the plans of pvt accounts and decided to extend the time for taking records of these schemes. It was also decided to reduce interest on leases to 9% of colonies whose camps have been set up.

—FIB

Railways to earn Rs 5k cr via privatisation CM Gehlot to review progress Kashiram Choudhary Jaipur: Railways is going to play an important role in the National Monetisation Plan launched by Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently.

Spread over 90% of Rajasthan, North-Western Railway (NWR) has many properties at prominent places in most of the cities of the state, the market value of which is estimated to be Rs 5,000 crore.

PRIVATE TRAINS IN RAJ SOON Jaipur: Recently, a survey was done to increase commercial activity in 15 sports stadiums of the country. The development of these stadiums is set to be done on PPP mode. This survey will soon be conducted in Jaipur also.

A senior Railway Ministry official said that they will plan to run private trains in Rajasthan by the end of 2023.

Railway authorities are planning to conduct a survey at all these places and explore the possibility of running

commercial activities there. The survey will also be used to find out alternative sources of revenue generation oth-

er than non-coaching funds (income from running trains) from the land lying vacant in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer

and Bikaner divisions under NWR. Railway’s Public Sector Undertakings will have an upper hand over the zonal railways as they will be given the responsibility of achieving this goal. Private partnership will be increased in the properties in Rajasthan. The land lying vacant in and around Railway Loco Colony of Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) in Jaipur will be leased out.

of Barmer Refinery today First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will review the progress of Rajasthan Refinery Project in a meeting to be held through video conference at 12 noon today.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya, Revenue Minister Harish Chaudhary, Pachpadra MLA Madan Prajapat,

CM Ashok Gehlot

Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Govind Sharma, Chief Secretary Niranjan Arya, Addi-

tional Chief Secretary Mines and Petroleum Subodh Agrawal, Principal Secretary Finance Akhil Arora along with officials of Revenue, Energy, UDH and other departments will be present.

The review meeting will also be attended by the HPCL CMD M.K. Surana and CEO of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited, S.P. Gaikwad.

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PERSPECTIVE

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THE RISE OF

JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

‘NOTIONAL BOUNDARY’

04

IN-DEPTH

CONTROLLING COVID SEEMS TOUGH IN KERALA

K

DR SANJEEV CHOPRA

The writer is a historian, public policy analyst, and Festival Director of Valley of Words, a literature and arts festival based out of Dehradun. Till very recently, he was a member of the IAS and posted as the Director of LBS National Academy of Administration

B From India’s point of view, the retention of Gurdaspur, especially Pathankot was specially crucial to maintain the link with Jammu- and this decision certainly ensured that J& Ks accession to India became viable . In fact , it can be argues that based on the ‘notional boundary’, the Maharaja and his Prime Minister Ram Chandra Kak were veering towards Pakistan as it was geographically contiguous

ased on the census reports of 1941, the first and the second schedules to The Indian Independence Act of July 1947 had listed the Muslim majority districts in Punjab and Bengal. This gave rise to the definition of ‘notional boundary ‘between the two countries. As per this schedule, Gurdaspur in Punjab, and Murshidabad, Nadia and Malda in Bengal were assigned to Pakistan. In fact, in all these districts, the flag of Pakistan was flown on the collectorate on the 14th August, the designated independence Day for Pakistan. It was only in the evening of the 17th August that the representatives of the Congress and the Muslim league were shown the boundaries– and even as the ML and Jinnah protested about the final demarcations. From India’s point of view, the retention of Gurdaspur, especially

Pathankot was specially crucial to maintain the link with Jammu-and this decision certainly ensured that J& Ks accession to India became viable. In fact, it can be argues that based on the ‘notional boundary’, the Maharaja and his Prime Minister Ram Chandra Kak were veering towards Pakistan as it was geographically contiguous.

These schedules had been announced even before Radcliffe started his ‘impossible work’.

Although Radcliffe had completed the task by the 12th August, Mountbatten urged that the announcement be deferred till the 17th.

The charitable explanation is that Mountbatten did not want disappointments to mar the Independence celebrations in both the dominions. The not -so-charitable view is that the responsibility of violence post Independence would like on the new governments–thereby absolving the Raj of any direct responsibility, and lending credibility to the Churchillian view that Indians were not fit to rule themselves.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

WH AUDEN WROTE IN HIS POEM ‘PARTITION’, PUBLISHED IN 1966

erala is finding it difficult to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state. With over 31,445 new cases the situation can easily be called alarming. It was the main contributor to the 37, 593 fresh infections recorded in the country on Wednesday morning. The southern state poses a threat of the virus spreading to the rest of the country despite the vaccination drive currently on. Experts have warned of a third wave sometime in October.

With 60 crore individuals having been vaccinated more than half the population is covered but what about the remaining ones? Children most of whom have just started going to school would still be exposed.

The entire efforts will be negated if Kerala government does not act on curbing new infections more firmly. And if it is the delta variant the virus won’t take time to spread. It is a worrisome thought although the World Health Organisation has said that people may have learnt to live with it.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK Should a person do good, let him do it again and again.

Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.

—Buddha

‘Unbiased at least he was when he first arrived on his Mission, Having never set eyes on this land he was called to partition, Between two people, fanatically at odds, With their different diets and incompatible gods, ‘Time’, they had briefed him in London, ‘is short’, Its too late, For mutual reconciliation and debate: The only solution now lies in separation…

We will give you four judges, two Moslem and two Hindu To consult with, but the final decision must rest with you...

Shut up in a lonely mansion, with police night and day, Patrolling the gardens to keep assassins away, He got down to work, the task of settling the fate, of millions.

The maps at his disposal were out of date.

And the census returns almost certainly incorrect, But there was no time to check them or to inspect.

The poem describes his dilemma, though on a matter of detail, Radcliffe had eight, instead of four advisers each for the Punjab and Bengal boundary commissions. However, Radcliffe did not attend any hearing in person, and the written submissions of the counsels as well as the arguments for both parties were sent to Radcliffe at New Delhi or Simla, where he had to take his own decisions because his advisers were clearly divided on denominational lines.

TOP TWEETS Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

I thank PM for providing an additional 2 crore vaccines to the states to give priority in vaccination to teachers of all schools before the upcoming Teachers’ Day. This will prove to be a decisive step towards removing the obstacles in their studies due to this pandemic.

I also request all the state governments to give their support and cooperation to this campaign in order to strengthen the foundation of the future.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal @HarsimratBadal_

MONETISE ASSETS BUT

NOT AT TAX-PAYERS’ COST

T

he four-year National Monetisation Pipeline worth about Rs 6 lakh crore has been unveiled by a cashstrapped government. The plan will see monetization of roads, railways, power sector assets, along with telecom, mining, ports, warehouses, natural gas, petroleum products pipelines, warehouses and aviation. Under the plan the revenue rights will be transferred to private entities for a fixed period in return for investments. The assets up for grabs, albeit for a price include, among others, 26,700 km of roads, railway stations, train operations and tracks, 14,917 telecom towers, 8154 km of natural gas pipelines and 3930 km of petroleum product pipeline. Additionally, 15 railway stations, 25

The four-year National Monetisation Pipeline worth about Rs 6 lakh crore has been unveiled by a cash-strapped government.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s criticism notwithstanding, the government’s compulsions for monetization of assets are understandable airports and the Central government’s stake in existing airports, 31 projects in nine ports and 210 lakh MT of warehousing assets. Some of these assets like warehouses, airports, ports and telecom, have already generated con-

troversy because of the choice of private players.

