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Editorial: Beyond mirage SC raps SBI, orders full disclosure of electoral bonds data by March 21 Putin wins 5th term with record votes
Lokpal orders CBI to file FIR against
Mahua Moitra in cash for queries charges
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: The Lokpal,
country’s anti-corruption
watchdog, on Tuesday or-
dered a formal Central Bu-
reau of Investigation (CBI)
against Trinamool Congress
leader Mahua Moitra in
cash-for-query charges say-
ing there is “sufficient pri-
ma facie evidence (against
the former member of par-
liament) on record that de-
serves deeper scrutiny.”
It has directed the federal
probe agency to complete
investigations in “all aspects
of the allegations” against
Moitra within six months
and also file periodical re-
ports every month.
“What may be unethical
can also constitute an of-
fence under law, which is
what the present proceed-
ings are all about. There is
sufficient prima facie ev-
idence on record that de-
serves deeper scrutiny,” said
Lokpal in its order on Tues-
day, seen by LN.
“After careful evaluation
and consideration of the en-
tire material on record, there
remains no doubt regarding
the fact that the allegations
KOHLI JOINS RCB
TRAINING CAMP
BENGALURU: Superstar Vi-
rat Kohli on Monday made
his first appearance in the
training session of his fran-
chise Royal Challengers
Bangalore ahead of the IPL
beginning March 22. Kohli,
who was out of the country
for the birth of his second
child, arrived in India on
Sunday. The former India
and RCB captain was seen
taking rounds of the Chin-
naswamy Stadium as part
of his warm-up. Skipper
Faf du Plessis also attend-
ed the session. RCB, who
have never won the IPL, be-
gin their campaign against
reigning champions Chen-
nai Super Kings in Chen-
nai on Friday. Kohli’s per-
formance in the lucrative
T20 league will be closely
tracked as the event pre-
cedes the T20 World Cup
in the USA and Caribbean.
LAKSHYA, SINDHU
SPEARHEAD INDIA’S
CHALLENGE IN OPEN
BASEL: Star Indian shuttler
Lakshya Sen is expected to
continue his purple patch,
while two-time Olympic
medallist PV Sindhu will
strive to regain top form
at the Swiss Open Super
300 tournament, begin-
ning here on Tuesday. After
first-round losses at the
Malaysia Super 1000 and
India Super 750 earlier in
the year, Sen has gained
momentum. The 22-year-
old enters the USD 210,000
tournament on the back of
semifinal appearances at
the French Open and All En-
gland Championships. The
seventh-seeded Indian will
open his campaign against
Malaysian Leong Jun Hao
and is likely to cross paths
with 2021 world champion
Lee Zii Jia.
ucknow news
VOL. 18 | ISSUE NO: 200 | Wednesday, 20 March 2024 | DAILY MORNING | Page 4 | Price Rs 1.00
levelled against Moitra,
most of which are support-
ed by cogent evidence, are
extremely serious in nature,
especially in view of the po-
sition held by her. Therefore,
in our considered opinion,
a deeper probe is required
to establish the truth. This
is vital in view of the posi-
tion and status held by the
RPS (respondent public ser-
vant) at the relevant point of
time,” it said.
LN exclusively reported
last week that Lokpal will
soon decide on a probe
against Mahua Moitra and
that her defence team had
presented arguments in
Lokpal. Moitra’s legal team
refused to comment on Lok-
pal order.
Rejecting Moitra argu-
Media persons, people in essential
services can vote using postal ballots: ECI
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Media persons
on election duty carrying au-
thorisation letters from the
Election Commission, and
those working in essential
services such as healthcare
can vote using postal ballots
in the Lok Sabha and four
state assembly polls, the
Election Commission said
on Tuesday.
In this regard, the Election
Commission (EC) wrote to
all state chief electoral offi-
cers regarding the catego-
ries of absentee voters on
essential services.
In Delhi, those working
in Hospitals under GNCT of
Delhi, Delhi Transport Cor-
poration (DTC), Delhi Fire
Services, Delhi Jal Board,
Union minister's big ‘Tamil Nadu’ claim on Bengaluru cafe
blast suspect; CM Stalin reacts strongly: ‘Reckless statement’
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Union minister
Shobha Karandlaje on Tues-
day demanded Karnataka
home minister G Paramesh-
wara's resignation and ac-
cused the Congress govern-
ment of bias against Hindus
amid tensions over the as-
sault on a trader allegedly
for playing the 'Hanuman
Chalisa' loudly in his shop
during Azaan (Islamic call for
prayer).
Several BJP leaders includ-
ing Karandlaje were taken
into preventive custody after
they staged a demonstration
in Bengaluru in response
to the assault on the trad-
er. “The police said that we
ments during a hearing at
Lokpal last week that alle-
gations regarding bribery
and quid pro quo have not
been substantiated against
her, the bench of Justice
Abhilasha Kumari, Arch-
ana Ramasundaram and
Mahender Singh further
said,“Whatever be the posi-
tion held, a public servant is
bound to exercise probity in
the discharge of his/her du-
ties as a public servant. The
responsibility and burden
are heavier on the shoulders
of a public representative.”
“Corruption is a malaise
that is adversely affecting
the legislative, administra-
tive, social and economic
functioning of this demo-
cratic country. It is a duty
cast upon us and, indeed,
Delhi Police, Centralized
Accident and Trauma Ser-
vices (CATS), GNCTD and
media persons of Delhi to
whom authorization letters
have been issued with the
approval of the Election
Commission of India to cov-
er polling day activities can
exercise their vote through
postal ballots. "The depart-
could only leave after the
Namaz was complete... I
want to ask Siddaramaiah
who's government is running
here. Have Hindus not voted
for you?... Hindus' insults are
going on here constantly,”
Karandlaje said.
A group of youths objected
to a trader playing 'Hanuman
Chalisa' loudly in his shop on
Juma Masjid road on Sunday
during 'Azaan' and assaulted
him, according to police.
The BJP had called for a
peaceful procession from the
shop of the victim, Mukesh,
with chanting of 'Hanuman
Chalisa' by the participants.
“Boys come and beat up
a boy in a shop where he
was listening to Hanuman
the mandate of the Act, that
all attempts be made to root
out corruption and corrupt
practises that bring under
their fold aspects such as
undue advantage, illegal
gain or benefit and quid pro
quo in the discharge of pub-
lic duties,” it added.
The federal agency has
been investigating allega-
tions against Moitra, 49,
as part of a preliminary en-
quiry (PE) since November
last year based on a Lok-
pal reference. In a PE, CBI
is empowered to examine
documents and summon a
person for questioning but
cannot carry out searches or
make arrests.
It is alleged that former
TMC parliamentarian from
Krishnanagar in West Ben-
gal accepted money and
favours to ask questions
in Parliament. She was ex-
pelled from the lower house
on December 8 based on a
recommendation by the eth-
ics committee.
Moitra’s troubles start-
ed in October 2023, when
Bharatiya Janata Party (CBI)
lawmaker Nishikant Dubey
wrote to Lok Sabha Speak-
er Om Birla on the basis of
ments of the notified cat-
egory of electors may be
informed accordingly and
may be asked to nominate
'Nodal Officer' for the pur-
pose of the postal ballot fa-
cility to such electors.
The Nodal Officer may
be briefed about the facility
and the responsibilities and
duties to be carried out by
Chalisa. I just saw a video
where they are roaming
around with open swords
in RT Nagar. There is no ac-
tion. This government is pro-
tecting minorities and it is
anti-Hindu... The law and or-
der situation is poor and we
demand Karnataka Home
Minister G Parameshwara's
resignation... We will keep
fighting,” Karandlaje said.
While highlighting a series
of incidents involving individ-
uals from different states
engaging in criminal activ-
ities within Karnataka, the
minister went on to claim
that the suspect involved
in the March 1 blast at The
Rameshwaram Cafe was
from Tamil Nadu. “One per-
a complaint by lawyer Jai
Anant Dehadrai, who al-
leged that Moitra accepted
money and favours to ask
questions in Parliament.
