Controversy continues to dog Tollywood, this time over the release of four much-awaited films that are set to clash during Durga Puja, the industry’s most lucrative season. Directors Nandita Roy-Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay, Anik Dutta, Shubhrajit Mitra and Dhruva Banerjee have lined up their big-budget movies — Raktabeej 2, Joto Kando Kolkatatei, Debi Choudhurani, and Raghu Dakat. Despite a recent intervention by a state-appointed committee, industry insiders confirm that disputes have emerged over screen distribution and prime-time show slots. Speculation is rife that Dev’s Raghu Dakat, co-produced with SVF, has secured an edge in theatre count and timings. Writer Jinia Sen (Raktabeej 2) and producer Firdausal Hasan (Joto Kando Kolkatatei) admitted they had heard “market buzz” about Raghu Dakat cornering a good number of theatres. The speculation gained momentum when Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson and actor Kunal Ghosh publicly questioned why an “influential” film had been given extra slots. Though he did not name anyone, many in the industry viewed it as an indirect swipe at actor-MP Dev, his party colleague with whom he has sparred earlier on social media. Dev’s recent release Dhumketu’s co-producer Rana Sarkar hinted at a deeper game. Exhibitors Naveen Chokhani and Jaydeep Mukhopadhyay, along with distributor Shatadip Saha, dismissed claims of preferential treatment for Raghu Dakat, saying no final decisions had been made. Still, several single-screen owners admitted the real pressure would fall on them, as unequal slot allocation during Puja season often sparks discontent. Ghosh also added a political edge, claiming Raghu Dakat owed thanks to TMC for the backing Dev reportedly received from local leaders during district promotions. 

India’s longest sea bridge, the 21.8 km long Atal Setu has started showing signs of wear and tear within 20 months of its inauguration. Following viral videos showing potholes on the Rs 17,000 crore bridge, senior officials visited and levied a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Daewoo-Tata Infrastructure Projects, the contractors for the project. The contractors have also been asked to redo the entire distressed stretch between 14-16 km with Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and asphalt concrete post-monsoons at their own costs. Though the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has attributed the stress to “weather extremities due to monsoons” and “continuous traffic flow”, it raises questions about the quality of India’s infrastructure growth story. Another landmark project, Mumbai’s coastal road costing over Rs 14,000 crore, which was inaugurated in March 2024, has also started showing up uneven patches even as flooding has led to closures on its underpasses during heavy downpour, which it was supposed to withstand. Incidentally, the potholes on the regular Mumbai roads have been registering a tale of corrupt practices that led to over 6758 potholes registered during monsoons this July including on its cement concrete roads. The BMC spent over Rs 154 crore this monsoon just to fill up potholes including its costly cement concrete roads. The BMC had pushed for cement roads as a solution to prevent potholes but now with even cement roads throwing up potholes in Mumbai, citizens are in a fix. Mumbai’s shoddy infrastructure has been attributed to corrupt practices.

Twenty-four action-filled years have passed on in 49-year old Malaika Arora’s life, since she gained global fame for her dance Chaiyya Chaiyya with Shah Rukh Khan atop a moving train in Dil Se. Nothing much has changed for this feisty and fast fashionista…her love for undiluted publicity, fashion statements and boundless energy have only grown along with her passion for fitness. Oh! Yes, her liaisons do make for high voltage news, not surprising that after her divorce from Arbaaz Khan (brother of Salman Khan) social media chatter made her every link newsworthy, especially her long standing relationship with Arjun Kapoor. Now the same ‘GRIPE VINE’ is trumpeting a break with Arjun Kapoor. Recently HT carried an interview with Malaika about her past state of mind and her present transformation, a weighty self-assessment and certification. “Till now my style quotient, dress sense, fashionista status and relationships determined my personality in the eyes of others”. Pardon us, but celebrities are scoped for this very reason, if this scrutiny and projection stop, the celebrity is no longer a celebrity. What was Malaika conveying? Others cannot influence what I should do. “But when I stopped justifying my actions and appearance, I felt a lot more free”.  She concluded by forgetting what people think, it’s important what you think of yourself. She justifies her boldness, openness and going that extra mile which has put her on top. For added measure she states that people who contain her in a narrow perception cage are not her well-wishers. Is Malaika down to earth honest or is she styling for her next move? Best to be an enigma and baffle the curious.

It is a politically-sensitive commodity. Not surprisingly, it has often found itself in the spotlight? Over the last week, almost all newspapers carried flashy advertisements from cement majors such as JK Cement, Adani Cement, Ultra Tech Cement and the like wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his birthday. Not just that. These ads also lauded him for the GST cut — from a heavier 28% to a lighter 18% — which will go a long way in benefitting people across the canvass. The tax reduction, they argued, will not only benefit consumers but also industries as it would boost cement demand and beef up the distribution network. Sounds like a win-win situation? There is a catch, however. Cement in India is never known to be sold at the MRP (maximum retail price)!  Several summers ago, an ad was circulated by a company claiming that it was selling cement with no ash content in it. Upon verification, it was found that none of the cement carries ashes in it! Marketing can play the perfect tool to make or mar a perception. Well, we are talking about the GST cut. Enterprises have the uncanny knack of turning any situation to their advantage. Grapevines have suggested that the cement makers have quietly upped their prices so that they are ready to bring them down when the GST 2.0 kicks in on September 22. What do we make of this? Well, more the changes, things look — nay remain — the same! 

People are justifiably wondering about the movie title Idli Kadai, featuring popular Tamil star Dhanush with Nithya Menen as a leading lady. Perhaps the movie may just prove that titles don’t matter as long as the content is gripping. Strangely enough Dhanush seems to have that innate trick of marketing his film through the curiosity factor. In a recent promo event Dhanush talked about his childhood when his family couldn’t afford even idlis, how he yearned for them and hence centrifugal his plot with a well fermented storyline, soft, spongy and sentimental. Like all mid-level heroes, Dhanush is at the crossover crossroads …which option to jump to the next level? Especially after Vijay pole-vaulted to politics and his bête noire Sivakarthikeyan inching to top slot, though Madharaasi fell flat despite the hype. But Dhanush has a leg-up which many don’t have; he can multi-task as an actor, director, singer and scriptwriter. His female lead Nithya Menen is a dependable lead, talented and fearless …though her film Thalaivan Thalaivi was rejected both in cinemas and OTT. In that too Nithya romances a Kothu Parotta seller …food is the rocket to a man’s heart, head and bank.

Actor-politician is getting more daring by the day even as crowds keep flocking to his Saturday meetings in district towns of Tamil Nadu. The latest salvo he fired at Stalin was to challenge him to cut the audio system or the power when the Prime Minister, the Home Minister or the RSS chief comes to Tamil Nadu. It is a fact that whatever caused these disruptions, they did take place at Vijay’s meeting in Trichy when the audio of his speech did not carry to the several lakh people who gathered at his rally and mysterious power cuts took place. Try imposing the conditions – about 25 are thrust upon his meetings before permission is granted by the police – when the PM and the HM come calling, says Vijay. For all the lofty liberal principles of respecting political opponents that the ruling DMK may profess, it is clear they are rattled by the momentum Vijay is gaining. The imposing of strict conditions – including that he speaks only for 30 minutes at any rally – is a clear sign that the ruling DMK will do its best to disrupt Vijay’s campaign as he poses the biggest threat to Stalin emulating his father in getting re-elected. That may still happen as the DMK is still ahead in the race, but their image will have taken a beating as they are doing exactly what ruling parties tend to do in trying to rein in rivals to power.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is testing its own concoction, that too, in Dadar, Mumbai where the Shiv Sena was born. The Shiv Sena and its breakaway faction, MNS, have invariably championed the cause of Marathi and Marathi Manoos. It always taunts the BJP on this count. But the wheel has turned a full circle now. The trigger is an eatery, ‘Indori Chaat and Much More’ started by staunch MNS spokesman, Sandeep Deshpande in the heart of Dadar. The chef and the menu are, of course, from Indore. The restaurant attracted attention when two famous food bloggers visited and then praised it. The BJP has seized the opportunity to troll Deshpande. The media, too, has reminded MNS of its original agenda of preserving Marathi, jobs for locals and justice for the sons of soil. A BJP social media activist has taunted Deshpande for an earlier MNS declaration that the next Mumbai mayor will be a Marathi Manoos. “You can’t even find a Marathi chef but boast of installing a Marathi mayor in Mumbai,” says one of the posts. Incidentally, Maharashtra and Indore have a historical connection. The Indore rulers, the Holkar clan, had their origins in Maharashtra. Indore’s most illustrious ruler, Devi Ahilyabai, was born in the state’s Ahmednagar district, which is now renamed as Ahilya Nagar after her. Deshpande’s restaurant has given his detractors a chance to hit back, literally in the belly.

