Latest The Daily Guradian News | Top The Daily Guradian News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking The Daily Guradian News Today | English The Daily Guradian News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Sambhal Violence: Three Minor Involvement Confirmed in Mosque Survey Clash

November 27, 2024, 12:03 pm

In an update on the Sambhal violence, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed on Wednesday that three minors were involved in the incident, which erupted over the survey of a Mughal-era mosque on November 24.The official said that three minors were involved in the Sambhal violence case but added that the numbers could change as investigations progress.
“The number of minors involved in the case was 3 until yesterday. But this number can change,” Singh said, emphasising the ongoing nature of the investigation. He added that the minor accused are currently being counselled as part of efforts to rehabilitate them through education and skill development programs.”
In addition, the authorities recovered a knife, which Singh described as potentially very dangerous if used in a crowd.
“We have recovered a knife. It can be very dangerous if used in a crowd,” he noted. The Commissioner assured that the investigation would continue and efforts would be made to identify all those involved in the conspiracy.
“We will identify the anti-social elements in society and will expose all those who were involved in this conspiracy,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal for the third consecutive day on Wednesday after violence and ruckus ensued over an ASI survey.
The stones-pelting incident that escalated into violence over the survey team on November 24 claimed the lives of 4 and injured many, including officials and locals.
The internet shutdown will continue in the region while all other restrictions have been lifted as the situation has returned to normalcy, Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar said.
So far, 27 people, including 25 men and 2 women, have been arrested, and 7 FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, the police said.
Speaking to ANI about the current situation post-incident, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar said, “After the Sunday incident that took place in Sambhal district, the police had called for a precautionary internet shutdown, which continues. All other things have been restored to normalcy.”
“The police have processed all the CCTV footage of the people involved in the incident. More than 100 people have been identified. They will soon be apprehended by the police. In the last 24 hours, 27 people have been arrested, out of which 25 are men and 2 are women. Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq has been issued a notice under Section 168 of the BNS on November 23,” he added.
Fresh visuals from the area show security personnel deployed in the area.
The security team near the mosque is deployed with two-way radios for communication, security batons, flashlights, firearms, vehicle barriers, and metal detectors to maintain security for local regulations.
Earlier on Tuesday, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said that 27 people have been arrested in the Sambhal violence and seven FIRs have been registered following the ruckus and stone-pelting incident over an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Mughal-era mosque of the district.
Singh urged the people across all sections of society to refrain from making baseless statements.
In a joint press conference earlier, Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi informed that a complaint has been filed against as many as 800 people after the violence.SP Bishnoi also said that two accused, identified as Zia Ur Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, had been arrested for allegedly instigating the mob to the violence.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq had, however, denied the allegations of instigating violence in Sambhal over the mosque survey. He has accused the Uttar Pradesh police administration of ‘conspiracy’ while claiming that the case registered against him was false, as he was not in the state when the violence erupted.
The said survey was part of a legal process following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who claimed the mosque was originally a temple.
A similar survey was previously conducted on November 19, with local police and members of the mosque’s management committee present to oversee the process.

Mahayuti Alliance Deliberates New CM; Kesarkar Pledges Support for Modi, Shah’s Decision

November 26, 2024, 2:29 pm

As deliberations continue within the Mahayuti alliance over selecting the next Chief Minister, Shiv Sena leader and outgoing state minister Deepak Kesarkar stated on Tuesday that he would accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“CM Eknath Shinde has submitted his resignation to the Governor and the Governor has appointed him as the caretaker CM till the new government is formed, he will handle the work of the government. Mahayuti leaders will sit together and discuss and go to Delhi and then a decision will be taken,” Kesarkar said on Tuesday.
“CM Shinde has clearly said that whatever decision PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah take, it will be acceptable to him,” he told reporters.
When asked about if there is a favoured candidate, he said that there is no clear favourite to the CM’s post as of now as the party leaders discuss among themseleves.
“All three leaders are discussing together, a good decision will be taken when they discuss with,” he told reporters.
Earlier, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor C P Radhakrishnan.
In a post on X, he told his party’s supporters to not congregate or gather in Mumbai to show support for him.
“Out of love for me, some congregations have appealed to everyone to gather together and come to Mumbai. I am deeply grateful for your love. But I appeal that no one should come together in my support in such a manner. Once again it is my humble request that Shiv Sena workers should not assemble at Varsha bungalow (official residence of CM) or anywhere else,” said the X post by Shinde.
Mahayuti alliance won with a landslide victory, and Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest party by winning over 132 seat, the alliance is yet to decide on a Chief Minister to lead the government.

Ambika Ananth’s “Storms and Breezes” reflects on several subtle human emotions

September 26, 2024, 5:31 pm

Poetry book “Storms and Breezes On Mortal Waves” by eminent Indian author Ambika Ananth is a captivating collection of poems that reflects over multiple human emotions. The other part of the book entitled as “Sweet Dependence has been painstakingly penned down by Dr. Yeshodhara Gopala Rao. The book co-authored by these two beautiful souls is a journey inward. Reading these greatly moving poems one is instantly reminded of the doyen of Romantic Age John Keats who remarks in one his famous poems ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ that heard melodies are sweet but unheard sweeter. In her mellifluous but poignant tone, Amiba waxes eloquent and croons of pains and pleasures. In her poem “Party Time”, there is palpable happiness everywhere leavened with glittering lights and perfumes, yet the poet seems to be ill at ease as she compares the ambience with just an artificial dazzle. The poet says,

“We wear a different cloak of falsity”.

To fit into our social groove”.

The poet Ambika has rightly taken a dig at the hypocrisy of modern day men which aptly reminds us of a famous Hindi number

“Jab bhi ji chahe nai duniya basa lete hain log

Ek chehre pe kai chehre laga lete hain log”

Such is the intensity of the pent-up emotions that they bring profuse tears in the eyes of your mind. The following lines from the poem “Come Back To Us” shed a plenty of light on the fathomless profundity of the pangs of separation from a loved one.

“ I wish I could wish you a Happy Birthday…

Alas! the wound in my heart is still bleeding,

raw and sore,

reminding me-

that joy is forever lost….” it is a matter of stupendous elation to witness the fact that both the poets have exercised the immense literary powers to the fullest which they possess due to the poetic license. Those who are the votaries of poetry understand the term poetic license fully well. It is a form of liberty the poets retain with which they mend the established norms of a language. The instances of syntactic and morphological manipulations are not rare to find in this book. The conventional structure of English Language has been bended deftly by particularly by Ambika Ananth to enhance the emotive effects of her poetic pieces.

“A Paradise of Pastures green,

Or deserts mercilessly sun-beaten,

Mad delirium or sweet ecstasies….

life is a canvas in motion…”

The suppleness of the verses draws our attention to the great poets like ST Coleridge and William Wordsworth but the poet Ambika is closer to TS Eliot who is hailed as the father of modern poetry. The way he has exposed the seamy side of modern day society, similar streaks, we find in Ambika. Here the poem “She” by Ambika has been dedicated to the birth of a girl child which is still not an occasion to rejoice over in many families. We come across a baby girl in the womb who is oblivious of the brutal realities of his berserk world. The poet reflects over the idea that ‘She’ is the personifications of innocence but unmindful of the bitter realities of this barbaric world. It would not be erroneous to remark that poets are the weird and wild creature of God, gifted with subtle and sensitive minds and it is their ultra-sensitive mind which makes them wallow in utmost grief.

