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aap delhi
As Delhi Sends AAP Packing And Votes In BJP, Cong Mulls Its Options
The rout of the AAP in Delhi assembly polls was best summed up by PM Modi on X: “Development wins, good governance triumphs. It is our guarantee that we will leave no stone unturned in improving the overall quality of life for the people and ensuring that Delhi has a prime role to play in building a Viksit Bharat”. For the  BJP which rode to power in Delhi after a gap of 27 years with 48 seats win on the basis of Modi’s guarantees, home minister Amit Shah’s hard work and the unstinted support of RSS network, the results were more or less on expected lines .The Congress which half-heartedly went into the electoral battle at the eleventh hour drew a blank for the third time. INDIA bloc partners like J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah and Samajwadi Party were blaming the Congress for lack of unity in the Opposition alliance. A miffed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh insisted that “2025 Delhi Vidhan Sabha election results reflect nothing more than a referendum on Arvind Kejriwal and his 12 years of misrule.”  and asserted that it was not a vindication of the policies of PM Modi as the AAP had decisively won in Delhi in 2015 and 2020 at the height of the PM’s popularity”. Clearly the Congress which propped up Kejriwal when he was short of numbers in 2013 after defeating Sheila Dikshit to keep out BJP is getting defensive. It is quite possible some of AAP’s top losers like Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Saurabh Bharadwaj may have been spared the defeat if there had been a AAP-Congress alliance. BJP’s Parvesh Verma polled 30,088 votes against Kejriwal’s 25,999 while Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit polled 4568. Sisodia’s defeat by 600 odd votes was more stark. He had shifted his constituency from Patparganj to Jangpura to avoid defeat.
ECB
IPL Team Owners Ambanis, Marans, Goenka Invests Big Time In The UK’s “The Hundred” Cricket Franchise League
The Indian corporate world and the IPL team owners’ “big time” interest in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s nascent franchise league “The Hundred” has made a big splash. Initially the pessimists felt that the “The Hundred”, meaning a 100-ball competition for eight clubs would not be able to make an impact akin to the one made by the IPL which kicked off in 2008. After 17 years the IPL brand value is around $ 12 billion. The fact that three IPL team owners — Ambanis of Mumbai Indians (MI), Sanjiv Goenka of Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) and the Marans of the Sunrisers Hyderabad have bought partial or full stake in the three clubs shows their respect for the game in the UK. Now the MI has 49% stake (60 million pounds) in the Oval Invincibles, the LSG has a 70% stake (81 million pounds) in the Manchester Originals and the Sunrisers have a 100% stake (100 million pounds) in Yorkshire’s Northern Superchargers.  The Indian techie consortium of Adobe, Google and Microsoft has a 49% stake (145 million pounds) in the London Spirit team. And, finally the Washington DC based Sanjay Govil has a 49% stake (40 million pounds) in the Welsh Fire team. The ECB, which has sold its 49% stake in each of the eight teams, wants to deploy the money to assist struggling counties and grassroots development. Most of the IPL owners have cast their net wide owning teams in Twenty20 leagues in the Caribbean, South Africa, Middle East and the Major League Cricket in the USA. Their overwhelming interest in “The Hundred” is likely to make it the biggest one in the near future.
bengal business
BJP Questions West Bengal Govt’s Claim On Investment Flow
There has always been a great race among the Indian States to attract investors – global and local. So, it was not surprising to see West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee going all out to woo investors for the Bengal Global Business Summit held on February 5-6. Full page ads were splashed across all mainline and financial dailies for several days. With who’s who of the corporate world gracing the occasion, the Bengal government said it has signed investment proposals worth Rs 440,595 crore. Marketing maven Suhel Seth, tweeted, “you may disagree with her politics but no Chief Minister has tried so hard to garner investments into West Bengal as she has.” But BJP’s IT Head Amit Malviya was not so charitable. He wrote on X, Mamata Banerjee and her advisor, Dr. Amit Mitra, have once again launched their elaborate sham—the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). This grand spectacle, filled with lofty claims and fraudulent promises, is designed to deceive Bengal’s population into believing in an illusion of economic revival. It is a mirage of prosperity, fuelled by exaggerated yet hollow proclamations of astronomical investments.” He asked: Why, despite promises of Rs 3.42 lakh crore in 2022 and Rs 3.76 lakh crore in 2023, have 98.82% and 97.21% of these investments, respectively, failed to materialize? Why is there a glaring absence of verifiable official data to substantiate the claims of a 50.27% implementation rate of investment proposals and the creation of 28 lakh jobs between 2015 and 2019? Why has Bengal received only 0.7% of the total FDI inflows—amounting to just ₹12,827 crore between October 2019 and June 2024…while Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka command 16%, 31%, and 21% of FDIs, respectively?
varsha
Black Magic Holding Fadnavis From Shifting To Varsha, Asserts Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s spree of making audacious allegations one after another is reaching new heights now, with his latest shocking claim. According to Raut, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is not shifting to the CM’s official residence ‘Varsha’ since during previous CM Eknath Shinde’s tenure, a he-buffalo’s horns had been interred in the premises of the bungalow. The horns were that of an animal sacrificed at Guwahati’s famous Kamakhya temple, Raut had said, adding that the ritual was performed to ensure that no Shinde successor should continue in CM office for long. Fadnavis has ridiculed the slur. He has clarified that he would continue at ‘Sagar’ bungalow as his only daughter’s 10th standard examination is due soon and that she has requested him to stay there till it is over. The family will shift afterwards, he has clarified. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has lambasted Raut for the insinuation, telling him that it was none of the MP’s business to ask such a question. Raut had also asserted that Fadnavis was not shifting to Varsha for fear of such a black magic. Raut’s reference to Kamakhya temple relates to the Shiv Sena’s split and a majority of Sena MLAs aligning with Shinde at Guwahati, where they went for a pooja at the temple. Raut is in the news for making a claim in the Rajya Sabha about the number of casualties at the ongoing Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj.
sanam teri kasam
Double Bonanza! Re-Released Sanam Teri Kasam Gets Good Response, Producer Mulls Sequel
The re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam, a 2016 romantic drama starring debutants Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane,has been surrounded by an intriguing wave of drama and fanfare. Recently, a passionate group of fans gathered outside the office of producer Deepak Mukut, accompanied by actor Harshvardhan Rane, fervently urging him to re-release the film. In a surprising turn of events, Mukut not only confirmed the film’s re-release but also announced a sequel, generating significant buzz in the industry. Initially launched to lacklustre box office performance, Sanam Teri Kasam was deemed a disaster upon its first release. However, the film’s soundtrack, featuring hit songs, kept it alive in conversations, gradually transforming it into a cult favorite. Now, with its re-release across 400 to 500 screens, Sanam Teri Kasam finds itself in direct competition with two fresh titles: Loveyappa, starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, and Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravi Kumar. Interestingly, while both new films struggled to make a significant impact at the box office, Sanam Teri Kasam has shown promising advance bookings, leading many exhibitors to consider increasing its showtimes over the weekend. This resurgence is particularly noteworthy for a film that was initially dismissed, highlighting a curious trend in the industry where previously overlooked content receives a second chance. Adding to the irony, the film’s popular music was composed by Himesh Reshammiya, who is simultaneously competing with his own project, underscoring the unpredictable nature of audience preferences and the evolving landscape of Bollywood.
