AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) arrived in Delhi on March 25 morning in a surprise visit sparking off speculations that he has reached the national capital to formalise AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. His sudden visit comes when he appears to be softening his stance with the BJP is a significant shift from his earlier opposition to it. The AIADMK had walked out of the NDA in October 2023, months ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Yet, the BJP in TN under K Annamalai’s stewardship had managed to double its vote share to 11%.  Of course, neither the AIADMK nor the BJP could win any LS seat. With the entry of actor Vijay’s TVK party, it is possible that EPS once again feels the need to avoid a fragmented Opposition vote to take on the ruling DMK. Mired in liquor-marketing corruption of TASMAC that is being probed by the ED, the DMK is skating on thin ice and may meet the same fate as AAP in Delhi. It is in this backdrop that Palaniswami’s hurried visit to Delhi is of interest. Officially, he told the media that he was just “looking up” Rs 10 crore AIADMK office he had recently launched via video. However, the main agenda is to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other key BJP leaders to draw up electoral strategies. Palaniswami’s surprise visit to Delhi had so stunned TN chief minister MK Stalin even publicly hoped in the state assembly that his AIADMK rival would articulate DMK’s views on New Education Policy or how the state loves the 2-language formula. Surely, Stalin knows an AIADMK-BJP alliance can simply unseat him in the upcoming polls.

The BCCI took some time to announce Rs 58 crore as cash bonus to the Indian team that ruled the roost and won the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. The players and the head coach Gautam Gambhir will receive Rs 3 crore each and the others — depending on their position in the support squad — a specific sum. The BCCI had announced a cash award of Rs 125 crore to Rohit Sharma’s team that won the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Bridgetown, Barbados in June 2024. This is in addition to the prize money of $ 2.45 million from the ICC for winning the Cup and $31,154 for every match won. It’s $2.24 million for winning the Champions Trophy and an additional $34,000 for every match won. What the BCCI says is win ICC tournaments and we are ready to open the purse strings.  Two years ago, India received $ 40,000 for each of the 10 matches it won in the ICC World Cup and $ 2 million for finishing runner-up to Australia. The prize money received from ICC is fully disbursed to the players. Even 14 years ago the Indian team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni received from the BCCI a cash bonus of around Rs 35 crore for winning the World Cup. Well, to think of it, the BCCI was not flush with funds to award the 1983 World Cup winning Indian team; that was 41 years ago. These days even the Ranji Trophy winning team receives Rs 5 crore as prize money. The Women’s Premier League winner Mumbai Indians received Rs 6 crore and the IPL winner will get Rs 20 crore was the prize money for the 2022-2024 cycle. Well, BCCI means money!

Savoury and sweet maker Haldirams run by the Agrawal family has been in the news for quite some time now. Recently, it sold a 10% stake to Singapore Temasek Holdings at a valuation of $10 bn. Besides, the Delhi and Nagpur arms are being merged to form a new entity Haldiram Foods & Snacks which may be listed soon. The latest news from Blighty is that Haldiram Nagpur has picked up a 20% stake in the UK-based fast food chain Shree Krishna Vada Pav (SKVP) run by two young entrepreneurs Subodh Joshi and Sujay Sohoni. Started in 2010 from a small sublet space on the high street of a suburban district of West London in Hounslow, the duo was the first to give vada pav a commercial status in the UK. It seems vada pav has tickled the palate of not only the Indian diaspora but also Britishers. In the last 15 years, SKVP, which has 70-plus Maharashtrian snacks, have sprung up in 18 locations across England, and with Haldiram they plan to increase the number to 30 in 2025 and double it by 2030 so as to have a presence in all cities in the UK. Plans are afoot to enter into other countries in Europe. Haldiram will appoint two members on the SKVP Board to offer its expertise, guidance and share the knowledge of its distribution and supply chain. Haldiram products including locally manufactured sweets will also find space on SKVP aisles.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin learnt much at his father’s political nursery — watching, waiting and willing to learn. That seems to have paid off. Today, Stalin is a Southern leader who cannot be brushed off as irrelevant. In fact, after winning the 2021 assembly elections with a thumping majority he has projected himself as a leader of substance. Of course, his Dravidam, North South polarity and unfettered opposition to Hindi have irked and irritated his opponents. But which politician would willingly dilute his party’s ideology for temporary gains? Even as the anti-Tamil slogan is fanned by Stalin as the major foothold for the 2026 assembly elections, he has now taken on strongly the delimitation demand and has been successful in herding the to-be-affected states and their leaders into a common corral. Stalin has seamlessly moved in as leader of this group — Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, AP, Orissa and Punjab. On March 21, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan was given a warm welcome as the first of the group when he landed in Chennai for a crucial strategy meet at the ITC Grand Chola. Senior DMK leaders Dr P Thiaga Rajan and Thamizhachi Thangapandian received him. Stalin referred to March 5 as a “Historic Day for Indian federalism” even as he projected his Joint Action Committee for fair delimitation. Stalin clearly knows which buttons are to be pushed at the right time.

The two amazing Malayalam superstars clash at cinemas but Mohanlal undertakes a tough pilgrimage to Sabarimala to pray for Mammootty. Suddenly Mollywood is agog with “news” and communiques about superstar Mammootty’s health. He is spending the Holy month of Ramzan quietly and not making public appearances. But when Mohanlal aka Lal Ettan undertook the challenging pilgrimage to Sabarimala and offered special pooja for Lord Ayyappa in Mohammad Kutty’s name, the news spread wider and wilder. Mohanlal also did a special pooja for his wife Suchitra too.  And those who knew the inside goings on, reminded the “soothsayers” to think of Mohanlal’s just to be released film, Empuraan. Don’t stars pray for the box office success of their film? But then, why would Mohanlal convey to Mammootty that he was on the Sabarimala trip to pray for him, a pilgrimage undertaken after 10 years. Even as surmises were flying thick and fast, yet another news about Mammootty made his fans sit up and salivate. The superstar had lived for 45 years in Cochin’s Pannapillai Nagar on KC Joseph Street and his son Dulquer Salmaan was born there and got married in that house. Now that Mammooka has moved to another house, he has plans to turn his old house as a vacation home for fans. It is learnt fans can stay in the same rooms the Mammootty had lived in…they could order the favourite dishes that he liked. For cinema crazed fans, any bit of news makes the day.

In a significant turn of events within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has signalled a shift in political succession, distancing her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, from the role of her heir apparent. Party insiders suggest the move is a strategic recalibration aimed at reinforcing her authority while reshaping the party’s leadership dynamics.  For years, Abhishek was considered the party’s ‘crown prince.’ However, tensions began to mount as Abhishek pushed for generational change, advocating for age limits in politics. Party veterans, many of whom have been with Didi since the party’s inception, viewed Abhishek’s assertiveness as a threat. Reports of his close aides reaching out to BJP leaders in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh further deepened suspicions. This prompted Didi to publicly rebuke him and strip him of any assumptions of succession. Adding to the discord, Abhishek’s response to the RG Kar rape-murder case in August 2024 saw him challenge the administration’s inaction, pushing for decisive action. His direct engagement with Kolkata police further irked Mamata, reinforcing her belief that he was overstepping his boundaries. Interestingly, as Didi embarks on her UK tour on Saturday morning, set to return to Kolkata on the night of March 29, she has formed a task force comprising the party’s state president and senior leader, Subrata Bakshi, along with Abhishek, to oversee government affairs while also delegating party responsibilities in her absence. Political observers note that this move sends a strong message within the party, reinforcing the concept of “joint leadership” that balances both senior and young leaders.

Why Ollywood’s two big stars, former Kendrapara BJD MP Anubhav Mohanty now in the BJP camp and ex-wife Varsha Priyadarshini grabbing headlines in Odisha?  Anubhav Mohanty had married Varsha in 2014 but it did not work and some six years later, Varsha filed a domestic violence case against Anubhav in 2020. In response, Anubhav filed divorce petition in July 2020 and was granted the same by the Cuttack High Court. Why did Anubhav’s marriage with Varsha fail? Anubhav says it was because of non-consummation of marriage and this fact was brought to light by the Odisha High Court’s findings. However, Varsha’s fans don’t believe it to be true.  With court granting him divorce, Anubhav has moved on by marrying his biographer Jagruti Shukla.  It seems the public sympathy is with Anubhav’s ex-wife Varsha; she is a role model in Odia cinema. Looks like the trouble for Anubhav is not over as Varsha has now released a movie titled Wife that brings to the public what really happened in their marriage. For a star-politician this could dent his image among his fans and vote banks.

The Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar put the Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai in his place, dubbing him an unimportant person who had no knowledge of the threat that delimitation could pose to the southern states. The local BJP had arranged for black flags to be shown at all major cities in Tamil Nadu on the day that Stalin held his summit against delimitation at a deluxe hotel in Chennai. It was the local BJP’s point that Shivakumar, whose state refuses to give Tamil Nadu a just share of Cauvery water, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan who does not talk to Tamil Nadu on important issues like the Mullaperiyar dam, its maintenance and permissible height, should not be state guests in Chennai. Shivakumar made the point about Annamalai’s view of delimitation as an irrelevant subject being unimportant because what counts is what the Prime Minister and the Home Minister think of it. DKS said he could understand Annamalai being loyal to his party, but he seems not to understand what could happen to his own state of Tamil Nadu if the delimitation proposal goes through. If proportional representation according to population is done after the next census, UP could have as many as 137 seats in the Lok Sabha compared to 80 now whereas Tamil Nadu may end up getting four more seats than its current 39.

It is being said Congress President Sonia Gandhi had mulled easing out Dr Manmohan Singh as PM and making him the President during the 2012 presidential election to counter growing public mood against UPA II government because of corruption charges. She had seriously considered this idea, but due to reservations of many alliance parties it was abandoned. This was revealed by senior journalist Gautam Lahiri in his book on late President Pranab Mukherjee. Written in Bengali, the book released recently reveals an incident where Mukherjee himself advised Sonia not to forward then PM Manmohan Singh as a presidential candidate because he could lose the election. Lahiri has claimed that in the 2012 Presidential election, Sonia wanted Pranab to become the PM and Manmohan Singh to be made the President. It is not clear what purpose such anecdotes serve except perhaps to air-brush Sonia Gandhi’s image ahead of Bengal’s polls in 2026? Interestingly, in his book The Coalition Years, Pranab Mukherjee somewhat bears out Lahiri when he writes: “Soon after a meeting with Sonia Gandhi, I returned with a vague impression that she might consider Manmohan Singh as the UPA nominee. I thought if she selected Singh for the presidential office, she may choose me as the prime minister.”  Lahiri has said that many allied parties opposed Manmohan’s name because by that time the discussion of the 2G scam and coal scam had started. On the other hand, the leaders of opposition parties also agreed on the name of Pranab Mukherjee. LK Advani, Bal Thackeray and Nitish Kumar had agreed to support Pranab. Not only this, Pranab Mukherjee had explained to Sonia Gandhi that the TMC would eventually support his name though it had formally opposed him.

Right wing organizations, including RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, have turned into Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Achilles heel even in his 3.0 Avataar. Nagpur riots ensued after Hindu hardliners demanded razing of Moghul tyrant Aurangzeb’s tomb and yet, these organizations failed to step up after riots to assuage, provide financial aid, moral support to Hindu community that suffered collateral damage. Hindus living in Nagpur city, particularly in Muslim dominated (demographically) localities are on verge of exodus though Fadnavis promised to make rioters pay-up, recoup losses suffered during mayhem unleashed by minority community using his version of the bulldozer policy. BJP insiders reveal, “A near identical mayhem unleashed in 2012 by Raza Academy and Samajwadi Party at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan grounds left several fresher women police constables molested in its wake. After a decade of incident (eight years under Fadnavis) trial had not begun. Will Nagpur, where a senior woman police officer was similarly targeted, go the same way?” The molested women police constables, numbering nine, from the Azad Maidan incident, mostly daughters of poor farmers in Maharashtra, resigned their jobs after their FIRs at Azad Maidan police station failed to elicit due justice or restore even a semblance of their dignity. In 2015 right-wingers similarly upped the ante (Fadnavis being CM) over 2008 Bombay High Court order, threatening to take to streets and exposing their own trepidation to act similarly when Congress governments ruled, worried over police lathis. The more that things change, the more they remain the same?

As of now there is no respite for the KIIT founder Dr Achutya Samanta and company with regard to Nepalese student eviction and suicide of a Nepalese girl student. The unsavoury incident proved a big embarrassment for India. The Nepalese government openly expressed its disappointment with the Indian government. To salvage the situation, the Odisha government appointed 3-Member Inquiry Committee headed Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu to ascertain circumstances which led to Nepali female student committing suicide, high handed action by the institute to drive away Nepali students and reasons for closing KIIT door to Nepali students. Already Dr Samanta along with top seven officials has appeared before the committee. Meanwhile, even UGC has sought an ‘action taken’ report from KIIT. An NHRC team has also begun an inquiry. The KIIT issue has taken a political dimension. BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik did not comment on the KIIT controversy. However, another party member Sarada Jena raised the issue with Patnaik saying “future governance and accountability remain critical concerns”. Odisha Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu said his party will gherao the legislative assembly and even Parliament if the accused are not punished. Meanwhile, the Odisha Police registered a case against Dr Samanta and KIIT over land encroachment. 

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is all set to take over as the next BJP Kerala chief as the party’s central leadership backed his nomination. Chandrasekhar, who attended the party’s core committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on March 23 filed his nomination for the president’s post at the BJP’s state headquarters. His election is most likely to be unanimous. Chandrasekhar narrowly lost the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram to Congress’ Shashi Tharoor by just 16,000 votes. A Nair by caste, Chandrasekhar is expected to solidify upper-caste Hindu votes in the state in the upcoming local body elections and next year’s assembly election. Party sources said a big plus in Chandrashekhar’s favour was he would possibly be uniting the faction-ridden state unit. Until now Kerala BJP unit has been indistinguishable from the LDF and the UDF. Party sources said it did not seem to have any link with the central BJP. A Kerala leader pointed how the BJP labour wing almost functioned like any other trade union, opposing every economic activity. Chandrashekhar’s entry would help Kerala connect with PM Modi, where he is extremely popular. Kerala people are fed up with the binary of LDF-UDF.  They are looking for an alternative. “As per India Today survey our vote share has gone up to 22% and has the potential to go further up to 29%. With Chandrashekhar at the helm and the party uniting behind him, we are poised to do well in the assembly polls. We may get something like 40 seats,” said a hopeful RSS leader. One of the reasons for the rise in BJP vote share is the growing divide between the Christian and Muslim communities in the state. A segment of the Christian population, loyal to Congress, has reportedly grown disillusioned due to their neglect of Christian concerns.

PM Narendra Modi and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat will meet close to an hour in Nagpur come March 30, 2025. The first official visit by PM Modi to the RSS HQ since 2014 will finalize the consensus candidate as next BJP National President with elections in Hindi heartland states on the anvil. Three contenders currently in the fray include Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Power, Housing, Urban Affairs), Bhupinder Yadav (Environment, Forest, Climate Change) and Manoj Sinha (LG of J&K). Reliable sources reveal Sinha’s candidature faced opposition from RSS over lack of organisational experience. Modi confidante Khattar held organisational posts as hardcore Hindutva Pracharak over 15 years. Khattar also held Haryana CM post despite being non-Jat. Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan was similarly elevated to Delhi, notwithstanding, his apparent reluctance being unaware of Modi’s masterplan for next two decades. Today Chouhan is anointed Chief Overseer of PMO projects under Modi’s sign and seal elevating him to second highest political perch in India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah enjoys good relations with both Khattar and Bhupinder Yadav with the new incumbent replacing Nadda needing to work closely with him. Shah himself was spotted by Modi for active work from college election days in ABVP and Yuva Morcha. As Gujarat CM Modi had anointed Shah as MoS (Home) while holding the Home ministry. Shah contested seven elections, won every time and Modi made him Union Home Minister and National BJP President, even rejecting JP Nadda’s candidature proposed by RSS in 2014, upon assuming India’s Prime Ministership. Nadda waited for two tenures before being installed as the next party Chief.

