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72 killed in Nepal plane crash

4 of 5 Indians killed Nepal, the de- them over to their family
GIS was global in real
terms, says Chouhan
ceased passen- will begin, officials said. OUR STAFF REPORTER
in crash were from gers included 53 According to Kaski Po- city.bhopal@fpj.co.in CM anguished over use of abusive
Ghazipur (UP) Nepali citizens, lice Chief Superintendent language against him, forgives them
five Indians, four Ajay KC, the bodies of 64 Chief Minister Shivraj

KATHMANDU
A total of 68 bodies have
been recovered so far by
the rescuers from the de-
bris of the ill-fated Yeti
Airlines plane that crashed
in Nepal's Pokhara on Sun-
day, officials said.
An ATR 72 aircraft of
Yeti Airlines that took off
for Pokhara from Kath-
mandu crashed at Naya-
gaun at around 10.30 a.m.,
killing all 72 people -- 68
passengers and 4 crew
members on board.
The aircraft crashed be-
tween the old airport and
The wreckage of a crashed plane is pictured in Pokhara on Sunday.
the Pokhara International were three infants, three
Airport, according to Yeti children and 62 adults.
Airlines. According to the Civil
Among the passengers Aviation Authority of
Russians,
Irish, one Aus-
one victims have been taken to
the Pokhara Academy of
Singh Chouhan said that
the Global Investors' Sum-
C hief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
tweeted and forgave those Karni
Sena activists who had used abusive
tralian, among Health Sciences in the city mit (GIS), which took place language towards him and his mother
others. of Pokhara. in Indore on January 11-12, during their agitation in Bhopal in the last
The Rescue Co- Four Armed Police Force was global in real terms. It week. Members of Karni Sena had
ordination Centre personnel have deployed in was attended by represen- organised a four-day agitation in Bhopal
of the Tribhuvan the cliff of Seti River to tatives and business lead- from January 8 to press for their 21-
International Air- find the bodies of four oth- ers from 84 countries. Now, point charter of demands. A video went
port in Kathman- ers. Meanwhile, an emer- the entire world knows viral on social media, in which a few Karni Sena activists were
du said the search gency meeting of the Cabi- Madhya Pradesh. seen using abusive language against the CM and also against his
of the remaining net held on Sunday, follow- He was discussing with mother. On Sunday, Chouhan in a Twitter post expressed
four bodies was ing the accident, has an- ministers including Fi- distress over the incident. "Recently, indecent language was
underway at the nounced a public holiday nance Minister Jagdish used during an agitation. People have right to criticise the
site of the crash. to mark a national day of Dewda and senior officers Chief Minister but use of indecent language for my mother
Of the 68 bodies mourning for the loss of over the investment propos- who passed away years ago in my childhood has disturbed
which got lives in the crash. als which came during the me," the CM tweeted. He said an apology has been sought in
charred by the fire, 12 have Prime Minister Pushpa GIC-2023 at the CM House this matter. "I also pray to my mother, wherever she is, to
been identified. Kamal Dahal had called an on Sunday. forgive these children. I have no grudge against them now. You
After identifying the bod- emergency meeting. Chief Secretary Iqbal all are our own and if someone of our own commits mistake
ies, the process of handing CONTD. ON P6 Singh Bains joined the then they cannot be separated," he said.
meeting virtually.

3BEDIA
BODIES(Sanawad):
FOUND FLOATING The CM said it was for the ganizing the Global In- rising sun of MP's

Remote Voting Machine: Oppn parties Bodies of

28-year-old woman and her
first time that sentiments of
investment came forward
at large scale.
vestors Summit, he said
solid strategy would be
adopted to realise the in-
progress. Such kind of en-
thusiasm was not seen be-
fore this and benefit of this

opposed EC's proposal, says Digvijaya

two toddlers were found Congratulating the sen- vestment proposals which enthusiastic atmosphere
floating in a well at Bediya ior officers and their came during the summit will be taken.
village of Barwaha tehsil in squad for successfully or- and termed the summit as CONTD. ON P6
Khargone district. According
NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday called VCK, RUML, and Kapil Sibal. NCP and SP to information, deceased
an all-party meeting to discuss Remote
Voting Machines (RVM) and all the politi-
have conveyed their views to me." "The over-
all view of all political parties who attended
identified as Komal Bai, who
allegedly jumped into the
well with two of her sons.
3 killed, 49 injured Ramcharitmanas
row: Chirag seeks

News Brief
SC to hear plea
on Joshimath
subsidence today
NEW DELHI: The Supreme
Court is scheduled to hear
on Monday a plea seeking
the court's intervention to
declare the crisis in Joshimath
as a national disaster.
According to the cause list of
January 16 uploaded on the
apex court website, a bench
comprising Chief Justice D Y
Chandrachud and Justices P S
Narasimha and J B Pardiwala
would hear the petition filed
by Swami Avimuktesh-
waranand Saraswati.
WC: India hold
England 0-0
ROURKELA : India played
out a goalless draw against
England in an entertaining
pool match to remain in
contention for a direct
quarterfinal berth in the FIH
Men's Hockey World Cup
here on Sunday. In an evenly
contested Pool D match,
cal parties unanimously opposed the pro-
posal of RVM by the Election Commission
of India (ECI).
The meeting was held a day ahead of the
national parties' Election Commission
meeting. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh
chaired the meeting.
Addressing a press conference, Digvijay
Singh said, "We are extremely grateful to
all the political parties who have respond-
ed to our requests to meet and discuss
about the proposal of the ECI on the re-
mote voting machine. The political parties
which attended were JDU, Shiv Sena, Na-
tional Conference, CPI-M, JMM, RJD, PDP,
TEAM INDIA WINS SERIES 3-0
Gill celebrates his ton with Kohli in the 3rd ODI between India and Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram
as bus overturns
today, unanimously opposed the proposal of
Remote Voting Machine because it is still Locals claimed that the Bihar min's removal
very sketchy, the proposal is not concrete. deceased upset with her BIHAR: LJP leader Chirag
There are huge political anomalies and prob- husband Baliram's as there SANAWAD: Three persons were killed and 49 others in- Paswan on Sunday con-
lems in the proposal. The definition of mi- was frequent argument jured when a passenger bus in which they were travelling demned Bihar minister
grant labour and the numbers of migrant between them over his from Indore to Khandwa went off the road and overturned Chandrashekhar's state-
labour are all not very clear. We have unani-
mously made up our minds to oppose the pro-
addiction. On getting the
information, local police
near Barwaha village of Khargone district.
The accident took place around 11 am on Sunday and those
ment on Ramcharitmanas
and called for his immediate
posal of RVM," said Singh.
"We have been asked to give our reply by
rushed to the spot and fished
out the bodies. SI Shakuntala
who were killed includes woman. As many 12 persons were se-
riously injured in the accident and were referred to Indore
removal. Chandrashekhar
on Wednesday stoked a con-
January 31, so we have decided to meet Dodwe said that cops were while remaining 37 were taken to Civil Hospital, Sanawad. troversy by claiming that
again on January 25 to send our reply probing others aspects too.
Bodies were sent for post-
Police said that the accident took place after bus driver failed Ramcharitmanas, an epic
jointly or separately but our clear mandate to negotiate the speed of the bus after a failed attempt to over- Hindu religious book based
and view is that we don't support RVM," he mortem. Baliram is out of the take one car. Meanwhile, police registered case into the mat- on the Ramayana, "spreads
added. CONTD. ON P6 police reach. ter and began investigation. (MORE DETAILS ON PAGE 4) hatred in society".

India's response to China was

both the sides failed to score
despite getting ample chances
to force a result at the jam-
packed Birsa Munda Stadium.
‘Oppn playing politics
over Mahadayi issue’
PANAJI: Goa Chief
strong and firm: Jaishankar
Minister Pramod Sawant CHENNAI: External Af-
fairs Minister S Jaishankar
firm." He said the Indian
forces deployed along the
Strong defence
on Sunday said his
government has put up a on Saturday highlighted In- border were continuing to posture being
dia's 'strong and firm' safeguard the frontiers in
formidable stand in the
counter-response to China, the most extreme and maintained at LAC,
Supreme Court in the
Mahadayi river water which tried to unilaterally harshest weather condi- says Army Chief
change the status quo on tions. BENGALURU: The Indian
dispute against Karnataka
the Line of Actual "These troops de- army is maintaining a strong
and slammed the
Control (LAC) in ployed in thou- defence posture along the
opposition parties for
May 2020, amid the sands, safeguard LAC, and is ready to deal
"playing politics" on the
Covid-19 pandemic, our frontiers in the with any contingency, COAS
issue.His statement comes
and more recently most extreme ter- General Manoj Pande said
a day before opposition
in the Tawang sec- rain and harshest on Sunday.
parties are scheduled to
tor of Arunachal weather," he added. In his address at the Army
hold a public meeting in
Pradesh in Decem- Expanding on Day celebrations here, he
Sakhalim, the CM's
ber, last year. why India mat- said the northern border
Assembly seat.
Speaking at the tered more to the region has been peaceful
CBI trying to frame me Tughlaq's 53rd Annual Day world now, Jaishankar said and steps have been taken
in Excise case: Sisodia Function, the External Af-
fairs minister said, "On the
the world saw in India's re-
sponse to China that it is "a
to maintain peace through
NEW DELHI: Deputy established protocol and
Northern borders, China is nation that will not be co- existing mechanism.
Chief Minister Manish
seeking to change the sta- erced and will do what it Referring to the situation
Sisoida on Sunday alleged
tus quo by bringing large takes to ensure its national along the western border,
that the CBI was trying to
forces, violating our agree- security". he said the ceasefire
"maliciously" frame him and
ments. Despite Covid, re- He also emphasized the continues at LOC and there
seized his computer to
member, this happened in geo-political significance has been a substantial
falsely implicate him in the
May 2020. Our counter-re- and geo-strategic location reduction in violations.
Delhi Excise Policy case.
sponse was strong and of India. CONTD. ON P6

'Govt wants to capture last citadel of freedom'

Sibal: Assault on
higher judiciary
'ill-advised'
NEW DELHI:
Rajya Sabha MP and for-
mer law minister Kapil
Sibal on Sunday accused
the government of attempt-
ing to "capture" the judici-
ary and said it was trying
its best to create a situation
in which the NJAC in "an-
other avatar" may be tested
in the Supreme Court once
again. Sibal, asserted the
basic structure doctrine as
enunciated in the Kesa-
vananda Bharati verdict
was very important in cur-
rent times and dared the
government to openly say if
that is flawed. He claimed
the government has not ad-
justed to the fact that it does
not have the final word on
appointments in higher ju-
diciary and resents it.
"They are trying their
best to create a situation in
which the National Judicial
Appointments Commission
(NJAC) in yet another
avatar may be tested in the
Supreme Court once
again," Sibal told PTI in an
interview.
His remarks come days af-
ter Vice President Jagdeep
Dhankhar, who is also the
Rajya Sabha chairman,
again criticised the scrap-
ping of the NJAC Act by the
apex court. Dhankhar had
also questioned the land-
mark 1973 Kesavananda
Bharati case verdict, saying
it set a wrong precedent
and that he disagrees with
the SC ruling that Parlia-
ment can amend the Consti-
tution but not its basic
structure. The NJAC Act,
which sought to overturn
the collegium system of ap-
pointing Supreme Court
and high court judges, was
struck down by the top
court in 2015 which de-
scribed it as unconstitu-
tional. CONTD. ON P6
BHOPAL
INDORE / BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
COLD WAVE IS BACK
Pachmarhi reels under 3.40C, Rajgarh shivers
at 3.50C, Bhopal records 70C
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Mercury continued to nose-
dive in Madhya Pradesh on
Sunday. Pachmarhi shiv-
ered at 3.4 degrees Celsius
while Rajgarh shivered at
3.5 degrees Celsius. Cold
wave is back in Madhya
Pradesh for which a yellow
was issued a day back, ac-
cording to meteorological
department officials.
Meteorological depart-
ment senior officer Ved
Pratap Singh said, “ Cold
wave has started in Madhya
Pradesh. Temperature con-
tinues to drop. Biting cold
has spread its tentacle in
the state. Icy wind blowing
from northern belt is re-
sponsible for biting cold.”
Cold wave is likely occur
in Chambal division and
districts like Bhopal,
Raisen, Rajgarh, Sagar,
Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh,
Niwari, Gwalior, Datia.
Similarly, yellow alert has
been issued for moderate to
dense fog in Chambal divi-
sion and districts like
Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikam-
garh, Niwari, Rewa, Satna,
Guna, Gwalior and Datia.
CBSE School Boxing National Championship
Supriya Rawat wins gold
medal, best boxer title
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Supriya Rawat, the 17-
year-old boxer who re-
ceived training at Sports
Authority of India (SAI)
Bhopal won the gold
medal and the title of best
boxer in the CBSE School
Men and Women Boxing
Contractors delaying work
will be removed: Collector
FP NEWS SERVICE
Narmadapuram
Narmadapuram collector
Neeraj Kumar Singh re-
viewed the village-wise de-
tail of Nal Jal Yojana proj-
ects going on under the Jal
Jeevan Mission at a meet-
ing held on Friday.
The meeting was chaired
in the Collectorate office of
the town. At the meeting,
Collector Singh took stock of
the progress of Nal Jal Yo-
jana implemented in all vil-
lages of the district and dis-
cussed with all the contrac-
tors as well as executive en-
Forsyth Trail inaugurated in Pachmarhi
FP NEWS SERVICE
Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram)
The Forsyth Trail was inau-
gurated in Pachmarhi in
Narmadapuram district on
Saturday. The event was
aimed at promoting tourism
and increasing footfall of
tourists in the area.
Zila panchayat CEO SS
Rawat and SADA president
Kamal Dhoot were present
on the occasion who inau-
gurated the trail. As many
as 30 tourists from across
MIN TEMP ON JAN 15
Cities 0
C Health Officer (CMHO)
Pachmarhi 3.4
Rajgarh 3.5
Guna 4.6
Datia 5.0
Gwalior 5.1
Raisen 5.8
Umaria 6.4
Bhopal 7.0
Sagar 7.0
Gwalior recorded drop of
7.1 degrees in night temper-
ature and settled at 5.1 de-
grees Celsius while Raj-
garh recorded 5.3-degree
drop in night temperature
and settled at 3.5 degrees
Celsius.
Datia recorded drop of 5.5
degrees in night tempera-
ture and settled at 5 de-
grees Celsius. Raisen
recorded drop of 4.6 de-
grees in day temperature
and settled at 17.4 degrees
Celsius. Damoh recorded
drop of 6.4 degrees in day
temperature and settled at
21.6 degrees Celsius. Ja-
balpur recorded drop of 5.8
National Champi-
onship held in Soni-
pat, Haryana, from
January 10 to 14.
She defeated
everyone with her
power-packed
punches in the 69kg
weight category and
clinched a gold
medal in CBSE
School Men and
Women Boxing Na-
tional Champi-
onship held in Soni-
pat.
Earlier, she made
the country proud
by winning a Divyabhanu
bronze medal at the
Asian Junior Boxing
Championships 2021 in
Dubai. In 2021, she also
clinched a gold medal in
Junior National Champi-
onship.
In 2019, Rawat won a sil-
ver medal at the School
Games Federation of In-
dia (SGFI) nationals.
gineers about the problems
being faced by them in com-
pleting the assigned works.
During this, he issued strict
instructions to terminate
services of all those contrac-
tors who are delaying the
work assigned to them un-
necessarily. Singh directed
chief executive engineer of
Public Health Engineering
(PHE) present at the meet-
ing to get a borewell dug in
all those villages facing
problems. Besides, he direct-
ed chief executive engineer
to resolve all the issues of
the contractors with imme-
diate effect.
the country also ensured
their presence in the inau-
gural ceremony.
It is noteworthy that un-
der Ek Zila-Ek Utpaad ini-
tiative, numerous activities
are being organised in Sat-
pura region to increase
tourism in the area. Mad-
hya Pradesh Tourism
Board, archaeological de-
partment, Gypsy Adven-
ture Pachmarhi have joint-
ly organised the forsyth
trail ( a three night or five-
night trail to understand a
degrees in day temperature
and settled at 19.9 degrees
Celsius. Satna and Umaria
recorded drop of 4.8 and 4.9
degrees respectively in day
temperature.
On Sunday, Bhopal
recorded a maximum tem-
perature of 20.1 degrees
Celsius after drop of 1.9 de-
grees while it recorded
minimum temperature of 7
degrees Celsius after drop
of 1.4 degree. Indore
recorded maximum tem-
perature 20.6 degrees Cel-
sius while it recorded mini-
mum temperature 8.2 de-
grees Celsius after drop of
1.8 degrees.
Vehicle lifter arrested,
stolen bikes seized
BHOPAL: The Gandhi Nagar police of Bhopal have arrested
a man on charges of stealing a bike from Shanti Nagar,
the police said on Sunday. Gandhi Nagar police station in-
charge Arun Sharma told Free Press that the accused had
been identified as Sohail Khan (19). The police had re-
ceived a tip-off on Saturday about a man spotted riding a
bike without a number plate on Aaero-city Road. Immedi-
ately, a police team was constituted which rushed to the
spot to nab the suspect. Khan was nabbed who confessed
to stealing it from Shanti Nagar in November 2022. He
had stolen a bike from Shahjahanabad seven months
back. The police then took him into custody and seized
both the stolen bikes from his possession.
We are good at framing slogans, not policies: Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Cheetahs know
how to survive:
Chavda
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Former deputy chairman
of Planning Commission of
India Montek Singh
Ahluwalia has said that In-
dians are good at making
slogans, not policies. “We
6 daily wagers held captive in Maharashtra rescued
FP NEWS SERVICE
Balaghat
Six labourers belonging to
Sonkhar village of Bal-
aghat who had been taken
to Parbhani town of Maha-
rashtra for sugarcane har-
vest and were held captive
over there for three
months, have been rescued.
State AYUSH and water re-
sources minister Ram
Kishore Nana Kavre had di-
rected the Balaghat district
administration to probe the
matter, after which the
labourers were rescued.
Though the labourers
were promised a good
Tiger Reserve) to meet the
objective.
The inaugural ceremony
began at 8 am on Sunday
and ended in the evening.
The tourists participating
in the trail halted for the
night stay at Dahaliya
tents. Notably, activities
like forsyth trail are being
organised to encourage
tracking camping among
people, which will add to
the value of adventure
tourism at Satpura tiger
reserve.
Speeding car kills elderly man in Misrod, probe underway
Bhopal: The Misrod police station staff have registered a case against a car driver for allegedly mowing down an elderly man
crossing the road in Misrod on Saturday evening, the police said on Sunday. Misrod police station incharge Ras Behari Sharma said
that the elderly man who lost his life in the accident has been identified as MP Choudhary (76). He added that Choudhary had left
home at 4 pm. Choudhary was crossing the busy road in Misrod area when an unidentified speeding car knocked him down.
CMHO ISSUES
ADVISORY TO
PREVENT ILLNESS
Road safety training to school, college teachers
RAJESH THAKUR
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in In last 1 year, 55,000 road accidents driving, use of helmet and
seat belt etc,” he said.
OUR STAFF REPORTER If you are not of legal age to
happened, over 12,000 people died He added that the drivers
have no idea about how to
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in drive a vehicle, your par- bring their vehicle on the
Chief Medical and
ents may be put behind the
bars. The higher secondary
dents happened because
drivers were not given in-
he added. For this, physical
training teachers have been
main road from the side
road. This causes accidents
school teachers will tell formation about road safety. selected from more than on highways and people
Dr Prabhakar Tiwari about traffic rules to stu- A course has been designed 3,000 schools of state and lose lives.
on Sunday issued advi- dents in their physical by PTRI for students of 1500 college teachers for Several people do not
sory on prevention and training period. class 11 and 12. ADG, G Ja- training. In the course, the know about the penalty giv-
control of diseases For the first time in the nardan, told Free Press that teachers will be imparted en for violating traffic
spreading due to cold state, to control road acci- in the past one year 55,000 training in which they will rules. “If a minor is given a
weather. dent and deaths, the police accidents took place and be given the information vehicle by the parents or
A circular has been training and research insti- more than 12,000 people lost about standard operating someone for driving, the
issued to all civil sur- tute is going to launch a lives in Madhya Pradesh. procedure of driving. “Like fault committed by the mi-
geons, hospital super- training programme for “To bring down accidents driving with driving li- nor may put the person be-
intendents, block med- teachers of higher second- and related deaths, youths cence, insurance papers. hind the bars if the court
ical officers, incharge ary schools and colleges. who are approaching legal Red light traffic rule, how decides and also have to pay
medical officers, nodal The PTRI in its research age of driving should be in- to take turn, how to park penalty of Rs 25,000,” he
officers and others in came to know that acci- formed about road safety,” the vehicle. Clothes while claimed.
this regard.
Dr Tiwari said social
media platforms like
WhatsApp, Facebook, Man, wife booked for MP’S FIRST WOMEN ITF
Twitter and SMS
should be used to cau- defrauding man of Rs 16L TOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
tion people against cold
wave. Arrangements in
hospitals should be re-
on pretext of selling flat OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
According to an official announce-
ment, 13 countries have confirmed
their participation. Players that are
viewed regularly. If OUR STAFF REPORTER Bhopal is all set to witness India’s going to take part in the tournament
symptoms of disease city.bhopal@fpj.co.in highest-ranked tennis players com- are Nigina Abduraimova of Uzbek-
due to cold worsen, im- pete against the world’s top-class istan (World Rank 170), Joanne
mediate medical help The Nishatpura police station staff have athletes as the city will host its first- Zuger (World Rank 188) from
should be sought. registered a case of cheating against a ever women’s ITF (International Switzerland, and Carole Monnet
He said that fruits man and his wife for taking Rs 16.5 lakh Tennis Federation) tournament at (World Rank 208) from France. Play-
and vegetables contain- from a man on pretext of selling him a flat Arera Club from January 16 to 22. ers started arriving on January 12 to
ing vitamin C should and not handing over the possession, the India’s number one and two, Kar- familiarise themselves with the lo-
be taken so that immu- police said on Sunday. man Kaur Thandi (world rank 264) cal conditions. Extensive prepara-
nity and body tempera- Nishatpura police station incharge Ru- and Ankita Raina (world rank 284), tions are being made to ensure the
ture remain balanced. pesh Dubey said that the complainant, will compete for the win. tournament runs smoothly.
Harish Bhateja, approached them on Sat-
urday. He stated in his complaint to the
police that he was in search of a flat in
2016 and came in contact with two persons
identified as Rahul Sharma and Vaishali
MPSTC to hold Run for Science on Jan 19
Sharma who were husband and wife and OUR STAFF REPORTER raise scientific awareness about IISF.
used to work as property dealers.
The duo showed Bhateja a flat, which he
agreed to shift in. After this, the couple de-
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Madhya Pradesh Science and Tech-
Director General, Anil Kothari,
said that Run for Science would give
the message of connection of sci-
manded Rs 16 lakh from him for agreement. nology Council (MPSTC) is going to ence and technology with common
Bhateja handed over a cheque of Rs 16 lakh organise Run for Science in the city life not only in Bhopal but in the en-
and signed on the agreement. The couple al- on January 19. The event will be tire state and nation. This run is a
legedly promised to provide him flat’s regis- part of 8th India International Sci- welcome event of IISF. “IISF event is
tered deed too. When Bhateja did not receive ence Festival (IISF) to be held from important for all of us and a large
registry for a long time, he enquired about January 21-24. The 3.30-km run will number of researchers and innova-
the same from the couple, who began avoid- start from TT Nagar Stadium to tors from across the country and
ing the topic. Later, the couple went out of MANIT. About 2,000 participants in- state will participate in the event.
Bhateja’s touch. Realising that he had been cluding city students, young scien- We will be able to see the latest
duped, Bhateja approached the police and tists, researchers, innovators and works of science and technology
lodged a complaint against the couple. people will take part in this run to across the country,” Kothari added.
THREE-DAY BHOPAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL ENDS
need to know the target.
Programme and policy are
controls sanctioned by the
Britishers was revolution-
sions on The Earth Spiner
by Anuradha Roy and Bil-
different. We have too little ary,” he added. lionaires, A Peek into
of the latter and too much Divyabhanu Chavda Minds of People Like Gau-
of the former,” he added. spoke on cheetahs. About tam Adani by Free Press
Ahluwalia was speaking
on Sunday, the concluding
cheetahs brought from
Namibia at Kuno National
Journal’s RN Bhaskar.
Author Bibek Debroy dis-
day of three-day Bhopal Lit- Park in Sheopur district, he cussed the Essence of Ra-
erature and Art Festival at said, “Many questioned the mayana, Mahabharata, Up-
Bharat Bhavan in the city. difference between the en- nishads, and Puranas in
Ahluwalia, who is the au- vironmental factors of In- conversation with event di-
thor of Backstage: The Sto- dia and Namibia. However, rector Raghav Chandra.
ry Behind India’s High I had a different perspec- Authors from different
Growth Years, talked about Niti Aayog vice-chairman mer Prime Minister Man- tive. They are cheetahs and walks of life discussed the
his book and discussed eco- Rajiv Kumar. mohan Singh’s speech as a they know how to survive thought-provoking topics
nomic reforms in India. He About 1991 financial plan- Finance Minister in 1991 under any circumstances.” on the concluding day of
was interacting with ex- ning, Ahluwalia said for- was historic. “Dismantling The event also saw ses- the event.
DISTRICT NEWS
Siddh Bhauji reviews preparations
Launching a probe, Collec-
tor Mishra got into contact
for 97th Urology Camp
with the district adminis- gy Camp, slated
tration officials of Parb- to be held in
hani and requested them to February. The
set the labourers free by camp will be or-
tracing them. ganised at Sewa
Swinging into action, the Sadan eye hos-
Parbhani administrative pital from Feb-
officials emerged success- ruary 12 till
ful in tracing the labour- February 26,
ers and rescued them, 2023.
while an FIR was lodged During the re-
against those who had FP NEWS SERVICE view conducted by Siddh
held them captive. The Sant Hirdaram Nagar Bhauji on Sunday, secre-
labourers reached Bal- tary of Jeev Sewa
salary, they were not paid notice of Kavre, he direct- aghat successfully on Chairman of Sewa Sadan Sansthan, Mahesh Dayara-
wages and were held cap- ed Balaghat collector Dr Thursday, who were pro- Eye Hospital, Siddh Bhauji, mani, managing trustee of
tive. Girish Kumar Mishra to vided a financial assis- reviewed preparations be- Sewa Sadan Eye hospital,
When the matter came to look into the matter. tance of Rs 30,000 each. ing ensured for 97th Urolo- LC Janiyani, Trustee Tul-
sidas Adwani and consult-
ant of the hospital, Dr
Season 2 of Harda
Girls Premiere
Khel Mahotsav begins in Seoni-Malwa Madan Deshpandey were
also present.
The camp will be organ-
ised with the support and
efforts of US-based founda-
League begins tion named, One Global
Village Foundation, while
FP NEWS SERVICE the financial assistance for
Harda the same will be received
from Jeev Sewa Sansthan
The youth wing of Synergy Institute of and the Dubai-based phil-
Harda launched the second season of the anthropist Gul Chandira-
Harda Girls’ Premiere League on Sunday. mani. Notably, owing to the
The event was aimed at empowering the FP NEWS SERVICE Municipality president Ritesh Covid-19 outbreak, the
girls of the district and help them over- Seoni-Malwa (Narmadapuram) Jain while talking to the media camp is being organised af-
come gender bias, primitive mindset. stated that such a grand event cen- ter a 3-year-long gap.
It is noteworthy that the initiative be- The Seoni-Malwa municipality-led tred on sports was being organised American urologist, who
gan last year in the district, in which Khel Mahotsav (sports festival) be- for the first time in the town. He will be present at the camp,
girls from 20 tribal villages participated. gan in the town on Saturday. A added that more than 3,000 chil- have emphasised that the
In the 2023 premiere league, 12 teams marathon was organised on the dren have registered themselves RTPCR tests of the patients
from 15 villages of the district partici- first day of the Khel Mahotsav. Its for the event, which will continue be conducted mandatorily,
pated. The league witnessed the footfall theme is, Khelega Seoni Malwa – till January 23. prior to their surgical pro-
of more than 1000 girls. The Sarpanch of Jeetega Seoni Malwa”. He then said that keeping in view cedures.
Salyakhedi and Nayapura villages were The marathon began from the a large number of participants, Arrangements of blood,
present as chief guests on the occasion government Kusum College and the event might continue even af- medicines, surgical items
who raised the spirits of the girls ex- ended at Jaistambh Chowk. The ter January 23. Sports coordinator and operating equipment
hibiting their acumen in the league. school students participated in the of Seoni Malwa block, Narayan have also been made to en-
Teams from Salya Khedi, Handiya marathon flagged by by president Babaria, informed that various sure the successful conduct
and JogaChirakhan won two matches of Seoni-Malwa municipality sports competitions will be held of the camp. During this,
in their respective events to make it to Ritesh Jain, vice-president Swati under the event, which includes Siddh Bhauji said that the
the Super-8. Meanwhile, Bagrul, Shailendra Gaur and other offi- athletics, long jump, javelin throw, surgeons arriving in the
Bheempura, Singon and Nayapura won cials. After the marathon ended, kabaddi, table tennis, football, camp from the United States
one match each. all the school students who had cricket, chess, volleyball, kho-kho. have sound experience and
taken part were felicitated. carry a spirit of service.
Bird survey in Pench Tiger Reserve
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OVERHEARD
Soured relations ��������������������������� Devpt work gains pace
in Neelbad after CM
T
���������������������������
he relationship between the collector and the
commissioner of the municipal corporation

performs bhoomi pujan

of an important district has soared. The col-
lector wants to shift the commissioner of the civic
body, who has been in the district for a long time, to
somewhere else. A group of politicians is backing
collector Sahib in his efforts to get it done. These ������������������ time. He asked officials to
people want the municipal commissioner to be ������������������ made with UNICEF to ��������������������� place proposal for construc-
shifted to some other place. Those who are close to ���������������������� speak on subjects related tion of ward office near Pan-
the collector have begun to make efforts for it. to children. Laying stress After bhoomi pujan per- chayat Bhavan on vacant
There were some irregularities at a recently held The two-day convention, on ethics-based scientific formed by Chief Minister land. He issued orders for
event. The municipal commissioner incurred the Think 20 (part of G20 sum- approach, he said that in Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the construction of boundary
ire of the state administration for it. The Central mit), will commence in China, a scientist had development work has wall of sports complex be-
Government also took an exception to the lapses. Bhopal on Monday. Discus- done genetic manipula- gained speed in Neelbad, hind 104 shops, development
Ergo, there are efforts to single out the commis- sion will take place on tion and prepared two girl Ratibad areas. of sports ground for kho-
sioner of the civic body for the slip-ups. On the oth- problems persisting at in- children on whom there Chief Minister Shivraj kho, kabaddi and other
er hand, the commissioner is lobbying for some- ternational level and en- would be no effect of AIDS Singh Chouhan performed sports. His other directives
thing else: she wants to go to some important dis- deavours will be made to and cold. This scientist bhoomi pujan for develop- include preparing layout
trict as collector. Now, it is to be seen whether she is find solutions. was jailed later. ment projects including plan for duplex and demar-
removed, because the government is angry with her So far, Think 20 conven- ings. Talking about the Chaturvedi, Director Gen- Yasumasa Kimura, Rep- road construction costing cation. He issued directive
or she can become collector on her own. tions used to be dominated summit, he said, “We are eral of Research and Infor- resentatives (OIC) Rs 215 crore at Neelbad on for 6-lane road construction,
by economists and this is very well placed to solve mation System, said G20 UNICEF India said, “ December 18, 2022. identification of land for
Stooping so low for the first time that a
group of philosophers
the problems. World is
looking for solutions and
worked on three different
tracks. During the meet-
UNICEF sees G20 platform
as an opportunity to speak
One of the development
projects is Pradhan Mantri
commercial and residential
complex at Jhagaria in

A
n additional chief secretary has stooped so have been invited. A dis- we are looking for T20 ing, efforts will be made to for children and youths. In Awas Yojana (Urban) Neelbad-Ratibad area.
low as to shake down everyone for a bribe cussion will also take summit. We are looking bring forth the priorities all, 300 delegates includ- launched by Bhopal Munici- Shops and boundary wall
even for petty work. The people in the corri- place on ethics-based sci- for result-oriented confer- of India. ing 94 foreigners from 44 pal Corporation (BMC) in of residential areas will be
dors of power are discussing it. He also extracts entific approach. ence,” he added. Discussion will be held countries are going to par- which houses will be built removed for the road con-
brass from those who work under him. He recently Addressing a press con- Speaking further, he on how G20 should work in ticipate in the conven- for poor and homeless at a struction in Neelbad and
took Rs 5,000 from an employee. The personal assis- ference, Harsh Vardhan said, “It is difficult time future. The priority of In- tion.” When asked that cost of Rs 60 crore. Ratibad areas. The BMC
tant of the officer demands rhino to get any work Shringla, G20 Chief Coor- globally as pandemic is a dia presidency of G20 is to whether Covid woukld be Bhopal municipal com- team also visited Bairagarh
done. The department is earning a bad name for it. dinator (Government of greater shock than World bring all countries on one discussed with China, pro- missioner KVS Choudhary and directed to demolish
The department, where the Sahib is posted, pur- India), said that Madhya War II. India is perceived platform for discussion on fessor Sachin Chaturvedi visited construction site boundary wall of Sabzi
chases only a few items. However small the buys Pradesh would be well- as voice of world.” matters. said China would speak on and asked to finish con- Mandi and impose penalty
are, the ACS takes commission. There are tattles in presented in G20 meet- Professor Sachin Partnership has been rural issues. struction of 112 shops on on architect.
the corridors of power that Sahib is trying to get
posting in some important department, but, be-
Woman harassed for dowry,
Work starts on Metro train design
cause of his greed, the government keeps away
from posting him in any other place.

