Arrival of Delegates from 23 Countries to Observe Lok Sabha Elections in India
India's Election Commission has extended invitations to 75 guests from election management bodies (EMBs) across 23 nations to witness the unfolding of the world's largest elections. This initiative, unprecedented in scale, aims to showcase the democratic process to a global audience. Representatives from Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, and more will participate, alongside members of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and media teams from Bhutan and Israel. The Election Commission of India views this as a testament to its commitment to conducting elections of the highest caliber. They describe it as an opportunity for international observers to experience India's democratic practices firsthand. The Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) commenced on May 4, intending to familiarize foreign delegates with India's electoral system and best practices. Notable figures such as Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will address the guests during the program. Delegates will visit various constituencies in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and other states to observe the election process firsthand. The program will conclude on May 9. The arrival of delegates marks a significant moment in India's electoral history, showcasing the nation's commitment to transparency and openness in its democratic process. As these international observers immerse themselves in the intricacies of India's election system and witness firsthand the vibrant democracy in action, it underscores the importance of global cooperation in fostering democratic values worldwide. The Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases, began on April 19 and will end on June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4. Read More Election news: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know
Startup funding in India declined by 17 per cent in FY24
NEW DELHI: The startup funding in India registered a decline of 17 per cent in FY 24 as compared to the previous year. In 2021 the investment professionals were getting on average six deals daily but in 2024, it has declined to three. According to a report titled 'India Invests' by Wealth 360 One, the private equity of value USD 100-250 million range, is down by 60 per cent. While those investing USD 500 million or more too have gone down drastically by over 80 per cent. The funds investing less than USD 100 million have also registered a decline of 30 per cent. But funding under USD 5 million is still happening at a steady rate. The report highlights that the bigger deals, over USD 25 million, which usually happen when a startup is growing, have also decreased. This means there's less money going into startups overall, especially in the medium to large-sized deals. Late-stage venture capital investments have been hit hard too. Startups raised nearly USD 8 billion from investors this year, marking a 50% decrease from FY 22-23. As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry data, India is home to 111 unicorns with a total valuation of USD 349.67 billion. Out of the total number of unicorns, 45 unicorns with a total valuation of USD 102.30 billion were born in 2021 and 22 unicorns with a total valuation of USD 29.20 billion born in 2022. In 2023 only one unicorn emerged. India houses 1.7 lakh registered Startups, collectively generating over 1.2 million jobs. Maharashtra leads with 5801 Startups, followed by Delhi NCR with 3150, Karnataka with 3032, and Tamil Nadu with 2810 Startups. This slowdown in funding isn't just in one area of investment. Both private investment and venture capital funding have taken a hit, especially after the surge seen in 2021-2022 during the pandemic. Angel investors, who usually support startups in the early stages, are putting more money in, but they're choosing fewer startups to back. On the other hand, venture capital deals have also dropped by half in FY24 from the previous year. According to the report, consumer-focused sectors and technology are facing the most caution from investors. These sectors are experiencing a big drop in the number of deals and the total amount of money. But the industrial and materials sectors are staying steady, while others like financial services and healthcare are doing better. Investors, especially in the tech sector have declined. They want to see profits and realistic values before investing. This caution has led to almost half the amount of money being invested in the tech sector compared to before. Similar decreases are seen in consumer staples and discretionary companies as investors look for safer bets. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu are the top five states to attract substantial investments by private equity funds. In terms of cities, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune are the top cities that attracted maximum PE investments. However, the investments in FY24 is up to 30 per cent less as compared to FY23 in most of the states. The experts have attributed the decline to the reduced investment in Indian Startups. Mumbai has surpassed India's silicon city Bengaluru in attracting PE funds as Startup funding has substantially lowered in FY24.
Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne
Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports but imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne, amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country. Last night, the government imposed a 40 per cent duty on export of onions. In August last year, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023. ''The export policy of onions is amended from prohibited to free subject to MEP of USD 550 per metric ton with immediate effect and until further orders,'' the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. On December 8, 2023, the government banned export of onions from March 31 this year. In March, the export prohibition was extended till further orders. In March, the Union Agriculture Ministry released the data for onion production. As per the data, onion production in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year. This is due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes output in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan, the data showed. Last month, in an official statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onion to six neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Farmers in Maharashtra had protested against the export ban. The Congress last month accused the Narendra Modi government of ''callously neglecting'' Maharashtra's onion farmers reeling due to the ban on onion exports and said that its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers.
Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average. Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts. Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution. However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall. Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall. The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs. Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24. The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country. Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average. With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought. Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well. The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources. However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity. Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall. However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall. Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country. (ANI)
PFRDA hosts round table meeting to promote National Pension System adoption among corporates
PUNE: In a bid to raise awareness about the National Pension System (NPS) among corporates, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) organized a Round Table Meeting on Friday, in Pune. Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) from 20 selected corporates based in Pune participated in the event. The National Pension System (NPS) was introduced for all central government employees (excluding armed forces) joining the workforce on or after January 1, 2004. Many state/UT governments have also adopted NPS for their new employees. Since May 1, 2009, NPS has been open to all Indian citizens on a voluntary basis, including those in the corporate sector. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched on June 1, 2015, for unorganized sector workers. As of April 27, 2024, the total subscribers of NPS and APY exceed 7.38 crores, with total Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching 11.80 lakh crore. The number of subscribers in the private sector, including corporates, exceeds 55 lakhs, with an AUM crossing 2.29 lakh crore. The primary objective of these meetings is to engage with corporations and encourage them to adopt NPS or enhance its penetration by educating them about retirement planning, corporate NPS benefits, including tax incentives for employers and employees, and financial wellness. This initiative aims to extend the benefits of the National Pension System in the formal private sector, aligning with the government's broader objective of establishing a pensioned society by 2047. Currently, there are 16,060 corporates enrolled in NPS, collectively accounting for 19.68 lakh subscribers nationwide. In Maharashtra alone, 5,227 corporates are registered, contributing to a total of 2.94 lakh subscribers. Among these, 876 corporates are based in Pune, with a combined subscriber count of 0.73 lakh. The keynote speaker for the event was Deepak Mohanty, Chairman of PFRDA. He emphasized the urgent issues associated with an aging society and increasing life expectancy, stressing the critical need for adequate pension coverage. Mohanty further highlighted that relying solely on one social security scheme is insufficient for building a robust retirement corpus. He elaborated on the efficiency, transparency, and returns offered by the National Pension System (NPS). He urged corporates to consider adopting NPS to provide a platform for employees to join NPS and further, also to educate and nudge them to increase the uptake rate of NPS in corporates. Arvind Laddha, President of Mercer India, addressed the audience and stressed the importance of retirement planning, how it helps in supporting post-retirement financial well-being and encouraged attendees to learn about the benefits of NPS. Other notable speakers included Sumit Kumar, Chief General Manager at PFRDA, Bahroze Kamdin, Partner at Deloitte India, and Jyotsna Tiwari, Associate Director at Mercer. The speakers covered topics such as Retirement Benefits Planning, features and advantages of Corporate NPS, and Tax benefits under NPS. The session also included an interactive segment with corporates to decode contracting challenges for onboarding NPS and its implementation.
Maharashtra MLAs Seek Maiden Parliament Term from Solapur
Maharashtra MLAs Seek Maiden Parliament Term from Solapur The fight for the Solapur Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra is between two sitting MLAs who are trying their fortunes for the first time in parliamentary politics. Congress candidate and former Maharashtra chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde's daughter Praniti Shinde is a three-time MLA from the Solapur City Central assembly constituency while BJP nominee Ram Satpute represents the Malshiras assembly segment. Praniti is the third member of the Shinde family who is contesting the election from the Solapur Lok Sabha seat. Her father represented this constituency thrice - in 1998, 1999 and 2009, but he could not win the election in 2014 and 2019. In 2004, her mother Ujwala Shinde contested the seat unsuccessfully. Historically, the Solapur seat has been a stronghold of the Congress, but the party lost it seat in 2014 and again in 2019. It is currently represented by Jai Siddheshwar Shivacharya Swami of the BJP. It 2014, it was represented by another party leader Sharad Bansode. Polling for this seat will be held in the third phase on May 7. Solapur district is located close to the Karnataka border. It is famous for ''Solapuri chaddar'', its cotton blankets. It is also known for the handloom and powerloom industry and leads the state in the manufacturing of beedis, hand-rolled cigarettes wrapped in tendu leaves. One of the biggest issues that haunts the district is shortage of water, with locals saying that they get water once in six to seven days. Another matter of concern is unemployment with the locals saying that industrial development was missing in the region. Rahul Gaikwad of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, son of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, withdrew from the poll race on the final day of withdrawal of nomination forms. The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) did not field a candidate this time even as it had received a significant number of votes in the last election. The VBA has now supported independent candidate Atish Bansode. Praniti Shinde, who is fighting her maiden Lok Sabha election, said, ''Solapur is a big constituency with a different set of problems. I have tried to cover each assembly constituency here by going there and understanding the problems faced by the people to see how they suffered under the BJP rule.'' On the Congress's allegation that the BJP was ignoring the issue of water scarcity in Solapur, Satpute said, ''It is just Congress' narrative. I want the residents of Solapur to know that a water scheme worth Rs 650 crore of a parallel pipeline has been planned by the Centre to bring water from Ujani dam to Solapur. The work is underway and in the coming five months, the water woes will be resolved.'' ''In the nearby Akkalkot region, water was made available for irrigation purposes by the Modi government, but for 40 years, Congress did not do anything,'' he alleged. Satpute expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power for the third time in the constituency. ''Her (Praniti's) father (Sushilkumar Shinde) faced defeat in Lok Sabha polls from here twice. Our party leader Subash Deshmukh defeated her mother (Ujwala Shinde). This is for the fourth time that the Congress gave a ticket to a member of the same family because they didn't find any other party worker. She will also be defeated now. The Solapur voter is intelligent and will choose BJP,'' he said. The handloom and powerloom weaving industry provides employment to a large number of workers. There are 115 units of 29 various beedi factories and there are about 70,000 women who are involved in the beedi-making process, while the number of factory workers is 1,725 in the district, according to official figures. One of the issues faced by the women who make the beedis at home is that since 2016, the wages they used to get every week as cash, now get deposited in the bank once a month. Shinde said, ''Beedi workers took a big hit when demonetisation happened. They used to get paid in cash on a weekly basis, but they don't get cash any more, which is an issue for them. Daily wage workers need cash in hand and demonetisation did not have a desired effect. Why they imposed it is still a mystery.'' To campaign for Satpute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an election rally in Solapur on April 29, while Uddhav Thackeray addressed a public meeting the same day to drum up support for Shinde.
Hope Uddhav Thackeray never needs PM Modis help : Sharad Pawar
Pune (Maharashtra) : NCP(SP) President Sharad Pawar on Saturday expressed the hope that his ally...