Hence, the element of poignancy is quite conspicuous in this anthology as we read the pieces like “Unquiet Oceans Of Humanity ” wherein the poet takes recourse to the literary device of gripping imagery, personification and lends “innocence” the human attributes by saying that it is dying its death in its infancy. Here, it is pertinent to state that all of the poems have been artistically and aesthetically embellished with several poetic devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, consonance, enjambments and so on. While delivering a discourse on Poetic Language, David Crystal states in one of the literary conferences that Language charged with emotions is poetry. Quite in agreement with the eminent linguist, the language of this book is deeply emotive which warms the cockles of every heart. Therefore, it would be a delightful buffet for all the poetry buffs and will also give a lot of soul-stirring situations to cogitate over.

Gangs Of Wasseypur Re-Release In Theatres: Date And Tickets Price Revealed

August 28, 2024, 8:20 am

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has announced the much-anticipated re-release of his cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur. The acclaimed crime-comedy, featuring stellar performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, will return to cinemas from August 30 to September 5. Kashyap shared the news via his Instagram account, revealing that tickets for the re-release will be priced at Rs 149.

A Cultural Landmark Returns

Originally released in 2012, Gangs of Wasseypur has achieved iconic status in Indian cinema. Known for its raw and gritty portrayal of the coal mafia in Dhanbad, the film has made an indelible mark with its intense storytelling and memorable dialogues, including the famous lines “Keh ke lenge uski” and “Beta… tumse na ho payega.” The film has not only inspired a plethora of memes but also played a pivotal role in launching the careers of actors such as Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pankaj Tripathi.

Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse into Filmmaking

In a recent conversation with News18 Showsha, actor Pankaj Tripathi reminisced about the unique atmosphere on set during the filming of Gangs of Wasseypur. Reflecting on the experience, Tripathi described the camaraderie among the cast and the absence of vanity vans, which fostered a more collaborative and informal environment. He noted, “The atmosphere during the shoot was exceptional and is rarely seen today. There were no vanity vans; we used to sit outside on chairs and converse extensively.”

Enduring Impact

Despite the passage of time, Gangs of Wasseypur continues to be a touchstone for intense storytelling in Indian cinema. Its influence is evident in both audience reception and its impact on future filmmakers. The re-release provides a fresh opportunity for new audiences to experience this landmark film and for longtime fans to revisit its powerful narrative and unforgettable characters.

Anurag Kashyap’s announcement of the re-release of Gangs of Wasseypur has generated excitement among cinema enthusiasts. As the film makes its return to theatres, it promises to evoke nostalgia and celebrate its enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

Modi 3.0’s First Budget Addresses Election Setback To A Great Extent

July 27, 2024, 1:26 am

Modi 3.0’s first budget addressed two concerns of the electorate that pushed the BJP to fall short of majority and ended up as a true coalition government headed by Narendra Modi.
Although the retail CPI inflation on average has been hovering between 5% and 6% in the Modi 2.0 era, the food inflation, which constitutes 50% of the CPI inflation, has been relatively much higher. Although retail inflation affects the broad-based middle- and low-income groups, which constitute about 80% of the income pyramid, Either the significant rise of vegetables, cooking oil, pulses, or other essential food commodities that are in use on a daily basis did not go well with the electorate, especially given the setback in the income increase for two years during the COVID.

Even the pollsters and the senior brass of the BJP believed that the “good image” that the Prime Minister enjoys among more than 50% of the population would allow the BJP to win with more than a simple majority, despite the fact that this was recorded statistically and qualitatively by them. It didn’t take place. The entire 2024–2025 budget now includes a dampener. Unable to control food inflation has been caused by seasonal shortages, which can be attributed to climate-related problems, natural cycles of higher and lower yields, or spatially uneven agricultural production.
Due to a shortage of one or more of the major agricultural commodities, food inflation remained high for the majority of the year. Such a shortage in supply ought to have, at the very least, somewhat helped the farmers. But, in an effort to control inflation, the government banned exports whenever prices surged. This was unpopular with farmers, who had a unique chance to export at higher prices and earn more money. Even while a ban on exports of this kind lowered prices, its effect was quite moderate.

The solution lies in increasing productivity across various production clusters so that transportation and logistics costs remain low. The budget wanted to take a comprehensive review of the agriculture research setup to improve productivity and climate-resilient crops. Although substantial progress has been continuously made in producing seed varieties and increasing productivity with modern agriculture practices, a coherent and cogent approach, thereby bringing synergy across various institutions, would bring transformative solutions. Although the government’s efforts to increase the crop area of oil seeds and pulses have partially succeeded over the last ten years, the shortfall is substantial, requiring major imports. Unless the government increases the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of pulses and oil seeds substantially over grains in the coming years until the inflection point to bring more cultivable area under pulses and oil seeds, it is not possible for the government to rein in the prices of these commodities.

When the agriculture commodities, especially vegetables have been cultivated in one region predominantly as in the case of onions in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Solapur, and Aurangabad of Maharashtra, whereas the consumption is all across the nation, any climate impact in these districts would have a telling effect on onion prices. Moreover, the transportation and logistics costs would add up to the prices substantially. The decision to create large scale vegetable clusters closer to the consumption centres would go a long way in reducing the cost of vegetables to the end consumers. Extending the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to agriculture that would cover the farmers and their lands in 3 years would also facilitate the initiative on agriculture produce.

According to recent statements made by the prime minister, the administration has created 8 crore employment in the previous three to four years. The significant rise in EPF enrolment supported his claim that, as a result of significant investments in public infrastructure over the past ten years, more employment have been created in the unofficial sector, where workers are paid on a “remuneration for deliverable” basis rather than a monthly pay. The youth, however, are not content since they prioritise government employment above everything else, regardless of grade of employment.
The second choice is to work for an organisation in an official capacity with an appointment letter, regular pay, and benefits like paid time off and gratuity. It would not be fiscally feasible for the federal government or state governments to implement such policies, nor could the DPI offer significantly better services to the populace than ordinary personnel. Neither the central government nor the state governments need to employ such a big workforce.

Creating formal work in the private sector is the answer. The government endeavoured to integrate the informal economy into the formal economy with the GST and encouraged the private sector to create more formal jobs with the three Employment Linked Incentive schemes.
The government’s first initiative, which provides INR 15,000 in three installments to those starting formal work in the private sector, is an attempt to get the private sector to hire more people in formal jobs. It is unclear how the private sector will react to this plan, despite the budget’s assumption that it will generate 210 lakh employment for people entering the workforce for the first time.
The private sector should be encouraged to use their current capacity to manufacture more and create additional manufacturing capacity by the second scheme, which offers 30 lakh youth entering the manufacturing industry an EPF contribution for the first four years of employment from both employers and employees. A large portion of low-skill manufacturing work has been done by contract workers. This program needs to, at the very least, offer formal employment for a workforce with some degree of competence. In the upcoming years, the government may decide to expand the recipients based on how well this program works.

The third scheme of subsidising the EPF contribution of employers up to INR 3000 per month for up to 2 years to those who are newly added to the workforce within the monthly salary of INR 1 lakh would enable well-equipped youth to get high-quality jobs.
A multifaceted strategy is needed to increase employment chances because the process can be hindered by a mismatch between what the private sector demands and what candidates can offer. The private sector would be able to find suitable employees from the women’s skill development program, the women’s hostel program, the upskilling of ITI students, the Model Skill Loan Scheme, and education loans up to INR 10 lakh at a subsidised interest rate for 1 lakh students who have not benefited from any scheme or policies.

The post-poll, full-fledged budget presented by the Finance Minister addressed the two major reasons for disgruntlement by a section of the electorate against the Modi 2.0 regime. This shows the government is in reboot mode to gain the confidence of the section of the electorate that has voted against Modi 2.0 and who otherwise supports the Modi regime.