RSS_002
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Unprecedented 11-Day Bengal Visit Sparks Political Speculation
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is set for an unprecedented 11-day visit to West Bengal from February 6 to 17, marking the longest stay of an RSS Sarsanghchalak in the state’s history. He will attend multiple programmes in Kolkata and Bardhaman, with two days reserved for the RSS’s top committee, the Akhil Bharatiya Toli’s meeting in Kolkata. Bhagwat’s extended stay comes amid reports of alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, fuelling speculation about its timing. Some analysts believe his prolonged presence is linked to these developments. However, RSS spokespersons deny any connection, emphasizing that the Sarsanghchalak’s schedule is set annually and isn’t influenced by external events. They clarified that Bengal is divided into three organizational regions — North, Central, and South — and Bhagwat will focus on South and Central Bengal, not staying in one place continuously. RSS functionaries downplayed the significance of the high-level meeting in Kolkata, calling it a logistical decision aligned with Bhagwat’s tour. Political observers however remain sceptical, noting a three-day gap between his engagements in South Bengal (ending February 10) and Central Bengal (starting February 14). He could have attended the meeting at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur or Delhi before returning but instead chose to stay in Bengal. Sources close to the RSS suggest that developments in Bangladesh have significantly impacted public sentiment in Bengal. They believe Bhagwat’s extended stay will help shape strategic responses while strengthening the RSS’s influence in the state. The organization is expected to leverage prevailing sentiments to expand its outreach.
shinde absence
Deliberate Or Coincidence: Why Eknath Shinde’s Keeps Away From State’s Important Meetings
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s repeated clarifications that he is not unhappy in the cabinet headed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have failed to stop the surge of speculations about his next move. The reason for such discussions is Shinde’s frequent absence from important state meetings. As a result, Shinde continues to generate suspense for the ruling coalition. The discussions revived after Shinde skipped a “war room” meeting held by Fadnavis to discuss some important schemes and projects. These included the departments like health, housing and water supply and sanitation under Sena ministers. Though Shinde failed to turn up, another deputy CM Ajit Pawar was present for the marathon meeting. Shinde had also cancelled some other official engagements and a cabinet meeting last week. Fadnavis has time and again tried to explain that there was no complication for his dispensation and that Shinde was working wholeheartedly with him. Shinde also has reiterated that he is not unhappy. “When I was the chief minister, Fadnavis worked under me. Now that he is the CM, I am working under him. For both of us, the interests of Maharashtra are paramount,” Shinde told the media. Despite this, certain signals from the BJP side are interpreted to be making Shinde uncomfortable. His supporters recall how he consented to join the Fadnavis cabinet at the eleventh hour, keeping the Mahayuti on tenterhooks. BJP strategists feel that Shinde will yield at a proper time.
SJaishankar_002
Ahead Of Modi-Trump Meeting, Opposition Parties Protest Hand-Cuffing Of The U.S. Deportees
Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump next week, both the Houses of Parliament erupted in protest over the manner in which 104 illegal Indian immigrants from the U.S. landed in Amritsar in a U.S. military aircraft– shackled and restrained. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar sought to downplay the issue and said that such expulsions were routine. “It has been there for years. Hundreds of Indians have been deported annually, with figures ranging from 530 in 2012 to over 2,042 in 2019,” Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha.  He pointed out that handcuffs were used on deportees since 2012. Asserting that it was “the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad”, he said efforts were being made to talk to deportees to track agents who sent them. The Opposition felt the government must stand up to the Trump Administration just as Columbia had done. “Why can we not fly back our citizens just as Columbia had done?” asked CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Colombia balked at the U.S. military flights and sent its own Air Force jet to pick up 110 deported Colombians. U.S. deportation flights are not new but the use of military flights is new, with the agency previously using commercial and chartered flights to deport people. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said while the U.S. may have a legal right to deport people who are illegally in their country, “but the manner in which it was done, in handcuffs, squeezed into a military aircraft, in such an abrupt manner, is not acceptable.” He pointed out how under the Biden administration last year, 1100 Indians were deported but there was no such humiliation.
modi_030
PM Modi Puts Rahul Through A Shredder, Raises Questions Over Three Gandhis In Parliament
In his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, PM Narendra Modi was at his aggressive best as he savaged LoP Rahul Gandhi. From mocking the Congress leader and two members of his family for becoming MPs — mother Sonia and sister Priyanka — at the same time to turning “certain spaces into personal museums”. He was referring to the manner in which the Gandhi family maintains control over Indira Gandhi Memorial and had refused to share documents pertaining to the Rajiv Gandhi era with the Prime Ministers’ Museum. The PM said we have established the Prime Ministers’ Museum, where the legacy of every Prime Minister—from the first to my predecessors—has been honoured. “I urge their family members to visit it.” Taking a swipe at the three Gandhis who are all MPs, Modi said, “I pose an important question to the citizens through this House — have there even been three MPs simultaneously from the same family of SC community? I also ask, tell me if there ever were three MPs simultaneously from the same family belonging to the ST community…” There is a vast difference between their words and actions. However, the harshest jab was when Modi felt leaders have compulsions to raise questions on foreign policy to be taken seriously — he was referring to questions raised by both Rahul and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on tensions with China. He asked them to read Bruce Riedel’s book JFK’s Forgotten Crisis— as it details discussions between India’s Nehru and the U.S. President John F Kennedy, revealing how foreign policy was handled during challenging times and the games played in its name. Congress leaders are apparently not amused by this suggestion.
SJaishankar
Why Dr Jaishankar Visited The U.S. Ahead Of Donald Trump Oath Ceremony
Congress bossman Rahul Gandhi told Parliament that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s USA visit only sought an invite for PM Narendra Modi for the U.S. President Donald Trump’s oath ceremony. Jaishankar refuted RaGa’s averments, without revealing the true purpose after having accomplished never before witnessed outcomes. Highly placed sources reveal, “India’s MEA secured distinction of only nation’s representative holding bilateral discussions with the newly installed U.S. government both, before and after, official transition of power.” Dr Jaishankar didn’t elucidate beyond dismissing Gandhi’s tall tales to the Lok Sabha, but actually established grounds for PM Modi to ink U.S. deal for technology transfer regarding fifth/sixth generation fighter engines deliberately kept in abeyance over two years by erstwhile Biden administration. India will be on par though F35 fighter was doled out to Pakistan and, even poised to counter Chinese aviation capabilities with next generation fighters. Dr Jaishankar also held discussions with newly installed FBI director Kash Patel, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard over sensitive issues regarding Indian nationals targeted by earlier dispensation. Another positive outcome: Funding cut off for Gurpatwant Singh Panun, separatist pro-Khalistani rebel, creating aviation scares in India through threats of blowing up Indian commercial airliners. More covert results were achieved to become apparent sooner than later even as Rahul Gandhi termed Dr Jaishankar’s international statesmanship as mere kow-towing to U.S. hegemony.
nitish and son
Why All Parties Want Dynast Nishant Kumar To Join JD(U) In Bihar
Ever since mid-January when Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was accompanied by his son Nishant Kumar at a political function in Bakhtiyarpur, there has been a buzz that the JD(U)leader’s son would be taking a political plunge.  The event was to pay tributes to freedom fighters, including Nitish’s father Ram Lakhan Singh, who too had participated in the freedom movement. Soon after the function, 50-year old Nishant, the only child of Nitish and his late wife Manju Sinha, told the local gathering that his father had put Bihar on the fast track of development and appealed to them to make him CM again. Nishant’s appeal came in the midst of reports that he was keeping indifferent health and had reduced public interaction. An engineer by training, Nishant had so far kept away from public glare. Raised by his mother, he is known to have spent time away from his father and dabbled in spiritualism. He came to live with his father only after his mother passed away in 2007. Those who have known the JD (U) supremo personally as well as politically feel with an indifferent health Nitish may no longer be in a position to even oppose entry of his son into politics much as he has always opposed dynastic politics. A section of JD(U) dominated by Kurmis is reportedly rooting for Nishant’s entry to perpetuate Nitish Kumar’s legacy; this section doesn’t care if it fits with Nitish Kumar’s vision of politics. It is being argued that JD(U) can’t survive without Nitish’s legacy. As for those competing against the towering stature of Nitish Kumar in Bihar — both the BJP and RJD — are also keen that a bumbling newbie and dynast Nishant does take the plunge and salvage JD(U). Ahead of assembly polls, JD(U) is likely to witness a churn.
birla
UltraTech Cement On The Prowl, Eyes Heidelberg Cement
What goes out seems to return to the same place. Well, how else could one view the unfolding scenario. Reports suggest that Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech Cement is in advanced talks to acquire Heidelberg Cement India. Heidelberg Cement India is the subsidiary of HeidelbergCement Group, Germany. It entered India in 2006 with the acquisition of erstwhile Mysore Cement, Cochin Cement and a JV with Indorama Cement. The company has plants at Damoh (MP), Jhansi (UP), and Ammasandra (Karnataka). If this acquisition happens, UltraTech may get Zuari Cements as well, which is a part of the Heidelberg Group. In such an eventuality, the Sitapuram plant of Zuari will also come under UltraTech. The Sitapuram plant was once with The India Cements (ICL). The India Cements got the Sitapuram plant as a bonus when it acquired Raasi Cement many years ago. Subsequently, India Cements sold the Sitapuram plant to Zuari to raise funds. The Parli grinding unit of India Cements, it may be recalled, was acquired by UltraTech. Since UltraTech has taken over India Cements, the Parli grinding unit has technically returned to its original place (since India Cements has now become a subsidiary of UltraTech). Well, the world is small after all.  And, the world is indeed round!
