First India-Jaipur Edition-25 August 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

24°C - 30°C

ALERT JAIPUR l TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

8,14,284 2,36,88,377 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 22,465 DEATHS 6,93,398 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 6,614 DEATHS 3,85,352 CASES

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RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 79

INDIA

58,399 31,57,717 DEATHS

KARNATAKA 4,810 DEATHS 2,77,814 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN

967

DEATHS

DELHI 4,313 DEATHS 1,62,527 CASES

71,955

CONFIRMED CASES

GUJARAT 2,908 DEATHS 87,846 CASES

CWC REINFORCES GANDHIS’ AUTHORITY IN THE PARTY  Rahul all set to take over as Congress president in next 6 months  I don’t hold any ill will: Sonia CONG DENIES RAHUL’S COLLUDING WITH BJP REMARKS

Tripti Nath New Delhi: A day after news spread of alleged “dissensions” within the grand old party, which was seen by many as a mark of ‘opposition’ to Sonia Gandhi’s hold on the party, the Apex decision making body of the Congress party – Congress Working Committee – rolled over in favour of Sonia Gandhi, thereby once again reasserting the authority of Gandhis in the political party. The matriarch will continue as interim President, however, knowledgeable sources reveal that Rahul will take over as full time president within 6 months, specially after Bihar polls and some improvements in corona situation.

The CWC has unanimously passed a resolution requesting Sonia Gandhi to continue to lead the Indian National Congress until such time that circumstances in Corona times permit an AICC session to be convened. The CWC has also authorised Sonia to make necessary organisational changes she deems appropriate in view of the emerging challenges, party General Secretary Organisation, KC Venugopal told mediapersons on Monday evening.

Sonia Gandhi has laid to rest anxieties about disciplinary action against the 23 Congress leaders who sought a complete revival of the party. She said that Congress is a family and such issues should be raised in house. The sig-

New Delhi: The Congress denied that Rahul Gandhi had accused any party leader of “colluding with the BJP”, saying he “has not said” a word of that nature nor alluded to it.

At CWC meeting, Rahul lashed out at party leaders who had written to Sonia Gandhi seeking several organisational reforms, including a collective leadership and devolution of powers to the party’s state units. Sources said, Gandhi was furious about timing of the letter and it being leaked to the media, and appeared to suggest whether these leaders were “colluding with the BJP”.

Soon after senior leader Kapil Sibal tweeted about any such insinuation, Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “Rahul hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it. Please don’t be misled by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.”

Sonia Gandhi with Rahul Gandhi. —FILE PHOTO

natories to the letter, interestingly, participated in the CWC meeting and lent their support to the CWC resolution.

After deliberations on the letter by senior Congressmen, the CWC unanimously adopted a statement which states, “The CWC, reflecting the overwhelming view and desire of the rank and file of the Congress, unanimously resolved to strengthen the hands of Smt Sonia Gandhi and Shri Rahul Gandhi in every possible way.

The CWC makes it clear that no one will be or can be permitted to undermine or weaken the party or its leadership at this juncture.”

The suspense on speculation about Rahul taking over some day as Congress President, however continues. Replying to a question, Congress Communication Head, Randeep Surjewala said, “Members of the CWC unanimously, Pradesh Congress Committee Presidents, Leaders of the Opposi-

tion or wherever we have ruling partiesleaders there, Members of Parliament in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and more importantly millions of Congress workers, on innumerable occasions raised their voice to say that they want Rahul Gandhi to come back as President of the Indian National Congress. That is a sentiment that was also again expressed today by multiple or almost all members of the CWC but as we are all

aware, we are a democratic party. The election for the next President will be held at an AICC session, dates for which will be fixed by General Secretary, Organisation. It is the wish of everyone including myself that Rahul Gandhi should take over but I cannot predict what will happen in an AICC session.”

Asked of any disciplinary action would be taken against the senior leaders, Surjewala told mediapersons, Turn to P7

Congress leader KC Venugopal with party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala and others address a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

RAHUL EMOTIONAL BUT LOYALTY OF AZAD & SIBAL QUESTIONED! Aditi Nagar New Delhi: Monday’s CWC meeting also brought with it a dark day for the Congress party wherein the loyalty of it’s senior leaders, be it Ghulam Nabi Azad or Kapil Sibal, was questioned by people close to the top brass in the grand old party. Allegations were raised that the leaders who shot the letter were hand in gloves with the BJP, hearing which both Sibal and Azad threw an open challenge to Rahul to prove their ‘collussion’ with the saffron party.

However, while there are such ‘actions’, there are those too who are adept in ‘damage control’ and thus the duo backtracked on their word and deleted the tweets.

But this has raised an important issue.

While the party shouts that it is democratic, party workers are confused if that is

AHMED PATEL AGAIN EMERGES AS KEY FIGURE After being low profile for quite sometime, the Congress war horse and a staunch Gandhi family loyalist Ahmed Patel again emerged as a key figure in the mainstream of Gandhis political management, when he, apparently with the consensus of Dr Manmohan Singh and Mallikarjun Khadge, moved a single line proposal in CWC to reappoint Rahul Gandhi as the next full-time party president. Ahmed Bhai’s resolution was unanimously passed by almost all Congress leaders and CMs present in the CWC meeting via VC.

so why can’t any individual put forward what they feel like on any forum.

But an even more pressing issue at hand for the top Congress leadership is the assent from the ‘reluctant bride’ Rahul Gandhi to take over as party chief. While party stalwart Ahmed

Patel has put forward a proposal to this effect, but even the proposal is under scrutiny since it is believed that it could be an eyewash for the Gandhi family too! Knowledgeable sources claim that Rahul is mentally not ready to take on the mantle Turn to P6

GANESH GHOGRA NEW YOUTH CONG PREZ

Senior party leaders are product of Youth Congress: Gehlot Naresh Sharma Jaipur: It was vintage Gehlot on Monday, who remembered his initial years in politics and specially in the Youth Congress when he reached the Rajasthan Youth Congress’s office for the oath taking of new Youth Congress Chief Ganesh Ghogra.

Gehlot himself administered the responsibilities of the office to Ghogra. Interestingly, the ‘disgruntled’ Pilot camp maintained it’s distance from the function which was a major topic of discussion among the youth that had gathered at the function.

Interacting with the

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

Meanwhile, Pilot camp maintained distance from the important programme

CM Ashok Gehlot during the oath taking ceremony of newly appointed President of Rajasthan Youth Congress Ganesh Ghogra.

attendees, Gehlot said that the democracy is in danger. “The manner in

which agencies like CBI, ED and Income Tax are being used has

never happened in our country. Rahul Gandhi has been regularly challenging the central government’s wrong policies and therefore the Youth should come forward and support him in this,” Gehlot said.

The three time Chief Minister even appealed to the youth present in the function to challenge and stand their mark against the central government’s policies. “Youth Congress workers should serve the citizens in this

drastic Corona time.

Due to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s ‘ekla chalo’ policy, the BJP leaders are disgruntled’,”Gehlot stressed and further added, “we all should support Rahul Gandhi on how he is cornering the central government on social media. The Congress party has always worked to promote the youth. All the major leaders in Congress are products of Youth Congress, he said.

Rahul should take charge if Sonia wants to step down: CM Senior Congress leaders and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Monday, also took part in the all crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) meet through video conferencing wherein he expressed his discontent on the manner the entire letter issue. The party stalwart, who spoke for nearly 15 minutes, gave an important suggestion to the CWC members in the meet saying that till the time Congress’s plenary session is not called, Sonia Gandhi should carry on as President.

However, the veteran went on to suggest that if the interim chief is willing to step down then Rahul Gandhi should take the position. Gehlot also made scathing attacks on the BJP and it’s policies.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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Overcast sky & drizzles made Monday

South west monsoon active in Western Rajasthan over next 4-5 days, light rains are predicted in state capital on Tuesday: MeT Jaipur: South west Monsoon will be more active in western Rajasthan over the next four five days. The weather conditions are favourable for the rainfall in the districts in west Rajasthan.

Several areas in the state recorded light to moderate rainfall on Monday with Barmer and Jodhpur receiving 47.4 and 30.3 mm rains.

Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Bhilwara, Vanasthali, Sikar, Dabok and other areas also recorded rains in the last 24 hours.

In Jaipur, the sky was overcast and drizzles made the weather pleasant. The city recorded 3.6 mm rains and the day temperature was 28.8 degree Celsius.

The Met department has predicted light

rains in the state capital on Tuesday.

On the other hand, authorities continued to release excess water from Kota barrage. 4938 cusec water was released downstream from two gates.

1601 cusec water was released from Jawahar sagar dam. The water level in the dam was recorded at 973.30. The water level in Rana Pratap Sagar dam is 1144.96 feet.

Since there was no rainfall in the morning, the traffic on Kota-Shyopura and Baran-Jhalawar mega highways was resumed today with alertness.

In Pali, drains and rivers are swollen after good rainfall in Jawai dam catchment area. 2 shepherds and 205 livestock stranded on an island were rescued after 18 hrs on Monday.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

First India Bureau

Monsoon clouds loom over the Jaipur collectorate.

Water level of river Chambal attains peak Dholpur: The water level of River Chambal in Dholpur district of Rajasthan may cross the warning and danger mark and attain peak around 1.6 m on Monday, said the CWC. “River Chambal in Dholpur District of Rajasthan is rising and is likely to cross warning level between 14 to 1600 hours today and cross danger level and attain peak around 1.6 m above DL by today midnight,” the commission tweeted.

“High risk over some areas of South Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat sub division,” it said.

IMD PREDICTION

he associated cyTis likely clonic circulation to meander

over south Rajasthan neighbourhood region for the subsequent days. The monsoon is likely to remain active during the next 2-3 days.

“The low-pressure area lies over central of south Rajasthan. It is likely to move nearly westwards across west in next two to three days and become less marked thereafter as told by IMD in a report—ANI

‘Raj stands better in ‘Hike pay grade of constables’ RaGa has empowered youths in India: Dotasara double name entries’ First India Bureau

Dr Rituraj Sharma

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR Newly appointed President of Youth Congress Ganesh Ghogra with Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Govind Singh Dotasara, Ashok Chandna & others at Youth Congress office in Banipark, Jaipur.

Yogesh Sharma

AVINASH PANDE @avinashpandeinc Best wishes to @GaneshGINC on taking charge as the President of Rajasthan Youth Congress. upon the youth congress workers to expose BJP’s lies in village and hamlets and spread the ideology of Congress.

