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Did PM Modi recently visit Mauritius keeping the upcoming Bihar elections in November in mind? Possibly. It may not please the Opposition parties, but Modi’s visit to the African nation where he was greeted with traditional Bihari songs at the airport are bound to irk parties vying to take on the BJP in the polls. Often referred to as “mini Bihar” because of the large number of people of Bihar origin who had relocated there as indentured labourers, starting in 1834, Modi went all out to signal his intent to strengthen ties with the thriving Bihari diaspora in the island nation. First, he presented makhana (fox nuts) to his Mauritian counterpart Navin Ramgoolam and started his speech at an event in Bhojpuri to the delight of Mauritians. Nearly 70% of the population in Mauritius are of Indian origin. More than half of them are descendants of indentured labourers (girmitiya mazdoor) who were sent to plantations in Mauritius from Bihar and UP by the then British colonial rulers. Modi was conferred with the highest national honour of Mauritius, ‘Order of the Star and Key of Indian Ocean’ on its National Day in Port Louis. He also handed Overseas Citizens of India cards to Mauritius PM Ramgoolam and his wife Veena. He gifted President Dharam Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Ganga water collected from Prayagraj during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. Throughout the visit, the PM’s social media handles put up posts in Bhojpuri and were shared by senior BJP leaders and members. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA lost some significant Bhojpuri-speaking constituencies such as Buxar, Ara, Sasaram, and Aurangabad. The Bhojpuri belt in Bihar is spread across 10 districts and comprises 73 Assembly seats.
The legendary trio of Bollywood—Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan—continues to command the spotlight as they gracefully embrace their sixties this year. Recently, Aamir celebrated his 60th birthday (Mar 14), generating headlines not only for this milestone but also for announcing a new relationship, which underscores his enduring appeal and the public’s fascination with his personal life. This news resonated throughout Indian media, highlighting the unmatched influence these three superstars wield over the industry. Whenever Shah Rukh, Salman, or Aamir makes a statement or announcement, it instantly becomes a headline, reinforcing their formidable presence in the entertainment landscape. They are not merely actors; they are cultural icons whose words and actions resonate deeply with fans across generations. SRK, with his recent box office triumphs, has reaffirmed why he remains one of the most sought-after stars, effortlessly drawing audiences to theatres. Salman, the perennial Eid favourite, consistently reigns at the box office, with even his less successful films crossing the coveted Rs 100 crore mark—a testament to his box office magic. Though Aamir faced setbacks with his last two films, he remains undeterred, gearing up for exciting projects like Sitare Zameen Par and a collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. Each Khan possesses a unique charm and business acumen that keeps them relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Their timeless appeal mirrors that of legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, who have crossed 60 long ago, yet remain socially and culturally relevant through their work. As they continue to redefine success, it’s clear that the magic of the Khans remains undiminished, proving that age is merely a number in the realm of Bollywood stardom.
Industrialist Gautam Adani’s 90-minute late night Saturday meeting (Mar 15) with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has raised many an eyebrow. The meeting at ‘Sagar’ bungalow of the CM is considered meaningful since the Adani Group has only recently bagged a huge redevelopment contract in north Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb. The project to redevelop Motilal Nagar colony at a cost of Rs 36,000 crore is among the largest in the metropolis. The group has been under attack by the political opposition of the Fadnavis government in connection ever since it won the prestigious Dharavi redevelopment project. Allegations are made that the ruling saffron coalition is giving away Mumbai to Adani on a platter. Not deterred, Adani has maintained contacts with the Nationalist Congress party founder Sharad Pawar and Fadnavis. Both have had meetings on a couple of occasions during the past few months. The Saturday meeting began around 11 pm and ended after midnight. The 143-acre land parcel is in Goregaon, a stronghold of the BJP. Adani’s name was embroiled in the Hindenburg controversy last year. At the time, Pawar had defended the industrialist stoutly. The result was that the demand to appoint a joint parliamentary committee proved to be stillborn. Similarly, Pawar’s visit to Adani’s office and residence in Ahmedabad had attracted vast media attention. Earlier, Pawar and Adani had inaugurated a factory in Sanand in Gujarat. Except for a token protest, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has remained aloof so far about Adani.