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests
The Lok Sabha elections for 2024 are in full swing, with Phase 3 set to take place on May 7th. This phase encompasses 95 seats across 12 states and Union Territories. Among the contenders are notable figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Dimple Yadav, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Supriya Sule. The key players in Phase 3 hail from prominent political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), among others. Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders: Amit Shah: Union Minister Amit Shah seeks re-election from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. He faces competition from Congress' Sonal Patel. The BJP has maintained a stronghold on this seat since 1989, with Shah securing victory in 2019 by a significant margin. Dimple Yadav: SP candidate Dimple Yadav is contesting from the 'Mainpuri' constituency in Uttar Pradesh, a stronghold of her party. Following the passing of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, Dimple Yadav won the seat in a bypoll. She now faces BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh in a bid to uphold Mulayam's legacy. Jyotiraditya Scindia: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia represents the BJP in the Guna Lok Sabha constituency of Madhya Pradesh. He goes head-to-head with Rao Yadvendra Singh of the Congress, aiming to reverse his defeat in the 2019 polls. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the BJP's candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. Chouhan, a five-time MP from Vidisha, competes against Pratap Bhanu Sharma of the Congress. Supriya Sule: NCP leader Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, contests from the Baramati seat in Maharashtra. Her candidacy sparks interest as she faces Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who recently joined the BJP-led NDA. The constituencies participating in Phase 3 cover a wide geographical spread across India, including states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with Union Territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. The Election Commission reports a total of 1,351 candidates vying for seats in this phase, with Gujarat and Maharashtra leading in the number of nominations. Notably, Osmanabad constituency in Maharashtra and Bilaspur seat in Chhattisgarh witness significant participation, indicating the intense competition characterizing Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam
Govt lifts ban on onion exports before crucial poll phases in Maharashtra
On Saturday, the government lifted the prohibition on onion exports, providing significant relief to traders in Maharashtra. This decision coincides with the upcoming phases of the Lok Sabha election, particularly in the onion-producing regions of Maharashtra. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) specified a Minimum Export Price (MEP) for onions at $550 per tonne in a notification.
Man held from Dehradun for sharing intimate pictures of Thane girl on internet
Man held from Dehradun for sharing intimate pictures of Thane girl on internet The police from Maharashtras Thane city have arrested a 21-year-old man from Uttarakhand capital Dehradun for allegedly sharing the private pictures of a 13-year-old girl on the internet, an official said on Saturday. Accused Rohit Kumar, originally from Saran in Bihar, had befriended the teenager from Thane on social media and allegedly accessed her nude pictures, the official said. When the girl refused to continue chatting with Kumar, he shared her intimate pictures with her relatives and released them on the internet, the official said. On a complaint by the girl, the Vartak Nagar police registered a case on April 1 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IT Act and launched a probe. Acting in various inputs, they tracked down Kumar to Dehradun and arrested him from there on Thursday, said senior inspector Rajkumar Wakchoure of Vartak Nagar police station. The official said Kumar is a habitual offender and has targeted many girls similarly in the past.
BJP`s Hindutva regressive, our Hindutva is reformist, claims Uddhav Thackeray
He said when INDIA alliance comes to power, he will ensure the lost glory of the state is reclaimed
NDTV Marathi's 'Let's Startup In Maharashtra' Campaign Much-Needed, Says Riteish Deshmukh
Actor Riteish Deshmukh advised the youth to discover what's new in the area they already love for their startup.
At Baramati rally, Supriya Sule creates a buzz with daughter Revati, nephew Yugendra
KOCHI: As I eyed the golden Alphonso in the market, I was taken back to my home where in the backyard mango trees would start blooming way before the summer holidays set in. Come the holidays, my house would have a daily feast with mango mojitos, curries, pickles, and desserts for every meal. It was only as I grew older did I realise the different names of the variants. The golden mangoes were Alphonso or Aapus as my grandmother would say, and the long raw mangoes, I used to have with salt and chilli powder, were Totapuri or Kilimooku. Sometimes, identifying mangoes is something you can do but not explain, says Ranganathan, a vendor in the market as he explain the history of certain mangoes. This was a common statement I heard during my quest to learn how to identify different mangoes. Baiju S Chittilappilly, who owns a farm in Kerala, explains that mango cultivators can often identify, through experience, the different mango trees based on the shape of their leaves. Alphonsos leaves are longer than a lot of other varieties, he says. Alphonso, especially the one from Maharashtra, holds tightly to its title of King of Mangoes and sustains the publics choice award. With a slight sparkle, it stands out in a cart due to its almost perfect roundness and clean golden-yellow skin. A good Alphonso mango will weigh up to 250 grams and will not have any blemishes or spots on its smooth skin, points out Baiju as he speaks of this variants high demand. With dark yellow flesh almost comparable to turmeric, Alphonso is widely available in nearly every market. And another one known for its hue is Sinshoora. Being one of the firstborns of the mango season, it is Sindhoora that often welcomes the public to a very sweet and fruitful season. While comparatively easier to identify, with its reddish shade, the fruit weighs nearly 250 grams per mango. There are not a lot of distinct reddish mangoes I have seen, and Sindhoora is a combination of red, green, and a bit of yellow, says Sameer, a fruit seller from Bihar. As I walked more into the lanes of markets, I stumbled upon a public favourite Imam Pasand. With its origin in Urdu stories to the possibility of it having been Emperor Humayuns favourite, it is one of the sweetest mangoes available. Very much in competition with Alphonso for the grand title, Imam Pasand has thin, tasty skin and is being bought a lot this season. On the other hand, Banganapalli is the middle child of the season and is a bit more pale than others. Often distinctly larger than many varieties, Banganapalli is one of the most affordable lots in the family. Another variety, Jawaad can be sweeter than Banganapalli