Ghogra, who represents Dungarpur constituency, said that Congress party gave him so much and he will try his best to serve the party and will strengthen the youth congress. He asked the

Jaipur: Chief whip of Congress Dr Mahesh Joshi has requested CM Gehlot to increase the grade pay of police constables from Rs 2400 to Rs 3600. Dr Joshi has written a letter to CM and made request to the effect.

He stated that the police constables are the most important organ of the whole police system that bravely faces every challenge and ad-

the police constables don’t reach the Vidhan Sabha. Joshi reminded CM Gehlot that he had himself boosted the morale of the constables via a VC held during the Corona crisis.

Dr Joshi stressed that the increase in the grade pay of the police constables will give a positive message to them. Kishangarh MLA Suresh Tak too wrote to the CM for increment of the grade pay of the police personnel.

BJP remembers Jaitley on his death anniversary Aishwary Pradhan Jaipur: BJP will hold ceremonies to pay tributes on freedom fighters and its former leaders who have passed away.

Under this, the party leaders paid tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley on his first death anniversary.

BJP state president Satish Poonia, general secretary Chandrashekhar, former state president Ashok Parnami and others paid floral tributes to Jaitley. They also paid homage to the party’s former state president Raghuveer Singh Kaushal on his birth anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, Poonia said that

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

Jaipur: Congress MLA Ganesh Ghogra on Monday took charge as the new state president of Rajasthan Youth Congress in a function attended by chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

Addressing the youth congress workers, PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has empowered youths in the country.

He said that youths have been given opportunities to perform in party organisation as well as in elections.

He said that Gandhi is working to give the right directions to youth in the present challenging situation.

Dotasra also called

youths to popularise and take the public welfare schemes of the Ashok Gehlot government among people.

Agriculture minister Lalchand Kataria, higher education minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati, sports minister Ashok Chandna and other leaders were present in the programme.

A tribal leader Ghogra was appointed as the new state president of Youth Congress last month after the party sacked Pilot’s loyal Mukesh Bhakar from the post after rebellion.

Bhakar was among other MLAs in Sachin Pilot camp who revolted against CM. Pilot & his camp were absent in the ceremony at the youth cong office in Banipark.

Jaipur: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday reviewed the updation and revision of voter list through VC. It was informed in the review meeting that 7000 of the total 1, 28, 459 dual names entries are pending for verification. Photos in 96919 entries showed that the name was cor-

rect and nearly 24000 entries were sent for verification.

The commission has considered the state’s performance in the matter of double name entries better. A total of 2.08 lakh forms received in the continuous updation program.

80,682 were for adding names & 24,892 were for the removal of names & for amendment was 96314.

versity. Joshi said that police constables have displayed tremendous dutifulness in all situations whether it has been in maintaining law & order, fighting the war against Covid-19 or enforcing lockdown or curfew in its true spirit.

He also wrote that the police constables can’t form any union or go on strike/ stage any protest like other govt employees. In such a situation the genuine demands of

Satish Poonia pay tribute to Arun Jaitley on his death anniversary.

Jaitley had a great political will and was multifaceted personality.

He said that Jaitley led the students movement and he used to meet him as a senior worker of ABVP. Poonia said that he had the opportunity to

meet Arun Jaitley many times and during which he used to discuss various issues in detail related with Jaipur and Delhi.

“He came to Jaipur during the BJP government tenure of 2013-18 and we got guidance

from him on various issues of the state and country,” he said.

Remembering Kaushal on his death anniversary, Poonia said that he was a simple personality. He also highlighted his life ideals and said that party workers and leaders need to learn from such leaders today.

Poonia said that when he was the state president of the Yuva Morcha when Kaushal was the party’s state president.

BJP joint general secretary V Satish, state vice president Sardar Ajay Pal Singh, Madhoram Chaudhary, Ashok Saini, Bijendra Poonia, Ramkumar, and others were present on the occasion.

RAJE’S TRIBUTE

F

REVIVING RAJASTHAN TOURISM

‘Tourism industry is the backbone of Rajasthan’s economy’ Nirmal Tiwari Jaipur: The Ashok Gehlot government underlining the fact that the tourism industry is the backbone of the state’s economy, has finalized a new tourism policy with the core theme of ‘Ease of travelling in Rajasthan’. The new policy will come into effect from September 1 to coincide with the traditional beginning of the tourist season each year. The new policy

comes in wake of the unprecedented blow that tourism has faced for the past 5 months due to the corona pandemic. The gravity of the blow could be understood from the fact that it not only incurred losses worth hundreds of crore rupees but also rendered a lakhs unemployed which included people engaged in hotels, restaurants, hawkers, vendors, tourist guides, taxi drivers & operators, folk artists

Lack of tourists has adversely affected tourism business in the state.

etc. CM Gehlot himself took stock of the situation and asked the department officers to bring in a new tourism policy which not only resurrects the industry quickly by way of sops but also is business friendly and has added attractions for the tourists.

Alok Gupta, PS tourism and his team have prepared the draft of the new policy and it will be released after ratification by CM Ge-

hlot within this week.

The state govt wants all stakeholders to make the most out of the new policy with the new tourist season starting from 1 September. The new policy focuses on iconic monuments and heritage sites while dwelling on preparing new heritage villages, craft villages and laying stress on rich experience while being in the state. The policy has provisions for desert/ adventure/wildlife &

eco/travel/cultural/ craft & cuisine/ mines/ weekend get away/religious/wedding/roots/ rural and film tourism.

CM had instructed officers to rebrand the famous Pushkar fair.

Desert festival, Kumbhalgarh utsav and Bundi utsav etc. The new policy will have provisions for land conversion like single window, special concessions for heritage units to bring back products in mainstream again.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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CORONA IN RAJ: 1,346 FRESH CASES, 12 DEATHS ON MONDAY Death toll in the state stands at 967 while tally of positives reaches 71955 so far First India Bureau Jaipur: The state reported 1,346 new cases of corona on Monday along with 12 deaths.

3 deaths each were reported from Jaipur & Kota while Bhilwara, Pali, Prataparh, Sikar & Udaipur reported one death each.

Jodhpur, infamously, keeps the lead with adding 255 cases in a single day followed by 251 from Jaipur, 106 from Bhilwara, 85 from Alwar, 65 from Bikaner, 61 from Ajmer, 60 from Pali, 40 from Kota, 35 from Churu, 33 from Bharatpur, 31 from Udaipur, 27 each from Sirohi & Barmer,, 23 from Jhalawar, 25 from Pratapgarh, 21 from Rajsamand, 20 from Banswara, 19 from Baran, 18 from Sikar, 17 from Hanumangarh, 16 from Jhunjhunu, 12 from Dholpur, Ganganagar & Sawai Madhopur, 11 each from Chittorgarh, Dausa, Karauli & Nagaur, 19 from Nagaur, 9 from Bundi, 8 from Tonk and 3 from Jalore taking the total to 71955 so far.

The death toll in the

Crowd gathered near Jal Mahal to enjoy the weather, completely disregarding corona guidelines.

state stands at 967. Ever since the outbreak of the corona epidemic 56,600 persons have turned negative after treatment while 55,981 patients have been discharged from various hospitals of the state after recovery. There are 14388 active patients in the state and the number of corona posi-

St Xavier’s e-session guide for career choice

2 JUDGES IN UDAIPUR COURT TEST +VE

tive migrants in the state is 9202.

Meanwhile, the corona virus has entered the

Udaipur district court.

Two judges have reported positive after tests.

Kota district adminis-

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

tration has limited the lockdown to Sundays only. Earlier it was a two day lockdown every week including Sunday and Monday. In Jaipur BJP’s state general secretary Bhajan Lal Sharma has tested negative and was discharged from the hospital. His wife too was diagnosed negative.

Panel set to probe MHTR tigers’ death New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday met officials of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Rajasthan Forest Department over the death of tigers at the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota. MHTR falls in the parliamentary constituency of Birla. MHTR has lost two adult tigers and two cubs in less than a month.

Birla said, “A meeting was held today. I have asked them to investigate the death of the tigers.” He said the officials have also been asked to develop MHTR as a tiger reserve tourist hub. “Plan is also to develop MHTR as a safari. Officials will come back with a detailed plan within two months,” said Birla. Dr SP Yadav, additional director general of forests (Project Tiger) said that a committee has been set up to investigate death of tigers.

“Members of the committee will visit the spot and find out the reason behind the deaths of tigers. We will also prepare a detailed plan with the help of experts that how MHTR can be developed,” he said. —ANI

Man hires killers, murders ex lovers’ husband, 3 held

First India Bureau Jaipur: Three persons were arrested and one minor accused was detained in connection with a murder case in Chandwaji police station of the district.

The police arrested Arvind, Ramchandra Chaudhary and Vikram while the main accused Ravi and Vishnu are still absconding.

Superintendant of Police, Jaipur rural Shankardutt Sharma said that the accused had first abducted a man Deendayal and then murdered him.

The accused Ravi had a love affair with Deendayal’s wife prior to her marriage.

First India Bureau

The e-session focused on careers in international organisations.

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Department of Political Science, St Xavier’s College, Jaipur, organised a career counselling session titled “Building Careers in International Organisations” on August 24.

The e-session was conducted by UNV Karamveer Chakra Awardee Rahul Pawa, consultant who is associated with United Nations Organisation, Vienna and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

(NCPCR), Government of India.

Principal Rev Dr Rex Angelo SJ addressed the participants about the scope and benefits of building careers in international organisations.

The interaction was a truly fruitful one where students acquired an insider’s perspective about working in international organisations like the United Nations. The webinar was attended by a large number of participants.

Naveen Sharma

NURTURING THE FUTURE Suresh Meena caretaker at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur, feeding a hippopotamus and her newborn.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

Rash driving kills bread winner of a family First India Bureau Sawai Madhopur: It proved to be a black Monday for a Khandar family in the Sawai Madhopur district when the sole bread earner of the family was killed in a road accident on Ramsinghpura road.

Krishna was travel-

ling on a motorbike with his widow mother Golma Meena, when a tempo laden with iron sheets switched to reverse gear without checking the back of the vehicle.

The iron sheets slashed Krishna’s neck.

He was immedately taken to Khandar hospital where doctors de-

clared him dead on the arrival. Mother of the deceased, Golma, who

was pillion riding, also sustained several injuries and is being treated at the hospital.

Unfortunately for the family, Golma had lost her husband in a road accident on the same road some time earlier.

Deceased Krishna was the only brother among 5 sisters in the family.

AVIATION SECTOR GETTING BACK ON AIR

Passenger load hike encourages airlines to operate new flights Kashiram Choudhary Jaipur: The aviation sector is trying to slowly limp back to normal after the Covid-19 tornado which clipped the wings of every civilian flying machine in the country.

