Friday, May 2, 2025 | 29 Pages | `5 & for State (+4 pages) `6 Reg.No MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 1541/1957 M.p.c.

48/2021-23; RNI No. 1541/1957 M.p.c.s office Mumbai. PIN 400001

THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL

Vol. 68 No. 179 | Leader in E-paper circulation l www.freepressjournal.in ● EDITIONS: ● MUMBAI ● INDORE ● PUNE ● BHOPAL ● NASHIK ● KONKAN ● E-paper ● Member: Audit Bureau of Circulation (July to December 2024)

NATION GAMES Cinema What were the stars

Poster war erupts Shreyas’ understanding upto at WAVES?
in Patna over credit of game situations now is
for caste census better than ever before: Edit Parliament vs judiciary:
decision Ricky Ponting The conflict of predominance

ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT | PM hails wave of creativity, culture, content, stresses their transformative potential
Briefs
Waltz, deputy
set to quit
‘Dawn of Orange Economy’ Institute of creative
tech set up in City
Us national security ad- Prajakta Pol Addressing a packed audi- Maharashtra Chief Minister FPJ News Service the Ministry of Information
viser Mike Waltz and his MUMBAI ence that included leading film Devendra Fadnavis, Union In- MUMBAI and Broadcasting, in stra-
deputy, Alex Wong, will personalities and content cre- formation and Broadcasting tegic collaboration with
leave their positions in the India’s creative economy is ators from across the country, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ex- The Minister of Information FICCI and CII, as a National
Trump White House, poised to become a major force the Prime Minister spoke at ternal Affairs Minister S. Jai- and Broadcasting on Thurs- Centre of Excellence on the
sources say, with their de- in driving the country’s econ- length about the growing in- shankar, MoS for I&B Dr. L. day announced the launch lines of IIT and IIM. The in-
parture expected Thurs- omic growth, Prime Minister fluence of Indian content and Murugan, and Deputy Chief of the Indian Institute of stitute aims to transform the
day. The White House did Narendra Modi said on Thurs- the power of its creators to fuel Ministers Eknath Shinde and Creative Technology (IICT) creative economy by nur-
not immediately comment. day as he inaugurated the an economic boom. He under- Ajit Pawar, among others. at the World Audio Visual turing talent, accelerating
Waltz faced scrutiny in World Audio Visual and Enter- lined that sectors such as film The Prime Minister also and Entertainment Summit innovation, and promoting
March for mistakenly in- tainment Summit production, digital noted the growing global ap- (WAVES) 2025.The institute, global standards in the
cluding The Atlantic's Jef- (WAVES 2025) at content, animation, peal of Indian cinema. “Today, conceived as the national AVGC-XR space."IICT will
frey Goldberg in a chat Mumbai’s Jio gaming, fashion, Indian films are being screened hub for the animation, vis- serve as a catalyst for the en-
about military strikes on World Convention and music are in over 100 countries. Audi- ual effects, gaming, comics, tertainment industry, facili-
Houthi targets in Yemen Centre. Framing rapidly positioning ences abroad not only watch and extended reality tating its global expansion.
on a Signal group chat. content, creativity, and culture India as a global hub for cre- them but also seek to under- (AVGC-XR) sector, has al- Prime Minister Modi ji has
Goldberg later published as the foundational pillars of the ative industries. stand them with many even ready commenced work allocated Rs 400 crore for
details, including oper- “Orange Economy,” Modi em- PM Narendra Modi also watching with subtitles. This and has aligned with a few IICT, and the Government
ational plans. Although phasized the transformative pointed to the booming global global embrace of Indian con- tech and media giants for of Maharashtra has pro-
Waltz admitted the re- potential of India’s media and animation market currently for Indian talent. He an- launched to recognize and en- tent reflects its rising cultural collaborative efforts to- vided the land.
port's authenticity, Trump entertainment industry on the valued at over $430 billion and nounced that new initiatives, courage excellence in the cre- influence,” he said. wards IICT, he said. The
expressed public support, global stage. Orange is a colour projected to double in the next including the introduction of ative sector. IICT is being established by 4Contd on | Nation
calling him "a good man" identified with creativity. decade as a major opportunity WAVES Awards, will soon be The summit was attended by 4Contd on | Nation
who "learned a lesson."

Maha day: PM
hails progress
On Maharashtra’s 66th
Marco Rubio AMIT SHAH VOWS STRONG RETRIBUTION
foundation day, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
praised the state’s cour-
pushes buttons Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
NEW DELHI CHUN CHUN KAR JAWAB
MILEGA AUR JAWAB BHI LIYA
JAAYEGA – Amit Shah
stoked tensions further on
Wednesday, alleging that India
might launch a military re-
age, history, and role in
India’s growth. Home Min-
ister Amit Shah lauded
for de-escalation As the nation grapples with the
aftermath of the April 22 ter-
rorist attack in Pahalgam, aur jawaab liya bhi jaayega.’ dian soil.” He emphasized glo-
prisal within “24 to 36 hours.”
Adding fuel to the fire,
former Army Chief General
Maharashtra’s cultural and FPJ News Service Union Home Minister Amit Every person will get a re- bal solidarity in India’s fight, Shankar Roy Chowdhury sug-
economic legacy, calling it MUMBAI Shah delivered a chilling warn- sponse, and we will take that stating, “The world stands gested that Hafiz Saeed—
the land of Chhatrapati ing to the perpetrators on response as well. If someone, united with us. Every nation founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba
Shivaji Maharaj. Chief Min- In calls to bring down tem- Thursday, vowing retributive by carrying out a cowardly at- supports the 140 crore people and ideological mentor of The
ister Devendra Fadnavis peratures in the region, the US justice: “Revenge, one by one.” tack, thinks that this is their big of India in this battle.” Resistance Front, the group
called Maharashtra pro- Secretary of State Marco Rubio Speaking at an event in New victory, then understand one Shah’s defiant proclamation that claimed responsibility—
gressive and committed to spoke to both Indian Foreign Delhi honoring Bodo icon Up- thing: This is the Narendra comes amid heightened alert could be a prime target.
making it a trillion-dollar Minister S Jaishankar and the endranath Brahma, Shah’s Modi government. No one will across Pakistan. Intelligence Reports indicate that Saeed’s
economy. Deputy CMs Ek- Pakistan Prime Minister Sheb- voice resonated with steely re- be spared.” reports indicate the involve- security has been intensified.
nath Shinde and Ajit Pawar haz Sharif. solve. “No one should think Reaffirming the Modi gov- ment of two Pakistani na- Though officially under house
highlighted the state’s all- While it was not made clear that by killing our 27 people, ernment’s zero-tolerance tionals, including a para arrest in Lahore for terror fi-
round development, with what the sequence of the calls they have won this battle. I stance, Shah declared, “We are commando, in the Pahalgam nancing, sources suggest he
Pawar hailing Mumbai as were or how long they lasted, US Secretary of State want to tell them—‘Ki har determined to eradicate ter- ambush. Pakistan’s Informa- may have been relocated to
India’s ‘growth engine’. brief read-outs were provided. Marco Rubio calls vyakti ko jawaab bhi milega rorism from every inch of In- tion Minister, Attaullah Tarar, evade a potential strike.
Leaders united in wishing Rubio apparently reaffirmed upon Paksitan to
Maharashtra continued the United States commitment condemn terrorism,
success and prosperity. to co-operation with India
and work with India to
against terrorism. There were
no other details provided. de-escalate tensions SC throws out plea for probe into Pahalgam At `2.37L cr,
Hasina’s son
slams Dhaka
Singificantly, the US state-
ment said he “also encouraged
while Jaishanker
stresses bringing FPJ News Service
record high
Former Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sa-
India to work with Pakistan to
de-escalate tensions and main-
the perpetrators to NEW DELHI for GST
jeeb Wazed Joy, has con- tain peace and security in justice The Supreme Court today re- Be responsible before filing such PIL. You have some duty collections
demned the seizure of South Asia.” Again there were fused to entertain a public in- towards the country also. This is the way you are trying to
family assets in Bangla- no details provided. Shehbaz Sharif of the “need to terest litigation seeking demoralise the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? FPJ News Service
desh, calling it baseless After the talks, Jaishankar condemn the terror attack on directions for a judicial com- You are asking retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. MUMBAI
and politically motivated. A put out a cryptic post on X April 22 in Pahalgam.” The US mission to probe the Pahal- Since when retired High Court, Supreme Court judges have
Dhaka court on Wednes- streeing the Indian bottom- statement spoke also of “hold- gam Terror Attack, which left become expert in investigation? – Supreme Court India's Goods and Services Tax
day ordered the attach- line saying, “Discussed the Pa- ing terrorists accountable for 26 people (mostly tourists) (GST) collections surged to an
ment of properties halgam terrorist attack with their heinous acts of violence.” dead. all-time high of ₹2.37 lakh
belonging to five family US @SecRubio yesterday. Its Rubio also urged Pakistani While doing so, the Court could have on the security to demoralize the forces in judges have become expert in crore in April 2025, marking a
members, including Joy perpetrators, backers and officials’ to co-operate “in in- berated the petitioners for fil- forces, Live Law reports. this hour of crisis and junc- investigation? Tell us, since 12.6% year-on-year increase.
and his sister Saima planners must be brought to vestigating this unconscion- ing an "irresponsible petition" "Be responsible before fil- ture? You are asking retired when we have required this This robust rise reflects
Wazed. Joy alleged that justice.” able attack. despite the sensitivity of the ing such PIL. You have some Supreme Court judge to inves- expertise of investigation? buoyant economic activity and
this was done without Where Pakistan is con- situation, and underlined duty towards the country also. tigate. Since when retired year-end reconciliation by
proof, trial, or due process, cerned, it seems Rubio told 4Contd on | Nation the"demoralizing" impact it This is the way you are trying High Court, Supreme Court 4Contd on | Nation businesses for transactions
under the “dictatorship” of conducted in March.
interim Chief Adviser Mu- The previous high was ₹2.10
hammad Yunus. The lakh crore in April 2024, while
seized assets include
homes in Dhaka’s Barid-
hara and land in Khulna
ED claims 93.6% conviction rate Illegal buildings March 2025 collections stood
at ₹1.96 lakh crore.
According to data released
and Gopalganj. Joy ac-
cused the courts of viol-
ating the rule of law.
PTI
NEW DELHI
agency chief said he "acknowl-
edges candidly" that
several investigations initiated
ED filed 333
chargesheets,
the total "criminal" property
attached by the ED was worth
only Rs 5,171 crore till March
must go: SC diktat by the Finance Ministry on
Thursday, GST revenue from
domestic transactions rose
The Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of 2014, with the first charge- 10.7% to approximately ₹1.90
director Rahul Navin on Money Laundering Act
taking the total sheet filed only in 2012. lakh crore. Revenue from im-
Rohit’s wish Thursday said that Directorate (PMLA) were pending for a cases under “After 2014, however, there ported goods saw a sharper
The MCA has renamed had a "commendable convic- "very long time", and one their various stages of has been a significant step-up jump of 20.8%, reaching
Wankhede Stadium’s Dive- tion" rate of 93.6 per cent as focus areas this year would be trial to 1,739 as on in enforcement activity. From ₹46,913 crore. Refund issuance
cha Pavilion as the 'Rohit out of the 47 cases decided by to undertake efforts to com- March 2025. 2014 to 2024, 5,113 new also spiked 48.3% year-on-year
Sharma Stand'. Rohit courts till now, there have plete probe and file "final" PMLA investigations were to ₹27,341 crore in April. After
wished his parents would been only three acquittals. He chargesheets fast. initiated, averaging more than adjusting for refunds, net GST
attend the stand’s inaug- added there were over 1700 The PMLA was enacted in initial years with less than 200 500 cases per year,” Navin collections rose 9.1% to over
uration. “ At the inaugar- cases in trial stage. 2003 and came into force on cases recorded per year and said. ₹2.09 lakh crore.
tion, I hope they come Speaking at an event held July 1, 2005, but, Navin said, it that too mostly "restricted" to M.S. Mani, Partner at De-
and sit in it,” said Rohit . here to mark the 'ED Day', the was "largely ineffective" in the drug-related offences. He said 4Contd on | Nation loitte India, said the strong net
FPJ News Service post-facto regularisation. collections signal healthy econ-
MUMBAI “The law ought not to come omic performance in March
to the rescue of those who 2025, since the April mop-up

US gets access to Ukraine’s rare minerals Reinforcing its uncompromis-

ing stance on unauthorised
construction, the Supreme
flout its rigours,” the Court ob-
served. “If the law were to pro-
tect those who disregard it, it
largely reflects tax paid on
March transactions. “GST col-
lections this month have been
Agencies Court has dismissed a plea would erode the very deter- uniformly strong across all
WASHINGTON Critical minerals are essential for industries seeking regularisation of an il- rent force upon which a just major producing and consum-
legal structure in Kolkata, de- and orderly society rests.” ing states, with growth ranging
The U.S. and Ukraine on Wed-
such as defence, high-tech appliances, claring unequivocally that Rejecting the petitioner’s between 11% and 16%, unlike
nesday signed an agreement aerospace and green energy. Ukraine has such violations must be met counsel’s request to allow her previous months where some
granting America access to deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified by with demolition, not clemency client a single opportunity to large states lagged,” he noted.
Ukraine’s vast mineral re- reported Live Law . seek regularisation, the Court Breaking down the do-
sources, finalizing a deal
the EU as critical, according to Ukrainian data. In a strongly worded judg- was unsparing: “A person who mestic GST collections, the
months in the making that ment, the bench of Justice J.B. shows no regard for the law Central GST (CGST) amounted
could enable continued mili- they called the United States- ferent but similar agreement Pardiwala and Justice R. Ma- cannot be permitted to seek its to ₹48,634 crore, while the
tary aid to Kyiv amid concerns Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, was nearly signed before being hadevan upheld the Calcutta protection after constructing State GST (SGST) stood at
that President Donald Trump reports Associated Press. derailed in a tense Oval Office High Court’s directive order- two unauthorised floors. This ₹59,372 crore. The Integrated
might scale back support in The announcement comes meeting involving President ing the demolition of the un- touches the core of the rule of GST (IGST) contributed
ongoing peace negotiations at a critical moment in the Donald Trump, Vice President lawfully constructed building. law. Unauthorised construc- ₹69,504 crore, and the cess col-
with Russia. three-year war as Trump has JD Vance and Ukrainian Presi- The Court made clear that tion must be demolished. lected from domestic trans-
The two sides offered only grown increasingly frustrated dent Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian once illegality is established, There is no way around it.” actions totalled ₹12,293 crore.
the barest details about the with both sides. The signing First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sign the there can be no second
structure of the deal, which comes two months after a dif- 4Contd on | Nation minerals deal in Washington – AFP chances, and no scope for 4Contd on | Nation 4Contd on | Nation
 mumbai
Santacruz
Sunrise Sunset 33.9°C 26.0°C
WEATHER 06:10 am 07:01 pm TEMPERATURE Colaba
www.freepressjournal.in
34.1°C 26.5°C
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Briefs
MUMBAI
Marathi film
industry gets
official status
The Marathi film industry’s
longstanding demand for
official recognition as an
‘industry’ has finally been
met, announced minister
Uday Samant. “From
today, May 1, the Marathi
film sector will be granted
industry status in
Maharashtra,” he declared.
Samant noted that the
decision was guided by
Anil Shiinde

Vijay Gohil
specific criteria, stating,
“We were given guidelines
specifying how many films
and producers could be
covered under this Police Sports Parade Ground, Thane Ceremonial Parade at Shivaji Park Ground, Dadar Devendra Fadnavis lays wreath at Hutatma Chowk memorial
classification.” He said the
file came to him, and he 66TH FOUNDATION DAY | Parades, tributes, cultural programmes held; sacrifices of martyrs commemorated
took the decision. “Just as

State remembers the day its journey began

the Hindi film industry
enjoys industry status, the
Marathi film sector also
deserves equal
recognition; and we’ve now FPJ News Service significant moment in the received the salute from the Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and marked the occasion with Tilak Bhavan with a flag hoist-
ensured that,” he said. MUMBAI state's history. On May 1, 1960, marching contingents. Chief The official state- other political leaders paid large-scale programmes across ing ceremony. Prime Minister
the erstwhile Bombay State Minister Devendra Fadnavis level celebrations tribute at the memorial. the city to pay tributes to Narendra Modi extended
MUMBAI Mumbai, along with the rest of was divided into Gujarat, com- and other prominent political The Department of Post’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. greetings to the people of
were held at Shivaji
Yash Birla can the state, celebrated prising Gujarati and Kutchi leaders were also present for
Park in Dadar Maharashtra Circle celebrated The celebrations came lively Maharashtra on the state's
Maharashtra Day with great speaking people, and the occasion. the occasion by releasing with vibrant dhol-tasha per- foundation day on Thursday.
travel abroad fervour and enthusiasm to Maharashtra, comprising “Our government is com- special commemorative post- formances and cultural events “Maharashtra Day greetings
The Bombay High Court commemorate the state's Marathi and Konkani speaking mitted to building an inclusive, Hutatma Chowk memorial, cards, honoring the state's rich in public squares with tradi- to the people of the state,
on Wednesday permitted foundation day. Various events, people. progressive and developed built in their honour, draws history, culture and heritage. tional powadas and shaheeri which has always played a vital
industrialist Yashovardhan including ceremonial parades, The official state-level cel- Maharashtra by ensuring the numerous visitors who come An exhibition at the iconic honouring the Maratha war- role in India's development.
Birla to travel to the UAE, tributes, exhibitions and cul- ebrations were held at Shivaji participation of all sections of to pay their respects and Mumbai GPO, showcasing rior. Some mandals also hosted The state remains a strong pil-
UK and Switzerland from tural programmes, were Park in Dadar, where the society,” said the governor. remember their contribution. Maharashtra's vibrant legacy, puja and community service lar of progress and at the same
May 18 to July 15, despite a organised across the city. annual ceremonial parade The day also commemor- As in previous years, Fadnavis, was inaugurated on Thursday initiatives to mark the occasion. time, has remained connected
look-out circular (LOC) Maharashtra marked its took place. Maharashtra ates the sacrifices of the mar- Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath and will be open for the public The Indian National Congress’ to its roots. My best wishes for
issued against him by the 66th foundation day on Governor CP Radhakrishnan tyrs who fought for the forma- Shinde and Ajit Pawar, till Saturday. Mumbai unit also celebrated the state's progress," the PM
Serious Fraud Thursday, commemorating a unfurled the national flag and tion of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Assembly The BJP’s Mumbai unit the day at its headquarters in wrote on the X.
Investigation Office (SFIO),
which has launched a
probe under the
Companies Act into
multiple firms owned by
him. Birla is currently
Taxi driver assaults 100-Day Action Plan:
facing investigations
under the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act
lawyer near court Women-child dept
and the Maharashtra
over meter charge
Protection of Interest of
Depositors Act. His
application noted that he
had earlier been allowed
Charul Shah Joshi
MUMBAI The woman lawyer
scores max among 48
to travel abroad on three claimed that the Kalpesh Mhamunkar
occasions, subject to The Colaba police have accused touched MUMBAI Top Performers
Pic: Vijay Gohil

conditions laid down by booked a 26-year-old taxi

the court. The court driver for assaulting a
her inappropriately To enhance efficiency, trans- Best Municipal Best District Collectors
observed that Birla had woman lawyer outside the and also parency and public trust in Commissioners Chandrapur (68.29%)
fully complied with those City Civil and Sessions Court, assaulted her government functioning, Ulhasnagar (65.21%) Kolhapur (62.45%)
conditions. Special public Kala Ghoda, on Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Pimpri-Chinchwad Jalgaon (60.65%)
prosecutor Hiten after an argument ensued attempted to board the taxi, Fadnavis had launched a 100- (65.13%) Akola (60.58%)
Venegaonkar, appearing between the two. The lawyer but Ansari informed them Day Action Plan, an adminis- Panvel (64.73%) Nanded (56.66%)
Navi Mumbai (64.57%)
for the SFIO, said the
agency has no objection to
his travel if similar
insisted that the driver, Amir
Ansari, drop her and a col-
league at Chhatrapati Shivaji
that he would charge Rs60 as
fare.
The woman claimed they
Vehicle rams into trative reform campaign
aimed at streamlining state
departments and delivering
Best Ministerial
Departments
Best Police
Commissioners
Mira-Bhayandar (68.49%)
conditions were imposed.
Birla has been directed to
provide his complete
Maharaj Terminus
charge as per the meter but
and

he refused and assaulted her.

insisted he charge as per the
meter, but he refused. The
two lawyers and the driver
parked cars outside faster citizen services. The
results of the first phase of this
initiative were announced on
Women and Child
Development (80%)
Social Justice (77.94%)
Thane (65.49%), Mumbai
Railway (63.45%)

travel itinerary, addresses

of stay, and contact details
to the SFIO before
Asif Naqvi, Secretary of the
Bombay City Civil and
Sessions Court Bar
spoke to other taxi drivers,
who confirmed they charge
as per the meter. This, the
minister’s home Thursday on the occasion of
Maharashtra Day, with Aditi
Tatkare’s Women and Child
Agriculture (66.54%)
Rural Development
(63.58%)
Best Superintendents
of Police
Palghar (70.21%), Jalgaon
departure. Association, confirmed that complainant alleged, Poonam Apraj Development Department Transport and Ports (60%), Nagpur Rural
the taxi driver misbehaved, angered Ansari, who got into MUMBAI
Police are using emerging as the top-perform- (62.26%) (60%), Gondia (56.49%)
MUMBAI assaulted, threatened, an argument and then a technical ing ministerial department. Solapur Rural (56%)

Govt officials abused, and acted indecently scuffle with them. A speeding vehicle damaged surveillance to trace The evaluation was con-
toward a fellow advocate. The altercation escalated, four parked cars – including and identify the ducted by the Quality Council Achievements of Women and
defamed “Despite her immediate and the accused allegedly three near Maharashtra min-
vehicle and driver of India across ten criteria, Child Development Department
An official from the attempt to register an FIR, began abusing the woman in ister Gulabrao Patil’s bunga- including website efficiency,
Poshan Abhiyan
Canteen Stores the Colaba police initially filthy language and physi- low in Malabar Hill – in the office infrastructure, griev-
Department (CSD), refused to take any action. cally hurt her. Later, the early hours of Thursday. trace and identify the vehicle ance redressal mechanisms, Digital Governance and
operating under the Hence, they visited the police woman claimed that the Fortunately, no injuries were and the absconding driver. investment-friendliness, Transparency
Ministry of Defence, has station,” Naqvi said, adding accused touched her inap- reported. An FIR has been registered citizen accessibility, and use of
Women Empowerment
filed a police complaint that only after their interven- propriately and also According to Malabar Hill under Sections 281 (rash technology.
and Entrepreneurship
against an unknown tion the case was lodged by assaulted her. police, the incident occurred driving), 125 (negligent con- “This initiative is not just
person for allegedly the police. Due to the scuffle, a crowd between 4am and 4.20am on duct), and 324 (causing hurt about management – it Effective Coordination
creating fake email IDs In her complaint, the law- gathered, and a few people LD Ruparel Road, where an by act endangering life) of the reflects a responsible, trans- Mukhya Mantri Majhi Between State and
and sending defamatory yer claimed she left the court removed the keys from the unidentified vehicle rammed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita parent, and citizen-centric Ladki Bahin Scheme Centre:
emails targeting after completing work on accused’s car. The accused into four stationary cars. The (BNS), as well as Sections 184 governance model. The top-
government officials and Wednesday afternoon and was later taken to the police driver fled the scene follow- and 187 of the Motor Vehicles performing officers have set a total of 902 strategic goals. Fadnavis congratulated all
the armed forces. approached Ansari, who was station, where the woman ing the accident. Police are Act, which pertain to danger- benchmark for others,” said Impressively, 706 of these the winners, stating, “This
According to the waiting for a passenger. She lawyer lodged a case against currently using CCTV footage ous driving and failure to Fadnavis during the awards goals – about 78% – were fully campaign marks the begin-
complaint lodged by Rahul said she and her colleague him. and technical surveillance to report an accident. ceremony, where over 30 offi- achieved, while the remaining ning of a long-term shift in
Janeshwar Bhosale (39), cials and departments were objectives continue to be pur- our governance model. The
Assistant General felicitated. sued. Twelve departments aim is to turn this movement
Manager (Legal & All 48 government depart- accomplished 100% of their into a citizen-centric revol-
Vigilance) at CSD,
Churchgate, the accused, Bar associations can’t be Film on BMC ments participated in the
reform campaign, targeting a
set targets, and 18 others sur-
passed the 80% mark.
ution, delivering better ser-
vices across Maharashtra.”
posing as Sukesh Kumar workers
Hegde, sent multiple
emails between April 8, considered as State: HC released
2024, and April 16, 2025.

MUMBAI
FPJ News Service
MUMBAI
IN BRIEF
under Article 226, the conse-
quences would be wide-
Shefali Parab-Pandit
MUMBAI
MBVV top cop Madhukar
Pandey adjudged best CP
1
Medical aid The Bombay High Court has
The court observed
spread. “If all such activities
are to be held to be subject to The film 'Aata Thambaycha
cells launched ruled that bar associations
that bar
associations are
judicial review… this would Nay', which portrays the
The state government cannot be considered a 'state'
either registered certainly lead to a chaotic struggles and unwavering Suresh Golani
launched 'Chief Minister
Assistance Cells' in all
under Article 12 of the
Constitution, stating that
societies or trusts, situation,” the judges stated.
They also cautioned that
spirit of BMC’s Class IV
employees, was released on
MIRA BHAYANDAR
New initiatives
without any deep or
district collector offices on such a declaration would lead pervasive control by accepting the petitioners’ Thursday. Prior to the release, In a proud moment for the Body-worn cameras and
Thursday to ensure timely to a 'chaotic' situation. The the govt or Bar Council arguments would open the a special show for the civic Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar AI-powered challan
medical financial aid for court dismissed a petition floodgates for similar litiga- staff was held at Metro (MBVV) police force, their system

2
economically weaker filed by four advocates chal- Such a declaration tion against other profes- Cinema, attended by BMC chief Madhukar Pandey has
patients. The initiative, lenging a notice from the sional associations. Commissioner and been adjudged as the state’s Launch of WhatsApp
would lead to a
under the guidance of Kolhapur District Bar “Things would not stop Administrator Bhushan ‘Best Commissioner of Police’
channel
'chaotic' situation,
Chief Minister Devendra Association (KDBA) requi- says the court only at the bar associations… Gagrani. Director and actor (with 84.57%) in the CM’s 100- Corporate style facelift
Fadnavis, was officially ring payment of membership the same logic would be Ashutosh Gowariker and the day day action plan. The

3
for police stations
inaugurated by the fees by April 1, 2025, to be eli- Accepting the required to be applied to film’s writer-director Shivraj Thane and Mumbai (railway)
respective ministers and gible to vote in upcoming bar petitioners’ associations of other profes- Vyachal were also present. counterparts secured the sec- Innovative QR codes
guardian ministers. These elections. arguments would sional bodies like doctors, Based on a true story, the ond and third place by scor- for citizen feedback
cells will provide local- A division bench of open the floodgates for chartered accountants, film was viewed by over a ing 76.57% and 73.14%, respect- Bal Raksha: Child-
level support and Justices Girish Kulkarni and similar litigations engineers,” the court thousand Class IV employees ively. friendly policing with
guidance to patients and Advait Sethna observed that against other remarked. of the BMC on its opening day. Apart from launching UNICEF
their families applying for bar associations are either professional The bench concluded that The film highlights inspir- citizen-friendly measures on a
financial assistance. They registered societies or trusts, associations, court said disputes between members ing journey of BMC conser- regular basis, the MBVV Smart electronic-beat
will also serve as a functioning under their own and bar associations are gov- vancy workers, engineers, and police effectively imple- patrolling
WhatsApp groups for
centralised source of bye-laws and rules, without bar associations regularly erned by internal rules, and stormwater staff, made poss- mented various initiatives I-bikes to collect forensic contact with elderly
information on various any deep or pervasive control issue circulars and notices for not open to writ jurisdiction. ible by retired officer Uday under the action plan. “Right evidence citizens
state and central by the government or the Bar the welfare of their members. “This would be a position too Shirurkar, who encouraged from historical de-cluttering
government health Council. If such actions were sub- far-fetched,” it held, while them to complete their educa- and face-lifting of police sta- tional changes on each of the proud moment for us,” said
schemes. The court emphasised that jected to judicial review dismissing the petition. tion through night school. tions, we made transforma- seven-point parameters. It’s a Pandey.
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Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Elderly gets
Pilfering meds: No relief for Vile Parle doc Suspension, fines:
3-year jail
in graft case Urvi Mahajani
MUMBAI
challenging the tribunal’s
April 29, 2011, order in favour
suspended in 1991 after an
audit revealed misappropri-
in the inquiry – including a
nurse and compounder –
Katke and her co-delin-
quent, also a doctor, were
BMC cracks down
Charul Shah Joshi
MUMBAI The Bombay High Court has
of Dr Aruna Katke. The
forum had allowed her
ation and shortage of drugs.
A departmental inquiry was
were merely penalised with a
5% pay cut.
dismissed from service, indi-
cating parity. “The responsi-
on shoddy road job
set aside an order of the State review application, setting initiated, culminating in her The government argued bility of a doctor in the hos-
A special court has sentenced Administrative Tribunal that aside her dismissal and dismissal in 2001 for misap- that the tribunal erred in pital and the responsibility
a 63-year-old man to three had reinstated a doctor dis- directing her reinstatement propriation of drugs worth allowing review as it had of the compounder and
years imprisonment for pos- missed from service in 1991 with limited back wages. She Rs50,837. already considered the issue nurse are clearly distinct.
ing as a government official in Rs50,000 drug misappro- had been discriminated She challenged her dismis- of parity earlier. Additional Therefore, the gravity of
and accepting bribe in lieu of priation case, observing that against when compared to sal before the tribunal, which government pleader NC misconduct is also different,”
helping the complainant to the tribunal exceeded its co-delinquents, the tribunal nixed her plea. However, in Walimbe submitted that the read the court order passed
secure a wireman license. He jurisdiction. had reasoned while giving review, the forum reversed respondent, being a doctor, on April 30.
was also slapped with a fine A division bench of relief to the medico. its earlier decision, citing dis- had higher responsibility Holding that the tribunal
of Rs50,000; of which, Justices AS Chandurkar and Dr Katke, a temporary parity in punishment. It compared to the com- “exceeded the scope of
Rs10,000 will go as compensa- Milind Sathaye allowed a medical officer at the ESIS noted that while she was dis- pounder and nurse. review jurisdiction,” the
tion to the complainant. The plea by the state government, dispensary in Vile Parle, was missed, others found guilty The HC noted that both Dr bench quashed its order.
accused, Shivaji Ghag, faked
as an official working at the
electricity board office in
Chembur. As per the pros- MHADA’S MOVE | Large-scale redevelopment projects planned across three Shefali Parab-Pandit
ISSUES FOUND
ecution, the complainant, MUMBAI
Vijay Gaikwad, visited the prime locations; decision will help solve housing crisis; tenders likely soon Improper material
electricity office in 2015 to The BMC has suspended a
gradation
apply for a wireman license.
He alleged that Ghag sought
Rs5,500 for the licence. The
Anti-Corruption Bureau
3 mega redvpt plans in pipeline sub-engineer for negligence
in supervising road work in
H-West ward (Bandra West),
after substandard ‘dry lean
Inadequate compaction

Surface irregularities
caught him red-handed. Sweety Bhagwat ing stock. rehouse tenants currently liv- concrete’ (DLC) was found in
MUMBAI The upcoming Bandra The projects are ing in dilapidated structures IN BRIEF the sub-base layer. Insufficient curing time

1
Reclamation project, one of particularly crucial while generating revenue for The contractor has also
The multi-crore
Biker killed in In a major push to address
Mumbai’s perennial housing
the largest in scale, aims to
redevelop 52 buildings across at a time when the
MHADA through the sale of
surplus housing stock. The
projects have been
been fined Rs50 lakh for
poor-quality execution, and
leading to stringent disciplin-
ary measures and penalties.
housing prices in planned in Bandra
hit-and-run crisis,
Housing
the
and
Maharashtra
Area
98 acres, benefitting around
1,631 families. The project is Mumbai continue
additional homes will be sold
via the body's lottery system,
Reclamation, Worli and the Quality Monitoring
Agency (QMA) penalised Rs25
An official said, “DLC
requires a minimum curing
Versova
FPJ News Service Development Authority estimated to cost Rs27,375 to skyrocket offering affordable housing lakh for failing to uphold stan- period of seven days.

2
MUMBAI (MHADA) is preparing to crore. In Worli, MHADA plans options to the public. Bandra dards. Additionally, the con- However, on-site personnel
launch large-scale redevelop- to revamp 58 buildings hous- Demand for MHADA Reclamation tractor has been instructed to falsely claimed the period was
A 58-year-old motorcycle- ment projects across three ing around 1,534 families over Officials confirmed that homes remains overwhel- project, one of the immediately reconstruct the complete, while the contrac-
borne man died in a hit-and- prime city locations – Bandra 34 acres, with an estimated tenders for construction and ming as over 40 applicants largest in scale, aims to patch as per proper quality tor later admitted only three
run accident on Aarey bridge Reclamation, Worli and cost of Rs10,400 crore. design will be floated within were seen vying for each avail- redevelop 52 buildings standards. days had passed. It was also
in Goregaon East on Versova. The projects are par- Meanwhile, in Versova, the the next one to two months. able flat in recent lotteries. In a During a surprise inspec- found that the mandatory

3
Wednesday. Struck by a ticularly crucial at a time body will develop 1,61,880 sq The developers selected 2024 draw for 2,030 homes, Estimated to cost tion last month in H-West field dry density test during
dumper truck, the victim, when the city’s housing prices m of land with a newly- through the process will be the body received 1.29 lakh `27,375 crore, it ward, the officials uncovered compaction was not con-
Shreedhar Dange, fell off the continue to soar. All three pro- appointed developer, after the responsible for the complete online applications. Similarly, will benefit around quality deficiencies in the ducted. Accordingly, action
bike and was run over by the jects are expected to signifi- previous one failed to com- execution of these projects. in 2023, 4,082 homes attracted 1,631 families DLC layer being used for road was taken on parties con-
heavy vehicle. The Aarey cantly boost Mumbai's hous- mence construction. These developments aim to 1.09 lakh applicants. construction. Critical issues cerned.”
police have filed a case such as improper material Abhijeet Bangar, additional
against the dumper driver for gradation, inadequate com- municipal commissioner
allegedly causing death by paction, surface irregularities (Projects), said, “Maintaining
negligence and fleeing with-
out offering assistance. Dange
was a resident of Jogeshwari
Vehicle surge on May 1 holiday Man’s murder case: and insufficient curing time
were brought to light. The
BMC had issued show cause
quality in road works is a col-
lective responsibility shared
by the contractor, the QMA
East and worked as a security
guard. His son said he suf-
brings Pune e-way to standstill Wife, ‘lover’ freed notices to the contractor, the
sub-engineer and the QMA.
and the engineer.
Accountability will be estab-
fered severe injuries to his However, their explanations lished on all parties in the
head and right shoulder. He Prosecution failed to establish were deemed unsatisfactory, event of any lapses."
was rushed to Jogeshwari
Trauma Centre by a Dindoshi motive behind killing, says court
mobile van but was pro- Charul Shah Joshi
nounced dead on arrival. MUMBAI CASE DETAILS City’s growing penchant
A Dindoshi sessions court Victim Nasim and for leisure to beat the heat
Rubina were married in As summer peaks, there has been a notable surge
Entry barred acquitted a woman and her
alleged lover in the murder 2017 in e-searches for water parks, amusement parks
and resorts, as per data from a local search engine
to gutted case of her husband due to
lack of evidence. The court
Due to domestic
quarrels, duo moved
Bandra mall held that the prosecution
failed to prove that Rubina
into a rented
accommodation in
FPJ News Service Shaikh was residing with the 2022
MUMBAI deceased or that she had an
Thousands of commuters faced hours-long delays on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway extramarital affair. In July of that year,
The BMC on Thursday on Thursday as a massive jam brought the Pune-bound corridor to a standstill. The The victim's father said that Nasim's father came to
installed a public notice disruption was triggered by a surge in vehicles heading out during the Maharashtra his son Nasim and Rubina know his son has
board outside the premises of Day holiday. According to the Expressway control room, traffic stretched till five km were married in 2017. Due to suddenly stopped
Bandra's gutted Link Square frequent domestic quarrels, going to work
on the Pune-bound side. The area is a frequent trouble spot as heavy vehicles often
Mall, prohibiting entry of the duo moved into a rented
slow down due to the steep gradient. Later, his body was
people until the building is accommodation in Sakinaka.
officially declared safe. “The The father claimed that in found hidden in bed at Searches for coastal
Feb 1-April 16 resorts
citizens are hereby cautioned July 2022, he got a call from the rented
(2025 vs 2024)
that the BMC will not be held
responsible for any injury or Cop’s widow duped of `50L on Nasim’s workplace, informing
him that the latter had
accommodation
Comparison
period
50%
Pan-India rise
89%
Mangalore
loss of life resulting from stopped coming to work. ing any relationship. The 67% Mumbai
unauthorised entry,” read the
notice. Three days on, the
pretext of cheap MHADA house The father said that when
he visited the couple's house,
court, after considering all the
evidence, noted that the
21%
Pan-India rise Searches for theme parks,
cooling operations are still Megha Kuchik cally influential person, he did not find Nasim, but father's testimony was hear- entertainment venues
underway. MUMBAI Accused allegedly Mandar Borkar, and was also noticed a foul smell. He say. It observed that the body At 188%, Mumbai 17% 39%
The civic body has also close to a politician and alleged that Nasim’s body was was found in the landlord’s leads charge in
asked the building's chair- A deceased police officer’s
claimed he had MHADA vice-president. He later found hidden inside the house, who did not identify searches for
Pan-India rise Mumbai
man/secretary to carry out a wife was allegedly defrauded connections within cited a price of Rs72 lakh for bed. The incident reportedly Rubina. resorts with 37% Chennai
structural audit. Meanwhile, of Rs50 lakh under the false Mantralaya and also the flat. When Aparna occurred on July 14, 2022, and The court said that there swimming pools
Searches for water parks
the fire inquiry report is promise of receiving a flat spoke of proximity expressed her inability to pay the body was discovered four was no evidence to prove that 22%
expected to be submitted through the Mantralaya hous- with MHADA men the full amount, he sought an days later. The father then the bed, in which the body YoY growth in
8% 467%
within the next two weeks. ing quota. The Charkop police initial payment of Rs20 lakh lodged a police complaint was found, was in the pos- Pan-India rise Chandigarh
non-metros
A massive fire broke out at have registered a case against and advised her to take a loan. against Rubina and her session of either accused. The 92% 77%
the mall, which housed the accused, Kiran Mahadik, a band’s medical treatment. He Over time, Mahadik alleged lover Mohammad prosecution failed to prove 19% Ahmedabad Jaipur
around 220 shops, in the wee resident of Borivali. subsequently became well- coerced her into paying addi- Farooqi. the 'last seen' theory, which YoY growth in
hours of Tuesday, which was According to the FIR, 58- acquainted with the family. tional amounts under various Nasim's family alleged that would have ascertained who metro hubs 35% Mumbai
finally extinguished after year-old Aparna Patil resides Claiming connections pretexts, eventually collecting Rubina, with the help of was with the victim just
nearly 22 hours. “Although in Kandivali West with her within the Mantralaya and around Rs50 lakh in cash. The Farooqi, killed Nasim. The before he was killed, said the Corporate travel
the blaze has been extin- daughter and son-in-law. proximity to MHADA officials, complainant stated that she prosecution argued that dur- judge, adding that no motive
Rise in
guished completely, there Aparna’s husband Arun Patil Mahadik assured Aparna that withdrew most of the money ing the probe, she confessed was established either.
search 521% 164%
remains the slightest possibil-
ity of re-ignition, particularly
retired as a police sub-inspec-
tor in 2017 and succumbed to
he could secure a flat for her
at a 10% discount in a MHADA
in cash from ATMs and even
sold her jewellery to raise
that murdered her husband
as he assaulted her. However,
Allegations of an affair
between the duo were not
for 74% Delhi Pune

in the basement area, which cancer in March last year. She building located in funds. Despite repeated assur- during the trial, Rubina supported by any witness, it
water 269% 138%
park Jaipur Nagpur
is difficult to access,” said a was approached by Mahadik Chikuwadi, Borivali West. He ances, she neither received a denied committing the added, while pointing out the resorts
senior fire official. aka Banti during her hus- told her he knew one politi- flat nor got her money back. murder and also denied hav- lack of forensic evidence.
Text: Kamal Mishra

Trading firm worker booked NCLT nod for 2nd round of resolution plan
for assaulting two RTO clerks Pranali Lotlikar
MUMBAI

In connection with the

FROST INTERNATIONAL INSOLVENCY

held in January this year

AT A GLANCE
The insolvency was
Megha Kuchik
MUMBAI
damaged a staff member’s
phone and government-issued
documents, including a loan
application, and based on
phone, Chhabra allegedly
snatched the phone, twisted
ongoing insolvency proceed-
ings of Frost International
`2,872 crore among seven potential resol-
ution applicants, but only two
initiated in February
2023 after Bank of
Default amount India approached the
computer. those, the car was legally regis- Kale’s hand, threatened them, Limited (FIL), the National participated. Anuj Goyal and
NCLT over a massive
The Amboli police have According to the FIR, tered in her name. They also and stormed out of the office. Company Law Tribunal Mona Vij emerged as top default
booked a woman for allegedly Chhabra is employed at a informed Chhabra that this Outside, she attempted to get (NCLT), Mumbai bench, has Prabhat Kumar, passed the bidders with an offer valued at
assaulting a public servant and securities trading firm and information had already been into an Ola car while still hold- permitted the Committee of order on April 11, in response to Rs159.54 crore. However, con- Initially, 13 resolution
using criminal force to deter lives in Andheri West. On shared with her through a ing Kale’s phone. When Creditors (CoC) to conduct a an application filed by troversy arose when plans were received,
him from performing his duty. April 28, at around 11.20am, response under the Right to Bhogale tried to retrieve the second challenge mechanism Resolution Professional (RP) Greensward Enterprises sub- but the highest bid at
Isha Chhabra, 33, arrived at she arrived at the RTO and Information (RTI) Act. phone, Chhabra allegedly to select a resolution plan. This Amit Chandrakant Shah, who mitted a new plan worth the time fell below the
the Andheri Regional approached two female clerks, Unhappy with the response, punched her in the face, caus- has paved the way for fresh had sought clarification on Rs152.50 crore in February, just liquidation value
Transport Office (RTO) on including Susmita Bhogale, 53. Chhabra became furious and ing the phone to fall and break. negotiations to maximise value whether a second challenge before voting on five com-
April 28 and informed staff Chhabra informed them that started yelling at the staff. By then, the police arrived at for stakeholders. The insol- round could be held after new pliant resolution plans was to regardless of challenge partici-
that her car had been regis- her car had been wrongly reg- Clerks Bhogale and Vrushali the scene and apprehended vency process was initiated resolution plans emerged fol- begin. pation.
tered under another woman’s istered in the name of Pandey. Kale, 35, attempted to calm Chhabra. against FIL in February 2023 lowing the original bidding Although Greensward had “The CoC is well within its
name, Sneha Pandey. When She stated that she had not her down, but she refused to Based on Kale's complaint, a after Bank of India process. not participated in the earlier right to enter further negoti-
the RTO clerk explained that sold the car and had no agree- listen and continued shouting. case has been filed under the approached the NCLT over a Initially, 13 resolution plans challenge process, their ation if it chooses to do so,” the
Pandey had submitted the ment or transaction with In a fit of rage, she tried to pull Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sec- default of Rs2,872 crore. were received, but the highest revised plan showed a margin- tribunal order stated, while
necessary documents and that Pandey regarding any transfer. a computer off the desk, caus- tions 132 (assault or criminal Advocate Niyati Merchant bid at the time fell below the ally higher Net Present Value raising concern over the
the registration could not be She demanded that the car be ing it to fall. The RTO staff then force to deter a public servant (Associate Partner of MDP liquidation value. A fresh Form (NPV) than the top bid, potential leakage of confiden-
reversed immediately, immediately re-registered in dialled 100 and requested from the discharge of duty) Legal) represented CoC of FIL. G issued in August 2024 prompting the CoC to con- tial bid values, hinting at poss-
Chhabra became aggressive. her name. police assistance. and 121(2) (voluntarily causing The NCLT bench, compris- attracted 52 new resolution sider re-running the process. ible insider access that could
She abused and physically The clerks explained that When Kale attempted to hurt or grievous hurt to deter ing Justice Virendrasingh Bisht plans from 22 applicants. The CoC had already decided undermine the integrity of the
assaulted female RTO staff and Pandey had submitted valid record the incident on her a public servant from duty). (retd) and technical member A challenge mechanism was to vote on all six eligible plans, process.
 www.freepressjournal.in mumbai
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

No bail in loan
fraud case
MHT CET | Exam on May 5; answer choices for 21 Mathematics
questions were scrambled due to system-level translation error
CSMIA rejects
claim on halt IIT-B class of
’98 gifts `57cr to
Charul Shah Joshi
MUMBAI

The special CBI court has

Glitch sparks re-test for in cargo flights
FPJ News Service
rejected the bail plea of
Prateek Kanakia, CEO of The
Green Billions Limited
(TGBL), arrested in connec-
over 24k PCM students
MUMBAI

Days after airlines trade body

IATA expressed disappoint-
push innovation
Vikrant Jha aspires to help students
tion with a Rs50 crore loan FPJ News Service ment at Mumbai airport oper- MUMBAI thrive not just academically
fraud case linked to MUMBAI IN BRIEF ator MIAL’s decision to stop but also socially and emo-

1
Broadcast Engineering cargo freighter flights and The Class of 1998 of the tionally. “This initiative will
Consultants India Limited The Maharashtra State The entire Physics- withdrawal of slots for passen- Indian Institute of help students lead meaning-
(BECIL). The court observed Common Entrance Test Chemistry-Maths ger flights, the airport refuted Technology Bombay (IIT-B) ful, fulfilling lives while they
that there has been an (CET) Cell has announced
paper of 150 the claim on Thursday. on Thursday pledged Rs57 are at IITB and as they step
questions will be
attempt to conceal the evi- that it will conduct a re- “Mumbai International crore to back several stra- into the world,” the batch
re-conducted
dence. The court further said examination on May 5, for all Airport Ltd (MIAL) is disap- tegic initiatives at their alma stated.