Dispute crops up molested by kin in Aishbag

BHOPAL: The Mahila thana staff have registered a case ������������������ Metro Project said a contractor had coaches, what will be the shape of

A
dispute has cropped up between a female IAS against a man for harassing his wife for dowry, the police said ������������������ been tasked with the responsibility handles inside the coaches etc,”
officer and the head of an organisation that on Sunday. The police added that they had registered a case to prepare the design of Metro said sources associated with Metro
has only constitutional significance. The sit- against the brother of the key accused for allegedly molesting The Metro train project is moving train engine. Project.
uation has come to such a pass that the IAS officer the complainant woman. Mahila thana police station incharge ahead with fast pace. Along with Sources said that designs have In initial phase, Metro train will
has stopped coming to office. The organisation is Anjana Dhurve said that the complainant was a 21-year-old other things, metro officials are been sought from the contractor run with three coaches and later
small, though constitutionally important. Yet, the woman who was married to a man named Wasimuddin Khan focusing on design work of Metro and best design will be selected. “In three more coaches will be added.
government departments give little weightage to it. in June 2021.Wasimuddin used to reside with his wife and his train engine and its coaches. Most design, it will be seen what kind of The metro engines have been made
This is the reason that the IAS officer keeps away brother in the Aishbag locality of the city. Sometime after the work related to Metro engine lighting arrangement would be for six coaches. The construction
from giving any importance to the chairman. On marriage, Wasimuddin allegedly began demanding Rs 50,000 as design has been completed. done in Metro train, what kind of work of Metro project is on day and
the other hand, the chairman wants the officer to dowry from his wife. A senior official involved in seating arrangements will be in night and 7 days of every week.
give him importance. So, both often lock horns over

33 yrs after inception, MCU shifts premises

office timings and over other petty issues. As the
woman is very senior, she works on her own and fix-
es office timings according to her wishes. The
chasm between them has deepened; yet, the govern-
ment pays little attention to their embittered rela-
tions, since the department lacks any significance. ������������������
���������������������� ������������������������������������ modation for V-C and teach-
ing and non-teaching staff,
Keen to go to Centre Thirty three years after its
������������������ besides a library, medita-
tion centre covering re-

M
ore than half a dozen women IAS officers inception, Makhanlal
are keen to go to the Centre on deputation. Chaturvedi National Jour-
The applications of some of the officers nalism and Mass Commu-
have been rejected. And the big boss has clearly said nication University will
‘no’ to a few others. Nevertheless, a few are waiting start functioning from its
for Sahib’s good mood to seek permission for depu- own premises from Mon-
tation. Many times a female officer has sought per- day. The university has
mission for posting to the Centre. Similarly, the hus- moved from its present
bands of two IAS officers have been posted to the premises in MP Nagar to
Centre. Ergo, both the female officers want to go new one in Bishankhedi.
there. As most of the female officers, wishing to go “It is a historic day for us.
to the Centre are handling important departments, It is a milestone in the his-
the government does not want to relieve them. Be- tory of the university.
sides those female officers, some other officers are There is excitement among
interested in going to the Centre. A few days ago, the teachers, the officials
some officers got permission to leave for the Centre. and the students,” Profes-
Now, the government has stopped giving permis- sor KG Suresh, vice-chan-
sion for it. cellor of the university, told
Free Press.
Efforts for posting In its initial years, the
university functioned from
maining 40% area.
The construction took six
years and Rs 160 crore to
complete. The construction
work progressed at snail’s
pace with Covid-19 pandem-
ic delaying its completion
by one year. In last 6 years,
six V-Cs took charge and
left.
The two academic blocks
on the new premises have
been named Takshila and
Vikramshila. The class-
rooms have been equipped
with projectors, smart
boards and LED screens.
����������������� Besides, there is gym, club
� Biggest library on media in India with 41,000 books and swimming pool. The
� 800-seater auditorium. Attached to it is Tansen Amphitheatre
girls and boys hostels have
been named Narmada and

A
n IAS officer, who is going to be elevated to 74 bungalows. It later � Sandipani Meditation Centre Babasaheb Ambedkar re-
the position of secretary, is sparing no effort moved to a rented accom- � Canteen, shopping complex spectively.
to get posting in an important department. modation in Trilanga and � Transit hostel for PhD scholars
Sahib had to struggle a lot during his tenure as an then at 7 number bus stop
IAS officer. He got an important department before buying the present new premises has ample of cricket grounds with two
through lobbying, but he was sent to the loop line building at Press Complex, open and green spaces. academic and one adminis-
for some reasons. Now, the Sahib is trying to woo MP Nagar Zone I, in 2006. Over 60% of the area has trative blocks, hostels for
an important leader of the Sangh to get an impor- Spread over 50 acres, the parks, gardens, football and boys and girls and accom-
tant department. During Congress rule, he de-
manded a huge amount of dough from a politician
for some work. So, he is facing problems. It was
heard that he had met a minister and explained his
position to him, so that his problems may be
worked out. His lobbying yielded results and he
was almost getting an important department, but a
small error came in the way.• He reportedly organ-
ised some religious events to return to the main-
stream of administration.

Changes ahead

T
here may be some changes in the posting of a
few officers in the state. There are proposals
to transfer a collector to a very important mu-
nicipal corporation. Because of some family issues,
he wants to go to the city where the municipal cor-
poration is located. Some positions suitable for him
are also lying in the municipal corporation as well
as in an electricity department. He may get one of
the departments. Similarly, collectors of two other
districts may be changed. A collector of one of the
two districts has completed three years. The gov-
ernment is planning to post him to some other
place. The government is, however, unable to find a
suitable officer who is to be sent to the district in
place of the present collector. Therefore, his trans-
fer is getting delayed. Apart from this, the govern-
ment is mulling over transferring an officer from
an important corporation. The administration has
received some complaints about the Sahib who is
heading it. So, he may be removed. As discussions
are going on in the corridors of power about the
shifting of these officers, all are waiting for the
transfer list.
� ���������������

Woman kills self in Ashoka

Garden, reason not known
BHOPAL: A 20-year-old woman committed suicide by hang-
ing herself at her house in the Ashoka Garden in the city on
Saturday, the police said. The police added that the reason
behind the extreme step taken by the woman was not clear
and the matter was being probed to unearth the same.
Ashoka Garden police station incharge Alok Shrivastava
said that the woman who took the extreme step had been
identified as Aishwarya Jain (20), a resident of Indraprastha
Colony in Hinautiya. Her family members brought down her
body and informed police who reached the spot and began
investigation. However, the police did not recover suicide
note from the spot, due to which, the reason behind the sui-
cide could not be ascertained. Further investigations are on
in the case, station incharge Shrivastava said.
DISTRICT INDORE / BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

BARWAHA ROAD ACCIDENT

SPEEDING BUS ROLLS THREE TIMES

LEAVING THREE DEAD, 49 INJURED
Passengers claim
the bus driver was
under the influence
of alcohol
Accident took
place while the
driver was trying
to overtake a car
FP NEWS SERVICE
Sanawad
Three passengers including a
woman were killed and 49 in-
jured after a passenger bus
skidded off the road and
rolled three times near Bar-
waha village of Khargone dis-
trict on Sunday morning. The
condition of 12 persons was
said to be serious and they
were referred to Indore.
Those who were killed are
identified as Nirmala, 45, wife
of Rajesh Mehar, a resident of
News in Brief
TWELVE SERIOUSLY INJURED REFERRED TO INDORE
Dewas, Ravi, 30, son of Ra-
jaram Gathia, a resident of In-
dore and one Shravan, son of
Radheyshyam, a resident of
Chhegaon Makhan village in
Khandwa district.
Police said the 38-seater bus
of Sharma Travels moving
from Indore to Khandwa car-
rying 52 passengers. The acci-
dent took place between Bagh-
phal and Manihar village,
about seven kilometres from
Barwaha tehsil at around 11
am on Sunday morning. In-
jured passengers were admit-
ted to the hospital in Barwah,
seven of the serious ones were
referred to Indore.
Passengers claimed that the
bus driver was under the in-
fluence of alcohol and was
driving at a high speed. While
attempting to overtake a car
moving ahead, the driver lost
control over the bus and it
skidded off-road and rolled
three times before ramming
into roadside bushes.
Congress leaders should have taken
ADDITIONAL STAFF CALLED
AT CIVIL HOSPITAL
All the injured were rushed to Barwaha Civil
Hospital and later, seven of them were referred
to Indore. Due to Sunday, there was a shortage
of staff in the hospital and initially the duty
doctors and nursing staff had a tough time
attending to the patients. Soon other doctor,
nurse and dresser compounder were called to
the hospital. On getting the information, doctors
from three city hospitals also volunteered and
they along with their medical staff reached the
government hospital and attended to the injured.
EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT: ASKED DRIVER TO SLOW
DOWN BUT HE TURNED DEAF EAR, SAYS PASSENGER
Three traders
on way to cattle
The bus passenger claimed that bus overturned three times before crashing into
roadside bushes. Asrad Mansoori, a resident of Chandan Nagar, Indore, who was
heading to Sanawad said that he was sitting on the bonnet when the bus
overturned. The bus was driven at a very high speed. Many times had asked the
driver to slow down, but he turned a deaf ear. The bus driver tried to overtake a
fair robbed of
car but lost control over the vehicle and it skidded off the road and overturned
thrice times before ramming into road-side bushes.The eyewitnesses said that Rs 1.08 lakh
there was chaos on accident spot. The passersby called others and informed the
police about the accident. Swinging into action, the people took charge and FP NEWS SERVICE
began evacuating the passengers from the severely damaged bus. Sardarpur
Three traders on their
RS 4L EX-GRATIA TO KIN OF DECEASED: COLLECTOR VHP, BAJRANG DAL CALL way to a cattle fair were
District collector Kumar Purushottam reached Barwahs Civil OFF SHORYA YATRA robbed of over 1.08 lakh
Hospital and interacted with the injured and their kin. Collector VHP, Bajrang Dal called off their in two separate incidents
has announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased. Every single proposed Shorya Yatra which reported in villages of
life is precious for us. There have been 3 bus accidents in 4 days. was to be taken later in the noon Sardarpur.
The collector said that strict action will be taken against the over on the day. As soon as the news Two traders from
speeding bus drivers in the district. “Our priority is to keep the
of accident spread, the members Amjhera Sohail Khan
roads safe. These accidents are also happening due to overloading of the two right wing and his uncle Ashraf
and competition between buses to reach first in order to get
organisations rushed to the Khan
more passengers. In this regard too, a discussion will be held with hospital to help the victims and were heading to cattle
the Indore RTO regarding the permit. Speed governors should
their kin. Some of the activists fair when they were in-
also be installed in school buses and they should be followed also reached the spot and
tercepted by a few
strictly. Such measured will be taken in the district to check road brought some of the injured to
unidentified miscreants
accidents,” said collector. the hospital.
on Bhopawar road. They
snatched Rs 8,000 along
with a mobile phone from
the traders.
Sohail said they were on
their way to buy cattle
from the Sunday cattle

‘Kshama Yatra’ for their sins: CM market in Bichhiya Haat

Bazar. Suddenly, two
masked miscreants start-
ed pelting stones at them.
CHOUHAN TARGETS 15-MONTH RULE OF CONGRESS, ENUMERATES ACHIEVEMENTS OF BJP GOVERNMENT Out of fear, Sohail ran
away, leaving his bike and
FP NEWS SERVICE
Dhar CM’S CHOPPER DEVELOPS SNAG, TAKES uncle. Ashraf Ashraf
was beaten up brutally

Taking a quip at Congress

‘Hath Jodo Yatra’ in Dhar,
the Chief Minister Shivraj
Kite flying competition Singh Chouhan said that in-
stead of the Yatra, the Con-
held in Sanawad gress leaders should take out
SANAWAD: A kite flying competition was organised ‘Kshama yatra’ for the sins
by the Congress Councillor Group on the occasion of they committed in the past.
Makar Sankranti festival at Sut Mill Ground in Kamal Nath’s 15-month
Sanawad. The first prize of Rs 3,100 was bagged by long government was busy
Ritvik Chhipa, second of Rs 2100 by Amarnath Verma in loot in the state and now
and third Rs 1100 by Raj Prajapat. Congress leaders he the PCC chief was busy
Inder Birla and Ashish Chowdhary distributed prizes on twitter, said Chouhan
to the winners. Councillor Pawan Ingla, Jai Shinde, while addressing a public
Sonu Painter, Pawan Arjhare, Sheeran Shaikh and gathering in Dhar on Sun-
others were also present. day organised to garner sup-
port for the BJP candidates
in the upcoming local body
Kasturba Gandhi Girls Hostel elections in the district.
conducts legal literacy camp
Khelo India torch relay arrives in Khargone
SARDARPUR: A
legal literacy camp
was organised at
Congress stopped many
public welfare schemes
started by the BJP govern-
ment in the past, said
CHouhan, adding that the
Congress turned Vallabh
Bhawan in Bhopal into the
den of touts, who openly
looted the state during 15-
month Congress govern-
ment tenure.
Chouhan also enumerated
the development work un-
dertaken by the government
ROAD TO REACH DHAR FROM MANAWAR and he was robbed of Rs
8000.
DHAR: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in
Dhar from Manawar by road after his helicopter reportedly Within minutes, these
developed some technical snag, police said. miscreants robbed anoth-
Before Dhar visit, Chouhan visited Manawar village, er merchant named Sha-
situated about 75 kilometres from the district headquarters keel Khan of one lakh
and addressed a public meeting. Chouhan's chopper took near Rignod. He too was
off from Manawar to reach Dhar in the evening but it had heading to haat on his
to fly back to (Manawar) shortly due to a technical glitch motorcycle to buy cattle.
and landed, said Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Shakeel said, four to five
Dhiraj Babbar. bikers surrounded him
and on tip of knife, they
took away his money.
and welfare schemes more than Rs 15 lakh crores The three traders visit-
launched in the state. have been received and out ed Sardarpur police sta-
Recalling the recently con- of this, investments of tion and lodged an FIR.
cluded Global Investor Sum- around Rs 1.5 lakh crore will Police have launched a
mit (GIS) held in Indore, be done in Dhar and more manhunt to nab the cul-
chief minister said that pro- than two lakh people will get prits, said station in-
posal of investments of jobs in future. charge Pradeep Khanna.
Thefts of harvested crops

leave farmers a worried lot

Kasturba Gandhi FP NEWS SERVICE ary 11.This torch relay
Girls Hostel on Khargone was started by Chief
Saturday. Tehsil legal Minister Shivraj
services committee The sixth Khelo India Singh Chauhan along
chairman and torch relay has arrived with a theme song at FP NEWS SERVICE farmer here alleged that and thieves. He demand-
additional sessions in Khargoen as a part Shaurya Smarak in Bhikangaon Anjangaon has been wit- ed strict action against
judge Niranjan of its journey around Bhopal on January 7. nessing such incidents in the culprits to stem out
Kumar Panchal, judge Bhupendra Singh Yadav, civil judge eight districts of Mad- In this sequence, the Local gangs engaged in recent times. He alleged growing theft incidents
Mahendra Singh Mehson, Sardarpur advocate association hya Pradesh. torch relay reached stealing harvested crops that police didn’t take ap- in the adjoining villages.
president BJ Upadhyay and others explained various laws District sports offi- Khargone on Sunday. from agricultural farms are propriate action against Saurabh Batham, SHO,
to the students for their safety. Praveen Sharma cer Pavi Dubey said This relay will pass on giving sleepless nights to the miscreants and even said that police have
conducted the programme and a vote of thanks was that the relay was re- from district to dis- farmers in Bhikangaon sometimes refused to regis- stepped up vigil in the
proposed by Ganesh Sutrakar. ceived by public repre- trict, selected for Khe- tehsil of Khargone dis- ter a case. area and are taking steps
sentatives, administrative Gol Building, Post Office lo India Competition and trict. Rakesh Malakar, anoth- to check thefts.
Bhajan Sandhya organised officers and senior players Chauraha, Soni Pratiman will conclude in Bhopal. Thieves broke into Yo- er farmer claimed that Villagers were urged to
at Anand Mela of the district. She added Vijay Library and munici- The championships will gesh Birla’s farm in Anjan- few local drivers, labour- form Suraksha Samiti,
that the relay entered pality office. be held in Bhopal, Indore, gaon of Bhikangaon tehsil ers were suspected to be said Batham, adding
PIPLARAWAN: A Bhajan Sandhya was organised at the Khargone district head- Khelo India Games is be- Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, on Saturday and made part of these gangs, and that police are investi-
Anand Mela in Pipalrawan on Saturday. The programme was quarters around 9:30 am. ing organised for the first Balaghat, Mandla and away with 6 quintals of red the police were apprised gating a string of thefts
jointly conducted by Dhandedha and Nipania Hurhur gram After this, it was rotated time in the state. As many Khargone. Similarly, Ca- chilies. On the complaint of the same, but even currently. Soon arrests
panchayats from 10 am to 3 pm. Sarpanchs of Nipania from the School of Excel- as 27 different sports com- noe Slalom competitions of the farmer, Bhikangaon then the authorities did will be made and strict
Hurhur Arun Kumar Joshi and Dhandedha Rajesh Kumar lence ground to Khargone petitions will be held in will be held at Maheshwar police have registered a not pay any heed. He fur- action would be taken
Patidar were welcomed with garlands. Dinesh Kumar PG College via Gurdwara eight districts of the state in Khargone from Febru- case. ther accused the police of against the accused, he
Malviya, Babulal Malviya, Ambaram Thakur, Dulichand Marg, Rameshwar Talkies, from January 30 to Febru- ary 4 to 8. Jagannath Dhangar, a sheltering the burglars added.
Tantia, Narendra Singh Rajput, Leeladhar Bairagi and others
were also present. A large number of devotees marked
their presence in the programme.

CM Rise School organises

Man gets 20-year RI for
raping step-daughter
annual function GUNA: A local awarded a
20-year rigorous
SAILANA: The CM Rise School in Sailana celebrated its imprisonment to man for
annual function on Saturday. On this occasion, a prize
distribution ceremony for the students was also held.
sexually assaulting his step
daughter. The court also
District president Kailasi Bai Charel was present as the chief slapped a fine of Rs 2,100 on
guest. The programme was inaugurated by garlanding the the convict.
portrait of the Goddess Saraswati. Councilor Mukesh As per case details, the man, a
Patel, journalist Santosh Dhabhai, former district education resident of Sultanpur had
officer Amar Vardhani, block education officer Narayan sexually assaulted the girl on
Upadhyay and others were also present. June 6, 2021, when her
mother was visiting Rajpur.
50 woollen caps distribute The man even threatened the
girl of dire consequences if
among jail inmates she disclosed about the
GAROTH: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, 50 incident to her mother.
woollen caps were distributed to the inmates of the sub-jail Gathering courage, the girl
in Garoth. These caps were distributed by the social activist
Namit Chowdhary in the presence of assistant jail
confided in her mother and
thereafter the duo filed a
superintendent Naveen Nema and the prison staff. police complaint. Police had
Absent for 6 years, teacher shows
up on getting termination notice
Pleads before authorities, promises to work diligently
FP NEWS SERVICE
Guna
After remaining absent
from duty for over 6 years,
a government school
teacher suddenly reap-
peared before school au-
thorities on getting a ter-
mination notice.
According to information,
Vivek Kumar Sharma, a
teacher posted at Govern-
ment Secondary School,
work since 2017. Sharma
had not even applied for
leave and was not coming to
school for around 6 years.
Earlier too, several no-
tices were issued by DEO&
school principal seeking
explanation for his absence
from duty. However, the
teacher did not pay any
heed and did not show up.
District Panchayat CEO
Pratham Kaushik, issued a
service termination notice
peared before school au-
thorities on January 12,
pleading them to withdraw
the notice.
When the principal
sought reason for his ab-
sence from duty for almost
six years, the teacher could
not give any satisfactory re-
ply. Promising to work dili-
gently, the teacher plead
the authorities to let him
resume his duties. The
CEO is likely to take fur-
Makar Sankranti
celebrated at CISF
N A R M A DA NA G A R : To
mark the advent of harvest,
CISF unit, Narmada Nagar
celebrated Makar Sankran-
ti at NHDC power station
on Sunday under the aegis
of CISF Wives Welfare. On
this occasion, the program
witnessed participation of
women and children of
CISF personnel. NHDC
wives welfare association
president Malti Singh was
present as chief guest of
the event.
Various cultural events and
competitions such as draw-
ing competition, essay com-
rousing welcome to Wives’
Welfare Association presi-
dent Malti Singh. Extending
festive greetings to people,
Malti Singh said that the fes-
tivals we celebrate are in
sync with nature. She
stressed on conserving na-
ture and ecology. Singh, in
her address, praised the ef-
forts of its members for or-
ganizing the event.
PANCHANG 16.1.2023
(UTTARAYAN)
Saka 1944
Month : Magha Krishna 9 Monday 7.21 P.M.
Samvat 2079

Chowdhary said he was always ready to help the prison. In registered a case under Kinder village in Guna dis- to Sharma. The teacher, on ther decision on his termi- petitions were organised for Nakshatra : Svati 7.23 P.M. then Vishakha

the end, inmates expressed gratitude to Chowdhary. relevant sections of the IPC. trict, had not reported to getting the notice reap- nation on Monday. children. Sunita Singh gave a
Yoga
Karan
:
:
Dhriti 10.31 A.M. then Shul
Taitil 7.40 A.M. then Vanij 6.49 A.M.
Moon : Tula --------------------------------

Social work performed at Gaushala

Ostwal Group promises Rs 5,000 cr investment in state
NEP MER
11 9

JAORA: On the occasion of the Makar Sankranti, several JUP

12
10
SAT, VEN, 8
social activists performed Gau Seva at Shri Gopal Iftekhar PLU, SUN

Gaushala in Jaora. 7

GIS-2023
RAHU, HER
Gaushala Committee held GIS, the company MD had locals, tribal dominated people. 1
KETU, MOON

president Kailash promised for investment of Rs 500 The company has expanded and 6
Vijayvargiya and vice FP NEWS SERVICE crore for setting up a DAP factory diversified its business and provid- MARS
2
4

president Mohan Meghnagar in Jhabua district. ed employment for about 5,000 peo- 3 5
Patel said that on the Krishana Phoschem Limited, a ple. The company excels in the pro-
festival several social Ostwal Group of Industries has subsidiary of Ostwal phoschem duction of Rock Phosphate (RP),
works including Gau submitted its proposal to the state Ltd. and a unit of the Ostwal group, Single Super Phosphate (SSP), ma- FREE PRESS CLASSIFIED
Seva were performed government for investment of Rs with production capacity of 600 jorly required in the agricultural
in the city. Donation camps were also organised to collect 5,000 Crore in fertilizer complex at TPD is currently operating in industry. Also, KPL is also working RUNNING CLASSIFIED
the recently held Global Investors Meghnagar, Jhabua district. The towards a better future by reducing DISPLAY CLASSIFIED 7 DAY 500/-
funds for cows. Manohar Panchal, Pawan Modi, Ashok 15 DAY 1000/-
Sethia, Gopal Sethia, Pradeep Sharma, Gayatri Mandloi, Summit-2023, in Indore. factory at Jhabua has helped to re- foreign dependency. The fertiliser 50/- SQ.CM. B/W.
75/- SQ.CM.
30 DAY 1500/-

Gopal Medatwal, P.T.Kshirsagar, Prakash Mandalia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister duce the dependence of state farm- plant sourced its raw material from (MINIMUM SIZE 1X3) DISPLAY CLASSIFIED
others were also present. Shivraj Singh Chouhan had a one- Group managing director Praveen ers on other states for SSP and DAP rock phosphate mines located in FREE PRESS CALL- 9425082195
to-one discussion with Ostwal Ostwal. Besides, In the previously and also provide employment to the Meghnagar.
OIS opens first branch in city
BHOPAL: Orchids The International School (OIS) launched of its first branch on Hoshangabad Road, Ratanpur Sadak in the
city. The institute has student strength of 600+, is built on a vast area of around 4.5 acres, and comes with the best-in-class
amenities. The school has Atal Tinkering Lab as part of the NITI Aayog initiative, which includes workspaces where young
minds can learn innovation skills, sculpt ideas through hands-on activities, and work and learn in a flexible environment.
MADHYA PRADESH BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

BONE-CHILLING COLD DAY HITS CITY 42 imported liquor bottles seized

Bhopal News in Brief
NITI Aayog
vice-chairman visits
Tribal Museum
Vice Chairman of NITI
Aayog of India Suman Bery
visited Tribal Museum,
Bhopal on Sunday. Bery
walked through various
galleries of the museum,
photo exhibition, and
library. Bery also praised
the galleries of the
museum and the fine
display and artistic
combination of the oral
and art tradition of the
tribal community. He said
that the museum has been
designed very beautifully.
Shubhi Srivastava,
Gaurav Soni win Miss &
Master Carmel
The farewell of class 12 in
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
Cold winds sweeping
across the city for the last
two days pulled down the
night temperature to 8.2 de-
grees Celcius on Saturday
night, and the citizens did-
n't get any relief during the
day as the temperature re-
mained six degrees Celsius
below the normal, turning
it a 'Cold Day'.
THIRD COLD DAY
OF THE MONTH
It was the third 'Cold Day'
of this month and also of
this season. Officials of re-
gional meteorological de-
partment officials said
that the condition would
remain the same on Mon-
day as night temperature
is likely to drop more.
The city has witnessed a
drop in temperature con-
� Night temp drops to 8.2
degrees Celsius
� Day temperature drops six
degrees Celsius below normal
secutively for the fourth
day as the day temperature
dropped by five degrees
Celsius in two days.
P E O P L E S TA Y INDOORS:
The citizens woke up to a
WEATHER
IN JANUARY
T he climatic feature of
Indore is more or less
similar to December. Sky
is generally clear with
light surface winds blow-
ing from north or north-
east. The normal mini-
mum temperature is
10.0°C. The mean daily
maximum temperature is
between 26°C and 28°C.
Days are warmer. Wester-
ly or northwesterly
winds blow in the after-
noon. The monthly total
rainfall is 6.5 mm. There
have been occasions
when substantial rainfall
was recorded.
hazy morning and even
though it was a Sunday,
roads wore a deserted look
from property dealer's bungalow
in the evening due to the
cold winds.
"Day temperature in In-
dore dropped to 20.6 de-
grees Celsius on Sunday
which was six degrees Cel-
sius below the normal. The
night temperature on Sat-
urday was recorded at 8.2
degrees Celsius which was
two degrees Celsius below
the normal," Met officials
said.
The Met officials said, "A
fresh Western disturbance
is likely to affect the
Western Himalayan region
from the night of January
18.
Under its influence, a fur-
ther fall in minimum tem-
peratures by about two de-
grees Celsius very likely
over many parts of central
India till January 17 and a
gradual rise by 3-5 degrees
Celsius during January 18-
20 degrees Celsius. "
Liquor valued cense to keep imported
liquor bottles.
at Rs 5 lakh JOINT TEAM RAIDS

Power plays hide and CWC trains women on sexual

the auditorium of Carmel
OUR STAFF REPORTER DHABAS, 18 CASES
City.indore@fpj.co.in
Convent School was REGISTERED
organised. Enthralling dance A team of the State Excise A joint team of excise cir-