Every airline is giving serious thought before starting flights on any route. Go Air airlines have not been able to start even one flight in the last three months.

It is during such times that Jaipur has

been gifted with two flights in one day. Indigo airlines has taken the initiative of opening new sectors with the rising passenger load. Indigo has started new flights to Chandigarh and Lucknow. A day ago Spicejet had started operations for Amritsar.

Although the flight could not take off due to low passenger load.

Two new flights to Mumbai and Kolkata will be started by Go Air. Sources say that flights to some more cit-

SCHEDULE FOR NEW FLIGHTS

ies may begin in coming days. The schedule for flight to Indore has

The victim had come to know about the relationship history between his wife with Ravi and he started objecting to it. Following this reaction from her husband, she started avoiding Ravi. This annoyed him and he hatched the conspiracy to eliminate Deendayal, the SP said.

Ravi hired contract killers for Rs 2.5 lakh and they abducted Deendayal from Kalwad area on August 7 and killed him. They dumped the body in a drain afterwards.

“Police are making efforts to arrest Ravi and the other accused Vishnu as soon as possible,” he added.

AEN of JVVNL held taking `3,000 bribe from farmer

Father, 3 kids die as roof of house collapses Alwar: Roof of a house collapsed in the middle of the night killing four persons including three children and injuring a woman at NEB police station area.

Sources said that the family of one Mamura was sleeping when the lanter supporting the roof collapsed and the roof came down at 12 am. The neighbors gathered due to the noise and informed the police. The police and the villagers removed the debris with the help of JCB, and sent all stuck under it to hospital. Police said that Mamura (45 years), his daughter Shabnam (5 years), Sania (3 years) and his one month old son were killed while his wife was seriously injured and is at the hospital. The exact cause of the falling roof is yet to be ascertained.

03

been finalised from September 1.

When the flight op-

erations resumed on May 25, Jaipur had connectivity with only

seven cities. Gradually Jaipur airport now offers direct flights to 12

cities. Delhi. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi and Chandigarh now have direct flights from Jaipur.

Go Air is also resuming its operations. The increasing passenger load is encouraging the airlines to start new flights and connect more cities.

Industry experts say that the aviation sector may see a much awaited boom before Diwali.

Jaipur: ACB on Monday arrested an assistant engineer (AEN) of Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) posted at Kaithoon town of Kota for taking a bribe of Rs 3,000.

The accused engineer Dinesh Kholiya had demanded the bribe from a farmer for replacing a transformer at an agricultural land and was trapped in his office, Additional Superintendent ACB- Kota Chandrasheel Thakur said.

After the accused demanded the bribe, the farmer approached the Kota unit of ACB and lodged a complaint. Verification of the complaint was carried out August 19.

“The AEN called the farmer with a bribe amount on Monday afternoon at his office at Kaithoon town. He was caught red handed while accepting the bribe,” the officer said.

The search operation by another ACB team is underway at the accused AEN’s official residence at Kishorepura in Kota and further investigation into the matter is underway.

He said that he will be produced before ACB court in Kota on Tuesday.

A large number of farmers in Kaithoon area have come up with bribery complaints against the accused AEN Dinesh Kholiya in recent days and investigation into each of these complaints is underway, the ASP said.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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04

PAYMENTS BANK

THE FUTURE OR THE PAST? SONAKSHI GUPTA The writer is a rank holder CA who takes a keen interest in banking and finance matters. She has travelled extensively across the globe and is currently working with Aditya Birla Group.

P

“

Some of the notable ones are product crossselling, advertising, data monetization, facilitating utility payments, and tying up with merchants or retailers. But, all these sources will only be feasible when there is a high customer acquisition in the first place.

Since these banks would be competing with other digital gateways and mobile wallets which offer aggressive discounts, capturing the market is not so easy

ayments Bank (PB)” – a concept coined by the Indian Bankers in 2013, and tossed by the startup and banking ecosystems, has made headlines for a plethora of reasons. Some famous, some infamous. The question to ponder is, are they here to stay or not. If so, are they really the right vehicles for “rural financial inclusion”?

Let’s understand how a typical Payments Bank operates (read: expected to operate).

Regulated by the RBI guidelines, such banks require a minimum paid-up capital of 100 Crore, can only accept savings or current deposits, and not undertake any lending activities. At least 75% of these deposits have to be mandatorily deposited in government securities or treasury bills and max 25% in the fixed deposits of other scheduled commercial banks. Their main focus is to serve underserved areas and boost banking operations in rural areas.

With the above business model in place, what do you think is their prime source of revenue? Yes, it’s the difference between the interest earned on government securities or fixed deposits and interest paid on deposit accounts. How long can the payment banks live off this source?

Thus, they’re left with no choice but to look for alternate sources of revenue.

Some of the notable ones are product cross-selling, advertising, data monetization, facilitating utility payments, and tying up with merchants or retailers. But, all these sources will only be feasible when there is a high customer acquisition in the first place. Since these banks would be competing with other digital gateways and mobile wallets which offer

aggressive discounts, capturing the market is not so easy.

For instance, Paytm alone had greater than 50% of the market share in India. Initially, starting off as an online mobile recharge facility, it went on to become one of India’s most trusted e-wallets and the first profitable PB. But gradually, the market share is being lost to players like GooglePay and PhonePe. Both the latter entities are not even PBs, just mobile wallets.

So, with the line between PBs and mobile wallets getting blurred, many of them shutting shop for good and several others still grappling with high operating costs, it’s time to revisit these structures.

In fact, the RBI publication on Operation and Performance of Commercial Banks dated 24th Dec 2019 clearly states “The limited operational space available to them and the large initial costs involved in setting up of the infrastructure imply that it may take time for PBs to break even

Paytm alone had greater than 50% of the market share in India. Initially, starting off as an online mobile recharge facility, it went on to become one of India’s most trusted e-wallets and the first profitable PB. But gradually, the market share is being lost to players like GooglePay and PhonePe. Both the latter entities are not even PBs, just mobile wallets

as they expand their customer base“. At the same time, consolidated losses of all PBs rose to Rs. 626.8 Crore in 2018-19 from Rs. 515.6 Crore a year ago. This is because the operating expenses of PBs increased way more than their interest incomes, leading to nearly 5 out of 11 PBs shutting down. These PBs were started by large scale corporations not having a banking technology in place. This called for fresh investment in technology infra and operations.

In the backdrop of the above discussion, it’s impor-

tant to look for alternate and financially viable vehicles to push the rural economy.

So, how about doing away with multiple structures and focus on making the existing banks fully inclusive and approachable.

Several other structures such as small finance banks (SFBs) also have objectives similar to that of PBs, with the added merit of being able to provide credit for rural economic activities.

However, their credit picture also sees a geographic skew with the rural and semi-urban areas having only 17% and 20% of credit

accounts respectively. So, not really serving their purpose, are they?

Probably, it is time existing banks mandatorily spend on opening rural branches.

They already have the necessary infrastructure and technology. Fortunately, work has begun in this area. As per a mandate from the finance ministry, established banks (both private and public) are directed to open a branch within a 15 km radius of a village where there are no banking facilities available. But, it remains to be seen how far the directives get fulfilled.

Furthermore, to encourage rural penetration by established banks, tax subsidies and incentives can be given on these branches’ income. For example, subsidies are available for swipe machines that are deployed at the point of sale.

Even lending can be allowed by these branches at controlled interest rates based on income levels and category of the village. This can serve the twin purpose of avoiding exploitation by greedy money

The global responsibility of Biden and Harris

N

either Joe Biden nor Kamala Harris was my first choice among the contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in the United States. But when Biden, by then the party’s presumptive nominee, announced earlier this month that Senator Harris would be his vice-presidential running mate, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

If Biden and Harris win in November, they will introduce important policy initiatives. They will improve the embarrassing US health-care system, which walls off a large section of the population from cutting-edge medical research and the world’s finest health facilities. They will try to remedy the worsening conditions confronting America’s working class, and restore some US efforts to combat climate change.

Nevertheless, there are two reasons to feel hopeful.

First, Biden and Harris are more likely to win the election than more radical Democratic contenders would have been. Second, they will bolster the institutions that previously made America strong and restore its leadership in the world. That will be crucial: although much has been written about what Biden and Harris should do for America, they also have a global responsibility.

One of the most damaging consequences of Donald Trump’s presidency has been the loss of America’s international stature.

This has had a huge adverse impact, spawning populism and authoritarianism around the world.

To be sure, America’s record of global engagement is not without blemish. In the 1960s and early 1970s, for example, it was on the

wrong side of history several times – including in prosecuting the Vietnam War, tacitly supporting the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende, and attempting to thwart Bangladeshi independence.

Fortunately, this coldly “realist” US foreign policy slowly gave way to one with some moral compass and global concern. The president who deserves the great-

est credit for this shift is Jimmy Carter. Although he was low-key and not good at politicking, Carter had the rare mettle – evident in his moving 2018 interview with The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert – to be prepared to lose for a moral cause.

In today’s globalized world, we must recognize that all human beings, not just all co-nationals, are born equal. Hyper-nation-

alism is not only bad economics, but is also morally wrong. I have no doubt that a time will come when we regard hyper-nationalism – the belief that one’s compatriots are special and more deserving than others – the way we view racism or caste systems are today.

Because we currently live in a world of nation-states, nationalism is unavoidable for now. But we need leaders

who can pioneer an international mindset and help to build a better future for all of humanity, including the poor and dispossessed wherever they live. This is the big responsibility that Biden and Harris must shoulder in seeking to reestablish the global leadership from which America has retreated under Trump.

On the subject of internationalism, Biden and Harris may wish to consider the thoughts of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who spoke more eloquently about these values than perhaps any other leader. Nehru fought for India’s independence, in which nationalism was obviously a driving force. But he was mindful that we have to strive for a world in which human identity takes precedence over racial, religious, and national identity.

lenders and providing finance to families at fair rates and making it financially lucrative for banks to operate. Lending rates can be pegged to a percentage of the actual bank rate to ensure market dynamics are also accounted for.

Further, as per the last census, only 54.4% of the rural households availed banking services. While numerous door-door bank correspondents are deployed, regular financial education and use of technology is a must to encourage savings and investments in these areas. In fact, to a large extent internet connectivity determines technological advancement. With around 37% of internet users in rural areas, a lot of work remains to be done, following which relevant opportunities can be exploited in the banking and allied fields.

Not to forget, the very act of depositing money in a payment bank requires a bank account! Of course, one can jugaad his way through other methods, but a bank account remains the prime requisite!

Thus, the rural population still needs to be provided with an all-inclusive banking channel, following which ebanking can be further boosted. This foundation is yet to be laid in most of the villages, with nearly 50 Crore people still untouched by any formal banking system.

