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.

Kolhapuri chappal is a famous hand-crafted pure leather footwear and comes in various forms, named for specific reasons. For instance, Athani make derives its name from that of a village in the vicinity. Kapshi is a distinct design and hue. Visitors to Kolhapur invariably buy a pair after taking darshan of Goddess Ambabai. Kolhapuri chappal is famous abroad as well. Sensing its market potential, Prada has introduced a footwear model for its Milan show. For this Prada had to face a backlash on social media by government officials and artisans in India. They feel that the brand has appropriated a rich Indian tradition but failed to acknowledge the legacy. The unique leather chappals made for the Milan Fashion Week resemble the Kolhapuri chappal. Reacting to this criticism, Prada Group’s Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility admitted in a letter Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture that “We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men’s 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.” The controversy became more widespread after BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a Kolhapuri chappal artisan delegation to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. They have demanded action to protect the footwear’s GI rights and cultural importance. A pair of Kolhapuri chappals cost somewhere around Rs 500 but will be sold by Prada for around Rs 1 lakh. 

After a quiet spell, Tollywood is finally finding its rhythm again. The first half of 2025 has brought a surge in film releases like Binodini: Ekti Nadir Naam, Kilbil Society, Puraton, Amar Boss, Batsarik, Raas, Grihoprobesh to name a few. Despite fears of a downturn due to geopolitical tensions like the Pahalgam incident and Indo-Pak conflict, two films entered the crore club at national multiplexes: The Eken: Benarasey Bibhishika (Rs 3.12 cr in five weeks, outpacing Dev’s 2023 hit Khadān) and Amar Boss (Rs 1.42 cr). In broader earnings, The Eken grossed Rs 7 cr, Amar Boss Rs 4 cr, Kilbil Society Rs 2.5 cr, Puraton Rs 1.5 cr and Satyi Bole Satyi Kichhu Nei Rs 1.3 cr. Other films’ earnings were anywhere between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 96 lakh. According to Shiboprosad Mukherjee, director and actor of Amar Boss, consistent releases have kept audiences engaged. He pointed out 2025 as more promising than 2024, citing steady performance in single screens and varied content preventing viewer fatigue. Upcoming releases like Dear Maa, Mrigaya and Bhootpurbo are expected to maintain this momentum. Director Saurav Palodhi’s Ank Ki Kothin, a low-budget, star-less film, found success through word-of-mouth. He stressed that commercial hits like The Eken and Amar Boss are vital to support smaller films.  Distributors like Shatadeep Saha and Bablu Damani agreed the industry isn’t in crisis. Saha noted that consistent film output over three years, and Damani highlights Raas touching Rs 50 lakh without major studio backing.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor did not expect a second foreign tour so quickly after delivering exceptionally well as team lead of the (Indian) Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs’ outreach to the world post ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Indian diplomat turned MP was invited to PM Modi’s residence late night, and following an hour-and-a-half long meeting, dispatched out-and-out to Russia without even returning home to pack his bags. Tharoor met Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov the following day and was not surprised when the Russian leader commenced his parlance in French. India’s former UN delegate comfortably, consciously negotiated the rest of the conversation in French with aplomb. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on out-of-the-box thinking now extends without the BJP party lines, making him the first Indian premier to command international statesmanship across party lines for national progress. Another first in Indian international history was Union defence minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to China to attend the SCO summit where he not only refused to sign on the dotted line of the resolution for excluding references to Pak terrorism but also sidelined the courtesy call meeting with the Pakistani foreign minister who was also in attendance. Singh’s visit to China simultaneously witnessed India’s NSA Ajit Doval holding talks with his Chinese counterparts emphasizing Pakistani double speak vis-a-vis China and USA respectively. Next up, MEA S Jaishankar’s visit to China that may well accomplish another major diplomatic win for India. So, what else is new? 

When it was announced that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge would interact with the media to mark Emergency anniversary, it was presumed he would come up with some punitive step against Shashi Tharoor, for intensifying his praise of PM Modi in an article published in The Hindu. However, Kharge appeared rather muted and merely stated for the party, “it is country first”, contrasting it with the view that “for some” individuals for whom it is, “Modi first and then the country comes.”  Pushed to specifically comment about Tharoor, he made it clear that the Gandhis had possibly not favoured any action against him. Tharoor enjoys rather good equations with both Sonia and Priyanka. Kharge merely said “Mr Tharoor is very fluent in English. I can’t read English well. His language is very good. That’s why we have made him a Congress Working Committee member”. A senior Kerala Congress leader also made it clear that no one in the state unit is pushing for action against Tharoor.” We hear Tharoor is looking to position himself as India’s candidate for next UN Secretary-General. It is likely that the Modi government may back him. Along with support from the U.S., Tharoor could possibly clinch it — an office he once bid for in 2006.”  Little wonder then Tharoor had responded to critics in the Congress with a message about birds “not seeking permission to fly”. Tharoor, currently at the centre of a row within the party, was on a private visit to Russia to promote a documentary series based on his book “Inglorious Empire” and had meetings with key members of the Russian leadership such as foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

