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Developers in Mumbai owe pending rental dues worth over Rs 646 crore to slum dwellers whose houses have been taken up for redevelopment under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. The pending rental dues had swelled upto Rs 1382.48 crore since 2022 of which the state helped recover Rs 735.67 crores till May, 2025. Defaulting on rents for slum dwellers of SRA projects has assumed such proportions that the government now insists developers deposit two years of rent in advance. The SRA also managed to get Rs 552 crore as advance rents from developers. In a bid to expedite stalled projects, the SRA has also served notices to 86 errant developers to facilitate their replacement and help these projects take off. About 1700 projects of SRA are currently ongoing in the city of Mumbai, out of which about 517 are stalled due to various reasons. In order to take such stalled projects off the ground, the Maharashtra government has also got government statutory bodies like the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) and even the City Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to intervene and get into the slum rehabilitation space. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is also undertaking SRA in 64 of its own plots. Though the SRA was adjudged as the best performing department in the 100 days administrative reforms review by the Devendra Fadnavis government, activists are convinced that it continues to remain a developers’ domain.
There wasn’t much reaction in Telangana Congress when former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin’s son, Asaduddin, also a cricketer, recently parachuted in and landed as a General Secretary of the Telangana Congress. A senior leader and a former MP dismissed the appointment as a non-event and routine. After a stint in cricket, Asaduddin expressed his desire to serve the public through politics, drawing inspiration from his father and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Describing his new role as a “big responsibility”, Asaduddin said he was committed to working for the party in line with its ideology. He praised Rahul Gandhi for fighting for the Congress’s values despite facing numerous challenges He also credited his father, who has been active in politics for over 15 years, as a major influence. Azharuddin, a former Lok Sabha MP from Moradabad, UP, contested and lost the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections from Jubilee Hills constituency. Asked why he quit cricket, Asaduddin remarked that a sports person’s career is short and timing plays a crucial role in success. Married to tennis star Sania Mirza’s sister, Anam Mirza, Asaduddin felt his time in cricket was over. In a post on X, Azharuddin wished his son and said he had seen his (Asaduddin) commitment to people, his passion for service, and his sincerity up close and hoped he would stay “grounded”. With his son’s debut in state politics, Azharuddin is now confident that he will once again be fielded for Jubilee Hills by-elections. He had lost the seat in 2023.
Having once been condemned by Sunil Gavaskar from the commentary box with a serial “Stupid. Stupid. Stupid” description, Rishabh Pant made the legend say “Superb,” three times in tribute to a century at Leeds. That was soon as he became the Indian wicket-keeper with most Test centuries (7) – not Dhoni (6), not Saha (3) nor any of the older greats. And he has kept this “all-rounder” status in his own unique way, rolling on his back not to collect stray wide balls from bowlers but to punt the ball over the ‘keeper’s head. And who else can conceptualise a virtual one-handed lofted shot to mid-wicket sailing beyond the ropes for a six to get to a century. After all, he is a batsman who opened his Test account with a six. Even Gavaskar, who has watched more cricket than many of the legends, may never have predicted such a fulfilling future for a plump youngster. And if he thanked God it may have been not only for the record-breaking century but also saving his life the night that he was involved in a car crash from which few gave him a good chance of survival. Maybe that is why Pant is determined not only to live every minute of a second chance at life but also enjoy it. Maybe, Pant has shown Sunil that despite all that madness that seizes him now and then while batting that he is perfectly capable of stringing together long Test innings. If there is one thing that has not left him may be a bit of spirited batting that in the eyes of critics may seem “Stupid.” Maybe, none will call him “stupid” again regardless of how adventurously he bats when the whim captures his mind.