sometimes. However, most people cannot afford those, so Banganapalli is bought a lot, Sameer adds. Malgoa, with a smaller seed and more flesh, will be available well into May. With a thick skin, it is seen and described as being more round and curvy with a dip near its stem. With a pale flesh, Malgoa is sweet even before ripening, unlike mangoes like Sindhoora or even Neelam, says Baiju. Neelam, a latecomer to the mango season, mainly comes from Andhra Pradesh. With a particularly small round shape, it can be seen when the monsoon rains start, he adds. While the markets are full of different variants, isnt it a wonder that our states can grow so many of them right in time for the season? Baiju tells me that with various grafting and budding techniques becoming popular among mango cultivators, growing multiple varieties of mangoes together is a cakewalk. Grafting is a practical method. Multi-budding, where you can grow multiple mango types on one tree, is very useful. The only main factor that affects is the climate, and some trees have close to 25 mango types growing together, says Baiju. And thats how our markets get filled with mangoes from all over the country. Though the season of varieties like Moovandan and other umpteen local variants are almost over, the mango season is not close to an end as more and more varieties from other states enter the market. Aam Dal/Toker Dal by Joyadrita Ragavendran Chatterjee Ingredients Red masoor dal: 1.5 cups Raw mango (cut into long, thick strips): 1 Salt and sugar to taste Turmeric powder Mustard oil Mustard seeds for tempering Red chilli: 1 Method Boil the red masoor dal with a couple of pieces of mango, salt, and turmeric powder. Keep the other mango slices aside. Heat mustard oil with the mustard seeds and red chilli in a wok temper. Add the remaining mango slices and let it soften. Next, pour the boiled dal. Adjust salt. Add sugar. The final dal should taste sweet and sour. Prawns Raw Mango Curry by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Prawns: half cup Green chillies: 4 nos Ginger paste: 1/4 tsp Garlic paste: 1/4 tsp Salt to taste Raw mango: 1 diced Tomato: 1 small Section 2 Grated coconut: 1cup Shallots: 6 nos Tamarind a small ball Red chilly powder: 2tbsp Corriander powder: 2tsp Fennel powder: 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp Ginger a small piece Garlic: 2 nos Water: 1/4 cup For tadka Coconut oil: 2tbsp Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp Sliced Shallots: 2 nos Curry leaves: few Dried red chilli: 3 Method Add prawns, green chilly, ginger and garlic paste with half a cup of water and cook for two minutes. Now add diced tomatoes and raw mangoes to it and cook for another two minutes. Make a fine paste with ingredients from section two. Add the paste to the prawns and cook for another 3 minutes. Heat oil add mustard and other tadka ingredients and pour it into the curry. You can serve it with rice or puttu. MANGO CHEESECAKE by Arun Vijayan, consultant chef Ingredients Crushed biscuits: 500gm Melted butter : 150gm Cream cheese : 350gm Whipping cream : 250gm Cornflour : 50gm Mango puree : 250gm Condensed milk: 300gm Method In a blender, add biscuits and process them until fully crushed. Now add melted butter and blend again. Transfer the biscuit crumbs into a 7-inch springform pan and press down evenly. Set it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. In another bowl, add cream cheese, heavy cream, condensed milk, mango pureeand cornflour. Mix until the batter is fully combined. Now transfer this on top of the biscuit base. Seal the bottom of the springform pan with two layers of aluminium foil so nothing leaks out. Now add the batter to a cheesecake tin and place it in a preheated oven at 160 Celsius for about 40-45 mins. Once baked fully run a knife around the edges while the cheesecake is still warm. Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to cool for about 7-8hours. Garnish it with mango puree. Sticky Mango Rice by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Uncooked sticky rice: 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 g) Sugar: 1/4 cup Salt: 1/2 tsp Cornstarch (Optional): 2 tsp Mangoes (peeled and sliced): 3 ripe Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (Optional) Method Rinse the sticky rice with water and gently stir it with your hands. Drain the water to remove the excess starch. Then add cold water. Soak the sticky rice for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge. Once soaked, rinse again and drain the water. Transfer the rice to a heatproof bowl, add about 2.5 cups of water to your steamer (not into the rice), place the heatproof rice bowl on the steaming rack placed in the steamer, and cover the steamer. Turn to medium-high heat to bring the water to a boil. When the steam starts to come out of the pot, turn to medium heat. Steam for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through, with no hard raw bits in the middle. Remove the pot from the stove. Let sit, covered, while you prepare the other ingredients. Make the sauce when the rice is cooking. Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat or medium-low heat until the sugar is melted. Do not bring the coconut sauce to a boil. Carefully remove the bowl of sticky rice from the steamer. Pour 1 cup of the sauce into the bowl. Stir to mix well until the sauce is fully absorbed. The mango sticky rice is ready to serve when the rice mixture and the sauce cool to room temperature or lukewarm. For that extra garnish, you can also pour a few spoonfuls of extra coconut sauce on top of the rice or also top with some toasted sesame seeds. Creamy Mango Curry by Arun Vijayan, Consultant chef Ingredients Tender mango wedges: 300gm Finely chopped onions: 30gm Finely chopped garlic : 10gm Finely chopped ginger: 10gm Tomato pure : 20gm Cumin powder: 5gm Salt to taste Turmeric powder: 8gm Fresh cream : 30ml Butter : 10gm Sunflower oil : 50ml Method Heat oil in a pan and add onion, ginger and garlic. Saut it until brown. Add the seasonings and tomato pure. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes in slow heat until the tomato gets mashed. Then add little hot water and mango wedges to it. Reduce the flame and finish with fresh cream and butter. The curry can be served with bread or white rice. Mango margarita by BLND Restobar, Thiruvananthapuram Ingredients Fresh mango: 75 gm Lime juice: 30ml Chilli: 1/2 chilli Ice cube: one big scoop Method Blend all the above ingredients in a blender and serve it in a margarita glass with chilli salt on its rim. Garnish with a chilli. Mango Rasam by Mala Sekar Ingredients Raw mango: 1, medium size Toor dal: 1 small cup Tomato: 1 Pepper: 1 spoon Cumin seeds: 1 spoon Green or red chillies: 2 Crushed ginger: a small piece Coriander leaves Method Pressure cook toor dal and raw mango with a pinch of turmeric on medium flame until two whistles. Once its done, blend it into a smooth paste and add water if its too thick. Add oil to a pan and add mustard, chilies, ginger, a pinch of asafoetida, and turmeric for tadka. Chop the tomato and add it to the tadka along with salt. After this is done, add the toor dal and raw mango paste. Once it comes to a boil, add pepper and cumin powder Garnish with coriander generously.