The same month, he ap-
proached Lokpal over the
“cash-for-query” charge
against Moitra.
Moitra is accused of giving
direct access of her official
MP ID to businessman Dar-
shan Hiranandani to post
questions on the Lok Sabha
portal on her behalf and re-
ceiving expensive gifts from
the businessman who also
allegedly underwrote her
bungalow renovations and
paid for her foreign trips.
While Hiranandani has cor-
roborated the charges, Moi-
tra has denied the allega-
tions that she received gifts,
and has asked other par-
liamentarians if they never
shared their passwords.
Lok Sabha ethics commit-
tee adopted a report recom-
mending Moitra’s expulsion
for “sharing” her login cre-
dentials and password with
an unauthorised person, its
impact on national security
and finding that it amount-
ed to unethical conduct and
contempt of the House.
him/her.
Copies of Form 12D ap-
pended to the Conduct of
Elections Rules, 1961 may
be made available to the
Nodal Officer. Nodal officer
should inform the electors
concerned about the facili-
ty," the EC letter to all chief
electoral officers read.
The general election for
543 Lok Sabha seats will
be held in seven phases
from April 19, with counting
to be held on June 4. Elec-
tions to State legislatures of
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal
Pradesh, Odisha, and Sik-
kim will also be held during
the same period.
A total of 96.8 crore voters
will be eligible to cast their
vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha
elections.
son comes from Tamil Nadu
and plants a bomb in a cafe.
Another man comes from
Delhi and raises pro-Pak slo-
gans in the Vidhan Soudha.
Another man comes from
Kerala and throws acid at
college students,” the BJP
MP said.
To be sure, the National
Investigation Agency (NIA),
which is leading the inves-
tigation into the Ramesh-
waram Cafe blast case, has
not revealed the identity
of the prime suspect. The
state home minister last
week told media persons
that investigators were ver-
ifying the suspect’s identity
and were drawing closer to
locating him.
Adhir Ranjan's ‘Sandeshkhali’
reference on TMC's SC-
monitored LS polls demand
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Congress lead-
er Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
on Tuesday demanded a
Supreme Court-monitored
probe into Sandeshkhali
case, hours after INDIA ally
Trinamool Congress's MP
Derek O'Brien sought an
apex court-monitored Lok
Sabha election.
"The Election Commission
is a constitutional body, and
if the TMC has requested the
Supreme Court to monitor
the election, it's their choice.
However, I urge that the in-
vestigation in Sandeshkhali
should be conducted by the
Supreme Court," PTI quoted
Chowdhury as saying. The
Congress leader is known for
his attacks on the TMC and
its chief Mamata Banerjee.
Sandeshkhali, a village in
North 24 Parganas district
of West Bengal, has been in
the news recently after sev-
eral women accused local
TMC leader Sheikh Shahjah-
an of sexual assault and land
grabbing. Shahjahan was ar-
rested earlier this month and
Former diplomat Taranjit Sandhu joins
BJP, Jaishankar sends ‘confidence’ message
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Former Indian
ambassador to the United
States Taranjit Singh Sand-
hu on Tuesday joined the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
almost two months after he
wrapped up his term in of-
fice in Washington DC. He
joined the ruling party in the
presence of its general secre-
taries Tarun Chugh and Vinod
Tawde in the national capital.
According to reports, the
BJP is likely to field the for-
mer envoy in the Lok Sabha
polls from Amritsar in Punjab
- the city where Sandhu hails
from. The party reportedly
believes that Sandhu, who
comes from a Jat Sikh fami-
ly, may turn out to be its best
bet to win back the Amritsar
seat.
Addressing the media af-
ter joining the saffron party,
Sandhu thanked Prime Min-
ister Narendra Modi, Home
Minister Amit Shah, and par-
ty president J P Nadda for his
political innings, and called
Modi a “development-fo-
cused leader”.
“Development is very much
needed today. This develop-
ment should reach Amritsar
too,” he added amid specula-
tions about his candidature in
the Lok Sabha elections. Ex-
ternal affairs minister S Jais-
Janhvi Kapoor heaps praise on Indian wear
OUR CORRESPONDENT
LUCKNOW: Bollywood actor
Janhvi Kapoor recently talk-
ed about her love for Indi-
an wear, which she tags as
the most ‘beautiful piece of
clothing’ there can be. It’s the
simplicity that attracts Jan-
hvi, who walked as the show-
stopper for the label Kalki at
R.N.I. Reg. No.
has now been handed over
to the CBI in connection with
the case related to attack
on Enforcement Directorate
(ED) officials in Sandeshkhali
on January 5.
Earlier in the day, Brien had
hit out at the Election Com-
mission after it ordered the
removal of Rajeev Kumar as
West Bengal director gener-
al of police (DGP). The poll
panel selected Vivek Sahay
as the next Bengal top cop.
However, the EC on Tuesday
appointed Sanjay Mukherjee
as the new DGP.
"BJP's filthy tricks destroy-
ing institutions like Election
Commission of India. Are
BJP so nervous to face peo-
hankar welcomed Sandhu to
the BJP and expressed con-
fidence in his contribution to
the country's development.
“Welcome to @BJP4India,
Ambassador @SandhuTaran-
jitS. Our close association
gives me fullest confidence
that you will continue con-
tributing to the nation’s de-
velopment and progress,” he
wrote on X, formerly known
as Twitter. The minister also
shared a picture with the for-
mer ambassador on the so-
cial media platform.
Sandhu assumed the
charge as the Indian Ambas-
sador to the United States
in February 2020. His most
immediate task after his ap-
pointment was the then-Pres-
ident Donald Trump's visit to
India.
Previously, he has served
as the First Secretary (Politi-
cal) at the Embassy of India,
Washington DC from 1997
the Lakme Fashion Week x
FDCI on the ultimate day on
Sunday.
Janhvi told a leading me-
dia house exclusively, “I
love the simplicity of Indian
wear. It is so effortless and
graceful at the same time.
Indian wear is the most
beautiful piece of clothing
there can be.” Talking about
ple that they are turning ECI
into a party office to target
Opposition? ECI or His Mas-
ter's Voice?" Derek O'Brien
had posted on X. "Transfer-
ring officers of elected state
governments! For free and
fair elections. We want Su-
preme Court-monitored Elec-
tion 2024", he further said.
West Bengal BJP chief Su-
kanta Majumdar had hit out
at TMC over the Rajya Sabha
MP's demand. “The TMC is
cribbing over the removal of
Rajeev Kumar as they had
some sinister design during
the polls using him at the
helm of the police depart-
ment of the state,” the leader
claimed.
to 2000. He was also the
Consul General of India in
Frankfurt from September
2011 to July 2013, and the
deputy chief of mission at the
Embassy of India in Washing-
ton DC from July 2013 to Jan-
uary 2017.
Along with this, Sandhu
has also worked in the Min-
istry of External Affairs in
various departments - Joint
Secretary (United Nations)
from March 2009 to August
2011, and later as Joint Sec-
retary (Administration) head-
ing the Human Resource
Division.
Born on January 23, 1963,
Sandhu studied at The Law-
rence School, Sanawar,
and graduated with History
Honours from St. Stephens'
College in Delhi. He has a
Master's Degree in Interna-
tional Relations from the
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi.
her fashion sensibility, the
actor does like to mix it up.
“I think for everyday wear,
I like to keep it simple and
comfortable. For my red
carpet looks, I love creating
looks. I love good eye make-
up to complete whatever I’m
wearing. I’d say style meets
comfort is my vibe when
getting ready,” she said.