2
it appears that the investiga- students from the Physics- List of eligible pointed by the statement mater, including a major The pledge will also fund
tion is at a nascent stage. C h e m i s t r y- M a t h e ma t i c s students to be issued by the IATA on April 29 thrust on student well-being the Young Faculty Fellowship
Indian Renewable Energy (PCM) group who appeared uploaded on the and strongly refutes its asser- and faculty excellence. to attract and retain top aca-
Development Agency for the MHT CET 2025 exam tions,” MIAL said in a state- Announced during their demic talent, support retired
Representative photo

CET Cell website; fresh

Limited (IREDA) sanctioned a in English during the morn- admit cards to be ment. “Contrary to the claims 25-year reunion in professors through the
loan of Rs80 crores to BECIL ing session on April 27. issued via candidate made by IATA, the recent December 2023 and formal- Retired Faculty Wellness
for executing a project relat- The move comes after logins. adjustments to cargo oper- ised through a Fund, and contribute to
ing to waste management. It widespread complaints and ations and slot allocations at Memorandum of Project Evergreen – a stu-

3
is alleged that out of an the CET Cell’s admission of Issues raised Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Understanding, the commit- dent hostel expansion drive.
amount of Rs80 crores, serious errors in the through emails, International Airport (CSMIA) ment represents one of the The funds will also be chan-
BECIL sanctioned a loan of Mathematics section. The re- calls, letters, and have followed a transparent, largest batch contributions nelled towards expanding
Rs50 crore to TGBL and a test will involve all 24,744 error that resulted in answer cards will be provided via the in-person visits by consultative and regulator- to the institute to date. A key financial aid for students
joint venture agreement was candidates who chose choices for 21 questions being candidates’ login accounts. students and parents driven process,” it said. component of the pledge is from underprivileged back-

4
entered. TGBL agreed to English as their medium of scrambled,” a senior CET Cell Affected students had These operational changes the establishment of the IITB grounds and bolstering inno-
refund the loan amount but instruction, regardless of official informed The Free raised concerns over CET Cell officials are part of a broader infra- Student Flourishing Hub – vation through advanced
failed to do so. whether they encountered Press Journal. “This led to multiple discrepancies in the say the error was structure upgrade initiative an initiative aimed at nurtur- Makerspaces and Robotics
issues. unnecessary confusion for question paper. Several can- more than a governed by the Airports ing emotional resilience and labs.
According to the CET Cell, students, and such an issue didates reported that over 20 technical glitch and Economic Regulatory self-management skills Praising the gesture, pro-
should not have
DESIGN a complete re-examination of
the full paper, comprising
should never have occurred.”
Students and parents had
questions in the Mathematics
section lacked the correct
occurred
Authority of India (AERA) as
part of the Fourth Control
among students.
“The hub will empower
fessor Shireesh Kedare,
director of IIT-B, said, “The
CLOCK & 150 questions across Physics, reported the issue through answers among the options Period review, MIAL said. In a students to navigate chal- generosity of the Class is a
WIN `5L Chemistry, and Mathematics,
will be held to ensure a fair
multiple channels, including
emails, phone calls, written
provided.
This session saw participa-
occurred during the transla-
tion process. “The mistakes
strongly worded statement on
Tuesday, IATA’s Head of
lenges and develop the
leadership skills needed to
testament to the deep bond
our alumni share with the
and consistent assessment letters, and in-person visits. tion from 27,306 candidates were confined to the English Worldwide Airport Slots, excel in their careers, Institute. Their support will
for all affected students. In response, the CET Cell in the English medium, while version of the paper, and we John Middleton, called on whether in startups, corpor- empower students and fac-
While the CET Cell initially decided to cancel the original 3,473 and 241 students regis- have decided to conduct the MIAL to reverse the cuts ations, academia, govern- ulty to push boundaries,
described the disruption as a session and schedule a fresh tered in Marathi and Urdu re-exam. Since there were no immediately. ment, entrepreneurial ven- innovate fearlessly and carry
technical glitch, senior offi- exam. The list of eligible can- mediums, respectively. reported issues with the “MIAL continues to respect tures, or the social impact forward the IIT-B legacy.”
cials have now acknowl- didates will be published on According to senior offi- Marathi and Urdu papers, a international best practices, space,” IIT Bombay said in a The announcement comes
edged the real cause. the CET Cell’s official web- cials from the CET Cell, the decision regarding a re-test including the guidelines statement. at a time when IIT-B has
“During the translation site, and it will be mandatory issue was traced specifically for those students is still issued by the Worldwide Representatives from the been scaling new heights
from Marathi to English, we for those listed to appear for to the English medium under consideration,” an offi- Airport Slot Board and Class of 1998 noted that the globally, recently ranked 1st
ndian Railways has
I announced a
nationwide competition
encountered a system-level the re-exam. Updated admit paper, where errors cial had said on Sunday. remains committed to main-
taining coordination,” the pri-
Flourishing Hub builds on
the institute’s existing stu-
in India and 118th in the
world in the QS World
vate operator said. dent wellness ecosystem and University Rankings 2025.
to design new digital
clocks, which are to be
installed at stations
across the country. The
RTO staffer Nagpada church Residents plan
gets 6-month silent protest
competition’s aim is to
standardise the digital
clocks used on jail for stalking leader accused against jetty
platforms and stations
and it will be open to
three categories of
Pranali Lotlikar
THANE
of Ponzi schemes Dhairya Gajara
MUMBAI

participants: Manoj Ramakrishnan

Professionals, college / The Thane’s Chief Judicial MUMBAI Christian Reform After a writ petition was
university students, and Magistrate has sentenced a United People filed against the proposed
school students 35-year-old junior clerk from The head of an independent Rs229 crore passenger jetty
the Regional Transport church based in Nagpada has Association warned near the Gateway of India,
CRITERIA Office (RTO) in Vashi to six been accused of duping devo- the community South Mumbai residents
■ Entries must be
months simple imprison- tees in a Ponzi scheme. about the scam are preparing to file two
ment for stalking a female Octavio Nevis, who calls him- more public interest litiga-
submitted in high
colleague. The court also self the bishop of Jesus For shippers at Nevis’ church, tions (PILs) opposing the
resolution without any
fined the convict, All Nations Church, has been together lost more than Rs1 project. The Bombay High
watermark or logo,
along with a certificate Santoshkumar Subhash accused of stealing over Rs2 crore. He accused Nevis of Court will hear the petition
of originality Sakolkar, a resident of Nerul, crore, according to an FIR ‘taking advantage of him and on May 2. On Saturday, resi-
Rs25,000, to be paid as com- filed at Nagpada police sta- his friends and unfairly dents of Colaba and Cuffe
■ Participants are pensation to the victim. tion on April 28. betraying them of Parade will also hold a
allowed to submit The court, presided by The complainant, Rs2,14,75,000’. silent candle march – from
multiple designs magistrate SK Fokmare, Benjamin Ashade, has According to the online Dr BR Ambedkar statue on
■ Each entry must be
accompanied by a brief
held, “Generally, women
don’t come forward to fight
alleged that the Ponzi scam
was run by a company
portal of the Jesus For All
Nations Church, Nevis was
Madam Cama Road to
Radio Club promenade – to Seeking timely justice
concept note explaining against men for their sexual known as Nevis Trading and born in a Catholic family and protest against the jetty and In the case of Sachin Kurmi, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member, who
the theme and idea overtures fearing that society Investment Consultancy Pvt set up his church a decade the role of politicians in was killed on October 4 near his residence in Ghodapdeo, Byculla, the victim’s
behind the design. It is would blame them instead. Ltd, located at the Jesus For ago. His organisation claims pushing it forward. family has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting from May 1, alleging
essential that all Thus, the evidence on record All Nations Church, Sophia to have helped worshippers The controversy began in inaction in the murder case. The family said that despite the passage of
submitted designs are is sufficient…” the court held. Zubair Road. The police have recover from disease and March when fisheries and several months since his killing, the main accused remains at large, prompting
original and do not The incident dates back to registered a complaint under other problems. Nevis was port development minister them to escalate their protest — Poonam Apraj
violate any intellectual 2015 when the woman was section 318(4) for cheating, caught up in a tussle with the Nitesh Rane laid the foun-
property rights or transferred. Sakolkar started 316(2) for criminal breach of Mumbai police in 2017 when dation stone for the jetty.
copyrights

PRIZE
sending WhatsApp messages
to the woman, which she
ignored. Sakolkar was
trust, and 3(5) for common
Intention under the Bhartiya
Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against
he refused to bury the body
of his 17-year-old son, who
died of a disease. He claimed
Since then, residents have
raised concerns that the
project, intended primarily
FIR against man Man jailed for
sex assault
One grand winner,
whose design gets
warned by the authorities.
However, he continued to
Nevis and two other directors
of the company, Joshua Nevis
that the child would be resur-
rected soon, and the police
for VIP use, overlooks
pressing local issues such as for cheating dairy on daughter
firm of `2.48 crore
selected for use across harass her by standing in her and Elijah Nevis. Bishop had to intervene to force the traffic congestion, over-
Indian Railways, will way, following her in the Nevis did not respond to calls family to bury the body. crowding, and potential Charul Shah Joshi
receive a first prize of office, and stalking her on the and messages from this The Christian Reform damage to the heritage MUMBAI
Rs5 lakh. Additionally, local train. Her husband also reporter for a comment on United People Association structure.
there will be five witnessed the act. The the case. (CRUPA), a community Megha Kuchik A special POCSO court has
consolation prizes of woman lodged a formal com- The complainant said that organisation, has warned the In March this year, MUMBAI Accused claimed a sentenced a man, a father of
`50,000 each plaint on January 22, 2016. he deposited more than Rs1 community about the scam. fisheries and port large-scale business three girls, to 20 years
In his defence, Sakolkar crore in a scheme by Nevis’ “The society at large and the The Amboli police have reg- imprisonment for
development & offered to supply
Deadline claimed false implication due company since November Christian community should istered an FIR against the repeatedly sexually assault-
Participants to submit to office rivalry. However, the 2021, but has received no be alert and beware of such minister Nitesh Rane director of the Baramati- milk at a rate `50 ing his eldest daughter, a
their designs online court rejected this theory, returns on the investment. scamsters,” said church activ- laid foundation based dairy firm for allegedly paise lower than minor, from January 2017 to
between May 1 and 31 finding no evidence of pre- He said that two other ist, advocate Cyril Dara of stone for the jetty cheating the Andheri-based market price January 2020. The victim
vious enmity. friends, who were wor- CRUPA. company Baramati Dairy was five years old when her
Text: Kamal Mishra Private Limited out of Rs2.48 mother passed away.
crore. The case was regis- Baramati Dairy brand, prom- The police had also
tered on April 30 following a ising a 30 paise per litre com- booked the victim's aunt for
Scribe booked
for extortion bid
Fort mosque faces ire for ‘gender bias’ complaint filed with the
Economic Offences Wing
(EOW) in October 2024. The
mission and requesting a Rs1
crore advance. Singh trans-
ferred the amount from
not reporting the incident
despite the fact that the vic-
tim had reached out to her
NK Gupta Manoj Ramakrishnan mosque. They should pray at Scholars disagreed that complainant, Gurupreet Baramati Dairy’s SVK Co- for help. The court, however,
THANE MUMBAI home,” the trustee added. women are forbidden from Singh, 33, a resident of operative Bank account to acquitted the aunt for want
However, the decision of praying in mosques. Dr Andheri West, is the director Vidyanand Dairy’s Axis Bank of corroborative evidence.
The Chitalsar Manpada After a mosque located in the the mosque management has Zeenat Shaukat Ali, former of Baramati Dairy Private account – without a formal The judge said, “The vic-
police have booked a journal- Fort area shut down its prayer caused a debate among head of the Department of Limited, a company estab- agreement. tim have sustained repeated
ist with a local newspaper in hall for women, members of Muslims. There are allega- Islamic Studies at St Xavier’s lished in 2023 that focuses on While an initial commis- sexual assault since a tender
Thane for allegedly demand- the Muslim community have tions that the decision was College, Mumbai, said there trading milk and dairy prod- sion of Rs2 lakh was paid, age when she didn't even
ing bribe from a Deputy criticised the decision, saying taken due to ideological dif- is no such injunction. “These ucts without owning produc- subsequent payments knew what is sex.”
Commissioner of the Slum that it sends the wrong mess- ferences between the are pre-Islamic patriarchal tion units. It operates mainly stopped. Lokhande cited an Furthermore, the medical
Rehabilitation Authority age about gender equality. trustees. A businessman from ideas; women prayed with in Baramati, Indapur, and Income Tax notice as the rea- evidence confirms the
(SRA) posted in Manpada. The Majali Masjid, located the neighbourhood said, men in early Islam. They Shirur. son for the delay. In May abhorrent act, said the
The incident took place on Homi Modi Street, is used “There have been ideological remained at the back of the According to the FIR, the 2024, Vidyanand Dairy pur- judge. The court, however,
between November 2024 and by solicitors, judges and busi- differences between the congregation because they company’s CFO, Raunak chased 75 tonnes of butter refused to award a maxi-
2025 at the SRA office in nessmen from the area. A trustees and some of them sometimes brought their Wasandani, met Lokhande worth Rs3.12 crore from mum punishment of life
Khewara Circle, Manpada. decade ago, a separate prayer did not want women in the children along and had to during a work trip to Pune. Baramati Dairy but failed to term. It reasoned, “There
Suhas Uttam Shinde grew space was created at the women. We put up a partition same premises.” take them away when they Lokhande introduced him- clear Rs1.16 crore of the would be no one in the
suspicious of the official’s mosque on the first floor of a and created a separate “There should be a prayer cried. If there were restric- self as the Director of amount. Later, Baramati paid family of the victim if the
appointment and began filing four-storey building owned entrance for women from the space for women in the area. tions, women would not have Vidyanand Dairy, claiming an advance of Rs32.28 lakh accused would go behind
complaints against her, by a religious trust. Recently, side street. Later, we realised There are women lawyers been circumambulating the the firm had a large-scale for 15 metric tonne of milk the bar till the remainder of
threatening job loss to coerce the mosque put up a notice we had allocated a lot of space and bankers in the area who kaaba in Mecca along with business and offered to powder, which was neither his life.”
her. The accused allegedly informing devotees that because not more than seven need a prayer space and a men,” said Ali. “If the Fort supply milk at a rate 50 paise delivered nor refunded. The victim said that her
approached an executive women are no longer allowed or eight women came to washroom. The nearest mosque is worried about lower than market price. He Vidyanand Dairy later father had beaten up and
engineer in the office and to pray there. pray,” he said. prayer space for women is unauthorised visitors, they also claimed to have promi- issued a Rs1.06 crore cheque, threatened to kill her. The
inquired about an extortion A mosque trustee said the The trustee said they several kilometres away. This should add some kind of nent industry figures as which bounced. Realising the accused claimed that she
amount of Rs25 lakh in section for women was cre- decided to close the facility decision gives a bad message security.” partners. Attracted by the fraud, Singh filed a com- had an affair, but the court
exchange for not taking ated during repairs around 12 after realising that unauth- to the community. If prayers In Mumbai, many offer, Baramati Dairy began plaint, leading to Lokhande rejected the argument. The
action against the official. He years ago. “We thought, why orised visitors were using the are compulsory five times a mosques, including the Jama purchasing milk from being booked under sections girl, on February 14, 2020,
later contacted another office not create a prayer space for washrooms in the section. day, a mosque is supposed to Masjid near Crawford Vidyanand Dairy. In March 316(2) (criminal breach of made a call to the child hel-
staff member and settled the women. Many mosques have “Anyway, under Islamic rules, provide the space to everyone Market, have dedicated pray- 2024, Lokhande proposed trust) and 318(4) (cheating) of pline, after which an activist
demand at Rs12 lakh. created praying spaces for women have no place in a who wants to pray,” he said. ing spaces for women. selling milk under the the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. took her to the Malad police.
 www.freepressjournal.in mumbai
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

CBI probe NAVI MUMBAI HIT | Court grants bail to accused; says there is lack of clear Story In Picture
motive or financial benefit, no confirmed presence at the scene of crime
into illegal Outrage over felling
CGST search
Somendra Sharma
Nerul builder’s killing: No clear proof of 11 fully grown trees
MUMBAI
IN BRIEF Urvi Mahajani Advocate Shubham Upadhyay, Pleader Savita Yadav opposed communications.
MUMBAI was accused of keeping a the bail plea. She referred to a Additionally, a test identifi-

1
The CBI has registered a case Builder Savji Manjiri watch on the movement of the witness statement recorded 40 cation parade held more than
against four CGST officials, was shot dead in The Bombay High Court has deceased at the behest of days after the incident, CCTV two months after the murder
including two superintendent Nerul in 2023 granted bail to Gaurav Yadav, absconding accused – Manjiri’s footage, and call detail records was deemed unreliable, as
rank officials, for allegedly an accused in the sensational cousin – allegedly over a prop- to show Yadav’s involvement. Yadav’s photograph was

2
carrying out an illegal search Gaurav Yadav was murder of builder Savji erty and business dispute. However, the court found already in the police station
at the office of a Nagpur- accused of keeping Manjiri, who was shot dead in The court noted that Yadav these pieces of evidence lack- record.
based private company and a watch on his Navi Mumbai’s Nerul in March was not present at the scene ing in strength. The CCTV foot- Considering the absence of
to conclude illegally under- movements at the 2023. when the murder took place. age merely showed Yadav direct evidence, lack of clear
taken proceedings for undue behest of absconding Justice Milind Jadhav The 56-year-old victim, direc- arriving in a taxi two days motive or financial benefit,
advantage. accused observed that no direct role tor of Imperia Developers, was before the incident in a public and no confirmed presence at

3
As per the complaint filed could be attributed to Yadav in shot at point-blank range by area, with no incriminating act the crime scene, the court
by KC Johny, chief commis- HC said no direct the murder and noted incon- two bike-borne assailants out- captured. The CDR showed ordered Yadav’s release on a
sioner of Central Indirect role could be sistencies in the prosecution’s side his SUV after he had lunch phone contact with other personal bond of Rs10,000.
Taxes & Customs (Nagpur,
attributed to Yadav case. at a relative’s house in Nerul. accused but failed to establish The main accused in the Sameera Kapoor of Trees Act, 1975, initiate
in the murder
GST), the taxpayer wrote to Yadav, represented by Additional Government the nature or content of those case remains absconding. Munshi replantation drives, and
them on January 10 about an NAVI MUMBAI implement mechanisms to
illegal search by four officials prevent future violations.
on January 7. To ascertain the The cutting of 11 trees near According to ACC
facts, a CGST vigilance team
visited the office on January Contractors fined Firm duped of `11L in email spoof Mansarovar Station has trig-
gered anger among Panvel
members, CIDCO officials
informed them that the tree
10 and recovered the CCTV citizen groups. The trees, cutting was carried out on
footage from the premises.
A probe revealed that the
visit and conduct of the pro-
for risking lives Poonam Apraj
MUMBAI
working with Sundyota
Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt
Ltd. The accused created a
revealed the account belonged
to Sheril Bhaskar Balayya,
whose business address is
which lined the footpath,
were reportedly felled with-
out any public notice or vis-
instructions from higher
authorities.
As a next step, ACC has
ceedings had not been auth- BEFORE AFTER South Region Cyber Police fake email – meet@sundyta- located at Shop No 02, ible authorisation. announced that it will esca-
orised by CGST. The officials has arrested a man for alleg- numandis.com – resembling Jagannath Smruti Building, The Active Citizens late the issue by meeting
involved were put under sus- edly duping a company of the company’s official ID, Surya Nagar, Kalwa, Thane. Council-Panvel (ACC) has with senior CIDCO officials
pension immediately and on Rs11 lakh by spoofing an offi- [email protected] Another address linked to the lodged a complaint with as well as the commissioner
February 2 two erring inspec- cial email id and tricking the m. Using this fake email, the accused was in Mahendra CIDCO. The letter, of Panvel Municipal
tors on probation were ter- victim into transferring the accused convinced the com- Nagar, Talvali, Navi Mumbai. addressed to the executive Corporation. “Such cruel
minated. money to a fraudulent plainant to transfer Rs11 lakh Despite initial difficulties in engineer, Kamothe, and thoughtless acts against
With material gathered account. The accused, Sheril to a specified bank account. locating him, the police, demanded accountability the environment must not
on undue advantage sought Bhaskar Balayya, is a resident Sub-Inspector Trimukhe, through sustained technical and corrective action. The be repeated. There has to be
by the accused, the CBI has of Chembur who led the investigation, dis- surveillance, traced Sheril group urged CIDCO to a clear line of responsibility
registered an offence on According to the FIR, the covered that the funds were Bhaskar Balayya to the investigate the incident, take and consequence,” the
charges of criminal conspi- incident occurred between deposited into a bank account Chembur area. He was subse- action under the group said in a statement.
racy and under relevant sec- April 19 and 25. The complain- under the name L Enterprises. quently apprehended and Maharashtra (Urban Areas) CIDCO refrained from
tions of the Prevention of ant’s company had been Further technical analysis arrested. Protection and Preservation making any comments.
Corruption Act.

11th arrest in
weed case
Suresh Golani
MIRA BHAYANDAR
were compelled to manually
clean drains without any per-
DGP Medals for 21 Navi Mumbai cops
sonal protective equipment Raina Assainar 30 years of service. A native 2009 Lok Sabha elections in cracked down on multiple
The Special Investigating After the FPJ exposed the such as hand gloves, gum- NAVI MUMBAI of Jayram Swami, Wadgaon Poinge, where no incidents drug smuggling operations
Team (SIT) investigating the inhumane act of contractors boots, face masks or medical- in Satara, Mulani has served occurred, was widely and arrested several traf-
US-Thailand hydroponic deploying sanitation aid kits, in a brazen viol- In recognition of outstand- in various jurisdictions, praised. fickers, including foreign
weed cartel recently made workers in the undig- ation of the ing service, 21 officers and including Mumbai. Senior police inspector nationals.
an 11th arrest in connection nified and dangerous Municipal Solid personnel from the Navi He was lauded for solving Sandeep Nigade, head of the Other recipients include,

FPJ
with the case. The accused task of desilting Waste (MSW) Mumbai Police several crimes, including a Navi Mumbai Anti-Narcotics assistant police inspector
arrested is an assistant drains without pro- Management Commissionerate have been high-profile case where a Cell, was also honoured with Satish Ghughei; inspectors
officer at the foreign postal tective gear, the Mira Rules, 2016 and awarded the Director Belgian national was the DGP Medal for his 20 Unmesh Thite, Umesh
department, identified as Bhayandar Municipal I M PAC T Prohibition of General of Police (DGP) assaulted and robbed near years of “excellent service”. Gawli; assistant inspectors
Ravi Shripal (30), a resident Corporation (MBMC), Employment as Medal. The medals were Karnala Ghat in Panvel. He Having served in Mumbai, Gaurakh Ingole, Ananda
of Jabalpur. Shripal was on Wednesday, issued Manual Scavengers presented as part of the ensured the victim received bank robbery case in Thane and Navi Mumbai, Harugade, Vijay Chavan;
allegedly involved into track- show cause notices to both the and their Rehabilitation Act, Maharashtra Day celebra- 15 days of medical treatment Kharghar within 24 hours, with a decade in the crime assistant sub-inspector
ing the movement of the par- contractors and fined them 2013 (MS Act, 2013). At some of tions on May 1. and was safely repatriated to earning a Rs10,000-reward branch, Nigade has received Sudhakar Bhosale; and sev-
cel and ensuring that it was Rs20,000 each. the spots the workers were Among the officers is sen- Belgium, an effort that drew from the then over 150 rewards and 15 eral head constables.
dispatched to the desired Armed with photographic seen entering toxic and life- ior inspector Hanif Dastagir appreciation from the Commissioner of Police. His commendation certificates. Woman constable Mahadevi
location. evidence, the FPJ had exposed threatening environments like Mulani of Crime Branch Belgian Embassy. effective handling of law and Under his leadership, the Pawar was also one of the
–FPJ News Service how the contractual workers drains. Unit 3, who has completed He also cracked a major order, especially during the Anti-Narcotics Cell has recipients.
 pune www.freepressjournal.in
Pune, Friday, May 2, 2025

Briefs
OPEN WAY | Residents were enraged over the delay in inauguration
Unhappy passengers
KOLHAPUR Pawar inaugurates flyover highlight missing
Inspect Urdu
amenities at Pune
schools: Khan
Minority Commission
President Pyare Khan has
after 6km jam irked public Railway Station
ordered inspections of Ankit Shukla the afternoon, and during ture and educational initiatives,
Urdu schools after 600 PUNE evening hours, it takes nearly 15 stating that a Rs350 crore pro- Ankit Shukla Another commuter, who
bogus teachers and fals- to 20 minutes just to reach ject in Baner could not be inau- PUNE preferred anonymity, told
ified records were Years after it was started, the Vitthalwadi. gurated due to time constraints. the FPJ, “At Platform No. 1,
uncovered. Speaking at a Sinhagad Road flyover was Speaking at the inauguration He assured that his government While the Pune Railway one single scanner machine
review meeting of PM finally inaugurated by Deputy event on Thursday, Pawar high- is actively working across dis- Station has earned Rs15.02 is installed. I have noticed
Narendra Modi’s 15-point Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on lighted that the new flyover will tricts to improve educational crore in two years from com- most of the time it is not
programme in Kolhapur, the occasion of Maharashtra reduce the travel time by opportunities for children and mercial publicity and adver- functional. No one follows
Khan warned that inflated Day on Thursday. approximately 30 minutes, emphasised that the adminis- tisements, passengers allege the rules due to the huge
pass rates (over 90%) mask This follows a huge row after which will be a major relief for tration is focused on meeting the basic amenities at the sta- crowd, and only one RPF
reality—experts estimate residents of Khadakwasla, the commuters. the rising expectations of tion remain in poor condi- (Railway Protection Force)
under 50% of students truly Dhayari, Nanded, and more Pawar also revealed about citizens. tion, with inadequate seating personnel member is
qualify. He urged teaching created a massive uproar fol- the ongoing issues related to Further more Pawar said, arrangements and a lack of deployed at the scanner
core subjects in Marathi or lowing the 6 km-long traffic the Purandar Airport project. two ring road projects are basic safety measures. machine. The railway admin-
semi-English, citing poor deadlock on Monday. The resi- He said land acquisition and underway in Pune in collabora- Several parts of the Pune istration needs to install
outcomes that push stu- dents had warned that they rehabilitation are the impor- tion between the PMC, the Station’s waiting areas have more scanner machines and
dents into menial jobs. would start using the flyover if tant parts, such infrastructure Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal been overcrowded with beg- security staff to handle the
Khan also directed police the Pune Municipal could not be completed with- Corporation, PMRDA, and the gars and drunkards. crowd. Otherwise, it’s a
to remove illegal economic Corporation (PMC) failed to out necessary land. state government. Moreover, disabled and sen- waste of public money.”
boycott notices targeting inaugurate it soon. Pawar assured that the gov- “We have committed to ior citizens are often forced Speaking to the FPJ,
communities. The opening of the flyover is ernment is working across dis- completing the project within to sit on the floor due to the Raghuveer Patil highlighted
expected to bring major relief tricts to improve education five years. Currently, the state’s lack of proper seating that the number of illegal
KOLHAPUR to commuters who have been facilities for the children and budget is Rs7 lakh crore. arrangements. food vendors is on the rise at
Star flights to facing severe traffic congestion
in the area for months.
fully fulfil the expectations of
residents.
Maharashtra is not going to face
any financial crunch. Pune is
Speaking to The Free Press
Journal (FPJ) on the issue,
the platforms as well as at
the entrance of the station
Blr, Hyd Although the construction of The Deputy CM shared our own and it will get special Raj Pathare, one of the pas- premises. “There is no guar-
Starting from May 15, Star the flyover was completed by updates on various infrastruc- consideration,” Pawar said. sengers who was heading to antee of hygienic food there.
Airways is starting addi- the end of March, the installa- Bhopal, said, “Every time I People are struggling to
tional flights to Bengluru tion of streetlights, signage, and come here, I see new hoard- cross the road to get to the
and Hyderabad from final painting works was still ings and LED displays. But railway station due to the
Kolhapur. These additional underway. Residents and com-
flights are made available muters have alleged that politi-
on demands of commuters cal factors were delaying the fly-
and follow up of MP over’s inauguration, despite the
Dhananjay Mahadik. pressing traffic crisis. Many
Presently Indigo has flights have taken to social media to
to Bengluru and express their dissatisfaction
Hyderabad. Star Airways over the delayed opening.
flight service will be avail- Due to the unavailability of
able on every Tuesday, the flyover, even on weekends
Wednesday and Sunday and government holidays, con-
from Kolhapur Airport. gestion persisted throughout

SANGLI
Police book 5
for extortion City records 81 dogbite cases daily Pawar’s early
Sanjaynagar Police have inauguration
booked five, including
Sanobar Khan and Ashok
Indu Bhagat
PUNE
has since risen to 2.25 lakh fol-
lowing the inclusion of newly
and 2,359 in March. While the
city has remained rabies-free
People for Animals, and the
Society for Prevention of
irks Kulkarni
Kasbe, for extortion and incorporated villages. so far, the sharp increase in Cruelty to Animals. Ankit Shukla
threats over a vacant plot in Pune is facing a growing However, non-governmental bite incidents has raised con- “Efforts are ongoing to PUNE
Madhavnagar, Miraj taluka. threat from stray dogs, with organisations estimate the cern among both citizens and keep Pune rabies-free. We
The accused allegedly an alarming average of 81 dog actual figure to be between authorities. have launched various aware- BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha
forced their way into bite cases reported daily, 2.5 and 3 lakh. The rising PMC allocates funds ness drives for vaccination Kulkarni on Thursday
Naveen Shaha’s (44) plot, according to Pune Municipal number of dog bite cases has annually to sterilise approxi- and sterilisation. The imple- expressed displeasure after Pune Rly Stn’s Pune Division’s
demanding either the land Corporation (PMC) data. highlighted the need for more mately 20,000 stray dogs. This mentation of the Animal Deputy Chief Minister Ajit
or Rs5 lakh in cash, and Morning walkers, children effective sterilisation and vac- year, the target has been Birth Control (ABC) pro- Pawar inaugurated the new
revenue from revenue from
threatened to file a false playing near their homes, and cination campaigns. increased to between 40,000 gramme is effective in the building of the Parshuram advertising advertising
atrocity complaint if their late-night commuters on According to PMC's health and 50,000 sterilisation sur- city,” said Dr Sarika Funde, Arthik Vikas Mahamandal FY 2023-24 FY 2023-24
demands were unmet. bicycles or two-wheelers have department, a total of 25,899 geries, with each thousand Veterinary Officer of PMC. ahead of the scheduled
When Shaha and his increasingly become victims dog bite cases were recorded operations costing Rs1,500 to “The data appears high 6.30am time. Kulkarni `7.14 crore `10.19 crore
brothers refused, the group of sudden dog attacks. across Pune in 2024. In the Rs1,650. Rabies vaccination because even if someone gets said she reached the venue
assaulted them. A case has The number of stray dogs first three months of 2025 drives are also carried out in a scratch from a pet’s nail, it is ten minutes early but
FY 2024-25 FY 2024-25
been registered under IPC
sections 308(2) and 308(3).
in the city was pegged at
around 1.89 lakh in 2023, and
alone, there were 2,709 cases
in January, 2,309 in February
collaboration with NGOs such
as the Blue Cross Society,
reported as a dog bite," Dr
Funde added.
found the ceremony already
over.
`7.89 crore `10.82 crore
there’s barely any improve- encroachments of the road
ment in passenger facilities.” by illegal stalls and vendors,”

Leopard appears PMC issues show “We are expected to toler- Patil added.
cause notice ate discomfort while the sta-
tion authority focuses on
Meanwhile, speaking to
the FPJ, Central Railway’s
twice at Pune airport Indu Bhagat
PUNE
generating revenue from
flashy advertisements. It is
Public Relations Officer
(Pune Division) Hemant
Indu Bhagat good to earn, but at least pas- Bahera said that the rail
PUNE The Pune Municipal sengers should get benefits authorities are taking actions
Corporation (PMC) issued a from those particular earn- to make the station
A leopard was sighted twice show cause notice to a con- ings,” Pathare added. encroachment-free.
within the restricted airside tractor on Wednesday, Apr Echoing similar views, “We have given instruc-
area of Pune airport on 30 for closing Rajaram Meenakshi Kadam, a passen- tions to the RPF and
Monday—first around 7am Bridge without prior ger who frequently travels Government Railway Police
and again around 8pm— notice on Monday, Apr 28, from Pune to Mumbai, to free the railway platforms
prompting authorities to causing severe traffic con- shared security concerns. of drunkards and beggars.
intensify tracking and con- gestion. “Inadequate presence of Additionally, we are consist-
tainment efforts. Commuters were security personnel has made ently taking action against
The airside is a high-secur-
ity zone where critical aircraft
Treacherous stretch stranded for three to four
hours after the contractor
many parts of the railway
premises unsafe and an open
the illegal vendors roaming
on the railway premises.
operations such as landings, At Model Colony, the cemented Lakaki Road, which was dug up for pipeline closed the bridge connecting invitation for the drunkards, Soon, the station will be
take-offs and ground move- work over a month ago, has not yet been repaired, posing a threat to com- Sinhagad Road to Karve thieves, snatchers, beggars renovated, and things will
ments take place. In a video bait. Future plans or any muters. —Photo: Anand Chaini Road at 8am without and criminals to stay there,” be sorted,” Bahera told the
shared on X by a flyer on necessary changes will be informing the public. Kadam told the FPJ. FPJ.
Monday, the leopard can be finalised this afternoon after
seen moving across the area
with a plane nearby.
reviewing the visuals and ana-
lysing the leopard’s behaviou-
‘PCMC@50’ initiative
Following the sighting, some ral patterns. The Forest
social media users claimed
the animal had been cap-
tured, though this was later
Department and RESQ NGO
teams continue their joint
round-the-clock monitoring
PCMC’s 10 major gardens in Pimpri go cashless
refuted by officials. and search operations to Staff Reporter transaction, ensuring every
Forest officials confirmed ensure the timely and safe PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD payment is traceable and
that they are tracking the big capture of the animal. The accounted for.
cat and stepped up operations situation remains under close In a major step towards pro- Speaking about the initiat- "The introduction of POS
after the second sighting. "We observation, and necessary moting cashless transactions ive, PCMC Commissioner machines in our gardens
clarify that the leopard was updates will be provided in and enhancing transparency, Shekhar Singh said, "The marks an important
not captured last night. the evening," Mohite added. the Pimpri-Chinchwad introduction of POS milestone towards building
However, the monitoring Coincidentally, the leopard Municipal Corporation’s machines in our gardens a more transparent and
operation has been further sighting occurred on the (PCMC) Garden Department marks an important mile- accountable system. Every
intensified. Camera traps same day the Pune Airport has introduced 13 point-of- stone towards building a transaction will now leave a
have been installed at nine dif- Advisory Committee con- sale (POS) machines across more transparent and digital footprint, bringing
ferent locations, and an addi- vened a meeting to address 10 popular gardens and facil- accountable system. Every greater trust and
tional trap cage has been set, the growing concern over ities in the city. transaction will now leave a convenience for our
bringing the total number of wild animals entering the air- This is the first time POS digital footprint, bringing citizens."
trap cages to three," said port premises. machines have been installed greater trust and conveni-
Mahadev Mohite, Deputy This is not the first incident in PCMC gardens. Until now, ence for our citizens."
Conservator of Forests, Pune involving leopards in the Pune only cash has been accepted Assistant Commissioner monitor and audit garden been deployed at Bharat (one machine), Veer Savarkar machine), Thergaon Boat
Division. region. Earlier this year, two for entry fees. With the new (Garden Department) Umesh entry transactions more Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Udyan (one machine), Bird Club (one machine), Gulab
"The leopard was sighted in leopards were spotted roam- system, visitors can make Dhakane added, "The move effectively. It is a big leap in Udyan (two machines), Valley Udyan (one machine), Pushp Udyan – Office (one
two camera traps and was ing freely in the Nigdi area of payments using POS to a cashless, POS-based sys- the modernisation of our Rajmata Jijau Udyan Dnyanjyoti Savitribai Phule machine), Nehrunagar (one
observed entering one of the Pimpri-Chinchwad, alarming machines, which generate a tem will not only streamline facilities." (Dinosaur Garden) (two Udyan (one machine), machine, Central Nursery
cages, but it did not touch the residents. dynamic QR code for each operations but also help us The POS machines have machines), Durgadevi Udyan Bhosari Sahal Kendra (one (one machine).
 www.freepressjournal.in marathwada
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Friday, May 2, 2025

Briefs
MAHARASHTRA DAY | Shirsat emphasises internal unity to combat terrorism
State plans to honour
CSN
Minor’s rape
‘Maintain peace, move towards exemplary teachers
Manish Gajbhiye

progress’: Guardian Minister

government is planning to
accused booked CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR make an ‘Idol Bank’ of the
Waluj MIDC police registered teachers in the state,” Bhuse
a case against Ajay Dhoke State Education Minister said.
(25) on Tuesday for allegedly Dada Bhuse announced plans Bhuse further said that the
raping a minor girl under Manish Gajbhiye ress, Shirsat appealed. to create an “Idol Bank” recog- ideal teachers should not
false marriage promises, CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR After the flag hoisting, vari- nising outstanding teachers restrict their innovative pro-
resulting in pregnancy. The ous administrative officers and during a felicitation ceremony jects to their schools but
accused reportedly lured the “While tackling terrorism effi- employees from several depart- at Deogiri Engineering must propagate them across
victim, who had lost her ciently, it is important that ments were felicitated. District
father and whose mother peace and harmony in the Collector Swami and Sub-divi-
works in a private company. country should be maintained sional Officer Kannad were fel-
A complaint filed by the and move towards progress. icitated. The recipients of the
victim's mother led to The citizens should maintain police medals were Sandeep
charges under relevant sec- social solidarity and patriotism Atole, Swati Bhor, Ashok
tions of the Protection of by assimilating justice, equality, Bhandare, Geeta Bagwade,
Children from Sexual peace and fraternity,” opined Sharad Jogdand, Isaq Pathan,
Offences Act. Maharashtra’s Social Justice Deepak Pardeshi, Manohar
and District Guardian Minister Burud, Shaikh Habib, Sanjay
CSN Sanjay Shirsat. He was speaking Jogdand, Vishnu Ugale, College on Wednesday. The other schools in the state.
on Thursday during the main Police Virendra Mishr, Shirsat further said, India is a health, housing, education, Mushtaq Shaikh, initiative aims to document The government will take
Preamble function organised on the occa- Municipal Commissioner G big and developing nation, and rural development and other Machindranath Jadhav, Vitthal and replicate innovative note of the innovative pro-
cornerstone sion of Maharashtra Day at Sreekanth, District Collector it is making progress in all schemes. Funds have been pro- Mankape, Santosh Londhe, teaching methods across jects implemented by them
District Guardian Minister Deogiri Ground at the Police Dilip Swami, ZP CEO Ankit, CP fields. The district is achieving vided to the micro and small Shivaji Kachare, Prabhakar Maharashtra's schools. for the overall development
Sanjay Shirsat inaugurated Commissionerate here. Praveen Pawar, SP Vinaykumar progress in industries, agricul- industries. The police adminis- Raut, Kailas Gadekar, Rajendra “The role of teachers is of the students. A road map
the Constitution’s Preamble Maharashtra Legislative Rathod and other officers and ture and other sectors. A huge tration has been equipped with Chaudhary, Irfan Isaq Khan, important in nurturing the has been prepared for the
cornerstone at the District Council’s Leader of Opposition citizens were present. investment has come to the dis- the latest technology to main- Laxman Kirtikar, Sunil Belkar, future generations. The educational development of
Collectorate on May 1. MLC Ambadas Danve, MP Sandipan Earlier, the dignitaries paid trict, and employment has tain law and order. Everyone, Shakeel Ahmed, Gafar Khan teachers should be com- each district. The schools are
Sanjay Kenekar, Divisional Bhumre, former MP tributes to the martyrs of the been generated. The workers in including the government Pathan, Khaled Habib Shaikh, mitted to making their stu- being provided with the
Commissioner Dilip Chandrakant Khaire, Divisional Pahalgam terror attack and the district have been provided administration and people Afsar Khaja Shaikh, Raju dents strong in every field in physical facilities along with
Gawade, District Collector Commissioner Dilip Gawade, conveyed condolences to their various benefits amounting to from various fields, should par- Kharat, Vishwas Nagare, Ashok society. They should become the digital facilities, he
Dilip Swami, Resident Special Inspector General of family members. Rs264.45 crore, which include ticipate in this journey of prog- Pawar and Dinesh Dhage. idols for society. Hence, the added.
Deputy District Collector
Vinod Khirolkar, Deputy
District Collector Umakant
Pardhi, Eknath Bangale, and
others were present. Gangapur: Police bust sex racket Sanjay Shirsat launches AC e-bus service
CSN Manish Gajbhiye city. The police hid on the Manish Gajbhiye
Harinam CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR Gangapur Police ground and sent a dummy CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR

were not even customer to Zodge’s house.

Saptha The special squad of
aware of the raid Zodge and two women were The Smart City Bus Transport
The Akahand Harinam Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar present there. The customer Department started an air-
Saptha, organised on the Rural Police, led by Additional and the sex racket then selected one of the conditioned e-bus service for
17th anniversary of Shriram SP Annapurna Singh, have being operated in women and gave money to city passengers on
Dyanda Warkari Ashram at busted a sex racket operated this area Alka. The customer then sig- Maharashtra Day on May 1.
Pimparkheda-Gadegaon, in the Gangapur Taluka on nalled the police team, which District Guardian Minister
concluded on Saturday by Monday. Importantly, the immediately entered the Sanjay Shirsat inaugurated the
breaking the Dahi Handi. MP Gangapur Police were not Gangapur city. She used to house. service during the
Sandeepan Bhumre attend- even aware of the raid and the trace needy women and drag The police arrested Zodge Maharashtra Day function
ed the conclusion ceremony. sex racket being operated in them into the flesh trade. and a customer named Vasant held at the Deogiri Ground at
Founder president of the this area. The police have Hence, Singh ordered API Shamrao Rathod (31), a resi- the police commissionerate
Ashram, Vitthalji Maharaj arrested the owner of the ring Komal Shinde to investigate dent of Ghusar Tanda, on Thursday.
Shashtri Changhate, felici- and a customer. and conduct a raid. Kannad. The police seized The new e-buses are manu- existing buses. Hence, the pas- The service will be available route.
tated Bhumre. Namdev According to the informa- Shinde and her team on cash, mobile phones and factured with the latest facil- sengers will not have to bear from the Central Bus Stand on Similarly, 35 more e-buses
Maharaj Pokale, Vishnukant tion, Additional SP Singh Monday laid a trap near other articles, all amounting ities, are comfortable and any additional financial the Ellora route between 6am will be included in the service,
Maharaj Shashtri, Babasaheb received the information that Zodge’s house near to Rs54,000 from the accused e n v i r o n m e n t - f r i e n d l y. burden while travelling in the to 7pm. The bus will be avail- and they will run on various
Shinde and devotees were a woman named Alka Zodge Sadhanatai Patil School in and rescued the women from Moreover, the fare of these latest e-buses, the bus depot able for the passenger after routes in the city from August
present in large numbers. is running a brothel in Vishwashantinagar in Kannad the brothel. buses will be similar to the sources said. every three hours on this 2025, the sources added.

Crossword #1489

Space:
The Final
Frontier
Can you find
the words
connected in
one way or
the other with Across 30 Our star Down 23 Thin porridge
the theme 1 Large NZ parrot 31 Charge 1 2024 IPL champions 24 A long time
indicated by 4 Former US net giant: abbr. 33 Bargain 2 Rock musician Brian 27 Newts
7 Distance Measuring 36 Remain behind 3 Direct a gun 28 Cathedral head
the title in 4 Memo starter 30 Camera type
today's Word Equip. 37 Peer
5 Kimono sash 32 Circle found on a
Search? 10 Use long needles to make 38 Oise tributary
6 Line of actual control, peacock tail
a garment 39 Fetch acronym? 34 Mild and refined
The words
12 To be announced, abbr. 42 Slow run 7 Had visions in the night 35 Wisecrack
may be read
13 Tracks of wheels in soft 43 Like a ___ from the blue : or during sleep 36 Indications
horizontally,
earth rather suddenly? 8 Jeff's comic-strip 38 Angle-of-attack, abbr.
vertically or partner? 39 London TV source
15 Amorous 44 Geometrical figure
diagonally 9 Greek letters - "seat" 40 Profligate, rake
17 UP town 49 Select
either changed ? 41 Misfortunes
18 Admirer or devotee 50 Sniggler's catch
forwards or
19 Scapegoat 51 Thailand, formerly
11 Welshman (slang) 42 Jack's uphill companion
backwards, 14 Bashful or timid 44 Decimal base
20 Rub impatiently? 52 Suffix denoting place or 16 Dundee denial 45 "Bad Behaviour" star
but always in
23 Microbe ownership ? 19 Expert Stephen
straight lines.
25 Occupied 53 ___ Sarovar : bird 20 TV network 46 Concert
Use a ruler to
26 Firmly implanted sanctuary in Gujarat ? 21 Make or become silent 47 Local Area Network
cross them
29 Opp. direction to NNW 54 Wildebeest 22 Between two ports 48 Australian bird
through as you
find them.
SUDOKU
47
LAN, 48
Emu.
42
Jill, 44
Ten, 45
Rea, 46
Gig,
38
AOA, 39
BBC, 40
Roue, 41
Ills,
32
Eye, 34
Gentle, 35
Gag, 36
Signs,
Asteroid Mercury Red Dwarf 24
Eon, 27
Efts, 28
Dean, 30
SLR,
20
CBS, 21
Hush, 22
Asea, 23
Gruel,
Black Hole Meteor Saturn 11
Taffy, 14
Shy, 16
Nae, 19
Pro,
5
Obi, 6
Lac, 7
Dreamt, 8
Mutt, 9
Etas,
Comet Moon Star Down: 1
KKR, 2
Eno, 3
Aim, 4
Attn,

Earth Neptune Sun

51
Siam, 52
Ese, 53
Nal, 54
Gnu.
43
Bolt, 44
Triangle, 49
Cull, 50
Eel,
Eclipse Nova Titan
37
Earl, 38
Aisne, 39
Bring, 42
Jog,
30
Sun, 31
Fee, 33
Haggle, 36
Stay,
Europa Planet Universe 23
Germ, 25
Busy, 26
Rooted, 29
SSE,
17
Etah, 18
Fan, 19
Patsy, 20
Chafe,
Ganymede Pluto Uranus 12
TBA, 13
Ruts, 15
Romantic,
Across: 1
Kea, 4
AOL, 7
DME, 10
Knit,
Jupiter Pulsar Venus
Mars Quasar

A ........ surgeon was about to perform an operation

RIDDLER

but he found he was........ because he had .........

Each of the blank words is made from the same 7 WHAT TO DO: Fill in the grid

letters in the same order.

so that every row, every column
and every 3x3 box contains the
Answer: notable - not able - no table digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has
only one correct solution.
 www.freepressjournal.in nashik
Nashik, Friday, May 2, 2025

TRIBAL PROTEST | Elgar Sanghatana questions incomplete Jal Jeevan works

EKS protesters halt Vaitarna

Dam’s water flow to Mumbai
Prashant Nikale “There is a severe drinking
NASHIK water crisis in tribal areas.
Despite crores being sanc-
Alleging large-scale irregular- tioned, many households and
ities in the implementation of hamlets are still deprived of
the Jal Jeevan Mission, the water,” he said.
Elgar Kashtakari Sanghatana He further alleged that
on Maharashtra Day halted officers responsible for ensur-
the water supply from ing the completion of the works
Vaitarna Dam to Mumbai in before Mar 31, 2024, have failed
protest. The group had their duties and supported con-
warned of this agitation ear- tractors, resulting in project fail-
lier, citing negligence by offi-
cials and financial gains for
contractors.
ure. “According to points six
and three of the scheme, the
Gram Sevaks were account-
Jalgaon dist to be 1st
The Central Government’s
Jal Jeevan Yojana, aimed at
providing individual tap
water connections to all rural
able, yet many
Panchayats are still without
connections.
Gram

Disciplinary
action should be taken against
with 100% shelter,
households by 2024 under the
‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ cam-
paign, is progressing slowly
these officials,” he added.
The organisation has staged
numerous protests since 2024,
vows Gulabrao Patil
across Maharashtra. Though including a handa morcha on Vijay Pathak
designed to ensure a sustain- Mar 8 at the Zilla Parishad JALGAON Patil noted that Jalgaon has achieved 100%
able and efficient drinking office on International utilisation of funds under the District
water supply even in remote Women’s Day and another Guardian Minister Gulabrao
tribal areas, the scheme’s march at Mantralaya on Apr Patil on May 1 vowed to make
Annual Plan for three consecutive years
implementation remains pat- schools remain without tap been asking for investigations 14, the birth anniversary of Dr Jalgaon the first district in
chy in many villages across water supply, and some tribal into incomplete work and Babasaheb Ambedkar. “Each Maharashtra where every
Nashik district, including padas are still waiting for demanding that further bills time, we received assurances, family has a pucca (concrete) present in large numbers. At Of these, 1.07 lakh women have
Trimbak, Igatpuri, Peth, solar-based water schemes not be cleared.” but no action followed. On house. Under the Pradhan the outset, Patil paid tribute to attained the “Lakhpati Didi”
“Each time, we received Surgana, and Nashik talukas. due to lack of electricity. Madhe pointed out that the Apr 14, we were stopped at Mantri Awas Yojana, 1.09 lakh those who lost their lives in the status. A fresh target has been
assurances, but no action The guidelines require par- Bhagwan Madhe of the scheme, jointly funded by the Igatpuri railway station and households have been com- Pahalgam terrorist attack and set to help a lakh more women
followed. On Apr 14, we ticipation from the Gram Elgar Shramik Sanghatana Centre and state, has seen all handed written promises, pleted, and 1.22 lakh more are extended his condolences to achieve the same milestone this
were stopped at Igatpuri Sevak Water Supply Health said, “Many works are incom- three phases stagnate at the which also remain unful- under construction in the dis- their families. year. Patil also announced that
railway station and and Sanitation Committee. plete in Trimbak, Igatpuri, Nashik Zilla Parishad level. He filled,” Madhe said. trict. Additionally, government Highlighting developmental the District Planning
handed written promises, However, several projects Peth, and other talukas. accused local water supply The Sanghatana maintains plots have been distributed to milestones, Patil noted that Committee has approved the
which also remain have reportedly proceeded Despite repeated protests, departments of inefficiency, that unless concrete action is 25,132 beneficiaries. Jalgaon has achieved 100% util- setting up of Bahinabai Marts at
unfulfilled." without consulting these com- road blockades, and written especially in Trimbak and taken, incomplete schemes Patil made this announce- isation of funds under the 11 locations across the district.
— Bhagwan Madhe, mittees, raising concerns over demands, no action has been Igatpuri talukas, where will continue to deprive rural ment during the flag hoisting District Annual Plan for three On the water supply front,
Elgar Shramik Sanghatana transparency and account- taken against contractors or women still walk for miles and tribal populations of their ceremony held at the District consecutive years. An addi- the minister said the number of
ability. Many anganwadis and responsible officials. We have through forests to fetch water. right to clean drinking water. Police Drill Ground to mark the tional Rs70 crore has been tanker-dependent villages has
65th anniversary of the forma- approved for the current year, drastically reduced from 83 last
tion of Maharashtra. Following he said. The Guardian Minister summer to only eight as of May
the ceremony, he addressed the further stated that the target is 1, thanks to the Jaljivan Yojana.

Forest officials seize public and reviewed the dis-

trict’s development progress.
District Collector Ayush
Prasad, Zilla Parishad’s Chief
to complete all pending houses
before the onset of the mon-
soon. He reiterated his commit-
ment to ensuring no family in
He added that work is in prog-
ress to make the entire district
tanker-free.
The Rs1,115 crore Shelgaon

vehicle ferrying deer Executive Officer

Karanwal, Superintendent of
Police Maheshwar Reddy,
Minal the district is left without per-
manent shelter.
He informed that 30,000 self-
Barrage project was completed
in March 2025. As a result, 37
Dalgham water has been
Vijay Pathak Municipal Commissioner help groups have 300,000 released into the riverbed,
DHULE Dnyaneshwar Dhere, adminis- women active in the district, directly benefiting 25 villages
trative officers, elected repre- and loans worth Rs410 crore and bringing 12,000 hectares of
The Chalisgaon forest depart- sentatives, and citizens were have been disbursed to them. land under irrigation, he said.
ment chased a car carrying
five dead deer for 50 km before
the suspects abandoned the
Girish Mahajan
vehicle and fled near Dhule on emphasises
Wednesday morning.
Forest Range Officer Sheetal secure Kumbh
Nagarale and his team acted Prashant Nikale
on a tip-off about deer poach- prompting a chase. The sus- larger, potentially interna- NASHIK
ing and meat smuggling in the pects eventually halted in tional, poaching racket.
area. They intercepted the car, Dhule city and escaped on The operation was con- State Water Resources
bearing registration number foot. ducted under Jalgaon Sub- (Vidarbha, Tapi and Konkan
MH 41 C 9691, near Bilakhed Inspection of the car Forest Conservator Praveen A, Irrigation Development
village at around 4am as it revealed two male and three with Forest Range Officer Corporation) and Disaster
sped toward Dhule from female deer carcasses. The for- Sheetal Nagarale, Forester Management Minister
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar est department seized the Chandrashekhar Patil, Lalit Girish Mahajan has directed
via the Chalisgaon-Dhule vehicle and remains, launch- Patil, Ajay Mahire, Ravindra that the upcoming Kumbh
bypass road. Despite warnings ing a search for the poachers. Pawar, and Samadhan Mela in Nashik-
to stop, the driver accelerated, Authorities suspect links to a Marathe leading the effort. Trimbakeshwar should be
organised in a safe, environ-
mentally friendly and clean
manner. He also instructed
that all preparatory works
be completed on time and
that their execution be
expedited.
Minister Mahajan
reviewed the progress of
works by various depart-
ments in a meeting held at
the central hall of the
District Collector's Office in
Nashik.
The meeting was
attended by MLA Devyani
Pharande, Divisional
Commissioner Praveen
Gedam, Inspector General
of Police Dattatray Karale,
Police Commissioner
Clay pots Sandeep Karnik, District
Collector Jalaj Sharma,
With rising temperatures, the demand for clay pots is increasing in Nashik city. NMC Commissioner
Vendors are displaying various types of pots on the streets as a traditional Manisha Khatri, ZP CEO
remedy to beat the heat. —Photo: Tejal Ghorpade Ashima Mittal and others.