IAS
PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Purge Dead (Babu)Wood
An estimated 30% of the IAS administered Indian bureaucracy actively considers the VRS option. According to well-placed sources, “Last three years registered a spurt in the number of pending applications to exercise the VRS option, most officers still having over five years of service left. The handsome pension amount appears lucrative to many, including those put on notice by the Union government (and respective state governments like Maharashtra) for low productivity, efficiency and delinquent public service.” Majority of the pending applications seek the cushy handshake option, while those who fell foul of GOI evaluation parameters were told to consider exit plans sooner than resignation options later. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 1.0 and 2.0 tenures (between 2014 and 2024) had witnessed not only weeding out of senior officials through shortening of tenures under government service but also witnessed the lateral entry of professionals and industry domain specialists into government service. Similarly, several officials continue to perform government service notwithstanding their respective retirement from service due to their diligent and outstanding performance till retirement to include Pravin Pardeshi (CEO of MITRA). Others like former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Dr Nitin Kareer are also expected to be tapped for active post-retirement service to the nation, sources reveal. As pen-pushing, non-productive Babus opt for early retirement the Maharashtra IAS fraternity anticipates similar cleansing of Maharashtra’s state secretariat that may be on the cards once again.
deepseek
DeepSeek Faces Hiccups Over India-China Relations
After all the hype over the low-cost DeepSeek artificial intelligence from China that seemed to be threatening the earlier model, doubts have begun to surface, at least in India, about its ability to continue posing a challenge to ChatGPT in the long term. The new app, which became the most-downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the U.S. a fortnight after its launch on 10 January 2025, resulted in a steep fall in the share price of the more established Nvidia. While various users and reviewers have hailed it as a harbinger of the “global AI space race”, experts here are raising the old question of the longevity and reliability of anything made in China, especially when it is priced at a fraction of others in the same space. Says one leading infotech player, expressing the opinion of many in the field: “Like any data from China, nobody knows the real cost — it may be a whole lot higher than those incurred by Open AI.” Drawing a parallel with renewable energy, this expert points to a record 11 Gw of wind turbines commissioned years ago with turbines in almost all remote areas but no connection to the grid. “Renowned global consultants based in China whom I have met, always take any data from the Chinese government or otherwise from China with a pound of salt,” he adds. “It is perhaps disruptive news to pull the U.S. down. Let’s wait and see.” The Chinese company, established in Hangzhou, Zhejiang in 2023, is owned and funded by Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, which develops open-source large language models (LLMs).
amaan rashi
Do Today’s Newcomers In Bollywood Have The Luxury Of Cherry Picking Roles?
In recent times, Bollywood has seen a noticeable shift, with many newcomers struggling to leave a lasting impression on audiences. This decline can be traced back to a variety of factors, including the selection of projects that fail to resonate with viewers. Gone are the days when iconic films like Betaab, which introduced Sunny Deol or Rocky which launched Sanjay Dutt, captivated audiences and launched the careers of these stars. So too Jackie Shroff with Hero. In contrast, today’s newcomers like Suraj Pancholi, Siddhant Kapoor and Sasha Agha find themselves lost in films that do not provide them with the platform to showcase their talents effectively. The recent film Azaad featuring Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani serves as a case in point. Aaman Devgn, nephew of Ajay Devgn has struggled to make a significant impact, while Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani managed to capture some attention with her performance. Many of the films do not offer the newcomers a fair opportunity to shine; often focusing more on star power than on storytelling. For instance, in Azaad, the narrative centres around the titular horse rather than the lead pair, which diminishes the impact of the human characters. This misalignment can lead to a lack of engagement from the audience, making it difficult for the actors to connect with viewers. Aaman’s performance, despite being camera-friendly, lacks the emotional depth and histrionics that are often necessary to truly engage the audience. In contrast, Rasha stands out with her strong screen presence and impressive dance moves, showcasing a talent that could potentially elevate her career. Ultimately, even when a film does not resonate with audiences, a standout performance can create opportunities for newcomers to prove themselves.
rana
Rana For Dube As A Like-For-Like Concussion Substitute, Far From It!
The England captain Jos Buttler did not mince words on the matter of fast bowler Harshit Rana replacing Shivam Dube as the like-for-like “concussion substitute” in the fourth Twenty20 international in Pune. The scoreboard will show left-hander Dube having scored 53 off 34 balls with 7x 4s and 2x6s – a fine performance that went a long way in India posting a stiff 181 in 20 overs after being rocked by Saqib Mahmood’s three-wicket burst in his first over. It was Dube’s first international match in eight months. Rana, who replaced Dube after India chose to use the “Concussion substitute” rule at the innings break, ended up with flattering figures of 3 for 33, sending down his full quota of four overs. Rana took the wickets of Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton – all capable of giving the ball a solid whack. A pertinent question that cropped up was whether “Rana was a like-for-like’’ replacement for Dube, particularly as a fast bowler. In his previous 33 matches, Dube had sent down 45.3 overs and taken 11 wickets with a 3 for 30 as his best against Bangladesh in Nagpur in 2019. He did not bowl in 11 matches and went wicket-less in 15. Buttler disagreed with “Rana coming in for Dube” and wondered if Dube’s bowling speed had shot up by 25 miles per hour or if Rana’s batting had improved. On the face of it, Rana was a far from like-for-like replacement for Dube. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, explained that the team forwarded Rana’s name and the match referee, Javagal Srinath approved it. The unsavoury event will compel the ICC to mull over the “Concussion substitute” rule.
fadnavis_003
BJP Keeps Its Coalition Partners On The Edge In Maharashtra
Armed with a landslide majority in Maharashtra, the BJP, it is learnt, is now strongly pushing its coalition partners up against the wall. Not only has it launched a strong attack against Ajit Pawar’ party deputy leader Dhananjay Munde but it is keeping Eknath Shinde on the edge too. While the knives have been sharpened against controversial minister Dhananjay Munde demanding his resignation for the alleged involvement of his aide in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Munde and his party have been resisting and fighting it against all odds. While Ajit Pawar may have strongly backed Munde for now, he realises that the BJP may not stop at him and could launch fresh salvo against his other deputies. Hence, Pawar has directed his men to maintain a clean slate and even demanded that freshers be vetted before giving entry in his party. His contemporary, Eknath Shinde too is not having it easy with BJP ministers like Ganesh Naik eyeing his Thane stronghold and launching a worker engagement campaign clearly with an eye on the forthcoming local body polls. While Shinde chose to brush aside concerns, his workers have threatened to do a quid pro quo by launching similar exercises in BJP’s constituencies. Shinde did not attend the cabinet meeting last week, while Munde is believed to have left mid-way. The BJP strategy seems to be to keep the coalition partners constantly on the edge.
parasakthi
Sivakarthikeyan And Vijay Antony Spar Over Title ‘Parasakthi’, The 1952 Sivaji Ganesan Classic
The year 1952 saw the release of a cult movie and a classic coming together of two names that shaped Dravidian cinema indelibly. A talented writer from Thirukkuvalai …the indomitable M Karunanidhi (DMK founder) and a firebrand actor who set the template for Tamil cinema…Sivaji Ganesan. These two cinema debutants made Parasakthi, an evergreen movie still remembered by connoisseurs of this powerful medium. Suddenly, Parasakthi is in the news. Two Kollywood producers are claiming the title Parasakthi. Vijay Antony (actor-producer-director-music director) claims that his 25th movie under production, Sakti Thirumagan has been already registered as Parasakthi for its Telugu version in July 2024. His posters were splashed on X. Imagine the shock that Town Pictures and avant garde director Sudha Kongara got on hearing that their Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film Parasakthi has an ostensible me too. This was no filmi coincidence. A high decibel legal battle is being averted by Akash Bhaskaran, emissary of Kongara who met Antony to resolve the issue. AVM Pictures also endorsed that the title was given to Kongara’s team and all concerned were just heaving a sigh of relief. Then for Kongara trouble came from an entirely unexpected quarter. The legal heirs of Perumal Mudaliar, National Pictures, original Parasakthi producers decided to digitalise the 1952 hit and re-release it. This claims that the Krishnan Panju directed original has allotted only distribution rights to AVN for a few areas, that no other house could use the title. Avowedly, the Sivaji craze and the Kalaignar charisma guarantee big crowds.
ahuja
Why Is The Spotlight On Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja?