Many in the Congress are still troubled by the manner in which Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains a AICC General Secretary without any specific assignment. Her brother Rahul, who remotely controls the AICC is apparently not interested in sharing power or responsibility with her. He has made it clear to mother Sonia Gandhi. In this backdrop it is interesting to note that Priyanka visited her cousin Varun Gandhi on the death anniversary of her uncle Sanjay Gandhi (June 23) recently. There has always been a buzz that Priyanka and Varun share a close bond and it is speculated that while she may wish for a role for Varun in the Congress it may not go down well with Rahul. Interestingly, while Rahul wants full control over the Congress, he doesn’t mind using Priyanka’s name as a shield for his frequent foreign trips. Well that’s what happened when the BJP mocked the Lok Sabha LoP for flying out all too frequently. On a backfoot, the Congress rushed to clarify that he had gone to London to attend the graduation ceremony of his niece/ Priyanka’s daughter Miraya Vadra and would be back shortly. The clarification came as BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya had attacked Rahul Gandhi over what he said were “frequent disappearances”. Rahul Gandhi was on a secret foreign holiday just last week. Now, he has flown abroad again to yet another undisclosed location,” Malviya said on X. There was also speculation on social media that Rahul had gone to Bahrain. The Congress dubbed it as an effort of the “PMO, as usual, up to its dirty tricks”. Politically, for Priyanka what must have been important is the Nilambur assembly by-election win.

England has picked fast bowler Jofra Archer for the second Test against India at Edgbaston from July 2. The home team has not wasted time to sort of going for the jugular after its seam attack in Chris Woakes, Joshua Tongue, and Brydon Carse were taken apart for five centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the first Test at Headingley. It is not rocket science to decipher England’s quick decision after taking a 1-0 lead; the home team’s coach in Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have seen India collapse twice, nee cave in, after a big partnership and are keen to quick-fix the issue of conceding runs to its rival’s top and middle order pile up runs. England missed express fast bowlers Archer and Mark Wood in the opening Test and have recalled the former who has not played Test cricket for four years and four months; in fact he played his first, first class match in four years for Sussex against Durham last week after a long period of recovery to mend his bowling hand elbow and back. Archer has taken 30 wickets at almost 27 apiece at home, but he has not played a Test at Edgbaston where England has a 7-0 record against India with one Test drawn. Former England captain Michael Atherton feels Archer need not be rushed in for the second Test and can wait till the third Test at Lord’s. But England’s team management doesn’t want to give a respite to India and wants to dominate the series and one way of doing so it feels is to unleash Archer at the Indian top order.

Kirit Somaiya, who rose up from the ranks to become a MP of the BJP, finds himself isolated within his own party. The fact that a coalition party leader like NCP’s Ajit Pawar could publicly tick him off without any protest from the BJP, clearly highlighted Somaiya’s lack of standing in his own party. The junior Pawar warned him to stay off Masjids since it escalated social tensions after Muslim legislators and leaders across Mumbai protested against his campaign against loudspeakers in Masjids. Muslim legislators across the board approached Ajit Pawar demanding he rein back Somaiya particularly since his campaign against Masjid loudspeakers created outrage in the community. Notwithstanding a token voice of support from Mumbai president Ashish Shelar, forget outrage there was not even a whimper of protest from within the BJP. Somaiya, once known to be close to the party leadership, found himself systematically isolated in the BJP. Despite raising high decibel anti-corruption campaigns against the likes of Ajit Pawar, Hasan Mushrif, Narayan Rane, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Uddhav Thackeray, he and his son found themselves denied party tickets. Almost all his campaigns failed to withstand legal scrutiny after most of those accused either joined the BJP or its coalition partners. Viral videos of him in a compromising position and charges of misappropriation of funds raised for INS Vikrant ship, were the last nail in his political career. But the persistent Somaiya refuses to give up and keeps raising controversial issues like that of illegal entry of Bangladeshis or illegal loudspeakers in Masjids, subjects that the party keeps at an arm’s length.

Whispers within Bengal’s political circles are growing louder that the former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh may launch a new political party — possibly named Paschimbanga Hindu Sena (PHS). Reports suggest a senior BJP leader chaired a closed-door meeting, allegedly attended by nearly 25 BJP leaders and ex-functionaries, to discuss the formation of a new Hindutva-oriented outfit. Sources claimed preparations are underway to submit registration documents to the Election Commission. The appearance of PHS-branded T-shirts in parts of South Kolkata has only intensified speculation. Interestingly, several names of leaders who will join Ghosh are doing the rounds. They are: former BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu, ex-vice president Rajkamal Pathak and the currently suspended Ritesh Tiwari. Though none have confirmed it. Ghosh, BJP’s most successful former Bengal president, has been increasingly sidelined within the party which has become evident from his absence from key events including those of PM Modi and Amit Shah. His appearance at Digha’s Jagannath Dham inauguration by the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee provided grist to the rumour mills of him launching a new party. While subtly critical of Suvendu Adhikari’s faction, Ghosh denies any split, reaffirming his decades-long role in building the BJP and rejecting splinter politics. However, Bengal BJP sources claimed that the party HQ is enquiring about a close-door meeting that took place, after the party lost Kaliganj bypoll, by some of the disgruntled leaders who feel they have been sidelined ever since Suvendu Adhikari entered the scene.