Rahul Gandhi’s criticism notwithstanding, the government’s compulsions for monetization of assets are understandable. The sale of “crown jewel” was “designed to create a monopoly.” Not monopoly, but surely a strong duopoly is what one can expect. The government’s plan is a recycling of Australia’s experiment of 2013 when it gave two of its ports on lease. Indian taxpayers face the risk of assets funded by them being passed on to a few chosen ones for whom fleecing the consumer would make good business sense. An important lesson can be learnt from Australia’s stake sale in a controversial motorway. It was kept out of the Auditor-General’s purview and protected from “freedom of information requests”.

We fear not just the loss of human lives but also desecration of shrines & a number of rare handwritten copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Appeal to @ DrSJaishankar/@MEAIndia to ensure that along with Hindu/Sikh brethren, holy books too are brought home safely with full dignity.

Vol 3 Issue No. 80 RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.

Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur. Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504.

Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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INDIA JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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INDIA FIRMLY COMMITTED TO CLEAN, MODERN MOBILITY: PM

Modi: Presence of manufacturing units of global auto manufacturers in India is reflective of thriving ecosystem New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said holistic steps are being taken for the value chain associated with automobile manufacturing so that the industry becomes more productive and sustainable.

In a message to the auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on its 61st Annual Convention, the PM also stated that India remained firmly committed to moving

India is not only emphasising on exploring new possibilities but also encouraging a circular economy. We have to work together for the next generation infrastructure, world-class manufacturing, and new-age technology. India is committed to providing its citizens with global standards in terms of quality and safety —Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

forward with the goal of clean and modern mobility while lauding the role of the industry in the country’s progress.

Stating that moder-

SITHARAMAN

LAUNCHES

4.0

2

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday undertook the annual performance review of the public sector banks (PSBs) and launched the EASE 4.0 or Enhanced Access and Service Excellence, common reform agenda for PSBs aimed at institutionalising clean and smart banking. She requested PSU banks to address needs of exporters.

Nirmala Sitharaman launches EASE 4.0 in Mumbai on Wednesday.

This was her 1st visit since onset of Covid.

Benefits of EASE 4.0: Fin Secy Debashish Panda said that benefits would now accrue to family pensioners. The cap on pay is removed & uniform slab of 30% will be in force, pension can go to Rs 35,000. —ANI

remains firmly committed to moving forward with the goal of clean and modern mobility. Holistic steps are being taken for the val-

ue chain associated with auto manufacturing so that the industry becomes more productive and sustainable.”

He also reassured the

EASE Decide on Asthana plea in 2 weeks: SC asks HC —PHOTO BY ANI

SHE IS ON A TWO-DAY VISIT TO MUMBAI MET CHIEFs OF THE PSBs

1

nity in mobility brings about a positive impact in almost every industry and every sector of the country, Modi said, “The 21st century India

Now industries have option of raising funds even from outside banking sector.

Banks themselves are raising funds through various avenues. These new aspects need to be studied to target credit where it is needed.

—Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

New Delhi: The SC on Wednesday directed Delhi HC to decide within 2 weeks a pending plea challenging the appointment of senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as the police commissioner of Delhi.

Asthana was appointed as the top officer of the national capital on July 27, 4 days before his superannuation on July 31. He would have a tenure of 1 year as the police chief.

A bench comprising CJ NV Ramana and Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant granted permission to NGO CPIL to move the Delhi HC to intervene in the pending plea against

‘COPS HELPED YOUTH ESCAPE CRIME’ New Delhi: Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Wednesday said that the constructive attitude of Delhi Police has brought many youth including girls to the mainstream by helping them escape from the clutches of crime.

Asthana was addressing workshop on ‘How to do Business’ organised by Delhi Police.

Asthana’s new role.

Appearing for the Centre, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said more time be given to the HC as the government would have to file its response to the pending plea there.

—PTI

‘Won’t let CM forget...’: BJP to Three batchmates picked for DG posts in send 75,000 letters to Uddhav UDDHAV’S SLIPPER MOMENT WITH YOGI! BSF, ITBP & BPR&D Pankaj is BSF DG, Sanjay ITBP DG & Balaji DG BPR&D Rakesh Ranjan New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by the PM Modi on Wednesday appointed the chiefs for Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D); central para-military forces and central police organisations under MHA. Govt picked a senior Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh (1988 batch) for the coveted Director General post in BSF for a tenure ending December 2022 i.e. till his retirement. Singh replaces the erstwhile BSF DG Rakesh Asthana. Currently, Singh is serving as Special DG BSF and will take charge on September 1, 2021. Similarly, Singh’s batchmate Balaji Srivastav (AGMUT cadre) was drafted as the DG of Bureau of Police Research and Development from the date of joining the post and up to March 31, 2024 i.e. till his superannuation.

The top post in the lndo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) went to a Tamil Nadu cadre IPS of-

Pankaj Kumar Singh

Sanjay Arora

New Delhi: The Maharashtra unit of the BJP said on Wednesday it will send 75,000 letters to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray so that he doesn’t forget “how many years it has been since independence.”

BJP MLA Ashish Shelar made this remark while addressing a press conference over the arrest of Union minister and BJP leader Narayan Rane by the Maharashtra Police a day ago.

“On August 15, CM Thackeray forgot how many years it has been since independence. Under the leadership of state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, we will write and send 75,000 letters to

Mumbai: As Union minister Narayan Rane's arrest over his 'would have given Thackeray a tight slap' comment has created a controversy, internet has dug out a 'blast for the past' moment for Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. In 2018, when Thackeray was not CM, he outraged in a similar fashion like Rane did when UP CM Yogi had apparently garlanded Shivaji wearing chappals. "He garlanded (photo of) Shivaji Maharaj while wearing chappals. I felt like taking same chappals & hitting him. He is no Yogi, he is a Bhogi," Uddhav had said.

the CM so that he doesn’t forget the date. Will he apologise to the people?”

Shelar said in Mumbai.

Rane, the Union minister for micro, small and medium enterprises, had, on Monday, targeted Thackeray for allegedly mixing up number of years since India

gained Independence, while delivering CM’s address on August 15.

“Had I been there, I would’ve given him a slap under his ears,” Rane had said of Thackeray. His remarks set off a chain of events which saw min being arrested on Tuesday.

—ANI

auto industry that “all the stakeholders have an important role in our government’s steadfast efforts to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.”

The presence of manufacturing units of global automobile manufacturers in India is reflective of a thriving ecosystem, Modi added.

The Prime Minister said as India celebrates 75 years of Independence, the next 25 years are very important for the country.

—ANI

CENTRE TO HC:

States to decide on online games New Delhi: Ministry of Electronics Information and Technology (Miety) through an affidavit informed Delhi HC that issues relating to online ‘gambling’ games expressly falls under domain of states & some states have already enacted laws to regulate online games. Centre affidavit states that petitioner has failed to implead states as parties to case which are appropriate govt in regulation of ‘betting or gambling.

Bench of Justice DN Patel & Justice Jyoti Singh defers matter for October 11, after taking note that the petitioner has yet to be served with a reply copy.

—ANI

Om Birla to visit Ladakh on August 27 Leh (Ladakh): LS Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the Parliamentary Outreach Programme for the Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions of the Union Territory of Ladakh on August 27.

According to the press statement, “The parliamentary outreach Programme is a unique initiative of LS Speaker, Om Birla. A first of its kind programme, is intended to strengthen institutions of governance & planning at grass-root level”, said in a statement.