Manoj Ahuja, the upright well experienced IAS Odisha cadre Chief Secretary since June 2024 is making headlines in Odisha. Reason: He has now been entrusted with the additional responsibility as Chief Resident Commissioner in New Delhi as well.  Senior journalist Ruben Banerjee, based on his feedback from the state retired bureaucrats, has questioned the logic of this move. Banerjee argues that Odisha already has two persons — one Principal Residential Commissioner and an Additional Resident Commissioner in Delhi for liaisoning work with the Centre, so what’s the need to assign Manoj Ahuja with the additional responsibility of Delhi?  Ruben raises a whole lot of questions: Does this mean Manoj Ahuja can do two jobs effectively? Does this mean he doesn’t have enough work in the Odisha Secretariat? Is he super-efficient in delivering two jobs? or is it that the government understands the importance of Ahuja spending time with his family in Delhi on an official visit?  But bureaucrats have different views. They say, the Odisha Government is betting big time on Chief Secretary Ahuja for dual responsibility as he will be able to effectively promote cooperation and investments between the state and the Central government without any delay.  Before moving into the current position Ahuja was Secretary – Agriculture; Joint Director (Personnel Training/Personnel & General Administration); Commissioner & Secretary (Steel & Mines, Sports & Youth Services); and Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education.  
seeman
In Tamil Nadu Rabble Rouser Seeman Enjoys His Moment In The Sun
Big parties like the AIADMK and BJP have boycotted the February 5 Erode East bypoll to the Tamil Nadu assembly, leaving the Opposition space for the rabble rouser Seeman who heads his Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). And he has enjoyed his moment in the sun by taking potshots at the DMK and its ideological patriarch EVR Periyar, the social reformer who stood up for the classes oppressed in the old Hindu caste system. Known as much for his atheist views, EVR had left himself open to criticism for his Brahmin-baiting ways that denigrated Hindu gods. No one in Tamil Nadu, a major portion of whose people deify Periyar as an ideologue who showed the path to political power for the Dravidian classes even though he himself was not for electoral politics, would like to see their idol’s ideas and actions challenged thus.  Seeman has continuously sniped at Periyar’s ideas while promoting his brand of Tamil nationalism that deifies the terrorist Marxist Prabhkaran of the LTTE who was gunned down by Sri Lankan armed forces after 30 years of civil strife in 2009. Seeman’s tactics may not improve his vote share but since his candidate is certain to finish second to the DMK, he is having fun mocking Dravidian claims. The ruling DMK’s cadre were told to ignore him as Seeman will become politically insignificant again when the State goes to the polls and there will be two or three major fronts with the DMK+, BJP+, AIADMK and actor-politician Vijay’s TVK in the fray.
rahul gandhi_024
Rahul Gandhi Spreading Falsehoods About Jaishankar's Visit, Ahead Of Modi's U.S. Visit
The government charged LoP Rahul Gandhi of trying to falsely portray in the Lok Sabha that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s visit to Washington in December 2024 was an effort to wangle an invite for the U.S. President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. In a strongly worded contradiction, Dr Jaishankar charged the LoP of deliberately spreading falsehood about his visit to the U.S. “Rahul ‘s lies may be intended politically but they damage the nation abroad”.  The swift rebuttal comes amidst reports that PM Modi is scheduled to visit the U.S. for a meeting with his friend President Trump later this month. In a post on X, Dr Jaishankar said “I went to meet the Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden Administration. Also to chair a gathering of our Consuls General. During my stay, the incoming NSA-designate met with me. At no stage was an invitation in respect of the PM Modi discussed. It is common knowledge that our PM does not attend such events. In fact, India is generally represented by Special Envoys.” Mocking the Central government, Rahul had claimed that if it had taken economic policies seriously, then the government would not have had to seek an invite and “the U.S. The President would come here and invite the PM”. While Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had strongly objected to the LoP for making such unsubstantiated statements about the relationship between two countries, Rahul had merely apologised for ” disturbing your peace of mind.”  Return of President Trump to the White House is being viewed as a setback to  Rahul Gandhi and his  patron George Soros.
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Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good. Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One. Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel. Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha. Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.
jay thomas
Jay Shah Effect: Shakeup At ICC’s Dubai Office?
Quite a few things have happened after Jay Shah took charge as chair of the ICC. The youngest ever to helm the world governing body for cricket, Shah was faced with the  task of making the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accept the hybrid model in order to host the ICC Champions Trophy — at home and in Dubai — after the BCCI refused (when he was Secretary) to send its team to Pakistan citing the Indian government’s unwavering position on the matter that has been existent for over one and a half decades. The PCB had its way by getting an assurance from the ICC Board that it will not send its team to India for future ICC events. The ICC Chair is not exactly a hot seat and Shah’s predecessors — New Zealand’s Greg Barclay and India’s Shashank Manohar maintained a low-profile. With a professional structure in place the ICC Board is rarely involved in the daily routines. Shah made headlines recently meeting the Organising Committee of the Brisbane Olympics 2032 team in Brisbane and also the outgoing International Olympic Committee boss Thomas Bach in Lausanne. The feel good happenings came to a halt with the ICC CEO Geoff Allardice — after a 13-year stint at the Dubai-based world body — stepping down some three weeks before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy. Both Shah and Allardice have thanked each other for serving the game of cricket and getting an opportunity, but Allardice, an Australian, is the fourth ICC official to resign in recent times. People are not yet ready to say that the Shah effect has started in the Dubai office of the ICC.
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After The Kumbh Stampede, PMO Feels Need To Curb VIP Vehicles In Mela Area
Both PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Aditynath are in a deep state of shock after the stampede at the Maha Kumbha mela at Prayagraj on January 29. Despite the best arrangements, things came under stress because of an influx of more than 5 crore pilgrims. The number of pilgrims who came to Maha Kumbh crossed 18 crore in the last 16 days. Imagine the population right now in Prayagraj compared to the populations of some of the world’s most populated cities like Tokyo, Delhi and Shanghai. Since it was Mauni Amavasya on that day, pilgrims started marching towards the Sangam point in large numbers after midnight, and the barriers broke down. The crowd became unmanageable for the overworked police force. PMO has found out that entire families consisting of four generations had come to Prayagraj to take the holy dip. From the states people from a whole village or a locality had come. There are three main reasons behind this huge influx. One, the level of devotion and enthusiasm among the pilgrims; Two, videos and images on TV and social media of people coming to Maha Kumbh for the last two weeks, acted as a big influencing factor. Three, since the Maha Kumbh was taking place after a gap of 144 years, most of the devotees felt that they might not get another chance in their lifetime. Several buses, trains and vehicles had to be stopped away from Prayagraj town. Lakhs of people had to walk several kilometres to reach the bathing ghats. PMO feels that authorities should curb the number of VIP vehicles entering the Kumbh Mela area for a few days to tame public wrath.
Ashesh jani
Gibraltar-Based Ashesh Jani Launches Multi-Currency App Targeting Indian Diaspora
Ashesh Jani, Co-founder & CEO of the Gibraltar-based Ribbon Plc, is on Cloud Nine. Naturally. His venture has got the green signal from the UK Financial authorities to launch Ribbon App in the UK market. It was launched in Gibraltar first. The App is tailored for students and professionals relocating to the UK. Ribbon offers multi-currency accounts and wallets for 32 currencies. Jani had chosen Gibraltar which is widely recognized as the “Gateway to the UK” in financial services, but its global business advantages extend well beyond the UK. In particular, Indian businesses seeking to enter the UK market (or elsewhere) find Gibraltar an ideal location for establishing a holding company or trust structure. Ribbon’s AI-powered technology is designed to offer a hyper-personalised experience to its users. The financial services super-app is loaded with features including multi-currency accounts, an embedded payments marketplace, and access to deposits, FX, Crypto & Equity trading platforms. Jani has picked his former ICICI Bank colleague in London, Manish Vaid to head marketing operations. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Jani worked at ICICI Bank as the Head of Overseas Markets & Alternate Channels –Retail, SME, and Private Banking — in the UK and Europe. After completing his MMS in Marketing & Finance from the University of Mumbai started his professional career with Vodafone and then moved to Tata Internet Services.