2 Lucknow, Wednesday, 20 March 2024 Lucknow News (English Daily)

Celluloid politics
EDITORIAL
Beyond mirage
Some years ago, at the release of our report Excreta Mat-
ters in Bengaluru, I got into a spirited discussion with the
city’s water and sewage managers. The discussion was
about water management in the city, which our research
showed was unaffordable and so unsustainable. The engi- EVEN THOUGH VIJAY’S ENTRY INTO POLITICS WITH TAMIZHAGA VETRI KAZHAGAM PROMISES CHANGE IN TAMIL NADU’S
neers disagreed.
According to them, they had managed to secure water POLITICS, IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER HIS CINEMATIC CHARISMA WOULD TRANSLATE INTO POLITICAL SUCCESS
from the Cauvery, some 100 km away, through pipelines, In the annals of Tamil Na-
and so had no reason to worry. Now as this hi-tech city hur- du’s rich political history,
tles towards a severe water scarcity, maybe, just maybe, the seamless transition
these wise men will reconsider and rework their options from the silver screen to the
going forward. political stage has been a
The fact is, Bengaluru is just another city that is being recurring motif, shaping the
shown the mirror—the dreams of a perfect water supply state’s political landscape
driven by high-cost engineering solutions are being shat- for decades. The latest ac-
tered. And this is in an era of climate risk, where rainfall tor to embrace this dual
will become more extreme and more variable. Bengaluru role is the ever-popular Vi-
in the nowdistant past used to receive water from its vast jay, hailed as the ‘Thalapa-
network of lakes, designed to collect rain and mitigate thi,’ who recently launched
floods. Then the search expanded: its first official water his political party, Tamizha-
supply was from Hesaraghatta lake on the Arkavathi river, ga Vetri Kazhagam.
18-20 km from the city; and then from T G Halli reservoir, This strategic move un-
35-40 km away. folds ahead of the general
But all this did not suffice and around 1974, the am- election against the back-
bitious Cauvery Water Supply Scheme was conceived— drop of crucial changes with-
where water would be pumped up to a height of 490 me- in the AllIndia Anna Dravida
tres and transported over 100 km. During my interactions Munnetra Kazhagam (AIAD-
with the city engineers, they were deep into stage 4 of this MK) following the demise of
engineering marvel, and as I said, they did not see any rea- J Jayalalitha and amid alle-
son to worry. I spoke about the cost of transporting water gations of corruption and
longer distances—about a decade ago, the city required dynasty politics against the
huge power to pump the water, which was eating into the ruling Dravida Munnetra Ka-
fragile economics of its water and sewerage board. zhagam (DMK).
Also, as the distance increased, so did the water loss The intertwining of cine-
which, according to official sources, was 40 per cent. All ma and politics is deeply
this meant that the cost of water supply was going up. I ingrained in Tamil Nadu’s
also pointed out that the engi- legacy. The iconic MG Ra-
neers were discounting the fol- India’s assertion of its machandran (MGR), seam-
lowing facts: one, groundwater ‘non-Western’ identity lessly transitioning from the
usage was increasing in the city despite holding strong silver screen to the Chief
and its surrounding areas, which ties with the West is Minister’s office, paved the
suggested that the water supply a positive culmination way for subsequent stars
was not so perfect. of the evolutionary like Jayalalitha and, more
Two, the city was exploding engagement through recently, Vijay. MGR’s char-
and this expanding water-sew- historical, cultural, ismatic persona and his
age infrastructure would not and civilisational ability to connect with the
keep pace with growth. Three, exchanges; The non- masses laid the foundation
most importantly by their own Western approach for the unique symbiosis
admission, bulk of the sewage emphasises interaction between the celluloid world Vijay’s public appeal transcends class, caste and religion
generated was not being treat- with the world as a and the political arena in the However, his impact has legacy under the formidable er, Vijay’s path to political as- has vehemently opposed
ed and this in turn was adding physically as well as state. not been as seismic as leadership of ‘Amma’ Jay- cendancy is not without its the implementation of the The upcoming elections
to the pollution load in its lakes an emotionally shared Examining the histor- MGR’s or Jayalalitha’s. The alalitha. hurdles. The transition from Citizenship Amendment Act will be a litmus test
and streams. space ical trajectory of film party’s electoral perfor- The actor’s party launch a matinee idol to a political (CAA). His public appeal tran- for Tamizhaga Vetri
But again, the engineers were starsturned-politicians in mance was subpar, with has been accompanied by leader demands a nuanced scends class, caste and reli- Kazhagam’s viability and
sanguine about the future. They boasted they had already Tamil Nadu reveals many less than one and three per promises of a corruption- understanding of gover- gion. He has also forecasted its potential to resonate
built some 720 million litres per day (mld) of sewage successes and challenges. cent of votes in parliamenta- free government, a rallying nance, intricate knowledge full-time political work after with a diverse voter base
treatment capacity, using every available technology pos- While MGR and Jayalalitha ry and assembly elections, cry for positive change, and of state affairs, and the abil- finishing his already com- will be a litmus test for Tam-
sible—which technically would be able to treat almost all not only enjoyed massive respectively. a vision for Tamil Nadu’s ity to navigate the intricate mitted film projects. izhaga Vetri Kazhagam’s
the sewage generated. popularity but also wielded In February 2023, the development. Vijay’s philan- web of Tamil Nadu politics. Furthermore, he has suc- viability and its potential to
When I pointed out that less than half the capacity was significant political influ- party endorsed a DMK can- thropic activities and mass The actor must also con- ceeded in leveraging his or- resonate with a diverse vot-
being utilised, they told me, very soon the pipeline network ence, others, like Captain didate in an unprecedented appeal add an intriguing tend with the formidable ganised fan base to make er base.
would expand and all would be well. Cut to present day. In Vijayakanth, who recent- move. Over the past years, dimension to the political presence of established a substantial impact on the As of now, the politics of
2010, the city’s water requirement was pegged at 1,125 ly passed away, and GK Kamal Haasan has shown canvas. political entities that have ground among the people; Tamil Nadu is dominated
mld, which has more than doubled to 2,600 mld. Moopanar, who founded increasing alignment with The demise of Jayalalitha dominated the state’s polit- they contested the local by the DMK, AIADMK and
While the Cauvery still supplies half, the rest comes from the Tamil Manila Congress MK Stalin’s leadership de- left a leadership vacuum ical landscape for decades. body election and won a their allies who have almost
groundwater. In other words, the demand has remained (TMC), faced uphill battles spite the absence of formal within the AIADMK, and As the political stage in significant number of seats, 75 per cent of the total vote
unmet and people have had no option but to dig and dig in sustaining their political alliance talks and an appar- Vijay’s foray into politics Tamil Nadu is set for a po- 115 out of 169, establishing share in the state.
deeper to secure their water supply. With increased vari- careers. ent lack of seriousness in presents an alternative for tential transformation, Vi- reading rooms, clinics, Will Vijay, the actorpol-
ability of rainfall, these sources are drying up, and fast. The correlation between his political initiatives. voters disillusioned with the jay’s entry, with a clear indi- free education centres, itician, be able to carve a
But the pipedream sellers have not understood the on-screen charisma and po- MNM has ostensibly failed current political landscape. cation that his target is the and more for the public. This niche for himself amidst
crisis—the city’s chief water manager is now banking on litical success is nuanced, to emerge as an influential His popularity, particularly 2026 state election, adds reflects that he has done his seasoned politicians, or will
stage 5 of the Cauvery project, which, he says, will be com- demanding a profound un- political force. Vijay’s entry among the youth, and prom- an element of anticipation homework and chosen the his political journey remain
missioned very soon. derstanding of the state’s into politics with Tamizha- ises of clean governance and uncertainty. right time for entry, unlike confined to the annals of
The sewage story is similar. New hardware for treatment socio-political dynamics. ga Vetri Kazhagam unfolds could potentially attract a His recent movies and stars like Rajnikant, who Tamil Nadu’s cinematic-po-
has been built; according to the Central Pollution Control For instance, Kamal Haas- against the backdrop of substantial portion of non- statements reflect a quest delayed their political entry litical history? Only time will
Board’s 2021 inventory, the city now has 1,167.50 mld of an formed a political par- turmoil within the AIADMK, DMK voters, especially con- for change with a Dravidian, and missed the bus for po- unveil the cinematic gamble
sewage treatment capacity. And capacity utilisation has ty called Makkal Needhi a party that once stood as sidering the ongoing crisis left-oriented, and progres- tential political revolutions. that is Vijay’s political odys-
also somewhat improved to 75 per cent. Maiam (MNM) in 2018. the torchbearer of MGR’s within the AIADMK. Howev- sive ideological position. He The upcoming elections sey.

