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After 65 years, this tractor company will be a fully Indian organization. Chennai-based Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd. (TAFE) will buy out its partner AGCO Corporation of the U.S. in the company. The American firm has 20.7% in TAFE. This will be bought for a consideration of $260 million. The two were engaged in a legal fight over Massey Ferguson brand. The two have now hammered out a comprehensive out-of-court settlement that is sure to bring the curtain down on the spat between the two. Though TAFE holds 16.3% in AGCO, it has decided to stay out of the board and remain a long-term investor. Significantly enough, this comprehensive agreement confirms TAFE as the sole owner of the iconic Massey Ferguson brand in India and two other countries. Two things emerge out of this agreement. For one, it makes TAFE a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Amalgamation group, a 100% Indian firm at that. For another, the decision to stay out of AGCO board gives TAFE the leeway to chart its own business strategy in the international marketplace. Well, the agreement should do a world of good to both TAFE and AGCO.
After the first Test reverse in Headingley, Leeds, the Indian think tank would have mulled over a lot about the ways to take 20 wickets in order to level the series quickly in the second Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham. It’s not going to be easy at all with Jasprit Bumrah not having taken the call to take the field or not. India’s seasoned campaigner Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the attack and the support staff led by Head Coach Gautam Gambhir would like the sprightly Hyderabadi to up his display with the ball by a few notches and take wickets. Prasidh Krishna conceded over 200 runs at Leeds and that’s hell of a lot. Allrounder Shardul Thakur was of no use and his place is likely to be taken by the left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. It’s not known if the team management will gamble picking left arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who has the ability to swing the ball, but he doesn’t have to speed to unnerve the batters. It’s a five Test series, and India has to bounce back before the third Test at Lord’s which inspires cricketers the world over. A bowling combination in Bumrah (5 scalps in the first innings of the first Test), Siraj, Krishna, Thakur and left hand spinner Ravindra Jadeja did not click and took only 15 English wickets and lost the Test in the land of Freddie Trueman and Geoffrey Boycott, but a slight tweak in the bowling set and with a bit of luck, Gill’s team would be hoping to turn the tide.
It’s now an embarrassing moment for the Odisha government’s Principal Finance Secretary, Saswat Mishra IAS who took a hasty decision of dropping three major private sector banks — HDFC, ICICI, Axis — from its panel of banks authorised to handle the state government’s business. And surprisingly, he chose to reverse his decision on June 21 with a clarification that no new account shall be opened henceforth by the respective banks till the banks improve their performance parameters. Many questions have been raised over Mishra’s action. Was it the pressure from Delhi that saw Mishra reversing his decision? What went wrong in the first place for Mishra to de-empanel them? The real story, sources say, is that all these three banks, listed on the stock exchanges, fearing NPAs refused to lend small ticket loans to the weaker section of the society without collaterals, citing the danger of black money routing scam and the inability of the recipients to pay back, particularly PMEGP scheme. This seems to have upset Mishra. Though his official stance is “the action on three banks were taken because of their consistently poor performance in the banks flagship schemes spread over two years”. Clued-in observers say Mishra has opted for carrot and stick policy in dealing with the banks. At the moment the three private sector banks are in a quandary as to how to protect themselves from potential NPAs without collaterals and meeting fiduciary responsibilities amidst RBI’s continued apprehension regarding the danger of unsecured lending.
Is censorship back in India, 50 years after it was first introduced during the Emergency. Modi 3.0, which boasts of strengthening constitutional principles and opposing attempts to subvert it, is arming the Indian censor board with license to change names of central characters in a feature film. The Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism, Suresh Gopi’s first film, after becoming a minister, has run into rough weather following its title. The Malayalam movie, Janaki Vs State of Kerala (JSK), which was cleared by the local censor’s in Thiruvananthapuram a month back, has hit a roadblock at the hands of the revision committee. The committee, which previewed the movie in Mumbai, has suggested that the name of the titular character, Janaki be changed to get a certification. The CBFC revising committee has verbally informed the makers of the film to change the name of the titular character, as Janaki is another name of Goddess Sita. The producer of the film moved the Kerala High Court as they are unable to comply with the orders of the CBFC. The court has questioned the basis for CBFC order when movies like Seeta Aur Geeta, Ram Lakhan had no problems. The name Janaki is mentioned over 90 times throughout the film thereby making it impractical to change things. In fact, the trailers of the movie, cleared by the Thiruvananthapuram-based board, have been running at the theatres, TV screens etc for close to a month. Meanwhile, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has announced a protest march to the local Censor board office in Thiruvananthapuram. Interestingly, the name change is not a new issue in the Kerala film industry. Earlier, the film, Token Number, was cleared for release only after the female character’s name was changed from Janaki to Jayanthi.