So, in a nutshell, the process runs like this: First, different structures are enacted and set up to cater to rural needs. Then operational restrictions are imposed on their working, making it difficult to break even in the short term. Ultimately, established banks are directed to set foot in the rural regions, adding to the competition of existing SFBs, PBs, etc. So, the rural households get to prefer the big names that inspire confidence and security for their hardearned money. Other institutions are then compelled to look for new avenues to stay fit, defeating the purpose they were meant for.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Addressed @BJP4TamilNadu State Executive via video conference.

Development oriented NDA is making every effort to improve the lives of the people. Glad that BJP workers are working hard to meet the economic & cultural aspirations of the people of State.

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @DrRPNishank #Vidyadaan 2.0, a programme for the nation & by the nation, is framed to ensure continuity of quality learning via the #DIKSHA platform. We urge all individuals & organisations to help us reform lives by sharing knowledge with others.

Spiritual SPEAK

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction.

—Proverbs 29:18

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

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05

RAGA SLAMS CENTRE ON UNEMPLOYMENT

‘1 JOB, 1000 UNEMPLOYED’

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday again targetted the Central government over the issue of unemployment, asking what has been done to the country as there is "1 job and 1000 people are unemployed".

Sharing a media report on Twitter regarding rising unemployment across the country, the Congress leader wrote: "1 job, 1000 unemployed, What has been done to the country".

On August 20, the Wayand MP had asserted that a large number of small and medium businesses will shut down after the moratorium period and the country will soon not be able to provide employment to its youth for the first time in its history.

Gandhi, in a virtual press conference, had said the unorganised sector is responsible for 90 per cent employment in the country and asserted that many of them will go out of business soon after the moratorium period, creating an employment crisis.

"The unorganised sector is responsible for 90 per cent employment in the country. Who are these people? These are small and medium businesses, farmers. Narendra Modi has destroyed this system now. Now you will see, as soon as the moratorium period ends, companies will fall one after another," Gandhi had said. —ANI

NEVER MADE A STATEMENT IN FAVOUR OF BJP, SAYS SIBAL

The unorganised sector is responsible for 90% employment in the country. Who are these people?

These are small and medium businesses, farmers. Narendra Modi has destroyed this system now. Now you will see, as soon as the moratorium period ends, companies will fall one after another.

—Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that he has never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue yet Rahul Gandhi said that “we are colluding with BJP”. “Rahul Gandhi says ‘we are colluding with BJP’ Succeeded in Rajasthan HC defending the Congress Party Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a Kapil Sibal statement in favour of BJP on any issue Yet ‘we are colluding with the BJP’!” Sibal tweeted. The tweet came after Rahul questioned timing of a letter to Sonia Gandhi by leaders. —ANI

‘SONIA SHOULD CONTINUE TILL NEW CHIEF IS ELECTED’

RaGa questions timing of letter by party leaders to Sonia Gandhi New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the timing of letter by party colleagues during the CWC meeting and criticised the move saying that it came when Sonia Gandhi was admitted to a hospital.

“Sonia Gandhi says she has given a note (a reply to the letter written by some senior Congress leaders to her over party leadership) to KC Venugopal, and

Asaduddin Owasi @asadowaisi Poetic Justice: GHULAM NABI sb u’d accused me of exactly this. Now you’re accused of the same. 45 years of ghulami for this? Now it’s proven that anyone opposing Janeudhari leadership will be branded B-Team. I hope Muslims now know the high cost of loyalty to Congress.

he will read it out. Rahul Gandhi pointed at the timing of the letter by party colleagues and criticised it,” sources said. “Rahul Gandhi said, why was the letter (over party leadership)

sent at a time when Sonia Gandhi was admitted in a hospital,” sources said.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi asked CWC members “to begin deliberations

towards the process of transition to relieve her from the duty of party chief ”, sources said.

In the virtual meeting, Gandhi asked the CWC members to proceed with the process of electing a new President, sources said. The meeting was held after a controversy erupted over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders calling for ‘full time’ active leadership, even demanding CWC elections, sources said. —ANI

Party Prez from Gandhi family only: Workers New Delhi: several Congress workers gathered in front of AICC office & raised slogans demanding that Party President should be from Gandhi family.

Congress worker Jagdish Sharma, who had gathered outside the AICC office with tens of others, said, “We want Party President from Gandhi family only. Party will be destroyed and break away if any outsider is made President.”

—ANI

New Delhi: Even as Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi asked the Congress Working Committee (CWC) members to relive her from the top post, senior party leaders Manmohan Singh and AK Antony said that Manmohan Singh AK Antony she should continue till a new party President is elected, sources said. Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi asked CWC members “to begin deliberations towards the process of transition to relieve her from the duty of party —ANI chief”, sources said.

‘RAGA NEVER SAID SIGNITORIES WERE PLOTTING WITH BJP’ New Delhi: LoP in Rajya Sabha and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad clarified on Monday that Rahul Gandhi had never stated that those who wrote the letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi were colluding with or doing so at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“Rahul Gandhi at no point of time inside the Congress Working Committee (CWC) or outside it Ghulam Nabi has said that the signatories to the letter were doing it at the behest of the BJP. This is a totally wrong thing which has been attributed to Rahul Gandhi,” Azad said.

‘Biz with turnover of ‘Denied Dy CM post as knew of DRDO gives list of ` 40L GST exempt’ Kamal Nath-Diggi Raja’s Kartoot’ 108 systems to Singh New Delhi: The Ministry of Finance said that businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakhs are exempt from GST & those with a turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore can opt for the Composition Scheme and pay only one% tax.

Earlier, GST exemption limit was Rs 20 lakh, the ministry said.

“Now, Businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh are GST exempt. Initially, this limit was Rs 20 lakh. Additionally, those with a turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore can opt for the Composition Scheme and pay only 1% tax,” Ministry of Finance tweeted.

In a series of tweets, the Ministry also informed that significant reliefs have been extended to construction sector, particularly housing sector.

“Significant relief has been extended to the construction sector, particularly the housing sector. It has now been placed at the 5% rate. GST on affordable housing has been reduced to 1%,” it added.

—ANI

ISI, PAK TERROR GROUPS TURN TO LOCAL GANGSTERS FOR ATTACKS New Delhi: There has been a recent trend which has attracted the attention of Intelligence Agencies as well as security agencies in India.

Pakistan’ ISI and its terror outfits who are unable to execute any attacks in the country to disturb law and order situation due to the alertness of forces and intelligence agencies

are now giving the task to local gangsters. Recently, Chandigarh intelligence unit alerted all intelligence agency units regarding such tie-up between terrorists and gangsters who have clout and local connections. Some of the gangsters are absconding while some are locked up in jails, informed a senior government official.

Gwalior: Jyotiraditya Scindia, who left Congress to join BJP, has revealed that he turned down an offer of the deputy CM post under Congress government in MP as he knew what Digvijay Singh and CM Kamal Nath would do to the state with their ‘kartoot’ (bad deeds).

“I am a public servant and not a servant of the chair. If I had been a servant of the chair, I would have accepted the offer of being deputy CM. But I knew what people sitting in government would do to the state, and thus I didn’t want to be a part of their bad

Jyotiraditya Scindia

deeds,” Scindia said while addressing the BJP membership drive on Sunday.

After Congress party dethroned BJP in 2018 assembly polls, the Congress leadership chose MP Congress Committee chief Kamal Nath, not Scindia, to lead govt.

SENA TO GIVE MEMO TO UP GUV ON CHETAN CHAUHAN’S DEATH Lucknow: Shiv Sena will submit a memorandum to Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday demanding CBI probe into UP Minister Chetan Chauhan’s death. A delegation of Shiv Sena led by party’s state unit chief Anil Singh, will meet Governor today to submit memo. Earlier, RS MP & AAP leader Sanjay Singh submitted a complaint to Lucknow Police Commissioner Sujeet Pandey to register an FIR against CM Yogi Adityanath and his govt colleagues alleging that Chauhan died due to negligence of State govt.

After being in Kamal Nath government for nearly one-and-a-half years, Scindia joined BJP along with 22 Congress MLAs in March this year, bringing down Congress regime. BJP’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan then took over reins of the state.

—ANI

New Delhi: DRDO provided a list of 108 systems to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh which have been identified for indigenous development only.

DRDO will also provide its support to industries in this development process, according to the Defence Minister’s office. The RMO also said that this will “pave the way for Indian Defence industry to develop many technologies towards building an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

Raksha Mantri has extended his good wishes to Team DRDO in their future endeavours.” The systems and sub-systems in the list of 108

SENSEX SURGES 364 POINTS, NIFTY UP BY OVER 94 POINTS Mumbai: Domestic equity benchmark Sensex rallied 364 points on Monday, driven by strong buying in financial counters amid a positive trend in global equities and sustained foreign fund inflows. The BSE Sensex ended 364.36 points or 0.95 per cent higher at 38,799.08. The NSE Nifty jumped 94.85 points or 0.83 per cent

to 11,466.45.Kotak Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising over 3 per cent, followed

by IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Maruti and SBI. On the other hand, PowerGrid, M&M, Tech Mahindra, Titan, NTPC, Bajaj Auto and UltraTech Cement were among the laggards.

Rajnath Singh

items include mini and micro UAVs, ROVs, uncooled NV-IR sights for weapons (short-range), mountain footbridge, floating bridge (both metallic), mines laying and marking equipment.

The import embargo will come into effect on in a phased manner. The deadline had been set for December 2025. —ANI

SC asks govt to fly in pupils for NEET exam New Delhi: SC declined to pass direction to Centre to hold NEET UG 2020 exam in Gulf countries, but asked government to allow students to come via Vande Bharat Mission flights to give the exams.

A bench of Justice L Nageswara Rao said that quarantine norms are mandatory for students who would come from Middle East countries to give exam but allowed petitioners to approach State authorities to seek relaxation.

The bench said exam will be offline & students who fly in will have to maintain 14 days quarantine. —ANI

ED’s FRESH NOTICES TO TMC LEADERS IN NARADA CASE Kolkata: ED sent fresh notices to a Trinamool Congress’ Minister and several LS members in West Bengal, apart from a suspended police officer, in connection with Narada sting operation in 2016. The notices were sent to Transport Minister Subhendu Ashikari, Lok Sabha MPs Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Aparupa Poddar, Sougata Roy, and suspended IPS officer SMH Mirza. TMC leaders were asked to furnish details about their properties and bank statements within a specific deadline, informed a few reliable sources.