seek due to kite flying harassment at workplace

was presented by the
students of class 11. The
engrossing short skit filled
with humour, rekindled the
fun-filled memories of the
students in the school.
Shubhi Srivastava and
Gaurav Soni were awarded
the titles of Miss Carmel and
Master Carmel respectively
for their excellent
performance in the school.
Among many other awards,
Early Bird, Beautiful Smile,
Beautiful Hair Style, Beauty
with Brain, Best Dressed
were prominent.
Evergreen songs
presented
An evening of evergreen
songs named Hai Duniya
Usi Ki was organised in
the auditorium of
Polytechnic College in
which singer Sanjay
Sharma of Bhopal
presented the title song,
Hai Duniya Usi Ki,
Zamana Usi Ka. Shrirang
Lapalikar, Kiran Dighe, and
Roshni Tanwani were
invited by the organisation
as special guests. The
programme was
conducted by Shoaib Ali
Khan. The special
attraction was jugalbandi
between music players
and singers, which gave
joy to music lovers.
OAIPL offers to set
up the industry at
Investor Meet-2023
Managing Director Brajesh
Mishra and director Rahul
Dubey of Optimity Alliance
Industries Private Limited
(OAIPL) participated in the
Investor Meet-2023. They
said that the government
has invited industrialists in a
very positive environment.
OAIPL is committed to the
development of the state.
We have already invested
in Madhya Pradesh, and
this time also, we have
offered 30 acres of land to
the government to set up
the industry.
Kite festival, talk
session held
A Kite festival was
organized by Sanidhya
NGO and Rotary Club for
the children of Parvarish
the Museum School to
mark Makar Sankranti.
The children flew kites
prepared by their own
hands. Soil Scientist JK
Saha delivered lecture on
Makar Sankranti to explain
the importance of soil to
the children. “There are
many names like Makar
Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal
etc but the spirit of all is
same. All these festivals
are celebrated in the joy
of good harvest,” he said
Wellness Forever
launches two stores
Wellness Forever Medicare
Limited launched its first
set of stores in Bhopal on
Saturday. The new stores
are located in Gulmohar
Colony and Kolar Road.
The stores aim to provide
a distinctive shopping
experience, with a wide
assortment of
pharmaceutical and lifestyle
products which include
FMCG products,
nutraceuticals, and medical
equipment along with
medicines. With these
stores, it brings a
differentiated pharmacy
experience for the citizens
of Bhopal, along with day
and night operations to
cater to their needs 24 x 7.
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
People in the city had to
face power outages on
Makar Sankranti as flying
kites and threads attached
to them got entangled with
power lines causing faults
throughout the day.
The skies of Indore were
filled with kites on Makar
Sankranti. But, when they
touched electricity cables
they caused faults which
led to power outages multi-
ple times across the city.
Every year, the city and
other districts under Mad-
hya Pradesh West Zone
Power Distribution Compa-
ny witness this situation.
This year too, the same
problems occurred so West
Discom had already alerted
consumers in Indore, Uj-
jain, Ratlam, Jaora, Nagda,
Mandsaur, Neemuch and
other places to be prepared
Four persons including
three from Bihar held for
mobile phone snatching
Four phones, a bike
without the registration
number were recovered
from the accused
OUR STAFF REPORTER
City.indore@fpj.co.in
Four persons of a gang in-
dulging in mobile phone
snatching in the city were ar-
rested by the crime branch
and the Bhanwakuan police,
an officer said on Sunday.
The accused allegedly con-
fessed to committing four
such incidents in the city us-
ing a bike without number.
According to a crime
branch officer, information
was received that some peo-
ple were seen roaming in the
Bhanwarkuan area to sell the
stolen mobile phones. The
crime branch accompanied
by the Bhanwarkuan police
reached the mentioned place
and caught four people
named Ritesh, Rajkumar,
Aman, the residents of
Buxar town in Bihar and
Praveen alias Baba, the resi-
dent of Ekta Nagar in
Three killed following political
rivalry in Bhind district
Two arrested
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Three people were killed following
political rivalry in Pachera village
under Mehgaon police station in
Bhind district on Sunday. Heavy po-
lice force was deployed in the village
to control untoward situation, police
said.
Police station incharge Vineet Ti-
wari told media that there was rival-
ry between the former sarpanch of
village Banti Sharma and his politi-
cal rival Hakim Singh Tyagi. They
are the distant relatives.
It is alleged that the supporters of
Banti Sharma opened fire on the
three victims Hakim Singh, Anuj
Singh Tyagi and Pinku Singh Tyagi
from close range. In the firing, three
died while accused fled from the spot.
“On Sunday noon five people in-
cluding the three were heading to
Department raided a bun- cle Chhawni, Kachhi Mo-
galow of a property dealer halla, Raj Mohalla, Bombay
and recovered imported Bazar and the team of Ex-
OUR STAFF REPORTER said, "As we grow more ad- liquor worth Rs 5 lakh from cise Internal-2 launched a
Over 250 power faults, city.indore@fpj.co.in vanced we forget the re-
sponsibility to keep our en-
there, an officer said on
Sunday. The bungalow own-
special drive against the
dhabas on Bypass Road and
150 transit tripping take place In order to make working vironment safe and friend- er could not show the paper registered 18 cases against
women aware of their so- ly for women in the office. to keep the imported liquor their owners for serving
cial rights, the child wel- The rural women are now after which the officers liquor illegally on Saturday
Double the number of fare committee organised being inspired to work and booked him under the rele- night. Following the com-
complaints registered an orientation training on
sexual harassment of
enter the work life, but
with this, a major phenom-
vant section of the Excise
Act and further investiga-
plaints that liquor was be-
ing served at the dhabas,
women at the workplace enon is left unheard, which tion is underway. the team raided Mahal Dha-
for power outages on Janu- kites get stuck in the elec- from January 11 to 14. The is teaching them about On the instructions of ba in Tillor Khurd and re-
ary 14 and 15. tric wires, and due to the training was provided un- their safety rights." senior officers, a team of covered beer bottles,
As per information, force of pulling the thread, der the guidance of the Na- The main objective of the Excise officers, Rajiv Mud- whiskey and rum bottles
around 250 power faults the wire gets stretched and tional Institute of Public above programme was that gal, Nitin Ashapure, from there. A case was also
took place due to kite flying a fault occurs. Cooperation and Child De- in order that the partici- Rakesh Mandloi, constable registered against the dha-
whereas transit tripping Similarly, when the velopment (NIPSID) and pants are able to list gen- Arvind Sharma and Nisha ba owner.
took place around 150 times thread or kite cuts free and addressed Sexual Harass- der discrimination, they Shaktawat raided the bun- Later, the team raided
throughout the day. gets stuck in the wire, the ment at Work Place (Pre- must be able to define ha- galow of Ramesh Khemani Jungle Cafe where people
As per information, thread\kite straddles two vention, Prohibition And rassment. The participants in the Silver Springs Town- were consuming liquor ille-
around 1600 complaints of live wires and when there is Redressal) Act, 2013. were able to describe the ship on Bypass Road on Sat- gally. Liquor was also being
disruption in power supply moisture in the air, it con- The act was initiated in provisions of the Act. Gen- urday and recovered 42 im- consumed at Veera Di
from Indore city reached nects both wires and re- 2013 by NIPSID and since der issues including gen- ported sealed liquor bottles Mehfil Dhaba so the owner
the West Disom office. The sults in a fault. then the focus has been on der discrimination, sexual from there. of the dhaba was booked
figure on general days re- Similarly, the bamboo providing proper guidance harassment and gender The liquor was kept in a under relevant sections.
mains around 800. The fig- sticks used in kites get and training to women at discrimination dimen- room on the second floor of Kila Kothi, Balle Balle and
ure doubled due to kite fly- stuck in the wires and due the workplace. sions and types of SHWP the bungalow from where other dhabas were also
ing activity on Makar to the contact of dew drops Pallavi Porwal, chairper- concept and the impor- it was seized by the excise raided by the Excise team
Sankranti, West Discom or turmeric rain, both the son, child welfare commit- tance of prevention of officers. Khemani was also and cases were registered
said. wires develop contact and a tee chaired the training SHWP were prominently there and could not pres- against the responsible per-
During kite flying, the fault occurs. throughout the period. She discussed. ent any document or li- sons as well.
Gujarati Samaj holds marathon FIR against outsourced discom
employee for embezzlement
B H O PAL: A case has been registered against the out-
source employee of central discom posted in Vidisha for
embezzlement of government funds, said the officials here
Musakhedi area of the city. on Sunday. Officials informed that an FIR has been regis-
A bike and the mobile tered against the employee Arvind Singh Rajput. It is al-
phones were recovered from leged that the employee had taken the amount to pay elec-
the accused. They allegedly tricity bills from the villagers and did not deposit it into of-
informed the police that they fice account. The issue came to light when the officials
used to commit mobile phone reached the village Haripur on January 11 with the team.
snatching incidents on the They alleged that they had deposited the bill amount. On
bike of Praveen for consum- the complaint of the villagers, the company officials insti-
ing drugs. They were work- tuted an inquiry into the case and found the complaint
ing for Praveen to buy drugs. true. The officials approached the police and on the com-
The accused allegedly con- plaint of the officials, the police registered the case under
fessed to snatching a mobile section 406 of IPC.
phone from a person near a The central discom managing director Ganesh Shankar
petrol pump in Bhan- Mishra said strict action would be taken against the per-
warkuan, another mobile sonnel working in an unfair manner.
phone from a person in Sajan
Nagar area. Bhanwarkuan
police registered a case under
section 382, 34 of the IPC. Sports competitions at GRP
to celebrate Makar Sankranti
They had stolen a mobile
phone from a person in a tem-
ple in the Azad Nagar area OUR STAFF REPORTER 5.30 am and members of medal to Narendra Patel
while another mobile phone city.indore@fpj.co.in Gujarati Samaj, numbering and waved the flag to start OUR STAFF REPORTER Nivedita Gupta. On this oc-
was snatched by the accused around 3,500 took an oath to the marathon. city.indore@fpj.co.in casion of Makar Sankranti,
in the Chhoti Gwaltoli area. Gujarati Samaj kicked off obey traffic rules. The KITE FESTIVA L O R- various sports competi-
Other mobile phone snatch- their yearly festival calen- marathon started from GANISED: Gujarati The Government Railway tions were held which in-
ing incidents were confessed dar by organising a AMN Gujarati School, Samaj also organised a Police (GRP) on Sunday cel- cluded tug-of-war, volley-
by the accused. They are be- marathon on Sunday that Scheme No 54, touched LIG kite festival this year after ebrated Makar Sankranti ball, kite flying etc. SP Gup-
ing questioned further. Four carried a message of living Square and ended at the a gap of two years. Free at GRP police line ground ta, ASP Rakesh Khakha,
mobile phones and a bike a healthy life, respecting school. kites were distributed to where GRP officials flew and other officials did kite
were seized from them and teachers, and senior citi- Before the start of the those who participated in kites and offered sweets to flying and participated in
the accused were handed zens and being selflessly marathon, Dilip Singh Par- the festive. Undhiyu was each other. They also or- other sports competitions.
over to the Bhanwarkuan po- helpful throughout the ihar, station in charge of served to everyone present ganised sports competition. The winning teams of the
lice station staff for further year. the traffic management po- along with other tradition- Special guest in the pro- competition will be award-
investigation. The marathon started at lice station, presented a al dishes. gramme was SP (rail) ed on 26 January.
This eagle may never
fly again due to Multiple Green Corridors likely today
Chinese manjha OUR STAFF REPORTER lam Kothi, was admitted
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in to Bombay Hospital on
January 13. She was suf-
FAMILY MEMBERS
their agriculture field, when around
city.indore@fpj.co.in City officials are prepar-
ing to create multiple
fering from hydro-
cephalus, an ailment in
GIVE CONSENT
16 assailants attacked them. Around An eagle with a completely severed wing Green Corridors in the brain, and was declared 'Family members of the
8 round of fire was opened, in the in- was brought to the Indore Zoo on Sunday. city for speedy trans- brain dead on Sunday. woman have given con-
cident the three died”, said the TI. The eagle got injured when it tried to dis- portation of organs of a "Green Corridors are sent to donate her organs,
Police sources informed that in the netangle from the Chinese manjha. brain stem cell dead likely to be prepared ear- after which the Indore
recent panchayat elections, the ex- Nihar Parulekar, zoo education officer woman, on Monday morn- ly on Monday morning as Organ Donation Society
sarpanch Banti had supported one of said that the eagle was brought to the city ing. right hand of the woman started preparations for
his supporter in the election. And zoo in a critical condition where it is un- If everything goes right, would be sent to Global it. Alerts to the National
Hakim also supported one of the can- dergoing treatment. Officials said that the the Green Corridors will Hospital, Mumbai, while Organ and Tissue Trans-
didate in the election. eagle's wing is completely damaged and be prepared from Bombay her lungs would be air- plant Organisation, and
The candidate of Hakim Singh won there are bleak chances that the eagle Hospital to other hospi- lifted to Chennai. Regional Organ and Tis-
the election and the candidate of would get its wing back. However, the bird tals of the city and also to Her heart wouldn't be sue Transplant Organisa-
Banti lost the election. Since then the is still under observation and authorities the airport. donated due to technical tion were also sent to pre-
rivalry started. After the incident the would nevertheless try to rejoin the wing. Bombay Hospital's Dr issues," Dean of MGM pare the patients-in-wait-
villagers took the three to the According to information, the bird was out Amit Joshi said that they Medical College and ex-of- ing for the donation of vi-
Mehgaon CHC for the treatment. The of danger till Sunday midnight. As per the are trying to retrieve ficio head of State Organ tal organs of the patient.
block medical officer was not present information from the rescuer, the bird got heart, lungs, kidneys, and Tissue Transplant "A team of doctors had
in the hospital. Angry villagers ran- tangled in the manjha. In trying to escape, cornea, skin, and hand of Organisation Dr Sanjay declared the patient
sacked the hospital. Doctors declared the bird continued to hurt itself more and the 52-year-old brain Dixit said. brain dead, initially, at
two as brought dead and other one severely damaged one of its wings which dead woman. It would be Her liver and kidney will 1.30 pm and at 8.30 pm for
died during course of treatment. subsequently got severed. This is an in- for the first time when be transported to the second time. The or-
The police have registered the case stance of Chinese manjha causing injury, hand of any brain dead Choithram Hospital and gans will be donated ac-
under Sections 302,307,147,148,149 of but this time to a bird. Despite constant donor would be sent out- CHL Hospital respectively cording to guidelines and
IPC and 25/27 of Arms Act. The po- drives by the administration against Chi- side the state for trans- while one of the kidneys the waiting list of pa-
lice have arrested the two accused in nese manjha and the fact that it is banned, plantation. Vinita Kha- will be transplanted on a pa- tients," Dr Dixit said.
the case. this manjha is still in use. janchi, resident of Rat- tient in Bombay Hospital.
NATION
Hotelier linked to food-poisoning arrested in Kerala
KOTTAYAM: Kerala police on Sunday arrested the owner of a hotel here in connection
with the recent death of a young woman after consuming food from the eatery in
BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023 December-end. A Kasaragod native, Latheef (37) was arrested in from Bengaluru by a
team of Kerala police from Kottayam.

Frosty winds whip North India

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
72 killed in...
Titular 8th
The Cabinet meeting has formed a five-member probe
committee under Nagendra Ghimire, former secretary AGENCIES Churu, located near the Thar desert,
Nizam of Hyd
passes away
at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, New Delhi recorded the season's lowest minimum tem-
to investigate the accident. The government has also di- perature of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, ac-
rected that every domestic airline's aircraft undergo rig- Frosty winds whipped the plains of north cording to the data available on the India Me-
orous inspections before taking a flight. and northwest India on Sunday, bringing teorological Department (IMD) website.
GIS was global... minimum temperatures down to the range of The mercury fell to 4.7 degrees Celsius at Born in 1933,
The NRIs also assembled before three days of the sum-
3 to 5 degrees Celsius in many areas. It is go-
ing to turn even colder until western distur-
the Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's primary
weather station. he moved to
mit which was seventh in a row and many NRIs partic-
ipated in the summit. International organizations such
bances provide some relief starting Thurs-
day.
A cold wave saw the minimum tempera-
ture drop to 2.6 degrees Celsius at Jafarpur,
Turkey and was
as European Union, India Africa Trade Council etc took At minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Fatehpur in 3.8 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, 3 degrees residing there
part in it. Presidents of two countries and ambassadors Sikar district of Rajasthan recorded the low- Celsius at Ayanagar, and 3.2 degrees Celsius
of many countries turned up in the summit. est minimum temperature over the plains of at Ridge in the national capital. AGENCIES
He directed to issue the orders of decisions to allow northwest India. Punjab's Faridkot shivered The data available on the IMD's website Hyderabad
the work of plug and play facility, notified area without at minus one degree Celsius. showed that the Ujwa automatic weather sta-
any permission and no inspection for the period of The Met Office said cold wave to severe tion (AWS) in southwest Delhi logged a min- Mukarram Jah, the titu-
three years. It should be ensured that a portal will work cold wave conditions prevailed in parts of imum temperature of minus 0.1 degrees Cel- lar Nizam VIII, passed
in the form of a separate window. The arrangement to Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and west sius. However, a senior IMD official said the away in Istanbul,
ensure meeting of investors with him every Monday Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. AWS "is not working". Turkey. He died on Jan-
will continue. Weekly review would be done on follow Many parts of northwest and southeast Ra- Delhi saw an intense cold wave spell from uary 14, according to a
up of new investment proposals. jasthan recorded a minimum temperature in January 5 to January 9, the second longest in statement issued by one
He directed that Industrial Policy and Investment Pro- the range of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Parts of the month in a decade, according to the IMD of his offices on Sunday.
motion Department should work as a nodal department Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and southwest Uttar data. He was 89. Born in 1933,
by doing follow up of proposals received by investors by Pradesh recorded their minimum tempera- It has also recorded over 50 hours of dense he moved to Turkey and
contacting the department in concerned. The proposal A resident looks at icicles on dry shrubs during a cold winter ture in the range of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, it fog this month so far, which is the highest was residing there.
tabled in the summit will be reviewed next week. At de- morning, in Fatehpur said. since 2019. "We are deeply sad-
partment level also, review will be done. A discussion dened to inform that
was also done to construct a convention centre. Nawab Mir Barket Ali
Principal Secretary Industrial Policy and Investment
Promotion department Manish Singh gave the presen- Raj villagers bear the brunt Mayawati rules out alliance with Khan Walashan Mukar-
ram Jah Bahadur, the
tation. In Investors summit, ten partner countries in-
cluding Japan, Canada, the Netherland, Guyana, Mau-
ritius, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Suriname, Fiji etc have
of high fluoride in water any party for assembly polls
eighth Nizam of Hyder-
abad passed away peace-
fully in Istanbul, Turkey,
participated. Total, ambassadors, Consulate General, AGENCIES Long term effects of AGENCIES hya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh late Saturday at 10:30pm
Deputy Chief of Mission of 35 countries turned up in Sambhar (Rajasthan) Lucknow and Rajasthan and in the (IST)," the statement said.
the summit. Around 450 International Business Dele- skeletal fluorosis takes Lok Sabha elections, which As per his desire of be-
gates and 400 international buyer's seller also partici- Two cousins, one 18 and the place if the fluoride BSP chief Mayawati on will be held next year, the ing laid to rest in his
pated in the event. other six, struggling with Sunday ruled out an al- BSP will not forge a coali- homeland, his children
deformed limbs and stunt- level in water is more liance with any party for tion with any party and will are scheduled to travel
Remote Voting Machine... ed growth, and several oth- than 1 mg/litre, said the assembly polls in vari- contest the polls on its own to Hyderabad with the
On TMC's absence, Singh said we are not yet aware of ers, including toddlers and ous states and the 2024 Lok strength." Mayawati said it mortal remains of the
the stand of the party but will discuss and update about elders, in the joint family Dr Aman Dua, director, Sabha elections. became necessary for her to late Nizam on January
their view. On SP and NCP's absence, senior congress coping with frequent joint joint replacement and She also made a strong northeastern states. make the announcement as 17, it said.
leader Digvijay Singh said Akhilesh Yadav and Sharad
Pawar have given consent but they still want to get full
pains - knowing the water
they drink could be the rea-
orthopaedics, at pitch for the use of ballot
papers in elections.
Speaking to reporters
here on her 67th birthday,
the Congress and some oth-
er parties, as part of a "con-
Telangana Chief Minis-
ter K Chandrasekhar Rao
clarity on RVM. CPI leader D Raja mentioned all those son but doing so anyway be- Delhi's Fortis Escorts Key states of Karnataka, the former Uttar Pradesh spiracy", are allegedly try- expressed condolences.
parties who attended today's meeting will raise the is-
sue with the Election commission tomorrow.
cause there are no options.
That's the story of not just
hospital Madhya Pradesh, Ra-
jasthan, Chhattisgarh and
chief minister said, "I
would like to make it clear
ing to create an impression
that they will be forging an
He conveyed his sympa-
thies to the bereaved fam-
The leaders also revealed that on 25 January to delib- Singh family but others as Telangana would go to polls that in the assembly elec- alliance with the Bahujan ily, a CMO release said.
erate on the same issue and get further consensus. well in the villages of De- 50 km from Jaipur averages this year, besides some tions of Karnataka, Mad- Samaj Party.
Today BSP supremo Mayawati also raised the issue of vpura and Moondwara in about 10 in 1,000. The na-
EVM credibility and when asked about Mayawati's ab- Rajasthan's Sambhar block, tional number is 5 in 1,000
sence in the meeting Digvijay said, "one end she is ques-
tioning the EVM. and other ends not joining it. Every
about 80 km from the Samb-
har salt lake, India's largest
people. That is almost dou-
ble the normal average, he BJP worker's
party is entitled to its view." A meeting of sixteen oppo-
sition parties was held in Constitution Club in Delhi to
discuss the joint strategy for tomorrow's meeting con-
inland salt lake. The vil-
lagers, many of them unlet-
tered, blame the lake water
pointed out.
The disability is directly
linked to high fluoride con-
name in
vened by the Election Commission of India.
The meeting was facilitated by the Congress party.
that has contaminated the
groundwater as the main
tent in the area, a fact
backed by studies, he said. suicide note
ECI has called the meeting to demonstrate the concept
of Remote EVMs for migrant voters to the representa-
tives of political parties. Singh told that in the meeting
reason for high salinity and
fluoride content in drink-
ing water.
Long term effects of skele-
tal fluorosis takes place if
the fluoride level in water is
of minor girl
held today, "the participant opposition parties deliber- According to Om Prakash more than 1 mg/litre, said AGENCIES
ated on the questions to be placed before ECI regarding Sharma, head of the NGO Dr Aman Dua, director, Chikkamagalur
REVMs. It was decided that the ECI's response to the Gram Chetna Kendra that joint replacement and or-
questions raised by the parties in tomorrow's meeting works in the area, disabili- thopaedics, at Delhi's Fortis The suicide case of a minor
will be collectively be considered later and the opposi- ty in the two villages about Escorts hospital. girl in Chikkamagaluru
tion parties will take a joint stand on the issue." He also district took a curious turn
told that though Samajwadi Party and Nationalist Con- with the police recovering
gress Party were not present in today's meeting due to
unavoidable reasons, they had conveyed their solidari- Moosewala's father her death note in which she
blamed a BJP worker.
ty with the meeting. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also at-
tended the meeting on individual status. Rashtriya
Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha, Jharkhand Mukti
joins Bharat Jodo Yatra The victim has been
identified as a 17-year-old
student. She had written a
Morcha (JMM) leader Vijay Hansda, Communist Party JALANDHAR suicide note before
of India (CPI) leader D Raja and CPI(M) leader Nilotpal breathing last.
Basu attended the meeting called by the Congress. Hundreds of peo- In the note, she alleged
Apart from this, the leaders of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Bal- ple including the that 25-year-old Hitesh, a
asaheb Thackeray), RSP, JD(U), and Muslim League late singer Sidhu BJP worker, enacted a dra-
were present at the meeting. Moosewala's father ma that he was in love
India's response to... joined the Rahul with, but had cheated her.
Gandhi-led Bharat The girl also stated that he
"In India's case, geography has added to the case made Jodo Yatra as it re- harassed her. People play with snow at a snow-covered area, at Patnitop hill station, in Jammu
by the history of its relevance. The Indian peninsula sumed from the
has a visible centrality to the ocean named after it and Khalsa College Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during
there is a continental dimension as well. Without our ac-
tive participation, no trans-Asia connectivity initiative
Ground here on Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Jalandhar
Sunday after re- TN celebrates Pongal with sweets, joy and prosperity
can really take off. The Indian Ocean is poised to as- maining suspended for 24 hours in respect of Congress
sume even greater geo-political significance today. How MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary. AGENCIES / Chennai charging bulls. A festive spirit gripped the state
well India leverages its location is a considerable part of Chaudhary died on Saturday after suffering a cardiac Many houses were decorated and even as scores of people left for their
its relevance to the world. The more it influences and arrest during the yatra. He was cremated at his native Pongal festival was celebrated across people woke up early to celebrate the hometown from here in the last two
participates, the more its global stocks will rise," he Dhaliwal village in Jalandhar on Sunday. Gandhi also at- Tamil Nadu on Sunday with usual fer- day. days to join their families to celebrate
said. This is not the first time that Jaishankar has lam- tended the cremation. He also offered prayers at Devi Ta- vour as the day heralded the birth of People prepared the sweet dish Pon- Pongal.
basted China for trying to 'unilaterally change' the LAC. lab temple in Jalandhar before resuming the march the auspicious Tamil month 'Thai.' gal, made of rice and jaggery and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
In an interview with the Austrian ZIB2 podcast, a daily around 3 pm. As the march began, Singer Sidhu Moose- Tamils living elsewhere also celebrat- chanted "Pongal-o-Pongal" to symbol- Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief
news magazine of ORF television, earlier, Jaishankar wala's father Balkaur Singh walked with Gandhi for ed the festival. ise the overflowing of joy and pros- Minister M K Stalin, state Leader of
had said, "We had an agreement not to unilaterally some distance. They walked hand-in-hand and hugged The popular Avaniapuram jallikat- perity in the new month. Opposition and AIADMK interim
change the LAC, which they have tried to unilaterally each other. Later, Gandhi in a tweet shared his photo with tu, the bull taming sport, was held in The month Thai is considered aus- general secretary K Palaniswami
do. So there is, I think, an issue, a perception that we Balkaur Singh and said he saw amazing courage and pa- Madurai coinciding with the harvest picious where marriages are held and among others extended their
have which derives directly from our experiences." The tience in him. festival where avid tamers took on the new ventures initiated. Pongal greetings.
Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake in the west of the LAC
have been flashpoints between the Indian and Chinese
troops most recently. East of Tawang in Arunachal
Pradesh was where the two forces came to blows last
year. Recently, India and China held the 17th Round of
UP cops spread awareness on Andaman residents get training J&K: Army wades
through 6 feet
Corps Commander Level Meeting at the Chushul-Moldo
border meeting point on the Chinese side on December
20 where both sides agreed to maintain security and sta-
bility on the ground in the western sector.
traffic in 'Naatu Naatu' style to tackle health emergencies snow to rescue
pregnant woman
The EAM also lauded the growth of India under Prime AGENCIES "The nominations for Golden Glob(al) rules of
Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in the country's en- Lucknow AGENCIES
hanced stature on the global platform. He said that In- Road Safety: #Naatu, Kabhi red light skip kare; Banihal/Jammu
dia had become a country that shapes the global agenda In a clever play of words, #Naatu, Kabhi tripling kare; #Naatu, Kabhi
and influences its outcomes, citing India's stand on the the Uttar Pradesh police drunken driving kare; #Naatu, Kabhi traffic Responding swiftly to a dis-
ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as a case in point. used the title of the Golden tress call, Army troops
'Govt wants to... Globe award-winning song rules tode," the Uttar Pradesh police tweeted wadded through four to six
"Naatu Naatu" to spread feet snow for over 14 kms to
Asked about Dhankhar's remarks, Sibal said, "When a awareness about road safe- the blockbuster "RRR", won #Naatu, Kabhi tripling evacuate a pregnant woman
high constitutional authority and a man who is well ty through a tweet which the Golden Globe in the kare; #Naatu, Kabhi to hospital in Ramban dis-
versed in the law makes a comment of this nature one has gone viral. 'best original song-motion drunken driving kare; trict of Jammu and Kash-
has to first ask the question - is he speaking in his per- It reimagined "RRR", the picture' category beating #Naatu, Kabhi traffic rules mir, a defence spokesperson
sonal capacity or for the government." "So, I don't know blockbuster movie whose the likes of Taylor Swift, tode," the Uttar Pradesh po- said on Sunday.
in what capacity he is speaking.. The government has to "Naatu Naatu" song won Rihanna and Lady Gaga. It lice tweeted. Local fishermen with a mannequin during a Swasthya Doot Kulsuma Akhtar (25) was
confirm that. If the government publicly states that the prestigious award in was for the first time that It roughly translates to workshop at Campbell Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands rescued from the snow-
they agree with his views then it has a different conno- the US, as 'Respect the Red an Indian production won one should not skip red bound Mangat area amidst
tation," the senior Supreme Court advocate said. light on the Road' while the coveted award. light, one should not have AGENCIES staff, told him about a med- inclement weather on Satur-
Asked about the Rajya Sabha Chairman's remarks on congratulating the makers "The nominations for two pillion riders on a bike, Port Blair ical emergency at day, the spokesperson said.
the Kesavananda Bharati case verdict, Sibal said if it is of the movie. Golden Glob(al) rules of one should not drink and Makachua village in remote A local Army unit received
his personal opinion, he is entitled to it. "Naatu Naatu", the irre- Road Safety: #Naatu, Kab- drive, and one should not The Nicobar district admin- Campbell Bay with one of a distress call from the
Sibal, however, came down heavily on Law Minister pressible, fun number from hi red light skip kare; break traffic rules. istration has launched an the residents falling ill as sarpanch and other vil-
Kiren Rijiju for his critical comments against the judi- initiative to train residents his heart had stopped beat- lagers of Hargam in Khari
ciary and the collegium system, saying that it was "un- of a remote island in ways ing. tehsil, requesting for urgent
fortunate" and a "matter of grave concern". "I have said
before that the Law minister is perhaps not well versed Noida cops crack hit-and-run case to tackle health emergen-
cies.
He told Shakya that the
SOS came through the po-
medical evacuation of the
pregnant woman who was
with the functioning of courts, nor is he familiar with The 'Swasthya-Doot' proj- lice radio communication in a critical condition, he
court procedures. He is perhaps making such comments AGENCIES ty on New Year's eve and allegedly in an ect, a community based vol- system, the only way to com- said "Due to heavy snowfall,
based on perceptions and incomplete facts. He appar- Noida inebriated state when the accident hap- unteer programme, was tak- municate with the villagers roads were completely
ently has not been properly briefed," Sibal said. "But pened, a senior police official said, citing en up after Sub-Divisional living in the remote village. blocked and very slippery.
whatever it is, it is inappropriate to make such state- With the arrest of a 45-year-old contractor, the confession of the accused. Magistrate (SDM), Great Makachua, 90 nautical Realising the criticality of
ments publicly," the former Congress leader said, hit- the Greater Noida police on Sunday Six police teams were formed which Nicobar, Nitin Shakya, was miles from Indonesia, is a the situation, rescue and
ting out at Rijiju. Sibal alleged the objective of the gov- claimed to have cracked the hit-and-run scanned over 100 CCTV footage, took the woken up by a phone call in far-flung tribal island and it medical teams of the Indian
ernment is quite clear and they want to "capture" the case in which three engineering students help of electronic surveillance and manual the early hours in October takes nearly 4-5 hours to Army immediately respond-
right to appoint judges to the higher judiciary and want were left injured, one of whom continues sources to trace the white-coloured Santro last year. reach there by a speed boat ed to the distress call, risk-
their word to be final in this regard. to remain hospitalised. car and its driver involved in the January The caller, a government from Cambell Bay. ing their own safety," the
The contractor was returning from a par- 31 incident, the official said. spokesperson said.

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 NATION
Ladakh leaders stage protest in support of statehood
JAMMU: Prominent leaders from Ladakh held a protest here on Sunday as part of a campaign to press for their four
demands including full statehood for the Union Territory and safeguards under sixth schedule of the Constitution to
the region. The protest demonstration was jointly organised outside the Press Club Jammu by the powerful Leh- INDORE / BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
based Apex body of peoples movement for the 6th schedule and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

2 more hotels lean at each

SPEED NEWS SECUNDERABAD-VIZAG

other in sinking Joshimath

CRACKS WIDEN AT MANY PLACES Also, the flow of water
increased from a suspected
SC to hear
underground channel burst subsidence
in JP Colony after a
temporary decline a couple plea today Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the flagging off
of days back. Muddy water ceremony of Vande Bharat Express in Secunderabad on Sunday
NEW DELHI: The
People participate in the Yogathon at National Youth
Festival, in Hubballi on Sunday morning
has been percolating down
from it constantly since
January 2 but experts are
Supreme Court is sched-
uled to hear on Monday a
plea seeking the court's
Modi flags off eighth
Hundreds protest against
vandalism of church
not sure about its origins
intervention to declare
the crisis in Uttarak-
hand's Joshimath as a na-
Vande Bharat Express
derway. Around 100 metres tional disaster. AGENCIES coming out of the mentali-
RANCHI: Hundreds of people from the Christian from the site, two more hotels According to the cause Hyderabad ty of dependence and mov-
community in Ranchi took to the streets on - Snow Crest and Comet - have list of January 16 up- ing towards Atmanirbhar-
Sunday in protest against the alleged attack on tilted dangerously towards loaded on the apex court Prime Minister Narendra ta (self-reliance)," the PM
Christians in Jharkhand and vandalism of a church People shift their belongings from an unsafe building, in Joshimath
each other and have been va- website, a bench compris- Modi on Sunday virtually said before flagging off the
in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Men and women, AGENCIES cline a couple of days back. cated as a precautionary ing Chief Justice D Y flagged-off the Vande train.
under the aegis of the Jharkhand Christian Youth Dehradun/Joshimath Muddy water has been perco- measure. Chandrachud and Jus- Bharat train service be- Noting that the new
Association (JCYA), took out the rally from GEL lating down from it constantly "The gap between the two ho- tices P S Narasimha and tween Secunderabad in trains will connect the cul-
Church compound here to the Morabadi ground. Two more hotels were danger- since January 2 but experts tels was around four feet earlier J B Pardiwala would hear Telangana and the port ture of Telangana and AP,
The placards had messages such as "stop the ously leaning towards each are not sure about its origins. but now it has narrowed to just the petition filed by Swa- city of Visakhapatnam in Modi said Vande Bharat
attack on churches" and "stop dividing in the name other while wider cracks have Disaster Management Secre- a few inches with their roofs mi Avimuktesh- Andhra Pradesh on the symbolises new India's
of religion". Claiming that some people of the appeared near Auli ropeway tary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said nearly touching each other," waranand Saraswati. auspicious occasion of resolution and capabili-
community were targeted during Christmas and in other areas of land sub- a constant vigil is being main- Puja Prajapati, daughter of On January 10, the top Makar Sankranti. ties.
gathering preparations in Garhwa district of sidence-hit Joshimath on Sun- tained on the pace of water Snow Crest owner, said. court had refused urgent As the event coincided "Vande Bharat is a sym-
Jharkhand last month, the protestors urged the day. percolation in the area which Wider cracks have appeared hearing of the plea, say- with the Army Day, the bol of New India's capabil-
Jharkhand government to ensure peace in the Also, the flow of water in- has been fluctuating. near the Joshimath-Auli rope- ing there are "democrati- Prime Minister paid rich ity and resolve. It is a sym-
state. creased from a suspected un- The process of demolishing way whose operation was sus- cally elected institutions" tributes to the serving and bol of that India which has
derground channel burst in JP two adjacent hotels Malari Inn pended over a week ago when to deal with the situation retired personnel. chosen the path of rapid
Rs 50L bribery case: Additional Colony in the Marwari area of and Mount View which were land subsidence aggravated. and all important mat- "Vande Bharat is a true development," the Prime
the town after a temporary de- declared unsafe was still un- ters should not come to it. replica of India which is Minister said.
divisional railway manager held
NEW DELHI: The CBI has arrested an additional
divisional railway manager posted in Guwahati and
six others, including a middleman and a hawala RAJNATH: BJP NCP MP Supriya Sule's saree accidentally catches fire
operator, in an alleged Rs 50-lakh bribery case,
officials said on Sunday. Jitendra Pal Singh, a 1997-
batch Indian Railways Service officer, was arrested
govt never curtailed AGENCIES worry. touching a lamp kept on a table while
after a person identified as Hari Om was caught
while allegedly accepting the bribe on behalf of
right to free speech Pune

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

The Baramati MP was at an event in
Hinjawadi to inaugurate a karate
competition, when her saree caught
she garlanded the statute.
"At the inauguration of a karate
competition, my saree accidentally
the officer, they said. Speaking at a conclave MP Supriya Sule's saree accidentally fire while she was garlanding a small caught fire. However, the fire was