Finally, the die is cast. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have reportedly agreed to take out a joint morcha on 5 July in Mumbai against any imposition of Hindi for the students from the first to the fourth standards. Though the Maharashtra government has already announced that a decision in this regard will be taken after consulting all the stakeholders, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have decided to march hand in hand to express people’s opposition to the proposal. Earlier, the two leaders had announced two different dates for their respective protests. Now, several bodies and opinion makers have supported the proposed morcha, which has injected a new life in the paralysed opposition. Especially, the decision of Thackeray cousins has enthused workers of both the militant organisations which are in the process of pairing for the coming local body elections. As the future of both depends heavily on BMC election, their joint fight can pose a formidable challenge for the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The proposal to make Hindi compulsory is facing increasing resistance. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, too, has opined that Hindi should be taught from the fifth standard. His uncle Sharad Pawar, as is customary, has changed his earlier stance about the advisability of learning Hindi. Sensing the public mood, now he says that the position taken by the two Thackerays is right. In view of the sensitivity of the matter, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is weighing the pros and cons before he makes any announcement.

Veteran leader Sharad Pawar was approached by then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, who was desirous of visiting Israel to study its innovative farm techniques and water management initiatives. Pawar was then Union agriculture minister. Once Pawar had announced that he would lead a delegation of agriculturists to Israel. After reading this news, Modi approached him and requested his inclusion in the visiting group. Pawar obliged and Modi could go to Israel, which at the time was extremely strict about granting visitor visas. “Modi called and I responded positively,” Pawar recalled in an informal chat with the media. He was referring to the U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that it was POTUS who had brokered peace between Iran and Israel. Pawar said it was imperative that Modi should take a clear stand about this conflict. He reminded the PM that his successive predecessors had taken a consistent position about Iran and had stood by it. It was Modi who was the first PM to visit Israel, the veteran leader said. Pawar was quizzed about the current anti-Hindi agitation in Maharashtra and the reticence of some celebrities about the issue. For instance, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has kept mum on the controversy. Pawar said Sachin was a sportsperson and hence it was not necessary that he should talk about this language feud. “Ask Sachin about cricket,” Pawar quipped.  He reiterated that the three-party opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi will fight the coming local body elections unitedly.

Renowned Indian-origin consultant physician and endocrinologist Dr Parag Singhal has been awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding services to the United Kingdom’s health education, and black & ethnic minority doctor. Public service heroes, healthcare and technology experts, artists and educationists are among over 30 professionals of Indian heritage who are recognised in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List 2025. The award recognises Dr Singhal’s exceptional achievements, with a particular focus on public service in the field of medical education and healthcare. Dr Singhal is a practising Endocrinologist at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of South Wales and Honorary Professor at Bolton University. He serves as Chief Executive of BAPIO Training Academy and has developed innovative Indo-U.K. training programmes to prepare young doctors of today to face the challenges of the 21st century. He’s also responsible and instrumental in building and strengthening the UK-India Healthcare Alliance. Dr Singhal received an Honorary Doctorate from Kyrgyz State University and was appointed to Herbalife’s Global Nutrition Advisory Board. He earned GAPIO’s Excellence in Leadership Award (2020), the Bharat Gaurav Award (2015).

Maharashtra’s most prestigious civic elections to be scheduled for India’s financial capital, Mumbai’s metropolis is turning into a political potboiler. Every formation worth its salt wants to make its political presence count. Before this happens, realignment of 227 seats electing our city fathers, to include designated reserved civic constituencies is the big news. A former state election department officer emphatically says, “No electoral officer can provide you the last value on anvil changes of civic wards. Reservations, realignment of individual seats is the prerogative of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations’ ward offices. We provide electoral lists of the six parliamentary, 36 assembly constituencies in Mumbai and enjoy hands-on involvement only during general, state assemblies.” BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani says 2011 census data (alongside estimated population figures) serve as the benchmark aligning individual civic councillor seats. “Wherever there is a geographical change — the coastal roads infrastructure — where ‘nullah’ (sewer lines) were diverted and, couple of redevelopment projects impact population demography within 26 wards will witness marginal realignments,” he says. That done, Uddhav’s Sena (boasting 85 sitting corporators) demanding over100 seats, Congress emphasising minority voter base in Mumbai — citing Lok Sabha results to wrest an equal number of seats leaves Sharad Pawar rueing his woes or, will he? BJP’s 83 invisible sitting corporators failed emphasizing PM Narendra Modi’s schemes over five years so, CM Devendra Fadnavis will micromanage BMC polls also while sharing civic seats with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s political parties without much acrimony. Despite the Supreme Court’s mandate for early polls, some delays still threaten to postpone Mumbai’s civic elections some more.