Maratha reservation demand’s uncrowned king Manoj Jarange Patil is known for his stinging tongue. His two favourite targets are Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal. While attacking them, Jarange has crossed the limit occasionally and has had to apologise, too. As the intensity of the Maratha agitation is waning for a variety of reasons, Jarange has warned the government of staging a mass rally in Delhi to press the demand afresh. The protest action led by him in Mumbai a couple of weeks ago elicited a huge response but the government resolution issued subsequently is now mired in controversy. Hence, to keep the steam up, Jarange had organised a meeting of his close associates at his village, Antarwali Sarati. As the meet was underway at an open field, those present started running helter-skelter suddenly. The reason was that a swarm of honeybees had descended on the group, forcing the activists to abandon the discussion. Fortunately for Jarange, some of them had a shawl with them. They covered the leader and took him to a safer place. In the reconvened meeting, Jarange did not forget to warn Bhujbal in his trademark style. But the social media discussion centred on the poetic justice dispensed to Jarange. “If you bite others, beware of a fallout,” some suggested wryly.

The sweet and sour friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NCP leader Sharad Pawar has been vexing political circles for all these years. Neither loses a chance to reiterate its existence nor to take pot shots at each other. But both have maintained a dignified level. On the other hand, the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) don’t waste a single opportunity to criticise Modi and the BJP. Both these parties had reminded Modi on his 75th birthday that he himself had imposed the age limit for retirement from active politics. Of course, the BJP had soon thereafter clarified that the observation did not apply to Modi. Still, some mediapersons approached Pawar to elicit his comments on the issue, hoping to extract a juicy quote. Pawar being Pawar, he floored them all. He said, “If I myself have not retired, how can I advise anyone to bow out?” Pawar was born on 12 December 1940. Interestingly, there were no further questions. Pawar has disappointed INDIA Bloc and other Opposition parties on many occasions by taking a clear stand on several issues without caring for the possible criticism. For instance, when there was a demand to appoint a JPC to probe the Hindenburg allegations against the Adani Group, Pawar had dismissed the proposal as a non-starter. It is another matter that the industrialist has been a regular caller on Pawar. It is also a coincidence that Pawar’s statement about Modi’s 75th birthday has come on the day Adani has been exonerated by the SEBI of any wrongdoing.

BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar’s shocking statement expressing doubts about the parentage of senior NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil has been roundly condemned and is causing grave concern the depth to which political culture is sinking in the state. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has admonished Padalkar, who has declared that he will abide by the CM’s order and refrain from making such a statement again. Padalkar, a former aide of Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar, is known for his audacious utterances. But the barb at Jayant Patil has crossed all limits, Sharad Pawar told Fadnavis in a phone call.  Initially, Padalkar had refused to apologise by arguing that Pawar was silent when some INDIA Bloc bigwigs had made objectionable statements about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother. However, as the intensity of the criticism went on mounting, Padalkar relented. Jayant Patil is the son of the late Rajarambapu Patil, who was a heavyweight leader in the 1970’s and 80’s. He was tipped to become the chief minister of Maharashtra. His son Jayant is an astute politician and has handled the finance portfolio of the state for a long time, creating a record of presenting the maximum number of budgets. Jayant is among the closest colleagues to Pawar. The other angle to the acrimony between Padalkar and Jayant is that while the former belongs to the OBCs, Patil is a Maratha. At present, the two communities are at loggerheads on the issue of Marathas demanding reservations from the OBC quota. Tempers have been running high between the two sides. Padalkar has only added fuel to the fire by his reckless remark.

With the Bengali persecution issue placing the Bengal BJP under pressure, the party is seeking to recalibrate its electoral strategy by leaning harder on the Hindutva plank. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), already implemented but seen by insiders as an “unfinished project,” has been identified as the rallying point in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP, along with its ideological parent RSS, is preparing a coordinated campaign to push for citizenship benefits under the CAA. The RSS convened a special coordination meeting attended by senior leaders of both organisations. BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya represented the state unit, national general secretary BL Santhosh represented the central leadership. From the RSS, senior office-bearers Pradeep Joshi, Ramapada Pal, Jaladhar Mahato and Jishnu Basu, representing the all-India leadership in eastern India. BJP sources confirmed the central focus was ensuring the maximum number of refugees eligible under the CAA secure citizenship without delay. A concrete plan was drawn up to guarantee swift, fear-free submission of papers. The meeting also reviewed the upcoming Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Besides Bhattacharya, BJP regional leaders were present during the meeting, including legislator Deepak Barman from North Bengal, MP Jagannath Sarkar from Central Bengal, and state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay from South Bengal. Insiders said these three leaders will supervise the CAA campaign across their respective regions. The RSS indicated that organisations under its umbrella will join the ground campaign, though sources stressed the BJP will lead. Ensuring citizenship for all eligible applicants was described as a non-negotiable target. The meeting, convened on an emergency basis, sought to prepare for large-scale mobilisation on the CAA agenda.

For a change, India’s sports fans curiously diverted their attention on Thursday (Sep 18) — from the Arab world’s pride, Dubai, where the Asia Cup cricket is happening to the East Asian capital city of Japan, Tokyo where the World Athletics championship is grabbing eyeballs. Amidst all the high-voltage running events on the track — thanks to the wonderful broadcast by JioHotstar — Indians were riveted on Neeraj Chopra, indisputably the country’s all-time great Track and Field athlete. The 27-year-old gold and silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics (2020, but held in 2021) and Paris Olympics (2024) and winner of the World Championship in Budapest (Hungary) was expected to deliver another podium finish, but after two days of action, the champion felt disgusted and disappointed failing to go the distance. Two years ago, he had pipped the rest of the field with a 88.17 metres effort, but India’s track and field star for a decade fumbled and fumed with a best of just 84.03 metres, his second throw and best of the night out in Tokyo. Chopra was as flat as any top-notch athlete can be in any sport, but none expected him really to best his personal best of 90.23 metres at Qatar’s Doha Meeting at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium four months ago. Chopra could not spring a surprise as much as another Indian competitor, Sachin Yadav’s superb personal best of 86.27 metres to finish behind the bronze winner. Coached by legend Jan Zelenzy, Chopra finished 8th in a field of 12. The Javelin gold was won by the 2012 Olympics champion Keshorn Walcott coached by Klaus Bartonietz who had made Chopra a Javelin champion that he is.

The implementation of the three-language formula is turning into a contentious issue for the Maharashtra government. Part of the National Education Policy, the failure to implement the pet project of the Modi government in BJP’s key state would be a loss of face for the party. When the Devendra Fadnavis government tried to unroll the three-language format from Class 1 in July, 2025 a huge public uproar that perceived it as imposition of Hindi language overriding local Marathi language forced its withdrawal. While a committee headed by renowned educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav was meant to provide a decisive lead on the issue, the eight-member committee chose to pass the buck rather than take a call on the issue. Dr Jadhav, who was part of the Planning Commission during Dr Manmohan Singh’s tenure has realised the strong public undercurrents against Hindi, and has decided to sidestep it. The public uproar in Maharashtra against Hindi imposition in the education sector seems to match similar sentiments one saw in Tamil Nadu. Sure enough, Dr Jadhav, has decided to visit political leaders like Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who had strongly opposed it. He is also embarking on an eight-stop visit across the state to gauge public sentiments. Incidentally, while Maharashtra’s cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, had earlier stated that 20 states had already implemented the three-language formula, Dr Jadhav informed that only two states including Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, had implemented NEP and other states were keenly watching how Maharashtra was enforcing Hindi in the state.