06

CRUCIAL READ 1971 WAR VICTORY ‘LANDMARK EVENT’ IN GLOBAL HISTORY, SAYS IAF CHIEF New Delhi: IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Wednesday termed India’s victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan as a “landmark event” in global history. Speaking at a seminar at Centre for Airpower Studies titled ‘50 years of Indo-Pak war: Victory in the air’, the IAF chief said, “The victory in 1971 war was a landmark event in global history. On signing of instrument of surrender on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka, East Pak ceased to exist & Bangladesh was born.”

CLOUDBURST IN U’KHAND VILLAGE, FLOOD WATER ENTERS HOUSES Dehradun: A cloudburst occurred near Satla Devi temple in Khabadwala village on the outskirts of city in Uttarakhand, flooding rivers & streams. The flood water entered houses, electric poles & trees fell down & two-wheelers were swept away after cloudburst late Tuesday night, disaster management officials said on Wednesday. However, no casualty was reported anywhere, they said. CM Pushkar S Dhami visited area along with cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi to assess damage & give relief aid.

DU REMOVES MAHASWETA DEVI, 2 DALIT AUTHORS FROM UG ENGLISH COURSE

New Delhi: DU has come under criticism from some quarters after OC removed renowned author Mahasweta Devi’s short story & 2 Dalit authors from the English syllabus. In AC meeting held Wednesday, 15 AC members submitted a dissent note against OC & its functioning. They alleged there had been “maximum vandalism” in LOCF English syllabus for Semester V. They said OC decided to remove 2 Dalit authors — Bama and Sukhartharini — and replaced them with “upper caste writer Ramabai”.

GOVT FOOD KITS KEEP KERALA’S MARGINALISED FROM STARVING Wayand: In Dalit & tribal settlements across Kerala, pandemic & its accompanying economic challenges threatens to bog down progress achieved over years. While current Left govt’s welfare schemes, in form of essential food kits and pensions, come in for high praise from public, there’s no denying that rising unemployment pose great risks for state’s most marginalised sections. G Pramod, tribal DO admitted that the pandemic has cut back jobs for community slashing household.

FROM PG 1 GEHLOT GETS... the dates of CM’s program have not been finalised yet. It is suspected that CM might address the gathering also, however, a final call on this aspect will be taken only after assessing Covid situation in the area.

Captain shows...

Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Charanjeet Singh Channi, Sukhbinder Sarkaria, Barindermeet Pahda and Kulbir Zira.

They put up their point to Rawat in a three-hour long meeting that ended at 3.30 pm.

“They were told that they will be respected whenever they come to Dehradun but Amarinder will lead the

party into victory in the next election. They had complaints about work not being done. They have been told that everything will be sorted.

The government will be fulfilling all the promises in the next few months before the elections. The issue raised and the sentiment conveyed by the delegation will be conveyed further to the high command,” the source said.

Before the meeting Rawat had already told the media that the 2022 Punjab Assembly election will be fought under the leadership of Amarinder. Rawat said, “The 2022 Assembly election in Punjab will be contested under the leadership of Amarinder Singh.”

Inspite Rahul’s intervention, still a high voltage drama expected in C’garh Cong in coming days!

Aditi Nagar Balaji Srivastav

ficer Sanjay Arora who is currently serving as Special DG in the Central Reserve Police Force.

Arora will take over from SS Deswal, a Haryana cadre IPS officer, retiring this month end. Arora may have opportunity to lead ITBP till his retirement in July 2025. Interestingly, all 3 top posts went to the batchmates belonging to 1988 batch of IPS officer.

New Delhi: Congress party is not devoid of its internal struggles and after long standing tussles in Rajasthan and Punjab Congress, now it seems even Chhatishgarh Congress is going through the same ordeal as the longrunning political crisis still persists here. Even after the meeting of former Congress President Rahul Gandhi with CM Bhupesh Baghel and Health Minister TS Singh

Deo, the political tug-ofwar does not show any signs of slowing down.

Both leaders could not meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi, perhaps the only person who can put an end to ‘troubles’.

Baghel met Congress Gen Secy KC Venugopal on Wednesday and reiterated the issues raised before Rahul. However, Baghel refused to divulge any details of the half-anhour long meeting, and left, in despair, for Raipur, having camped

Bhupesh Baghel

TS Singh Deo

in national capital since Monday hoping to solve the political dispute.

While Singhdev also knocked at KC’s house and reiterated his claim for the post of CM in front of Venugopal. After

the meeting, he too did not say anything on what happened inside other than that he had met Rahul along with CM and that the two talk with each other regularly.

According to sources,

Singhdeo referred to Rahul about MLA Brihaspati Singh controversy, the incident of sloganeering by supporters of Minister Amarjeet Singh and accused CM Baghel of being behind such incidents.

At the same time, the CM rejected all allegations of TS Singhdev in front of Rahul. According to party sources, both leaders wanted to meet Sonia, but none could manage to meet the party matriarch who

is not meeting anyone unless it is very important due to her health reasons. Political experts believe that the tug-of-war in Chhattisgarh for the post of CM is not over yet. Still both leaders are engaged in creating an atmosphere in their favor through people close to Congress leadership in Delhi.

Overall, situation from Raipur to Delhi is such that high voltage political drama will be seen for a few more days.

NEWS JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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07

MIG-21 CRASHED DUE TO TECHINCAL SNAG, PILOT SAFE Fighter plane took off from the Uttarlai air base in Barmer and crashed soon after take off, probe has been ordered into the incident Mukesh Mathrani Barmer: A MiG-21 Bison aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan’s Barmer district on Wednesday.

However, pilot of the fighter plane managed to eject safely. The aircraft crashed at Matasar Bhuritya village, about 30 kilometres from district headquarters. Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said crash happened due to technical sang.

According to Sharma, the aircraft was on rou-

tine sortie. MiG-21 Bison aircraft took off from Uttarlai air base in Barmer and crashed around 5.30 soon after the take off.

Meanwhile on getting information, district officials, including district collector, superintendent of police and others reached at the spot.

Defence spokesperson said that fighter plane was crashed following technical snag and a court of inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

EARLIER CRASH INCIDENTS MARCH 15, 2017

A Sukhoi 30 aircraft crashed in Barmer. Both pilots ejected safely. Sukhoi SU-30, which took off from Jodhpur air base, crashed at Devaniyon ki Dhani village in Barmer.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 A MiG 21 T-69 aircraft, which took off from Uttarlai air base near Barmer, crashed at Magne ki Dhanni village in Barmer.

JUNE 13, 2016 A MiG-27 crashed in a residential area of Jodhpur. The pilot ejected safely Fire and smoke emanate from the fighter aircraft after it crashed at Matasar Bhuritya village in Barmer district on Wednesday. (inset) The pilot managed to eject safely from the fighter plane.

IN THE COURTYARD

HC asks dept to fill vacant Sanskrit teachers’ posts

S-I recruitment 2016: Rajasthan High Court reserves decision

First India Bureau

Jaipur: On the petitions filed regarding dispute related to the skill test of candidates in S-I Recruitment-2016, the division bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Satish Sharma in the Rajasthan High Court has reserved the decision after hearing the arguments of all the parties. Advocate Ram Pratap Saini on

Jodhpur: Rajasthan High Court today ordered the Sanskrit department to fill 70 posts of Sanskrit teacher which remained vacant even after Class-III Teacher Recruitments in 2017, by appointing the candidates in the waiting list.

The department had invited applications for 75 posts in 2017. After selection, the meritorious candidates were asked to join duty but only five eligible candidates responded while the rest of 70 posts remained vacant.

The department had issued a long waiting list also but none of the candidates from that list was invited for appointment to the vacant posts. A candidate in the waiting list approached the court.