Titagarh Rail Systems, one of India’s foremost manufacturers of rail wagons and coaches, is taking a strategic step to bolster its production capabilities through a new joint venture with Ramakrishna Forgings Ltd. The joint venture, named Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels Ltd, is setting up an advanced manufacturing facility in Gummidipoondi, located near Chennai. This state-of-the-art plant is designed to produce high-performance forged wheelsets, catering to the requirements of metros, freight wagons, and passenger railcars. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 220,000 wheels. As part of the venture, 80,000 of these wheels will be supplied to Indian Railways under a guaranteed offtake agreement, offering long-term business visibility. Each forged wheel is estimated to cost around Rs 1 lakh. The plant is expected to commence full-scale operations by Feb-Mar 2026.This initiative is crucial, especially after Titagarh faced a slowdown in wagon sales last fiscal due to a shortage of wheelsets from the Rail Wheel Factory. By building its own supply capability, the company aims to eliminate such supply chain disruptions in the future. With about 25% market share, Titagarh remains India’s largest freight wagon manufacturer, leveraging a vertically integrated model for operational resilience.
The name Prashant Tipirineni Nani may not stir recognition until you notice Nani. Oh yes, HIT: The Third Case or Hit 3 starring Nani in an electric turbo action role will immediately stir memories of that action thriller. Much talked about but given mixed reviews by critics. But redemption too…it is the third highest grosser Telugu film, collecting Rs 56 crore in 6 days of cinema run. The team of Nani, Srinidhi Shetty and Director Sailesh Kolanu were happy that HIT 3, third instalment in the series, had surpassed Nani’s earlier Hi Nanna, Saripodhaa Sanivaram and HIT 1 collection. But happiness and celebrations in this mercurial make-believe world of cinema is often short lived…ghosts from the past or ghosts who walk in due to bad Karma often wreck the party and the high of commercial success soon, nosedives. Allegations of story/plot plagiarism are hurled and more often than not, end up in court. Hit 3 has just been hit by allegations from Soniya Vimal (Vimalavalan) who has accused Nani of lifting most of her story, making a few changes here and there in the making of HIT 3. The writer is now demanding copyright compensation of 20% of the take. Vimal claims she had registered her story with the South Indian Film Writers Association in 2021, met with Nani and gave him an outline but got no response from the makers. After watching the first show, she could identify and record every spin of the story, her original. The only recourse was to go to the court. The Madras High Court has now posted the hearing for July 7.
For AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal winning MLAs in Gujarat by itself may not be a big deal; about half a dozen or so have won before. But none of the MLAs have stuck around. However, with AAP candidate Gopal Italia winning from Visavadar for the second time in a by-election, Kerjiwal has something to cheer about. In the backdrop of losing power in Delhi, AAP felt it had to make a song and dance about securing assembly seat in Gujarat by-election– where the BJP has been in power for 30 years –that too from a seat– Visavadar which the BJP has never won. In a post on X, Kejriwal bragged that his party won with nearly double the margin compared to the previous elections and claimed that “people of Punjab are very happy with the work of our government and have voted even more in favour of us than in 2022. The people of Gujarat are now fed up with the BJP and see hope in the AAP”. Italia shot to fame during the 2015 Patidar agitation in the state. The seat has been vacant since 2023 after the then AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the BJP. BJP sources said Italia winning the seat wasn’t a surprise. Visavadar has been a traditional Congress seat. “BJP has never won from there. In 2012, Keshubhai Patel won from there as Parivartan Party candidate. Kesubhai later rejoined the BJP. Sources say more than Visavadar what is of significance for Gujarat politics is that BJP managed to win Kadi assembly seat, a reserved seat in Mehsana. BJP’s Rajendra Chavda won by a margin of over 39,000 votes in a triangular contest taking on both the Congress and the AAP.