Hindu Munnani, a right-wing outfit close to BJP, organised a Lord Murugan (or Kartikeya) Devotees Conference on June 22 and passed a resolution for ‘Hindu unity’ and protection of Hindus in the temple town of Tirupurakundram in Tamil Nadu. An interesting aspect of the Murugan Meet of devotees was that it was attended by Andhra Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP office-bearers of Tamil Nadu. The conference adopted a number of pro-Hindu resolutions to protect the rights of Hindus. The Murugan Meet seemed like the first of steps to rally Hindu votes ahead of 2026 assembly polls. It not only suggested that the DMK government should “stop treating temples as a revenue source and use temple funds to only benefit devotees”. A highlight of the Murugan Meet was the record-breaking mass recital of “Skanda Sashti Kavacham”( a popular Tamil hymn in praise of Lord Murugan) by an estimated 5 lakh Murugan devotees. It was also resolved to have such recitals of Skanda Sashti Kavacham regularly. The political message of the meet was a clarion call to Hindus to vote en bloc. Pawan Kalyan, who had been encouraged by the RSS to take active interest in TN politics, spoke in Tamil. He hit out at ‘secularists’ and atheists for targeting Hindu gods and temples. In a grand gesture Pawan Kalyan also sought to bring together former TN BJP chief K Annamalai and present incumbent Nainar Nagendran as he made them hold hands on the stage. As for the AIADMK, former CM Edappadi K Palanisamy made it a point to send four MLAs for the meet. Meanwhile RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was in Coimbatore where he praised the spiritual tradition of adheenams in TN.

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.

Tamil film’s popular hero Dhanush is an extraordinary artist. He has carved out a unique niche for himself in the last 25 years. He has come a long way … Oh yes, he did have a leg-up, having married the superstar Rajnikanth’s daughter Aishwaraya. But that tenuous tie too broke up. Recently he crossed another milestone with Kubera – it was his 51st film. His film graph carries several hits, some near misses but never total failures. His latest Kubera has a stupendous starcast …Rashmika Mandana as a leading lady, Telugu super star Nagarjuna, Bollywood’s Jim Serb to name a few. But it is Telugu director Sekar Kammula , who has attracted much attention. Dhanush was in the cinema with his son, director Kammula and other crew for the first day first show, humbly accepting his fans’ roaring admiration. Popular stars Sai Pallavi and Kartik Subburaj complimented Dhanush on his performance.  Sai Pallavi wrote on X that the most complicated roles bring out the best in Dhanush. But sadly enough, just two days of Kubera’s release in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, news of its pirated release on the net hit them all where it hurt.

Hours after the U.S. bombed Iran’s three key nuclear facilities on June 21, PM Narendra Modi spoke with President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. “We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” Modi said in a post on X. The conversation assumes significance as many Indian students are still in that country, hoping to return back home. Teheran had evacuated Indian students with the help of our mission to leave Iran via Armenia and Doha. Some batches of students managed to reach Delhi. Our mission in Tehran has been helping students from Nepal and Sri Lanka also to leave Iran. Pakistan too rushed to condemn the attack and said that Iran had all the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN charter. The official comments by Pakistan come days after its Field Marshal Asim Munir visited White House for a lunch hosted by President Trump. Pak reaction seemed odd considering the initial reports suggested that the U.S. plan was to use Pak base to attack Iran. But now media reports indicate that the U.S. Stealth bombers were flown from Missouri for over 37 hours and had refuelled mid-air to carry out the operation. Clearly it seems President Trump did not trust Gen Munir and had a surprise element in the strikes. In Iran, Hossein Shariatmadari, the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s representative, has called for immediate retaliation. He talked about launching a missile strike on the U.S. naval fleet in Bahrain and simultaneously closing the Strait of Hormuz. Any adverse action in Hormuz could hurt India.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandra Babu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh is clearly moving centre stage in politics. The 42-year old Minister for IT and Human Resources Development came for high praise from PM Modi on the way he organised the International Yoga Day event in Visakhapatnam. The event was a logistical success with Lokesh overseeing extensive arrangements. Modi specifically praised Lokesh’s efforts, a gesture that resonated widely within TDP circles and reinforced his growing stature. He managed to mobilise a record crowd of 302,087 at Visakhapatnam alone. Calling him bhai, PM Modi said “I want to praise Lokesh profusely. He has proved how a social celebration should be planned, and executed and how all sections of society should be brought together in just one and a half months”. How Lokesh had organised the Yogandhra Abhiyan should serve as a role model for the rest of India. In this abhiyan, two crore people took part in it (referring to events across mandals). This is the cardinal principle of the Viksit Bharat, said Modi. TDP spokesperson Prof Jyothsna Trinagari said the Visakhpatnam numbers were double of Surat which was about 1.47 lakh. A notable highlight of the event was the use of a QR code-based participant tracking system, which yielded highly accurate attendance data, setting a new benchmark. Of course, it is not that Lokesh had suddenly moved into the spotlight; he has had a number of high-profile engagements with national leaders, including a one-on-one dinner with Modi on May 17 along with his family and meetings with key Union Ministers. These suggest that he has been slowly emerging as key interlocutor for Andhra and TDP — he has been acting as a bridge between the Centre and the state. 