In an amazing twist, the Punjab farm agitation, going on for 400 days at Shambhu border, abruptly came to an end on March 19.  Police cleared the protesters, less than an hour after farm union leaders –representing 28 farmer unions — returned from Chandigarh to protest sites after a four-hour meeting with three Union ministers — Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi. With protestors cleared out of iconic Shambhu, it means AAP has decided it will no longer patronise farm protests and has begun to focus on winning Ludhiana (West) assembly by-election. Why is clearing Shambhu border linked to winning an urban seat like Ludhiana? Sources say police action on farmers came after Ludhiana traders told AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in a March 17 meeting that it would be difficult to back the AAP if the farmers’ protest continued. Industrialists also wanted the road opened as it was putting a strain on their business. After losing the popular vote in Delhi, Kejriwal didn’t want to risk it in Punjab. He is keen to enter the Rajya Sabha. To ensure this he has nominated Sanjeev Arora, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, as the AAP candidate for the Ludhiana West bypoll. Arora, who will not vacate his RS seat till he wins, has been promised a ministerial berth in the Punjab government, if he wins. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar slammed the AAP for using farmers for their personal and political interests. “It is the AAP that instigated the farm protests.” He recalled how Punjab had previously informed the Supreme Court that it could not remove farm leader Jagjit Dallewal from the site fearing the situation would become “uncontrollable”. The same government was able to clear the protest site in just 20 minutes, he wondered.

A public notice a few days ago in a leading English newspaper by Crompton Greaves Consumer Electronics has set tongues wagging. The notice obviously is intended to put at rest confusion over the identity of the owner of a particular logo. Asserting that the company “only uses the logo/house mark Crompton as part of its corporate identity and business,” the company made it clear that it “has got no association, connection, reference or affiliation with CG logo or the company which owns the logo”. “Crompton does not associate with any of the products being sold or marketed bearing the aforesaid CG logo or warranty claims/liabilities which arise out of such incorrect association,” it further said, warning the general public, trade and others.  A trip down memory lane will put the whole issue in perspective. In 2017, the Crompton Greaves Ltd name was changed to CG Power Industrial Solutions Ltd. The products of CG Power had been marketed under the CG logo, while the consumer products under the erstwhile B2C segment of the company were marketed as “Crompton’ or “Crompton Greaves”. Pursuant to the demerger of the consumer business into a separate entity, namely, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd (CGCEL), CG Power and CGCEL had agreed to transfer the trademarks associated with the consumer products business — “Crompton” and “Crompton Greaves” — to CGCEL and, consequently, discontinue the use of trademark “Crompton” and “Crompton Greaves” in the corporate name of CG Power. In 2020, Murugappa Group-led Tube Investments of India Ltd picked 56% stake in CG Power for around Rs 700 crore. CG Power under the Tube Investment has been a stellar turnaround story. With CG Power and CG brand hogging headlines, Crompton Greaves is caught in a huge discomfort.  Not surprisingly, it has prompted Crompton Greaves to promote its original Crompton brand. Logos can also...

The West Bengal CPI(M) is poised for a significant generational shift as several senior leaders are expected to retire from the central committee due to age restrictions. Key figures like Politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra, along with Rabin Deb and Rekha Goswami, are expected to step down. The positions of Anju Kar (Burdwan) and Amiya Patra (Bankura) are also under discussion. These vacancies have sparked debates about potential replacements reflecting internal power dynamics. Minakshi Mukherjee, a prominent youth leader, is a leading contender for elevation. Some are advocating for women leaders like Kaninika Ghosh or Jahanara Khan, citing Kerala’s precedent of including women’s organization leaders in the central committee. Anju Kar has reportedly expressed a desire to make way for younger leaders. If she retires, either Kaninika or Jahanara could be included. However, if Minakshi replaces Rekha Goswami, Jahanara’s chances might diminish due to both being from West Burdwan, favouring Kaninika. For Amiya Patra’s potential vacancy, Kolkata district secretary Kallol Majumdar and tea garden workers’ leader Ziaul Alam are being considered. Additionally, North 24 Parganas district secretary Palash Das and Hooghly district secretary Debabrata Ghosh are in contention. Palash Das benefited from party intervention in his district appointment, while Debabrata Ghosh gained recognition for successfully organizing the state conference in Hooghly. The most critical decision involves the Politburo. With Surjya Kanta Mishra’s retirement, Srideep Bhattacharya is the frontrunner. However, Abhas Raychaudhuri’s recent prominence has led to discussions about his potential elevation. A minor faction also supports Sujan Chakraborty. The final decision will be made at the CPI (M) 24th Party Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu scheduled from April 2–6.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the RSS headquarters at Nagpur on March 30 will prove to be a gamechanger since the venue is situated in the Mahal area, where a horrific communal riot had rocked the nation three days ago. It is felt that the instigation for the unrest and Modi’s maiden visit to the saffron organisation’s birthplace could have some connection. However, there is no such link found so far. Nonetheless, the police have spread a vast net to nab the culprits, direct and indirect. As more and more details are being uncovered, the security agencies will have to be extra cautious for the PM’s visit. Since coming to power at the Centre in 2014, Modi has not visited the RSS headquarters, giving his detractors an opportunity to question his decision of staying away from the place considered sacred by RSS rank and file. Prior to becoming PM, Modi had frequently visited the place. During his visit, Modi will lay the foundation stone for an expansion project of Madhav Netralaya, the eye medical facility. The event will be attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The proposed visit has generated considerable interest since Modi is expected to make some major announcement. Incidentally, Modi will not be the first sitting PM to visit the RSS headquarters at Reshimbagh, Nagpur. In the past, then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had paid a visit to the venue.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ return to power has been marred by regular hiccups with him struggling to duck one bouncer after another. Despite enjoying the support of over 82% or 238 MLAs of the total of 288 his second during the last four months has been anything but smooth. He is struggling to strike a balance between his inhouse support base and his ambitious coalition partners, NCP’s Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde. If sources are to be believed, a huge wave of discontent has been simmering within the BJP against Fadnavis, upset with the fruits of power being doled out to new entrants from other parties over the committed party’s old guard. The communal riots in Nagpur over Aurangzeb legacy has also portrayed Fadnavis in a bad light as he holds the home ministry. Fadnavis has been responding to attacks on him by unleashing diversionary vocal volleys resulting in a political slugfest with the political discourse getting muddy and murky. Nitesh Rane, Suresh Dhas may have been the most prominent face, but many non-political players like Anjali Damania, Rahul Solapurkar, Prashant Koratkar too have been actively raking up issues to stoke the political flames. Old graves are literally being dug up to wean away attention from the disturbing ground reality of huge unemployment, of ballooning state debts to Rs 9.2 lakh crores and widening caste frictions. With the crucial Mumbai municipal elections round the corner, it remains to be seen how Fadnavis manages to take on the Opposition against him, both from his own party and outside.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has shown an interest in partnering with Maharashtra to strengthen its initiatives in the fields of AI-driven advancements in health, agriculture and infrastructure, along with dengue and malaria control. This has been the outcome of a meeting Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had in Mumbai with him. Fadnavis has been vigorously campaigning for attracting more and more FDI in the state so as to supplement the PM’s dream by taking Maharashtra’s GDP share to $ 1 trillion. Hence, the visit of Gates is considered a major achievement for him. Gates also was briefed on the famous Ladki Bahin Scheme.  Microsoft and the Gates Foundation have reportedly expressed an interest in participating in these initiatives, besides supporting the digitalisation of women’s financial transactions. Fadnavis told him that his government’s vision will include digitalisation in every sector and the establishment of a Skill University with the help of Microsoft. A scheme to train 10,000 women in AI with a view to fostering inclusivity in the tech revolution was also discussed. The first-ever meeting between Fadnavis and Gates is described as a milestone by both sides. Gates later tweeted on ‘X’: “Thank you, Dev Fadnavis for sharing your vision for a Viksit Maharashtra. I’m excited about opportunities to collaborate on digital platforms for women’s livelihood and AI-driven solutions in sectors like health and agriculture. Looking forward to working together to improve lives across Maharashtra.”