Residents of Manchester or the Indian diaspora in the UK are euphoric for two reasons. The first is the inauguration of a special Indian consulate in Manchester on March 8 by external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. Second, is the announcement by IndiGo airlines of a direct flight to India from Manchester. Dr Jaishankar gave away the secret that both these decisions were an “ask by Angela Rayner” Deputy Prime Minister of the UK – a staunch labour leader from Manchester. Direct flight was a long-standing demand of Indian Mancunians (residents of Manchester). In return, Jaishankar has asked Rayner to open UK universities, tie-up with Indian educational institutions. Indigo’s decision to operate Manchester-India direct flight came as a shock and surprise to the aviation industry. Though the destination in India has not been announced, sources say that IndiGo could fly to the new airport in Navi Mumbai. This is because IndiGo is building a huge hub at the Navi Mumbai airport and it makes sense to fly their newly acquired wide-bodied aircraft from Norso to Navi Mumbai. It may be recalled that last year the Tata-controlled Air India too had announced direct flight between Manchester and India but decided to put it in cold storage and focus on the U.S. sector. It is learnt that on this North America sector — San Francisco and New York – Air India is providing Premium economy seats and there is a good response. Industry experts are asking why British Airways did not think of the Manchester-India flight. IndiGo drew up special plans to operate from Navi Mumbai as Emirates does in Dubai. IndiGo may start the operations from July 2025 to coincide with the Navi Mumbai airport becoming operational.
Rahul Laud, Manchester
The BJP and AIADMK have agreed informally to have an alliance for the Tamil Nadu polls of 2026. K. Annamalai, who heads the TN BJP and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) of AIADMK have agreed to come together again after the AIADMK broke the alliance because it believed it lost more from the association with a party that propagates Hindutva. The two have also agreed to keep their alliance intentions under wraps for now lest the many influences around the TN political scene try to disrupt the coming together of parties that can dent the DMK’s chances of winning the polls. EPS is not interested at the moment in bringing back the former CM O Panneerselvam and his mentor Sasikala, but he may have to compromise if the national BJP insists on everyone coming together to take on the DMK. The BJP would like an even bigger alliance with Vijay’s debutante party TVK in it, but the actor has taken such a strong line against all other Tamil Nadu parties that he may have no option but to go it alone. The Opposition parties are aware that their best chance to take advantage of the building anti-incumbency and feelings running against the DMK’s family rule is to unite. Whether that would be possible with Vijay being the X factor in the coming elections is moot. With a little over a year to go, no development on the alliance front is to be ruled out but the AIADMK-BJP alliance is already sealed.
The good old Brabourne Stadium at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) was abuzz and a Saturday day night fever like atmosphere prevailed at the South Mumbai venue during the third Tata-WPL final. Close to 15000 spectators showed up to cheer the blazing Sudarshan Chakra sporting Mumbai Indians (MI). It was a typical home crowd rooting for the Ambanis owned MI, but applauding the good work of the Delhi Capitals too. The women power was in full force with Harmanpreet Kaur, the India captain stealing the thunder with an admirable show of not exposing her nerves, battling hard with a stunning rescue knock of 66 with England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt showing that she is a professional to the core — all in the presence of Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and Madhumati Lele Shrivastava, President, CCI and WPL’s Executive Committee and few more from the Upper Crust. But after the closing ceremony show by Jasmine Sandlas, French Montana, and Mohamed Ramadan, the teams led by the legendary Meg Lanning and Harmanpreet took the centre stage and after a three-hour scrap in the middle, the MI captain had outwitted her rival with the bat and leadership. Delhi Capitals owned by the GMR Group and JSW Sports was disappointed with a runner-up finish for the third time in a row, and MI was cock-a-hoop after failing to get going when the DC’s South African Marizanne Kapp was flaunting her talent with the new ball. The BCCI ought to be pleased as punch that the WPL is truly bringing women power to the fore.