Patil launches dist CM Relief Fund Cell

Vijay Pathak burden by offering guidance,
JALGAON document verification, and
local-level follow-ups.
A district-level Chief The cell’s responsibilities
Minister’s Relief Fund Cell include assisting applicants
was inaugurated at the with the application process,
Jalgaon District Collectorate sharing updates on the status
on May 1 by Guardian of submitted applications,
Minister Gulabrao Patil to resolving grievances, reviewing
ensure timely financial assis- the list of eligible diseases, and
tance for the medical treat- encouraging more donations
ment of economically disad- to the fund. It will also maintain
vantaged patients. a record of hospital visits by
The move follows directives beneficiaries who receive aid.
issued by Chief Minister District Collector Ayush
Devendra Fadnavis, who had expenses is provided to needy on Apr 23, implementation Prasad, Zilla Parishad Chief
called for such cells to be patients across the state instructions were issued. Executive Officer Minal
established in every district to through the Chief Minister’s Previously, patients and Karanwal, Resident Deputy
streamline the disbursement Relief Fund. A government their families were forced to Collector Gajendra Patole,
of funds and reduce the resolution dated Feb 22, 2025, make multiple visits to the District Cell Head Dr
burden on patients travelling paved the way for the creation Mantralaya in Mumbai to Siddharth Chaudhary and
to the state capital. of district-level cells. access the relief fund. The several other senior officials
According to officials, Following a review meeting new district-level help desk is and staff were present at the
financial aid for medical chaired by the Chief Minister designed to eliminate that inauguration.
 www.freepressjournal.in

B ite
India’s regulatory frameworks must not only safeguard good governance
but also enable enterprise, encourage formalisation, and build trust in the
systems. - Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister
money Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

OUTLOOK| Trade relations, government efforts hold the key

Briefs Exports hit $825 bn in FY25
Shrivastava
Economy to grow between as shipments rise over 13%
takes charge
as Revenue
Secretary
6.5-6.7% in FY26: Deloitte
Agencies
PTI
NEW DELHI

India's exports of goods and

Revenue Secretary Arvind NEW DELHI Indicators such as services hit an all-time high of
Shrivastava on Thursday GST collections, $825 billion in 2024-25, driven
took charge as Revenue Deloitte on Thursday pro- by a record surge in the ship-
Secretary in the Finance jected economic growth at
automobile sales, ments of services that reached
Ministry. A 1994-batch IAS 6.5-6.7% for the current fiscal, and growth in sales $386.5 billion in the last fiscal
officer of the Karnataka as tax incentives provided in of FMCG suggest despite global trade head-
cadre, Shrivastava served the Budget are expected to strong underlying winds, according to the com-
as Joint Secretary and push domestic demand amid momentum in the merce ministry data. $35.6 billion compared to $30 Ralhan the data shows the
then Additional Secretary an uncertain global trade Following the release of billion in March 2024. resilience of exporters..
in the PM’s Office. environment. economy March services exports data The main sectors which However, he said that “as of
Deloitte estimated India's by the RBI, the country’s over- contributed to the growth in today, the inflow of orders is
GDP growth at 6.3-6.5% for eral agreement, total recipro- all exports for 2024-25 have exports included telecom- not goods from the US and
Power Secy FY25 and said that the econ- cal tariffs could range from a been revised to $824.9 billion munication, computer and Europe.
calls for policy omic outlook for FY26 hinges high of 26% to a more moder- from the earlier estimate of information services; trans- The US importers are wait-
dialogues on a delicate balance between impact of uncertainty in glo- in revenues, helping the gov- ate 10%. $820.93 billion, announced on port; travel; and financial ser- ing for the trade agreement
evolving trade relations and bal trade networks on the ernment adhere to its fiscal “Depending on India's abil- April 15. Total exports were vices. and this can affect our
There is a need for policy government efforts to boost Indian economy. deficit target. ity to negotiate with the US worth $778.13 billion in 2023- “According to the latest exports, he said adding the
dialogues to fast-track domestic consumer demand. “The interplay of tax stimu- “The tax exemptions and come up with a bilateral 24. release, India's total exports government should immedi-
development of pumped “Growth this fiscal will be lus and trade uncertainties announced during the budget trade agreement quickly, The data showed that ser- touched a historic $824.9 bil- ately announce an interest
storage hydroelectricity contingent on two opposing could keep growth between will increase disposable trade tariffs may potentially vices exports jumped to a rec- lion in 2024-25, growing by subvention scheme for
projects in the country forces,” said Deloitte's India 6.5% and 6.7% for the current income in the hands of the shave 0.1-0.3% off India's ord high of $387.5 billion in 6.01% over the previous year's exporters.
with a focus on reviewing Economy Outlook. The first fiscal year,” it added. young population with higher growth,” Majumdar said. 2024-25, registering a robust $778.1 billion,” a ministry Ralhan said that interest
procedural delays in such factor would be the positive The government in the income elasticity,” Deloitte A bilateral trade agreement 13.6% growth over $341.1 bil- release stated. rates are high in the country
projects, Power secretary impact of tax incentives aimed FY26 Budget has announced a India Economist Rumki between India and the US by lion in 2023-24. Commenting on the data, and to become competitive in
Pankaj Agarwal said on at growing consumer spend- tax incentive of Rs 1 lakh Majumdar said. the fall, will help India find In March, services ship- Federation of Indian Export the global markets, “we need a
Thursday. The senior min- ing (as announced in the crore, which would benefit With regard to trade uncer- new opportunities and tap ments rose by 18.6 per cent to Organisations (FIEO) SC minimum 5% subvention”.
istry official was address- Union Budget 2025). The sec- the middle class. Despite this, tainties, Deloitte said depend- into the US market amidst glo-
ing a 'Brainstorming ond and opposing force would higher economic activity is ing on how effectively India bal trade uncertainties,
Session on Pumped be the potential negative expected to offset the decline navigates the upcoming bilat- Deloitte said.
Storage Projects: Powering
India's Renewable Future'
organised by THDC India
Sebi chief rules out aptitude
and Central Electricity
Authority in association
Domestic coal Mkts record 2nd straight monthly test for retailers in F&O trade
with NTPC in the national production
capital.
rises 4% in Apr gain in April; Sensex jumps 4% PTI
NEW DELHI
But applying this to millions of
retail traders would be a dif-
Agencies of stocks after correction in Sensex surged 4,216.82 points ferent challenge altogether.
India, EU MUMBAI the market in the past few or 5.76 %, and the Nifty Markets regulator Sebi Chief
eyeing trade months also revived the buy- climbed 1,394.65 points. Tuhin Kanta Pandey has ruled ‘Sufficient checks,
agreement The BSE Sensex jumped ing activity. The 30-share BSE Markets performed well out the possibility of an apti- balances there to tackle
nearly 4% last month showing benchmark gauge Sensex last month, driven by reduced tude test for retail traders frauds’
India and the European resilience amid recent geo- jumped 2,827.32 points or tariff risks, a potential US- wanting to participates in the India has sufficient checks
Union (EU) are working political concerns, as return of 3.65% last month, while the India trade deal, and strong F&O segment, saying it is and balances to tackle frauds,
towards a commercially foreign investors to the NSE Nifty surged 814.85 points FII inflows. “Markets impractical and prone to and nobody should have the
meaningful trade agree- PTI domestic market, prediction or 3.46 %. Investors' wealth remianed resilient April, regulatory overreach. any of those things.” He impression that “systems are
ment that would open up NEW DELHI of an above-normal rainfall in rallied by Rs 10.37 lakh crore despite global concerns and Sebi had earlier introduced explained the concerns of not working” whenever any
markets for goods and the upcoming southwest to Rs 4,23,24,763.25 crore tensions with Pakistan, could measures in November last practicality and effectiveness scam comes to light.
services to each other's The country's domestic coal monsoon and optimism sur- ($4.98 trillion) in April. be attributed to several sup- year in a bid to curb excess behind such proposals. Sebi chief said generally
businesses. Commerce production increased by 3.6 rounding a potential India-US This is the second straight porting factors,” Puneet speculation in derivatives. “Number one, we have to also there is a tendency to be
and Industry Minister per cent to 81.57 million trade deal boosted sentiment. monthly gain for the market Singhania, Director at Master These regulatory steps came see, will it be a regulatory influenced by anecdotal evi-
Piyush Goyal is in Brussels tonnes (MT) in April. Moreover, easing valuations benchmarks. In March, the Trust Group, said. in the wake of a Sebi study overreach? Will you be able to dence and form perceptions
to discuss progress of the India’s domestic coal output that revealed a staggering 9 effectively do it?, he told PTI in on frauds without going into
the proposed free trade was 78.71 MT in the corre- out of 10 retail investors lose an exclusive interview. the statistics.
agreement between India sponding month of the money while trading in F&O He clarified, Sebi already “There are checks and bal-
and the 27-nation bloc. preceding fiscal. ATF price cut by 4%, commercial LPG rates reduced instruments. has certification mechanisms ances happening; the
“The overall coal production When asked about the for specific market partici- exchanges are first line regula-
i India during April 2025 PTI reduced by Rs 3,954.38/kilo- from Rs 83,575.42, while those industry’s suggestion of intro- pants. "I mean, we do have for tors, a lot of disclosures are
Zoho shelves reached 81.57 MT (provi- NEW DELHI litre, or 4.4% to Rs 85,486.80 in Chennai and Kolkata were ducing tests for retail inves- specific players, those who are happening, a lot of auditors
$700 million sional), marking an increase per kl in New Delhi, home to reduced to Rs 88,494.52 and tors before permitting them registered with the system, we are doing their job. So let us
chip plan over the 78.71 MT produced The price of jet fuel, or ATF, one of the busiest airports in Rs 88,237.05 per kl, respect- to trade in risky derivative do have this. Like for example, not think that... the systems
in the corresponding period was reduced by 4.4 per cent the country. ively. products, Pandey clarified the NISM certification is there for are really not working,”
Software major Zoho has of the previous year,” the coal on Thursday, marking the sec- The price cut follows a steep Oil firms also reduced the regulator's stance. “Right now, several. Like you are a regis- Pandey told PTI in an inter-
put its ambitious $700 mil- ministry said in a statement. ond major cut within a month. 6.15% (Rs 5,870.54 per kl) price of commercial LPG by we aren't really considering tered advisor or an IA or RA." view.
lion semiconductor chip Production from captive Additionally, the price of reduction effected on April 1. Rs 14.50 per 19-kg cylinder.
manufacturing project on and other mines during last commercial LPG used in These two reductions have Commercial LPG now costs
hold, and the company's month stood at 14.51 MT (pro- hotels and restaurants was effectively offset the price Rs 1,747.50 in the national capi-
Co-founder Sridhar
Vembu on Thursday said
visional), registering an
increase from 11.46 MT
lowered by Rs 14.50/ cylinder,
in line with international
increases that occurred ear-
lier this year.
tal and Rs 1,699 in Mumbai.
The reduction follows a Rs
Centre to review restoration of PDS
they were not confident recorded in the same period benchmarks. The Aviation The ATF price in Mumbai 41 per cylinder cut in rates
enough in the current a year ago. Turbine Fuel (ATF) price was was cut to Rs 79,855.59 per kl effected on April 1. wheat supply after procurement ends
technology path to pro-
ceed. Vembu explained PTI When asked if the govern- Partial restoration began in
that since chip fabrication NEW DELHI ment will fully restore wheat October 2024, with an addi-
is a highly capital-inten-
sive business, it needs
VIABILITY & FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE PM Modi to The Centre will review the
supply under PDS in view of
bumper harvest, Food
tional allocation of 35 lakh
tonnes until March 2025.
strong government sup- commission restoration of wheat entitle- Secretary Sanjeev Chopra on The Secretary said the gov-
port.
.
‘One State One RRB’ comes into effect Vizhinjam ments under the Public
Distribution System (PDS)
said, “We will have to wait
until the procurement is over.
ernment has procured 256.31
lakh tonnes of wheat as of
Agencies
NEW DELHI
cost rationalization. Post the
latest amalgamation, there
port today after the ongoing procure-
ment drive concludes, accord-
So far, 256 lakh tonnes of
wheat have been purchased.
April 30, up 24.78% from
205.41 lakh tonnes in the cor-
UCO Bank will be 28 RRBs in 26 states PTI ing to a top food ministry offi- We will get a clear picture responding period last year.
targets 12-14% The finance ministry on and 2 UTs with more than NEW DELHI cial.. after the procurement oper- The government has set a tar-
credit growth Thursday said from May 1, 28 22,000 branches covering 700 The agriculture ministry ation is over.” In 2022, the gov- get of 312 lakh tonnes for the
RRBs with over 22,000 districts. Their predominant PM Narendra Modi will has projected a record wheat ernment reduced wheat 2025-26 rabi marketing sea-
Aiming at a disciplined branches spanning across 700 area of operation is in rural officially commission the production of 115 million supply through PDS following son. “Procurement has been
and sustainable growth districts will function across areas with approximately 92% Vizhinjam International tonnes for the 2024-25 crop a significant drop in procure- smooth and good so far. We
path, UCO Bank has set a the country as 'One State One of branches in rural or semi Seaport on Friday, placing year (July-June). The Food ment, substituting it with rice are hopeful of achieving close
credit growth target of RRB' comes into effect. urban areas. In the previous Kerala firmly on the global Ministry is aiming to procure These reductions continued to the target of 312 lakh
12-14% for FY26, with “Amalgamation of 26 three phases--Phase-I (2006- maritime map. 31.2 million tonne. through 2023 and into 2024. tonne,” Chopra added.
continued focus on the Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) 2010) number of RRBs was The deep-water port has
retail, agriculture, and in 11 States/UT takes effect the amalgamation of RRBs. reduced from 196 to 82, Phase- been developed by Adani
MSME segments that from today, marking a signifi- Considering the improvement 2 (2013-2015) number of RRBs Ports, under a public-pri-
comprise 62% of its loan
book. The lender will pur-
cant step toward strong RRBs,
better governance, improved
in the efficiency of the RRBs
due to amalgamations in the
was reduced from 82 to 56 and
Phase-3 (2019-2021) the
vate partnership.
Vizhinjam is India's first
Hiring activity Power consumption grows by
sue selective corporate credit flow and financial inclu- past, the MoF rolled out an number of RRBs were dedicated transshipment up 9% in April 2.2% to 147.48 bn units in April
lending opportunities, sion,” Department of amalgamation plan in reduced from 56 to 43. RRBs port and also the country's
focusing on bankable Financial Services said in a November 2024 for consulta- were established to develop first semi-automated port. PTI PTI
proposals that meet its post on X. tion with stakeholders. the rural economy by provid- Until now, about 75% NEW DELHI NEW DELHI
internal benchmarks. It On April 8, the Department of After consultation with stake- ing, for the development of India's transshipment con-
reported a strong 17.7% Financial Services notified the holders, amalgamation of 26 agriculture, trade, commerce, tainers were handled by White-collar hiring in India India's power consumption
credit growth in FY25, amalgamation of 26 RRBs on RRBs in 10 States and 1 UT industry and other productive Colombo Port in Sri Lanka, witnessed a healthy start to rose marginally by 2.2% to
surpassing both its own the principles of 'One State have been carried out with activities in the rural areas, leading to significant losses FY 2025-26, registering a 9% 147.48 billion units in April
guidance and the indus- One RRB'. primary focus on improve- credit and other facilities, to in foreign exchange and y-o-y growth in April, accord- compared to 144.28 billion
try average. This was the fourth phase of ment in scale efficiency and small and marginal farmers. revenue. ing to a report on Thursday. units in the same month last
The report by job portal year, according to official data. peratures from April to June,
MSMEs Naukri showed the growth
was driven by several sectors,
The highest supply in a day
also rose to 235.19 GW last
with more heatwave days in
central and eastern India and

Export promotion mission may have 12-pt plan to push exports with pharma (+14%), real
estate (+11%), GCCs (+10%) and
month from 224.05 GW in
April 2024.
the northwestern plains.
Minimum temperatures will
oil and gas (+9%) emerging as The peak power demand be higher than usual across
PTI Under first category, six sub- initiative; facilitating export primary contributors to the touched an all-time high of most of the country, except for
NEW DELHI schemes are under consider- logistics and overseas ware- hiring momentum. about 250 GW in May 2024. a few places in the northwest
ation; the Niryat Rin Vikas housing; global outreach for The IT/Software Services The previous all-time high and the northeast where tem-
The Commerce Ministry's Sub-Scheme for MSMEs and branding exports; export sector witnessed +3% hiring peak power demand of 243.27 peratures may be normal or
Export Promotion Mission new exporters; support for planning and development for growth in April. Demand was GW was recorded in slightly below normal.
(EPM) is expected to feature emerging export opportun- districts and clusters; R&D particularly robust for September 2023. The heat wave arrived
up to 12 components, includ- ities; support for trade instru- support sub-scheme for India specialised roles, with the hir- The peak power demand is much earlier in 2025 than last
ing easy credit schemes for ments for MSMEs; collateral Centre for Lab Grown ing of full stack data scientists expected to touch 277 GW in year. In 2024, India reported
MSME, e-comm exporters, support for export credit for Diamond at IIT Madras, (+30%), Big Data testing the summer of 2025. Experts its first heat wave in Odisha on
facilitation of overseas ware- MSME exporters; e-com- Chennai. engineers (+26%), and data say that power demand and April 5, but parts of the
housing, and global branding merce export credit card sub- The collateral support for platform specialists (+28%) consumption are likely to Konkan and coastal
initiatives, to tap emerging a presentation on this mission this before finalising the scheme and BharatTradeNET. export credit for MSME seeing strong traction. increase in May, which is Karnataka experienced heat
export opportunities and to the representatives of schemes under this mission. Similarly in the NIRYAT exporters sub-scheme's objec- Hiring activity among uni- expected to be hotter than waves as early as February 27-
strengthen trade tools for export promotion councils The EPM is divided into two DISHA initiative, there are tive is to provide back-up col- corns (+15%) outpaced that of usual. 28 this year.
small businesses, an industry and other key stakeholders on broad categories-Providing also six elements. lateral upwards of 80% or as foreign MNCs, underscoring According to the According to experts, India
official said.. April 30. Trade Finance Support and These are Technical regula- decided by the collateral sup- sustained demand across Meteorological Department, should prepare for a peak
The Directorate General of The DGFT has also sought Driving International Holistic tions and compliance rnable- port agency to MSMEs and e- emerging, digital-first enter- India is expected to experi- electricity demand growth of
Foreign Trade (DGFT) showed the views of the councils on Market Access Initiative. ment; focussed market access commerce exporters. prises. ence hotter-than-usual tem- 9-10% this summer season.
 www.freepressjournal.in money
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Briefs Adani Ent Q4 PAT jumps 7.4x APSEZ PAT jumps 50% in Q4
Briefs FPJ News Service Wilmar stake sale, the net sustainability. Impressive
FPJ News Service
MUMBAI
“Our record-breaking per-
formance in FY25-crossing Rs
ports and logistics platform.
The company said its all-India
JPV Q4 net MUMBAI profit came at Rs 1,313 crore. growth across our incubating 11,000 crore in net profit and cargo market share for FY25
profit dives The strong performance was businesses reflects the power India’s top private port oper- handling 450 million tonnes increased to 27% (26.5% in
73% to `156 cr Billionaire Gautam Adani’s
group’s flagship company
driven by the company's incu-
bator businesses-solar and
of disciplined execution,
future-focused investments
ator Adani Ports and Special
Economic Zone (APSEZ) has
cargo-is a testament to the
power of integrated thinking
FY24). Container market share
increased to 45.5% (44% in
Jaiprakash Power Adani Enterprises Ltd on wind manufacturing and air- and a commitment to oper- reported a 50% jump in its net and flawless execution,” said FY24).
Ventures Ltd (JPVL) on Thursday announced a 7.5 ports, which are expected to be ational excellence, innovation profit for the quarter ended Ashwani Gupta, CEO of Mundra became the first
Thursday reported an over times jump in its Q4 net profit the next large value creators and sustainability.” He said that March 31, 2025. APSEZ. Indian port to cross 200 million
73 per cent decline in net on the back of one-time gain for the group. as the company scales up its The company has also issued “We have outperformed gui- tonnes of annual cargo volume
profit to Rs 155.67 crore from stake sale in consumer EBITDA for these two busi- fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), the energy transition, airports, a higher y-o-y revenue growth dance across all metrics, in a single year. Just four
for the March 2025 goods venture, and strong nesses increased 73% and 44%, net profit of Rs 7,099 crore data centres and mining ser- forecast for FY25-26, citing a expanded our footprint across months after becoming oper-
quarter due to lower growth in solar manufacturing respectively, during the compared with Rs 3,240.78 vices, it is creating new market strong growth in port volumes India and globally, and trans- ational, Vizhinjam port crossed
income. It had posted Rs and airports. quarter, lifting the consoli- crore of the previous financial leaders that will drive India's and robust rise in logistics busi- formed our logistics and mar- the 1,00,000 monthly TEUs
588.79 crore net profit Net profit of Rs 3,845 crore dated EBITDA by 19% to Rs year. growth story for decades to ness. Net profit of Rs 3,025 ine verticals into engines of milestone in March 2025.
during the January-March in January-March-the fourth 4,346 crore for Q4. This per- “At Adani Enterprises, we come. "Each success across our crore in the fourth quarter of future growth.” Logistics handled container
period of the preceding quarter of April 2024 to March formance by the emerging are building businesses that incubation spectrum acceler- April 2024 to March 2025 fiscal From flagship Mundra ports volumes of 0.64 million TEUs
2023-24 fiscal, the com- 2025 fiscal year -compared infrastructure businesses offset will define the way forward for ates our mission to create long- year-compared with Rs 2,015 in Gujarat crossing 200 million (up 8% y-o-y) and bulk cargo of
pany said in an exchange with Rs 450.58 crore earnings the drop in trading business India's infrastructure and term value and catalyses crore earnings in the same tonnes, to Vizhinjam in Kerala 21.97 million tonnes (up 9% y-o-
filing. The company's total in the same period a year back. due to a fall in commodity, energy sector,” said Gautam India's emergence as a global period a year back. Cargo rapidly achieving 1,00,000 y) in FY25. Operating revenue
income shrunk to Rs The profit rise was helped mainly coal prices and vol- Adani, chairman of the Adani economic powerhouse.” handled by APSEZ-operated 15 TEUs of container traffic, to the grew by 16% to Rs 31,079 crore
1,366.67 crore from Rs by a Rs 3,286 crore gain made umes, down 38% y-o-y. The Group. The company said it is ports soared 8 per cent to 118 strategic acquisitions of NQXT in FY25. Domestic ports rev-
1,863.63 crore in the year- from the sale of stake in mining business witnessed a “Our robust performance in expanding its solar manufac- million tonnes in Q4 and by 7% and Astro Offshore-every mile- enue increased 12% to Rs 22,740
ago quarter. Wilmar. After adjusting for 30% year-on-year jump in dis- FY25 is a direct outcome of our turing capacity by 150% or 6 to 450 million tonnes in the full stone reflects long-term vision crore while logistics revenue
one-time gain from the patch for the quarter. For full strengths in scale, speed and GW to 10 GW. fiscal (2024-25). to become the world's largest increased 39% to Rs 2,881 crore.
Britannia Ind
gets `25 cr
demand from
tax authority Competitiveness must for Maruti, Mahindra sustain sales momentum
Britannia Industries Ltd on in April amid tough market environment
Thursday said it has
received an order from the
GST authority demanding
resilience, says Sitharaman PTI
NEW DELHI
the fourth position.
Maruti Suzuki India
around 1.42 lakh units, which is
better than April 2024," MSI
over Rs 25 crore pertain- PTI ness," the minister said. reported a 1 per cent year-on- Senior Executive Officer
ing to classification of a KOLKATA Sitharaman further said Amid challenging market year increase in total domestic (Marketing & Sales) Partho
product sold by it and that improving ease of doing environment, Maruti Suzuki dispatches (including PVs and Banerjee stated. Retail sales
input tax credit in respect Finance and Corporate Affairs business is a key component India and Mahindra & LCV Super Carry) last month at have also kept pace, reaching
of certain goods. In a Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of the vision to ensure India Mahindra reported an increase 1,42,053 units. Its total domestic around 1.44 lakh units, he
regulatory filing, the com- on Thursday said the most becomes a global economic in vehicle dispatches to dealers passenger vehicle sales rose added.
pany said the Additional effective path for building powerhouse. last month while Tata Motors marginally to 1,38,704 units from 56,953 units a year ago. Mahindra & Mahindra
Commissioner of CGST & economic resilience is to build She said that the govern- and Hyundai saw a year-on- compared to 1,37,952 units in Utility vehicles, consisting of (M&M) said its utility vehicle
CX, Kolkata North, has domestic efficiencies and Bhavan' in New Town here. ment remains committed to year drop in sales. Interestingly, the year-ago month. Brezza, Ertiga, Grand Vitara sales surged 28% to 52,330 units
passed an order covering competitiveness. "In this phase of a rapidly simplifying business regula- Mahindra & Mahindra and Sales of mini segment cars, and XL6, clocked sales of 59,022 in the domestic market last
tax periods from July 2017 The government sees the evolving global policy land- tions to encourage entrepre- Tata Motors moved up the comprising Alto and S-Presso, units last month compared to month against 41,008 units in
to March 2023. private sector as a trusted co- scape with a number of neurship, strengthening insti- ladder to the second and third dropped to 6,332 units against 56,553 units earlier. the year-ago period.
partner in development, she imponderables, our convic- tutions that promote fairness positions, respectively, last 11,519 units in April last year. "Despite a challenging mar- Tata Motors reported a 6%
JSW New said while addressing the tion is that the most effective and accountability in corpor- month in the domestic passen- Dispatches of compact cars, ket environment and no new dip in its passenger vehicle
officers of Ministry of path to building economic ate governance, and suppor- ger vehicle segment while including Baleno, Celerio, model launches, we have man- sales, including EVs, in the
Energy, UPPCL Corporate Affairs after inau- resilience is to build domestic ting a culture of innovation pushing long-time number two Dzire, Ignis, Swift and WagonR, aged to maintain our perform- domestic market at 45,199
ink pact gurating the 'Corporate efficiencies and competitive- and skill development. player, Hyundai Motor India to however, rose to 61,591 units ance, with wholesales of units.
JSW Energy on Thursday
said its subsidiary JSW Neo
Energy Ltd has signed an
agreement with Uttar
Pradesh Power
Dixon, Inventec India set to be entertainment Jubilant Beverages Eternal Q4 profit falls 78%
Corporation Ltd for the form JV to get CCI nod to FPJ News Service
procurement of pumped
hydro energy storage.
manufacture hub of world: Mukesh Ambani acquire 40%
stake in HCCH
MUMBAI

"JSW Neo Energy has PCs and PTI the next decade. This growth Food delivery and quick com-
signed a pumped hydro NEW DELHI will drive entrepreneurship, PTI merce firm Eternal (which
storage power procure- servers in India generate millions of jobs, and NEW DELHI owns the Zomato and Blinkit
ment agreement (PHSPPA) PTI India's media and entertain- create a ripple effect across brands) on Thursday reported
with Uttar Pradesh Power NEW DELHI ment industry revenues are set sectors," he said while speak- CCI on Thursday cleared a 78% fall its consolidated net Eternal shuts Zomato
Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) to grow by nearly four-fold to ing at the inaugural session of Jubilant Beverages' proposal profit at Rs 39 crore for the Quick, Everyday food
for procurement of 1,500 Electronics manufacturing cross USD 100 billion in the the WAVES 2025 conference. to acquire a 40 per cent stake fourth quarter ended March delivery services
MW / 12,000 MWh of services company Dixon next decade, billionaire The world-class digital in Hindustan Coca-Cola 31, 2025. The company, which Eternal Ltd announced on
pumped hydro energy stor- Technologies has entered into Mukesh Ambani said on infrastructure built on 5G is Holdings Pvt Ltd (HCCH). rebranded itself as Eternal in Thursday that it was shutting
age," the company said. a joint venture agreement Thursday. he said. the country's "secret weapon", "The proposed combination March, had posted a net profit down Zomato Quick and
with Taiwanese IT hardware Speaking at the govern- Ambani, whose group con- Ambani said, adding that soon relates to inter alia, JBL of Rs 175 crore in the year-ago Everyday businesses. In a
giant Inventec Corporation ment-promoted WAVES here, trols Network18 - one of India's it will be elevated to 6G. (Jubilant Beverages Ltd) pro- period. post-March quarter earnings
Sundram for manufacturing personal Ambani, whose company con- largest media conglomerates - Ambani said Jio's partner- posed acquisition of 40 per Notably, the brand name of shareholders' letter,
Fasteners computers, components and trols a sizable part of the sector, as well as digital platforms, ship with Disney to run the cent of the shareholding of the company’s food delivery Deepinder Goyal said the
posts `134 cr servers in India.
The joint venture, Dixon IT
said the day is not far when the
country becomes the enter-
entertainment channels and
content streaming platforms,
over-the-top platform Hotstar
"marks the dawn of a new era
HCCH from Hindustan Coca-
Cola Overseas Holdings Pte
business Zomato remains the
same, along with the app.
company was not seeing the
path to profitability in these
profit in Q4 Devices Private Limited, will tainment hub of the world. said the fusion of storytelling in digital storytelling". Ltd, and Bharat CocaCola However, the name of the cor- without compromising on
Sundram Fasteners Ltd focus on manufacturing note- India is one of the most and digital technologies has India has to invest in content Overseas Holdings Pte Ltd," porate entity has been customer experience. Goyal
reported a standalone net book PC products, desktop populous countries in the created a strategic and econ- clusters, train talented young- the Competition Commission changed to Eternal along with said the current restaurant
profit of Rs 134.37 crore PC products, including com- world, and once, it becomes omic opportunity. sters in animation and visual of India (CCI) said in a release. the stock ticker. density and kitchen infra-
for the January-March ponents, and servers within the third largest economy glo- "India's media and enter- effects and create an enabling HCCH is a holding company The Deepinder Goyal-led structure are not set up for
2025 quarter, driven by India, according to a regula- bally, its media and entertain- tainment industry is today regulatory environment with no independent activities firm's revenue from oper- delivering orders in 10 min-
strong financial discipline tory filing. ment sector has the potential valued at USD 28 billion. It can that rewards inclusion and in India and belongs to the The ations in the January-March utes which led to inconsistent
and best practices in "Dixon Technologies to be the largest in the world, grow to over USD 100 billion in imagination. Coca-Cola Company group. quarter was at Rs 5,833 crore. customer experience.
quality management and (India) Limited ("Company")
automation. The city- has on 30 April 2025 entered
headquartered company into a Joint Venture
had registered a profit of
Rs 132.54 crore during the
Agreement with Inventec
Corporation and Dixon IT
OYO to enter F&B with Warburg Pincus
seeks CCI nod to YouTube plans to invest `850 crore
corresponding quarter of
last financial year.
Devices Private Limited, ("JV
Company"), a wholly owned
in-house kitchens, QSR carts buy 10% stake in
to boost Indian content creators
IDFC First Bank
NRAI and
subsidiary of the Company
("JV Agreement") for govern- in company-serviced hotels PTI PTI WAVES here.
ing inter-se relationship of PTI and website, as well as online NEW DELHI MUMBAI Indian creators exemplify
ONDC refute the Company and Inventec NEW DELHI travel agents, by selecting the what is special about India--
speculative Corporation in respect of "Kitchen Services" option. Warburg Pincus has sought YouTube plans to invest over the ability to share history, cul-
operation and management OYO on Thursday said it plans The kitchen setup would CCI's approval to acquire 10% Rs 850 crore to accelerate the ture, and passion with viewers
reports of the JV Company," the filing to enter the food and beverage vary from a full-fledged com- stake in IDFC First Bank. growth of Indian creators, art- in every corner of the world,
Reaffirming strong part- said. business with in-house mercial kitchen for an exten- Warburg Pincus through its ists, and media companies, its Mohan said.
nership, the National Under the terms of the kitchens and QSR carts at its sive menu or a pantry setup arm Currant Sea Investments CEO Neal Mohan said on YouTube will invest over Rs Stating that Prime Minister
Restaurant Association of agreement, Dixon company-serviced hotels. for essential food items, based BV will acquire the stake in Thursday. He also said that last 850 crore to accelerate the Narendra Modi's visionary
India (NRAI) and the Open Technologies will hold a 60 The QSR initiative, under on the individual hotel profile IDFC First Bank. "The acquirer year content produced in India growth of Indian creators, art- leadership has made India a
Network for Digital per cent stake in the joint brand name 'Townhouse Cafe', and back-end infrastructure. (Currant Sea Investments B V) racked up 45 billion hours of ists, and media companies. beacon for creators all over the
Commerce (ONDC) on venture, while Inventec will focus on the 'Townhouse "The F&B initiative is a result proposes to acquire up to watch time from viewers out- And these aren't just numbers, world, which is evident by his
Thursday refuted media Corporation will own the by OYO' branded hotels. It will of consistent consumer feed- 9.99% of the paid up share side of the country while in the they're tangible impact, forg- own remarkable digital pres-
reports which claimed remaining 40 per cent. cover 1,500 company-serviced back that the hotels should capital (on a fully diluted basis) last three years alone, YouTube ing countless career and busi- ence, he said "with over 25 mil-
that the restaurant body The agreement includes hotels during the first phase of provide in-room dining of IDFC First Bank by way of has paid more than Rs 21,000 ness pathways for a vibrant lion subscribers on YouTube,
has paused or withdrawn provisions for board repre- the programme in FY2025-26. options as well. The pro- subscription to 81,26,94,722 crore to creators, artists, and new India," Mohan said at a the Prime Minister has the lar-
from its engagement with sentation, with Dixon nomi- Besides, guests can order gramme is expected to compulsorily convertible media companies all across session on 'Powering the gest YouTube following of any
the e-commerce platform. nating three directors and meals through online plat- increase customer satisfaction cumulative preference shares," India. Creator Economy in India', at head of government in the
Media reports cited oper- Inventec two. forms, including the OYO app scores. a notice filed with the CCI said. "In the next two years, the inaugural day of the world".
ational instability and a
lack of strategic commit-
ment by ONDC, to claim MMR SRA (Thane) website
that NRAI paused its plans
to onboard members onto
the platform.
‘Form 16’ revised version to Cognizant to hire over available for citizens
umbai Metropolitan guidelines of GIGW. On this

Azad Engg
unveils lean
make ITR filing hassle-free 20,000 freshers in 2025 PTI and innovation agenda.
M Region Slum
Rehabilitation
Authority (MMR SRA) Chief
website, a total of 22 ser-
vices of the authority have
been notified, and links to
Manoj Yadav details, deductions, and NEW DELHI "As we stated at our Executive Officer Parag the Maharashtra Public
mfg facility MUMBAI TDS—are readily available. If Investor Day, we are hiring Soman has directed all Service Right Act-2015,
Azad Engineering has extra tax has been deducted US IT firm Cognizant, which 20,000 freshers as part of our officers of the authority to Right to Information Act-
inaugurated Exclusive Filing Income Tax Returns from the salary, you can claim has a huge employee base in strategy, which is more than implement the 7-point 2005, circulars of the auth-
Lean Manufacturing (ITR) can be tricky for salaried a refund while filing ITR. India, has announced plans to double what we did last year," action plan. The user- ority and the Maharashtra
Facility at its new plant in individuals, but the updated Form 16 makes it easy to see if hire 20,000 freshers in 2025 -- Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S friendly website of the auth- Slum Act 1971 have been
Tunikibollaram IP, version of Form 16 will make you are eligible for a refund. a move intended to reshape said. ority (https://srammr.maha- made available. Apart from
Hyderabad. This facility the process much easier. cial year, and how much tax Banks and foreign embassies the company's talent pyramid, This year, Kumar noted that rashtra.gov.in/) is part of its this, other updated informa-
will serve and support the Issued by the employer, the was deducted (TDS) from it. often ask for Form 16 as proof particularly to support man- the company plans to hire 100-day programme. tion of public use has been
supply of highly engin- Form 16 includes details of It’s given once a year, usually of income and tax payment as aged services and AI-led soft- many more fresh graduates to Instructions were given to made available. Also, an
eered and complex rotat- one’s salary and tax deduc- after March. it strengthens the financial ware development. build a stronger workforce make an updated website online “Rent Management
ing and stationary Airfoils tions. Understanding its Form 16 (Part A and Part B) credibility. While the company's over- pyramid, especially since providing information about System” has been started by
for advanced nuclear, importance can help you file clearly mentions one’s total The I-T dept cross checks all headcount remained managed services projects the authority available to the the Authority for the rent
industrial and thermal returns smoothly, claim income and the taxes already the data in your ITR with nearly flat compared to pre- have increased over the past “common citizens” immedi- related complaints of the
power turbine engines, refunds, and stay compliant paid to the government. This what’s reported by your vious quarter at 3,36,300, two years. ately in accordance with the slumdweller in the scheme,
meeting GE Vernova’s with tax rules. Form 16 is a is helpful when filing Tax employer in Form 16. If both Cognizant's leadership high- "But it also comes equally action plan programme. now the slumdweller will not
global demand in the certificate issued by the Returns, and it’s as official match, there are fewer lighted the strategic impor- with a overhead of carrying The NIC has prepared the have to visit the office to
power generation and employer. It shows how much proof. In the form, all the chances of notices or issues tance of talent amplification as higher bench at a lower cost website with updated complain about the rent and
essential industries. salary one earned in a finan- important numbers—salary later. the firm accelerates its growth and actually offshore," he said. information as per the can complain online.
 CORPORATE CONNECT
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025
www.freepressjournal.in

corporate gallery whispersinthecorridors

SM Ramanathan appointed MP Transco completes OPGW Dr Suresh Mehrotra
Director (Engineering, R&D), on Singaji-Pithampur 400 kV
BHEL Line
On his appointment as Director on
the Board of Bharat Heavy Electri-
cals Limited (BHEL), Mr. SM Ra-
manathan, 58, has assumed
charge as Director ( Engineering,
Research & Development ) of the
public sector engineering and
manufacturing enterprise.
Mr. Ramanathan is a Mechanical
Engineering graduate from IIT
Madras, with an M. Tech in Stress
and Vibration Analysis and ICWA Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP
(Cost Accounts). He is also a Fellow member of the Insti- Transco) has successfully completed the long-pending
tute of Cost Accountants of India. He started his career installation of OPGW (Optical Fiber Ground Wire) on the : Lahaul and Spiti: Women in all key : Alok Joshi heads new National
with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company's High 400 kV double circuit transmission line connecting the administrative Security Advisory Board
Pressure Boiler Plant (HPBP) , Tiruchirappalli, in 1988 and Sant Singaji Thermal Power Plant (Khandwa) to Pitham- positions Alok Joshi, former R&AW Chief will
was awarded the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989. pur. This project, delayed due to serious Right of Way Lahaul & Spiti in be new Chairman of the new
Mr. Ramanathan has 37 years of diverse and extensive ex- (ROW) issues, was completed with the active support of Himachal Pradesh has a National Security Advisory Board.
perience across many major functions of the company, the Khargone district administration. This technical unique example of He is former 1976 batch IPS officer of Haryana
which include Engineering, Design, R&D, Strategic Man- achievement not only secures the transmission line women empowerment. cadre. He will lead the seven-member board
agement and diverse areas of Operations including Com- against lightning strikes but also paves the way for high-
Kangana Ranaut is an MP comprising retired officers from the armed forces,
mercial, Materials Management, Maintenance, speed data transmission. MP Transco’s Superintending
Production, Field Engineering Services, etc. as well as dif- Engineer, Mrs. Neelam Khanna, stated that the work had from the Mandi Lok police service, and foreign service. Former Western
ferent core areas of Finance in various capacities across been pending for five years due to severe ROW problems Sabha constituency under which the district as Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former
the entire value chain in BHEL's manufacturing units at in a 4-kilometer stretch passing through the villages of well as the Lahaul and Spiti Assembly Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh, and
Ranipet, Tiruchirappalli and Bhopal. Satajana and Kalbarad in Sanawad Tehsil of Khargone constituency falls, while Anuradha Rana is a local Rear Admiral Monty Khanna all from the military
district. To complete this complex task, MP Transco offi- MLA. Kiran Bhadana, a 2017-batch IAS officer, has services now part of the board. Two retired IPS
cials maintained constant coordination with district and
The Department of Posts, police authorities. The installation was carried out in the
been appointed as the first woman deputy
commissioner of the remote tribal district. lma
officers Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh -
and B Venkatesh Varma, a retired officer from the
Maharashtra Circle, presence of Tehsildar Mr. Mukesh Machar, Naib Tehsildar
Mr. Praveen Singh Chander, and the local police force.
Afroz, IPS, is currently the SP, Akansha Sharma is Indian Foreign Service, are also part of the
celebrates Maharashtra Day the sub-divisional magistrate, Shikha Simitia is the
additional deputy commissioner and Veena Devi is
revamped board.
: Is all well in Rajasthan?
IR Announces Train the Zila Parishad chief.
Political observers believe that all is not well in
Regulation for May 2025 Due : Four IAS officers get new assignments in Rajasthan. The Central leadership is now keeping
Chhattisgarh
To Developmental Works Ms Reena Baba Saheb Kangale has been
close eye on all developments.
The Indian Railways : Tenure of Director General of Police,
has announced a list appointed as Secretary, Civil Supplies and Karnataka extended
of train cancellations Consumers' Protection, while S Prakash was given
affecting several key The Karnataka Government has extended tenure of
an additional charge of Secretary, Parliamentary
routes during May Director General and Inspector General of Police
Affairs and Yashwant Kumar is Chief Electoral
2025 due to opera- (DGP-IGP) Dr. Alok Mohan until May 21. According
Officer. Besides, Shyam Lal Dhawade has been
tional and infras- to service norms, Dr. Alok Mohan was scheduled to
appointed as Secretary, Rural Industries.
tructural retire on April 30. However, citing a Supreme Court
requirements. Pas- : Ms Madhubala Kalluri selected as Director directive that mandates a fixed two-year term for the
sengers who have (Fin), MIDHANI state police chief, the government decided to extend
booked tickets on Ms Madhubala Kalluri, GM, MIDHANI, has been his tenure until May 21.
these trains are advised to check the status of their jour-
neys and make alternative travel arrangements accord- selected for the post of Director (Finance), Mishra : Telangana is waiting for a full-time DGP for
The Department of Posts, Maharashtra Circle, celebrated ingly. Below is the comprehensive list of trains that will Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) at a Public long time!
Maharashtra Day on 1st May 2025 with a series of special remain cancelled on the mentioned dates: Sambalpur– Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held
In Telangana, since the present Government
activities. Shalimar Express (22804 / 22803) Cancelled on: on April 30, 2025. As many as eight persons were
assumed the power in December 2023, no full-time
To mark the occasion, a Special Cancellation and a Com- 02.05.2025 (Train No. 22804), 03.05.2025 (Train No. interviewed for the same.
memorative Postcard, honouring the rich history, culture 22803) Shalimar–Badampahar Express (18049 / 18050) DGP has been appointed. All officials serving in the
and heritage of Maharashtra was released. Cancelled on: 03.05.2025, 17.05.2025 (Train No. 18049) : Pee Lee Ete appointed as DIGF, Regional role since then have held in-charge or additional
An Exhibition is organized at the iconic Mumbai GPO, Cancelled on: 04.05.2025, 18.05.2025 (Train No. 18050) 3. Office, Shillong charge positions. The last full-time DGP was M
highlighting the vibrant history, cultural legacy and tradi- Badampahar–Rourkela–Badampahar Express (18051 / Pee Lee Ete has been appointed to the post of Mahendar Reddy, appointed in 2018 by the previous
tions of the state. 18052) Cancelled on: 04.05.2025, 18.05.2025 4. Puri–Shali- DIGF, Regional Office, Shillong, on deputation BRS Government and who served until December
The exhibition is open to the public from 1st May 2025 mar Weekly Express (12888 / 12887) Cancelled on: basis under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) of 2022. After Reddy’s retirement, officers including
until 3rd May 2025. Participants of the Dhai Akhar, “Uni- 04.05.2025 (12888), 05.05.2025 (12887) 5. Rupashi Bangla the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Anjani Kumar, Ravi Gupta, and Jitender were posted
versal Postal Union" UPU Letter Writing, and SPARSH Express (12883 / 12884) Cancelled on: 05.05.2025, Change (MoEF&CC) for a period of five years i.e. as DGP (Coordination) with additional charge of
competitions were invited to attend the event and be part 17.05.2025, 18.05.2025 6. Visakhapatnam–Shalimar Spe-
of the celebration. cial (08508 / 08507) Cancelled on: 06.05.2025 (08508), upto March 31, 2030. He is a 2008 batch IFoS DGP (HoPF), but no permanent appointment has
The event was presided over by the Chief Postmaster 07.05.2025 (08507) 7. Puri–Shalimar Weekly Express officer of AGMUT cadre. been made.
General, Maharashtra Circle, Amitabh Singh, 'Padma (22836 / 22835) Cancelled on: 06.05.2025 (22836),
Shri' awardee Achut Palav, graced the occasion. Officers 07.05.2025 (22835) 8. Sambalpur–Shalimar Mahima Go- — Correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author.
and officials of the Department, Philatelists, art enthusi- sain Express (20832 / 20831) Cancelled on: 06.05.2025 By arrangement with whispersintheccorridors.com
asts, and members of the public attended the event. (20832), 07.05.2025 (20831) amongst others.

Brainstorming Session on Pumped Storage Projects to Power India’s Renewable Future organized at Scope Complex
A high-level Brainstorming Session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” was successfully organized today at the
SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi, by THDC India Ltd. and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC, with the support of CBIP
& INCOLD.
The session witnessed the participation of over 300 distinguished delegates including top government officials, policymakers, developers, environ-
mental experts, regulators, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors from near about 95 organisations and institutions from all
around the country. The day-long event focused on the growing role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in supporting India's renewable energy tran-
sition and achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2070.
The event was graced by Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Chief Guest, along with Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secre-
tary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Guest of Honour. M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; R.K. Vishnoi, CMD,
THDCIL; Mohmmad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), MoP; Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP along with
other senior officers of Power Sector in India were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The event featured four focused panel discussions that covered critical themes, including the “Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Framework for
Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)”, “Geological, Civil, and Material Considerations in PSP Development”, “Environmental and Forest Clearance Frame-
work- Challenges & Streamlining”, and “Implementation Challenges & Way Forward for PSPs in India”. These discussions provided valuable insights
into the complexities and opportunities within each area, fostering a productive dialogue among policymakers, developers, technical experts, and envi-
ronmental professionals.
Pankaj Agarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India during his address, emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent na-
tional priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort. He further underlined the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-suffi-
cient from a grid management perspective, with a strong focus on flexible generation and load shifting. He added that there is a need of brainstorming
and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these
are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action.
Akash Tripathi, (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI in his address, highlighted that the genesis of this workshop lies in the need
to bring together relevant stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the work-
shop aims to foster brainstorming and exchange of key policy perspectives on how to fast-track PSP implementation
M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA highlighted the vast potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India, emphasizing their critical role in
achieving the country’s Net Zero targets through reliable energy storage. He noted that, around 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, including the commissioning of the 1000 MW Tehri PSP in the coming months.
Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC stressed the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renew-
ables, he emphasized the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.
R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL welcomed the imminent dignitaries and emphasized that the workshop is aimed at deliberating on the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the focus will be on identifying roadblocks and
exploring ways to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects on the ground. Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations, and enhance efficiency.
A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the eminent panellist for their participation and contributions. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects as a
key player in building a resilient and sustainable future.
The first panel discussion was focused on the topic "Policy, Planning & Regulatory Framework for PSPs," moderated by Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power. The panel included Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical),
who deliberated on the developer’s perspective on PSP development under the current policy regime.
Expert speakers from organizations such as Ministry of Power, GoI; MoEF &CC, GoI; CEA, NTPC, THDC, NHPC, REC/PFC, SJVN, NEEPCO, CWC, UPJVNL, Greenko Group, GSI, CSMRS, MAHAGENCO, JSW Energy, APGENCO, Adani Group,
OHPC, TATA Power, Karnataka Power Corporation, and premier academic institutions like IIT Roorkee shared case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies to overcome challenges in PSP planning and execution.
Deliberations highlighted the urgent need for streamlined policy support, faster clearance mechanisms, robust financing options, and strengthened collaboration between central and state agencies to scale up PSP deployment across India.
The session concluded with a comprehensive summary by CEA and a vote of thanks by THDC.
Notably, THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC, is also in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand, having successfully completed critical tests—marking a
significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey.

Send your CORPORATE / EVENTS / HEALTH / ART news and pictures to Sachin Tikare. Email: [email protected] Check the news online at www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/
 www.freepressjournal.in B ite
The BJP grew to its present stature in West Bengal when I was the
state president. Over 250 BJP workers gave their lives to take the
party to its present position –Dilip Ghosh, BJP leader nation Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

PAHALGAM ATTACK | Don’t want people to go after Muslims, Kashmiris, Navy

officer’s widow pleads on his birth anniversary; blood donation camp held
US defence body clears supply
of military hardware to India
‘Stop hate game, get us peace’ PTI
NEW DELHI
Cooperation Agency (DSCA)
that operates under the
Donald Trump administration
pushing New Delhi to
Pentagon has delivered the increase its military procure-
FPJ News Service
KARNAL (HARYANA)
Indian cleric The United States has cleared
a proposal to supply critical
required certification for the
military supplies and noti-
ment from the US.
The proposed supplies

“We don't want people going

rebukes Pak’s military hardware and logistic
support assets worth USD 131
fied the United States
Congress of the possible sale,
through the "foreign military
sale" route are linked to the
after Muslims
Kashmiris,” Himanshi Narwal
and Ulama Council million to India, in line with
the strategic ties between the
according to an American
readout.
India-US cooperation under
the framework of the Indo-
said on Thursday, stoic but Biswajeet Banerjee two countries. The approval for the Pacific Maritime Domain
firm as she mourned her hus- BAREILLY The Defence Security supplies came amid the Awareness programme.
band, Naval officer Lt Vinay
Narwal, who was gunned
down in Pahalgam just 10
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi
Bareilvi, national president of
Army and Air Force ALH Army Northern
days ago. He would have been the All India Muslim Jamaat,
Dhruv fleet cleared for ops Command
27 today. Narwal's mother has called on Indian Muslims
and wife Himanshi broke into
Pahalgam terror attack to stand firm with the nation PTI grounded in early January fol- gets new chief
tears as tributes were being
victim Lt Vinay Narwal's and reject divisive rhetoric NEW DELHI lowing a crash of one of the New Delhi: Lieutenant
paid to the Naval officer at a
wife Himanshi reacts from across the border. choppers. General Pratik Sharma, a dec-
blood donation camp organ- during a blood donation “Indian Muslims live in The government has cleared A Dhruv helicopter of the orated officer with rich oper-
ised in Karnal, the town camp organised on her peace and harmony with all the resumption of operations Coast Guard crashed at the ational experience, on
where he grew up. "We want A woman carries a child while trying to cross over to husband's birth religious communities. We of Army and Air Force ver- Porbandar airport runway in Thursday assumed charge as
peace and justice. People who Pakistan at an Integrated Check-Post near the anniversary in Haryana’s are unaffected by the threats sions of the Advanced Light Gujarat on January 5. Two the general officer command-
have done wrong with him Attari-Wagah border in Punjab’s Amritsar on Thursday Karnal on Thursday issued by groups like the Helicopter Dhruv, officials said pilots and an aircrew diver of ing-in-chief of the Indian
should be punished," said Ulama Council of Pakistan,” on Thursday. the helicopter were killed in Army's Northern Command,
Himanshi, who got married QUICK READ he said. The naval version of the the incident. The indigenously officials said. Meanwhile, Air
to Lt Narwal just a week Firmly reiterating that chopper will remain designed and developed Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an
before the April 22 terror WB: 2 held for inciting tension NIA DG visits attack site “Kashmir is an integral part grounded, they said. Advanced Light Helicopter accomplished fighter pilot
attack. The couple was on of India,” the Maulana noted a The entire fleet of over 330 (ALH-Dhruv) is a twin engine, with over 3,300 hours of fly-
IA Director-General Sadanand
their honeymoon
Pahalgam when terrorists
in
W est Bengal Police arrested two persons
for allegedly pasting an image of
Pakistani flag at a railway station in North 24
N Date, along with senior officials
from the NIA and J&K Police, visited
significant decline in terror-
ism in the region over the
Dhruv helicopters operated by
the Army, Navy, the Air Force
multi-role, multi-mission new
generation helicopter in the
ing experience, on Thursday
assumed charge as Chief of
shot the Naval officer at point the attack site in Baisaran, past few years. He credited and the Coast Guard was 5.5 ton weight class. Integrated Defence Staff.
Parganas and writing 'Hindustan Murdabad'.
blank. Wiping tears off her Pahalgam, and departed after com- the Indian government’s con-
Chandan Malakar (30) and Progyajit Mondal
face, Himanshi offered floral (45), members of a political party and associ- pleting the assessment on sistent dialogue with the
tributes to her late husband ated with fringe outfit Sanatani Ekta Manch, Thursday. The Central anti-terror people of Kashmir for the
and blew a kiss to his photo-
graph. The Naval officer's
mother also kissed her son's
were apprehended on Wednesdayin Bongaon
area. The duo confessed to pasting the poster
agency formally registered a fresh
FIR earlier following an order issued
current atmosphere of peace
and cooperation. “The people
of Kashmir now long for
WATER MATTERS: Punjab’s
photo and paid him respect
with folded hands. Narwal's
flag and writing "Hindustan Murdabad" on the
wall of a toilet near Akaipur railway station.
by Ministry of Home Affairs con-
sidering the gravity of the case. peace. They are tired of viol-
ence and are choosing the
special session on Monday
sister, Shristi expressed her Against humanity, says Farooq Man dies crossing over path of harmony,” he said. Rajesh Moudgil
gratitude to people who par- Maulana Razvi urged CHANDIGARH
ammu and Kashmir National Conference 69-year-old Pakistani national,
ticipated in the blood dona-
tion camp. "I want to thank
J chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday criticized
the Indian government's directive for Pakistani
A Abdul Waheed, died of cardiac
arrest in Amritsar on Wednesday
Muslims to observe the
coming Friday as Yaum-e- Even as the ongoing discord
everyone who travelled from Dua (Day of Prayer). He called between Punjab and Haryana
nationals to leave the country following the while awaiting deportation, officials
far to come here to donate Pahalgam attack, calling it "inhuman" and said. Waheed had been living in for collective prayers after escalated over the issue of the
blood. We have been receiv- "against the spirit of humanity," especially in India for the past 17 years and was Juma (Friday) namaz for the rivers water share escalated
ing messages too. People have cases where individuals have lived in India found to be overstaying on an country’s unity, integrity, and on Thursday, Punjab decided
responded enthusiastically peacefully for decades. expired visa. protection against external to call an all-party meeting on
(to the blood donation camp). threats. He also emphasized Friday and a special assembly
the role of religious leaders in session on Monday against

Rahul demands martyr status for victims guiding the public. “Imams
should use their sermons to
raise awareness against ter-
Haryana being given addi-
tional water by Bhakra Beas
Management Board (BBMB). around the Nangal dam, from through its “dirty politics’’ and
GAURAV BHATNAGAR those who lost their lives in were trying to do,” he had said MLA Vijay Wadettiwar and rorism and reinforce the The decisions were taken at where the water gets released. AAP has realised that the
NEW DELHI this tragedy by giving this after meeting some of the vic- party general secretary need for unity in these diffi- a hurriedly called meeting by Mann, who had also rushed to people of Punjab have made
honour to them.” tims. Priyanka Gandhi’s husband cult times,” he urged. chief minister Bhagwant the Nangal dam, said the up their mind to oust the
Congress leader Rahul “The people of Jammu and However, the BJP had Robert Vadra – for question- Mann – which was also people of the state would not Punjab government, Saini said
Gandhi on Thursday Kashmir have condemned termed Gandhi’s visit and his ing the accounts of the victims Pak Provocation Draws attended by Aam Aadmi tolerate “robbery’’ of Punjab’s that AAP had also earlier
demanded martyr status for this terrible action and they meeting with the families of about how they were picked Sharp Response Party (AAP) supremo Arvind rights. accused Haryana of mixing
all the victims of the Pahalgam have fully supported the the victims “selective”, accus- on the basis of their religion The controversy was sparked Kejriwal – to discuss the situ- poison in Yamuna during
terror attack. nation. I met one of the people ing him of meeting the slain and for blaming the Centre by a statement from the ation after BBMB on AAP PLAYING DIRTY Delhi polls. Stating that it was
In a post on “X”, Gandhi who was injured. The idea Muslim pony keeper’s family for intelligence failure that led Ulama Council of Pakistan, Wednesday ordered the POLITICS: HARYANA CM not the water for irrigation,
wrote: “I stand with the behind what has happened is but not those of the others to the attack. His demand which announced plans to release 8,500 cusecs of water Haryana chief minister Nayab but for drinking water and
families of those killed in the to divide the society and to who were all Hindus. The today for conferring a martyr declare support for Kashmir Haryana, despite strong Saini on Thursday accused the that Haryana would give
Pahalgam attack in their grief make brother fight brother. It party had subsequently also status on the victims comes as in all mosques this Friday. objections by Mann. AAP government of doing water from its share, if Punjab
and in their demand for mar- is therefore very important clamped down on the another step to counter the The council claimed that Meanwhile, the day also politics over the issue of the is thirsty, he rued that now he
tyr status. The Prime Minister that every single Indian stands Congress leaders – especially BJP’s narrative and show that while Palestine is far from saw protests by the ruling BBMB allocating 8,500 cusecs (Mann) is accusing BJP of
is requested to respect the united and stands together to Karnataka chief minister the Congress really stands Pakistan, Kashmir is “in its AAP and the Mann govern- of water. pressuring Punjab through
sentiments of the families of defeat what the terrorists Siddaramaiah, Maharashtra with all the victims. neighborhood.” ment beefing up security Stating that the people saw BBMB.