The author is a Public Policy Expert

Kamala Harris Poised to Make History as Potential First Black, South Asian President After Biden’s Exit

July 22, 2024, 4:11 am

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election for a second term, paving the way for Kamala Harris to potentially become the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Biden’s decision follows concerns about his age and recent debate performance.

Harris’s Historic Opportunity

Kamala Harris, currently serving as Vice President, is already a trailblazer as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to hold the vice presidency. If she secures the Democratic nomination and wins against Republican Donald Trump, she would make history as the first female president.

Biden’s Endorsement

Biden praised Harris as his best choice for successor and endorsed her candidacy. In a statement on social media, he urged Democrats to unite and support Harris in the upcoming election.

Harris’s Response

Harris called Biden’s decision a “selfless and patriotic act” and expressed gratitude for his endorsement. She emphasized her commitment to winning the nomination and addressing key issues during her campaign.

Democratic Party Dynamics

While prominent Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris, her nomination is not guaranteed. There are discussions about a potential “mini primary” to evaluate other candidates before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

Polling and Public Opinion

Recent polls indicate that about 60% of Democrats believe Harris would be a strong presidential candidate. However, public opinion is mixed, with 40% of U.S. adults having a favorable view of her.

Harris’s Political Journey

Kamala Harris’s political career includes serving as California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President. Despite some challenges and criticism, she has been a vocal advocate for abortion rights and has worked to connect with young and diverse voters

Key Points:

Biden’s Withdrawal: President Biden has stepped down from the 2024 race, endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor.
Harris’s Historic Role: If elected, Harris would be the first Black woman and South Asian president in U.S. history.
Campaign Dynamics: The Democratic Party is rallying around Harris, but her nomination faces scrutiny and potential competition.
Public Opinion: Polls show mixed feelings about Harris’s candidacy among Democrats and the general public.

Kamala Harris’s potential run for president represents a significant moment in U.S. political history,

Jennifer Lopez Hosts Grand Bridgerton-Themed Party in the Hamptons Amid Ben Affleck Absence

July 22, 2024, 1:30 am

Jennifer Lopez hosted a grand Bridgerton-themed party in the Hamptons ahead of her 55th birthday, with celebrity guests arriving in royal costumes.**

A Lavish Celebration

Jennifer Lopez, who is turning 55, threw an extravagant Bridgerton-themed pre-birthday party in the Hamptons on Saturday. The event was a star-studded affair with guests arriving in elegant, royal-inspired costumes.

Star-Studded Guest List

The 54-year-old pop icon celebrated with her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez, who donned a blue gown with white lace detailing. Celebrity attendees included Sarah Jessica Parker and Lucy Paez, who starred with Lopez in the Netflix film “The Mother.” Photos obtained by Page Six show guests being welcomed by a horse-drawn carriage.

Notable Absence

Despite the presence of many family members, Jennifer Lopez’s husband, Ben Affleck, was notably absent. Affleck was recently seen driving alone in Los Angeles, still wearing his wedding ring. The couple, who married in 2022, are reportedly spending time apart amid marital challenges.

Rumors and Speculations

Lopez and Affleck have not been photographed together for over a month, and they even spent their second wedding anniversary separately. Despite rumors suggesting Affleck has issues with Lopez’s fame, a source told People that their problems run deeper. The source denied claims that Affleck was unprepared for the attention their marriage received.

Time Apart

Lopez has been seen spending time with Affleck’s 18-year-old daughter, Violet, whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, in the Hamptons. This separation has fueled media speculation about the state of their marriage.

Jennifer Lopez’s pre-birthday celebration was a dazzling event, but it comes amidst swirling rumors about her relationship with Ben Affleck.

Indian Army Enrolls One Lakh Agniveers: Top Officer Provides Update

July 22, 2024, 12:31 am

Amid ongoing discussions about the Agnipath policy for recruiting into the Indian armed forces, a senior Indian Army officer announced that around one lakh Agniveers have joined the force since the scheme’s inception.

Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa, the army’s Adjutant General, shared that the scheme, launched in June 2022, saw its first batch recruited and enrolled by December 2022-January 2023. “Approximately one lakh Agniveers have been enrolled in the army, including around 200 women. Of these, about 70,000 recruits have been dispatched to their units and are performing exceptionally well. This includes around 100 female police personnel too,” he told news agency ANI.

Lieutenant General Ponnappa also mentioned that 50,000 vacancies have been released for the current 2024-25 cycle, with the recruitment process ongoing.

Addressing concerns raised by opposition parties, the senior officer dismissed the claim that Agnipath has created ‘two different classes’ of soldiers. “Agniveers undertake all actions – operational and professional duties – just like other sepoys or sepoy recruits on the ground. They are completely integrated into the units. They wear the same uniform and perform the same duties,” he emphasized.

The Agnipath scheme is a short-service recruitment policy where aspirants, called ‘Agniveers’, are inducted into the armed forces for four years. Both male and female aspirants aged 17.5 to 21 years are eligible. After four years, up to 25% of a retiring batch may be selected for the permanent cadre. Additionally, quotas have been announced for retirees in various central and state government services, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The ruling BJP’s recent poor performance in some northern states, which traditionally contribute a large number of youths to the armed forces, has been partly attributed to the Agnipath scheme. A BJP ally has already called for a review of the policy.

This development highlights the significant changes in the Indian armed forces’ recruitment strategies and the ongoing efforts to integrate new recruits seamlessly into the military structure

Decoding Economic Survey

July 22, 2024, 12:21 am

The wait for the full Budget for 2024-25 is almost over as the Union government is set to table the Economic Survey on Monday. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the pre-budget document in Parliament, a day ahead of the Budget presentation.

What is an Economic Survey:
The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators of 2023-24 (April-March) and some outlook for the current year.

The Economy Survey document may also give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2024-25, to be presented on Tuesday.The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Budget documents and presented the day before the Union Budget. The most important feature that many will look out for is its central theme. In 2022, the central theme was ‘Agile Approach’, which emphasized on India’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic shock. In 2023, it was ‘recovery complete’, when the economy staged a broad-based recovery from pandemic-induced contraction, Russian-Ukraine conflict, and inflation, and ascended to the pre-pandemic growth path.

Typically, along with the sectoral chapters, the Survey document also adds new need-based chapters that need focus. All eyes will be on the major announcements made by the finance minister and the government’s forward-looking guidance about the overall economy. With this upcoming budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will surpass the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented five annual budgets and one interim budget between 1959 and 1964 as finance minister. Sitharaman’s upcoming budget speech will be her seventh. Sitharaman has surpassed Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P. Chidambaram, and Yashwant Sinha, who each presented five budgets.

Halwa ceremony:
A key event before the budget presentation is the ‘halwa ceremony’. A few days before the budget is presented, the government has a tradition of conducting a ‘halwa ceremony’, marking the start of budget document printing.

This year, the Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the budget preparation process for the full budget of 2024-25, was held in North Block on July 16 in the presence of Finance Minister Sitharaman, Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary, and secretaries. Officers and staff involved in the budget preparation and compilation process were also present on the occasion. The Halwa ceremony is significant as it also marks the beginning of a lockdown at the finance ministry, meaning no official is allowed to leave the ministry compound. Everyone on the budget team is allowed to leave only after the financial document is presented in Parliament. The printing of the Union Budget inside the basement located in the North Block has been a permanent feature since 1980.
On budget day, Tuesday, the Finance Minister will present the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha at 11 am. The budget speech will outline the government’s fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, taxation reforms, and other significant announcements.
The budget is then subjected to detailed debate and discussion in both houses of Parliament, allowing members to scrutinise its provisions, raise concerns, and propose amendments. Following its presentation and approval by Parliament, the Union Budget sets in motion a series of post-budget activities aimed at implementing its provisions and achieving the outlined objectives.