Researchers TS Karthy and GV Gopi at the WildLife Institute of India (WLII) have slammed the Odisha government for its greed to turn chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s home district Anugul into a coal mining hub. They have urged the state government to reconsider their business decision as it will squeeze elephants out of its habitat. They say, ensuring Odisha elephants survival is important to WLII because Odisha holds the highest number of Asian elephants in the east central region of India numbering about 1,976. Anugul, CM’s home district accounts for 20% of India’s coal reserve and Majhi’s interest is to revive the closed coal mines to bring in employment and revenue to his government. This possibility has now set the alarm bells ringing at WLII asking how coal mines and elephants will cohabit together? WLII’s two researchers say “if the Majhi government green lights all the inactive coal mines into operation at Anugul, it would mean destruction of 390 sq km of forest in the protected area which is already hindering the movements of the elephants.
Marathi celebrities and film stars find themselves getting called out for their silence on the Marathi issue. The issue of the imposition of Hindi language for primary students has raised hackles in Maharashtra since it is being perceived as an anti-Marathi decision. While a strong groundswell of protest has got both the estranged Thackeray cousins to rally together on this issue, Raj Thackeray is particularly upset that the average Marathi celebrity, particularly those from the Marathi film fraternity, have failed to stand up and speak about the issue. The fact that the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government is pushing the initiative, makes it doubly difficult for many to voice their support. Asha Bhosale not just refused to take a stand but also publicly feigned knowing the Thackerays. Raj Thackeray, a known art aficionado, is known to patronise artists, academics and even film stars in a big way. Through his party — MNS film wing — he is known to fight for more theatre screens for Marathi films. He threatened to watch out for those who failed to support the issue. The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut specifically called out Nana Patekar, Madhuri Dixit and even Prashant Damle for their silence on this issue. Patekar is known to be a vocal voice on political issues and also known for his proximity with many political leaders.. Even the demigod of cricket Sachin Tendulkar was not spared for his silence. But, fortunately for him, the ex-ICC president chief Sharad Pawar rushed to defend him. Pawar stated that he should be allowed only to hold forth on subjects of his expertise. Now with both the Thackeray’s together, it remains to be seen how many celebrities from the Marathi film industry turn up on the streets for the Marathi language issue.
Diljit Dosanjh, a popular figure in the Punjabi music and film industry, finds himself at the centre of a brewing controversy that could significantly impact his career. His film Sardaarji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has sparked a fierce debate within the Indian film fraternity. It reflects deeper tensions between Indian and Pakistani artists, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical issues between the two nations. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a prominent body representing various stakeholders in the Indian film industry, has voiced its discontent regarding the film’s release. Their concerns stem from a broader sentiment within the industry that seeks to distance itself from Pakistani artists due to past incidents, including provocative social media statements made by some Pakistani celebrities. The FWICE’s opposition is significant, as it holds considerable influence and credibility within the industry, and their stance could lead to serious repercussions for Dosanjh. When confronted with the backlash, Diljit’s dismissive comments about Bollywood raised eyebrows. His apparent indifference to the Indian film industry, which has nurtured his career, could alienate him from a substantial segment of his fanbase. Such behaviour may be viewed as irresponsible, especially for someone in his position, and it poses a risk of escalating tensions further. As the situation unfolds, the potential for a ban on Diljit’s work in India looms large, threatening to overshadow his popularity and success. While he may continue to thrive in international markets, the lack of support from the Indian film community could hinder his growth and acceptance within his home country. While Jasbeer Jassi stood by him, Mika condemned his stand.