Briefs Ghosh tears apart critics Poster war erupts in Patna over Netizen ‘vibrate’ to bizarre
BHUBANESWAR over temple trip, Didi meet credit for caste census decision West Bengal advert gaffe
Another KIIT Aritra Singha
Nepal student KOLKATA PTI Rahul forced Aritra Singha to the Jagannath Dham from
PATNA KOLKATA places like Kharagpur and
found dead Amid criticism within the govt’s hand, Howrah stations, Esplanade
A tragic incident unfolded
at the Kalinga Institute of
Bengal unit of BJP, former
party MP and former state
A poster war has erupted on
the streets of Patna between
says Cong In the era of social media one
has to be more cautious
and Kolkata's Dum Dum air-
port. It also carried a QR
Industrial Technology president Dilip Ghosh on workers of the ruling NDA and Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar especially while lifting items code to watch the Pran
(KIIT) in Bhubaneswar as Thursday slammed party the opposition INDIA bloc, NEW DELHI from various sites and assem- Pratishtha ceremony live.
another student from leaders without taking any- “Those who have married each claiming credit for the bling the same. The Female Vibrators in
Nepal was allegedly found one’s name and also asserted four times and keep several Centre's decision to include The Congress on Thursday Some time back, the UP Digha pinned location, how-
dead on the campus. that he is responsible for the girlfriends are calling me caste-based data in the reiterated that it was the government faced an uncom- ever, crept into the advertise-
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack growth of the saffron camp in Bhogi? My ethics and my inte- upcoming census. united effort of the people fortable situation for having ment on the navigation map.
Police Commissioner S West Bengal. gration will not change. I have The Union government on and the Opposition parties, “published” a Kolkata flyover The map also featured spots
Dev Datta Singh said the “Don’t teach me RSS or always been at the grassroots Wednesday announced that which forced the hands of the photograph in one of its around the Digha Jagannath
body was reportedly Hindutva. If you cut my veins, level and will continue to caste enumeration would be Centre and got the Cabinet to advertisements showing the temple and some nearby
found hanging in the hos- RSS and Hindutva will ooze remain there. I don’t meet any- part of the forthcoming census approve a caste census. While sunny side up of the state. areas.
tel room. Reportedly, the out. I didn’t take permission one secretly but on camera. I exercise. crediting party leader Rahul This time the West Bengal Female Vibrators in Digha
deceased was a B-Tech 1st from my party to attend didn’t touch Chief Minister In response, political party Gandhi for spearheading the government faced embar- was marked with a blue
year student. Singh said, Jagannath temple in Digha. If Mamata Banerjee’s feet but offices across the Bihar capital Congress supporters campaign for caste census, rassment. shopping bag icon, showing
“No note was found near someone invites me for a TMC spoke with her directly,” have been adorned with pour milk over a photo- the Congress also reiterated The government's double- that it is a commercial spot
the body. An unnatural leader’s son’s marriage, won’t I further added the former BJP posters. Outside the JD(U) graph of party leader that for it to succeed the 50 spread advertisement in sandwiched between
death case has been reg- attend? I will. Nobody knows state president. office, a poster displayed on Rahul Gandhi to celebrate per cent reservation cap will national dailies for the Amravati Park and
istered.” about my sacrifices. Those Notably, ‘Go back’ slogan Thursday expressed gratitude announcement of con- have to go as already states Jagannath temple in Digha Jagannath Ghat, a religious
Earlier on February 16, who are commenting against was also hurled at Ghosh on to both Chief Minister Nitish ducting a caste census, in like Bihar have 65 per cent had a bizarre information – spot. The navigation map
2025, 20-year-old Nepali me, came to BJP from other Thursday after he attended Kumar and Prime Minister Patna, on Thursday reservation. “Female Vibrators in Digha”. must have been picked up
BTech student Prakriti political parties after 2021. I the consecration ceremony of Narendra Modi. Congress president The advertisement was pub- from some online map(s) and
Lamsal was found dead in am not leaving BJP,” said Jagannath temple in Digha. Meanwhile, opposition "The credit goes to Lalu and Mallikarjun Kharge credited lished on April 30, the day of certainly was not scrutinised
her hostel at KIIT Ghosh. “During my tenure, BJP had parties RJD and Congress also Tejashwi." Congress workers Gandhi for playing a “leading the consecration ceremony thoroughly.
University, Bhubaneswar. Asked about people ter- 18 MPs and numerous MLAs. I put up posters outside their took their celebration a step role in pushing for a caste at Jagannathdham, Digha. Netizens as usual were
ming him as ‘Bhogi’, Ghosh won’t listen to any lecture respective state offices, credi- further by pouring and rub- census”. He also claimed that The two-page advertise- quick to spot the bizarre
UDAIPUR (RAJASTHAN) said it is not the first time from anyone who joins the ting their leaders for pressur- bing milk on a poster of Rahul the BJP and its ideological ment by the state govern- thing and instantly they
Girija Vyas when BJP and Hindus are
attacked.
BJP in 2020 or 2021. Why can't
the BJP retain seats now?”
ing the Centre to take the deci-
sion. An RJD's poster read:
Gandhi outside the party's
state unit office.
mentor, RSS, were never in
support of such a survey.
ment depicted an image of
Jagannathdham in Digha, a
flagged the matter, "Female
Vibrators in Digha".
dies at 79 massive cutout of Mamata, a Reacting to the advertise-
Veteran Congress leader
and former Union min-
feathery feat navigation map and a
description of the newly built
ment, BJP leader Amit
Malviya called the goof-up,

Falcon flies non-stop from Somalia

ister Girija Vyas, who suf- Jagannath temple. "deeply disgraceful" and "a
fered burn injuries on The advertisement meticu- deliberate insult to Hindu
March 31 while perform- lously provided the distance sentiments".
ing aarti at her home
here, has died at a hospi- Ambika Kanungo Amur Falcons (Falco amu- this leg of the journey in just 93 India in five days and 17 hours — MIKA’S MATRIX
tal in Ahmedabad, her BHUBANESWAR rensis) are known for under- hours (around four days). It of continuous flight shortly
family said on Thursday. taking one of the longest first touched down in Gujarat after its release in November.
She was 79. Vyas's brother A radio-tagged male Amur migratory journeys among all before navigating toward the The data collected through
Gopal Sharma said that Falcon, named 'Chiuluan 2', bird species, travelling up to northeastern region of India. this tracking initiative will help
she succumbed to burn has been tracked reaching 22,000 km annually between The most recent GPS signal, researchers understand
injuries at the western Odisha on April 30 their breeding grounds in East recorded at 5 pm on migratory patterns, stopover
Ahmedabad hospital on last after a brief overnight stop Asia and wintering sites in Wednesday, confirmed its ecology, and the challenges
Thursday evening. The in Chhattisgarh. southern Africa. location in western Odisha, faced by these long-distance
Congress leader was per- The falcon, tagged in Chiuluan 2 spent approxi- according to Dr Suresh Kumar, flyers. The Amur Falcon tag-
forming aarti during Manipur’s Tamenglong district mately 114 days in southern senior scientist at the Wildlife ging project also plays a vital
which her dupatta caught in November 2024 as part of a Africa and began its north- Institute of India. He also con- role in community-driven con-
fire from a burning lamp satellite-tracking project by ward migration from firmed the falcon had halted servation in northeast India,
and suffered critical burn the Wildlife Institute of India, Botswana on April 8, 2025. overnight in Chhattisgarh especially in Tamenglong dis-
injuries. She was rushed is providing scientists with Remarkably, the bird before continuing its journey. trict, which has emerged as a
to a private hospital in valuable insights into the covered an uninterrupted dis- The falcon had earlier made safe corridor for these birds in
Udaipur where she was remarkable migratory jour- tance of about 3,800 km over its first major stopover in recent years due to grassroots
referred to Ahmedabad. neys of these birds. the Arabian Sea, completing Somalia, reaching there from protection efforts.
 nation
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025
www.freepressjournal.in

NEET-UG 2025 | Agency reports 106 Telegram, 16 Instagram

channels to Union Home Ministry for ‘misleading’ information
UP banker gets `48k No tree felling
near Taj sans
fine from Haryana for
NTA preps to plug leaks car parked at home In the
Courtyard
SC permission
New Delhi: The Supreme
Court reiterated its 2015
Gunjan Sharma Biswajeet Banerjee directive restricting tree felling
NEW DELHI
mally escalated to the Indian
Cyber Crime Coordination
‘Be vigilant against frauds’ LUCKNOW
were issued for violations
like over-speeding and not ED opposes within 5km aerial distance of
Centre (I4C) under the Jaipur: Cyber thugs are active on social media in the complying with pollution the Taj Mahal in Agra, UP,
In a crackdown on fake claims Ministry of Home Affairs for name of providing question papers of NEET-UG 2025 In a bizarre case of suspected norms,” he said. Michel plea to without its nod. The Taj
about the NEET-UG, the further legal and investigative exam to be held on Sunday, May 4. The Rajasthan Police vehicle number plate cloning, What puzzled the family Trapezium Zone, the subject
National Testing Agency has action,” the source added. have issued an advisory, and asked the students and their a banker in Uttar Pradesh’s was the violations were alter bail terms matter before SC, is an area of
identified 106 Telegram and 16 The NTA has requested parents to remain vigilant against fraudsters. Lucknow was left stunned recorded in Sonipat, Panipat, New Delhi: The ED opposed in 10,400 sqkm, spreads across
Instagram channels involved Telegram and Instagram to Cyber Crime DGP Hemant Priyadarshi said, “Fraudulent after receiving multiple traffic and Kurukshetra in Haryana, the Delhi HC a plea of alleged Agra, Firozabad, Mathura,
in spreading false informa- take down the channels and Telegram channels have been created on the Telegram in challans from cities in 500 kms from Lucknow. middleman Christian Michel Hathras and Etah in UP, and
tion, sources said. share the details of adminis- the name of alleged paper leak. A channel named “NEET Haryana, despite his car never Tripathi suspects his vehicle’s James seeking modification of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. A
The NTA’s dedicated portal trators and creators of the PG Leaked Materials” was operating, in which about left the UP capital. number plate was cloned and his bail conditions in the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka
for receiving such concerns groups with officials to pre- 20,600 members were connected. This channel was Navneet Tripathi, an assis- used illegally on another car. `3,600-crore AgustaWestland and Ujjal Bhuyan said tree
has flagged over 1,500 claims vent the spread of falsehood claiming to sell alleged leaked papers for the NEET PG tant manager at Aryavart “I believe someone has dupli- money laundering case. Justice felling within TTZ beyond the 5
of alleged paper leaks for the and panic among aspirants. 2024 exam. Scammers are demanding `50-70,000 from Bank and a resident of cated our car’s number plate. Swarana Kanta Sharma, before km distance of the historical
coming medical entrance test. The National Eligibility- the students in these channels. Some other channels are Ahimamau in Sushant Golf It’s the only logical explana- whom the ED filed its response monument will require the
In a decisive move to pro- cum-Entrance Test (UG) is also active on this pattern.” City, said he was shocked to tion, as our car has never left to James’ plea, said it would prior permission of the
tect the integrity of the pro- scheduled for May 4. Cyber thugs mention the names of printing presses, top receive notifications from the the city,” he said. hear the matter on May 6. divisional forest officer of the
cess, the agency has initiated The Education Ministry is rankers and coaching centres to guarantee the paper. Transport Department about Inspector Anjani Kumar James was produced before the central empowered committee
action against certain fraudu- conducting meetings with The National Board of Examinations (NTA) and Cyber traffic violations allegedly Mishra confirmed the regis- court from jail through video- and the officer will be bound
lent Telegram and Instagram DMs and SPs from states/UTs Crime Branch have clarified all the claims are fake and committed in Haryana — tration of an FIR based on conferencing in pursuance to its by the provisions of UP Tree
channels that claim to have to ensure there are no lapses. false and advised students to be cautious of such hundreds of kilometres away Tripathi’s complaint. “A case directions. The court directed Preservation Act. “Areas within
access to the NEET (UG) 2025 It is implementing a compre- channels and asked not to pay money to any unknown from his home. E-challans has been filed and we are con- the jail authorities to produce 5 kms of Taj Mahal are con-
question paper. “Acting on hensive plan in view of last person or website that claims to leak the question paper worth `48,000 were issued ducting a probe. The possibil- him virtually again on May 6. cerned, original order dated
inputs received through its year’s alleged irregularities, of NEET exam. The agencies have cautioned not to share against his vehicle in over two ity of number plate cloning is James sought relaxing the bail May 8, 2015 will continue to
recently-launched Suspicious including paper leaks. personal information like roll number, password, or bank and a half months. being examined,” he said. condition, asking him to furnish operate. In such cases, app-
Claims Reporting Portal, the Under scrutiny over last details with anyone as well. —Manish Godha Tripathi said the car is reg- Number plate cloning is on a surety of `5 lakh. Opposing lications will have to be made
NTA has identified 106 year’s irregularities in the istered in the name of his the rise, causing unsuspecting his plea, ED said James was a seeking permission to fell trees,
Telegram and 16 Instagram NEET-UG and PhD entrance Both matters are being inves- lakh candidates are expected father Suresh Chandra owners to face legal hassles foreign national, with no roots even if trees are less than 50.
channels engaged in spread- exam NET, the Centre set up a tigated by CBI. to appear in the NEET. NTA Tripathi, who runs a Go Gas and financial penalties for in India, and if he furnished no This court will seek recommen-
ing misinformation and panel last year. The UGC-NET Exams CSIR-UGC NET and launched Suspicious Claims agency. “The car usually rules they never violated. The local surety, there was no way dation from CEC and will consi-
attempting to mislead stu- was cancelled last year as the NEET-PG were cancelled at Reporting Portal last week to remains parked at home. We authorities have advised own- to ensure his presence in India. der felling of trees,” it said.
dents,” a source said. ministry received inputs its the last moment as a preemp- report suspicious claims were surprised to learn that ers to install dashcams or GPS
“These cases have been for- integrity was compromised. tive step. This year, over 23 about the NEET-UG. —PTI since February 18, 8 challans trackers as preventive steps.
MCOCA charge against ex-MLA
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday chargesheeted former
AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in a case of organised crime in the
Violence victims
Trial against HC seeks details Bail rule for offences under CGST want anti-Naxal
national capital. Special judge Kaveri Baweja, before whom the
police’s final report was filed, posted the matter for
former SP MP in as UP says 82 consideration on Friday. The supplementary chargesheet was
bridges ‘unsafe’
arms case stayed Lucknow: Act if not extraordinary case: SC op: C’garh CM filed against 4 accused — Sahil alias Poli, Vijay alias Kalu, Jyoti
Prakash alias Baba, and Balyan — under stringent sections of
The Lucknow New Delhi: The Supreme to note in a case like this, the Raipur: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). All
New Delhi: The Supreme bench of the Allahabad HC on Court recently expressed sur- appellant has been denied the said victims of Maoist viol- accused were arrested in the case related to an organised crime
Court stayed the trial in a Thursday expressed concerns prise at the High Court and benefit of bail at all levels, ence from Chhattisgarh’s syndicate allegedly run by gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu.
2007 arms case against a over the structural safety of the Magistrate Court denying including the HC and ulti- Bastar region met him on The court recently took cognisance of another supplementary
former SP Lok Sabha MP who bridges in UP after the gov- bail to a person accused of mately, he was forced to Thursday and urged him to chargesheet against another co-accused Ritik alias Peter.
claimed “harassment” owing ernment said 82 UP bridges committing offences under approach this court. These are continue the ongoing massive
to political vendetta. were unsafe yet operational. Section 132 of the Central of 5 years with fine. the cases where in normal anti-Naxal operation along ‘Trend of settling fake rape cases’
A bench of Justices Vikram A bench of Justices AR Goods and Services Tax Act, In this case, the charge- course, before the trial courts, the Telangana border. New Delhi: The Delhi HC has refused to quash a rape case on the
Nath, Sanjay Karol and Masoodi and AK Srivastava, LiveLaw reports. sheet was filed and the the accused should get bail Sai was speaking about the basis of marriage and said the “trend” of filing and retracting
Sandeep Mehta noted the hearing a PIL, directed the The court observed in cases accused was under custody unless there are some extra mega anti-insurgency exer- complaints have to be curbed as bogus cases cause grave injustice
submissions of lawyer Rohit state to submit a detailed like this, bail should normally for nearly 7 months. He ordinary circumstances." cise that has entered its 11th to actual victims. Justice Girish Kathpalia, in a judgment on April
A Sthalekar, appearing for affidavit in 2 weeks. “The affi- be granted. The offences approached the SC after the The court also noted evi- day. Several activists and 29, observed if the complaint in the present case turned out to be
former Mirzapur MP Bal davit must specify the exact alleged against the appellant Rajasthan HC denied him bail. dence in the case is documen- political parties from false, quashing it in the present stage (chargesheet filed by police)
Kumar Patel. The counsel places of the 82 unsafe were under Clauses (c), (f) and Saying bail should be the tary in nature and that the Telangana have demanded would encourage the abuse of process of criminal justice machin-
argued the motive behind the bridges and provide the com- (h) of Section 132(1) of the normal in such cases, a bench accused has no antecedents. the operation be halted at ery. The judge said if the complaint was indeed true, instead of
criminal cases was to “harass position of the panel that con- Central Goods and Services comprising Justice Abhay S Setting aside the HC’s order, once and the government “extending premium to the accused by pushing the helpless
the petitioner and tarnish his ducted the structural study Tax Act, 2017. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan the Supreme Court granted come forward for peace talks survivor into his matrimony”, the state would have to ensure her a
political career”. and deemed them unsafe.” The maximum sentence is observed: “We are surprised bail to the accused. with Naxals. dignified life by providing her food, shelter and clothing.

From ED claims 93.6%... identified by the European Union as critical,

according to Ukrainian data. They include indus- SC throws out plea... Karnataka man downs
front page “In the financial year 2024-25, 775 new PMLA trial and construction materials, ferro alloy, We only decide disputes. Don't ask us to pass an 5 bottles of neat alcohol
over `10,000 bet, dies
investigations were launched, 333 prosecution precious and non-ferrous metals, and some rare order", commented Justice Surya Kant.
complaints were filed and notably, 34 individuals earth elements. The judge further added, "This is not the time.
‘Dawn of Orange... were convicted," the ED director said. According to Ukraine's Institute of Geology, the This is the crucial hour when each and every

A
In the last fiscal, the agency also issued 461 pro- country possesses rare earths such as lanthanum citizen of this country has joined hands to fight this 21-year-old man from Karnataka’s Kolar died
The WAVES summit aims to position India as a visional attachment orders valued at Rs 30,036 and cerium, used in TVs and lighting; neodymium, terrorism...don't make any prayer which can after consuming five bottles of alcohol without
leader in the global audio-visual and entertain- crore, which the ED chief said marked a 44 per used in wind turbines and EV batteries; and demoralize our forces...it is not acceptable to us. water as part of a bet. The incident occurred in
ment ecosystem, fostering collaboration, innova- cent increase in the number of attachments and a erbium and yttrium, whose applications range Look at sensitivity of the issue". Pujarahalla village, India Today reports.
tion, and investment across creative domains. "striking" 141 per cent rise in their total value com- from nuclear power to lasers. EU-funded research At the request of one of the petitioners (appear- Karthik reportedly entered into a wager with his
WAVES 2025, India’s first summit dedicated to pared to the previous financial year. also indicates that Ukraine has scandium reserves. ing in person), a bench of Justices Kant and N friend Venkata Reddy, agreeing to drink the alcohol
the audio-visual and entertainment industry, As on March 31, 2025, the total value of assets Detailed data is classified. Kotiswar Singh allowed withdrawal of the peti- undiluted in exchange for `10,000. On Sunday night, he
brought together participants from over 90 coun- under provisional attachment stood at Rs 1,54,594 Among them areUkraine's titanium deposits, tion, with liberty to approach the High Court with consumed all five bottles without mixing water, in
tries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 con- crore, he said. used for making aircraft wings and other aero- respect to the cause of J&K students studying out- keeping with the terms of the bet. Shortly afterwards, he
tent creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups Giving out an all-round analysis of the work space manufacturing, and uranium, which is used side the UT, if any. collapsed and was rushed to hospital. Despite the doc-
taking part. Speaking at the event, Prime Minister done over the last year, Navin said the ED filed 333 for nuclear power, medical equipment and When the bench expressed displeasure with the tors’ efforts, Karthik died while undergoing treatment.
Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of chargesheets, taking the total cases under various weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and kind of prayers made in the petition, it was sub- Karthik became a father recently. His wife had given
creativity in a world increasingly shaped by tech- stages of trial to 1,739 as on March 2025. manganese, which are used in electric vehicle bat- mitted on behalf of the petitioners that they are birth to their daughter 9 days before his death. The
nology. He said that in an era dominated by AI and "While the delay in the adjudication of these teries. completely satisfied with what the government is couple had been married for a year.
automation, it is human emotion, imagination, and cases can be attributed to the general delay in This version of the deal is expected to establish doing. One of the petitioners sought to withdraw Mulbagal police have begun an investigation into the
artistic expression that connect people and define the judicial system, it was also on account of the an equal partnership between the two countries the prayers, but beseeched that the Court consider circumstances. Authorities have reiterated the dangers
humanity. inherent complexity of money laundering inves- and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a the issue pertaining to J&K students studying out- of reckless drinking and urged the public to avoid risky
He also announced the launch of the WAVES tigations and the procedural linkages with the joint fund would be made in cash, and only new side the UT (who are reportedly suffering harass- behaviour involving alcohol.
Awards, calling it a global platform to celebrate the trial of the predicate offence," the ED chief said. US military aid would count toward the American ment since the attack).
best in storytelling and creative excellence. Of the 47 cases decided so far, he said, there share. Assistance provided before the agreement The PIL, filed by Kashmiri local Junaid Mohd
Actor Anupam Kher delivered the opening have been only three acquittals, yielding a "com- was signed would not be counted. Unlike an ear- Junaid and two advocates-Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Curfew in Manipur district
address, explaining the purpose of the WAVES
event. The event began with a welcome song per-
mendable" conviction rate of 93.6 per cent.
Navin said ED has filed applications to get
lier draft, the deal would not conflict with
Ukraine’s path towards European Union member-
Vicky Kumar, sought minimum security standards
for tourist sites in areas prone to conflicts, such as after 25 injured in clash,
formed by M.M. Keeravani, Shreya Ghoshal, and
Mangli. Following this, members of the WAVES
declared 24 individuals as fugitive economic
offenders till now, with 14 of them being
shio, a key provision for Kyiv.
The deal still needs to be ratified by the
Jammu & Kashmir. For the safety of people in
tourist areas of UT of J&K, the petitioners prayed
government office torched
Advisory Board, including Mohanlal, Hema declared as such. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya and Ukrainian Parliament. that an action plan be prepared by the Centre, J&K Imphal: Prohibitory orders were imposed in parts of
Malini, Kartik Aaryan, S.S. Rajamouli, Rajinikanth, diamond jeweller Nirav Modi are among those administration, Central Reserve Police Force Manipur’s Tamenglong district after a clash between two
Anil Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranbir Kapoor, declared fugitive economic offenders. Institute of creative... (CRPF), and the National Investigation Agency Naga villages over a land dispute left at least 25 people,
Aamir Khan, Reliance Industries Chairman The ED on Thursday completed 69 years of its Global tech giants like NVIDIA, Google, Apple, (NIA). Directions were further sought for the Press including 12 security men, injured, officials said.
Mukesh Ambani, and Adobe CEO Shantanu existence as it was established on this day in 1956. Microsoft, Star India, Meta, and Adobe are collab- Council of India to ensure that only "fair and true" The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when
Narayen, shared their thoughts and emphasized orating to make IICT a world-class institution. reporting is allowed in connection with the attack, about 2,000 residents of Old Tamenglong village were
the significance of the WAVES summit. US gets access... WAVES and IICT will further strengthen in order to maintain peace in the society. marching to the deputy commissioner and SP’s office to
During the event, Prime Minister Modi unveiled Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he Mumbai's role as a key centre in the global creative A Full Bench of the Supreme Court earlier con- submit a memorandum over the land dispute, they said.
a postal stamp in memory of the contributions of didn’t “have the cards” to win the war and blam- ecosystem," said Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. demned the Pahalgam attack as "an affront to the Residents of Dailong village allegedly hurled stones at
Gurudutt, Mrs. P. Bhanumathi, Raj Khosla, Ritwik ing him for prolonging the killing by not giving up The first phase of IICT is located at the NFDC values of humanity". This diabolical act of mind- the procession, leading to the clash. People of the nearby
Ghatak, and Salil Chowdhury to Indian cinema. Crimea, but in recent days has turned on Russian Building, Pedder Road, Mumbai, and features less violence has shaken the conscience of all and Duigailong village joined the fight, in support of Dailong.
President Vladimir Putin as well. state-of-the-art facilities including Gaming Labs, is a stark reminder of the brutality and inhu- During the violence, the inspection bungalow of the
Marco Rubio pushes... Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation Animation Labs, Edit and Sound Suites, Virtual manity that terrorism unleashes", the Full Court Public Works Department was set on fire, officials said.
He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to that the deal, “in theory,” means that the U.S. will Production Setups, Immersive Studios, a resolution read. The Supreme Court Advocates- Police lobbed tear gas shells to control the situation,
de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communi- get more from Ukraine than it contributed. “I Preview Theatre, and multiple smart classrooms, on-Record Association also passed a resolution they said. At least 25 people, including 12 security men
cations, and maintain peace and security in South wanted to be protected,” he said, adding that he according to the release. Phase 2 will see the condemning the attack were injured in the violence. Following the clashes,
Asia. didn’t want to be looking “foolish” by not getting development of a dedicated 10-acre campus at restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS were imposed
In another development, Defence Minister money back for the investment. Film City, Goregaon. The government plans to Illegal buildings... in the district headquarters town and the bordering
Rajnath Singh spoke with his US counterpart, Pete For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to roll out regional centres across India to decen- Judicial discretion, the Court asserted, is not areas of Dailong, Duigailong, and Old Tamenglong.
Hegseth, on Thursday, according to defence min- ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid. tralise access and foster creative ecosystems unbridled. “Courts are not free from statutory The restrictions will remain in place till further
istry officials. Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, nationwide. fetters. Justice must be dispensed in accordance orders, said the notification. The Naga community lives

At `2.37L cr, record...

According to the State Department, Rubio “is flew to Washington on Wednesday to help final- with law,” it said, adding with disapproval that sev- in Tamenglong, and the clash stemmed from a dispute
encouraging other national leaders and Foreign ize the deal. eral State governments have enacted regularisa- between two villages over their boundary, an official in
Ministers to reach out to the countries on this “Together with the United States, we are creat- Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY, said the rec- tion schemes on the basis of impact fees without Imphal said.
issue”, the State Department spokesperson had ing the Fund that will attract global investment ord collections underscore the resilience of the adequate regard for the legal framework. It has no connection with the ethnic clashes between
said. “Obviously, we’re also monitoring the devel- to our country,” she said in a post on X after the Indian economy amid global headwinds. “The Warning against normalising such post-violation Meiteis and Kukis that began in May 2023, he said.
opments across the board in that region, and we signing. government’s proactive push for faster export and relief, the Court emphasised that the judiciary
are in touch with the governments of India and The US has been seeking access to more than 20 GST refunds has eased working capital pressures must not allow itself to be drawn into “judicial
Pakistan at multiple levels. We are encouraging all raw materials deemed strategically critical to its for businesses, a benefit that could trickle down to regularisation” of structures built in defiance of Mallika Sarabhai alleges curbs
parties to work together for a responsible solution.
The world is watching this,” she added.
interests, including some non-minerals such as oil
and natural gas. Rare earths are a group of 17
consumers in the medium to long term,” he
added.
official sanction. “The need for a firm judicial
approach arises not just from the obligation to
on free expression on her new role
On Thursday, the United States reaffirmed its metals used to make magnets that turn power While experts anticipate a potential dip in col- uphold the rule of law, but from the imperative to Thrissur: Renowned dancer and Chancellor of Kerala
hardline stance on terrorism, warning that coun- into motion for electric vehicles, cell phones, mis- lections next month due to global economic fac- safeguard public interest and urban order,” it Kalamandalam, Mallika Sarabhai, has alleged that limita-
tries or entities supporting terror will face serious sile systems, and other electronics. There are no tors, the broader outlook remains positive. noted. n support of its ruling, the bench cited its tions have been placed on her freedom of expression in
consequences under President Donald Trump's viable substitutes. The U.S. Geological Survey con- Abhishek Jain, Head of Indirect Tax at KPMG decision in Rajendra Kumar Barjatya v. U.P. Avas her new academic role.
leadership. “As the President of the US (POTUS) siders 50 minerals to be critical, including rare India, said the record GST haul is a clear sign of Evam Vikas Parishad, reaffirming that all con- In a candid Facebook post on Wednesday, Sarabhai
has made very clear, under the Trump administra- earths, nickel and lithium, Reuters reports. sustained economic momentum. “Apart from structions must conform strictly to statutory reflected on her experience, writing: “Today I got my
tion there will be consequences for those who Critical minerals are essential for industries such ongoing recovery and growth, a key factor this norms, and that violations must be dealt with first taste of what it means to be the Chancellor of a
support terrorism," the State Department posted as defence, high-tech appliances, aerospace and month has been the year-end reconciliation pro- “with an iron hand.” Any leniency, it held, would University. Restricted speech.” Her remarks come in the
on X. A similar warning was issued in Hindi. green energy. cess, which often leads to higher tax payments as amount to “misplaced sympathy.”The appeal was wake of an ongoing protest by ASHA (Accredited Social
Meanwhile the Attari borders remained closed. Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals businesses align their filings,” he said. accordingly dismissed. Health Activist) workers in Thrissur, who are demanding
better wages and improved working conditions.
 goa GOA
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Friday May 2, 2025
THE POWER PLAY BEHIND BENAULIM ZP BY-POLL
IN SHORT >>

Govt intensifies crackdown

Articles worth `33L

SC: Illegal structures

seized in casino

IN SHORT >> raid, 11 arrested

PANAJI: The Crime Branch
arrested 11 persons for
their alleged involvement
in an illegal live card game
n KEY PLAYERS VIE FOR DOMINANCE n INDIA BLOC LEADERS, CHURCHILL, ALEMAO SIBLINGS
EYE SHARE IN VOTES n POLITICAL OBSERVERS FORESEE STRONG UNDERCURRENTS
Mining of minor
at Bambolim. SP CB Rahul
Gupta disclosed that among
First major test for AAP
those arrested, eight were
gambling customers, two ACID TEST FOR INDI ALLIANCE IN BENAULIM since 2022 Assembly polls

cannot be legalised,
table dealers and one MARGAO: The Benaulim ZP by-poll is indeed a his dictatorship. The Lok Sabha election is MARGAO: Two years before

minerals stopped
shift manager, all caught
red-handed in the act. testing time for the INDIA bloc, just days after over. We are not even being told who is the Aam Aadmi Party could open
CB officials also seized the experiment tasted huge success in the Alliance candidate,” Martins said. an account in the Goa Legis-
two live card gambling recently held Lok Sabha polls. The Benaulim ZP by-poll is considered lative Assembly in the 2022
tables, 14 tablets, two sets For, the Alliance has come under strain in significant for the INDIA bloc given that leaders Assembly election, the Arvind

in Dharbandora
of 52 playing cards, two Benaulim in the run up to the June 23 ZP by- of the Alliance have all been publicly betting in Kejriwal-led party had start-

against illegal structures

live card shufflers, two card poll, with resentment support of the continu- ed its political journey in the
scanners and two cash
chip floats containing chips
brewing in the Con- ance of the Alliance at State from Benaulim in the
worth Rs 28 lakh approx. gress, Goa Forward least till the 2027 Goa 2020 Zilla Panchayat poll when
Other gambling articles were and the NCP camps Assembly elections. party-backed Hanzel Fernandes

courts must be firm

also seized with the total val- finally bursting out in Political observ- was elected to the South Goa

PANAJI: The Goa State Envi-

Hectic campaigning underway in Benaulim for the June 23 Zilla Panchayat bye-poll.
ue of the confiscated items the open. ers say the future of Zilla Panchayat from Benaulim by
estimated at Rs 33 lakh. THE GOAN I NETWORK naulim MLA Venzy Viegas, the Frank Fernandes, both Inde- Benaulim the INDIA bloc may defeating the Congress and NCP
Congress, village leaders, who pendents are relatively new Congress leader face a setback in the
ronment Impact Assessment
candidates. It’s another matter
2 fall into sinkhole MARGAO are satraps in their own right entrants in the turbulent Be- and GPCC general File photo of INDI Alliance supporting AAP for the
event the Aam Aadmi Hanzel’s election was declared
at Miramar, hurt
Benaulim by-poll.
The result of the by-poll for and not to forget former Chief naulim politics. secretary has quit Party fails to retain
the Benaulim Zilla Panchayat Minister Churchill Alemao, A week to go for the by-poll null and void by the Administra-

Authority, constituted by the

PANAJI: Two persons were seat will be of no consequence besides the Alemao siblings on June 23, the Aam Aadmi the Congress to throw her hat in the election the Benaulim ZP seat. So far, AAP leaders have tive Tribunal in an appeal filed by
injured after they fell into a and bearing on the South Goa anxious to make their mark Party is on the ground with ring. Goa Forward member Pele Fernandes is been concentrating on the by-poll campaign, Royla Fernandes after the High
sinkhole near a residential Zilla Panchayat body, where in the ensuing polls. Barring party volunteers, drumming openly supporting the candidature of Inde- with top leaders, including MLA Cruz Silva, AAP Court set aside his caste certifi-

Ministry of Environment &

colony in Miramar on Sun- the ruling BJP is firmly en- Congress-turned-Independ- up support for party and Al- pendent candidate Grrayfans Fernandes. Na- chief Amit Palekar and Valmiki Naik descend- cate stating he is a Christian car-
day evening. CCTV footage trenched in the power game ent Royla Fernandes, who had liance-backed candidate Jo-
released to a section of the
tionalist Congress Party (NCP) Goa unit Mahila ing on the Benaulim battle ground to drum up penter. Indeed, AAP Benaulim
with overwhelming numbers in the past contested the 2017 seph Pimenta. On the oth- chief and Carmona Sarpanch Sandra Martins support for Joseph Pimenta. “If AAP retains MLA Captain Venzy and the party

Forests, has directed to stop

media showed two men on its side in the 25-member Assembly polls on the AAP er hand, hectic behind the
falling when a portion of district panchayat body. banner, before unsuccessfully scenes activity is seen in Be-
is sore that neither the Alliance leaders nor the Benaulim seat, it would hold good for the are facing an acid test to retain
Aam Aadmi Party leaders have informed her Alliance. We will have to wait and see how hold over Benaulim. Sources say
PTI
the ground collapsed at the The by-poll, however, holds contesting the 2020 Benaulim naulim in a bid to avoid a split

Courts must adopt a strict

under-construction site. of Pimenta’s candidature. “The INDI Alliance AAP leaders react in the event the party fails to
work of minor mineral activity
immense significance for a ZP poll on the Congress ticket, in the non-AAP votes and to neither AAP nor Venzy can afford
host of political players, includ- the remaining three candi- channelise the opposition was formed to take on PM Narendra Modi for retain the seat,” remarked a political observer. to lose the by-poll with just two
Assagao nightclub ing the nascent INDIA bloc, the dates Joseph Pimenta (AAP), vote to one common candi- years and half to go for the 2027
row intensifies
approach while dealing
Aam Aadmi Party and its Be- Grrayfans Fernandes and date.

at a Dharbandora property
Assembly election.

ISSUES FRESH DIRECTIVES ON BANNING ELECTRICITY, WATER

MAPUSA: The controversy

NEW DELHI
surrounding a nightclub

following complaints of ille- All eyes on SGPDA

A DAY AFTER FEET WERE FOUND…
meeting
with cases to resolve
of illegal
in Assagao continues to
escalate, with no resolution

MassiveThe search at Mandur,

in sight. The situation has

gality. Goa Pradesh Congress

taken a new turn as the
Supreme Court has said
sopo fee issue at wholesaleand fishshould
market
construction
landowner has appealed to

SUPPLY TO CONSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT VALID PERMISSIONS

no clue of infant’s body
the Director of Panchayats to

Committee and two others

regularize the structure.
courts must adopt aTRADERS “strict
ASSOCIATION CLAIMS FEES CHARGED ARE EXORBITANT,
Sadanand Surya Velip and
Rains expose poor
condition of roads POLICE, LOCALSapproach” when
SCOUT AREA FORENSIC dealing
TEAM AT SITE NOT ASwith not readily
PER PDA CIRCULAR; engage
THREATENS TO MOVE HIGHin
COURT
cases of unauthorised con- judicial regularisation of
CCTV FOOTAGE SCANNED; DOG SQUAD CLUELESS
MAPUSA: The onset of the THE GOAN I NETWORK

Gopal Bomayo Gaonkar monsoon season has laid

bare the deplorable state of
roads in Mapusa, exacerbat-
THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO We hope that the

struction and not engage in buildings erected without

Will the June 19 meeting of SGPDA members will
lodged a complaint with the ing the woes of pedestrians
and motorists alike. As
OLD GOA
The Agassaim police along
the South Goa Planning and
Development Authority (SGP- take cognizance of our
grievances and take

TIGHTENING THE NOOSE AGAINST ILLEGALITIES

rains poured, several thor- with the locals, which DA) take a call on the long-de-

authority alleging illegal min- THE GOAN I NETWORK the Goa Land Revenue Code. judicial regularisation of such requisite permissions of
oughfares across the town
revealed a landscape dotted
with potholes.
included the panchayat
authorities, conducted an
extensive search around the
layed question of taking a call
on floating the tender for the
sopo collection fees at the
appropriate measures
to stop the agents from
charging exorbitant fees.
ing activities.  Despite several enforcement structures.
area where the infant feet wholesale fish market?
Sopo tender: Eyes We will be forced to knock

A bench of Justices J B Pard- the competent authority

were found at Tari Vaddo- Wholesale fish market trad-

„„Estate Officers to be ap-

on SGPDA meet Mandur, on Sunday. ers are anxiously waiting for the doors of the High Court

PANAJI measures, the government

However, the search could the SGPDA meet not just to float
for action,”
s
MARGAO: Wholesale fish not result in the finding of the the e-tender on sopo collection
—M Ibrahim, Margao

Aldona PIO fined

market traders are anxiously remaining part of the body of at the earliest, but to put an end The wholesale fish market at Margao.

pointed to closely monitor

waiting for the SGPDA meet the infant. The forensic team at the site where the infant’s feet were to exorbitant rates levied on Wholesale Fish Market Traders

Amid the High Court of Bom- conceded that numerous in- iwala and R Mahadevan said
not just to float the e-tender It may be recalled that, found. Manuel Vaz the fish traders by the PDA-ap- the SGPDA while fixing the Court if the PDA does not mete Association chief
on sopo collection, but to on Saturday evening feet of pointed sopo collection agents sopo rates. “The wholesale out justice to the wholesale
y put an end to exorbitant an infant were found in a Mandur sarpanch Prashant found. in the wholesale fish market. fish market traders have been fish traders. “We hope that last year could not be taken

bay at Goa closely monitoring land encroachments stances of encroachment on the law ought not to come to an order of the Calcutta High
`25k over RTI info
rates levied on fish traders residential area at Tari Vaddo- Naik, panchas Nandesh The shallow water located President of the Margao cooperating with the PDA on the SGPDA members will take to its logical conclusion be-
by PDA-appointed sopo Mandur. Mayenkar, Premanand near the area was also Wholesale Fish Market Trad- the question of payment of cognizance of our grievances cause of the clause that the
oll,
agents in the wholesale fish The same were first noticed Kurtikar and Francisco Po, searched as the dogs usually ers Association, M Ibrahim sopo fees. But, the agents ap- and take appropriate meas- sopo collection contractor
llymarket.

the issue of illegal construc- government and Comunidade the rescue of those flouting its Court, which dealt with a pe-
by a lady in the morning but former sarpanch Ajit Bacal tend to enter the shallow told the media that things pointed by the PDA are col- ures to stop the agents from ought to have 10-year expe-
she brought it to the notice and some locals also joined waters in search of food. have been going out of con- lecting the fees not prescribed charging exorbitant fees. We rience in fishing business/

„„Health Officers told not

e
WEATHER >> of the local panch only in the in the search which however The police then pressed trol with the sopo collection in the circular,” he said. will be forced to knock the activities. Thought the con-
rt- evening. could not help in finding the the dog squad into service agents appointed by the SG- In fact, Ibrahim pointed out doors of the High Court for ac- troversial clause was finally

MAPUSA: The Goa State tions, the government has lands, illegal land-filling, and rigours for allowing it might tition highlighting unauthor-
Max:
lim Min:
32 C
25.8 C
And, on Sunday, a strong
police force descended at
remaining part of the body.
It was also observed that
but it too could not help in
providing any clue.
PDA charging the fish traders
exorbitant fees.
that he sent the receipts issued
by the sopo collection agents
tion,” he threatened.
The SGPDA also has a task
scrapped from the tender doc-
uments by the government, a

to issue permission to sup-

s- Humidity: 87% the site and began searching the feet of the infant could The Forensic team also Producing receipts of the to the SGPDA members seek- to float the e-tender for sopo fresh tender is yet to see the

Information Commission further tightened the noose illegal constructions along result in “flourishing the cul- ised constructions.
s the area particularly the one have been picked by the dog arrived at the site and fees charged by the collection ing justice for the fish trad- collection fees at the whole- light of the day, which SGPDA
al TIDES behind the residential houses from the area where dumping collected some samples from agents, Ibrahim pointed out ers. The president has warned sale fish market afresh. For, Chairman Krishna Daji Salkar
on- Low: 01.18 13.10

ply water and electricity to

where huge dumping of debris is done as there is an access to the area where the feet were that the fees are not charged that the traders will be forced the e-tender, which was float- has attributed to the interven-

has imposed a penalty of Rs around the menace with fresh National and State Highways; ture of impunity”.
ng High: 08:19 18.38
The high court asked the
and garbage is noticed. the spot where the feet were found. as per the circular issued by to knock the doors of the High ed around August-September ing election code of conduct.
e

25,000 on Public Information directions that no electrici- any commercial structure as well as in areas earmarked
Despite rain, dam water “Thus, the courts
levels remain criticallymust
low MMCKolkata Municipal
contemplates Corpora-
FIR against
Officer of Aldona panchayat, ty or water supply should be where construction license, illegal structures where „„Talathis, Dy Collectors for road widening within WATER LEVELS: adopt a strict approach while LDC
THE GOAN I NETWORK tion amid payment
to initiate negotiations
demolition pro- State reeled under scorching
heat. The Anjunem dam’s wa-

Pramod Naik, for failing to provided to structures with- panchayat andAmunicipal

PANAJI
AS OF JUNE 16
ju- dealing with cases of illegal ceedings at premises where
ter level had also plummeted

technical clearance is not permissions are not given specific responsibili-

fter more than a fortnight to 22 per cent, further seeing THE GOAN I NETWORK With the LDC depositing nicipal lawyer for vetting before a
of continuous rainfall in a dip. in the Municipal treasury formal complaint is lodged with
15.1%  Water at Anjunem dam at
furnish proper and legible out construction and techni-
Goa, including pre-mon-

risdictions continue to be re-326.9033.3% construction and should not the illegal constructions came
soon showers, water levels in despite mm rainfall
Meanwhile, as per the latest
figures, Chapoli dam boasts
MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Coun-
an amount of Rs 3 lakh the police. However, with the
LDC depositing in the Municipal

obtained obtained ties under the law

the dams remain quite low. 46.7 per cent capacity while cil will take a call on lodging and has now sent feelers treasury an amount of Rs 3 lakh
 Selaulim dam @ having that he would settle the
info to a Right to Information
Two dams including Anjunem the main Tillari dam -- serving FIR against the erring LDC in and has now sent feelers that he
430.20
cal clearance certificates. ported. readily engage themselves up on some floors.
have recorded less than 20 recorded mm rainfall Sattari and parts of Bicholim the misappropriation case on dues on Tuesday, sources would settle the dues on Tues-
per cent water capacity while 35.4%  Amthane dam stands at taluka -- registered only 24.8 Tuesday since the employee in the civic body informed day, sources in the civic body

applicant.
that the FIR with the police

„„Electricity Dept to ensure

Selaulim and Amthane have per cent with the area receiv- has conveyed to the civic offi- informed that the FIR with the

„„Collectors, Mamlatdars, „„Disciplinary proceedings

18%  Panchwadi dam lags at
The government has also Further, the government ac- 46.7% in judicial regularisation of In an order passed on April
reported less than 40 per cent. ing 220.40mm of rainfall. cials about his willingness to will not be filed at least police will not be filed at least till
However, the Water Resourc-  Chapoli dam @ Gaunem dam leads the pack pay another installment of the
till Tuesday to allow the Tuesday to allow the employee
es Department remains unper- with a maximum of 50.5 per dues. to clear the balance dues. Mean-
24.8%  Tillari dam registers employee to clear the
directed that an Estate Of- no new electricity connec- Flying Squads empowered to be initiated against knowledged that authorities buildings erected without req- MISAPPROPRIATION 30,FUNDSSC admired the “courage
turbed stating that water levels cent capacity. while, expressing shock that the
balance dues

Two cops among 4

will surge by the end of August The State has experienced Chairperson of Margao Munici-
and the dams will brim to their OF FAIR continuous rainfall with the pal Council Damodar Shirodkar
full capacity. of each of these dams is huge. receiving 326.90mm of rainfall. laulim dam -- critical water India Meteorological Depart- the Municipal treasury, which and the Chief Officer Gaurish

ficer be appointed to maintain tion shall be released to to act immediately designated officers responsible for surveillance uisite permissions of the com- and conviction” with which
Minister Subhash Shirodkar,
speaking to The Goan, said
that water capacity will rise
“All these dams will reach full
capacity by August-end with
overflow expected in the sub-
Selaulim dam records 33.3 per
cent capacity having recorded
430.20mm of rainfall whereas
source for several places in
the South district including
Margao, Vasco, Quepem,
ment issuing a yellow alert
from June 18-20. On Sunday,
Goa remained under a
However, it could not be con-
firmed how much amount has
the LDC offered to pay to the civ-
prompted the Margao Munici-
pal officials to keep on hold the
decision to lodge FIR against
Shankhwalkar tried to pass the
blame on others, Congress leader
and ZP member Michelle Rebelo

assaulted in Quepem close vigil about encroach- and enforcement have failed to petent authority,” it said. the high court proceeded to
within two months. Chief Engi- sequent month,” he added. Amthane dam stands at 35.4 Sanguem, and the surround- yellow alert as heavy rains ic body on Tuesday. Of the total the employee. In fact, Chief Of- said they had no answers on why
neer Pramod Badami reiterat- As of June 16, Anjunem per cent capacity, while Panch- ing rural areas -- saw a decline accompanied by strong winds amount of Rs 17.44 lakh, the ficer Gaurish Sankhwalkar had official police complaint was not
ed the water level will gradually dam remains the lowest at wadi dam lags at 18 per cent. in water level to 34 per cent till swept across most parts of the employee had on Friday depos- on Friday said that his office has launched even after two weeks

ments on land within their ju- take appropriate action, which The need to maintain a take care of unauthorised
rise while stating the capacity 15.1 per cent capacity despite Among other dams, Se- the first week of May when the State. ited an amount of Rs 3 lakh in sent the draft FIR copy to the Mu- since the fraud took place.

SANGUEM: In an incident risdiction. tained. Electricity Department The government has al- also stated that the Talathis resulted in encroachments. In firm stance emanated from construction in exercise of its
which has shocked the local- “Health Officers shall not is- shall ensure no new electricity ready empowered the Collec- of the respective Sazas are view of this, the Chief Secretary the court's “inviolable duty” jurisdiction in public interest.
ity, a group of youth allegedly sue any permission to supply connection shall be released tors, Deputy Collectors, Mam- duty-bound to report such vi- reiterated that all concerned of- to uphold the rule of the law The counsel appearing for
assaulted two individuals water and electricity to any to illegal structures where latdars, and Flying Squads olations for immediate action ficers are strictly instructed to and gained “more force” to the petitioners urged the top
and later targetted two po- structure intended for com- permissions are not obtained to take immediate action while Mamlatdars are respon- comply with the directives and facilitate the well being of all court that her client should be
licemen near a grocery store mercial use in cases where from concerned authorities,” against encroachments, ille- sible for filing checklists, and any encroachments should be concerned, the top court said. given a chance to pray for reg-
at Tanki-Xeldem in Quepem the construction license and Chief Secretary V Candavelou gal landfilling and unauthor- Deputy Collectors must initi- promptly identified and dealt The bench, as a result, dis- ularisation of the unauthor-
in the wee hours of Thursday. technical clearance is not ob- said, in a recent order. ized constructions. The CS ate immediate action under with. missed a plea challenging ised construction.

NGT disposes plea May Day rally echoes anger

on Velsao Bay, rivulet over pharma sector layoffs
fish mortality AITUC SEEKS `35K WAGE FOR SKILLED WORKERS
THE GOAN I NETWORK ducted at the company’s Zuar-
inagar unit in May, June, July THE GOAN I NETWORK
PANAJI and August 2024.
The National Green Tribunal During these visits, sam- PANAJI
(NGT) has disposed of a mat- ples collected from the beach Raising the demand for a mini-
ter pertaining to widespread and rivulet revealed elevated mum Rs 35,000 monthly wage
fish mortality at Velsao Bay levels of Total Kjeldahl Nitro- for skilled workers, the All In-
and a brackish rivulet in Goa, gen and Potassium, particu- dia Trade Union Congress (AI-
observing that no further ac- larly during the monsoon pe- TUC) organized its traditional
tion was warranted against riod. 'May Day' rally in the capital
Paradeep Phosphates Ltd af- The presence of these ele- city where concerns were also
ter environmental compen- ments in puddle water sug- raised over what it called were
sation had already been im- gested stormwater runoff and large-scale job losses in Goa's
posed and paid. possible effluent spillages. pharma sector.
In its recent order, the After these findings, the SPIRIT OF LAIRAI: Devotees partake in a ritual in honour of Goddess Lairai ahead of the AITUC leader Suhas Naik,
Bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Board issued a show-cause zatra on May 2 in Shrigao-Bicholim on Thursday. The zatra commemorates the pilgrimage of who addressed the workers
Singh and Vijay Kulkarni took notice to the company on June Goddess Lairai and her divine siblings through the Western Ghats to settle in various parts of who joined the rally, ques-
note of the submission made 28, 2024, directing it to ex- Goa.  Narayan Pissurlenkar tioned the alarming rise in ter-
by the Goa State Pollution plain why it should not be pe- mination of workers and said
Control Board (GSPCB), stat- nalized. After considering the it was happening especially
ing that although pollution company’s reply, directions in the pharmaceutical sector Hundreds of workers march through the streets during a May

Gambling network raided in Goa,

was initially detected near the were issued on July 12, 2024, here in Goa. Day rally in Panaji on Thursday.
site due to the activities by the to deposit the EDC, which was Naik in his address also
firm, there was no established duly complied with the same highlighted the plight of work- growth cannot be pursued at Prasanna Utagi and hundreds
link between the company’s
(Respondent 5) operations
and the one-off fish kill inci-
dent reported in the media.
day.
The GSPCB also confirmed
that Paradeep Phosphates
was granted valid Consent
Mumbai’s matka queen booked ers who suddenly get laid-off,
dwelling on the stress they
face in their daily family life.
Naik and other AITUC leaders
the cost of the workers, their
rights and their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, AITUC presi-
dent, Christopher Fonseca,
of workers from across the
State attended.
Fonseca also castigated
the Central government, ac-
The Tribunal further noted to Operate under the Water THE GOAN I NETWORK Thursday, police registered 12 Vasco, Ponda, Mandrem and raised the issue of account- demanded that 'skilled work- cusing it of being anti-work-
that the company had already (Prevention and Control of cases and arrested 12 bookies Pernem. ability of managements and ers' both in the State and the er by bringing in several
paid an Environmental Dam- Pollution) Act, 1974, for the PANAJI in coordinated raids across Cash and gambling para- demanded that the govern- country should get a mini- new pro-capitalist laws which
age Compensation (EDC) of manufacture of fertilizers and The Crime Branch of Goa Goa. Another 12 agents and phernalia were seized from ment investigate the alleged- mum of Rs 35,000 salary per are against the welfare of
Rs 12.37 lakh and submitted a associated by-products. Police has booked alleged handlers allegedly operating various locations. Among ly unjust layoffs in the phar- month, considering the soar- workers.
Bank Guarantee of Rs 25 lakh Subsequent inspections matka queen Jaya Chheda, within Goa have also been those arrested hail from differ- maceutical industry which is ing cost of living. He also raised concern over
for compliance under the Con- verified compliance with pol- already facing multiple FIRs booked. ent parts of Goa. thriving in the State. Fonseca, who also ad- the rising unemployment in
sent to Operate. lution control norms, includ- in Mumbai, after uncovering A statement issued by Su- Probe indicates that the Hundreds of workers dressed the rally, put forth the country even as he ques-
Earlier during the hearing, ing the dismantling of an her links to a gambling perintendent of Police (CB) network was operating in marched through the streets 24 demands on behalf of the tioned the government's use
the GSPCB, in its reply affida- emergency discharge pipeline network operating in the Rahul Gupta said that raids close coordination with larger of the capital city holding workers before the govern- of ESMA to crush workers'
vit, informed the Tribunal that into the sea, as per specific State. were conducted in Panaji, matka syndicates based placards and raising slogans ment. Other AITUC leaders movements and fight for
several inspections were con- conditions of the Consent. In a major crackdown on Mapusa, Porvorim, Margao, outside Goa. to the effect that economic including Raju Mangeshkar, rights.