In Tollywood, filmmakers are moving from one group to another in a quiet but calculated migration that began as a conflict over policy and ideals. The Directors’ Association of Eastern India (DAEI) and the East India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) are two important organizations at the centre of this change. Once linked to legends like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, EIMPA is a legacy organization that has mostly lain dormant in recent years. Conversely, DAEI was established as a more modern substitute and has been associated with the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India. It is ironic that the directors who led demonstrations against Federation rules are now favouring EIMPA. Last year, a disagreement between filmmaker Rahul Mukhopadhyay and the Federation resulted in a standoff. The Chief Minister had to step in as the tension turned into a complete work halt. Leading directors, including Parambrata Chatterjee, Raj Chakraborty, Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit Mukherji, and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, had publicly challenged the Federation’s management of industrial matters. When Federation president Swaroop Biswas controversially claimed that 60% of Tollywood’s directors were accused of sexual harassment, things took an unpleasant turn and further divided the Federation and DAEI. As a result, the Federation’s workers declined to work for Kaushik Ganguly’s film bringing production to a standstill. In response, Ganguly distanced himself from DAEI and settled his conflict with the Federation. Now, EIMPA has re-emerged as a significant entity led by president Anup Sengupta and Swaroop Biswas has been appointed as an advisor. The central issue that emerges is whether these changes stem from authentic ideological shifts or is it survival instinct. A director revealed that the coercive strategies of stopping production have led filmmakers to fall in line.
Even as the world awaits with bated breath, bourses plunge to new found depths over Trump’s tariff war prospect, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have preempted the probable negative repercussions upon our nation. While the U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged PM Modi as a better negotiator than even himself, India has smartly leveraged American keenness to sell its F35 fifth generation fighters while securing for itself what may at worst play out as a friendly tariff war. Highly placed sources reveal that the Indian PM’s visit to USA was strategically preceded by NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s coordinated foreign tours to France, Russia where possible technology transfer deals were fine tuned in the wake of the two-year delay by USA to despatch two futuristic sixth gen fighter engines through GE. While Trump threatens reciprocal tariffs, Modi’s pre-emptive strike of shopping for the technology elsewhere may dampen American spirits enough to ensure a preferential trade agreement instead being hammered out before the end of the 2025 calendar year. Russia and France are only too ready to offer next gen aviation designs, marine drone technology, joint ventures into space and much more while the USA lobbies hard to register F35 sales to India. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged Modi’s role leading to the de-escalation of the Ukraine war and also promised to forge better relations between India and China going ahead. This would also hang heavy over Trump were he to launch his tariff tirade against India more specifically. Meanwhile, Iran is on the watchlist for a collective military offensive in the coming days over its nuclearization plans.
From the word go the Puri Jagannath International airport seems to be an on-off project. For starters there were no bidders followed by land and environmental clearance issues and finally the big question raised was about its viability as it was close to Bhubaneswar airport. Now, highly placed sources say that the Odisha government is keen to get the airport operational on a priority basis. Towards this, the government has ensured that the project will not face any hurdles from the environment ministry. The state’s chief secretary Manoj Ahuja while addressing the third High Powered Committee has made it clear that Puri International Airport is a priority for the Odisha government as well as the Centre. The new airport can help bolster regional and international connectivity thereby giving fillip to tourism vis a vis economic growth. As regards project viability efforts are being made by ensuring viability gap funding. This greenfield airport project will be spread over 1,164 acres. Immediately the Odisha government is going ahead to acquire 221 acres of land which falls under Brahmagiri Tehsil. The villagers will be fairly compensated for land acquired. But there are doubting Thomases who feel that this public-private partnership project will not see the light of the day. Their argument is that the greenfield airport may not prove to be viable as the close-by Bhubaneswar airport already attracts 4.9 million passengers and it is expanding to make provision for 16 million passengers in the next five years. But it has the constraints of not being able to increase its runway.