The $ 110 mn F-35B fighter jet grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is turning out be butt of jokes among Malayalees. The fighter was on a routine exercise off the Indian coast when it made an emergency landing on June 14. Reason given initially was that the aircraft ran out of fuel. After landing, the pilot of the ill-fated jet refused to leave the aircraft from his eyesight. He requested for a chair, so as to sit next to the aircraft. Then the reasons for the aircraft’s emergency landing kept changing day by day. First, it was low fuel which made it difficult to land on the aircraft carrier. Then it shifted to hydraulic problems. Finally, the British High Commission came out with a statement that a specialist UK team is being flown in to carry out repairs on the USA made fighter jet. This announcement led to the malayalee mind working overtime. Questions like have parking charges been imposed on the British Navy? Has it been occupying the VIP landing area? Why is it not being shifted to the Air India hanger? Amidst all this, an enterprising Malayalee put the aircraft on sale on OLX for $ 4 mn. Another post warned that with the overstay of the aircraft, the Waqf board has now claimed that the aircraft belongs to them as it is on their land. Other memes include film clippings of yesteryear Actress Shobana (IAS Official) questioning a PWD contractor – Mohan Lal, (a Priyadarshan movie – Vellanakalude Naadu) why his road roller which has been under repair for long has not been removed despite promises that it will be removed today, tomorrow and day after.
The name Salar Jung is famous as it is identified with a well-stocked museum in Hyderabad. Salar Jung was Diwan (Prime Minister) to the Nizam, once upon a time the wealthiest individual in the world. Curiously, the Salar Jung family is in the news now. Reason: Descendants of the great collector have reportedly gifted a plot of land, claimed to be worth Rs 150 crore, in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Marathwada region of Maharashtra to an individual. But more curious is the fact that the recipient of the windfall is none other than the driver of Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre, a close confidant of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The MP and his MLA son Vilas have both denied any connection with the controversial transaction, claiming that it was a personal affair of the driver, Jawed Rasul Shaikh, who has been working for them for the past 13 years. Notice Boards installed at the property name Shaikh as the owner. For some time, all was well. But the EOW received a complaint from Advocate Mujahid Khan about the gift and has started an inquiry. The land was gifted to Shaikh through a Hibanama (gift deed) by Mir Mahmood Ali Mazhar Ali Khan and five other descendants of the Salar Jung family, the complaint noted. Shaikh maintains that he had close ties with the Jung family, which resulted in him getting the land. So far, the EOW has not taken any further steps.
Notable things are happening in Samantha’s frenzied cinematic and real life. Strangely enough, much is not happening in her life and as rumours fly thick, every move is watched and noted…occupational hazard of a female star. Samantha started off in Tamil films, Khushi, Theri, Ega full of promise …her looks and talent were evident. Things moved fast after the initial success. Her marriage to Nag Chaitanya and the eventual breakup made news. A more defying fate hit when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease , myositis and her world seemed to crash around her ….even though she was an electrifying presence after her hot number ‘Ooh Antava’ in Pushpa The Rise….the remuneration of Rs 5 crore for a single item song opened jaws as much as her sensuality. Her Amazon OTT series , and her incredible performance in The Family Man was much talked about. Suddenly things started nosediving…her films fared poorly, especially the much anticipated Shakuntala and the web series Citadel: Honey Bunny. What hit her most was that the new sensation Srileela was chosen for the sequel of Pushpa …same item number at much less cost. Talk was rife that Samantha had a tiff with Srileela, but at the GQ event Samantha openly asked her competitor to join her for a photo op. Recently, Samantha has stirred up more talk, about her vacation in Abu Dhabi. The destination was not significant but the escort, director Raj Nidimoru in close comfort raised a storm.
Just like intrigue surrounds a toss that sets the tone for a cricket match, the pink-ball day-night Test matches also stirs the imagination of the legion of followers of the game. That’s because the ball is supposed to wobble around the time the sun goes down and the lights are turned on. As a consequence even the most technically equipped batsmen come a cropper! All eyes — after the Indians turned the second Test match on its head in Chennai — are on the third Test at Motera, the rustic looking locality not far from the hustle and bustle of Ahmedabad city. A Test match is going to be played at the venue named after Sardar Patel, after eight years from February 24. Everyone has sung paeans about the modern ground that can seat about 1.10 lakh people and where one of the early VIP visitor was former USA President Donald Trump. What’s of interest to the cricket aficionado and India and England would be the behaviour of the 22 yard pitch for the Test match, the result of which will pave the way for the second finalist for the ICC World Test Championship to be played in London in June. There is the pitch of red soil and black soil. The popular choice will be red.
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.