Just a year for the most bitter battle for the Tamil Nadu gaddi and a whole host of chinks and breaches in the DMK armour are tumbling out. Is the DMK being dismantled by a cunning Chanakya? Are DMK MP K Kanimozhi and MK Alagiri being instigated to rebel against a dynastic family succession? Political seers are seeing red at every turn. The latest buzz about the Maran brothers, Kalanithi and Dayanidhi fighting for their share of spoils has shaken the DMK leaders and cadres. The father of Maran brothers, Murasoli Maran was Kalaignar’s (nephew) alter ego, power broker and conscience keeper. The two families grew wealthy and powerful even as the DMK’s political relevance grew to sustain the families. Kalanithi, founder of the SUN TV Group, an entrepreneur with an unfailing Midas touch and brother Dayanidhi too basked in the sun’s radiance and held sway in Delhi. The timing of the fallout is what everybody is questioning. Whose hidden hand is at work? The recent star status accorded by PM Modi to Kanimozhi (Stalin’s step sister) to lead an all-party delegation post Operation Sindoor indicates she is a power centre in her own right. Was she given the plum role to highlight that she too was ready for the state’s CMship? On his recent visit to Madurai, an estranged Stalin made amends by calling on older brother MK Alagiri, who assured Stalin that he is no longer interested in politics and would create no trouble as the family’s “Southern Satrap”. BJP knows that 2026 may be too early to make a significant dent in the iron grip of the Dravidian parties. But chipping away brick by brick could dent that grip. Chanakya at work on many fronts.

After spending two years at 10 Janpath with his mother Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is moving into a new address. He started the process of shifting on his birthday on June 19. It is being said 5, Sunehri Bagh Road, barely two km from 10 Janpath, will be his new address and Rahul will move into the Type VIII bungalow before the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 21. The Sunehri Bagh residence was earlier occupied by Karnataka BJP leader A Narayanaswamy, who was Minister of State for Social Justice in the Modi government from 2021 to 2024, and had not contested 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Since he became an MP in 2004, Rahul has been staying at 12, Tughlaq Lane for 19 years till 22 April, 2023. This was the house he had to vacate after he was disqualified from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a defamation case involving PM Modi.  He was given the choice of moving back to 12, Tughlak Lane — but it was believed that it lacked an auspicious vastu and the Gandhis declined moving back. Rahul had the option of paying market rent and continuing to stay in the bungalow after filing an application but he chose to stay with his mother. He continued to stay at 10 Janpath even after the Lok Sabha election and assumed the chair of Leader of Opposition.

Shares of Sun TV Network crashed over 5% on June 19 after a family feud came to light. Dayanidhi Maran accused elder brother Kalanithi Maran of taking control of the Rs23,000 crore Sun TV through fraudulent practices soon after their father Murasoli Maran’s death in 2003. Now, there are reports that the legal battle over Sun TV ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections has begun to worry the ruling DMK. DMK leaders have begun to worry how they would face the polls without media, muscle and money. They are not only feeling caught between feuding Maran brothers but also feel they have no answer for the TASMAC liquor scam involving close aides of Deputy CM Udhaynidhi Stalin. Sources close to DMK say Dayanidhi’s revelation is bound to please chief minister MK Stalin’s son-in-law V Sabareesan as well as be music to ears of his sister DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, who also runs a TV media network Kalaignar. Both Sabareesan and Kani have been in cold and watched Udhaynidhi flex his muscles. In his notice, Dayanidhi sought to restore the Sun TV’s shareholding structure to its pre-September 2003 status. This implies that Dayanidhi and his sister, Anbukarasi Maran, along with MK Stalin, and his two brothers and sister, would be the owners of Sun TV, as Kalanithi did not own any shares in the company 22 years ago. Dayanidhi says that after their father’s death, Kalanithi took over more than 75% of the company, while the shares held by their parents were reduced from 50% to just one single share. He claims Kalanithi used none of his own money to do this. He has threatened to request a government investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office if Kalanithi does not agree to fix the issue. The notice says that when Sun TV was founded in 1985, the only shareholders were MK Dayalu (Karunanidhi’s second wife) and Mallika (Murasoli Maran’s wife).