Hardik Pandya is back as captain; it has come one year after the last season’s Tata-IPL in which his team — the 5-time winner Mumbai Indians — finished at the bottom of the 10-team leader board. But he will not lead the Ambani owned team for its first match of Season-18 at the Chepauk on March 23. As captain of MI last year, he is paying a heavy price for not getting his team’s overs in time — not in one match, but three times. The third slow-over rate happened against Lucknow and he was docked a Rs 30 lakh fine, a one-match suspension; and the rest of the playing XI, a fine of Rs 12 lakh each.  And so MI will miss Pandya against CSK and also the recuperating Jasprit Bumrah. All this means the stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav will have to get the job done by two other bowlers to bowl eight overs.  Pandya appeared a cool cat at MI’s pre-season presser, being matter of fact, fielding questions along with Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene and bringing in a touch of humour. He made the 40-minute presser light, just like he probably wears the captaincy cap too. For some strange reason, Pandya has been eased out as Twenty20 format captain of the Indian team. He doesn’t seem perturbed about it. He led Gujarat Titans to two finals with a title on debut, a reason for getting the MI captaincy. His message to the MI paltan at the Wankhede; chillao (shout) when I am at the toss, chillao when I go to bat, chillao when I hit 6s, chillao when I take a wicket and chillao for Mumbai Indians.

Taking a cue possibly from PM Narendra Modi who is focused on reviving rivers in the country — be it Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Yamuna in Delhi or cleaning up the Ganga water front in Varanasi, the Congress government in Karnataka has zeroed in on playing the river card to please the Hindus by planning to pay tribute to the River Cauvery.  Of course, it not clear if the river card is an attempt to monkey balance its attempt to effect 4% Muslim or minority quota in government tenders. Media reports indicate a grand religious ceremony at Bengaluru’s Sankey Tank along the lines of the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi has been planned on March 21 evening. Coming ahead of Telugu/Kannada/Marathi New Year (Yugadi/Gudi Padva) that falls in March end, the river puja is bound to please the Hindus. Instead of relying on priests from Udupi, the Congress Govt has decided to fly in pandits from Varanasi familiar with river puja. The special ceremony is called Cauvery Aarti and is to be held under the initiative of the Bengaluru Water Supply & Sewerage Board, River Cauvery is the primary water source for approximately 70% of Bengalureans, supplying 2,225 million litres of water to the city daily. Following a procession and puja — the inaugural aarti is likely to be attended by CM Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. A temple dedicated to Shri Jala Gangamma Tayi stands near the lake. Sankey Tank was chosen because it is considered the birthplace of Vrishabhavathi, a tributary of the Cauvery. Sankey Tank is regarded as the cleanest lake in Bengaluru. Authorities had even conducted a special prayer when it was filled to the brim a few years ago.

For all of us who may have watched with much shock and awe the tense moments in the Parliament between Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and DMK MPs  battling over New Education Policy 2020 and Tamil Nadu government’s “flip-flop” over  Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) schools, it should come as some relief that an year-long effort to preserve and promote the Kamba Ramayanam, one of the most significant works in Tamil literature is kicking off on March 18 under the aegis of the South Zone Cultural Centre of the Ministry of Culture . Interestingly, the initiative aimed at reviving the oral tradition of Kamba Ramayanam recitals ceremony is being inaugurated by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in coordination with the TN government from the temple town Trichy. The ambitious programme is taking place at the historic Srirangam Temple with participation from Kamba Ramayanam Mandali (cultural troupes) from across the state. It may be recalled that PM Modi had listened to Kamba Ramayanam in the very same Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in January 2024. It is possible that Shekhawat was only doing a follow up act. Post the inaugural event, performances will be followed by events at several temples across the state. A week-long festival will be held at Kambar Medu (Mar 30-Apr 6), the birthplace of Kambar in Therazhundur, near Kumbakonam. Between (Jul-Oct) schools are being encouraged to engage with Kamba Ramayanam to culminate in a grand finale at Kambar Medu during the Dussehra celebrations. Plans are afoot to set up a museum at Kambar Medu dedicated to the life and works of Kambar, and his version of the Ramayana, composed in the 12th-13th century CE.

Did PM Modi recently visit Mauritius keeping the upcoming Bihar elections in November in mind? Possibly. It may not please the Opposition parties, but Modi’s visit to the African nation where he was greeted with traditional Bihari songs at the airport are bound to irk parties vying to take on the BJP in the polls. Often referred to as “mini Bihar” because of the large number of people of Bihar origin who had relocated there as indentured labourers, starting in 1834, Modi went all out to signal his intent to strengthen ties with the thriving Bihari diaspora in the island nation. First, he presented makhana (fox nuts) to his Mauritian counterpart Navin Ramgoolam and started his speech at an event in Bhojpuri to the delight of Mauritians. Nearly 70% of the population in Mauritius are of Indian origin. More than half of them are descendants of indentured labourers (girmitiya mazdoor) who were sent to plantations in Mauritius from Bihar and UP by the then British colonial rulers. Modi was conferred with the highest national honour of Mauritius, ‘Order of the Star and Key of Indian Ocean’ on its National Day in Port Louis. He also handed Overseas Citizens of India cards to Mauritius PM Ramgoolam and his wife Veena.  He gifted President Dharam Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Ganga water collected from Prayagraj during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. Throughout the visit, the PM’s social media handles put up posts in Bhojpuri and were shared by senior BJP leaders and members. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA lost some significant Bhojpuri-speaking constituencies such as Buxar, Ara, Sasaram, and Aurangabad. The Bhojpuri belt in Bihar is spread across 10 districts and comprises 73 Assembly seats.

The legendary trio of Bollywood—Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan—continues to command the spotlight as they gracefully embrace their sixties this year. Recently, Aamir celebrated his 60th birthday (Mar 14), generating headlines not only for this milestone but also for announcing a new relationship, which underscores his enduring appeal and the public’s fascination with his personal life. This news resonated throughout Indian media, highlighting the unmatched influence these three superstars wield over the industry. Whenever Shah Rukh, Salman, or Aamir makes a statement or announcement, it instantly becomes a headline, reinforcing their formidable presence in the entertainment landscape. They are not merely actors; they are cultural icons whose words and actions resonate deeply with fans across generations. SRK, with his recent box office triumphs, has reaffirmed why he remains one of the most sought-after stars, effortlessly drawing audiences to theatres. Salman, the perennial Eid favourite, consistently reigns at the box office, with even his less successful films crossing the coveted Rs 100 crore mark—a testament to his box office magic. Though Aamir faced setbacks with his last two films, he remains undeterred, gearing up for exciting projects like Sitare Zameen Par and a collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. Each Khan possesses a unique charm and business acumen that keeps them relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Their timeless appeal mirrors that of legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, who have crossed 60 long ago, yet remain socially and culturally relevant through their work. As they continue to redefine success, it’s clear that the magic of the Khans remains undiminished, proving that age is merely a number in the realm of Bollywood stardom.

Industrialist Gautam Adani’s 90-minute late night Saturday meeting (Mar 15) with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has raised many an eyebrow. The meeting at ‘Sagar’ bungalow of the CM is considered meaningful since the Adani Group has only recently bagged a huge redevelopment contract in north Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb. The project to redevelop Motilal Nagar colony at a cost of Rs 36,000 crore is among the largest in the metropolis. The group has been under attack by the political opposition of the Fadnavis government in connection ever since it won the prestigious Dharavi redevelopment project. Allegations are made that the ruling saffron coalition is giving away Mumbai to Adani on a platter. Not deterred, Adani has maintained contacts with the Nationalist Congress party founder Sharad Pawar and Fadnavis. Both have had meetings on a couple of occasions during the past few months. The Saturday meeting began around 11 pm and ended after midnight. The 143-acre land parcel is in Goregaon, a stronghold of the BJP. Adani’s name was embroiled in the Hindenburg controversy last year. At the time, Pawar had defended the industrialist stoutly. The result was that the demand to appoint a joint parliamentary committee proved to be stillborn. Similarly, Pawar’s visit to Adani’s office and residence in Ahmedabad had attracted vast media attention. Earlier, Pawar and Adani had inaugurated a factory in Sanand in Gujarat. Except for a token protest, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has remained aloof so far about Adani.