Water Woes Plague Jalna Village: Women and Children Bear Brunt of Scarcity
Water Woes Plague Jalna Village: Women and Children Bear Brunt of Scarcity Women and children of a village in Jalna district in the drought-prone Marathwada region of Maharashtra spend most of their days scouring nearby areas for drinking water. Tucked away in the interiors of Badnapur tehsil, Tapovan village, located near the Jalna-Bhorkardan road, does not have natural water sources and is dependent on water tankers every day. According to villagers, the groundwater sources in the village have dried up in the last three months, forcing the women and children to walk at least 2 to 4 km looking for drinking water in the nearby areas and making several trips in the blistering heat daily. Various parts of the district are facing an acute water shortage due to inadequate rainfall in the last monsoon season. Talking to PTI, one of the villagers, Amrapali Borde, said a tanker supplies water for domestic use every day, but it has a yellowish tint and can't be used for drinking and cooking. ''The tanker empties water in the artificial tank in the village. We have to carry water back to our homes. But this water is not consumable. We fetch potable water from water sources located in fields in other villages,'' Borde said. Often, owners of wells don't allow them to draw water, she said. Nearby villages of Tapovan Tanda, Tupewadi and Banegaon are also dependent on water tankers. As of April 30, 282 villages and 68 hamlets in Jalna depended on 419 tankers. Chayabai Borde, another resident of Tapovan, said, ''We walk around 2 km one way in search of drinking water. Sometimes, we make two to three trips as per requirement.'' And now, as schools are closed for the summer holidays, children are helping women in their water hunt, she said. Banegaon is the nodal point for tankers to fill water for supply to Tupewadi, Dhamangaon, Tapovan, Garkheda and other areas in nearly 25 km of its periphery. Ganesh Sasane, a tanker driver, ferries water to Tapovan from a well, which is 12 km away, every day. ''I have to wait for an hour to fill my tanker. I make at least two trips to Tapovan, which has around 400 houses,'' he said. Talking to PTI, village sarpanch Jyoti Jagdale said, ''There is no major water source like a river or irrigation project in the periphery of our village.'' She said the work for a pipeline is underway under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme, and villagers will get some relief once it is done.
Russia will have to face consequences
Relations between the two European countries were already tense, with Germany providing military support to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Tragic Fire in Maharashtra: Child Succumbs, Five Hospitalized in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Tragic Fire in Maharashtra: Child Succumbs, Five Hospitalized in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar A 3-year-old child was killed and five were injured after a fire broke out in a house in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, an official said on Saturday. The incident took place around 8.30 pm on Friday at Sharif Colony in the Kiradpura area of the city. Forensic teams deployed by the police are investigating the case, he said. There were seven adults and two to three children in the house. Prima facie, it looks like the fire started due to a cylinder blast, the official said. While Sadaf Irfan Shaikh (3) died in the accident, Rizwan Khan (40), Rehan Shaikh (17), Adil Khan (10), Faizan Pathan (13) and Dishan Khan (9) sustained injuries, he said, adding that the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in the city.
Hostage held in Gaza dies as Israel, Hamas work on cease-fire deal
Deceased, a 49-year-old, is the 38th hostage to be killed
In Maharashtra, Shah says Congress will stop development if voted to power
MUMBAI : Union minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at the INDIA bloc for its failure to put up a prime ministerial candidate in the Lok Sabha polls. Shah was campaigning for the BJP candidates in Sangali and Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituencies. He said several leaders were vying against each other for the PMs post. INDIA bloc is planning to make each leader the PM from among the alliance partners, if they come to power. The PMs post is not a shop that anyone can represent by taking turns, Shah said. Shah said under the Manmohan Singh reign, India was placed 11th on the global economic ladder, but under the Modi government, it surged at fifth. Very soon, it will be at number three in the world. The country is witnessing big development works under Modis leadership. If the Oppositions comes to power, the growth story of India will be halted again. People should not allow it at any cost. The country feels safe and secure under Modis leadership, he said. Attacking Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP leader said that a duplicate Shiv Sena is afraid of taking the name of Veer Savarkar. How can they be called the real Shiv Sena? He asked. He accused Uddhav Thackeray of indulging in vote bank politics. Thackeray is looking for a different vote bank. He is not concerned about the country, its pride and safety, but is concerned for his vote bank only, he said. We facilitated the Ram temple construction, an issue pending for over 500 years. We have given 33 per cent reservations to women. Modi is only a good and viable alternative if we want to see a developed and progressive India, the home minister added. On global economic ladder Shah said under the Manmohan Singh reign, India was placed 11th on the global economic ladder, but under the Modi government, it surged at fifth. Very soon, it will be at number three in the world. The country is seeing big development works under Modis leadership, the minister said.
