PUBLISHED FROM LUCKNOW R.N.I. Reg. No.

: UPENG/2007/19688

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(+449.28 ; 1.06%) VOL. 18 | ISSUE NO: 204 | Sunday, 24 March 2024 | DAILY MORNING | Page 4 | Price Rs 1.00

Editorial: A Financial career Bourses rise for third session in row, Sensex rises over 190 pts A day after top court nudge, Ponmudy sworn in as min

Delhi HC denies urgent

listing of Kejriwal's plea
Electoral bonds are ‘post-raid’
challenging arrest, remand bribes to BJP govt: J. Ramesh scam. The first is ‘Chanda do
OUR CORRESPONDENT OUR CORRESPONDENT
dhandha lo’ [give donations
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high NEW DELHI: Senior Con- and get business], the sec-
court has denied an urgent gress leader and MP Jairam ond route is ‘theka lo ghus
listing of the plea filed by Ramesh on Saturday said do’, [take contracts and give
chief minister and AAP na- that the electoral bonds are bribes], the third is ‘hafta
tional convener Arvind Ke- “pre-paid”, “post-paid” and vasooli’ [extortion], and the
jriwal challenging his arrest “post-raid” bribes, through fourth is the usage of shell
and custody in the case. which the central govern- companies, he added.
Kejriwal, who was arrested ment had given Rs.3.8 lakh The BJP has patented this,
by the Enforcement Direc- crore in projects and con- Ramesh claimed. He said
torate on Thursday and was tracts to private companies that the ED [Enforcement
sent to its custody till March in exchange for Rs.2,004 Directorate], CBI [Central
28, had sought an urgent Arvind Kejriwal has moved the Delhi high court, crore in donations to the Bureau of Investigation] and
hearing in the matter, which challenging his arrest and the order of remand granted Bharatiya Janata Party the Income Tax [Depart-
will now be listed on reopen- by the trial court on March 22 (BJP). ment] were sent to the com-
ing on Wednesday. Addressing a press con- panies and to escape from
Kejriwal's arrest came retrieved from digital de- told LN that permission will ference, the party repeated them, these companies
hours after the Delhi high vices and material seized be sought from the court to the its 2019 election mani- bought electoral bonds and
court on Thursday refused during investigation,” said set up an office in jail to run festo promise to scrap the gave donations to the BJP, within three months after want to give MSP a legal electoral bonds, including
to grant him interim protec- the judge in her order. the Delhi government. Electoral Bond Scheme and Ramesh claimed. the donation….Rs.62,000 status, have bribes legal their ‘unique alpha-numer-
tion from any coercive ac- In his plea, Kejriwal con- Legal experts have sug- replace it with a National Ramesh said that Prime crore in contracts and proj- status – electoral bonds,” ic’ codes to the Election
tion by the ED in the money tended that his arrest and gested that the law does not Elections Fund if it comes to Minister Narendra Modi ect approvals were given Ramesh said and repeat- Commission on March 21.
laundering probe. remand were illegal and prohibit anyone from head- power in 2024. had promised to shut shell by Central or BJP state gov- ed the Congress’s demand “It took only three lines
On Friday, the Aam Aadmi that he was entitled to be re- ing the government from In its 2019 manifesto, companies within and out- ernments, for which Rs.580 for a Supreme Court-moni- of Python code and less
Party (AAP) chief was pro- leased from custody imme- prison but Arvind Kejriwal the Congress promised to side the Parliament before crore of postpaid bribe (in tored inquiry into the allega- than 15 seconds to match
duced before special judge diately, reported LN. may face various difficul- scrap the “opaque” Electoral 2014, but 16 shell compa- the form of electoral bonds) tions of corruption through the donors with political
Kaveri Baweja, who permit- The case pertains to al- ties in discharging his duties Bonds Scheme and replace nies donated Rs.419 crore were given to the BJP with- the scheme and promised parties, exposing the bra-
ted his custody to the feder- leged corruption and money from there. "Kejriwal's arrest it with a National Election to the BJP, out of Rs.543 in three months,” Ramesh a Special Investigation zen and ridiculous claim of
al agency after ED stressed laundering in formulating does not change his status Fund, to which any person crore donated by shell com- claimed, as evidence of Team (SIT) inquiry if INDIA the SBI that it would take
this was imperative to un- and executing the Delhi gov- as Chief Minister," consti- could contribute and from panies, according to the both “pre-paid” and “post- bloc came to power in the months to provide the data
ravel the complexities of the ernment's excise policy for tutional expert PDT Achary which funds would be col- recently released electoral paid” bribery. upcoming Lok Sabha elec- asked by the Supreme
alleged acts of money laun- 2021-22 which was later said, adding, "whether he lected at the time of elec- bond data. This would amount to 38 tions. Court,” the Congress leader
dering and corruption in the scrapped. Top AAP leaders can perform his function as tions to recognised political “These included compa- corporate groups allegedly He also dismissed the claimed. He added that any
case. “The accused is here- Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Chief Minister smoothly is parties in accordance with nies on a finance minis- receiving a total of Rs.3.8 SBI’s plea before the Su- citizen could do the same
by remanded to the custo- Singh are in judicial custody subjected to a jail manual." criteria laid down by law. try high-risk watch list for lakh crore in projects and preme Court that it would using the documents avail-
dy of ED till 28.03.2024 for in the case. "If a jail manual permits The Congress also had money laundering, compa- contracts in exchange for require time until the end able on the ECI’s website
the purposes of his detailed Meanwhile, the AAP lead- such things, then it is ok; said that it would ensure nies donating crores within Rs.2,004 crores in electoral of June, by which time the and the code developed by
and sustained interrogation ers have asserted that the otherwise, he has to get per- that EVMs and VVPATs were months of their formation, bonds donations to the BJP, Lok Sabha elections would its workers.
with respect to his role and Delhi chief minister will run mission from the court and tamperproof and allocate and companies donating he said. have been conducted, to The Supreme Court had
to unearth the remaining the government from jail. then the court has to give a “substantially more” free air- many multiples of their paid- The Congress leader also match the details of elec- in February struck down the
proceeds of crime and for Punjab chief minister and specific direction to jail offi- time on All India Radio and up share capital,” he said. noted that 41 corporate toral bond donors with the Electoral Bonds Scheme as
confronting him with data AAP leader Bhagwant Mann cials," he said. Doordarshan to recognised “Rs.551 crore in dona- groups had faced a total of parties they donated to. arbitrary and asked the SBI,

‘Why Cong became so helpless

political parties in accor- tions were given to the BJP 56 ED, CBI and IT raids and Ramesh claimed that which was responsible for
dance with the criteria laid in exchange for Rs.1.32 donated Rs.2,592 crore to two young Congress work- issuing these anonymous
down by law. lakh crores in contracts and the BJP, of which Rs.1,853 ers had already produced a bonds, to submit the details

& weak?’: Anurag Thakur's

Ramesh said that the rul- project approvals that were crore was given after the code which could complete of all the donations made
ing party used four routes to provided by the Central or raids. this task, after the bank under this scheme to the
carry out the electoral bond BJP state governments “The PM, who did not submitted all the details of Election Commission.