It is not just the BJP and its cadres that celebrated PM Modi’s 75th birthday. Even NDA’s ally and TDP Minister Nara Lokesh, currently on an official visit to the UK made it a point to pray for PM Modi’s health and longevity at ISKCON Temple in London, asserting confidence in Modi’s Leadership to build Viksit Bharat. Sharing his birthday wish for PM Modi, Andhra Pradesh IT, HRD, and RTGS Minister Nara Lokesh offered prayers at ISKCON London. He tweeted, “Started the day with prayers at @iskconlondon on the 75th birthday of our Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. I sought blessings for his long life and his visionary leadership of our great country. I am confident we will achieve Viksit bharat under his guidance.” Interestingly, a day earlier the Andhra Pradesh government had hosted a high-profile Investor Roadshow in London at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, as part of its global outreach to attract investments ahead of the CII Partnership Summit 2025, scheduled to be held in Visakhapatnam on November 14–15. The event brought together more than 150 senior executives and global leaders representing sectors such as advanced manufacturing, finance, energy, and technology. In his remarks during the conversation with global leaders, Lokesh positioned Andhra Pradesh as India’s fastest-growing state. “Our message in London is clear: the sunrise state of Andhra Pradesh is the best place to do business in India. In just 15 months, we have facilitated investments worth over Rs 10 lakh crore and are now engaging global partners to be part of our journey towards becoming a $ 2.4 trillion economy by 2047″

There was much media hype about the revelation that Rahul Gandhi was to make in his press conference. He had hinted it would be a “hydrogen bomb” on ‘vote chori’. However, by afternoon Rahul was found diluting his own utterances via a post on X.  The Congress leader who was raging about deletion of votes in Aland assembly seat in Karnataka in 2023 polls at a press conference at the AICC headquarters and had given the Election Commission a week’s time to reply to Karnataka CID’s letters and notices, was found looking for cover. He rushed to correct his mistakes after realising that the Aland seat was won by the Congress. This was pointed out by the BJP. Rahul Gandhi had “held an entire press conference” claiming that 6,018 votes were fraudulently deleted in Aland assembly seat and that the EC was blocking the CID investigation. “Until we pointed out that BR Patil, the incumbent MLA, is a Congress candidate. He even paraded people who claimed that their names were misused to delete votes, without the knowledge of the very individuals whose names were allegedly deleted. Now he makes a U-turn, saying their candidate could have lost if the votes were deleted! What a waste of public time,” said BJP’s Amit Malviya on X. The EC was quick to rebut all the charges. In a strongly worded response, the EC made it clear that no deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as “misconceived” by Rahul Gandhi. A FIR was filed by the EC itself to ensure the matter was investigated. One interesting giveaway from Rahul Gandhi’s attack on the CEC, was his claim that he had some Trojan horses within the EC who were leaking him info about EC’s working. No prizes for guessing…possibly officials brought in during the Congress time.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s response to the Supreme Court’s clean chit to Vantara has apparently not gone down well with the Ambanis. The Congress leader who takes a lot of pride in his earlier avatar as an environment minister in the UPA government tweeted on X questioning the speed at which an expert panel headed by Justice J Chelameswar probed alleged goings on in Vantara and submitted its report to the apex court, clearing the animal care centre of any wrongdoing. Party sources said sensitivities about Vantara were conveyed to Jairam by party bosses. The party leadership were equally shocked about the tone and tenor of Jairam’s post.  In his post, Jairam even took pot shots at the judiciary for acting expressly. “When it chooses to, the Indian judicial system, which is defined by long delays, moves with the greatest of speed.” On August 25, 2025, the SC ordered an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the affairs of Vantara, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre established by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The SIT, comprising four distinguished members, was directed to submit its report by September 12, 2025. The SIT submitted its report in a “sealed cover” meeting the deadline.  The SC accepted its recommendations and closed the case which had been triggered by a PIL filed on August 7, 2025. If only all cases were dealt with and settled so expeditiously and categorically — of course without this mysterious “sealed cover” business! Incidentally, while Jairam has taken a contrarian view on Vantara order, animal activists like Maneka Gandhi came out extending her strong support to Vantara. She said “We have visited Vantara…It is here that animals get life.”  Vantara is a project closely monitored and managed by Anant Ambani, the younger son of Mukesh Ambani.

The BJP leadership is all geared up to putting its Tamil Nadu house in order. With AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) meeting Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday (Sep 16) evening to firm up alliance in the state, ground was laid in TN to ensure smooth working within various groups and leaders. For a start, a coordination meeting of various state-level leaders within the state BJP was held in Chennai. The meeting was held in the presence of senior BJP functionary BL Santosh. The effect of the meeting was such that former TN BJP chief K Annamalai who was so far playing truant appeared mellowed down. For the first time, Annamalai conceded that EPS was drawing crowds in the state. Party sources said he had praised EPS in the party’s internal meeting too. This means Annamalai has come a long way; from initially opposing BJP’s alliance with the AIADMK to now agreeing to campaign with EPS. This would not only consolidate Gounder community votes in favour of the alliance but also consolidate victory. With Santosh in the chair along with TN BJP chief Nainar Nagendran it was decided that Nainar, Annamalai and EPS would now jointly campaign from Oct 1. It is not clear if Annanmalai had toned down his anti- AIADMK position because of a personal compulsion He is now compelled to answer queries over purchase of around six acres agricultural land in Coimbatore worth several crores of rupees. Annamalai said he had purchased it using a loan, his personal savings and that of his wife Akila. He had paid Rs 40 lakh in stamp duty and registration charges. Of course, no one in the BJP believes it.

Is he in or is he out? This question keeps popping up time and again. But none is willing to clarify. If he is like any normal employee, none will venture to speculate. But he is MS Dhoni, the Captain Cool. Not surprisingly, everyone is letting his/her imagination run amok. After Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the IPL franchise was born in 2008, Dhoni was appointed as Vice-President (Marketing) of N Srinivasan-headed The India Cements Ltd (ICL) in 2013. CSK was initially a division of ICL, which was the original franchisee owner of CSK. If grapevine is to go by, Srinivasan had reportedly given Dhoni a blank cheque to write his remuneration! In the past, Dhoni used to visit ICL plants across the country and address employees and dealers alike. In fact, in 2022, he unveiled the new premium cement brand, Conkrete Super King. Much water has flown under the bridge since then. Birla-owned UltraTech bought out N Srinivasan and his family in ICL. With ICL sold to UltraTech, Srinivasan has become the Chairman of CSK, which was hived off into a separate entity when the conflict of interest issue was raging. His daughter, Rupa Gurunath, too, has now become a Wholetime-Director of CSK. Given this backdrop, intense speculation is on whether Dhoni is still associated with ICL? There has been no official communication thus far either from UltraTech or MSD. The iconic Coromandel Towers, the corporate office of India Cements, in the meanwhile, is sporting the UltraTech brand along with ICL’s Sankar Cement, Coromandel King and Conkrete Super King. EWS, the holding company of N Srinivasan and family, Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd. and other firms have since moved to their new address in Adyar in the heart of the city. Season or no season, one thing is clear Dhoni remains a hot topic! 

The Singur movement not only altered Bengal’s industrial trajectory but also marked one of the biggest power shifts in the state’s history — from the Left Front to Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress. Yet, the Nano car exit in 2008 left an enduring scar, branding Didi as “anti-industry” despite her repeated efforts to change that perception. Seventeen years later, the narrative seems to be coming full circle, with electric vehicle manufacturer Cynosure announced plans to launch a four-wheeler priced below Rs 1 lakh from Sugandha in Hooghly district — just 17 km away from Singur, where Ratan Tata’s dream project had collapsed in 2008. Cynosure revealed its plan at the launch of its electric three-wheeler in Kolkata and the prototype of the car would be unveiled after Diwali, with a commercial rollout targeted for January 2026. According to co-founder Sampurna Ghosh, the fully battery-operated vehicle will seat four passengers, including the driver with an aim to make personal cars affordable for the middle and lower-middle-class families. Sources said that the car’s final name would be decided by the chief minister. Political observers have pointed out that the announcement carries political undertones just ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, as it can be recalled that in 2008, Tata Motors withdrew from Singur after completing 80% of the factory, blaming Mamata then opposition leader. The project later shifted to Gujarat. Didi has since maintained that her fight was against the Left’s forcible land acquisition policy, not against Tata. 