First India Bureau

behalf of the petitioner Ravi Prakash and others, along with other advocates told the High Court that the police department had kept a 100-meter race of 40

marks in the proficiency test. 40 points were awarded for completing the race in 14 seconds, 25 points for completing the race in 15 seconds, and 15 points for completing the race in 16 seconds. The stopwatch is used manually by department and does not have precise counting of microseconds. Instead of stopwatch, calculation is accurate with RFID chip.

19 ACCUSED INVOLVED IN PROTEST OUTSIDE PS APPEAR BEFORE COURT First India Bureau Jaipur: 19 accused involved in protest outside Kotwali police station demanding arrest of those who attacked Dalit people on 16 July appeared before a local court on Wednesday in compliance of a notice issued to them. They described the police

NEWS DIGEST 720 LITRES RECTIFIED SPIRIT MEANT FOR PRODUCING ILLICIT LIQUOR SEIZED Barmer: Excise department in Barmer on Tuesday seized around 720 litres of rectified spirit, which was meant for producing illicit liquor. In this case police also have arrested prime accused Jalam Singh and lodged a case under section 16/54 and 19/54 Excise Act 1950. Devendra Dashora, district excise officer informed. Following a tip-off police raided Jalam Singh house in Nevai village in Balotra town of Barmer.

proceedings against them as illegal and malicious and said that the order of the police will be challenged in the court of the district judge.

Advocates Jitendra Kumar Verma and Ravi Tiwari, appearing for 15 of the 19 respondents in the case, said that the executive

PROSTITUTION RACKET BUSTED AT SPA CENTRE IN BARMER, 7 ARRESTED

Barmer: Police on Wednesday raided at a spa centre running a prostitute racket in Barmer city.

Police have arrested 7 persons, including five girls and the spa owner. A case under Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) has been lodged.

Anand Sharma, superintendent of police in Barmer informed Wednesday. Sharma said that the raid was conducted following a tip-off about illegal activities at centre. Police raided Golden Spa centre located at Chohtan circle in Barmer and busted the racket.

A MIG-27 crashed half kilometre from the Barmer city on Shivkar road.

The Soviet-era fighter planes have a poor safety record. Following a series of crashes due to bad safety conditions, the MiG aircraft were dubbed as ‘Flying Coffins’. It is currently only used

by India, Sri Lanka and Kazak air forces and the government is mulling over to phase out its ageing fighters. Of the 872 MiG aircrafts purchased by India between 1966 and 1980, at least 482 crashed between 1971 and 2012. A total of 171 pilots, 39 civilians, 8 personnel and one air crew lost their lives in accidents.

ACB traps CMHO office clerk with `20K bribe First India Bureau Sri Ganganagar: Sri Ganganagar Anti Corruption Bureau t e a m while taking action in Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) office on Wednesday arrested a clerk, Parveen Khatri with a bribe of Rs 20,000.

ACB DSP Bhupendra Soni said that Parveen Khatri had demanded Rs 20,000 in lieu of not filling food samples from Sunny Sweets Store in Kesarisinghpur.

On Tuesday, the ACB had received the complaint and after verification, ACB team arrested the clerk taking the bribe of Rs 20,000.

In Pali, Jaitaran Municipality EO Tikamdan was arrested by the ACB for demanding bribe. He will be presented in Pali court on Thursday.

Protesting sarpanch, five others get down from water tank

TREE PLANTATION PROGRAMME HELD AT ACB HEADQUARTERS

Sarpanch and 5 other persons sitting on top of the water tank.

Jaipur: Tree plantation programme was held at the headquarters of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) here on Wednesday. ACB Director General BL Soni and Additional DG Dinesh MN planted saplings. Other officials also followed suit and planted a total of 50 saplings. Speaking on the occasion, Soni said that the Corona pandemic has taught us the importance of the environment in our life. The programme was organised keeping that in mind and only fruitful and shady trees were planted.

He exhorted that organising such programmes should be continued and every person should take interest in it. IG Hinglaj Dan, DIG Sawai Singh Godara, SP Yogesh Dadhich and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Sri Ganganagar: Five people, including the sarpanch, who climbed the tank on Tuesday evening, came down from the tank on Wednesday evening after spending 24 hours.

They were demanding the removal of the BDO of Suratgarh Panchayat Samiti. On Tuesday, these people spent the whole night on the tank itself, while the police and administration ensured their safety. On Wednesday, Zilla Parishad CEO Ashok Kumar Meena and ADM Haritima, who came from Sriganganagar, held talks with the agitating sarpanch union representatives.

Row over Taliban Club: Gehlot approves RUDF for weak urban bodies Kailash flays organisers Abhishek Shrivastava

First India Bureau Jaisalmer: Controversy erupted over the entry of a team named Talibani Club in the cricket trophy. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Chaudhary, who visited Barmer, took a dig at the organisers and supporters in this matter and said that there

ELECTRICIAN FOUND DEAD NEAR SURPURA DAM, POLICE LAUNCH PROBE Jodhpur : A dead body of a young man was found in a drain near Surpura Dam. His feet were tied.

Prima facie it appeared to be a murder case. After getting information, police reached the spot.

When the body was searched, the mobile was found from the pocket which helped in his identification. The deceased was an electrician. His brother recognised him. He had left on the night of August 22.

magistrate, acting on the complaint presented by the Kotwali police station, has issued notices. They said that the police were working under the pressure from MLA and instead of taking action against the accused involved in the attack, the victims were being targeted.

JANUARY 27, 2015

PLANES HAVE A POOR SAFETY RECORD!

are people in India who are supporters of the Taliban.

They are working towards breaking the country. Various Hindu outfits are also protesting against the name. Union Minister of State Kailash Chaudhary had come to Barmer on Tuesday, where he interacted with the media.

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the Rajasthan Urban Development Fund (RUDF) for financially supporting the weak urban bodies in the state.

Efforts will be made to raise funds up to Rs 1000 crore so that financial resources can be made available to

the local bodies as per requirement.

UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal said that the previous BJP governm e n t had discontinued this fund

CM Ashok Gehlot

REVENUE MATTERS

Rajasthan Housing Board hits ‘double century’, generates over 44 cr in revenue!

Shivendra Parmar Jaipur: Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora has said that the enthusiasm of people to buy the properties of RHB was evident during the e-bid submission scheme of the Wednesday auction festival wherein 200 properties were sold due to which the Board generated a revenue of Rs 44.41 crore, scoring a ‘double century’.

75 independent houses in Indira Gandhi Nagar were included in the e-bid submission scheme in which 52 independent houses were sold on this Wednesday itself, generating a revenue of Rs 28.55 crore. There was competition among people to buy these houses and 300 people participated in the e-bid submis—Pawan Arora, RHB Commissioner sion scheme.

Arora informed that 124 properties were sold in Jaipur circle I and III, due to which the Board received revenue of Rs 35.25 crore. “In Jodhpur

circle I and II, 15 properties were sold, due to which the division got revenue of Rs. 2.20 crore.

In Bikaner 34 properties were sold for Rs. 2.78

crore, 24 properties were sold in the Udaipur circle for Rs. 3.56 crore and 3 properties were sold in the Alwar circle for Rs. 62 lakh,” Arora said.

which has been formed again by the Congress government.

“Through this, financial resources will be made available to the local bodies for centrally sponsored schemes and for fulfilling NGT norms.

Apart from it, fulfilment will be done in the execution of Amrit Yojana, Smart City Mission

etc.,” Dhariwal said.

He said that with the formation of the fund, the local bodies will be able to be financially independent.

He informed that a committee will be constituted which will give recommendation to the government on which local body needs how much amount from the fund after a detailed assessment.