jab on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest INDIA LOOKING AT

AFRICA FOR CRITICAL Haridwar LS seat: No qualms, fully support
Rawat, says Nishank over ticket denial
OUR CORRESPONDENT MINERALS: MINES SECY
NEW DELHI: India is look-
NEW DELHI: Union minister ing at Africa for minerals,
Anurag Thakur on Saturday including cobalt, and other OUR CORRESPONDENT Aadesh Chauhan, former
lashed out at Arvind Kejri- critical minerals, Mines Sec- cabinet minister Swami Yat-
wal for continuing as Delhi retary V L Kantha Rao said HARIDWAR: Former Union ishwaranand, district unit
chief minister despite be- on Friday. The country is minister Ramesh Pokhriyal president Sandeep Goyal,
ing arrested, calling it the still engaging with Australia Nishank who was recently Haridwar Lok Sabha in-
‘worst kind of politics’. for lithium blocks, he said. replaced by former Uttara- charge Love Sharma among
Referring to Sunita Kejri- Talking to reporters on the khand chief minister Triven- other leaders during the
wal reading out the Aam sidelines of a function here, dra Singh Rawat as the event.
Aadmi Party (AAP) conve- the secretary said, “In Africa, Bharatiya Janata Party can- Nishank who has been ac-
nor's message in a video, we are looking at Zambia, didate from the Haridwar tively working for his constit-
Thakur said that the party ed’: Anurag Thakur came after the Delhi high Namibia, Congo, Ghana and seat ahead of the upcoming uency in the past two years,
leaders are competing to Continuing his attack on court had denied him pro- Mozambique for critical Lok Sabha elections has re- said that the mass develop-
replace Kejriwal, whose Kejriwal, the Union minister tection from coercive ac- minerals.” Critical minerals, futed the allegations of be- ment works carried out un-
wife has also joined the said,"The kingpin has been tion by the agency. A Delhi including lithium and cobalt, ing a fence sitter saying he der his tenure “will certainly
race, LN reported. arrested and the one who court on Friday sent him to are crucial for technology, has “no qualms”. Nishank important responsibilities command’s decision which prove fruitful to Trivendra
Thakur lashed out at the gave us wisdom on moral- ED custody till March 28. manufacturing and other said that his major objective before and I abide by the is taken in a broader per- Singh Rawat during the elec-
opposition parties includ- ity and honesty says he will On Saturday, Kejriwal has industries. Rao further said was to ensure that the party party high command’s de- spective.I have no qualms toral campaign.”
ing Congress for expressing run the government from moved the Delhi high court, the rules for auction of off- wins the elections with a “re- cision of replacing me with and the major objective is to On delay in Congress
solidarity with Kejriwal, who jail." challenging his arrest and shore minerals blocks are cord margin”. Rawat in the ongoing parlia- ensure that the party wins ticket allocation, Nishank
is currently in ED custody till Thakur noted how Prime the order of remand passed being readied and that 10 After Nishank’s name was mentary election.” Haridwar again and rest of remarked that not much
March 28. Minister Narendra Modi by the trial court. His legal offshore blocks would be dropped, speculations were “Since 1991, I have been the four constituencies with impact will be visible wheth-
"Why has the Congress had presented himself for team said that his plea in put on sale. The auction of rife that he has “remained active BJP worker. I was a record margin,” said Nis- er Harish Rawat or his son
become so helpless and questioning when he was Delhi HC stated that both offshore blocks, he said, will silent” in supporting BJP Ha- given assembly ticket from hank. Virendra Rawat contest
weak? The Congress the Gujarat chief minister. the arrest and the remand take place after the elec- ridwar candidate Trivendra Karanprayag, Thailisain and Rejecting the allegations from Haridwar constituency
should laud the ED for tak- “Modi asserted the suprem- order are 'illegal' and he is tions. Rao said the result Singh Rawat. Doiwala segments.I also of him leaving electoral pol- as “BJP will win this time
ing action in the case and acy of law and came out entitled to be released from of the first round of auction Refuting the apprehen- held the post of cabinet itics, he said: “I am neither again with record margin.”
arresting the accused as stronger,” he said. custody immediately. of critical minerals will be sions, Nishank said that he minister in the then Kalyan leaving Haridwar nor Ut- Reacting to Nishank’s re-
its leaders, including Ajay Kejriwal, 55, was arrest- An immediate hearing out in 10 days. He further is an “active party worker” Singh-led Uttar Pradesh gov- tarakhand. I am still active marks, Congress state unit
Maken, had targeted the ed by the Enforcement Di- has been sought from the said the lithium block in and the BJP has given him ernment... held cabinet min- in mainstream politics, so I spokesperson Anil Chaud-
AAP for the “scam”, PTI rectorate on Thursday after Acting Chief Justice, prefer- Jammu and Kashmir that “several important respon- ister portfolios in BC Khan- urge my supporters and all hary said that he should first
quoted Thakur as saying. two hours of questioning ably by Sunday, March 24, was put on sale in the first sibilities”. duri-led state government,” party workers to campaign answer why did the BJP drop
‘Kingpin has been arrest- by the agency. The arrest LN reported. round will now be auctioned Holding a media briefing he said. with dedication and reach his name from the list.
in the third tranche as it re- at the press club in Harid- “I held the post of state out to voters so that the “If he has done mass de-
‘GOVT REJECTS HINDUSTAN ZINC’S PLAN TO SPLIT FIRM’ ceived only two bids. The war,the two-time incumbent chief minister. Was made Prime Minister Narendra velopment works as Harid-
NEW DELHI: The Mines Ministry has rejected a proposal by Vedanta group’s firm Hin- government had this month Haridwar parliamentarian BJP’s national vice-presi- Modi-led BJP achieves the war parliamentarian... he
dustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) to split the company into different entities, a top official on launched the third tranche Nishank said: “I am an ac- dent, have been Haridwar 400 plus seats target,”. should first answer why he
Friday said. The government is the largest minority shareholder in Hindustan Zinc, of auction of critical and tive ( party) worker... The parliamentarian twice... it He was accompanied by was denied party ticket.” he
owning a 29.54 per cent stake in the company. strategic minerals. party has given me several is (always) the party high Ranipur-BHEL legislator said.
2 Lucknow, Sunday, 24 March 2024 Lucknow News (English Daily)