Man attacked with toilet cleaner organised by RSS-linked caught fire during an event in Maha-
rashtra's Pune on Sunday.
statute of Chhatrapati Shivaji Ma-
haraj.
doused in time. Request all wellwish-
ers, citizens, party workers, and lead-
following quarrel over pet dog weekly "Panchjanya", In a statement, Sule later said that A video of the incident shows the ers not to worry as I am safe," Sule
Singh said a debate has
she is safe and there was no reason to NCP leader's saree accidentally said in a statement.
NEW DELHI: A quarrel over a dog littering the
again started in the
ARMY DAY
area led to a resident of Delhi's Uttam Nagar pour
toilet cleaner on the pet owner causing minor
injuries to him, police said on Sunday. Two country regarding Come, sip some tea: Cops suspended
persons have been arrested in connection with
freedom of expression
the incident and the victim is stated to be stable,
they said. Around 10 pm on Saturday, the Uttam for offering tea to absconding accused
Nagar Police Station received information that NEW DELHI: Defence Minister and AGENCIES phone, Vij said, "SP saheb,
some acidic substance was allegedly thrown at a senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Chandigarh tea is being served to the ac-
person following which a team rushed to the spot. Sunday said those alleging violation of cused in the police station
Police said that the owners of a house in the press freedom forget that the govern- Haryana Home Minister and you are saying that the
locality got into a quarrel with a person walking ments of the saffron party had "never Anil Vij has ordered suspen- accused is not being found.
his dog alleging that the animal was littering the imposed any ban" on any media organ- sion of two police personnel The criminals are sitting in
space in front of their house. This led to a quarrel isation, "nor curtailed" anyone's right after a video emerged of the police station." Asking
following which the toilet cleaner was flung at the to free speech. them allegedly serving tea to him to suspend the police-
person, a senior police officer said, adding the Whereas, the Congress government a man, accused of fraud and men immediately, Vij fur-
toilet cleaner bottle was seized from the house of had even amended the Constitution to said to be absconding, at ther told the Kaithal SP,
the accused. curb free speech, he said while refer- Pundri police station in "Should I close the police sta-
ring to the amendment of Article 19 in Kaithal district. tion? How can this happen,
23 injured in Tamil Nadu’s 1951. He gave the directions for SP sir? Will the goons rule
Speaking at a conclave organised by their immediate suspension the state? I want immediate
jallikattu event RSS-linked weekly "Panchjanya", on Saturday after a woman action." According to an offi-
CHENNAI: At least 23 people were injured in a Singh said a debate has again started in complainant showed him cial statement, the woman
jallikattu event being held in Avaniapuram of Tamil the country regarding freedom of ex- the video. complainant told the minis-
Nadu's Madurai district on Sunday. Thirteen of the pression. "The interesting thing is that The 69-year-old minister ter that the police were not
injured were admitted to Madurai Rajaji those who allege violation of media holds "Janta Darbar" to hear nabbing the accused in a Rs
Government Medical College. The jallikattu, freedom today forget that whether it is people's grievances every 25 lakh fraud case. The ac-
considered one of the most popular bull-taming Atalji's (former prime minister Atal Bi- Saturday in Ambala, his cused is roaming freely, she
events, was being held on Sunday early morning hari Vajpayee) government or (Prime home constituency. alleged.
and coincided with the Mattu Pongal. The Minister Narendra) Modiji's govern- While hearing the griev- Hours later, Director Gen-
jallikattu festival is considered a dangerous sport in ment, they never imposed any ban on ances, Vij pulled up the eral of Police P K Agrawal
which people injure themselves while trying to any media house, nor curtailed any- Kaithal Superintendent of informed the home minister
tame raging bulls. The winners are given two- one's right to free speech and expres- Police. about the accused having A member of the Army Service Corps (ASC) Tornadoes team performs during the 75th Army Day
wheelers, clothes, jewels, and money, and several sion in any manner," he added. Speaking to him over been arrested. celebrations at Govinda Swamy Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Sunday
youths participate in the jallikattu events at various
places in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival. Every Indian is proud of our Army: PM
Property dispute: Woman dies Guj poll proves Modi will 3 held over NEW DELHI: On the occasion of Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday
lauded the Indian Army, saying the soldiers have always kept our nation safe and are widely
after being thrashed by grandson
BHADOHI: An elderly woman died after being
be re-elected in 2024: Shah witchcraft admired for their service during times of crisis. Army Day is observed on January 15 to mark
Field Marshal K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian
Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949.
"This result is important
in Palghar
beaten up by her grandson and daughter-in-law AGENCIES
over a property dispute here, police said on Gandhinagar
not for Gujarat alone.
Sunday. The incident happened in Hariharpur
village under Unj police station limits on Saturday Union Home Minister Amit There will be (Lok Sabha) Alcoholic husband ties pregnant wife Old concept:
night, they said. According to police, Abhiraji Devi Shah on Sunday said the result elections in 2024, and AGENCIES / Palghar
Akhilesh mocks
(70) lived with her two sons Girija Shankar Pal and
Jata Shankar Pal. Girija's wife Phula Devi often
fought with Abhiraji over the partition of the house
of the recently-concluded Gu-
jarat Assembly elections is im-
portant not just for the state but
the entire country is
prepared to once more
Police have arrested three
men from Maharashtra's
to bike, drags her for 200 metres BJP over luxury
but the elderly woman was against it. Inspector
Chhotak Yadav, in charge of Unj police station said
for the entire country as it has
sent a message that Narendra make Narendra Modi the
Palghar district for allegedly
practising 'witchcraft' and
AGENCIES
Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh)
then tied her to the bike and
drove off. Passers-by tried to river cruise
on Saturday night, Phula and her son Amit thrashed Modi will be re-elected as the prime minister," he said collecting money from a per- stop Ram Gopal, but he re-
Abhiraj and she succumbed to injuries. prime minister in 2024. son by promising to get it In a shocking incident, an al- fused to listen. AGENCIES
In a veiled reference to the op- doubled, an official said on coholic husband tied his Finally, Suman's brother Rae Bareli
Member of Goldy Brar gang held position Congress and the Aam lay the foundation stones of var- Sunday. pregnant wife to his motor- managed to save his sister
Aadmi Party, Shah said the peo- ious projects. Based on a tip-off, the po- bike and dragged her for and took her to the hospital. Samajwadi Party president
in Himachal: Punjab Police ple of Gujarat, by helping the "This result is important not lice intercepted a car and a more than 200 metres when Ram Gopal and Suman got Akhilesh Yadav has ac-
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Sunday said it Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) re- for Gujarat alone. There will be motorcycle in Jawhar area she protested against his married three years back. cused the BJP government
has arrested an active member of the Goldy Brar tain power with a record number (Lok Sabha) elections in 2024, on Friday and apprehended drinking habits. The couple had a love mar- of making false claims on
gang from Sundar Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. of seats in the state, responded and the entire country is pre- the three accused, district The incident took place in riage. Suman alleged that af- the luxury river cruise MV
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said to those who tried to defame the pared to once more make Naren- Superintendent of Police the Ghungchai village on ter a few days of marriage, Ganga Vilas, claiming he
Inderpreet Singh alias Parry (32) was facing several state and Prime Minister Modi. dra Modi the prime minister," he Balasaheb Patil said. Saturday and the accused the husband became addict- has been told that such a
murder and attempt to murder cases in Punjab "The people of Gujarat have said. During the probe, the po- Ram Gopal has been arrest- ed to drugs. Suman, who is service has been in exis-
and Haryana. Parry, a resident of Chandigarh, worked to end the poison of This message of Gujarat has lice came to know the ac- ed while the wife Suman has now eight months pregnant, tence for the past 17 years.
came in contact with Canada-based gangster casteism and slapped those mak- reached from Kashmir to cused had asked for Rs 1.5 been admitted to a hospital said that they often fought Yadav also said he has
Goldy Brar and another gangster Lawrence Bishnoi ing empty, false and alluring Kanyakumari (north to south in lakh from a man from Valsad for treatment. over his drinking habits. heard that there was a bar on
during his college days in 2011. The accused was promises. The people of Gujarat the country) and from Dwarka to in neighbouring Gujarat and According to reports, Ram Ram Gopal's brother and the cruise that was flagged
allegedly involved in the targeted killing of Dera have responded to those who Kamakhya (west to east) that promised him Rs 5 lakh in Gopal came home drunk on mother were present in the off by Prime Minister
Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh, who was tried to defame Gujarat and "Modi Saheb will again become return with the help of their Saturday and Suman house at the time of the inci- Narendra Modi recently.
murdered by six people outside his shop in Narendra Modi," Shah said at a the prime minister in 2024," the "supernatural power", the of- protested. An angry Ram, dent, they protested and "This water cruise has
Kotkapura on November 10, 2022, said police. function here to inaugurate and senior BJP leader said. ficial said. Gopal first thrashed her and tried to save Suman. been running for many
years, this is not new. Some-

GOODBYE RIFLE, HELLO PEN...6 surrendered

Transgender person murdered one has informed me that it
has been running for 17
in Delhi, two held years and only some parts
NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old transgender person have been added to it and

Naxalites prepare for Class 10 examination

was allegedly stabbed to death by a male friend
and his associate in southeast Delhi's Sunlight
Colony area, police said on Sunday. The accused,
identified as Himanshu Kumar (20) and his aide
Sonu Kumar (21), committed the alleged crime
after the victim threatened to disclose their
relationship to his father if he refused to pay up,
they added. The incident took place at the victim's
flat at Hari Nagar in Ashram on January 10. The
duo was arrested from their residences with the
help of call records and footage from CCTV
cameras installed near the crime scene. According
to the police, Himanshu was an old friend of the
victim and frequently visited the flat. He hatched a
conspiracy to eliminate the victim after he was
allegedly threatened with their relationship being
disclosed if he refused to pay up.
AGENCIES
Raipur
After having once wielded a rifle
in his arms, Karan Hemla is now
holding a pen and preparing for
the Class 10 examination in Chhat-
tisgarh in the hope of a better fu-
ture.
The 26-year-old surrendered Nax-
alite had to quit studies after vio-
lence erupted with the start of the
'Salwa Judum' anti-Naxal move-
ment in Bastar division in 2005.
Hemla is now thrilled about get-
ting an opportunity to resume edu-
cation and fulfil his dream of be-
coming literate.
He is one of the six surrendered
Naxalites -- three men and as many
women -- who after laying down
their arms live at the Police Lines
in Kawardha city of Kabirdham
district.
They have submitted forms for
the Class 10 state open school ex-
amination as part of the district
police's initiative to educate them.
The surrendered Naxalites, in-
cluding two couples, had been ac-
tive in forests along the Chhattis-
garh-Madhya Pradesh border in
Kabirdham district and turned
themselves in before the police be-
tween 2019 and 2021.
Hemla, a native of Kakekorma
village in the Maoist-hit Bijapur
district, was studying in Class 7 at
an ashram school in 2005 when the
Salwa Judum movement began.
"Several schools in the interiors
of Bastar division were shut and
students were forced to discontin-
ue their studies out of fear," Hem-
la told PTI.
Before he could resume his stud-
ies, local Naxalite leaders took
him and another boy Bhima (who
later surrendered in Andhra
Pradesh) along and forcibly in-
ducted the duo into the banned
outfit in 2009, Hemla said.
they are saying that they
have started it," Yadav told
reporters on Saturday.
"The BJP people are far
ahead in telling lies and pub-
licity. It has also been heard
that...it also has a bar," Yadav
said, adding only BJP people
can tell whether there is a
bar on the cruise or not.
Prime Minister Modi on
Friday flagged off the
world's longest river cruise
-- MV Ganga Vilas -- which
will cover 3,200 km across
27 river systems in five
states in India and
Bangladesh in 51 days.
EDIT BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
— INDIRA GANDHI

FREE PRESS
FOR FREE FLOW OF TRUTH
Fulfilling our destiny – Vivekananda’s dream
Christianity flourished in India of caste, region, religion and lan- to equip themselves with the the right to harm the unborn fu-

The Road for 2,000 years, and Islam for guage, he would emphasise our skills necessary to grow and ture generations by borrowing

Budget and Ahead

over 1,300 years. All these faiths
are not only tolerated, but also
embraced by our society, and
common dreams and collective
future.
Second, Vivekananda would
meet society’s needs.
Fourth, Vivekananda would
teach us that the individual and
for today’s consumption. Trans-
ferring the burden to our chil-
dren without creating assets for

electoral signalling
various belief systems and cul-
� Jayaprakash Narayan tures have been seamlessly fused
with our indigenous beliefs,
ideas and practices. Vivekanan-
ask us to be proud of our glori-
ous traditions and strong foun-
dations of culture and civilisa-
tion. Strong family institution,
society are inseparable. Every
young person has a right to pur-
sue her dreams and work to
achieve a good life. But individ-
the future will only impoverish
the next generation and hold us
back as a nation.
Finally, Vivekananda would

T I
he annual round of meetings that the Govern- am writing this column on
ment traditionally holds ahead of the Budget Swami Vivekananda’s 160th
birthday. Though Vivekanan-
seems to have ended with the Prime Minister’s
da passed away 120 years ago, his
meeting on Friday with a select group of economists ideas and work continue to have
with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also in at- a profound impact on us to this
tendance. While Narendra Modi emphasised ‘Nari day.
Shakti’ as an important driver of economic growth, Without going into the meta-
urging higher participation of women in the work-
physical and spiritual realm,
Swami Vivekananda was the
force, the Chinese threat and the need to reduce debt as greatest influence on modern In-
a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dian nationalism, equalled only
emerged among other major concerns. In recent by Mahatma Gandhi. In particu-
weeks, Ms Sitharaman has interacted formally and in- lar, three of his messages stand
out.
formally with various representatives of industry and First, Vivekananda embraced
trade as also with those representing working-class in- all traditions, philosophies and
terests. Given that on Feb 1 she will present her fourth conceptions of divinity as differ-
successive Budget, which may well be the last before ent forms of truth, and proudly
proclaimed to the world and re-
the next parliamentary election due in April-May 2024, minded us in India that ours is
she will need to strike a healthy balance between pru- an inclusionary philosophy, not
dent management of the economy and the need to exclusionary. ‘Ekam sat, vipra
please key sections of the electorate, especially as the bahudha vadanti’ is the defining
principle of Indian philosophy
current year will witness eight state elections.
and practice. This eclecticism it-
Indeed, given that Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Ra- self became the bedrock of na-
jasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, among others, tionalism.
are to elect new Assemblies in 2023, there is an appre- Judaism entered India 2,600
hension that electoral concerns might overwhelm sen- years ago and since then the
Jewish people have been able to
sible budgeting. Fortunately, the economy is in fine fet- practise their faith without per-
tle, having weathered the two-year Covid-19 pandemic secution or hindrance; similarly
without excessive distribution of freebies aside from
da celebrated this synthesis and
reminded the world and India of
our unique blend of civilisa-
tions.
Second, he gave Indians self-
confidence and dignity in a cli-
mate of deep-seated insecurity
and humiliation due to centuries
of oppression and subjugation.
And, finally, he redefined the
Hindu Way of life, instilling a
sense of the collective good and a
spirit of public service, in place
of the traditional Indian spiritu-
al quest that sought individual
salvation and focused on the re-
lationship between the Atman
and Brahman.
Vivekananda’s message and life
were a source of inspiration to
the youth of India, energising
them in their quest for a proud,
self-confident, united India tran-
scending all barriers.
What would be Vivekananda’s
message to us today; in particu-
lar, to the youth? First, he would
emphasise the oneness of our so-
ciety and remind us of our bonds
of unity forged by common her-
itage and collective challenges.
Transcending circumstances of
birth and narrow domestic walls
willingness of parents to sacri-
fice for children, a sense of dhar-
ma or collective good transcend-
ing personal faith, a strong
moral compass defining right
and wrong, contentment and
eclecticism are our strengths.
Vivekananda’s message and life were a source of
inspiration to the youth of India, energising them in
their quest for a proud, self-confident, united India
transcending all barriers
But he would also remind us
that there are ugly features of
our tradition – caste, supersti-
tion, oppression of women and
bigotry – which need to be shed.
He would urge us to synthesise
the best of our traditions with
the best of modernity.
Third, Vivekananda would in-
stil self-confidence and pride in
our youth. Self-confidence comes
from the value a person brings to
society; and education, skills and
ability to create goods and serv-
ices to fulfil the needs of society
make a person valuable. He
would therefore urge the youth
ual gain and public good have to
be integrated, and one cannot be
at the cost of the other. One does
not have to ‘sacrifice’ personal
growth for public good; both
have to go together to be sustain-
able. What we need is not idola-
trous patriotism but a sense of
the community even as the indi-
vidual flourishes. Fusion of indi-
vidual goals with public good is
the hallmark of a harmonious
and great nation.
Fifth, Vivekananda would ex-
hort us to integrate the present
and the future seamlessly. Global
experience has taught us that hu-
manity’s short-term greed at the
cost of ecological devastation is
simply unsustainable. Similarly,
within the nation, if we borrow
and spend for today’s consump-
tion, it is at the cost of future
generations. No generation has
have rejoiced at the accomplish-
ments of human society in the
120 years since his passing. De-
spite two world wars, two pan-
demics and many manmade ca-
tastrophes, human society has
achieved spectacular progress.
We have the technology, re-
sources and ability to fulfil every
human being’s potential and to
eliminate all preventable disease
and avoidable suffering. Philoso-
phers throughout history dreamt
of these goals. Vivekananda
would inspire us to now use our
technology and resources in full
measure to create a world of
abundance without poverty, and
growth and opportunities with-
out damaging the environment.
In India, despite our late start
and many systemic challenges,
we are well-placed to catch up
with our destiny in the next
three decades. Fulfilling that des-
tiny would be a fitting tribute to
Swami Vivekananda.
The author is the founder of the Lok
Satta movement and Foundation for
Democratic Reforms. Email:
drjploksatta@gmail.com / Twitter
@jp_loksatta

Climate change is the real threat to tourism

universal inoculation of the population and distribu-
tion of grain from the countrywide network of fair-
price shops. With prudent management of the econo-
my, Ms Sitharaman has created a fiscal space of
Rs97,000 crore this year which may come in handy in
the pre-election year. That the share markets are doing looms over these iconic, cultural, crease economic opportunities for

Climate
historical and natural heritage lo- local communities.
fairly well despite recession in Western economies un- cations. Tourism destinations are We cannot prohibit tourism or
derscores the strength of India’s economy which, ac-
Concerns
also sinking under the steady on- curb people’s desire to discover
cording to the World Bank, is likely to grow by 6.6% slaught of climate change-induced new places, experience new cul-
this fiscal. How creditable that is can be gauged from extreme weather events — heavy tures or simply take selfies around
the fact that the E.U. countries will register zero �Shailendra Yashwant rains, floods, forest fires, storms,
heat waves and water scarcity —
the world. It will deprive local com-
munities of their share of liveli-
growth this year while the U.S. may register a paltry threatening their very existence. hood and income, and the costs of

T
0.5% growth. The growth registered in the first six ourism destinations around
months was 9.7%, due partly to a lower base in the pan- India, from Manali to
demic-hit previous year. If the economy registers 4.6% Munnar, are sinking under
the weight of tourists — their
growth in the second half of 2022-23, it will not be hard garbage, their buses, cars, their
to grow by 7% in the full year. In other words, India’s steel and glass hotels — and the
economy is in a good place despite the pandemic and dust and debris of under-construc-
the sky-high energy prices following the Russian inva- tion roads, highways, railways, wa-
terways, ropeways and airports,
sion of Ukraine.
that will bring in more tourists in
Therefore, the Finance Minister might be in a posi- the near future.
tion to address the grievances of the middle class The subsidence or sinking of
which felt neglected in her last budget. That the urban Joshimath, the gateway to Badri-
middle class tends to support the BJP, accounts for a nath, Hemkund Sahib and the Val-
ley of Flowers, is a perfect example
substantial chunk of the population and helps to form of how the massive increase in
public opinion may be another reason for her to pro-
vide relief to this vital segment. Areas for giving relief
tourism and the unplanned infra-
structure to support its growth is
to the middle class are many but the Finance Minister the final straw for a destination
that is already vulnerable due to its
ought to principally relax further the tax exemptions
location, its unique geography and
on housing loan interest and payment of health insur- geology, and the effects of ill-ad-
ance premium, pensions and annuities. Indeed, the vised infrastructure development
general tax-exemption limit ought to be revised up- projects like hydropower dams and
wards from the present Rs2.5 lakh for general category the catastrophic Chardham high-
way project.
taxpayers and Rs3 lakh for senior citizens, given the Those who have visited a hill sta-
consumer price inflation in recent years. For the same tion in India, anywhere in India, in
reason, there is a case for doubling the standard de- the Himalayas and the Western
duction of Rs1.5 lakh fixed in 2014 under Section 80C of Ghats, will tell you stories about
how there are hundreds of Joshi-
the Income Tax Act.
maths waiting to happen, from
Though the annual Budget is an account of the state Kalimpong to Kodaikanal, from
of the nation’s finances, it is never devoid of political Mcleodganj to Mahabaleshwar.
signalling, the need for which becomes stronger in an However, there is a bigger threat
election year. Annual budgets also indicate the direc- than burgeoning tourism that
tion and thrust the government desires the economy to
take. Hopefully, there will be no return to protection-
ism, while all reasonable incentives are given to for- Life runs on commitment
eign capital increasingly shifting manufacturing from — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
an uncertain China to set up base here. Meanwhile, it
No tourism destination, no mat-
ter how well it is protected from
tourists, is going to be spared from
the fury of climate change. India’s
Elephanta Caves are already on the
list of 130 cultural World Heritage
sites identified in a recent academ-
ic study as being at long-term risk
from sea-level rise. A recent study
in Tamil Nadu on coastal erosion
does not augur well for the remain-
ing shore temples of Mahabalipu-
ram. You may also recall the im-
ages of stranded tourists and pil-
grims after the Kedarnath floods of
2013 or the Kerala floods of 2014 —
the list is recent and long.
Climate change and tourism are
inextricably linked. Tourism is one
of the world’s largest and fastest-
growing economic sectors, respon-
sible for 9% of the gross domestic
product globally and providing 1 in
11 jobs. Before the pandemic,
tourism in the subcontinent gener-
ated more than $230 billion in 2017,
up from almost $209 billion in 2016.
The figures for 2022 are still await-
ed. It is the mainstay of the econo-
my of states like Kerala, Himachal
Pradesh and Goa, and more and
more states are planning to tap into
the increased mobility and enthu-
siasm of the middle class to travel.
Almost 90% of travellers in India
are Indians.
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
protecting and maintaining the
monuments for future generations.
However, to survive, the tourism
sector will have to quickly optimise
strategies to scale up mitigation
and adaptation. The tourism in-
dustry will have to transform itself
by reducing the carbon emissions
of services it provides, by recog-
nising the carrying capacity of its
destinations and most importantly
raising awareness amongst the
tourists on the way they conduct
Tourism destinations are also sinking under the steady themselves at the destinations.
In 2021, over 500 industry repre-
onslaught of climate change-induced extreme weather sentatives signed the Glasgow Dec-
events — heavy rains, floods, forest fires, storms, heat laration on Climate Action in
Tourism, and are committing to ac-
waves and water scarcity celerate climate action to cut glob-
al tourism emissions by at least a
half over the next decade and
The trouble is that the tourism 2005 and 2016. If tourism was a reach Net Zero emissions as soon
sector is heavily reliant on energy- country, it would be considered the as possible before 2050. The truth is
intensive modes of transport in- 5th largest on a country’s list of that unless all local stakeholders —
cluding aeroplanes and automo- emissions. tour operators, service providers,
biles. In India, steered by govern- The tourism sector has no choice hoteliers and the peripatetic Indi-
ment subsidies and tax incentives, but to recognise that it is equally an tourist — take matters into their
five regional budget airlines de- vulnerable to climate change as the own hands by demonstrating re-
buted 100 far-flung routes last year, destination it intends to exploit. sponsible tourism, there is little
helping fuel citizens’ desire to ex- The common threats include more hope for our outstanding natural,
plore. Currently contributing ap- extreme weather events, increas- historical and cultural destina-
proximately 5% of the global total, ing insurance costs and safety con- tions.
carbon emissions from tourism are cerns, water shortages, and loss
predicted to more than double and damage to assets and attrac- Shailendra Yashwant is an independent
within 25 years. CO2 emissions tions which will reduce the attrac- environmental photojournalist and
from tourism rose by 60% between tiveness of destinations and de- climate communications consultant
Chinese troops along the Line of Actual
Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and the
baggage late must be monetarily
compensated. Air India has no option but to
situation along the LAC is unpredictable, give move with the times and stay up-to-date.
us cause for concern. Addressing the media Peter Castellino

A
is unclear whether a full-fledged annual budget can be
river needs two banks
to flow. The difference
presented on Feb 1, 2024, given that in two or three
months the country will elect a new Parliament.
between flood and a
normal river is that water flow
is regulated in a river whereas
INDIA 75 YEARS AGO during floods, water has no di-
FPJ Archives
JANUARY 16, 1948 rection. Similarly the energy
in our life needs some direc-
tion to flow. Today, most people
are confused because there is
no direction in life. When we
are happy, there is a great deal
of life-energy in us; but when
it is not channelised, it gets
stuck. When it stagnates, it
rots. For life-energy to move in
a direction, commitment is es-
sential.
Life runs with com-
mitment. All our actions
come with commit-
ment. A student
takes admission in a
school or col- GUIDING LIGHT
lege with a
commitment. Needless to say,
a family runs on commitment:
mother is committed to the
child, child is committed to the
commitments, resources are
attracted automatically.
Whatever we are committed
to brings us strength. If you
are committed to your family
then your family supports you,
if you are committed to socie-
ty, you enjoy the support of so-
ciety. Commitment will always
bring comfort in the long run.
One should make a commit-
ment to make this world a bet-
ter place to live.
Abiding in the self you be-
come the valentine for the
whole world. Spirit is the valen-
tine of matter, and matter is the
valentine of spirit. They
are made for each other.
They uphold each oth-
er. If you do not respect
the spirit, then the
matter is not pleasing.
If you honor the
spirit then you
will care for the world, and
when you care for the world it
will take care of you.
Unless you have a dream,
Alchemy of majoritarianism
O ppression, deprivation and gross inequality
are the crucible for mass movements.
“Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” was the call of the
historic French Revolution. The base for such
uprisings grew exponentially fed by genuine
want and angst. The October revolution of the
Soviets was class-centric and so was the one in
China that created its Republic. The notion that
with economic prosperity, any society would
turn agnostic to revolutions per se is being
proved hollow. If it was in the post-Trump USA
circa 2020, it is now Brazil. Affluence is
increasingly being attributed to the virtues of
assertive majoritarianism and alternate
viewpoints, an antithesis to development.
These movements with a far narrow base get
magnified by the enormous power of
dissemination of social media, wherein
alchemists manage to coat falsity with the
nobility of absolute truth.
R Narayanan
Alarming statement
TheManojstatement made by Army chief Gen
Pande, that there is an increase in
ahead of Army Day, Gen Pande said that India
has deployed adequate troops and ramped up
infrastructure development along the border to
deal with any contingency. Without naming
China, the Army chief said that Indian soldiers
have been able to prevent the attempts made
to change the status quo on the ground. He
added that the Indian Army is closely watching
the situation in Doklam and monitoring
Chinese activities there. This indicates that all is
not well at the LAC and it is a dangerous
situation, which may even lead to war.
Bhagwan Thadani
Air India must be modernised
W ith reference to the report by Ateeq
Shaikh, ‘Air India doesn’t care for
customers: Passenger’ (Jan 10), Air India must
install a public relations officer and a
relationship officer at all airports to attend to
passengers’ complaints and suggestions. In
flight, it must ensure that aircraft are
maintained properly and should carry out
surprise checks to ensure that all the facilities
provided are working and in good order. If a
flight is delayed, proper facilities must be
provided and passengers receiving their
The collegium issue again
V ice President Jagdeep Dhankar’s speech in
the Rajya Sabha did not go down well in
the minds of many citizens when he touched
on the issue of the collegium, an issue which
is not in his domain. Mr Dhankhar should
focus on improving the behaviour of
lawmakers instead of targeting the judiciary.
He should rather concentrate on normal
functioning and take up grievances reported
to him by the common people. For example, I,
being a disability activist, had sent him a
representation on behalf of the disabled who
had taken premature retirement due to total
incapacitation after the completion of 28 years
of service and who were denied notional
benefits in their pension. This matter has been
pending for the last 26 years, but I received
no response from his office.
Yash Pal Ralhan
Dear reader,
We are eager to know your opinions, comments
and suggestions. Write to editor.indore@fpj.co.in
Using snail mail? Send your letters to Free Press,
Free Press House, 3/54, Press Complex, AB Road,
Indore 452008