Oppressor Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Marathwada region of Maharashtra is threatened to be demolished with a Babri-like operation. The warning has been issued by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal leaders after a crescendo took place with the release of Hindi movie Chhaava that depicts the tragic end of Chhatrapati Sambhaji due to the torture by Aurangzeb. The demand was first voiced by Udayan Raje Bhosale, BJP MP from Satara and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s direct descendent. Aurangzeb spent the last 27 years in Maharashtra to end the Maratha rule but was unsuccessful. He breathed his last at Ahilya Nagar and was buried at Khuldabad near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, respecting his last wish. The tombs of Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan, who had come to eliminate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been sore points for Hindutva proponents. Aurangzeb’s tomb is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The saffron organisations have planned state wide protests to press their demand to do away with Aurangzeb tomb, failing which the next course of action will be declared. However, some of their leaders have reminded the government of the Kar Seva for the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the subsequent demolition of the Babri, which had come up at the location. Leaders of the Congress party and the NCP (SP) faction have condemned the announcement. Some of them have argued that the tomb should be preserved as a symbol of defeat of the Emperor and his end in frustration in Maharashtra. Dilip Chaware
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.
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!
Just like efforts to tie-up helter-skelter loose ends of a plot to reach the climax, film promo events offer chances to hit back at those who failed you. In Need. Tamil film’s classy director Gautham Vasudev Menon found just such a moment. It was his promo for the Mammootty starring Dominic And The Ladies’ Purse, a pink Panther like detective theme. Menon could not control his angst as he poured out “would it have made a difference for Suriya if he had acted in Dhruva Natchathiram as originally planned?” He reminded Suriya about the two hits Kaakha Kaakha and Vaaranam Aayiram that marked turning points in Suriya’s filmograph. With Surya’s exit, Dhruva Natchathiram then passed on to Vikram but some financial glitches delayed the film inordinately, though Menon was gung ho about its release, soon. So why was he tying up seemingly disconnected loose ends now? The release of Vishal starrer Madh Gaja Raja (after a 12-year delay for ditto reasons) and its runaway success buoyed up Menon, appreciably. So what if Suriya went out of the film? Lead actors are replaced many a time. And the Kanguva failure would have taught Suriya many a lesson…cinema is more often misses than hits. Just as Suriya is investing all his resources in Retro, Dhruva Natchathiram will shine like the Pole Star, says a confident Menon.
Uncertainty and instability seems to be the hallmark of Maharashtra politics these days. Over two months since a majority government took charge in Maharashtra, insecurity and uncertainty persists over further splits in the Opposition. While the Opposition is on the edge with talks of their elected representatives crossing over to the treasury, the coalition partners are equally on tenterhooks owing to their inability to work freely due to many restrictions placed. Rampant rumours of switching sides and crossing over, be it of Sharad Pawar’s men or even Uddhav Thackeray over to the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has been doing the rounds for some time now. Just when these talks of political shifts had subsided, another buzz was created about how the BJP was engineering a split in Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena by pitchforking another of his deputy, industries minister Uday Samant, who instantly issued denial from Davos. Ajit Pawar’s deputy Chhagan Bhujbal cuddling up to Amit Shah, who regularly drops in at Maharashtra to personally oversee affairs in state, is said to be just the tip of the iceberg. Eknath Shinde who has been sulking since his demotion from CM’s post, is now upset with his ministers being bypassed for guardian ministership in two districts, Raigad and Nashik. His supporters went on a rampage to protest by burning tyres and blocking highways demanding the posts. Constant bickering and frictions between coalition partners over ministerial berths, portfolios, bungalows and now guardian ministerships seem to have become a hallmark of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis 2.0 term. To placate forces within his own party he created new posts like joint guardian ministers to accommodate Ashish Shelar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Saner voices of reason like Supriya Sule have claimed that the tensions in government were deliberately being stoked in the state, to divert attention from pressing challenges facing the state like inflation, unemployment, corruption etc.
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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.