Residents of Manchester or the Indian diaspora in the UK are euphoric for two reasons. The first is the inauguration of a special Indian consulate in Manchester on March 8 by external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. Second, is the announcement by IndiGo airlines of a direct flight to India from Manchester. Dr Jaishankar gave away the secret that both these decisions were an “ask by Angela Rayner” Deputy Prime Minister of the UK – a staunch labour leader from Manchester. Direct flight was a long-standing demand of Indian Mancunians (residents of Manchester). In return, Jaishankar has asked Rayner to open UK universities, tie-up with Indian educational institutions. Indigo’s decision to operate Manchester-India direct flight came as a shock and surprise to the aviation industry. Though the destination in India has not been announced, sources say that IndiGo could fly to the new airport in Navi Mumbai. This is because IndiGo is building a huge hub at the Navi Mumbai airport and it makes sense to fly their newly acquired wide-bodied aircraft from Norso to Navi Mumbai.  It may be recalled that last year the Tata-controlled Air India too had announced direct flight between Manchester and India but decided to put it in cold storage and focus on the U.S. sector. It is learnt that on this North America sector — San Francisco and New York – Air India is providing Premium economy seats and there is a good response. Industry experts are asking why British Airways did not think of the Manchester-India flight. IndiGo drew up special plans to operate from Navi Mumbai as Emirates does in Dubai. IndiGo may start the operations from July 2025 to coincide with the Navi Mumbai airport becoming operational. Rahul Laud, Manchester

The BJP and AIADMK have agreed informally to have an alliance for the Tamil Nadu polls of 2026. K. Annamalai, who heads the TN BJP and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) of AIADMK have agreed to come together again after the AIADMK broke the alliance because it believed it lost more from the association with a party that propagates Hindutva. The two have also agreed to keep their alliance intentions under wraps for now lest the many influences around the TN political scene try to disrupt the coming together of parties that can dent the DMK’s chances of winning the polls. EPS is not interested at the moment in bringing back the former CM O Panneerselvam and his mentor Sasikala, but he may have to compromise if the national BJP insists on everyone coming together to take on the DMK. The BJP would like an even bigger alliance with Vijay’s debutante party TVK in it, but the actor has taken such a strong line against all other Tamil Nadu parties that he may have no option but to go it alone. The Opposition parties are aware that their best chance to take advantage of the building anti-incumbency and feelings running against the DMK’s family rule is to unite. Whether that would be possible with Vijay being the X factor in the coming elections is moot. With a little over a year to go, no development on the alliance front is to be ruled out but the AIADMK-BJP alliance is already sealed.

The good old Brabourne Stadium at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) was abuzz and a Saturday day night fever like atmosphere prevailed at the South Mumbai venue during the third Tata-WPL final. Close to 15000 spectators showed up to cheer the blazing Sudarshan Chakra sporting Mumbai Indians (MI). It was a typical home crowd rooting for the Ambanis owned MI, but applauding the good work of the Delhi Capitals too. The women power was in full force with Harmanpreet Kaur, the India captain stealing the thunder with an admirable show of not exposing her nerves,  battling hard with a stunning rescue knock of 66 with England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt showing that she is  a professional to the core — all in the presence of Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and Madhumati Lele Shrivastava, President, CCI and WPL’s Executive Committee and few more from the Upper Crust. But after the closing ceremony show by Jasmine Sandlas, French Montana, and Mohamed Ramadan, the teams led by the legendary Meg Lanning and Harmanpreet took the centre stage and after a three-hour scrap in the middle, the MI captain had outwitted her rival with the bat and leadership. Delhi Capitals owned by the GMR Group and JSW Sports was disappointed with a runner-up finish for the third time in a row, and MI was cock-a-hoop after failing to get going when the DC’s South African Marizanne Kapp was flaunting her talent with the new ball. The BCCI ought to be pleased as punch that the WPL is truly bringing women power to the fore. 

In Tollywood, filmmakers are moving from one group to another in a quiet but calculated migration that began as a conflict over policy and ideals. The Directors’ Association of Eastern India (DAEI) and the East India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) are two important organizations at the centre of this change. Once linked to legends like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, EIMPA is a legacy organization that has mostly lain dormant in recent years. Conversely, DAEI was established as a more modern substitute and has been associated with the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India. It is ironic that the directors who led demonstrations against Federation rules are now favouring EIMPA. Last year, a disagreement between filmmaker Rahul Mukhopadhyay and the Federation resulted in a standoff. The Chief Minister had to step in as the tension turned into a complete work halt. Leading directors, including Parambrata Chatterjee, Raj Chakraborty, Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit Mukherji, and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, had publicly challenged the Federation’s management of industrial matters. When Federation president Swaroop Biswas controversially claimed that 60% of Tollywood’s directors were accused of sexual harassment, things took an unpleasant turn and further divided the Federation and DAEI. As a result, the Federation’s workers declined to work for Kaushik Ganguly’s film bringing production to a standstill. In response, Ganguly distanced himself from DAEI and settled his conflict with the Federation. Now, EIMPA has re-emerged as a significant entity led by president Anup Sengupta and Swaroop Biswas has been appointed as an advisor.  The central issue that emerges is whether these changes stem from authentic ideological shifts or is it survival instinct. A director revealed that the coercive strategies of stopping production have led filmmakers to fall in line. 

Even as the world awaits with bated breath, bourses plunge to new found depths over Trump’s tariff war prospect, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have preempted the probable negative repercussions upon our nation. While the U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged PM Modi as a better negotiator than even himself, India has smartly leveraged American keenness to sell its F35 fifth generation fighters while securing for itself what may at worst play out as a friendly tariff war. Highly placed sources reveal that the Indian PM’s visit to USA was strategically preceded by NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s coordinated foreign tours to France, Russia where possible technology transfer deals were fine tuned in the wake of the two-year delay by USA to despatch two futuristic sixth gen fighter engines through GE. While Trump threatens reciprocal tariffs, Modi’s pre-emptive strike of shopping for the technology elsewhere may dampen American spirits enough to ensure a preferential trade agreement instead being hammered out before the end of the 2025 calendar year. Russia and France are only too ready to offer next gen aviation designs, marine drone technology, joint ventures into space and much more while the USA lobbies hard to register F35 sales to India. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged Modi’s role leading to the de-escalation of the Ukraine war and also promised to forge better relations between India and China going ahead. This would also hang heavy over Trump were he to launch his tariff tirade against India more specifically. Meanwhile, Iran is on the watchlist for a collective military offensive in the coming days over its nuclearization plans.

From the word go the Puri Jagannath International airport seems to be an on-off project. For starters there were no bidders followed by land and environmental clearance issues and finally the big question raised was about its viability as it was close to Bhubaneswar airport. Now, highly placed sources say that the Odisha government is keen to get the airport operational on a priority basis. Towards this, the government has ensured that the project will not face any hurdles from the environment ministry. The state’s chief secretary Manoj Ahuja while addressing the third High Powered Committee has made it clear that Puri International Airport is a priority for the Odisha government as well as the Centre. The new airport can help bolster regional and international connectivity thereby giving fillip to tourism vis a vis economic growth. As regards project viability efforts are being made by ensuring viability gap funding. This greenfield airport project will be spread over 1,164 acres. Immediately the Odisha government is going ahead to acquire 221 acres of land which falls under Brahmagiri Tehsil. The villagers will be fairly compensated for land acquired. But there are doubting Thomases who feel that this public-private partnership project will not see the light of the day. Their argument is that the greenfield airport may not prove to be viable as the close-by Bhubaneswar airport already attracts 4.9 million passengers and it is expanding to make provision for 16 million passengers in the next five years. But it has the constraints of not being able to increase its runway.

Oppressor Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Marathwada region of Maharashtra is threatened to be demolished with a Babri-like operation. The warning has been issued by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal leaders after a crescendo took place with the release of Hindi movie Chhaava that depicts the tragic end of Chhatrapati Sambhaji due to the torture by Aurangzeb. The demand was first voiced by Udayan Raje Bhosale, BJP MP from Satara and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s direct descendent. Aurangzeb spent the last 27 years in Maharashtra to end the Maratha rule but was unsuccessful. He breathed his last at Ahilya Nagar and was buried at Khultabad near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, respecting his last wish. The tombs of Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan, who had come to eliminate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been sore points for Hindutva proponents. Aurangzeb’s tomb is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The saffron organisations have planned state wide protests to press their demand to do away with Aurangzeb tomb, failing which the next course of action will be declared. However, some of their leaders have reminded the government of the Kar Seva for the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the subsequent demolition of the Babri, which had come up at the location. Leaders of the Congress party and the NCP (SP) faction have condemned the announcement. Some of them have argued that the tomb should be preserved as a symbol of defeat of the Emperor and his end in frustration in Maharashtra.