Health implication due to Climate change

But the gap between the generation of sewage and
treatment capacity has widened. With the current water
demand, sewage generation would be close to 2,000
mld—and so untreated sewage would be more than half.
The city has gone round in circles, only to find that it is
still standing where it was a decade ago. This is the real A new landsat study claims in 1986 to 2005 resulting 1951 to 60 and 2012 to Infants went through 0.9 energy contributes about mate change and health
crisis of our water planning—the inability to understand that anthropogenic climate in heat related deaths in- 2021. In India heat related more heat wave days per 8.2 % of the total energy reached record levels in-
the need and the opportunity for change. change has resulted heat creasing by 68% between deaths increased by 55% in year while over 65 experi- source globally moreover 2021espwcially in 2021 at
The fact is, Bengaluru receives enough rain; it has lakes deaths, hunger, heat re- 2000 to 2004 and 2017 the period of 2017 to 2021 enced 3.7 more days per a struggling healthcare the U.N general assembly
that can harvest this rain and recharge groundwater, so lated illnesses, and infec- to 2021 period of malaria as compared to 2000 to person compared to 1986. system has been knocked debate. The report said that
that in times of extreme rain events, its rich and power- tious diseases. 98 million transmission increased by 2004. A loss of 167.2 labor An increasing reliance on down by the Covid-19 pan- there is clear evidence that
ful denizens do not have to swim to avoid drowning in the people worldwide reported 31.3% and 13.8% in the hours due to heat expo- fossil fuels three decades demic. immediate action could still
flood. Every drop can be used for the coming period of moderate to severe food highland areas of the Amer- sure led to economic loss after the signing of the Un Out of 95 countries re- save the life of millions with
scarcity. insecurity in 2020 than the ica and Africa from1951 to of 5.4% of the GDP. Den- framework convention on ported only 60 reported a rapid shift to clean energy
Then it can manage its sewage differently. Instead of be- average in 1981-2010. vul- 1960 to 2012 and 2021 re- gue transmission months climate change is intensi- a high to very high imple- and energy efficiency.
lieving that it can transport sewage with pipelines, it can nerable population faced spectively likelihood of den- rose to 5.6 months 1.69% fying the impact climate mentation status for health Ayushi Mishra, Divya
ensure that every drop of excreta is collected by tankers 3.7 billion more heat wavy gue transmission has risen increase between 1951 to change has on human emergency management Kaushik
and then treated and reused. But for this, water engineers days in 2021 than annually by 12% globally between 1960and 2012 to 2021. health presently renewable in 2021. Coverage of cli- (Research Scholar)

Deep tech startup policy to be rolled out soon: DPIIT

have to come down to earth, rework and rethink. This is
Bengaluru’s story today and your city’s story tomorrow.

A dedicated policy for deep
tech startups is in the final
stages of interministerial
discussion and will be rolled
out soon, a senior govern-
ment official said on Mon-
day. Speaking at StartUp
Mahakumbh, Department
for Promotion of Industry
and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Secretary Rajesh Kumar
Singh said startups need to
convert their innovation into
intellectual property rights
for the benefit of the nation
and themselves.
“Extensive R&D is the an-
swer for that and Govern-
ment of India is in process of
creating a separate dedicat-
ed deep tech startup policy.
The policy paper is now in
the final stages of inter-min-
isterial discussion. We hope
to bring it forward soon. We
will move towards creating
funds of funds. Hopefully you
will see separate window for
deeptech startups,” Singh
said.
The Prime Minister’s Sci-
ence, Technology, and In-
novation Advisory Council
(PM-STIAC), in its 21st meet-
ing on July 7, 2022 had rec-
ommended the creation of
a national consortium and a
working group to propose a
comprehensive policy frame-
work to address the needs
and strengthen the Indian
deeptech startup ecosystem.
Singh said that the provi-
sion of Rs 1 lakh crore for
research and development
(R&D) in the interim Budget
is a path breaking exercise.
“We hope that DPIIT can
play a role in intermediating
between the business and
the startup community to en-
sure that fund is leveraged to
increase R&D expenditure,
funding of startups, funding
of commercialisation of pro-
totyoes , that kind of activity,
that can further the innova-
tion ecosystem,” Singh said.
He said that more than fund-
ing, startups need order from
the government, and Govern-
ment e-Marketplace (GeM)
is providing an opportunity
to the segment. He also
called for implementing the
defence ministry ‘s iDex (In-
novations for Defence Excel-
lence) model across govern-
ment departments. “I think
they (GeM) have reached
about Rs 22,000 crore of
procurements from startups
so far but I don’t know how
many of them are innovative
that can benefit the country
in the long run in bringing
about innovation-led econo-
my ,” Singh said.
Lucknow News (English Daily) Lucknow, Wednesday, 20 March 2024 3

Experts emphasize for adoption of DSR to make rice cultivation

water-efficient, sustainable and low-cost with reduced emissions
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Direct-seeded
rice (DSR) has the potential
to bring a reduction in water
consumption, cut methane
emissions, minimize soil
erosion, reduce manual
labour, and provide better
crop residue management
in rice cultivation in India.
DSR is a result-oriented
and successful method for
sustainable rice cultivation
in India. The success of
DSR lies with the farmers’
confidence. Farmers need
confidence that they will get
better yield, their plants will
establish well, and effective-
ly manage weeds, pests and
diseases, experts opined at
a conference “DSR for Sus-
tainable & Profitable Rice
Production” organised by
the Federation of Seed In-
dustry of India (FSII) at The
Park Hotel, New Delhi on
Monday. Rice is India’s lead-
ing foodgrain crop and is a
staple food for the 1.4 billion
population of the country.
Grown in a variety of ag-
roclimatic zones, according
to industry estimates, rice
is responsible for 50 per
cent of crop-related meth-
ane emissions and approxi-
mately 40 percent of water
consumption in agriculture,
leading to depleting ground-
water levels, soil degrada-
tion due to water runoff, and
intensive manual labour in
traditional and transplanted
rice cultivation.
To successfully drive this
transition from transplant-
ed puddled rice to DSR with
minimum fear and risk,
allowing farmers to experi-
ence first-hand convenience
and an equivalent or higher
return on investment would
require the agri input indus-
try to closely work with the
Central and state govern-
ments, plant breeders, farm
machinery industry and
farmers.
Speaking on the research
and development in the
field of DSR techniques, Dr
AK Singh, Director, ICAR-In-
dian Agricultural Research
Institute (IARI), said, “Ongo-
ing research and develop-
ment efforts in the field of
agriculture aim to improve
DSR techniques, develop
new varieties, and address
any challenges associated
with its adoption, ensuring
continuous improvement
and sustainability.
In essence, Direct Seeded
Rice in India represents a
shift towards more sustain-
able, resource-efficient, and
economically viable rice cul-
tivation practices.
As the agricultural land-
scape evolves, DSR will play
a crucial role in meeting the
demand of a growing popu-
lation while addressing en-
vironmental and economic
challenges.”