parents, husband and wife are
committed to each other.
Greater the commitment more
is the authority and things be-
come easier. Smaller commit-
ments suffocate us because
our capacity is much more.
When we take up multiple
tasks and if one of them goes
wrong, we can focus on other
jobs so we are less affected by
SECURITY COUNCIL URGED TO ACT WITHOUT DELAY the failure of that particular
job. On the other hand if we
KASHMIR WAR BECOMING GRAVE take up a single task and if
Lake Success, Jan. 15. The Security Council today heard India's complaint
that goes wrong, our work is
against Pakistan over the Kashmir war and at the request of Sir M. Zafrullah
Khan adjourned till Friday night. The President, M. Fernand Van Langenhove greatly affected. Usually we
invited Mr. N.G. Ayyangar for India and Sir Zaffrullah Khan for Pakistan to base our commitment on re-
take their places at the semi-circular Council table and announced he would sources. But on an experien-
give the floor successively to India and Pakista tial level, if we take up bigger
you cannot realise it. Every in- MIKA’S MATRIX
vention has come out of a
dream. Dream the impossible.
Obviously, dreaming employs
something which is beyond
your perceived capacity. Con-
sider the faculty which is the
preceptor of the dream.
We are all born in this world
to do something wonderful and
unique; don't let this opportu-
nity pass by. Give yourself the
freedom to dream and think
big. Have the courage and de-
termination to achieve those
dreams that are dear to you.
Do something creative. Not a
year should pass without do-
ing something creative.
Nepali PM likely to visit India in first foreign trip: Reports
Katmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Pushp Kamal Dahal is
likely to visit India on his first foreign trip in late February
or early March, Nepal-based media outlet The Kathmandu
Post reported on Sunday. Dahal’s visit will reportedly take
GLOBAL
BULLETIN
Church bomb
kills 6 in Congo
GOMA: A suspected extremist
attack at a church in eastern
Congo killed at least six
people and wounded more
than a dozen others according
to the country’s army. A group
linked to Islamic extremists
was suspected of being
responsible for a bomb that
went off in the Pentecostal
church in the North Kivu
province town of Kasindi,
military spokesperson
Anthony Mwalushayi told The
Associated Press by phone. A
Kenyan national found at the
scene without documents was
detained, Mwalushayi said.
Korean President
travels to UAE
ABU DHABI: South Korean
President Yoon Suk Yeol
received an honour guard
welcome on Sunday on a trip
to the United Arab Emirates
as he hopes to expand its
military sales here. Yoon’s
visit comes as South Korea
conducts business deals
worth billions of dollars and
stations special forces troops
to defend the UAE, an
arrangement that drew
criticism under his liberal
predecessor.
Iran summons
British envoy
TEHRAN: The Iranian foreign
ministry has summoned
British Ambassador Simon
Shercliff to protest against the
UK’s “unconventional
interference” in Iran’s internal
affairs. The meeting came as
former Iranian deputy defence
minister Alireza Akbari was
executed on Saturday on the
charge of spying for the U.K.
Pointing to “tangible
information about the trap set
for Alireza Akbari by the
British side”, an official said
Britain“must be held
accountable over its
unconventional links that led
to a breach of the Islamic
Republic of Iran’s national
security”.
Ukraine races to rescue Female ex-lawmaker, guard Thousands protest against
people after Dnipro strike shot dead at home in Kabul Netanyahu government
AP / Dnipro (Ukraine)
Rescue workers in Ukraine
scrambled on Sunday to pull
survivors from the rubble of
an apartment building hit a
day earlier by a Russian mis-
sile in the southeastern city
of Dnipro.
Emergency crews worked
through the frigid night at
the multi-story residential
building as the toll rose to
23, according to the city gov-
ernment.
The casualties were the
worst from a barrage of
Russian strikes on several
cities in Ukraine on Satur-
day.
The attacks also targeted
the capital, Kyiv, and the
northeastern city
Kharkiv, ending a two-week
of
Residents carry their belongings from a residential building
destroyed after a missile strike, in Dnipro on Sunday
Indian women peacekeepers
arrive in Sudan’s Abyei
PTI / United Nations
A contingent of Indian ISFA).
women peacekeepers, the
country’s largest
single unit of fe- This is India’s
male troops in a
U.N. mission
largest female
since 2007, ar- peacekeeper unit in ing in @UNIS-
rived in Abyei, a U.N. mission since FA_1
Sudan, to begin it deployed all-
its deployment women’s
with the United
Nations Interim contingent in
Security Force. 2007
The United Na-
tions Security Council, by its women peacekeepers has
Resolution 1990 of June 27, been deployed in Abyei as
2011, responded to the ur- part of the Indian Battalion
gent situation in Abyei re- in the United Nations Inter-
gion by establishing the im Security Force, Abyei.
place after the election of the new president, the agency
said quoting sources. “However, if the Indian side insists
on the visit before the new president is elected, the trip
may even take place earlier,” one of them said.
19 KILLED AS STORM
BATTERS CALIFORNIA
Clouds rise behind a farm near the flooded Salines River close to Chualar, California, on Saturday
More rain is on the way for
weather-beaten U.S. state
AP / Los Angeles
Storm-battered California got ternoon, according to Power-
more wind, rain and snow
on Saturday, raising
68K
flooding concerns,
causing outages
and making travel
dangerous.
Bands of rain utility customers
with gusty winds
started in the north
were
electricity
and spread south,
with more storms ex-
pected to follow into next of counties including San
week, the National Weather Mateo and Santa Cruz, where
Service said. Over 68,000 util- the tiny community of Felton
ity customers were without Grove along the San Lorenzo
electricity on Saturday morn- River was ordered evacuated.
‘Lankan constitution needs amendment’
PTI / Colombo
Sri Lankan President Ranil
Wickremesinghe on Sunday
said his government is hop-
ing to fully implement the
13th Amendment to its Con-
stitution as mooted by India
to facilitate unity among all
the communities so that they
lull in Moscow’s strikes on
Ukraine’s power infrastruc-
ture and urban centres.
Russia fired 33 cruise mis-
siles on Saturday, of which 21
were shot down, according to
General Valeriy Zaluzhny,
the commander-in-chief of
the Ukrainian armed forces.
In Dnipro, workers used a
crane as they tried to rescue
people trapped on upper
floors of the apartment tow-
er where about 1,700 were liv-
ing. Some residents sig-
nalled for help with lights on
their mobile phones.
The Dnipro city govern-
ment reported on Sunday af-
ternoon that at least 72 peo-
ple were wounded and 43
people were reported miss-
ing. It said 39 people were
rescued so far.
—AFP
United Nations Interim Se-
curity Force for Abyei (UN-
“Making the nation proud!
#India’s all-
women peace-
keeping unit for
@UNPeacekeep-
reached
Abyei today ,” In-
dia’s Permanent
Mission to the UN
said in a tweet
Saturday.
The platoon of
ing, a number that was cut by
more than half during the af-
outage.us.
Flood warnings
were issued for the
region north of
San Francisco
Bay,
Marin,
including
Napa,
without
Sonoma and Men-
docino counties.
To the south, warn-
ings were posted for parts
could live as one.
India has been pressing Sri
Lanka to implement the 13th
Amendment, which was
brought in after the Indo-Sri
Lankan agreement of 1987.
The 13A provides for the de-
volution of power to the
Tamil community.
Wickremesinghe while ad-
AP / Kabul
A former Afghan female
lawmaker and her body-
guard were shot dead by
unknown assailants at her
home in the capital, Kabul,
police said on Sunday.
Mursal Nabizada was
among the few female par-
liamentarians who stayed
in Kabul after the Taliban
seized power in August
2021.
It is the first time a law-
maker from the previous
administration has been
killed in the city since the
takeover.
Local police chief Molvi
Hamidullah Khalid said
Nabizada and her guard
were shot dead around 3
am Saturday in the same
room.
He said her brother and a
second security guard were
injured. A third security
guard fled the scene with
money and jewellery.
She died on the first floor
of her home, which she
used as her office. Khalid
said investigations are un-
derway. He did not answer
questions about possible
motives.
Asking for more loans is embarrassing: Sharif
PTI / Lahore
Pakistan Prime Minister She-
hbaz Sharif has said that it
was embarrassing for him to
seek more loans from friend-
ly countries, saying it was not
a permanent solution for the
cash-strapped country’s eco-
nomic challenges.
Addressing the passing out
ceremony of probationary of-
ficers of the Pakistan Admin-
istrative Service (PAS) here in
the capital of Punjab
province on Saturday, Sharif
regretted that during the past
75 years, different govern-
ments – whether headed by
political leadership or mili-
tary dictators – could not ad-
dress the economic issues.
Sharif said it really em-
barrassed him to ask for fur-
ther loans while lauding the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for
the financial support, Geo
News quoted him as saying.
He said that seeking for-
eign loans was not the right
The reality is that this is just
the eighth of what we think
will be nine atmospheric
rivers — we’re not done. This
is happening across California
but I want to say ... you guys
are disproportionately taking
the brunt of it, and if you feel
that way you’re right
–Governor Gavin Newsom
An evacuation order also
was issued for residents of
the Wilton area in semirural
southeastern Sacramento
County. Authorities cited the
threat of flooding from the
Cosumnes River.
The swollen Salinas River
swamped farmland in Mon-
terey County, and to the east,
dressing the national Thai
Pongal festival – a ceremony
unique to the Tamil minority,
in Jaffna, said a Social Jus-
tice Commission would be es-
tablished to address griev-
ances of all communities to
create a Sri Lankan identity.
His comments came days
ahead of the visit to Colombo
A woman looks at a picture of former Afghan lawmaker Mursal
Nabizada on her mobile phone, on Sunday
$40m cash aid reaches Afghanistan
Kabul: A new package of
$40 million in cash as hu-
manitarian aid has been
delivered to Afghanistan
and deposited in one of the
commercial banks in the
capital, Kabul.
The cash aid arrived on
Saturday and DAB, appre-
ciating the assistance,
would welcome any sup-
port that strengthens the
This picture taken on Jan 11, 2023, shows a general view of Karachi
sea port. Pakistan’s usually bustling ports have ground to a halt, as
the country grapples with the worst forex crisis in its history —AFP
solution to address Pakistan’s
economic challenges as the
loans would have to be even-
tually returned.
The prime minister said
that sustainable development
goals (SDGs) could be
achieved and foreign loans
avoided had their “bus could
flood warnings were in effect
for Merced County in the
agricultural Central Valley,
where Governor Gavin New-
som visited to take stock of
storm problems.
A series of atmospheric
rivers – a channel of wind in
the atmosphere that trans-
ports water vapor from the
tropics – has dumped rain and
snow on California since late
December, cutting power to
thousands, swamping roads,
unleashing debris flows, and
triggering landslides.
At least 19 storm-related
deaths have occurred, and a
5-year-old boy remained
missing after being swept out
of his mother’s car by flood-
waters in San Luis Obispo
County.
by External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar.
The statement from Wick-
remesinghe also assumes sig-
nificance as last week the
main Tamil party expressed
frustration over the lack of
progress from the govern-
ment on the talks held since
mid-December.
—AFP
banking sector in
Afghanistan, a statement
from Da Afghanistan
Bank, the country’s central
bank, said on Sunday.
Last month, two aid
packages, each with $40
million in cash, arrived in
Afghanistan and had been
deposited to one of the
country’s
banks.
commercial
have moved at a fast pace”
and on the right track.
The country faces a seri-
ous crisis as its foreign re-
serves are down to $5.8 bil-
lion, the lowest since Febru-
ary 2014. The reserve in-
cludes deposits worth $5 bil-
lion from Saudi Arabia and
BHOPAL I MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
China reports declining critical
Covid cases as peaks pass
IANS / Beijing
China has reported declin-
ing numbers of fever pa-
tients and critical Covid cas-
es nationwide as both peaks
have passed less than a
month after the country op-
timized its epidemic re-
sponse in early December.
The country’s health au-
thorities reported 59,938
Covid-related deaths in hos-
pitals between Dec 8, 2022
and Jan 12, 2023, Xinhua
News Agency reported.
“The number of critical
cases in hospitals peaked on
Jan 5, totalling 128,000 on the
day,” said Jiao Yahui, head
of the Bureau of Medical
Administration under the
National Health Commis-
sion (NHC), at a press con-
ference held by the State
Council joint Covid preven-
tion and control mecha-
nism, on Saturday.
The number then began to
drop with fluctuations,
falling back to 105,000 on Jan
12, Jiao said.
“At present, 75.3% of beds
for severe cases are being
used,” Jiao said, adding that
the total number of inten-
sive care beds is sufficient to
meet the need for treatment.
According to Jiao, the
number of people seeking
treatment at fever clinics
peaked on Dec 23, 2022 at
about 2.87 million, and the
figure has since been in con-
tinuous decline.
The number of fever pa-
tients fell to 477,000 on Jan
12, a decrease of 83.3% from
the peak daily figure.
Two weeks after the peak
of fever patients, the num-
ber of critical cases in hospi-
tals reached its peak, Jiao
said.
The Covid detection rate
at fever clinics also contin-
ues to decline, peaking at
33.9% on Dec 20, 2022. The
number dropped to 10.8% on
Jan 12, Jiao added.
The proportion of positive
Covid tests among all hospi-
ANI / Tel Aviv
People in their thousands
took to the streets in Tel Aviv
on Saturday night against Is-
raeli Prime Minister Ben-
jamin Netanyahu and the
changes his government has
proposed to the Israeli judi-
cial system, CNN reported.
Attendees carried plac-
ards comparing Netanyahu
to Russian President
Vladimir Putin and claiming
that Israel was resembling
semi-democratic Hungary
and theocratic Iran.
The protesters thronged
central Tel Aviv’s HaBima
square and surrounded
streets despite heavy rains,
CNN reported, citing the lo-
cal Israeli media. Several
people also took to the streets
in Jerusalem for similar
protests.
The proposed amend-
ments, according to Esther
Hayut, president of Israel’s
Supreme Court, are “an un-
controlled attack on the legal
system” and “intended to
force a deadly blow on the in-
dependence of the judicial
system.” Notably, the re-
forms introduced last week
by Israeli Justice Minister
Yariv Levin would aim to re-
Six people dead in cylinder
explosion in Balochistan
PTI / Islamabad
At least six people of a fam-
ily, including children, were
killed on Sunday in a cylin-
der blast in Pakistan’s
southwestern Balochistan
province, according to a me-
dia report.
The blast occurred when
the family tried to switch on
a heater to fight the intense-
ly cold weather in the
provincial capital Quetta.
China with specific condi-
tions of use.
Pakistan’s economic situa-
tion is facing severe head-
winds with inflation being
forecast to stay high between
21-23% and the country’s fis-
cal deficit widening by more
than 115% in the first four
WORLD
This photo taken on Saturday shows a border checkpoint between
China and Myanmar. A Myanmar-China border crossing vital to
trade has partially reopened, an official said on Sunday
Hong Kong, mainland resume
high-speed railway services
Hong Kong : China on Sun-
day resumed the high-
speed railway services con-
necting the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Re-
gion and the mainland af-
ter nearly three years of
suspension due to Covid
curbs.
WHO asks China to release
more information
Beijing: The World Health
Organization has appealed
to China to keep releasing
information about its Covid
infections after the govern-
ment announced nearly
60,000 deaths since early De-
cember following weeks of
complaints it was failing to
tell the world what was hap-
tal outpatients peaked at
5.7% on Dec 19, 2022, and has
since continued to drop,
falling to 0.9% on Jan 12,
Jiao said.
People seeking treatment
at general outpatient depart-
ments totalled nearly 9.14
million on Jan 12, basically
returning to the pre-epidem-
form Supreme Court nomi-
nees through a review com-
mittee and give parliament
the authority to reject
Supreme Court verdicts.
Protesters told CNN that
they came out of concern for
Israel’s future and to send a
message to Netanyahu that
the public would not tolerate
what they regard as the de-
construction of Israeli
democracy.
Recently, Itamar Ben-Gvir,
Israel’s new far-right Minis-
ter of National Security or-
dered the police to remove
Palestinian flags from public
areas because they consti-
tute ‘terrorism’.
Following a significant
anti-government demonstra-
tion in Tel Aviv where some
protesters carried Palestin-
ian flags, Ben-Gvir issued his
orders.
The entire house was
damaged due to the explo-
sion caused by gas leakage.
The report said that the
bodies were shifted to a hos-
pital, but the identities of
the deceased could not be
ascertained. Most parts of
Balochistan, including the
capital Quetta, are experi-
encing a bitter cold, with
the mercury dropping to
-10°C to -15°C in some areas,
Dawn reported.
months (July-October) of the
current fiscal year.
The country – with an
economy of Rs350 billion – is
in dire need of foreign aid to
reduce its current account
deficit as well as ensure
enough reserves to meet its
debt obligations.
—AFP
At 7.03am local time, a
high-speed train left the
Hong Kong West Kowloon
Station for Shenzhen, the
first of such trains since
the pandemic disrupted
the cross-border bullet
train services, Xinhua
News Agency reported.
pening. The announcement
“allows for a better under-
standing of the epidemio-
logical situation”, a WHO
statement said. It said the
WHO director-general,
Tedros Adhanom Ghe-
breyesus, talked with
Health Minister Ma Xi-
aowei on phone.
ic level, Jiao said.
Regular medical services
at hospitals are recovering
gradually, Jiao said.
According to the press
conference, the majority of
critical cases and Covid-re-
lated deaths are the elderly,
most of whom have underly-
ing issues.
Former Brazil
minister
arrested for
Jan 8 riots
ANI / Brasilia
Brazil’s former minister for
justice, Anderson Torres,
was arrested on Saturday af-
ter he returned from the
United States, The NHK
World reported.
Torres is suspected of in-
tentionally failing to stop the
capital attack even when he
had the knowledge, the re-
port said, adding that he left
the country before the riots
broke out.
The report further states
that Torres, a close ally of
former president Jair Bol-
sonaro, had been defeated by
the current President Luiz
Inacio Lula Da Silva in Octo-
ber last year. He had been in
charge of Brasilia’s public
security when the Congress,
the Supreme Court, and the
presidential palace were at-
tacked during the riots of
Jan 8.
Torres is suspected of
intentionally failing
to stop the capital
attack even when he
had the knowledge,
the report said
More than 1,300 Bolsonaro
supporters have been arrest-
ed for orchestrating the
protest in Brasilia. The NHK
World report quoted local po-
lice sources as saying that
they found a draft decree in
Torres’ home overturning
the results of October’s pres-
idential election.
The prosecutors are ex-
pected to question Torres in
connection to Bolsonaro’s in-
volvement in the riots, the
NHK World reported, adding
that he tweeted that he had
always acted ethically and
legally and believed that
truth shall prevail.
Earlier, Justice Alexandre
de Moraes of the Brazilian
Supreme Court approved an
investigation to determine
whether Bolsonaro sparked
the unrest in the nation’s
capital on Jan 8.
The grant of permission
for the probe was given on
the request from the prose-
cutor general’s office, which
referenced a video Bolsonaro
uploaded on Facebook two
days after the disturbance.
 BIZ BULLETIN
Amendments to competition law likely in Budget session
The government is expected to propose amendments to the
Mcap of 7 most valued competition law after taking into consideration various suggestions
of a Parliamentary panel, in the upcoming Budget session of
cos jumps over `1L crore Parliament, according to a senior official. Besides, discussions are
MONEY
going on with respect to amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code as well as the Companies Act, 2013. The official also said that
the corporate affairs ministry is examining a Parliamentary panel's
suggestions on having a new digital competition law. BHOPAL I MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

FPIs withdraw `15,000 cr from

The combined market valuation of seven
of the top-10 most valued firms jumped
Rs 1,07,224.82 crore last week, with IT
majors TCS and Infosys emerging as the
biggest gainers. Last week, the 30-share Govt earmarks `2K cr
to encourage states to
BSE Sensex climbed 360.81 points or

equities in 2 weeks of January

0.60 per cent.

IIFCL extends `6,630 cr

loans to aviation sector
To support the massive growth in the
aviation sector, the India Infrastructure
Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has
extended a credit of Rs 6,630 crore for
the development of six major airports in
the country and looks forward to
increasing its exposure in the coming
years, said its managing director P R
Jaishankar. Bullish on the growth of the
aviation sector in the country, he said,
the IIFCL also given in-principle approval
of Rs 638 crore for the development of a
greenfield airport in Andhra Pradesh.
IT biggies post 14-20%
topline growth in Q3
India's IT services heavyweights
delivered between 14-20 per cent on-
year growth in topline for December
quarter, as they raised guard on global
uncertainties and choppy verticals, but
remained hopeful that costs as well as
business considerations will drive tech
demand. The tech earnings season
began with large IT companies -- TCS,
Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies --
declaring their Q3 report card this week,
amid analysts' gloomy prognosis around
slowdown in advanced economies and
fear of geopolitical flare-ups.
Foreign investors have been adopting cautious stance towards Indian mkts for past few weeks
PTI / New Delhi
Foreign investors offloaded around Rs 15,000
crore worth of Indian equities in the first two
weeks of January amid risks of Covid in
some parts of the world and recession wor-
ries in the US.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have
been adopting a cautious stance towards In-
dian equity markets for the past few weeks.
Going forward, FPIs flows are expected to
remain volatile even as inflation continued its
downward trajectory both globally and do-
mestically, Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equi-
ty Research ( Retail), Kotak Securities Ltd,
said.
According to the data with the depositories,
FPIs have made a net withdrawal of Rs 15,068
crore from the Indian equity markets during
January 2-13. Only two of the 10 trading days
in January to date saw net purchases.
This came following a net inflow of Rs
11,119 crore in December and Rs 36,239 crore
in November.
Overall, FPIs pulled out Rs 1.21 lakh crore
from the Indian equity markets in 2022 on ag-
gressive rate hikes by the central banks glob-
ally, particularly the US Federal Reserve,
volatile crude, rising commodity prices along
with Russia and Ukraine conflict.
This was the worst year for FPIs in terms of
flow and withdrawal from equities comes fol-
lowing a net investment in the preceding
three years.
The latest outflow in January could be at-
tributed to the concerning cues emanating
from both global as well as domestic quarters.
"There is still a risk of COVID in various
places of the world. Additionally, concerns
about the US recession are preventing FPIs
from investing in emerging nations like In-
dia," Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Direc-
tor - Manager Research, Morningstar India,
said.
Also, in the midst of the ongoing uncer-
tainty, many investors would have also chosen
to book profits with Indian markets touching
all-time highs in the recent past.
FPIs are selling in India and moving mon-
ey to cheaper markets like China, Hong Kong
and South Korea where valuations are much
lower, V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment
Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said.
Since domestic institutional investors
(DIIs) and retail investors are buyers and are
keen to buy the dips, the FPI selling is unlike-
ly to lead to a sharp correction in the market
even though the market appears weak for the
near term, he added.
CPI inflation falling to 5.72 per cent in De-
cember and IIP spurting to 7.1 per cent in No-
vember are positive macros which can pro-
vide fundamental support to the bulls.
In addition to equities, FPIs have offloaded
debt securities to the tune of Rs 957 crore dur-
ing the first two weeks of January.
scrap old vehicles
PTI / New Delhi
The Union government will give
an additional Rs 2,000 crore to
states under the Special Assis-
tance for Capital Investment
scheme to incentivise them to
scrap old vehicles and also pro-
vide tax concessions to individu-
als for it.
The government in 2022-23
Budget had introduced the 'Spe-
cial Assistance to States for Capi-
tal Investment' scheme with an
outlay of Rs 1.05 lakh crore. Un-
der the scheme, financial assis-
tance is being provided to state
governments in the form of 50-
year interest free loan for capital
projects.
Now, the Centre has ear-
marked an additional Rs 2,000
crore under the scheme to en-
courage states to scrap con-
demned government vehicles or
those vehicles which are older
than 15 years, besides providing
tax concessions to individuals for
scrapping old vehicles.
In a letter to states last month,
the finance ministry said that a
new sector road transport has
been identified for providing in-
centive tied to prescribed reforms
by states under the scheme.
Incentive for scrapping of old
vehicles has been added to the
scheme and an amount of Rs
2,000 crore has been earmarked
for scrapping state government
vehicles which are older than 15
years, waiver of liabilities on old
vehicles and providing tax con-
cessions to individuals for scrap-
ping of old vehicles.
With the inclusion of road
transport sector, the total outlay
under the scheme has increased
to Rs 1.07 lakh crore, from Rs 1.05
lakh crore announced in the
Budget.

Just Dial Q3 profit up

over 3-fold at `75.3 cr
Local search platform Just Dial has
reported over three-fold jump in its
consolidated net profit at Rs 75.32 crore
in the third quarter that ended
December 31, 2022. The company had
posted a net profit of Rs 19.39 crore in
the October-December quarter a year
ago, Just Dial said in a regulatory filing.
‘Appeal against CCI order
to become fait accompli’
Google has approached the Supreme
Court, saying its appeal before NCLAT
against CCI order, on abuse of dominant
position in the Android mobile device
ecosystem, would become a "fait
accompli" as the appellate tribunal has
refused to put a stay and listed hearing
of its plea almost 10 weeks after the
tech giant is required to comply with the
remedial directions.
CII Biz Confidence Index
jumps to 2-yr high in Q3
The latest CII Business Confidence Index
for the October-December quarter
rebounded to its highest reading in
almost two years of 67.6 from 62.2 in
the previous quarter, reflecting optimism
around India being in a 'sweet spot'
I belong to middle class, understand India’s Russian oil imports ReNew setting
their pressures, says Sitharaman top 1 mn barrels/day in Dec up solar cell,
PTI / New Delhi
Ahead of the Union Budget, Fi-
nance Minister Nirmala Sithara-
man said on Sunday that she was
aware of the pressures of the
middle class but also recalled
that the present government has
not imposed any fresh taxes on
them.
Sitharaman will present
Union Budget for 2023-24 in the
Lok Sabha on February 1 amid
expectations that the govern-
ment will raise the income tax
limit and provide relief to the
middle class taxpayers, besides
others.
"I too belong to the middle class
so I can understand the pressures
of the middle class. I identify my-
self with the middle class so I
know," she said while speaking at
a function organised by the
Panchjanya magazine, an RSS-
associated weekly.
In the same breath, the minis-
ter reminded the audience that
the present Modi government
has not imposed any fresh taxes
on the middle class. Also, she
added, income of up to Rs 5 lakh
is exempt from the income tax.
She said the government has
taken various measures like de-
veloping the metro rail network
in 27 cities and building 100
smart cities to promote ease of
living.
The minister assured them
that the government can do more
for the middle class as its popula-
tion is growing and it has become
sizeable now.
"I quite recognise their prob-
lems. The government has done a
lot for them and continue doing
the same," she said without mak-
ing any commitment. Sithara-
man said the government has
been raising the outlay on capital
expenditure in each Budget since
2020.
For current financial year, she
said, it has been increased by 35
per cent to Rs 7.5 lakh crore as it
has a multiplier effect on the
economy.
On the banking sector, she
said, the government's 4R strate-
gy --Recognition, Recapitaliza-
tion, Resolution and Reform--has
helped in revival of public sector
banks (PSBs).
As a result of this, non-per-
forming assets (NPAs) have de-
clined and health of PSBs has im-
proved greatly, she said.
PTI / New Delhi
India's import of crude oil from
Russia increased further in De-
cember 2022, topping 1 million
barrels per day for the first time
ever as Moscow remained its top
oil supper for the third month in
a row, according to data from en-
ergy cargo tracker Vortexa.
Russia, which made up for just
0.2 per cent of all crude oil India
imported in the year to March 31,
2022, supplied 1.19 million bpd in
December.
This was higher than 909,403
bpd crude oil India imported
from Russia in November and
935,556 bpd in October 2022. The
previous record for most crude
oil imports from Russia was in
June 2022 when India bought
942,694 bpd, according to Vortexa.
Russia, which in October 2022
for the first time surpassed tradi-
tional sellers Iraq and Saudi Ara-
bia to take the No.1 spot, now
makes up for 25 per cent of all oil
imported by India.
The imports peaked as a price
cap was agreed upon by the EU
on Russian seaborne oil. Russian
oil is available at much lower
than USD 60 per barrel cap
agreed, industry sources said.
According to Vortexa, an ener-
gy intelligence firm, India im-
ported 803,228 bpd of oil from
Iraq in December and 718,357 bpd
from Saudi Arabia. The United
Arab Emirates overtook the US
to become India's fourth largest
supplier, selling 323,811 bpd oil in
December 2022. The U.S. supplied
322,015 bpd, down from 405,525
bpd in November 2022.
module units
at `2,000 crore
investment
PTI / New Delhi
ReNew Power is investing Rs
2,000 crore to set up solar cell and
module manufacturing units in
Gujarat and Rajasthan, its Chair-
man Sumant Sinha said.
The company is also exploring
investment opportunities in Ut-
tar Pradesh to expand presence in
the country, Sinha, who is also the
founder and CEO of ReNew, told
PTI. The country is moving to-
wards becoming Atmanirbhar in
solar cell and modules, he said.
"Rs 2,000 crore is already being
spent by ReNew," the chairman
said in reply to a question if his
company is exploring investment
opportunities in the space of so-
lar cell and module manufactur-
ing. A solar cell and module man-

Over 4 lakh homes completed

despite the rising global uncertainties, ufacturing unit with an annual
the industry body said on Sunday.

Rakesh Jain takes over

Industry participants flag capacity of 2 gigawatt (GW) is be-
ing set up in Gujarat, he said.

in 2022, highest in five years

Another unit for manufactur-
as Chairman of IGL
Rakesh Kumar Jain has taken over as the
lack of quorum at CCI amid ing of only solar modules is being
set up in Rajasthan with a 4 GW

pending deal approvals

chairman of Indraprastha Gas Ltd, the
firm that retails CNG to automobiles and
piped natural gas to household kitchens
in the national capital region and
neighbouring towns. Jain, who is
Director (Finance) at state gas utility
GAIL (India) Ltd, took over as the
company chairman on January 14, IGL
said in a regulatory filing.
Govt extends tenure of
BoB MD Sanjiv Chadha
The government has extended the
tenure of Managing Director (MD) and
CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) Sanjiv
Chadha for about five months till June
30. The order dated January 14, 2023
comes ahead of the end three-year
tenure on January 19.
UP emerges top gaming
destination: MPL report
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top
destination for mobile gamers, followed
by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and
West Bengal, according to India Mobile
Gaming Report 2022 by gaming platform
Mobile Premier League released on
Sunday. Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu,
Puducherry and Himachal Pradesh have
seen the highest increase in mobile
gamers in 2022 compared to 2021.
PTI / New Delhi
With various mergers and acqui-
sitions awaiting CCI approval, in-
dustry participants have sought
measures to address the issue of
lack of quorum at the competi-
tion watchdog which does not
have a chairperson for more than
two months now.
Mergers and acquisitions be-
yond a certain threshold require
the approval of Competition
Commission of India (CCI) un-
der the Competition Act, 2022.
Section 5 and 6 of the Act relate to
regulation of combinations in
the country.
For approval of combinations,
the regulator needs to have a quo-
rum of three members. However,
since the retirement of Chairper-
son Ashok Kumar Gupta on Oc-
tober 25, 2022, there are only two
members, resulting in lack of
quorum at CCI.
Against this backdrop, various
industry players have sought
measures to address the current
situation till a new chairperson is
appointed, saying the lack of quo-
rum is causing delays in clear-
ances for combinations that have
been notified to the regulator.
The concerns have been
flagged to the corporate affairs
ministry, which is the adminis-
trative ministry for CCI.
Leading law firm Cyril Amarc-
hand Mangaldas' Partner (Head -
Competition Law) Avaantika
Kakkar has written to the min-
istry regarding lack of quorum
at CCI.
"As on date, a total of 15 com-
binations (transactions notified
to the CCI) are pending CCI's re-
view, including multiple global
transactions and transactions
under the ambit of the Insolven-
cy and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
PTI / New Delhi
Real estate developers increased
the pace of construction during
2022 with 4.02 lakh housing
units getting completed across
seven major cities as compared
to 2.79 lakh homes in the previ-
ous year, according to Anarock.
The construction works were
affected during 2020 and 2021
calendar years because of lock-
downs to control the COVID-19
pandemic.
Real estate consultant
Anarock, one of the leading
Demat accounts rise 34% to 10.8 cr in Dec on attractive returns from equity
PTI / New Delhi
The number of demat accounts
rose to 10.8 crore in December
2022, a surge of 34 per cent on
yearly basis, on attractive re-
turns from the equity markets,
ease of account opening process
and increased financial savings.
Also, the incremental account
additions of such accounts were
higher in December in compari-
housing brokerage firms, tracks
primary (fresh sale) residential
markets of seven major cities
namely Mumbai Metropolitan
Region (MMR), Delhi-NCR,
Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad,
Chennai and Kolkata. It com-
piles data of sales, new launch-
es, prices and construction sta-
tus of projects.
As per the Anarock data, the
completion of housing units
was highest since 2017. About
4.02 lakh homes were completed
in 2022 across the seven cities, a
44 per cent increase from 2021
son with the preceding three
months, however, below the fi-
nancial year 2021-22 (FY22) aver-
age run-rate of 29 lakh.
The incremental additions of
such accounts were 21 lakh in
December 2022, compared to 18
lakh each in October and No-
vember and 20 lakh in Septem-
ber, according to an analysis by
Motilal Oswal Financial Servic-
es.
level when around 2.79 lakh
homes got completed.
Of the total completed homes
in 2022, the highest were in
Mumbai Metropolitan Region
(MMR) at 1,26,720 units, almost
80 per cent more than in
2021 when 70,500 units were
completed.
In Delhi-NCR, the project exe-
cutions fell marginally to 86,300
units in 2022 from 86,590 units in
the previous year.
Pune saw 84,200 units com-
pleted in 2022, against 46,080
units in the previous year.
This decline is mainly due to
volatility seen in 2023 on account
of Russia-Ukraine war, high-in-
terest rate environment and ris-
ing inflation and hawkish US
Federal Reserve policies,
Nistasha Shankar- Head PRS
Equity Research, Yes Securities,
said.
Also, a lesser number of new
initial public offerings (IPOs)
hitting markets in 2022 com-
annual capacity, Sinha said.
The company aims to make the
Gujarat unit operational by De-
cember quarter next fiscal year,
and the unit in Rajasthan is
planned to start in the first quar-
ter of 2023-24. When asked
whether the company is also look-
ing to invest in Uttar Pradesh, he
replied in the affirmative.
"We are exploring the areas (in-
vestment opportunities) in UP,"
Sinha informed. ReNew Power, a
subsidiary of ReNew Energy
Global Plc, is one of the largest re-
newable energy independent
power producers (IPPs) globally.
pared to 2021 has also con-
tributed to a lower number of
demat accounts being opened in
the last few months, Roop
Bhootra, CEO, Investment Serv-
ices, Anand Rathi Shares and
Stock Brokers, said.
As per the data, the number of
demat accounts rose to 10.8
crores in December 2022 from 8.1
crores in December 2021, regis-
tering a growth of 34 per cent.

BMW sees huge growth

potential in India
BMW is increasing its focus on India,
buoyed by the best-ever annual sales in
2022 as it sees "huge growth potential
for market leadership" here given the
low penetration.
Meta, Microsoft vacating
offices in Seattle
As office rentals drop significantly in the
city of San Francisco amid remote work
and massive layoffs, Meta and Microsoft
are now vacating office buildings in
Seattle and Bellevue in Washington
State. —Agencies
Repos expects to grow three-fold this fiscal Greaves Cotton to expand PROMOTING RUPAY
CARDS, UPI TRANSACTIONS
Plans to raise `300 cr our initial investor. Last fiscal
year we did business of Rs 65
electric 2-wheeler portfolio No GST payable
PTI / New Delhi crore. Our business has been
growing multifold. This fiscal we
PTI / New Delhi high-speed B2C e-scooter along
with five new product concepts, on `2,600-cr govt
incentive to banks
Ratan Tata-backed energy distri- expect our top line to be around Greaves Cotton Ltd plans to bring including Ampere NXG and Am-
bution startup Repos is expected Rs 185 crore," Walunj said. She electric two-wheelers both in the pere NXU, at the ongoing Auto
to grow by close to three-fold to Rs
185 crore in the current fiscal on company is in the process of rais-
said that the company's fuel dis- mass and premium segments go-
tribution platform is mainly built ing forward as it looks to enhance
Expo 2023, plans to launch electric
scooters. PTI / New Delhi
account of increased traction for ing Rs 300 crore to fund expan- around the de- market share in In an interview with PTI, Basa-
its service among business-to- sion of business across India as livery of diesel
AUTO EXPO 2023 the domestic mar- vanhalli said when the company Incentives paid by the government to
business clients, a top official of well as a platform to offer carbon- but it is now adding new fuels to ket, according to the company's started the electric journey "sev- banks for promoting RuPay debit cards
the firm said. neutral fuels such as ethanol and the platforms to make it available Executive Vice Chairman Nagesh eral years ago", the annual rev- and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions
Repos Energy founder and electric vehicle chargers. at the doorsteps of end con- Basavanhalli. enue was about Rs 18 crore, which will not attract GST, the Finance Ministry
CVO Aditi Bhosale Walunj told "We have been fortunate sumers with the help of technol- The company, which is show- reached a quarterly revenue of Rs said.
PTI at the Auto Expo 2023 that the enough to have Mr Ratan Tata as ogy. casing its new Ampere Primus 320 crore in the last quarter. Last week the Cabinet cleared a Rs
2,600-crore incentive scheme for banks
MARKET OUTLOOK to promote RuPay debit cards and low-
value BHIM-UPI transactions in the
‘Quarterly earnings, inflation data to drive trends in equity mkt this wk’ current fiscal. Under the Incentive
scheme for the promotion of RuPay Debit
Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI
PTI / New Delhi names and this week we will react to US bond yields and the dollar index will largely be in focus. First, markets will transactions, the government pays banks
earnings of some major names, includ- be other important factors," said San- react to HDFC Bank's number. In the fol- an incentive as a percentage of the value
WPI inflation data, the ongoing quarter- ing HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, Asian tosh Meena, Head of Research, Swasti- lowing sessions, participants will be of RuPay Debit card transactions and
ly earnings and foreign fund trading ac- Paints, JSW Steel and HUL. ka Investmart Ltd. eyeing IndusInd Bank, Kotak Bank and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions up to Rs
tivity would largely dictate terms in the "On the global front, the US market "Going ahead, earnings and global ICICI Bank results," said Ajit Mishra, 2,000. The Payments and Settlements
equity market this week, analysts said. will remain shut on Monday on account cues will largely dictate the trend. On VP - Technical Research, Religare Systems Act, 2007 prohibits banks and
Global trends and Brent crude oil of Martin Luther King Jr Day. However, the macroeconomic front, we have Broking Ltd. system providers from charging any
movement are also crucial factors to we will have lots of macro numbers Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation Last week, the 30-share BSE bench- amount from a person making or
watch out for, they added. from the US, Europe and China. Apart data scheduled on January 16. On the mark climbed 360.81 points or 0.60 per receiving payments through RuPay Debit
"The Q3 season has begun with big IT from this, movement in crude oil prices, earnings front, banking stocks will cent. cards or BHIM.