The recent arrest of Soumya Sankar Chakra, an influential Biju Janata Dal Youth Wing leader, for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore Gandhamardan mine corruption case, particularly mineral transportation fraud racket in Keonjhar district, has won applause for the Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi.  It is learnt that BJD’s senior leader and former minister Badri Narayan Patra had alerted Naveen Patnaik’s office about Chakra’s involvement in the alleged scam in a confidential report just before 2024 elections. Strangely, the top leadership looked the other way. Patra alleged that Chakra ran an illegal operation in cahoot with a former Keonjhar district collector and senior police officers prior to the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Amidst recent disruption in the Odisha assembly that saw Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahini suspended for seven days and now the arrest of BJD leader Chakra. The question everybody is asking is: “Why LoP Naveen Patnaik is missing from Odisha suddenly”. Rumour is, Naveen babu soon after meeting the DMK delegation led by DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran and TRB Rajaa suddenly left for Delhi. Sources say Patnaik was meeting unofficially top rung BJP leaders to douse the fire regarding the ongoing corruption investigation against BJD Youth leader Chakra. Sources say Naveen’s fear is if Chakra spills the beans then BJD could be in deep trouble. Everybody knows Naveen babu is very close to PM Modi, yet it is learnt that Patnaik’s Man Friday VK Pandian is possibly in Delhi helping him meet the right kind of people.

In Maharashtra, TV news channels are playing violent videos of men being bashed, either by the supporters of local Beed BJP legislator Suresh Dhas or from those opposing him. One of Dhas’s supporters was also seen showering stacks of currency notes from his car apart from stocking deer meat. Other videos showed men being bashed up with cricket bats. The videos started emerging after the resignation of Ajit Pawar aide minister Dhananjay Munde following videos of his supporters urinating over an almost-dead Santosh Deshmukh and even clicking selfies with his body. After the resignation of Munde, the law and order situation in Beed was expected to subside. Instead, a war of violent videos of party workers bashing individuals to prove which group is more cruel has started doing the rounds on social media and TV channels. Pankaja Munde has suggested a link between these allegations of violence since her rise as a minister. Pankaja has publicly claimed that she had complained to her party bosses about the way her home district was deliberately being kept on the boil, despite assurances. The Beed drama has now shifted from an inter-coalition campaign to a campaign against one from within the BJP with factionalism clearly out in the open. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who is believed to have unleashed his party MLA Dhas initially against Munde seems to have clearly shifted his target within his own party too. Dhas has accused Pankaja of siding with an independent candidate in the recent elections. Pankaja, recently shared stage with Sharad Pawar and his family at a Pawar-hosted event at Baramati, where she publicly praised him.

IPL fever has already gripped the city of Chennai. And, the ever-popular CSK (Chennai Super Kings) is out to do everything to woo its fans. Always darling of fans, CSK is out to strengthen its bonds with its fans. For a second successive year, Chennai Super Kings joined hands with Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited (MTC) for TATA IPL 2025. Ostensibly, this tie-up is intended to improve fan convenience. Fans with tickets for Chennai Super Kings’ home matches can travel in MTC buses (non-AC) for free from three hours prior to the start of the match. The match tickets will double up as the travel tickets. “The partnership comes as a part of Chennai Super Kings’ commitment to creating a seamless and fan-friendly experience, ensuring that supporters can enjoy the match day excitement from the moment they leave their homes,” said KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Super Kings. “We encourage fans to use public transport and enjoy Chennai Super Kings’ matches in Chepauk. With approximately 8,000 fans using the bus services from different parts of the city each game in 2024, we expect larger support from fans to use public transport.” Chennai Super Kings are set to play their first match in Chepauk on March 23 against Mumbai Indians. (By Special Arrangement With Industrial Economist)

For the first time perhaps in India, police personnel in a district have started wearing just their names and not their surnames on their uniform nameplates. This has happened in the strife-stricken Beed district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra. Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat implemented this measure after allegations became rampant that even the police force in the district had been operating on a caste basis. At the core of the charge is the caste-based rift between the powerful Maratha and Vanjari communities ever since influential minister Dhananjay Munde was embroiled in a serious episode which was triggered off due to the heinous murder of a sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, allegedly by henchmen of Munde. After tremendous pressure was exerted, he had to resign since the Mahayuti government was in the dock owing to the collapsed law and order situation in the district. As the caste related allegations became a crescendo, Kanwat decided to minimize the gravity of the situation by ordering the police personnel to just display their names and not the surnames. He himself wears the nameplate that merely says Navneet. The district became a hotbed of tension since Maratha reservation proponent Manoj Jarange, who belongs to the district, launched an agitation to press the demand, enraging the OBC community since he demanded a reservation share from the OBC quota. The repercussions of the class between the two communities reflected in the Lok Sabha elections last year as the Mahayuti lost heavily. Social engineering measures by the Mahayuti strategists turned the tables in the legislative assembly election that was swept by the saffron alliance. Navneet has been praised by non-partisan groups for this unprecedented experiment.

Women’s cricket has changed for the better in the last two decades in India and around the world. Once it came under the ambit of the national governing body — in India’s case the BCCI — the country’s infrastructure was opened to the budding talent, opportunities/exposure increased at the international level. And in the last five years, the match fee and allowances were also brought on par with the men’s team. The national team was also given an annual contract and retired cricketers a fixed monthly gratis. Three years ago, the BCCI introduced the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with five franchise teams. The question one may ask now is whether all the development programmes put in place by the BCCI have caused a significant change in the overall standard? Observers say it’s been only three seasons of WPL and that there is a definite change in all three departments of the game batting, bowling and fielding. But they feel that the State and National teams have a lot more work to do to match the high standards set by the Australian team which recently won the women’s Ashes hands down in Australia. The Tata-WPL 3 has thrown some fresh talent into the deep, but they have come up short, except for medium pacer Kshavee Gautam, who has 11 wickets to be fourth in the bowling honours list after the Eliminator match. The batting group is led by England and Mumbai Indians’ Natalie Sciver-Brunt (493 runs) and the bowling by West Indian and MI’s Haley Matthews (17 wickets).  The WPL is what the women wanted and they have got it. It’s a massive springboard to showcase talent!

The possibility of the coming together of veteran leader Sharad Pawar and his estranged nephew, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, has continued to be a topic of great interest in Maharashtra ’s politics. Though neither has given any such indication, the media does not let go of even a slightest such signal. The speculation has been revived as Ajit’s second son Jay called on the patriarch to seek the blessings of the family elder. Pawar and his wife Pratibha as well as other clan members greeted Jay and the bride-to-be, Rutuja Patil at their home. Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule released a picture of the union, making it a breaking news. The betrothal will take place in Pune on 10 April. Rutuja is the daughter of Praveen Patil, who runs a social media firm. Jay was seen actively participating in the recent parliament and assembly elections for his father’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, which was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 and split by Ajit in 2022. Ajit’s wife Sunetra contested the Lok Sabha election, lost to Supriya and despite the defeat, was sent to the Rajya Sabha by Ajit’s party. While Ajit’s elder son Parth is active in politics, Jay is away from it and is seen only occasionally on public platforms. Ajit’s appearance at a couple of family functions where Sharad Pawar was present had led to predictions that both were coming closer but nothing has transpired thereafter. With Jay’s obeisance to grandfather, the media once again is having a field day.

On March 6, the Enforcement Directorate investigated Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji’s close circle of liquor vendors /suppliers and many in the TASMAC liquor chain network, including its head office in Egmore. For five days an ominous silence but on March 13, an avalanche hit the TN government –the 2-page report cited many clauses of the 1988 Anti-Corruption Act, some even citing TN ‘s own FIRs. Take your pick from the violations …Rs 10 to Rs 30 MRP hike per bottle, choice of amenable vendors who paid speed money, appointment and transfer of staff and the nexus between this spirited scam of top officials and the TASMAC network. In fact, a mound of corruption that enabled many a tippler to remain high but brought down the intoxication of ill-gotten wealth for TASMAC operators. The high point is the way “Bar Tenders” (pun intended) were selected and awarded, choosing amenable distilleries, choice of glass bottles that clinked even as TASMAC swept in the money. SNJ, KALS, Accord, SAIFL, Shiva Distillery are quoted in the big fraud. Devi Bottles, GLR Holdings and Crystal also came under the scanner. “We are investigating this well spun spider web of nexus of stakeholders involved in one of TN’s highest revenue earners — TASMAC. But surprisingly no mention of Senthil Balaji, the minister in charge of liquor business. There are strong rumours that Senthil Balaji may be arrested again? It may be recalled that Balaji was arrested on June 13, 2023 and released on bail on September 26, 2024.