“Farmers need to adopt
appropriate practices, such
as selecting suitable rice va-
rieties and managing weeds
effectively, to maximize the
benefits of this cultivation
method. DSR eliminates the
labour-intensive process of
rice transplantation, saving
on labour costs. compared to traditional rice Methane is a potent green- to climate change and glob-
Since DSR reduces the cultivation, it contributes to house gas associated with al warming,” Dr Singh add-
duration of flooded fields lower methane emissions. flooded rice fields, leading ed.

Festival Prep: Northern Railway HDFC Bank inaugurates InBrief

INFINITY LEARN BY SRI CHAITANYA BRINGS

ensures Passenger Convenience 60 Banking outlets pan-India

OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Shri Shobhan
Chaudhuri, General Manag-
er Northern Railway, held a
review meeting with depart-
mental heads of Northern
Railway and DRMs. Deliber-
ations were held on keeping
focus on passenger ameni-
ties at stations for the up-
coming Holi festival.
In this review meeting,
he emphasized on conve-
nient movement of railway
passengers at stations and
proper management of oth-
er facilities for passengers,
clearance of additional rush
of passengers during the up-
coming Holi festival. He also
reviews the arrangement of
cleanliness, proper supply of
drinking water at platforms.
He emphasized the timely
Shri Shobhan Chaudhuri, General
Manager Northern Railway during
the review meeting
foot over bridges, provisions
of Escalators, lift facilities
and other passenger ame-
nities.
Apart from performance
review the GM also pre-
sented Safety Awards to 4
taining high standards for
safety and security of pas-
sengers and railway prop-
erty. He presented awards
to the staff deputed in op-
eration/RPF for outstand-
ing work in maintaining the
highest safety standard.
He also reiterates that
safety is the prime concern
over Northern Railway. He
reviewed the work done over
the zone in improving the
maintenance standard of
track, welds and removal of
scrap lying near the tracks.
He instructed the divisions
to intensifying the drives
to enhance the safety on
tracks for safely running of
trains and counsel the staff
whenever necessary and
required. He said the mon-
itoring of signals, rail frac-
tures and rail welds should
OUR CORRESPONDENT
LUCKNOW: HDFC Bank, In-
dia’s largest private sector
bank, today announced the
inauguration of 60 Business
Correspondent (BC) Bank-
ing Outlets across RBI noti-
fied unbanked rural centers
(URCs) pan-India. These new
outlets now increase HDFC
Bank's URC network pres-
ence to 5,020 outlets. No-
tably, 34% of the Bank's BC
Agent network now caters
to providing formal finan-
cial products and services
across 10,602 villages.
The initiative was under-
taken in collaboration with
CSC eGov. It will help deliver
essential banking services
to the last mile, directly
through physical centres of
village-level entrepreneurs
(VLEs) acting as micro-en-
trepreneurs and in turn em-
powering communities in
underserved regions.
Speaking on the develop-
ment, Ms. Smita Bhagat,
Group Head, Retail Branch
Banking-North, East &
Central, ABCP & Retail FX,
HDFC Bank said, “HDFC
Bank is deeply committed
to financial inclusion even in
the remotest corner of the
country.
We are happy that a sig-
nificant portion, nearly 34%
of our BC network, oper-
ates within RBI notified un-
banked rural centers (URCs).
We aim to empower these
communities and contrib-
ute to the government's fi-
nancial inclusion agenda by
providing crucial financial
solutions like AePS trans-
actions, deposit services,
government-backed insur-
ance, and access to credit
facilities."
Mr. Sanjay Rakesh, MD of
CSC, emphasized the impor-
tance of digital innovation
by suggesting that the bank
should consider introducing
a diverse range of digital
products and services at BC
centers. This strategic move
aims to provide comprehen-
sive banking services direct-
ly to customers within the
catchment area. Additional-
ly, Mr. Rakesh advised VLEs
operating as BCs at URC
locations to maximize their
revenue potential through
the HDFC Bank and CSC
partnership by offering rele-
vant financial products and
services to the local custom-
er base."
KOTA’S TOP-NOTCH EDUCATION IN LUCKNOW
LUCKNOW : Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, India's only Hy-
brid Learning platform delivering outcome-based learning
at scale, is excited to announce that its Lucknow Test Prep
Centre is being transformed into a robust engine designed
to produce national toppers. This transformation comes
as the team welcomes former faculty members from Kota
and Resonance Lucknow. This strategic initiative by the hy-
brid learning platform aims to provide ambitious learners
with access to top-class test preparation for IIT-JEE, NEET
and CUET from the comfort of their homes. This strategic
move by Infinity Learn brings a wealth of expert faculty to
its Lucknow Test Prep Centre, not only bolstering its faculty
team but also fortifying its presence in Northern India. This
step propels the organization forward in its mission to nur-
ture achievers in Lucknow.
BRITANNIA TEAMS UP WITH ELITE ATHLETES FOR
#HUNGRYFORGOLD INITIATIVE
LUCKNOW: Britannia, India’s leading biscuit brand launched
a campaign which encourages a hunger for sports beyond
India’s favourite religion - cricket. Britannia recruited Talent-
ed.Agency to conceptualise a new vision for India, one that
is as inclusive as it is hopeful and it was done in partner-
ship with JSW Sports. Thus born was #HungryForGold –
their latest campaign featuring six of India’s elite athletes
representing diverse sports, genders and states across
the country. Amit Doshi, Chief Marketing Officer, Britannia
Industries Limited, said “I am thrilled to unveil our latest

Lok Dal's Pledge: Empower Farmers,

completion of work related
with provision of 2nd entry,
Surya Roshni illumination prestigious Chaudhary
Charan Singh International Airport T3 Terminal
OUR CORRESPONDENT
LUCKNOW: India’s larg-
est lighting manufacturing
brand, Surya Roshni, would
proudly like to share it’s asso-
ciation with Lucknow’s pres-
tigious Chaudhary Charan
Singh International Airport
for illumination of it’s T3 Ter-
minal. With its state-of-the-
art lighting design and solu-
tion, Surya Roshni aims to
redefine the ambiance and
functionality of the terminal,
offering superior experience
for travellers and visitors
alike. "Surya Roshni is glad
vigilant employees for their be done extensively and no marketing endeavor 'Hungry For Gold.' In a nation where
contribution towards main- error should be left. cricket often dominates the spotlight, our aim is to ignite a
fervent hunger for excellence beyond the cricket pitch. By
Challenge Power Dynamics in Elections partnering with six remarkable athletes and integrating an
OUR CORRESPONDENT and took many decisions in Mehbooba Mukti, Ashok Ge-
engaging gaming promotion, we are not only showcasing
their incredible journeys but also fostering a deeper appre-
the interest of farmers. He hlot, many leaders of Aam ciation for sports like Badminton, Javelin, Steeplechase,
MUMBAI: Lok Dal is said that after the Bharat Aadmi Party will be present and beyond. With our vast reach touching millions of Indi-
strengthening the India al- Ratna was given to former at Mumbai's Shivaji Park. an lives daily, we aspire to instil pride in every Indian and
liance in Bharat Jodo Naya Prime Minister of the coun- Participated. All of them inspire a nation hungry for victory in all arenas.”