The West Bengal government’s action is once again under scrutiny after political cartoonist Manjul received a takedown notice from Cyber Crime wing of the state police.  News website, The Wire, reported that the notice targeted two 2019 cartoons featuring chief minister Mamata Banerjee; one depicting defections from TMC to BJP, and the other on chit-fund scams under her regime. The state police cited alleged legal violations behind the notice. Earlier in March, FIRs were filed against CPI(M)’s Mohammad Salim and BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya for sharing a video showing a woman being flogged by a TMC leader in North Dinajpur’s Chopra. The post led to public outrage, prompting police to seek content removal. These instances reflect a long-standing pattern. In 2012, Jadavpur University professor Ambikesh Mahapatra was arrested for forwarding a cartoon featuring Banerjee; his case dragged on for a decade. Farmer Shiladitya Chowdhury was branded a “Maoist” by Banerjee after questioning fertiliser prices, then detained and legally pursued. In 2019, Sanmoy Banerjee, ex-Congress spokesperson, was arrested for criticising the chief minister’s nephew. In June 2022, YouTuber Roddur Roy was arrested from Goa for allegedly abusing Banerjee and her nephew. In 2023, advocate and former Congress spokesperson Kaustav Bagchi was also detained for allegedly derogatory remarks about Banerjee. Both later joined the BJP. Notably, during protests over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College in August 2023, artists criticised the state’s response. In retaliation, the TMC initiated a cultural boycott led by Kunal Ghosh, backed by MP Kalyan Banerjee and Education Minister Bratya Basu.

After Opposition parties BJD and Congress lashing out at Majhi government’s performance, it’s now the turn of titular Puri King expressing his displeasure and disappointment. He has openly shown red flags to CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s administration capability over preparation of Lord Jagannath Temple’s Ratha Yatra in Puri on June 27.  The King said, “Everyone thought the Majhi government will make darshan hassle-free at Lord Jagannath temple but nothing has happened so far.” Everything is moving at a snail’s pace and the entry/exit of devotees seeking Lord Jagannath’s blessings is yet to be finalised. This is because the temple management committee has not been formed in the last nine months despite King’s personal written request to the Majhi government to appoint the temple governing body. Meanwhile, the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) management committee issue has now snowballed into a legal issue to be decided by the Odisha high court. According to Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan the delay in appointing the temple management committee is because one ‘sabayat’ and seven others had moved Odisha HC challenging the inclusion of two individuals in the sacred ‘patabola seva’ — a ritual service traditionally reserved for hereditary sevaks of the Puri Jagannath Temple. In the recent HC interim order on 19 June by Justice RK Patnaik, he has now directed SJTA to consider excluding finalisation of two names of the new temple committee members for participating in the committee meeting since it is reserved for hereditary sevaks.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has targeted the BJP for distorting Bengal’s contribution to India’s freedom movement through the recently released film Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday. Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have accused the filmmakers of deliberately altering the names of iconic Bengali revolutionaries, alleging that this was done with political intent, as Kumar is known to be close to PM Narendra Modi and the BJP. According to Didi, the BJP had been consistently targeting the state and its rich cultural heritage. The film, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, released in theatres on April 18 and later on OTT platform JioCinema, has now landed in controversy. A formal police complaint has led to a FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly insulting freedom fighters and misrepresenting historical facts. Ranjit Biswas, a resident of Nabapalli Sector IV in Bidhannagar South, filed the complaint, claiming that the courtroom scene in the film related to the Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case misrepresents revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Barindra Kumar Ghosh. In the movie, they are portrayed as ‘Khudiram Singh’ and ‘Birendra Kumar’ from Amritsar, which Biswas called an “insult to Bengal’s martyrs.” Following the complaint, the police have registered a case under BNS Sections 352 (intentional insult), 353(1)(c) (public mischief), and 353(2) (dissemination of false information). The TMC has demanded an apology and correction, accusing the film of whitewashing Bengal’s revolutionary history.

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Maharashtra is facing some sticky moments over the entry of two controversial politicians, both belonging to the Shiv Sena (UBT). BJP sympathisers and supporters are perturbed over the welcome accorded to Sudhakar Badgujar and Baban Gholap, both from Nashik in north Maharashtra. Badgujar was till a fortnight ago a close associate of Sena MP Sanjay Raut. He was expelled from that party since he presented a memorandum listing civic demands to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who was visiting Nashik. Badgujar was in the news for the past year after his pictures dancing with Salim Kutta, an alleged operator of Dawood Ibrahim, went viral on social media. Several BJP members had castigated the Sena though he had remained untouched. Even after he joined the BJP, Raut was cautious to react. Normally in the habit of launching a tirade against Sena opponents, Raut merely said about Badgujar that he would not comment on those who were not in his party. Gholap, a former minister in the first Sena-BJP alliance regime, was imprisoned for fraud and was rather inactive politically for a long time. His BJP entry was somewhat surprising for many. The BJP is facing heat for admitting the duo. Fadnavis has said that none should be held guilty unless convicted by the court. All said and done, Badgujar’s entry into the BJP has weakened the Sena (UBT) which is already facing a deluge.

Various political parties in Maharashtra are unanimous in opposing the imposition of Hindi in primary schools. The issue of teaching Hindi has provided cannon fodder to the various political outfits, which have started flexing their muscles in view of the coming local body elections. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has repeatedly clarified that the opposition to Hindi teaching is misplaced but this has had no effect for those who have taken up cudgels against Hindi’s teaching. For the first time in many years, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by his cousin Raj Thackeray have expressed similar sentiments on the touchy situation. Those leaders and insignificant political parties, which had been in hibernation after the Lok Sabha election, have suddenly reactivated themselves. In this atmosphere, senior leader Sharad Pawar has once again taken an ambivalent position. Pawar has indirectly supported the teaching of Hindi. In a chat with the media, while saying that Hindi should not be imposed, he has observed that hating Hindi will not be in the interest of the students. Pawar also pointed out that nearly 60% of India’s population conversed in Hindi. Pawar’s position is considered reasonable though with a rider, as usual. Other partners of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are nixed since they can neither support him nor speak against him. The issue, however, has potential to impact the local body elections.