Bengal BJP is grappling with a significant internal crisis as it faces a series of resignations, defections, and internal dissent. Once boasting 77 MLAs after the 2021 state assembly elections, the party’s strength has now dwindled to 65, with concerns looming over the loyalty of several MLAs. The BJP’s legislative strength began to shrink soon after the 2021 assembly elections. Initially reduced to 75 MLAs when two elected members, also serving as MPs, resigned as the party had failed to secure power. Since then, eight more MLAs have defected, one passed away, and another resigned after winning a parliamentary seat in 2024. Tamluk MLA Tapasi Mondal’s defection to ruling TMC was particularly alarming as she belonged to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s stronghold. In North Bengal, Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma has openly criticized the BJP’s leadership for failing to deliver on promises of special status for the Darjeeling Hills. In Nadia and North 24 Parganas, BJP MLAs in these regions, particularly those with ties to the influential Matua community, have kept the party anxious. Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, two MLAs were given parliamentary tickets to prevent them from defecting, yet both failed to win. The influence of regional leaders like Ananta Maharaj in North Bengal has complicated BJP’s internal dynamics. With the 2026 state assembly elections in sight, the BJP faces an urgent need to stabilize its ranks. The party’s ability to manage dissent, especially in politically sensitive zones like North Bengal and Matua-dominated regions, will be critical. While the TMC’s aggressive poaching strategy has played a role, the BJP’s own failure to manage internal grievances and regional dynamics has compounded its problems.

Just fresh from the resignation of a cabinet minister, and despite fissures within the ruling coalition, the Opposition in Maharashtra has failed to seize the opportunity that has presented itself before them. The resignation of Ajit Pawar aide Dhananjay Munde was not the result of any Opposition campaign but rather it was the result of inter-coalition disputes within the ruling alliance coming to the fore. Munde’s resignation was a result of a strong sustained campaign led by the BJP legislator Suresh Dhas meant to undermine the Ajit Pawar camp. The fodder for the accusation, that the irrigation department was being run on the whims of Fadnavis associate Mohit Kambhoj, was also said to be provided by intra-party elements within the BJP. That the Opposition could not even present a united picture during the traditional post-budgetary press conference was telling about the state of the Opposition in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray addressed it all alone with the Congress missing in action and their senior leaders restricting themselves to issuing statements while Sharad Pawar’s NCP representative Jayant Patil stuck to the TV debates. Uddhav’s decision to go alone in the forthcoming BMC elections, seems to have particularly peeved his coalition partners. Uddhav seems to have lost patience with his alliance partners. In the case of NCP, it seems to be busy dealing with its own internal schism between Rohit Pawar and Jayant Patil that had led to the party yet to declare its leader of legislative party. While Congress seems lost in its internal factionalism with strong leaders refusing to work with the new appointee state party president Harshavardhan Sapkal. Unlike the lacklustre Opposition, the ruling allies, in contrast, are actively working against each other, unsettling the majority Devendra Fadnavis 2.0 government.  

BJP MLC Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil’s son Vijayibhav Vishwatjejsinh wed the daughter of UdaySinh Rameshrao Chikli, K Shivanshika at Akluj, Malshiras taluka in Solapur on March 8. While a lakh people attended the holy matrimony to include Maharashtra’s royalty, Rajaharshi Shahu Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shivendra Raje, Maloji Raje Bhonsale (Kolhapur), Nagpur’s Sangram Sinh Raje Bhosale and the Mewad Rajput clan and yet, no BJP leaders showed up. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde missed the do. Maharashtra’s political history reveals 52 years old Ranjitsinh’s own wedding attended by over a lakh plus people and, even his father, former deputy CM Vijaysinh Mohite Patil’s wedding ceremony way back in 1971 witnessed one lakh people in attendance along with politicians from across the political lines. The lakh plus attendance at the three marriage ceremonies was maintained despite being familial affairs and non-political. When former DCM Vijaysinh Mohite Patil tied the knot with Nandini Devi (Mai Saheb) in 1971 criticism emanated over the sheer opulence exhibited when every well in Akluj (a water scarcity hit region) was filled with slabs of ice in every household to ensure free flow of water. Vijaysinh’s father Shankarrao Mohite Patil (Maharashtra’s founding Minister of Cooperation) simply explained, “Every family invitee to my son’s wedding has hosted me earlier and outside whose house I have washed my hands (had a meal). At my own son’s wedding ceremony, I invited each of them.” The Maharashtra minister is also famously cited for organizing free helicopter flights in his hometown for local farmers who he insisted would easily afford flights upon attaining their true potential as agriculturists.

Rohit Sharma’s bad luck with the toss continued in the ICC Champions Trophy. He lost the fifth continuous toss in the tournament — against Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia and again in the final against New Zealand. It was also the 12th straight time the toss went against him and the 15th against India in a row. Though Sharma lost the toss, India won the matches while posting a total and chasing 264 against Australia in the semi-final. The toss makes a big difference to the fortunes of a team, in Test matches in particular. One may say Sharma has been quite unlucky at the toss, one of the most intriguing parts of a cricket match at any level. Sharma’s captaincy in one-day internationals started on November 19, 2023. In the toss-loss matches, he has won seven matches, four of them in the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. Other India captains who have lost consecutive tosses – six — are Mohammed Azharuddin, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. In contrast Sharma has won 10 ODI matches in two months from October to November 2023, all during the ICC World Cup. Sharma has won only four tosses in a row; in February-July 2022. Azharuddin has won a maximum of nine tosses among India captains. Captains call at the toss and also wait for the outcome after the rival captain has called. In Sharma’s case his call went wrong on four occasions. In the final of the Champions Trophy, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner called correctly at the toss and chose to bat. The final was Sharma’s 56th match as captain.

They may have gone their separate ways. That has not stopped them from finding themselves in news pages. A quiet consolidation is happening around different constituents of the erstwhile TVS Group. Latest action is coming from Gopal Srinivasan (brother of Venu Srinivasan)-led branch of the erstwhile TVS Group. TVS Investments Private Ltd and TVS Electronics are to amalgamate, signalling a consolidation.  The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has initiated the merger process by directing the company to seek the shareholders’ approval. TVS Investments is a holding company of TVS Electronics. In March last year, three listed companies of Venu Srinivasan group — TVS Motor Company, TVS Holdings Ltd and Sundaram Clayton Ltd — had filed identical communication with the stock exchanges on an arrangement between family members — Venu Srinivasan, his wife Mallika, their son Sudarshan and daughter Lakshmi. Though it was a non-compete pact between them, it signalled succession planning.  In the middle of last month, Sundaram–Clayton announced that its board has approved a proposal to sell its aluminium die-casting business at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu to third-party purchasers.  Post family separation, myriad branches within the larger erstwhile TVS are charting their own business strategies. Indeed, each one is unleashing a new energy. Lots more to look out for in the coming days, it appears.

A year ahead of Tamil Nadu elections, every statement or utterance by political leaders is being micro analysed to see the impact on alliances on the ground. Well that is what happened when Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK)’s special political advisor Prashant Kishor stated that the party will contest the Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly elections independently and will not form an alliance with the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party. Kishor, who had shared the dais with actor Vijay at a TVK event, also claimed that Vijay’s on-screen popularity would ensure the party’s victory in the Assembly polls. Kishor’s remarks came amidst reports that AIADMK and TVK talks for a potential alliance to challenge the DMK in the crucial 2026 elections seemed headed in a deadlock. That was because AIADMK refused to give any edge to the new party and insisted on contesting a majority of the 234 assembly seats. TVK’s general secretary (election campaign management) Aadhav Arjuna clarified that Vijay didn’t launch the new party just to settle for 40 or 45 seats. Did actor Vijay enter politics — on behalf of the DMK only to divide anti-incumbency votes against it? Kishor has had a history of working with the DMK. On his part, Kishor has been trying to keep himself away from the anti-Hindi politics of TVK. Like a grounded Bihari leader he had refused to sign a petition against the New Education Policy of the Centre) at the TVK event. Elaborating on Vijay’s potential to go alone in TN, Kishor said that “…If he goes alone, he stands a very good chance.” Left without an ally, AIADMK is once again looking to fall back on holding hands with BJP which along with its allies had polled 18% votes in 2024 Lok Sabha polls going alone.