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Raj Thackeray Once Again Changes Stand, Lambasted By BJP & NCP
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has invited ire of the ruling saffron alliance in the state due to his controversial claim that the votes his party had received in the recent assembly election had ‘vanished’ somewhere. Addressing his first public rally after the election, Raj also attacked the NCP led by deputy CM Ajit Pawar as well as the BJP in general. This is one more example of his ambivalence since Raj has time and again either praised PM Narendra Modi or criticized him, never taking a firm stand. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar has castigated his old friend Raj for the offensive remark, telling him that the BJP has never indulged into politics of adjustments. On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has congratulated Raj ‘for speaking out the truth.’ But the most pointed barb against Raj has been fired by NCP(Ajit) leader Anand Paranjpe. “MNS contested 138 assembly seats and secured only 1.55% votes without a single win,” he has taunted Raj. The NCP is chagrined since Raj has raised doubts about its winning 41 seats. This free for all will impact the local body elections, likely to be held later this year. Raj has been advised to study the situation seriously and introspect about the defeat of his own son in the Dadar-Mahim constituency in which his family resides.
fateh emergency
Bollywood: The Jinx Of January
The perception that January is a challenging month for the film industry is not without merit. Historically, this month has often been viewed as a “jinx” for film releases, primarily due to the post-holiday dynamics that affect audience behaviour and box office performance. As people transition from the festive season to their regular routines, several factors contribute to the underperformance of films released in January. Films released in December often enjoy extended viewership due to the holiday season, leaving little room for new releases.  Several films released in January have struggled to resonate with audiences, reinforcing the notion that this month is not ideal for cinematic success. For instance, Chhapak, which was released in January 2020, faced challenges at the box office despite its critical acclaim and social relevance. Similarly, in January 2023, films like Fighter and Mai Atal Hu failed to garner the expected audience turnout, highlighting a consistent trend of underwhelming performances during this month. The recent January releases, such as Emergency, featuring Kangana Ranaut, and Fateh, starring Sonu Sood, also struggled to find traction despite significant promotional efforts. This pattern suggests that even with star power and marketing campaigns, films released in January may face an uphill battle to attract viewers. Given the historical challenges associated with January releases, filmmakers and studios may need to reconsider their marketing and timing strategies. To mitigate the risks associated with January releases, studios could explore alternative strategies, such as targeting specific demographics or leveraging unique marketing campaigns that resonate with the post-holiday mindset. As the film industry continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of audience behaviour and timing will be crucial for maximizing box office potential.
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No Truck With INDIA Bloc Hints Didi, Blames Cong For BJP’s 2024 Win In Her Latest Book
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s newly released book, Banglar Nirbachon O Amra (Bengal’s Elections and Us) has squarely blamed the Congress party for the BJP’s return to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With the book’s release at the 48th Kolkata International Book Fair, it has become clearer that Didi has decided that her party TMC will go alone in the 2026 West Bengal State Election. In the book, Didi argues that the Opposition alliance, INDIA Bloc, failed due to the grand old party’s rigidity and weak leadership. She further claims that the Congress won its seats in 2024 only because of support from other INDIA Bloc allies. She accuses the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal of secretly helping the BJP by creating a larger anti-TMC front, which ultimately benefited the saffron party in the state. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP losing ground in West Bengal. The party, which had secured 18 seats in the state in 2019, saw its tally reduced to 12 in 2024. On the other hand, TMC improved its performance, winning 29 out of 42 seats. The Congress managed to win only one seat, while the Left failed to open its account. Incidentally, Mamata has stuck to her policy of supporting the strongest party against BJP, by sending its MP, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, to campaign for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Political analysts see this as Mamata’s indirect message to Congress. TMC’s participation in AAP’s campaign indicates its commitment to the INDIA Bloc but also highlights the friction between the Opposition allies, especially after Didi’s criticism of Congress dominance within the coalition.
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Superstar Vijay Cracks The Political Whip, MGR Style
On Republic Day, Vijay’s last film’s title and first look were announced — Jana Nayagan (hero of the masses) cracking a whip with the tagline Naan Aanai Ittal. Besotted MGR fans, even 37 years later were intended to be captivated hook, line and sinker by this iconic song and MGR’s cult charisma. TN’s DNA is conjoined twins — cinema and politics, a   predictable, popular combo that has enthralled the cinema hungry and politics punched denizens of this state. Vijay who floated his party TVK in 2024 to harvest the votes in 2026 has it all planned. Or so it seems. This popular actor was launched by his father S A Chandrasekhar in 1984. After 68 films, Vijay now considers himself worthy of the crossover to TN’s throne, a charismatic Lord of the rings. There was a time when Vijay cannily shifted his MGR style to clone superstar Rajinikanth … .action, style and mass appeal, of course with a watchful eye on the box office take. If imitation is the best form of flattery, then it has to be acknowledged that Vijay reaped rich rewards in terms of fan following. So his last film is planned to carry a significant payload…MGR’s legacy as the cult Samaritan, forever ready to wipe the tears of the poor and pull them up from mired poverty. For which Vijay needs power, endorsement and legitimacy. He has carefully trained his virulent guns on the DMK so far, not pricking the AIADMK. Soothsayers say, at best he can divide and divert votes from both the behemoths. Can Vijay take an MGR incarnation?
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Is Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Walking Into A Trap On Palakkad Brewery?
Is Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan walking into a trap over his government’s sanction of a controversial brewery unit in Palakkad? Joining hands with the BJP and the Congress, CPI has published an article in its mouthpiece Janayugom, suggesting that promotion of businesses that exploit agriculture and food security was against the interest of the state. The opinion piece, written by senior CPI leader Sathyan Mokeri, said the government’s approval for the brewery unit raised the question of whether paddy or alcohol should be made from the land of Palakkad. “From where did they get the water needed for the brewery unit? Once the (private) company starts exploiting the water resources, there won’t be enough water for agriculture,” he wrote. The Chittoor region of Palakkad district, where Madhya Pradesh-based alcohol manufacturer Oasis Group is set to establish the unit, has one of the lowest groundwater levels in Kerala, the CPI leader said. The state government approved the setting up the Rs 600-crore grain-based distillation and brewery unit on January 15. The Congress, which leads the UDF, however, alleged that the firm, embroiled in Delhi’s liquor policy controversy, got the permission without a proper tendering process. Like CPI’s Mokeri, it said that the setting up of the unit would worsen the water crisis in the agrarian region. Earlier this month, the UDF-ruled Elappully panchayat, where the unit is proposed to be set up, also requested the government to reconsider its decision given the water concerns. The Kerala government has been reiterating that the unit will not affect the availability of water in the area as its primary source would be harvested rainwater. With the state headed for polls in 2026, it is quite likely that the brewery scam could come to haunt Vijayan just as the excise scam has cast a shadow on Kejriwal in Delhi polls.
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Waste To Energy: Ram Charan Group's Pilot Project Impresses Naidu, Makes Inroads Into Andhra
This one hit national headlines in December 2021 when it attracted a $ 4.1 billion investment from the American fund TFCC International. Such a massive investment into this little known Chennai-based group became the talk of the town. This one was able to attract such a huge investment because of its technology prowess. This enables it to convert un-segregated waste into energy without leaving behind any toxic residue. Ram Charan group has since been doing quiet work in the field of waste management and inked a pact with Bhilai Steel Plant and others for waste management and converting them into value added products and fuel. In the wake of urbanisation and population growth, waste management assumes criticality for municipalities especially. Ram Charan is pursuing a blinkered-horse like approach to sort out this issue. Significantly enough, it has run a successful pilot project for municipal waste conversion in Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu constituency Kuppam. Following this, the Naidu government is reportedly toying with the idea of extending association with Ram Charan group across the whole Andhra Pradesh. The residue sludge is converted into a syrup which is then used as a fertilizer for agricultural purposes. The carbon-rich syrup is found to aid crop growth. Well, Naidu appears to be on a mission mode, and has found in Ram Charan a good partner.
aadhav robbin
Poll Strategists Swing Into Action As Tamil Nadu Parties Prepare For 2026 Assembly Elections
Signing on poll advisers is not new to Tamil Nadu politics, but there have been some changes of late as the parties are getting serious about the 2026 Assembly polls that are nearly 15 to 16 months away. TN’s Dravidian parties may have entered into agreements with poll consulting firms later than other regional parties though Prashant Kishor was the first to take on a TN party when he signed up with the DMK. Now that he has started a political party of his own, the DMK has signed on Robbin Sharma’s Showtime Consultancy for the consulting and poll strategy role for 2026. Sunil Kanugolu has been advising the AIADMK party on poll matters and he continues in that role. One of the new political personalities on the TN horizon is Aadhav Arjuna, son-in-law of the lottery king Martin, who is now signing on with Vijay’s party as consultant even as TVK prepares for its electoral debut in 2026. He will also be formally joining the party on February 2. After falling out with the VCK, Aadhav has shown keen interest in Vijay’s party, and he will be on hand as poll adviser as well with his company to do data crunching and other tasks. An intriguing feature of the 2026 polls is that all the major parties are already gearing up for it well in advance with strategy sessions, preparation for booth-level presence and the regular matter of organising rallies and tours of their leaders. Party confabulations are already heavy over what are seen as very important elections coming up.
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Will False Claims About Yamuna “Poisoned” Come To Haunt Kejriwal Post Feb 5?