Time to keep fingers crossed as an Indian team, trying to juggle with a number of questions in batting and bowling, will get down to the serious business of the first day of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds on Friday. India’s new captain Shubman Gill (three Tests in England) will have a brush with the maverick Ben Stokes who has led England in 33 Tests and won 20 for a 60.61 % win- record and with an 18- led-13-win record at home for a 72.22 positive percentage. Anyway one looks at it, the odds are stacked against India and Gill. But the charm of multi-day Test run-ins is all about outsmarting the rival team with the bat and ball for near about  450 overs if a contest lasts almost five full days and India has the opportunity to play (out of its skin) to baulk the home team which is a touch short without express fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. England will still have a pace bowling apparatus to trouble the inexperienced (in English conditions) top and middle order in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair (recalled after many years), Dhruv Jurel and Gill. Fortunes could fluctuate in a matter of a few overs, and the likes of Jaiswal & Co have their task cut out. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have the experience, but on a day when a team has to bowl 90 overs, the Indian team could be hard-pressed. In these circumstances Gill, while batting and Bumrah, while bowling hold the key for India to take control of events.

There is a saying in Hindi, Aapko Aam khanese matlab hai ya ghutli ginnese?  For Dr S Ramadoss and his feuding son, Dr Anbumani, the PMK and its symbol, the Mango have come to a collision point in their succession battle for taking over the party. In this bitter battle, not just Dr Anbumani but even his wife Sowmya has been targeted by Dr Ramadoss senior stating that her ambition has made the father-son dispute irrevocable. He claims that even as he had brought the alliance with AIADMK to almost closure in 2024, Sowmya sabotaged it with her hectic hospitality, inviting Annamalai to their Thailapuram residence and overturned the alliance as BJP was her choice. The impasse has come to a point where Dr Ramadoss says Dr Anbumani is no longer the party head and leader, even as the son insists that his term lasts till 2026 according to the Election Commission. Going a step higher, Sowmya has taken the matter to the Gods. She travelled with her two daughters to Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi and to the temple of Nambu Nayaki Amman, a temple where thousands of devotees seek the Goddess’s blessings for their problems. This is highlighted by a ritual …fresh green turmeric is ground on stone grinders here then the turmeric paste is offered to Nambu Nayaki. Sowmya, seasoned bahu and politician went a step further …. She offered luscious looking mangoes too , to the Goddess …probably praying that her husband succeeds in getting both party and leadership in this bitter power struggle in the PMK. Considering that 80 % of the followers are silently throwing their hats in favour of Dr Anbumani, the turmeric and mangoes could well be a winning combo.

The war of words between the Kerala government and Kitex Garments Ltd (KGL) seems to be never ending. The latest flare-up owes its origin to Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu’s decision to send his Textile Minister S Savitha to Kerala to woo Kitex to AP. Savitha, who visited KGL’s headquarters at Kizhakkambalam near Kochi, was impressed with the facilities and made a formal invitation to managing director Sabu Jacob to set up a unit at Amaravati, the capital of AP.  The AP offer to set up a new unit comes at a time when Bangladesh, a major textile manufacturer, is facing a political crisis. KGL is the world’s largest maker of cotton and organic cotton ready-to-wear garments for infants and children between 0 – 24 months. The war of words between the ruling LDF government and KGL, began when Jacob decided to float a political party, Twenty-20 in 2015. The party was successful in bagging the Kizhakkambalam and nearby Panchayats from LDF. Twenty-20 transformed the panchayats into a successful model for any panchayat to emulate – 24-hour water, health facilities including insurance, better schools, roads, including grocery shops offering minimum prices etc.  Jacob who presented a Rs 3,500 cr investment proposal at the Ascend Global investment meet organised by Kerala government withdrew the proposal following harassment by the state government through various raids. It was at this juncture that the then Telangana government of K Chandrasekhar Rao rolled out the red carpet. Sabu set up two yarn-to-garments facilities in Hyderabad and Warangal which is expected to generate employment to 50,000 people when fully operational. In fact, the Telangana government showcased the Kitex project as a major achievement at the World Economic Forum, Davos. KGL, part of the diversified Anna Kitex group, is the largest employment generator in Kerala with 11,000 people on its rolls. 