An Sustainability
EDITORIAL
A Financial career
For many years of my early life, a visit to the bank was like
Stephen Leacock’s short story, ‘My Financial Career’. The
bank with its tellers, cashiers, snooty bank managers et
al, truly intimidated me. It was a place of serious business
where lives could be shaped. The acceptance or refusal of EVEN AS INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUALS STRIVE HARD TO SAVE WATER IN BENGALURU, THE USE OF RO
a loan could alter destinies, alleviate or prolong troubles,
rekindle or dash hopes. PURIFIERS IS PLAYING THE SPOILER BY WASTING A HUMONGOUS AMOUNT OF WATER
Bank managers too were revered folk and a career in the Bengaluru mega city, with
banking system was aspirational for the masses. But a lot an extent of 800 square ki-
has changed for this group of professionals. lometres and population of
The forward march of growing financial inclusion has around 10 million, is located
meant the popping up of hundreds of bank branches across on a basin divide forming a
the country. And with it, has come the onslaught of relent- part of the Ponnaiyar river
less work pressures, sales targets, and unforgiving work catchment (435 sq km ) in
schedules. the east and Arkavathi river
Except for the top job at PSBs or private banks, the major- (365 sq km) catchment of
ity of the staff are overworked, undertrained, and constantly Cauvery Basin in the west.
stressed. It’s quite routine for me to receive calls from the Its peri-urban activities
managers and senior staff of my various banks. spread beyond 30-35 km
If you have any savings accruing, briskly comes the call from its peripheral parts
about new investment schemes. Phone the manager for and the 300-350 sq km
some information or advice, pat comes the advice to put green belt around it has vir-
money into flexi-FDs. A recent incident of a bank manag- tually disappeared. The city
er harassing me with multiple calls, texts, and WhatsApp has no water resource of
messages, all within an hour’s time, got me irritable but its own, except the 66,400
also thinking. hectare metre (23.45 thou-
As I complied with the lady’s wishes (before curtly in- sand million cubic feet,
forming her that such behaviour is unbecoming of a bank TMC) rainwater it receives
manager), I couldn’t deny the sheer desperation in her en- when there is normal annu-
deavours. It’s normal for bank employees now to request, al monsoon rainfall of 830
persuade, even plead with customers to “help” them out by millimetres.
investing in a scheme or opening a new account. Of this, nearly 17,500
Bank officials are more salespersons today than banking hectare metre (6.18 TMC) or
professionals, selling everything from government policies 25 per cent of annual rain-
to mutual funds and insurance, that has been mounted on fall is the precious surface
their usual work responsibilities. run-off that flows through
There are about 1.54 million The Indian bank the stormwater drains called
bank employees in India, divid- employee is rajakaluves.
ed equally between public and constantly stressed These have now become
private banks, and include staff with unrealistic the perennial flow path for
in payment and small finance targets, toxic work untreated and / or partially
banks. environments, and treated urban wastewater /
There are an additional 95,000 steadily declining sewage / and other dispos-
employees in Regional Rural mental health; Not only als. The natural topographic
Banks (RRB). As I brooded over are banking employees features and the drainage
the plight of the hapless banker, I extremely stressed, characteristics were once
also recalled the viral video from there is also a growing congenial for uninterrupted It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to use the available precious water resources judiciously
June last year, of a senior em- incidence of suicides flow of stormwater. have come up along the soil of 2-3 metre thickness flow of nearly 17,500 hect- requirement;
When mining of
ployee abusing and screaming at among them The effects of urbanisa- length and breadth of the over thick clayey saprolite are metres of rainwater Conserve, protect and free
groundwater resources
his juniors over a virtual call. tion have played a devil’s city. In the Ponnaiyar catch- have all together prevented during the period of normal from pollution the precious
is in full-swing, attempts
A quick search throws up alarming statistics. Not only role in the city! Disposal of ment, the mushrooming water from infiltrating. Fur- annual rainfall can serve storm water of 17,500 hect-
for groundwater recharge
are banking employees extremely stressed, there is also urban waste pollutes the of apartment complexes ther, unaltered part of the about 2.5 million people at are metre (6.18TMC) of Ben-
measures remain
a growing incidence of suicides among them. A steady groundwater, surface water and high towered buildings parent rock between imper- 140 litres / head / day, if ac- galuru;
meaningless
stream of incidents of bank employees resorting to death and atmosphere. Original are with no assured water vious clayey saprolite above tion is taken to protect from Effectively implement
by suicide due to work pressure have been surfacing from stormwater drains have source during the lean sea- and the massive rock body pollution and degradation, rooftop rainwater harvest- fresh public borewells!
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala, and others. been tampered, encroached son. Dry weather persists for at around 300 metres be- and used judiciously. ing in all the houses and The authorities are trying
After the suicide of a woman banking professional in and grossly reduced both longer than before. low the surface, form a con- The stormwater drains, buildings, which exceed to overcome the water scar-
2021, the Kerala Human Rights Commission ordered a in width and depth. Many There is a strong contrast fined zone, largely with no which are now the perenni- 100 square metres of roof city on a war-footing, more
probe into “stressful work conditions” of bank staff. of the 1st and 2nd order in the geomorphological, rainwater infiltration. al flow path for sewage and top; and Treat 70 per cent so now that the posh apart-
More banks mushrooming everywhere may have eased streams have disappeared geological, geo-hydrologi- The water, whatever may other urban discharges, can- of the sewage / wastewa- ment complexes in the Pon-
access to financial tools, but it has also thrust unrealistic on ground. cal, pedological and even have been tapped through not now sustain the storm- ter generated in the city up naiyar catchment part of the
KRAs (key result areas) on the employees. News reports The centuries old lakes climatological features be- borewells in that part, is water load of even short du- to potability level after ter- city are facing the brunt.
abound of bank staff being called into work on holidays and with cascading effect con- tween the Vrishabhavathi accumulated before and rations. tiary-level treatment. The These neighbourhoods
weekends to meet targets. structed by the erstwhile stream system of Arkavathi during the process of chem- But the scenario is such cumulative impact of these rely mainly on groundwater
The sector is further hit by a high attrition rate because rulers across the natural catchment in the west and ical weathering. This ‘long- that during rainy days, measures would meet the from the borewells deep-
frankly, who would want to work in a toxic environment, and stormwater drains to con- the dominant Hebbal and stayed static water resource’ stormwater, along with the water requirement of 14 er than 300 metres, which
therefore, job jumps happen easily in lieu of meagre pay serve water, serve the irri- Koramangala-Challaghatta under ‘confined conditions’, urban sewage and other million people in Bengalu- have become defunct or are
hikes. gation and domestic needs (KC) valley systems of Pon- which has been extracted discharges, flood the valley ru, without any dependence on the verge of becoming
According to a study by recruitment company, Team- during lean season and as naiyar river catchment in the continuously over the past zones / low-lying areas, and on groundwater. Had these unusable. The authorities
Lease, frontline attrition continues at 30-40 per cent with groundwater recharge struc- east in Bengaluru. two decades through count- the buildings or any other suggestions been discussed shoulder treat the only avail-
almost every major private bank witnessing surging em- tures have now become the While the structurally less borewells, has either structure present there. at an appropriate level and able source of water whatev-
ployee churn. The report added that employment in the repositories of untreated trained steep to moderate become dry or is on the Bengaluru is susceptible to measures taken for imple- er stored in the major lakes
BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sector is and / or partially treated ur- rock cut course of the Vr- verge of becoming dry. the vagaries of rainfall. mentation, probably there like of Ulsoor, Hebbal, Yele
under “tremendous pressure”. ban sewage / wastewater ishabhavathi channel sys- Many builders and land- Rainfall has been erratic would not have been any cry Mallappa Shetty, Agara, Bel-
At an event last year, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Gover- discharges. tem with its prime tributary owners, not looking into the in recent years. El Nino has for water scarcity as now be- landur, Vartur, up to tertiary
nor Shaktikanta Das also commented on the high attrition Bengaluru is no more a ‘Nagarbhavi-Thorai’ flows ground condition of such been a matter of concern ing largely heard! level, bring it on to potable
at private sector banks and mentioned that the central city of those highly glorified southerly and south-wester- places, have got borewells to the people and the ad- Immediate solutions Peo- level in a fool-proof manner
bank was closely monitoring the issue. lakes. Small water bodies ly, the flow systems in the drilled even beyond 300- ministrators concerned. The ple are feeling the brunt of and supply.
There has been a growing clamour for a 5-day work week have vanished. Many me- predominant Hebbal and 350 metres. They have not weather phenomenon may summer from mid-February Even if people hesitate to
for bank employees. The government’s nod was anticipated dium and large lakes have KC valleys of the Ponnaiyar struck water or the little vol- be recurrent and people itself. Both the southwest use such water for domestic
ahead of the model code of conduct (MCC), but may now been irretrievably reduced catchment are easterly and ume they managed to tap may feel the pinch of water and northeast monsoons purposes, it can serve other
come in post-Lok Sabha elections. At present, both private in extent due to human gentle over a raised plateau into was short lived. scarcity in each El Nino year. failed during the year 2023. demands. It is the moral re-
and public sector banks work on the first and third Satur- encroachments and solid like topography. In contrast to the Ponnai- El Nino sometimes go on Each year, when summer sponsibility of every citizen
days of the month. waste dumping. The poten- The drainage system of yar part of the catchment, for 4-5 successive years months approach, there to use the available precious
But given greater digitisation, the 5-day work week has a tial lakes are heavily silted. Hebbal and KC valleys are the hydrogeological char- and may result in a drought. is naturally a public outcry water resources judiciously.
strong case. Working hours though may be increased by 45 Original designed reservoir characteristically broad, acteristics of the gneissic More than a decade ago, hy- for water. But the authority When mining of groundwa-
minutes to accommodate the new work regime. capacity of each of the exist- shallow and unstable. The aquifers between the right drogeologists KC Subhash concerned investigates to ter resources is in full-swing,
In some other good news, government bank employees ing lakes have been highly gneissic rocks in the Pon- bank of the south-flowing Vr- Chandra and GV Hegde, af- overcome the problem only attempts for groundwater
are also scheduled to get a 17 per cent rise in salaries after reduced. naiyar catchment, which ishabhavathi River and the ter an intensive hydrogeo- through certain temporary recharge measures remain
the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and bank unions signed The natural landscapes have undergone intense western fringe of intrusive logical study, had made the measures like supplying wa- meaningless.
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the 12th bipar- are altered beyond any- chemical weathering since granite, has been a better following suggestions to the ter through tankers! The city should protect
tite settlement in December 2023. body’s imagination! There the geological past are al- water-yielding zone. But the authorities in 2011, 2012, The quality of water needs and conserve as much
Hiring in the banking sector will still require ramping up are no old spatial gardened tered to clayey ‘saprolite’ to continued indiscriminate ex- 2014 and 2015: to be evidently tested when stormwater as possible and
and training of the workforce will be non-negotiable to re- villas. The most desired ave- a thickness of about 25-30 traction of groundwater re- Prevent and plug the en- the source is not known! adopt rooftop rainwater har-
lieve the pressure on current employees. And while banks nues have disappeared. No metres from the land sur- sources beyond the annual route leakage and transmis- Ironically, while the ground- vesting. Limitless expansion
must make earnings and sales, the management can’t ig- adequate space is left for air face at 885 metres above recharge over a period has sion loss of 30-40 per cent water source in the city aqui- of the city only aggravates
nore the mental and physical health of the employee. to circulate. the mean sea level. made the groundwater ‘not of Cauvery River water get- fers has already hit the rock the problem of water avail-
The apartment complexes The concrete urban cover a sustainable resource’. ting pumped to Bengaluru bottom, suggestions from ability and resource man-
and multi storeyed buildings followed by clayey laterite The precious stormwater for meeting the city water some corners are to drill agement.