Looks like AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is caught in a deep mess of his own making by claiming that the BJP government in Haryana had “poisoned” Yamuna waters. Clearly, on a backfoot and out of desperation he sought to paint a scary scenario to Delhi voters. Now it seems these words will come to haunt him post February 5. The Haryana government has filed a case against him for creating a “false alarm” among the people. Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini to reassure people took a sip of Yamuna to indicate it was safe to drink. Though Kejriwal dismissed Saini’s action as a stunt, what he does not realise is that the Haryana case could prove to be a ticking time-bomb for him. It may explode once elections are over in Delhi. Haryana has filed in the CJM’s court in Sonipat under sections of Disaster Management. The court has summoned Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17. In an explosive claim, Kejriwal had asserted that Haryana was mixing “poison” in the Yamuna water it supplies to Delhi. The reference was to the high levels of ammonia — over 700 times the permissible limit. He said it was because of the vigilance of Delhi Jal Board engineers that this water was stopped. Endorsing Kejriwal’s charge, Delhi CM Atishi even wrote to the Election Commission and sought action against the BJP for “water terrorism”. The Delhi Jal Board, which Kejriwal said stopped the alleged “poisonous” water coming to the national capital, however rubbished the AAP leader’s claim. “These statements are factually incorrect, without any basis and misleading,” Delhi Jal Board Chief Executive Officer Shilpa Shinde said in a letter to the Chief Secretary. Meanwhile, the EC has asked Kejriwal to submit proof of poisoning of Yamuna waters.
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What Makes Tamil Film Hero Ajith Tick?
Ajith Kumar, Tamil films gentle hero, is often praised for his courteous behaviour and helpful nature; he will help any needy person in the film world. Even when the competitive race between him and superstar Vijay heated up, raising the stakes for the most bankable, he kept his cool and did not resort to cheap gimmicks for publicity. In fact, his huge fan following gave him the sobriquet, Thala, a leader worthy of worship. The scripts he chose reflected his humane attitude and realistic expectations in the world of make believe. Even though his film Vidaamuyarchi was much delayed, Ajith believed in his director Magizh Thirumeni’s ability to bring the film to the cinemas. And February 6 will showcase this Ajith-Trisha starrer. No wonder Thirumeni at an event in Kochi to release the teaser of Mohanlal’s film Lucifer’s sequel said, “I am fortunate to be yet another person in need of help at the right time. Proud to say that Ajith held my hand and believed in my skill”.  But what Regina Cassandra, a co-star of Ajith says is even more commendable. She says Ajith is a doer not a talker and does everything that has an impact. Unlike Vijay, he abhors politics. He has passion for car racing and his team won third place at the popular 24H Dubai 2025. A man with military discipline was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan.
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Maharashtra Congress Rudderless, Awaits A Saviour
The Congress party in Maharashtra is in most pitiable condition. It has neither leadership nor focus or has any agenda. Its senior leaders like former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan or Balasaheb Thorat were trounced in the recent assembly election and hence have no voice. State Congress leader Nana Patole is a former BJP MP while leader of the Opposition, Vijay Wadettiwar, has travelled from the Shiv Sena when it was unified. A staunch follower of then chief minister Narayan Rane, he has continued in the Congress but none is certain about his enduring loyalty, given his friendship with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party has had no major victories in western Maharashtra or Marathwada regions. As a result, the organisation is demoralised. For a change, Patole has warned of a state wide agitation against the proposed fare increase by the state transport corporation, the largest public transport undertaking in Asia. However, even Congress workers are unsure if the protest will really take off. They remember how Patole had announced a mass agitation against the state government’s decision to hand over Mahananda, the state dairy behemoth, to Amul via the National Dairy Development Board and how not a whimper was heard later. Over the past two years, the Congress in Maharashtra has shown any signs of life only when party leader Rahul Gandhi has visited. Its headquarters, Tilak Bhavan, in Dadar is an abandoned mansion now. The workers are awaiting the arrival of a saviour to rejuvenate the party.
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Majhi Makes His Mark At Utkarsh Odisha, Investment Commitment Surpasses Patnaik’s Record
Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is always compared to Naveen Patnaik, the former chief minister, a tall leader who ran the state under a tight leash for 24 years and in the process has put his signature everywhere. So, at the recently concluded Utkarsh Odisha — Make in Odisha event attended by India’s industry stalwarts and foreign investors everyone was asking, will the Majhi government surpass Naveen Patnaik’s Make in Odisha record of Rs10.5 lakh crore investment in 2022? Majhi’s government seems to be in a much stronger position. As per CM, his government has received 3 times more investment than his expectations. The numbers now stand at Rs 16.73 lakh crore backed by 595 initial proposals spanning across 20 sectors. This includes chemicals, petrochemicals, textiles, mining, metallurgy, renewable energy, tourism, food processing, IT/ ITeS and others. As on date, Majhi seems to have had a good knock. However, much depends on how fast the Odisha government converts those investment intentions to firm investment plans. Government sources say this positive situation will now set the speed ball rolling in Majhi’s favour creating new investment milestones.
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India Out Of Luck Again With Varun Chakravarthy’s Second Fifer!
Varun Chakravarthy has been left in the lurch — not once, but twice — by men in the blue. While fans across the world should be celebrating his five-wicket haul in the third Twenty20 skirmish against England at the Niranjan Shah stadium alongside the Jamnagar highway, they have been driven to feel pity for the white-ball tweaker — leg-spin-googly bowler — whose tricks the batters find it like a cryptic crossword puzzle to solve. The first time he took five wickets (5 for 17 off four overs) in a Twenty20 international was against South Africa at Port Elizabeth on November 10, 2024. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, lost the low-scoring match by three wickets, and South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs, was declared the man of the match. Chasing India’s 124 for six wickets, South Africa made 128 for 7 in 19 overs, with Stubbs carving a 41-ball unbeaten 47. On Tuesday (Jan 28), Chakravarthy took 5 for 24 in four overs to check England ‘s score to 171 for 9, but the home team led by Suryakumar Yadav could make only 145 for 9, thus handing a first win for the visitor in three matches. Luckily, though, and as a consolation, the spinner was declared the man of the match, his second in the ongoing series. He won the man of the match award for his 3 for 23 for a winning result in the first match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chakravarthy is the only bowler who has taken five wickets in Twenty20 international twice and agonisingly lost both. For the record, 26 other bowlers have taken a fifer once for a losing side!
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Was Kharge's Taunt On Ganga Dip More Aimed At Akhilesh Yadav?
On a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a holy dip in Sangam at Prayagraj, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took the unusual step of targeting the sacred act of a dip in the Ganga and said it would not help eradicate poverty. While a political storm of sorts was created for picking on Kumbh, many Congressmen wondered if Kharge was targeting because Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had taken a holy dip — a day before Amit Shah. His remarks that there was a competition among those taking Ganga dips simply showed he was perhaps more disappointed that leaders from the secular bloc like Akhilesh Yadav had made his way to Maha Kumbh. It is possible for Kharge to be worried about an ally like SP leader Akhilesh’s conduct, considering he is also teaming up with AAP in Delhi. Interestingly, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath asserted in a TV interview that he “hoped to see Khargeji” soon at Kumbh. After all, both Pandit Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi, as PMs, have had a Ganga dip during Kumbh.  UP BJP leaders said Kharge’s remarks against Maha Kumbh and Ganga snan were bound to cast a shadow on the February 5 byelection.  It was felt though Akhilesh Yadav did make some course corrections with a Ganga dip, much could have been lost. “…We hear many Congress leaders are also not happy with Kharge’s remarks,” says Rakesh Triparthi,  UP BJP spokesperson. Many in the Bihar Congress also feel Kharge’s remarks could put off voters. “At least we must appreciate that Amit Shah did not go to Kumbh on a Shahi Snan day.”  PM Modi is scheduled to visit Kumbh on February 5.
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Following PM’s Template: Fadnavis To Restrict Public Access To Mantralaya
Access to Mantralaya, Maharashtra’s state secretariat, is scheduled to get tighter in Devendra Fadnavis regime 2.0. Glass flap barrier gates are being installed at various entrances to control access of visitors along with introduction of RFID and facial recognition access in high-security zones at Mantralaya. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankhule has already written to his party cadres to coordinate with ministers through liaison officials, who will be sitting at the BJP office. The BJP ministers too have also been asked to hold weekly or fortnightly janata durbars at the party office. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party too are expected to follow suit and facilitate a similar policy for their party workers from their party offices. The idea is to reduce footfalls at Mantralaya as also to rein in middle-men, who tend to approach ministers for favours like transfers of officials or to bag contracts. Ajit Pawar has already asked his cadres to not seek transfers of officials or contracts, particularly if they are going to sub-contract the work to others. Maharashtra’s earlier chief minister Eknath Shinde prided on being known as a common man’s CM and believed in open access attracting huge delegations of party workers flocking to him at Mantralaya regularly. The legislative assembly sessions under Shinde were known to be particularly crowded with ministers complaining of not even being able to walk properly in the crowded corridors of Vidhan Bhavan. Since Fadnavis’ taking over, he has first shifted the CM’s public relations officials on the lower fifth floor, already truncating access of journalists to the CM’s office. Looks like Fadnavis has taken a leaf out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s playbook.