On the morning of budget day, the finance minister will go to the North Block, where the Ministry of Finance is housed. She will meet the secretaries of her ministry, and later, along with them, she will reach the President’s residence to get permission before presenting the Budget. Half an hour before the budget is presented, a Cabinet meeting headed by the Prime Minister is usually held, where ministers are briefed about the budget and Cabinet approval is taken. Like the previous few full Union budgets, the budget 2024 will also be delivered in paperless form.

State of the Economy:
The Reserve Bank of India, in its latest monetary policy meeting, raised the GDP forecast for the current year 2024-25 to 7.2 per cent from 7 per cent earlier. The strength of domestic demand has driven the economy to a 7 per cent plus growth rate in the past few years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest outlook, has raised India’s growth projections for 2024 from 6.8 per cent earlier to 7 per cent, with the country maintaining the fastest-growing status in emerging markets and developing economies.
The IMF had earlier projected growth rate of 6.5 per cent for 2024, revising it to 6.8 per cent and now 7 per cent. India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy.
According to official data of the Indian government, the country’s GDP grew at an impressive 8.2 per cent during the financial year 2023-24. India’s economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22 respectively.

Coming to inflation, RBI projected it at 4.5 per cent for 2024-25.
Rising food prices continued to be a headache for Indian consumers with the inflation rate in the food segment almost doubling year-on-year in June. The food inflation almost doubled to 8.36 per cent last month, versus 4.63 per cent reported same month of 2023, data showed. India’s overall retail inflation rate hardened in June, taking a departure from the moderation it witnessed in the past months, pushed by rising food prices.
The retail inflation in India is in RBI’s 2-6 per cent comfort level but is above the ideal 4 per cent scenario. Barring the recent pauses, the RBI has raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively since May 2022 in the fight against inflation. Raising interest rates is a monetary policy instrument that typically helps suppress demand in the economy, thereby helping the inflation rate decline. The repo rate is the rate of interest at which the RBI lends to other banks. Faced with food inflation remaining at elevated levels consistently, the Reserve Bank of India recently said that it is too long a period for a food price shock to be termed as transitory.

Highlights of the interim Budget tabled on February 1, 2024:
The government proposed to increase capital expenditure outlay by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11.11 lakh crore in 2024-25, amounting to 3.4 per cent of the GDP. A capital expenditure, or capex, is used to set up long-term physical or fixed assets.

Coming to the fiscal deficit, the government pegged for 2024-25 at 5.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023-24, the government pegged the fiscal deficit target for 2023-24 at 5.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The fiscal deficit of 2023-24 was downwardly revised to 5.8 per cent. The government intends to bring the fiscal deficit below 4.5 per cent of GDP by the financial year 2025-26.

The difference between total revenue and total expenditure of the government is termed as fiscal deficit. It is an indication of the total borrowings that may be needed by the government. In relief to the citizens, the central government neither tweaked nor raised the tax burden on citizens. An Interim Union Budget 2024 was presented on February 1, as the country was due for general elections later in the year.

The interim budget, took care of the financial needs of the intervening period until a government was formed after the Lok Sabha polls, after which a full budget was to be presented by the new government. The robustness seen in domestic demand–private consumption and investment–traces its origins to the reforms and measures implemented by the government over the last 10 years. Also, firm GDP growth forecasts, inflation at manageable levels, political stability and signs of the central bank tightening its monetary policy have all contributed to painting a bright picture for the Indian economy.
According to projections, India is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world with a GDP of USD 5 trillion in the next three years. Subsequently, India can aspire to become a USD 7 trillion economy in the next six to seven years (by 2030).

Nine People Fatally Struck by Lightning in Bihar; CM Nitish Kumar Offers Relief

July 6, 2024, 2:57 pm

In a tragic turn of events, nine individuals lost their lives in Bihar due to lightning strikes within the past 24 hours. Officials confirmed the incidents across six districts of the state, highlighting the vulnerability to such natural calamities.

Details of the Incident:
According to reports from the Chief Minister’s Office, Jehanabad district recorded the highest casualties with three deaths, followed by two in Madhepura. Additionally, one fatality each was reported from East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Supaul districts.

Response from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar:
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar promptly announced financial assistance. Each bereaved family will receive Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia to support them during this difficult time. The Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement urging strict adherence to advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department to mitigate the risks associated with lightning and other natural disasters.

Conclusion:
As Bihar mourns the tragic loss of nine lives to lightning strikes, the state government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken swift action to provide support to the affected families. The incident underscores the importance of precautionary measures and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Congress jibes govt for additional burden of Rs 34k crore on cell phone subscribers

July 5, 2024, 5:26 pm

Congress on Friday slammed the BJP-led central government at the centre after the three private cell phone companies increased the tariff of the mobile phones saying that it has put an additional burden of over Rs 35,000 crore on over 109 crore subscribers.

The party also questioned that how can all private cellphone companies increase their average tariffs by the same range of 15 per cent to 16 per cent, despite the fact that their profitability, investment and CAPEX requirements are completely different and why is the Modi government then turning a blind eye to the same.

Addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said that effective July 3 this year, the three private cellphone companies — Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, have increased their tariffs by an average of 15 per cent.

He highlighted that the three private cellphone companies have a market share of 91.6 per cent, or 109 crore cellphone users out of a total of 119 crore cellphone users as on December 31, 2023.

The total additional yearly payment from the pockets of the common man and woman of India seeking connectivity is Rs 34,824 crore, he said citing the TRAI Report dated April 23, 2024.

Surjewala, who is also the Rajya Sabha MP said that cell phone market in India is an ‘OLIGOPOLY’ – Reliance Jio with over 48 crore cell phone users, Airtel with 39 crore cell phone users, Vodafone Idea with 22.37 crore cell phone users.

“Out of these, Jio and Airtel have a customer base of 87 crore making them a virtual ‘duopoly’.

He highlighted that average revenue per customer per month (ARPU) for cell phone user is Rs 152.55, and effective July 3 2024, which was announced on June 27, 2024); Reliance Jio has increased its Cellphone user’s charges from 12 per cent to 27 per cent (its most popular and affordable plan was increased by 22 per cent i.e. from Rs155 to Rs 189 per month. The average increase is 20 per cent.

He said that in case of Airtel, effective July 3, 2024, it increased its cellphone user’s charges from 11 per cent to 21 per cent. The average increase is 15 per cent, Surjewala said.

He also said that effective July 4, 2024, Vodaphone Idea increased its cellphone user’s charges from 10 per cent to 24 per cent. The average increase is 16 per cent, he said.

Surjewala highlighted that two things stand out – first, the date of announcement of increase of tariffs, appears to be clearly in consultation with each other by the three private cell phone companies and second, the date of effective implementation of increased tariffs is the same.

“The additional per year burden of tariff increase is Rs 34,824 crore for 109 crore cellphone users of these three private cellphone companies,” the Congress leader said.

Sharing the company wise division, he said that average increase of tariff for Reliance Jio is 20 per cent, i.e. Rs. 30.51 (20% of Rs 152.55, which is Average Revenue Per Customer). And for 48 crore Jio customers, it will come to Rs 1,464 crore per month or Rs 17,568 crore annually.