After unexpected rout in 2019, winning Satara a matter of prestige for Udayanraje
Bank of Maharashtra's net profit up 45 per cent at Rs 1,218 crore
MUMBAI: Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) reported a 45% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in the fourth quarter (Q4FY24) with net profit at Rs 1,218 crore against Rs 840 crore, buoyed by healthy growth in net interest income and non-interest income, and relatively lower tax provision burden. The bank also announced a dividend of Rs 1.40 per equity share of Rs 10 face value for FY24 and approved raising of Rs 7,500 crore capital, including equity issuance, in FY25. Total deposits rose 15.66% YoY to Rs 2,70,747 crore as at March-end 2024.
Indians continue to take upskilling route for jobs
NEW DELHI: More and more Indians are arming themselves with skilling and up skilling courses under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme to secure better jobs, with the program witnessing a 26 percent jump in enrollment in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, officials said Friday. The scheme, launched in 2016, saw an enrollment of 35,333 people in 2018-19. In 2023-24, the figure reached 931,406. In 2022-23, the total number of apprentices registered was 738,704. Maharashtra registered the maximum number of enrolments in the scheme. The state saw an impressive enrolment of 263,239, followed by Tamil Nadu with 101,519. The other states include Gujarat (83,611), Karnataka (78,497), and Uttar Pradesh (71,378). This staggering increase represents a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 74.76% over the five years, the officials added. Officials said the enrolment of apprentices has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. This ambitious initiative has emerged as a game-changer, as it helped bridge the gap between formal education and industry demands while addressing the pressing issues of youth unemployment and underemployment, the officials added. The program has helped foster business growth and innovation while providing valuable on-the-job practical training and opportunities for aspiring professionals, they said. This relationship is driving inclusive economic development, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, and nurturing personal and professional growth across sectors, the official added. Apprentices not only receive training to enhance their capacity but are also offered stipend support. The schemes objectives include fostering a skilled workforce, facilitating up skilling opportunities, and encouraging apprenticeship enrolment in small enterprises and underserved regions, thus contributing to inclusive economic development and effectively addressing the skills gap in the country. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which manages the program, also oversees the operation of the apprenticeship portal, serving as a platform for facilitating the enrolment process. NSDC was set up as part of a national skill development mission in the country. NSDC is also responsible for disbursing partial stipend support to apprentices, both for designated and optional trades, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. It also undertakes capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders involved in the apprenticeship program, including organizing awareness campaigns, trade fairs (melas), workshops, seminars, and other events aimed at promoting the program and engaging with various participants. Officials added that by fostering inclusive skill development and creating employment opportunities, this scheme is not only empowering individuals but also shaping a workforce that is future-ready and adaptable to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
Australia will trial age assurance tech to bar kids from online porn
Controlling access to adult material is also aligned with debate over access to social media sites and other age-related restrictions.
May consider hearing Arvind Kejriwals interim bail plea: SC
We may hear on that part because of elections the bench said at the end of the hearing
Rohith Vemula not a Dalit: Police in closure report
Deceased had multiple issues worrying him which could have driven him to commit suicide, report said
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Shifting gears via Rae Bareli
Rahul Gandhi moves from Amethi to a safe seat, Prime Minister Modi mocks him
258 candidates in fray for 11 seats in Maha going to polls on May 7
258 candidates in fray for 11 seats in Maha going to polls on May 7 Mumbai: As many as 258 candidates are in the fray for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections at 11 constituencies in Maharashtra scheduled for May 7, a top poll official said on Friday. The voting will take place [] The post 258 candidates in fray for 11 seats in Maha going to polls on May 7 appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Kerala: Jain, a relentless crusader of deprived childrens rights
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keeping child as an exclusive subject, artist C D Jain has been creating art works for the past 27 years. At his 21st solo exhibition, being held at Lalitha Kala Akademi Art Gallery, Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, he has showcased 21 of his works which have never been exhibited before. Out of this, 16 works were done on canvas and five on paper. The exhibition, which was started on April 27, will conclude on May 3. A social activist for predominantly childrens rights, his art voices issues of the marginalised. Born in Parassala, Jain is a 1988 BFA graduate from College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum. He also worked as a guest lecturer at the college for a short period. From his college time, he has conducted art workshops for rural children in different parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. He is an artist, activist, and child educator, but his passion is teaching. I will never claim myself as one of the finest artists but definitely as a teacher, said Jain. Since 1996, he has been a relentless crusader of deprived childrens rights by fighting against issues of child labour, child abuse, pain and destitute, missing and cheerful children series through his works. Vignettes of his Madurai life have packed his 27 years per se. The world is unfair for many, my travel to Madurai has taught me that. To not confine the viewers in the title, the paintings of the series are not named, said Jain. The intensity of first-hand experiences saturates his canvases. He has a clarity of the shades to choose and the way to present perhaps makes up the major reason for taking a year to complete two paintings. Some are created with zero pencils on acrylic, it takes time to deliver, said Jain. Benign Forest, a collection on display was done in acrylic and speaks of the mans communion with nature while the five paintings of his series Destitute Child were done with charcoal on paper. The eyes of the children in his pictures are dark, just like how their view of the world is. Though his earlier works were rich in hues and detailing, Destitute Child with minimal elements speak a hundred times louder than the vibrant shades of nature paintings. Jain was also a recipient of the State Forest Department Award in 1986 and the Lalitha Kala Akademi Award in 1987. He was an art consultant of Unicef World Vision and Save the Children India from 2005-2006. Destitute Child The eyes of the children in his pictures are dark, just like how their view of the world is. Though his earlier works were rich in hues and detailing, Destitute Child with minimal elements speak a hundred times louder than the vibrant shades of nature paintings