Dept forecasts 50% increase in Hope for translocated trees, but greens cry foul
power demand over next 5 yrs VOCIES OF CONCERN
THE GOAN I NETWORK

MAPUSA

A
THE GOAN I NETWORK GED said it will require to pur- t least four banyan trees
From 6,523.71 million units chase a total of 7,206.36 mil- translocated to a new „„Avertino Miranda cautioned against optimism saying
PANAJI which the Department says lion units, again expecting to site in Guirim as part of
is the requirement in the from past experience, banyan trees rarely survive such
Demand for power in Goa is lose 828.45 million units of the Porvorim elevated highway
expected to grow by nearly 50 current financial year, the these (12.06%) to T&D losses. project are showing signs of translocations. Green shoots can appear initially, but that
per cent by 2030, according GED business plan pegs Again in 2027-28, the GED pro- rejuvenation, with new shoots doesn’t mean the trees are alive in the long term
to the five year business- the requirement in 2029- jects it will lose 908.48 million and leaves emerging from „„The banyan tree translocated to Campal initially sprouted
plan presented by the Goa units (11.94%) of the 8,001.48 their stems.
Electricity Department (GED)
30 at 10,132.35 million million units it says it will The trees, believed by locals NEW LIFE: New shoots emerge from the translocated leaves but eventually withered away revealing the manner
as part of its tariff petition filed units need to purchase. to be over 100 years old, were banyan trees at Guirim, offering a glimmer of hope for in which the translocation was carried out
survival and future growth.  Agnelo Pereira
before the Joint Electricity The demand in 2028-29 is moved to land belonging to
Regulatory Commission lion units. projected to be 8,952.97 mil- the National Highway Author-
(JERC) where it has proposed The total power the GED in- lion units and a year later in ity near the temporary office department approved the plan However, with no positive not survive, but others are all remain doubtful. Convenor of
a tariff hike. tends to purchase in the cur- 2029-30 the demand for power of RRSM Infra, the project on the condition that at least response from the local bod- doing fine and showing signs the Goa Green Brigade, Averti-
From 6,523.71 million units rent financial year according will jump to 10,132.35 million contractor. six trees would be transplant- ies, the PWD ultimately chose of rejuvenation,” he stated. no Miranda cautioned against
which it says is the require- to its business plan is 6,523.71 units, according to the GED The translocation followed ed instead of being felled. to replant the trees on National The transplanted trees, optimism.
ment in the current financial million units of which it says business plan. public concerns over the The responsibility for iden- Highway land at Guirim. which were heavily pruned “From my past experience,
year, the GED business plan it will lose 12.20% (763.03 mil- All these projections are felling of around 600 trees to tifying a suitable relocation PWD Executive Engineer during the process, have been banyan trees rarely survive
pegs the requirement in 2029- lion units) to transmission expected to be scrutinized in make way for the 5.2-km six- site was entrusted to the Jude Carvalho confirmed that planted at a relatively close such translocations. Green
30 at 10,132.35 million units. losses, both at the inter-state detail at the public hearing lane elevated highway. Public Works Department most of the translocated trees distance of two to three metres shoots can appear initially, but
This projects the rise of power and intra-state grids com- which the JERC has fixed on After negotiations, the (PWD), which had requested appear to be surviving. from each other. that doesn’t mean the trees
demand in the State over the bined. May 9 at the Institute Menezes number of trees to be cut local panchayats to suggest “Only one banyan tree Despite the early signs of are alive in the long term,” he
next five years at 3,608.64 mil- Next year (2026-27), the Braganza in Panaji at 10 am. was reduced, and the forest locations. appears to be lifeless and may regrowth, environmentalists said.
 gujarat www.freepressjournal.in
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

ILLEGAL SETTLEMENT | The demolition involved around 50 AMC teams with

Briefs bulldozers, dumpers, and trucks, causing chaos for residents trying to salvage belongings
SURAT
INS Surat
visits its AMC clears 4k illegal structures
namesake city
Suratis are set to witness
the long-awaited arrival of
Indian Navy ship INS Surat,
near Chandola lake in three days
named after the Diamond FPJ News Service mounting about the role of law
City, as it docks at Hazira AHMEDABAD enforcement in the encroach-
this afternoon. The ship’s
arrival coincides with The Amdavad Municipal
ments. According to reports,
illegal Bangladeshi migrants
CM Bhupendra Patel
Gujarat Foundation Day
today. According to district
Corporation (AMC) carried out
a large-scale demolition oper-
had been residing in the area
and were reportedly involved
unveils key projects on
officials, the stealth
guided-missile destroyer
ation around Chandola Lake in
Danilimda, clearing more than
in illegal activities, including
drug trafficking and money
Gujarat Foundation Day
will remain at Hazira port 1.5 lakh square metres of land laundering. These activities
for two days.Local over two days. This included allegedly went unnoticed by FPJ News Service and laid the foundation for a
dignitaries, including demolishing more than 4,000 the police, despite the prox- GODHRA UHT milk processing plant at
elected representatives illegal structures, including imity of police stations in Surya Panchamrut Dairy. A
and senior officials, will be huts and permanent buildings, Nagar and Isanpur. As Gujarat marked its 65th Lithium-Ion Battery Recycle
present to welcome the which had been constructed on A source within the Gujarat Foundation Day, the state- Plant was also inaugurated at
vessel. Visitors will also government land over the past Police confirmed the presence level Gujarat Gaurav Divas Halol, reflecting Gujarat’s push
have the opportunity to get decade. of sleeper cells linked to Al- 2025 celebration was held in towards sustainable energy
a closer look at the The demolition drive began Qaeda in the area, and ques- Godhra, the district head- and circular economy models.
warship.Surat holds the on Tuesday, when AMC cleared tioned why authorities had quarters of Panchmahal on Union Home Minister Amit
distinction of being the 1,00,000 square metres of failed to address these issues Thursday. The event wit- Shah tweeted, "Many greet-
first city in Gujarat to have encroached land. On sooner. The question remains: nessed the presence of ings on Gujarat Day to all the
an Indian naval ship named Wednesday, 50,000 more manded an AMC deputy TDO largely failed to take action prevent future encroachments. Why did the police only take Governor Acharya Devvrat sisters and brothers of
after it. INS Surat is the square metres were cleared, for moving heavy machinery until now. The area, under the Meanwhile, concerns are action now, after years of illegal and Chief Minister Gujarat, famous for its diverse
fourth and final warship in with the operation involving without police approval. “The jurisdiction of the South Zone, mounting about the role of law activities? Bhupendra Patel. natural wealth, historical cul-
the Indian Navy’s Project around 50 teams equipped machinery was moved without saw the construction of illegal enforcement in the encroach- “This is a long-overdue oper- Chief Minister Patel inau- tural heritage and hospitality.
15B series of stealth with bulldozers, dumpers, and prior notification to the police, homes, huts, and religious ments. According to reports, ation. There are numerous gurated and laid the founda- Gujarat has always attracted
destroyers and was trucks. The operation led to and the ACP questioned the structures, allegedly with the illegal Bangladeshi migrants questions about how these tion stone for 85 development people from all over the world
commissioned by Prime chaos in the area, particularly urgency, ordering a halt until tacit approval of some AMC had been residing in the area encroachments were allowed projects worth ₹650 crore in with its talent, hard work and
Minister Narendra Modi at in Dhorwada, where residents proper clearance was granted,” officials and middlemen. and were reportedly involved to thrive for so many years,” Panchmahal district. These practical skills. I pray to Dada
Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard scrambled to salvage their said a person. In response to fears of re- in illegal activities, including said one local resident. projects are aimed at boosting Somnath for the continuous
in January 2025. The ship’s belongings as bulldozers Back in 2015, the AMC was encroachment, AMC’s Estate drug trafficking and money As part of the crackdown, the district’s infrastructure, progress and advancement of
visit was arranged moved in. allocated more than 2 lakh Department has initiated a sur- laundering. These activities city police arrested Fateh agriculture, industry, and the people of Gujarat, who
following a request from Despite the urgency of the square metres of land to vey to construct a permanent allegedly went unnoticed by Mohammed Pathan, 39, son of social services. have made prominent con-
the Southern Gujarat operation, a tense moment develop the area around boundary wall around the lake. the police, despite the prox- alleged local mafia figure Lallu Among the key activity, CM tributions to nation building
Chamber of Commerce occurred before the demolition Chandola Lake. However, Officials, along with a private imity of police stations in Surya Bihari, on charges of aiding Patel virtually inaugurated the from the Bhakti movement to
and Industry (SGCCI). INS began on Wednesday morn- despite increasing encroach- agency, have already begun Nagar and Isanpur. illegal migrants and encroach- Gaushort Sect Shortened the freedom movement and
Surat was fully designed ing, when a police officer repri- ments, the civic body had mapping the area in an effort to Meanwhile, concerns are ing on government land. Semen Technology machine modern times.”
and constructed at
Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited
(MDL) in Mumbai.

GANDHINAGAR
Girl raped by teens; Unseasonal rains threaten mango crop Surat teacher, 23,
nabbed for
Four IAS
officers from
gets impregnated FPJ News Service
AHMEDABAD
portation. If this rain damages
the produce, we won’t even ‘eloping’ with
Gujarat to FPJ News Service neighbourhood in Rajkot. As Gujarat reels under a severe
recover our basic costs,” said
Kiritbhai Desai from Gir
13-yr-old student
attend World RAJKOT The Maharashtra Police heatwave with temperatures Somnath. FPJ News Service
transferred the complaint to soaring to 44°C in Ahmedabad Adding to the concern, a SURAT
Expo in Japan A 12-year-old girl in Rajkot B-Division Police Station in and Rajkot on Tuesday, a fresh heatwave alert remains in
Four IAS officers from the was allegedly raped by two Rajkot. concern has emerged for effect for Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Mansi Nayi (23), a teacher
Gujarat government are teenage boys on several occa- It was revealed that two mango growers in South Surendranagar, Morbi, Botad, from Surat, has been arrested
set to participate in the sions, leading to a pregnancy. boys aged 16 and 13, had Gujarat and Saurashtra. The and Kutch over the next 24 for kidnapping her 13-year-
World Expo in Japan next A case was registered at allegedly raped the girl India Meteorological hours, raising fears of crop sun- old student, with whom she
week. One IAS officer is Rajkot B-Division Police multiple times, one being a Department (IMD) has forecast burn before the rains arrive. has allegedly been in a physi-
already in the United States under Protection of Children close relative. unseasonal rainfall from May 3 Agriculture experts are urg- cal relationship for a year.
on a personal trip. In this from Sexual Offences As one of the boys to 6, sparking fears of signifi- ing local administrations to Puna police caught up with
situation, the government (POCSO) against the threatened to kill her, she did cant crop damage during peak issue advisories to mango the “couple” at the Gujarat-
has directed that the offenders. not disclose his name at first mango harvesting season. “The mangoes are almost southern, and coastal areas. By farmers. “Protective netting or Rajasthan border on
responsibilities of five IAS According to police, the while filing the complaint. The unseasonal showers, ready for harvest. If the rains May 6, nearly the entire early harvest in threatened Wednesday, bringing to close
officers, including those girl experienced a stomach While one boy assaulted expected to be accompanied come with wind and lightning, Saurashtra and South Gujarat zones might reduce losses,” a four-day manhunt.
held by commissioners, be ache while she was at her her during the last Navratri, by thunderstorms, lightning, the fruits will fall prematurely region will see rain, including said an official from the Nayi came in contact with
temporarily handed over to relative’s place in another boy, who was a close and gusty winds (30–40 and rot. We have no way to major mango belts like Gujarat Horticulture the boy when she began
four other IAS officers. Maharashtra, and she was relative, raped her around 6- kmph), are likely to impact key protect them,” said Bhupatbhai Navsari, Valsad, and Amreli. Department. tutoring him, officials said.
According to the General taken to a doctor. 7 times. mango-producing districts Patel, a mango grower from This sudden turn in weather With mango exports from They added the duo
Administration The doctor said that she As per police, the boy such as Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Valsad district. comes at a time when farmers Gujarat slated to begin in mid- decided to “elope” after they
Department (GAD), from was five months pregnant. allegedly used to visit her in Amreli, Gir Somnath, and According to IMD, rain will were hoping to recover from May, any damage at this stage faced opposition from their
May 8 to 14, two IAS officers When the girl’s parents ques- the absence of her parents Junagadh. begin on May 3 in northern previous crop stress due to could severely impact both families. Nayi bought two
— including the Principal tioned her about the preg- and rape her. Farmers are now staring at districts such as Banaskantha erratic rainfall patterns earlier domestic supply and interna- bags in preparation for their
Secretary of the Industry nancy, she disclosed the The police are investigat- potential financial losses due to and Sabarkantha and will in the year. “We have invested tional trade, particularly to the flight. The child gave her his
and Mines Department, name of a teenage boy in the ing the matter. the unexpected weather shift. gradually extend to central, in fertilisers, labour, and trans- Gulf and Europe. clothes and other travel
Praveena D.K., and the
Managing Director of GIDC
— will be in Japan. The Puna police caught
up with the “couple”
responsibility for their
departments will be SGCCI delegation explores Hry mountaineer
begins ‘Run for
PPFAS launches GIFT at the Gujarat-
assigned to T. Natrajan, the
Additional Chief Secretary
Indo-Iran trade opportunities Ram’ from
City office, targets Rajasthan border on
Wednesday, bringing
for Finance, and Roopwant
Singh, the Managing
Director of GMDC, FPJ News Service Somnath to global investments to close a four-day
manhunt
respectively.Since the
Commissioner of Geology
SURAT Ayodhya
and Mining, Dhaval Patel, A high-level delegation from FPJ News Service necessities a day prior. She
who also serves as the the Southern Gujarat AHMEDABAD packed their bags, and met
Commissioner of Civil Chamber of Commerce and up with him at the VR Mall in
Aviation, is on leave, his Industry (SGCCI), led by In a remarkable feat, Dr. Surat. From there, CCTV
charge, previously held by Paresh Bhatt, CEO of SGCCI Narendra Singh Yadav, a footage shows that they
Praveena D.K., will now be Global Connect, visited the mountaineer from Haryana, travelled to the Surat railway
taken over by Roopwant ‘Iran Expo 2025’ in Tehran to has launched his run from station area.
Singh, who has previously explore bilateral trade oppor- Somnath to Ayodhya as part The duo took a bus to
managed the tunities. The delegation, com- of his ‘Run for Ram’ initiative. Vadodara, went on to
commissionerate. prising over 20 members, also The run, covering a distance Ahmedabad—where they
held a meeting with the Indian Iranian produce like apples engagement, the delegation of 1,761 kilometers through spent time at Kankaria lake—
SURAT Ambassador to Iran, Shri and kiwi can find a strong mar- met with Ambassador Rudra four states, will conclude in 36 before taking a train the next
178 investors Rudra Gaurav Shrestha, to ket in India. We aim to build Gaurav Shrestha and his team, days. FPJ News Service tory groundwork already afternoon to Jaipur. They then
strengthen Indo-Iran econ- bridges for mutual growth.” who expressed enthusiasm for After previously complet- AHMEDABAD established, the company is travelled to Delhi and
cheated of omic ties. The delegation also strengthening Gujarat-Iran ing long-distance runs from well-positioned to launch its Vrindavan and later returned
`3.38 croe During their visit, the SGCCI included Choryasi MLA and business ties. “We are com- Rameswaram to Ayodhya PPFAS Alternate Asset inbound fund as soon as the to Jaipur, where they stayed
Chowk Bazar police have team explored key sectors Chairman of Surat APMC, mitted to facilitating meaning- and from Jammu & Kashmir Managers IFSC Pvt. Ltd., a regulatory approvals are in overnight at a hotel. They had
arrested one Nilesh Jadav showcased at the expo, includ- Sandeep Desai; Jigar Desai of ful partnerships between (Budha Amarnath) to wholly owned subsidiary of place. Furthermore, the firm been on their way back to
for allegedly defrauding ing food, agriculture, mining, Ajaji Farm; and Jayesh Delad Indian and Iranian busi- Ayodhya, Yadav has now Parag Parikh Financial will provide outbound fund Ahmedabad, via private bus,
178 investors of Rs 3.38 pharmaceuticals, and handi- representing Sumul Dairy. nesses,” said the Ambassador. embarked on this symbolic Advisory Services Limited, structures and Portfolio when the police caught up
crore through a fake crafts. Members interacted Their presence highlighted Furthermore, SGCCI journey to spiritually connect inaugurated its new office Management Services (PMS) with them near Ratanpur.
investment and real estate with Iranian entrepreneurs to Gujarat's agricultural and extended a formal invitation to the four directions of India today at GIFT City (Gujarat from its GIFT City base. “We formed separate
scheme. Jadav, who once understand the potential for dairy strengths. the Ambassador and Iranian with Lord Ram’s birthplace. International Finance Tec- The inbound fund will be a teams and traced Nayi’s spare
held a franchise of LKP importing and exporting prod- Sumul Dairy’s represen- business leaders to participate Before commencing his City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat. fund of funds (FOF) that phone’s location,” an official
Securities, had opened a ucts between India and Iran. tative Delad remarked, “Our in an upcoming international run, Yadav performed a The new office will serve as serves as a feeder into the stated. The investigation is
firm called Nilesh “There is significant poten- goal is to open new trade chan- exhibition in Gujarat. “This Jalabhishek at the Somnath the hub for the firm’s global existing mutual fund scheme underway, police also said,
Investment and Share tial to export Indian products nels and introduce our high- exchange will further acceler- Mahadev Temple, where and domestic alternative "Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund". adding that the boy—whose
Broking and Real Estate in like dairy, bananas, mangoes, quality dairy products to new ate bilateral trade and econ- members of the VHP, Bajrang investment offerings. It targets NRIs and foreign family runs a provision
2020, promising monthly herbs, and ginger to Iran,” said markets like Iran.” omic cooperation,” noted Dal, and RSS were present to With the necessary infra- nationals seeking exposure to store—has undergone a
returns of 1.5% to lure Paresh Bhatt. “Similarly, In a significant diplomatic SGCCI’s Vijay Mewawala. support and cheer him on. structure, team, and regula- India. medical examination.
investors. According to a
complaint filed by Chetan
Vaghela, Jadav offered
him a job and encouraged
him to bring in new
investors. Vaghela
Coldplay concert proves Ahmedabad’s readiness for mega-events
invested Rs 60,000 and Agencies ity. Even the Western division Ahmedabad’s airport Rs50,000 to Rs90,000, within dance and storytelling, with
eventually convinced 178 AHMEDABAD of the Indian Railways intro- handled 138,000 travellers just 48 hours of the concert such a large pool of youth and
friends and relatives to duced special superfast trains during the three-day window, announcement. The impact a massive consumer base for
invest crores into the The live music landscape of between the two cities. including a record-breaking report was released by EY- concerts, there are vast
scheme since 2020. India has opened a new These findings have been 47,000 arrivals on the first Parthenon (EY-P), the leading opportunities for the concert
Though some early dimension. This can be documented in the recently concert day while the local strategy consulting firm and economy. In the past decade,
investors received returns, deduced from the recently released report on the econ- metro system shattered all BookMyShow Live. both the trend and demand
the payouts stopped in held live concert of the British omic impact of the event, previous passenger records, Prime Minister Narendra for live events have grown.
April 2024. Later, Jadav rock band Coldplay in titled ‘India’s rising concert demonstrating how a single Modi, during his address at You must have seen the
allegedly tried to reassure Ahmedabad and Mumbai. economy: Coldplay's event can stress-test and vali- the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in incredible images from the
concerned investors by The live event pushed a part Ahmedabad tour sets the date a city’s entire transporta- Odisha Conclave 2025, also Coldplay concerts in Mumbai
promising to release of the transport sector of the blueprint for India's next cul- tion infrastructure. Not only noted, “In a country with and Ahmedabad in recent
pending returns in bulk. country to enhance its capac- tural boomtowns’. this, the hotel rates soared such a rich heritage in music, days.
 www.freepressjournal.in madhya pradesh
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

CHANGE OF HEART: The BJP leaders opposed the demand Youth arrested 4 killed as car rams into culvert
for the caste census before the Lok Sabha election in ‘love jihad’ FP News shi (28), Sonu Raghuvanshi (35),
Service/Agencies Veeru Kushwaha (24), and Hi-
case involving
BJP leaders’ tone over minor girl
GUNA

Four people were killed and

three others injured when a
tesh Bairagi (24), all of whom
hailed from Rijoda village.
The injured include Sudeep
Raghuvanshi (24), currently

caste census changes Our Staff Reporter

BHOPAL

Amid ongoing cases of

car carrying them lost control,
hit a divider and overturned in
Guna. The victims were travel-
ling to attend a wedding cer-
under critical care in Bhopal,
alongside Sumit Raghuvanshi
(24) and Ravi Raghuvanshi
(22), both receiving treatment
They wrote posts on rape and blackmail invol- emony when the accident at the district hospital.

social media over It is Rahul Gandhi’s ving Hindu girls, a fresh occurred. Among the three in- The officer also dismissed
‘love jihad’ incident has sur- jured, one person with severe the earlier presumption that
caste and religion victory, coming to faced in the Gunga area of injuries has been transferred the car had been struck by

after the Pahalgam Bhopal next month, rural Bhopal. A youth from to a hospital in Bhopal for ad- possible that the driver, who another vehicle, stating, "The
a different community al- vanced treatment. was among the victims, dozed damage, concentrated on the
incident says Congress legedly lured and raped a The car, carrying them lost off, leading to the incident." He rear of the vehicle while leav-
The Congress has said minor Hindu girl, and is control and crashed into a cul- further said, "The victims ing the front largely intact,
Our Staff Reporter the Centre’s decision to now pressuring her for vert near Bhadaura village were returning home from a warrants further investigation
BHOPAL do the caste census is marriage. The accused was under jurisdiction of the Myana wedding celebration when the once the injured regain full
Rahul Gandhi’s victory. arrested on Thursday and police station on Thursday. accident occurred. Among the consciousness and the medi-
The tone of the BJP leaders is being questioned by po- The devastating incident oc- injured, one is in critical con- cal reports are available."
MPCC president Jitu
over the caste census has lice. curred at around 2.30 a.m., po- dition and has been referred The official confirmed that
Patwari said Rahul Gan-
changed after the govern- According to reports, the lice said. After hearing the to Bhopal for advanced medi- post-mortem examinations
dhi would come to Bho-
ment’s decision to do it. pal next month to girl, aged 17 years and 6 loud bang, the owner of a cal attention. have been conducted, and the
The BJP leaders, who were participate in a meeting months, lives in a village nearby Dhaba (eatery) However, it remains uncer- bodies have been handed over
speaking against the caste cen- on the caste census. under Gunga police station. reached the spot and called tain who was at the wheel, as to the grieving families. The
sus, began to defend their Sahil Khan, 22, a resident of the police and ambulance. only one of the survivors can wedding festivities were held
party’s stand over the issue. The Congress will the same area who also Gopal Choube, the investi- communicate, albeit not coher- in Mawan village, with atten-
The ruling party leaders
launch a campaign to works in agricultural fields gating officer and police sta- ently." The deceased have been dees travelling from Rijoda in
raise awareness among
used to say that the caste cen- with his father, is accused of tion in-charge, said, "It is identified as Govind Raghuvan- Shivpuri district.
the people about the
sus would divide the country. befriending the girl
importance of caste
Now, the same leaders are through false pretences.
census, he said.
saying Prime Minister Nar-
endra Modi has decided to do
caste census for the country’s
In the past 11 years,
Rahul Gandhi has
About a month ago, Sahil
raped her when she was
alone. Recently, Sahil
Nabeel, who rented MRO facility may
come up near
welfare.
BJP leaders also wrote posts
on social media against caste
spoken two lakh times
for caste census, Pat-
wari said.
started pressuring the
minor for marriage and re-
ligious conversion, promp-
room for victim’s Bhopal airport
Our Staff Reporter
census. BJP legislator from
Huzur Rameshwar Sharma
wrote a post on social media on
MLA Rameshwar Sharma shared pic of a Pahalgam
attack victim picture on his twitter handle
BJP wrote before killing tour- BJP believed in four castes.
The BJP used to give
different statements, he
said.
ting her to inform her
parents.
The girl and her family
exploitation, held BHOPAL

The proposed Maintenance,

Pahalgam incident that “Jaati ists in Pahalgam the terrorists Nevertheless, after the centre’s Narendra Modi, Yogi approached Gunga police He did not sexually Repair and Overhaul (MRO) is
nahin dharma puchch kar had asked their religion of their decision to do caste census, the Adityanath, Nitin Gad- along with activists from a likely to come up near Raja
mara gaya tha (terrorists victims not their caste. BJP leaders have taken a U- kari, Shivraj Singh right-wing group and assault girls, Bhoj Airport. It is learnt that
wanted to know the religion of
the tourists before killing them
The BJP leaders opposed
the demand for the caste cen-
turn over the issue.
On the pattern of Modi and
Chouhan and many
other leaders opposed
lodged a complaint on
Wednesday night. Gunga
reveals probe the company doing invest-
ment in the project has sur-
not their caste). The same sus before the Lok Sabha elec- UP Chief Minister Yogi Aditya- caste census in their police station TI Harishan- Our Staff Reporter veyed the land and things are
Sharma is talking in favour of tion. nath, the BJP leaders began to statements. kar Verma said that an FIR BHOPAL in pipeline in this regard. A
the caste census. They also said there were say, “Batenge to katenge (di- Rahul Gandhi has has been registered against senior officer of the aviation
Sharma said Prime Minister only four castes in the country vided we fall).” forced the Modi-led Sahil under POCSO, SC/ST The fifth accused in the high- department said that the gov-
Narendra Modi’s decision to do according to the Prime Min- The centre’s decision to do government to bow and other relevant sections profile rape and blackmailing ernment is having around 20
caste census was a historic step. ister. They are the poor, the caste census has forced the down to his demands, of BNS. The accused has case, identified as Nabeel, was n Accused had acres of land near Raja Bhoj
From its official ex-handle, farmers, youths and women. BJP leaders to talk about its Patwari said. been arrested and is under arrested by Ashoka Garden fled to West Bengal Airport and MRO project
the Chhattisgarh unit of the The party leaders said the benefits. interrogation. police on Thursday morning. soon after FIR could come up on this land.
Acting on a tip-off, police ap- The German- based INAVIA
prehended Nabeel from his was registered Aviation is interested to de-
against him
Rape case against Muslim youths trample Pak flag rented accommodation,
where he had been hiding to
evade arrest, officials said.
n To outsmart the
velop MRO facility and last
month its Managing Partner
Michael Howell had met Chief
police, Nabeel
BJP leader’s son According to police, Nabeel
originally hails from Bihar. returned to Bhopal
Minister Mohan Yadav regard-
ing the project. ‘As far as MRO
After an FIR was registered and went under- facility is concerned, only few
FP News Service The girl claims that Rajat against him and other ac- ground, assuming cities in India like Delhi, Chen-
SHIVPURI recorded videos of their inti- cused in the case, he fled to nai and Mumbai are having the
mate moments and that both West Bengal. His last known
that cops would MRO facility. It’s like a garage
A rape case was registered families were aware of their location was traced near Kol- continue to focus wherein problems of aircrafts
against Rajat Sharma, the relationship. She informed kata, prompting a police team their search in will be fixed,’ he said. Sources
son of BJP Municipality her family about Rajat and to travel there in pursuit. Bihar and Bengal. in the aviation department
president Gayatri Sharma, in they were supportive of the However, in an attempt to said that the company also
Shivpuri. A girl from Shiv marriage. However, after her outsmart the police, Nabeel plans to recycle decommis-
C o l o n y brother was diagnosed with returned to Bhopal and went Investigations so far have re- sioned aircraft and if it comes
filed the cancer, Rajat promised to underground, assuming that vealed that Nabeel was a stu- then it will be a first not only in
complaint, marry her once he re- law enforcement would con- dent of the same college where India but also across Asia.
leading the covered. After her brother tinue to focus their search in main accused Farhan and the ‘Currently guidelines of the
Kotwali po- passed away on March 10, the Bihar and Bengal. victims studied. While Nabeel new aviation policy are being
lice to take girl urged Rajat to fulfill his Vital information about Na- himself did not sexually assault prepared and they are in the
action on promise, but he began mak- beel’s whereabouts was ob- the girls, his rented room in As- final stage. Once guidelines are
Thursday. ing excuses. tained during the hoka Garden was allegedly issued, the company will apply
Ac c o rd - The victim also alleged interrogation of previously ar- used by Farhan and others to under the project. So far, the
ing to the girl's complaint, that local leaders pressured rested accused Farhan and his exploit them. Police also said company has not given the
she met Rajat on Facebook her to withdraw her com- associates. Acting on these they are closing in on the final project outlines,’ sources said.
and their friendship devel- plaint. Despite facing press- clues, police tracked him down absconding accused, Abrar, It is after the issuance of guide-
oped into a romantic rela- ure, she remained A youths ride over Pakishtan flag painted on road in Bhopal on Thursday and arrested him. Ashoka also a resident of Bihar. He fled lines that the government
tionship. They began talking determined to pursue the Garden police station in-charge after the FIRs were filed, and is makes it clear that what are
on the phone and met in per- case. Our Staff Reporter istan on Thursday. cowardly act of Pakistan will Hemant Srivastava confirmed likely to be arrested within the the subsidies and facilities to
son for the first time on Au- This incident has sparked BHOPAL They also tore the Pakistani not be tolerated and they are the arrest, stating that Nabeel’s next couple of days. It is worth be provided under the policy
gust 20, 2023. During this significant discussion in the flag. They also reached Collec- ready to sacrifice their life for phone, laptop and other elec- noting that both Nabeel and and how incentives shall be
meeting, Rajat proposed city over the past two weeks. A group of Muslim youths ex- torate office and handed over motherland. The protesters tronic devices have been seized. Abrar were close associates given to interested parties. As
marriage and later asked her The girl had previously at- pressed their anger against Pa- a memorandum to the collec- were led by ward 41 corpor- He will be presented before a of Farhan and allegedly pro- far as MRO-related things are
to engage in physical rela- tempted to file an FIR three halgam terrorist attack by tor, seeking permission to ator Mohammad Rehan. They court and taken on remand for vided their rented accom- concerned, they are likely to
tions, which she consented to times but was unsuccessful trampling the Pakistani flag work along with Indian forces said time has come to give a further questioning regarding modations for the sexual take shape after three to four
multiple times. until now. and raising slogan against Pak- at border. They said that the befitting reply to Pakistan. his involvement in the case. exploitation of victims. months.

Love Jihad politics intensifies, Police seek Centre’s help over

BJP to stage sit-ins today Indian women with Pak-born kids
Our Staff Reporter matically complex. “Unless the the lack of clear policy on
Cong demands BHOPAL Pakistani Ministry of External Complex whether their children can

closure of
Incidents of FIR against BJP leader for Cases involving Indian pass-
Affairs provides clearance, In-
dian women with Pakistani-
cross-border stay with them or be repat-
riated.
club culture Love Jihad provocative speech, threats port-holding women in Mad- born children cannot be sent family cases “In Bhopal, we have at least

Our Staff Reporter enrage RSS Our Staff Reporter his Facebook page on April 28
hya Pradesh whose children
are born in Pakistan are turn-
back. In the meantime, we
have written a letter to the such persons were identified
one such case. In Jabalpur,
there are a couple more.
BHOPAL
T he incidents of Love
Jihad in Bhopal en-
raged the RSS. Accord-
BHOPAL in which he was addressing a
crowd at Jehangirabad Cross-
ing into long-drawn affairs, as
clearance in such situations
Centre seeking guidance, but
we haven’t received any re-
in Indore and were served
with exit notices.
These women are Indian by
birth and hold valid Indian
Politics over ‘Love Jihad’ has Jehangirabad police on Wed- ing on April 27. Ghadge issued often takes a significant sponse yet,” he said. However, during this on- passports, but their children
intensified in the state capital ing to sources, RSS nesday registered an FIR life threats to Congress MLA amount of time. MP Police The issue has come into going verification drive, the are considered foreign na-
after it came to light a few col- functionaries have dis- against BJP leader and Arif Masood during the has written to the Uniongov- sharper focus after the Indian police also stumbled upon tionals under current rules,”
lege girls were raped and cussed the issue with member of the state working speech and used slurs and sen- ernment seeking guidance on government revoked 14 cat- several cases where Indian- the officer said.
made drug addicts. the government and the committee of the party tences like ‘Kutto ko chho- handling these sensitive cases. egories of Pakistani visas. Fol- born women—who had mar- With no clear policy on
BJP organisation. The
The BJP is going to stage a Krishna Ghadge for allegedly denge nahi’ and ‘Pakistani The final decision, however, lowing this decision, MP ried Pakistani nationals and how to handle such cases, the
RSS is planning to
sit-in over the issue on Friday. making a provocative speech agents jo yahan sun rahe hain’ rests with the Ministry of Ex- Police has been actively ident- settled in Pakistan—returned state police are left in a di-
launch a campaign to
The party will stage sit-ins at raise awareness about at Jehangirabad Crossing dur- (won’t spare dogs and Pakis- ternal Affairs (MEA). ifying Pakistani nationals re- to India on Indian passports, lemma, awaiting a directive
26 places in the city. The such incidents. ing the assembly on the occa- tani agents here, who are lis- A senior officer at the Police siding illegally or with but their children are Pakis- from the Centre that could
Hindu outfits are staging the sion of Hanuman Janmotsav tening). Headquarters said that such expired documents in cities tani nationals. These women help resolve these humanitar-
demonstration. such incidents, Sharma said. in the night on April 27. The Making a complaint on the cases are legally and diplo- across the state. Recently, four are now stuck in limbo due to ian and legal concerns.
The BJP leaders and the A team led by Congress case has been registered on basis of the video, Yadav de-
RSS functionaries are among MLA Arif Masood met the the complaint of Congress manded the police to question
the organisers of these sit-ins.
MP Alok Sharma said
those who were involved in
Bhopal police commissioner
over the incidents.
Masood said he was with
leader Yashwant Yadav who
said that such speech poses
threat to communal harmony
Ghadge regarding who were
the Pakistani agents present
there at the crossing and take
Woman killed after hoarding board hits during gusty winds
Love Jihad should be ster- the girls and demanded a ban and may incite violence. TI at action against them. Mean- Our Staff Reporter The woman was a pillion nephew Vedprakash had to a hospital in Rajendra
ilised. on club culture in the state Jehangirabad police station while, corporators Shirin Khan INDORE rider on a bike and she had gone to attend a family pro- Nagar area where she died
Similarly, BJP legislator capital. The restaurant, Ashutosh Upadhyay said an and Naseem Ghafoor also fallen after being hit by the gramme somewhere in the during treatment on Thurs-
Rameshwar Sharma opened where such incidents took FIR has been registered handed over a memorandum A 54-year-old woman, who board and she had received city. While returning home, a day morning.
a front against those who place, should have been de- against Ghadge under relevant to Jehangirabad police de- was returning home with her serious head injury in the ac- hoarding board tore down After receiving death in-
were doing Love Jihad. molished by now, he said. sections of BNS and further in- manding an investigation and nephew and got critically in- cident. DSP (Headquarters) and hit her in the head near formation, Rajendra Nagar
Sharma said girls should Drug trafficking is on, vestigation is underway. action against Ghadge for jured after a hoarding board Umakant Choudhary in- Shashi Enclave Township in police conducted the post-
be protected and Love Jiha- and the government should In his complaint given to spreading communal hatred was torn down due to gusty formed Free Press that the Sanawadiya around 6 pm. She mortem of the body and the
dis should be wiped out. act against these people, police, Congress leader Yash- through provocative speech winds on Wednesday even- deceased was identified as fell from the bike and got case diary would be sent to
A particular group is Masood said. want Yadav said he came and issuing threats to MLA Arif ing, died during treatment in Geeta Ramesh Yadav, a resi- critically injured in the acci- the Khudel police station for
working, and all Hindus But religion should not get across a video of Ghadge on Masood. a city hospital, police said on dent of Sanawadiya village. dent. Vedprakash with the further investigation into
should come together against in the way, he said. Thursday. On Wednesday, she and her help of the residents took her the case.
 Karnataka
In Association with

Mumbai,Friday, May 2, 2025 www.freepressjournal.in

Quick POLITICS AT PLAY Siddaramaiah targets Modi govt Heavy rains in Mysuru
leave trail of havoc
MYSURU
Centre decided on caste census
Man touches
electrocuted
pet dog, dies
with an eye on Bihar polls: CM
NT Correspondent
BENGALURU
on May 9,” he added.
A dog owner was electrocut- The Chief Minister underlined
ed when he tried to rescue his that Congress leader Rahul
pet dog which was also elec- Karnataka Chief Minister Sid- Gandhi has been insisting
trocuted after coming in con- daramaiah on Thursday said that 50 per cent ceiling should
tact with an electric pole in an the Centre decided to conduct be removed and reservation
incident at Jalahallihundi new caste census keeping Bihar as- should be provided based on NT Correspondent tree fell on the compound of
MYSURU
layout in Chamarajanagar on sembly elections in mind. the population of the back- a house near Priyadarshini
Thursday. Both the dog own- He said that Centre's move on ward communities. Hospital in Brindavan lay-
er and his pet dog died in the caste census was also due to “Due to Gandhi's insistence, Heavy rainfall lashed Mysu- out which led to disruption
incident. the pressure built by the Con- the Congress government in ru on Wednesday night and of power supply in the area.
According to the police, the gress, especially its former Karnataka promised remov- Thursday morning leading The residents of the area
deceased has been identified president Rahul Gandhi. ing the 50 pre cent ceiling to inundation of several low vent their ire on city cor-
as Chandrugowda (38) of the “The hurry in which the BJP on reservation in its election lying areas. poration officials for not
layout. Chandrugowda no- led Centre took the decision manifesto. Due to the con- Many trees and their removing the tree which
ticed his pet dog lying near regarding caste census on tinuous pressure, the Centre branches have fallen in the was posing a danger in their
the electric pole in front of his Wednesday made me believe agreed for caste census,” Sid- city. street though they had filed
house on Thursday. Unaware that it was done in view of Bi- daramaiah said. Incidents of more than 250 several complaints to re-
that the dog had been electro- har assembly elections,” Sid- He also said that the All India trees falling were reported move it.
cuted, he touched it and died daramaiah said addressing a Congress Committee conven- in several areas of the city Mysuru City Corporation
on the spot. press conference. tion in Ahmedabad passed like near Airlines Hotel, Superintending engineer
Upon receiving information, The Chief Minister insisted while hearing about the Man- ment can only recommend to would implement the social a resolution to this effect on Ramanuja road in Vidyara- Sindhu said that the MCC
Chamundeshwari Electricity that the 50 per cent ceiling on dal Commission introduced the Centre, he added. and educational survey re- April 9. nyapuram, Kuvempunagar has received complaints on
Supply Corporation (CESC) reservation should be relaxed. ceiling on reservation, he ex- When asked about the fate port even after the Centre's The Chief Minister further Vi s h w a m a n ava D o u bl e the uprooting of as many
assistant executive engi- There should be an analysis plained. of the caste census report caste survey report is out, the said that Rahul Gandhi has road, Bannimantap, KSRTC as 53 trees and branches of
neer Mahesh, AE Praveen, of the socio-economic and “There were no scientific or prepared by the Karnataka Chief Minister said the survey also sought to know the date layout, BM Srinagar, Ra- 543 trees falling in all nine
Junior engineer Manjunath education status of the SC/ST, constitutional reasons behind government, which was pre- report prepared by the Back- when the enumeration pro- makrishnagar, Gokulam, zones of MCC for the last
and power inspector Swapna OBC and minorities and they the ceiling on reservation but sented before the state cabi- ward Class Commission is still cess would start. Jayalakshmipuram and three days.
rushed to the place. The offi- should be given reservation the SC put 50 per cent ceiling,” net, Siddaramaiah said, “The at the discussion level in the “The caste census should not Brindavan layout. Destruction of banana,
cers found out that a snapped accordingly, he insisted. Siddaramaiah said. remaining portion of the re- government. be like women's reservation The damaged electric maize and several other crops
electric wire had fallen on the According to him, the verdict The chief minister said the port apart from caste census, bill. Besides census and caste poles and snapped electric were reported from vil-
electric pole and led to the mandating 50 per cent ceil- state government cannot re- such as social and educational “We will discuss it in the cabi- census, there should be enu- lines resulted in power out- lages in T Narasipura, HD
electrocution of Chandru- ing was given in 1992 in the vise the ceiling on the reserva- survey recommendations will net and get the opinions of our meration of socio-economic ages in several areas of the Kote, Hunsur, Periyapatna,
gowda and his pet dog. Indra Sawhney case. The divi- tion because it is the Centre's be implemented.” ministers. Most likely, the cab- and educational survey,” he city. Saragur and KR Nagar ta-
sion bench of Supreme Court domain. The state govern- To a question whether he inet meeting will be convened added. An electric pole, and a luks.

MANGALURU

Lynching case:
Three cops
Caste census: Allocate sufficient funds, fix KEA to use QR code tech in
suspended time limit, Kharge tells Centre admissions to curb seat blocking
Three police personnel have NT Correspondent Indu Shekar | NT
been suspended in connec- BENGALURU
is bogus. I don't agree. For po- BENGALURU
tion with the alleged delay in litical purposes they always
investigating the recent “mob Congress President Mal- do such things," he added. The Karnataka Examina-
lynching” case that occurred likarjun Kharge on Thurs- In a major decision, tions Authority (KEA),
on the outskirts of the city, day urged for allocation of the union government on which recently used QR
sources said on Thursday. sufficient funds and fixing of Wednesday decided to in- code technology to monitor
Mangaluru Rural Police a time limit for the caste enu- clude caste enumeration the Common Entrance Test
Inspector Shivakumar, Head meration in the next census, in the census exercise in a (CET), is adopting the same
Constable Chandra P and which has been announced "transparent" manner. technique in the college ad-
Constable Ellalinga were by the Central government. Urging the government mission process. This is the
suspended on Tuesday night, The Leader of Opposition to fulfill the announcement first time the KEA is imple-
they added. in Rajya Sabha said, Con- made, Kharge said, as of to- menting a fully digital mech-
The action follows the dis- gress and other opposition day the government has not anism for seat allotments ceives a seat through KEA's system allows immediate
covery of a body near the Bha- parties demanded for caste allocated sufficient money and student admissions, centralised counselling pro- verification of whether the
tra Kallurti temple in Kudupu census and had staged ag- for it, and asked without aimed primarily at prevent- cess, an official admission individual taking admission
village, on the outskirts of itation for it throughout general census. It is a good Congress not being in favour money how the survey can ing seat-blocking scams in confirmation containing a is the same one who was
Mangaluru, where a group the country, and now they thing and we will fully coop- of caste census. be conducted? professional courses. QR code will be issued. The allotted the seat and who
of people had reportedly as- are happy that they have erate for this, but they (BJP) "If we were against the He said, "they should also The decision comes after student must then report to appeared for the CET. It en-
saulted a man who allegedly achieved what they intended should not comment unnec- caste census, would I have give a time limit. If the time the QR code system proved the allotted college with this sures that the seat is being
raised provocative slogans for. essarily on Jawaharlal Neh- written the letter two years limit is not there, it will successful during the CET document to complete the ad- occupied by the rightful can-
while walking across a cricket "I had written a letter two ru saying he was opposed ago or would we have done take a long time. Therefore exams held on April 15, 16 mission process. didate, thus preventing any
field during a local tourna- years back on caste census to it, this and that," Kharge many agitations for it? They my suggestion is that they and 17, where KEA closely Colleges will be equipped impersonation or fraudulent
ment around 3 pm on April 27. along with general census, said. (BJP) try to create confusion should give attention to this tracked student activity with with a KEA-provided app claims.
The victim was later iden- they did not agree then, but Speaking to reporters, he in the minds of the people and within two-three months digital identifiers. Under the that can scan the QR code. This digital verification
tified as Ashraf, a resident of now the government has said, Jan Sangh and RSS and try to project that they or whatever time limit fixed, new plan, every seat allotted Upon scanning, the app will process is expected to signifi-
Wayanad district in Kerala. taken a decision to conduct are against reservation, and are the only people interest- as early as possible, they by KEA will be digitally mon- instantly transmit the stu- cantly reduce malpractice in
Citing a preliminary investi- a caste census along with such people are talking about ed in the country's welfare. It should conduct the survey.’’ itored. Once a student re- dent's details to KEA. This the admission system.
gation, a senior police officer
said that the victim was car-
rying a gunny bag and was
crossing the field when he ON MAY DAY
Voices from Bengaluru’s workforce
allegedly shouted “Pakistan
Zindabad.”