Aamir Khan, hailed as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema with his choice of diverse and thought-provoking roles. However, his latest film, Sitare Zameen Par, which garnered approximately Rs 10.70 crore on its opening day, raises critical questions about the viability of niche cinema in a commercial landscape dominated by mass appeal. While the film showcases Aamir’s commitment to storytelling that resonates with a more elite audience, its limited screen release and lack of mainstream entertainment elements have significantly hampered its box office potential. Unlike his contemporaries, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who frequently deliver mass-centric blockbusters, Aamir’s foray into niche narratives may alienate the average moviegoer. The film’s intellectual depth and artistic merit, although commendable, do not cater to the broader audience base that thrives on high-octane entertainment and relatable themes. The expectation for Aamir Khan films to cross the Rs 100-crore mark within the first three days has become a benchmark of success in Bollywood. However, Sitare Zameen Par weekend collections appear to be around Rs35-40 crore, a figure that many industry insiders deem disappointing for a film featuring such a prominent star. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of niche cinema in a market that increasingly favours commercial viability over artistic expression. As the film fraternity navigates this evolving landscape, it is imperative for stars like Aamir Khan to strike a balance between artistic integrity and audience engagement. While niche films have their place in cinema, the current climate suggests that a more mass-oriented approach may be necessary to foster the growth of Indian cinema as a whole.
Shubman Gill has settled the No 4 position for himself in the New India batting order in Test cricket. The moment he was named the captain of the Test team for the five Test series in England, the grapevine was rife with pros and cons of his batting at No 4 with the MRF sticker bat. Just like his predecessors Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli who batted at No 4 and the lithe right-hander from Punjab confirmed it after the fall of debutant Sai Sudharsan at the stroke of lunch on the first day of the Headingley Test. Gill batted with a lot of assurance and compiled an elegant 227-ball 147 with 19 hits to the pickets and one six on the onside. For 12 minutes short of six hours, Gill looked the master playing behind and beside the line against the England fast bowlers. It was Gill’s first time undertaking at No 4 and he and those who helped him take that call would be more than satisfied with his effort. Gill may have thrown away a chance to convert his knock into a double and much more had he not taken the chance against the off break bowler Shoaib Bashir and offered a high catch to Joshua Tongue in the deep. When the going was good, Gill could have really cashed it on, but his departure (430/4) triggered an India collapse to 471. The pitch aided the home team seamers who were also able to swing the ball, and Gill stood up to the task after Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a lovely hundred opening the innings after being put into bat. A great knock from Gill, but a rush of blood heave spelt his doom.
Maharashtra’s Mahayuti alliance achieved a thumping majority in the assembly election late last year. One important factor that ensured such a handsome mandate was the Mahayuti’s ‘Laadki Bahin’(Beloved Sister) scheme. Under this, each applicant woman was paid a monthly dole of Rs 1500. Though there were certain conditions for a beneficiary to be eligible, there was no scrutiny. As a result, even female government officials and those paying income tax also took advantage of the scheme. Some others came in their own cars to receive the cheques. Now, a thorough scrutiny is underway and thousands of names have been dropped, some of them voluntarily by the beneficiaries concerned themselves. Considering the local body elections due in the state after the monsoon, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has declared that a scheme called, “Laadki Soon” (Beloved Daughter in Law) will be launched by the government. There is a reason for the necessity of such a measure despite tall claims that Maharashtra is a progressive state. Time and again, harrowing stories of torture for dowry of newly wed girls surface in the media. In certain cases, the unfortunate girls are either killed or commit suicide. A few such instances that shook the state’s conscience over the past two months are believed to have caused Shinde’s announcement, which will be implemented soon. Incidentally, it was Shinde as the state CM who had introduced the Laadki Bahin Yojana last year.
In terms of absolute growth, the country’s mutual fund industry has grown at a scorching pace. Its AUM has grown from Rs 21 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 72 lakh crore in 2025, monthly SIP from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 26,600 crore and investor’s count has grown five times — from 1 crore to 5 crore. Yet, the investor’s numbers is poor given the size of the population. This poor investor number indicates low awareness and thereby poor penetration level. Though the industry’s Sahi Hai campaign has transformed the space from a high-net-worth niche to a retail-driven engine, more needs to be done. At the 17th ICC Mutual Fund Summit, regulator SEBI has urged the industry to use digital tools for wider access. To help the MF industry, SEBI has undertaken a comprehensive review of the sector’s regulations to ease business operations and introduce flexible scheme design, and recategorize schemes. SEBI feels that innovation and strong governance must go hand in hand, and any missteps would invite regulatory action. Interestingly, AMFI has positioned financial well-being — not just access—as the next frontier. However, AMFI lamented the fact that even though 33% of household disposable income is saved, 66% goes into gold and real estate and only 34% into financial assets. And mutual funds form a small portion of this, though their share of bank deposit equivalents has risen from 10% to 32%. India’s AUM-to-GDP ratio stands at 20%, compared to 65% globally and over 100% in developed markets. To deepen penetration, AMFI is expanding financial literacy drives in various states. Despite 80% general literacy, financial literacy remains at only 27%. This is the gap AMFI aims to close.