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Has Fear Of Rout In Bypolls Made Akhilesh Yadav Take About-Turn To Aastha?
In a surprise move, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav decided to take a dip at Triveni Sangam on Republic Day during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The SP leader, who was hitherto not willing to share his travel plans and insisted that many of his party leaders have been visiting the Kumbh and not publicising it, was found sharing video of his holy dip in the party’s X handle. It is not clear if Akhilesh had rushed to Kumbh ahead of the prestige battle of Milkipur byelection on Feb 5 after the wipe-out he faced in November byelections losing majority of the seats to the BJP. Sharing details of his Kumbh dip, he asserted that he had taken 11 dips. In the run-up, he had even lashed out at UP CM Yogi Adityanath for holding a Cabinet meeting in Prayagraj last week and later having a holy dip with his ministers at Sangman. What made Akhilesh take about turn to aastha? Was it the fear of drubbing in Milkipur? Giving back to the SP leader, Yogi had attacked Akhilesh for spreading false propaganda about the Maha Kumbh and playing with the faith of India. In turn Akhilesh accused the BJP of misusing the police in the Milkipur elections. Apart from this, there was also a heated exchange of words between Yogi and Kejriwal in Delhi, and not cleaning up Yamuna. Instead of praising UP’s scientific efforts in keeping Ganga clean for Maha Kumbh, Akhilesh even dared Yogi to do achaman(a purifying ritual by drinking water) in Yamuna at Mathura. All this to express solidarity with Kejriwal, who himself is seeking another term to clean up the river in Delhi.
KAUSHIK jOYDEEP
Fresh Dispute Erupts Between Tollywood Directors And Cine Federation
As the year begins, the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) finds itself at the centre of a fresh controversy in Tollywood. Reports suggest that director Kaushik Ganguly’s upcoming film has encountered hurdles with the Federation, raising concerns about whether the shooting will commence as scheduled. Sources indicate that the shoot for Kaushik’s new project was set to begin on January 27 in North Bengal, however, complications over crew members have allegedly created friction between the director and the Federation. Rumours have also surfaced suggesting that the Federation has “blacklisted” Kaushik. This follows past disputes between Tollywood directors and the Federation, tracing back to July of last year, when director Rahul Mukhopadhyay faced a similar standoff, leading to the suspension of his Puja film’s shoot. Rahul’s case escalated tensions between the Federation and the Directors’ Guild, which was later mitigated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after her intervention. Meanwhile director Joydeep Mukhopadhyay is facing similar issues as he prepares to start filming later this month. However, director Arindam Sil has got the green signal from the Federation even though he was suspended by the director’s guild over sexual harassment issue. Talk about selective treatment. Another layer to this controversy involves Federation President Swaroop Biswas’ earlier comments on workplace harassment. Last year, he claimed that 60% of directors faced allegations of sexual misconduct, coinciding with the city’s outcry over the rape and murder of a young doctor. Now, it is learnt that TMC minister Aroop Biswas, brother of Swaroop Biswas, might intervene to resolve the matter.
JK cricket
Jammu & Kashmir Leaves Mumbai Beaten, Bruised And Embarrassed!
Jammu & Kashmir is not a minnows in India’s domestic first class cricket environment. Yet regarded as a poor cousin when juxtaposed against the giants of Indian cricket – Mumbai. The team from the northern most State of the country brought down the 42-time winner and the defending champion in a league match of the Ranji Trophy tournament with four full sessions of eight hours remaining in a four-day match. Jammu & Kashmir showed the drive and ambition to put it across a side that had India captain Rohit Sharma and India’s Test match opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Mumbai also boasted of Shreyas Iyer and a few more star players. More than a decade ago Jammu & Kashmir had scored a sensational win against Mumbai at the Wankhede stadium. The fortunes of the most recent clash swung here and there, but eventually Mumbai shot out for 120 in the first innings and were beaten, bruised and embarrassed. Both Rohit Sharma — woefully out of form — and Yashasvi Jaiswal were accommodated in the playing XI at the expense of an in-form batter and the new kid on the block17-year old Ayush Mathre who had scored over 400 runs in his debut first class season. Mumbai ought to have found a way to find a place in the XI for the teenager who was as they say in cricket in “good nick”, but the champion team did not, and paid a heavy price conceding all six points to its opponent and fret over qualifying for the knock-out. From Jammu & Kashmir’s point of view, it was a question of applying mind over matter and showing a terrific ambition in the opponent’s backyard!
monalisa
Mona Lisa Springs Up In The Maha Kumbh, Will She Enter Bollywood?
Vignettes from the greatest devotional gathering on earth are flowing in by the minute. Even social media enthusiasts are unable to keep up with the variety and speed with which scenes and stories are sprouting from the Maha Kumbh. Imagine the absolute stunning effect a 16-year old gorgeous girl had on all those who sighted her, selling bead necklaces in the surging crowd in Prayagraj. Meet Monalisa Bhosle from Indore, who had come with her family to pitch their tent and peddle bead necklaces and garlands, hoping to make a decent take from the huge crowd looking for bric a brac and mementos to carry home. Instead most stood transfixed by this girl’s dusky chocolate complexion and her unusual coloured eyes, her grace and absolute spontaneity in peddling her beads. She quickly turned into a sensation — crowds started milling around her, photos clicked by the hundreds, podcasts even more profuse. Monalisa Bhosle quickly retreated into her shell, overwhelmed by the attention and focus on her, she was not used to. Her father went a step further and packed her off to Indore fearing fame flooding his female offspring and the potential for trouble. Monalisa had only an unusual name for fame. It has started…the kite fliers who spread all kinds of news. Monalisa was whisked to a beauty parlour to transform her. There was talk about her playing second lead to Jahanvi Kapoor in a movie led by Ram Charan. If this were to happen, definitely a game changer for the Menaka of Mahakumbh. She came, she stood, and she transfixed all spotting her.
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Governor Vs Chief Minister: Bridges Burnt Again In Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been on a multi-year mission of taking on the state government at every possible opportunity. Unusually, chief minister MK Stalin had made a placatory gesture by attending the Governor’s Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception at the Raj Bhavan in 2024. Much water has flowed down the Cauvery in a year and the ties could not have been in a worse state than in 2025 when Stalin, his cabinet, his party DMK and all their allies turned their back on the Governor. Using the Republic Day as an excuse to put out a message, the Governor slammed the state’s economy, its ability to draw investments and the room it gives anti-national elements. This wasn’t a great gubernatorial gesture as the head of state is not expected to run down his own state, which is what the former Police/intelligence official did. Just a day earlier, the CM had at least taken a humorous view of the confrontational Governor issue by pleading to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah not to shift RN Ravi out of the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan. The CM said his presence and his utterances have helped the DMK grow in the state. In his constant tirade against the DMK, its Periyarist ideological roots that recognises no gods and his lambasting the law & order situation in the state, the Governor has only helped the DMK gain more popular support as it is seen as being targeted by a representative of the Centre.
Deputy CM
Third Deputy CM In Maharashtra, Just A Rumour Or Possibility?
The attempt to push the ruling into a corner by the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and the saffron alliance’s retaliation is now dominating Maharashtra politics. The Modi government at the Centre has caught the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray in a cleft stick by conferring the prestigious Padma Bhushan title on the late Manohar Joshi, who was a Lok Sabha speaker and the state chief minister. Although Joshi occupied such high posts, he was constantly humiliated by the supporters of Uddhav during his twilight years. The NDA government has thus created a quaint situation for Uddhav since he can’t either welcome the decision to decorate Joshi nor oppose it. Taking advantage of the situation, the Sena and the Congress have started a discussion of having a third deputy chief minister in Maharashtra. Although there is no basis for such a possibility since the state already has two deputy CMs, it is becoming embarrassing for the Mahayuti to discount the rumours since it could mean an indirect reflection on two of its leaders, Girish Mahajan of the BJP and Uday Samant of the Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde. but it is generally felt that this is only an attempt to spread disinformation. The political game has gained significance as Sena MP Sanjay Raut has emphatically claimed that Samant has 20 party MLAs behind him. On the other hand, Samant has reiterated his total commitment to Shinde’s leadership. The Opposition has been planning to spread such confusing information to further deepen discontent in the Mahayuti quarters, it is felt.