BENGALURU

Metro gets
rail cars for
resonate with pride & perseverance
Bhavana M | NT life of constant routine.
Yellow Line BENGALURU For Shiva, a daily wage la-
The Bengaluru Metro Rail bourer, every day is a hustle.
Corporation Limited (BMR- They build our homes, stitch He earns ₹1,000 a day at con-
CL) on Wednesday received our clothes and lay the tracks struction sites, supporting a
three metro rail cars for the we travel on, yet remain invis- family of four. “I take up any
much-awaited Yellow Line. ible. On May 1, as the world job I can. The income is still
Three cars from the third observes International La- not enough,” he says, travel-
train set have been suc- bour Day, we pause to listen to ling wherever there’s work, al-
cessfully shipped from the those who keep the city alive ways hoping his children will
Titagarh factory, while the re- with their sweat and skill. have a better shot.
maining three are scheduled
to be loaded and transported
Venkatesh H D, a weaver
in Bengaluru, puts it simply:
Shravan Kumar, a migrant
worker from Bihar, has carved Coding, targets, burnout:
to Bengaluru by May 2, BMR-
CL said in a statement.
“There’s no difference be-
tween us and software em-
out some stability in metro
construction. His 12-hour days The silent struggle of techies
"Marking a milestone, BM- ployees. We are all skilled in begin at 6 am.
RCL has moved one step our work and answerable to “I’ve done this for years. I Behind the fancy glass buildings and
closer to operationalising the someone above us.” can send money home and
much-anticipated Yellow Line, He and his co-worker, Srini- still manage here,” he says. glowing screens lies the unseen toll on IT
with the latest batch of metro vasa, work in a dim and poorly But loneliness weighs heavy. professionals --overworked,
cars being dispatched to Ben- ventilated room, weaving silk Shravan Kumar, a labourer at a Venkatesh, working on his machine loom weaving silk sarees. He hasn’t seen his family in
galuru," the statement read. sarees on machine looms. metro construction site. | Satish B | Satish B over a year and expects to be under-recognised and rarely heard
According to BMRCL, an Each piece earns them ₹500, passion about their craft, even stationed in Bannerghatta for
additional set of three metro with monthly earnings barely if they have no idea how much more supportive past. At a fac- dislike the job,” she says. She two more. Navya Shree Shankar | NT importance of teamwork
cars is expected to arrive be- touching ₹5,000. Despite the their sarees are sold for. tory on Bannerghatta Road, left early, having saved just These are stories not of BENGALURU and dedication during high-
tween May 10 and May 15. conditions, their pride is un- Puttama Gowda, a retired she was given sick leave, child- enough to help her son get despair, but of dignity. Not of pressure periods. “It’s not just
"With the commissioning missable. They speak with garment worker, recalls a care, and dignity. “I didn’t married, a quiet exit from a complaint, but of courage. While the world looks up to about individual effort --it’s
of three trains, BMRCL is innovation and digital trans- about collaborating effec-
accelerating efforts to bring formation, the workers pow- tively with the team to ensure
the Yellow Line into service as
soon as possible," it said.
Laws exist, justice doesn’t Vital yet ignored: The woeful plight ering the IT industry’s
relentless engine are
often left grappling
everything falls into
place.
Despite the
BENGALURU From factories to food apps, of B'luru frontline workers with 12-hour shifts,
unrealistic dead-
long hours,
there’s a sense
SSLC student
run over by
workers remain expendable Navya Shree Shankar | NT
BENGALURU
lines and the pres-
sure to stay con-
of fulfilment
when a project
Bhavana M | NT stantly connected. is successfully
milk tanker BENGALURU This modern work- Rajendra delivered,” he
Before dawn breaks and force, celebrated for its said.
A youth was killed on the spot “Labour laws exist, but it the city still sleeps, pourakar- output, is too often forgot- Faaran’s words
and another sustained injuries is the factories that must en- mikas begin their 'thankless' ten in its exhaustion. capture the essence of
after their two-wheeler skid- force them,” said Prof Desh- labour, clearing garbage and Despite being hailed as a techie's world, where
ded while allegedly overtaking pande, former director of the sweeping filth. Yet they re- the backbone of the digital every line of code is both a
a milk tanker near the Tata In- Institute for Social and Eco- ceive little more than wages, economy, many IT profes- challenge and a chance for
stitute at Sadashivnagar on nomic Change, as he under- social invisibility and hazard- sionals face stagnant wages, triumph.
Wednesday. scored why long-standing is- ous working conditions in re- shrinking job security due to The life of a developer
According to police, the sues faced by workers remain turn. outsourcing and automation, is marked by quiet de-
deceased has been identified unresolved. Denied basic safety gear and a work culture that glo- termination, where solu-
as Harsha (17), a resident of Without proper implemen- and often stripped of dignity, of a fellow pourakarmika, However, since Sarojamma rifies hustle over health. On tions rarely come easy,
Shrirampur, and the injured tation, laws lose their power. these frontline workers are Sarojamma, in a fatal accident died while on duty, we de- Labour Day, their voices are and bugs seem to multiply
as Sachin, who was riding For decades, workers have United Food Delivery Part- essential for a healthy urban while on duty on April 29. Sa- mand an enhanced aid of Rs often drowned out, over- just when you think
the two-wheeler. Sachin and lacked a proper wage code ners Union. The demand for life, but remain at its mar- rojamma was the sole bread- 20 lakh in recognition of her shadowed by the very you've squashed
Harsha were working with a and social security net. In cas- humane treatment and equal gins, battling both waste and winner of her family, and her service and the circumstanc- technology they help them all.
jewellery shop on New BHEL es of workplace injury, there rights stemmed from decades neglect. Our streets, markets sudden demise has left them es of her death, he said. build and maintain. “It’s not just
Road. The incident occurred is no assurance of adequate of mistreatment, he felt. and neighbourhoods wouldn’t in vulnerable. We have spo- “This is not an isolated in- about the tech-
when both were heading to compensation. Exploitation is He drew attention to the shine without their relentless ken to the authorities and cident. Recently, two poura- Sacrificing week- nicalities --it’s
work a bit earlier than usual the natural consequence of a challenges faced by gig work- efforts. This Labour Day, we urge that a family member be karmikas died in accidents at ends about the pa-
given Akshaya Tritiya. system driven solely by capi- ers, especially food delivery bring the often unnoticed and immediately appointed as a Dasarahalli. Since 2018, nearly for deadlines tience required
While overtaking a milk talist interests, he said. partners. “They work 12 to unheard pourakarmikas to BBMP worker to support the 80 pourakarmikas have lost Rajendra and Faaran to stay calm
tanker near the Tata Institute, “May Day marks a historic 18 hours a day to earn incen- the spotlight. family's livelihood. their lives in accidents, and Faaran Mohammed, Mohammed amidst the chaos.
the rider lost control of the struggle -- workers laid down tives, without access to basic Muniraju, president of the It is standard practice for over 600 have passed away techies working at an Working continu-
bike, which fell on the road. their lives to demand the facilities like restrooms, shad- Pourakarmika Association, pourakarmika families to re- s. Despite these deaths, the MNC in Bengaluru, know this ously for 12 hours straight on
Meanwhile, the rear wheel of eight--hour workday,” said Vi- ed rest areas or paid leave,” he expressed deepest condo- ceive compensation of Rs 10 vacant posts have not been all too well. a system feels like a battle-
the tanker ran over Harsha. nay Sarathy, president of the said. lences over the tragic death lakh in the event of a death. filled,’’ he said. Rajendra emphasised the field,” he shared.
 ap/telangana
In association with FPJ

www.freepressjournal.in Hyderabad, Friday, May 02, 2025

NEWS in
SHORTS
Andhra Pradesh prepares AYUSH has huge potential for
medical tourism: Min Satya
HYDERABAD
to welcome PM Modi today METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI

METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI Minister for Health and Family

Welfare, Satya Kumar Yadav
The Andhra Pradesh Govern- stated that Ayurveda, Yoga and
ment is leaving no stone un- Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha,
Mega health turned in the preparations to and Homoeopathy have huge
camp at welcome the Prime Minister potential to attract medical
Narendra Modi to Amaravati tourism in the state.
Neredmet today. To avoid mishaps, a The central government has
CP office special officer has been as- already approved Rs.87 crore

R achakonda Commis-
sionerate in collabora-
tion with Rachakonda
signed for every batch of 25
buses carrying people.
A team of ministers are
for AYUSH in 2024–25, a sharp
rise from the Rs.37 crore re-
ceived during the previous
Security Council (RKSC) looking after the prepara- five-year term. For 2025–26,
organized a mega health tions. The ministerial team— we have proposed an ambi-
camp at the Neredmet CP comprising Payyavula Keshav, tious Rs.150 crore in our an-
office in Malkajgiri Zone. P. Narayana, Kollu Ravindra, nual action plan,” he said.
More than 300 people re- and Nara Lokesh—inspected The minister underscored
ceived medical services at the main event venue and locations. They were joined the value of integrating
this program. Racha- surrounding arrangements A special officer to oversee every by PM visit coordinator G. AYUSH with modern allo-
konda CP G Sudheer on Thursday and reviewed 25 buses carrying people to avoid Veerapandian, CM’s Secretary pathic medicine through com-
Babu said, ‘everyone the progress with officials. logistical hiccups Pradyumna, and Guntur Dis- posite hospitals. “This blend of Andhra Pradesh is actively traditional medicine has
should take advantage of Minister Payyavula Keshav trict Collector Dr S Nagalak- traditional and modern sys- working to attract such invest- spurred both healthcare de-
the health camp. Every- said, “A special officer will shmi. tems not only improves ment and enhance infrastruc- livery and tourism potential.
one should focus on their oversee every 25 buses carry- ranged en route, and dinner Following the inspection, Chief Secretary K.S. Vijaya- healthcare access but also ture for integrated healthcare. “We aim to replicate such
health and stay healthy.’ ing people. Breakfast would will be served after the event, the ministerial team visited nand also visited the event site opens doors for investments Citing Kerala’s successful models to maximize benefits
Various cancer screening be served at the time of de- both at the venue and parking the main stage area, capital on Thursday to oversee prep- and medical tourism in the model, the Minister empha- for both citizens and the econ-
tests including mammog- parture, lunch will be ar- areas.” site pylon, and other critical arations. state,” he said, adding that sized how public support for omy,” he added.
raphy, cervical cancer
screening and oral cancer
screening were provided
at this health camp, along
with X-ray and ultrasound
TOURISM SECTOR AP CM Naidu
extends May
Accident insurance for AP
scanning. In addition to
this, Solis Eye Care Hospi-
tals provided digital free
MEPMA initiates creating Day greetings job scheme workers raised
eye screening, while Sau-
janya Dental Care Hospi-
tals provided the
employment opportunities METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI
to Rs 2 lakhs: Pawan Kalyan
necessary equipment and METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI Andhra Pradesh Chief Min-
infrastructure for dental ister N Chandrababu Naidu METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI
care. Dr. K Kalpana Ragh- Mission Director of Mission on Thursday extended greet- The compensation
unath organized an for Elimination of Poverty in ings to workers and farmers Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief for accidental
awareness seminar on Muncipal Areas(MEPMA) N on International Labour Day Minister Pawan Kalyan high- death has been
early detection of cancer, Tej Bharath on Wednesday (May Day), emphasising their lighted the recent increase in
raised to Rs 2 lakh,
its prevention, treatment, initiated taking steps to create role in shaping a progressive accident insurance coverage
and lifestyle changes. employment opportunities to society. for workers under the em- while workplace
MEPMA self-help group He acknowledged the sacri- ployment guarantee scheme at accident coverage
HYDERABAD (SHG) and their family tion), cleaning & mainten- ested ones for employment in fices of leaders who fought a meeting with employment has also been
Competition members in tourism sector. ance, running canteens, pho- this tourism sector. against exploitation, leading to guarantee workers in Man- increased from
This was done on the instruc- tography, front office The Mission Director in- an empowered workforce, galagiri on Thursday.
Rs 50,000 to
for students tions of Chief Minister N. management, food and bev- formed that it expects to pro- and stressed that labour and The compensation for acci-
Rs 2 lakh
Chandrababu Naidu and erage, services, street food vide employment to 4 technology together drive dental death has been raised
on World Minister for Municipal and vendor, etc. thousand community modern economic devel- to Rs 2 lakh, while workplace
Environment Urban Development P Na- The Director of MEPMA members in the tourism sec- opment. accident coverage has also velopment for the country's employment guarantee works
Day rayana and also in view of the
importance given to the de-
Mission said that MEPMA is
contributing to the economic
tor in the financial year 2025-
26. As part of this, SHG
"This government stands by
the working class. We revived
been increased from Rs 50,000
to Rs 2 lakh. This initiative was
progress, citing projects such
as the completion of cow
in the early morning before 11
a.m. or later in the evening

T elangana Pollution
Control Board
(TGPCB) is organizing a
velopment of tourism by the
State Government.
SHG members were
development of the commu-
nity members in all the afore-
mentioned sectors in the
members, MEPMA AMD N
Venkateswara Rao, SMC T
Ravi Kumar and other top of-
construction sector by repeal-
ing the Non-Agricultural
Lands Assessment (NALA)
announced by the Prime Min-
ister, and the Andhra Pradesh
government has entered into
shelters under the "Palle Pan-
daga" program, the construc-
tion of 4,000 km of CC roads,
after 4 p.m. to ensure worker
safety.
Officials and workers who
competition for students trained in MEPMA head- tourism areas by providing ficials from tourism depart- Act, implementing a free sand an agreement with SBI for its and efforts to improve accessi- completed 100 days of employ-
to mark World Environ- quarters in the professions of bank loans to SHG members ment of Andhra Pradesh policy, and introducing per- implementation. bility for emergency services. ment guarantee-related work
ment Day 2025. The tour guide, facilitator, house- and also by providing hand- government participated in mit reforms," Naidu said in a Pawan Kalyan emphasized In view of the summer heat, were also recognized during
United Nations General keeping, sanitation (sanita- holding support to the inter- the event. post on 'X'. the importance of village de- he urged officials to schedule the event.
Assembly has designated
June 5 as World Environ-
ment Day and the theme
this year is ‘Ending Plastic SCR registers incremental Owaisi participates Thunderstorms, gusty
Pollution.’ To commem-
in ‘swiching off
orate this occasion, the
TGPCB is organizing a
loading of 6% across all lights’ in protest winds forecast across
series of awareness pro-
commodities in April against Waqf Act
grams, including dance,
skit, and painting com- METRO INDIA NEWS | HYDERABAD strengthening its freight traf- Hyderabad: AIMIM presi-
AP from May 1 to 3
petitions for students. The fic by moving in a proactive dent Asaduddin Owaisi on METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI
competitions will be con- The South Central Railway manner to streamline the Wednesday participated in
ducted in two categories (SCR) Zone recorded a 6% supply of wagons, monitor- 'switching off lights' protest The India Meteorological De-
like primary and high growth in freight loading in ing the movement of freight called by the All India Muslim partment on Thursday fore-
school students on May 21 April 2025 compared to the trains etc .Arun Kumar Jain, Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) cast thunderstorms
to 23, starting at 10am at last year. The freight per- General Manager, South against the Waqf (Amend- accompanied by lightning in
the TGPCB Auditorium. formance was 12.363 million Central Railway has lauded ment) Act. parts of Andhra Pradesh for
Students are invited to tonnes (MTs) in April 2025 the efforts of the all the de- Speaking to reporters, the three days, from May 1 to 3.
participate in these com- which is highest ever for the partments for excellent co- Hyderabad MP, who partici- Thunderstorms are likely to
petitions, which aim to month of April in any year. ordination for this pated in the protest at his resi- occur at isolated places across
highlight the importance The incremental loading was remarkable achievement. dence here, said the stir was North Coastal Andhra Pra-
of environmental conser- mainly due to the robust in- He stated that in spite of successful and thanked those desh (NCAP), Yanam, South
vation. The themes will
focus on various aspects
crease in loading of Iron Ore
and Cement commodities.
major infrastructure works,
meticulous planning of both
Water Board receives who took part in it.
People switched off lights for
Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(SCAP), and Rayalaseema dur-
pected across NCAP, Yanam,
and SCAP during this period.
of pollution like land,
water, air, plastic, as well
The Cement loading regis-
tered at 3.243 MTs which is
Passenger and freight oper-
ations has led to this achiev-
best management award 15 minutes between 9 PM and
9.15 PM as part of the protest,
ing this period, the Met De-
partment said.
A similar temperature
trend is likely over Rayala-
as energy and water con- 18% more when compared to ement. METRO INDIA NEWS | HYDERABAD ernment department to re- he said. The purpose of the "Gusty winds with speeds of seema, with steady conditions
servation. Winners in each 2.740 MTs registered last He commended the ef- ceive this recognition. protest is to send a message to 40–50 km per hour are likely continuing through Saturday,
category will be awarded year. Similarly, Iron ore load- forts of all team members The Hyderabad Metropolitan The board takes steps to en- the government led by Prime at isolated places over NCAP followed by a slight rise there-
prizes during a special ing registered at 0.765 MTs who have contributed to this Water Supply and Sewerage sure workplace safety, con- Minister Narendra Modi that and Yanam," the department after.
program organized by which is 39% more when significant achievement and Board (HMWSSB) has been ducting annual safety the Act would only destroy noted in a press release. According to the depart-
TGPCB at its Sanathnagar compared to 0.550 MTs reg- advised to maintain the recognized with the Best Man- awareness programs across all waqf boards. He alleged that It added that gusty winds ment, a north-south trough
head office. istered last year. same tempo to achieve rec- agement Award by the Telan- divisions. Employees receive the Act is unconstitutional and reaching 30–40 kmph are ex- extends from southeast Rajas-
The Zone has been giving ord performance during the gana government on training on safety guidelines, violates different provisions of pected at isolated locations than to Kerala, while lower
HYDERABAD special thrust towards current financial year. International Workers' Day. proper equipment use, waste- the Constitution. The AIMLB over SCAP and Rayalaseema tropospheric southerly winds
The award acknowledges the water management, and first- would also organise human on May 1, 2, and 3. are prevailing over Andhra
Rowdy and board’s welfare programs, aid procedures. chains and round table confer- The department also fore- Pradesh and Yanam.
his associates safety measures for workers, Additionally, health cards ences after two weeks as part cast hot, humid, and discom- Vijayawada witnessed
sentenced and good industrial relations. are issued to employees, and of its agitation, he said. forting weather conditions to heavy rainfall on Wednesday
to life The award was presented to health camps are organized The protests would continue prevail over parts of Andhra night, accompanied by
imprisonment HMWSSB Managing Director every six months. till the Centre withdraws the Pradesh and Yanam on Thurs- thunder and lightning, offer-
Ashok Reddy by Chief Min- Officials and employees, in- Act, he said, adding that 'switch- day and Friday. ing temporary relief from the

A local court convicted

and sentenced three
accused who were involved
ister Revanth Reddy at Ravin-
dra Bharati on Thursday.
HMWSSB was the only gov-
cluding Personal Director Mo-
hammad Abdul Khader,
attended the award ceremony.
ing off lights' was organised as
part of the ongoing agitation
under the aegis of AIMPLB.
It stated that no significant
change in maximum and
minimum temperatures is ex-
scorching heat and bringing
down temperatures across the
city.
in a murder case at Rajen-
dranagar to rigorous life
imprisonment and im-
posed a penalty on them.
Accused Mohammed
Ghouse Pasha, he is a ha-
Ramanujacharya Avatara AP Govt to expedite bills to road contractors
bitual offender with a seri-
ous criminal background,
Mahotsavam begins METRO INDIA NEWS | AMARAVATI free works will be paid at the
earliest based on seniority.
repaired on a priority basis.
He mentioned that though
having been involved in 28 METRO INDIA NEWS | HYDERABAD message of equality and Andhra Pradesh Roads and He assured that the state's the state is reeling under fi-
criminal cases, Mo- devotion through the Buildings, Investment and roads will be restored to nancial difficulties, after the
hammed Shoeb and Mo- Tirumala Chinna Jeeyar Bhakti movement. Infrastructure Minister B C their former glory and that government came to power,
hammed Naseeruddin, Swamy inaugurated the A discourse by Sri Sita- Janardhan Reddy said on the government’s aim is to about 20,000 km of roads
had murdered a man Avatara Mahotsavam of Sri raman of Ahobilam Mutt Thursday that the Chief Min- create better infrastructure have been made pothole-
Mohd Sarwar of Chintal- Ramanujacharya at Anna- and devotional music by ister Chandrababu Naidu has in rural areas of the state. free at a cost of Rs 861 crore.
met over some personal macharya Kalamandiram, Smt. Saraswati Prasad decided to expedite the bills The minister said that 192 He further mentioned
issue at Musi Waterfalls Tirupati, on Wednesday . group added spiritual fer- to the contractors who have works have been taken up at that State highways and dis-
near Jana Chaitanya in Ra- The celebrations, held vour. successfully completed the a cost of Rs 400 crore under trict main roads, which have
jendranagar in the year of by the Alwar Divya Pra- The event was attended works aimed at pothole-free the Rural Infrastructure De- been completely destroyed
2023. The police had ar- bandha Project, will con- by Rajagopala Rao, roads in the state in the past velopment Fund (RIDF) in such a way that potholes
rested Ghouse, Shoeb and tinue till May 2. In his Special Officer of the and released Rs 100 crores scheme of the NABARD and cannot be filled up, have
Naseeruddin and after trial Anugraha Bhadhanam, Sri Alwar Divya Prabandha for clearing their dues. The funds have been sanctioned been sanctioned under the
the court sentenced the Chinna Jeeyar Swamy said Project, Program Coor- minister informed that those for the development of 1246 ment is moving ahead with were destroyed during the 'C' category and are being
trio to life imprisonment. Sri Ramanujacharya as a dinator Purushottam, and contractors who have up- km of “district highways”. specific plans to develop previous YSRCP government developed at a cost of Rs 600
reformer, spread the devotees. loaded the bills for pot hole He stated that the govern- roads across the state that and roads that are yet to be crores.
 www.freepressjournal.com Kerala
Mumbai,Friday, 2 May, 2025

Mallika Sarabhai irked by curbs on backing ASHA workers Entire political

HD Bureau and improved working co- their services. Their efforts employment status. The go-
spectrum aligns
KOCHI

Mallika Sarabhai, the ac-

nditions. Sarabhai voiced
her support for the ASHA
workers, describing them as
have garnered support from
various sections of society,
including activists and pu-
vernment has proposed fo-
rming a committee to exa-
mine these issues, but the
on Caste Census
claimed dancer, activist, and "ill paid and used" despite blic figures like Sarabhai and workers have rejected this, HD Bureau tional discourse. Satheesan
Chancellor of Kerala Kal- their critical contributions to Joseph. insisting on immediate ac- KOCHI asserted that the Congress
amandalam, brushed aside public health. Meanwhile, ASHA wor- tion. party's efforts have com-
overtures by the gover- She also highlighted a ci- kers in Thiruvanan- In a move to intensify their Kerala's entire political pelled the government to act
nment not to support the tizens' crowdfunding init- thapuram have ended their campaign, the Kerala ASHA spectrum has shown rare on this long-standing de-
ASHA workers strike and tr- iative led by noted writer hunger strike after 43 days, Health Workers Association unanimity in welcoming the mand.
ansferred Rs 1,000 from her and activist Sarah Joseph, marking a significant mo- has announced a statewide central government's dec- Indian Union Muslim Le-
account to a fund meant to aimed at supporting the ment in their ongoing 81-day protest march. Set to com- ision to incorporate caste ague leader P.K. Kunha-
facilitate an honorarium ASHA workers in Thrissur. protest. mence on May 5 from Kas- enumeration in the fort- likutty suggested that the ti-
payment to the striking Sarabhai mentioned her in- The protest, which began aragod and conclude on hcoming national census. ming of the announcement
women. vitation to participate in the on February 10, has seen June 17 in Thiruvan- However, the leaders und- is strategically aligned with
But before symbolically initiative on Thursday. ASHA workers maintaining anthapuram, the 45-day erscored the urgency of es- the upcoming Bihar elec-
expressing her support to The ASHA workers' pro- a continuous presence ou- march will see participants tablishing a clear timeline tions. He argued that the
the cause of the ASHA wo- test in Thrissur is part of a tside the Secretariat. Their traversing the state, holding for its execution. government's decision ap-
rkers, she publicly expr- book post on Wednesday, speech." broader movement across demands include raising the rallies, and engaging with Communist Party of India pears to be influenced by el-
essed concerns about con- she remarked, "Today I got Her statement follows on- the country, where these fr- monthly honorarium from the public to garner support. leader M.A. Baby chara- ectoral considerations rat-
straints on her freedom of my first taste of what it going protests by ASHA ontline health workers are ₹7,000 to ₹21,000, instituting M.A. Bindu, the association's cterised the move as "bel- her than a genuine com-
expression in her new aca- means to be the Chancellor workers in Thrissur, who are demanding fair compe- a retirement benefit of ₹5 state general secretary, will ated," emphasising that the mitment to addressing ca-
demic position. In a Face- of a University. Restricted advocating for better wages nsation and recognition for lakh, and achieving formal lead the march. effectiveness of the decision ste-based disparities. Kun-
hinges on its timely impl- halikutty called for a tra-
ementation. He noted that nsparent and expedited pr-
while the inclusion of caste ocess to ensure the census's
Chandy DEDICATION TO NATION TODAY | Prime Minister Modi is set to dedicate the data is a positive step, the credibility.
Sree Narayana Dharma
delay in its announcement
declined prestigious project to the nation raises questions about the Paripalana Yogam General
Secretary Vellappally Nat-
Adani's poll government's commitment
to social justice. esan echoed the sentiment
funding
Battle intensifies for
Opposition Leader V.D. that the timeline for impl-
Satheesan attributed the ementation is of paramount
HD Bureau
government's decision to importance.
KOCHI
the persistent advocacy by He highlighted the need for
Congress leader Rahul Ga- the census to be conducted
Former Chief Minister

Vizhinjam Port credit

ndhi. He stated that Gan- without further delays to
Oommen Chandy declined
dhi's unwavering campaign facilitate the formulation of
an offer from the Adani
for a caste census has been effective policies aimed at
Group to provide financial
instrumental in bringing the uplifting marginalized co-
support to the Congress
issue to the forefront of na- mmunities.
party during the 2016 Ker-
ala Assembly elections, ac- HD Bureau 2019, respectively. "If the Pi- ecting the port to National
narayi government had been Highway 66 is nearing co-
Bomb threat on
cording to KV Thomas, a KOCHI

former Union Minister and keen on finishing the works, mpletion, while the rail link,
With only a day left for the the port could have been involving a 9.02-kilometre
ex-Congress leader. Tho-
mas, who served as the sp-
ecial representative of the
Vizhinjam International Se-
aport is to be dedicated to
commissioned by 2019," Sa-
theesan stated.
tunnel to Balaramapuram
railway station, is projected eve of PM visit
the nation by Prime Minister The LDF government, led to be completed by Dece-
Pinarayi Vijayan gover-
Narendra Modi, the battle by Chief Minister Pinarayi mber 2028. The rail project
nment in New Delhi, dis- HD Bureau Raj Bhavan overnight and
for claiming credit for the Vijayan, has responded by has received environmental
closed that Chandy's ref- KOCHI is scheduled to reach Viz-
major infrastructure project asserting that the port's re- clearance and admini-
usal came after finalising hinjam by helicopter at 10
aimed at transforming Ind- alisation is a testament to its strative approval, with land a.m. tomorrow. The ina-
the Vizhinjam Port agre- Authorities have hei-
ia's maritime logistics, is sh- progressive governance. Vi- acquisition processes und-
ement with the Adani Gr- ghtened security in Viz- uguration ceremony is set
owing no sign of abating. jayan emphasised that the erway.
oup. hinjam following a bomb to commence at 11 a.m. and
Both UDF, the originator project was conceptualised The Vizhinjam Port pro-
During a 2015 visit to De- threat received just a day will last approximately one
of the project, and the LDF, during the 1996 Left gov- ject, envisioned as a dee-
lhi, while serving as Cha- before Prime Minister and a half hours. Following
in power through most of its ernment under EK Nayanar p-sea transshipment hub,
irman of the Public Acc- Narendra Modi is sche- the event, the Prime Min-
execution, are stepping up and that the current adm- had faced multiple setbacks
ounts Committee, Thomas duled to inaugurate the ister will depart at around
their respective claims and inistration has been instr- before the agreement with
recounted Chandy's con- Vizhinjam International 12:30 p.m.
denigrating each other's umental in bringing it to fr- the Adani Group. The pro-
cerns about the Vizhinjam Seaport. The threat, con- In response to the thr-
case. uition. He also clarified that ject's terms, particularly the
Port project. Chandy exp- Opposition Leader VD veyed through a message eat, security measures
ressed apprehension that Satheesan's name was inc- concession period and pr- have been significantly in-
Satheesan has criticised the to a centre in Malappuram,
no entity was willing to un- luded in the list of invitees ofit-sharing arrangements, tensified in and around the
LDF government for delays has prompted immediate
dertake the port's cons- sent to the Prime Minister's attracted criticism from va- port area. The bomb squad
in completing essential rail action from law enfor-
truction, fearing the project Office for the port's com- rious quarters, including the has been actively cond-
and road connectivity, ass- cement agencies, inclu-
might be lost. Despite these missioning event, suggesting Comptroller and Auditor ucting searches to ensure
erting that the previous UDF ding the deployment of
challenges, Chandy pro- that any exclusion was not General of India. The CAG's the safety of the venue and
administration under Oo- bomb squads and com-
ceeded with the agreement intentional. report highlighted that the its surroundings. Traffic
mmen Chandy had resolved prehensive area searches.
with the Adani Group. Ho- lised environmental clea- tender, the state gover- Port Minister V N Vasavan extended concession period restrictions have also been
all major challenges and in- The Prime Minister is
wever, when offered fin- rances, rehabilitation pac- nment was responsible for acknowledged the delays in could potentially result in si- imple.This incident is part
itiated the project's grou- expected to arrive in Thi-
ancial backing for the Co- kages, and other formalities completing road and rail connectivity but highlighted gnificant revenue gains for of a series of bomb threats
ndwork. ruvananthapuram Thu-
ngress party's election ca- before laying the foundation links to facilitate container ongoing efforts to expedite the Adani Group, raising that have been reported
Satheesan contends that rsday evening after con-
mpaign, he firmly declined. stone in 2015. He argues that, movement, with original the projects. He noted that a concerns about the state's across Kerala in the past
the UDF government fina- cluding his visit to Andhra
according to the project's deadlines set for 2017 and 1.7-kilometre road conn- interests. few weeks.Thir-
Pradesh. He will stay at the
uvananthapuram alone

Kuwait Malayali
couple found dead
Vedan focus shifts to double standards
HD Bureau the arrest, authorities not- round and the themes he
KOCHI iced a pendant he was we- explores in his music. Writer
aring, which was later con- and critic Sunil P Elayidom
The forest department’s firmed to contain a genuine described the action against
action against rapper Vedan leopard tooth. This led to a Vedan as "excessive and in-
for the alleged possession of separate arrest by the Forest appropriate," urging aut-
a leopard’s tooth has led to a Department under the Wi- horities to reconsider their
raging controversy about the ldlife Protection Act, 1972. approach. I will try my best to
treatment of marginalized Many viewed the case as The intensity of the public correct myself. I will
individuals in the legal sys- another instance of cele- reaction forced Forest Min- try to stop smoking
tem. Critics argue that Ve- brities receiving special tr- ister A K Saseendran to ch- and drinking. It is for
dan, a Dalit artist known for eatment, while ordinary in- ange his stand on the issue the public to decide
addressing caste discri- dividuals face stricter legal and acknowledge that Vedan whether I am a bad
mination through his music, consequences for similar was the property of the so-
is being subjected to disp-
person
offences. As the case began ciety and deserved symp-
roportionate scrutiny, while to unfold, speculation about athetic treatment. In the la-
celebrities like Mohanlal and possible leniency for high- test stand, the minister has
Suresh Gopi, found to be in -profile figures became a acknowledged that the off-
HD Bureau fields. Early investigations
KOCHI suggest there were no visi- possession of banned items, dominant theme, with some icials had made a mistake.
ble signs of foul play, and have been treated differ- claiming that political and
A Malayali couple has authorities are conducting ently. cultural influence would
further inquiries into the Mohanlal was found to be shape the outcome.
been discovered dead in
their flat in Abbasiya, Ku- cause of death.
Kuwait’s local authorities Minister beats a retreat in possession of four ivory
pieces, but no action was
Vedan himself spoke about
the double standards in the
Sorry, guys!
wait. The deceased indi-
viduals, Sooraj, hailing from have launched a formal in- Forest Minister A K Saseendran taken against him. When he society. Dalit leader Punnala Rapper Hirandas Murali, Vedan expressed remorse
Kannur, and Bincy, a native vestigation into the deaths, has modified his position on the approached the court, see- Sreekumar commented, known by his stage name for his actions and emp-
of Keezhillam in Ernak- with the country’s police controversial leopard-tooth king ownership, the forest “Vedan should correct hi- Vedan, has publicly ack- hasized his commitment to
ulam, were both employed and medical teams colla- case, stating that the rapper in- department took a lenient mself with regard to the drug nowledged his past use of personal growth.
in the healthcare sector in borating to determine if volved will receive the same view and did not register any use. But he was denied jus- alcohol and cannabis, sta- He stated, “I will try to be-
the country. there were any underlying legal treatment afforded to hi- opposition, obviously con- tice in the leopard tooth ca- .
ting, “My smoking and dr- come a better person. I’m
The couple had returned health issues that could have gh-profile figures like Mohanlal sidering his celebrity status. se.” inking habits were wrong. I trying to correct myself.
home after completing their contributed to the tragic and Suresh Gopi. The state- Vedan was arrested on Social media platforms know they are bad influ- All those who hear me sh-
night shifts and were found event. While details remain ment marks a shift from earlier April 28 during a police raid were on fire with the criti- ences. Please forgive me. ould understand that sm-
scarce, there are early spe- remarks that suggested a less in Kochi, where he and eight cism that the Forest Dep- Let me try to become a oking and alcohol cons-
unresponsive by their fri-
culations that the cause favourable outcome for the ar- others were found in poss- artment's actions are exc- good human being.” umption are not good ha-
ends. Sooraj worked at Jabir
might be related to medical tist. The case has drawn att- ession of approximately six essive and possibly influ- Upon securing bail, bits.”
Hospital under Kuwait's
conditions or possible poi- ention due to its involvement with cultural figures . grams of cannabis. During enced by Vedan's backg-
health ministry, while Bincy
served as a nurse in the de- soning, but no official sta-

Court throws out wildlife case

fence sector. The discovery tements have yet confirmed
of their bodies in the early this.
morning has raised conc- The couple’s families back
erns among their close cir- in Kerala have been notified,
cles, who noted that both and efforts are underway to HD Bureau unverified and that there is thorities noticed a pendant termined through forensic conditions include surre- these concerns, stating that
appeared to be in good he- repatriate the bodies. The KOCHI no evidence linking Vedan to he wore, which was later su- analysis. The court also hig- ndering his passport within there was no need to balance
alth when they had left for news has garnered wide- offences such as hunting, tr- spected to contain a leopard hlighted that Vedan has no seven days, not leaving Ke- conservation efforts with the
spread attention, especially A magistrate's court in ading, or unlawful acqui- tooth. Vedan claimed the prior involvement in similar rala, and appearing before fundamental rights of an in-
work the previous evening.
The incident occurred in among the Kerala expa- Perumbavoor declared that sition of the item. pendant was a gift from a fan offences and that the inci- the investigating officer dividual.
Abbasiya, an area known for triate community, who often the seizure of a suspected le- The case against Vedan during an award ceremony dent appears isolated, red- every Thursday. The case has sparked cri-
housing a large number of work under difficult and so- opard tooth pendant from was initiated under Section in Chennai and that he was ucing the likelihood of him The Forest Department ticism from various quar-
expatriates. The couple's flat metimes hazardous con- Malayalam rapper Hirandas 51 of the Wildlife Protection unaware of its composition. committing further wild- opposed the bail, arguing ters, with some alleging that
was located in a typical re- ditions in foreign countries. V Murali, known as Vedan, Act after forest officials arr- In its bail order dated April life-related offences. that Vedan might tamper the Forest Department's ac-
sidential block, and the sit- The death of a young couple, does not constitute a strong ested him following a police 30, the court noted that the The bail was granted on with evidence, intimidate tions are excessive and po-
uation has shocked the Ma- both of whom were in their prima facie case against him. raid on his Kochi apartment, prosecution's case is solely the condition that Vedan witnesses, or assist others ssibly influenced by Vedan's
layali community in Kuwait, prime, has sparked conv- The court emphasised that where approximately six based on the recovery of the posts a personal bond of ₹5- involved in the alleged off- background and the themes
particularly those working ersations around the pro- the authenticity of the all- grams of cannabis were fo- alleged leopard tooth, with 0,000 with two sureties of the ence to evade the law. Ho- he explores in his music,
in the medical and defence blems faced by expats. eged leopard tooth remains und. During the search, au- its authenticity yet to be de- same amount. Additional wever, the court dismissed which has become a hit.
 Uttar Pradesh www.freepressjournal.in
Lucknow, Friday, May 2 , 2025

CM applauds governor's book Keshav calls caste

Briefs
GORAKHPUR
census historic
woman
suicide after
divorce call
'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai' UP State Bureau
VARANASI

Deputy chief minister Keshav

Prasad Maurya on Wednesday
A 24-year-old woman UP State Bureau hailed the Central Cabinet’s
named Saniya allegedly LUCKNOW
Governor approval of caste-based census
died by suicide after her Anandiben Patel’s as a “historic step in the direc-
husband, Salauddin, pro- “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Life Is A Testimony tion of social justice” and a
nounced triple talaq over Hai” this statement, now the To Determination, “decisive move that reflects
the phone and verbally title of a biographical work on Dignity & Prime Minister Narendra
abused her. Saniya's Uttar Pradesh governor Modi’s commitment to the wel-
family had reported Anandiben Patel, was cel- Democratic Spirit fare of all sections of the
Hails PM Modi’s
ongoing dowry harass- ebrated in earnest as vice- society.” Move As Landmark
ment, but the police president Jagdeep Dhankhar must be brought into public Addressing a function in Step For Social
initially ignored the com- unveiled the book in Lucknow. consciousness to strengthen Varanasi, Maurya said, “This is Justice
plaint, leading to the sus- The launch, held at Dr APJ democracy and motivate future the first time since
pension of a local sub- Abdul Kalam Technical leaders. He further said that the Independence that such a bold
inspector. An FIR has University, witnessed chief presence of the vice-president and inclusive decision has been resentation in policy-making
been registered against minister Yogi Adityanath pay- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar unveils the book 'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai', a biogra- elevated the dignity of the occa- taken. The caste census will for decades.” “The caste census
eight people, including ing a tribute to the governor’s phy of UP Governor Anandiben Patel in Lucknow, with CM Yogi Adityanath in attendance. sion, as it had during help ensure equitable partici- will strengthen data-based gov-
Salauddin. extraordinary journey from a Mahakumbh. pation of all communities in the ernance and help design better
modest village in Gujarat to ture of resolve, sacrifice and unshakable determination, she essence into 14 chapters that Calling for wider circulation development process. The welfare schemes. This is not
BARABANKI occupying one of the highest service. It is a reflection of how becomes a source of inspiration read like the 14 gems emerging and study of the book, Yogi entire nation is thankful to the just an administrative step but
Road constitutional posts in the
country. Calling the biography
one can rise from zero to zenith
with courage and clarity,” he
for the society at large.
He praised authors Vinay
from the mythical churning of
the ocean,” he added.
emphasized that ‘Chunautiyan
Mujhe Pasand Hai’ is not just a
PM.” The deputy CM also
launched a scathing attack on
also a moral and constitutional
necessity,” Maurya said.
accident, a ‘granth’ rather than just a said. He noted that Anandiben Joshi, Ashok Desai and Pankaj CM Yogi also reflected on the personal story but a celebration the opposition accusing the Calling it a ‘slap on the face of
two dead book, the CM described it as a Patel’s life stands as proof that Jani for crafting the biography transformative role played by of Indian womanhood, demo- Congress and the Samajwadi political hypocrisy,’ he added,
guiding light for India’s new when a woman, constrained by with depth and reverence. Patel in education, social wel- cratic values and the spirit of Party of misleading the people. “For decades, leaders who
in A high-speed dumper generation. “This is not merely social traditions and limited “They have not merely docu- fare and women’s empower- service that defines true leader- “Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh ruled the country spoke of
collided head-on with an a record of events. It is a scrip- resources, moves forward with mented a life but distilled its ment stressing that such stories ship. Yadav kept staging political caste injustice but remained
SUV in Barabanki's dramas around caste census silent when it came to account-
Dalsarai village, killing two but failed to act when they ability. Modi ji has changed
and injuring five. The were in power. This decision that.” Maurya also said that the
dumper driver was taken
into custody for further
investigation. As per
48,000 youth apply for exposes their duplicity,” he
said. Maurya said that despite
ruling for decades, the
upcoming national census
should include caste enumer-
ation and urged for its swift
details, the incident Congress governments never implementation. “Now that the
occurred near Dalsarai vil-
lage when the SUV
Yuva Udyami Scheme prioritised caste enumeration.
“They used the issue only as a
cabinet has cleared it, the data
must be collected alongside the
(Bolero car) was travelling vote-bank tool. In contrast, PM main population census with
from Bahraich to UP State Bureau Of these, 1,44,273 were for- Modi has acted with courage efficiency and accuracy,” he
Lucknow. LUCKNOW warded to banks, over 40,000 and vision,” he added. said. The deputy CM concluded
were approved, and 28,000 He further said the decision by saying that 130 crore Indians
VARANASI The Mukhyamantri Yuva loans were disbursed. The would benefit the poor, back- stand behind this move and it
Bhagwat Udyami Vikas Abhiyan has
witnessed strong participation
MSME department approved
margin money support of ₹113
ward, the Dalit community and
the tribal community who had
marks a turning point in the
journey towards true social
performs in the first month of the finan- crore. been “denied their rightful rep- inclusion.
kanyadaan in cial year 2025–26, with over Other districts showing
48,000 applications submitted notable performance in April
mass
wedding welcome by youth across Uttar Pradesh. include Jhansi (143 loans),

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat CM Yogi Adityanath welcomes vice-president

Jagdeep Dhankar at Lucknow airport. Dhankar lauds
The scheme, aimed at promot-
ing youth entrepreneurship
Jaunpur tops loan
distribution; Agra
Gorakhpur (134), Bareilly,
Azamgarh, Meerut, Opposition claims credit
participated in a mass through financial support, is Muzaffarnagar, and Kanpur
wedding ceremony in
Varanasi, performing the
Yogi's leadership and state's development part of the state’s broader
economic growth strategy.
and Hapur follow in
early FY 2025–26
Nagar.
District authorities have
for caste census move
traditional "kanyadaan" rit- According to official data, performance been conducting outreach
ual for a tribal bride. The
event saw 125 couples get
Guv’s book a source of 48,086 applications were
received within the first 30 in April. Jaunpur received
drives to connect youth with
banks. The scheme provides
married, promoting social
harmony and cultural inspiration: Dhankar days. Of these, 40,635 were for-
warded to banks, 9,867 were
1,397 applications, of which
1,176 were forwarded to banks
financial backing for entrepre-
neurship and is being moni-
inclusiveness. During the sanctioned, and 5,838 loans and 447 approved. Agra fol- tored for performance at the
ceremony, Bhagwat ful- UP State Bureau He said that when people older have already been disbursed. lowed with 197 loans dis- district level, with emphasis
filled the traditional role of LUCKNOW than Yogi call themselves The state government has set a bursed from 986 applications. on timely application process-
a father by performing the young, it clearly shows how target of 1.5 lakh beneficiaries Hapur stood third, disbursing ing and disbursement. UP State Bureau
"kanyadaan" of a tribal Vice-president Jagdeep young and energetic Yogi is. He for the current fiscal year. 167 loans out of 516 applica- The Mukhyamantri Yuva LUCKNOW
SP, BSP and
bride hailing from Jogidih Dhankhar on Thursday praised said UP’s remarkable develop- Jaunpur district recorded tions. Udyami Vikas Abhiyan con- Congress claim
village in Sonbhadra dis- UP CM Yogi Adityanath calling ment under CM Yogi over the the highest number of loan In FY 2024–25, the scheme tinues to draw high interest Following the Central govern- success as Centre
trict. him a ‘young chief minister’ past eight years deserves aca- disbursements, with 257 youth had received 1,78,662 applica- from aspiring entrepreneurs ment’s decision to include approves caste-
and the ‘hero of Uttar Pradesh’. demic study. receiving financial assistance tions against a target of 1 lakh. across the state. caste enumeration in the based enumeration
FIROZABAD upcoming national census,
Two killed by opposition parties in Uttar
Pradesh have begun claiming demand’s relevance for margi-
electrocution
Two men, Shanti Pratap Welfare schemes to ensure FIR ordered in UPSDM, IIT Roorkee ink MoU credit for the move. The deci-
sion, announced by Union
nalized communities. SP, dur-
ing the Lok Sabha campaign,
Singh and Gaurav Singh, Ambedkar- for youth skill development Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, had even published alleged
died after coming into
contact with a high-ten-
dignity, respect of labourers Akhilesh
has prompted reactions across
political lines, with Samajwadi
PDA vs. non-PDA bureaucratic
data from multiple districts,
sion electricity wire while UP State Bureau Agreement aims to Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, signaling its political invest-
unloading sand from a UP State Bureau collage case LUCKNOW
provide advanced
and Congress asserting it as a ment in the issue.
tractor in Kabirpur village, LUCKNOW result of their long-standing The decision marks a shift in
Firozabad. Police said the The Uttar Pradesh Skill training, research demands. BJP’s approach, with leaders
incident took place Chief minister Yogi Adityanath Development Mission and startup SP chief Akhilesh Yadav like Deputy CM Keshav Prasad
around 8am in Kabirpur is spearheading efforts to (UPSDM) has entered into a opportunities termed the decision a “100% Maurya previously stating that
village, under the jurisdic- empower labourers through a Memorandum of victory” of PDA (Pichhda, they are not opposed to caste
tion of Sirsaganj police range of welfare schemes Understanding (MoU) with the Dalit, Alpsankhyak) unity. He enumeration. The move fol-
station. The victims – ensuring security, dignity and UP State Bureau Indian Institute of Technology IIT Roorkee. UPSDM Joint claimed that it was due to col- lows rising political traction
identified as Shanti better livelihoods for them. LUCKNOW Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) to facili- Director Mayank Gangwar lective pressure from opposi- around the caste census issue
Pratap Singh, 40, of Recognizing labourers as pil- tate advanced technical train- was also present at the signing. tion forces that the BJP-led post the 2024 general elections
Sirsaganj, and Gaurav lars of nation-building, the The Chairman of the SC-ST ing and innovation-based This partnership is part of Centre was compelled to act. and internal demands within
Singh, 24, of Etawah – Yogi government’s welfare respect to workers — it is Commission, Baijnath Rawat, learning for the state’s youth. UPSDM’s Vision-2025 initiat- He further stated that caste- the BJP to revisit the issue.
were unloading sand schemes go beyond financial actively supporting them has directed the filing of an The agreement was signed at ive, which focuses on technical based data would reveal true The caste census debate has
from a tractor for the con- aid to restore dignity and through effective welfare FIR in the case involving a col- the IIT Roorkee campus in upskilling through collabora- social realities and help ensure historical roots in UP politics,
struction of a house. respect for workers in society. schemes. The success and lage of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Uttarakhand. tions with leading institutions. equitable distribution of with SP founder Mulayam
CM Yogi has consistently impact of these initiatives Samajwadi Party President The collaboration is struc- The scope of the agreement resources. Singh Yadav and BSP founder
PRAYAGRAJ acknowledged the vital role of clearly show the government’s Akhilesh Yadav. The collage, tured to offer skill develop- includes digital technology Congress leader Rahul Kanshi Ram both known for
Allahabad HC labourers in UP’s progress—
from the Kashi Vishwanath
commitment to improving the
lives of labourers.
displayed outside the SP office,
has drawn significant contro-
ment, startup incubation, and
research opportunities under
training, implementation of
joint academic projects, star-
Gandhi also weighed in, saying
the decision was inevitable
advocating proportional rep-
resentation. The current
raps VC for Corridor to Mahakumbh During the Covid-19 pan- versy. Rawat issued a letter to the mentorship of IIT Roorkee tup mentorship, and industry- and a result of continuous move is expected to alter the
preparations. Their contribu- demic, when many children the Lucknow Police experts. As per the agreement, relevant skill development. pressure from Congress and political narrative, especially
defiance tions have been publicly hon- lost their parents, the Yogi gov- Commissioner, instructing an selected candidates from Uttar Under the terms of the MoU, allied social organizations. He after recent events like the
The Allahabad High Court oured, including PM Modi ernment took a sensitive and FIR under the SC/ST Pradesh will receive hands-on IIT Roorkee will assist in cur- described caste census as part Pahalgam terror attack, by
has taken strong exception washing the feet of corridor innovative step. To support the (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. training aligned with global riculum design, provide fac- of the party’s larger vision to shifting public discourse to
to the Vice-Chancellor of workers and CM Yogi recogni- education of registered The Commission has also standards in various sectors. ulty support for training pro- ensure transparency and social data and representation.
Chaudhary Charan Singh zing those who toiled for workers’ children and those asked to be informed of the The MoU was signed by grams, and facilitate intern- social justice in governance. The decision's political impli-
University, Meerut, for fail- months during the left orphaned by Covid-19, the actions taken by May 5. The UPSDM Additional Mission ships and research engage- BSP president Mayawati, cations are likely to be tested in
ing to comply with its Mahakumbh. state is running fully equipped incident has sparked political Director Priya Singh and an ment for Uttar Pradesh who has previously supported upcoming state elections and
directions in a matter con- In a recent major step, CM Atal Residential Schools in debate, with multiple leaders authorized representative of youth. caste census in various public the broader national discourse
cerning recognition of a Yogi directed establishment of every division. demanding accountability. statements, reiterated the around social justice policies.
management committee,
and directed him to file a
the Uttar Pradesh Outsourcing
Service Corporation (UPCOS)
At present, such schools are
operational in 12 districts, pro-
achievement
personal affidavit explain- to safeguard the rights, ser- viding free education, food,
ing his actions.
JHANSI
Girlfriend
vices and salaries of out-
sourced personnel across the
state. Addressing senior offi-
cials, Yogi said that the state
uniforms, and other facilities
to 100 boys and 100 girls in
each school. The government
also launched the Sevamitra
IAF to test cxp eway air power in Shahjahanpur
abducts values the contribution of out- Portal, which has registered UP State Bureau First night-landing The IAF has assumed oper-
sourced employees and aims over 52,000 skilled workers so LUCKNOW ational control of the airstrip,
groom, halts to ensure their social and far. This platform connects
trial on an working in close coordination
wedding financial security. labourers with job opportun- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expressway; Rafale, with the Uttar Pradesh
He pointed out several ities based on their skills, help- poised to conduct a significant Mirage, Jaguar to Expressways Industrial
A jilted girlfriend in Raksa ongoing issues with the cur- ing them live a life of dignity operational trial on the Ganga participate Development Authority
created a sensational scene rent outsourcing system — through meaningful employ- Expressway in Shahjahanpur (UPEIDA). The air show is
just before her boyfriend's including salary deductions, ment. To provide financial on Friday, May 2nd, demon- scheduled to unfold in two
wedding procession was delayed payments, lack of security in old age, the govern- strating its capability to utilize trial run during the air show, phases: a daytime demonstra-
set to depart. Accompanied access to EPF/ESI benefits, ment has effectively imple- the infrastructure as an alter- significantly enhances its stra- tion followed by a night-time
by her family, she stormed non-transparent recruitment, mented the Pradhan Mantri native runway. The exercise time that such a diverse fleet of national disasters. tegic value for the IAF. The exercise between 7 PM and 10
the wedding venue and, and worker exploitation. The Shram Yogi Maandhan will involve the take-off and modern aircraft will operate Significantly, the airstrip on expressway will also function PM. Fighter aircraft will
amidst chaos, whisked away CM called for a comprehensive Yojana, under which over landing of advanced fighter from an expressway in India. the Ganga Expressway is as a training and rehearsal execute low fly-pasts at a mere
the groom, taking him reform of the outsourcing sys- 6.92 lakh workers have regis- jets, including the Rafale, The primary objective of this designed to support both day ground for the Air Force. one-meter altitude before per-
directly to the police station. tem to address these prob- tered. Similarly, more than 93 Jaguar, and Mirage 2000, on a demonstration is to evaluate and night operations, making Comprehensive security forming landing and take-off
There, she declared that the lems. It is worth mentioning lakh people have benefitted specially constructed 3.5-kilo- the preparedness of the Ganga it the first such facility of its measures, including the instal- drills in both phases to rigor-
groom loved her and was that the double-engine gov- from the Atal Pension Yojana, metre airstrip. Expressway to serve as an kind on an expressway in the lation of approximately 250 ously test the airstrip’s
being coerced into marry- ernment in Uttar Pradesh is ensuring a stable income This air show marks a his- emergency landing strip dur- nation. This night-landing CCTV cameras along the air- capabilities under varying
ing another woman. not just focused on giving in the future. toric first, as it will be the first ing wartime scenarios or capability, set for its inaugural strip, have been implemented. light conditions.
 www.freepressjournal.in edit
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

ESTD -1928
Parliament vs judiciary: The
✩✩✩
QUALITY @ VALUE
conflict of predominance
The Free Press Journal Comment Relationship between the two institutions must be governed by mutual
Founder Editor: S Sadanand
A L I CHOUGULE respect and commitment to Constitution as the ultimate sovereign

BJP yields T
he Constitution pretation of constitutional provi- the judiciary, saying judges are Dhankhar is duty-bound to remain perceived by many within the
of India envis- sions. The compelling question is: usurping the roles of the legislature neutral with regards to the func- legislature as judicial encroach-
ages a harmoni- who is supreme in democracy? and the executive. In his view, the tioning of the different branches of ment upon parliamentary sover-
ous relationship The answer is, as former chief judiciary cannot give directions to the state. If Dhankhar has a prob- eignty.

on caste between the three branches of the

state: the legislature, the executive,
and the judiciary, each functioning
within its constitutionally defined
justice M.N. Venkatachaliah aptly
observed, “It is imperative that
both Parliament and judiciary
must act as co-guardians of the
the President and act as a “super
parliament”, overstepping its role.
He went further in describing Ar-
ticle 142, based on which the SC
lem with Article 142 and Article
145(3), which deal with the com-
position of SC benches that decide
questions of law, Dubey and
In questioning the well-settled
judicially pronounced basic struc-
ture doctrine, Dhankhar implied
the supremacy of Parliament over

census domain. The doctrine of separation

of powers, accompanied by a sys-
Constitution, rather than adver-
saries seeking institutional su-
prescribed a timeline for the Presi-
dent and governors to take a deci-
Sharma have found it difficult to
accept the SC’s stand that certain
the judiciary. It is in this context his
current criticisms of the apex court

E
tem of checks and balances to premacy.” But the ongoing sion on bills, as a “nuclear missile aspects of the Waqf Act might be are being seen: an affirmation of
maintain a harmonious interplay contestation over the separation of against democratic forces”. put on hold to ascertain their con- his resolve to take on the judiciary,
uphemisms, however artfully deployed, cannot between the three state organs, is powers and the limits of judicial re- Warning against overlapping of stitutional validity. The disdainful which violates his oath of office.
mask the truth: the BJP-led government at the Centre central to preserving democratic view, especially when executive powers among the three constitu- remarks of the two MPs against the While some, like independent
has capitulated to the growing demand for a caste- accountability and institutional in- and legislative actions come under tional state branches, Dhankhar SC and CJI Sanjiv Khanna not only Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal and
based census. What was once dismissed as divisive and tegrity. However, many a time, the judicial scrutiny, reflects a dynamic also said that the court has “abso- show disrespect to the apex court former justice Ajay Rastogi, have
regressive is now being actively pursued under the relationship between the legis- constitutional dialogue. Several re- lutely no accountability because but also amount to questioning its called Dhankhar’s remarks “un-
weight of electoral necessity. This political volte-face is lature and judiciary has been cent legislations, including the the law of the land does not apply integrity. constitutional and politically moti-
not rooted in ideological change but in a pragmatic marred by tensions and confronta- Farm Laws, Electoral Bonds to them”. It does not require politi- In the past, Dhankhar had ques- vated” and defended the court,
understanding of ground realities — especially in caste- tions over constitutional interpre- Scheme, and the Waqf bill, have cal expertise to understand the tioned the power of the Court to denying claims of judicial over-
fractured states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where tation, amendment powers, been subject to intense judicial motive behind the VP’s comments, strike down laws passed by Parlia- reach, the discomfort in the ruling
elections are won not on nationalistic rhetoric but on judicial independence, and institu- scrutiny. The SC interventions in as others, BJP MPs Nishikant ment and cast doubts even on the party over the SC’s ruling in the
the arithmetic of social justice. The demand for a caste tional supremacy. some of these cases have been la- Dubey and Dinesh Sharma, have basic structure of the Constitution. Tamil Nadu case is quite evident.
census has existed for decades, with support cutting While Parliament is vested with belled by the legislature as judicial taken a cue from him and criticised For instance, in October 2024, Despite Nadda’s instruction to
across regional and ideological lines. Ironically, both the the full power to enact legislation overreach, thereby triggering a the court. Though BJP president going beyond the remit of his of- avoid targeting the judiciary, party
BJP and the Congress resisted it for a long time. The within the limits of the Constitu- contentious debate over the legit- J.P. Nadda distanced his party from fice, he had defiantly questioned leaders have continued to criticise
Congress, under political compulsion, eventually tion under Articles 245 to 255, the imacy of judicial review in matters the remarks of Dubey and Sharma, the basic structure doctrine of the the Supreme Court.
yielded and conducted a Socio-Economic and Caste judiciary, particularly the Supreme of public policy. the fact remains that in showing Constitution formulated by the 13- So, how does one see the current
Census (SECC) in 2011, along with the decennial census. Court (SC), also drives its authority Take the case of VP Jagdeep disrespect to the court and not judge bench of the SC in its historic contestation between the legis-
However, by the time the data was ready, a new govern- to interpret legislation and enforce Dhankhar’s recent outburst against abiding by constitutional re- Kesavananda Bharti case in 1973. lature and the judiciary? The
ment led by Narendra Modi was in power. Rather than constitutional provisions under the judiciary, which has been seen straints, some elements in the BJP In this seminal case, the top court answer lies in the fact that both the
making the SECC findings public, the govt. chose si- Articles 124 to 147. But many a time, as a concerted attack on judges and continue to question the judiciary. had ruled that Parliament’s power institutions play important roles in
lence, not offering any explanation for its reticence. the limits of legislative competence their powers and a gross violation The Vice-President and the two to amend the Constitution under the functioning of India’s constitu-
This deliberate suppression was not born out of ad- and the scope of judicial review of the responsibilities of the consti- BJP MPs are under oath, which Article 368 is not unfettered. The tional democracy. The relationship
ministrative oversight but political calculation. The data, have come into conflict, giving rise tutional office he holds. In criticis- requires them to “bear true faith basic structure doctrine restricts between the two must be gov-
had it been released, would have revealed a more accu- to controversies, contentious de- ing the SC’s April 8 verdict in the and allegiance to the Constitution”. Parliament from amending the erned by mutual respect and a
rate picture of the caste composition of India — a pic- bates, and conflict over superior Tamil Nadu vs Governor case, Article 142 is a part of the Constitu- Constitution in a manner that ab- shared commitment to the Consti-
ture that could upset the carefully balanced coalition of institutional authority. These con- where the Court set a three-month tion and criticising it in strong rogates its fundamental frame- tution as the ultimate sovereign.
castes and communities that the BJP had sought to en- flicts often involve questions of par- timeline for the President to act on terms amounts to the violation of work, including rule of law,
gineer. Instead, the government sat on the report, de- liamentary sovereignty versus state bills forwarded by governors, Dhankhar’s oath of office. As the separation of powers, and judicial The writer is a senior independent Mumbai-
spite the fact that caste remains a primary criterion in judicial supremacy and the inter- the Vice President came heavily on chairman of the Rajya Sabha, independence. The ruling was based journalist. He tweets at @ali_chougule
the allocation of welfare benefits and job reservations.
The decennial census, which was due in 2021, was first
delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. But what followed
was a conspicuous and deliberate silence. The Centre
did not announce any new timeline for the census, re-
inforcing the suspicion that the real hesitation was
Our unending fixation with
rooted in the caste census question. To conduct a nation-
wide census without including caste data would invite
criticism from opposition parties and social justice
looks shows deep-rooted bias
groups; to include it would risk unsettling the BJP’s nar-
rative of a unified Hindu identity. Through The Prism Parents and teachers must foster self-esteem and critical thinking in
The change in stance must be understood in the con-
text of the Bihar elections. In 2022, the Nitish Kumar-led
ADITYA MUKHERJEE young minds, and teach them to see beauty in their own unique way
government in Bihar conducted its own caste survey, re-