Russia, China veto US-proposed immediate ceasefire

Russia and China on Fri- vote in the 15-member Se- and accused US Secretary the new, tougher draft res- of hostages taken during sia’s deputy UN ambas - sa-
day vetoed a US-sponsored curity Council was 11 mem - of State Antony Blinken olution would be approved Hamas’ Octo - ber 7 attack dor Dmitry Polyansky said
UN resolu - tion calling for bers in favour, three against and US Ambassador Linda Friday by the 15-member on Israel, which was in the Moscow will not be satis-
“an immedi - ate and sus- and one abstention. Thomas-Greenfield of “mis- council. previous draft. fied “with anything that
tained ceasefire” in the Is- Before the vote, Rus - sia’s leading the international The draft being put to a But it would unequivo- doesn’t call for an imme-
rael-Hamas war in Gaza to UN Ambassador Vassily community” for “politicized” vote “determines” which is cally support diplomatic diate ceasefire,” saying it’s
protect civilians and enable Nebenzia said Moscow sup reasons. a council order “the imper- efforts “to secure such a what US Secretary of State
humanitarian aid to be deliv - ports an immediate cease- Earlier, US Ambassa - dor ative of an immediate and cease-fire in connection Antony Blinken is pressing
- ered to more than 2 million fire, but he questioned the Linda Thomas-Greenfield sustained cease-fire,” with with the release of all re- for and what “every - body”
hungry Palestinians. The language in the resolution said she was optimistic that no direct link to the release main - ing hostages.” Rus- wants.
Lucknow News (English Daily) Lucknow, Sunday, 24 March 2024 3

Hepatitis B: ‘Illness to Wellness’, ILBS to generate

InBrief
DIVE INTO HOLI FUN: CELEBRATE WITH SONY YAY!
TOONS IN COLORFUL STYLE

awareness & end discrimination against patients

LUCKNOW: Ever wondered how you can celebrate the
festival of colours with your favourite toons? Dodge those
pichkaris like Naruto and prank your friends with gulaal just
like Honey Bunny. Grab your water guns, fill your buckets
with colours and let’s find out how you can celebrate Holi OUR CORRESPONDENT tive. Shiv K Sarin, Director & ing on doctors for treatment
with the craziest bunch in town - the Sony YAY! toons. This Hepatitis B infects over 40 Chancellor, ILBS, and Dr. at later stage.
Holi, team up with the OG Jholers as you plot who should NEW DELHI: The ‘Illness to million people in India and Arti Ahuja, ExSecretary, Min- Anil Rajput, Chairperson,
be the target of your colour filled buckets. Can you imag- Wellness’ initiative, a nation- most patients continue to istry of Labour & Employ- ASSOCHAM National CSR
ine what pranks would they pull? Honey and Bunny would al campaign aimed at gener- suffer as the society large- ment, Government of India, Council, said, “Anil Rajput,
definitely outsmart others with water balloons filled with ating awareness on various ly remains weighed down expressed grave concerns Chairperson, ASSOCHAM
mud. Popat is sure to ‘accidentally’ spill gulaal on you, mind and body conditions by misconceptions related at the discrimination faced National CSR Council, said,
turning you into a walking rainbow. This Holi, get ready for and providing holistic and to the disease. In order to by Hepatitis B patients and “The ‘Winning Over Mother’s
even more goofy pranks, surprise attacks with colours and broad stakeholder engage- highlight the state of Hepa- spoke about the need to with Hepatitis with Hepatitis
laughter that erupts like fireworks! Holi just got way cooler ments- with the overall ob- titis B patients and the lack ensure vaccination and B’ (WOMB) initiative is an
with ninja-themed water tag. Imagine your backyard trans- jective of promoting healthy of awareness about the dis- importance of information extremely important step
formed into an obstacle course. With this Naruto Shippu- living, in collaboration with ease, ILBS in association dissemination through per- to raise awareness about
den-inspired game of water tag, you and your friends will the Institute of Liver and with Illness to Wellness, sistent efforts to end the the transmission of hepa-
dodge, duck, and dive like real ninjas, soaking each other Biliary Sciences (ILBS), has organised an awareness shame associated with the titis B from mother to child
with those pichkaris. Let Naruto’s ninja way lead your cel- embarked on a mission to session in which they em- disease. and eliminate the stigma
ebrations and find out who will be the last ninja standing. spread awareness about phasized on how they are Dr. Ahuja also said that in towards these mothers. It healthcare awareness. liver on the desired goals in
ADD A HEALTHY TWIST TO HOLI: MAKE ALMONDS prevention and control of working towards allaying India, the focus is more on helps in bolstering our ef- I have always been of the due course of time. I am sure
YOUR GO-TO FESTIVE SNACK motherto-child transmission fears, overcoming stigmas treatment and less on pre- forts of creating a world in firm view that when aware- this initiative will achieve its
LUCKNOW: During this festive occasion, exchanging gifts of viral hepatitis through its and dispelling myths about ventive aspects and citizens which most of the diseases ness campaigns focus on objective of alleviating pain,
and relishing delicious meals with loved ones are cherished ‘Winning Over Mothers With the disease. should focus on staying could be either eliminated drawing from the collective suffering and dogmas in the
traditions. However, amidst the festivities, it's crucial to ex- Hepatitis B’ (WOMB) initia- During the session, Dr. healthy instead of depend- or controlled by preventive synergies, they always de- society.”