Yatra on the special invita- try Chaudhary Charan Singh are supporting the India Al- YAMAHA ACHIEVES A REMARKABLE MILESTONE
tion of Rahul Gandhi and by the BJP government at liance to strengthen democ- WITH 300 BLUE SQUARE OUTLETS
Priyanka Gandhi, who have the Centre, the way Rashtri- racy by joining the Bharat CHENNAI: India Yamaha Motor (IYM), today marked an
like-minded people to save ya Lok Dal President Jayant Jodo Nyaya Yatra at Shiva important milestone in revving up its network to 300 Blue
democracy, give farmers Chaudhary has decided to Park in Mumbai. Square showrooms across India. This accomplishment
their rights and give them leave the India Alliance and Today democracy is in reflects Yamaha's ongoing dedication to building a strong
their rights. Today in Mum- join the NDA. danger. Judiciary is in dan- network under the Yamaha Blue theme and offering cus-
to be a part of the presti- providing optimal function- bai, Lok Dal National Presi- Due to this, there is a lot of gerIn the press conference, tomers with a superior end-to-end experience. The 'Call of
gious project - T3 Terminal ality, aligning perfectly with dent Chaudhary Sunil Singh anger among the farmers. Sunil Singh ji said that the the Blue' brand campaign, introduced in 2018, has played
at Chaudhary Charan Singh the airport's commitment to has said that Rahul Gandhi Now the farmers have also common voter of the coun- a pivotal role in Yamaha's journey towards enhancing cus-
International Airport, Luc- provide superior experience, will be in Mumbai to fill the decided that the Rashtriya try has now become deter- tomer engagement
know. Our advanced light- to it’s passengers." said Mr. vacancy created after Rash- Lok Dal, which is going with mined to provide his rightful and establishing a pre-
ing solutions underscores Jitendra Agrawal - CEO, Light- triya Lok Dal (RLD) National the BJP, will be given a befit- rights to the farmers, labor- mium image. In 2019,
our commitment to create ing & Consumer Durables, President Jayant Chaudhary ting reply in the upcoming ers and the poor and to oust Yamaha introduced
an inviting ambiance while Surya Roshni Ltd. left the Indian Alliance and Lok Sabha elections. the BJP government at the the concept of Blue
joined the NDA. Joined the Sunil Singh ji has said that Centre. Square showrooms as
PVR INOX'S POCKET-FRIENDLY PASSPORT IS NOW Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra to the Bharat Jodo Mein Yatra That's why Lok Dal has part of this campaign,
AVAILABLE ACROSS INDIA strengthen the being run by Congress lead- become a part of the India designed to offer cus-
LUCKNOW: PVR INOX Ltd., India’s largest multiplex chain, National President of er and MP Rahul Gandhi is alliance. tomers a comprehensive solution for all their biking needs.
has launched the second edition of its monthly cinema sub- Lok Dal, Chaudhary Sunil going in the right direction Lok Dal is making every In these years, these premium outlets have emerged as a
scription service, Passport, redesigned based on valuable Singh, while giving this in- to increase the unity, integ- possible effort to strength- strong medium for customers to connect with the brand’s
consumer feedback. This iteration of Passport, which is formation at the conclusion rity and brotherhood of this en the India alliance and culture and rich racing heritage. Beyond just a retail space,
now available across the country, including the South Indian of Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra country. He has told that to- increase the strength of the the showrooms serve as a thriving hub for customers to
states, is even more user-friendly and is loaded with exciting in Mumbai, said that in the day on the special invitation farmers' movement and is engage with the Yamaha’s Blue Streaks rider community,
new features and fewer conditions. Commencing from 18th year 1979 to 1980, Chaud- of Rahul Gandhi and Priyan- ready to give a blow to the fostering interactions and exhilarating rides with like-mind-
March, subscribers will have access to watching movies at hary Charan Singh became ka Gandhi, leaders of more farmers' votes to teach a ed individuals sharing the same passion. The “Blue” theme
an affordable price. From Mondays to Thursdays, subscrib- the Prime Minister of the than 15 parties including lesson to the power-grab- represents the brand's proud racing legacy, and "Square”,
ers can watch up to 4 movies per month for just Rs. 349/-. country with the support of MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, bers in the upcoming 2024 symbolising a curated platform for Yamaha's exhilarating,
Subscribers also have the option to purchase and redeem the then Mrs. Indira Gandhi Akhilesh Yadav, PDP Chief Lok Sabha elections. sporty, and stylish range of two-wheelers.
tickets for someone else through Passport. If subscribers
wish to watch movies on recliners, or in premium & experi- Indian travelers planning to spend more, use TATA MOTORS INAUGURATES STATE-OF-THE-ART
REGISTERED VEHICLE SCRAPPING FACILITY
ential formats, like IMAX, P[XL], ICE, ScreenX, MX4D or 4DX,
they can pay an additional fee of Rs. 150 over and above travel hacks and seek new adventures: Report DELHI: Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufac-
turer, today inaugurated its fifth Registered Vehicle Scrap-
the Passport coupon and have an enjoyable experience. OUR CORRESPONDENT press Travel® 2024 Global age of 30%) are using cred- ping Facility (RVSF), near
However, this feature would not be available in South Indian Travel Trends Report based it card points to offset flight Delhi; marking a significant
markets. Movie lovers can acquire their PVR INOX Passport NEW DELHI: With 62% of on survey data from across and hotel expenses, while stride in its commitment
2.0 on the PVR & INOX app or website and through PayTM. Indians planning to spend India, the United States, 42% (vs global average of to advancing sustainable
Subscribers will also have an option of buying a 3-month more on travel this year vs Australia, Canada, Mexico, 26%) are opting to book mobility. Named 'Re.Wi.Re
subscription by paying a total of Rs 1047 upfront, which will global average of 40%, Indi- Japan, and the United King- from companies offering – Recycle with Respect,' the
offer them food vouchers worth Rs 350. With just 50,000 ans are willing to go the ex- dom. complimentary hotel bene- facility was inaugurated by
PVR INOX Passports up for grabs this time, movie buffs bet- tra mile to have a fulfilling There is an evident trav- fits such as room upgrades Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive
ter hurry to secure theirs for the ultimate cinematic journey, travel experience in 2024. el boom amongst Indians and credits. Director,Tata Motors. The
as bookings will remain open only for 3 weeks. While spending more, In- with 65% planning more Furthermore, 35% of In- cutting-edge facility deploys environmentally friendly pro-
PAK CONDUCTS AIRSTRIKES INSIDE AFGHANISTAN dians are also looking for domestic trips and 48% dians planning on taking a cesses and has the capacity to safely disassemble 18,000
ISLAMABAD/KABUL: Pakistan on Monday carried out value for money by master- planning more internation- trip in 2024 are planning to end-of-life vehicles annually. Developed in partnership with
airstrikes inside Afghanistan that killed eight civilians, in- ing the art of using travel al trips this year. stay in a mix of luxury and Johar Motors, the RVSF is adept at responsibly scrapping
cluding three children, Afghan Taliban said, amidst a war hacks to make their jour- In terms of using travel more affordable hotels and passenger and commercial vehicles of all brands. This sig-
of words between the two neighbours for a spate of recent neys more affordable and hacks, the survey indicates 31% are planning to travel nificant milestone follows the resounding success of Tata
militant attacks in restive Pakistani cities. A senior Afghan rewarding. that as many as 43% of In- during off-peak seasons or Motors’ four preceding RVSFs in Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar,
interim government official on Monday confirmed that These findings were re- dians planning on taking a stay with friends or family Surat and Chandigarh, reiterating the company’s commit-
strikes in the Afghanistan provinces of Paktika and Khost. vealed in the American Ex- trip in 2024 (vs global aver- during their travel. ment to advancing sustainable initiatives.
4 Lucknow, Wednesday, 20 March 2024
EC transfers Home Secretaries Delhi CM skips ED summons in
of 6 states, removes Bengal DGP DJB case; AAP terms notice ‘illegal’
TO ENSURE A LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD FOR THE UPCOMING 7-PHASE ELECTIONS
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: The Election
Commission of India (ECI)
on Monday transferred
the Home Secretaries of
six states — Gujarat, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand,
Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand to ensure a
level-playing field for the
upcoming seven-phase
elections to the Lok Sabha.
The poll body also directed
the shunting out of West
Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar.
Furthermore, the secre-
taries of the general ad-
ministrative departments
of Mizoram and Himachal
Pradesh have been re-
moved.
The decision to shift the
West Bengal DGP was taken
as the officer was removed
earlier too from active elec-
tion management-related
duty during the 2016 As-
sembly election in the state
and in the 2019 Lok Sabha
elections, the sources point-
ed out.