I
vealing that over 60 n a world that con- tient by explicitly seeking “fair” image evoking awe and reverence. aesthetic expectations. tone. Institutions—educational,
per cent of the popu- A modern, stantly celebrates in- brides, equating lighter skin with This societal fixation with at- The entertainment industry, professional, and cinematic—must
lation belonged to transparent, and clusivity and beauty, virtue, and desirability. This tractive looks is not without con- ironically a mirror to society, both adopt inclusive practices that de-
either the Extremely meritocracy, the reinforces deep-rooted colourism, sequences. For one, it breeds a reflects and reinforces these link success from appearance.
Backward Classes methodologically continued obsession with physical marginalises darker-skinned indi- toxic culture of comparison and norms. While actors like Nawazud- Representation matters; when
(EBCs) or Other rigorous caste appearance remains a troubling viduals, and contradicts ideals of self-doubt, especially among the din Siddiqui and Shefali Shah have people see different faces and body
Backward Classes census will not paradox. The recent case of a equality. Such language subtly en- youth. managed to carve a niche despite types being celebrated, our under-
(OBCs), while Sched- woman from Visakhapatnam, who dorses discriminatory standards Social media platforms, with lacking conventional “glamour”, standing of beauty grows more in-
uled Castes and only correct alleged she was rejected from a job under the guise of cultural prefer- their filtered images and curated they remain exceptions rather than clusive.
Scheduled Tribes ac- historical interview because her face “lacked ence affecting self-worth and so- lives, amplify insecurities and dis- the rule. Casting decisions are still Second, parents, teachers, and
counted for another distortions but glow”, underscores the deeply en- cietal attitudes. tort reality. Young men and women often made on the basis of appear- influencers must engage in conver-
22 per cent. This trenched biases in our society. On the one hand, our society has increasingly resort to cosmetic ance, with skill taking a backseat to sations that foster self-esteem and
means that upper
also help Similarly, the hugely talented Na- internalised colonial and casteist procedures, not for health or re- screen appeal. Even award-win- critical thinking in young minds.
castes, despite being governments wazuddin Siddiqui—celebrated for beauty ideals that often favour fair covery, but to conform to arbitrary ning performers face rejection or The goal shouldn’t be to deny
a numerical minor- design better his craft and grit—recently shared skin, especially in women. Dark standards of beauty. Mental health typecasting if they fail to embody beauty but to see it in our own
ity, continue to wield how physical appearance still acts complexion becomes a point of re- suffers when self-worth is the industry’s beauty ideals. unique ways, in ways that include
dispropor tionate
policies to uplift as a barrier in the Indian film in- jection and even discrimination, as measured in jawlines and skin This emphasis on appearance many perspectives and help
control over political the truly dustry. He also recalled a disturb- seen in the Visakhapatnam inci- tones. also perpetuates inequality. Beauty people feel confident and strong.
and administrative marginalised. ing incident when a prominent dent. Women with dusky or dark The workplace, across the globe, standards are often steeped in Eu- Finally, we must hold up a mir-
power. Now that Nit- Bollywood actress walked out of a skin are frequently subjected to de- is no sanctuary either. Numerous rocentric ideals—fair skin, slim ror to our own unconscious biases.
ish Kumar is aligned with the BJP, the party could no film project because she was un- rogatory remarks, treated as less studies have shown that people bodies, sharp noses—leaving those Until we dismantle the belief that
longer oppose caste-centric governance. In fact, the BJP willing to perform a kissing scene attractive, and sometimes seen as deemed attractive often enjoy un- with darker complexions or di- beauty equals worth, stories like
had to tread carefully, knowing full well that its victory with him. These instances are not lacking sophistication or charm. spoken advantages—higher start- verse features struggling for repre- the woman from Visakhapatnam
in Bihar during the previous elections hinged on a split isolated; they are symptomatic of a Yet, on the other hand, the same ing salaries, faster promotions, and sentation and acceptance. It’s a and voices like Nawazuddin Siddi-
in the Muslim vote rather than broad-based caste sup- culture that persistently equates society reveres and worships Maa greater positive evaluations. This form of cultural imperialism that qui’s will remain necessary rem-
port. With such fragile arithmetic, Bihar is far from a value with visual appeal. Kaali—a powerful, fierce, and phenomenon, known as “lookism”, erodes local identities and encour- inders of how far we still have to go.
safe bet for the BJP-JD(U) alliance. From job interviews to matri- dark-skinned goddess who em- is subtle but pervasive. It often ages conformity over authenticity. Mehmood’s timeless song ‘Hum
It is in this light that one must interpret Prime Min- mony ads and cinema to corporate bodies strength, destruction of evil, marginalises those who do not fit So, what is the way forward? Kale Hain To Kya Hua Dilwale
ister Modi’s urgency in joining the Bihar campaign, even boardrooms, the premium placed and divine motherhood. Her the mould, regardless of their tal- First, we must shift the lens Hain’ celebrates the beauty of a
cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the on “good looks” is ubiquitous. Fair- blackness is not seen as a flaw but ent, intelligence, or character. The through which we assess value—be heart that loves freely, unbound by
Pulwama terrorist attack. Equally worrying for the BJP ness creams continue to flood the as a symbol of transcendence, the Visakhapatnam incident is a stark it in employment, relationships, or the shallow measures of appear-
is the precedent set by the Congress, which has gained market, despite pushbacks and infinite, and the unknowable. She reminder of how this prejudice can media. Merit, integrity, creativity, ance.
political traction in Karnataka and Telangana by cham- policy changes. Matrimonial ads is venerated during festivals, her play out in real life, denying oppor- and empathy must be celebrated
pioning caste-based surveys and targeting welfare often perpetuate the fairness quo- idols adored with devotion, her tunities to those who don’t meet more than symmetry and skin The writer is an independent journalist.
schemes accordingly. Caste politics is not a passing phe-
nomenon in India; it is an entrenched reality, especially
in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These are states where Dear reader, We are eager to know your opinions, comments and suggestions. Write to [email protected] with the title of the letter in the subject line.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
identity determines opportunity, and numerical Using snail mail? Send your letters to The Free Press Journal, Free Press House, 215 Free Press Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.
strength translates into electoral power. Parties like the
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Samajwadi Party Madras HC The world economy is in
have long understood this; their entire political strategy Five judges of the Madras shambles. He was expected
HASAN ZAIDI

rests on a clear understanding of caste demography. High Court will be taking Avoid waterlogging on to end the Russia Ukraine
This growing consensus among political players left the superannuation today. As Mumbai roads war but could not mediate
BJP with little choice but to revise its position. Not long against the required Seasonal or unseasonal road flooding is an ugly properly. He has failed on
ago, in September 2021, the Centre had told the Su- numbers of 75, the court and disgusting sight. The BMC should regularly all fronts. He needs to
preme Court that excluding caste data from the census, will continue to function clean and disinfect drains mechanically and not introspect.
barring SCs and STs, was a “conscious decision”. with around 60 judges in manually, and that too ward-wise. The sewage Sravana Ramachandran,
Yet, beyond the political compulsions, the very idea their proceedings. Once water and night soil extracted from them can be Chennai
of a caste census raises uncomfortable questions. What the court reopens in the used to make methane, which can be used as
does it say about India, a nation aspiring to be a global first week of June, after the an underground piped residential cooking gas Media on trial
superpower, that it still identifies itself through thou- summer vacation, both the or it can be converted into compost and used as Like the 2G charges, the
sands of castes and sub-castes? The last caste-based cen- litigants and the judges will fertilizer. It can also be electrically incinerated. CWG charges made
sus was conducted in 1931 under British colonial rule, a have a tough time dealing In these ways one can, and must, prevent against the Congress, too,
fact that many post-Independence leaders used to dis- with the pending cases. It is unseasonal water flooding on roads. have now been buried by
tance themselves from the caste discourse. But the truth high time vacancies were Peter Castellino, Mumbai the courts and the
is that caste never disappeared; it merely went under- filled. agencies. It is now almost
ground, only to resurface more visibly in the age of A.P. Thiruvadi, Chennai of foreign interference in products within ChatGPT deeply concerning. mediation can help ensure certain that the Anna
Mandal politics. The Mandal Commission’s recommen- domestic affairs. For India, while texting and receiving Civilians near the border lasting calm in this sensitive agitation against corruption
dations for reservations for OBCs brought caste back Canada elections Carney’s win raises hope of suggestions. This app will face fear, disruption, and region. was a deep rooted
into the national spotlight, leading to classifications Despite his attempts to re-setting bilateral relations also offer user reviews and trauma due to frequent Mohammad Hasnain, conspiracy to ensure the
within classifications: “most backward”, “backward”, influence Canada’s political that came under severe direct buying links from cross-border firing. This Mumbai Congress was voted out of
and “extremely backward”. All this while, the data being landscape, the US strain during his trusted sources, along with ongoing tension threatens power. The then CM of
used was based on extrapolations from the 1931 census, president stood predecessor’s regime. real-time prices. OpenAI regional peace and Trump has failed Delhi, the late Sheila Dixit,
adjusted crudely for population growth. It was unscien- unsuccessful. Instead, his Gregory Fernandes, claims that this feature is hampers efforts toward Trump was voted to power was attacked on charges of
tific and insufficient for serious policymaking. In this provocative rhetoric and Mumbai added only to make dialogue and stability. While with more expectations by corruption by both the BJP
context, the need for a caste census becomes self-evi- policies appear to have shopping simpler, easier, defence is necessary, the people despite many and the then fledgling AAP.
dent. If caste is to remain the basis for affirmative action, galvanised Canadian voters ChatGPT and faster. sustained military action drawbacks, including the The media, who persisted
welfare distribution, and political representation, it is against him, leading to a OpenAI recently announced Tousik Rahman, cannot be a long-term Capitol Hill attack. But his with the same for weeks
necessary to have accurate data. A modern, transparent, significant victory for Mark many developments and South 24 Pgs. solution. I urge the Indian 100 days in office have together, have nothing to
and methodologically rigorous caste census will not Carney’s Liberal Party. The improvements in ChatGPT. government to resume belied all the expectations. say about their own
only correct historical distortions but also help govern- election results not only It is very interesting that Kashmir peace diplomatic talks with The tariff war, immigration complicity for keeping the
ments design better policies to uplift the truly margi- reaffirm Canada’s ChatGPT is going to The recent surge in Pakistan and prioritise laws and rising issue alive until the
nalised. Now that the BJP has agreed to conduct a caste commitment to its provide its users with a ceasefire violations along peace-building measures. unemployment have Congress was defeated.
census, there should be no further delay in launching independence but also shopping option. People will the Line of Control (LoC) in Increased parliamentary created havoc. Gold prices Anthony Henriques,
the full census exercise. signal a broader rejection be able to purchase Jammu and Kashmir is oversight and international have increased manifold. Mumbai
 www.freepressjournal.in B ite
For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must
be recognised.
—Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers' group in Tokyo world Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

TRADE TURMOIL | Development an indication of Beijing softening its stance

Briefs although it had likened yielding to Trump’s decisions as “drinking poison”
ISI chief named Pak
NSA as tension rises
Signal from China: US open
MANILA
Speeding bus
Agencies
rams into row ISLAMABAD
of cars, 12 dead
A speeding passenger bus
slammed into a row of
vehicles lined up at a
highway toll booth
to starting tariff discussions
???
Pakistan has appointed serv-
ing ISI chief Lt Gen
Muhammad Asim Malik as
the new National Security
Thursday in the northern BEIJING Adviser (NSA) amidst raging
Philippines, killing at least US effect? tension with India.
12 people, including The United States has Lt Gen Malik, currently
children, police said. More approached China seeking ‘2 dolls, not serving as Director General of
Safety fears:
than two dozen others were
injured in the multiple-
talks over President Donald
Trump's 145% tariffs, a social
30, for kids’ Pakistan's spy agency - Inter-
Services Intelligence (ISI), will Pak airspace
vehicle collision in Tarlac media account affiliated with Agencies hold the additional charge of
city, north of Manila, at a
heavy travel time on May
Chinese state media said on
Thursday, potentially signal-
WASHINGTON the NSA.
He is the country's tenth
curbs tighter
Day holiday, police said. The ling Beijing's openness to President Donald Trump NSA, but it is for the first time Islamabad: Pakistan has
bus driver, who was among negotiations. on Wednesday acknowl- that a serving ISI chief has announced the closure of
the injured, was taken into "The U.S. has proactively edged that his tariffs could been given the task to serve specific portions of
custody and initially told reached out to China through result in fewer and cost- concurrently in the two key Karachi and Lahore Flight
investigators that he dozed multiple channels, hoping to lier products in the United positions. Information Regions for a
off shortly before the crash, hold discussions on the tariff States, saying American Malik was appointed as the limited time each day dur-
Tarlac police chief Lt. Col. issue," Yuyuan Tantian said in kids might “have two dolls Director General of the ISI in ing May, citing security
Romel Santos told a post published on its official instead of 30 dolls,” but he October 2024. concerns, a media report
reporters. Weibo social media account, insisted China will suffer "Lt Gen Muhammad Asim said Thursday.
citing anonymous sources. more from his trade war. Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold The announcement by
CAPE CANAVERAL Beijing has made little effort The Republican presi- the additional charge of the the aviation authorities
5th all-female to contain its anger at the tar-
iffs, which it says are tanta- pharmaceuticals, microchips Still, Beijing has been ada- engage."
dent has tried to reassure
a nervous country that his
National Security Adviser,
with immediate effect," the
comes amid heightened
tension between Pakistan
spacewalk for mount to bullying and cannot and jet engines - Reuters has mant it will stand and fight, "China needs to observe tariffs will not provoke a notification stated. and Islamabad post the
US astronauts stop the rise of the world's sec- reported, to ease the duties' rather than rush to the negoti- closely, even force out the U.S.' recession, after a new gov- The posting comes amid Pahalgam terror attack
ond-largest economy. Instead, impact. ation table - with the foreign true intentions, to maintain ernment report showed heightened tensions with and Islamabad's appre-
An astronaut who missed it has directed its fury at rally- Once Trump's tariffs ministry likening yielding to the initiative in both negoti- the U.S. economy shrank India following the recent hension of retaliatory
out on the first all-female ing public and global condem- topped 35% they became pro- Trump's tariffs to "drinking ation and confrontation," it during the first three Pahalgam terror attack on action by New Delhi.
spacewalk because of a nation of the import curbs - hibitively high for Chinese poison." concluded. months of the year. April 22, in which 26 people
spacesuit sizing issue got showing no interest in a exporters. "Before the U.S. takes any Trump said in a U.S. media Trump was quick to were killed. National Defence University
her chance six years later reprieve. Nomura Securities said that substantive action, China has interview published last blame his Democratic Lt Gen Malik previously (NDU), as well as an instructor
on Thursday. NASA's Anne That said, alongside lever- some 16 million Chinese no need to engage in talks Friday that his administration predecessor, Joe Biden, commanded the Infantry at the Command and Staff
McClain emerged from the aging its propaganda machine people could lose their jobs with the U.S.," the post from was talking with China to for any setbacks while Division in Balochistan and College Quetta.
International Space Station to hit back at the duties, China once the long-term ripple Yuyuan Tantian added, citing reach a tariff deal and that telling his Cabinet that his the Infantry Brigade in He is a graduate of Fort
alongside Nichole Ayers. has quietly created a list of effects of a 50% drop in anonymous experts. Chinese President Xi Jinping tariffs meant China was Waziristan. He has also Leavenworth and the Royal
Both military officers and U.S.-made products it will Chinese exports to the U.S. "However, if the U.S. wishes to had called him. Beijing last “having tremendous diffi- received a Sword of Honour in College of Defence Studies. He
pilots, they launched to the exempt from its retaliatory work their way through the initiate contact, there is no week repeatedly denied such culty. his course and served as the brings a wealth of experience
orbiting lab in March to 125% tariffs - including select economy. harm at this stage for China to talks were taking place. chief instructor at the and knowledge.
replace NASA's two stuck
astronauts, who are now
back home. Minutes before
floating out, McClain
noticed strands of string on Musk readies to wind North Korea, Russia
the index finger of her right
glove. Mission Control
briefly delayed the start of
down at DOGE, hazy building 1st road link
the spacewalk to make sure
her glove was safe. about his future role Agencies
SEOUL
border travel of people, tour-
ism and circulation of com-
Agencies modities.
TOKYO WASHINGTON North Korea and Russia have Relations and exchange
May Day under Elon Musk, preparing to step
begun building their first road
link, the two countries
programmes between the
two countries have been
the shadow of back from his work leading announced, hailing the con- flourishing in recent years,
tariff war the Department of struction of a bridge over a with North Korea supplying
Government Efficiency, had a border river as a major devel- ammunitions and troops to
request of the reporters gath- opment that will further support Russia's war against
ered at the White House to expand their booming ties. Ukraine. One railway bridge
interview him: Before he Russia's Tass news agency and air service already con-
would answer any questions, reported Wednesday that the nect North Korea and Russia,
he wanted someone to tell bridge would be 1 kilometre and in June 2024, the two
him a joke. long and its construction is countries agreed to construct
The tech billionaire's ‘Musk can stay’ Israel fights ‘largest ever’ wildfire expected to take 1 ½ years, a bridge for automobiles over
People across Asia kicked request in the Roosevelt
President Donald and North Korea's Korean the Tumen River, which runs
Trump said during his A helicopter drops water as it helps to extinguish fire at an olive tree garden
off May Day celebrations Room on Wednesday under- near Latrun Monastery in central Israel, on Thursday. Israeli firefighting teams Central News Agency said the along North Korea's borders
Cabinet meeting that
with big marches and scored the surreal and idio- battled wildfires near Jerusalem for a second day, with police reporting the bridge would expand cross- with Russia and China.
Musk is invited to stay in
protests, many of which syncratic presence of the
his administration reopening of several major roads that had been closed AFP
focused on US President world's richest man at the
indefinitely as the
Donald Trump's policies highest echelons of American billionaire is said to be
and fears of global
economic uncertainty.
The holiday, also known as
power.
Musing about his and
DOGE's incongruous role in
preparing to return to
focusing on his
companies Tesla and
Columbia student held over Gaza stir freed in US
International Workers' Day the US government, he said, SpaceX. “You’re invited Agencies the courthouse, describing nificant support Mahdawi
or Labour Day, marks the "It is funny that we've got to stay as long as you VERMONT Judge Crawford's decision as received, noting over 90 letters
struggles and DOGE." "Doesn't the want,” Trump said. "a light of hope." He lauded the from community members,
achievements of workers absurdity of that seem, like, A federal judge in Vermont judge's bravery in the face of including individuals from the
and the labour movement. like, are we in a simulation ordered the release of "heinous accusations, horrible Jewish community, consist-
Thousands of people are here or what's going on? But, he'd encountered. Columbia University student attacks, chills of speech, First ently describing him as
expected to attend rallies like, it was a meme coin at one "Being attacked relentlessly Mohsen Mahdawi on Amendment violations," "peaceful." His legal team
and marches across the US, point," he said, laughing. is not super fun," he said. Wednesday, two weeks after expressing his faith in the believes, similar to Khalil's
including in Chicago, Los "How did we get here?" "Seeing cars burning is not his arrest by Immigration and American justice system. In a case, that Mahdawi was tar-
Angeles, New York and Musk, clad in all black but fun," he added, referring to Customs Enforcement (ICE) direct message to President geted by the Trump adminis-
Philadelphia. Across missing the two hats he had the instances of Tesla cars following his citizenship inter- Trump and his cabinet, tration under a section of the
multiple countries, Trump's worn at Wednesday's earlier being smashed or set on fire. view. US District Judge Mahdawi asserted, "I am not Immigration and Nationality
agenda was cited as a Cabinet meeting, defended "In the grand scheme of Geoffrey Crawford, in a hear- afraid of you." meet with his legal team and from a refugee camp in the Act that allows for deportation
source of concern. In the DOGE's work as he prepares things, I think we've been ing, stated that the detention Judge Crawford deter- visit his university. Mahdawi, West Bank in 2014. based on potential adverse for-
United States, organisers to scale back his government effective. Not as effective as I'd had caused "great harm" to mined that Mahdawi posed no who co-founded the Mahdawi's arrest occurred eign policy consequences.
said their message this year role and spend more time at like. I think we could be more Mahdawi, who has not been flight risk, allowing him to Palestinian Student Union at at a U.S. Citizenship and At Columbia, Mahdawi was
focused on fighting his businesses. But he gave effective," Musk said. "But accused of any crime, declar- remain in Vermont, where he Columbia University with fel- Immigration Services office in known as an "outspoken critic
Trump's approach hazy answers about the work we've made progress." ing, "Mr. Mahdawi, I will order has a residence, and attend his low detained student Vermont as he was complet- of Israel's military campaign in
targeting immigrants, he'd been doing and DOGE's DOGE's large-scale slash- you released." studies remotely. The order Mahmoud Khalil, has been a ing the final steps of his citi- Gaza and an activist and
federal workers and future, and he seemed taken ings have been met with Upon his release, Mahdawi also permits Mahdawi to legal resident of the U.S. for the zenship process. Judge organizer in student protests"
diversity initiatives. aback by the intense backlash dozens of lawsuits. addressed supporters outside travel to New York City to past decade, having moved Crawford highlighted the sig- until March 2024.

'Wholesale abandonment of US New mission: SpaceX hub to S Korea acting head

ideals’: Harris tears into Trump
Agencies
SAN FRANCISCO
notion that if they can make
some people afraid, it will
take off as Texas city Starbase quits, eyes prez poll Agencies
have a chilling effect on Agencies SEOUL
Former Vice President others. But what they have AUSTIN
Kamala Harris used a high- overlooked is that fear is not South Korea's acting
profile speech Wednesday to the only thing that's con- Elon Musk has for years made President Han Duck-soo said
sharply criticise President tagious," Harris said. Texas a business home and Thursday he is resigning to
Donald Trump amid specula- "Courage is contagious." playground, launching take on "heavier responsibil-
tion about whether she will Trump went after Harris in rockets, building cars, and ity" amid expectation he will
mount another presidential a campaign-style rally dreaming about creating a run in next month's presiden-
campaign or opt to run for Tuesday marking his 100th utopian enclave for his tial election. Han has emerged
California governor. day in office. He sarcastically workers on the rural outskirts as a potential conservative
In her most extensive pub- “What they have called her a "great border of the state capital. standard bearer, and South
lic remarks since leaving overlooked is fear is czar" and a "great candidate," Now, a new Musk project is Korean media reported he Suk Yeol, whose removal from
office in January following not the only thing and repeated some of the on the brink of victory: an will officially launch his presi- office triggered the by-elec-
her defeat to Trump, Harris that’s contagious. applause lines he routinely election Saturday to officially and spending cuts, and sunk like a billionaire's vanity pro- dential campaign Friday. tion to be held June 3. The
said she's inspired by delivered during the cam- turn a small patch of coastal more than $20 million into a ject in an area where the man "I have two paths ahead of main conservative People
Americans fighting Trump's
Courage is paign. South Texas - home to his failed effort to tip Wisconsin and his galactic dreams me. One is completing the Power Party remains in disar-
agenda despite threats to their contagious,” Until Harris replaced Joe rocket company SpaceX - into Supreme Court elections. already enjoy broad support heavy responsibility that I ray over Yoon's Dec. 3 imposi-
freedom or livelihood. Kamala Harris said Biden atop the Democratic a city known as Starbase. Profits at his Tesla car com- from residents and state and handle now. The other is put- tion of martial law.
"Instead of an administra- ticket last summer, Trump If Musk prevails - which pany have plummeted. local officials. But there are ting down that responsibility Observers say Han is
tion working to advance said, "I knew nothing about appears likely, since the small As of Tuesday, nearly 200 of creeping concerns that the and taking a heavier responsi- expected to align with the
America's highest ideals, we defeat to him in November. her." Harris cautioned number of residents eligible 283 eligible voters had already city vote and companion bility," Han said. "I've finally People Power Party to launch
are witnessing the wholesale In a 15-minute speech, she Americans against viewing to vote include his employees - cast an early ballot, according efforts at the state Legislature determined to put down my a unified conservative cam-
abandonment of those ideals," spoke to the anxiety and con- Trump's administration as it will be a victory for the to county election records. will give Musk and his com- post to do what I can and what paign against liberal front-
Harris said a day after Trump fusion that have gripped many merely chaotic, casting it mega-billionaire whose popu- The list of names so far does pany town too much control I have to help overcome the runner Lee Jae-myung.
reached 100 days in office. of her supporters since instead as a "high-velocity larity has waned since he not include Musk, who voted over access to a popular crises facing us." Han, 75, is a career bureau-
Before Wednesday, Harris Trump took office but dis- event," the culmination of became the chain-saw-wield- in the county in the November swimming and camping area Han was appointed prime crat with about 40 years of
had barely mentioned Trump couraged despair. extensive work on the right to ing public face of President elections. known for generations as the minister, the country's No. 2 public service and a Harvard
by name since she conceded "They are counting on the remake government. Donald Trump's federal job The cosmic dateline sounds "poor people's beach." post, by then-President Yoon doctorate in economics.
 Cricket ka
Mahakumb Mumbai, Friday,
May 2, 2025

Points tally GOLDEN STREAK | Bumrah, Karn and Boult help Mumbai Indians bowl out
Iyer is more mature
Team M W L T N/R Pts NRR Rajathan Royals for 117 after batters Rohit, Rickelton helped visitors to 217/2
player now: Ponting
MI on top with sixth straight win
MI 11 7 4 0 0 14 1.274
RCB 10 7 3 0 0 14 0.521
PBKS 10 6 3 0 1 13 0.199
PBKS’ coach feels Shreyas knows
GT 9 6 3 0 0 12 0.748
PTI
game situations better than before
DC 10 6 4 0 0 12 0.362
JAIPUR
Most runs PTI
LSG 10 5 5 0 0 10 -0.325
KKR 10 4 5 0 1 9 0.271
for single CHENNAI

franchise
Mumbai Indians went to top
RR 11 3 8 0 0 6 -0.780 of the table for the first time in Punjab Kings coach Ricky He’s (Shreyas) a
this Indian Premier League Ponting has lauded Shreyas
lot more confident
SRH 9 3 6 0 0
CSK 10 2 8 0 0
6 -1.103
4 -1.211
season with a sixth straight
win on Thursday. The five-
time champions defeated
8477
Virat Kohli
Iyer’s evolution as a captain,
saying that his understanding
of game situations now is
in himself now
than he was, and
Briefs that comes with
Rajasthan Royals comprehen- RCB better than ever before.
sively by 100 runs in Jaipur to Iyer and Ponting have been
experience
NEW DELHI
Raghu in MI
go above Royal Challengers
Bengaluru (both 14 points) on
better net run rate.
Deepak Chahar removed
6024
Rohit Sharma
reunited this season at Punjab
Kings. The duo had worked
together as captain and coach
at Delhi Capitals, where they
Ricky Ponting
PBKS coach

MI
squad after dangerous Vaibhav
Suryavanshi in the first over
had led the franchise to the
playoffs from 2019 to 2021, and done that and you’ve got that
Puthur injury and then Trent Boult (3-28) even the final in 2020. experience behind you and
and Jasprit Bumrah (2-15) “He’s a lot more confident you believe and trust in your
took over to rattle hosts top in himself now than he was, own instincts, I think that’s the
order. Leg-spinner Karn and that comes with experi- biggest thing with captaincy,
Sharma (3-23) ran through the ence,” Ponting said after especially in a T20 game when
lower order to restrict RR to PBKS’ four-wicket win over everything around you is hap-
117 all-out in 16.1 overs. Chennai Super Kings. pening so fast.
Earlier, MI openers Rohit “He’s a more mature player “His ability to stay calm on
Sharma and Ryan Rickelton now. I think he understands the field, although he might
struck sublime half-centuries MI batter Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Thursday. PTI the game and game situations not have been that calm
Five-time IPL champions to power Mumbai Indians to probably better than ever tonight when we were a
Mumbai Indians on 217 for two in their Indian before.” couple of overs late getting
Thursday roped in leg- Premier League game against Scoreboard Madhwal 4-0-39-0, Parag Theekshana c Yadav b RR’s Sandeep Iyer was instrumental in through the overs, but just his
spinner Raghu Sharma as a Rajasthan Royals here on Mumbai Indians: R 2-0-12-1. Karn 2, K Kartikeya c Kolkata Knight Riders’ title- maturity, I think, and that
replacement for injured Thursday. Rickelton b Theekshana Rajasthan Royals: Y Chahar b Karn 2, A Sharma ruled winning campaign last season experience,” Ponting added.
Vignesh Puthur for the
remainder of the ongoing
Expecting heavy dew,
Royals put the opposition in
61, R Sharma c Jaiswal b
Parag 53, S Yadav 48*, H
Jaiswal b Boult 13, V
Suryavanshi c Jacks b
Madhwal 4*
Extras: (lb 7, w 8) 15 Total:
out of IPL but was released before the
mega auction. Punjab Kings Fine for slow over-rate
IPL season. Kerala left-arm but Rohit (53 off 36 balls) and Pandya 48* Extras: (LB-1, Chahar 0, N Rana c Varma (16.1 Overs, all-out) 117 PTI moved quickly, securing him Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has
spinner Puthur has been Rickelton (61 off 38) put the W-6) 7 Total: (For 2 b Boult 9, R Parag C RG FoW: 1-1, 2-18, 3-41, 4-47, JAIPUR for Rs 26.75 crore. been fined `12 lakh for main-
ruled out due to bone home team under pressure wickets in 20 overs) 217 Sharma b Bumrah 5-47, 6-64, 7-76, 8-87, 9-91 “He won the IPL last year as taining a slow-over rate
stress reactions in both with a sizzling display of clean FoW: 1-116, 2-123 16, D Jurel c & b Karn 11, S Bowling: Chahar 2-0-13-1, Rajasthan Royals’ seamer a captain, so when you’ve against CSK on Wednesday.
shins, the franchise stated. hitting. Bowling: Archer 4-0-42-0, Hetmyer c Yadav b Boult 2.1-0-28-3, Bumrah Sandeep Sharma was on
The 31-year-old Sharma, In their 116-run stand, Farooqi 4-0-54-0, Bumrah 0, S Dubey c Boult 4-0-15-2, Bosch 2-0-29-0, Thursday ruled out of the
who was part of the MI’s Rickelton targeted the quick Theekshana 4-0-47-1, b Pandya 15, J Archer c Pandya 1-0-2-1, Karn 4-0- remainder of Indian
support bowling unit, now bowlers while Rohit went Kartikeya 2-0-22-0, Bumrah b Boult 30 , M 23-3 Premier League owing to
joins the main squad. after spinners especially a fracture to his finger.
A right-arm leg-break Maheesh Theekshana, who RR said in a statement
bowler, Sharma has was introduced as early as the express pace of Archer, Maheesh Theekshana for tournament well, is back to his that the right-arm pacer
represented Punjab and third over. Rohit made room to cut the back-to-back fours over mid- best. He hit a wide delivery continued bowling
Puducherry in domestic Suryakumar Yadav (48 not England pacer for a four off. The lofted drive over extra from Theekshna over back- despite the injury and the
cricket. In 11 first-class out off 23) and skipper Hardik before Rickleton pulled him cover from Rohit off Akash ward point to complete his franchise will look for a
matches, he has taken 57 Pandya (48 not out off 23) for a six over mid-wicket. Madhwal oozed class. fifty. replacement “actively”.
wickets. He has also capitalised on the openers' The standout stroke of Left-arm spinner Kumar Suryakumar batted like he “Sandeep Sharma has
claimed 14 wickets in nine good work to take the team Rickelton's innings was the Kartikeya offered a half only can and one of his aud- been ruled out for the
List A games, and three past 200. nonchalant flick off Fazalhaq tracker to Rickelton and he acious hits included a scoop rest of the season after
wickets in three T20s. Jofra Archer bowled a tight Farooqi that went all the way. duly dismissed it off his pres- over fine leg off Archer. He suffering a fracture in his
first over but the Mumbai Mumbai Indians cruised to ence for a six and a well- smashed the last ball of the finger,” Rajasthan Royals
CHENNAI openers collected 18 runs off 58 for no loss in the powerplay deserved half-century. innings for a six down the said in the statement. Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer plays a shot against
Relied on my his second. Notwithstanding after Rohit dispatched Rohit, who did not start the ground off Madhwal. Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Wednesday. AFP
instincts says
Yuzi Chahal
GT eye quick turnaround Injury woes for PBKs after
after Suryavanshi blitz Maxwell ruled out of IPL
PBKS are finding tough to get quality replacement of
Sunrisers face a must-win situation to stay afloat in IPL playoff race
Maxwell and Ferguson due to ongoing other leagues
PTI fixtures to reach the magical
AHMEDABAD 16-point mark -- good enough PTI bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled
Punjab Kings’ hat-trick to secure the qualification for CHENNAI out of the IPL two weeks ago
hero Yuzvendra Chahal Gujarat Titans will look to playoffs. but the franchise are yet to
revealed that he relied on bounce back from the carnage Back at home, GT will be Punjab Kings’ Australian all- announce his replacement.
his instincts and tweaked that wonder boy Vaibhav buoyed by their in-form top- rounder Glenn Maxwell was Punjab head coach Ricky
his line after observing Suryavanshi inflicted on them order. Sai Sudharsan (456 on Thursday ruled out of the Ponting said the side is cur-
that the pacers’ slower when they face a stuttering runs) has been their standout Indian Premier League’s rently trying to figure a suit-
balls were gripping the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an performer. Gill (389 runs) and remaining matches after frac- able replacement for Maxwell
surface during their IPL IPL match here on Friday. Jos Buttler (406 runs) also fea- turing his finger, the franchise which may not be easy to find.
clash against Chennai GT were left stunned when ture among the season’s top-7 announced. “We will be signing some
Super Kings. The leg- Rajasthan Royals' Suryavanshi run-getters. Maxwell suffered the injury replacements at some stage,”
spinner, who conceded 23 took the game by storm, On the bowling front, Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill (L) and Sai before PBKS’ rained out game Ponting said in the post-
runs in his first two overs, smashing the fastest century Prasidh Krishna has led the Sudharsan have been in top form this season. ANI against Kolkata Knight Riders match press conference when
bowled a game-changing of the season in just 35 balls attack impressively, forming a in which he was dismissed for asked about the injury set-
penultimate over. He first and becoming the youngest strong pace trio alongside 7, continuing an underwhel- back. “We’ve got until our 12th
dismissed MS Dhoni (11) ever to score an IPL ton at just Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Squads: Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, ming season. game, so we have a couple of
and then went on to claim 14 years and 32 days. Sharma. Rashid Khan’s return Gujarat Titans: S Gill Gurnoor Brar and Karim “Glenn Maxwell has been Glenn Maxwell played his games to go yet. With the
the wickets of Deepak The eight-wicket defeat was to form has bolstered spin (Captain), Jos Buttler Janat. ruled out of the remainder of last game against KKR on squad we’ve got, we’re trying
Hooda (2), Anshul Kamboj crushing despite GT posting a bowling. Washington Sundar (wk), B Sai Sudharsan, SRH: Pat Cummins (c), the season due to a finger Saturday. ANI to find players in our squad
(0), and Noor Ahmad (0) -- formidable 209/4 but, overall, has been a steady support. Shahrukh Khan, Sherfane Ishan Kishan (wk), injury. We wish him a speedy anyway. So we’ve got
sealing his second IPL hat- the result has not changed Meanwhile, Hyderabad Rutherford, Rahul Atharva Taide, Abhinav recovery,” Kings posted on “Unfortunately, Maxi’s Azmatullah (Omarzai), Aaron
trick in nice fashion. their position in this IPL. have slipped into a precarious Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Manohar, Aniket Verma, their social media handle. broken his finger. He broke it Hardie who hasn’t played yet,
The Titans are still one of position and face a must-win Kagiso Rabada, Sachin Baby, Smaran Maxwell was replaced by just before the last game at Xavier Bartlett who didn’t
BENGALURU the most consistent teams this scenario. Last year's runners- Ravisrinivasan Sai Ravichandran, Heinrich Suryansh Shedge in training. He didn’t think it was play today.
Surgery season, having a well-bal- up, known for their explosive Kishore, Mohammad Klaasen (wk), Travis Wednesday night’s clash too bad, but it ended up get- “It’s conditions based. But
anced squad with depth in brand of cricket, have faltered Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Head, Harshal Patel, against Chennai Super Kings ting pretty bad. He had scans when we get to Dharamsala
helped me to both batting and bowling. badly -- managing just three Ishant Sharma, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan that PBKS won by four and yeah, the results weren’t he will come back into the
play: Suyash The Shubman Gill-led side wins from nine matches and Washington Sundar, Mulder, Abhishek wickets. great. So unfortunately for reckoning up there, where the
is currently placed dropping to ninth Glenn Phillips, Anuj Sharma, Nitish Kumar The veteran Australian all- Maxi, I think it’s likely he’s out ball might swing and bounce
comfortably with Match starts place on the points Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Reddy, Mohammed rounder had a forgettable run for the tournament,” a little bit more,” he explained.
six wins from nine at 7.30 P.M table. Arshad Khan, Jayant Shami, Rahul Chahar, in this year’s IPL, managing a Maxwell’s compatriot and Ponting said the side is hav-
matches (12 points), Live on Star Another defeat Yadav, Nishant Sindhu, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan mere 48 runs in seven PBKS teammate Marcus ing a good look at the Indian
and it needs just Sports would all but knock Kulwant Khejroliya, Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, matches averaging a lowly Stoinis had told ‘Jiostar’ ahead talent that it has as interna-
two victories from them out of playoff Gerald Coetzee, Manav Eshan Malinga. eight while taking four of the CSK game. tional options are limited due
their remaining five contention. wickets. Earlier, PBKS has fast to other ongoing leagues.

Mental games
Royal Challengers
Bengaluru’s Suyash Sharma
revealed that multiple
hernias nearly hampered
Australia tour snub in 2020-21 hit me hard, says Surya
his participation in this PTI Bengaluru in a tense chase in “It was an emotional ing the Covid break to work
edition of the IPL before a MUMBAI Abu Dhabi to help Mumbai knock because just a few on my body and mental
surgery in London helped Indians win by five wickets. days before, the team for the health. I expected to be in the
the young leg-spinner to be The snub from India’s While it was just another Australia tour was I was already on T20 squad,” he said.
a part of the team from the limited-overs tour of league game in IPL 2020, the announced,” the Mumbai “Everyone around me,
season opener itself. “I had Australia in 2020-21 “hit me contest saw the then RCB Indians batter recalled on
that flight, including teammates from
three hernias. To be honest, I hard”, recalled Suryakumar and India skipper Virat Kohli the Suryakumar Yadav mentally. But other countries, thought I’d
didn't expect to play the first Yadav, who said that episode resorting to on-field intimi- Experience show on when I wasn’t be flying to Australia. I was
match. I was told I would also spurred him to produce dation when his side was los- JioHotstar. selected, it hit me already on that flight, men-
play three or four matches one of his most memorable ing the match. Suryakumar, now India’s hard. tally. But when I wasn’t
later because it was a big knocks in the Indian Premier In tense moments of the T20I skipper, said he had a selected, it hit me hard. I
surgery. Then RCB sent me League. game, while Kohli did not say good run until those events Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t understand what
to London for my surgery,” Suryakumar produced one much, he picked up the ball and was expecting to be on T20I skipper went wrong.”
Suyash told RCB Bold of his most memorable in between deliveries and the flight to Australia. Suryakumar said he took a
Diaries. “James Pipey knocks in the IPL, scoring an walked up to the striker’s “I had been building up for were going really well. I had break following the snub and
(physio) and his family took unbeaten 79 off 43 balls end where Suryakumar was this over the past few years -- prepared myself well for this didn’t even practice to Suryakumar Yadav has scored the most (475 runs) in
care of me. I'm fit now.” against Royal Challengers batting. my domestic season and IPL season, even taking time dur- refresh himself. this IPL season so far with three fifties for MI. AFP

Printed and Published by Girdharlal Lakhotia for the Proprietors, Indian National Press (Bombay) P. Ltd., at Journal Press, Free Press House, Free Press Journal Marg, 215, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021. Tel: 69028000, Advt. Dept. 69028026. E-mail: [email protected] • OFFICE: Indore: 3/54, Press Complex, A. B. Road, Indore-452 008, Tel: 2555111-2, Fax: 2558555,
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 games www.freepressjournal.in/sports
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Briefs
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | Yamal shines in his 100th appearance to
help Barcelona draw level in six goal thriller first leg semifinal
Baulkline 4.0:
Pherwani Strong start
MUMBAI
Dhvaj Haria
beats Arun
Barca, Inter all square scrapes past
Nikhil Ootam
by MIG, CCI A
MIG blank NSCI B 3-0 and CCI A
Agrawal AP FPJ News Service
thrash NSCI A 3-0 in Motiram Cup
BARCELONA Scoreline MUMBAI

Barcelona 3
Lamine Yamal’s curler that Inter Milan 3 Sparsh Pherwani was put
went in off the post after the through the wringer by vet-
teenager’s great dribble? eran Nikhil Ootam in a thril-
Marcus Thuram’s nifty back- ling group match of the
heeled flick? Raphinha’s mis- National Sports Club of India
sile that hit the bar and the Baulkline 4.0 All-India
goalkeeper before finding the Snooker tournament at the
net? And don’t forget Denzel NSCI Dome on Thursday.
Dumfries’ bicycle kick, before Down 1-3 in the game set to
Dhvaj Haria was on fire and he scored again with a power- seven frames, Pherwani
proved too hot for Arun ful header. struck a purple patch in the
Agrawal to handle as he You have your pick of great last three frames to keep
coasted to a 4-0 victory in goals from Barcelona and Ootam at bay and win the
the CCI Billiards Classic Inter Milan’s thrilling 3-3 draw skirmish 4-3 (5-77, 52 -57, . 69 -
2025, being played at the to start their Champions 42, 29-72, 79-4, 65-12, 62-11).
Wilson Jones Billiards Hall League semifinal on In the same group Goud FPJ News Service singles, Ruturaj Rathod beat
of the Club. Arya started off Wednesday, setting up a Aravind and Rishabh MUMBAI Shivaan Mishra 15-4, 9-15, 15-
with a bang, rolling in a must-see sequel next week in Panchamia were stretched by 8;. Mangirish Palekar and
break of 150 to win the Milan. Opta Stats said it was their opponents Shokeen MIG Cricket Club and CCI A Ruturaj Rathod later out-
opening frame in the 150- joint-highest highest score for Khan and Amanullah Shaikh. made a strong start by win- played Amit Gupta and
up format, a best-of-seven a draw in a Champions Denzel Dumfries (C) scores Inter Milan’s third goal during the UEFA Champions Aravind closed out his match ning two matches each in the Shivaan Mishra 15-10,15-13
frames contest. In the League semifinals since League semifinal first leg against FC Barcelona in Barcelona on Wednesday. AFP taking the fifth and sixth Motiram, Ulla and Kanji Cup CCI A, with fancied names
second frrame, he had Bayern Munich and Dynamo frames to seal a 4-2 (85-58, 33- Inter-Club Badminton like Nigel D'Sa and Siddhesh
breaks of 66 and 85 and Kiev finished with the same Barcelona imposed its game Yamal takes over good at set plays too, but 51, 61-47, 25-66, 63-48, 63-41) Championships, organised by Aroskar in their ranks, beat
followed it up with 138 in score in April 1999. and had 66% possession and Yamal sparked Barcelona into Lamine showed us the way win. Panchamia made an GMBA, and hosted by NSCI A 3-0.
the third. He closed out the “We saw a fantastic match created 10 shots on goal to action in the 24th when he forward. His goal to make it 2- unfinished 52 to bring an end Willingdon Sports Club on Siddhesh Aroskar and
match with a break of 64. and we knew that semifinals Inter’s three, according to dribbled past two defenders 1 was so important.” to a competitive match Thursday. Nigel D’Sa of CCI A beat
are difficult. We could even UEFA’s stats - but had to settle and sliced a shot in off the far Ferran Torres rammed in a against Amanullah Shaikh MIG blanked NSCI B 3-0. Siddharth Naudal and Sunnet
have won,” Inter coach for a draw. post. He went close to an headed pass by Raphinha to posting a 4-2 (62-22, 16-55, 73- Arun Suresh and Siddhesh Kabra 15-13, 15-11.
MUMBAI
Simone Inzaghi said. “Our Thuram was a doubt for the equalizer moments later after equalise for Barcelona in the 39, 11-47, 75-24, 68-29) victory Raut defeated Shreyansh Giya Jawaduddhin Shaikh later
Chhaygaon fans know that we’ve been giv- starting 11 after missing Inter’s gliding down the endline and 38th. Inter suffered another after a gruelling clash. and Amay Vrudhman 15-5, 15- defeated Siddharth Naudal 15-
Results: Sparsh Pherwani
FC secures ing our utmost in difficult
times and we know that
previous three matches - all
losses without a goal. But the
firing a shot with just a sliver
off an angle off the crossbar.
blow when Lautaro Martínez
had to be substituted at half- bt Nikhil Ootam 4-3 (5-77,
12. Later, Ruturaj Rathod beat
Gurpreet Singh 15-5, 15-7.
12, 7-15, 15-10 in the singles
match. Harsh Jhaveri and
1-0 victory Tuesday will be a final.” striker used the back of his “Yamal is a fantastic player, time, but Dumfries headed 52 -57, . 69 -42, 29-72, 79- Fancies pair of Mangirish Zarir Warden wrapped it up
Thuram flicks Inter heel to turn in a cross by in the big matches you can see home a corner kick to put 4, 65-12, 62-11); Goud Palekar and Ruturaj Rathod with 15-12, 15-11 win over Jai
aheadInter matched Dumfries to stun the hosts just his quality, and he showed it Inter back ahead in the 63rd. Aravind bt Shokeen Khan wrapped it up with 15-4,15-7 Sonthalia and Yameer
Barcelona’s firepower with seconds after kickoff. today,” Barcelona coach Hansi Raphinha needed two min- 4-2 (85-58, 33-51, 61-47, win over Mehull Agarwal and Sanghavi.
two goals from corner kicks, Dumfries then put Inter Flick said about his forward. utes to pull Barcelona level 25-66, 63-48, 63-41); Pinak Ravi Kant Mall. CCI A players later took the
and the hosts needed another into what appeared to be a “At 2-0 down,” he con- again when his blistering shot Anap bt Nikhil Bhansali 4- MIG then went on to out- court again to get the better of
stellar performance from 17- comfortable lead when he tinued, “I knew that this was a from outside the top of the 0 (62-26, 70-46, 56-35,130- play Thakur Sports Club by a PM Hindu Bath 2-1 in the
year-old Yamal in his 100th scored his first of two goals semifinal between great clubs box struck the crossbar, rico- 4); Rishabh Panchamia bt similar scoreline. Arun Suresh round robin action.
appearance for his club. with a bicycle kick after a and I knew that the huge cheted off the back of goal- Amanullah Shaikh 4-2 (62- and Siddhesh Raut defeated Meanwhile, Chembur
Except for Inter’s start and corner kick was headed onto experience they have was keeper Yann Sommer and 22, 16-55, 73-39, 11-47, 75- Chandan Kashyap and Gymkhana defeated CCI C
strength in set pieces, him in the 21st. being demonstrated. They are found the net. 24, 68-29). Karthik Laxman 15-5,15-2. In team 3-0.

Mitsui Shoji
In a tightly contested
clash, Chhaygaon FC
secured a 1-0 victory over
Jorhat Town Club, thanks
to a lone goal that came
from their only shot on
target in the Assam State
Mumbai Police clinches fourth T20 title in ten editions
Premier League at Mirza FPJ News Service Shivaji Park Warriors for 217 in Mumbai pace duo Mohit hopes for Warriors. for 217 runs in 19.5 overs.
Stadium on Thursday. MUMBAI 19.5 overs. Their all rounder Awasthi (1/50 in four overs) When Siddhant Singh Mumbai Police City Riders
Despite Jorhat Town Club Aryaraj Nikam become the and Royston Dias (1/56 in 4 departed, they required 39 Aryaraj Nikam who scored 214
holding 45% possession Defending champions best player of the tournament. overs) proved very costly; but runs in last five overs, which runs and took 13 wickets in
and taking 4 shots, they Mumbai Police City Riders When asked to bat first by Sairaj Patil took 2/41 for was achievable target. But cap- this tournament was awarded
failed to find the back of registered their fourth title Warriors, captain Sunil Patil Warriors. tain Sunil Patil brought himself with Best Player of the tourna-
the net. Chhaygaon FC, win in the 10th Mitsui Shoji (31) and Aryaraj Nikam put While chasing this target, for bowling and sent back ment as well as best bowler
with a slight edge in T20 Cricket League, organised together 57 runs for Police Shivaji Park Warriors scored Atharva Ankolekar and Dev and best player of the final.
possession at 55%, made by Jwala Sports Foundation team. Then Aryaraj in the 67/2 in first six overs but Patel in two balls without scor- Best batsman award went to
better use of their five and MCC at Mumbai Police company of Harsh Aghav inform Suved Parkar (8) and ing. In his next over set Agni Suved Parkar (344 runs with
attempts, converting the Gymkhana. They beat star (37) added another 73 runs for captain Hatrdik Tamore (21) Chopra got out. In last over two centuries) and Hardik
decisive chance to claim studded Shivaji Park Warriors fourth wicket and 54 runs for were out cheaply. Left hander Warriors were needed 11 runs Tamore (eight dismissals) was
all three points. The by just four runs in the final on sixth wicket with Rohit Pol Agni Chopra scored 58 in in 31 to win with their last pair was the best fielder.
eleven-team league is Wednesday night. (27*) to score 221/6 in 20 overs. balls and impact player in. Kartik Mishra took six runs Winners took a purse of `1 Champion team Mumbai Police City Riders along with
being streamed live on Mumbai Police team scored Aryaraj hammered 80 in 50 Siddhant Singh struck 52 in 21 in first two balls but again lakh and trophy and runners- MLA Mangesh Kudalkar, Jwala Singh, Satyendra Singh,
SportVot in association 221 for 6 in the allotted 20 balls with 12 fours and two balls to add quickfire 88 runs Sunil Patil got the wicket on up were content with `50 MCA Jt. Secretary Deepak Patil and MCA Senior
with FPJ. overs and bowled out rival sixes. for the fifth wicket to raise the fifth ball to bowl out rival team thousand and a trophy. Selection Committee Chairman Sanjay Patil.