The fact that Bombay now ranks third after New York and London, in terms of billionaires, is great news for everyone
We cant allow healthcare professionals to be ill-treated
Reports stated that the nurse told the police that the patients relatives were asked to wait outside while the staff carried out sanitation work inside the womens ward
Rahul chose Rae Bareli for fear of Wayanad defeat, says Tawade
Kolhe says opponent focused on his biz as MP
Fresh traffic diversions on University Road from today
10 resident docs face hostel expulsion in BJMC party row
Collector promises help with missing names as NSCC approaches state CEO
IMD forecasts rise in night temperatures
Shivajinagar woman duped of 41L in share trading fraud
Illegal call centre offering loans busted, 8 arrested
Over 20k housing socs to help voters scan lists, reach booths
HC warns NHAI agencies of contempt on plantations
Villages were ignored post-1947; we are trying to change their face: Gadkari
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR (Maharashtra), May 3 : Rural areas did not get enough attention in the years after independence as then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru focussed on big industries, and the Narendra Modi government is seeking to change the face of Indian villages with different policies, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday. Campaigning at Nilanga in central Maharashtras Latur district, he said the BJP-led government wanted farmers in the country to become energy producers. We got independence in 1947. I [] The post Villages were ignored post-1947; we are trying to change their face: Gadkari appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Notices to Sule, Sunetra Pawar for mismatch in poll expenses
Rahul dares Modi to promiseremoval of 50% quota ceiling
Anshuman, Riyansh reach U-11 quarters
First in 40 years: Sharad Pawar to sign off poll campaign at new ground
Two drown in Kund Mala; bodies found
2 elderly tribals burnt alive on voodoo charge in Gadchiroli
Tata Tech net profit declines 27% in Q4 FY24
Techie loses 1cr in online task, investment scam
Who Allowed Vivekananda Memorial At Ambazari? HC Asks NMC To Name Officer
Cong discord out in open after 49 youth cadres served notices
Water level in Vidarbha dams less than last year
Oppn more concerned about Kasab, says Fadnavis
Fun & enjoyable Happy Streets in Kharadi tomorrow
Divert cement road funds to fortifying retaining wall
Goons ride on no-proof: Forensics & cops split hairs on raising conviction
Of 7L Properties, Just 1,363 Harvest Rainwater To Boost Groundwater
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SUVs collide in Akola, infant among 6 dead
Taps to run dry in some areas today
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Branding important, people remember it: Entrepreneur
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Forex reserves fall for 3rd wk, decline $2.4bn
BJP MLA enters fray from Nikams seat; is backup: Workers
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Issue no dues cert to candidates within 2 days of request: EC to states
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City set for triangular contests in all 6 seats
State CID to probe deep fake videos
As curtains drop on Ph-5 nomination filing, candidates pull out all the stops
AIMIM enters local candidate in Mum North Central contest
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Maharashtra | Who will win the Mahayuddh?
Maharashtra | Who will win the Mahayuddh?
A 3-year-old child was killed and five were injured after a fire broke out in a house in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The incident took place on late night, Monday 3, at Sharif Colony in ...
Maharashtra: Enforcement Directorate conducts raids at multiple locations in Rs 100 crore ponzi scam
Maharashtra: ED probe revealed that Vinod Khute, who is absconding and suspected to be presently residing in Dubai, is the mastermind of various illicit multi-level marketing and Ponzi schemes, ...
ED conducts raids in Maharashtra cities in 100 crore ponzi scam
The ED seized cash, bank funds, fixed deposits, and jewellery worth 5 crore and froze them along with incriminating documents and digital devices.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray lashed out at the BJP and its allies at a rally in Kankavli on Friday. He challenged BJP candidate Narayan Rane to stop him in his stronghold. I have come here.
Child killed, five injured in fire in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A 3-year-old child was killed and five were injured after a fire broke out in a house in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, an official said on Saturday. The incident took place around 8.30 pm ...
46.76 Lakh Litres Liquor Seized in Maharashtra During Model Code of Conduct
Mumbai : The State Branch of Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized drugs worth Rs 220.65 crore and 49.95 crore in cash from various parts of the state. Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam on Friday informed that the state machinery has also seized 46.76 lakh litres of liquor. Beside this, 1,595 illegal weapons have been seized and they have also canceled the licenses of 1,110 arms and seized them. Preventive actions have been taken against 1,11,878 individuals across the state. The actions are being taken in the backdrop of instructions of the ECI to hold elections in a free and fair and peaceful manner for all 48 seats of Maharashtra. Speaking with the reporters on Friday, Mr. Chockalingam said that there are 78,460 licensed arms in the state. He also said that they have also seized valuable articles worth Rs 129.89 crore. In view of excessive heat, the state branch of ECI instructed district election officers to arrange waiting rooms for voters at every polling station. ORS packets are also being provided at the polling stations along with drinking water facility for the third phase of elections, Mr. Chockalingam said. There are 114 critical polling stations in 11 Lok Sabha constituencies of the third phase of the election, which is scheduled to go to polls on May 7. CRPF companies are being deployed at critical polling stations. In a response to a query in connection with the delay in releasing the final voter turnout data for the two phases of Lok Sabha elections, the Maharashtra CEO said that they gave tentative data of voting percentage on the night of polling day. The actual voting figures are available only on the second day. There could be a difference from one percent to five per cent between the tentative percentage and actual voting percentage. We give complete information about voting to polling agents of candidates. This information is collected in front of everyone. Technically, it cant be interfered with, Mr. Chockalingam said. He also said that the ECI has set a target of 75 per cent voting. In the first phase, voting percentage was almost equal compared to 2019, while in the second phase, voting percentage increased by 0.21 per cent.