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India’s total recoveries cross 23L INDIA’S RECOVERY RATE NOW STANDS AT 75.27%, SAYS THE UNION HEALTH MINISTRY New Delhi: India crossed the 23 lakh COVID-19 recoveries mark and the case fatality rate ‘has further dipped’ to 1.85 per cent, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, here on Monday.

“With more patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation (in case of mild and moderate cases), India’s COVID-19 total recoveries have crossed 23 lakh today. Recovery of 23,38,035 patients has been made possible because of effective implementation of the policy of testing aggressively, tracking comprehensively through surveillance and contact tracing& treating efficiently,” the Union Health Ministry said in a statement. The Health Ministry further said India’s recovery rate now stands at 75.27 per cent.

India has posted more than 16lakh (16,27,264) recoveries than the active cases.

Meanwhile, the infection rate in Delhi is below 10 per cent, said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Monday. —ANI

SC rejects plea for National policy to compensate families

A health worker in personal protective equipment (PPE) collects a nasal sample for the COVID-19 test at a health centre, in New Delhi on Monday.

Haryana CM, speaker test COVID-19 +ve Chandigarh: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. The CM took to Twitter to announce his positive status. “I was tested for Novel Corona Virus today. My test report has returned positive. I appeal to all colleagues and associates who came in my contact over the last week to get themselves tested. Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta has also tested positive on Monday. —ANI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking formulation of a national policy for uniform compensation for families of those who have died due the coronavirus.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and RS Reddy dismissed the plea saying that every state has a different policy and gives compensation as per its fi-

-ve report not older than 48 hrs mandatory HC extends all for devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine interim orders Jammu (J&K): The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir on Monday said that all devotees coming from outside the Union Territory are required to bring ‘valid coronavirus negative test report’, which should not be more than 48 hours old at the time of arrival.

Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple resumed on August 16, nearly 5 months after it was suspended due to COVID-19.

Devotees will not be allowed to

till October end

enter the temple without a COVID-19 negative test report.

“All devotees coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir for Vaishno Devi Yatra require valid COVID-19 negative test report not more

than 48 hours older at the time of arrival.

Without negative test report, they will not be allowed for the yatra,” Ramesh Kumar, CEO, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir said. —ANI

Rhea has not received any summons from CBI: Lawyer PITHANI, NEERAJ AT DRDO GUEST HOUSE

‘‘Dubai compliant drug dealer’ met Sushant on day of his murder’

Subramanian Swamy

been collected.

The agency had on July 31 registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the case after FIR was filed by KK Singh, the late actor’s father, against Chakraborty in Bihar on July 28. In his complaint, KK Singh had alleged that around Rs 15 crore was with-

drawn from Rajput’s bank account in the last one year and transferred to ‘accounts that had no link with him’.

On August 19, the Supreme Court had asked the probe agency to investigate the case related to the actor’s death, while holding that the FIR registered in Patna was legitimate. —ANI

L

the coming times, a few senior leaders could leave the party fold.

Interestingly, there is round of speculation being strongly backed in Congress circles wherein it is said that there are signals of Rahul Gandhi coming to helm after Bihar polls and his name would be announced in the next AICC session. It is believed that the session will be held within the next six months. While this proposal was also mooted in the CWC, with a timeline of election being held after one year from now, but apparently the Gandhi

Scion intervened and asked to hold the same within six months.

In the meantime, a committee will be formed to help Sonia in the final decision making process.

Notably, the predictions made by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and state incharge Ajay Maken have been correct.

Gehlot had termed the letter by 23 leaders as unfortunate and even Ajay Maken had announced that there is no option other than the Gandhi family. Gandhis are the beacon of light for the Congress much like RSS is for the BJP and there-

fore Patel moved the proposal to make Rahul the party president.

However, during the CWC meeting, it was an emotional Rahul who gave a verbal ‘thrashing’ to the leaders that were trying to corner his ailing mother. Word is that, Rahul, engaged in plain talk, and clarified that he has been hurt by the letter being sent at a time when his mother is unwell. “I am her son and a son’s feelings towards his mother is well understood by you all.

When our issues are told to the media, it benefits the BJP,” Rahul reportedly said in the meeting.

ate Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput had met a Dubai compliant drug dealer on the day he was murdered, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has alleged in a tweet on Monday. The veteran politician has been tweeting over the past couple of weeks, insisting Sushant was murdered. —Agencies

FROM PG 1 Rahul emotional... and thus the next natural questions is,what was the meaning of CWC’s stamp of approval on Ahmed Bhai’s proposal to bring Rahul Gandhi at helm of affairs. Therefore, the future of Congress is uncertain since on one hand Rahul is not agreeing on taking a role, and on the other hand, no unanimous decision on one name could be reached on names from outside Gandhi family.

How then will the party battle out the challenge posed by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Political observers claim that in

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday extended till the end of October all the interim orders, which were to expire on August 31. The interim orders include stays, bails and paroles.

High Court also made it clear that it will slowly start physical hearing with the consent of all.

A special bench of CJ DN Patel, Justice Siddharth Mridul, and Justice Talwant Singh decided to further extend all interim orders till October 31. —ANI

Postpone NEET, JEE until situation gets conducive: Didi Kolkata: In wake of COVID-19 outbreak, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed to the Centre to assess the risk and postpone the JEE and NEET until the situation becomes conducive to hold the exams.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the JEE (Main) will be held from September 1 to 6 and NEET (UG) on September 13. Banerjee stressed that it is the duty of the government to ensure a safe environment for all our students.

“Now with the directive of @EduMinOfIndia to conduct NEET, JEE 2020 in Sep, I would again appeal to the Centre to assess the risk and postpone these examinations until the situation is conducive again. It is our duty to ensure a safe environment for all our students,” the TMC supremo tweeted.

She further mentioned that in her last video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she had raised her voice against the UGC guide-

Mamata Banerjee

In our last video conference with PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, I had been vocal against the UGC guidelines mandating completion of terminal examinations in Universities/Colleges by the end of September 2020, which had a huge potential to put student lives at risk.

—Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM

lines mandating completion of terminal examinations in universities and colleges by the end of September 2020. —ANI

Military option on table if talks fail: Rawat on China

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT DEATH CASE

Mumbai: Actor Rhea Chakraborty and her family have not received any summons from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), so far, in connection Satish the Maneshinde with death case of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, said her lawyer on Monday.

“Rhea Chakraborty and her family have not received any summons from CBI, so far.

If they receive a summon, they will appear before the agency,” Satish Maneshinde, lawyer of the actor. The ED had already questioned Chakraborty twice -- on Augut 9 and 10 -- and 56 persons’ statements and other relevant evidence have

nancial power.

Advocate Deepak Prakash, appearing for petitioner Hashik Thayikandy, said that all he is asking for is a national policy to be formulated that would provide for uniform compensation throughout the country. So many people have died in India due to COVID-19 and the victims are not getting equal compensation, he said.

—PTI

06

Prashant Bhushan

Prashant refuses to apologise to SC for tweets New Delhi: Activistlawyer Prashant Bhushan refused to offer an apology to the Supreme Court on Monday for his two tweets against the judiciary saying what he expressed represented his bona fide belief which he continued to hold.

An insincere apology would amount to the contempt of my conscience and of an institution, Bhushan said in his supplementary statement filed in the suo motu contempt case against him by the top court. —PTI

New Delhi: India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has explicitly stated that a military option to deal with transgressions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Ladakh is on the table, but will be exercised only if talks between the two armies and the diplomatic option are unfruitful.

“Transgressions along the LAC occur due to differing perceptions about its alignment. Defence services are tasked to monitor and carry out surveillance and prevent such transgressions turning into intrusions. Whole of government approach is adopted to peacefully resolve any such activity and prevent intrusions. Defence services always remain prepared for military actions should all efforts to restore sta-

Bipin Rawat

BLOODY SKIRMISH

tus quo along the LAC do not succeed,” General Rawat said.

“Defence minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and all those

responsible for national security are reviewing all options with the objective that PLA restores status quo ante in Ladakh,” he said.

The CDS, who was army chief during the 73-day military standoff in Doklam against the PLA in 2017, also dispelled the notion that there is a lack of coordination among the principal intelligence agencies. He said that India has a vast frontline along the northern and western borders along with the Indian Ocean Region, all of which require constant monitoring.

According to him, while India is still working towards acquiring round-the-clock capabilities to monitor its areas of interest, there is regular interaction between all agencies responsible for collection and collation of information. —Agencies

India-Russia summit to strengthen defence cooperation: Indian Envoy Kubinka: Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Var ma on Monday said that the defence industry cooperation will be one of the key areas of collaboration between India and Russia and it will be addressed at the upcoming India-Russia bilateral summit.

“The Indian-Russian bilateral summit will cover all issues -political, economic, trade, energy. And, of

ENVOY SPEAK

course, defence cooperation will be one of the main pillars of cooperation,” Varma told Sputnik.

“We expect some very major announcements, including Russian support for the Make in India program

of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia has extended very positive support, we are very grateful for that,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, the diplomat said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to attend the events of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to participate in the SCO meet. —ANI

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07

DECKS CLEARED FOR TRUST FORMATION AS RIDCOR GETS GREEN SIGNAL FROM SEBI FOR RESTRUCTURING OF DEBT STRUCTURE Nirmal Tiwari

Jaipur: SEBI has given its in-principle nod for the formation of Infrastructure Investment Trust (INVIT) for the restructuring of debt structure of Road Infrastructure Development Corporation (RIDCOR) and to extend the period to repay loans of Rs 1,300 crore to 12 years.

After appointment of the advisor, the trust will be formed and the payments of loan will

be made.

The state government last year had decided for disinvestment in RIDCOR following high rising debt but the decision was reversed earlier this year. The government then decided for the restructuring of the debt structure and now the trust is being set up.

The process of restructuring was stalled due to lockdown. The state government forwarded the proposal to SEBI and cleared its

COURTESY MEET

intention. The SEBI also gave its in principle approval to extend the period for loan repayment to 12 years.

Now, neither the company’s name will be changed nor any other hurdle will be there.

A review of the restructuring plan was reviewed at the level of chief secretary on May 5. Directions were issued to officials for the registration of Infrastructure Investment Trust. The state government had tried to

z After appointment of

the advisor, the trust will be formed and payments of loan will be made

z The state government

last year had decided for disinvestment in RIDCOR following high rising debt but the decision was reversed earlier this year. It then decided for the restructuring of the debt structure

z The process of

restructuring was stalled due to lockdown

Build model CHC in all the assembly constituencies: CM Naresh Sharma

RCA Vice President and Kota BJP leader Amen Pathan paid a courtesy visit to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi.