It has been a while since Rahul Gandhi and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor held a half-hour surprise meeting at 10 Janpath in Delhi. Believe it or not…it was Tharoor’s first meeting with Rahul since October 2022. The meeting on January 18 was so brief and breezy that Rahul and Tharoor left in a car from the back gate. It didn’t achieve its goal. Tharoor is back to warning the Congress that it can look forward to spending a third term in the Opposition post 2026 assembly elections in Kerala if “it does not expand its base”. But why is Tharoor so livid with the Congress leadership both in the state and Delhi — a party that gave him a political avatar? A hugely popular MP from Kerala capital, Tharoor apparently met Rahul basically to know if the AICC had any plans to name him the chief minister of Kerala. Adding to his discontent was his abrupt removal from the charge of the All India Professional Congress, which he had formed. Media reports suggest Rahul made it clear that the Congress does not have the tradition of picking a chief ministerial candidate before polls. The meeting came amid a political storm triggered by Tharoor’s remarks in an article, where he praised entrepreneurial progress under Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala. Tharoor’s comment drew sharp criticism from within the Congress. But, it was welcomed by the ruling CPI(M); CM Vijayan hailed them as a boost to his government’s image. However, the Congress’ Kerala mouthpiece, Veekshanam Daily on February 17 severely attacked Tharoor without naming him. Tharoor also had to defend his praise for PM Modi post Trump meeting, saying he spoke with India’s interests in mind. Meanwhile, Congress leaders in Kerala now seem to cap fall-out of Tharoor controversy. PCC chief K Sudhakaran cautioned Tharoor from going public with his views as he was a CWC member. Another leader Ramesh Chennithala also felt the need to cap the controversy as local body elections...
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar’s intimate dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi a couple of days ago has once again miffed the principal players in Maharashtra politics. Although their cosy relationship is well-known, the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been finding it difficult to decipher the hidden message, if any, behind the conversation between the two giants. Obviously rattled by the development, Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut has wondered how Modi could sit beside a leader whom the PM had described as ‘a wandering spirit’ during the state assembly electioneering in November last. The Congress has preferred to maintain silence as its state leaders are aware of Pawar’s connection with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and hence don’t wish to invite the ire of the high command by rubbing Pawar the wrong way. But Pawar’s detractors allege that Modi is appeasing Pawar since his NCP has eight Lok Sabha members and the ruling BJP at the Centre needs as much support as possible on the floor of the house. Pawar’s daughter and party MP Supirya Sule has defended the meeting, saying that both leaders are political masters and know what they are doing. Of late, Pawar has been pursuing his own policies, not caring about the possible fallout from the Congress or the Sena (UBT), the two Maha Vikas Aghadi partners. The Pawar-Modi dialogue has once again kicked off a guessing game.