Al-Attiyah retains Dakar title
DAMMAM (SAUDI ARABIA): Nasser Al-Attiyah won a second straight Dakar Rally
just kilometers from his Qatar homeland on Sunday. His fifth Dakar title eclipsed
Ari Vatanen’s total and was second only to Stephane Peterhansel, the Dakar’s
greatest champion with 14 wins, eight in the premier car category.
MALAYSIA OPEN
Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong bags mixed doubles crown
Axelsen, Yamaguchi
win singles titles
It was Axelsen’s record ninth consecutive final in the
BWF Super 1000 tournaments and eighth in the
top-tier level series. The Dane defended his title by
beating Naraoka Kodai of Japan in straight sets,
21-6, 21-15 in the final here at Axiata Arena
KUALA LUMPUR
Olympic champion Viktor
Axelsen on Sunday re-
tained his Malaysia Open
Super 1000 men’s singles ti-
tle while the reigning
world champion Japan’s
Akane Yamaguchi
clinched the women’s sin-
gles trophy.
Carrying her scintillat-
ing form from 2022, Yam-
aguchi outplayed number
Rosewall honoured on the Aus
Open 2023 commemorative coin
MELBOURNE
Australian tennis legend
Ken Rosewall has been re-
vealed as the face of the
Australian Open 2023 com-
memorative coin, honour-
ing the 70-year anniver-
sary of his 1953 men’s sin-
gles triumph.
The Australian tennis
legend is being honoured
on the official Australian
Open 2023 coin in a ‘grass-
roots to Grand Slam’ mo-
ment at Melbourne Park
on Sunday.
“Legendary status. 4x
#AusOpen champ Ken
‘Muscles’ Rosewall is the
face of our 2023 commem-
orative coin, 70 years after
his first triumph in 1953,”
tournament organisers
MUMBAI MARATHON
Ethiopia’s Lemi, Haymanot set course records calendar for the 2023 season
MUMBAI
Ethiopian duo of Hayle
Lemi and Anchalem
Haymanot won the
men’s and women’s elite
titles with new course
records to take home the
USD 45,000 winners
prize and a course
record bonus of USD
15,000 each in the 18th
edition of the Tata
Mumbai Marathon.
here on Sunday.
Lemi won the men’s
Marathon Elite race in 2
hours seven minutes
and 32 seconds to finish
ahead of Rono Phile-
mon of Kenya (2:08.44).
Haymanot bagged the ti-
tle in the Women’s Elite
Race in a timing of 2
hours 24 minutes and 15
seconds, ahead of sec-
ond-placed compatriot
Tusa Rahma (2:24.22) as
Ethiopia swept the first
eight spots.
T Gopi won the Marathon
Elite Male Indian section in
2:16.41 with Man Singh
(2:16.58) while Chavi Yadav
won the Marathon Elite
Women Indian race in
2:50.35 with Arati Pati
3:00.44.
In the Elite Men’s race,
Lemi took advantage of the
slow pace in the first half of
the men’s race. The 2016 Bo-
son Marathon winner ran
alongside the defending
champion, countryman De-
rara Hurisa, Kenyan Phile-
mon Rono, and half a dozen
two seed An Se Young of
Korea 12-21, 21-19, 21-11 for
the women’s singles title in
the opening World Tour
event of 2023.In the mixed
doubles, world number one
and Olympic silver medal-
list pair Zheng Si Wei and
Huang Ya Qiong got better
of Tokyo 2020 bronze
medallists Yuta Watanabe
and Arisa Higashino of
Japan 21-19, 21-11 in 44 min-
utes.
tweeted.Rosewall remains
the youngest man to have
won the Australian Open
men’s singles title, win-
ning at just 18. Claiming
subsequent titles in 1955
World Archery releases event
other runners as they
passed through the iconic
Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link to-
wards the halfway mark.
Lemi, Rono and another
Ethiopian Hailu Zewdu
broke away from the rest of
the group at the 26th kilo-
metre. The three athletes
climbed the Peddar Road to-
gether on their return jour-
ney. Lemi increased his
pace while coming down to
enter Chowpatty beach cor-
ner and started running on
the Marine Drive well
ahead of the other two. His
2:07:32 is an early season
lead in the world this year.
Rono clocked 2:08:44 for the
second spot.
Women’s doubles duo
Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi
Fan trounced South Ko-
rea’s Baek Hana and Lee
Yulim 21-16, 21-10 in 52 min-
utes to seal the victory.
The new world number
one in men’s doubles, Fajar
Alfian and Muhammad
Rian Ardianto of Indone-
sia beat the Chinese combi-
nation of Liang Wei Keng
and Wang Chang 21-18, 18-
21, 21-13 in the final.
and 1971, Rosewall also
won in 1972 aged 36, mark-
ing 19 years since his in-
augural title - another
record that remains to this
day.
The women started their
race at a fast pace and there
was a keen tussle between
five Ethiopian runners at
the midway stage. Work-
nesh Alemu, the 2019 cham-
pion here, drew from her
past experience on the
course to take the lead at
that point.
However, Haymanot, a
marathon debutant, broke
away from Alemu. Rahma
Tusa, two times Rome
Marathon winner, and 2022
Sydney marathon runner-
up Letebrhan Haylay ran
shoulder-to-shoulder with
her.
For the first time, the
podium finishers in the
Top-10 women stars to watch out for at India Open
NEW DELHI
With the India Open 2023 be-
ing upgraded to the Super
750 status for the first time,
the country is gearing up to
witness top-notch bad-
minton action of the high-
est order at the Indira Gand-
hi Indoor Stadium here
from January 17 to 22.
Distinguished names from
all over the world will be
gracing the prestigious
tournament with their dy-
namic performances, mak-
ing the event a one-of-a-kind
spectacle for the country’s
sports enthusiasts. Here are
Top-10 women shuttlers to
keep an eye on at the biggest
badminton event of India-
organised by the Badminton
Association of India.
1) Akane Yamaguchi
(Japan)
World No. 1 Akane Yam-
aguchi is the front runner to
claim her maiden Yonex-
Sunrise India Open title.
With two consecutive World
Championships gold medals
in 2021 and 2022 to her name,
she is one of the only two
Japanese women’s singles
players to win the coveted
tournament. The 25-year-
old’s swift, diligent and pa-
tient style of play powered
her to the All England Open
and Japan Open titles as
well as the Asian Champi-
onships silver medal last
year. Her dazzling perform-
ances have seen her start
2023 with a bang by making
the Malaysia Open final and
she will be keen to carry for-
ward that form in India as
well.
2) Chen Yufei (China)
Tokyo Olympics gold
medallist, Chen Yufei ar-
rives in India with the hopes
of kicking off the new year
with her first Super 750 title
in more than three years.
The World No. 2 had a frus-
trating 2022, having lost in
seven BWF World Tour fi-
nals. Though Yufei pre-
vailed in the Indonesia Mas-
ters, she lost two Super 300,
Super 500 and Super 750
events each while also going
down fighting in her maid-
en World Championships fi-
nal against Akane Yam-
SERIE A
Lautaro decisive in Inter’s victory over Verona
ROME
Lautaro Martinez managed three
consecutive games on the score-
sheet as his sole goal saw Inter Mi-
lan beat Hellas Verona 1-0 at San
Siro.
The Nerazzurri just needed an ex-
tra time to get the better of Parma
in the Coppa Italia midweek and
entered Saturday’s game without
Romelu Lukaku and Marcelo Bro-
zovic, reports Xinhua news agency.
Lautaro got the job done in the
opening minutes as the World Cup
winner sent the ball into the net af-
women’s section finished
under 2:25, as Tusa (2:24:22)
also finished under the pre-
vious course record of
2:24:33 held by Valentine
Kipketer (Kenya) since
2013.
GOPI MAKES WIN-
NING RETURN: Gopi T.
made a winning return to
competitive action while
Chavi Yadav pulled off a
spectacular victory on her
marathon debut in the Indi-
an race.
Olympian Gopi, the first
Indian male to win the
Asian Marathon Champi-
onship in 2017, clocked
2:16:41 to finish on top of
the domestic Elites and
FROM YAMAGUCHI TO PV SINDHU
aguchi last year. However,
she will be determined to
avenge those defeats and
have her sights set on
clinching the maiden title of
the India Open.
3) An Se-young (South
Korea)
The young shuttler from
South Korea An Se-young
has been turning heads
with stunning displays on
the BWF circuit. At just 20,
she already has 11 BWF
World Tour titles under her
belt and also five runners-
up finishes. Ranked fourth
in the world, Seyoung also
secured bronze at the World
Championships and Asian
Championships last year
and was also part of the na-
tional team which tri-
umphed at the 2022 Uber
Cup. Her high ceiling and
abundance of talent makes
her one of the best young
prospects taking part in the
India Open 2023.
4) PV Sindhu (India)
Widely regarded as one of
India’s most accomplished
sporting personalities, PV
Sindhu will be keen on
replicating her heroics from
2017 and winning the India
Open for the second time in
her career. A five-time
World Championships
medallist in the women’s
singles, the 27-year-old is In-
dia’s first and only champi-
on in the tournament, hav-
ing defeated Nozomi
Okuhara in the 2019 finals
and also has two Olympics
medals to her name. The
current World No. 7 secured
the gold in last year’s Com-
monwealth Games to be-
come only the second
women’s singles player to
win a full set of gold, silver
and bronze medals at the
event. The home crowd will
be raising the roof when the
star shuttler takes to the
court to showcase her
supreme level of gameplay
against the world’s best.
5) Ratchanok Intanon
(Thailand)
The 2013 world champion
has won the Yonex-Sunrise
India Open three times in
her career, going all the way
in the 2013, 2016 and 2019
editions of the tournament.
ter a series of ricochets.
The Argentinean had
doubled the lead in the sec-
ond half as he dinked it
over an on-rushing goal-
keeper, but it was wiped
out as Lautaro had a foul in
the build-up.
The win, coupled with
Juve’s frustrating 5-1 de-
feat to Napoli on Saturday,
allowed Inter to level the
Bianconeri on 37 points,
but still rank fourth due to
an inferior goal difference.
Another Milanese club
10th overall in the 18th
edition of the USD
405,000 prize fund World
Athletics Gold Label
Road Race.
All eyes were on Gopi
who was returning to
competition after three
years following knee
surgery and the Army
runner didn’t disap-
point as he clocked
2:16:41, and was followed
by Man Singh, who was
17 seconds behind, and
Kalidas Hirave.
Gopi fell short of the
upcoming Asian Games
cut-off of 2:15 but said
the win in India’s
largest marathon gave
him a tremendous
boost.
The 2020 winner Srinu
Bugatha finished fifth
in 2:23:05.
Bhopal’s Chavi said she
was running the classic dis-
tance for the first time. “I
didn’t run more than 25 km
even in training,” she told a
news conference. Arati
Patil finished second, over
10 minutes behind, and
Renu Singh was third.
The Elite Indian podium
finishers were richer by
INR 500,000, 400,000 &
300,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, Parul Chaud-
hary bettered her course
mark in the women’s half
marathon and Murli Gavit
won the men’s crown. The
podium finishers took
home INR 100,000, 75,000 &
60,000 respectively.
INDORE / BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
Currently ranked sixth in
the world rankings, she is
the first Thai singles player
to not only be ranked num-
ber one in the world but also
to win the Asian Champi-
onships. Ratchanok won the
2022 Malaysia Open by de-
feating Chen Yufei in the fi-
nal which was her first and
only Super 750 triumph. The
27-year-old will be eager to
add another title by contin-
uing her fine form in India’s
biggest badminton tourna-
ment.
6) Carolina Marin (Spain)
The highly decorated shut-
tler Carolina Marin, who is
one of the greatest names in
women’s singles badminton,
is anticipated to take the
2023 India Open by storm.
The three-time world cham-
pion, Marin also won the
2016 Olympic gold medal
and held the World No. 1
rank for 66 consecutive
weeks. However, in spite of
winning almost every major
tournament, the Spaniard is
yet to win India’s presti-
gious tournament and will
be looking to be at her top
game to win her first BWF
World Tour title since the
2021 Swiss Open.
7. He Bing Jiao (China)
The 2014 Youth Olympics
champion He Bing Jio will
be another Chinese player
to watch out for in women’s
LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND)
Archery World Cup returns
for its 17th season with four
stages and a final scheduled
between April and Septem-
ber, as the World Archery
released its event
calendar for the
2023 season.
Stages of the cir-
cuit will take
place in Antalya,
Turkey; Shang-
hai, China;
Medellin, Colom-
bia and Paris,
France.
It is the first
time the tour will
visit Shanghai
since before the
pandemic. An-
talya hosts a stage
for the 16th time
and Medellin for
the seventh in
2023. For the sec-
ond year in a row, the
Archery World Cup Final
will be held in Mexico —
this time in Hermosillo in
September.
The event in Paris will
also act as the test event for
the 2024 Paris Olympics —
and will be the only oppor-
tunity for athletes to com-
pete in the temporary arena
Event Schedule:
Stage 1: April
Stage 2: May
Stage 3: June
Stage 4: August
World Cup Final: September 9-10 in Hermosillo, Mexico
SPORTS
singles at the 2023 India
Open after Chen Yufei. The
World No. 5 Bing Jiao ended
2022 on a high note by win-
ning the titles of Denmark
Open and French Open be-
fore the semi-finals-finish in
the year-ending World Tour
Finals. The 25-year-old
couldn’t carry forward the
momentum in 2023, losing
in the Round-of-32 in the
first tournament of the
year, Malaysia Open. How-
ever, Bing Jiao, the two-time
World Championships
medallist, will be keen to re-
gain the form when she
competes at the Yonex-Sun-
rise India Open.
8. Chen Qing Chen-Jia
Yi Fan (China)
The World No. 1 Chinese
duo will arguably be the
biggest threat in the
women’s doubles competi-
tion as they are coming
into the 2023 India Open af-
ter ending the last year on a
brilliant note, winning the
World Tour Finals in De-
cember. The in-form pair
has also kickstarted the
year on a sensational note
winning the Malaysia
Open. Besides winning a
silver medal at the Tokyo
Olympics and three gold
medals at the World Cham-
pionships (2017, 2021 and
2022), Qing Chen and Yi
Fan have clinched seven ti-
at Invalides before the
Games, should they
progress to a final at the
competition.
“More than 400,000 Swiss
Franc (431352.40 USD) in
prize money will be award-
ed on the circuit in 2023 —
which has more than dou-
bled over the last four
years,” World Archery said
in a release.
The biggest increase this
year is at the four stages,
where the total pot has
risen from 30,400 CHF to
45,600 CHF (32782.78 to
49,174.17) as cheques will be
18-23 in
16-21 in
13-18 in
15-20 in
tles together in 2022.
9. Nami Matsuyama-Chi-
haru Shida (Japan)
The deadly combination
of Nami Matsuyama and
Chiharu Shida have been
impressive since their
young days. In the junior
circuit, they won bronze
medals at the World Cham-
pionships as well as Asian
Championships together in
2015. The Japanese duo
won the Indonesia Open,
Thailand Open and All
England Championships
last year. The upcoming In-
dia Open will be Matsuya-
ma and Shida’s first tour-
nament of 2023 as the
World No. 2 pair will aim to
make an impressive start
to the new year.
10. Pearly Tan-Thinaah
Muralitharan (Malaysia)
The reigning Common-
wealth Games champions
Pearly Tan and Thinaah
Muralitharan are ranked
sixth in the women’s dou-
bles world rankings. The
Malaysian pair clinched
the French Open title last
year and also made semi-fi-
nal appearances in three
tournaments. Following a
first-round exit at the
Malaysia Open, the duo
will look to get back to win-
ning ways when they ar-
rive in New Delhi this
week.
AC Milan suffered a dif-
ferent fortune on Satur-
day, as they fought back
from 2-0 down to draw
with Lecce.
Theo Hernandez’s own
goal and Federico
Baschirotto’s header let
the home side establish
a 2-0 lead before the
break, but Rafael Leao’s
strike from a tricky an-
gle and Davide Cal-
abria’s header saw Mi-
lan claim a back-to-back
2-2 stalemate.
awarded down to eighth
place rather than fourth.
Each Hyundai Archery
World Cup Champion will
receive 30,000 CHF
(32,351.43 USD) this season.
Launched in 2006,
Archery World Cup is the
sport’s premier elite com-
petition circuit for nation-
al teams. The best 32
archers (eight in each
championship category)
over the season qualify to
compete at the Archery
World Cup Final for the
four-circuit champion tro-
phies.
Antalya, Turkey
Shanghai, China
Medellin, Columbia
Paris, France
 SPORTS
Struggling South Africa mulls split-coaching
DURBAN: Struggling South Africa are likely to rope in Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter in a
split coaching set up in a bid to revive their fortunes in International cricket.The duo are
expected to be unveiled as South Africa’s new coaches on Monday, reported ESPNCricinfo.
INDORE / BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

‘GOAT’: Virat, ‘Shub’ smash tons

SHREYAS IYER SAYS
Look at scoring runs on
every ball when going
out to bat
INDIAN BOWLERS DOMINATE ISLANDERS TO LEFT BEHIND JAYAWARDENE THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
REDUCE THEM TO 73, SIRAJ TAKES 4 WICKETS IN TERMS OF RUNS
King Kohli’s another ‘Virat’ record
India middle-order bat-
ter Shreyas Iyer believes
TEAM INDIA REGISTERS BIG WIN IN THIRD one has to look at scor-

ODI BY 317RUNS, CLINCH SERIES 3-0

ing runs on every ball
V irat Kohli has achieved a new feat by maintaining his
excellent form. The Indian batsman has once again
while going out to bat in
the ODIs.Iyer has been a

T
surpassed Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene as the key figure in India’s mid-
his is the biggest win in ODI highest run-scorer in ODI history by scoring runs against dle-order for ODIs in 2022, making 724 runs at an aver-
Sri Lanka. Virat has now reached number five in the list
cricket history in terms of runs. India of players who have scored the most runs in ODI cricket.
age of 55.69 in 15 innings.
In ODIs against Sri Lanka, Iyer has two scores of 28.
broke New Zealand’s 15-year-old record in this matter. Before the third ODI against Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli was 62 But his ability to rotate the strike and bat well against
runs behind former Sri Lankan captain Jayawardene
The Kiwi team defeated Ireland by 290 runs in 2008. (12650) and was at number six in the list. But after
spin in the middle overs is something which will come
handy on Indian pitches when the 2023 ODI World Cup
landing in Thiruvananthapuram, he once again batted

T
he biggest defeat of the Indian team in ODI
cricket was against Sri Lanka in the year
2000. Then Sri Lanka defeated Team India by
245 runs. Now India has given its biggest defeat
to Sri Lanka. In the match played in Sharjah in the
year 2000, Sri Lanka scored 299 runs thanks to the
century of Sanath Jayasuriya (189 runs). In response,
the Indian innings was reduced to 54 runs.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Virat Kohli lit up the dead
rubber with an epic 166 not
out, his third century in
four innings, as India anni-
hilated a clueless Sri Lanka
with a record 317-run win in
the third ODI to sweep the
series here on Sunday.
Skipper Rohit Sharma (42
off 49) and Shubman Gill
(116 off 97) shared a fluent
95-run opening partnership
before Kohli (166 not out off
110) propelled India to a
daunting 390 for five with
his 74th international hun-
dred and 46th in the 50-over
format.Sri Lanka suc-
cumbed to the high quality
fast bowling of Mohammad
Siraj who struck four times
inside the 10 overs to shut
the door on the opposition.
Sri Lanka were all out for a
meagre 73 in 22 overs, high-
lighting the gulf between
the two teams.
It is the biggest margin of
victory by runs in the histo-
ry of men’s ODIs.
The night well and truly
belonged to King Kohli. The
34-year-old, who had ended a
nearly three-year wait for
an international hundred in
the Asia Cup last year,
showed that he is back to his
best.
Kohli is now only three
short of equalling Sachin
will be held in the country in October and November.”I
brilliantly and managed to leave Jayawardene behind.
Virat did not stop here and also completed his 46th ODI
do look at scoring runs on every ball when I go out to
century by scoring the second century of the series.
bat. I see to it that momentum is on my side. My ap-
proach is to chase balls. In ODIs if you get to a start, you
Virat Kohli now has a total of 73 centuries in have to see to it that you maintain the rhythm and not
international cricket and is second in terms of most
international centuries. Sachin Tendulkar (100) has more
complicate things,” he said in a pre-match chat with
broadcasters.
centuries than him. Talking about Virat’s runs in
international cricket, he has now scored more than
24700 runs and he is at the sixth position in the list here.
ANDY FLOWER FEELS
Most runs in ODIs:
• Sachin Tendulkar: 18426
‘Surya causes lot of trouble for
Tendulkar’s record of 49 side flick off a full
• Kumar Sangakkara: 14234
• Ricky Ponting: 13704 bowlers with his 360-degree play’
ODI centuries. Kohli’s con- toss. Rohit too was • Sanath Jayasuriya: 13430 ABU DHABI
version ratio is remarkable looking good at the • Virat Kohli: 12708*
as he got to his 46th ton in other end but got out Most runs in international cricket Former Zimbabwean crick-
259 innings while Ten- against the run of play • Sachin Tendulkar: 34357 eter Andy Flower, who is
dulkar had taken while trying one of his • Kumar Sangakkara: 28016 coaching Gulf Giants fran-
452 innings to get signature shots, the • Ricky Ponting: 27483 chise at the inaugural edi-
to 49 centuries. front foot • Mahela Jayawardene: 25957 tion of ILT20, feels that the
Before Kohli • Jacques Kallis: 25534 360 degree players like
took over, Gill • Virat Kohli: 24715* Suryakumar Yadav causing
had played some a lot of problems for
high quality pull. Gill and Kohli collision with Ashen Ban- bowlers and don’t allow
strokes en route to then shared a 131-run dara and Jeffrey Vandersay, them to adjust to their line
his second ODI hun- stand in which they who both were running to- and lengths.
dred. With that effort, were hardly troubled wards the ball from deep “360 degree players like
he repaid the faith of by the Sri Lankan square leg and deep mid- Suryakumar are causing a
the team manage- bowlers.Kohli began wicket. Both the fielders lot of trouble for bowlers.
ment which had the innings with a were eventually stretchered Fast bowlers can bowl at
picked him to open flurry of bound- off the field.The last 10 their best length and the
ahead of Ishan Kis- aries before accu- overs saw India smashing batsman scoop over the
han, who came into mulating runs with 116 runs with Kohli going keeper or fine leg. We are
the series with a dou- his exemplary run- ballistic after his century. It also seeing reverse sweep
ble hundred under his ning between the was raining sixes from his over short third man
belt. wickets. His first of bat post the milestone and against the seamers now. how a coach and captain
The 23-run over his eight sixes came one over long on had shades Joe Root is also trying that can balance the team.
from Lahiru in the 80s and it was MS Dhoni’s helicopter shot kind of shot here,” Flower “We all like aggression of
Kumara in the a mishit over long that left Kohli with a big told IANS at the sidelines of course, but I still feel that
initial stage on, leaving him in a smile. Most of his maxi- ILT20. there is a role for different
of the in- chuckle. mums came in the cow cor- “It is lovely to see these types of players. It depends
nings got He got to 99 with a ner region. skills. It takes courage to on selectors and coach and
India go- boundary which In response to India’s mam- play these shots. The game captain, how they balance
ing. After came following a moth total, Sri Lanka never is demanding greater varia- it out, but certainly power
Rohit flicked really turned up in the tion and greater range of is important , but there are
him for a six Virat Kohli chase. Siraj had Avishka Fer- skills and players are find- different ways of scoring
over deep mid-
wicket, Gill col-
Shubman Gill Runs 166 nando caught at widish slip
in the second over of the in-
ing ways to deliver that,” he
added.
quickly in cricket. SKY has
shown us recently how to
lected four Runs 116 not out nings. It was a procession Asked whether there is a do it with skill and innova-
straight bound-
aries off Ku-
Balls 97 Balls 110
thereafter with Siraj run-
ning through the top or-
place for these sheet anchor
kind of players in T20
tion. I think there is a place
for every type of cricketer.
mara, three on Sixes 2 Sixes 8 der.Mohammad Shami and cricket, Flower said there is As a coach, captain, selec-
the off side and
one was a leg
Fours 14 Fours 13
Kuldeep Yadav chipped in
with a couple of wickets.
a role for different types of
players but it depends on
tor, one just has to balance
out things,” he said.

SCOREBOARD DEW FACTOR

INDIA: Rohit Sharma c Avishka Fernando b C Karunaratne 42 Shubman Gill b Rajitha 116 Virat Kohli not out 166 Shreyas Iyer c Dhananjaya de Silva b Lahiru Kumara 38 KL Rahul c D
Wellalage b Lahiru Kumara 7 Suryakumar Yadav c Avishka Fernando b Rajitha 4 Axar Patel not out 2 Extras: (lb-10, w-5) 15 Total: 390/5 in 50 overs Fall of wickets: 95-1, 226-2, 334-3,
364-4, 370-5 Bowling: Kasun Rajitha 10-1-81-2, Lahiru Kumara 10-1-87-2, Wanindu Hasaranga 10-0-54-0, Jeffrey Vandersay 7-0-59-0, Chamika Karunaratne 8-0-58-1, Dasun Shanaka 3-
Ashwin wants ODI
0-19-0, Nuwanidu Fernando 2-0-22-0. PTI More AH
SRI LANKA: Avishka Fernando c Shubman Gill b Mohammed Siraj 1 Nuwanidu Fernando b Mohammed Siraj 19Kusal Mendis c Rahul b Mohammed Siraj 4 Charith Asalanka c Patel b World Cup matches
Mohammed Shami 1 Dasun Shanaka b Kuldeep Yadav 11Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva b Mohammed Siraj 1 Chamika Karunaratne run out (Mohammed Siraj) 1 Dunith Wellalage c Yadav b
Mohammed Shami 3 Kasun Rajitha not out 13Lahiru Kumara b Kuldeep Yadav 9Ashen Bandara absent hurt Extras: (B-1, LB-2, W-7) 10 Total: (For 9 wickets in 22 overs) 73 Fall of
wickets: 1-7, 2-22, 3-31, 4-35, 5-37, 6-39, 7-50, 8-51, 9-73 Bowling: Mohammed Shami 6-2-20-2, Mohammed Siraj 10-1-32-4, Kuldeep Yadav 5-1-16-2, Shreyas Iyer 1-0-2-0.
to start at 11.30 am
NEW DELHI
REMAIN IN CONTENTION FOR DIRECT QF BERTH Premier India off-spinner

India play out goalless draw against England

Ravichandran Ashwin
wants 2023 ODI World Cup
matches, which will be
played in India in October
and November, to begin
from 11.30am, a timing
If two teams are on equal points and have which is earlier than the
usual 1:30pm start of day-
won same number of matches, the side which night 50-over games in In-
have better goal difference will be ranked dia.
higher. England now have a goal difference of Ashwin cited the example
of India’s first ODI against
plus five after beating Wales 5-0 in their Sri Lanka in Guwahati,
opening match as against plus two of India, where the Rohit Sharma-
led side defended a mam-
who had emerged 2-0 winners against Spain moth 373 to win by 67 runs.
“India batted brilliantly on
a slow wicket and posted a
score well above par. But
they still ended up having
to fight tooth and nail (to
win against Sri Lanka).
“The quality difference
between the teams isn’t
coming through - dew is may not be ideal one for the
ROURKELA Mandeep Singh won In- narrowing that gap if you broadcasters, Ashwin be-
dia’s first penalty corner happen to lose the toss. My lieves that fans would be
India played out a goalless towards the end of the suggestion - or rather my ready in time to watch
draw against England in first quarter but Man- opinion - for the (ODI) World Cup matches regard-
an entertaining pool preet’s stop was not the World Cup is to look at what less of their timing. “Imme-
match to remain in con- best one, forcing captain venues we are playing in, diately people will bring up
tention for a direct quar- Harmanpreet Singh to and at what times. Why television viewers and
terfinal berth in the FIH abort his dragflick.As shouldn’t we start matches broadcasters, and say that
Men’s Hockey World Cup soon as the second quarter at 11.30am during the World people won’t latch on and
here on Sunday. started, Wallace Zachary’s Cup?” he said in a video on watch at that time, but
England got eight penal- hit from inside the Indian his Youtube channel. would they not latch on to
ty corners as against In- circle came off Krishan Though an 11:30am start World Cup matches?
dia’s four. But the home Bahadur Pathak high and
team’s penalty corners de- England got their sixth PC England Players try to stop Akashdeep Singh (27) of India AP / PTI had taken the lead in the India were one man AFGHANISTAN ALL-ROUNDER
fence was impeccable. but again wasted it. last minute of the third down in the last few min-
England and India are now England kept on enter- miss the target by a Hardik’s double shot was quarter which was con- utes of the match and Eng-
MOHAMMAD NABI RECALLS
on four points each from
two matches and who tops
the pool and qualify direct-
ing the Indian circle and
got their seventh penalty
corner but first rusher
whisker.
India pressed and earned
their fourth PC but Eng-
saved by
goalie.The match was
England

spiced up and it was the

ly for the quarterfinals
will be decided on January
19 when India play Wales
while England take on
Spain, both the matches to
be played at Kalinga Stadi-
um in Bhubaneswar.
It was England who dom-
inated in the first quarter
as they got five penalty
corners one after the oth-
er. But India defended the
PCs quite well as Man-
preet Singh was the first to
rush out and close down
the angle.
Amit Rohidas was quick
enough to fend off the
strike.
It was end-to-end stuff
for a few minutes before
Harmanpreet earned a
penalty corner for India,
the second of the match,
but he fluffed it.
After Nilam Sanjeep
Xess made a last minute
clearance in the Indian ‘D’
in the 24th minute, Hardik
Singh attempted a fierce
reverse shot from the top
of England circle, only to
land were able to clear af-
ter a scramble inside the
circle. It was then the turn
of Varun Kumar to try his
luck but his shot failed to
cause any harm.India
were the dominant side in
the second quarter but
could not score as the two
sides failed to break the
deadlock at half time.
David Condon had a try
in the 37th minute but
went wide. But India were
unlucky not to have taken
the lead the next minute as
turn of England to get a
golden chance as the Indi-
an defence allowed Sam
Ward to take a reverse shot
from a one-on-one situa-
tion with goalie P R Sree-
jesh but it went wide.India
responded quickly and it
was Mandep who had a
glorious chance to score in
the 41st minute as he got a
free hit just near the top of
England ‘D’ but he missed
the target.
The full capacity crowd
of 21,000 thought India
tested evenly after the ball
landed into the English
goal but the umpire ruled
land pressed for the win-
ner but failed to breach the
home team’s defence. Eng-
Umran Malik’s party is still due
that it had already hit an land got a PC in the last DUBAI: Afghanistan all-
Indian leg. minute but wasted it. rounder Mohammad Nabi said
he had told Umran Malik in
2021 that he will play Indian
Spain beat Wales 5-1 to open account Premier League (IPL) after
Reyna and Marc Miralles struck a brace each as watching him bowl at nets.
Spain outplayed Wales 5-1 in a Pool D match to regis- The young Jammu and
ter their first win. Reyna sounded the board in the Kashmir seamer has produced
16th and 38th minutes from field efforts, while Mi- some noteworthy
ralles scored in the 32nd and 56th minutes. Skipper performances in the IPL and
Alvaro Iglesias (22nd) was the other goal getter for as well as in Indian jersey, and
the winners. impressed many with his pace
Wales’ lone goal was scored by James Carson in the in the limited opportunities he got.
52nd minute. “When Umran Malik was a net bowler I told him, ‘You will
While Spain recorded their first win in the tourna- play in the IPL next year’. But he was selected in a week
ment, it was Wales’ second loss on the trot. after Natraajan got injured. His party is still due,” Nabi told
News 24 Sports.
BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 20��

Free to learn, NEET SS batches remain empty
free of school after two rounds of counselling
THE UNSCHOOLING LIFE
Dharini Bhaskar
“W
hich school
does your son
go to?”
The voice is unfamiliar. I
don't know the woman with a
baby in her arms.
Yet hers is a perfectly ac-
ceptable question; a query, al-
most banal in its quality.
One cannot fault her for
her presumption — that my
four-year-old, now cycling be-
hind a truck, spends one half
of his waking hours in an in-
stitution.
“The Free Bird Institute”,
I answer.
The young mother looks
confused. “Where is that?”
My son does not go to
school.
It wasn't meant to be this
way.
When I conceived, my
dreams were every mother's.
They were distinctive in
their details, but in all other
ways, predictable. I'd work
till I delivered, hire help, re-
sume office duty. And when
my son enunciated his first
word, with a lump in my
throat — ah, such a big boy
already, but how? — I'd pack
him off to school.
I had a school list. I had the
phone numbers of princi-
pals. I had a satchel to be-
queath.
That's when something
happened that altered my
dreams. My son emerged.
And as I watched him do
what so many babies do —
clutch my finger, roll over, sit
up, crawl, cruise, walk; as I
watched him reach for those
milestones without my inter-
vention, my dreams started
Kota factory, consumer of its own products
With IIT degree in hand, former students
return as teachers to India's coaching hub
PTI / Kota
F
rom aspirants to stu-
dents to teachers! The
coaching hub of Kota
is not only transforming JEE
and NEET aspirants into IIT,
NIT and medical students,
but also hiring some of them
back as teachers once they
complete their education,
giving them salaries that
many in corporate jobs in big
cities would envy.
Annual packages ranging
from Rs 50 lakh to over Rs 2
crore, a fast career growth, a
stable job and work-life bal-
ance are among the forces
that attract fresh engineering
and medical graduates to the
top coaching institutes here
rather than to big corporates.
RK Verma, Managing Di-
rector and Academic Head at
Resonance, a prominent
coaching institute, said his
FELINE GENETICS
University study finds clues to cat domestication
ANI / Washington
N
early 10,000 years ago,
humans settling in
the Fertile Crescent,
the areas of the Middle East
surrounding the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers, made the
first switch from hunter-gath-
erers to farmers. They devel-
oped close bonds with the ro-
dent-eating cats that conve-
niently served as ancient
pest-control in society’s first
civilisations. A new study at
the University of Missouri
found that this lifestyle tran-
sition for humans was the cat-
alyst that sparked the world’s
first domestication of cats,
and as humans began to trav-
el the world, they brought
their new feline friends along
with them.
Leslie A Lyons, a feline ge-
neticist and Gilbreath-
McLorn endowed professor
of comparative medicine in
the MU College of Veteri-
nary Medicine, collected and
analysed DNA from cats in
and around the Fertile Cres-
cent area, as well as through-
out Europe, Asia and Africa,
comparing nearly 200 differ-
BHOPAL I MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023
feeling synthetic, almost in-
ert. As though they existed
outside of my offspring.
My son was telling me
something.
He was telling me that if
he had, in the very first year
of his life, hoisted himself
up, waddled, walked, by ob-
serving, mimicking, aligning
mind and body; if he had per-
formed these remarkable
manoeuvres without a tutor,
without formal instruction,
without a guidebook or a
voice on a device, he was ca-
pable of continuing to chal-
lenge himself. He was capa-
ble of learning — yes, learn-
ing — by simply being a part
of this world.
Learning wasn't a thing
that happened inside a build-
ing, under the supervision of
a grown-up, within a set of al-
located hours.
It was the stuff that hap-
pened, kept happening, al-
most insidiously, without his
full knowledge, or my own,
as he watched and played, as
he dreamt and slept and
woke.
And so it began, the
process of deschooling my-
self. The task of tearing
down and rebuilding my
dreams as a parent. The at-
tempt at trusting my son just
enough that I could turn
away from a formal educa-
tional system and tell him —
you're free.
You're free to be whoever
you're becoming.
He's free, now, as he cycles.
As he studies the truck and
its number plate. As he tells
me it carries his favourite let-
ter, an A.
This is his life. This is his
life without school.
It isn't perfect. It isn't
meant to be.
But he is in charge of
where he goes.
Dharini Bhaskar is the author of
These, Our Bodies, Possessed
by Light. She is working on her
next novel and can be reached
at dharini.b@gmail.com
institute runs an extensive
training programme for
fresh graduates who are
hired from IITs and NITs.
"We hire around 150 fresh
graduates in a year, mostly
from IITs and some from
NITs. This is not a new ex-
periment but a very success-
ful model. The candidates
have different driving forces -
- a handsome salary, a good
career growth and a stable
life," Verma told PTI.
He said when they go to
colleges for hiring they look
for teaching aptitude.
"Many of these graduates
had already begun teaching
when they were in college.
With the boom of the online
medium, many of them up-
load their videos explaining
certain concepts. We look for
these factors while hiring,"
Verma told PTI.
Verma said the coaching
ent genetic markers.
“One of the DNA main
markers we studied were mi-
crosatellites, which mutate
very quickly and give us
clues about recent cat popu-
lations and breed develop-
ments over the past few hun-
dred years,” Lyons said. “An-
other key DNA marker we
examined were single nu-
cleotide polymorphisms,
which are single-based
changes all throughout the
genome that give us clues
about their ancient history
several thousands of years
ago. By studying and com-
paring both markers, we can
start to piece together the
evolutionary story of cats.”
Lyons added that while
horses and cattle have seen
various domestication
events caused by humans in
different parts of the world
at various times, her analy-
sis of feline genetics in the
study strongly supports the
theory that cats were likely
first domesticated only in the
Fertile Crescent before mi-
grating with humans all over
the world. After feline genes
are passed down to kittens
ADITI ALURKAR / Mumbai
E
ven after the Med-
ical Counselling
Committee (MCC)
has completed the final
selection rounds for
NEET Super Speciality
(SS) courses, over a thou-
sand medical seats re-
main vacant, prompting
students to demand a
third mop-up round with
lower cutoffs. In order to
acquire a super speciali-
sation, students take a
shot at this nationwide
entrance exam, after fin-
ishing their postgraduate
studies in medicine,
which provides them en-
try to 2,447 Doctorate of
Medicine (DM) and Mas-
ter of Chirurgie (MCh)
medical seats nationwide.
“The gravity of this
tremendous loss of oppor-
tunity cannot be stressed
enough and this necessi-
tates an urgent solution.
In the recent past, the cut-
off score was decreased
MU bags winning title at Maharashtra’s
inter-varsity research convention
STAFF REPORTER / Mumbai
T
he University of Mum-
bai was given the
'Overall Champions'
title at the Maharashtra
State Inter-University Re-
search Convention- 'Aav-
ishkar 2023', for bagging 19 of
the 48 awards presented at
the convention. The research
fest was hosted by the Savit-
ribai Phule Pune University,
which emerged as the run-
ner-up in the convention.
The 15th Maharashtra
State Inter-University Re-
search Convention conclud-
A spokesperson for Allen Career Institute said the majority of
fresh graduates hired by them are their former students
institute then takes them
through a rigorous training
programme to prepare them
for the challenges ahead.
"They don't start teaching
from the first day," Verma
said. "They are trained to
match up with the standards
of those already teaching.
throughout generations, the
genetic makeup of cats in
western Europe, for exam-
ple, is now far different from
cats in Southeast Asia, a
process known as “isolation
by distance”.
“We can actually refer to
Quiz
contest
ahead of
GIS in UP
significantly to make up
for the eligibility. We sug-
gest and request that a
similar step can be consid-
ered along with the con-
duct of a mop-up round,
for the current session,”
stated a petition filed by
the Federation of Resident
Doctors’ Association
(FORDA) India, filed on
ed with the presence of Dr. R.
Krishnan, Director of IIT
Madras, who encouraged the
students to develop their
projects further.
"Research is essential to
know about the world and it
makes a difference when we
do it for society. Research
mentality is vital in educa-
tion and the New Education
policy has been evidence of
that," said Dr Krishnan. The
four-day convention was first
launched in the academic
year 2006-2007 to keep the stu-
dents enthused about the
process of research.
Mock sessions, doubt classes,
individual mentorship -- the
fresh graduates work on
these areas during one year
of training."
The trainees are paid a
stipend of Rs 6-8 lakh per an-
num. But once they complete
the training, the salaries of-
cats as semi-domesticated,
because if we turned them
loose into the wild, they
would likely still hunt ver-
min and be able to survive
and mate on their own due to
their natural behaviours,”
Lyons said. “Unlike dogs and
The Yogi Adityanath government through the
organisation of 'UP GIS 23 Headliner Business
Quiz', is going to give students and working
professionals across the country a chance to
win prizes up to Rs 4 lakh, as per an official
statement.
It said that to ensure maximum participation of
Sunday in New Delhi.
This year's NEET SS
counselling was delayed
by three months WHY
while the National Board
of Examinations (NBE)
compiled a list of recog-
nised medical institutes.
In light of this delay, the
NBE announced only two
NEET SS counselling
Mumbai University students bagged the top spot at ‘Aavishkar 2023’
fered range from Rs 25 to Rs
50 lakh which can go up to Rs
2 crore within a span of two-
three years, depending upon
the performance and results,
he said.
A spokesperson for coach-
ing giant Allen Career Insti-
tute said the majority of
fresh graduates hired by
them are their former stu-
dents.
"We hire fresh graduates
as trainees and retain them
after successful completion
of the training. Majority of
them are our former students
only and they like the city," he
said.
Once an industrial hub,
Kota is now home to a Rs
6,000-crore coaching industry.
Over two lakh students move
to Kota annually to prepare
for competitive exams such
as the Joint Entrance Exam
(JEE) for engineering and the
National Eligibility-cum-En-
trance Test (NEET) for ad-
mission to medical colleges.
REPRESENTATIVE PIC/PIXABAY
other domesticated animals,
we haven't really changed the
behaviours of cats that much
during the domestication
process, so cats once again
prove to be a special animal.”
Lyons, who has researched
feline genetics for more than
the youth ahead of the Global Investors
Summit, the state government has geared up to
organise the quiz competition at the Indira
Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow on February 4 - 5.
"Being organised under the guidance of Quiz
Master Kushan Patel, this competition will be
held in three different categories. In the
rounds this year, omitting
the mop-up round.
“Several candidates
have not qualified for the
NEET SS counselling due
to the soaring cutoffs. This
has left several medical in-
stitutes with half-filled
batches” said Dr. Aviral
Mathur, President of FOR-
DA.
ChatGPT fools scientists by writing
fake research paper abstracts
IANS / New Delhi
A
rtificial-Intelligence
(AI) chatbot called
ChatGPT has written
convincing fake research-pa-
per abstracts that scientists
were unable to spot, a new re-
search has revealed.
A research team led by
Catherine Gao at Northwest-
ern University in Chicago
used ChatGPT to generate ar-
tificial research-paper ab-
stracts to test whether scien-
tists can spot them.
According to a report in
the prestigious journal Na-
ture, the researchers asked
the chatbot to write 50 med-
ical-research abstracts based
on a selection published in
JAMA, The New England
Journal of Medicine, The
BMJ, The Lancet and Nature
Medicine.
They then compared these
with the original abstracts by
30 years, said studies like this
also support her broader re-
search goal of using cats as a
biomedical model to study
genetic diseases that impact
both cats and people, such as
polycystic kidney disease,
blindness and dwarfism.
“Comparative genetics and
precision medicine play key
roles in the ‘One Health’ con-
cept, which means anything
we can do to study the causes
of genetic diseases in cats or
how to treat their ailments
can be useful for one day treat-
ing humans with the same
diseases,” Lyons said. “I am
building genetic tools, genetic
resources that ultimately help
improve cat health. When
building these tools, it is im-
portant to get a representative
sample and understand the
genetic diversity of cats
worldwide so that our genetic
toolbox can be useful to help
cats all over the globe, not just
in one specific region.”
Throughout her career,
Lyons has worked with cat
breeders and research col-
laborators to develop com-
prehensive feline DNA data-
bases that the scientific com-
competition organized by Invest UP, which is
organising the UP Global Investors Summit, the
separate prize money has been fixed for all
three categories of Business Quiz, India Quiz
and India Quiz (School)," read an official
statement.
Students who are allot-
ted seats in the NEET SS
rounds are not allowed to
reappear for the coun-
selling process again. “Su-
per speciality students are
often in their 30s and have
settled down with their
families. These students
want specific colleges at
specific locations while
making sure they get a
seat in their particular
area of interest. When
they don’t get into these
colleges they exit the
process leaving the seats
vacant,” explained Dr.
Mathur.
The candidates who are
willing to take up colleges
rejected by others do not
have an opportunity to ap-
ply for those due to the ab-
sence of the third coun-
selling round. Students
claim that while the MCC
has acknowledged receiv-
ing the student petition
submitted by FORDA, no
decision has been taken on
the matter.
running them through a pla-
giarism detector and an AI-
output detector, and they
asked a group of medical re-
searchers to spot the fabri-
cated abstracts.
The ChatGPT-generated
abstracts sailed through the
plagiarism checker: the me-
dian originality score was
100 per cent, which indicates
that no plagiarism was de-
tected.
The AI-output detector
spotted 66 per cent the gener-
ated abstracts. But the hu-
man reviewers didn't do
much better - they correctly
identified only 68 per cent of
the generated abstracts and
86 per cent of the genuine ab-
stracts.
They incorrectly identi-
fied 32 per cent of the gener-
ated abstracts as being real
and 14 per cent of the gen-
uine abstracts as being gen-
erated, according to the Na-
munity can benefit from, in-
cluding cat genome sequenc-
ing from felines all around
the world. In a 2021 study,
Lyons and colleagues found
that the cat’s genomic struc-
ture is more similar to hu-
mans than nearly any other
non-primate mammal.
“Our efforts have helped
stop the migration and pass-
ing-down of inherited genetic
diseases around the world,
and one example is polycystic
kidney disease, as 38% of Per-
sian cats had this disease
when we first launched our
genetic test for it back in
2004,” Lyons said. “Now that
percentage has gone down
significantly thanks to our ef-
forts, and our overall goal is to
eradicate genetic diseases
from cats down the road.”
Currently, the only viable
treatment for polycystic kid-
ney disease has unhealthy
side effects, including liver
failure. Lyons is currently
working with researchers at
the University of California
at Santa Barbara to develop a
diet-based treatment trial for
those suffering from the dis-
ease.
- ANI
No non-veg
food in DU's
Hansraj
college hostel
IANS / New Delhi
H
ansraj College,
one of the most
famous col-
leges of Delhi Univer-
sity, has stopped serv-
ing non-vegetarian
food to the students in
its hostel.
Giving information
in this regard, the col-
lege administration
said that the decision
was taken with the
commencement of of-
fline classes for the
first time after the
Covid-19 pandemic by
the concerned com-
mittee.
Along with this, the
college accepted that
students were not giv-
en prior information
about the changes
made in the hostel's
menu and said that it
should have been dis-
cussed.
The administration
further said that no
complaint had been
received so far from
any student regarding
the non-provision of
non-veg food.
It is not clear when
and on whose orders
the non-veg food was
banned.
The administration
apprised that the non-
veg food was never
served in the college
canteen, and was
later banned in the
hostels due to the pan-
demic.
Some people associ-
ated with the universi-
ty said that during the
pandemic and after the
lockdown was lifted,
students themselves
were seen abstaining
from non-vegetarian
food for a long time.
The merit list of the
college goes up to 99%
for admission to un-
dergraduate courses.
ture article.
"I am very worried," said
Sandra Wachter from Uni-
versity of Oxford who was
not involved in the re-
search.
"If we're now in a situa-
tion where the experts are
not able to determine
what's true or not, we lose
the middleman that we des-
perately need to guide us
through complicated top-
ics," she was quoted as say-
ing.
Microsoft-owned soft-
ware company OpenAI re-
leased the tool for public
use in November and it is
free to use.
"Since its release, re-
searchers have been grap-
pling with the ethical is-
sues surrounding its use,
because much of its output
can be difficult to distin-
guish from human-written
text," said the report
UP schools
closed till Jan
17 due to cold
ANI / Lucknow
S
chools in Meerut and
Gorakhpur will re-
main closed till Janu-
ary 17 in view of the severe
cold wave, and schools in
Lucknow will function from
10:00 am to 3:00 pm, said dis-
trict administration officials.
On Sunday, in view of the se-
vere cold, Gorakhpur Dis-
trict Magistrate Krishna
Karunesh ordered schools to
remain closed till January
17. "In view of the cold, the
educational work in the
schools from LKG to Inter
will remain closed on Janu-
ary 16 and 17. Schools in
which pre-board and practi-
cal examinations are sched-
uled. Those schools can con-
duct pre-board and practical
exams from 10:00 to 2:00,"
said the DM.
The India Meteorological
Department on Sunday pre-
dicted dense to very dense
fog likely in some parts of
Punjab, Haryana, Chandi-
garh and Delhi; in isolated
pockets over Uttar Pradesh.
 Pamela never ollywood actress Pamela Anderson is done with letting other people tell her story. After her

read Lily H infamous 1995 stolen sex tape scandal was depicted on Pam & Tommy, the Canadian actress,
model and sex symbol, said that she never read the handwritten letter actress Lily James sent her
before portraying Anderson in the limited series, reports People magazine. She told The New York
James’s letter on Times: “It was already hurtful enough the first time,” Anderson said of reliving the traumatic experience
through the show. “It’s like one of those things where you’re going, ‘Really?’ People are still capitalising off
Pam & Tommy that thing?” Although Pam & Tommy received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, including best
actress for James, she’s said she’s “done” playing icons: “That was enough.” —IANS
BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

Keeping up with The right

PIC: INSTAGRAM/WATCHO APP

Ms Dholakia
Urvashi Dholakia opens up
choice
Chef Vikas Khanna
talks about his second
about her OTT debut and directorial venture and
journey so far working with veteran
actor Shabana Azmi
PRIYANKA CHANDANI

T
LIPIKA VARMA he 2019 film, The Last Color,
A still from Avaidh starring veteran actor Neena

U
rvashi Dholakia, who was seen in Gupta, marked Michelin-star
the television serial Naagin in Chef Vikas Khanna’s debut as a
2022, is making an OTT debut been how to remain filmmaker. The Chef, who wears
with the recently released grounded. You need to many hats — author, entrepreneur, reali-
Avaidh. The anthology comprising have your feet on the ty show judge, and philanthropist — is
eight love stories is directed by Tarun ground and head on ready with his second directorial venture,
Chopra and boasts an impressive ensem- the shoulders. Imaginary Rain. Veteran actor Shabana
ble cast including Nasir Khan, Vikas Azmi plays an aspiring Indian chef who
Verma, Rakesh Paul, Priyanka Sood, How do you look at moves to America in the movie.
and Ashish Narula to name a few. The your journey? Talking about the movie and casting,
anthology focuses on varied relation- It’s been 38 years; I Vikas said he only had Azmi in mind for
ships and the repercussions of the deci- have been working the role. “Give me one name that could re- Azmi to give her the book. “I feel proud
sions. In an exclusive interaction with since my school days. place Shabanaji. She is not just an actor that I became one of the few filmmakers
The Free Press Journal, the actress God has been kind but someone who feels the role. She is who directed both Shabanaji and Neenaji.
talks about her journey, the anthol- and the support of completely into the role and she is an ac- Shabanaji knew I was chasing her. I
ogy, and more. Excerpts my loved ones, who tor who knows we have to work hard to would cry every day for an opportunity to
have been with me for live that character,” Vikas said. direct Shabanaji. She made much better
Tell us about your character in a long time, has He further revealed that Azmi would Koftas than me,” he avered.
Avaidh. helped. Irrespective even remember her continuity scenes. Vikas was advised to cast young actors
I play a lady boss who runs a whether people like me or “She would know if the tear had come for the role. “People said why can’t I get
firm. She is a detached kind of hate me... I am still here. I from the left eye. I have no words but to Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor or Ananya
a soul and wants everything. admire her professionalism Panday because the movie will be re-
The plots are different from and talent. One of the leased internationally as well. I said I
what I perceive and conceive greatest highlights of don’t understand, is that even a question?
on my own. There are eight my life is to direct Sha- It takes a certain texture to build certain
different stories. I am not an insecure actor bana Azmi,” he textures and stories. So, who could do it
I have been playing grey char- added. better than Shabana Azmi?” he added.
acters for 22 years. That always because I believe there is life The movie, The movie is also a celebration of Indi-
has been my USP. They sell, so beyond this bubble of our which releases to- an culture and cuisine. Vikas said that
I put my face to those. day, is based on the veteran actor had never cooked in her
industry. I wanted to enjoy my Vikas’s book of life. “I am the first person to make Sha-
You are so positive in real life, the same name. banaji peel her first aloo and make chick-
do you agree looks are life outside the industry. The chef-film- en tikka on tandoor, rotis, and sweets.
deceptive? maker, who is in She has never cooked in her life. She
This is what happens. Take India for the made her first chapati on the set and that
Pranji’s example. He was am thankful to God as he has show- ongoing Mas- burnt chapati was my display picture on
such a positive human being ered blessings on me. terChef WhatsApp,” Vikas shared.
in real life. So was Manorma- I am not an insecure actor because India se- With the movie, Vikas wanted to high-
ji. I worked with Shashikala- I believe there is life beyond this ries, re- light the people who work behind the
ji, as well. They are so bubble of our industry. I always cently scenes. “It’s a hard job for women, espe-
humble and when you see wanted to enjoy my life outside the met cially when they are in the background. I
them on screen, they are industry. wanted to start a communication about
so different. the fact that there are people behind all
What projects are you working on? the Olympians and Michelines and their
What was your takeaway I have nothing right now. I take each life. The story talks about the current cul-
from Sashikalaji? day as it comes. One fine day, I got a ture and Indian visibility of people who
I did an episodic show with call for Avaidh. I had not heard from created a foundation for these winners,”
her around 20 years ago. I Suresh Thomas for years. Then sud- he signed off.
have learnt a lot from every denly he called and said, ‘Parsun
senior I have worked with. shooting karna hai (Need to shoot from
The first takeaway has always day after).’ And, here I am!

PIC: INSTAGRAM/URVASHI DHOLAKIA

Caught on Camera! Bollywood celebrities clicked at producer
Vinod Bhanushali birthday bash
PICS: VIRAL BHAYANI

TWITTER TREND
PICS: INSTAGRAM/ZAHRAH S KHAN

WINDS OF OF THE DAY

CHANGE
Zahrah Khan talks about
making a career shift from
acting to singing and more
Zahrah with mother Salma Agha

ROHIT BHATNAGAR she has in Indian classical music but people

have accepted my tonal quality. The compar-
PIC: TWITTER

Z
ahrah S Khan, who marked her isons in a bad way I haven’t got thankfully.”
acting debut with Aurangzeb Her acting debut, Aurangzeb, didn’t do well
(2013) alongside Arjun at the box office. When
Kapoor, has today at- quizzed if she was tak-
tained a cult status as a
singer. Her latest popular
en aback by the fail-
ure, she reveals, “I Selfiee sends
songs include Kusu Kusu
from Satyameva Jayate 2
(2021), The Punjaabban
was disheartened,
being an industry
kid. In 2019, I did a
netizens in a tizzy Vinod Bhanushali cutting cake with family

F
Song from JugJugg Jeeyo short film which ans were in for a treat on Sunday Nushrratt
(2022), and Nach Meri opened at an in- when the makers of Selfiee Bharuccha
Rani with Guru Rand- ternational film unveiled the movie’s motion
hawa, to name a few. festival and poster. Starring Akshay Kumar,
Talking about her ca- reached the Emraan Hashmi, Diana Penty and
reer shift, she shares, semi-finals at Nushrratt Bharuccha, is one of the
“When I started, I was the Academy. year’s most-awaited movies. Taking to
young and wasn’t really So, that kind of social media, fans expressed their
ready. I was still grooming my- gave my self- eagerness for the movie’s release.
self. I looked at music as my hobby esteem back. Here’s what they had to say:
and passion but never thought of it Music also
as a career. In 2019, the opportunity happened si- @AkkiSonu_: I’m sure this movie
came my way when I dubbed a song. multaneously will be quite entertaining, and
My mother liked my tone. I shared it but then I guys get ready for the entertaining
with a few composers and then thought I can’t songs and powerful background
started getting offers. Honestly, it put my energies music.
all happened without put- into both. It’s @Tirlovesha: Selfiee trailer will
ting in any effort. In Oc- been two years in create a huge buzz as the trailer
tober 2020, I got a call the music indus- reports are impressive. Then Main
from a music label try and it has Khiladi Tu Anari song recreation will
stating that they been fruitful. I take the hype to the next level. Nawazuddin
wanted to sign me.” have some great Can’t wait for the combo of
When asked about music collabo-
Siddiqui
Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi
comparisons being rations in to recreate this chartbuster.
made with her moth- 2023 and I am
er, veteran singer looking into @PredictionSmp: In matter of few
Salma Agha, she ex- the acting bit.” more days to go after that we will
plains, “My mother On a parting note, enjoy a perfect comedy entertaining
and I have different Zahrah shares her movie from Akshay Kumar after long
tones. Luckily, I nev- thoughts on the current time. Can’t wait to watch Selfiee in Vinod and
er faced compar- music scenario. “For me, cinemas from 24th February 2023. Manoj Bajpayee
isons with my moth- what matters is the music label. Sharman
er. Our textures are For an independent artiste like me, it @Bhushanadhau1: The Selfiee Joshi
different and, of is important to have support from the mania is about to begin, get
course, she is much label. Mainstream Bollywood music isn’t ready everyone. Can’t wait for
more learned than in our hands since it goes through many this.
me. I am nowhere people and several factors. It’s a good time to —CJ Desk
close to the training experiment with sound,” she signs off.
 www.thefreepressjournal.in/brandsutra

“THE BEST IDEAS COME

AS JOKES. MAKE YOUR
THINKING AS FUNNY AS
POSSIBLE.”
— DAVID OGILVY,
BRITISH ADVERTISING TYCOON;
FOUNDER OF OGILVY & MATHER

BHOPAL | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

AT HERBALIFE, OUR FOCUS IS ON 5 things that should

change in the
HOLISTIC WELLNESS: AJAY KHANNA world of advertising
This column reflects the thoughts and aspirations of
CXO TRACK AJAY KHANNA, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife
Nutrition India, talks of the brand’s recent association with cricketer Smriti young talent in the advertising industry. Read these
Mandhana, working with the Government on the Fit India mission, investing in R&D and efforts workday musings from a media planner on the need
BY SRABANA LAHIRI for more openness and sharper focus in adland
to create localized products for the India market

G
rowing up in Meerut, a small town in
Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Khanna saw his fa-
ther, a fitness freak, play squash, swim
and take early morning walks. He also saw his
mother cook great meals, and always ensure
healthy eating. This seeded in him the concept
of fitness, to which he is deeply committed to
this day. The fit-as-a-fiddle Khanna, 61, literally
walks the talk in his role as Senior Vice Presi-
dent and Managing Director, India of global nu-
trition company, Herbalife Nutrition, even as he
leads the company’s No. 2 global market to con-
sistent growth, with operating revenues above
Rs 500 crore.
In your 14-year association with Herbalife,
how have you seen the brand evolve? Could
you share some of your big learnings over the
years?
Herbalife Nutrition has been in India for more
than two decades now. Globally, we have been
around for about 40+ years. I have seen this
brand evolve since I started 14 years back, with
just a handful of distributors and products to to-
day, when we have more than 1 million distribu-
tors, and more than 1 million preferred cus-
tomers. In 2017, we segmented our business to
distributors who are business builders and peo-
ple who are lovers of the products. So, today we
have preferred customers who just want to con-
sume the products, and we have distributors
who want to take the business opportunity. In
India, we are the No. 1 nutrition brand. Globally
also, as per the Euro Monitor, we are the No. 1
meal replacement brand.
How has Herbalife India performed as a com-
pany? Where is it placed in the scheme of
things in the global hierarchy of top
markets of Herbalife? Can you share
any numbers?
India has seen double digit growth
over the last three years. We see a lot
of people joining in for the busi-
ness opportunity. And, yes, In-
dia today is the No. 2 market
for Herbalife globally. Next to
the US, definitely, but we
see an opportunity, for
India has the potential
to be the No. 1. In In-
dia, I've seen a
tremendous accept-
ability for our prod-
ucts by Gen Z.
There was this con-
cern about direct
selling some time
back until the Gov-
ernment regulated
it in 2019. How do
you see the busi-
ness panning out?
Are there still
any hurdles in
the way of direct
selling?
I would like to
thank the Govern-
ment for regulat-
ing this industry.
As you said,
there was a con-
cern around this
industry for a
couple of
years but in
Smriti Mandhana, Vice-Captain of the Indian women's national cricket team, and Ajay Khanna, MD of Herbalife Nutrition India, at an event to announce
2019, direct selling became a part of the Con-
Mandhana’s association with Herbalife Nutrition India in Mumbai last week
sumer Protection Act. So it's a regulated indus-
try, though people are still accepting it slowly.
But it's becoming a much more respected indus-
try right now.
Talking of Herbalife as a sports nutrition
brand, you have associated with various
sporting events such as the Birmingham
Commonwealth Games 2022, Ironman in Goa
and Tokyo Olympics, as well as athletes - Vi-
rat Kohli, Mary Kom, and now Smriti Mand-
hana. What do these associations do for the
brand?
We are a science-based organization. Our pur-
pose is to talk about a healthy, active lifestyle
through all these sports personalities who are
associated with us, be it Virat, be it Mary Kom,
Lakshya Sen and now Smriti. These are all live
icons of sports who represent fitness and
health. Moreover, the Indian Government is
also promoting Khelo India, so our efforts go
along with the mission of the Government.
What other brand associations are on the
anvil?
We are working with the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is
the food regulator for the Fit India campaign.
For that, we train students in various establish-
ments, such as schools and colleges. Up to now,
more than 40 institutes have been associated
with this ‘Eat Right’ campaign, and we work
very closely with them. It is not only about prod-
ucts, but about promoting hygiene, good nutri-
tion and an active lifestyle.
What is your view of tar-
geted nutrition? How
has the consumer
adapted to the
concept of
meal re-
place-
ments? You
have competi-
tion in the
market
from
Ayurveda companies, the likes of Patanjali as tra and Lakshya Sen.
well as nutraceutical brands... how do you dif- achieve it. We've seen brands
ferentiate? THE BANANA HABIT do great things with minimal
The nutraceutical industry is bound to grow “One thing I recall is that whenever we used to budgets. You don't always need
because with all the challenges of the last cou- play squash, my Dad used to give us bananas big, weighty budgets to make
ple of years, people have become more aware of to eat to recover from the fatigue, as bananas By ADITYA PANDIT an impact; you need a big idea
wellness and nutrition. If you talk of Ayurveda, re-energize you. Even when we used to wake WINNING that has cultural resonance.
we are also into Ayurveda with products for up in the morning, the first thing he would THE CON-
physical ability, brain health, etc. bring us was a cup of tea and two bananas. SUMER’S NO MORE ‘ONE-SIZE-FITS-
The biggest USP of Herbalife is that we are a That habit has stayed with me - I still continue TRUST IS ALL’ AD CAMPAIGNS
focused nutrition and wellness company. Our to eat bananas.” KEY An era of smaller, personalized
approach might be direct selling, but our focus For the ads in campaigns with rather
is on nutrition with R&D centres across the FITNESS FIRST longest bigger budgets needs to come
globe. Last year, we inaugurated our own centre “I am very committed to my fitness regime. First time, the in. Users respond better to con-
of excellence at Bangalore. of all, I love Herbalife products and have been a advertising tent that is tailored just for
user over the years. I've seen the difference, and industry them. The best advertisers
How does the Centre of Excellence in India that is something we actively promote within has had a cloud of ambiguity could do was to display the
contribute to global and local growth? the organization. I start my morning with the when it comes to the usage of message “Hello
India has got a massive opportunity and the Formula One shake, my current favourite is the data. People tend to form a neg- [smartphone_brand] user, buy
R&D centre in India helps us understand what Formula One Kulfi. At the company, we have a ative mindset when they are a new protective cover”.
the requirements are for the India market. A lot lot of activities related to fitness and wellness left to assume how they are be- Now, we are approaching the
of products are made especially for India, for ex- training and education for our distributors as ing advertised to, how their world where each user gets a
ample, the Formula One shake becomes the For- well as employees.” data is collected or how it is be- unique message: “Hello
mula One Shake Kulfi here, and the Kahwa that ing used. As an industry, we Aakash, congratulations on
we just launched. R&D is the reason that we are A BIKE LOVER need to increase transparen- your new home! Would you
able to launch these unique products. The Ban- “I'm an avid biker. I live in Bangalore and we cy, educate, and encourage
galore facility has got a dedicated Ayurveda re- have a group of 10 colleagues, who go on a openness. This could help peo-
search wing as we plan to expand our Ayurveda bike trip every weekend. Our upcoming trip is ple make informed decisions as
range. to Chikmagalur - a 300 km ride one way. That's to how their data is used and
what keeps my adrenaline high - being with how it does or does not benefit
people, going into the lap of nature… Holistic them.
I am a people's wellness is also about connecting with nature.” For example, iOS users have a
choice. They can choose if they
person. I have been want to be tracked or not. On
with Herbalife Nutrition the flip side, can we look at de-
mystifying a 20 odd-page terms How about measuring
for 14 years because I love and conditions into a simple
an emotional response?
snapshot that helps users un-
to meet people, I love to derstand how their data will be Eye focus? Heart rate?
hear their stories. I love to used? Because how effective The tech of tomorrow
would advertising be without
lead them on their journey, gaining the consumer’s trust?
will gather all sorts of
not only of wellness, but data and we need to
also of entrepreneurship.”
KEEP THE CREATIVITY ALIVE start gearing up.
We always should reward cre-
– AJAY KHANNA ativity and innovation before
anything else. In the ever-ad- rather be interested to employ
vancing world of big data, AI/ the best in-town interior design
Can you talk about the ML or fine-tuning, we might be services?” It’s not about clicks
focus of your market- prone to take lesser risks and and conversions anymore.
ing and advertising miss out on encouraging chal- How about measuring an emo-
strategy? lenging creative work. tional response? Eye focus?
Our prime focus is In the post-COVID era, the Heart rate? The tech of tomor-
on holistic well- What is your favourite story from your career world has fast-forwarded at a row will gather all sorts of
ness. Our entire at Herbalife? great pace in the history of data and we need to start gear-
marketing and A man who used to work as a peon is today mankind. While big data helps ing up.
advertising strat- one of our top distributors. That guy could not us design close-to-perfect media
egy is based on even speak English, and today he goes on stage strategies, we need to take PROVIDE AN EXPERIENCE
educating the and makes presentations. When I joined this those risks to stay creative and AND NOT JUST A VANILLA AD
Indian masses company, I was witness to this life-changing sto- innovative. We classify our civi- As digital CX becomes more
about an active ry. It greatly impacted me, and that's the reason lization with eras like the Iron prevalent across all industries,
lifestyle, well- why I'm here, seeking to change people’s lives age, the industrial revolution, customers’ habits and expecta-
ness and nutri- for the better. or the age of the Internet. We tions change over time, as well
tion, and what remember these ages because — and brands need to be flexi-
is it that would Going forward, what are your plans for the people took risks and enhanced ble enough to meet those expec-
take them on business in the long term and short term? our lives for the better. This is tations. Digital experience
the journey of When we look at the business plans for India, I exactly what we need to be do- helps brands drive a ‘connect’
holistic well- can say that we haven't even scratched the sur- ing to ensure we are future- with their consumers and con-
being. That's face, as the kind of opportunity that exists in In- proofing our business and de- sumers are willing to choose
the reason why dia is tremendous with a population of 1.3 bil- livering for the customers of to- and reward brands that follow
we have associ- lion people. We will continue to invest in R&D morrow. through on that promise. Every
ated with sports and localized products that cater to the Indian digital interaction leaves be-
personalities market. We will also continue working along FOCUS ON THE END OBJEC- hind traces of contact and
like Virat Kohli, with the Government on the mission of Fit In- TIVE AND NOT THE BLING every digital point of interac-
Smriti Mand- dia (Swastha Bharat) and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The industry needs to have a tion is crucial, so building cus-
hana, Manika Ba- stronger focus on the end tomer experience that’s consis-
What is one principle that guides you as a goal. This doesn't mean cutting tent across every digital chan-
business leader? spend; rather, it means to be hy- nel — as well as the physical
I've been working for almost about 30+ years per-critical about why you're space — is crucial.
now. One thing I tell my people is that keep doing, what it is going to
learning, no matter what age you are. I'm still achieve and whether you're in- (Aditya Pandit is Associate Director-
learning every day. Learning never stops. vesting at the right level to Media, Carat India)