A look at the representatives of the 35 members for the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 28 – published by the Electoral Officer in the documents section of the BCCI website – will tell one straightaway that none of them even thought of nominating a woman to attend the meeting. This year’s AGM will elect five office-bearers and one member representative to the nine-member Apex Council for a three year term. It is regrettable that the Indian Railways, Armed Forces/ Services and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) have not been able to find ways to nominate its representatives. While the three government departments have not explored ways, former India cricketers Sourav Ganguly (ex- BCCI president), Harbhajan Singh, Raghuram Bhat will attend the AGM representing Bengal, Punjab and Karnataka. The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 mandates the presence of four women at least in a 15 member executive committee of a national sports federation, and this will happen once the National Sports Board is put in place and the sports federations seek its membership. But as of now, none of the BCCI members have deemed it fit to nominate a woman, be it a former India or State cricketer or otherwise, to attend the AGM when many of them could have taken the step to empower women at a meeting like the AGM when policy decisions are taken. The BCCI, under Jay Shah took a number of initiatives to provide an impetus to women’s cricket. The young ICC chair, Shah, has increased the prize money manifold for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, but the BCCI members are still reluctant to be game-changers by nominating a woman for a meeting that is convened once in a year. 

Kerala’s Chief Secretary, A Jayathilak is facing flak for his high-handed behaviour from his IAS colleagues and state’s IPS officers. Jayathilak has come in the way of the career progression of at least three officers. Senior IAS officer, B Ashok, also principal secretary has alleged that Jayathilak refused to give him a vigilance clearance in June 2025 when he applied for deputation to the post of chief controller, VSSC, Department of Space. In his petition before the CAT, Ashok has contended that “the refusal to provide clearance despite the fact that there had not been any vigilance cases or disciplinary action against him, speaks volumes of the malice harboured by the chief secretary.” Jayathilak flagged a vigilance case regarding irregularities in the sanction of pay and allowance in the Ayush Department under Ashok. Following this, Ashok was forced to submit that the inquiry was completed and the government recommended no further action. This led to Ashok submitting a representation to the Chief Secretary to rectify his earlier statement. Interestingly, the correction was made only after the last day prescribed for submission of the application for the post in VSSC. Likewise, DGP, Yogesh Gupta who currently heads Fire and Rescue Services Department has initiated legal action against the State government for withholding a vigilance status report on him sought by Union Home Ministry for clearance for securing a post in the central service. Yogesh too has approached CAT. He has accused the government of using vigilance reports as a tool to control bureaucrats. And if this is not enough, Jayathilak has a running match with junior IAS officer, Prasanth N, who is under suspension for nearly one year, without giving proper reasons, which is against service rules. Sources say a fierce power struggle is brewing in the state’s IAS hierarchy with the tide slowly turning against Jayathilak. 

Recent box‑office disappointments from Baaghi 4 and War 2 to the latest Housefull 5 instalment, all underline a fundamental shift: the star cast no longer guarantees good openings. In past decades marquee names could single‑handedly generate massive opening weekends; today even established superstars such as Tiger Shroff, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Jr NTR struggle to ignite the immediate surge that once defined success. High‑profile casts with weak concepts are faltering, while content‑led films and global formats are finding passionate, sustainable audiences. Younger viewers, particularly Gen Z, now prioritise authenticity, narrative innovation and experiential value over celebrity worship. They binge Korean dramas, embrace Japanese anime like Demon Slayer, attend immersive live experiences and discover diverse global content on OTT platforms. The enthusiastic reception for Demon Slayer’s theatrical release and the success of content‑driven films such as Saiyaara demonstrate that strong storytelling, memorable music and convincing world‑building can outdraw even big‑name star vehicles. Conversely, titles that leaned primarily on star power including some recent franchise entries like Baaghi 4 and Housefull 5 have failed to translate celebrity into sustained box‑office momentum. For filmmakers, producers and studios the implications are clear. First, invest in content development: prioritise script refinement, richer character arcs and tonal clarity before locking in headline casting. Second, align casting to story needs rather than assuming star wattage will compensate for weak material. Third, embrace mid‑budget, high‑concept projects that allow creative risk and targeted marketing rather than relying solely on costly tentpoles.

Mumbai has registered a drastic 72% dip in tree plantations thanks to rapid urbanization and lack of spaces for tree plantations. The number of tree plantations in Mumbai have slid from 72,212 trees in 2023-24 to 20,044 in 2024-2025 as per the latest Environment Status Report released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This includes about 9234 saplings planted in the city by Maharashtra’s forest department as part of its target to undertake plantations of over 10 crore saplings this year to increase the state’s green cover from 21.25% to 33 %. The state has already achieved 50% of its target by undertaking plantations of over 5.32 crore saplings this year. Deterioration of Mumbai’s air quality has been attributed to its depleting tree cover. No tree census has been conducted since 2018. This means the actual number of trees remains unknown and we are stuck at 29,75,283 trees. Conservation activist and founder of Waghoba Foundation Sanjiv Valsan questions the validity of the figures released by the government pointing to the glaring absence of figures of trees that are officially cut to make way for various urban megaprojects in the city like Metro, Bullet Trains etc. The actual number of trees lost to rapid urbanization and redevelopment of old buildings, which is not revealed, could be quite high. Reportedly, an estimated 40 trees are lost daily to make way for various projects. “Miyawaki plantations can never compensate for the loss of tree cover since they are essentially vertical stalks lacking canopy and unable to provide equivalent benefits like oxygen generation or carbon sequestration,” observes Valsan. A small relief is the BMC policy now to earmark spaces for planting trees alongside cement concrete roads.

The Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is seriously planning to make the state capital Bhubaneswar shine like Singapore. Call it infection from Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s Singapore inspired capital, Amaravati or PM Modi’s vision to create several Singapore within India. The Odisha government has already appointed Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Infrastructure to design the master plan for the proposed Bhubaneswar New City Project covering 800 acres with an estimated investment of Rs 8,179 crore. The new city will encompass three villages Daspur, Gothapatna and Malipada. The vision is to make it a multi-economic growth zone aligned with Odisha state’s long-term vision Vikshit Odisha 2036. The new city will have a total built up area of around 21.7 million sq ft covering residential, office space, commercial, industrial and neighborhood shopping area having MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) facilities and incorporating global standards and best practices in urban planning. The Odisha government intends to accommodate 15,000 housing units and 60,000 people in the planned Singapore style Bhubaneswar.  Sources say Odisha government’s intention is to incorporate best practices and global standards in urban planning. It wants to make the project sustainable, vibrant and green, supporting Odisha’s economic growth, urban living, trust and shared future.

A little-known historical episode concerning the relations between India and Nepal has gone viral on the social media over the past few days. As the symbiotic bonds between the two countries are recalled by many people from both sides of the border, the role of Indian leaders concerning Nepal is under scanner once again. One such topic is the merger of Nepal with India that did not happen. It speculates how this probable relationship could have changed the political map of South Asia. Then PM Jawaharlal Nehru has been blamed for stalling this possible merger. It is said that Nepal’s then King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah proposed that merger. However, Nehru rejected the idea, according to references in former President Pranab Mukherjee’s memoir, ‘The Presidential Years.’ Mukherjee observed that had Indira Gandhi been in her father’s place, she would have accepted, just the way she later integrated Sikkim into India. Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar also has backed Mukherjee’s claim. In his Hindi autobiography, moreover, he has stated that Nepal could have been a part of India but for Nehru. In ‘Jeevan Jaisa Jiya,’ Chandrashekhar has described how Nepalese leader BP Koirala was disturbed when then Deputy PM Charan Singh broached the subject of merger at their meeting in presence of PM Morarji Desai. Earlier this year, Nepal’s Deputy PM Prakashman Singh lauded Chandra Shekhar’s role in consolidating the Nepal-India relations at an interaction organized by the Ganeshman Singh Foundation on 7 April. Interestingly, Nehru was criticised in the past for rejecting a similar offer from Baluchistan, whose leaders wanted to join India.