Days after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee made it public about her discussions with Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran of launching direct flights from Kolkata to Europe at the Bengal Global Business Summit comes the news that Kolkata is set to lose its Air India base. The airline, it seems, is withdrawing operations from the city, citing insufficient demand for business and first-class seats, a move reminiscent of British Airways’ exit 16 years ago. While economy class sees steady demand, the lack of high-paying passengers has made Kolkata an unviable base for Air India. From March 31, the airline’s flights will be replaced by Air India Express, the Tata Group’s low-cost subsidiary, which operates an all-economy-class model. Once a crucial hub for Indian Airlines, Kolkata’s role in Air India’s operations has gradually declined. Pilots stationed in the city must now either resign and join Air India Express or relocate. Of approximately 150 pilots, some have moved to IndiGo or shifted to other cities, while 50–60 have opted for Air India Express. Tata Group is repositioning Air India as an international brand, focusing premium operations on major hubs while shifting domestic routes to Air India Express. Similar transitions are expected in Chennai and Hyderabad. Industry experts argue that if the investments announced at the Bengal Global Business Summit materialises, then demand for premium-class travel may eventually rise. Currently, Air India operates 26 flights daily from Kolkata, all of which will cease after March 31.
Looks like it’s tough times for Dr Achutya Samanta, founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University and ex-Biju Janata Dal MP. He is now under the scanner of the BJP-led government in Odisha. The reasons range from land grab allegations to the issue of assaulting and forcibly evicting 1,000 Nepali students from KIIT campus and dropping them at Cuttack railway station to ensure they are headed back to Nepal. Sources say, KIIT’s action has resulted in diplomatic embarrassment for the Indian government. This pressure from the government saw Dr Samanta issuing an apology for his action and asking Nepali students to return back to KIIT. Meanwhile, the Odisha government, it is learnt, has set up a three-member inquiry committee, led by additional chief secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu to find out what went wrong at KIIT campus. Dr Achutya Samant has already appeared in person and given a detailed explanation about his regrettable action. According to India’s former Education Secretary Dr Arun Rath, Vice Chancellor is the administrative head, he should be held responsible for ensuring discipline in the campus. The Nepal government has insisted that the “unruly” staffers and teachers who allegedly misbehaved with Nepalese students should be sacked from KIIT. For KIIT which is currently run by Dr Samanta, the challenge is to professionalise it at all levels and get the right people to run it.
Is Kerala moving away from its sports culture legacy embedded in track and field, football, volleyball and basketball? These are early days, but the multi-cultural mix of the Southern state is openly pointing towards its love for cricket. For the first time in the annals of the eight-decade old Ranji Trophy — a blue riband tournament of the BCCI — Kerala threw down the gauntlet and reached the pinnacle to have a shot at the title of the 2024-25 season. Now and then Kerala has shown the spark in the white-ball format of the game and a number of Malayalee cricketers have taken the spotlight — but the team — one among the 32 in the four Elite Groups — fashioned a one run and two run lead in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to enter the final by its own right. Long ago Kerala was a no hoper against strong cricket legacy teams like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Hyderabad in the Zonal format, but the introduction of a new format ago has given more exposure to the minnows and this season Kerala advanced from a group in which six were previous winners of the Ranji Trophy like Haryana, Karnataka, MP, West Bengal, UP and Punjab. Bihar was the eighth team in their group. The Malayalees across India and the world will watch the final with keen interest as Kerala locks horns with the two-time winner Vidarbha for the coveted prize and Rs 5 crore. Hail Kerala, one may raise a toast now!
First-time MLA Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the fourth woman chief minister of Delhi before a huge gathering at the historic Ramlila Maidan. Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa — all three CM hopefuls — who were touted for their caste and community representations simply fell aside. Rekha stood out only because she had all the qualities to perpetuate and popularise the BJP in Delhi. The years she had put in as municipal councillor prepared her for the top job. Her Baniya caste also worked in her favour. In a state with an adverse sex ratio in terms of voters — male voters (83,76,173) outnumbering women (72,36,560), women voters overwhelmingly backing BJP, the party had no choice but to go for a woman CM. BJP sources say while Modi wanted to thank Delhi women voters by picking Rekha, male stalwarts lost out to factionalism. Rekha Gupta’s first responsibility will be to ensure that women get Rs 2,500 every month, as was promised in the BJP Sankalp Patra. More than that it will be to get Yamuna cleaned up by November ahead of Chhat puja — that is before Bihar polls. In fact that is Modi’s agenda and he has tasked Rekha and her team to ensure that priority basis . BJP sources says Rekha’s rise shows that BJP is reinforcing its image as a party that champions women-centric politics. It shows how the party is prioritising its representation through 33% reservation in BJP organisational structure. After all Modi was mocked by the Opposition for not implementing women’s quota bill (passed in Sept 2023) straightaway in 2024 Lok Sabha polls; now he has shown the way.