Crossword #1489 YOUR DAY By Vinayak Vishwas Karandikar Shankara Jayanti

ARIES: Today is the day of mental and physical stress LIBRA: Today is the day to control your anger both at —Today is Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti
for you; an injury might also happen. Expect work and home. Expenditure related to spouses,

M
expenditure on premium services, health, vehicles, businesses, vehicles or houses is expected. People ost Indians have heard about After that, while there were many
houses or education. People in the occult sciences, working in gymnasiums, security services, the Adi Shankararacharya, but teachers, a great giant among them
police, surgery, butchery, and research will benefit. A technical field, and the maintenance sector will
dispute regarding property is indicated. Repairing of your house or benefit. A dispute with family members is indicated. Some people very few have an under- was Adi Shankaracharya. What Veda
vehicle is indicated. Some people may suffer from mental or may suffer from waist pain, knee pain or shoulder pain. standing of what he truly is. Some Vyasa had codified, Shankara wrote
physical stress, injury, chest pains or acidity. people, including certain spiritual commentaries on, ensuring no one
SCORPIO: Today is the day to control your anger both
TAURUS: A conflict in your career and married life is at work and at home. Expect expenditure related to teachers, incorrectly label him as a could doubt the essential meaning of
indicated. Expect expenditure related to your health, education or travel. People in police, "missionary”. Shankara was not a the Upanishads and the Brahma
businesses, lands, communication or travel. People in maintenance services, construction, and the travel missionary; his mission was not to Sutras. There is no way you can study
tourism, communications, maintenance, the property industry will get success. A dispute with your father or
business, and the technical field will benefit. Problems maternal relatives is indicated. Some people may suffer from convert people. the entire Brahma Sutra with
in relationships, travel and communication are indicated. Some stomach aches, haemorrhoids, headaches or body aches. I even heard one spiritual guru cal- Shankara's Bhashya and doubt its
people may suffer from shoulder pain, foot pain or lumbar pain. ling him “An argumentative meaning, though, of course, they
SAGITTARIUS: Today disputes, losses, and physical
GEMINI: Today, success and gains will be connected and mental stress are indicated for you. Expect Indian”. I think that's almost must be studied with a tradi-
to stress, disputes and struggles. Expect expenditure expenditure related to premium services, health or insulting. Just because he tional teacher. This was his
related to businesses, properties, premium services or insurance. People associated with the martial arts,
family. People in security, police, and the technical field gymnasiums, security services, and surgery will get engaged in many debates greatest contribution to the
or those working in gymnasiums, barbershops, and success. A dispute with family members is expected. Some people and discussions doesn't Sanatana Dharma tradi-
butcher shops will benefit. may suffer from back pain, toothaches, injuries or eye problems. mean he was argumen- tion. Beyond this, he also
CANCER: It is the day to take care of your health. Take CAPRICORN: Today is the day to study, travel and do tative. Debates and dis- guiding organised the Sannyasa
initiative at work and control your anger. Expect
expenditure on businesses or health. People in
business. Expenditure related to education, houses,
vehicles or travel is indicated. People in education,
cussions are the way to
clarify knowledge and
Light tradition, giving it a struc-
ture. The Sannyasa tradi-
security, police, the technical field, and maintenance construction, the maintenance sector, and tourism will
will benefit. A dispute with family members or your benefit. Family disputes are indicated. Some people understanding, whereas to tion dates back to the Vedic
spouse is expected today. Some people may suffer from stomach may suffer from waist pain, acidity or chest pains. Lucky no.: 5; Lucky be argumentative is to argue for the times, but Shankaracharya structured
pain, knee pain, body pain or headaches. colour: Green sake of arguing; these are entirely dif- it into the Dashanami tradition, with
Across Down LEO: Today is the day to travel and invest with care. AQUARIUS: You will struggle to earn and succeed ferent things. There are many miscon- the four Peethas at Kanchi, Dwaraka,
1 Large NZ parrot 1 2024 IPL champions Expect expenditure related to businesses, education, today. Expect expenditure on office maintenance, travel ceptions about Adi Shankaracharya. Joshimath, and Puri as great centres
2 Rock musician Brian travel or health. People in the security services, police, or health. Barbers, butchers, defense personnel, and
4 Former US net giant: abbr. the maintenance sector, tourism and the technical those working in the tourism sector will get success. A Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), with of learning. All sannyasis belonged to
3 Direct a gun
7 Distance Measuring Equip. field, and barbers and butchers will get success. Travel dispute with your maternal relatives or sibling is Advaita Vedanta at its core, is an one of these mathas, regardless of
4 Memo starter
10Use long needles to make a 5 Kimono sash
or hospitalisation of family members is indicated. Some people may indicated. Someone in the family may fall ill. Some people may ancient tradition from the beginning where they originated. Additionally,
suffer from acidity, eye problems or back pain. suffer from shoulder pain, knee pain or ear pain.
garment 6 Line of actual control, of time. The Rishis were the first he organised the Naga and Akhara
12To be announced, abbr. acronym? VIRGO: Today is the day to gain something after PISCES: Today is the day to enjoy, entertain, and play known human masters of this knowl- traditions.
13Tracks of wheels in soft earth 7 Had visions in the night losing something. Expect expenditure on houses, some sports. Expect expenditure related to children, edge. After their time, one great His work and contributions as a
vehicles, education or premium services. Commission entertainment or sports. People working in the police
15Amorous or during sleep agents, occultists, surgeons, detectives, and insurance force, entertainment, sports, and fitness centres will master appeared on the scene—Veda great teacher of Sanatana Dharma go
17UP town 8 Jeff's comic-strip partner? agents will benefit. A dispute with family members is benefit. Fun times with family are indicated, though Vyasa, who gathered various mantras far beyond popular perceptions of
9 Greek letters - "seat"
18Admirer or devotee indicated. Some people may suffer from constipation, acidity or some disputes may crop up. Some people may suffer from spread across Bharat, codified them, who or what he was. The writer is the
changed ? chest pains. Lucky no.: 2; Lucky colour: White toothaches, throat pain, back pain or knee pain.
19Scapegoat 11Welshman (slang) organised them, and analysed them founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation.
20Rub impatiently? 14Bashful or timid FPJ - SUDOKU - 380 into what is popularly known as the You can write to him at aarshavi-
23Microbe 16Dundee denial Jaimini Sutras and the Brahma Sutras. [email protected]
25Occupied 19Expert
26Firmly implanted 20TV network
29Opp. direction to NNW 21Make or become silent
22Between two ports
30Our star
23Thin porridge
31Charge 24A long time
33Bargain 27Newts
36Remain behind 28Cathedral head
37Peer 30Camera type
38Oise tributary 32Circle found on a
39Fetch peacock tail
42Slow run 34Mild and refined
35Wisecrack
43Like a ___ from the blue : rather 36Indications
suddenly? 38Angle-of-attack, abbr.
44Geometrical figure 39London TV source WHAT TO DO: Fill in the grid so that every row, every
49Select 40Profligate, rake column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
50Sniggler's catch 41Misfortunes Every puzzle has only one correct solution.
51Thailand, formerly 42Jack's uphill companion
52Suffix denoting place or 44Decimal base Solution
45"Bad Behaviour" star
ownership ?
48 Emu.
Stephen 38 AOA, 39 BBC, 40 Roue, 41 Ills, 42 Jill, 44 Ten, 45 Rea, 46 Gig, 47 LAN, 43 Bolt, 44 Triangle, 49 Cull, 50 Eel, 51 Siam, 52 Ese, 53 Nal, 54 Gnu.
53___ Sarovar : bird sanctuary in 46Concert 24 Eon, 27 Efts, 28 Dean, 30 SLR, 32 Eye, 34 Gentle, 35 Gag, 36 Signs, 30 Sun, 31 Fee, 33 Haggle, 36 Stay, 37 Earl, 38 Aisne, 39 Bring, 42 Jog,
Gujarat ? 47Local Area Network
11 Taffy, 14 Shy, 16 Nae, 19 Pro, 20 CBS, 21 Hush, 22 Asea, 23 Gruel, 17 Etah, 18 Fan, 19 Patsy, 20 Chafe, 23 Germ, 25 Busy, 26 Rooted, 29 SSE,
54Wildebeest 48Australian bird
Down: 1 KKR, 2 Eno, 3 Aim, 4 Attn, 5 Obi, 6 Lac, 7 Dreamt, 8 Mutt, 9 Etas, Across: 1 Kea, 4 AOL, 7 DME, 10 Knit, 12 TBA, 13 Ruts, 15 Romantic,
 freepressjournal.in CLICK ON PUZZLES TO PLAY Puzzles
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Crossword #1489

Across 30Our star Down 24A long time

1 Large NZ parrot 31Charge 1 2024 IPL champions 27Newts
4 Former US net 33Bargain 2 Rock musician Brian 28Cathedral head
giant: abbr. 36Remain behind 3 Direct a gun 30Camera type
7 Distance Measuring 37Peer 4 Memo starter 32Circle found on a
Equip. 38Oise tributary 5 Kimono sash peacock tail
10Use long needles to 39Fetch 6 Line of actual 34Mild and refined
A ........ surgeon was about to perform an operation but control, acronym? 35Wisecrack
make a garment 42Slow run
he found he was........ because he had .........
Riddler

12To be announced, 43Like a ___ from the 7 Had visions in the 36Indications
Each of the blank words is made from the same 7 letters night or during sleep 38Angle-of-attack,
in the same order. abbr. blue : rather
8 Jeff's comic-strip abbr.
13Tracks of wheels in suddenly?
partner? 39London TV source
Answer: notable - not able - no table soft earth 44Geometrical figure
9 Greek letters - "seat" 40Profligate, rake
15Amorous 49Select changed ? 41Misfortunes
17UP town 50Sniggler's catch 11Welshman (slang) 42Jack's uphill
18Admirer or devotee 51Thailand, formerly 14Bashful or timid companion
19Scapegoat 52Suffix denoting 16Dundee denial 44Decimal base
20Rub impatiently? place or ownership 19Expert 45"Bad Behaviour" star
23Microbe ? 20TV network Stephen
25Occupied 53___ Sarovar : bird 21Make or become 46Concert
26Firmly implanted sanctuary in Gujarat silent 47Local Area Network
29Opp. direction to ? 22Between two ports 48Australian
NNW 54Wildebeest 23Thin porridge bird

SUDOKU
47 LAN, 48 Emu.
42 Jill, 44 Ten, 45 Rea, 46 Gig,
38 AOA, 39 BBC, 40 Roue, 41 Ills,
32 Eye, 34 Gentle, 35 Gag, 36 Signs,
24 Eon, 27 Efts, 28 Dean, 30 SLR,
20 CBS, 21 Hush, 22 Asea, 23 Gruel,
11 Taffy, 14 Shy, 16 Nae, 19 Pro,

Space: The Final Frontier

5 Obi, 6 Lac, 7 Dreamt, 8 Mutt, 9 Etas,
Down: 1 KKR, 2 Eno, 3 Aim, 4 Attn,
Can you find the words connected in one way or the other with the theme indicated by 51 Siam, 52 Ese, 53 Nal, 54 Gnu.
the title in today's Word Search? 43 Bolt, 44 Triangle, 49 Cull, 50 Eel,
The words may be read horizontally, vertically or diagonally either forwards or
37 Earl, 38 Aisne, 39 Bring, 42 Jog,

backwards, but always in straight lines. Use a ruler to cross them through as you find them.
30 Sun, 31 Fee, 33 Haggle, 36 Stay,
23 Germ, 25 Busy, 26 Rooted, 29 SSE,
17 Etah, 18 Fan, 19 Patsy, 20 Chafe,
12 TBA, 13 Ruts, 15 Romantic,
Across: 1 Kea, 4 AOL, 7 DME, 10 Knit,

Asteroid Mercury Red Dwarf

Black Hole Meteor Saturn
Comet Moon Star
Earth Neptune Sun
Eclipse Nova Titan
Europa Planet Universe
Ganymede Pluto Uranus WHAT TO DO: Fill in the grid
so that every row, every column
Jupiter Pulsar Venus and every 3x3 box contains the
Mars Quasar digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has
only one correct solution.
 education
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025
www.freepressjournal.in

ICSE-ISC RESULTS | Toppers Reveal Success antra

Solving past papers, fighting stress, no gaming

Chaitali Dharamshi 99.4% in class 10, Chahak school principal, said, “I am
MUMBAI Khemka from Ryan incredibly proud of our stu- Bright minds from class 10
International school, Malad, is dents – not only for their excel-
A day after the ICSE (class 10) also among the high-achievers. lent board results, but also for I want to pursue research
and ISC (class 12) board exam Remarking that she never saw the efforts and heart they put
in physics or chemistry,
possibly in astrophysics. I
results were declared, the jubi- studies as a burden, Khemka into this journey.” This is a
hope to contribute
lant toppers gave a peek into revealed that consistency, reflection of their spirit, the
through innovation, col-
their journey towards their dedication and self-motivation support of their parents, and
laboration and mentoring
excellence. “Unwavering sup- are her success mantra. She the dedication of teachers, said
the next generation of
port from my parents, teachers also expressed gratitude to her Srinivasan. “If each one realised researchers
and friends really helped,” said parents and teachers, who their potential, the purpose is Ishmit Kaur, ISC Science Aarav Bardhan, ISC Commerce Vihaan Roongta,
Anmol Pai, a class 10 student of helped her “stay on track”. served,” the principal Bombay Scottish Mahim ICSE Anmol Pai, 99.8% scorer
Thane's Smt Sulochanadevi A regular participant in exclaimed. Class 12 duo from Mahim's Bombay from Smt Sulochanadevi
Singhania school, who scored school events, Khemka said Sunita George, Mahim's Scottish School secure All India Rank 1 Meet Vihaan Singhania school, Thane
99.8%. “Solving past board that though balancing aca- Bombay Scottish principal, ■ Ishmit ■ Consistent
Roongta, class
Kaur, a science stream practice,
papers and multiple prelims demics and co-curricular activ- said, “Our ISC results are student secured a perfect 100%
10 topper
teacher guidance, regular Stress and self-doubt
made a big difference. I gave ities was tough, especially dur- better than the previous year's. score mock tests paid off, he says ■ 99.6%scorer, Vihaan thanks were challenges, but goal-
up gaming and football to ing exams, setting priorities Our students have topped the his mom for keeping him setting kept me focused.
■ She attributes her success to ■ Notably,Bardhan is also a
focus on my studies,” he added. helped her. “Stress and self- country in science and com- motivated during tough times Balancing academics and
Inspired by his brother doubt were challenges, but merce with an average of consistency, discipline , regular passionate debater and
practice, revision national winner of ■ “Istopped comparing myself co-curricular activities
Advait, a research student at goal-setting kept me focused,” 100%.” 63% of the school's class was tough, especially
prestigious Frank Anthony to others and focussed on
IISc Bangalore, Pai now plans she said. Khemka now plans to 12 students have secured 90% ■ “My mother was my biggest during exams, but setting
Debate doing my best,” he says
to appear for JEE and the pursue engineering and is pre- and above, underlined George, motivation, she ensured I stayed priorities helped me. A
IISER aptitude test. “I want to paring for the JEE exams. Treat adding class 10 topper scored focussed. At times, I felt I was ■ Not to mention, he ■ Roongta now plans to appear student should treat
pursue research in physics or every subject equally, set daily 99.6%. “Also, 74% of our stu- missing out on family gatherings, founded his school’s moot for JEE exams, get into IIT and every subject equally, set
chemistry, possibly in astro- targets and solve sample dents have secured 90% and but I knew success doesn’t court pursue finance daily targets and solve
physics,” he shared, adding papers – is her advice to future above. The exam papers were comes overnight,” says Kaur plenty of sample papers
■ Bardhan now eagerly ■ He aims to make a real
that his long-term goal is to examinees. more analytical this year, yet
study at IISc, IIT or IISER and Revathi Srinivasan, Smt the students have done well,”
■ Preparing
for NEET, wants to awaits his CLAT results, impact in financial world with Chahak Khemka, 99.4% scorer from
pursue medicine aspiring to pursue law data-driven insights Ryan International school, Malad
eventually pursue a PhD. With Sulochanadevi Singhania said George.

ICSE 2025 toppers from Mumbai

Meet these students from Mumbai’s school who’ve topped the ICSE 2025
BOMBAY SCOTTISH SCHOOL, MAHIM BOMBAY SCOTTISH SCHOOL, POWAI CAMPION SCHOOL

Vihaan Roongta Aditya Pritam Vidit Jain Mihika Salunkhe Nishka Mamtani Parth Jain Shivank Tandon Snehal Mishra Karan Bhagchandani Shlok Desai Ansh Chopra
(99.60%) (99.40%) (99.40%) (99%) (99.40%) (99.20%) (99.20%) (99.20%) (99.00%) (98.17%) (98.00%)

DHIRUBHAI
CAMPION CHILDREN’S ACADEMY, THAKUR COMPLEX AMBANI INTL
SCHOOL
SCHOOL, BKC

Aarav Nemani Daiwik Joshi Jay Lade Maya Kamath Kaavya Sarvaiya Aaryaman Dubey Revah Soni Shreya Mestry Avaneesh Kaikini Aarshati Gadkari
(98.00%) (99.20%) (99.20%) (99.20%) (98.60%) (98.40%) (98.40%) (98.40%) (98.20%) (98.00%) Anoushka Tandon
(99.6%)
JAMNABAI NARSEE SCHOOL, VILE PARLE W JANKIDEVI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Rihaan Sodhani
Chitransh Garg Adhyan Sahrawat Rajvir Jagwani Reet Jain Jash Shah Aahan Bagasrawala Navya Hegde Mohammed Faiz E Shreyas Sharma (99.6%)
(99.80%) (99.60%) (99.40%) (99%) (98.2%) (97.8%) (97.4%) Sani Khan (97.4%) (97.2%)

MANECKJI COOPER EDUCATIATION TRUST SCHOOL PAWAR PUBLIC SCHOOL, BHANDUP

Yatharth Khurana
(99%)

Niusha Anushka Tilak Himadri Dasrank Anaya Sethrank Diya Jain Atharva Patil Krishnedu Pranav Vijaykumar Avika Pal Joshua Cherian Nupur Vardhan
Chhapgar (99%) (98.40%) (97.60%) (98.20%) (99.2%) (99.2%) Maitra (98.6%) (98.4%) (98.4%) (98.4%) (98.4%)

ST. ANNES HIGH SCHOOL, FORT VIBGYOR HIGH SCHOOL, AIROLI / BORIVALI

Jayaditya Gupta
(99%)

Mishti Chauhan Insiyah Kagalwala Vainavi Bhansali Alisha Vakil Tanishka Jain Ojas Dhore Atharv Salvi Saisha Desai Harshil Paharia Sahil Surani
(97%) (96.8%) (96.6%) (95.6%) (94.6%) (98.4%) (97.8%) (97%) (95.20%) (94.40%)
Apoorv Gupta
VIBGYOR HIGH SCHOOL, GOREGAON VIBGYOR HIGH SCHOOL, KHARGHAR VIBGYOR HIGH SCHOOL, MALAD (98.8%)

Shaunak Jaint Shrihaan Mahesh Muskan Pushp Aarya Shinghare Aditri Rao Keshav Aggarwal Aashi Chandak Vidit Dhure Ayaan Choudhary Aditi Patankar Sharanya Badala
(99.2%) (98.6%) (98.2%) (97%) (96.2%) (96%) (99.60%) (99.2%) (99%) (92.20%) (98.8%)
 www.freepressjournal.in f itness & sustainability Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Vastu wisdom for Morning routine: Evening routine:

Cleanser: Toner:
optimal air and light circulation
Makeup remover /
Use a gentle cleanser to Cleansing oil: Follow up with a toner
remove any impurities and oil If you wear makeup, start to balance the skin. Toning
Neeta Senacha
accumulated overnight. This by removing it with a in the evening not only
Natural light step not only refreshes your readies your skin for

E
gentle makeup remover
and directional skin but also ensures a subsequent treatments
or cleansing oil.
Jyoti S illumination: Design clean canvas for the mbarking on the quest but also helps to soothe
Proper makeup
your home to maximize products to follow, for supple and soft skin is and replenish it after
removal ensures

I
natural light according promoting better not just a beauty goal but a exposure to daily
that your
n the tapestry of to directional influences. absorption. commitment to self-care. In the stressors.
nighttime
Vastu Shastra, the Large windows facing Toner: pursuit of that coveted glow, your
cleanser Treatment/Serum:
ancient science of east welcome the Apply skincare ritual becomes a personal journey, a daily practice
can Apply a treatment
architectural design, morning sun, fostering a hydrating that transcends routine to become a celebration of your unique
effectively clear or serum with ingredients
open spaces hold a a vibrant and positive and beauty. Welcome to the guide that transforms skincare
away any remaining targeted at your skin concerns.
pivotal role in fostering atmosphere. Illuminate alcohol-free into an art form. Together, we’ll explore the steps and
impurities. The nighttime serum is your powerhouse
positive energy, allowing specific areas according toner to balance secrets to achieving a complexion that not only
Cleanser: product, aiding in skin repair and
for optimal air and light to Vastu, such as the the skin’s pH looks radiant but feels luxuriously soft to the
Cleanse your face with rejuvenation while you sleep.
circulation. By integrating northeast for meditation levels and prepare touch. It’s time to elevate your routine
a mild, hydrating cleanser to Moisturizer:
Vastu principles into your spaces. it for subsequent and embrace the transformative
remove the day’s impurities. The Use a slightly heavier moisturizer at
home’s design, you can Indoor plants and products. Toners are often power of self-love through
evening cleanse is crucial as it rids night to nourish your skin. Night creams
create an environment that Zone directional energy: underestimated but play a skincare.
your skin of pollutants and prepares are designed to provide extra hydration
not only promotes physical placement in Place indoor plants in vital role in optimizing your it for the absorption of repairing and and nutrients, supporting your skin’s
well-being but also accordance with accordance with Vastu skin’s receptivity to the benefits of rejuvenating products. natural repair processes during the night.
aligns with the cardinal directions: Allocate different directions to harness the following skincare steps.
zones within your home based their positive energy. For Exfoliate (2-3 times a week): Eye cream:
directions to enhance
on Vastu directions. Bedrooms instance, positioning Use a chemical or physical exfoliant to If you use an eye cream, apply it to
the flow of energy. In Serum:
in the southwest, living areas plants in the north remove dead skin cells and promote cell address specific concerns like dark circles
this comprehensive Choose a serum based on
in the northeast, and kitchens attracts prosperity, turnover. Exfoliating regularly enhances or fine lines. The delicate skin around
guide, we will explore the your skin concerns. For hydration, the effectiveness of your skincare the eyes benefits from specialized care,
significance of open spaces, in the southeast align with while the southeast use a hyaluronic acid serum; for
Vastu principles, ensuring corner benefits from products and helps maintain a smooth helping to reduce signs of aging and
aligning them with specific brightening, opt for vitamin C;
a harmonious energy plants promoting complexion. fatigue.
directions, and provide for anti-aging, consider retinol or
practical tips to maximize flow throughout the financial well-being. peptides. Serums are concentrated
the benefits of air and light
circulation in your living
space. Open courtyards
and atriums aligned
formulations designed to address
specific issues, adding an extra Your ultimate skincare ritual
for supple, soft skin
space. Ventilation and cross with directions: Create layer of care to your routine.
ventilation oriented open courtyards or Moisturizer:
Orientation in to directions: Position central atriums while
harmony with cosmic Apply a lightweight,
windows strategically to paying attention to their
forces: Align the main broad-spectrum moisturizer
align with specific directions. alignment. These spaces
entrance of your home with to lock in hydration. A good
Northeastern windows allow act as energy hubs,
the auspicious directions moisturizer not only keeps Weekly face packs:
for the entry of positive energy, channeling positive
to invite positive energy. A your skin supple throughout
while cross ventilation, achieved energy according to the Anti-acne face pack:
north or east-facing entrance through well-placed windows, the day but also acts as a
specific directions and Blend neem powder with
aligns your living space with prevents stagnant energy and barrier against environmental Hydrating
enhancing the overall yogurt. Apply on acne-prone
the cosmic forces, enhancing encourages a dynamic flow. stressors. face pack:
vibrancy of your home. areas for 15 minutes and
the overall well-being of the Sunscreen: Mix honey, rinse. Tailor your face
occupants. Vastu defect corrections and directions: Finish with yogurt, and aloe vera packs to your skin’s
Balancing the five Implement remedies such as mirrors, wind chimes, a broad- gel. Apply to your face needs, targeting
elements: Harmonize the or specific Vastu-friendly objects in alignment with spectrum for 15-20 minutes. Rinse issues like acne with
five elements – Earth, Water, directions to correct any Vastu defects sunscreen with with warm water. Weekly natural and soothing
Fire, Air, and Space – by affecting air and light circulation. These at least SPF 30 face packs complement ingredients.
strategically placing open corrections harmonize energy flow and to protect your your routine, offering
spaces within your home.
Exfoliating face pack
promote positive vibes throughout the skin from UV an intensive boost
This balance contributes (Once a week):
home. rays. Sunscreen to address specific
to a positive Mix coffee grounds with yogurt or
is non- concerns like
environment that By weaving open spaces in alignment honey. Gently massage onto the skin for a few
negotiable; it hydration, leaving
resonates with the with specific directions and Vastu minutes before rinsing. Exfoliating masks once
shields your your skin feeling
natural energies principles, you not only optimize air a week help maintain a smooth complexion and
skin from rejuvenated.
surrounding your and light circulation but also invite enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare
premature
dwelling. positive cosmic energies into your living products.
aging,
space. Embrace the wisdom of Vastu to transform your hyper-pigme- Remember, consistency and patience are key when it comes to
home into a sanctuary of holistic well-being, where every ntation, and skincare. Tailor your routine to your skin’s unique needs, and don’t
design element aligns harmoniously with the directional the risk of skin forget to enjoy the self-care aspect of skincare rituals.
forces that shape our existence. cancer.

Dr Raman Gaikwad
Immunization’s role in combating These should cover
the elderly, people
Chilli powder also contains beta-carotenoids. They
can keep your cholesterol levels under control and protect
with diabetes or heart
emerging infectious diseases
Praveen Kumar your heart.
disease, and high-risk
Infectious Diseases It also contains vitamin C which is good for your
workers.

M
Physician, Sahyadri Super immunity. It also clears your body of free radicals and
Speciality Hospitals, Deccan Emerging infectious COVID-19 vaccine drives. A major barrier ost of us are keeps you healthy.
Gymkhana, Pune diseases are those Indian vaccine makers, such to vaccination is scared of Most of us don’t know that chilli powder can make
that either appear in a as the Serum Institute and hesitancy—people the red chilli us feel good. How? By releasing endorphins. These

E
population for the first Bharat Biotech, played a being unsure or afraid powder due endorphins are like natural pain-killing-agents.
merging time or suddenly start vital role both nationally to get vaccinated. to the burning
infectious spreading more widely. In and globally by supplying Cultural beliefs, sensation it creates on the
diseases—like
COVID-19, Nipah
India, many factors make it
easier for these infections
millions of doses. Vaccines
are crucial for future
misinformation, and
fear of side effects are
tongue the moment we taste
it. But without using it, none
Health Benefits:
virus, Zika to spread, including pandemic preparedness— hard to overcome. of our dishes taste good.
virus, avian flu, and drug-
resistant tuberculosis—are
becoming more common
dense populations,
underdeveloped sanitation
in some areas, and close
they help contain outbreaks
by reducing infections.
During COVID-19, mass
Communication-
focused health
programs using trusted
In fact, there is no kitchen
in the world which doesn’t
contain red chilli powder.
Red chilli powder
and more dangerous human-animal interactions vaccination saved lives, community leaders, Your soups, curries, salads,
reliable medical It is also said to minimise
around the world. These in farming communities. eased pressure on hospitals, burgers, pizzas, stews or It can
staff, and responsible the chances of colon cancer.
diseases often appear Vaccines can prevent like Covishield which and supported economic even your meat dishes- also minimise lung
advertising can make a The folic acid, beta
suddenly, sometimes infections before they start, utilizes a harmless virus recovery. In future crises, none of them taste good inflammation in smokers,
big impact. carotene and vitamin C in
jumping from animals to which is why they are seen to transport instructions having ready vaccines—or without adding red thanks to the vitamin A content it are responsible for that.
humans (a process called as one of the most powerful into the body. Additionally, systems to develop and Looking ahead, chilli powder to them. in it. It can stimulate
zoonotic transmission), and ways to stop an outbreak ZyCoV-D developed in deliver them quickly—can India needs a long-term It is the spice of life. In It also helps your body in more saliva, sweat, heal
can spread quickly due to in its tracks. They work by India is a DNA vaccine that be critical. strategy to combat fact, Indian, Thai and getting rid of the wastes and acts like a sore throat, kill bacteria,
factors like increased travel, training the immune system delivers genetic material in Another challenge infectious diseases. Chinese dishes rely a detoxifying agent too. make you sweat more
urban crowding, changing to recognize and fight off a different way, and can also is that most of India’s This includes a national lot on chilli powder to What most of us don’t know is and enhance your blood
weather patterns, and harmful bacteria or viruses be administered without vaccination programs vaccine policy for all derive their peculiar the fact that red chilli powder also circulation too.
growing contact between if they show up later in the needles. focus on children, often ages, investing in faster spicy taste. Though contains vitamin A. It is good for
humans and animals. In body. India’s immunization overlooking adults. Yet vaccine development, most of us identify chilli your eyesight, teeth, skin and It can also ease your
this changing environment, New types of vaccines program is one of the diseases like flu, hepatitis, and setting up powder with the hot and bones too. breathing by opening up your
immunization—commonly are constantly being largest in the world, and pneumonia also permanent systems burning sensation it gives, airways.
known as vaccination—has developed and there’s aiming to vaccinate over affect adults—especially to track vaccinations. there are some medicinal Regular consumption
become one of the most a growing emphasis 27 million infants and 30 the elderly and those India can also support properties in it. of chilli powder has
effective tools to prevent on making them more million pregnant women with chronic conditions. global efforts by Of course, it is been associated
these diseases. It not patient-friendly. These annually. Initiatives like COVID-19 showed that sharing vaccines and always better to with improved
only protects individuals advancements include Mission Indradhanush have adults, including healthcare collaborating to prevent use chilli powder circulation, as it
from getting sick but also mRNA vaccines that significantly increased the workers, need protection outbreaks. Local in moderation. But may help dilate
helps stop diseases from instruct the body how to number of fully vaccinated too. India should now governments, schools, eliminating it totally blood vessels and
spreading widely, which combat a virus through a children. Digital platforms develop clear adult and employers must from your life would enhance blood flow,
reduces pressure on health piece of genetic code, as like CoWIN efficiently immunization guidelines, help ensure vaccines deprive you of certain contributing to better
systems. well as viral vector vaccines managed large-scale similar to those for children. reach everyone. health benefits. cardiovascular health.

What is Lewy Body dementia?

How is Lewy body dementia different from
Alzheimer’s disease?
Devika Bandyopadhya The similarity between Alzheimer’s and Lewy body
dementia is that people with any of these two show signs

How is it different from Alzheimer’s disease?

L
of difficulties related to reasoning and memory. Vision-
ewy body spatial cognition is also observed along with problems
dementia, or in execution. Social and occupational functioning are
There is likely How is Lewy body dementia diagnosed? affected drastically too. However, unlike patients having
as otherwise to be depression at
known as Alzheimer’s, people with Lewy body dementia show
some point in time Apart from the the doctors might perform symptoms that are quite like Parkinson’s disease. There are
dementia with during this illness. observation of the above- the following:
Lewy bodies, is one of tremors, rigidity in the body and stiffness of muscles. Also,
Rapid eye mentioned symptoms, your Neurological unlike Alzheimer’s, people with Lewy body dementia face
the most common kinds movement doctor would require a examination to check for
of progressive dementia. autoimmune functionality difficulties.
sleep behaviour thorough analysis to reach signs of Parkinson’s disease. There is a change in temperature and blood pressure.
The regions of the disorder is a conclusive diagnosis. This usually tests walking,
brain that are involved Digestion is also affected adversely. Some days can be
common. You Tests for certain muscle tone, reflexes, free of issues while some can be really bad, such as with
with memory, thinking might begin to biomarkers sense of touch,
and motor control are frequent falls and severe visual hallucinations.
physically act out (presence balance, eye
affected in this form of what you dream. of certain movements
dementia. The nerve cells How is Lewy body dementia treated?
Your attention substances and strength.
in this region of the brain span is reduced. in the blood) A short test There is no one of Lewy body
develop protein deposits. You might take are usually is conducted to defined care or treatment dementia that are
A potential decline in long naps during performed. assess mental for Lewy body dementia. similar to Parkinson’s
mental abilities is noted These deposits are What are the first signs of Lewy the day. There The diagnosis abilities. This Doctors believe in treating disease, medicines such
with this form of an made of alpha-synuclein (a Body Dementia? could be episodes typically is usually done the symptoms individually. as carbidopa levodopa
ailment. protein). When the brain Changes in thinking and reasoning are of drowsiness. would to differentiate are prescribed. This can
Cholinesterase
is healthy, this protein is the first signs of Lewy body dementia. It is include: between the reduce slow movement
What are Lewy inhibitors are ideally
responsible for the nerve then followed by the following signs Tests to presence of and rigid muscles.
Bodies? used for Alzheimer’s
cells playing its role aptly, and symptoms: check nerve Lewy body
The protein deposits Dizziness, disease, but are effective Sleep and movement
especially when the brain You will begin to have function of dementia and
that develop in the nerve constipation and in treating the symptoms problems might be
cells communicate with visual hallucinations. You the heart’s blood vessels Alzheimer’s disease.
cells of the brain are the frequent falling happen of Lewy body dementia treated with other specific
each other (at synapses). might see shapes and Sleep studies to Blood tests are done
Lewy bodies. It is named as the nervous system as well. These work by medications.
However, when this alpha- people who are not there. understand the brain wave to check for deficiency of
so after the person who responsible for regulating pulse, increasing the level of It should be noted
synuclein forms clumps Auditory, olfactory or tactile activity vitamin B 12 or underactive
discovered protein deposits sweating, blood pressure and chemical messengers that that medicines such
inside the neurons, it results hallucinations are also Nuclear imaging tests thyroid gland.
of abnormal form that digestive process is affected. are important for memory as Haloperidol (first-
in Lewy body dementia, possible. (SPECT, PET) MRI or CT scan is
disrupted the normal Cognitive problems, quite and reasoning abilities of generation antipsychotic
causing the neurons to Rigid muscles, tremor To rule out other conducted to identify
functionality of the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease, the brain. This improves medicines) should not be
work less efficiently. This and slow movement (the conditions that might bleeding or stroke. This
in people with Parkinson’s are observed. There are poor cognition and alertness. used for the treatment of
begins to affect memory signs of Parkinson’s disease) cause similar signs like that also helps in ruling out the
disease. The abnormal and movement negatively. attention, memory loss To reduce symptoms Lewy body dementia.
occur. of Lewy body dementia, presence of a tumour.
deposits have been called The neurons may ultimately and visual-spatial
You lose motivation to do
Lewy bodies. die off. problems. Disclaimer: The Free Press Journal bears no responsibility for the content that appears on this page.
anything.
 www.freepressjournal.in

C I N E M A journal
Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Deepika

Stars
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone open up on
the insider vs outsider debate at WAVES 2025
on being a
Bollywood
newbie

light up Sagarika Choudhary

D
eepika Padukone, who marked her
debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s Om
Shanti Om, agreed with the Raees
actor’s words and recalled, “When I had
started, these words like ‘insider’ and ‘out-

WAVES
sider’ didn’t exist. For me, it was just a new
world. I was a 16-17-year-old girl who had
come from Bengaluru to Mumbai. Farah
Khan must have spotted me at some mod-
elling gig and she didn’t even audition me
for Om Shanti Om. I remember doing a
meeting with her, and she said she wanted
Shah Rukh Khan, me to meet Shah Rukh once. He was
shooting for Chak De! India in Australia at
Deepika that time. Once he returned, we did a

Padukone, Alia SRK uncensored on insider vs outsider debate meeting and that was it.”
“So, I never felt like I was an outsider
Sagarika Choudhary struggle, and ambition are lofty words. I have where Shah Rukh or Deepika come from; it trying to make my place in a new indus-
Bhatt and other a problem with the distinction of insider and cares about how they’ve found a space for try. I had the dedication, passion, and
wo of the biggest stars of Bollywood, outsider. It is not important where you come themselves in that sphere.” hard work — those things were in my
stars dazzle at WAVES 2025,
celebrating media and innovation
T Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padu-
kone, attended the WAVES 2025 event
in Mumbai on Thursday. While at it, they
from. What is important is that you want to
make a place for yourself in this world and
how you plan to achieve it. If you pity yourself
“When I came to Mumbai, I never thought
that I was an outsider in this world. I just had
one thought: that this is my world now. And
control. I just knew that this was the thing
I was passionate about, and I wanted to
do it, and do it well,” she concluded.
opened up on the much-discussed insider vs and keep wallowing, then you will not be able everyone in the industry embraced me with The WAVES 2025 summit is a four-day
outsider debate, and both opined how the to make your way into the industry.” open arms, like the rising sun of a new day at event bringing pioneers of global cinema
CJ Desk four-day event, which aims to words hold very little weight compared to The superstar went on to say, “The world is Marine Drive. What matters is your belief that and other entertainment stakeholders
position India as a global hub for what they are assumed to. a sphere; there’s no entry and exit door. You just you belong to this place. I don’t know if I have from across the world under one roof.
hah Rukh Khan, media, entertainment and digi- Speaking on his journey from Delhi to Mum- have to learn and find the way. Also, this world hunger, ambition, and all those words, but I The initiative is the government’s aim to

S Deepika Padukone,
Alia Bhatt and other
celebrities on Thurs-
day brought the
glamour quotient to the inaug-
ural WAVES summit here. The
tal innovation by bringing to-
gether creators, start ups,
industry leaders and policy-
makers from across the world,
was inaugurated by Prime Min-
ister Narendra Modi.
bai with no contacts and connections, Shah
Rukh said, “I would like to clarify, hunger,
does not give a damn about anyone. We are
very insignificant. The world does not care
know that I can work hard and I have the de-
termination,” he averred.
propel the Indian entertainment industry
into the global scheme of things.

Alia Bhatt dazzles

in her special look
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt took to social media to
flaunt her special look inspired by Maharashtra Day for
the WAVES Summit 2025. On Thursday, the Raazi actress
shared a glimpse of her elegant outfit, which beautifully
reflected the essence of the occasion. Sharing a couple of
her photos, Alia wrote in the caption, “WAVE-ing at you!
From cinema to gaming, from craft to tech. our stories,
our talent, our vision, ready to lead. #WAVESummit
@mib_india @wavesummitindia P.S. tell me how you like
my #MaharashtraDay special look.”

Priyanka Chopra praises

(From L to R) Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Hema Malini, Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar and Mithun Chakraborty. WAVES as bold initiative
Malayalam cinema blends art Rajinikanth hails PM’s lobal star Priyanka Chopra extended heartfelt ap-

& commerce, says Mohanlal Kashmir peace push G preciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for
championing India’s creative industries. Hailed as
a transformative event, WAVES is set to redefine India’s
alayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, who attended the maiden edi- uperstar Rajinikanth spoke about the Pahalgam role in the global entertainment landscape. Speaking

M tion of the WAVES, refuses to draw a categorical boundary be-

tween art and mainstream films in Malayalam cinema, as he
thinks that the two are closely married in Malayalam cinema. The veteran
S terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 in-
nocent civilians, including one Nepalese national,
and injured many. He hailed Prime Minister Narendra
through a video message on her official Instagram ac-
count, Chopra called the summit a “historic” and “bold
step” for the nation. “For the first time ever, India is host-
actor attended the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit in the BKC Modi’s efforts in bringing peace to Jammu and Kash- ing the World Audiovisual and Entertainment Summit,
area of Mumbai on Thursday where he spoke during a panel discussion mir, and expressed faith in his leadership. In his speech, WAVES, in Mumbai. This isn’t just another conference,
with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, veteran Hindi cinema actress he said, “After the barbaric, merciless attack that hap- WAVES is India’s bold step onto the world stage,” she said.
Hema Malini, and Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi. When Akshay asked the pened at Pahalgam, many people told me that the gov-
Malayalam megastar if the meaningful and mainstream can ever be united, ernment would postpone this event because of
the latter said that has always been the case with Malayalam cinema. He unnecessary criticism, because the event’s subject is en-
said, “We are blessed with tertainment. But, I was
great actors, directors. From confident that this
the very beginning, Malaya- Allu Arjun event will definitely
lam cinema doesn’t have that made a happen, because I
kind of demarcation, it’s a memorable have confidence in our
thin line. It has an art house appearance Prime Minister, Nar-
element and commercial or at the WAVES endra Modi ji.” While
entertainment structure. It’s Summit 2025. praising PM Modi, he
closely knitted, it’s very well During his added, “He is a fighter.
balanced. I had the chance to session, he He will meet any chal-
work with great directors. thrilled fans lenge, and prove what
That time, they called us art by recreating we have been saying
films. But even the art films
his iconic for the last one decade,
hand gesture
back then had entertainment from Pushpa that he will face even
value. And even the entertain- 2, sparking this situation grace-
ment, so-called entertainers, loud cheers fully and bravely, and
have art in it. So, in Malaya- from the bring peace in Kash- K. S. Chithra and Shreya Ghoshal, along with
lam cinema, content-wise, audience. mir and glory to our Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani and
we are very rich”. country.” others, pose for a photo at the WAVES Summit.

Ajay Devgn once again nails it as Amay Patnaik

seven years, a sequel to the raid is unsuccessful as he finds the climax which will surely tastic in their respective roles,

FILM film, titled Raid 2, has hit the

big screens on Thursday.
nothing. Soon, a cat and mouse
game starts where Patnaik
make you clap because the
way Patnaik saves his team is
it is Saurabh Shukla and Amit
Sial who steal the show. The
REVIEW While Ajay is back as Amay
Patnaik, Vaani Kapoor has re-
wants to reveal the truth of
Dada Bhai, and the latter wants
simply brilliant.
Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik
two have been given some of
the best scenes in the film, and
TITLE: Raid 2 placed Ileana in the film. to save himself. Will Patnaik fi- is excellent in the film. He gets they are simply outstanding.
CAST: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Well, Raid 2 has its moments, nally reveal the true face of into the skin of the character Shruti Pandey surely de-
Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor but it is a slow burner. Read Dada Bhai and have a success- perfectly, and he is so good that serves a special mention as she
on to know more… ful raid? Well, to know that you when Amay loses, you will feel leaves a strong mark with her
DIRECTOR: Raj Kumar
It is 1989 and Amay Patnaik need to watch the film. sad, and when he wins, you performance. Also, Taman-
Gupta
(Ajay Devgn) is working as an Raid 2 is directed by Raj will feel happy. Vaani Kapoor is naah Bhatia once again steals
WHERE: In theatre near you IT Commissioner in Rajasthan. Kumar Gupta who had also just fine. She doesn’t have much our hearts with her wonderful
RATING: HHH But, after a raid, he is accused helmed the first instalment of to do in the movie, but we dance moves. When it comes
of taking bribe and transferred the movie. No One Killed surely missed Ileana D’Cruz be- to songs, Nasha (Tamannaah’s
Murtuza Iqbal to a place named Bhoj. There Jessica, Raid, India’s Most cause her chemistry with Ajay dance number) and Money
he meets Dada Bhai (Riteish Wanted, all these movies in Raid was very good. How- Money grab our attention,
n 2018, Ajay Devgn and Deshmukh) who is a politician were directed by Gupta, and ever, here Ajay and Vaani’s and even the background

I Ileana D’Cruz starred in

a movie titled Raid
which was inspired by a
real-life story. The film
had grabbed everyone’s atten-
tion, and it became a super hit
at the box office. Now, after
and messiah for the people of
Bhoj. However, Patnaik comes
to know that Dada Bhai has a
lot of black money. So, he de-
cides to do a raid at his house
and other places, but for the
first time in his career, Patnaik’s
he has a style of story-telling.
His movies are slow burners.
The first half of his movies is
always very slow, and there’s
no drama.
However, Gupta takes the
movie to another level with
his second half and the cli-
max. He has used the same
formula for Raid 2 as well. The
first half of the movie has no-
thing that will keep you on the
edge of your seat. It is predict-
able and will bore you. But,
the second half starts with a
bang, and some interesting
twists and turns will keep you
hooked to the screen.
The climax of Raid 2 surely
takes the film a notch higher.
Without giving spoilers, let us
tell you that there’s a scene in
chemistry is dull.
Riteish Deshmukh as Dada
Bhai is amazing in his role.
Whenever the actor has played
a negative role, he has nailed it,
and Raid 2 is no exception.
While Ajay and Riteish are fan-
music is decent.
Overall, Ajay Devgn starrer
starts on a very slow note, and
only picks up after the interval.
So, if you are planning to watch
the movie, you need to keep
patience. It is a slow burner!
 C I N E M A journal
www.freepressjournal.in

Mumbai, Friday, May 2, 2025

Actress
opens up
about playing
Salman set for
Rukku in
Retro, calling
it her most
war drama
CJ Desk 20 Indian soldiers. The inci-
fun and fter the fail- Salman Khan
dent escalated the ten-
sions between India
heartfelt role
to date
A ure of his
much-
hyped
to star in film
based on 2020
and China, and it was
also the first time in
45 years that shots
Galwan Valley clash were fired along the

Pooja’s Rukku
film, Si-
kandar, superstar Sal- after Sikandar Line of Actual Con-
man Khan is reportedly trol (LAC).
in talks to play the lead in
failure: Report The report stated that
a film based on the clash Lakhia is ready to dive
that took place between India into the pre-production work

moment
and China at the Galwan Valley in of the film as soon as Salman gives his
2020. While the film has not been confirmation. It will be reportedly
officially announced yet, reports have produced by the actor’s own produc-
it that the actor is mighty interested tion house, Salman Khan Films.
in the film. For those unversed, Lakhia is
According to a report in The Holly- known for helming films like Shootout
wood Reporter, the film based on the at Lokhandwala, Mission Istaanbul,
Galwan Valley clash will and Zanjeer.
IANS had to do. I leave behind a piece be helmed by film- Salman returned to the theatres
of my heart with her and from maker Apoorva earlier this year after 1.5 years with
today she is yours as much as she Lakhia, and Bhai- his highly-anticipated Eid release,
ctress Pooja Hegde is mine. RETRO time,” Pooja jaan seems to Sikandar, which also marked his

A has talked about her

character in the latest
release Retro and
said that becoming
“Rukku” was the most fun thing
she has ever had to do. Pooja took
to Instagram, where she shared a
added. Retro is directed by Kar-
thik Subbaraj. The film was shot
in the Andaman and Nicobar Is-
lands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai.
The film is reportedly about a
gangster who tries to avoid viol-
ence and lead a peaceful life after
have liked the
script. If he signs
the dotted lines, Sal-
man will be seen play-
ing the lead in the
war-based film.
The film will trace the
first collaboration with Ghajini
director AR Murugadoss. How-
ever, the film fell flat in its face
and failed to impress the
audience.

handful of stills from the Suriya- vowing to his wife. Looking for- events of June 2020
starrer and said that the character ward, Pooja will next be seen in when Indian and
Rukmini, also known as Rukku, is the Bollywood film Hai Jawani Chinese troops
the “purest of souls, innocent but Toh Ishq Hona Hai with Varun clashed at the
intelligent.” Dhawan and Mrunal Thakur. Galwan Valley
She wrote, “Rukmani, The pu- The cast will be shooting in the in Ladakh,
rest of souls Innocent but intelli- UK for two months. Talking about resulting in
gent. protective and fierce when the title, Hain Jawani Toh Ishq the death
it comes to her loved ones and the Hona Hain seems to have been of nearly
kindest and most hopeful,even in taken from the song Ishq Sona Hai
the darkest of times.” “May we all from the Salman Khan and Kar-
strive to be you. Becoming Rukku isma Kapoor-starrer Biwi No.1,
was the most fun thing I’ve ever which was released in 1999.

Did you know?

Ajith Kumar became an actor to repay debts after
Baby
on
a failed business and achieved massive stardom

CJ Desk

jith Kumar, known today

Imagine how angry they would be,’” he
further recalled.
For Ajith, not making use of an op-
Hania Aamir
board
Vineet Kumar Singh

A as one of Tamil cinema’s

biggest stars, has called
himself an ‘accidental
actor’. In one of his recent
interviews, the Thunivu actor opened
up about how his journey into films
wasn’t planned—in fact, it stemmed
portunity that life throws at you was,
as he put it, “a sin.”
Long before he was known for hits
like Vaali, Vedalam, or Thunivu, Ajith
was just a young man trying to get out
of debt caused by a failed business. He
further said during the interview, “I
Pak celebs
blocked Mahira Khan
and wife Ruchira
announce pregnancy
with adorable photos,
sharing their
excitement as they
prepare for
from necessity. was very naive, and I re-
parenthood
Ajith, known for his low-key member being asked a Pak stars Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir and Ali
lifestyle and humility despite question by a journalist CJ Desk baby bump. One picture
massive stardom, said that about what made me Zafar’s Instagram accounts blocked in India shows him hugging his wife,
acting wasn’t a childhood take up acting. I told the ctor Vineet whereas in another one they
dream or long-time goal.
During a conversation with
India Today, he recalled, “In-
itially, I got an audition for a
Telugu film—a language that I
couldn’t speak. I decided to
pursue it.” This step, driven
person that I had debts
due to my failed busi-
ness and that my idea
was to do a couple of
films and pay my
debts. He was flab-
bergasted,” he
PTI

I
nstagram accounts of
popular Pakistani actors
Mahira Khan, Hania
Aamir, Sanam Saeed,
and Ali Zafar have been
that killed 26 civilians.
Instagram accounts of Pakis-
tani actors Bilal Abbas, lqra
Aziz, Ayeza Khan, Imran Abbas
and Sajal Aly have also been
blocked.
The release of Abir Gulaal, a
A Kumar Singh and
his wife Ruchira
Singh are all set to
embrace parent-
hood after three years of mar-
riage. On Thursday, the
Chhaava actor shared an
are seen enjoying pasta and
pizza.
“New Life & Blessings! From
the universe, with love... Baby
arriving soon!! Namaste, little
one!!! We are ready to wel-
come you,” Vineet captioned
more by circumstance than am- shared. blocked in India following a film starring Pakistani star adorable post on Instagram to his post.
bition, marked the beginning of his “legal request” in the wake Fawad Khan, is also in limbo announce pregnancy. He Soon after he shared the
acting career. of the Pahalgam terror at- following the attack. The Insta- shared a series of photos with post, several fans and
“My parents said, ‘Ajith, tack. “Account not avail- gram account of Fawad Khan, Ruchira and said their celebrities flooded
nobody in the family able in India. This is however, continues to be ac- baby is ‘arriving soon’. the comments sec-
has been in the film because we complied cessible by Indian users. In the photos, Vi- tion with con-
industry. Think with a legal request to Instagram accounts of neet is seen gratulatory
about it.’ I told restrict this content”: singers Atif Aslam, Farhan cradling messages for the
them, ‘I know I’m this message was dis- Saeed, Ali Sethi, Shafqat Ama- Ruchira’s parents-to-be.
leaping into the played when users in nat Ali, actors Mawra Hocane,
dark. But im- India tried to access best known for her Bollywood
agine people the pages of these debut with 2016’s Sanam Teri
who want to be- artistes. Kasam, Saba Qamar (Hindi
come actors Tensions esca- Medium), Adnan Siddiqui
coming to lated between India (Mom), Hamza Ali Abbasi,
know that I had and Pakistan in the Veena Malik of Bigg Boss fame,
refused an aftermath of the Churails stars Sarwat Gilani,
offer that April 22 terror at- Mehar Bano, Nimra Bucha, and
came to me. tack in Jammu and Yasra Rizvi, also continue to be
Kashmir’s Pahalgam active.
Ali Zafar

Rakhee Gulzar
opens up about
returning to acting
with Aamar Boss,
cites disconnect
Back to roots IANS

from cultural eteran actress Rakhee Gulzar opened up about her decision to re-

roots
V turn to acting with the upcoming Bengali film Aamar Boss. She ex-
plained that the project allowed her to reconnect with the cultural
roots that she felt had been lost over time. The Soldier actress re-
vealed that the story deeply resonated with her from the moment
she first heard it. Rakhee also expressed concern about the growing discon-
nect with cultural roots in today’s society. She spoke about how, in
modern times, relationships have become increasingly superficial,
with technology taking over the deeper, more meaningful con-
nections that once defined families and communities.
Speaking about her return, Gulzar shared, “Aamar Boss
is a story that touched my heart from the very first narra-
tion. I agreed to do this film only because I could strongly
relate with the story. Today, we have lost touch with our
culture, our roots, everything has become superficial. I
come from a background where everyone was closely
knitted, seeing today’s generation where technology has
taken over relationships worries me. Some relationships
are so pure that they transcend age, time, and distance,
that’s what this film beautifully captures.”