RRECL appoints nodal officers for projects First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) has appointed nodal officers to accelerate the process related to investment in the sector. The nodal officers will reach out to the government departments concerned such as Energy and Revenue and facilitate the process concerning private renewable energy projects.

Chairman and Managing Director of the

Corporation Subodh Agarwal gave directions for appointment of the officials during review of the private investment projects in the state on Wednesday.

Representatives of more than 20 investors including NTPC, Tata Power, JSW and Renew Power, were present in the meeting.

“RRECL will ensure smooth progress of various processes related to investment in the sector,” said Agarwal assuring the investors of all support.

Guide, inspire and motivate yourself and in doing so you will automatically do for others.

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

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

2ND FRONT JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

08

To stop panic among positive people BMC ensured that Covid test report did not reach patient directly: Commissioner

z Jagdeesh Chandra: Had you thought of reaching this stature when you left a small village in Sri Ganganagar about 50 years ago?

Iqbal Singh Chahal: Not at all. I was born in 1966 at Chak 12 Z on Ganganagar-Karanpur road.

I lived there for some time but my father was in the Army so my school changed several times in different army cantonments. But now I think, the experience I gained from those schools have helped me a lot. I schooled in Kendriya Vidyalaya, completed class 12 at Air Force School, Ratnada and I stood 3rd at national level. I did BTech in Electronics Communication from Thapar University, Patiala and in the first attempt I got selected in the IAS. z So you were studying engineering but became an IAS. How did this happen?

I wanted to become a doctor and I was 1st in Biology in the country with 99% marks. That time there was a scheme that Biology toppers got a free medical seat without giving any exam. I applied in some medical colleges but that year PMT was introduced in Rajasthan. I was allotted Bikaner medical college but the PMT was challenged in high court.

Meanwhile, my father was transferred from Jodhpur to Hisar and I got admitted to an engineering college in Patiala. My real target was to become IAS so I continued in engineering by keeping my medical dream aside. In July 1987, I passed out of engineering college and in January 1988 got selected in the IAS, at the age of 21, and was allotted Maharashtra cadre. z Do you regret getting Maharashtra and not Rajasthan cadre?

I was allotted Maharashtra as per the roster and I am the happiest person. I consider myself fortunate to have been allotted a progressive state like Maharashtra. I have been lucky that in 32 years I did not witness side posting in 24 hours.

My first posting was as SDM in Nadurbar district and there was a project going on to shift 33 villages that were to be submerged in Sardar Sarovar dam water. I got good experience of working in tribal area for two years and in rehabilitation of villages.

After that I got five postings of about 4 years each. I was CEO Nasik Zila Parishad, Collector Aurangabad, Thane. In

2005, I became President and CEO MHADA at the age of 39 and it was a very important assignment as I remained chairman board of directors also. After that, I went to the Centre and remained OSD to the then Union home ministers Sushil Kumar Shinde and then Rajnath Singh. After the Central deputation was over, I remained irrigation secretary in Maharashtra and it was important posting since Maharashtra depends on surface water. During my 4 year tenure, we built 162 new dams by spending Rs52,000 crore and it was a very satisfying tenure.

I often tell people that my tenure during irrigation work has been more successful as compared to the Corona period. We received National Water Award twice. When I joined, there was an irrigation scam going on and I had to clean up the department. We even got funding from the Centre for 110 irrigation projects of the state government by giving presentation about farmer suicides. The actual irrigation command area increased from 32 lakh hectare to 42 lakh hectare by the time I left the department and it benefited crores of farmers.

As a result, for the last 2.5 years the farmer suicides are not being reported in any media.

There has been decrease in number of farmer suicides and it is no more an issue of debate.

I give credit to PM Narendra Modi and former CM Devendra Fadnavis for providing us sufficient funding to complete the projects, which were lying incomplete for last 25 to 30 years.

In February 2020 a month before Corona struck, I was transferred as Principal Secretary Urban Development, which is a very important department in Maharashtra because 50% population lives in urban areas and there are 27 municipal corporations. Urban development is backbone of Mumbai city. Meanwhile, I also continued in irrigation dept. z How did you use your experience of MHADA and urban development in real estate since Mumbai is the capital of real estate?

I became Urban Development Secretary in February 2020 and in May 2020 I came to BMC. IN BMC, we have reinvigorated the urban development. We took several path breaking decision, which were even criticised by many saying we are helping build-

Rajasthan’s Ganganagar district’s ‘son of the soil’ and a brilliant Corona administrator, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal—in conversation with Editor-In-Chief of First India, Jagdeesh Chandra, in The New JC Show—talks about his 32 year-long stint as Bureaucrat in Maharashtra and how with CM Uddhav Thackeray’s free hand, he ensured that under him BMC set a benchmark for the rest of the country in Covid management.

BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal in conversation with Jagdeesh Chandra during The New JC Show.

ers. First, in Mumbai a real estate developer submits 22 premiums to the BMC to get a project approved. I recommended to government to reduce premiums by 50%, which could have cost Rs2,000 crore per annum to the exchequer. I further suggested to reduce stamp duty to 1% from 6% and convinced all elected public representatives and got written recommendations from them. The Cabinet accepted it and it paved way for about 300 big housing projects that were stuck due to financial crisis. Besides, we took another daring decision. BMC Budget is around Rs40,000 crore, which more than 20 states in the country.

And we have Rs 82,000 crore reserves. z No political party hindered your way?

All supported me. The present government is of three parties and former CM Devendra Fadnavis too likes my work. z Usually, ruling party is opposed and all political parties have different ideologies.

So, how did you manage the contradiction?

If any officer works well and delivers, all people like him and all politicians also seek delivery.

No political party will say that they do not want delivery. z At present, you are working closely with the present CM. How is your wave length and understanding with him? Free hand?

I have completed 32

years in service but what I have experienced in the last 16 months as BMC Commissioner, is unique. When I joined in May, Covid had spread badly. A Central team had come here for monitoring in May. As Urban development secretary, I used to monitor Covid status in 27 municipal corporations and 36 districts and collected data every morning and present it before the CM and Chief Secretary. So when I joined BMC, I was fully aware that what was happening on the Covid front. The day I joined in BMC, I saw 3 bodies on the way. When I called up the CM to inform him about my joining, he just told me, “if there is success the credit will be yours, and if there is failure the discredit will be to him (CM)”. He asked me to make a choice between the two and that hit my psyche. I was determined that even if anything happens to me, I would not leave any stone unturned to control the situation. From that day till today, I take all decisions. CM gave me such a free hand. z He (Uddhav Thackeray) has become CM for the first time. How do you rate him as an administrator?

In my definition there is difference in administrator and administrative official. Administrator is one who keeps and eye on the target. I consider the CM as an administrator.

Most of the CMs become administrative officials.

z We often read in newspapers that CM’s family or his son interferes in the administration. Do you feel so?

Absolutely not. I speak from the heart that the maturity level of Aditya Thackeray is such that he has the capacity to listen patiently at such a young age. He listens and imbibes it, thus leading to his fast learning. He is a great learner and has a bright future. z You speak Marathi well and it leads to better connect?

There is a reason. My father told me that if I was to succeed in Maharashtra, then command on the local language was necessary. As a civil servant, you will be required to interact with poor people, farmers, and people from rural areas who do not understand even Hindi. There were even many Cabinet ministers who did not understand Hindi. So I vowed to speak in Marathi even if people made fun of me. I also cleared Marathi language exam, mandatory for promotion, and got a Rs500 cheque from the CS. z What is the role and jurisdiction of BMC in common people’s lives?