Tamil Nadu’s father and son duo of MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin have embarked on a fight to the finish with the Centre on all issues. They know well that this confrontation is not going to get the state anywhere in terms of funding from the Union in important areas like education, but they are convinced that they will have the Tamil people more on their side if they continually oppose PM Narendra Modi, the BJP and the Centre. Their latest battle has lain in the third language formula domain in which the state will get more than Rs 2,100 crore funding if they adopt the New Education Policy. It is known that the third language need not necessarily be Hindi and can be any official language of India that a school offers, including the mother tongue of students who are from outside the state. But that has not stopped the father-son from ignoring the fact that the third language is not necessarily pro-Hindi nor Hindi imposition. It is the Tamil psyche shaped by the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s that the duo is exploiting along with their party that came to power because of the language agitation that began nearly a century ago when C Rajagopalachari oversaw the Madras Presidency in the 1930s. They are playing to the gallery and getting under the skin of New Delhi. Tamil pride and Tamil angst are what they are depending on as they plan to keep power.
BJP’s loser in two assembly elections as well as for Mayor’s post of Delhi MCD, Rekha Gupta, can’t believe her luck after anointment as Delhi’s chief minister, over giant killer Parvesh Verma and Vijendra Gupta, new Speaker of the state legislative assembly. The BJP high command intends to transform Delhi into the best example of governance although currently exemplifying everything wrong across public welfare parameters following decade long AAP misgovernance. Before Gupta aligned with the legacy of late Sheila Dixit and, more recently Atishi Singh Marlena, PM Modi had requisitioned Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for Yamuna clean-up. Saxena’s political link up with the Union Home ministry makes crystal clear who (Shah) runs Delhi’s political affairs and, at whose (Modi’s) behest? Political pundits confused over deputy CM Parvesh Verma, who successfully fought against Arvind Kejriwal, being overlooked for CM’s post. Even Vijendra Gupta, a Baniya from Kejriwal’s community, won MLA seat in the last three state assemblies even when AAP won 67 out of possible 70 MLAs. Both shadow CMs, will bolster Delhi’s affairs backing CM Rekha Gupta. Next up is an ambitious plan to ramp up and extend the Metro rail services in and around Delhi. That apart, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has set three-year deadline to complete mega flyovers project directly connecting Delhi with UP (Noida, Gurugram, Meerut) and Haryana to island national capital against vehicular traffic flowing through it and headed to these destinations to reduce pollution quotient (AQI) of Delhi. Delhi’s public transport service will also be replaced with 100% pollution free EV buses.
In South India, February is definitely a lean month for movie releases. Especially after big releases during Pongal week and Republic Day. However, this Pongal had few releases, especially films starring the big sharks…Vijay busy with his political outfit. Ajith racing formula cars. So, the shortest month with the leanest audience has inspired some avant garde films, made on shoestring budgets and rubber bands has surprisingly drawn the millennium kid viewers. Dhanush has bravely directed his home production film, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam…this long title has been accordion-pleated into an origami NEEK. Dhanush has introduced a total cast of newbies especially his nephew Pavish. Oh, we must mention that Dhanush’s older son Yatra has collaborated in the lyrics. Dhanush has motivated the audience to encourage these newcomers. But the real surprise is Dragon which has drawn much appreciation for the performance of hero Pradeep Ranganathan under the gripping direction of Ashwath Marimuthu. The film raises many questions about the GenNext rebellion and “couldn’t care less” attitude. Ranganathan is bound to go places. Bad Girl has already made news by its theme of a teenager discovering the nuances of hormones and sex. It has been panned for its racist, class divide …such bordering on erotic does not need a lean month to bring in voyeurs. Ramam Raghavam is probably a film to think about that may appeal with Samuthirakani as the pivot father who wants to mould his son is a story that may resonate with every generation. The filmi cauldron has to dip into time-tested formulae…love, rejection, conflict, resolution, compromise and aspirations. With tight budgets, it’s brave of such productions to risk their all on unique stories and hope to hit that pot of gold.