Citing the figures of Airtel, he said, average increase of tariff for Airtel is 15 per cent, i.e. Rs. 22.88 (15 per cent of Rs 152.55, which is Average Revenue Per Customer. For 39 crore Airtel customers, it will come to Rs 892 Cr per month or Rs 10,704 crore annually and average increase of tariff for Vodafone Idea is 16 per cent, i.e. Rs. 24.40 (16 per cent of Rs 152.55, which is Average Revenue Per Customer).

“For 22.37 crore Vodafone Idea customers, it will come to Rs 546 crore per month or Rs 6,552 crore annually, he said, citing the extract of TRAI report.

Firing salvos at the government, Surjewala said, “How can private cellphone companies be permitted to unilaterally increase cellphone tariffs by Rs 34,824 crore annually without any oversight and regulation by the Modi government? Why have the Modi government and TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) abdicated their duty and responsibility towards 109 crore cellphone users? Wasn’t the increase in cellphone prices withheld till the conclusion of the Parliament elections as Modi government would have been questioned on the justification for burdening 109 crore cellphone users and fleecing them of an extra Rs 34,824 crore.”

He also asked that did the Modi government or TRAI conduct any study on need of CAPEX or impact on profitability by purchase of spectrum through auction after taking into account the previous set of concessions on AGR payable under Telecom Policy, 1999 or deferring of “Spectrum Auction Installments” by Modi 2.0 on November 20, 2019 or other related factors and how can all private cellphone companies increase their average tariffs by the same range of 15 per cent-16 per cent, despite the fact that their profitability, investment and CAPEX requirements are completely different? Why is the Modi government then turning a blind eye to the same?”

“Isn’t it correct that the Supreme Court of India, in “Delhi Science Forum versus Union of India” clearly stated that “The Central Government and the Telecom Regulatory Authority have not to behave like sleeping trustees, but have to function as active trustees for the public good.”? And has the public trust now been sacrificed by the Modi government?” Surjewala asked.

He also demanded that the Prime Minister must answer to the people of the country inuring the 109 crore affected cellphone users.

PM Modi’s ‘Unke Muh Mein Ghee Shakkar’ Moment While Addressing In Rajya Sabha

July 3, 2024, 12:49 pm

In a recent address to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude towards certain colleagues in the opposition, particularly highlighting an unnamed Congress member.

Modi commended this individual for steadfastly representing their party despite lack of support, using the phrase “unke muh mein ghee shakkar” to praise their foresight.

See post

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi says, “I would like to extend hearty gratitude to a few colleagues in Congress. Ever since the results came, I was taking note of a colleague – who was not supported by his party but he held his party’s flag all alone. For what he said, unke muh mein… pic.twitter.com/z11fQhpbJ2

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2024

The Prime Minister reflected on his government’s achievements, noting the completion of one-third of their envisioned tenure of 30 years. He emphasized the significance of the phrase “1/3rd government,” attributing it to the aforementioned colleague for its truthfulness.

Modi’s speech underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation and acknowledged differing viewpoints within the political spectrum. The Prime Minister’s remarks aimed to foster a spirit of unity and respect for differing opinions in the legislative process.

The address, marked by Modi’s characteristic rhetorical flair, underscored the government’s commitment to its long-term vision and the need for collaborative efforts across party lines to achieve national goals.

Anushka Sharma Reacts to Influencer’s Revealing Tale of Dating Virat Kohli

July 2, 2024, 11:09 am

Social media influencer Freddy Birdy recently shared a heartwarming Instagram post, reflecting on his early encounter with Anushka Sharma before she publicly acknowledged her relationship with cricketer Virat Kohli. Birdy described Sharma as ‘utterly gorgeous,’ ‘unpretentious,’ and ‘funny,’ reminiscing about their candid conversation that hinted at her romance with Kohli.

During the interview at her Mumbai penthouse years ago, Birdy, driven by curiosity, discreetly probed about Sharma’s rumored relationship. Despite her skillful attempts to dodge the question with finesse, Birdy’s instincts picked up on subtle clues of Kohli’s presence in Sharma’s life, confirming the speculation surrounding their budding romance.

Responding warmly to Birdy’s nostalgic post, Sharma expressed her gratitude with heartfelt emojis, reminiscing about the early days before their private relationship blossomed into a public union. The social media exchange provided a rare glimpse into Sharma’s guarded personal life, highlighting her journey from private romance to marriage with Virat Kohli.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Freddy Birdy (@freddy_birdy)

The couple, who exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Italy in 2017, now revels in the joys of parenthood with their children, Vamika and Akaay. Recently, Kohli penned a touching note attributing his achievements to Sharma, marking a new chapter in their enduring love story amidst their respective professional pursuits.

Sharma, acclaimed for her versatile acting career, is set to grace screens next in the film “Chakda ‘Xpress,” continuing to captivate audiences with her talent and grace. Her journey from a private person navigating early romance to a celebrated figure in Bollywood reflects resilience, love, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Birdy’s post and Sharma’s response not only offered fans a glimpse into their early relationship but also underscored the couple’s journey of love and mutual support in the limelight of Bollywood and international cricket.

Who is Yogi Adityanath’s Trusted Bureaucrat, Manoj Kumar Singh?

July 1, 2024, 2:50 pm

In a testament to his distinguished career and unwavering commitment to public service, Manoj Kumar Singh, a seasoned bureaucrat of the 1988 IAS batch, has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. His ascension to this prestigious role comes amid accolades for his transformative contributions to the state’s governance and development.

Singh, currently serving as the Agriculture Production Commissioner and Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to his new position. His tenure is marked by significant achievements, including spearheading the state’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in rural areas and championing the implementation of critical initiatives like the ‘BC Sakhi’ scheme, aimed at empowering women across Uttar Pradesh.

Under his leadership, Uttar Pradesh achieved remarkable milestones such as declaring all 75 districts open-defecation-free and leading extensive sanitation efforts. Singh’s multifaceted role also includes serving as Additional Chief Secretary for Panchayati Raj and Food Processing, highlighting his comprehensive approach to grassroots governance.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s decision to appoint Singh underscores his trust in Singh’s ability to drive administrative excellence and innovation. With a reputation for integrity and dedication, Singh’s elevation to Chief Secretary is expected to further elevate Uttar Pradesh’s trajectory of progress and development.

As he assumes this critical role, Singh’s vision and leadership are poised to shape the state’s future, ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development across Uttar Pradesh.

Rekha Bhardwaj Lends Voice For ‘Nikat’ Song For The Movie ‘Kill’

June 30, 2024, 8:35 pm

Veteran singer Rekha Bhardwaj has sung the track ‘Nikat’ for the movie ‘Kill’, starring Lakshya. ‘Nikat’ is a romantic song featuring Lakshya and Tanya Maniktala, portraying the theme of love’s irresistible pull and the desire to always be close to one’s beloved.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rekha (@rekha_bhardwaj)

On giving her vocals, Rekha Bhardwaj said, “Kill is a special film, not only for the acclaim it has received ahead of its release but also for its unconventional storyline. ‘Nikat’ is more than just a song; it is an emotion, a source of nourishment, and a powerful surge of energy. We hope it transcends boundaries and touches hearts with its profound emotional quotient and vitality that have been put through vocals.”

Lyricist Siddhant Kaushal explains, “‘Nikat’ is about the profound feeling of wanting to be near someone you love. We aimed to create a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the gravity of love, and we hope the audiences can resonate with the same feeling.”

Composer Haroon Gavin also shared insights into the creation process of the song.