The EC has asked the
state chief secretary to
post Rajeev Kumar to a
“non-election” related as-
signment, and, as an inter-
im arrangement, post an
officer immediately junior to
him as DGP. The state has
been asked to send a panel
Putin wins 5th term with record votes
OUR CORRESPONDENT
MOSCOW: President Vlad-
imir Putin has secured yet
another victory in Russia’s
elections, with officials con-
firming his fifth term in of-
fice and a record-breaking
number of votes.
This result underscores
Putin’s absolute control over
Russia’s political landscape.
Despite facing nominal
challengers and allegations
of suppressing Opposition,
Putin is set to continue his
rule for another six years.
Russians, despite limited
protest opportunities, gath-
ered at polling stations on
Sunday, the election’s final
day, seemingly responding
to an Opposition call to ex-
press dissatisfaction with
the President.
Putin, who has led Rus-
sia since December 1999,
praised the preliminary re-
sults early Monday as a sign
of “trust” and “hope” in him.
Critics, however, viewed
them as a reflection of the
election’s predetermined
nature. Public criticism of
Putin and his war in Ukraine
has been suppressed, inde-
BJP to vie for 17 seats, JD(U) 16, Chirag’s LJP 5
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: After issuing
two candidate lists for the
forthcoming Lok Sabha
elections, slated to occur
next month, the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) finalised
the seatsharing agreement
with its coalition partners in
Bihar.
On Tuesday, the BJP de-
clared that it would vie for
17 out of the total 40 Lok
Sabha seats in Bihar. In con-
trast, the Janata Dal (United)
led by Chief Minister Nitish
Kumar will vie for 16 seats,
while Chirag Paswan’s Lok
Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
will field candidates in 5 Lok
Sabha constituencies.
Additionally, Jitan Manjhi’s
Hindustani Awam Morcha
(HAM) and the Rashtriya Lok
of three officers who would
be posted as the DGP.
The home secretaries of
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bi-
har, Jharkhand, Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
were removed as they were
found to be holding dual
charges in the offices of the
Chief Minister in the respec-
tive states.
This may potentially com-
promise or be seen to be
compromising the impar-
tiality and neutrality re-
quired during the electoral
process, especially in mat-
ters relating to law and order
and deployment of forces,
they noted.
The poll panel usually
takes such action during the
Parliamentary and the As-
sembly polls when an issue
of conflict of interest or pos-
sibility of such officials dis-
turbing a level-playing field
CEMENTING GRIP ON RUSSIAN POLITICS
pendent media have been
crippled, and his main polit-
ical adversary, Alexei Naval-
ny, died in an Arctic prison
last month.
Other critics are either in-
carcerated or exiled. With
voters having virtually no
choice and independent
election monitoring severe-
ly restricted, Russia’s Cen-
tral Election Commission
announced on Monday that
Putin received 87.29 per
cent of the vote with nearly
all precincts counted.
Ella Pamfilova, the Central
Election Commission chief,
stated that Putin received
nearly 76 million votes, his
highest ever. Leaders from
North Korea, Honduras,
Nicaragua, Venezuela, Tajik-
Morcha have each been al-
located one seat to contest
in the upcoming elections.
All these political parties
are part of the National
Democratic Alliance (NDA).
BJP will contest from West
Champaran, East Cham-
paran, Aurangabad, Mad-
hubani, Araria, Darbhanga,
Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj,
Saran, Ujiarpur, Begusarai,
Nawada, Patna Sahib, Pa-
tiliputra, Ara, Buxara and
Sasaram.
JDU from Valmikinagar,
Sitamarhi, Jhanjharpur,
Supaul, Kishanganj, Kati-
yar, Purnia, Madhepura, Go-
palganj, Siwan, Bhagalpur,
Banka, Munger, Nalanda,
Jehanabad and Sheohar.
Whereas, Lok Janshakti
Party (Ram Vilas): The five
seats to be contested by LJP
for all comes up.
Ahead of elections, the
EC always directs states to
transfer officers connected
with election-related work,
who have completed three
years or are in their home
districts. If such officers
are not transferred by the
states, the EC orders their
removal.
Days after announcing
the schedule for the Lok
Sabha elections, the poll
panel under CEC Rajiv Ku-
mar also ordered the re-
moval of Brihanmumbai
Municipal Commissioner
Iqbal Singh Chahal, and ad-
ditional commissioners and
deputy commissioners.
Maharashtra had not
complied with the direc-
tions of transferring such
officers in respect of a few
municipal commissioners
possibility of such officials
istan, and Uzbekistan con-
gratulated Putin on his victo-
ry, while the West dismissed
the vote as a sham. In the
tightly controlled environ-
ment, Navalny’s associates
urged those dissatisfied
with Putin or the war to vote
at noon on Sunday.
Lines outside several poll-
ing stations in Russia and
its embassies worldwide ap-
peared to grow at that time.
Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s
widow, was among those
who responded to the call.
She spent over five hours in
line at the Russian Embassy
in Berlin and told reporters
that she wrote her late hus-
band’s name on her ballot.
Putin dismissed the appar-
ent protest’s effectiveness
(Ram Vilas) are Vaishali, Ha-
jipur, Samastipur, Khagaria
and Jamui.
Hindustani Awam Morcha
will contest the Gaya seat
and Rashtriya Lok Morcha
will contest the Karakat
seat.
Meanwhile, experts feel
that Bihar’s electoral land-
scape is complex, with
caste-based considerations
playing a significant role.
The BJP recognizes the
importance of alliances.
Keeping Chirag Paswan and
the LJP within the NDA fold
strengthens the coalition’s
electoral prospects by le-
veraging the LJP’s support
base. Further, in Bihar’s
fiercely competitive political
landscape, thwarting the
consolidation of opposition
parties is a vital aspect of
disturbing a levelpland
some additional and depu-
ty municipal commission-
ers.
While conveying displea-
sure to the state chief sec-
retary, the commission di-
rected the transfer of BMC
and the additional and dep-
uty commissioners with the
direction to report by 6 pm
on Monday.
The chief secretary was
also directed to transfer
all the similarly-placed mu-
nicipal commissioners and
additional or deputy mu-
nicipal commissioners of
other corporations in Maha-
rashtra.
The move comes after
the commission compris-
ing CEC Kumar and fellow
ECs Gyanesh Kumar and
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu met
here on Monday.
The elections for the 18th
Lok Sabha will begin on
April 19 followed by subse-
quent phases on April 26,
May 7, May 13, May 20, May
25 and June 1. Counting of
votes will be undertaken
on June 4. Separately, As-
sembly elections are being
held in Arunachal Pradesh,
Sikkim, Odisha and Andhra
Pradesh. Counting of votes
for Arunachal Pradesh and
Sikkim assembly elections
will take place on June 2.
at a news conference after
the polls closed. He even
mentioned Navalny by name
for the first time. Some Rus-
sians waiting to vote in Mos-
cow and St. Petersburg told
The Associated Press that
they were participating in the
protest. However, it was im-
possible to confirm whether
all those in line were doing
so. Supporters of Navalny
visited his grave in Moscow,
with some bringing ballots
bearing his name. Meduza,
Russia’s largest independent
news outlet, published pho-
tos of ballots it received from
readers, with one inscribed
“killer” and another “The
Hague awaits you,” referring
to an arrest warrant for Putin
on war crimes charges from
the International Criminal
Court. Voting took place over
three days at polling stations
across the country, in illegally
annexed regions of Ukraine,
and online.
Several people were ar-
rested for attempting to
start fires or detonate ex-
plosives at polling stations,
while others were detained
for throwing green antisep-
tic or ink into ballot boxes.
the BJP’s electoral strategy.