The question of whether Aamir Khan’s overexposure could hinder the success of Sitare Zameen Par is a compelling one. Aamir Khan is not only a celebrated filmmaker but also a masterful marketer. His ability to craft and dictate marketing strategies has played a significant role in the success of many films he has produced and starred in, including Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Ghajini and more. He has consistently demonstrated an understanding of what resonates with audiences, employing innovative marketing techniques that have included unique promotional stunts and celebrity engagements.  However, with Sitare Zameen Par, Aamir’s omnipresence in the media raises concerns. He is currently everywhere — on podcasts, TV interviews, and social media—actively promoting the film by inviting celebrities and influencers to his home for discussions. While this level of visibility can create buzz, it risks becoming counterproductive. The saturation of Aamir Khan in promotional activities may lead audiences to feel overwhelmed, diluting the film’s impact and excitement. Effective marketing should strike a balance between visibility and intrigue. While traditional methods such as social media campaigns, public relations efforts, and billboard advertisements are essential, they should be complemented by innovative strategies that captivate the audience’s imagination. The current promotional approach for Sitare Zameen Par seems to rely heavily on routine visibility without offering a compelling narrative or unique engagement. Aamir Khan has previously employed similar strategies with his son Junaid’s film Loveyapa where he invited notable personalities like Raj Thackeray, Sachin Tendulkar and Salman Khan for special pre-release screenings. However, despite the visibility, the film did not perform well, highlighting that increased exposure does not guarantee success.

Club versus country is an old debate in football in which the club game can at most times seem bigger than inter-country matches except perhaps in the World Cups. There are any number of soccer players who have given up playing the international game because they must satisfy, with their performances, their immediate employers, which are clubs. The Clubs may understand what loyalty to the country means, but they can be mean enough to believe that players owe them loyalty first as they pay their yearly wages and may have been responsible for spotting them and nurturing them. The fine West Indian striker – yes, there are new terms from soccer for batsmen these days — Nicholas Pooran has become an extreme example of loyalty to the club first in his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. And the very next day he was named captain of the MLC league team MI New York. He has bowed to money in quitting wearing the colours of the West Indies in international cricket to play multiple leagues across the world in which he can make a good living without having to meet availability conditions that countries demand, especially during the peak season from November to March when their teams play a lot of international cricket. Pooran had just struck a six-hitting record in 2024, the year in which he made170 hits beyond the boundary and he had continued that rich form of six-hitting in IPL Season18 too. The fact is money calls and so does an easier life with less fierce expectations to fill when you turn up for a T20 league or Cup game as opposed to turning up in international cricket. Truth to tell, money is thicker than patriotism.

For now, Odisha has missed the opportunity of scripting new history in steel making. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, a JV between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, established in December 2019 after acquiring Essar Steel ambitious plan of setting up 12-MTPA steel plant in Kendrapara, Odisha may not fructify it seems according to knowledgeable sources. Reason: Land acquisition issue. Since March 2021 the Odisha government has been moving at a snail’s pace over land acquisition compared to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu’s proactive approach. AM/NS India shifted its steel investment to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh as it feels very confident in the leadership of the chief minister Naidu who is part of the NDA dispensation. It is learnt that Naidu’s son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh played a pivotal role to persuade Aditya Mittal, Lakshmi Mittal’s son, to move the steel plant to Andhra — with whom he has been engaged since 2018. His constant follow-up with Aditya by guaranteeing him quick land allotment and special status seems to have tilted in Andhra’s favour. Reportedly, AM/NS was forced to take this decision as nothing moved from 2021 between BJD and the current BJP government. AM/NS India is initially establishing 7.3 MTPA steel plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh as part of its plans to set up a state-of-the-art integrated steel plant in Rajayyapeta involving an investment of Rs 147,162 crore (Rs 61,780 crore in phase I and Rs 85,382 crore in phase II). Earlier, Sajjan Jindal group JSW’s electric vehicle also shifted out of Odisha to Maharashtra. It’s about time the Majhi government woke up and smelled the coffee. 

The New Indian Express has a whole op Ed by Prabhu Chawla on titled ‘Bollywood flops as the South shines’. Chawla quotes chapter, verse, stats, stars and spectacle as huge budget films are crashing. Even with the most tantalising attractions, big budget films of cult figures and classic heroes are cringing; in some cases even manipulated data on pre-booking and daily takes are cleverly presented to give an impression all is well. Recently, a top hero seeing how his latest much-touted film tottered, took to “rewarding” influencers for good reviews. The disturbing trend has festered for over three years. Khans and the Punjabi machos have not been able to draw sustained crowds, repeat audiences and clever Pan India plans have failed. Even OTT has built a strong resistance. Take Salman’s Sikander with every trick in the trade to showcase Bhai and Rashmika, fiery action, fierce fights and oodles of glamour could not stave off its tepid reception. SRK at least had a medium hit in Jawan. But it is Akshay Kumar who wears the crown for serial flops. Housefull 5 has fallen flat. It would be unfair to single out Bollywood alone; the South too has had its share of cringeworthy flops of Vikram, Suriya and even Kamal Haasan. The super star Rajini has snagged a new formula …sign up a big name from every “film wood” …it’s bound to draw the fans of the star and the sum of the parts would rake in overflows. It’s not the money spent or the overwhelming star cast, sets and show that have made Tamil films like Parking, Ayodhya, Tourist Family and few others succeed at box office. These engaging movies have all developed strong, relatable plots and gripping story telling which the audience identifies.