The BMC is just like a state government. It has vast area ranging from civic amenities, educational institutions, and construction. We have our own medical colleges and drinking water dams. We are making a Rs15,000 crore worth sewerage treatment

Jagdeesh Chandra welcoming BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to The New JC Show.

plant to recycle sewerage water to drinking level. We are making Rs 13,000 worth coastal road, Rs 2,500 crore desalinisation plant to make sea water drinkable through Israeli technology. We have undertaken Rs 7,000 crore project to make a tunnel 92-meter below the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to reduce 1 hour distance between Goregaon to Mulund to 12-minute. Besides, there are 1,250 schools in Mumbai, which are looked after by the BMC. z Your image has developed as a Corona hero and a Corona warrior across the country. How did it happen?

When I joined in BMC, Covid death rate was 8% and there were only 3,700 beds. Now, death rate is 0.8% and beds have increased to 1 lakh.

There were reports on social media that people are not getting beds and are lying on floors, but all this vanished after I joined. We designed 27 models, implemented them and all were highly successful. We took a very daring decision. I had very difficult period of my life from May 8 to June 8. The Covid report used to come in at 7 pm and those found positive used to panic leading to stress on control room lines. After reports in the media, we used to get calls from Delhi and even from the CM that why lines are not working. I told the staff to abolish the control room. The staff was stunned and I even got call from a senior MP who said I was playing with fire. I sought 15 days time for an alternate system.

We decided to set up war rooms in all 24 wards with 10 dashboards, 10 doctors, 10 ambulances, 10 computer operators, 30 lines and said that every ward will look after its own area. There were 11,000 medical interns sitting at home so we launched WhatsApp campaign that whoever joins us, we will pay Rs

50,000 stipend instead of Rs 11,000 and provide boarding lodging in five star hotels and they will be provided non-Covid work. 1,100 interns joined us in 10 days and they are with us till date. z So, how did you solve the crisis of oxygen, ICUs, and beds?

We started war rooms and through IIT Mumbai we made a software and started the 24 war rooms in 15 days. After that we took a decision, which no city in the world has dared to copy so far. We noticed that the evening report creates panic in positive people who further make multiple calls.

So we passed a written order that no lab will give direct test result to the patient and every report will come to me at night. We warned labs of cancelling licence if a single report was directly shared with the patients. It was a very risky decision. Our team used to scan the list and doctors at ward level used to inform the positive person. The medical team used to take feedback about the patient and counsel them and daily call the asymptomatic patients. The medical teams used to examine positive patients and decide whether they needed hospitalisation and at what category – ventilator, oxygen bed, or ICU. Our teams used to take patients in ambulances to the hospitals. Our teams used to take patients in ambulances to the hospitals. It was system of ‘Chase the Patient’. Some people even approached the Supreme Court that getting direct report is patients’ right but we convinced SC about our system. It was so risky decision that if some reports went missing and the patients died, they would have sued me. But now we have zero complaints. This system stopped panic among patients and people stopped venturing outside for beds, etc.

We put 1,000 ambulance free of cost on Uber platform and also made jumbo hospitals thus achieving lowest death rate in the world. z Now, Ganesh Chaturthi is approaching. How will you handle the situation?

We held a meeting with the organisers of events and convinced them that Mumbai is in such a good condition now, so cooperate a little more. If we give relaxation for one festival, there will be demand from others too. z Any idea about the third wave?

The direction from the CM is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. We are following his directions and have developed jumbo hospitals from 7 to 11, installed 32 oxygen plants. We are ready for the third wave.

My experience is that the third wave will hit

rural areas more and metro cities would not be affected that much due to vaccination and herd immunity. z Did you get cooperation from the Centre as govt here is different?

We got full cooperation.

Bureaucracy is in continuity and we have batch mates everywhere. So, I never find any problem. z What was the issue of Kangana Ranaut?

In Mumbai, bylaws are very strict. When Kangana’s case went to High Court, we were asked as to why we served only 1 day notice to her. Our lawyers informed the court that there is provision under which our staff roams in streets to check illegal construction and they can demolish it without even a notice. But we served at least one day notice to her. Ultimately, the court agreed with us. If illegal constructions of celebrities are demolished, it comes in the news. z No political interference?

Nothing like that. Now, in her residence she has made one flat of four flats. We have all documents and maps and when it is demolished, what politics has to do with it? z Do you miss Ganganagar in Mumbai?

Yes, certainly I miss Ganganagar. We go to Ganganagar every year as most of our relatives are there. We have strong attachment to Ganganagar. I keep track of all news related to Rajasthan and we talk to our relatives daily over phone. z There was charm among civil servants to come to Mumbai.

But after Prambir issue there is demoralisation and an element of fear has set in?

I do not agree. If you see all states and services, such ups and downs come and go but they are a drop in the ocean. Maharashtra is such a good cadre and I am so happy here. This state never made me feel even for an hour that I am insider or outsider. It is a rare example. z What is your fitness regime?

Since my father was in military so discipline and punctuality are natural. I never get late to reach anywhere. For the last 20 years, I have been running half marathons and I run regularly, am a very good swimmer. Besides, in 2009 I did a six-month professional yoga course from a yoga school in Bhagalpur.

Now, I am a trained yoga instructor. So, now I do mix regime of running, swimming, and yoga. It has now become an addiction of sorts. #JCWithCoronaWarrior trended all India during The New JC Show.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia JAIPUR, THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

09

A LOVE TO DIE FOR!

This Throwback Thursday we cross the seven seas and bring you one of the classics from Hollywood, Gone with the Wind! Love it or hate it, it is one book/movie you cannot be immune to!

ANITA HADA anita.hada@firstindianews.com

G

reat balls of fire. Don’t bother me anymore, and don’t call me sugar.”

I went around saying this for a month at least, but thankfully for my parents (and me) did not imitate any other behaviour of Scarlett O’ Hara in Gone with the Wind! I loved and ‘hated’ Scarlett much before I became aware of the ‘rights of coloured people’ or ‘horrors of war’ but the love survived and it still does!

Like a true blue ‘student’ of literature, I prefer the book to the movie but both are classics and one cannot be immune to the power they hold! There are no happy endings in Gone with the Wind but the plot is so fascinating and insightful with ‘life in Old South‘ and the ‘Civil War’ woven in, one is permanently hooked.

Scarlett is well, Scarlett! She is vain, selfish, manipulative and she fascinated me with all the facets of her character! Vivian Leigh brings her alive even as Clark Gable plays the perfect Rhett. Scarlett is a

fiery independent woman and also a delicate princess… depends on what suits her at the time! I found her very vexing and very courageous too!

One of my favourite characters is Mammy, she is strong and not scared to call a spade as it is, with rights of coloured people very much on the mind now, one does feel uncomfortable imagining her life. Melanie is sweet and Ashley is a true gentleman!

Gone with the Wind is expansive, it will remind you of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie and the mansion Twelve Oaks is seriously beautiful and the stuff of fairy tales. The costumes are gorgeous, I especially loved the ball dance scene and the movie offers a visually rich experience!

The main characters of the movie are flawed and unheroic but then again they are human like you and me, make mistakes and amends and strive to live life, head held high!

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JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

10

RUCHIT HARNEJA Executive Pastry chef – Musaafer Houston

H

eterodox food pairing (negative food pairing) in contemporary Indian desserts inspired by legendary creations as accomplished by thorough research on food pairings. Food pairings can either be positive or

negative, with a positive pairing meaning ingredients share ‘flavour compounds’. These ingredients are ‘more likely to taste well together than ingredients that do not’.