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TN Governor Ravi Raises Several Critical Concerns In R-day Address, Upsets CM Stalin
Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi has never spared a moment to corner TN chief minister M K Stalin and his government on their shortcomings. He has been regularly sending reports to Home Minister Amit Shah on the state of affairs in TN, much to the irritation of the ruling DMK. With the assembly polls next year, his Republic Day eve address has upset Stalin. Without mincing words, Ravi raised several critical concerns regarding TN’s socio-economic and administrative challenges. He expressed concern over the declining autonomy of universities, alleging that the state secretariat exerts significant control over university operations, including academic councils and vice chancellors’ appointments. He also criticised the curriculum and syllabus management, stating they are now heavily influenced by the State Government Council for Higher Education. Ravi highlighted the rising menace of drug syndicates in the state, frequent reports of caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits, including their denial of access to public spaces. The Governor stated that TN is no longer a leading destination for private investment, trailing behind states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. He attributed this decline to dwindling foreign direct investment. Ravi further pointed to the state’s high suicide rate, at over 26 per lakh population — more than double the national average. He referred to Tamil Nadu as the “suicide capital of India”. He also raised concerns about national security, citing the National Investigation Agency’s discovery of terrorist modules and sleeper cells linked to international terror networks operating within the state. Notably, the Tamil Nadu government boycotted the tea party hosted by the Governor on Republic Day in response to these statements.
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Tamil Nadu Political Arena Is Gearing Up For 2026 Assembly Polls
The revolving doors of Tamil Nadu political parties have started moving furiously with faster entries and exits. Recently, the DMK welcomed 3,000 quitters from grandstanding Seeman’s Naam Thamizhar Katchi, a defection that left him speechless. A rare event for Seeman. Even as AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami held a grand meet to kick off his election prep, party managers were under pressure to bring huge crowds in all his pit stops as he undertook a whirlwind tour of 234 Assembly segments. Apart from his mega plans, he had a few tricks and turns to display even as his tour itinerary unfolded. The big story was former VCK Deputy Secretary and ThirumaValavan’s shotgun speaker, Aadav Arjuna joining the AIADMK. Just a few months back Aadav was in the news for taking on the DMK, its dynastic culture and the automatic elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy CM. “We need to end this born to entitlement of the top slot just because the party founder happened to be your grandfather,” said Arjuna. Arjuna’s arrows made Thiruma squirm, and he suspended his protégée for six months. Rumour mills were on overdrive asking, will it be Vijay or Edappadi whose outfit would welcome Aadav. He also earned brownie points to gently nudge poll strategist Prashant Kishor to “agree” to be the AIADMK’s Dronacharya, a deal said to have cost the party Rs 200 crore.
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Odisha BJP Rakes Up A 16-Year Old Ship Sinking Case To Embarrass Naveen Patnaik
In Odisha, the BJP never seems to lose an opportunity to take a pot-shot or criticise the former chief minister Naveen Patnaik style of governance. Patnaik’s party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) constantly faces BJP’s onslaught ever since it came to power. The latest accusation relates to a 16-year old case — smuggling of iron ore as a result of which the ship Black Rose sank. Reportedly, the ship was illegally carrying 23,847 MT of iron ore and sank while unloading at Paradip port, it tilted and sank. Since it was an illegal ferrying of iron ore the documents too were fake. That was September 9, 2009. This old issue was raked up after Odisha’s BJP MLA Padmalochan Panda had briefed the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Now the Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to initiate a formal inquiry into the whole incident vis a vis expose corruption in the then BJD-run government. Even though BJP is now pushing for an in-depth inquiry but what puts BJP in odd position is that it’s present MP Bhatruhari Mahtab who was earlier ex BJD MP had gone on record stating that Black Rose ship was carrying iron ore from Haldia and was re-loading at Paradeep port when the ship tilted and sank without attributing any kind of illegalities. Though everybody knows nothing concrete is going to emerge from this inquiry, it seems BJP’s strategy is to keep embarrassing and pushing the Opposition BJD party in the hope its image will take a knock.
anna hazare
Anna Hazare Attacks Kejriwal, Though Obliquely
Social crusader Anna Hazare has released a video clip on the eve of the Delhi assembly election, obliquely criticising AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal by asking the voters to support that party and leader, who believe in public service and sacrifice. Anna had been instrumental in dislodging the UPA government in 2014 by launching an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Among his staunchest workers was Kejriwal, who later became the focus of the anti-Congress politics in the national capital. However, Anna had frowned at this development since it was his stand that his followers should keep themselves away from active politics and especially from power games. This position was reversed by Kejriwal in no time and after that, the two have hardly spoken to each other. In the video, which has been mostly ignored by major political parties, Anna has asked the voters to elect only such people who are having a clean character and who wish to work for the people without expecting anything in return. There is a pointed reference to alcohol consumption since Anna says, “One should not take a stand that I drink and help others to drink too.” This is considered quite vocal since Kejriwal is facing several serious charges concerning the liquor license distribution in Delhi. Anna’s decision to break his long silence just before the Delhi election, scheduled for 5 February, has raised eyebrows since Anna himself has faced charges that he was a stooge of certain forces. Anna has never responded to such criticism and has closeted himself in his village in Ahilya Nagar district in north Maharashtra. In the last many years, no political leader has called on him.
society achievers
Good News For Scribes, Industrial Economist Is Back And Society Achievers To Get Into Print Once Again
At a time when most magazines and newspapers have literally gone out of circulation, two well established magazines are making a comeback. The Chennai-based Industrial Economist launched way back in 1968 is back in a new avatar. It is learnt that the family members of the founder, late S Viswanathan, have graciously agreed to allow the Chennai-based Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd (KICL), the flagship company of DC Kothari Group, to continue the publication of Industrial Economist in digital and print formats under a licensing agreement. Being a listed company, KICL has informed the stock exchange of its new forays. Likewise, the Mumbai-based Society Achievers and Society Interiors, once upon a time part of the late media tycoon Nari Hira’s stable, has been acquired by Ashok Dhamankar’s Magnate Publishing Pvt Ltd. Dhamankar who held top position at Nari Hira’s outfit Magna Publishing for over three decades, deems it opportune to get back into print. It’s already in the digital space. In the case of Industrial Economist, the website is up. Soon, Industrial Economist magazine will reappear in a rejuvenated format. The core philosophy will remain the same. The focus will be on development issues and capturing ground-level happenings across business, commerce, industry and the economy. The emphasis will also be on highlighting the achievements of the Tamil Nadu economy and enterprises and celebrating the milestones. Ideally, IE will try to function as a think-tank for policy makers, industry bodies, researchers and others by providing credible information and data for their reference. Already two senior editors have been roped in to get the magazine back into circulation. Hope these two magazines have a salutary effect – to see relaunches of many more magazines and newspapers.
ekky wankhede
An Ode To 'Ekky' Solkar @Wankhede; MCA Gift Rs 10 Lakh To 1974 Surviving Members Of Ranji Trophy Team
The Guinness World Records creative “Fifty Years Of Wankhede Stadium” using 14505 cricket balls — 7821 red and 6684 white — was an ode to the greatest short-leg fielder Eknath Solkar. Raised and nurtured on the maidans, the gutsy Mumbai left-hander who emerged from zilch to achieve world fame, crouching at a dangerous fielding position and plucking catches.  He also showed a stout heart while batting. “Ekky” as he was fondly known to his friends and fans was remembered by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) which dedicated the unique creative to him. It was all part of its Fifty years of Wankhede Stadium celebration with the creative displayed in front of the dressing room sight screen on January 23, the first day of the first Test at a venue in 1975. Solkar was the first Indian to score a century at the venue named after Sheshrao Wankhede, regarded as a man for integrity and sports-minded. Wankhede was responsible for breaking the umbilical cord with the Cricket Club of India (CCI) for good reasons; the Bombay Cricket Association of which was Wankhede was the President, wanted to be independent and keen to own a cricket ground. And Wankhede delivered it using his political clout. Fifty years after the MCA honoured some of its great cricketers, administrators and recognised the ground staff tending to many  venues in the city,  the MCA presented Rs 10 lakh each to the surviving members of the 1974 Ranji Trophy team and Rs 5 lakh to the family of Ashok Mankad and Sudhir Naik, both of whom contributed immensely to the MCA — as player, captain, coach, mentor, curator, managing committee member and what not. Don’t they deserve more!

TRENDS & VIEWS

Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter

Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.