Malayalam cinema’s suave hero, Dulquer Salmaan is truly a Lucky Baskhar. You might think so what? He is a nepo hero from the house of a film legend, Mammootty. Bloodlines can exalt a star only for a limited time, eventually they have to prove their mettle. Dulquer has leaped further than his father.  His company, Wayfarer Films just released Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is setting new records at the box office. In just 13 days of showing, it has collected Rs 200 crore and much critical acclaim for its producer Dulquer who plays a cameo in the film. Dulquer is shrewdly strategizing his status not just as a star but a producer of quality stuff. Dulquer’s upcoming film, Kaantha was all set for release on September 12 but he suddenly decided to postpone its release to get the best of Lokah’s ROI. Its cost of production was Rs 32 crore and Dulquer is confident it will bring in Rs 300 crore. He has already announced that he will share the overflow with the crew of Lokah. Dulquer wants Kaantha too, to be an unforgettable film. Success needs well thought out master plans. Luck is the magic component. 

Imagine someone sitting next to you in a cinema house describing the climax of a suspense movie. You will be livid for receiving the unwarranted running commentary. You will certainly tend to express your anger in some manner. This is exactly what happened though the end of the incident was totally unimagined. This happened in Chinchwad, Pune, where the famous “The Conjuring: Last Rites” was being screened. Said to be another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, the movie is based on real events, shown in a powerful and spine-chilling end. As the audience was engrossed in watching the unfolding story with a baited breath, a couple began discussing the plot loudly. The magnanimous husband started dispensing the knowledge and soon reached the climax point. This naturally enraged the people sitting nearby as their interest could not hold after knowing the end. As someone sitting next to the couple asked the husband to remain silent, an altercation ensued. As the complainant was not ready to relent, the husband attacked him. The former’s wife tried to intercede but she, too, had to suffer blows from the attacker. The police have filed a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code but no arrests have been made since there is no precedent in the annals of the criminal justice history of India.

Even as the Opposition Congress cribbed about PM Narendra Modi’s first visit to Manipur on September 13 as being “too little too late”– as it came nearly 2 years after the outbreak of ethnic violence — Modi used his presence in Imphal to send across a message of friendship to Nepal. He first congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming the country’s first woman Prime Minister. He lauded Karki’s elevation as “a very good example of women’s empowerment.” Speaking at a public meeting in Imphal, his first visit since violence broke out in 2023, PM Modi called Nepal a “close friend” of India and said the two nations are connected by “shared history and faith”. Among the small states in the North East, Manipur is the only Hindu majority state. More than reaching out to Nepal’s PM Sushila Karki, what is of significance is the manner in which Modi lauded Gen Z protesters — referring to images of Nepal youth cleaning and painting roads. Modi said “For the last few days, young men and women of Nepal can be seen working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal after violent protests. I have seen their pictures on social media as well. Their positive thinking and positive actions are not only inspiring but are also a clear indication of the new rise of Nepal.” It is believed Modi’s words were also meant for youth of Manipur who have been caught up in ethnic protest. In his opening remarks, PM Modi lauded how many Manipur children were involved in Op Sindoor – he particularly recalled the martyrdom of Deepak Chingakham.

All eyes are on BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik as to how he will manage serious internal party rumblings and keep the party united? This is because a few of the top leaders have started deserting the party. First salvo was fired following BJD’s shocking performance in 2024 elections – Lok Sabha and Assembly — wherein two Rajya Sabha MPs Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar resigned from the party. But their exit did not create ripples compared to the recent resignation of two BJD senior leaders N Bhaskar Rao and Lal Bihari Himrika who are known to have strong grassroot connections. What raised the eyebrows in political circles is that BJD’s ex-mines minister and four times MLA Prafulla Mallik’s resignation threats over dissatisfaction with BJD leadership.  The party high command suspended him for anti-party activities and labelled him an opportunistic politician. According to Mallik, BJD has failed to function effectively as the main opposition party in the state. The general feeling is Patnaik cannot take on the might of PM Modi because of his health issue and nip the rumblings within the party. The future of BJD seems uncertain with no clear leadership to lead the party. It is learnt that splinter group is now considering changing BJD’s party name and springing a new regional political outfit. Political observers commenting on this situation say “political Tsunami” is building up in Odisha and it’s music to the ears for the BJP.

Why did Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) of Lok Sabha skip the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on September 12? No, it has nothing to do with the miserable manner in which INDIA Bloc candidate B Surendra Reddy lost to CPR. It is being said Rahul’s office initially made inquiries to know where the Gandhi scion would be seated; whether he would be seated on the same row as PM Modi. When it was made clear that as LoP he enjoys Cabinet rank and would be seated with CMs on the third row, Rahul seems to have decided to skip the function. In fact, after PM Modi and former Vice-Presidents, the second row was taken up by governors, followed by the CMs. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was caught in yet another controversy with the CPRF writing a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that Rahul was not taking his security cover “seriously” as he was mostly travelling abroad “without informing anyone”. The CRPF referred to Rahul’s foreign tours to countries: Italy (Dec 30-Jan 9), Vietnam (Mar 12-17), Dubai (Apr 17-23), Qatar (Jun 11-18), London (Jun 25-Jul 6) and Malaysia (Sep 4-8). The Rae Bareli MP is violating the protocols mentioned in the Yellow Book of the CRPF. As a former Congress president, he currently enjoys Z+ category security with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL). Z+ ASL is among the highest level of protection provided to individuals facing significant threat perception, and comprises roughly 55 security personnel, including National Security Guard commandos. In 2019, the Union government withdrew the Special Protection Group protection given to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, almost after three decades. The security cover was replaced by the CRPF.

By this time next week, the biopic on Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath — Ajey: The Untold Story Of A Yogi — is slated for global release on September 19. The film made in multiple languages traces the remarkable journey of Ajay Singh Bisht, from a Himalayan village to becoming Yogi Adityanath, a monk, spiritual leader and his emergence as CM of Uttar Pradesh. Based on Shantanu Gupta’s bestselling book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister (published in 2017) the film blends politics and spirituality in a compelling biopic. Gupta says an effort was made to produce it like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016).”We got Dhoni script writer — Dilip Jha — to work on the film. Along with Priyank Dubey and me on the script, ” he says.  The idea of making the film came to the author during Covid years. Gupta says it was his chance meeting with the California-based NRI Ajay Menji in course of promoting his book that led to the making of the biopic. When asked if Yogi had a sneak preview of the film, Gupta shared that of the two books that he had written on the UP CM, Yogi always preferred the second one — The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh (2021) — as it showcased his work. “He has not seen the film yet,” says Gupta. With only Bihar polls round the corner and UP polls, a good two years away.”Ajey” may have nothing to do with votes. The film under Samrat Cinematics banner with a modest budget of Rs 35 crore is directed by Lucknow born Rajinder Gautam. It has a stellar cast with Anantvijay Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Nirahua, Ajay Mengi, Rajesh Khattar, Pawan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant Singh and others.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has planned a ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyan’ in Maharashtra on Sunday to protest against the India-Pakistan cricket match to be played that day. Sensing the anger still seething in the public mind against the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Sena has decided to push the Modi government in a tight corner by reviving those dark memories. Uddhav has tempered his appeal by alleging that the match is allowed since Union home minister Amit Shah’s son, Jay Shah is chairman of the International Cricket Council. According to an announcement by Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the party’s women’s wing will stage protests on 14 September throughout the state. A couplet, ‘Mera Sindoor, Mera Desh’ will be chanted on the occasion. Later, Sindoor will be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from lakhs of homes to remind him about the Pahalgam attack and that India should not play cricket with Pakistan. “Why is the BCCI so excited to play a match against Pakistan?” Aaditya Thackeray has asked. He has recalled how Pakistan decided to boycott the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup as the tournament was being hosted by India. Why can’t we also boycott? The BJP has changed its ideology…It is very unfortunate that we are playing a match with Pakistan. BCCI is anti-national,” the former minister and Uddhav’s son has quipped. The BJP has hit back by reminding the Sena (UBT) about the visit of Javed Miandad to Matoshri with a couplet of its own, “My Javed, My Biryani.”    