By maintaining the LJP’s
alliance within the NDA fold,
the BJP diminishes the pros-
pects of opposition parties
forging a united front against
them. Earlier this year, JD(U)
ended its alliance with the
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
to align with the BJP and
NDA. Nitish Kumar was
sworn in as the Chief Min-
ister of Bihar for an unprec-
edented ninth term on Jan-
uary 28, accompanied by
three BJP leaders who took
oath as ministers. Converse-
ly, the Chief Minister of Bihar
and the leader of Janata Dal
(United) is well-versed in
navigating negotiations with
different parties throughout
his extensive career, which
has been characterised by
shifts in alliances.
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Min-
ister Arvind Kejriwal on Mon-
day skipped the Enforce-
ment Directorate summons
in a money laundering case
linked to alleged irregular-
ities in the Delhi Jal Board,
with the Aam Aadmi Party
terming the notice “illegal”.
The AAP has accused the
central BJP government of
manipulating the Enforce-
ment Directorate (ED) to
hinder Kejriwal’s Lok Sabha
campaign. They claim that
the BJP is using the ED to
gain an advantage in the
Lok Sabha elections.
In response, Delhi BJP
president Virendra Sachde-
va criticised Kejriwal, who
also serves as the AAP’s
national convener, for con-
sistently ignoring the ED’s
summons. He suggested
that Kejriwal’s actions indi-
cate a lack of integrity and
hinted at a scam within the
ORDERS TO FILE AFFIDAVIT BY 5 PM ON MARCH 21
SC raps SBI, orders full disclosure
of electoral bonds data by March 21
OUR CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI: The Su-
preme Court on Monday
rebuked the State Bank of
India (SBI) for being selec-
tive in disclosing details re-
lated to the electoral bonds
scheme. The court ordered
the bank to disclose all
details by March 21. The
court, led by Chief Justice
of India D Y Chandrachud,
clarified that the details to
be disclosed should include
unique bond numbers,
which would establish a
connection between the
buyers and the recipient
political parties. The bench,
also comprising Justices
Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai,
J B Pardiwala, and Manoj
Misra, directed the Election
Commission to promptly
upload the details received
from the SBI on its website.
In a landmark verdict re-
cently, a five-judge Consti-
tution bench had declared
the scheme “unconstitu-
tional” and ordered the
5 held so far, Gujarat University to
shift foreign students to new hostel
OUR CORRESPONDENT
AHMEDABAD: In response
to an attack on international
students at the Gujarat Uni-
versity hostel, police have
arrested five individuals. The
incident occurred when a
group objected to students
offering Namaz near the
hostel block.
The arrested individuals
include Kshitij Pandey, Jiten-
dra Patel, Sahil Dudhatiya,
Hitesh Mevada, and Bharat
Patel. Police are making
efforts to apprehend the re-
maining culprits. Following
the incident, the university
has decided to move foreign
students to a new wing and
enhance security by employ-
ing ex-servicemen.
The university will transfer
international students to a
separate NRI-designated
hostel within three days.
An advisory committee
for foreign students has
been established, and ex-
Army personnel have been
deployed to strengthen se-
curity at the hostel premis-
es. Neerja Gupta, the Vice
Chancellor of Gujarat Uni-
Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Kejriw-
al, who is also under investi-
gation for a money launder-
ing case related to the Delhi
excise policy, has previously
skipped eight summons.
The ED has now issued a
ninth summons for Kejriwal
to appear for questioning on
March 21 in the excise poli-
cyrelated money laundering
case.
Gopal Rai, the AAP’s Delhi
unit convener, questioned
the ED’s motives, asking
when the agency would
cease to serve the BJP’s
Election Commission to dis-
close the donors, the donat-
ed amounts, and the recipi-
ents by March 13. On March
11, the SBI, which had
unsuccessfully requested
an extension until June 30
to disclose electoral bonds
details, was questioned
by the top court about its
compliance efforts. Last
Friday, the Supreme Court
reprimanded SBI for provid-
ing incomplete information
and issued a notice to the
bank, seeking an explana-
tion for the non-disclosure
versity, has announced the
immediate replacement of
the study abroad program
coordinator and the NRI hos-
tel warden.
Deputy Commissioner of
Police, Tarun Duggal, stat-
ed that a comprehensive
investigation is underway,
using technical surveillance
among other methods to
identify the remaining sus-
pects.
20-year-old Paruchuru
have been performed in
his native place, Tenali in
Andhra Pradesh. TEAM Aid,
a US-based nonprofit orga-
nization, assisted in trans-
porting his mortal remains
to India. Since the onset of
2024, there has been a dis-
Lucknow News (English Daily)
political agenda. He argued
that the ED should respect
the ongoing court proceed-
ings and refrain from issu-
ing further notices.
Rai also stated that if the
BJP wished to arrest Kejriw-
al, they could do so without
a summons. He urged those
who respect the Constitu-
tion and law to await the
court’s decision, which is ex-
pected on April 1.
Bansuri Swaraj, a Delhi
BJP leader and the party’s
candidate for the New Del-
hi Lok Sabha seat, accused
of unique alphanumeric
numbers. During the hear-
ing, the bench instructed
the SBI to disclose all pos-
sible information on elec-
toral bonds, including bond
numbers. The court empha-
sised that the SBI should
not be selective in its disclo-
sure and should not wait for
further orders to disclose all
details of the bonds. Senior
advocate Harish Salve, rep-
resenting the SBI, assured
the court that the bank
had no reservations about
disclosing all details of
turbing increase in the num-
ber of deaths among Indian
and Indian-origin students
in the US, causing concern
within the community.
In March, Amarnath
Ghosh, a 34-year-old In-
dian classical dancer and
student at Washington Uni-
versity, was fatally shot in
St Louis, Missouri. Ghosh,
a Kuchipudi and Bharat-
natyam dancer, had moved
to the US from West Bengal
the previous year to pursue
his passion for dance.
In February, Sameer Ka-
math, a 23-year-old Indi-
an-American student at Pur-
due University, was found
lifeless in an Indiana nature
preserve.
Kejriwal of being an irre-
sponsible leader for avoid-
ing the ED’s summonses.
The ED has lodged two
complaints against Kejriwal
before a magisterial court
in Delhi, seeking his prose-
cution for repeatedly ignor-
ing multiple summonses in
the money laundering case
related to the alleged Delhi
excise policy scam. Kejriwal
was granted bail in these
two complaints last Satur-
day.
Delhi Cabinet minister and
AAP leader Atishi accused
the ED of being a political
instrument. She questioned
why the ED was persistent-
ly issuing summonses to
Kejriwal while a court case
regarding the legality of the
summonses was underway.
She urged the ED to respect
the legal process and halt
the issuance of what she
termed “unlawful” sum-
monses until the court deliv-
ers its verdict.
electoral bonds in its pos-
session. To avoid any future
controversy, the chairman
and managing director of
SBI were ordered to file an
affidavit by 5 pm on Thurs-
day (March 21), confirming
that the SBI has disclosed
all details of the electoral
bonds in its possession and
custody, and that no details
have been withheld. The
court also refused to en-
tertain another application
seeking disclosure of the
details of electoral bonds
sold from March 1, 2018,
to April 11, 2019. In a re-
lated matter, the apex court
bench declined to hear un-
listed pleas of industry bod-
ies Associated Chambers
of Commerce & Industry
of India (ASSOCHAM) and
Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), against the
disclosure of bond details.
The industry bodies, repre-
sented by senior advocate
Mukul Rohatgi, had sought
an urgent hearing on their
interim application.
IND STUDENT DIES IN US
NEW YORK: In yet another
tragic incident, an Indian
student died in Boston and
initial investigation has
ruled out any foul play, offi-
cials said on Monday.
“Deeply saddened to learn
about the unfortunate de-
mise of Mr. Abhijeeth Paru-
churu, an Indian student
in Boston,” the Consulate
General of India in New
York said in a post on X.
Paruchuru’s parents, who
reside in Connecticut, are in
constant contact with the
investigators.
The consulate has con-
firmed that the initial find-
ings do not suggest any
foul play.
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