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that one model community health center (CHC) will be developed in all the assembly constituencies of the state. He instructed the Health Department to prepare a draft for this and complete the necessary preparations.

“Funds will be provided from the MLA Fund to develop all types of screening and treatment facilities at Model CHC,” Gehlot said while reviewing the condition of corona infection in the state at the Chief Minister’s residence on Monday.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with Dr Raghu Sharma, Dr Subhash Garg, Rajeeva Swarup, Veenu Gupta, Niranjan Arya, Saurabh Srivastava, Vaibhav Galriya, Hemant Gera and Mahendra Soni among others during corona review meeting.

“There is no shortage of medical facilities and the state government has taken this important decision with the aim of providing adequate health facilities to the common people in rural areas.

For the model CHC, the MLA of the concerned area should also be consulted,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the possibility of pneumonia increases during the rainy season. “In this case, infection of corona with pneumonia can cause serious conditions. In such a situation, the health department should take special precautions to take all measures to

prevent infection of both pneumonia corona,” Gehlot said. He also instructed the police and administrative officials to strictly follow the health protocol.

He said that the crowd of sweets shops, samosa-kachori stalls and tea bags should not be gathered and all health protocols should be strictly maintained.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the general public not to take any kind of negligence in taking Corona infection seriously, putting on masks, keeping social distancing and taking other precautions during the rainy season.

Jodh cops arrest ex-MLA Banwari Lal Kushwah for cooperative society fraud Centre extends validity of motor vehicle Shiv Prakash Rajpurohit

Jodhpur: The Khanda Falsa police of Jodhpur arrested former MLA Banwari Lal Kushwah on production warrant in a fraud case involving a multi state credit cooperative society.

SHO Ishwar Pareek said that Sathi multi state credit cooperative society was being operated from Saboo tower in Khanda Falsa PS area in 2016.

A case of duping people with crores of rupees was registered then against the said credit society.

The case was investi-

documents till December 31 amid corona

Banwari Lal Kushwah

gated by CID CB and its report had named ex MLA Kushwah as one of the accused.

The Khanda Falsa police arrested the ex MLA from Bharatpur central jail on a production warrant where the ex MLA was lodged.

New Delhi: Central government on Monday extended the validity of expiring driving licenses and motor vehicle documents till December 31 in the wake of coronavirus crisis.

This is the third such extension after the earlier advisories on March 30 and June 9.

“Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to extend the validity of Fitness, Permits, Licenses, Registration or other documents under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and

Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 till the 31st of December 2020,” a release from the ministry said.

“The Ministry had earlier issued advisories on 30th March and 9th June this year regarding

extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), License, Registration or any other con-

cerned document(s) may be treated to be valid till 30th of September 2020,” the statement added.

Considering the situation in country due to Covid-19 outbreak, the ministry said that if documents mentioned in the list reached their date of expiration on or after February 1, 2020, and fresh documents in their place could not be granted due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government, they would be considered valid till December 31, 2020.

—Agencies

HOT WHEELS!

I

t is said that words are the most potent ‘weapons’.

And those who master the oratory arts, are always one step above the others. Who knows it better than our ‘beloved’ politicians who leave no chance at taking a jibe at their ‘opponents’ or to show their place to someone, in a mild manner.

The recent case pertains to MLA Abhinesh Maharshi who purchased a new car and during the assembly session wanted to show his new toy to former CM Vasundhara Raje.

When Maharshi invited

Raje to take a look at his car, the former chief minister also obliged and inspected the ‘hot wheels’.

However, Raje, known for his sarcastic oratory, quipped, “Have you also been gifted this car by the general public in your area?” Raje cited former Congress legislator Shravan Kumar’s name, to which a surprised Maharshi answered in the negative. However, Raje went on to say, “hope everyone has a constituency like Shravan so that the general public gifts cars

to everyone!”

—First India Bureau

POWER-‘POINT’!

T

he assembly session has not been devoid of serious fights between the Congress and the opposition, but what of the still prevalent internal strife in the grand old party? During the session, one cabinet minister was seen taking potshots at a former minister, saying, “nowadays even the ministers want to leave their

disinvest RIDCOR for Rs. 2,600 thrice but none of them fructified. 30 companies had shown interest but the bid was not over Rs 1600 crore.

The government wanted Rs 2,600 so that all liabilities could be settled and RIDCOR’s works could be transferred easily to the new company. Sources said that RIDCOR suffered huge losses due to the former state government’s decision to make private vehicles

toll free on state highways. The payment against works to few government departments is also pending and after failed attempts of disinvestment, the government has decided to restructure its debt structure.

The company in its board meeting on January 29 had passed a proposal for INVIT. It has been forwarded to SEBI so that the payment for loans which was due before September 2019 could be initiated.

IIM-Udaipur kickstarts MBA programme with virtual event Ravi Sharma Udaipur: Indian Institute of Management Udaipur began its twoyear MBA programme followed by a three-daylong orientation session for the students of 20202022 batch. Over 375 students attended the ceremony. The programme was held virtually in the presence of chief guest Sonjoy Chatterjee, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs India; Prof.

Janat Shah, Director of

From P1 CWC reinforces…

“Congress President Sonia Gandhi has said in her concluding remarks at the CWC that Congress is one big family.

We have differences and different views on many occasions but in the end, we come together as one. The need of the hour is to fight for the cause of the people and the forces that are failing this country. Organisational issues are always addressed and the process of constitution or reconstitution is a continuous one. I don’t hold any ill will or any thought of any nature against any colleague irrespective of how hurtful the remarks were or have been in the past. I have always risen above them to keep the Congress family together and to fight for the cause of the people.”

The CWC has noted that “Inner party issues cannot be addressed by deliberated through media or in a public forum. It has urged and

berth and remain an MLA since legislators, in today’s times, are more powerful than the ministers!” The man, chuckling by now, went on to say, “nowadays, MLAs are involved in show of power instead of ministers.” But the interesting point was that a legislator hailing from the same general area as the minister, had accompanied the mantriji and now eyewitnesses claim that the Minister’s words were directed more at the colleague accompanying him than anyone else!

—First India Bureau

IIM Udaipur; Prof. Rezina Sultana- Academic Dean of IIM Udaipur, other faculty members and students.

“Embrace the next two years of your life because they are going to be transformational. It is the time when you have to hone your conduct,” Sonjoy Chatterjee said while addressing the students.

IIM-Udaipur’s director Prof. Janat Shah said that the class of 2022 will be the pioneer class of the institution. advises all concerned to raise such issues only in party fora in the interest of discipline and propriety.”

By the time the sevenhour long meeting of the CWC ended, Sonia loyalists had found a new explanation for her previously defined tenure that expired on August 10. A senior Congress supporter told First India, “Sonia Gandhi has got overwhelming support. There is no fixed tenure for her Presidency.”

While all eyes were on the CWC meet, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, a signatory to the extraordinary letter, stirred fresh controversy on social media when he slammed Rahul Gandhi for alleging that those who had written the letter were colluding with the BJP. The tweet was later deleted by Sibal who said, “Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him.

I, therefore, withdraw my tweet.”

You can’t lead anyone else further than you have gone yourself. You have to lead by example to be an effective leader.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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08

Dy LoP Rathore barred from taking Help rescue people part in Rajasthan Assembly session trapped in Raigad building Jaipur: Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly, Rajendra Rathore was barred from taking part in House proceedings for the remainder of the session after he engaged in a heated argument with Speaker CP Joshi on Monday.

The proposal for removal of Rathore from the House was moved by Parliamentary Affairs

Minister, Shanti Dhariwal on the request of the Speaker and passed by voice vote. Rathore alleged that Opposition members were not being allowed to speak sufficiently on the Bills, ensuing a heated argument with the Speaker.

During discussion on the Rajasthan Rehabilitation of Beggars or Indigents (Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Speaker

asked BJP MLA Madan Dilawar to restrict himself to speaking on it, saying it was not a general debate. Rathore intervened and requested the Speaker to let the members speak.

When Rathore challenged the Chair, the Speaker asked Dhariwal to move a proposal for his removal from the House.

Rajendra Rathore addresses the Assembly Session on Monday.

—PTI

Apex Court disposes of plea against merger of six BSP MLAs with Cong Raj HC asks Speaker to decide on merger of BSP MLAs, Congress within 3 months

MORAL VICTORY FOR CM GEHLOT The matter of inclusion of BSP MLAs in Congress party has become yet another moral victory for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wherein on Monday, the Rajasthan High Court handed over the entire matter to Assembly Speaker and on the other hand, the SLP filed by BJP’s Madan Dilawar has been quashed by the SC terming it ‘infructuous’.

First India Bureau Jaipur: The Supreme Court on Monday, disposed of as “infructuous” a BJP MLA’s plea seeking stay on Rajasthan Speaker’s decision, which allowed six BSP MLAs to merge with the Congress, in view of the High Court order.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Vineet Saran and MR Shah was informed by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Speaker, that

Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Deepchand Kheria, Lakhan Meena, Jogendra Awana, Rajendra Gudha.

earlier in the day, that the Rajasthan High Court has passed an order on the plea filed by BJP MLA Madan Dilawar.

Meanwhile, HC on Monday, asked the Assembly Speaker to decide within three months on the merger of six BSP

MLAs in the state with the Congress party.

The court on Monday, dismissed BSP petition and partially allowed BJP MLA Madan Dilawar’s petition while quashing the speaker’s decision to reject disqualification petition filed by Dilawar.

Gehlot was facing the allegation of ‘elephant trading’ by the opposition BJP, but the court’s verdict to refer the matter to the Speaker cheered Congress leaders in Gehlot camp.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had been alleging that attempts were being

collapse: Shah to NDRF

made to topple his government, but the six MLAs who had merged with Congress, stood by him.The MLAs-Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Deepchand Kheria, Lakhan Meena, Jogendra Awana and Rajendra Gudhahad merged with Congress last year.

A viral video of the collapse showed a plume of dust rising from where building had stood.

New Delhi: Seventeen persons were injured after a five-storeyed residential building collapsed in Raigad district on Monday, police said.

Around 70 people are feared trapped in the debris after the building, which was around 10 years old, collapsed at Kajalpura in Mahad tehsil around 7 pm, an official said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide all assistance in the rescue of those trapped following the collapse of a building at Raigad in Maharashtra.

“The collapse of a building in Raigad, Maharashtra is very tragic. Have spoken to DG @NDRFHQ to provide all possible assistance, teams are on the way and will be assist-

Amit Shah@AmitShah The collapse of a building in Raigad, Maharashtra is very tragic.