Bourses rise for third session India’s outlook for next

ercise caution against overindulging in unhealthy Incorpo-
rating a handful of almonds
into your diet during this time

in row, Sensex rises over 190 pts

can enhance taste as well as

fiscal looks +ve: FinMin

provide essential health ben-
efits, ensuring a balanced
and enjoyable celebration. OUR CORRESPONDENT
Almonds, rich in 15 essential
nutrients like vitamin E, mag- MUMBAI: Benchmark equi- OUR CORRESPONDENT
nesium, protein, riboflavin, ty indices Sensex and Nifty
and zinc, are renowned for closed higher for the third NEW DELHI: The Finance
their ability to provide numerous health benefits, including straight session on Friday, Ministry on Friday said with
supporting heart health, managing weight, and regulating following gains in index ma- an uptick in private invest-
blood sugar levels. Incorporating these powerhouse nuts jors L&T, ITC and Maruti ment and inflation trending
into Holi celebrations can elevate the festivities. Whether and a record rally in the US down, India’s outlook for the
presented as gifts, incorporated into traditional recipes, markets after the Federal next fiscal looks positive. The
or enjoyed as snacks, almonds symbolize prosperity and Reserve indicated three rate Monthly Economic Review
well-being. Their delicious taste and satisfying crunch en- cuts this year. also said that inclusion of
hance the flavors of various Holi dishes, from sweet gu- However, a massive selloff Indian bonds in Bloomberg
jiya to savory almond chaat. Moreover, gifting almonds in IT and tech stocks kept bond index from January
expresses good wishes for health and happiness. By em- indices under pressure and 2025 should bolster inflows.
bracing almonds in Holi festivities, everyone can enhance restricted the rise after Ac- Sensex basket, Sun Pharma, cent, and teck fell by 1.47 It said robust investment mates of India closer to 8 per progressive employment
the joy of the occasion while embracing a healthier lifestyle. centure lowered its revenue Maruti, IndusInd Bank, Titan, per cent. activity is driving growth cent, the ministry said. outlook will help the Indian
LULU MALL'S MEGA EVENT DRAWS CROWDS WITH forecast for the sector for ITC, Tata Motors, Larsen & Accenture on Tuesday amid a steady rise in con- “On the whole, India looks economy close the current
COMEDY, MUSIC, AND MORE fiscal 2023-24, traders said. Toubro and JSW Steel were lowered its revenue forecast sumption. “The continued positively towards the dawn financial year on a positive
LUCKNOW: Lulu Mall, the renowned shopping destination After falling in early trade, the major gainers. for fiscal year 2024 due to focus on public investment of FY25,” the review said. It note.
in Lucknow, leaves no stone unturned in making every fes- markets staged a smart re- On the other hand, Infosys, global uncertainty and weak seems to have crowded in said increased demand for “There are headwinds like
tival memorable. However, this time, it decided to entertain covery. Wipro, HCL Technologies, client spending on consult- private investment,” said the residential properties in tier- indications of hardening
the public not just with one, but with several programs The 30-share BSE Sen- Tata Consultancy Services, ing services. It now sees February edition of the re- 2 and tier-3 cities augurs well crude oil prices and global
during the festive occasion of Holi. The festivities included sex climbed 190.75 points Tech Mahindra and Bajaj full-year revenue growth to view by Department of Eco- for furthering construction supply chain bottlenecks to
a stand-up act by the famous comedian Apoorva Gupta, or 0.26 per cent to settle at Finserv were among the lag- be between 1-3 per cent, nomic Affairs. activity. Non-farm employ- trade. Nonetheless, India, on
DJ Jaad's DJ bonanza, and various other entertaining pro- 72,831.94. However, a sharp gards. In the broader mar- down from the earlier projec- The National Statistical ment has revived, improving the whole, looks forward to a
grams. Customers indulged in their favorite foods at the correction in IT and tech ket, the BSE smallcap gauge tion of 2-5 per cent. In Asian Office (NSO) has revised up- the capacity to absorb the la- bright outlook for FY25,” the
food stalls, while also enjoying ample entertainment. Lulu stocks limited the rise. During jumped 1.06 per cent, and markets, Seoul, Shanghai wards the GDP growth esti- bour leaving agriculture. monthly review said.
Mall and Fever FM collaborated to organize this splendid the day, it jumped 474.43 the midcap index climbed and Hong Kong settled low- mate for current fiscal to 7.6 “The ascent of manufac- It said India’s inflation
evening. The event took place from 5 PM to 10 PM, with ac- points or 0.65 per cent to 0.38 per cent. er, while Tokyo ended in the per cent from 7.3 per cent. turing sector employment is outlook for the upcoming
tive participation from the customers. Comedy, DJ music, 73,115.62. The NSE Nifty ad- Among the indices, tele- positive territory. India grew above 8 per cent expected to be marked by months is positive. Core
and various artistic activities left no room for dull moments, vanced 84.80 points or 0.39 communication jumped European markets were for three consecutive quar- upscaling of enterprises and inflation is trending down-
making the evening truly memorable. Mr. Sameer Verma, per cent to 22,096.75. On a 2.28 per cent, consumer trading on a mixed note. Wall ters, reaffirming its position sunrise sectors emerging as wards, indicating a broad-
General Manager of Lulu Mall, said that Holi is a festival weekly basis, the BSE bench- discretionary rallied 1.20 per Street tapped fresh record as a standout performer catalysts for generating qual- based moderation in price
of mutual harmony, where we forget everything and only mark climbed 188.51 points cent, commodities (1.11 per peaks on Thursday. Foreign amid sluggish global growth ity employment,” it added. It pressures. The pick-up in
celebrate happiness. Lulu Mall has always cared about the or 0.25 per cent, and the cent), healthcare (1.17 per Institutional Investors (FIIs) trends. Various agencies said strong growth accom- summer sowing is likely to
joy of its customers. Therefore, this time, we doubled the Nifty went up by 73.4 points cent) and industrials (1.17 offloaded equities worth Rs echo a similar sentiment re- panied by stable inflation help reduce food prices, it
dose of laughter and music for the customers, ensuring or 0.33 per cent. From the per cent). IT declined by 2 per 1,826.97 crore on Thursday. vising the FY24 growth esti- and external account and added.