As waterholes dry up, residents come to the rescue of wildlife
Shobhaa De | Jai Maharashtra! Jai India! May the worthy succeed
The state I proudly belong to (Maharashtra) was established in 1960. The Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti was actively demanding the formation of a separate state from 1956. The States Reorganisation Commission recommended the formation of states based on language, leading to the Bombay Reorganisation Act and the subsequent birth of two separate states on May 1, 1960 -- Maharashtra and Gujarat. Significantly, Maharashtra Diwas and Gujarat Gaurav Din overlap with International Labour Day, or Kamgar Din. And I hardly hear Marathi being spoken these days. Maharashtrians prefer Minglish! This year, the din in Maharashtra is deafening, as various political parties are busy slugging it out noisily as our D-Day approaches. The average voter is thoroughly confused, and rightly so. Very few know or care which Sena is in the fray -- the cast of characters is the same, but are standing under different leaking umbrellas. Asli Sena ya Naqli Sena Ki farak penda, pappey! The unprecedented heatwave across the state is discouraging participation, as voters ask themselves tiredly: Isnt it the same set of crooks whove looted Mumbai, taken citizens for a ride, and are now asking for our votes? Never before have the candidates displayed such naked opportunism as they leave one party to hop on to another partys bandwagon, after ensuring that their backsides are adequately covered. Who can keep track of these turncoats? Family politics (Pawars) have little to do with ideology and development -- it is all about sharing the loot. Ideology is passe, declared veteran leader Ram Naik. In all this, the Marathi Manoos is nowhere. Nepo netas, like nepo Bollywood bachchas, are hogging all the key seats, while the voter is being treated like a simple-minded fool, wholl trot up obediently on voting day, and do as he or she is told. No chance! Whether in my home state or elsewhere in India, the canny voter instinctively knows whats in his/her interest. Sick of the same old lies and unfulfilled promises, the voter is ready and armed to stage a stealth attack and seize this crucial election, and proving the pundits wrong once again. Perhaps this is mere wishful thinking. But female intuition comes with its own logic. Women read moods very acutely -- be it their husbands, childrens or the countrys. Looking at the tepid second phase of voting, its pretty apparent that the tide is turning and will turn further. Voters are sick of the bombast and chest-thumping, name calling and fake economic forecasts. For those who insist the Western media is meddling in our affairs -- yes, indeed, the Western media is closely monitoring each phase. That is the job of the media. Are their reports malicious and slanted? Perhaps. Are Western countries only interested in how their own economies will benefit if the election results overwhelmingly favour the BJP? No argument. Does any foreign nation really and truly care about India and Indians, beyond their own self-interest? You know the answer. The voter has a strong, analytical, capable mind that is not as easily brainwashed as the Western media believes. All the firangi self-styled ntellectuals and financial analysts who show up to tell us what we should be doing, for our own good, should be served rooh-afza, baraf ke saath , as they zip around the country, and told to chill in their luxury SUVs, while the natives go about their lives. Intelligence-gathering is a cushy job. But its worth remembering that our home-grown psephologists too have consistently got it wrong and misread the mood of the electorate. No matter what level of rigging and EVM tampering takes place, the Indian voter cannot be hoodwinked or beaten. Having said that, if despite the mass ennui and voter fatigue, the BJP does manage to form the next government at the Centre, critics will have to eat their words, suffer indigestion and concede the win in the true democratic spirit that the old India we love has always cherished. Alas, only the very nave and overly optimistic commentator can confidently claim that the INDIA alliance will win. The odds are heavily stacked against this motley, ragtag group that has flopped miserably at providing even a semblance of a united and strong Opposition. The tepid comeback has come too late, and there isnt enough ammo in the salvos aimed at the BJP to damage that party. Yes, there is some sympathetic public cluck-clucking for the underdog, and outrage over the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. But none of this is sufficient to provide a cohesive counter narrative. Which is really a shame, given how Emotional IQ is such a valued attribute in our country. The right buttons should have been pressed two years ago by those whose ambitions were soaring unrealistically. So many missed opportunities! Hey Devaa! The electoral bonds issue, for one. The draconian misuse of the ED, functioning more like the dreaded Gestapo than a respected government agency. These were tipping points that could have been better leveraged by the INDIA bloc to alert voters about the dangers of authoritarian rule. But INDIA blew it! No matter. The wisdom, resilience and practicality of the Indian voter has always but always come through when most needed. While foreign investment forecasts are gung-ho about a clean sweep, and the markets are heady, even euphoric at the prospect of a Modi-led India, with financial top dogs predicting big gains, there are also watchful skeptics on the sidelines, quietly hedging their bets. The only debate worth engaging in is the JODO versus TODO one. The hope is that citizens will vote for long-term political/financial stability and religious harmony (JODO) over divisive politics and hate (TODO). Frankly, the former is better for business. And which young Indian does not dream in technicolour? That dreamer will instinctively vote for the party that creates jobs, provides opportunities. The time for theatrics is over. Nautanki entertains. But does not put food on empty tables. The hungry, unemployed Indian is an angry Indian. The word to describe such a person is hangry . Ignore hang-er at your own peril. And oh there are enough life lessons provided by our magnificent cricket heroes. Young boys like fruit-seller Abdul Rashids 22-year-old son Umran Malik from Jammu city, who has made it to Team India, despite there being no playground in his area. No godfather. No nothing. Just pure grit, determination and talent. Tomorrows India belongs to him and all others like him. Move over, has-beens. Your time is over.