Negative food pairings are complimentary, but they don’t necessarily have those same flavour compounds. Looking at the flavour compounds and food pairing patterns from various cuisines, I have come to the conclusion that Indian cuisine is influenced by the strong roots of negative food pairing.

Spices play an important role in this study.

I am very notorious for using ingredients like fresh green chillies, garlic, ginger, fish, meat and masters some of such atypical preparations. I never cease to amaze diners with his beguiling desserts at

Musaafer Houston. Surprise is an important element of a meal.

Guests have certain preconceptions when coming to a restaurant like ours. Generally, they imagine the proceedings to be a bit formal – and I like to toy with that notion. To astonish, to surprise, to shake up our guests and see a childlike sense of wonder on their faces – that’s my quest.

One of such confounding preparation is Mirchi and Akhrot Halwa.

(Green chilli & walnut pudding).

Green chillies seem to be the biggest culinary paradox in desserts but is a reality. I feel that the marvel of Indian cuisine lies in its ingenious use of locally and seasonally available spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits and transform them into desserts.

Green chilli is considered a superfood as it is packed with plenty of health benefits and nutrients like vitamin C and iron, reduces sugar and fat cravings, boosts immunity, improves metabolism which in turn supports weight loss & promotes a healthy heart. Even walnuts are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals including copper, folic acid, phosphorous, vitamin B & vitamin E. Walnuts and chillies both aid in lowering bad cholesterol, Hence this is one of his favourite healthy dessert creations.

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE MIRCHI & AKHROT HALWA INGREDIENTS :  Slit

green chilies (serrano peppers) – 50 Grams  Alum powder – 5 Grams  Jaggery powder – 60 Grams  Green cardamom powder – 2 Grams  Ghee (clarified butter) – 30 Grams  Semolina – 30 Grams  Khoya (reduced milk solids) – 200 Grams  Walnuts (lightly toasted) – 50 Grams

METHOD TO PREPARE Heat water in a non-stick pan. Add alum and green chillies, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Strain the chillies and repeat this process 4 times to extract the hotness from them. Drain and grind the chillies coarsely. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan, add semolina and cook for a minute until it gets a light

NUTRITION INFO:

Calories : 1366 Kcal Carbohydrates : 105.1 gm Protein : 46.2 gm Fat : 82 gm Calcium : 1892.2 mg Phosphorus : 242 mg Iron : 8 mg

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

FA CE OF TH ED AY

golden hue. Add the ground chillies and sauté for 3-4 minutes. At this stage, add cardamom powder. Add chopped khoya and jaggery powder, cook on low heat till the halwa begins the leave the sides of the pan and releases some ghee. Stir in toasted walnuts and serve warm.

Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You may pursue old hobby.

Health tips from an expert will enable you to get closer to your fitness goals. Chances of being misled by competitors in business are high, so remain alert. Your generous behavior would enable you to enjoy some lovely moments with family.

Distant relatives may drop in for a surprise visit.

Investment antiques and jewellery would bring handsome financial gains.

Recognition for good work would motivate you to work harder. Efforts made to improve looks or personality will bring desired results.

Pending dues are likely to be recovered. Senior management will be appreciative of your creative inputs. Seek the opinion of your family before finalizing a property deal. An impromptu invitation to a function from an unexpected friend may be received.

Better to consult an expert in financial matters before making an investment.

Your hard work is likely to be noticed by seniors, paving way for promotion or increment. Family will be supportive of career aspirations. A promising day overall as you stay in limelight without any efforts.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Take calculated risks in financial matters. Those suffering from chronic ailments may find improvement in their health with home remedies. Senior management will trust you. Minor domestic disputes may snowball into a major row, give attention to family.

Seek opinion of expert before opting for a health supplement. The day is not likely to pose any major problems at workplace. You will succeed in resolving misunderstanding with family members, normalizing ties. Seek proper valuation of the property you are planning to buy.

You will benefit by investing in companies of repute. Develop a good adaptability to handle pressurized situation on professional front. Paying special attention to plan your career would give immense joy.

You are likely to get clearance or approval for your construction plans.

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

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Don’t give a firm commitment in financial matters before considering the viability of the project.

You succeed in completing an important project. Disagreements on the family front are foreseen. Be careful about the legal apprehensions in the property you are planning to buy.

Yoga would help in raising energy levels and improve your metabolism. Some may experience emotional fulfillment on romantic front. Place emphasis on domestic affairs to enhance the domestic harmony.

Associating yourself with humanitarian group would benefit you.

A sound financial health of businessmen would enable to give monetary benefits to employees. Roadblock in the matrimonial alliance of kin gets cleared. Your dependency on friends may fail to bring any respite from loneliness. Confess your love as stars appear favourable for positive reply.

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

NOV 23 - DEC 22

DEEPSHIKA, Model

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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E

sha Gupta has taken the bold quotient miles ahead with her latest Instagram post that sees her posing for the camera in a bikini. She has been uploading some gorgeous pictures for fans and they cannot have enough of Gupta. Needless to say, she didn’t think of writing any caption for this new picture. She

...her post

Esha Gupta

CARE TO CLARIFY?

S

elena Gomez has realized that her past comments about signing her life to Disney have been taken otherwise. The singer recently clarified that the comments about her time on the Disney channel were all in good fun and that she is ‘beyond proud’ of her past work with the channel.

While promoting her upcoming series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ songstress joked about signing her ‘life away to Disney’.

—Agency

JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

THE BLUES DON’T SOUND FAMILIAR ANYMORE

may have limited comments on the post, the limited ones too couldn’t help but gush and nearly skip their breaths. Gupta made her Bollywood debut with 2012’s hit Jannat 2 and was then seen in films like Raaz: The Third Dimension, Chakravyuh, Rustom, Baadshaho, and Total Dhamaal. The pictures seem to heat up the internet as a lot of netizens as have gone gaga over it.

—Agency

Late Brian Travers

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL BACK TO BACK PROJECTS & MORE

W

ith just her debut film, ‘Jawaani Jaaneman’ (2020), Alaya F has shown a lot of promise. No wonder, the young sensation, who has been hugely appreciated by the audience has three interesting projects up her sleeve! While Alaya is currently shooting for Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Freddy’ opposite Kartik Aaryan, she will also be seen in another i n t e re s t i n g film titled

Prakash Raj & Pony Verma

T

BEGIN AGAIN

P

Late Charlie Watts

C

rakash Raj and Pony Verma were celebrating 11 years of togetherness on August 24. They tied the knot in 2010 but decided to do something unique as a part of their anniversary celebrations.

The couple got married again only for their son Vedhant and this was revealed by Raj himself on his Instagram account.The actor shared a picture and wrote- “We got married again tonight..because our son #vedhant wanted to witness it.” Raj is one of the most successful and stunning performers of Indian Cinema.

—Agency

‘This is Exemplary my song’ Professionalism

B

ollywood actor Salman Khan always makes headlines and recently when he was stopped at the airport by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer, the video has been trending. The CISF officer had asked Salman Khan to follow security protocols at the Mumbai airport. He was hailed for performing his duty and was ‘suitably rewarded for exemplary professionalism’.

—Agency

Fan Moment

A

Randeep Hooda and Neeraj Chopra

The artists

Salman Khan

fter winning the nation’s heart and taking the country to a global level, Olympian Neeraj Chopra expressed his admiration for actor Randeep Hooda. The gold medalist got his fan-boy moment as Randeep visited him.

—Agency

Riteish Deshmukh reminisces...