ISRO achieves major milestone in reusable

they couldn't resist joining in the fun.
AI SKILLS COULD BOOST SALARIES OF WORKERS
IN INDIA BY MORE THAN 54%: REPORT
Poll fervour hits
NEW DELHI: Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.
com company, today released new research showing that
e-commerce platforms: launch vehicle tech with landing experiment
when artificial intelligence (AI) is fully harnessed, workers
in India with AI skills and expertise could see salary hikes
Parties’ merchandise sizzles OUR CORRESPONDENT said. Based on the observa-
of over 54%, with workers in IT (65%), and research and OUR CORRESPONDENT their respective websites. tion from RLV-LEX-01, the
development (62%) enjoying the highest pay increases. To The NaMo merchandise BENGALURU: ISRO an- airframe structure and land-
better understand emerging AI usage trends and skilling NEW DELHI: Political fer- website, for instance, boasts nounced a significant ad- ing gear were strengthened
needs in workplaces, AWS commissioned Access Part- vour has permeated even an extensive range of prod- vancement in reusable to tolerate higher landing
nership to conduct a regional study, titled “Accelerating AI the realm of e-commerce ucts including T-shirts, mugs, launch vehicle technology loads, it said.
Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the in India, with merchandise notebooks, badges, wrist- with the successful RLV The mission was accom-
Future”. Over 1,600 workers and 500 employers were sur- related to various political bands, keychains, stickers, LEX02 landing experiment plished by Vikram Sarabhai
veyed in India. On top of significant salary increases, 97% parties becoming hot com- magnets, caps, and pens on Friday. Conducted at 7:10 Space Centre (VSSC) along
of workers in India expect their AI skills to have a positive modities. From BJP’s lotus adorned with slogans such am in Karnataka’s Aeronau- with the Liquid Propulsion
impact on their careers, including increased job efficiency on dream catchers to AAP’s as ‘Modi ka parivar,’ ‘Phir ek tical Test Range, Chitradu- System Centre (LPSC) and
and career advancement. 95% of workers in India indicat- logo on vintage maritime baar, Modi sarkar,’ ‘Modi ki rga, this marks the second the ISRO Inertial Systems
ed a keen interest in developing AI skills to accelerate their clocks and Congress’ signa- guarantee’, and ‘Modi hai toh milestone in the series. Unit (IISU). ISRO chairman
careers, and this interest transcends generations. 95% of ture dupattas, these online mumkin hai’. Following last year’s RLV- mous mode,” it said. steering system, ISRO said. S Somanath congratulated
Gen Z, 96% of Millennials, and 93% of Gen X workers want platforms offer a plethora of Despite the news agency’s LEX-01 mission, RLV-LEX-02 The winged vehicle, called It added that this mission the team for the flawless
to acquire AI skills, while 90% of baby boomers — a demo- election-themed products. attempts to seek a response showcased the autonomous Pushpak, was lifted by an successfully simulated the execution of this complex
graphic usually contemplating retirement — say they would Simply enter the name from Amazon India and Flip- landing capability of the re- Indian Air Force Chinook approach and high-speed mission.
enrol in an AI upskilling course if it was offered. of the desired political par- kart on this trend, responses usable launch vehicle, even helicopter and was released landing conditions of RLV re- On the success of the
IT STOCKS DECLINE AFTER ACCENTURE LOWERS ty into the search bar of an from both platforms were from off-nominal initial con- from 4.5 km altitude. After turning from space. landing experiment, VSSC
REVENUE FORECAST FOR FY24 e-commerce website, and a not received. However, one ditions upon release from a release at a distance of 4 km The winged body and all Director Dr S Unnikrishnan
NEW DELHI: IT stocks ended lower on Friday after tech gi- diverse array of merchandise of the suppliers of these mer- helicopter, stated the Ben- from the runway, Pushpak flight systems used in RLV- Nair said through this re-
ant Accenture lowered its revenue forecast for the sector ranging from flags to pen- chandise to e-commerce galuru-based space agency. autonomously approached LEX-01 were reused in the peated success, ISRO could
for the 2023-24 fiscal. Shares of LTIMindtree fell by 3.01 dants to pens will populate platforms revealed that Lok “The RLV was made to un- the runway along with cross- RLV-LEX-02 mission after master the terminal phase
per cent, Infosys declined by 2.98 per cent, Wipro skidded the page. This trend initially Sabha elections witnessed a dertake more difficult ma- range corrections. It land- due certification/ clearanc- maneuvering, landing and
by 2.73 per cent, and HCL Technologies dropped 2.46 per emerged during the 2019 surge in online sales of such neuvers with dispersions, ed precisely on the runway es. Hence, reuse capability energy management in a
cent on the BSE. Tata Consultancy Services dipped 1.53 polls when e-commerce items. correct both cross-range and came to a halt using of flight hardware and flight fully autonomous mode,
per cent, L&T Technology Services went lower by 1.40 per platforms became go-to des- “Previously, our supplies and downrange and land on its brake parachute, landing systems is also demonstrat- which is a critical step to-
cent, and Tech Mahindra lost 1.33 per cent. During the early tinations for campaign mer- were directed to physical the runway in a fully autono- gear brakes and nose wheel ed in this mission, ISRO wards the future.
trade, IT stocks declined by up to 6 per cent, dragging the chandise and accessories, shops, but with the shift to-
benchmark equity indices lower. The BSE IT index ended 2
per cent lower. Recovering early lost ground, the 30-share
a representative from an
e-commerce platform said.
wards online retail, it only
made sense to adapt,”
HP: To build pressure on Cong govt, 3 Individual MLAs resign
BSE Sensex ended 190.75 points or 0.26 per cent higher at “When everything is sold the supplier commented. SHIMLA: Mounting fresh on Friday. contested the 2022 Assem- their cross-voting in the Ra-
72,831.94, and the NSE Nifty advanced 84.80 points or 0.39 online, why not this and it is Furthermore, the supplier pressures on the Congress The MLAs though have al- bly elections as BJP rebels. jya Sabha election for Harsh
per cent. “While most sectors experienced gains, the IT re- the sellers who put it on our noted that merchandise as- government—already in ready come close to the BJP But after the formation of the Mahajan (BJP), the indepen-
mained in the red due to subdued guidance from Accenture, platforms and the e-com- sociated with the BJP and trouble, three independent but could not have joined Congress government they dents have taken a stand
a major global IT player,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, merce websites have to just Congress remains among MLAs— who had severed the party formally without had supported Chief Minister against the Congress. On
Geojit Financial Services. Accenture on Thursday lowered check it follows the proto- the highest-selling items, relations with the ruling Con- quitting from their seats. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Friday, three MLAs accom-
its revenue forecast for fiscal year 2024 due to global un- col,” she said. Notably, some although the full impact of gress and voted for the BJP Thus they apparently chose Now that the CM was fac- panied by the BJP MLAs and
certainty and weak client spending on consulting services. political parties themselves election fervour is yet to be candidate in Rajya Sabha, to take this extreme step to ing a revolt of six Congress also Leader of opposition
It now sees full-year revenue growth to be between 1-3 per have actively participated in realised, as this reflects only resigned from the member- prepare the ground for their MLAs, who stand disqual- Jairam Thakur, reached the
cent, down from the earlier projection of 2-5 per cent. selling such merchandise on the preliminary trend. ship of the state Assembly joining the BJP. All three had ified from the House after state Assembly.
4 Lucknow, Sunday, 24 March 2024 Lucknow News (English Daily)

Kejriwal remanded to 6-day ED custody BJP’s alliance talks

with BJD over,
MY LIFE IS DEDICATED TO THE COUNTRY. I WILL KEEP ON SERVING THE NATION EVEN IF I AM BEHIND BARS: KEJRIWAL’S FIRST REACTION AFTER ARREST
OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief

The agency claimed
these charges were also
corroborated by one of the
him to join this probe and
when his statement was re-
corded under the PMLA on
decides to go solo
Minister Arvind Kejriwal was candidates of AAP for Goa Thursday, he did not “reveal OUR CORRESPONDENT
sent to six-day Enforcement elections of 2022 who said the truth nor gave correct
Directorate (ED) custody by he received funds for elec- facts.” NEW DELHI: After a few
a Delhi court in connection tion expenses “in cash” It said the agency wants rounds of recent discussions
with the liquor policy linked from the AAP volunteers in his custody to unearth with the Biju Janata Dal
money laundering case. Goa. the remaining proceeds (BJD), the BJP has decided
The Aam Aadmi Party The ED, for the first time of crime generated in the to go solo in the coming Lok
(AAP) supremo will remain in the about two year old case and that he needs to Sabha and Assembly elec-
in custody of the probe agen- probe, said the AAP was be interrogated with oth- tions in Odisha, state party
cy till March 28. He will be the “major beneficiary of er accused and witnesses president Manmohan Samal
produced before the court the proceeds of crime gen- “involved in the kickbacks said on Friday.
at 2 pm on March 28. He erated in the Delhi liquor given by the South Group to Talks on pre-poll alliance try, make extensive develop-
was arrested amid high-dra- scam”. “In this manner, the AAP and its leaders.” were being held between ment and accelerate welfare
ma from his residence last AAP has committed the of- AAP leaders Manish Siso- the ruling BJD and the Op- work for the poor,” he said.
night by a team of ED offi- fence of money laundering dia and Sanjay Singh are in position BJP for the past few The BJP’s decision came
cials who questioned him through Arvind Kejriwal and judicial custody in the case. days. “Bharatiya Janata Par- after a meeting in Delhi
for nearly two hours. Court his plea against his showed that Rs 45 crore leged liquor scam case, the the offences thus are cov- Kejriwal’s name has been ty (BJP) will fight this election where Odisha party leaders
Earlier on Friday, seeking arrest by the probe agency “kickback” used in the Goa ED claimed on Friday. ered by section 70 of the mentioned multiple times alone in all 21 Lok Sabha managed to convince cen-
10-day custody of Arvind in the excise policy-linked elections came from four The probe agency claimed PMLA,” the ED said. in the charge sheets filed and 147 Assembly seats tral leaders that an electoral
Kejriwal, the Enforcement money laundering case. hawala routes. The AAP in its remand papers that The federal agency said by the ED. Senior Advocate to create a developed India alliance with the BJD would
Directorate told the court During the Aam Aadmi chief was produced before “Arvind Kejriwal was in- that as the national con- Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and a developed Odisha un- be against the BJP’s interest.
that Delhi Chief Minister Party (AAP) national conve- the court around 2 pm amid volved in the conspiracy of venor and member of the who appeared on behalf of der the visionary leadership The BJP state president also
was the “kingpin of the li- ner’s remand hearing, the tight security on and around formulation of the excise national executive, Kejriwal Kejriwal, said this is the first of Prime Minister Narendra claimed that many of the
quor policy scam’’ even as ED told Special Judge Ka- the court premises. ASG policy 2021- 22 to favour was “ultimately responsible time in the history of India Modi to fulfil the hopes, as- welfare schemes of the Modi
the AAP supremo argued veri Baweja at the Rouse Raju said the AAP is not an certain persons and also in- for the funds being used in that a sitting chief minister pirations and aspirations of government are not reaching
that there was no “direct Avenue court that Kejriwal individual but a company, volved in the demanding of the election expenses in- has been arrested. four and a half crore Odiyas,” the grassroots level, and the
evidence” linking him to the received several crores of and every person respon- kickbacks from liquor busi- cluding their generation”. The power of arrest is not Samal said in a post on X. poor people of Odisha failed
case. rupees as kickbacks from sible for the conduct of the nessmen in exchange of Kejriwal, it alleged, was equal to the need of arrest Earlier this week, Union to get the benefits.
In his first reaction while the ‘South Group’ for formu- company will be held re- favours granting in the said “not only the brain behind and there was no neces- Home Minister Amit Shah “We have concerns on
being taken to the court, lating and implementing the sponsible. policy.” the AAP but also controlled sity of arresting this man, had said in Delhi that BJP many issues related to Odi-
Delhi CM Kejriwal said in Delhi Excise Policy 2021- The probe agency said Vi- It informed the court it its major activities”. he said. “Please don’t look national president J P Nadda sha identity, Odisha pride,
Hindi: “My life is dedicated 22. Appearing for the ED, jay Nair, AAP’s former com- has recorded the state- It said kickbacks were at remand as a routine ex- will take a final call on the and interest of the people
to the country. I will keep on Additional Solicitor General munication head, acted as ments of various people allegedly generated by the ercise... it requires applica- alliance with the BJD. Samal of Odisha,’’ Samal said in
serving the nation even if I ASV Raju said Arvind Kejri- the middleman between engaged in the election ‘South Group’ members, tion of significant judicial also thanked BJD president the post on X in Hindi. Wel-
am behind bars.’’ He was wal was the key conspirator South Group and the AAP. campaign-related activi- that includes arrested BRS mind... larger issues of de- and Chief Minister Naveen coming the move to go solo,
responding to a question by and had demanded Rs 100 Arvind Kejriwal “took ad- ties of the AAP during the leader K Kavitha and some mocracy involved,” Patnaik for his party’s sup- BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi
reporters while he was be- crore from some accused vantage” of being the chief Goa polls and it was found others, and a part of these Singhvi said. Lawyer port to the BJP-led NDA gov- posted on X, “Excellent, im-
ing taken to the court by the from the ‘South Group’ for minister of Delhi to facilitate that “cash payments were were “used” in the Goa Vikram Chaudhari, who is ernment at the Centre on mensely grateful.’’ The BJD
ED. A day after his arrest, contesting the Punjab elec- money laundering by the made to them for work like election campaign of the also representing the Delhi various issues for the last 10 and the BJP were in alliance
Kejriwal was produced in tions. AAP, which is a “major ben- survey workers, area man- AAP. The agency said Ke- chief minister, told the court years. for around 11 years between
the trial court shortly after he The law officer told the eficiary” of the proceeds of agers, assembly managers jriwal “wilfully disobeyed” that the “ED has become “We feel that the states 1998 and 2009 and fought
withdrew from the Supreme court that the money trail crimes generated in the al- etc”. nine summons issued to judge, jury and executioner” that have dual engine gov- three Lok Sabha and two As-

A day after top court

ernments across the coun- sembly elections together.
AS SUMMER LOOMS

Water storage in country’s

NOIDA: Authorities issue
nudge, Ponmudy Holi guidelines, GNA makes
key 150 reservoirs at just 38% sworn in as min special water arrangements
OUR CORRESPONDENT