“Collaborating with Rekha ji on ‘Nikat’ was a deeply enriching experience. Our aim was to craft music that would resonate with listeners on a profound level, capturing moments of intimacy and reflection through melody and lyricism. Rekha ji’s evocative voice, with its nuances and subtle pauses (‘thaharaav’), became an integral part of the narrative we sought to create. It was a journey where every piece of the puzzle effortlessly came together, and I look forward to sharing this musical story with the world,” Haroon said.

‘Kill’, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar, debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 and is set for theatrical release on July 5, 2024. The film features a cast including Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Harsh Chhaya.

Madhya Pradesh CM Grants ‘Out of Turn Promotion’ To 28 Soldiers For Bravery Against Naxalites

June 29, 2024, 5:28 pm

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday awarded ‘Out of Turn Promotion’ to 28 soldiers, including two ex-soldiers, for their courageous efforts against Naxalites in Balaghat district.

CM Yadav congratulated the district’s soldiers, acknowledging their significant role in controlling the Naxalites and restoring normalcy in the previously troubled Balaghat district.

“Our soldiers played their role bravely in various Naxalite operations in Balaghat, and today I am happy that 26 soldiers and two ex-soldiers have been granted promotions. All types of armed forces in Balaghat, the role played by the District Police Force, the SAF soldiers, the Hawk Force, and 18 companies of three battalions of the CRPF of the Government of India are here. I would like to congratulate everyone,” CM Yadav told ANI.

He added, “Our armed forces are capable of fighting the enemies of the country. We have made a policy of surrender for Naxalites. We are working in that direction. This is the reason that we have controlled the Naxalites to a great extent and our most problematic district has become normal again.”

Before the ceremony, CM Yadav paid tribute to the martyred brave soldiers by laying floral wreaths.

“Today, in Balaghat, I honoured the brave soldiers by giving them an ‘Out of Turn Promotion’. On this occasion, I paid tribute to the martyred brave soldiers by offering floral wreaths,” CM Yadav posted on X.

“It is a matter of pride for me to honour the soldiers who suppressed Naxalism in Balaghat,” he further wrote.

Viral: Woman Smoking With Infant In Arms, Sparks Outrage

June 18, 2024, 12:38 pm

We are currently living in a social media-driven world. Content creators frequently push the boundaries of what is allowed on the Internet, from executing dangerous vehicle stunts to dancing with a firearm. A new video of a woman smoking with an infant in her arms has sparked fury.

The viral video begins with the woman inhaling smoke and turning her face towards the camera. She cannot be seen taking additional drags, but the infant can be seen coughing at the end of the film. Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, an X user, captioned the video, “Feel terrible for kids around these reel monsters.”

Watch The Viral Video:

Feel terrible for kids around these reel monsters pic.twitter.com/VujAzvmClj

— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) June 17, 2024

In another thread, Bhardwaj stated that the infant in the video is someone else’s child. “This isn’t her child. I scanned her TL to see if there was any more abuse, but this kid is not featured in any other videos. She must have snatched somebody’s child. Similarly, Kuwari Begum asked people to sexually assault other people’s infants. “All of her videos are about smoking.

The video, which was posted on June 17, had over 7,98,000 views and provoked anger against the woman. A user commented, “She’s sick and needs to be booked for child abuse.” Another person remarked, “I could say it’s not her baby, and she doesn’t know how to hold a baby.” Baby is also not feeling particularly secure. too. Hope the parents stop giving their children to such irresponsible people.”

“Her child or not..I think the law should step in,” a third commenter remarked.

Ghaziabad police detained YouTuber Shikha Metray aka ‘Kunwari Begum’ on June 14 after her videos educating her followers how to sexually attack infants went viral. An FIR was filed based on the content, accusing Metray of encouraging sexually aggressive behavior and instructing viewers to “ignore consent”.

T20 World Cup 2024: Will PAK Vs. IRE In Florida Face A Fourth Consecutive Washout?

June 16, 2024, 2:37 pm

Pakistan and Ireland are set to clash in a Group A match at the Central Browards Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday, June 16. Although the result of this fixture will not affect qualifications, attention remains on the weather conditions in Florida, known as the ‘Sunshine State.’ This venue, the third in the USA leg of the T20 World Cup 2024, was slated to host four group stage matches.

So far, three of these four matches have been completely washed out, with no balls bowled or coins tossed. The city has been dealing with thunderstorms, rain, and flash-flood warnings for several days. In Group D, the match between Nepal and Sri Lanka was abandoned, resulting in the elimination of Wanindu Hasaranga’s team from the tournament. Each Group A team was scheduled to play one match at the Florida stadium.

However, the match between the USA and Ireland was abandoned, which ultimately led to Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament. This marked the first time Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup after just three games. The USA team earned one point, making history by reaching the Super 8 stage in their very first T20 World Cup appearance. Although India’s abandoned match against Canada did not affect qualifications, it raised concerns about the stadium’s preparations for World Cup games. Notably, during India’s match, despite the absence of rain, the outfield was wet and did not dry up. The pitch was covered, but the rest of the ground was exposed, resulting in a soggy outfield.

PAK vs IRE: Weather forecast

As Pakistan prepares to take on Ireland at the same venue, AccuWeather predicts a 25% chance of rain. The match will see 70% cloud cover, resulting in overcast conditions, with temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius. Ultimately, the playability will depend on whether the outfield has dried up.

‘Chandu Champion’ Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan-Led Sports Drama Fails To Impress

June 15, 2024, 2:23 pm

Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Vijay Raaz, Anirudh Dave, and Yashpal Sharma

Director: Kabir Khan

Rating: 2/5

The Kartik Aaryan-led ‘Chandu Champion’, which hit screens on Friday (June 14), had the potential to be a riveting and inspiring underdog saga about a real-life hero but it ends up being a missed opportunity

The Kabir Khan-helmed sports drama revolves around Murlikant Petkar, a young man from Maharastra who aspires to win an Olympic Gold medal for the country and make his family proud of him. He, however, soon realises that this is easier said than done. He eventually joins the army to fulfill his childhood dream, which sets the stage for a series of shocking events that change his life forever.

The film has its heart in the right features pretty much everything, right from emotional moments to twists and turns, that one expects from a sports drama. It, however, fails to match the standards Kabir set for himself with ‘83’. The cricket drama featured an effortless performance from Ranveer Singh, who transformed into Kapil Dev with ease and replicated his mannerisms without mimicking them. The well-written screenplay further elevated the impact of his solid performance. ‘Chandu Champion’ sadly fails to deliver on these fronts.

Kartik puts his best foot forward but his body language is pretty much the same as the one we saw in his previous films. This is especially true for the lighter sequences where he tries to strike up a bond with Topaz (Rajpal Yadav), his caretaker, He is also not really able to convey his character’s pain through his eyes in the hospital scenes, which further dilutes the impact of his performance.

To make matters worse, the film features several promising subplots but most of them are not explored properly. Take the track involving Muralikant’s mother for instance. It could have added emotional depth to the narrative. However, this never happens as the character doesn’t get enough scope. The same applies to the subplot involving Anirudh Dave, who plays Murlikant’s brother, and Kartik. There is an emotional scene between them in the second half but that’s about all. The subplot would have worked better had the writers not reduced it to a mere afterthought.

The film also feels too predictable. This pretty much dilutes the impact of the wrestling match and the boxing bouts. Moreover, the wrestling sequence lack the intensity of the ones seen in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sultan. Similarly, the boxing sequences aren’t particularly impressive. They feel staged, which wasn’t the case with the ones seen in the Tamil flick ‘Sarpatta Parambarai’.

‘Chandu Champion’, much like 83, features sequences in which the protagonist feels like a fish out of water because of his inability to communicate in English. These scenes are mildly entertaining. However, the humour here feels a lot less organic than in Ranveer Singh’s film.