R

iteish Deshmukh, on Tuesday, took a stroll down memory lane and reminisced about shooting for his film ‘Zameen’ in his hometown Latur, Maharashtra. For the unversed, ‘Zameen’, which was directed by Rohit Shetty, also featured actors Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, and Bipasha Basu among others. Recalling memories from the sets of the film, Riteish wrote, “it’s was @itsrohitshetty’s first film -shot in my hometown Latur. Still remember many fun post-pack-up evenings. AB’s favorite Dal Balti that he ordered every evening.” He also shared a throwback picture of him sharing smiles with Ajay and Abhishek at Latur Airport.

—Agency

Jasmin Bhasin Selena Gomez

said on Tuesday that Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” “Charlie was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation,” Doherty said.

—Agency

harlie Watts, the self-effacing and unshakeable Rolling Stones drummer who helped anchor one of rock’s greatest rhythms sections and used his “day job” to support his enduring love of jazz, has died, according to his publicist. He was 80.

Bernard Doherty

Alaya F

I

UK. At the time of his death, Travers, associated with such anthemic numbers as ‘Red Red Wine’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, was surrounded by his family on Sunday evening. A statement on behalf of ‘UB40’ described about the demise.

—Agency

wo years after two tumors were detected in his brain, Brian Travers, the 62-year-old founding member of Birmingham’s worldfamous reggae band ‘UB40’ died peacefully on Sunday evening at his home in Moseley,

2000 YEARS LIGHT YEARS AWAY FROM HOME

‘U Turn’, also produced by Balaji Telefilms, followed by a film to be helmed by Anurag Basu.

With several projects on hand, Alaya has been living out of her suitcase for the last couple of months, adhering to her work commitments and shooting round-theclock.

—Agency

t is said that “Words make you think. Music makes you feel.

Has it ever happened that you see a song and feel that it’s all about you? Every word, every line, depicts your life, be it old or new you never get tired of hearing it. Well, our favorite actors, Jasmin Bhasin, Sharad Malhotra, Aly Goni and Somy Ali have come up with a song that just matches up with the feeling.

—CITY FIRST

11

Riteish Deshmukh

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

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BUZZ

12

JAIPUR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

THE BENEFITS OF HATHA YOGA

GREETINGS!

DR PEEYUSH TRIVEDI cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

T

he word hatha means ‘forceful’ or ‘willful’.

Hatha Yoga is a collection of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures) and sequences of asanas that are designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. In each pose, we also learn to balance our effort and surrender. Some of the benefits of Hath Yoga are:

improves blood flow to the heart and lowers the risk of angina in people.

Clear and Shiny Skin

Increases Core Strength

Hatha Yoga Shat-kriya practises deeply cleanse the body from the inside out. Furthermore, at some levels, the postures act as detoxifying agents, eliminating toxins and providing an inner glow, lustrous skin, and a peachy glow.

Healthy Heart

Its consistent practice is effective in controlling hypertension. It

Adopt Hatha Yoga to strengthen your core. The core is the body’s midsection, which includes the traverse abdomini.

Backache Relief and Improved Posture

The Hatha Yoga poses are effective in treating the symptoms of lower back pain and a variety of other back problems, providing

long-term relief. It also helps with balance and proprioception. Hatha Yoga practises lengthening the spine.

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted Navin Sharma of the First India family, on his birthday on Wednesday.

Stress-Reducing and Overall Happiness

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

A natural way to relieve stressis to get on a yoga mat and do some Hatha Yoga poses. Practice Hatha Yoga to reap the mental health benefits. It improves many aspects of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, honouring practitioners with a well-functioning healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Tikaram Jully, State Minister Government of Rajasthan extended his wishes to Divija Gambhir virtually who had recently won the crown of Miss India Multinational’21.

Divija will be representing India on the international stage.

Divija Gambhir

HAPPY B’DAY!

Tikaram Jully

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

HONOURED

CITY FIRST

J IAS Shubham Chaudhary was wished by her colleagues in Ajmer on her birthday on Wednesday.

I have been associated with Fashion Connect for the past 3 seasons and it is a matter of sheer joy to join hands with a newspaper as esteemed as First India.

We had always wanted to collaborate with good brands and joining forces with Fashion Connect is strengthening our vision. I am very fond of parties and fashion, and I celebrate my love for these two with Fashion Connect. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season.

—YOGESH CHOUDHARY, Club Trove

aipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari will be honoured with the Community Leader of the Year Award from the Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association in New Jersey for his service work done during the Corona period. Civilian Award Chairman Albert Jasani told that this honour will be given in the annual program to be held on 2 September. He will be given this honour for the service work done

Prem Bhandari

(L-R): Manini Shrivastav, Ambika purohit, Sarika Shrivastava, Harshita Khushlani, Yashwini Saraswat, Chetna Rawat, Harshita Achera, Pratima Bhardwaj, Kajal Khatri and Ritu Kanwat

in the Corona period in India and America. This institute was started in 1969. Bhandari had sent 21 oxygen concentrators while helping for the first time at the time of the establishment of Jodhpur Breath Bank. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

T

he Jaipur auditions of the beauty pageant, WEAA Miss and Mrs India 2021 Season 2, organised by Via Entertainment, were held at Haven Restaurant on Wednesday.

The process of this audition was divided

Harshita Achera

BEAUTIES IN BLACK

into four slots so that Covid-19 protocols could be followed.

Models were judges based on communication skills, confidence, general knowledge, sense of humour, glamour among others. The dress code

for the audition round was black Organiser Harish Soni mentioned that more than 200 entries were received for the audition round.

The jury members during the audition were Ameesha Raj, Ma-

hima Yadav, Mithali Kaur and Yogesh Mishra. Aditya Singh Rajput, Vineet Jain, Manoj Sharma, Mamta Garg, JJ Kashyap and Gaurav Sachdeva were present as special guests in the program.

—CITY FIRST

WOMEN IN POLITICS

FREE MEDICINE SEVA, an initiative to help people facing hard times, collected unused medicines from households, sorted them, and distributed them in a camp under the guidance and consultation of a medical doctor at Sanjay Nagar Basti, where about 100 people were consulted and then given medicines.

The service was implemented by Rishab Data, Arun Poddar and Shaurya Gupta, students of class 11th & 12th, with the support of NGO Naya Sawera.

T Ritu Kanwat Anita Bhadel

he former minister and MLA (Ajmer South) Anita Bhadel interacted live with the children of Digital Baal Mela 2021, She discussed about how to increase the participation of women in politics with children. In which the children learned that why it is important for women to enter politics, to present different aspects and to address problems as women have multiple responsibilities on their shoulders. —CITY FIRST

RAJASTHAN’S OWN OTT PLATFORM CITY FIRST

C

inemasthan, an Online OTT video streaming platform was launched by RIFF Film Club in Jodhpur at Hotel Niky International on Tuesday. It primarily focuses on the Rajasthani Language content and also offers Short

(L-R): Anshu Harsh, Somendra Harsh, Ramesh Borana and Anand Raj Vyas

Films, Music Video Albums, Feature films, Documentary Films, Animation Films & Regional Films from India and abroad.

Cinemasthan is the first Rajasthan’s own OTT Platform which has a highly evolved video streaming technology and high attention to

the quality of experience across various devices and platforms.

The founder, Somendra Harsh stated, “Cinemasthan prioritizes the content of Rajasthan above all the content available.

As of now, it is based on Subscription-based Video Monetisation or Subscription Video on

demand (SVOD). Soon, it will be available on Pay Per View (PPV) and later it will be available on advertisement-based (AVOD). In the next 3 months, Cinemasthan will be available with Rajasthan based content like Mumal Mahindra, Dhola Maru and Jalal Bubna” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in