The three-party Maharashtra government led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is facing internal unrest over the Maratha reservation quota acrimony. Ever since a government resolution (GR) containing some assurances to Maratha agitation proponent Manoj Jarange Patil has been issued, the state is in turmoil since the sizable OBC communities have joined hands to rise against this decision. Veteran minister Chhagan Bhujbal has come out openly against the GR, warning of an OBC protest on the lines of the Maratha protest that had paralysed Mumbai. The situation turned grave on Friday as an OBC protester took his own life in Latur in Marathwada. Bhujbal and former minister Dhananjay Munde rushed to the bereaved family to console them. Bhujbal literally broke down, which was unlike his steely demeanour. The onlookers were speechless seeing his tears. The youth, Bharat Mahadeo Karad, committed suicide by jumping in the Manjara river. Bhujbal cancelled his scheduled tour to reach the family. Besides Bhujbal, senior minister Pankaja Munde, too, has demanded that the OBC reservation quota should not be touched. Fadnavis has time and again declared that it will not happen, but inflamed passions continue to erupt. On the other hand, Jarange has warned the government that he can launch another protest action if the assurances are not fulfilled by it. At the moment, it appears that neither side is ready to relent, indicating a protracted legal and political conflict over the thorny issue of reservations. 

The elevation of Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State for Finance and Health, as chairperson of the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) is being read as more than a routine appointment. Within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and administrative circles, the move is seen as part of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s strategy to recalibrate responsibilities among her trusted lieutenants, thereby reinforcing her grip on key institutions. Incidentally, Didi is the head of the departments of both health and finance. Already managing the party’s women’s wing, Chandrima now assumes control of an agency instrumental in developing Kolkata’s fringes — New Town and Rajarhat and other major urban infrastructure projects. HIDCO’s chairmanship has been a hot seat in recent years, with another close aide of Mamata and senior cabinet minister for Urban Development, Firhad Hakim heading it since 2021. However, in December 2024 the cabinet shifted HIDCO out of his department and placed it under Administrative Reforms and Personnel, overseen directly by Mamata. Hakim was removed from the chairmanship and the state’s former chief secretary Harikrishna Dwivedi temporarily held the fort. At the time, Hakim publicly maintained that it was solely Didi’s decision and a matter of cabinet prerogative, brushing aside speculation of alleged fallout with Mamata. Observers point out that such shifts underline the political weight HIDCO carries and several allegations and rumours of corruption in land distribution by the Opposition. By handing over the reins to Chandrima, Mamata has underscored both her close scrutiny of government functioning and her intent to silence any speculation around administrative decisions.

After brushing off the modicum challenge from United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the DP World Asia Cup 2025, the men in blue Twenty20 is girding up its loins to compete against Pakistan — always a marquee match that keeps the turnstiles busy. India is used to playing Pakistan at the Middle-East venue and the local fans — Indians and Pakistanis settled there for their bread and butter — have thronged the Dubai International Stadium to root for their team and rejoice or regret at the outcome. Dubai is assured of at least two high-octane matches between the Asian arch rivals — one in the group stage and one in the Super4 round robin — and the price of tickets for these matches are invariably on the steeper side, especially the high-end hospitality boxes. A few months ago, the fans supporting the men in blue had a gala time with Rohit Sharma’s team winning all matches, including against Pakistan, to win the ICC Champions Trophy. The privately-owned stadium has a capacity to hold around 35,000 spectators and squeeze in a couple of thousands more, and the tournament organisers would hope for a full house on Sunday (Sep 14) and create a high decibel sound befitting the occasion. The Twenty20 game would move with lighting speed and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav himself would go through the emotions of sporting the Captaincy cap for the first time against Pakistan whose captain is Salman Ali Agha. With stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan dropped for the tournament, Pakistan would look to be depleted, but as Agha said at the Captains’ presser, in Twenty20 anyone can win a game! But nerves can still play havoc on both teams.

To PM Narendra Modi’s clarion call, ‘Make in India’ may we add, Make for India. When the ideologically arid opposition protests lack of employment and opportunity, there are many products and services incubated by entrepreneurs who dream big and realise these dreams. Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe is one such successful dream that has fed thousands of hungry patrons growing by the day. Of course, one cannot easily forget the bomb blast there on March 1, 2024.  The café was founded by Raghavendra Rao and his wife Divya (a CA by profession) in 2021 as a quick service restaurant. The name ‘Rameshwaram’ was chosen by the founders to pay tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as it was his birthplace. Today it is Bengaluru’s landmark where the aroma of pure ghee roasted Dosas, cushion soft idlis, taste enhancer chutneys and filter coffee bring in droves from 6 am to 1 am and caters to people across all stratas. This veg south Indian fast food chain with a daily turnover of around Rs 5 crore reportedly commands a valuation of Rs 18,000 crore as its gross margin is 70%. More. It seems its hygiene and cleanliness also add to valuation. This fast chain is indeed giving tough competition to the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and many more. What is even more fascinating is the level of automation and the training of the chefs. The steaming boilers cook up to 500 mini idlis in one batch ..and the deftness of the chef who pours batter for 8 dosas at a time is a sight to watch .Rameshwaram Cafe is one of a kind …think global (in terms of automation tech, good quality, consistent service and fast delivery )and reach local. The Rao couple have built a shrewd food business with astuteness. It will not be surprising if they go for an IPO.

The shadow of Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil continues to haunt and loom large over the Devendra Fadnavis government much after he wrapped up his fast in Mumbai and returned back home. Just when the Maharashtra government was breathing easy after having tackled Patil’s hunger strike, Patil is back with his threats after his bete noire Chhagan Bhujbal has demanded withdrawal or modification of the Government Resolution that had granted reservations for Marathas. While a natural backlash from the OBC community was expected as a natural reaction after yielding to the Maratha demand for reservation, the reaction is clearly overshadowing all other works that the state is doing. For Fadnavis, it has become a tightrope walk between pleasing the politically strong Marathas community or his own party’s support base of the OBC community. Soon after granting reservation to Marathas, a strong media blitzkrieg was launched in the state with front page advertisement campaigns splashed across mainline dailies emphasising Fadnavis as a personal brand addressing him as “Devabhau” or brother and showing him paying reverence to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha idol. Funded by anonymous sources, this media campaign was viewed as an attempt by Fadnavis to cash in on the goodwill generated by the Maratha community. But the opposition from OBC community particularly from Bhujbal, belonging to NCP, has riled the Marathas, forcing them to launch a fresh salvo. Patil has now threatened that in case the government fails to implement the reservation by September 17, he would block supplies of essential commodities like dairy, vegetables to Mumbai and not let ministers walk free. Jarange too seems to have learnt his lessons from his 9th fast in Mumbai. He has figured out that the only way to get his issue sorted is by inconveniencing the high-profile residents of Mumbai.

In the run up to Tamil Nadu assembly elections early next year, Governor RN Ravi has announced to celebrate “Navratri Kolu” at the Raj Bhavan beginning from Sep 22-Oct 1. Kolu is a traditional way of celebrating Navratri in TN and across Tamil homes. It is interesting that Ravi, a Kerala cadre IPS officer who belongs to Bihar and has spent several years in the Intelligence Bureau before taking up gubernatorial assignments first in the North East (Nagaland) and now in TN, is popularising a Tamil tradition in the Raj Bhavan. He has thrown open doors of the Raj Bhavan to members of the public — inviting students, individuals and general public — to join the daily puja between 4-5 pm,and subsequently for an hour-long  cultural programme. Interested members have been asked to register with an X handle specially created for the specific purpose by the Raj Bhavan. With ruling DMK leaders like deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin openly issuing statements against sanatana dharma, it will be nice to see the kind of interest the invite generates among ordinary Chennai residents.