The forced humour also dilutes the impact of the hospital scenes. Ideally, these sequences should have focused on Muralikant’s emotional turmoil in depth. However, these aspects often take a backseat and the focus shifts to jokes “matka” and “adult content”. As a result, the film often loses its gravity.

That said, the film has some merits as well. Vijay Raaz delivers an impressive performance as Tiger, Muralikant’s mentor. He underplays the character beautifully and hits the right notes with his caustic dialogues. Yashpal Sharma too breathes life into an inherently generic character. Shreyas Talpade shines in a role that is quite different from the one he played in the recently-released ‘Kartam Bhugtam’.

Similarly, Pritam’s tunes too are passable even though he is capable of better.

The background score is too generic and doesn’t quite elevate the reel action. The other technical aspects, right from the editing to the cinematography, have been handled with a fair deal of competence.

To sum up,’ Chandu Champion’ has its moments but it is hardly Kabir Khan’s best film.

Uttarakhand: 14 Dead, 12 Injured In Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway Tempo Traveller Accident

June 15, 2024, 2:08 pm

Around 14 people lost their lives and 12 others were injured when a tempo traveller plunged into a deep gorge on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag on Saturday, according to news agencies.

Rescue efforts are currently underway by the State Disaster Response Force and police teams, ANI reported. The teams have transported two injured individuals to a hospital via ambulance so far, the report added.

Reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Very sad news was received about a tempo traveller accident in Rudraprayag district. The local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the nearest medical centre for treatment. The district magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident.”

“I pray to God to grant the souls of the departed a place in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense pain. I pray to Baba Kedar for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Pushkar Singh Dhami said in Hindi on X (formally Twitter).

Further details are awaited.

Samsung workers strike, First-Ever Worker Strike in Company’s History

June 7, 2024, 1:08 pm

Samsung workers went on strike for the first time in the company’s history, particularly impacting its chip division. The strike, scheduled for a day, was a result of failed negotiations over wage increases and bonuses. The Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union, representing about 28,000 workers globally, reported nearly 75% in favor of the strike.

Lee Hyun Kuk, vice president of the union, stated that the company did not value the union as a negotiating partner, leading to the breakdown in talks. Samsung Electronics, while trying to reach an agreement, refrained from commenting further on the strike.

Despite the strike, Samsung’s manufacturing output was expected to remain unaffected, strategically timed between a national holiday and the weekend. It was unclear how many workers participated, but a small rally outside Samsung’s Seoul headquarters highlighted the discontent.

The strike coincided with Samsung’s efforts to regain competitiveness in memory chip production, crucial for advanced artificial intelligence systems. Samsung, historically dominant in memory chips, faced challenges after reporting losses for four consecutive quarters. SK Hynix, a local competitor, took the lead in high-bandwidth memory chips, aligning with the growing demand from AI developers like Nvidia.

The strike underscored internal tensions within Samsung, impacting its strategic efforts to reassure clients and investors about its chip business amidst the AI boom.

‘Got My Boss To Admit To Wage Theft’: Redditor’s Struggle Goes Viral On Social Media

June 6, 2024, 1:26 pm

A Reddit user using the pseudonym “Lemonloid” recently shared a concerning experience about wage theft by their employer on the social media platform. They narrated how the time clock system in their workplace rounds off working hours in 15-minute intervals, leading to unpaid time if they clock in or out slightly outside these intervals. This practice has resulted in significant loss of wages for Lemonloid, prompting them to take screenshots of conversations with their boss and share them online.

In their post, Lemonloid expressed frustration over being unaware of these changes initially, highlighting the potential financial impact of such wage deductions. They revealed plans to report the issue to the labor board but expressed doubts about a favorable resolution.

Since the post went live two days ago, it has gained substantial traction, accumulating over 18,000 upvotes and numerous comments. The online community responded with empathy and outrage, criticizing the outdated practice of rounding off working hours and labeling it as wage theft. Many users shared similar experiences, underscoring the need for fair labor practices that prioritize employee rights and fair compensation.

Commentators highlighted the importance of informing coworkers about such issues to collectively address workplace injustices. Overall, Lemonloid’s story has sparked a broader conversation about wage theft and worker exploitation, resonating with many individuals facing similar challenges in their workplaces.

Chandrababu Naidu’s Andhra CM Swearing-In Postponed To Attend Modi’s First

June 6, 2024, 1:13 pm

The swearing-in ceremony for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu as Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister is expected to be rescheduled from June 9 to June 12. This adjustment is necessary as Naidu intends to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in event on June 8 in New Delhi.

K Pattabhi Ram, spokesperson for TDP, mentioned that Naidu prefers avoiding a rushed return to Amaravati after attending Modi’s ceremony. Additionally, Naidu has extended invitations to several BJP leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony in the state capital.

“Most likely, he will take the oath on June 12. Naidu will be in Delhi on June 7 for the NDA parliamentary party meeting and will then attend the swearing-in on June 8. He plans to return to Amaravati a day later and take the oath on June 12,” stated Pattabhi Ram.

Accompanying Naidu to New Delhi will be Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief K Pawan Kalyan, who is newly elected to the Assembly.

Amidst these developments, senior TDP leaders have urged the police to enhance security measures at the secretariat in Amaravati and other government offices to safeguard documents and records from potential damage.

The TDP-led NDA secured a massive victory in the Assembly elections, claiming 164 seats, while the YSRCP managed only 11 seats. The TDP alone secured 135 seats, with the JSP winning 21 and the BJP securing eight seats.

In parallel, during the Lok Sabha elections, the TDP secured 16 seats, the BJP three, and the JSP two seats, while the YSRCP won four seats.

Newly elected TDP MLAs and MPs are scheduled to meet with Naidu at his Undavalli residence, where discussions with senior IAS and IPS officers are also planned. Security measures around his residence have been heightened.

Meanwhile, Naidu, along with other TDP leaders and Pawan Kalyan, has appealed to supporters to maintain peace and refrain from confrontations with YSRCP supporters following reports of flag and symbol removal incidents.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Results Awaited, Have A Look On Previous LS Elections

June 4, 2024, 12:16 pm

As the BJP aims to maintain its dominance in the upcoming Lok Sabha results on Tuesday, a key aspect to watch will be whether it can replicate its 2019 performance, when it secured 224 out of its 303 seats (nearly two-thirds) with over 50% of the vote share.

In 2019, the BJP received over 70% of the vote share in seven seats, between 60% and 70% in 77 seats, and between 50% and 60% in another 140 seats.

The highest vote share was in Gujarat’s Surat, where Darshana Jardosh secured 74.47% of the vote. Interestingly, the Surat seat was won uncontested this time after the Congress candidate’s nomination papers were rejected and the other candidates withdrew.

A significant portion of the BJP’s victories with over 50% of the vote share occurred in states where the party is dominant and primarily opposed by the Congress. Out of the 224 wins with a vote share above 50%, 40 were in Uttar Pradesh, which has a total of 80 seats. In its complete sweep of Gujarat, the BJP won all 26 seats with over 50% of the vote share. Similarly, in Delhi, the party secured all seven seats with at least 50% of the vote share. The BJP also swept Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, winning all seats in these states with more than 50% of the vote share.

In Rajasthan, the BJP won 23 out of the state’s 25 seats (winning all seats) with over 50% of the vote share. In Haryana, where the party won all 10 seats, it secured nine with a similar margin. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 28 out of 29 seats, with 25 of these victories having more than half the votes. In Karnataka, the party was equally dominant, winning 25 out of 28 seats, with 22 of those victories having over 50% of the vote share.