OUR CORRESPONDENT year and also falls short of NOIDA: The Gautam Bud-
the average storage over the dh Nagar district admin-
NEW DELHI: As summer ap- past ten years for the same istration and police have
proaches, data reveals that period.” released guidelines ahead
the live storage capacity of The Southern region, of the Holi festival to be cel-
India’s 150 main reservoirs which includes states like ebrated on March 25.
is currently at a mere 38 per Andhra Pradesh, Telanga- These guidelines have
cent of their total capacity. na (two combined projects been set keeping in mind
The figure is lower than the in both states), Karnataka, the safety of people and
average of the past decade Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, the enforcement of model
for the same time period. monitors 42 reservoirs with code of conduct, officials Authority has arranged spe-
Bengaluru, among other cit- a total live storage capacity OUR CORRESPONDENT stated. As per administra- cial water supply services
ies, is already facing a water as stated by Karnataka age bulletin on Thursday re- of 53.334 BCM. tion, organising Holi pool for Holi.
deficit of approximately 500 CM Siddaramaiah. Other ported that the live storage As of the Reservoir CHENNAI: Senior DMK leader K Ponmudy was on Friday parties within residential The Authority will provide
million litres per day (MLD), states, including Himachal available in these reservoirs Storage Bulletin dated sworn in as Minister by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, a day societies is prohibited, and water thrice on the day
with the city’s demand be- Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya is 67.591 BCM, which is 38 21.03.2024, the total live after the Supreme Court’s nudge. Ponmudy, who had been rain dance events require of Holi on March 25, with
ing 2,600 MLD. Pradesh, Tripura, Rajasthan, per cent of their total live storage available in these convicted in a disproportionate assets case by the Madras prior permission from au- scheduled timings from 7
According to the Central Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar storage capacity. reservoirs is 12.287 BCM, High Court on December 19, 2023, and subsequently lost thorities. am to 9:30 am, 12 pm to 4
Water Commission’s week- Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhat- However, during the same which is 23 per cent of their his position, has now resumed his role as the Tamil Nadu With the strict implemen- pm in the afternoon, and 7
ly report, Karnataka and tisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, period last year, the live stor- total live storage capacity. Minister for Higher Education, three months later. tation of the code of con- pm to 9 pm in the evening.
several other states have Telangana (two combined age available was 80.557 This represents a de- The oath of office and secrecy was administered to Pon- duct, the police are adopt- “Water will be supplied
recorded lower storage lev- projects in both states), and BCM, with a decade’s aver- crease compared to the mudy by Ravi at a modest ceremony at the Raj Bhavan. The ing a vigilant approach. even under special circum-
els compared to the same Tamil Nadu, have also re- age of 72.396 BCM. storage levels during the event was attended by Chief Minister M K Stalin and several “The administration is cre- stances if the concerned
period last year. In Benga- ported lower storage levels Therefore, the current live same period last year (39 other ministers, including Udhayanidhi Stalin and Ma Sub- ating awareness among officers allow it.
luru, out of 14,000 bore- compared to last year. storage in these 150 reser- per cent) and the average ramanian. Ponmudy was entrusted with the higher educa- people to celebrate a safe For this, operators of all
wells, 6,900 have dried up. The total live storage ca- voirs is 84 per cent of the storage over the past ten tion portfolio, which was temporarily overseen by Backward Holi and cooperate with tankers have been instruct-
The city’s water bodies are pacity of these 150 reser- storage during the same years (32 per cent). Classes Minister R S Rajakannappan. Rajakannappan has police and officials to main- ed to remain vigilant. If
either encroached or have voirs is 178.784 billion cubic period last year and 93 per Thus, the current storage now resumed his previous role overseeing the Khadi and tain law and order during there is any complaint or
dried up. metres (BCM), accounting cent of the average storage levels in the Southern re- Village Industries Board. the enforcement of model problem in water supply
The city’s water require- for about 69.35 per cent of over the past decade. gion are lower than those In the past, R Gandhi also managed the Khadi subject, in code of conduct ahead of from the authority, then
ment is 2,600 MLD, of the country’s total live stor- The bulletin stated: “The observed during the same addition to his Handlooms and Textiles portfolio. Following Lok Sabha elections 2024,” special mobile numbers
which 1,470 MLD is sourced age capacity estimated at overall storage position in period last year and also fall Ponmudy’s conviction in December, there was a reshuffling a senior administrative of- have also been issued for
from the Cauvery River and 257.812 BCM, as per offi- the country is lower than the below the average storage of portfolios. The swearing-in of Ponmudy as Minister sig- ficial emphasised. Mean- this,” Greater Noida Author-
650 MLD from borewells, cial data. The reservoir stor- corresponding period last over the past ten years. nifies the resolution of a dispute between Stalin and Ravi. while, the Greater Noida ity said in a statement.

IGIA Police arrest taxi driver for theft

Stalin had previously requested Ravi to induct Ponmudy as
a minister and assign him higher education on March 13. DELHI METRO SERVICES DGCA SLAPS 80 LAKH
However, the Governor declined, stating that Ponmudy’s NOT AVAILABLE TILL NEW DELHI: Aviation watch-
conviction was merely suspended, not annulled. This led 2.30 PM ON HOLI dog DGCA on Friday im-
OUR CORRESPONDENT led by Inspector Vijender the DMK administration to approach the Supreme Court. NEW DELHI: Delhi Metro ser- posed a fine of Rs 80 lakh on
Rana and under the super- The Supreme Court, after hearing the case, expressed grave vices will begin from 2.30 pm Air India for violations.
NEW DELHI: The IGI Airport vision of ACP of the IGI Air- concern over Governor Ravi’s refusal to reinstate Ponmudy, on the day of Holi on March
Police team has arrested a port meticulously scrutinised even after his conviction was suspended. 25, officials said on Friday. Owner, Publisher,
taxi driver responsible for the CCTV footage obtained from The court ordered him to resolve the issue within 24 The services on non-termi- Printer Jamil Ahmad, 5,
theft of valuables from a pas- the airport premises and Ho- hours. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice D Y nal stations will be available Shahanajaf Road (Bheri
senger’s purse. Information tel Prithvi Place, where the Chandrachud and comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and much later as the operations wali Kothi) Lucknow.
regarding the incident was complainant was accommo- Manoj Misra, noted that Ravi was defying the court’s order. start from terminal stations Printed at National
relayed to the police through dated. They questioned how the Governor could claim that rein- at 2.30pm. “On the day of Art Press 207, New
a complaint lodged at the IGI Through this examina- stating Ponmudy would be against constitutional morality. the Holi festival, on March Hyderabad, Lucknow.
Airport Police Station. tion, it was revealed that the They warned that if they did not receive a response by the 25 (Monday), Metro services Published from 5,
The arrested accused has complainant’s purse was next day, they would issue an order directing the Governor will not be available till 2.30 Shahnajaf Road (Bheri wali
been identified as Rajesh not stolen at the airport but to act in accordance with the Constitution. pm on all lines of the Delhi Kothi) Lucknow.
Shrivas (34), son of Govind of Pune on a business trip passport, Indian rupees, Dir- remained in her possession Metro including Rapid Met- Editor
Das, residing in Gram Ganj, to Delhi, realised her purse hams, and jewelry. The com- when she entered a taxi from RBI BOARD REVIEWS DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ro/Airport Express Line,” the Shabana
Post Garauli, Mahoba, Uttar was missing upon reaching plainant promptly lodged the hotel. Subsequent inves- SITUATION & OUTLOOK DMRC said in a statement.
Pradesh. According to the Terminal 3 of IGI Airport. The an E-FIR detailing the theft, tigation and technical surveil- MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) central board Metro train services will thus Mobile: 9450364562
E-Mail:
Police, the incident trans- purse contained valuable prompting an immediate lance enabled the identifica- on Friday reviewed the domestic economic situation and start at 2.30 pm from termi- [email protected]
pired on Wednesday when belongings and essential investigation by the airport tion and apprehension of the outlook, including the challenges posed by the global finan- nal stations on all lines on [email protected]
the complainant, a resident documents, including her police. The Delhi Police team taxi driver. cial market volatility. March 25.