There was that brief break when Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai was in the UK for about three months. During that period, the internecine war between the DMK and Annamalai paused, only to start again, this time with overt threats and challenges. As it is the DMK is seeing bright red as BJP is withholding the education funds for TN, demanding the three-language formula be introduced in the state. Views are strongly divided on this daunting issue — a consensus compromise has to be reached. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin has thrown the gauntlet; the DMK is openly saying that it will no longer be “Go back Modi” but a more virulent “Get out Modi”. Annamalai, just waiting for a chance to retaliate, has issued a fresh challenge with a prickly hashtag, “Get out Stalin” and has thrown the gauntlet “let’s see which hashtag gets the most hits”. In terms of dignified and grace filled political exchange, this appears totally immature. Minister for Health, Ma.Subramanian says, “Annamalai should control his speech”. For his part, Sekhar Babu, (minister for HR & CE), His Masters Voice for Stalin Sr and Jr is optimistic that the more hits DMK gets from BJP, the more DMK will bounce higher like a ball. “Let Annamalai stand against our lowest level DMK cadre in the Assembly election. Its victory for the DMK”. Juggernauts are ready for the Colosseum.
India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s clarion call to launch a drive to throw out illegal immigrants from India is interpreted as a shot in the arm for the government to intensify its on-going operation to weed out such individuals and deport them. He declared his stand while delivering the 65th convocation ceremony address of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Dhankhar pointed out that several nations had undertaken such an action and wondered when India would take similar steps. He lamented that crores of such unauthorised immigrants were living in India, depriving local people of the employment opportunities. Dhankhar observed that while nationalism was the real religion, certain powers had been operating against it. Dhankhar’s comments assume significance against the backdrop of certain statements emanating from the U.S., suggesting that efforts had been made to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Though the VP did not elaborate on this theme further, the message was loud and clear. In a manner of speaking, it is seen as an endorsement of the present sweeps by the police in different parts of the country to identify and send back the illegal immigrants. The issue has become a political matter since some parties and organisations are arguing that it will be inhuman to uproot those living in this country for a number of years. The issue is quite grave in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Hence Dhankhar’s call is expected to boost the Maharashtra government’s determination to act against the illegal intruders entering the state.
Maharashtra’s food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde seems to be facing trouble on all fronts – professional, personal and health — providing fodder for his opponents. Now his partner Karuna Sharma nee Munde is once again back with a vengeance against him. In November 2024 in a video message, Karuna had accused Dhananjay of jailing her on false charges, getting her assaulted by his aides in collector’s office, and even booking entire hotels for having a good time. The volatile relationship between the Munde couple, who have two children, has spilled over into much action on the local political front in Beed. In 2024 she floated a political outfit, Swarajya Shakti Sena. She also contested against Pankaja Munde in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Beed but garnered only 1600 votes. Clearly, the hatred for her husband runs deeper and she responded to news of Munde ailing with Bell’s Palsy by demanding that he be treated in a public hospital casting aspersion on the timing of the ailment. Though Karuna Sharma’s diatribe against Munde isn’t new, it now assumes political significance with her joining the cause with the likes of Munde baiters like BJP legislator Suresh Dhas, Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, activist Anjali Damania and his party opponents, Supriya Sule. Karuna claims that she’s always kept Sharad Pawar updated about her various complaints against Dhananjay Munde from time to time. Not surprisingly, Supriya Sule is the only politician who has entertained her and heard her out. The only silver lining for Dhananjay is that his son from Karuna, Seeshiv, has officially stepped up in support of his father calling him responsible and financially supportive.
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.