How to diagnose marketing needs in the healthcare industry

Adopting new age concepts will allow marketers in the pharmaceutical industry to achieve higher output, greater brand visibility and even faster manufacturing of life-saving medications
throughout the care journey.
BY INVITATION Artificial intelligence: Pharma businesses all
over the world are utilizing cutting-edge ma-
HARSHIT JAIN chine learning algorithms and AI-powered plat-
forms to accelerate the process of drug re-
pharma sector. Pharma R&D has struggled with
declining success rates and a sluggish pipeline
for several years. Given how much the sector de-
pends on data, stakeholders are highly wary
about the information they gather. Blockchain
diseases that are either underserved by medi-
cine or better managed through behavioral
changes the use of digital therapies enables
businesses to enter brand-new markets. DTx
will benefit a company’s bottomline because
turing and triggering actions all the way down
to automating the entire processes via manage-
ment of workflows, notifications, and record up-
dates. By using various automation technolo-
gies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA),
channels and developing communication for
their key decision makers. Businesses can tar-
get them with relevant messages to enhance the
account-based marketing efforts and maximize
business objectives when they identify the ma-

I
n this digital search and development. AI simplifies the deter-
age, new con- mination of eligibility conditions and patient
cepts and meth- inclusion activities. Further, it makes cohort
ods are required to identification less complicated and expensive.
stay competitive in As a result, a number of problems, such as au-
businesses and sup- tomating and optimizing manufacturing
port the economy. processes for higher output, greater efficiency,
Here are a few key and faster manufacturing of life-saving medica-
trends that will sig- tions are being addressed by pharmaceutical
nificantly influence companies who are looking at best ways to use
how the pharma these technologies.
sector will be Programmatic clinical trials: Programmatic
shaped, going forward: clinical trials are outcome-based, patient-cen-
Programmatic marketing: The popularity of tered studies that contrast the benefits and
programmatic messaging in the healthcare in- drawbacks of therapeutic interventions to sup-
dustry has increased because marketers are fo- port clinical and/or policy decision-making.
cusing their efforts on interacting with physi- The Internet of Things (IoT) technology and
cians through tailored communication strate- self-monitoring tools are already helping re-
gies. It appears promising in the new age, allow- searchers improve enrolled subjects’ well-being
ing marketers to send trigger-based messaging by utilizing crucial data. The future of clinical
at the optimal time and providing a perform- research is predicted to be affected by digitiza-
ance analysis report of the campaign’s effective- tion, pharma companies can leverage these pro-
ness. Given that it is based on data insights and grammatic clinical trials for marketing.
analytics, it gives businesses the ability to con- Accelerate use of big data and blockchain: An
nect with institutional stakeholders, gauge ac- open, decentralized, secure, public ledger and
count lift, deliver hyper-targeted communica- the technology behind crypto currencies like
tions to key decision-makers, and assist them bitcoin has caught the eye of the traditional
is a viable alternative for monitoring and safe- they tend to cost a lot less to develop than tradi- cognitive, and deep machine learning, which jor accounts that are significant for them to
guarding pharma transactions in a competitive tional drugs and demand a significantly shorter can assist companies in changing regulatory op- reach.
market, which is made possible due to digitiza- regulatory process before they reach the mar- erational efficiency, quality, and compliance to Elevating patient-HCP relationship: Pharma
tion. ket. meet long-term requirements, these processes businesses will put more emphasis on new
Rising role of preci- Rapid acceptance of can be streamlined. strategies than traditional drug manufacturing
sion medicine: With tele-health and e-phar- Shifting industry dynamics: The sector is and marketing approaches, and for that they are
the help of data ana- macies. Pharma com- witnessing a series of changes, including a relying on data analytics to elevate the health
lytics to create per- panies need to compre- switch from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Develop in care professionals (HCP)-patient experience.
sonalized treatments hend the market re- India’, more globalization, and a focus on ru- These are often patient-support programmes
an ever-expanding quirements and use ral markets. The businesses are relying heavi- and information pertinent to their medical
database of medical programmatic tools to ly on technology and finding solutions for treatment, which can improve patient outcomes
information may be reduce communication short-turnaround and development processes and benefit the entire health system. These ini-
used by researchers. costs, optimize cam- as well as streamlined operations. More phar- tiatives create win-win situations; patients re-
The specialty of pre- paign performance, en- ma companies are implementing single-use ceive more than just a pill, while pharma com-
cision medicine is hance brand visibility, technology (SUT) in their manufacturing panies can build on the data and the feedback
that it reduces the and many more as data processes. This shift is going to continue as they receive and customize the communication
time, cost, and fail- is the backbone of this more industry players become aware of the accordingly.
ure rate of clinical trials. Despite the fact that model. Given these advantages, marketers will benefits of this technology in the digital age.
there isn't much competition in the industry be able to use these platforms to spread the Emergence of new GTM models: Due to market CRUX OF THE MATTER
right now, given the chance and the size of the word about assistance programmes that assist upheavals and technological advancements, tra- The new digitized environment is bound to
market, it's plausible that mid-sized and smaller patients in lowering their out-of-pocket medical ditional industry dynamics go-to-market (GTM) open new doors for marketers that should be
enterprises may enter it and provide new tech- expenses while still offering high-quality care. methods are being disrupted, and the way com- leveraged at the right time. Marketers should
nology. Evolving regulatory landscape: The simplifica- panies interact with physicians is drastically strive to provide new age solutions to their tar-
Augmenting digital therapeutics: Digital ther- tion of regulatory information management changing. In this competitive digital market- get health care professionals and reach them in
apeutics (DTx) are software-based products for (RIM) framework is a challenge for the pharma place, increased adaptation and flexibility will an efficient and smart way.
the prevention, management, and treatment of industry. The industry needs solutions that help be essential for pharma players to succeed.
health conditions. Frequently by focusing on them with everything from accurate event cap- Brands are advancing, handling numerous (The author is Founder and Global CEO of Doceree)

Knowledge partner
FREE PRESS MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023 | BHOPAL / INDORE
Regd. No. Indore
MP/ICD 216/2018-2020
RNI No. 38281/83

Sometimes,
the journey
is more We know what we
enchanting are, but know not what we
may be
than the - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
(HAMLET)
destination � www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

ARMY DAY CELEBRATED OUTSIDE DELHI FOR FIRST TIME

Air crash leaves 68
'Moving from manpower A
dead in Nepal
t least 68 people were killed when a

to tech-driven army'
Nepalese passenger plane with 72 people
onboard, including five Indians, crashed into
a river gorge while landing at the newly-
opened airport in central Nepal's resort city of
Pokhara on Sunday in the Himalayan nation's

T he Indian army is
maintaining
strong defence posture
a
Indian Army in light of
the geo-political situa-
tion, Pande said last year,
deadliest aviation accident in over 30 years.
Yeti Airlines' 9N-ANC ATR-72 aircraft took off
from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International
along the Line of Actu- changes were visible in Airport at 10:33 am and crashed on the bank of
al Control (LAC), and is the global security envi- the Seti River between the old airport and the
ready to deal with any ronment. The Russia- new airport minutes before land-
contingency, Chief of Ukraine conflict has ing. A total of
Army Staff, General clearly proved the impor- 68 pas-
Manoj Pande said on tance of disruptive and sengers
Sunday. In his address dual use technologies. and four
at the Army Day cele- "Niche Technologies like crew
brations at Bengaluru, Artificial Intelligence, members
which is happening for blockchain, quantum were on
the first time outside communications, un- board the
the national capital, he manned systems, and di- aircraft.
said the northern bor- the ceasefire contin- rected energy weapons are also
der region has been
d yo u ues at LOC and being indigenized," said the
Di ?
peaceful
steps have been
and
K no w
there has been
a substantial
Army chief, adding "we are con-
fident that the Indian Army will India registers biggest
taken to main-
tain peace
On January 15 reduction in
violations.
fight and win future wars with
Indian solutions." "Our aim will
win in ODI history
in 1949, the Indian Army got its
through es-
T
first chief after Field Marshal Ko- However, be to move from a manpower-in- eam India became the first-ever team in
tablished pro- dandera M Cariappa took over as the terror tensive to a technologically driv- ODI cricket to register a win by 300 runs
tocols. Refer- the Commander-in-Chief of the infrastruc- en Army," said the Army chief, or more, becoming the team with the biggest
Indian Army from General
ring to the situ- ture still re- adding "our primary focus will victory margin in terms of runs in the histo-
Francis Bucher, the last
ation along the British Commander-in- mains on other be our soldiers, who will be fully ry of 50-over format on Sunday. The Men in
western border, Chief of India. side of border. prepared to face the challenges of Blue accomplished this during their third and
the Army Chief said On reforms in the the future."

P2 Old beauties hit P3 Twitter to launch

Delhi roads 'Verification for Organisations'
final ODI against Sri Lanka at Thiruvanan-
thapuram. Centuries from Virat Kohli (166)
and opener Shubman Gill (116) powered India
to 390/5 in their 50 overs. In their chase of 391,
Lanka did not put up even an inch of fight.
The visitors were bundled out for 73 runs and
India won the match by 317 runs.
 02
The Punjab government has provided over
23,200 crop residue management machines
to farmers - Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

� www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

TRAVELLING BRINGS 'Know your army' STUBBLE BURNING

GOOD HEALTH
T he frequency and variety of places visited are
essential points, with those who travel more
than 15 miles away from home more likely to report
overall good health. Those who travel to more
places are more likely to see friends and relatives.
This increase in social activity is linked to better
health. According to a new study, people who trav-
el beyond the region of their localities feel health-
ier than those who remain closer
to their homes. Researchers
say the results provide
strong evidence of the
need for investment in
transport options, such as
better roads and access to
trains and buses.
DOWN 30%
I ndian Army's Northern Command has organ-
ised 'Know Your Army - Military Equipment Dis-
play' on the campus of Government Degree College T he Punjab government has provided over
23,200 crop residue management (CRM) ma-
Udhampur on the eve of 75th Army Day, 2023. Maj chines to farmers, farmer producer organisations
Gen S.S Patil Commander 71 Sub area Udhampur (FPOs), panchayats, and primary agricultural so-
was the Chief Guest on this occasion. "A variety of cieties which has led to a 30 per cent decrease in
military equipment and weapons were displayed stubble burning incidents last year, Agriculture
and an information kiosk was established to share Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said on Sunday.
all the information regard- He said the CRM have been provided under the Pro-
ing enrolment in the motion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ
Army," said Vanshi- Management of Crop Residue scheme.
ka Katoch, a stu- Dhaliwal said under this scheme,
dent. The Pipe till now, 113,622 machines have
Band of the Army been provided. The depart-
played martial ment has also offered a sub-
tunes to mark the sidy of 50 to 80 per cent under
occasion. this scheme.

56TH VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CAR RALLY

Int'l Hot Air Balloon Fest
OLD BEAUTIES HIT U ttar Pradesh will host a four-day Hot Air Balloon
and Boat Racing Festival from January 17 in
Varanasi, the UP Tourism Department informed on

DELHI ROADS
Sunday. The UP Tourism department released the lo-
gos of the four-day International Hot Air Ballooning
and Boat Racing festival. Talking about the logo,
Deputy Director Tourism Preeti Srivastava said that

T
he 56th Vintage and Classic Car Rally
was organised in Delhi on Sunday
during which 75 cars were flagged off
from the Statesman House whereas more than
100 vintage cars participated. Israeli ambassador
to India Naor Gilon was present at the event as
the chief guest and was accompanied by the Com-
missioner of Delhi Police Sanjay Arora. They
congratulated and met various vintage
car owners at the rally. The Director
car owners to participate in the rally." "Due to the
cold weather, many car owners couldn't partici-
pate in the event yet around 100 cars have made it
the logo, in the shape of a shield, reads 'Kashi balloon
& boat festival'. She said that for branding the events,
the department will also be introducing blimps, in-
flatable balloons, and floating cylinders. The Deputy
Tourism Director further added that mapping of a 3-
km stretch of river Ganga, between Dashashwamedh
and Namo ghats, had been done for the boat race,
which will be taking place between
January 17-20.
"Pilots

d yo u
of Statesman House Ravindra Ku-
Di ?
from five
mar addressed the proper proce-
dure that has to be followed to K no w countries
and 12 from
organise a Vintage Car Rally. different
A vintage car is,
He said, "The first rally was in the most general sense, an to the rally," he said. Yadav in- parts of In-
organised in 1964 and today old automobile, and in the formed that the oldest car from dia will work
the 56th Vintage Car Rally is narrower senses of car en- 1911 couldn't participate but a to make the
being organised. For the prepa- thusiasts and collectors, it 1914 Jon Morris could make it to festival a
rations, we contact the vintage is a car from the peri- the event brought from the Nation- grand affair,"
od of 1919 to
car owners and analyse how many al Rail Museum. "This event has been the department
1930.
cars are in working condition. After a organised every year by the Statesman said.
close inspection, we send invitations to those House except in 1971 and 1973," added Yadav.

India-Eng
match
I ndia played out a goalless draw against England in an enter-
taining pool match to remain in contention for
a direct quarterfinal berth in the FIH Men's
dium. England got eight penalty corners as against India's four.
But the home team's penalty corners defence
was impeccable. England and India are now on

ends in Hockey World Cup at Rourkela on Sunday. In an

evenly contested Pool D match, both the sides
draw failed to score despite getting ample chances to
force a result at the jam-packed Birsa Munda Sta-
four points each from two matches and who
tops the pool and qualify directly for the quar-
terfinals will be decided on January 19 when
India play Wales while England take on Spain.
03
Indian army should learn from
Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Rajnath Singh
� www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

TO REPLACE 'BLUE FOR BUSINESS'

WhatsApp to have

Twitter to launch 'Verification M

'Block' shortcut
eta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp
is reportedly working on a new 'Block'

for Organisations'
shortcut feature that will provide users a block
shortcut right within the notifications. The plat-
form is planning to introduce this new block
shortcut within notifications but not always --

E lon Musk-owned Twitter has announced to

soon launch the 'Verification for Organisa-
tions' feature which was earlier called 'Blue for
the block shortcut will be visible only when users
receive a message from un-
known and untrusted con-
Business.' The company said that it will review ap- tacts. This limitation is
plications and allow a limited set of organisations needed as users might
to use the feature. "We will soon launch Verifica- tap on the block ac-
tion for Organisations, formerly known as Blue for tion by accident. The
Business. You can apply for early access via our new shortcut will be
waitlist," Twitter posted. As a subscriber, you and released in the up-
your business will receive business ac- charging money for its $8 Blue subscription coming update of the
counts and affiliation badges through service with verification. Twitter will application.

our self-serve administrative por-
tal, according to the company.
"We'll be reviewing applications
and opening up access to a lim-
ited group on a rolling basis in
the coming weeks," said the
micro-blogging platform.The
company is frantically trying to
monetise its platform via vari-
ous means. Since Musk's takeover,
the billionaire has been aiming to
boost the company's revenue, including
'Delhi' in Sri Lanka
d yo u
Di ?
soon start selling usernames via on-
Kn o w line actions that have remained in-
active in order to boost its rev- Ranchi Met Centre
Blue for Busi-
ness, launched in 2022, was a
enues. It is unclear how much
Twitter will charge for selling
is best
T
new version of Blue Verified de- inactive usernames. Mean- he Ranchi Meteorological Centre has been
signed to distinguish brand ac- while, Musk said on Saturday adjudged the best among such facilities in
counts from personal accounts.
that Twitter will soon publish the country. The performance of the Ranchi cen-
In addition to a gold check-
mark, Blue For Business tweet recommendation code and tre in disseminating weather-related informa-
came with a square make account/tweet status visible tion on time and with "a higher accuracy rate"
profile photo. "no later than next month"."Trans- has been appreciated by the IMD. The in-charge
parency builds trust," he tweeted. of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek
Anand, received the award from Jitendra Singh,
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth
Situation at India border stable: China Sciences, at a programme to com-

T he Sri Lankan Navy welcomed the Indian

Naval Ship (INS) 'Delhi', which arrived at
the Port of Trincomalee on January 15. During
the ship's stay, the crew will participate in sever-
al programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy
to promote cooperation and goodwill between the
two navies. The INS 'Delhi' is a destroyer and is
manned by a crew of 390. During
the ship's stay, the
crew is expected
to go on a sightsee-
ing excursion in
Trincomalee.
I ndia, China border situation is overall stable
and the two sides have maintained smooth and
constructive communications on boundary-re-
memorate the 148th founda-
tion day of IMD in New Del-
hi on Sunday. The Ranchi
lated issues, a spokesperson of the Chinese Em- facility was adjudged the
bassy in India has said. The spokesperson was re- best among 28 states and
acting to comments made by the US State De- six regional centres.
partment on the India, China boundary issue.
China's embassy in India released a statement
where envoy Wang Xiaojian said
that both countries have main-
Lakhs take dip at
tained constructive communica- Gangasagar
tion on border issues through
diplomatic and military channels. L akhs of pilgrims took the holy dip at Gan-
gasagar, the confluence of the Hooghly River
and the Bay of Bengal, on the occasion of Makar
Sankranti, a West Bengal minister said on Sun-
day. The auspicious timing for taking the holy

QUICK NEWS dip began at 6.53 pm on Saturday and continued

till sunset on Sunday. More than 51 lakh pilgrims
from across the state and the

utu re-ready ng am o rem ote voting' country have visited

e f a dt
b
Army shouldinister Rajnath Singh 22L at S
kh devote
la
es 'Parties oppoosne Sunday called an all- Gangasagar in the
efence M sked the army to round 22 in the Ganga ongress iscuss
D eady
a
on Sunday at a time when
e
be future-r uld be learnt from th at
A took a dip on Makar
pm
here till 4 on the second day
of
C ting
ting to d
party me Machines (RVM) and
e
Remote Vo al parties unanimou
sly
last few days till 4
pm on Sunday,
tic y
g
lessons sho ine conflict. Speakin at Sankranti . Over 36 lakh all the poli e proposal of RVM b minister Aroop
a
Russia-Ukr ian Army Day event
la
Magh Me cluding 14 lakh on e opposed th Commission of India y Biswas said,
n a
d
the 75th In ervice Corps (ASC) people, in ook a dip during t
h the Electio eeting was held a d
m
the Army S he called upon the
t
S a t u r d a y, A r o u n d 2 2 l a k h (ECI). The national parties' adding 10 lakh
nga e
Bengaluru, s to enhance their weekend. k a bath in the Ga ahead of th mmission meeting. more were on their
o
e
armed forc pabilities.
o
people to ngam till 4 pm. Election C ader Digvijay Singh
adoption c
a
and the S
a Congress le meeting. way to Sagar Island.
chaired the
 04
Just follow the model that
Hockey India did
- Tayyab Ikram
� www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

MOST CENTURIES ON HOME GROUNDS

Child actor honoured
Virat betters Sachin B havin Rabari, the lead child star of India's of-
ficial entry for the Oscars "Last Film Show",
and global blockbuster "RRR" have been hon-
oured by the International Press Academy (IPA).
ODI WC: Begin at IPA announced the winners for its 27th Annual
Satellite Awards in Motion Picture and Televi-
11.30 to avoid dew sion over the weekend. Rabari won the Break-

P
remier India off-spinner
Ravichandran Ashwin
wants 2023 ODI World
through Performance Award, while SS Ra-
jamouli's period film
Cup matches, which will "RRR" was given the
be played in India in Honorary Satellite
October and
November, to begin Award. Directed
from 11.30am, a by Pan Nalin,
timing which is earlier
than the usual 1:30pm "Last Film Show"
start of day-night 50- is a Gujurati film
over games in India.

S tar Indian batter Virat Kohli overtook compa-

triot and legendary Indian cricketer Sachin
Tendulkar to score the most centuries in
Ashwin cited the example
of India's first ODI against Sri
Lanka in Guwahati, where
that follows the
story of a nine-
year-old boy (Rabari).
the Rohit Sharma-led side defended a mammoth
home conditions. The batter
d yo u 373 to win by 67 runs. "India batted brilliantly
reached the milestone during In-
Di ?
on a slow wicket and posted a score well
dia's third ODI against Sri Lan-
K no w above par. But they still ended up having to

ka at Thiruvananthapuram. Dew
fight tooth and nail (to win against Sri
Lanka). "The quality difference between
the teams isn't coming through - dew is ? THE ‘J’ QUIZ
Virat clocked his 46th ODI is water in the
form of droplets that appears on narrowing that gap if you happen to lose Dear friends, the questions being posed
century, which was also his the toss. My suggestion - or rather my
thin, exposed objects in the morn- opinion - for the (ODI) World Cup is to here are based on the content published on
74th international cricket ing or evening due to condensa-
look at what venues we are playing in, this page. And, please don't look at the an-
century. With this, he also tion. As the exposed surface and at what times. Why shouldn't we
start matches at 11.30am during the swers given below before you have tried
brought up his 21st century in cools, atmospheric moisture
World Cup?" he said. Though an 11:30am hard enough!
his home country, the most by condenses, resulting in the start may not be ideal one for the
any cricketer in his/her home na- formation of water broadcasters, Ashwin believes that fans 1. Virat Kohli has broken the record of which
droplets. would be ready in time to watch World Cup
Indian cricketer?
tion. Sachin had hit 20 centuries in matches regardless of their timing.
home conditions.
2. Which country will host the ODI World
Cup, 2023?

Pak should follow Mum Marathon: 3. Ethiopia is a country in which continent?

'India model' Ethiopians top 4. Which Gujarati film is India's official en-
try for Oscars?
P akistan should "follow India's model" to
come out of the slump it has endured in re-
cent years, said International Hockey Federa-
E thiopian duo of Hayle Lemi and Anchalem
Haymanot won the men's and women's elite
titles with new course records to take home the
5. Who was the first Indian to win the Miss
Universe contest?
tion (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram. Pakistan, USD 45,000 winners prize and a course record
the most successful team in World Cup history bonus of USD 15,000 each in the 18th edition of Africa, 'The Last Show', Sushimita Sen)
with four titles, did not qualify for the ongoing the Tata Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Lemi (Answers: Sachin Tendulkar, India,
edition in India. "If you see in recent tourna- won the men's Marathon Elite race in 2:07:32
ments, the Pakistan-India match is still the hours to finish ahead of Rono Phile-
world's best property. As general secretary and
chief executive of Asian Hockey (earlier) that
mon of Kenya. Haymanot
bagged the title in the
Ms USA is Ms Universe
property was with me in the Asia Cup and the
Champions Trophy. I know the value of that,"
Ikram, who was born in Pakistan but is now
Women's Elite Race in
a timing of 2 hours
24 minutes and 15
R 'Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer from
Texas who, is the first Filipino American to
win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on
based in Macau, said at a press conference at seconds, ahead Saturday night. Gabriel closed her eyes and
Rourkela. "Just follow the model that Hockey of second- clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela,
India did," Ikram said. placed compa- Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramat-
triot Tusa Rah- ic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her
ma as Ethiopia name was announced. Thumping music rang
swept the first out, and she was handed a bou-
eight spots. T quet of flowers, draped in
Gopi won the the winner's sash and
Male Indian sec- crowned with a tiara on-
tion while Chavi Ya- stage at the 71st Miss
dav won the Women Universe Competition,
Indian race. held in New Orleans.
05
� www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

CBSE CLASS 12th EXAMS:

TIPS FOR PREPARATION
C
BSE Board Exams 2023 would
be conducted from February
15 this year. All the students
are now in the revision mode as only
a few days are left for the exams to be-
gin. The students need motivation to
begin their studies in the final gear
and I am there to help them. Here are
some tips by that will help the stu-
dents score well in the exams.
Students should cover the entire
CBSE 12th exam syllabus 2023 by the
end of January 2023.
With a sound study plan, students
can do well in the CBSE class 12 ex-
ams. Let's take a look at some of the
CBSE Class 12 Board Preparation
Tips that each student needs to use in
order to succeed.
Know the Syllabus and
Exam Pattern
Knowing the syllabus is the basic
step towards preparation.
This year, the CBSE class 12th syl-
labus 2023 has been reduced and cov-
ered in a single term. Students should
prepare with the new syllabus. If
they are preparing for any national-
level entrance exam, then try to cover
the entire syllabus for conceptual
clarity.
By knowing the weightage of differ-
ent topics, you can divide your time
accordingly and will get more time
for revision.
You shouldn't strive to memorise
everything in the syllabus because
you'll become anxious and forget top-
ics during exams. On the other hand,
you can write the exam more effec-
tively if you have sufficient under-
standing of the contents. Instead of
simply memorising everything, try to
learn through studying the topic in
depth.
Practice with Previous
Year's Papers
You can refer to the previous year's
papers to know which types of ques-
tions were asked. Additionally, refer
to the latest CBSE class 12 sample pa-
pers to know exam patterns.
When you have completed all the im-
portant topics, it is suggested that you
practice CBSE 12th previous question
papers. This is one of the most im-
portant CBSE Class 12 preparation
tips 2023 for gaining outstanding re-
sults.
Stay Organised
You need to create a study plan for
increased productivity. Include time
for all topics as well as a little time for
hobbies and interests. To keep your
mind active, take brief breaks every
40 to 45 minutes.
Refer to NCERT Books
You must refer to NCERT books
while preparing for class 12. As CBSE
Class 12th question paper is prepared
from topics of NCERT only.
Besides NCERT, you can also use
other reference books for the practice
of problems, numerical, etc.
Make Daily Study Plan
Without careful planning, it is im-
possible to meet your goals. Establish
a daily routine and follow it. You'll be
more self-assured and able to keep up
a steady pace of study. Reread the sub-
jects you covered in a given week to
help you recall them.
Following a planned schedule helps
in covering the syllabus on time. It is
recommended to make a good study
schedule and follow the same with ut-
ter dedication.
Make Notes
You should write the studied topic
in your own language and make
notes. These notes will be helpful in
the last minutes to revise the syllabus
in short. It makes a best among all
CBSE Class 12 Board preparation tips
2023.
Take proper diet and Sleep
There is a common saying, 'A
healthy mind lives in a healthy body.'
So, you should keep yourself fit and
fine. For this, a balanced diet and
proper sleep are mandatory.
Take a balanced diet and adequate
sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Do
not study till late at night and for long
hours, take short breaks to feel fresh.
Stress, fear, and anxiety will hamper
the preparation and affect the per-
formance in board exams.
Stay Away from Distraction
Avoid listening to music, watching
television, text messaging or surfing
the Internet while studying. You
should find the study spot with mini-
mal or no disturbance to focus on
study and cover topics quickly. Dis-
tractions can hinder your path to suc-
cess.
Make Strategy to write answers
Knowing how to write answers
while taking the exam is one of the
most crucial CBSE 12 class prepara-
tion tips. Students should underline
or use a different coloured pen to
highlight the key parts of their an-
swers. In addition, use bullet points
rather than paragraphs when draft-
ing your answers. Students can also
obtain the topper's answer sheet from
the CBSE website's home page to
learn the best method to format their
answers. Use your 15 minutes of read-
ing time wisely to read effectively and
make plans accordingly.
� HARPREET SINGH SALUJA
HOD. Mathematics, Choithram
School, Manik Bagh Road, Indore

The Phantom of the Subway

Writer: Elisabetta Dami stories tell all about the new mouse city named book for the students from
mouse island and the adven- Pinky Pick for finding the classes IV-VIII. It is a best-
Book Review: tures of Geronimo Stilton in phantom of the subway and seller and worth it. If you ask

I
would like to share my
views about a fantastic
story book "PHAN-
TOM OF THE SUBWAY"
written by famous Italian au-
thor Elisabetta Dami. These
the new mouse city. Geroni-
mo stilton is my favourite
character in this book. He
goes on a secret mission with
his sister Thea, cousin Trap
and one more mouse from
after coming from that secret
mission he writes about his
great adventure. The book
has so many good parts and
it is short book full of action
and suspense. It is a good
me it will take you to the
whole another world.
� VIHAAN VYAS
Class 6
Indore Public School,
Main Campus, Indore
 06
� www.freepressjournal.in � INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 16, 2023

MY ARTWORK SUPER HERO PARENTS

A Beautiful Day

SAVE WATER

All things bright and beautiful

All the creatures great and small
All the things wise and wonderful
DIVYANSHI SAMINA
A beautiful day along!!
YADAV RAMPURAWALA
Class 1-E Class 6-A
Shri Satya Sai MSB Educational Each little flower that opens
Vidhya Vihar, Indore Institute, Indore Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colours
And made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountain

And the river running by
WHO IS THE TRUE HERO? THE BLUE FLASH! The morning and the sunset
That brightens up the sky.

The tall tree in the garden

The yellow summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden
Eating them is so fun!!

ARWA ARIF AAREFA SAIFY The day is long and beautiful

Class 12 - Commerce Class 5 - A The sky is red and colourful.
MSB Educational MSB Educational PRISHA SONI
Institute, Indore Institute, Indore Class 4-D, Sri Sathya Sai
Vidya Vihar, Indore

Makar Sankranti marks

Harvest Season
M akar Sankranti is celebrated to
mark the beginning of the harvest
season. To showcase the vibrancy and fes-
from Assam. Director Timsi Rai had some
fun brainstorming sessions with students
to encourage curiosity amongst them
tivity spirit, the girls at Advanced Acade- about the importance of such festivals.
my, Indore, were beautifully dressed up in She explained beautifully that India is a
the traditional wonderful ex-
attire of differ- ample of Unity
ent states. They in Diversity,
showcased Pon- where we all
gal from Tamil celebrate the
Nadu, Ut- beginning of
tarayan from Harvest season
Gujarat, Lohri in different
from Punjab states in
and Magh Bihu unique ways.
 and

Presents

Mumbai’s �rst
Reviewer’s Contest
just for

TEENAGERS
An excellent platform for young wordsmiths
to �aunt their ‘reviewing’ skills.
Review just about anything and win prizes.
And, book your claim to fame spot in
The FPJ newspaper.

To register,
Click on the page