The recent release Mere Husband Ki Biwi has bombed at the box office, collecting less than Rs 5 crore in its opening three days against a hefty making cost of around Rs 60 crore. This underwhelming performance marks yet another flop for producer Vashu Bhagnani. Bhagnani, once celebrated for his successful films, has seen a string of failures such as Ganpat, Mission Raniganj and Bellbottom. He has faced financial setbacks with projects like Bade Miya Chhote Miya and is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its director. The direction of Mere Husband Ki Biwi was helmed by Mudassar Aziz, known for his earlier works like Khel Khel Mein, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. The film’s lead actor, Arjun Kapoor, has struggled to find success as a solo performer, with his recent projects—including The Lady Killer, Kuttey and Bhoot Police — failing to make a mark at the box office. Similarly, the leading actresses, including the likes of Bhumi Pednekar, have also faced a streak of underwhelming films like The Lady killer, Afwaah, Bheed, and Rakshabandhan and thus making it difficult for Mere Husband Ki Biwi to generate excitement among viewers. Rakul Preet Singh is known for other disappointments like Thank God, Doctor G, Runway 34, Attack and Marjaawan. With a cast and crew associated with a series of unsuccessful films, the expectations from Mere Husband Ki Biwi were understandably low. Despite attempts to engage audiences with remixed songs, the film has failed to captivate, illustrating that audiences are no longer willing to watch films that lack compelling narratives and star power.

The Union Health Minister JP Nadda seems gung-ho to eradicate TB from India by the end of this year, 2025. He made this statement recently at a health summit held in Puri, Odisha. To meet this objective, he said he will include aspirational districts and blocks under the TB campaign. What makes Health Minister Nadda confident to eliminate TB from India in 2025 — five years ahead of the global target 2030. This is because India has not diluted its TB eradication target so far. This is evident because India’s TB spread which tops 30 countries with high TB cases has now shown an impressive decline of 17.7% covering 2015-2023 compared to global average decline of 8.3%. Also during the same period the TB mortality has also decreased substantially. As per WHO Global Report, TB incidence in India has been reduced from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 in 2023. Now this figure has shown a quantum jump in 2024, sources say. A head honcho from the Pharma industry says “It is wishful thinking at the moment”. Implying there are multiple challenges ahead wherein 64% symptomatic cases avoid seeking medical help or give up taking medicines. Giving way to drug resistant TB cases.  Industry sources say Nadda will succeed only if he ropes in industry bodies, incentivises the pharma players, conducts educational campaigns and conducts house-to-house surveys to identify TB cases. Pharma players government should rope in companies like Lupin which has done commendable work both in production of anti-drugs and educational campaigns for decades now.

Indians are compulsorily global now …travel, gourmet food, curated art, Boston Brahmin lifestyles, wine connoisseurs and of course elevating music crowned by symphonies and operas. This maestro is 82, has composed music for 1,000 films in nine languages and is considered as the Kohinoor of music. Ilaiyaraaja is our national treasure and his own pride and exhilaration was hard to hide as he spoke to the press on his way to London to record and launch his first symphony, Valient on 8th March. It is not an effort to denigrate pop and filmi music but composing a symphony puts him in that elite list of iconic names starting with Joseph Hayden (who created his first symphony in 1700), Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovasky and Mahler; legends who took this very structured and elevated creation to heights that few could emulate. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin called on the genius composer at his home to congratulate him on this achievement. Indeed, it is a matter of pride that India can boast of such a genius. For those of us who want to know why a symphony is special, systemised and soothing. It has four large pieces or “movements”, the first is the Sonata, the highlight of this structured music creation. The second, Scherzo is a slow and gentle exposition that calms your mind. The third is a dance, light and lively, preparing the audience for the fourth …the Finale, an exuberant crescendo culminating with high notes. At the recording, the emcee and music interpreter called Valient “a texturally brilliant piece of music”. Play the video and participate in the creation of Ilaiyaraaja.

Oppressor emperor Aurangzeb continues to haunt Maharashtra politics. Even as a storm is raging about his bloody reign owing to the praise heaped upon him by Samajwadi party MLA Abu Azmi, a demand to demolish his tomb near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in the state has started making ripples. The demand has been made by BJP MP Udayan Raje Bhosale, a direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was livid because of Azmi’s statements. Already, sentiments against Aurangzeb have been inflamed after the release of Chhaava, a blockbuster movie. Bhosale’s demand is another angry reaction but is important due to his lineage. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that though Bhosale has articulated everyone’s feelings, the government needs to proceed according to law. Moreover, the tomb has been declared as a protected monument by the ASI during the previous Congress rule, he has pointed out. Aurangzeb died on 3 March 1707 at Bhingar near Ahilya Nagar in north Maharashtra. Respecting his last wishes, he was cremated at Khuldabad in Marathwada near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. While Rs.6.5 lakh has been expended for the tomb over the past 13 years, an insignificant amount has been spent for a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, according to Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Sunil Ghanwat. The Congress party has adopted a cautious stand. Its leader Vijay Wadettiwar has felt that the government should take a proper decision in this regard. However, it is wrong to create a rift in society over a religious matter, he has warned.

Despite the release of contemporary Bengali films, audiences in Kolkata are gravitating towards the re-released classics of Satyajit Ray. Mahanagar and Nayak, restored and re-released by RD Bansal Productions, have drawn huge crowds to theatres across Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore starring Nayak originally released on May 6, 1966, was Ray’s second original screenplay after Kanchenjungha (1962). Mahanagar, first released in 1963, offers a powerful depiction of Kolkata’s transition into a capitalistic society. The restored versions, presented in 2K and 4K, have not only enhanced their visual appeal but also reaffirmed their timeless relevance, attracting both nostalgic viewers and first-time audiences. In contrast, the re-release of Chander Pahar (2013), directed by Kamaleswar Mukherjee and starring Dev, saw a lukewarm response despite commemorating the 130th birth anniversary of author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. Similarly, Shudhu Tomari Jonyo, a multi-starrer romantic drama produced by SVF, failed to garner significant attention. The success of Ray’s films has reignited interest in classic Bengali cinema, with discussions underway for re-releases of Joi Baba Felunath and other masterpieces. Meanwhile, Saat Pake Bandha (1963), starring Suchitra Sen and Soumitra Chatterjee and later adapted into Kora Kagaz (1974), is undergoing restoration. The resurgence of Mahanagar and Nayak in cinemas underscores the lasting impact of Ray’s storytelling, proving that masterful filmmaking continues to captivate audiences across generations.  

Looks like the BJP government in Odisha headed by Mohan Charan Majhi is hell bent on downplaying the legendary leader Biju Patnaik’s contributions to the state. It may be recalled that the BJP leaders were once rooting for a Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik as they enjoyed a good rapport with his son Naveen Patnaik, three-time chief minister of Odisha. But ever since the BJP government routed Naveen Patnaik in 2024 Assembly polls, they have changed their tune. The latest move by the Odisha government is not declaring a public holiday for Biju Jayanti on March 5. Instead, the Majhi government declared Panchayati Raj Divas celebration on April 24 as a national celebration. It may be recalled when BJD was ruling they had merged both Biju Jayanti and Panchayat Raj Divas celebration as one event declaring it as a public holiday since 1993. When BJP was in alliance with BJD they did not complain. Why, Majhi government choose to separate the two celebrations from this year? According to corridor whispers, CM Majhi wants to gradually phase out late Biju Patnaik from the public memory. Undoubtedly, he was one of the architects of modern Odisha and his son named the party – Biju Janata Dal — after him. A political source says that if the BJP wants to continue its reign in Odisha, then they must dilute the legacy and aura of Biju Patnaik. Meanwhile, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has accused the BJP government of trying to change the name of Biju Patnaik International Airport. He has challenged the BJP by asking: Can you all erase Biju babu’s contributions like Paradip port, HAL, NTPC, OUAT, NIT-Rourkela and others?