Have spoken to DG @ NDRFHQ to provide all possible assistance, teams are on the way and will be assisting with the rescue operations as soon as possible. Praying for everyone’s safety. ing with the rescue operations as soon as possible. Praying for everyone’s safety,” Shah tweeted.

There were around 45 flats in the building, the official said, adding 25 persons have been rescued and shifted to a local hospital at Mahad, which is around 170 km from Mumbai.

Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been moved to the spot

for rescue operations.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray spoke to the district officials and asked them to expedite the rescue and relief work, another official said.

A viral video of the collapse showed a plume of dust rising from where the building had stood.

Another video showed police trying to control several onlookers gathered at the collapse site. —PTI

Ahmed Patel bats for RaGa as chief

BJP to hold state-level demonstration on Aug 31

Jaipur: Congress leader Ahmed Patel bats for Rahul Gandhi as Chief.

He criticised the dissenters. Referring to Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mukul Wasnik and Anand Sharma, he said they are occupying key posts in the party and should not have written such a letter. He also said that Rahul Gandhi should take over as Congress President immediately. After saving its face in Rajasthan, thanks to a truce facilitated by the High Command, Congress is once again facing an inter-

Jaipur: BJP State President Satish Poonia continued to attack the Congress government in Rajasthan saying that the government has nothing to do with issues related to the public and has run away from the Assembly, where the opposition raised its voice for the people.

He said that the opposition has been raising public interest issues in the Assembly since two days, but since the government cares for nothing, it fled from the Assembly.

Yunus Gesawat Nagaur: A tribute was paid to stalwart leader Ram Niwas Mirdha in his ancestral village, Kuchera on his birth anniversary on Monday.

People from his village and nearby areas, came to the memorial built in his memory and offered tributes to the former union minister on his 96th birth anniversary, while maintaining social distancing in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

Senior Congress leader of Nagaur Dr Sahadev Chaudhary also offered a floral tribute at the memorial.

nal rebellion of sorts, with many party leaders writing a letter to Sonia Gandhi, urging a change of leadership. 15 months after Rahul Gandhi resigned as Cong Prez, the over 100-year-old political outfit is again in throes of a leadership crisis.

First India Bureau

Poonia told reporters on Monday that various issues including inflated power bills, locust attack, discrimination in ration distribution, unemployment allowance, mismanagement of Corona, corruption were discussed in the party’s state executive meeting and action plan to corner the government was made.

He informed that the party will hold a statelevel demonstration on August 31 demanding waiver of electricity bills for three months.

“Demonstration at all GSS and sub- division levels will be held on Au-

gust 31, demanding waiver of electricity bills for three months.

The party MPs, MLAs, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions will also hand over representations to District Collectors on September 2,” he added.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition, Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday, raised objection over the passage of 13 bills in a single day.

Questioning the hurriedness of the government to pass 13 bills, Kataria said that the main function of the Legislative Assembly is to pass bills, but a hasty

THE AGENDA OF THE HOUSE

approach shouldn’t be adopted in doing so.

He told reporters outside the House that earlier, 8 bills were pro-

posed to be passed, but five new bills were added on Monday. “We also raised objections in the Business Advisory Com-

IN MEMORY OF RAM NIWAS MIRDHA The grandson of Mirdha and Congress leader, Raghuvendra Mirdha attended the tribute programme in Kuchera to mark the birth anniversary of the former Rajasthan Assembly Speaker. Raghuvendra Mirdha remembered his grandfather’s contribution.

Dr Sahadev Chaudhary said that during his entire life, Mirdha raised the voice of farmers in the Parliament and always fought for their rights. Chaudhary said

Dr Sahdev Choudhary, Raghuvendra Mirdha, Harish Mirdha, Ramprakash Mirdha and others discuss the era and contribution of Ram Niwas Mirdha.

that Mirdha continued to work for the poor laborers and farmers throughout his life. He was a multifaceted personality & a Statesman.

Many public representatives and office bearers of various social organisations also offered floral tributes.

Madan Mirdha said

Ram Niwas Mirdha Memorial.

that Mirdha worked with purity in politics and his works done in social and educational fields will always be remembered. It is worth

mentioning that Ram Niwas Mirdha was born in Kuchera village of Nagaur district on August 24, 1924. His father was Baldev Ram Mirdha.

Mirdha held various official positions in Rajasthan and at national level, He was Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1953 - 1967 and also held the post of speaker (1957– 1967). He was Member Rajya Sabha for four terms and was Union Minister of state of various departments from 1970 -77. Mirdha was Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha from 1977 to 1980 and Minister of various departments at the Centre from 1983 to

mittee meeting and we boycotted the meeting.

How can we study and debate in such hurriedness?” he asked.

1989. He was Member of the tenth Lok Sabha from Barmer (1991-96) and was also Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee in 1992.

Mirdha was nominated as the Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi and remained so until his demise. Mirdha represented India in several UN and other international conferences and was Member, Executive Board of UNESCO (1993– 1997) . He was also the President of Bhartiya Yuva Sangathan, Indian Society of International Law, Indian Heritage Society & Surajmal Memorial Education Society.

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SPARKLERS

BAUBLES

The one thing that has been constant in a woman’s wardrobe for hundreds of years, is jewellery.

Gemstones in jewellry never fail to make a simple piece look stunning and elegant!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

E

very woman has a great collection of jewellery in her wardrobe that she flaunts whenever, wherever. One thing that adds a lot of value to the simple jewellery is the right gemstone. These are precious or semi-precious stones that are cut, polished and used in jewellery to make it look elegant and attractive.

There are around seven precious and semi-precious gemstones that are really popular: Diamond, pearl, ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst and topaz. Most of these gemstones are worn in relation to astrological purposes.

DIAMOND: It is one of the best-known and most used gemstones and has been used as decorative items since ancient times.

PEARL: It is a hard gemstone found within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk and is composed of calcium carbonate. It is considered to be one of the most elegant gemstones.

RUBY: It is a dark pinkish to blood-red coloured gemstone and this stone is said to bring happiness and passion into the life of a wearer.

SAPPHIRE: It is a gemstone that is dark blue in colour and is believed to symbolize wisdom, good fortune and holiness for the royals.

EMERALD: It is a gemstone that is green in colour.

People normally wear it to recover from difficulties, allergies, nervous disorders and respiratory-related ailments.

AMETHYST: This gemstone is of violet colour and also has a lot of healing powers. People usually wear this to help with physical ailments and emotional issues.

TOPAZ: This gemstone is one of the prettiest ones.

It is a stone of nobility, love, passion and pur-

pose; it also strengthens one’s confidence and trust in one’s inner power and abilities.

Did you know that there are birthstones for every month? January- Garnet; February- Amethyst; MarchAquamarine; April- White Topaz; May- Emerald; June- Moonstone; JulyRuby; August- Peridot; September- Iolite; October- Pink Tourmaline; November- Citrine; December- Blue Topaz.

09

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10

EVERGREEN

DEV SAAB GURMAN SINGH cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

L

FA CE OF TH ED AY

ong before Indian films and stars went international, there was Dev Anand. Debonair and inimitable, Dev Saab (as he was affectionately called) was the first really ‘cool’ hero of the Hindi silver screen. Known as the Adonis of Indian cinema for his good looks and charismatic personality, he cast his cinematic spell over generations of Indian women. Dev Anand’s inspiration for becoming an actor was another legendary actor, Ashok Kumar.

He was inspired after watching his performance in films like Achhut Kanya and Kismat. Interestingly, Dev was given his first big break by Ashok Kumar. The veteran actor chose him to play the hero in 1948’s Ziddi. Dev Anand’s movies were suave, modern, and not afraid of tackling bold subjects, just like the man himself. Whether it was Hare Rama Hare Krishna (that dealt with Hippie culture) or Des Prades (that explored the lives of Indian immigrants in the UK), all his films personified his different way of thinking. ‘Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya’ went the timeless melo-

dy from the movie Hum Dono. He signed all the film offers and subsequently the movies Aandhiyan, Taxi Driver, House No. 44, Nau Do Gyarah, and many more went on to become big hits. Nonchalantly puffing a cigarette and wandering through the woods, Hindi cinema’s legendary hero Dev Anand embodied the spirit of this ode to life on screen and in personal life. Ruling the roost in Hindi cinema for decades, Dev Anand won the Filmfare Best Actor Awards for his role in Kala Pani in 1958 and the cult film, Guide, in 1966. It was the first international collaboration of Indian cinema. He also won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. In 2001, he was bestowed Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honor. A year later, he won the Dadasaheb Phalke award for cinematic excellence. Dev Anand turned to direction later in his career. His movie Chargesheet was released under the banner of Navketan International Films, a production company he launched in 1949.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You may change your accommodation but choose wisely considering place and the nature of landlords. Today you will share and care for your family more than usual.

A telephonic get together is possible.

Someone who is difficult to control and full of spirit is people define you.

You have to be very careful with your kids upbringing and be careful of what you teach them to do. You will get support from even strangers today such is your luck. Go out of way if you need to, to be there for your lover and to support him/her when they need you at times.

You must rejoice as you may soon get married and a beautiful journey of your life will start. You will crave for your friends as they are at far distant place. If you plan to travel amid the current situations than be careful while doing so as any leniency won’t be good.

You will socially become more famous for your talents and looks. Students must not be careless as self discipline is must. Excellent day to buy precious metal or stones. You are popular among opposite sex friends. Genuine faith in your dreams is your need of the hour.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

If your parents are not able to understand you then you must try and be more clear with your words and expression rather than giving up on the idea. Your boyfriend/girlfriend may propose you. You need to live in reality and accept it, day dreaming is good but only to an extent.

You are both mentally and physically strong.

Someone in your family may need your help in form of guidance. Property as a gift is possible. You are happy and you will make everyone around you smile. Don’t take your love life for granted because its precious to you.

Your attitude towards work will get appreciation from everyone. You are someone who do things with full dedication. You believing God like anything. Happiness is something that is found within not outside, think on it. A special gratitude to your family is must.

Your best friend will do something amazing that will make you extremely emotional. Family support is all that you need right now. Look at the bigger picture in life and forget about small issues. Negotiate well before buying something. Expensive big parties are a thing of the past.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You will flourish by the blessings of your parents.

End the confusion by discussing your options with someone and then choose wisely. You are more than satisfied with your married life and are happy with partner. Someone in your social circle may need your help so do not hesitate.

An exciting times with siblings is on the cards.

You will be get satisfaction as far as physical intimacy is concerned.

Those in medical profession will see a hectic day. Something is better than nothing don’t forget. Unreasonably high demands are not good.

Spend time with your lover and hear them out, try to understand what they want to convey to you. You are very close with your sibling and you can do anything for him/her. Address issues which need immediate attention.