The ruling BJP-led NDA’s candidate CP Radhakrishnan’s (CPR) election win as the Vice-President of India with 452 votes did not come as a surprise. What did was the margin — 14 additional votes that went in his favour! There is much speculation from where the extra votes came in. It is believed that MPs from secular bloc — including those belonging to DMK — at least four of them had reportedly voted for him. CPR is known to have good ties with the DMK and had won Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat twice with DMK’s support. Besides the DMK, other parties’ MPs from the SP and AAP too voted for CPR. The NDA already had 427 votes. With the declared support of 11 YSRCP MPs, that number went up to 438. Besides these extra votes, there were 15 invalid votes — 10 from the NDA side and five from the Opposition. The Opposition candidate — B Surendra Reddy polled 300 votes, 15 short of the 315 votes polled in his favour. Meanwhile, the Congress officially mocked the BRS and BJD for boycotting the Veep election with a post on the X, “If you call them the B team of BJP, they take offense. What more proof is needed than this? What compulsion does BRS have that it won’t even vote for a Telugu candidate? And Naveen Babu, even after such a humiliating defeat, you haven’t stopped giving them support”. It is being said Telangana CM Revanth Reddy apparently played a role in ensuring that the BRS with four Rajya Sabha MPs boycott V-P poll. The BRS has been under pressure ever since the Revanth Reddy government ordered probe into irregularities in Kalleshwaram project, argued a state MP. However, privately Congress leaders will have to thank Revanth Reddy for keeping the BRS away from the NDA.  The Opposition candidate pick for V-P was Revanth Reddy’s choice.

If it’s September, action in the BCCI cannot be far away. Once in three years the 37 members of Cricket’s governing body elect a new set of office bearers and one from among themselves to the Apex Council for a term of three years.  Six years ago they elected former India captain Sourav Ganguly as President, and then in 2022, they chose the 1983 World Cup star Roger Binny. These were trailblazing moves, and with the BCCI AGM scheduled for September 28, rumours are rife about those calling the shots being inclined to favour a former cricketer for the top post. The name of Sachin Tendulkar has been going around for some time, but most of the BCCI members are clueless. Once the Committee of Administrators paved way for an elected body in 2019, the BCCI has been run by the Secretary’s office of which Jay Shah was at the helm; till late last year when he became the independent chair of the International Cricket Council. Until 2013 the BCCI was run by seasoned administrators like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Madhavrao Scindia, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, Inderjit Singh Bindra, Sharad Pawar, Shashank Manohar and N Srinivasan. Where are such people, one may ask! Ganguly and Binny became the trend setters and there is every possibility of a cricketer — Tendulkar or anyone else — being anointed as the President. Ganguly represented the Cricket Association of Bengal and Binny, the Karnataka State Cricket Association at the BCCI AGM. A cricketer turned administrator Brijesh Patel missed the bus in 2019, with the BJP backing Ganguly to the hilt. The absence of a dynamic administrator may compel the BCCI to complete a hat-trick of famous cricketer-Presidents!

The task ahead for the state-owned aluminium behemoth, the National Aluminium Company (NALCO) is cut out, after it parted ways with Rio Tinto as it refused to share proprietary smelter technology. NALCO is now looking out for a new partner. Sources say finding a new partner will delay its 0.5 mtpa greenfield aluminium smelter plant by 6-8 months. The buzz is that at least two Chinese companies (GAMI and CHINALCO), a Russian major RUSAL and Dubai Aluminium Company are in the fray to bag the Rs 17,000 crore order to provide smelter technology. Interestingly, CHINALCO is also the single largest shareholder in Rio Tinto, a British-Australian MNC. All the four companies are keen to partner NALCO as it has chalked up ambitious expansion plans. Sources say, NALCO has plenty of options to pick up a global partner. For now, the speculation is NALCO aims to commission its aluminium smelter and captive power plant by 2030. The total cost of NALCO’s expansion plan is pegged at Rs 30,000 crore which includes new refineries, smelter, mine operations and captive power plants of 1080 MW. NALCO will use a mix of debt and internal accruals to fund the expansion besides, also exploring possibilities of roping in Coal India and NTPC for power plant projects.

A new formula for public agitations is likely to emerge following the conclusion of the Maratha reservation demand stir led by its proponent Manoj Jarange Patil in Mumbai. Thousands of his followers camped in the metropolis, paralysing south Mumbai activities. Tonnes of food and thousands of drinking water bottles started pouring into Mumbai to feed the protestors from all parts of Maharashtra. So much so that, after Jarange’s departure, it became a challenge for the civic authorities to dispose of the food stocks. Taking a cue, former MLA Bachchu Kadu has asked his followers to prepare for a similar agitation in the near future. Kadu has asked his followers in a Bhandara meeting that they should mobilise funding for arranging vehicles and carry five kilos of rice and wheat to prepare for staying over in Mumbai for a week or so. No timeline or even a specific plan has been announced by him though the possibility persists. Another major issue now is the Dharavi slum rehabilitation project, perhaps the largest such in the world. The Adani group is handling it. There are many complaints that the project affected people are not being given due justice. A Shiv Sena leader, Baburao Mane, has hinted of organising a mass protest on the lines of the Maratha agitation. He, too, is yet to outline a plan of action. However, it seems that a new formula for expressing opposition is emerging.

It seems Anil Agarwal-run Vedanta Group’s wait to mine nine million tonnes of bauxite annually to feed its Lanjigarh refinery in Odisha is now getting longer. That’s because the consent for giving the go ahead is in the hands of the local tribal community. This is evident because the Union Environment Ministry has postponed its decision on Vedanta’s proposal to divert over 700 hectares of Odisha forest for bauxite mining at Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. It may be mentioned that the Odisha High Court has made it clear that affected communities must be taken into confidence before giving clearance to Vedanta Group. Sources say, the key trigger for postponing decision making pertains to concerns raised by local tribes before the Odisha High Court. In fact, the Odisha High Court has flagged allegations of fraudulent Gram Sabha resolutions supporting Vedanta’s mining project. This is why the High Court is insisting on community consent before giving green signal.  Additionally, it also needs to settle issues concerning overlapping compensatory afforestation sites, submit detailed soil erosion control plans, address ecological concerns since the mining project falls under elephant’s habitat area which requires a secured pathway for elephant’s movements.

Inban Udhayanidhi is all of 20 years of age even as he moves in as CEO of Red Giant Movies, a production and distribution company, incubated and grown by his father Udhayanidhi Stalin, now deputy CM of Tamil Nadu. In just 17 years, Red Giant emerged as a near monopoly in terms of its scale and reach. Inba, as he is informally called by his closest friends, has the provenance of politics, power and privilege, a DNA soaked in cinematic and political wealth. WunderbarFilms and Don Pictures combined production, soon to be on screen, Idli Kadai directed and lead by Dhanush is the first film to be distributed under Inban Udhayanidhi’s watch. Don’t be irreverent to this banal title …Idli Kadai (idli shop). Dhanush is known to choose powerful themes and dramatic storytelling. Idli Kadai marketed and promoted by Red Giant is expected to strike that Midas touch too, with push and pull from this well-known political family. The news is that Inban is simultaneously being coached and trained in acting, another legacy from his father who could orchestrate his film and family status with agility. In a state where cinema and politics are de rigueur as environmental interests, Inba has his play station all mapped and pegged. Red Giant’s popularity hit a high in 2010 when all four of its distributed films… Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran and Myna became popular hits. Since 2022, film promos could no longer use Udhayanidhi’s name as he was Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports. Inban Udhayanidhi inherited the reins. Ah, the inscrutable ways of destiny.