The BJP also secured seats with over 50% of the vote share in other states, including Jharkhand (eight of 14 seats), Chhattisgarh (six of 11), Assam (seven of 14), Goa (one of two), Tripura (one of two), Jammu and Kashmir (two of five), Bihar (14 of 40), Maharashtra (15 of 48), West Bengal (five of 42), and Punjab (one of 13).

Other parties, including BJP allies, collectively won 117 seats with more than 50% of the vote share. The parties with the most such seats were the DMK (19 seats), Congress (18), YSRCP (13), JD(U) (11), and the united Shiv Sena (10).

The Opposition INDIA bloc parties collectively secured 54 seats with more than 50% of the vote share, while other unaffiliated parties won 42 such seats. Altogether, non-BJP, non-NDA parties won a total of 84 seats with over 50% of the vote share, excluding the undivided NCP and Shiv Sena in 2019.

Across all parties, there were 186 seats where the winning margin was less than 10% of the total vote share. In 97 of these seats, the margin was less than 5%.

In the last election, the BJP won 83 seats with a margin of less than 10% of the vote share over the runner-up. Among these, 41 seats had a winning margin of less than 5%.

Other parties that frequently won seats by a margin of less than 10% included the Congress (31 seats), the TMC (11), YSRCP (9), BJD (7), and BSP (6).

Lessons from Pune: Parenting, Values, and Responsibility

June 4, 2024, 3:57 am

The tragic events surrounding the Pune accident extend beyond individual actions to highlight societal issues. The case serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility we hold toward ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Firstly, it underscores the crucial role of institutions such as law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public safety. The revelations of negligence within the police force highlight the need for accountability and reform within these institutions to prevent similar incidents. Moreover, the involvement of multiple parties, including bar owners and managers, raises questions about the ethics of businesses and their compliance with legal regulations. It prompts reflection on the role of commercial establishments in promoting responsible behaviour and adhering to laws about alcohol service and underage drinking.

New developments continue to emerge in the Pune Porsche accident case. Media reports on Sunday revealed that the accused’s grandfather, Surendra Agarwal, had gifted him the Porsche for his birthday. Surendra was arrested on Saturday for attempting to shield his grandson and falsely implicate the driver. The court has remanded him to three days in custody. Aman Wadhwa, a friend of Surendra, told India Today that Surendra had shared a photo of the Porsche in a WhatsApp group two months prior, stating it was a birthday gift for his grandson. Following Surendra’s arrest, Commissioner Kumar revealed that Surendra had pressured the driver to take the blame. The driver’s statement confirmed that the minor’s mother also urged him to accept responsibility.

Additionally, five individuals associated with two pubs have been identified and accused of serving alcohol to minors. They include Cozy Restaurant owner Prahlad Bhutada, his manager Sachin Katkar, Black Club Hotel manager Sandeep Sangale, and his staff Jayesh Bonkar and Nitesh Shewani.

The FIR notes that the minor did not possess a driving license, yet his father permitted him to drive the luxury car and attend the party despite knowing he consumed alcohol. On May 24, a special court placed all six accused, including the minor’s father, in judicial custody until June 7. Commissioner Kumar mentioned that efforts were made to tamper with evidence to show that the minor was not driving the car. The FIR against the accused’s father, bar owners, and managers now includes Section 420 for cheating. Kumar stated, “We have CCTV footage of the minor drinking alcohol in the pub, so we will not rely solely on the blood sample report”. An internal inquiry also found negligence by some police officers, who will face action for destroying evidence.

The tragedy in Pune prompts us to examine deeper societal attitudes towards wealth, privilege, and parenting. The excessive indulgence and lack of accountability displayed in this case reflect broader trends of materialism and entitlement that pervade contemporary culture. As a society, we must confront these issues collectively, recognizing that the actions of individuals have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of others. It is incumbent upon us to foster a culture of responsibility, empathy, and accountability, where the pursuit of wealth and status does not supersede considerations of ethical conduct and social responsibility. In conclusion, the Pune accident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for systemic change and collective action to address underlying issues of privilege, negligence, and societal values. By acknowledging our shared responsibility and working towards positive change, we can strive to create a safer, more equitable society for all.
If we look back to the 1980s, we can see how much we struggled to get Rs. 1 as pocket money. During that time, having a bicycle was a big achievement. That period was good because we knew the value of the bicycle and the hard-earned money of our parents. Giving birthday parties to friends in hotels and restaurants was very rare.

In an insightful interview, Sudha Murthy, renowned author and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, shared a compelling story about her son Rohan’s upbringing that highlighted her values on financial discipline. When young Rohan asked for money to throw a birthday party, Sudha refused, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value of money and celebrating meaningfully rather than extravagantly. She encouraged him to find creative, modest ways to celebrate, teaching him resourcefulness and appreciation for simpler pleasures. This approach instilled values of humility, hard work, and financial independence in Rohan, shaping his character and contributing to his success. Sudha Murthy’s parenting wisdom reflects her deep understanding of essential life values, which she imparts through her work and writing.

However, how many of us provide such an upbringing to our children? Recently, many cases highlighted were children from rich families involved in wrongful activities and crimes. Whether it’s a symbol of status, no one will bother you unless you create problems for society. But many such things are creating issues that can be harmful to someone’s life and limb. One common example is that many parents allow their minor children to drive two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Who will be responsible if these kids meet with an accident? We all know that triple riding is against the rule, yet we still see small school-going children, sometimes even in their uniforms, riding two-wheelers and without helmets. As parents, we know that minors are not allowed to drive. Then why are we allowing our children to do so? Why can’t we ask our children to use bicycles which is good for their health and for the environment also? Fewer vehicles mean less pollution.

In earlier days, there was a set time for returning home. But nowadays, parents do not even bother about their children’s whereabouts and activities. This Pune case is an eye-opener for every parent. It’s common for every household that a grandfather’s love towards their grandchildren is both pious and spoiling. But is giving such a costly car and a credit card to party with friends necessary to show their love? It’s surprising to know that the boy spent Rs. 48,000 in just 3 hours at a bar. There are many people whose entire family runs on this much salary. What kind of love is this? If this is love, then sorry to say that we are destroying our young generations.

We should take the example of the daughters of former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. Despite being the daughters of one of the most powerful people in the world, they lived normal, down-to-earth lives. Their eldest daughter, Sasha Obama, once chose to give up the comfort of the White House and took up a job at a seafood joint in Massachusetts during her summer break. Now comes my question: can we expect our children to clean the dining table after completing their food? This is the difference in upbringing we are giving to our children.

It is the responsibility of every parent to provide all necessary support to their children but also to install value education and proper upbringing. This is not the only issue; apart from this, there are other issues also which every parent must understand. It’s the family first who installs good values in their children. In this high-tech society, we have kept our children under the supervision of social media. We are avoiding our children in the name of a busy schedule, and because of this, a gap is being created among the family members, where family members are not even aware of each other’s day-to-day lives. That is the reason nowadays young generations are at risk of wrongful activities. Parents should take care and check where their children are, what they are doing, with whom they are mixing, and who their friends are. It’s not because they want to spy on them; it’s because they have a right and duty to know about their daily lives. They should be taught about valuing life and money, as both things are important.

Dr. Pyali Chatterjee is HOD, Faculty of Law, ICFAI University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Tobacco kills

June 3, 2024, 2:49 am

World No Tobacco Day 2024 was observed on May 31 . The habit of smoking is highly prevalent in many countries. Latest data from a Statista Consumer Insights survey, says roughly 36 % of urban Indian respondents said they smoke cigarettes at least occasionally.