Old fashioned places or corners fascinate you in an unusual way.

You will manage to keep peace at home and things will be just fine. If someone tries to provoke you, please don’t loose your cool.

You will ace the coming exams.

Romance is good but please see with whom are you getting romantically involved and see if there is future.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

SONIYA INDORIYA, Model

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC

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JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

THIS IS PARIS P

Mirzapur cast

aris Hilton is bravely opening up about the terrifying abuse that she suffered while attending boarding school as a teen. The 39-year-old media personality talks about the abuse in her new YouTube documentary ‘This Is Paris’. “I buried my truth for so long,” Paris said. “But I’m proud of the strong woman I’ve become. People might assume everything in my life came easy to me, but I want to show the world who I truly am.”

Paris says that her parents sent her to a series of boarding schools when she was 17 and in her rebellious years. The final school she attended, where she stayed for 11 months, was Provo Canyon School in Utah. “It was supposed to be a school, but [classes] were not the focus at all. From the moment I woke up until I went to bed, it was all day screaming in my face, yelling at me, continuous torture,” she said.

—Agency

RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED

A

mid the lockdown, one question that was in the minds of Mirzapur fans was about the release date of Mirzapur season 2. Finally, the wait is over, as Amazon Prime has an answer. The streaming site re...poster of the series cently announced that the famed series will be returned for Season 2 on October 23, 2020. Set in Mirzapur, the hinterland of North India, season 1 of the crime drama had taken the audiences into a dark, complex world of guns, drugs, and lawlessness. With Season 2, the canvas of Mirzapur gets bigger but the rules remain the same!

The series features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal , Divyenndu, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Shekhar Gaur , Amit Sial, Anjum Sharma, Sheeba Chaddha, Manu Rishi Chadha and Rajesh Tailang. The series revolves around a journey where crime, drugs and violence rule and one needs to fight to survive.

—Agency

11

Paris Hilton

BATTINSON ON FIRE

T

Robert Pattinson

he Batman teaser trailer debuted at the DC Fandome, giving fans a look at Robert Pattinson’s Batman. The trailer teased Matt Reeves’ new spin to the character, making the Batman dark, brutal, and a vigilante out to protect Gotham City. Apart from showcasing Pattinson in a Batsuit, we also see the Zoë Kravitz as the Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon, John Turturro as mob boss Carmine Falcone, the gloomy Gotham City, Colin Farrell’s The Penguin and teases the Riddler.

With the release of the

...still from the trailer

trailer, the debate over Pattinson’s casting left DC fans divided. While a pool of fans approved the Twilight alum as the Knight, there are other fans who continue to support their opinion that Pattinson doesn’t fit. “I was wrong about him Robert F**kin’

Battinson is killing it. Pure Batman vibes Heart suit,” a fan wrote.

“This Batman looks. This version of Batman seems interesting.

Dark,” added another fan.

—Agency

MISSING DARLINGS

...still from the trailer

TEASER OUT

A

A

...his post

s we speak, the newest daddy in town, Hardik Pandya is in Dubai for the IPL, and as expected, he is missing his darling son, and wifey, Natasa Stankovic, and so, he took to social media to share a photo while he was video-calling with them. Taking to social media, Hardik shared a photo wherein he is seen video calling with Natasa and their daughter and alongside the photo.

Well, it was on July 30, 2020, that Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic welcomed their little bundle of joy in their lives as they became proud parents of a baby boy

Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya

and soon after, Hardik revealed their son’s name as he took to Instagram to thank a car dealership store for sending a toy car for his son ‘Agastya,’ as his caption read, “Thank you @amgbangalore for Agastya’s first Amg.” —Agency

WONDER WOMAN IS BACK!

A

long with many new trailers, Wonder Woman 84 trailer also made its debut at the virtual event during the panel, carrying with it all the glitz and glamour one could expect from an ‘80sset superhero adventure.

The brand new trailer features the most extended look yet of Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah! At the trailer’s debut during the panel, main cast members – Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Pedro Pascal, and Kristen – all made an appearance alongside director Patty

Jenkins.

The trailer shows that Gal Gadot is back as Diana Prince in the longawaited sequel, and is joined by some promising new villains. Wiig who is taking on the role of Wonder Woman’s famed nemesis Cheetah will appear

with Pedro Pascal who essays the role of the mysterious Max Lord.

In the clip, you can also get a closer look at Wiig’s Cheetah in action as she takes on her once-friend Diana Prince in that iconic gold suit. —Agency

Gal Gadot Ananya Panday

nanya Panday is one of the most sought after newcomer and despite being just two movies old, she has successfully carved a niche for herself in the industry. Her upcoming movie Khaali Peeli has shared an interesting teaser of the movie and it is a complete mad ride which will leave you wanting for more.

Ishaan is sporting a rugged look in the movie while Ananya looks beautiful yet d a n g e ro u s.

The movie m a r k s Ishaan and Ananya’s first collaboration and their chemistry comes like a breath of fresh air as they promise for an interesting story.

Khaali Peeli, which is being helmed by debutant director Maqbool Khan, will be hitting the OTT platforms soon.

—Agency

CITY BUZZ www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

JAIPUR

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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rom the past few years, there is a world of change to the female entrepreneurial scene in India. Women have started to discover a business opportunity in their passion and ambition at home while responding to the needs of her family. With a vision to create a platform for such mompreneurs and a motto of “let us grow together” Rachna Kaushik started her Facebook page of ‘Jaipur Moms’ six years ago.

Her journey has been incredible since then. Business needs trust and trust develops through a bond. In a close-knit group of around 6000 women there are active discussions on an array of topics including business ideas, parenting, health and mental

MOMS SHALBHA SARDA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

‘I’M A RIDER’

Rachna Kaushik

well-being. Talking about her plans, Rachna said, “In the current grim economic climate with many job losses and pay cuts a mompreneur’s business needs to keep afloat more than ever. They need to shift from brick and mor-

tar to an online model and my page is evolving accordingly. Going vocal for local is the need of the hour for which I have created a similar page like Jaipur Moms on Instagram”. Her page helps garner attention on food clothes, schools, interesting city events and locally owned businesses.

“I plan to host online exhibitions for the display of products, conduct sessions, and webinars for ideas to get across and also help to promote new businesses on the page. This will not only help the group to have a holistic shift from offline to online but also directly engage them with the client. Providing women an open canvas to share ideas and her participation in boosting the economy is what’s needed for a self-reliant nation,” mentioned Rachna.

WHAT’S HAPPENING! GUJARAT: Alliance club of Surat ‘Hope’ donated milk, drinking water, food and masks at the flooded areas in the city on Sunday.

KARISHMA GWALANI

Karishma.gwalani @firstindia.co.in

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lub Roaring Hawks, one of the prestigious biking club in Jaipur, has set up a record by riding 1700+ Kilometers in an unstoppable manner across the different cities of Rajasthan. After completing this journey, the club has become the first biking club in Rajasthan which has ever attempted and completed this feat.

On being asked about the journey, the riders said, “Although it was very difficult to achieve this feat, as we faced challenges while riding like unmanageable cattle on highways, unpredictable rains and speed breakers; we somehow, managed to achieve our target by riding 24 hours non stop without even having food and drink.”

In the early morning of 18 August, 4 riders and bike enthusiasts from the club viz: Gaurav Soni (Founder & Director of the club & a tattoo studio owner), Abhishek Ashia (Gallon 56 – A Biker’s Café owner), Anoop Sharma (an IT professional) and Ilu Raj Kumawat (BPCL contractor) started the journey from

Jaipur en-routing the different cities of the state i.e. Beawar, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Tanot, Phalodi, Bikaner, Sikar and Jaipur.

“This was an amazing and a great achievement of the group and their members.

Our group is committed to riding in the extreme manner in the future as well,’ said Gaurav.

Even after all the gruelling challenges, these riders completed their non-stop 24 hours journey of 1700+ Kms, all in a Day and are looking to continue the same.

HARMONY WITH HORMONES CITY FIRST

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ICCI Flo Ladies Organisation, Jaipur curated an interesting parent-child centric session ‘Harmony With Hormones’ where an internationally renowned Psychologist with an experience over 20 years in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, behavioural science and social psychology, Dr Preeti Vats was invited to address the session. During the session, she shared that a teenager faces many problems due to hormonal imbalance and the ways to make harmony with hormones like eating

habit, happy hormones, among others. While addressing, she also shared that a teen is more comfortable to talk at night, a lot of things are running in their minds and advised the

parents to put their teen sin multiple classes and observe their behaviour and performance, try to collaborate with them, they will listen to you and try to reward them always! cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

KRITIKA KANODIA

RAJASTHAN: A book ‘Media Sansar’ written by Dr Prabhat Kumar Singhal and KD Abbasi was published by Sahityaghar, Jaipur on Monday in the presence of Kota District Collector, Ujjawal Rathod, Dr Prabhat Kumar Singhal, co-author KD Abbasi and Advocate Akhtar Khan Akela. It is a multi-purpose book on the changing nature of journalism in the country. The book will benefit journalists, trainee journalists, and budding journalists.

RAJASTHAN: A horse riding show was organised by Horse Riding School in Jaipur, where Abid Hussain, son of Muhammad Zaid, won the silver medal at the age of 8 in the horse jumping show held on the occasion of Independence Day.

DECODING ‘I’

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

H

ave you ever wonder how humans can identify the chief goal of their present lifetime. Undoubtedly, every moment teaches us a lot.

However, how do we recognize the principle purpose that we are yet to imbibe?

It’s indeed possible through self-reflection and internal analysis.

If you have an elder in the family or experienced the natural death of a close one, you must have heard them talk about virtues such as honesty, loyalty, and trust.

Common teaching they all impart is to forget our vices and prejudices.

While this is excellent, understanding this when a lifetime is about to end is rather delayed.

Human behaviour is the key to identify this life’s purpose. Another common mis-

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conception is that evolution has stopped because we have developed from the ancient apes to present-day humans.

However, mental evolution is an on-going process where we learn countless things right from the time of our

birth.

Youths are stereotypically in a state of frenzy because there is just so much all around to grasp. How about moving beyond material possessions to focusing on something that the soul is likely to carry to the next lifetime?

While the human body remains perishable, I believe that the soul has to move on from one journey to another.

Presently, our bodies are dictating our soul’s learning.

The human body experiences pain, frustration, irritation, aggression, hunger, and thirst, which elicits our responses to circumstances.

However, we have a long journey ahead to overcome our learning gaps. While you may or may not believe in my thoughts of multiple lifetimes, this can also be a social mechanism to mend our ways and make our surroundings better. Come back next week to understand if and how vital material possessions are.