A fresh controversy has erupted in Tollywood with the list of names proposed for the Bengali film review committee, to be submitted in the High Court as part of an ongoing case between a section of filmmakers and the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI). The proposed panel has left out practicing Bengali directors, sparking sharp discontent within the industry. The development comes close on the heels of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s directive to single screen and multiplexes to screen Bengali films in primetime. While the order was widely welcomed, insiders now argue that the celebratory mood is being eclipsed by what they describe as a snub to local talent. One of the petitioners, director Indranil Roychowdhury maintained that Kolkata insiders could be influenced and therefore only nationally reputed figures from outside Bengal should be included. The proposed list features directors Dibakar Banerjee, Konkona Sen Sharma, Nandita Das, Adil Hussain, Nagraj Manjule and Hansal Mehta. A senior director, requesting anonymity, pointed out that earlier committees had stalwarts like Prabhat Roy and Haranath Chakraborty, but the new list excludes Tollywood filmmakers. He questioned whether Bengali directors were being treated as outsiders in their own industry. The Calcutta High Court has requested a final committee list by September 8. Information & Broadcasting Secretary Shantanu Basu has been tasked with drawing it up, based on names submitted separately by the 13 petitioner directors and the Federation. Questions have also arisen over whether institutions like SRFTI can serve as committee members, and who will bear the costs of bringing in outstation experts.

It was the audio launch of the just released Sivakarthikeyan film Madharaasi. No point in asking why this title (time was when all south of the Vindhyas were Madrasis often parodied by comedian Mehmood). Sivakarthikeyan did not need aide memoirs or pre coded script to grip audience attention …his TV anchor days experience seamlessly slipped into his hero status on stage. He was all praise for director AR Murugadoss (ARM) and the hit films Deena, Ramana, Ghazni and Thuppakki ..headlined by Thala Ajith, Suriya, Vijay  and late Vijayakanth, …each one moulded by ARM to portray powerful roles and make hit films. SK’s praise for the ARM acting method was not stage “feel good” acclaim. The vacancy left by Vijay (riding into politics) and Thala Ajith (adrenaline amped up race cars) were waiting to be filled. Naturally, SK, the romantic comedian hero, has set his sights on an action hero mould …how Madharaasi will catapult him to this fighter mode depends on how powerful his transition is …his Amaran was praised as a classic.  Madharaasi’s story is about guns brought in containers to be stored in a factory for future mayhem in TN. This danger needs a suicidal hero to put his life on the line. “I took steroids to replicate an intense craze driven look.” This simple Simon who talks without rancour recalls his struggling aspiring days …even water wouldn’t be given for those who knock on film doors. Today, they ask me Sir , some juice, cake? I have Tamannaah to my left and Samantha on my right…a distraction when I failed to notice Dhanush in the front row. SK has now overtaken his finder, Dhanush. Is SK destined to ride the crest of cinema without borders?

At the top level, ICICI Bank UK seems to witness a lot of people movement. The latest to quit is Sanya Puri, branch head, ICICI Bank UK Plc Manchester after nearly 14 years of service with the bank in Manchester where she started as operations officer. Puri, who started her career with HDFC Bank moved to the UK in 2011. She has now moved out of the banking space to venture into the information technology arena. The 39-year old has joined 42Gears Mobility Systems (UK) Ltd as their Associate Director – Channel Sales for UK and Europe market. The company has a customer base in more than 170 countries and has pioneered cloud solutions. Sanya joins this sector as Manchester is now recognised as the big hub of Tech innovation in the UK. She follows several top leaders at ICICI who have either resigned or have not returned to India on completion of their term in the UK to explore different opportunities in the corporate world in the UK. Sanya, B Com from Panjab University did her MBA in marketing and finance from Amity University. Her successful track record of overseeing and managing a large portfolio of clients is expected to hold in good stead in the new assignment.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s angry tiff with a young female police officer has been followed by countless messages deploring his outburst. Moreover, there are many who have demanded to know if a minister has authority to challenge police action in this manner. Though all political leaders dish out sage advice that the administration should be left to free to operate, very few behave accordingly. Actually, there are frequent interferences by political leaders in the working of the bureaucracy. Pawar’s show of ire has revived the memories of a stern action taken by daredevil IPS officer Ashok Kamte many years ago in Solapur where he was posted at the time. Situated along the Maharashtra border with Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Solapur is a town where multiple languages are spoken. Some bigwigs from the two states reside in Solapur. One of them was Ravikant Patil, a Janata Party MLA from Indi in Bijapur district of Karnataka. One night, the police received a complaint that deafening noise was being created by firecrackers at Patil’s bungalow late in the night to celebrate his birthday. When a police party reached there to halt the disturbance, Patil became aggressive. Learning this, Kamte rushed to the spot and tried to reason with Patil but instead had to face a violent response. Enraged, he caught Patil by collar and dragged him to the police station. ‘Kamte ka Danda, Solapur Thanda’ became the norm in Solapur till he was there. Unfortunately, Kamte was killed along with Hemant Karkare and Vijay Salaskar, two other ace police bosses by Pakistani terrorists during the 2008 Mumbai attack. His memories still linger.

The Congress may be basking on the “success” of its Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar but one tweet by its Kerala unit on GST saw the party apologise. A political storm was kicked up by the controversial tweet drawing a parallel between Bihar and bidis in an attempt to mock the BJP over latest GST reforms lowering GST on bidi from 28% to 18%. The Congress’s Kerala unit wrote, “Bidis and Bihar start with B. Cannot be considered sin anymore”. The tweet was deleted soon after RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav phoned Rahul Gandhi to contain the damage following backlash in social media. The Congress issued an apology on X and said that the jibe was twisted. “We see that our jibe at Modi’s election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt.” The now-deleted post, which appeared to deride the state, triggered sharp reactions from the BJP and its ally, the JD(U), who accused the Congress of insulting the people of Bihar, a state headed for polls before November. The government’s action on bidis was apparently inspired by the RSS-linked Swadeshi Jagran Manch which wrote to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying that the 28% GST had hit employment in the registered sector of bidi manufacturing. This had also caused hardships for workers in unregistered beedi production units. The GST on tendu leaves used to make bidis has been reduced from 18% to 5%.

An advertisement about a proposed real estate project in Neral in Raigad district of Maharashtra has triggered a fierce debate with its critics calling it “a Halal Township.” After a controversy snowballed, the builder has taken down the ad. Saying that it was planned to be developed around 100 km from Mumbai, the ad has invited various political and legal lashings. The controversy erupted after the promotional advertisement described it as a “Halal Lifestyle Township.” The audio-visual campaign features a hijab-clad woman. The project will provide an environment for like-minded families, with prayer spaces, community gatherings and a safe atmosphere for children, the developer has promised. However, there are adverse murmurs from within the Muslim community, too. For instance, All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has criticised the use of the word ‘Halal’ in the project and said that it was an attempt to “spread hatred” in society. By using such a name, an attempt is being made to send out a particular kind of message, and that the builders and people involved in this are not working to unite society, rather to spread hatred and create division, he complained. The video was first shared by Priyank Kanoongo, former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The Maharashtra government has been issued a notice over the matter, he has said.

Once upon a time driving an auto rickshaw in Thane to earn his living, Maharashtra’s transport minister Pratap Sarnaik is today among the wealthiest politicians in the state. Sarnaik is the second rickshaw driver to reach dizzying heights in politics. The first is his boss, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. He, too, is from Thane. But Sarnaik now has a unique distinction in India. He is the first Tesla car buyer in the country. The vehicle was handed over at the Tesla Experience Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex on Friday (Sep 5). Soon thereafter, Sarnaik shared his photos with a gleaming white Model Y. The car’s ex-showroom price begins at around Rs 60 lakh for the Rear Wheel Drive type and nearly Rs 68 lakh for the Long Range RWD. “I plan to use this Tesla to drop my grandson off at school so that more people see it, learn about electric vehicles and are encouraged to adopt them,” Sarnaik says. He gained fame when he was in the Nationalist Congress Party in 2008. He presented his then leader Ajit Pawar, a diamond studded mobile phone, said to be costing Rs 15 lakh. After becoming an MLA in 2009, Sarnaik’s assets have increased by leaps and bounds. Over the years, he has travelled through different parties. It may be recalled that the ED were questioning him in a Rs 5,600 crore fraud at the NSEL and had even attached his assets worth Rs 11.35 crore. He crossed over to Shinde from Uddhav Sena and the probe is on the back burner since then. He flaunts his Bollywood connections and prominent film personalities make it a point to attend his annual Dahi Handi events.